REFRIGERATOR

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. The refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in in a refrigerated state or frozen state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air.

The refrigerator may be a side-by-side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are arranged left and right, a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber is located above the refrigerating chamber, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is located above the freezing chamber.

Typically, an ice maker is provided in the freezing chamber of a refrigerator to make ice. The ice maker receives water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and cools the water to generate ice. The ice generated by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin.

The ice stored in the ice bin can be discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open a freezing chamber door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice in the ice bin.

As a prior art document, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1850918 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0005783 are provided.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

One embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a shape of ice generated may be maintained in the same shape as an ice making cell.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which water is supplied precisely as much as a target amount of water to generate ice in the same shape as an ice making cell.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which water may be supplied to an ice making cell in multiple times for precise water supply.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a number of divided water supply times is limited to prevent a number of water supply times from increasing beyond a limited number.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which heat from a heater may be supplied to an ice making cell even during a process in which a second tray is moved to an ice separation position.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which a difference in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells is minimized.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which ice making time may be reduced.

Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which water supplied to an ice making cell is minimized from overflowing from an ice making cell due to external vibration.

Technical Solution

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice maker. The ice maker may include a first tray. The first tray may form a portion of an ice making cell, which is a space where water is phase-changed into ice by cold air. The first tray may have an opening that is a passage for cold air. The ice maker may further include a second tray that forms another portion of the ice making cell. The second tray may be movable relative to the first tray.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve that controls a flow of water supplied to the ice making cell. The refrigerator may further include a sensing assembly to sense an amount of water supplied to the ice making cell. The refrigerator may further include a controller to control the water supply valve based on an amount of water sensed by the sensing assembly.

The sensing assembly may include a sensor. The sensor may be installed at a position spaced apart from the opening in the first tray. The sensing assembly may further include an insulator to surround the sensor. The sensor may detect a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice making cell.

The first tray may include a sensor hole through which the sensor passes. A lower end of the sensor hole may be positioned lower than the opening.

The sensor may include a sensing bar extending in a vertical direction. The first tray may include a sensor coupling portion to which the sensing bar is coupled. The sensing bar passing through the sensor coupling portion may be inserted into the sensor hole. The insulator may surround the sensing bar and the sensor coupling portion. An upper end of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than an upper end of the first tray.

The refrigerator may further include a pusher passing through the opening to press ice generated in the ice making cell. An upper end of the sensing bar may be positioned higher than a lower end of the pusher. At least a portion of the sensing bar may overlap the pusher in a horizontal direction. A portion of the insulator may be positioned between the pusher and the sensing bar. Another portion of the insulator may be positioned opposite to a portion of the insulator with respect to the sensing bar. A horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulator may be less than a horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulator.

The insulator may include a first insulator to receive an upper portion of the sensing bar. The insulator may include a second insulator positioned at a lower side of the first insulator and through which the sensing bar passes. The sensor may further include a sensor extension that extends in a direction crossing an extension direction of the sensing bar. The sensor extension may be received in at least one of the first insulator or the second insulator. At least one of the first insulator or the second insulator may include a guide groove that guides a wire connected to the sensing bar.

The sensing assembly may further include a cover to surround the insulator. The refrigerator may further include a tray to support the first tray, and the cover may be coupled to the tray case.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply to guide water to the ice making cell. The ice making cell may be provided in plurality. The sensing assembly and the water supply may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of a plurality of ice making cells. The refrigerator may further include a cold air guide to guide cold air toward the ice making cell. An extension line of the cold air guide may pass through at least one of the water supply or the sensing assembly.

The controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a first reference amount to the ice making cell at a water supply position of the second tray. After water is supplied at the first reference amount, the controller may move the second tray to an ice making position. The controller may determine whether a water supply amount to the ice making cell is reached a target water supply amount based on a temperature detected by the sensor. If the water supply amount to the ice making cell is reached the target water supply amount, the controller may start ice making. The controller may determine whether a number of times in which the water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount is reached a reference number if the water supply amount of the ice making cell is not reached the target water supply amount.

If a number of times in which the water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount reaches the reference number, the controller may start ice making. If the number of times in which the water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount is not reached the reference number, the controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a second reference amount that is less than the first reference amount after moving the second tray back to a water supply position. If an additional water supply condition is satisfied after the second tray is moved back to a water supply position, the controller may control the water supply valve to supply water at a second reference amount less than the first reference amount.

The controller may control the water supply valve so that water is supplied to the ice making cell at a first reference amount at a water supply position of the second tray when a temperature detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than an initial water supply start temperature.

A case in which the additional water supply condition is satisfied may be a case in which a temperature detected by the sensor reaches an additional water supply start temperature equal to or greater than the initial water supply start temperature.

The refrigerator may further include an ice separation heater operated in an ice separation process. The refrigerator may further include a driver to enable movement of the second tray. The controller may turn on the ice separation heater after ice generation in the ice making cell is completed. If an operation condition of the driver is satisfied after the ice separation heater is turned on, the controller may operate the driver to move the second tray to an ice separation position to take out ice from the ice making cell. If an end condition of the ice separation heater is satisfied, the controller may turn off the ice separation heater.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space. The refrigerator may include a door to open and close the storage space. The refrigerator may include an ice maker provided in the storage space or the door.

The ice maker may include a tray to form an ice making cell. The ice maker may include a sensing assembly having a sensor to detect a temperature of the ice making cell. The sensing assembly may include an insulator to surround the sensor.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve to control a water supply to the ice making cell. The refrigerator may further include a controller to control the water supply valve based on a temperature detected by the sensor.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet. The cabinet may form a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door to open and close the storage space. The refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber provided in the door or the cabinet. The refrigerator may include a space forming wall forming the ice making chamber. The refrigerator may further include a bracket mounted on the space forming wall. A cold air hole may be formed in the space forming wall.

The refrigerator may further include a tray to form a plurality of ice making cells. The tray may be supported by the bracket. The plurality of ice making cells may include a first ice making cell positioned closest to the cold air hole. The plurality of ice making cells may further include a third ice making cell positioned farthest from the cold air hole. The plurality of ice making cells may further include a second ice making cell positioned between the first ice making cell and the third ice making cell.

The bracket may include a cold air guide to form a cold air passage for allowing cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice making cell. One surface of the cold air guide may guide cold air passing through the cold air hole to flow toward the second ice making cell. Another surface of the cold air guide may guide cold air flowing toward the second ice making cell to flow toward the first ice making cell. The cold air guide may be positioned between the first ice making cell and the cold air passage.

The bracket may further include a through hole through which cold air passes and disposed closer to the cold air hole than the first ice making cell. The cold air guide may be disposed between the cold air passage and the through hole. An end of the cold air guide may be positioned closer to the second ice making cell than to a center of the first ice making cell.

When an arrangement direction of the plurality of ice making cells is referred to as a X-axis direction, an end of the cold air guide may overlap an area between the first ice making cell in a Y-axis direction crossing the X-axis direction. An imaginary line extending from an end of the cold air guide in the Y-axis direction may be positioned between a vertical center line of the first ice making cell and a vertical center line of the second ice making cell.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply to supply water to the plurality of ice making cells.

An imaginary line extending in an extension direction of the cold air guide in the cold air guide may pass through the water supply. The cold air guide may overlap the water supply in an arrangement direction of the plurality of ice making cells. A distance between the water supply and an end of the cold air guide may be equal to or greater than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell and a center of the second ice making cell. A distance between the water supply and an end of the cold air guide may be less than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell and a center of the third ice making cell.

The tray may include a first tray to form a portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells. The tray may further include a second tray movable with respect to the first tray by the driver and to form another portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells. The refrigerator may further include a pusher to press ice through the first tray. An upper end of the cold air guide may be positioned the same as or higher than an upper end of the pusher. The cold air passage may be positioned at an upper side of the driver.

The refrigerator may further include a supporter to support the tray from a lower side. The refrigerator may further include a heater installed in the supporter. The supporter may include a supporter body on which the tray is seated. The supporter body may include a heater coupling portion to which the heater is coupled. The supporter body may further include a heater guide portion extending from a heater coupling portion disposed at a lower side of the first ice making cell in the supporter body. An input portion and an output portion of the heater may be disposed within the heater guide portion.

The refrigerator may further include a supporter having a supporter body to support the tray. The refrigerator may further include an insulating block to surround a portion of the supporter body that supports the first ice making cell in the supporter body. The supporter body may include an opening through which a pusher for pressing the tray passes. The insulating block may include a block opening through which the pusher passes.

The tray may include a first tray to form a portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells. The tray may include a second tray movable with respect to the first tray and to form another portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells. The first tray may include a blocking wall to form a portion of each of the plurality of ice making cells. The blocking wall may have a through hole. The blocking wall may have a plurality of slits extending radially from the through hole. The first tray may further include a pusher for pressing the ice through the blocking wall so that ice is separated from the first tray.

