The present application relates to a refrigerator.

A refrigerator is an appliance that may store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space shielded by a door. The refrigerator cools the inside of the storage space by using cold air, thereby keeping the stored food in a refrigerated state or a frozen state.

In some cases, an ice maker for making ice may be provided in a freezing space of the refrigerator. For example, the ice maker receives water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank in a tray, and then cools the water to generate ice. The ice generated by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin. The user may open a freezing space door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice of the ice bin.

In some cases, where ice is formed hard, a child, an elderly person, or a consumer having weak teeth may feel discomfort when chewing the ice.

The present application describes apparatus and method configured to generate chewable ice having reduced hardness.

The present application describes a refrigerator capable of manufacturing ice having strength to an extent that a consumer may chew and eat.

The present application describes a refrigerator capable of providing a tray including a peripheral surface in which ice is generated, and cooling water supplied to the peripheral surface to manufacture thin ice (ice in a first state).

The present application describes a refrigerator capable of providing a blade on one side of the tray to separate the thin ice from the peripheral surface and manufacture powdered ice (ice in a second state).

The present application describes a refrigerator capable of compressing the powdered ice to manufacture molded ice (ice in a third state) having a predetermined strength.

The present application describes a refrigerator capable of cooling water present on a peripheral surface of a tray by providing a cold-air supply device that supplies cold air to the tray.

The present application describes a refrigerator in which cold air may be smoothly supplied to a peripheral surface of the tray by providing a cold-air duct supplying cold air in a circumferential direction of the tray.

The present application describes a refrigerator in which a downstream cross-sectional area of the cold-air duct, based on a cold-air flow direction, is formed to be smaller than an upstream cross-sectional area so that cold air is concentrated on a peripheral surface of the tray.

The present application describes a refrigerator including a bracket forming an accommodation space of the tray, wherein the bracket includes a guide device so that a flow of cold air is smoothly guided toward a peripheral surface of the tray.

The present application describes a refrigerator in which the tray is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, so that cooling of the tray is rapidly performed by supplied cold air.

The present application describes a refrigerator in which at least one of a protrusion and a recess is formed on a peripheral surface of the tray to improve ice-making performance of the tray, and a space or a surface for formation of ice may be provided on at least one of the protrusion and the recess.

The present application describes a refrigerator in which a through portion is formed in the tray and a cold-air flow path may be formed in the through portion so that a cooling area of the tray is increased.

The present application describes a refrigerator including a reservoir storing water, wherein at least a portion of the tray is disposed to be immersed in the reservoir so that water may be smoothly supplied to a peripheral surface of the tray.

The present application describes a refrigerator including a bracket supporting the reservoir, wherein the bracket includes a wall extending toward a space between a peripheral surface of the tray and the reservoir so that supply of cold air to the reservoir is prevented.

According to an aspect, a refrigerator may include a tray having a peripheral surface or a peripheral wall to which water is supplied, and a cold-air duct disposed to supply cold air toward the peripheral surface of the tray. However, a liquid other than water may be supplied to the peripheral surface.

The cold-air duct may include a portion extending in a tangential direction of the tray or in a direction corresponding thereto.

The refrigerator may include a bracket forming an accommodation space of the tray, and the cold-air duct may be coupled to the bracket in an inclined manner.

The peripheral surface of the tray may include a portion extending in a rounded manner.

The peripheral surface of the tray may include a portion having an arc shape.

The peripheral surface of the tray may include a portion having a circular shape.

The tray may include a drum.

The cold-air duct may include a portion extending in a tangential direction of the peripheral surface of the tray or in a direction corresponding thereto, and cold air supplied through the portion may be intensively supplied to the peripheral surface.

The bracket may form an opening through which cold air is introduced, and the cold-air duct may include a discharge portion coupled to the opening.

The bracket may include a guide wall provided at an outer side of the tray to guide cold air toward the peripheral surface of the tray.

Based on the tray, the cold-air duct may be provided at one side of the tray, and the guide wall guiding cold air toward the peripheral surface may be provided at the other side of the tray.

One side of the tray on which the cold-air duct is provided and the other side of the tray on which the guide wall is provided may form opposite sides with respect to a center of the tray. Accordingly, cold-air flow along the peripheral surface of the tray may be smoothly performed.

The refrigerator may include a first blade provided at one side of the tray to separate ice generated on the peripheral surface, that is, ice in a first state, from the tray.

One side of the tray on which the cold-air duct is provided and the other side of the tray on which the first blade is provided may form opposite sides with respect to a center of the tray. Accordingly, resistance to cold-air flow caused by the first blade may be prevented.

The refrigerator may include a reservoir supplying water to the tray, and the reservoir may be disposed at a side opposite to a cold-air flow path through which cold air is supplied from the cold-air duct toward the peripheral surface of the tray.

Based on the center of the tray, a cold-air flow path from the cold-air duct toward the peripheral surface of the tray and the reservoir may be disposed opposite to each other. Accordingly, cold air introduced through the cold-air duct may be prevented from directly acting on the reservoir to freeze water in the reservoir.

The reservoir may be positioned below the tray based on a gravity direction, and the cold-air flow path may be positioned above the tray.

The refrigerator may include a bracket having a wall supporting the reservoir, and the bracket may include a portion positioned in a space between the peripheral surface of the tray and the reservoir. Supply of cold air to the reservoir may be prevented by the portion of the bracket.

The refrigerator may include a bracket forming an accommodation space of the tray, and the bracket may form an opening through which ice separated from the tray may move.

The opening may be formed opposite to the cold-air duct with respect to the tray so that cold air supplied to the tray may be discharged through the opening.

The opening may be defined as a space between a guide wall guiding cold air toward the peripheral surface of the tray and a wall of the bracket to which the first blade is coupled.

Based on a cold-air flow direction supplied from the cold-air duct, a downstream cross-sectional area of the cold-air duct may be formed to be smaller than an upstream cross-sectional area so that cold air is intensively supplied to the peripheral surface of the tray.

The tray may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, and may be rapidly cooled by cold air.

At least one of a protrusion and a recess may be formed on the peripheral surface of the tray, and a space or a surface for formation of ice may be provided on at least one of the protrusion and the recess, thereby improving ice-making performance and allowing ice formed on the peripheral surface to be separated by the blade.

According to the configuration of the recess and the protrusion, a thickness of ice formed in the recess may be greater than a thickness of ice formed on the protrusion, and when ice is separated by the blade, separation of ice formed in the recess may be performed based on the protrusion, thereby facilitating discharge as powdered ice.

The recess and the protrusion may be disposed in an axial direction on the peripheral surface.

The recess and the protrusion may be formed in plural, and the plurality of recesses and the plurality of protrusions may be alternately arranged.

The tray may be rotatably provided.

The tray may include a shaft coupling portion provided at a center of the tray and to which a shaft is coupled, a first tray portion forming the peripheral surface, and a second tray portion extending in a radial direction to connect the shaft coupling portion and the first tray portion.

The second tray portion may be provided in plural.

The first tray portion may include an outer circumferential surface forming the peripheral surface and an inner circumferential surface facing the shaft coupling portion.

The tray may include a through portion through which cold air passes to increase a cooling area of the tray.

The through portion may be formed to penetrate the tray in an axial direction.

The shaft coupling portion, the first tray portion, and the second tray portion may define the through portion.

In one aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space, a door configured to open and close the storage space, a tray rotatably provided in the door and having a peripheral surface configured to receive water and generate ice, an ice-making bracket accommodating the tray and forming a cold-air flow path for cooling the tray, and a cold-air duct connected to the ice-making bracket and disposed to supply cold air toward the tray.

The cold-air duct may extend in a tangential direction of the peripheral surface or in a direction corresponding thereto so as to supply cold air toward the peripheral surface.

The ice-making bracket may include a wall forming an opening connected to the cold-air duct, and the cold-air duct may extend in an inclined manner with respect to the wall of the ice-making bracket.

The door may include an ice-making chamber in which the ice-making bracket is installed, a door duct may be embedded in a wall of the ice-making chamber, and the cold-air duct may be disposed to connect the door duct and the ice-making bracket.

The cold-air duct may extend in an inclined manner with respect to the door duct and may be coupled to the ice-making bracket.

The cold-air duct may be formed such that a downstream width or flow cross-sectional area based on a cold-air flow direction is smaller than an upstream width or flow cross-sectional area.

The ice-making bracket may include a first opening introducing cold air and a second opening discharging cold air, and the first opening and the second opening may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to a center of the tray.

The ice-making bracket may include a guide wall protruding toward an outer circumference of the tray and guiding cold air flowing along the peripheral surface of the tray.

The guide wall may be formed to have a curvature corresponding to the peripheral surface of the tray.