Advantageous Effects

According to one embodiment, a shape of ice can be maintained in the same shape as an ice making cell.

According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that ice can be generated in the same shape as an ice making cell by precisely supplying water in a target water supply amount.

According to one embodiment, a number of divided water supply times is limited to prevent a number of water supply times from increasing beyond a limited number, thereby preventing ice making from being delayed.

According to one embodiment, since a sensor is received in an insulator, a direct contact of cold air with the sensor may be prevented.

According to one embodiment, even when a second tray is moved to an ice separation position, heat from a heater can be supplied to an ice making cell, so that an ice separation performance can be improved.

According to one embodiment, a difference in ice making speed between a plurality of ice making cells can be minimized.

According to one embodiment, an ice making time can be reduced.

According to one embodiment, overflow of water supplied to an ice making cell from an ice making cell due to external vibration can be minimized.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from a lower side according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first supporter according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second tray cover according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second tray according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second supporter according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing assembly according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a state in which a sensor is coupled to a first tray.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an insulator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a cover according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram for explaining a process of generating ice in a second ice maker according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a state in which water supply is completed at a water supply position.

FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a state in which a second tray is moved to an ice making position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a second ice maker installed in a second space according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a state in which a second tray is seated on a second supporter according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating block coupled to a second supporter according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an insulating block according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of an insulating block of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a drawing showing a blocking wall of a first tray according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first tray of FIG. 38.

MODE FOR INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door to open and close the storage space.

The storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 18. The storage space may optionally or additionally include a freezing chamber 19. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the storage space includes a refrigerating chamber 18 and a freezing chamber 19.

The refrigerating chamber 18 may be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating chamber doors 5. The freezing chamber 19 may be opened and closed by one or more freezing chamber doors 30.

Hereinafter, the refrigerating chamber 18 is described as being opened and closed by a first refrigerating chamber door 10 and a second refrigerating chamber door 20.

At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for discharging water and/or ice. Of course, depending on a type of refrigerator, it is also possible for the freezing chamber door 30 to be provided with the dispenser 11.

At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include at least one ice maker. Hereinafter, an example of an ice maker being provided in the first refrigerating chamber door 10 will be described. Of course, if necessary, an ice maker may also be provided in the second refrigerating chamber door 20 or the freezing chamber door 30. At this time, the dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be provided in the same door.

Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first refrigerating chamber door 10 includes a plurality of ice makers.

It is not limited thereto, and the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers. In FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 is exemplarily illustrated as a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but it is to be noted that an idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator. In the case of a side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerator, the freezing chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerating chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers.

The dispenser 11 is disposed at a front side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and a portion of the dispensers may be recessed toward rearward to provide a space where a container can be disposed.

The plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200. The plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500.

At least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a lower side of the first ice maker 200. Of course, the present embodiment does not exclude the plurality of ice makers 200, 500 being arranged in a left-right direction.

The dispenser 11 may discharge at least ice generated in the first ice maker 200. To this end, at least a portion of the first ice maker 200 may positioned higher than the dispenser 11. If the dispenser 11 may discharge ice generated in the second ice maker 500, at least a portion of the second ice maker 500 may positioned higher than the dispenser 11.

Or, even if the second ice maker 500 is positioned the same as or lower than the dispenser 11, ice generated in the second ice maker 500 can be transferred to the dispenser 11 by a separate transfer mechanism.

As another example, the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser to discharge ice generated in the first ice maker 200, and a second dispenser to discharge ice generated in the second ice maker.

The second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a rear side of the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include an outer case 101 configured to form a front exterior. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101. The door liner 102 may open and close the refrigerating chamber 18. In a state in which the outer case 101 is coupled to the door liner 102, an insulating space may be formed in a space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102. An insulating material may be provided in the insulating space.

The door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is disposed. The first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice making chamber. The door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is disposed. The second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice making chamber.

In the present embodiment, the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and in this case, the second space 124 may exist. In this case, the second space 124 may function as a door storage space used for a specific purpose.

Alternatively, a position of the second ice maker 500 in the present embodiment may vary. Depending on the type of refrigerator, the second ice maker 500 may be positioned in the storage space. In this case, the second space 124 may be present or may be omitted.

The first space 122 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. The second space 124 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. For example, the second space 124 may be recessed toward the dispenser 11.

The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated in the first ice maker 200 is stored. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated in the second ice maker 500 is stored. Of course, if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted. The first ice bin 280 may be received in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200. The second ice bin 600 may be received in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.

The first space 122 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. The cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage space, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle or a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the first space 122.

The second space 124 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.

The refrigerator 1 may include a supply passage 2a that guides cold air of the freezing chamber 19 or cold air of a space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 is disposed to the first refrigerating chamber door 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerating chamber door 10 to the freezing chamber 19 or the space where the evaporator is disposed. The supply passage 2a and the discharge passage 2b may be provided in the cabinet 2.

The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a cold air inlet 123a. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air inlet 123a may be communicated with the supply passage 2a. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air outlet 123b. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air outlet 123b may be communicated with the discharge passage 2b. The cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the supply passage 2a is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.

The cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the discharge passage 2b is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.

A shape of the ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a shape of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, the second ice maker 500 may form spherical ice. The “spherical shape” mentioned in this specification means not only a geometrically spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape.

A transparency of ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a transparency of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a transparency of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a transparency of the ice formed from the first ice maker 200. A size or volume of ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be different from a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a size or volume of ice formed from the first ice maker 200. A structure of the first ice maker 200 for generating ice and a method for separation the generated ice may be the same as or different from a structure of the second ice maker 500 and a method for separation the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 is separated. If the structure and/or the method of the ice makers are different, a shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is disposed may be different from a shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is disposed.

Due to a difference in depth between the first space 122 and the second space 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in a front-back direction. a width of the second side portion 102b may be formed to be greater than a width of the first side portion 102a.

At least one of the cold air inlet 123a or the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102. The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating chamber 18 than the first side portion 102a.

The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a first door130 (or a first space door) that opens and closes the first space 122. The first door 130 may be an insulated door having an insulating material provided therein. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second door 132 (or a second space door) that opens and closes the second space 124. The second door 132 may be an insulated door having an insulating material provided therein. Even if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second door 132 may exist.

The first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. The second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. A rotation direction of the first door 130 and a rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.

Meanwhile, a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.

A filter 320 to be described later may be mounted on one side 103 of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and the filter 320 may be covered by a filter cover 142.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air passage for cold air flow. The cold air passage may be formed by a cold air duct, not shown. The cold air duct may be installed, for example, in the door liner 102.

The cold air passage may guide cold air to at least one of the first space 122 or the second space 124. The cold air passage may include a first cold air passage P1. The first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122. Cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.

The cold air passage may further include a second cold air passage P2. The second cold air passage P2 may guide cold air of the first space 122 to the second space 124. Cold air may descend in the second cold air passage P2 and be supplied to the second space 124. For example, cold air guided by the second cold air passage P2 may flow toward the second ice maker 500.

The cold air passage may further include a third cold air passage P3. The third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air of the second space 124 to an outside of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. Cold air from a lower portion of the second space 124 may flow through the third cold air passage P3.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 configured to form an ice making cell. The first ice maker 200 may further include a driver that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210. The first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits a power of the driver to the ice tray 210.

The ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice making cells. Water discharged from a water supply portion and dropped onto the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice making cells.

When the ice generation in the ice tray 210 is completed, the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (or twisted) by the driver. An ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280. The second ice maker 500 may include the first tray 510.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a tray to form an ice making cell 501. The tray may include a first tray 510 to form a portion of the ice making cell 501. The tray may further include a second tray 550 to form another portion of the ice making cell 501.

The second tray 550 may be moved with respect to the first tray 510. For example, the second tray 550 may be rotated with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly and rotationally.

If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, water supply may be performed at a water supply position of the second tray 550. After the water supply is completed, the second tray550 may be rotated to an ice making position. If the second tray 550 is a linear movement type tray, water supply may be performed at the ice making position of the second tray 550. If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, at least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. A portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may come into contact with the first tray 510 at the ice making position to form the ice making cell 501.

The dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space. A container such as a cup may be positioned in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space. At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a front-back direction. A minimum horizontal distance between a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than a minimum horizontal distance between the front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a. A vertical length of the first space 122 may be greater than a vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction. The ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.

An ice chute 700 may be disposed at a lower side of the first space 122. The ice chute 700 may be opened and closed by a cap duct 900. An ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice chute 700. The ice chute 700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800.

The ice guide 800 may guide ice and finally discharge the ice. The ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space 122 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the second space 124 in the vertical direction.

A water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating chamber door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the water tank 340 may overlap the ice making cell 501 in a vertical direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from a lower side according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the second ice maker 500 may include a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly.

The first tray assembly may include a first tray 510, a first tray case, or the first tray 510 and the first tray case. The second tray assembly may include a second tray 550, a second tray case, or the second tray 550 and the second tray case.

The second ice maker 500 may include a bracket 520. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray assembly. The bracket 520 may be a component of the first tray case. The bracket 520 may be installed, for example, on a wall forming the second space 124. A water supply 546 may be installed on the bracket 520. The water supply 546 may guide water supplied from an upper side to a lower side of the water supply 546.

The second ice maker 500 may include an ice making cell 501, which is a space in which water is phase-changed into ice by cold (for example, cold air). In the present embodiment, the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a vertical direction while forming the ice making cell 501. Alternatively, the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may be arranged in a front-back direction or a left-right direction while forming the ice making cell 501.

A plurality of ice making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, an example in which three ice making cells 501 are formed will be described. When water is supplied to the ice making cell 501 and the water is cooled by cold air, ice having a shape identical to or similar to the ice making cell 501 may be generated. In the present embodiment, for example, the ice making cell 501 may be formed in a spherical shape or a shape similar to a spherical shape. Of course, the ice making cell 501 may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polygonal shape.

For example, the first tray case may include the bracket 520. The first tray case may further include a first supporter 530. At least a portion of the first supporter 530 may be positioned at a lower side of the first tray 510.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a first pusher 540 to separate ice in an ice separation process. The first pusher 540 may receive power from a driver 580 to be described later. The first supporter 530 may support the first tray 510. The first supporter 530 may guide movement of the first pusher 540.

The first pusher 540 may be coupled to a pusher link 548. At this time, the first pusher 540 may be rotatably coupled to the pusher link 548. Accordingly, when the pusher link 548 moves, the first pusher 540 may also be guided and moved by the first supporter 530.

The second tray case may include, for example, a second tray cover 560. The second tray case may further include a second supporter 570. For example, at least a portion of the second tray cover 560 may be positioned at one side or an upper side of the second tray 550. At least a portion of the second supporter 570 may be positioned at another side or a lower side of the second tray 550. The second supporter 570 may support the second tray 550 at another side of the second tray 550. An elastic member 547 may be connected to one side of the second supporter 570. The elastic member 547 may provide elastic force to the second supporter 570 so that the second tray 550 may maintain contact with the first tray 510.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a driver 580 that provides driving power. The second tray 550 may move relative to the first tray 510 by receiving a driving power of the driver 580. The first pusher 540 may move by receiving the driving power of the driving force 580. A connecting arm 549 may be coupled to the driver 580. The connecting arm 549 may be connected to the second supporter 570 and may transmit a power of the driver 580 to the second supporter 570.

The driver 580 may include a motor and a plurality of gears. A full ice detection lever may be connected to the driver 580. The full ice detection lever may be rotated by a rotational force provided by the driver 580.

The driver 580 may further include a cam that rotates by receiving a rotational power of the motor. The second ice maker 500 may further include a sensor that detects a rotation of the cam. A controller described below may identify a position of the second tray 550 (or the second tray assembly) based on a type and pattern of a signal output from the sensor.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a second pusher 590. The second pusher 590 may be installed, for example, on the bracket 520. The second pusher 590 may push out ice disposed in the ice making cell 501.

The second ice maker 500 may further include a sensing assembly 400. The sensing assembly 400 may detect a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice making cell 501. In the present embodiment, a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice making cell 501 may be referred to as an internal temperature of the ice making cell 501. The sensing assembly 400 may be installed, for example, on the bracket 520.

The bracket 520 may include a first tray cover 521. The first tray cover 521 may include an opening 523. The first tray 510 may be in contact with one surface of the first tray cover 521 at one side of the first tray cover 521. A portion of the first tray 510 may pass through the opening 523. The first tray cover 521 may include a heater case 521b extending downward from a perimeter of the opening 523. The heater case 521b may receive an ice separation heater 503 (or a first heater), which will be described later. In any cases, the ice separation heater 503 may supply heat to the first tray 510 at least during an ice separation process. Heat supplied to the first tray 510 may be transferred to the ice making cell 501.

The bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending from the first tray cover 521. The bracket 520 may further include a cold air guide 524 extending upward from the first tray cover 521 and to guide cold air toward the opening 523. Since a portion of the first tray 510 passes through the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may be in contact with the first tray 510.

The bracket 520 may further include a plurality of coupling bosses 525 for coupling with the first supporter 530. A coupling member may be coupled to the first supporter 530 by passing through the plurality of coupling bosses 525. The coupling member may be coupled to the first supporter 530 after passing through the coupling bosses 525 and the first tray 510. The sensing assembly 400 may be seated on at least one coupling boss among the plurality of coupling bosses 525. Accordingly, the coupling member may couple the sensing assembly 400 to the coupling boss.

The bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply 546 is coupled. The coupling portion 528 may be provided on the first tray cover 521. The coupling portion 528 may protrude upward from the first tray cover 521. The coupling portion 528 may include a fixing projection 528a. The fixing projection 528a may protrude from an upper surface of the coupling portion 528. The water supply 546 may include an extension 546a that is extended to be seated on an upper surface of the coupling portion 528. The extension 546a may extend from a lower side of the water supply 546 in a horizontal direction. The extension 546a may include a fixing hole 546b through which the fixing projection 528a passes. The extension 546a may further include a coupling hole 546c through which a coupling member passes. The coupling portion 528 may include a coupling groove 528b to which the coupling member passing through the coupling hole 546c is coupled.

The sensing assembly 400 and the water supply 546 may be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of the ice making cells 501 (for example, a X-axis direction).

The sensing assembly 400 may be positioned adjacent to the cold air guide 524. At least a portion of the sensing assembly 400 may be positioned between an extension line Al of the cold air guide 524 and the first pusher 540 so that the sensing assembly 400 acts as a resistance to a flow of cold air. From the perspective of a cold air flowing, the sensing assembly 400 may be positioned upstream of the water supply 546. The sensing assembly 400 may be positioned between the water supply 546 and the cold air guide 524. An extension line A1 of the cold air guide 524 may pass through the water supply 546 and the cold air guide 524.

Cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 tends to flow toward an ice making cell 501 disposed far from the cold air guide 524 (an outermost ice making cell). At this time, if the water supply 546 is disposed at a side of an ice making cell 501 disposed far from the cold air guide 524, cold air may be prevented from being concentrated toward an outermost ice making cell by the water supply 546. In this case, a deviation in an ice making speed in a plurality of ice making cells 501 can be reduced.

The bracket 520 may further include a pusher fixing wall 526 to which the second pusher 590 is fixed. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be inclined. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a pusher seating groove 527 for installing the second pusher 590. The pusher seating groove 527 may be provided with a catch projection 527a to prevent the second pusher 590 from being separated downward. The pusher fixing wall 526 may be provided with a separation prevention projection 527b to prevent the second pusher 590 seated on the pusher mounting groove 527 from being separated. The separation prevention projection 527b may extend from the pusher fixing wall 526 toward the pusher seating groove 527. The separation prevention projection 527b may be spaced apart from the pusher seating groove 527. The separation prevention projection 527b may be in contact with the second pusher 590 seated on the pusher seating groove 527 or press the second pusher 590.

The bracket 520 may further include a sensor mounting portion 529 on which an ice making chamber temperature sensor (see 1005 of FIG. 25) for detecting a temperature of a second space 124 is mounted. The sensor mounting portion 529 may, for example, extend from the peripheral portion 522. The sensor mounting portion 529 may extend from the peripheral portion 522 toward the opening 523. Of course, the ice making chamber temperature sensor may be omitted. At least a portion of the sensor mounting portion 529 may face a space between the water supply 546 and the sensing assembly 400.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first supporter according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first supporter 530 may include a plate 531 in contact with the first tray 510. A plate opening 531a (or a through hole) may be formed in the plate 531. A barrier 532 extending upward may be formed on an edge of the plate 501. The first supporter 530 may further include a plurality of extension walls 536 extending upwardly from the barrier 532. The plurality of extension walls 536 may be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

The first supporter 530 may include a guide slot 537 to guide movement of the first pusher 540. A portion of the guide slot 537 may be formed in the extension wall 536. Another portion of the guide slot 537 may be formed in a barrier 532 disposed at a lower side of the extension wall 536. The first pusher 540 may be inserted into the guide slot 537. The first pusher 540 may be moved up and down along the guide slot 537.

The first supporter 530 may further include a plurality of coupling portions 538 for coupling with the bracket 520. The plurality of coupling portions 538 may be formed on the plate 531. The coupling portion 538 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the plate 531. The coupling portion 538 may be aligned with the coupling boss 525 of the bracket 520.