The refrigerator may include a reservoir supplying water to the peripheral surface of the tray, the cold-air duct may be disposed toward one side with respect to a center of the tray, and the reservoir may be disposed at the other side with respect to the center of the tray, wherein the one side and the other side may form opposite sides.

The ice-making bracket may include a first wall on which the reservoir is seated and a second wall protruding from the first wall toward the peripheral surface of the tray to prevent inflow of cold air flowing along the peripheral surface of the tray into the reservoir.

The refrigerator may include a blade installed on the second wall to separate ice generated on the peripheral surface of the tray.

The refrigerator may include a water supply pipe supplying water to the peripheral surface of the tray.

In another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space, a door configured to open and close the storage space, a tray provided in the cabinet or the door and having a peripheral surface configured to receive water and generate ice in a first state, an ice-making bracket accommodating the tray and forming a cold-air flow path for cooling the tray, a piston movable provided to recombine ice in a second state separated from the tray, and a cold-air duct connected to the ice-making bracket and configured to supply cold air to the peripheral surface of the tray.

The tray may be rotatably provided, and the refrigerator may further include a blade provided outside a rotation path of the tray to separate ice in the first state from the peripheral surface.

The ice-making bracket may include a first opening to which the cold-air duct is connected and a second opening formed opposite to the first opening and configured to discharge ice in the second state separated by the blade from the ice-making bracket.

The ice-making bracket may include a guide wall formed at the second opening and guiding a flow of cold air toward the peripheral surface of the tray.

The refrigerator may include a transfer pipe accommodating ice in the second state, and the piston may be disposed inside the transfer pipe to recombine ice in the second state.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space, a door configured to open and close the storage space, a tray provided in the cabinet or the door and having a peripheral surface configured to receive water and generate ice in a first state, an ice-making bracket forming a first opening introducing cold air and a second opening discharging cold air, and a cold-air duct connected to the first opening of the ice-making bracket and configured to supply cold air to the peripheral surface of the tray.

The ice-making bracket may include a first wall shielding at least a portion of one side surface of the tray and a guide wall protruding from the first wall and guiding flow of cold air along the peripheral surface, and one side portion of the second opening may be defined by the guide wall.

The refrigerator may include a reservoir provided at one side of the tray, and the ice-making bracket may include a second wall connected to the first wall to support the reservoir and defining the other side portion of the second opening.

According to still another aspect, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet that defines a storage space; a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space; an ice-making body provided at the cabinet or the door, the ice-making body having a circumferential portion configured to receive water and to generate first state ice having a first state; and an ice-making bracket that receives the ice-making body and defines a cold air flow path configured to provide cooled air for cooling at least one of the ice-making body or the water received in the circumferential portion.

The refrigerator further comprises an ice-compressing assembly configured to move relative to the ice-making bracket, the ice-compressing assembly being configured to generate second state ice having a second state by combining the first state of ice separated from the ice-making body.

The refrigerator further comprises a cold air duct connected to the ice-making bracket and configured to supply the cooled air toward the circumferential portion of the ice-making body.

The ice-making body is configured to rotate relative to the ice-making bracket, and the refrigerator further comprises a blade that is disposed at an outside of a rotation path of the ice-making body and configured to separate the first state ice from the circumferential portion of the ice-making body.

The ice-making bracket defines: a first opening connected to the cold air duct; and a second opening disposed opposite to the first opening and configured to discharge the first state ice that is separated by the blade from the circumferential portion of the ice-making body.

The ice-making bracket comprises a guide wall disposed at the second opening and configured to guide the cooled air toward the circumferential portion of the ice-making body.

The refrigerator further comprises a transfer passage configured to receive the second state ice, and the ice-compressing assembly comprises a piston configured to be disposed inside the transfer passage and to generate the second state ice by combining the first state ice.

According to still another aspect, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet that defines a storage space; a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space; an ice-making body provided at the cabinet or the door, the ice-making body having a circumferential portion configured to receive water and to generate first state ice having a first state; and an ice-making bracket that receives the ice-making body and defines (i) a first opening configured to receive cooled air and (ii) a second opening for discharging the cooled air.

The refrigerator further comprises a cold air duct connected to the first opening of the ice-making bracket and configured to supply the cooled air toward the circumferential portion of the ice-making body.

The ice-making bracket comprises: a first wall that rotatably supports the ice-making body; and a guide wall that protrudes from the first wall and is configured to guide a flow of the cooled air along the circumferential portion, the guide wall defining a first side portion of the second opening.

The refrigerator further comprises a reservoir provided at one side of the ice-making body, and the ice-making bracket comprises a second wall that is connected to the first wall and supports the reservoir, the second wall defining a second side portion of the second opening.

In some implementations, since ice having strength to an extent that a consumer may chew and eat may be manufactured, consumer satisfaction may increase.

In some implementations, by providing a tray including a peripheral surface in which ice is generated, and cooling water supplied to the peripheral surface, thin ice (ice in a first state) may be manufactured.

In some implementations, by providing a blade on one side of the tray to separate the thin ice from the peripheral surface, powdered ice (ice in a second state) may be manufactured.

In some implementations, by compressing the powdered ice, molded ice (ice in a third state) having a predetermined strength may be manufactured.

In some implementations, a cold-air supply device supplying cold air to the tray may be provided so that water present on the peripheral surface of the tray may be cooled.

In some implementations, a cold-air duct supplying cold air in a circumferential direction of the tray may be provided so that cold air may be smoothly supplied to the peripheral surface of the tray.

In some implementations, based on a cold-air flow direction, a downstream cross-sectional area of the cold-air duct may be formed to be smaller than an upstream cross-sectional area so that cold air may be concentrated on the peripheral surface of the tray.

In some implementations, a bracket forming an accommodation space of the tray may be provided, and the bracket may include a cold-air guide device so that flow of cold air toward the peripheral surface of the tray may be smoothly performed.

In some implementations, the tray may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material, so that cooling of the tray may be rapidly performed by supplied cold air.

In some implementations, at least one of a protrusion and a recess may be formed on the peripheral surface of the tray, and a space or a surface for formation of ice may be provided on at least one of the protrusion and the recess, thereby improving ice-making performance of the tray.

In some implementations, a through portion may be formed in the tray, and a cold-air flow path may be formed in the through portion so that a cooling area of the tray may be increased.

In some implementations, a reservoir storing water may be provided, and at least a portion of the tray may be disposed in the reservoir so that water may be smoothly supplied to the peripheral surface of the tray.

In some implementations, a bracket supporting the reservoir may be provided, and the bracket may include a wall extending toward a space between the peripheral surface of the tray and the reservoir so that supply of cold air to the reservoir is prevented, thereby preventing water stored in the reservoir from being frozen.

• FIG. 1A is a front view of an example of a refrigerator, and FIG. 1B is a view showing an example of a state in which one door of the refrigerator is separated.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view viewed from a front of an example of a first refrigerating space door, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view viewed from a rear of the first refrigerating space door.
• FIG. 3A is a view showing an example state in which a basket and a filter are separated from the first refrigerating space door, and FIG. 3B is a view showing an example state in which an ice-making space door and a cover member separated from the first refrigerating space door.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an ice maker disposed inside an ice-making space in a state in which the ice-making space door is separated from the first refrigerating space door.
• FIG. 5 is a view showing an example configuration of an ice maker and a door duct.
• FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing an example configuration of an ice maker and an ice-making space bracket.
• FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing an example configuration of an ice maker and an ice-making space bracket.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of an ice maker and an ice-making space bracket.
• FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of an ice-making part of an ice maker.
• FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of a tray assembly and a reservoir.
• FIG. 11A is a view showing an example state when the tray assembly is at a first position.
• FIG. 11B is a view showing an example state when the tray assembly is at a second position.
• FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of a compression part of an ice maker.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a transfer pipe and a gear device.
• FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example configuration of a transfer pipe and a gear device.
• FIG. 15A is a view showing an example of a piston at a first position and ice separated from a tray assembly and falling into a transfer passage.
• FIG. 15B is a view showing an example of a piston moving to a second position and ice in a transfer passage and compressed by the piston.
• FIG. 15C is a view showing an example of a piston moving to a third position and a transfer guide device configured to move ice in the transfer passage.
• FIG. 15D is a view showing an example of a piston returning to a first position and the transfer guide device moving to an original position.
• FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an example configuration of an ice-making part of an ice maker.
• FIG. 17 is a left side view showing an example configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker.
• FIG. 18 is a right side view showing an example configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker.
• FIG. 19 is a front view showing an example configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker.
• FIG. 20 is a left perspective view showing an example configuration of a cold-air duct.
• FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view showing an example configuration of the cold-air duct.
• FIG. 22 is a view showing a partial configuration of the ice-making part.
• FIG. 23 is a view showing an example state in which a tray assembly and a reservoir are removed from FIG. 22.
• FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 8.
• FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 8.
• FIG. 26 is a view showing an example state in which cold air is supplied from a refrigerating space door to an ice-making chamber and cold air in the ice-making chamber is returned to an outside of the refrigerating space door.
• FIG. 27 is a view showing an example configuration of an ice-making part.
• FIG. 28 is a view showing an example configuration of an ice-making part.
• FIG. 29 is a view showing an example configuration of an ice-making part.

Hereinafter, some implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing implementations of the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with understanding of the implementations of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1A is a front view showing an example of a refrigerator, FIG. 1B is a view showing an example state in which one door of the refrigerator is separated, FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of a front of a first refrigerating space door, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing an example of a rear of the first refrigerating space door.

FIG. 3A is a view showing an example state in which a basket and a filter are separated from the first refrigerating space door, and FIG. 3B is a view showing an example state in which an ice-making space door and a cover member are separated from the first refrigerating space door.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 3B, a refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may include a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a door opening and closing the storage space. The door may be rotatably or movably connected to the cabinet 10.

The storage space may include a refrigerating space 18. The storage space may selectively or additionally include a freezing space 19. For example, FIG. 1B illustrates that the storage space includes the refrigerating space 18 and the freezing space 19. The refrigerating space 18 and the freezing space 19 may be partitioned by a partition wall.

The door may include refrigerating space doors 20 and 30 opening and closing the refrigerating space 18. The refrigerating space 18 may be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating space doors 20 and 30. The door may include a freezing space door 50 opening and closing the freezing space 19. The freezing space 19 may be opened and closed by one or more freezing space doors 50.

Hereinafter, an example in which the refrigerating space 18 is opened and closed by a first refrigerating space door 20 and a second refrigerating space door 30 will be described.

At least one of the first refrigerating space door 20 and the second refrigerating space door 30 may include a dispenser 40 for discharging water and/or ice. In some examples, depending on a type of refrigerator, it is also possible that the freezing space door 50 includes the dispenser 40.

At least one of the first refrigerating space door 20 and the second refrigerating space door 30 may include one or more ice makers 100.

Hereinafter, an example in which the ice maker 100 is provided in the first refrigerating space door 20 will be described. In some examples, it is also possible that an ice maker is provided in the second refrigerating space door 30 or the freezing space door 50. In this case, the dispenser 40 and the ice maker may be provided in the same door. Alternatively, an additional ice maker may also be provided in the refrigerating space 18 or the freezing space 19.

FIG. 1B illustratively shows that the refrigerator 1 is a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but unlike this, it is noted that the idea of the present disclosure may be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator. In the case of the side-by-side type or the top-mount type refrigerator, a freezing space door may include an ice maker and a dispenser, or a refrigerating space door may include an ice maker and a dispenser.

The dispenser 40 may be located on a front surface of the first refrigerating space door 20. A part of the dispenser 40 is recessed rearward to provide a space in which a container may be located.

The dispenser 40 may discharge ice generated by the ice maker 100. At least a part of the ice maker 100 may be positioned higher than the dispenser 40.

The first refrigerating space door 20 may include an outer case 21. The outer case 21 may form a front appearance. The first refrigerating space door 20 may include a door liner 70. The door liner 70 may be directly or indirectly connected to the outer case 21. The door liner 70 may open and close the refrigerating space 18.

In a state in which the outer case 21 and the door liner 70 are connected, an insulating space may be formed between the outer case 21 and the door liner 70. An insulating material may be provided in the insulating space. The insulating material may be formed by curing a foaming liquid injected from the outside. Alternatively, a vacuum insulating body may be provided in the insulating space. It is also possible that the insulating material and the vacuum insulating body are provided together in the insulating space.

The refrigerator 1 may include an ice-making space 25 providing a space in which ice is generated. The ice-making space 25 may, for example, be provided in the first refrigerating space door 20. The ice maker 100 may be located in the ice-making space 25. For example, the door liner 70 may form the ice-making space 25. The ice-making space 25 may be formed as one surface of the door liner 70 is recessed toward the outer case 21.

The first refrigerating space door 20 may further include an ice bin 500 in which ice generated by the ice maker 100 is stored. The ice stored in the ice bin 500 may be discharged to the dispenser 40. The ice bin 500 may be accommodated in the ice-making space 25 together with the ice maker 100. The ice bin 500 may be located below the ice maker 100.

For example, cold air generated by a cooler may be supplied to the ice-making space 25. That is, the cooler may be configured to supply cold air to the ice-making space 25. Alternatively, the cooler may be configured to operate to supply cold air (cooled air) to the ice-making space 25. In this manner, the ice-making space 25 may be cooled by an indirect cooling method using cold air. In some implementations, the ice-making space 25 may be cooled by a direct cooling method, e.g., using a refrigerant pipe. In some examples, an ice-making body may be disposed in the ice-making space 25 and configured to receive water, where the ice-making body can be cooled directly or indirectly by a cooling medium such as refrigerant or cooled air. For instance, the cooling medium may contact the ice-making body and be configured to transfer heat from the ice-making body to thereby freeze water received in the ice-making body into ice.

The cooler may be configured to cool the ice-making space 25 by including at least one of a refrigerant cycle and a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling of the freezing space 19 may be supplied to the ice-making space 25.

The refrigerator 1 may further include a supply flow path 16 guiding cold air of the freezing space 19 or cold air of a space in which an evaporator generating cold air for cooling of the freezing space 19 is located, to the first refrigerating space door 20. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge flow path 17 guiding cold air discharged from the first refrigerating space door 20 to the freezing space 19 or the space in which the evaporator is located. The supply flow path 16 and the discharge flow path 17 may be provided in the cabinet 10. Cold air circulating through the supply flow path 16 and the discharge flow path 17 may flow by a fan, for example, disposed in the freezing space 19 or the space in which the evaporator is located.

A first opening 16a forming an end portion of the supply flow path 16 may be formed in an inner wall of the refrigerating space 18. Cold air of the supply flow path 16 may be discharged from the supply flow path 16 through the first opening 16a. A second opening 17a forming an end portion of the discharge flow path 17 may be formed in the inner wall of the refrigerating space 18. Cold air of the supply flow path 16 may flow into the discharge flow path 17 through the second opening 17a. The first opening 16a and the second opening 17a may be formed in one inner wall among a plurality of inner walls of the refrigerating space 18.

The first refrigerating space door 20 may include a cold-air inlet 75. When the first refrigerating space door 20 is closed, the cold-air inlet 75 may communicate with the supply flow path 16 through the first opening 16a. The first refrigerating space door 20 may include a cold-air outlet 76. When the first refrigerating space door 20 is closed, the cold-air outlet 76 may communicate with the discharge flow path 17 through the second opening 17a.

The cold-air inlet 75 may be formed on one side surface of the door liner 70. Although not limited, the one side surface of the door liner 70 is a surface facing an inner wall of the refrigerating space 18 in which the supply flow path 16 is located when the first refrigerating space door 20 is closed. The cold-air outlet 76 may be formed on the one side surface of the door liner 70. Although not limited, the one side surface of the door liner 70 is a surface facing an inner wall of the refrigerating space 18 in which the discharge flow path 17 is located when the first refrigerating space door 20 is closed.

The one side surface of the door liner 70 may include a first side surface portion 72 and a second side surface portion 74 having different widths in a front-rear direction. A width in the front-rear direction of the second side surface portion 74 may be formed greater than a width of the first side surface portion 72. At least one of the cold-air inlet 75 and the cold-air outlet 76 may be formed in the second side surface portion 74 of the door liner 70. The second side surface portion 74 may protrude further toward the refrigerating space 18 than the first side surface portion 72.

The first refrigerating space door 20 may include an ice-making space door 60 opening and closing the ice-making space 25. The ice-making space door 60 may be an insulating door in which an insulating material is provided inside. The ice-making space door 60 may be rotatably connected to the first refrigerating space door 20 by a hinge.

A first basket 62 capable of storing food may be provided in the ice-making space door 60. It is possible that a second basket 65 is provided in the first refrigerating space door 20. For example, the second basket 65 may be located below the first basket 62. A length in the front-rear direction of the second basket 65 may be shorter than a length in the front-rear direction of the first basket 62. The second basket 65 may overlap the dispenser 40 in the front-rear direction.

In some implementations, a component space 63 accommodating components may be formed in the first refrigerating space door 20. In the component space 63, at least one of a valve 68 adjusting flow of water, a filter, and a water tank 69 storing water may be accommodated. The component space 63 may be formed by the door liner 70. Alternatively, the component space 63 may be formed by a separate wall connected to the door liner 70. The first refrigerating space door 20 may include a cover member 64 covering the component space 63. A holder 67 to which the filter is coupled may be provided in the component space 63.