The first supporter 530 may further include a protrusion slot 533 for receiving a protrusion (described later) provided on the first tray 530. The protrusion slot 533 may be formed on the plate 531.

The first supporter 530 may further include an overflow prevention wall 539 to prevent water in the ice making cell 501 from overflowing to an outside through a gap between the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is opened and closed at a water supply position of the second tray 550 or due to vibration of the refrigerator 1. The overflow prevention wall 539 may extend downward from the plate 531, for example. When the first tray 510 is coupled to the first supporter 530, the overflow prevention wall 539 may be spaced apart from the first tray 510.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a first tray according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the first tray 510 may define a first cell 511a, which is a portion of the ice making cell 501. The first tray 510 may include a first tray wall 511 to form a portion of the ice making cell 501. The first tray 510 may define, for example, a plurality of first cells 511a.

The first tray 510 may include an opening 514. The opening 514 may be communicate with the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may allow cold air to be supplied to the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may allow water for ice making to be supplied to the first cell 511a. The opening 514 may provide a passage through which a portion of the first pusher 540 passes. For example, in an ice separation process, a portion of the first pusher 540 may pass through the opening 514 and be inserted into the ice making cell 501.

The first tray 510 may further include an auxiliary storage chamber 515 communicated with the ice making cell 501. For example, water overflowing from the ice making cell 501 may be stored in the auxiliary storage chamber 515. Ice that expands in a process of phase change of supplied water may be positioned in the auxiliary storage chamber 515. The auxiliary storage chamber 515 may be formed by a storage chamber wall 515a. The storage chamber wall 515a may extend upward from a perimeter of the opening 514. The storage chamber wall 515a may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

A storage chamber wall 515a corresponding to at least one first cell 511a among the plurality of first cells 511a may further include an inlet opening 519 for introducing water. An outlet of the water supply 546 may be aligned with the inlet opening 519. The first pusher 540 may pass through the opening 514 after passing through the storage chamber wall 515a. In an ice separation process, the storage chamber wall 515a may reduce deformation around the opening 514 during a process in which the first pusher 540 passes through the opening 514.

In order to prevent water in the ice making cell 501 from overflowing to an outside of the storage chamber wall 515a through the opening 514 due to an opening and closing process of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or vibration of the refrigerator 1, a blocking wall 515b may be provided at an upper end of the storage chamber wall 515a. In order to allow passing of the first pusher 540 while restricting an overflow of water through the blocking wall 515b, a through hole 515c may be provided at a central portion of the blocking wall 515b. A plurality of slits 515d extending in a radial direction of the through hole 515c may be provided in the blocking wall 515b. In a state in which the plurality of slits 515d are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of slits 515d may extend.

The first tray 510 may further include a first extension wall 517 extending from the first tray wall 511 in a horizontal direction. For example, the first extension wall 517 may extend from a perimeter of an upper end of the first extension wall 517 in a horizontal direction. The first extension wall 517 may be provided with one or more first coupling holes 517a. Protrusions 517b and 517c may be formed on the first extension wall 517 of the first tray 510. For example, one or more protrusions 517c may be formed on an upper surface of the first extension wall 517. One or more protrusions 517b may be formed on a lower surface of the first extension wall 517.

The first tray 510 may further include a sensor hole 511b through which a portion of the sensing assembly 400 passes. The sensor hole 511b may pass through the first tray wall 511 in a vertical direction.

The first tray 510 may further include a sensor coupling portion 511c. The sensor coupling portion 511c may extend upward from the first tray wall 511c. A sensing bar 412 of the sensing assembly 400 may be received in the sensor hole 511b after passing through the sensor coupling portion 511c.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second tray cover according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a second tray cover 560 of the present embodiment may include a plate 561. A portion of the second tray 550 may be fixed in a state of contacting one surface of the plate 561. An opening 562 may be provided in the plate 561 through which a portion of the second tray 550 passes. For example, when the second tray 550 is fixed to the plate 561 in a state in which the second tray 550 is positioned at a lower side of the plate 561, a portion of the second tray 550 may protrude upward from the plate 361 through the opening 562. A portion of the second tray cover 560 may extend vertically upward from the lower plate 561.

The second tray cover 560 may include a round wall 565 that is rounded in a direction away from the opening 562 from the plate to an upper side.

The second tray cover 560 may further include a coupling boss 567. The coupling boss 567 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the plate 561. A coupling member may be coupled to the coupling boss 567 at a lower side of the coupling boss 567. The second tray cover 560 may further include a slot 568 for coupling with the second tray 550. A portion of the second tray 550 may be inserted into the slot 568.

The second tray cover 560 may further include a chamber wall 569 to define a water receiving chamber for storing water overflowing from an ice making cell 501. The chamber wall 569 may extend upward from an edge of the lower plate 561.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second tray according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the second tray 550 may define a second cell 551a, which is another portion of the ice making cell 501. The second tray 550 may include a second tray wall 551 to define the second cell 551a. The second tray 550 may define, for example, a plurality of second cells 551a. With reference to FIG. 16, the plurality of second cells 551a may be arranged in a X-axis direction. For example, the second tray wall 551 may define the plurality of second cells 551a.

The second tray 550 may include a barrier 557 extending along a perimeter of one end of the second tray wall 551. The barrier 557 may, for example, be integrally formed with the second tray wall 551 and extend from one end of the second tray wall 551. The one end may be, for example, an upper end. In a case in which the second tray 550 includes the barrier 557, the second tray 550 may surround the first tray 510.

The second tray 550 may further include an extension wall 557b extending in a horizontal direction. The extension wall 557b may be provided with one or more second coupling holes 557a for coupling with the second tray case. The extension wall 557b may be provided with one or more protrusions 557d for coupling with the second tray case.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second supporter according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, the second supporter 570 may include a supporter body 571 on which a lower portion of the second tray 550 is seated. The supporter body 571 may include a receiving space 576a in which a portion of the second tray 550 may be received. The supporter body 571 may include a lower opening 572 (or a through hole) through which a portion of the second pusher 590 passes in an ice separation process. A lower portion of the second tray 550 may be exposed through the lower opening 572. At least a portion of the second tray 550 may be positioned in the lower opening 572.

The second supporter 570 may further include a heater coupling portion 576c. The heater coupling portion 576c may be recessed downward from a surface of the supporter body 571 where the second tray 550 comes into contact. A portion of the heater coupling portion 576c may be disposed to surround the lower opening 572. A transparent ice heater (see 505 of FIG. 21) (or a second heater) may be coupled to the heater coupling portion 576c. One or more coupling holes 577b may be formed in the supporter body 571. The coupling hole 577b may be aligned with a second coupling hole 557a of the second tray 550.

The second supporter 550 may further include a peripheral wall 575. One surface of the peripheral wall 575 may be provided with a pair of extensions 573 for rotating the second tray 550. Each of the extensions 573 may further include a through hole 574. A shaft to transmit power of the driver 580 may be connected to the through hole 574.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second pusher according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 18, the second pusher 590 may be coupled to the bracket 520. The second pusher 590 may include a plate 591. The plate 591 may be seated on the pusher seating groove 527. The second pusher 590 may further include a pushing column 592 extending from one surface of the plate 591. The pushing column may be formed as a shape of a bar. The pushing column 592 may push out ice located in the ice making cell 501. For example, the pushing column 592 may be in contact with the second tray 550 that forms the ice making cell 501 after passing through the second supporter 570. The pushing column 592 may press the second tray 550 that is in contact.

The second pusher 590 may include a protrusion guide groove 593 formed on another surface of the plate 591. The protrusion guide groove 593 may extend downward from an upper surface of the plate 591. The protrusion guide groove 593 may guide the hooking protrusion 527a during a process of the plate 591 being seated on the pusher seating groove 527. An inclined surface 593a may be provided on a lower side of the protrusion guide groove 593. The inclined surface 593a may be spaced apart from a lower end 593b of the plate 591. During a process of the plate 591 being seated on the pusher seating groove 527, the hooking protrusion 527a may be in contact with the inclined groove 593a. When the plate 591 is fully inserted into the pusher seating groove 527, the hooking projection 527a may pass the inclined groove 593a and be caught on a lower end 593b of the plate 591.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing assembly according to a first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a state in which a sensor is coupled to a first tray. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 9. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 9. FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an insulator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a cover according to a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 24, the sensing assembly 400 may include a tray temperature sensor 410. Hereinafter, the tray temperature sensor will be briefly referred to as a “sensor.” The sensor 410 may be coupled to the first tray 510 to detect a temperature of water or a temperature of ice in the ice making cell 501. The sensor 410 may include a sensing bar 412. The sensing bar 412 may be coupled to the first tray 510. The sensor 410 may include a sensor extension 414. The sensor extension 414 may be integrally formed with the sensing bar 412 or coupled to the sensing bar 412. The sensor extension 414 may extend in a direction crossing an extension direction of the sensing bar 412. Based on FIG. 21, the sensing bar 412 may be extended in a vertical direction. The sensor extension 414 may be extended in a horizontal direction.