In some implementations, the cover member 64 may include an opening 64a. Through the opening 64a, the filter may be coupled to the holder 67. The second basket 65 may cover the opening 64a. When the second basket 65 is separated, the opening 64a may be exposed. The holder 67 may be exposed through the opening 64a.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state of an ice maker disposed inside an ice-making space in a state in which an ice-making space door is separated from a first refrigerating space door, and FIG. 5 is a view showing configurations of an ice maker and a cold-air circulation duct to the ice maker.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a refrigerating space door 20 may include an ice-making space 25 accommodating an ice maker 100. The refrigerating space door 20 may include a plurality of walls 80 defining the ice-making space 25.

The plurality of walls may constitute at least a part of the door liner 70.

The plurality of walls may include a lower wall 80a defining a lower portion of the ice-making space 25, an upper wall 80b defining an upper portion of the ice-making space 25, and two side walls 81 defining both side portions of the ice-making space 25. The plurality of walls may further include a front wall 80c defining a front surface of the ice-making space 25.

The lower wall 80a may include a take-out portion 84 for taking out ice stored in the ice bin 500 to the dispenser 40.

The ice maker 100 may be located between the upper wall 80b and the ice bin 500. For example, the ice maker 100 may be disposed adjacent to the upper wall 80b.

A first duct 90 connected to the cold-air inlet 75 to supply cold air to the ice-making space 25 may be provided in the side wall 81. For example, the first duct 90 is embedded in the side wall 81 and may not be exposed to the ice-making space 25. The first duct 90 may extend upward from the cold-air inlet 75 to an upper portion of the refrigerating space door 20 in which the ice maker 100 is located. The first duct 90 can be referred to as a door duct.

The first duct 90 includes a duct discharge portion 91 discharging cold air, and cold air discharged from the duct discharge portion 91 may flow into a cold-air duct 400 of the ice maker 100.

A supply portion 82 guiding cold air to the cold-air duct 400 may be formed in the side wall 81. The duct discharge portion 91 is connected to the supply portion 82, and the cold-air duct 400 may be connected to the duct discharge portion 91 through the supply portion 82.

A return portion 83 for sending cold air of the ice-making space 25 to the cold-air outlet 76 may be formed in the side wall 81. For example, the return portion 83 may be formed at a height at which the ice bin 500 is located.

A second duct 95 may be connected to the return portion 83. The second duct 95 may include a duct inlet portion 96 introducing cold air discharged through the return portion 83. The duct inlet portion 96 may be directly or indirectly connected to the return portion 83. For example, the second duct 95 is embedded in the side wall 81 and may not be exposed to the ice-making space 25. The second duct 95 extends downward from the return portion 83 to a lower portion of the refrigerating space door 20, and may be connected to the cold-air outlet 76.

The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making part 200 performing an operation of receiving water, cooling the water in a tray assembly 240, and de-icing cooled ice. However, a liquid other than water may be supplied to the tray assembly 240.

The ice maker 100 may include a compression part 300 configured to transfer ice de-iced from the tray assembly 240 and recombine or compress transferred ice to manufacture ice in the third state. The ice in the third state may be ice having a predetermined thickness. The ice in the third state may have, for example, a cylindrical or polygonal column shape corresponding to an inner surface shape of a cylinder 360 or a discharge pipe 370 to be described later.

The ice maker 100 may include a cold-air duct 400 supplying cold air to the ice-making part 200. The cold-air duct 400 may be understood as being disposed between the side wall 81 and the tray assembly 240 to be described later.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the ice maker 100 will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker and an ice-making space bracket, FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing a configuration of the ice maker and the ice-making space bracket, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of the ice maker and the ice-making space bracket.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, an ice maker 100 may be installed in the ice-making space 25 of the refrigerating space door 20. The refrigerating space door 20 may include an ice-making space plate 85 forming at least a part of the wall 80 of the ice-making space 25. The ice-making space plate 85 may include the lower wall 80a and the front wall 80c.

The ice maker 100 may be supported by the front wall 80c of the ice-making space 25. The ice maker 100 may be coupled to the front wall 80c by a wall coupling portion 329. A plurality of wall coupling portions 329 may be provided on both sides of the ice maker 100. For example, the wall coupling portion 329 may be understood as a fastening device provided in the compression part 300.

The ice maker 100 is supported on an upper portion of the front wall 80c, and the ice bin 500 may be located below the ice maker 100. The refrigerating space door 20 may include a take-out motor to provide driving force to discharge ice stored in the ice bin 500 to the dispenser 40.

The wall 80 of the ice-making space 25 may include a motor accommodating portion 86 surrounding the take-out motor. The take-out motor is connected to a gear assembly located in front of the front wall 80c, and when the gear assembly operates by driving of the take-out motor, an auger of the ice bin 500 operates so that ice may be taken out. The front wall 80c may include a through portion 87 through which a shaft connecting the gear assembly and the ice bin 500 passes. Ice discharged from the ice bin 500 may be discharged to the dispenser 40 through the take-out portion 84 of the lower wall 80a.

The ice maker 100 may include an ice-making part 200 including a first motor 210. The first motor 210 may be named an "ice-making motor" providing driving force to move a tray assembly 240 in order to move the tray assembly 240.

The ice-making part 200 may include ice-making brackets 220 and 230 forming a cold-air flow path. A cold-air duct 400 is connected to one side of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, and cold air supplied through the cold-air duct 400 may flow through a cold-air flow path formed inside the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The cold-air duct 400 may be defined as a "first cold-air duct", and the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may also be defined as a "second cold-air duct".

The first motor 210 may be connected to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a first bracket 220 forming an accommodating space of the tray assembly 240. The cold-air duct 400 is connected to the first bracket 220, and cold air supplied through the cold-air duct 400 may flow into the accommodating space. The cold-air duct 400 may include an inlet portion 420 connected to the supply portion 82 of the side wall 81.

The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a second bracket 230 connected to the first bracket 220 and forming a cold-air flow path together with the first bracket 220. For example, one side portion of the first bracket 220 is opened, and the opened one side portion may be covered by the second bracket 230 so that a cold-air flow path may be formed therein.

The second bracket 230 may form an accommodating space in which a gear assembly 235 and 236 interworking by driving of the first motor 210 is accommodated.

The first bracket 220 and the second bracket 230 may be connected in a front-rear direction. The first motor 210 is connected to one side of the second bracket 230, and the gear assembly 235 and 236 may interwork by driving of the first motor 210. For example, the first motor 210 and the second bracket 230 may be disposed in the front-rear direction.

The ice-making space plate 85 may include a support wall 85a for supporting the ice-making part 200. The support wall 85a constitutes an upper portion of the ice-making space plate 85, and the ice-making part 200 may be supported on an upper portion of the ice-making space plate 85 through the support wall 85a.

The ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may include a plate coupling portion 229 supported by the ice-making space plate 85. For example, the plate coupling portion 229 is provided in the first bracket 220 and may be coupled to a coupling hole 88 formed in the support wall 85a.

For example, the plate coupling portion 229 may include a rib protruding from the first bracket 220. However, unlike this, the plate coupling portion 229 provided in the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may be provided in various forms, for example, a boss or a fastening hole to which a fastening member is coupled. Correspondingly, the coupling hole 88 of the ice-making space plate 85 may also be provided in a form of a rib or a boss.

A plurality of plate coupling portions 229 may be provided at a plurality of points of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

The ice-making part 200 may include a reservoir 250 storing water. The reservoir 250 may supply water to the tray assembly 240.

The first bracket 220 may include a communication portion 221b guiding a water supply pipe 120 (see FIG. 11A) to supply water to the reservoir 250. The communication portion 221b may be formed on a surface of the first bracket 220 facing the front wall 80c.

For example, the water supply pipe 120 is inserted into the communication portion 221b, and at least a part of the water supply pipe 120 may extend into the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

The ice maker 100 may include a compression part 300 including a second motor 310. The second motor 310 may be named a "compression motor" providing driving force to move a piston 335 (see FIG. 12) for compressing or recombining ice. In some examples, the compression part 300 may be referred to as an ice-compressing assembly or ice-compression assembly.

The compression part 300 may include a first bracket 320 connected to the second motor 310. The first bracket 320 may support parts constituting the compression part 300.

The compression part 300 may include a discharge port 328 for discharging ice manufactured in the ice maker 100 to the ice bin 500. For example, the discharge port 328 is formed on a lower surface of the first bracket 320, and ice discharged through the discharge port 328 may fall into the ice bin 500.