The sensing bar 412 may be received in the sensor hole 511b. An end 412b of the sensing bar 412 received in the sensor hole 511b may be exposed to the first cell 511a. An end 412b of the sensing bar 412 may protrude into the first cell 511a. Water supplied to the ice making cell 501 may contact the sensing bar 412. An upper end 412a of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than an upper end of the first tray 510. For example, an upper end 412a of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than the storage chamber wall 515a.

The sensing assembly 400 may further include an insulator 450. The insulator 450 may surround the sensor 410. Cold air may be prevented from directly contacting the sensor 410 by the insulator 400.

The insulator 450 may include a first insulator 451. The first insulator 451 may receive a portion of the sensor 410. For example, the first insulator 451 may receive an upper portion of the sensing bar 412. The insulator 450 may further include a second insulator 455. The second insulator 455 may receive another portion of the sensor 410. For example, a portion of the sensing bar 412 may be received in the second insulator 455 and another portion may protrude outside the second insulator 455. The first insulator 451 may be seated on an upper surface of the second insulator 455.

An upper portion of the sensor extension 414 in the sensing bar 412 may be received in the first insulator 451. The first insulator 451 may include a receiving groove 452 in which the sensing bar 412 is received. The receiving groove 452 may be formed as a lower surface of the first insulator 451 is recessed upward. The sensor extension 414 may be received in at least one of the first insulator 451 or the second insulator 455. The first insulator 451 may further include a recessed portion 453 in which the sensor extension 414 is received. The recessed portion 453 may be formed as a lower surface of the first insulator 451 is recessed upward. When the sensor extension 414 is received in the recessed portion 453, a rotation of the sensor 410 can be prevented.

At least one of the first insulator 451 or the second insulator 455 may include a guide groove to guide a wire 416 connected to the sensing bar 412. Hereinafter, an example in which each of the first insulator 451 and the second insulator 455 includes a guide groove will be described.

The first insulator 451 may further include a first guide groove 454 to guide a wire 416 connected to the sensing bar 412. The first guide groove 454 may be formed as a lower surface of the first insulator 451 is recessed upward. The first guide groove 454 may extend from the receiving groove 452 in a horizontal direction. A portion of the first guide groove 454 may overlap the recessed portion 453 in a vertical direction. The first guide groove 454 may be disposed at an upper side of the recessed portion 453. Therefore, when the sensor extension 414 is received in the recessed portion 453, the wire 416 may extend horizontally along the guide groove 454 at an upper side of the sensor extension 414. A portion of a lower portion of the sensor extension 414 of the sensing bar 412 may be received in the second insulator 455. Another portion of the lower portion of the sensing bar 412 may be inserted into the sensor hole 511b after passing through the second insulator 455. The sensor extension 414 may be seated on the second insulator 455.

The second insulator 455 may include a through hole 456 through which the sensing bar 412 passes. The through hole 456 may extend from the second insulator 455 in a vertical direction. A seating groove 457 in which the sensor extension 414 is seated may be formed on an upper surface of the second insulator 455. Of course, the seating groove 457 may be omitted. The second insulator 455 may further include a second guide groove 458 that guides a wire guided by the first guide groove 454. The second guide groove 458 may extend in a vertical direction.

The second insulator 455 may further include a contact portion 459. The contact portion 459 may be in contact with the sensor coupling portion 511c. The contact portion 459 may surround the sensor coupling portion 511c. A portion of the second insulator 455 may be seated on the first tray cover 521 of the bracket 520. Another portion of the second insulator 455 may be seated on the blocking wall 515b of the first tray 510.

The sensing assembly 400 may further include a cover 430. The cover 430 may cover the insulator 450. The cover 430 may receive the first insulator 451. The cover 430 may receive a portion of the second insulator 455. For example, the cover 430 may cover a remaining portion of the second insulator 455 except for the contact portion 459. The cover 430 may include a cover body 431 to form a space 432 for receiving the insulator 450. The cover 430 may further include a coupling body 433 seated on a coupling boss 525 of the bracket 520. The coupling body 433 may extend from the cover body 431 in a horizontal direction. Although not limited, a plurality of coupling bodies 433 may extend from the cover body 431. A coupling hole 434 may be formed in the coupling body 433. The cover 430 may further include a wire hole 436 through which the wire 416 passes.

A vertical center line C1 of the ice making cell 501 may pass through the opening 514 of the first tray 510. The sensor hole 511b may be spaced apart from a vertical center line of the ice making cell 501. A lowest point of the sensor hole 511b may be positioned lower than the opening 514. An end 412b of the sensing bar 412 passing through the sensor hole 511b may be positioned lower than the opening 514.

The first pusher 540 may include an extension body 542. The first pusher 540 may include a pushing column 544 extending downward from the extension body 542. The pushing column may be formed as a shape of a bar. In an ice separation process, the pushing column 544 may pass through the opening 514 to press ice in the ice making cell 501.

In a state in which the sensing assembly 400 is fixed, the sensing assembly 400 may face the first pusher 540. For example, the sensing bar 412 may face the pushing bar 544. An upper end of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than a lower end of the first pusher 540. For example, an upper end of the sensing bar 412 may be positioned higher than a lower end of the pushing column 544.

A portion of the insulator 450 may be positioned between the first pusher 540 and the sensing bar 412. Another portion of the insulator 450 may be positioned at an opposite side of a portion of the insulator 450 with respect to the sensing bar 412. A horizontal thickness of a portion of the insulator 450 may be less than a horizontal thickness of another portion of the insulator 450.

A portion of the cover 430 may overlap the opening 514 in a vertical direction. The cover 430 may be spaced apart from the pushing column 544 in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the pushing column 544 may be prevented from interfering with the sensing assembly 400 during an ice separation process. A portion of the sensor 410 may be disposed to overlap the ice separation heater 503 in a horizontal direction. The sensing bar 412 may be spaced apart from the storage chamber wall 515a. A portion of the insulator 450 may be positioned between the storage chamber wall 515a and the sensing bar 412.

FIG. 25 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flow diagram for explaining a process of generating ice in a second ice maker according to a first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a state in which water supply is completed at a water supply position. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a state in which a second tray is moved to an ice making position.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, a refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a cold air supply 1020 (or a cooler) to supply cold air. The cold air supply 1020 may supply cold air to the second space 124 using, for example, a refrigerant cycle. The cold air supply 1020 may include, for example, a compressor for compressing refrigerant. A temperature of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on an output (or frequency) of the compressor. Alternatively, the cold air supply 1020 may include a fan for blowing air to an evaporator. An amount of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary depending on an output (or rotation speed) of the fan. Alternatively, the cold air supply 1020 may include a refrigerant valve that controls an amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle. An amount of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant cycle varies by controlling an opening degree of the refrigerant valve, and thereby a temperature of cold air supplied to the second space 124 may vary. In the present embodiment, the cold air supply 1020 may include at least one of the compressor, the fan, or the refrigerant valve.

A refrigerator of the present embodiment may further include a controller 1000 to control the cold air supply 1020. The refrigerator may further include a flow sensor 1002 for detecting an amount of water supplied through the water supply 546. The refrigerator may further include a water supply valve 1004 to control an amount of water supplied. The flow sensor 1002 may include an impeller equipped with a magnet, a hall sensor that detects a magnetism of the magnet during a rotation of the impeller, and a housing in which the impeller is received. When the hall sensor detects a magnetism of the magnet during a rotation of the impeller or the hall sensor and the magnet are aligned, a first signal may be output from the hall sensor. If the hall sensor does not detect a magnetism of the magnet or the magnet is spaced apart from the hall sensor by a predetermined distance, a second signal is output from the hall sensor. Since the first signal (pulse) is output repeatedly, a number of the first signals may be counted to check a water supply amount. Hereinafter, a description will be given of comparing a number of pulses of the first signal with a reference number. The controller 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 by using a number of counted first signals.

The above controller 1000 may control some or all of the ice separation heater 503, the transparent ice heater 505, the driver 580, the cold air supply 1020, and the water supply valve 1004. The refrigerator may further include an ice making chamber temperature sensor 1005 to detect a temperature of the second space 124. The refrigerator may include a sensor (tray temperature sensor) 410 mounted on the first tray 510 as described above.

The controller 1000 can determine whether a water supply amount is reached a target water supply amount based on a temperature detected by the sensor 410. When water is supplied to the ice making cell 501 at a target water supply amount, the sensor 410 may be in contact with the water. A temperature of water supplied to the ice making cell 501 is a temperature above zero and may be a room temperature or a temperature slightly lower than the room temperature. Therefore, a temperature detected by the sensor 410 may be higher than the reference temperature, which is a temperature above zero. On the other hand, if water is supplied to the ice making cell 501 at an amount less than the target water supply amount, cold air is located in an area corresponding to an insufficient water supply amount within the ice making cell 501. Since a temperature of cold air is below zero, a temperature detected by the sensor 410 in contact with cold air is lower than the reference temperature. Accordingly, if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is higher than the reference temperature, the controller 1000 may determine that a water supply amount of the ice making cell 501 is reached a target water supply amount. On the other hand, if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lower than the reference temperature, the controller 1000 may determine that a water supply amount of the ice making cell 501 is not reached the target water supply amount.

As another example, the controller 1000 may determine that an actual water supply amount is reached a target water supply amount if a value of an increase of a temperature detected by the sensor 410 for a set time is greater than or equal to a reference value.

The controller 1000 may determine whether ice making is complete based on a temperature detected by the sensor 410.

Hereinafter, a process of ice generation in a second ice maker will be described.

In order to generate ice in the second ice maker 500, the controller 1000 moves the second tray 550 to a water supply position (S1). In this specification, a direction in which the second tray 550 moves from an ice making position of FIG. 28 to a water supply position of FIG. 27 may be referred to as a forward direction (forward movement or forward rotation). On the other hand, a direction in which the second tray 550 moves from a water supply position of FIG. 27 to an ice making position of FIG. 28 may be referred to as a reverse direction (reverse movement or reverse rotation).

A movement of the second tray 550 of a water supply position is detected by a not shown sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray 550 is moved to a water supply position, the controller 1000 stops the driver 580. In a state in which the second tray 550 is moved to a water supply position, the controller 1000 may determine whether a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is reached a temperature equal to or lower than a water supply start temperature (S2).

As will be described later, after ice making is completed, an ice separation heater 503 and/or a transparent ice heater 505 may be operated for ice separation. Heat of the ice separation heater and/or the transparent ice heater 505 is provided to the ice making cell 501. A temperature detected by the sensor 410 increases to a temperature above zero due to heat provided to the ice making cell 501. If a water supply is started immediately after an ice separation is completed, even if water supply amount is not reached at a target water supply amount in the ice making cell 501, it is determined that a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is reached the water supply start temperature due to an influence of the heat of a heater. In this case, if an ice making starts with a smaller amount of water than the target water supply amount, a completion of ice making may be determined while ice is not completely frozen, and ice does not become transparent. Therefore, in this embodiment, a water supply is not started immediately after an ice separation is completed, but a water supply is waited so that a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lowered due to cold air.

When a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lowered to a temperature equal to or lower than an initial water supply start temperature, a water supply starts. The initial water supply start temperature may be a temperature lower than the reference temperature. The initial water supply start temperature may be a temperature below zero.

As a result of a determination in step S21, if it is determined that a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is reached a temperature equal to or lower than the initial water supply start temperature, the controller 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 so that a water supply is performed to supply water at a first reference water supply amount.

In this embodiment, the first reference water supply amount is less than a target water supply amount. In order for an impeller to rotate within a housing of the flow sensor, a gap must exist between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing. When the impeller rotates, some of the water flows by the impeller, and some of the water flows by bypassing a gap between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing. When the water pressure is higher than a reference water pressure, an amount of water flowing through a gap between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing is small, so even if a number of pulses output during a rotation of the impeller reaches a reference number corresponding to a target water supply amount and the water supply valve is turned off, an actual water supply amount is almost the same as the target water supply amount. However, if water pressure is lower than the reference water pressure, an amount of water flowing through a gap between the impeller and an inner surface of the housing increases. In this case, when a number of pulses output during a rotation of the impeller reaches the reference number corresponding to the target water supply amount and the water supply valve is turned off, an actual water supply amount becomes greater than the target water supply amount.

If an actual water supply amount is greater than the target water supply amount, water may be filled up to a position higher than an opening 514 of the first tray 510, which may cause ice to be generated in the auxiliary storage chamber or protrude outward from the auxiliary storage chamber during an ice making process. Therefore, in the present embodiment, considering that a refrigerator is installed in an area with low water pressure, the first reference water supply amount may be set to be lower than the target water supply amount. In this case, even if water is supplied as much as the first reference water supply amount under low water pressure, an actual water supply amount may be equal to or less than the target water supply amount.

Meanwhile, when a filter provided on a water flowing passage is replaced or when a refrigerator is initially operated after purchase, the passage may not be completely filled with water and may contain air. In a case in which the passage contains both water and air, even if water is supplied at a first reference water supply amount, an actual water supply amount may be less than the first reference water supply amount. If an ice making starts in this state, it is determined that an ice making is completed when ice is not completely frozen, and the ice may not become transparent.

The controller 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 for a water supply, and when a number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches a first reference number corresponding to a first reference water supply amount, turns off the water supply valve 1004.

After water is supplied at the first reference water amount, the second tray 550 may standby for a predetermined time at a water supply position in consideration of water spread (S4). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 1000 controls the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to an ice making position (S5). A movement of the second tray 550 to the ice making position is detected by a sensor, and when it is detected that the second tray 550 is moved to the ice making position, the controller 1000 may stop the driver 580.

After the second tray 550 is moved to the ice making position, the controller 1000 may determine whether an actual water supply amount of an ice making cell 501 is reached the target water supply amount (S6). For example, it may be determined whether a temperature detected by the sensor 410 within a set time is reached a reference temperature. Alternatively, it may be determined whether a value of an increase of a temperature detected by the sensor 410 within a set time is higher than a reference value.

As a result of a determination in step S6, if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches the reference temperature or a value of an increase of a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is greater than the reference value, it is determined that an actual water supply amount is reached the target water supply amount, and an ice making may be started. On the other hand, as a result of a determination in step S6, if an actual water supply amount is reached the target water supply amount, the controller 1000 may perform additional water supply. Before performing additional water supply, the controller 1000 may determine whether a number of times, in which an actual water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount, is reached a reference number (or a limited number) (S7).

In a case in which an abnormal event such as a breakdown water supply valve 1004 or water shortage occurs, an actual water supply amount may not reach the target water supply amount even after additional water supply is performed several times. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if it is determined that a number of times (a cumulative number of times), in which an actual water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount, is reached a reference number, the controller 1000 may start an ice making immediately without performing additional water supply. Therefore, the delay in ice making may be reduced. Alternatively, step S7 may be replaced with a step of determining whether the number of additional water supplies has reached a reference number.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a number of times (a cumulative number of times), in which an actual water supply amount is not reached the target water supply amount, is reached the reference number, the controller 1000 may control the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to a water supply position for additional water supply (S8).

The controller 1000 may determine whether an additional water supply condition is satisfied (S9). For example, the controller 1000 may determine whether a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is equal to or lower than the additional water supply start temperature. The additional water supply start temperature may be the same as or higher than the initial water supply start temperature. The controller 1000 may determine that the additional water supply condition is satisfied when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is lower than the additional water supply start temperature.

If it is determined that the additional water supply condition is satisfied, the controller 1000 may control the water supply valve 1004 so that water is additionally supplied at a second reference water supply amount at a water supply position of the second tray 550 (S10).

The second reference water supply amount is less than the first reference water supply amount. The controller 1000 turns on the water supply valve 1004 for a water supply, and when a number of pulses output from the flow sensor 1002 reaches a second reference number corresponding to the second reference water supply amount, turns off the water supply valve 1004.

After water is supplied at the second reference water amount, after standby for a certain time (S4), the controller 1000 controls the driver 580 to move the second tray 550 to an ice making position (S5). After water is supplied at the second reference water amount, steps S4 to S6 may be repeatedly performed. If an additional water supply is required, steps S7 to S10 may be repeatedly performed.

After the second tray 550 is moved to an ice making position, the controller 1000 may determine whether an actual water supply amount of the ice making cell 501 is reached the target water supply amount (S6). That is, in the present embodiment, an additional water supply may be repeatedly performed until a water supply amount of the ice making cell reaches the target water supply amount after a first water supply. In the present specification, a first water supply process may be referred to as a basic water supply process. Then, the present invention may include a basic water supply process and one or more additional water supply processes.

When an actual water supply amount of the ice making cell 501 reaches the target water supply amount, an ice making starts with the second tray 550 moved to an ice making position (S11). An ice making may start when the second tray 550 reaches an ice making position. Alternatively, an ice making may start when the second tray 550 reaches an ice making position and a predetermined time has elapsed after a water supply is completed. When an ice making starts, the controller 1000 may control the cold air supply 1020 so that cold air is supplied to the ice making cell 501. Of course, it is also possible for an ice making to start when a water supply is completed while cold air is being supplied to the ice making cell 501 by the cold air supply 1020.