The compression part 300 may include a cylinder 360 defining a movement space of ice (powdered ice) generated in the ice-making part 200. Ice introduced into the cylinder 360 may be compressed or recombined by a reciprocating piston 335 into ice molded ice having a predetermined volume. The ice described herein may include frozen ice fragments or powder produced by mechanically separating a frozen ice body from the ice-making body and subsequently compressing the fragments or powder into a shaped ice piece. The ice fragments or powdered ice may have a water content and density suitable for the subsequent ice compressing or shaping operations described herein.

The compression part 300 may include a transfer pipe 340 provided at an inlet side of the cylinder 360 and configured to transfer ice (powdered ice) discharged from the ice-making part 200 to the cylinder 360. A space for accommodating the powdered ice is formed inside the transfer pipe 340, and the powdered ice may move into the cylinder 360. In some examples, the compression part 300 includes a transfer passage or duct, and the transfer pipe 340 is an example of the transfer passage or duct.

The compression part 300 may include a discharge pipe 370 provided at an outlet side of the cylinder 360 and providing a predetermined resistance so that ice present in the cylinder 360 is compressed or recombined.

For example, to provide the resistance, the discharge pipe 370 may be formed such that a cross-sectional area decreases based on a direction in which ice moves.

The discharge pipe 370 may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example, a silicone material, to provide the resistance.

An outlet of the discharge pipe 370 is opened, and molded ice compressed or recombined while passing through the discharge pipe 370 may be discharged through the opened outlet of the discharge pipe 370.

The compression part 300 may include a cutter wall 380 disposed at a position spaced apart from the outlet of the discharge pipe 370 by a predetermined distance and interfering with molded ice discharged through the discharge pipe 370. The cutter wall 380 is supported by the first bracket 320 and may be disposed adjacent to an upper side of the discharge port 328.

The cutter wall 380 includes an inclined surface facing the discharge pipe 370, and molded ice discharged from the discharge pipe 370 may be cut while interfering with the inclined surface. Then, the cut ice may fall into the ice bin 500 through the discharge port 328.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a configuration of an ice-making part of an ice maker, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a tray assembly and a reservoir, FIG. 11A is a view showing a state when a tray assembly is at a first position, and FIG. 11B is a view showing a state when the tray assembly is at a second position.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the ice-making part 200 may include a tray assembly 240 forming an ice-making space.

The tray assembly 240 may include a tray 241 receiving water to perform ice-making. The tray 241 may be provided to be movable by receiving power from the first motor 210. For example, the tray 241 may be provided to be rotatable.

The tray 241 may include peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b forming a water storage space. The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may be understood as including a cell for ice generation.

For example, the tray 241 may have a drum shape having a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface may form an outer circumferential surface of the drum. That is, the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may be understood as extending in a circumferential direction to form the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241.

In some implementations, the tray 241 may have a disk shape or a plate shape including both side walls and a peripheral surface. In some examples, the tray 241 may be referred to as an ice-making body or a rotating body having a disk shape, a plate shape, a fan shape, an arc shape, a cylindrical shape, etc.

The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may include a first peripheral surface 242a forming a water storage space. The first peripheral surface 242a may form at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the tray 241. When the first peripheral surface 242a is at a position facing the reservoir 250, the first peripheral surface 242a may include a surface contacting water stored in the reservoir 250. In some examples, the first peripheral surface 242a may be referred to as a circumferential portion or a peripheral portion of the ice-making body (e.g., tray 241) configured to receiver water.

The first peripheral surface 242a may be disposed adjacent to the first blade 280 so that ice generated on the first peripheral surface 242a contacts the first blade 280.

The first peripheral surface 242a may include at least one of a first part defining a recessed portion and a second part defining a protruding portion so as to increase a contact area of water cooling area. The first part may include a recess 241a, and the second part may include a protrusion 241b.

When a recessed portion of the first peripheral surface 242a is viewed as a reference position, it may be understood that the first peripheral surface 242a includes the protrusion 241b, and when a protruding portion of the first peripheral surface 242a is viewed as a reference position, it may be understood that the first peripheral surface 242a includes the recess 241a.

Due to configurations of the recess 241a and the protrusion 241b, the first peripheral surface 242a may be understood as including an uneven structure.

A plurality of recesses 241a and a plurality of protrusions 241b may each be provided. The plurality of recesses 241a (see FIG. 17) and the plurality of protrusions 241b (see FIG. 17) may have a structure in which they are alternately arranged. The recesses 241a may be recessed relative to the protrusions 241b. In some examples, the recesses 241a are defined at the peripheral surfaces 242a such that the protrusions 241b are formed between the recesses 241a. In some examples, the protrusions 241b are disposed at the peripheral surfaces 242a such that the recesses 241a are formed between the protrusions 241b.

The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may include a second peripheral surface 242b. When the second peripheral surface 242b is at a position facing the reservoir 250, the second peripheral surface 242b may include a surface that does not contact water stored in the reservoir 250.

The second peripheral surface 242b may be disposed relatively far away from the first blade 280 so that ice generated on the second peripheral surface 242b does not contact the first blade 280.

A center distance from a center of the tray 241 to the second peripheral surface 242b, that is, a radius distance of the second peripheral surface 242b, may be formed less than a center distance from the center of the tray 241 to the first peripheral surface 242a, that is, a radius distance of the first peripheral surface 242a. For example, the second peripheral surface 242b may have a shape cut from an edge of the first peripheral surface 242a in a direction toward the center of the tray 241.

When the first peripheral surface 242a is at a position to be frozen by contacting cold air, the second peripheral surface 242b is disposed to face the reservoir 250. In some examples, since the second peripheral surface 242b does not contact water of the reservoir 250, the reservoir 250 may not be cooled by the tray 241 forming a low temperature. Accordingly, freezing of water stored in the reservoir 250 may be prevented.

At least one first peripheral surface 242a may be provided. For example, a plurality of first peripheral surfaces 242a are provided, and the second peripheral surface 242b may be disposed between the plurality of first peripheral surfaces 242a based on the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

At least one second peripheral surface 242b may be provided. For example, a plurality of second peripheral surfaces 242b are provided, and the first peripheral surface 242a may be disposed between the plurality of second peripheral surfaces 242b based on the circumferential direction of the tray 241.

The tray 241 may include side walls 244 also referred to as side surfaces. The side wall 244 may include a portion extending in a radial direction of the tray 241.

A plurality of side walls 244, for example, two side walls 244, may be provided to form both side surfaces of the tray 241. The two side walls 244 may be disposed spaced apart in an axial direction of the first motor 210. The peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b may be formed between the two side walls 244.

The tray 241 may include an inner circumferential wall 244a connected to the side wall 244. The inner circumferential wall 244a is understood to form an inner circumferential surface of the tray 241, and may include a surface opposite to the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b with respect to the side wall 244.

A bar 249 is coupled to the tray 241 as a "central shaft" of the tray 241. The bar 249 may have a non-circular shape.

The bar 249 may be disposed to pass through a central portion or a rotational center portion of the tray 241. The central portion of the tray 241 includes a central bracket 243, and the central bracket 243 may have a shape surrounding at least a part of the bar 249.

The bar 249 is coupled to gear assemblies 235 and 236, and may rotate in interworking with the gear assemblies 235 and 236. For example, the bar 249 may be integrally formed with the gear assemblies 235 and 236, or may be provided to be separable.

Another example is proposed. The bar 249 is removed, and a central shaft protruding from the gear assemblies 235 and 236 may be directly coupled to the central bracket 243 of the tray 241.

The tray 241 may include extension walls 243a extending from the central bracket 243 toward the side walls 244. The extension wall 243a may, for example, extend in a radial direction from the central bracket 243.

A plurality of extension walls 243a are provided, and the plurality of extension walls 243a may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction.

Directions will be defined. Throughout the specification, an "axial direction" means a direction in which a shaft of the first motor 210 or the second motor 310 extends, and a "radial direction" means a direction of a radius crossing the axial direction.

The tray 241 may form tray holes 245 (ice-making body openings). The tray hole 245 may be understood as a hole penetrating in the axial direction of the tray 241. Through the tray hole 245, cold air flows so that a cooling area of the tray 241 may increase.

The tray hole 245 may be understood as a space defined by the central bracket 243, the plurality of extension walls 243a, and the inner circumferential wall 244a. A plurality of tray holes 245 are formed, and the plurality of tray holes 245 may be disposed in a circumferential direction of the tray 241.

The tray assembly 240 may include tray covers 246 and 247 connected to the tray 241. The tray covers 246 and 247 may be provided on both side walls 244 of the tray 241.

The tray covers 246 and 247 are disposed to cover at least one side of the tray 241 and may function to prevent water of the reservoir 250 from flowing into the tray holes 245 of the tray 241.

The tray covers 246 and 247 may be made of a material having low thermal conductivity so that generation of ice is limited. For example, the material having low thermal conductivity may include a non-metal material. A plastic material may be proposed as an example of the non-metal material.

The tray cover 246 and 247 may include a first tray cover 246 provided on one side wall 244 of the tray 241. The first tray cover 246 may include a first cover wall 246a covering the one side wall 244 of the tray 241. A radial length or width of the first cover wall 246a may be formed greater than a radial length or width of the side wall 244 of the tray 241 so as to prevent water from flowing into the tray hole 245 of the tray 241.

The first tray cover 246 may include a first through hole 246b through which the central bracket 243 of the tray 241 passes. The first through hole 246b may be axially aligned with the central bracket 243 of the tray 241.

The first tray cover 246 may include a first extension wall 246c extending from the first through hole 246b toward the first cover wall 246a. The first extension wall 246c may extend in a radial direction to cover the extension walls 243a of the tray 241. The first extension wall 246c may be provided in a plurality corresponding to the extension walls 243a.

The first tray cover 246 may include a first inner circumferential wall 246d connected to the first cover wall 246a. The first inner circumferential wall 246d may be understood to form an inner circumferential surface of the first tray cover 246.

The first tray cover 246 may include a first cover fastening portion 246e protruding from the first inner circumferential wall 246d. The first cover fastening portion 246e may include a boss, and a predetermined fastening member may pass through the boss and be fastened to a second cover fastening portion 247e of the second tray cover 247. However, the shape of the first cover fastening portion 246e is not limited thereto, and as long as it may be coupled to the second cover fastening portion 247e, it may also be provided in a shape of a rib or a locking protrusion.

The first tray cover 246 may include a first communication hole 246f communicating with the tray hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air may pass through the through-tray hole 245 via the first communication hole 246f.

The tray covers 246 and 247 may include a second tray cover 247 provided at the other side wall 244 of the tray 241. The second tray cover 247 may include the second cover wall 247a covering the other side wall 244 of the tray 241. In order to prevent water from flowing into the tray hole 245 of the tray 241, a radial length of the second cover wall 247a may be formed to be greater than a radial length of the side wall 244 of the tray 241.

A configuration of the second tray cover 247 may be substantially similar to that of the first tray cover 246. The second tray cover 247 may include a second through hole 247b having a configuration corresponding to the first through hole 246b of the first tray cover 246.

The second tray cover 247 may include a second extension wall 247c corresponding to the first extension wall 246c of the first tray cover 246.

The second tray cover 247 may include a second inner circumferential wall 247d corresponding to the first inner circumferential wall 246d of the first tray cover 246.

The second tray cover 247 may include a second cover fastening portion 247e corresponding to the first cover fastening portion 246e of the first tray cover 246.

The second tray cover 247 may include a second communication portion 247f communicating with the tray hole 245 of the tray 241. Cold air may pass through the second communication portion 247f via the first communication portion 246f and the tray hole 245.

In some implementations, the first tray cover 246 and the second tray cover 247 may be understood as one component of a "tray" in a broad sense. In this case, the tray assembly 240 may be referred to as a "tray", the tray 241 may be referred to as a "tray part", and the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 may constitute a part of the tray assembly 240.

In some implementations, the first and second tray covers 246 and 247 may not be provided, and the tray assembly 240 may be configured to include only the tray 241.

The ice-making part 200 may include the first bracket 220 forming a first accommodating space 220a for the tray assembly 240.

The first bracket 220 may include a first wall 221 supported by the ice-making space plate 85. The first wall 221 may be understood as a wall shielding at least a portion of one side surface of the tray assembly 240.

In some implementations, the first wall 221 may be disposed to support the tray 241. The first wall 221 may include an insertion hole 221a into which at least a portion of the tray 241 is inserted to support the tray 241. For example, the central bracket 243 of the tray 241 may be rotatably inserted into the insertion hole 221a.

The first wall 221 may include communication portion 221b guiding the water supply pipe 120. The water supply pipe 120 is inserted into the communication portion 221b, and at least a part of the water supply pipe 120 may be located in the first accommodating space 220a.

The first wall 221 may form at least a portion of a wall guiding flow of cold air introduced through the cold-air duct 400.

The ice-making part 200 may include a second wall 222 connected to the first wall 221. The second wall 222 is connected to an end portion of the first wall 221, for example, an upper end portion, and may protrude in a direction toward the first motor 210. The second wall 222 may form an upper end portion of the ice-making part 200.

The ice-making part 200 may include a third wall 223 connected to the first wall 221. The third wall 223 is connected to an end portion of the first wall 221, for example, a lower end portion, and may protrude in a direction toward the first motor 210. The third wall 223 may form a lower end portion of the ice-making part 200.

The ice-making part 200 may include a fourth wall 224 and a fifth wall 225 connected to the third wall 223. The fourth wall 224 is connected to one side of the third wall 223, and the fifth wall 225 may be connected to the other side of the third wall 223. For example, the fourth wall 224 and the fifth wall 225 may protrude at both ends of the third wall 223. In some examples, any one of the first to fifth walls that contacts the reservoir may be referred to as a supporting wall. For example, the third wall 223 may be a supporting wall that supports a bottom of the reservoir 250, and the fourth wall 224 and the fifth wall 225 may be extending walls protruding from the supporting wall.

The ice-making part 200 may include a second accommodating space 220b in which the reservoir 250 is placed. The second accommodating space 220b may be understood as a space defined by the third wall 223, the fourth wall 224, and the fifth wall 225. The second accommodating space 220b may be formed below the first accommodating space 220a.

The reservoir 250 may include a case having a predetermined capacity, and a heater 255 provided in a wall of the case and providing heat so that water stored in the reservoir 250 is not frozen. The heater 255 may be named a "reservoir heater".

The ice-making part 200 may include a water supply guide wall 224a guiding water supplied from the water supply pipe 120 to the reservoir 250. The water supply guide wall 224a may form at least a portion of the fourth wall 224.

The water supply guide wall 224a may be located adjacent to a discharge portion of the water supply pipe 120, and may include an inclined surface guiding a flow of water discharged from the water supply pipe 120. The inclined surface of the water supply guide wall 224a may extend to be inclined with respect to a direction from the communication portion 221b toward the reservoir 250.

Water discharged from the water supply pipe 120 falls onto the inclined surface, and the fallen water flows downward at a low speed along the inclined surface and may flow into the reservoir 250.

The ice-making part 200 may include a first blade 280 contacting ice made to separate ice made in the tray 241. The first blade 280 may be located adjacent to a rotation path of the tray 241. In particular, the first blade 280 may be located adjacent to the first peripheral surface 242a when the tray 241 rotates.

The first blade 280 may be provided in the fifth wall 225. For example, the reservoir 250 is disposed on an inner surface of the fifth wall 225, and the first blade 280 may be coupled to a surface of the fifth wall 225.

The ice-making part 200 may include a second blade 285 contacting frozen ice to separate frozen ice from the tray assembly 240.

The second blade 285 may be located adjacent to both side walls of the tray assembly 240 so as to scrape frozen ice on both side walls, that is, the first cover wall 246a and the second cover wall 247a.

A plurality of second blades 285 may be provided, and one second blade 285 may be provided in the first wall 221. Another second blade 285 may be provided in an outer wall of the second bracket 230, for example, an outer wall of the gear bracket 231.

The first blade 280 and the second blade 285 may be disposed at positions spaced apart from each other, for example, disposed opposite to each other based on a center of the tray assembly 240. With this configuration, it may be possible to prevent a cold-air flow path formed in the ice-making part 200 from being interfered with by the first and second blades 280 and 285.

In detail, cold air introduced through the cold-air duct 400 flows from an area in which the second blade 285 is located to an opposite area in which the first blade 280 is located based on the center of the tray assembly 240. If the first and second blades 280 and 285 are disposed in one side area based on the center of the tray assembly 240, there is a problem in that these blades act as flow-path resistance. In some implementations, by disposing the first and second blades 280 and 285 on both sides of the tray assembly 240, an effect of reducing resistance of cold-air flow may appear.

While the tray assembly 240 rotates, frozen ice contacting the second blade 285 is separated from the tray assembly 240, and the separated ice may flow into the reservoir 250.

So that ice separated by the second blade 285 may flow into the reservoir 250, the second blade 285 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the reservoir 250. For example, based on a height direction with respect to a ground supporting the refrigerator, the reservoir 250 is disposed below the tray assembly 240 and the second blade 285 may be disposed at a position lower than a center of the tray assembly 240.

In some implementations, the second blade 285 may be disposed at a position overlapped in an up-down direction with respect to an opened upper end of the reservoir 250. The opened upper end of the reservoir 250 may be understood as an end portion into which water flows.