The controller 1000 may determine whether a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied (S12). If it is determined that the turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied, the controller 1000 may control the transparent ice heater 505 to be turned on during at least a period that the cold air supply 1020 supplies cold air to the ice making cell 501. When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred to the ice making cell 501, so that an ice production in the ice making cell 501 may be delayed.

As in the present embodiment, transparent ice may be generated in the second ice maker 500 by delaying an ice generation so that bubbles dissolved in the water within the ice making cell 501 move from a portion, at which the ice is made, toward water that is in a liquid state by heat of the transparent ice heater 505. In the present embodiment, the controller 1000 may determine that a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when a certain time has elapsed from a set specific time. The set specific time may be set to at least one of times before the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on. For example, the specific time may be set to a time when the cold air supply 1020 starts to supply cooling power for an ice making, a time when the second tray 550 reaches the ice making position, a time when a water supply is completed, etc. Alternatively, the controller 1000 may determine that a turn-on condition of the transparent ice heater 505 is satisfied when a temperature detected by the sensor 505 reaches a turn-on reference temperature. The turn-on reference temperature may be, for example, a temperature for determining that water has started to freeze at an uppermost side (at side of a communication hole) of the ice making cell 501. The on-reference temperature may be set to a temperature below zero.

When the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, heat of the transparent ice heater 505 is transferred into the ice making cell 501. As in the present embodiment, when the second tray 550 is positioned at a lower side of the first tray 510 and the transparent ice heater 505 is disposed to supply heat to the second tray 550, ice may be generated from an upper side of the ice making cell 501. In the present embodiment, since ice is generated from an upper side in the ice making cell 501, bubbles move downward from a portion, at which ice is made, toward water that is in a liquid state.

Since a density of water is greater than a density of ice, water or bubbles may be convected within the ice making cell 501, and bubbles may move toward the transparent ice heater 505.

In the present embodiment, depending on a shape of the ice making cell 501, a mass (or volume) per unit height of water in the ice making cell 501 may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, the controller 1000 may control a cooling power of the cold air supply 1020 and/or a heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 to vary according to a mass per unit height of water in the ice making cell 501 (S14). In this specification, a variation of the cooling power of the cold air supply 1020 may include at least one of variation of an output of the compressor, variation of an output of a fan, or variation of an opening degree of a refrigerant valve. In addition, in this specification, a variation of a heating amount of the transparent ice heater 505 may mean variation of an output of the transparent ice heater 505 or variation of a duty of the transparent ice heater 505. At this time, a duty of the transparent ice heater 505 may mean a ratio of an on-time to an on-time and off-time of the transparent ice heater 505 in one cycle, or may mean a ratio of an off-time to an on-time and off-time of the transparent ice heater 505 in one cycle.

Meanwhile, the controller 1000 may determine whether an ice making is complete based on a temperature detected by the sensor 410 (S15). The controller 1000 may determine that an ice making is completed when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a first reference temperature.

If it is determined that an ice making is completed, the controller 1000 may turn off the transparent ice heater 505 (S16). For example, if a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a first reference temperature, the controller 1000 may determine that an ice making is completed and turn off the transparent ice heater 505. At this time, in a case of the present embodiment, since a distance between the sensor 410 and each of ice making cells 501 is different, in order to determine that an ice making is completed in all ice making cells 501, the controller 1000 may start an ice separation after a certain time has elapsed from a time at which an ice making is determined to be completed or when a temperature detected by the sensor 410 reaches a second reference temperature lower than the first reference temperature.

When an ice making is completed, the controller 1000 operates at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 for ice separation (S17). When at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, heat of the heater is transferred to at least one of the first tray 510 or the second tray 550, so that ice may be separated from a surface (inner surface) of at least one of the first tray 510 or the second tray 550.

When at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 is turned on, the controller 1000 may determine whether an operating condition of the driver 580 is satisfied (S18). For example, when at least one of the ice separation heater 503 or the transparent ice heater 505 is operated for a set time or a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is higher than a driver operation reference temperature, the controller 1000 determines that an operating condition of the driver 580 is satisfied. Then, the controller 1000 operates the driver 580 so that the second tray 550 moves to an ice separation position (so that it moves in a forward direction) (S19).

When the second tray 550 moves in a forward direction, the second tray 550 is spaced apart from the first tray 510. A moving force of the second tray 550 is transmitted to the first pusher 540. Then, the first pusher 540 is lowered, so that the pushing column 544 passes through the opening 514 to press ice in the ice making cell 501. During a process of the second tray 550 moving to an ice separation position, the second tray 550 may be contact with the pushing column 592.

When the second tray 550 continues to move to an ice separation position, the pushing column 592 presses the second tray 550, so that the second tray 550 is deformed, and a pressing force of the pushing column 592 is transmitted to ice, so that the ice may be separated from a surface of the second tray 550.

The controller 1000 may determine whether an operation end condition of a heater is satisfied (S20). For example, the controller 1000 may determine that an operation end condition of a heater is satisfied when an operation time of the driver 580 reaches a reference time or a temperature detected by the sensor 410 is equal to or higher than an end reference temperature.

When an operation end condition of the heater is satisfied, the controller 1000 may turn off a turned-on heater (S21). Although not limited, the end reference temperature may be set to a temperature above zero. After ice is separated from the second tray 550, the controller 1000 controls the driver 480 so that the second tray 550 moves in a reverse direction (S18). Then, the second tray 550 moves from an ice separation position toward a water supply position. When the second tray 550 moves to a water supply position of FIG. 27, the controller 1000 stops the driver 580.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a plan view of a second ice maker according to a second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a drawing showing a state in which a second ice maker installed in a second space according to a second embodiment.

The present embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other parts, but structures of some of the components constituting a second ice maker are different. Therefore, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below, and the same drawing reference numerals will be used for the same components as the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 29 to 32, a cold air hole 493 may be formed in a space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 according to the present embodiment is accommodated. The space forming wall 124g may include a rear wall 124c facing the dispenser housing 11a, and a side wall 124a bent from the rear wall 124c. The cold air hole 493 may be formed in the side wall 124a.

A bracket 520 of the present embodiment may include a cold air inlet 520a into which cold air is introduced. The cold air inlet 520a may be communicated with the cold air hole 493.

A plurality of ice making cells 501 may be defined by the first tray 510 and the second tray 550. Hereinafter, an example in which three ice making cells 501 are formed will be described. Water supplied to a plurality of ice making cells 501 may be phase-changed into ice by cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a.

The three ice making cells 501 may include a first ice making cell 501a, a second ice making cell 501b, and a third ice making cell 501b. If a second ice maker includes four or more ice making cells, it can be understood that the ice making cells include a first ice making cell disposed closest to a cold air inlet, a third ice making cell disposed farthest from a cold air inlet, and two or more second ice making cells disposed between the first ice making cell and the third ice making cell.

The first ice making cell 501a, the second ice making cell 501b, and the third ice making cell 501b may be arranged in a row (arranged in a X-axis direction). The first ice making cell 501a may be positioned closest to the cold air inlet 520a. Accordingly, the third ice making cell 501c may be positioned farthest from the cold air inlet 520a.

The cold air inlet 520a may be positioned adjacent to a driver 580. For example, the cold air inlet 520a may be positioned at an upper side of the driver 580. Accordingly, a cold air passage 520b through which cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a flows may be positioned at an upper side of the driver 580. Accordingly, heat generated in the driver 580 may be cooled by cold air flowing through the cold air passage 520b.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a bracket as viewed from an upper side according to a second embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 30 to 33, the bracket 520 may include a first through hole 523a and a second through hole 523b through which the cold air passes. For example, the opening 523 may be disposed between the first through hole 523a and the second through hole 523b. The first through hole 523a may be positioned adjacent to the first ice making cell 501a. The second through hole 523b may be positioned adjacent to the third ice making cell 501c.

Each of the pusher links 548 connected to both sides of the first pusher 540 may pass through the first through hole 523a and the second through hole 523b. The connecting arm 549 may pass through the second through hole 523b.

The bracket 520 may further include a peripheral portion 522 extending upward from the first tray cover 521. For example, the peripheral portion 522 may be mounted on the space forming wall 124g.

The bracket 520 may further include a coupling portion 528 to which the water supply 546 is coupled. The water supply 546 may include an extension 546a extended to be seated on an upper surface of the coupling portion 528. The coupling portion 528 may be positioned adjacent to the third ice making cell 501c. When the water supply 546 is coupled to the coupling portion 528, the water supply 546 may be positioned at an upper side of the third ice making cell 501c. Accordingly, water may be supplied to the third ice making cell 501c through the water supply 546.