A cold-air flow path through which cold air introduced from the cold-air duct 400 flows may be formed inside the first bracket 220. At least a portion of the cold-air flow path may be formed in the first accommodating space 220a.

The first bracket 220 may include a first opening 224b to which the cold-air duct 400 is coupled and which forms a cold-air inlet portion. The first opening 224b may be formed in a fourth wall 224 also referred to as a side wall of the first bracket 220. For example, the first opening 224b may be formed on a side on which the water supply guide wall 224a is provided, and may be located above the water supply guide wall 224a.

The first opening 224b and the reservoir 250 may be located opposite to each other based on the center of the tray 241. For example, the first opening 224b may be formed at a position higher than the center of the tray 241, and the reservoir 250 may be disposed at a position lower than the center of the tray 241. With such a configuration, it may be possible to prevent cold air introduced through the first opening 224b from directly flowing into the reservoir 250.

The ice-making part 200 may include a guide wall 226 disposed to guide cold air to the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b of the tray 241. The guide wall 226 is provided in the first wall 221 and may be formed to be rounded corresponding to a curvature of the peripheral surfaces 242a and 242b.

A first portion of the guide wall 226 may be connected to the first wall 221, and a second portion may be connected to the second wall 222.

The guide wall 226 and the first opening 224b may be located opposite to each other based on the center of the tray 241. Accordingly, since air supplied to an outer circumferential surface peripheral surface of the tray 241 through the first opening 224b is guided by the guide wall 226 located opposite to the first opening 224b, it may be possible to form cold-air flow path along the outer circumferential surface peripheral surface of the tray 241.

A space between the guide wall 226 and the first blade 280 forms a second opening 227 (see FIG. 17) through which powdered ice separated from the tray 241 is discharged, and cold air guided by the guide wall 226 may be diffused to the ice-making space 25 through the second opening 227.

The ice-making part 200 may include gear assemblies 235 and 236 interworking with the first motor 210. The gear assemblies 235 and 236 may include a driving gear 235 connected to the first motor 210 and a driven gear 236 interworking with the driving gear 235.

The number of gear teeth of the driving gear 235 is formed less than the number of gear teeth of the driven gear 236, so that the gear assemblies 235 and 236 may constitute a reduction gear. Accordingly, torque for rotating the tray assembly 240 may increase.

The ice-making part 200 may include the second bracket 230 accommodating the gear assemblies 235 and 236. The second bracket 230 may shield an opened one side of the first bracket 220 to form a cold-air flow path within the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

The second bracket 230 may include the gear bracket 231 supporting the gear assemblies 235 and 236. The gear bracket 231 includes a bracket wall 231a covering the opened one side of the first bracket 220, and the bracket wall 231a may form at least one surface of the cold-air flow path.

The gear assemblies 235 and 236 may be rotatably supported by the bracket wall 231a. A hole to which a shaft of the first motor 210 is connected is formed in a first center portion 235a of the driving gear 235, and the shaft of the first motor 210 may be supported by the bracket wall 231a through the hole.

The bar 249 may be connected to a second center portion 236a of the driven gear 236 through the bracket wall 231a. A hole to which the bar 249 is connected is formed in the second center portion 236a of the driven gear 236, and the bar 249 may be supported by the bracket wall 231a through the hole.

The first center portion 235a and the second center portion 236a may each include a bracket forming a hole.

The second bracket 230 may include a gear cover 232 connected to the gear bracket 231. The gear cover 232 may shield an opened one side of the gear bracket 231. The gear bracket 231 and the gear cover 232 may constitute a "gear housing".

For example, the gear cover 232 may be fastened to the gear bracket 231. The gear bracket 231 may include a first fastening portion 231b fastened to the gear cover 232, and the gear cover 232 may include a second fastening portion 232a fastened to the first fastening portion 231b. A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the first fastening portion 231b and the second fastening portion 232a.

The gear bracket 231 may include a first coupling portion 231c fastened to the first bracket 220. The first bracket 220 may include a second coupling portion 222a fastened to the first coupling portion 231c. A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the first coupling portion 231c and the second coupling portion 222a.

The gear cover 232 may be coupled to the first motor 210. The first motor 210 includes a fastening rib 215, and the gear cover 232 may include a fastening boss 237 coupled to the fastening rib 215. A predetermined fastening member may pass through the fastening rib 215 and be coupled to the fastening boss 237.

The gear cover 232 may include a first through portion 232b through which the shaft of the first motor 210 passes. The shaft of the first motor 210 may be coupled to the first center portion 235a of the driving gear 235 through the first through portion 232b. The first center portion 235a of the driving gear 235 may be rotatably supported by the first through portion 232b.

The gear cover 232 may include a second through portion 232c by which the second center portion 236a of the driven gear 236 is supported. The second center portion 236a of the driven gear 236 may be rotatably supported by the second through portion 232c.

When the first motor 210 rotates, the driving gear 235 and the driven gear 236 interwork, and the bar 249 connected to the driven gear 236 may rotate. According to rotation of the bar 249, the tray assembly 240 may rotate.

The operation of the tray assembly 240 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A illustrates a state in which the tray assembly 240 is at an ice-making position (a first position), and FIG. 11B illustrates a state in which the tray assembly 240 is at a water-supply position (a second position).

Referring to FIG. 11A, based on driving of the first motor 210, the tray assembly 240 may be at the ice-making position. At the ice-making position, a first peripheral surface 242a of the tray 241 may not be immersed in the reservoir 250 and may be located in a first accommodation space 220a of the first bracket 220. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, two first peripheral surfaces 242a may be located on both upper sides of the reservoir 250.

At the ice-making position, water supplied to the first peripheral surface 242a may be cooled by cold air supplied through the cold-air duct 400 and may undergo a phase change into thin ice. A state of ice cooled on the first peripheral surface 242a may be referred to as a first state (first state ice). The ice in the first state may be formed to a predetermined height on surfaces of a recess 241a and a protrusion 241b provided on the first peripheral surface 242a. The ice in the first state may be understood as ice having a thin layer thickness.

When a predetermined time elapses at the ice-making position, the first motor 210 may be driven so that the tray assembly 240 rotates. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the tray assembly 240 may rotate counterclockwise.

During rotation of the tray assembly 240, when the first peripheral surface 242a is at a position where the first blade 280 is provided, the first blade 280 may contact ice formed on the first peripheral surface 242a. In the contact process, the ice may be separated from the first peripheral surface 242a and may be de-iced.

The de-iced ice may be introduced into the compression part 300, in particular into the transfer pipe 340. The de-iced ice may have a shape of powdered ice, and such a state of ice may be referred to as a second state (second state ice).

The de-icing process may be performed during a section in which the tray 241 makes one rotation (a 360-degree rotation), so that ice formed on the two first peripheral surfaces 242a may be separated by the first blade 280.

In some examples, in this process, the first peripheral surface 242a on which de-icing has been completed may further rotate and pass the water-supply position as illustrated in FIG. 11B. While passing the water-supply position, water may be supplied to the first peripheral surface 242a.

In detail, the tray assembly 240 rotates counterclockwise from the position of FIG. 11A, de-icing is performed on the first peripheral surface 242a, and the tray assembly 240 moves to the position of FIG. 11B. In some examples, the first peripheral surface 242a is immersed in or contacted with water of the reservoir 250. Water that contacts the first peripheral surface 242a may remain on the first peripheral surface 242a due to surface tension.

Such a water-supply operation may be performed until water is supplied to the two first peripheral surfaces 242a. That is, when the tray assembly 240 makes one rotation from the position of FIG. 11A, the de-icing operation and the water-supply operation may be performed.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the compression part of the ice maker, FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the transfer pipe and a gear device, FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the transfer pipe and the gear device, FIG. 15A is a view illustrating a state in which the piston is at a first position and de-iced ice from the tray assembly falls into the transfer pipe, and FIG. 15B is a view illustrating a state in which the piston moves to a second position and ice in the transfer pipe is compressed by the piston.

First, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the ice maker 100 may include a compression part 300 for compressing or recombining ice (powdered ice, ice in the second state) de-iced from the ice-making part 200.

The compression part 300 may include a second motor 310 for providing driving force. The second motor 310 may include a motor shaft 312.

The compression part 300 may include a pinion gear 315 coupled to the motor shaft 312 and rotating according to driving of the second motor 310. The pinion gear 315 may include a shaft coupling portion 314 coupled to the motor shaft 312.

The compression part 300 may include a rack gear 330 interworking with the pinion gear 315. The rack gear 330 may include a bar-shaped rack body 331 and a first gear 332 formed on the rack body 331 and interworking with the pinion gear 315.