The bracket 520 may further include a cold air guide 5241 that guides cold air passing through the cold air hole 493 toward the opening 523. The cold air guide 5241 may face a rear wall 124c of the space forming wall 124g and may be spaced apart from the rear wall 124c. The cold air guide 5241 and the rear wall 124c may form the cold air passage 520b.

The cold air guide 5241 may extend upward from the first tray cover 521. Since a portion of the first tray 510 passes through the opening 523, cold air guided by the cold air guide 524 may be in contact with the first tray 510.

The cold air guide 5241 may include a first guide 524a extending in a X-axis direction, which is an arrangement direction of ice making cells. The cold air guide 5241 may further include a second guide 524b bent from the first guide 524a. The cold air guide 5241 may further include a third guide 524c extending from the second guide 524b. In some cases, the second guide 524b may be omitted.

A height of an upper end of the first guide 524a may be maintained constant. At least a portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be decreased as being away from the first guide 524a. An end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be, for example, an end of the third guide 524c. An upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the peripheral portion 522. A portion of an upper end of the third guide 524c may be positioned higher than the water supply 546. An upper end of the first guide 524a may be positioned the same as or higher than an upper end of an extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530. Accordingly, cold air flowing through the cold air inlet 520a may be blocked from flowing toward the extension wall 536 by the first guide 524a. An upper portion of the third guide 524c may be positioned at the same as or higher than an upper portion of the extension wall 536 of the first supporter 530, which will be described later.

An end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned closer to the second ice making cell 501b than a center of the first ice making cell 501a. Although not limited, an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may overlap a region between the first ice making cell 501a and the second ice making cell 501b in a Y-axis direction crossing a X-axis direction. A virtual line extending in a Y-axis direction from an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between a vertical center line of the first ice making cell 501a and a vertical center line of the second ice making cell 501b. A virtual line extending in an extension direction of the third guide 524c from the third guide 524c may pass through the water supply 546. The third guide 524c may overlap the water supply 546 in a X-axis direction.

A distance between the water supply 546 and an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be equal to or greater than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell 501a and a center of the second ice making cell 501b. A distance between the water supply 546 and an end 524c1 of the cold air guide 5241 may be less than a distance between a center of the first ice making cell 501a and a center of the third ice making cell 501c.

According to the present embodiment, cold air introduced through the cold air inlet 520a may flow along one surface of the cold air guide 5241 and then be supplied to a vicinity of the second ice making cell 501b. At this time, the first guide 524a may block cold air from directly flowing into the first through hole 523a. That is, the first guide 524a may partition the first through hole 523a and the cold air passage 520b.

The cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first through hole 523a and the cold air passage 520b. The cold air guide 5241 may be positioned between the first ice making cell 501a and the cold air passage 520b. Some of cold air supplied around the second ice making cell 501b may flow toward the first ice making cell 501a, and another portion of cold air may flow toward the third ice making cell 501c. At this time, a water supply 506 is provided at an upper side of the third ice making cell 501c, and a third guide 524c is positioned around the first ice making cell 501a, so that cold air may be prevented from being concentrated on either the first ice making cell 501a or the third ice making cell 501c.

As a result, since cold air first flows toward the second ice making cell 501b rather than the first ice making cell 501a which is closest to the cold air inlet 520a, and then cold air is distributed toward the first ice making cell 501a and the third ice making cell 501c, there is an advantage in that a difference in ice making speed among the plurality of ice making cells may be reduced. If a difference in ice making speed among the plurality of ice making cells is reduced, a time until ice is generated in all of the plurality of ice making cells may be reduced. At this time, another surface of the cold air guide 5241 (substantially the third guide 524c) may guide cold air flowing around the second ice making cell 501b to flow toward the first ice-making cell 501a.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a state in which a second tray is seated on a second supporter according to a third embodiment.

A second supporter of the present embodiment is identical to a second supporter of the first and second embodiments in other parts, but has a characteristic structure for guiding the transparent ice heater (or the second heater). Therefore, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 17, FIG. 30, and FIG. 34, a second supporter 1570 of the present embodiment may support the second tray 550 and the transparent ice heater 505. The transparent ice heater 505 may include an input portion 505a and an output portion 505b. Since the input portion 505a and the output portion 505b also generate heat, heat of the input portion 505a and the output portion 505b may be transferred to the ice making cell 501.

As described in the second embodiment, the first ice making cell 501a is positioned adjacent to the cold air inlet 520a. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent an ice making speed in the first ice making cell 501a adjacent to the cold air inlet 520a from becoming too fast, the second supporter 1570 may have a heater guide 1572 extended from a supporter body 1571 on which the first ice making cell 501a is seated.

The supporter body 1571 may include a heater coupling portion (see 576c of FIG. 17) having a recessed shape. The heater guide 1572 may extend from the heater coupling portion disposed at a lower side of the first ice making cell 501a. The heater guide 1572 may include a first guide 1573 extending in a radial direction based on the first ice making cell 501a, and a second guide 1573 extended by being bent from the first guide 573. Since the input portion 505a and the output portion 505b are disposed in the heater guide 157, an amount of heat supplied to the first ice making cell 501a among the plurality of ice making cells 501a, 501b, and 501c may be the largest.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating block coupled to a second supporter according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an insulating block according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 37 is a plan view of an insulating block of FIG. 36.

Referring to FIGS. 35 to 37, the present embodiment is characterized in that an insulating block 1680 is provided in a portion corresponding to a portion where the first ice making cell 501a is disposed in the second supporter 570 so as to prevent an ice making speed in the first ice making cell 501a described in the second embodiment from becoming too fast.

The second supporter 570 includes a supporter body 171 that supports the second tray 550, and a space 571a may be formed at a lower side of the supporter body 171. The insulating block 1680 may be inserted into a portion of the space 571a corresponding to the first ice making cell 501a. The insulating block 1680 may be formed of a material generally used as an insulating material. That is, the insulating block 1680 may surround a portion of the supporter body 171 that supports the first ice making cell 501a. The insulating block 1680 may restrict cold air from flowing from a lower side of the second supporter 570 toward the first ice making cell 501a, thereby slowing down an ice making speed in the first ice making cell 501a.

The insulating block 1680 may include a receiving groove 1681 to receive a portion of the supporter body 171. The insulating block 1680 may include a block opening 1682 corresponding to an opening 572 of the second supporter 570. By the block opening 1682, the second pusher 590 may be prevented from interfering with the insulating block 1680. The insulating block 1680 may further include an avoidance groove 1683 for preventing interference with a portion of the second supporter 570.

In the present specification, the second ice maker 500 may also include the cold air guide 524 and the heater guide 1572. Alternatively, the second ice maker 500 may also include the cold air guide 524 and the insulating block 1680. Alternatively, the second ice maker 500 may also include the cold air guide 524, the heater guide 1572, and the insulating block 1680.

FIG. 38 is a drawing showing a blocking wall of a first tray according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first tray of FIG. 38.

This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in a position of the blocking wall. Hereinafter, only characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a first tray 510 of the present embodiment may include a blocking wall 1517 to prevent water in the ice making cell 501 from overflowing to an outside of the ice making cell 501 due to an opening and closing process of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or a vibration of the refrigerator 1. The blocking wall 1517 may be formed continuously with an inner surface of the first tray 510 forming the ice making cell 501, so that a lower surface of the blocking wall 1517 may form a portion of the ice making cell 501.

In order to allow passing of the first pusher 540 while restricting water overflow through the blocking wall 1517, a through hole 1518 may be provided at a central portion of the blocking wall 1517. In order to allow deformation of the blocking wall 1517 while allowing passing of the first pusher 540, a thickness of the blocking wall 1517 may be less than a thickness of the first tray wall 511 forming an upper cell 511a in the first tray 510. A plurality of slits 1519 extending in a radial direction of the through hole 1518 may be provided in the blocking wall 1517. In a state in which the plurality of slits 1519 are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of slits 1519 may extend. The first tray 510 may include a storage chamber wall 1515 forming an auxiliary storage chamber communicating with the ice making cell 501. The auxiliary storage chamber may store water overflowing from the ice making cell 501. The storage chamber wall 1515 may extend upward from a perimeter of the blocking wall 1517. The storage chamber wall 1515 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape.

According to the present embodiment, since the blocking wall 1515 forms a part of the ice making cell 501, there is an advantage in that a shape of generated ice becomes the same as the ice making cell 501. For example, when the ice making cell is formed in a spherical shape, generated ice may be the same as a spherical shape or may be almost similar to the spherical shape.

It is to be noted that each embodiment described in this specification is not distinguished by an embodiment, and a combination of two or more embodiments is also possible.

For example, a combination of two or more of the first to fifth embodiments is also possible, and when some of the components of one embodiment are modified, a structure of one or more of the other embodiments may be applied as is or in a modified state to one embodiment.