The rack gear 330 may include a rail 334 guiding movement of the rack gear 330. For example, the rail 334 may be provided at a lower end portion of the rack body 331. The rail 334 may move along a rail groove 324a provided in a fastening wall 324 of the first bracket 320.

The compression part 300 may include a piston 335 that moves together with the rack gear 330. The piston 335 may include a portion extending in a direction corresponding to an extension direction of the rack gear 330, and may be provided to be capable of reciprocating motion. The piston 335 may move only up to an inlet side of the cylinder 360, or at least a portion of the piston 335 may move so as to be inserted into the cylinder 360.

For example, the piston 335 may have a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to an internal shape of a second part 342 of the transfer pipe 340.

The compression part 300 may include a coupling bracket 336 provided at one side of the piston 335 and coupling the piston 335 and the rack gear 330. The coupling bracket 336 may be coupled to the rack body 331. The coupling bracket 336 may include a rack fastening portion 336a, and the rack body 331 may include a bracket fastening portion 331a. A predetermined fastening member may couple the rack fastening portion 336a and the bracket fastening portion 331a.

The compression part 300 may include a transfer pipe 340 forming an accommodation space 341a for ice in the second state powdered ice. The transfer pipe 340 may be disposed at an inlet side of the cylinder 360.

The transfer pipe 340 may include a first part 341 having the accommodation space 341a. The first part 341 may form an opening so that the ice in the second state may be introduced.

The transfer pipe 340 may include a second part 342 having an internal space communicating with the accommodation space 341a. The piston 335 may be inserted into the second part 342.

The second part 342 may have an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the piston 335 so that the piston 335 may reciprocate in an inserted state. For example, the second part 342 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

The second part 342 may be positioned below the transfer pipe 340 with respect to a gravity direction. Ice introduced into the first part 341 may move downward by the gravity and may be introduced into the internal space of the second part 342. The piston 335 may reciprocate in the internal space of the second part 342.

The transfer pipe 340 may be supported by the first bracket 320. The transfer pipe 340 may include a fastening portion 343 provided at the first part 341. The fastening portion 343 may be coupled to a transfer pipe fastening portion 321d of the first bracket 320 by a predetermined fastening member. By fastening the fastening portion 343 and the transfer pipe fastening portion 321d, an upper portion of the transfer pipe 340 may be stably supported by the first bracket 320.

A plurality of fastening portions 343 may be provided, and the plurality of fastening portions 343 may be provided at upper and lower portions of the transfer pipe 340. In FIG. 13, fastening portions 343a, 343b, and 343c are illustrated.

The transfer pipe 340 may include a protrusion 344, and the first bracket 320 may include a protrusion groove 321e accommodating the protrusion 344. The protrusion 344 may be provided at a lower position than the fastening portion 343, for example at the second part 342. After the protrusion 344 is inserted into the protrusion groove 321e for temporary assembly, the fastening portion 343 may be fastened to the transfer pipe fastening portion 321d.

The compression part 300 may include a lever 350 movably provided to guide movement of ice in the transfer pipe 340. For example, the lever 350 may be rotatably provided. The lever 350 may be referred to as a transfer guide device.

The lever 350 may include a rotation bar 351 forming a rotational center of the lever 350. The rotation bar 351 may be rotatably inserted into a bar support portion 345 of the transfer pipe 340. The bar support portion 345 may protrude from the first part 341 and may have a rib shape having a recessed groove into which the rotation bar 351 is fitted.

The lever 350 may include a plate 352 extending from the rotation bar 351. The plate 352 may be provided at a central portion of the rotation bar 351. The plate 352 may rotate about the rotation bar 351 so as to move into the transfer pipe 340.

The transfer pipe 340 may form an opening 341b through which the plate 352 passes. The plate 352 may move into or out of the transfer pipe 340 through the opening 341b.

The transfer pipe 340 may include a stopper 347 provided outside the opening 341b. The stopper 347 may have a shape bent along at least a portion of a circumference of the plate 352. The stopper 347 may limit a movement distance of the plate 352 when the plate 352 moves outward from the transfer pipe 340. The plate 352 may move outward only to a position interfering with the stopper 347.

The plate 352 may include a rounded portion 352a extending with a predetermined curvature. A curved direction of the rounded portion 352a may correspond to a direction facing downward inside the transfer pipe 340.

By the rounded portion 352a, ice present inside the transfer pipe 340 may be pressed downward. Accordingly, ice present in the first part 341 may be moved to the second part 342 by the lever 350.

A hole 354 may be formed in the rounded portion 352a. The hole 354 is for preventing a situation in which ice introduced into the transfer pipe 340 is blocked by the rounded portion 352a and movement toward a lower portion of the transfer pipe 340 is restricted. Ice may move to a lower side of the rounded portion 352a through the hole 354.

The compression part 300 may include a spring 358 providing a restoring force to the lever 350. The spring 358 may be provided at one end among both ends of the rotation bar 351. For example, the spring 358 may include a torsion spring.

The spring 358 may provide a restoring force so that the lever 350 returns to the outside of the transfer pipe 340 when the linkage with the second gear 333 is released while the lever 350 has moved to the inside of the transfer pipe 340 through linkage with the second gear 333.

A spring support portion 351a may be provided on the rotation bar 351, and one side of the spring 358 may be supported by the spring support portion 351a.

The spring support portion 351a may protrude in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the rotation bar 351 at a position adjacent to both ends of the rotation bar 351. The restoring force of the spring 358 may be transmitted to the lever 350 through the spring support portion 351a.

The compression part 300 may include a third gear 355 transmitting power to the lever 350. The third gear 355 may be connected to the other end of the rotation bar 351. The other end may be understood as an end opposite to the one end at which the spring 358 is provided.

The third gear 355 may engage with the second gear 333 provided on the rack gear 330. The second gear 333 may be positioned laterally of the first gear 332. The first gear 332 and the second gear 333 may be axially arranged on an upper surface of the rack body 331.

The first gear 332 may be configured to have gear teeth for a predetermined length in a direction from a first end toward a second end of the rack body 331, that is, toward the cylinder 360. The second gear 333 may be configured to have gear teeth for a predetermined length in a direction from the second end toward the first end of the rack body 331. The number of gear teeth of the second gear 333 may be less than the number of gear teeth of the first gear 332.

The compression part 300 may include the cylinder 360 disposed at an outlet side of the transfer pipe 340. Ice collected at a lower portion of the transfer pipe 340 may be moved into the cylinder 360 by the piston 335.

The cylinder 360 may also be understood as constituting a portion of a transfer pipe in a broad sense in that it guides movement of ice. Accordingly, the transfer pipe 340 may be referred to as a first transfer pipe, and the cylinder 360 may be referred to as a second transfer pipe.

The compression part 300 may include a discharge pipe 370 provided at an outlet side of the cylinder 360 and providing a force for compressing or recombining ice transferred in the cylinder 360. For example, the discharge pipe 370 may be configured so that a cross-sectional area decreases in a direction in which ice is discharged.

The discharge pipe 370 may be formed of an elastically deformable material to provide resistance in a direction opposite to a transfer direction of ice. For example, the discharge pipe 370 may be formed of silicone.

Since the piston 335 presses one side of ice present in the cylinder 360 and resistance is provided on the other side by the discharge pipe 370, compression or recombination of powdered ice may be achieved. Compressed powdered ice may be formed into ice having a predetermined shape (third state, molded ice) and may be discharged through a discharge portion of the discharge pipe 370.

The molded ice discharged from the discharge portion may interfere with a cutter wall 380 spaced apart from the discharge pipe 370 by a set distance, and in this process the molded ice may be cut. A distance between the discharge pipe 370 and the cutter wall 380 may be determined according to an ice size desired by a consumer. The cut molded ice may be introduced into an ice bin 500 through a discharge port 328 of the first bracket 320.

The compression part 300 may include compression brackets 320 and 327 for supporting the plurality of components described above.

The compression brackets 320 and 327 may include the first bracket 320 forming a first through-hole 321a through which the motor shaft 312 of the second motor 310 passes. The first bracket 320 may include a first wall 321 extending so as to face the ice-making space plate 85. For example, the first wall 321 may form a vertical wall extending in a vertical direction. The first through-hole 321a may be formed in the first wall 321.

The first bracket 320 may include a second wall 322 forming the discharge port 328. The second wall 322 may be connected to a lower end of the first bracket 320 and may extend in a direction away from the ice-making space plate 85. For example, the second wall 322 may form a horizontal wall extending in a horizontal direction.

The compression brackets 320 and 327 may include the second bracket 327 coupled to the first bracket 320. A space in which the rack gear 330 and the piston 335 are positioned may be formed between the first bracket 320 and the second bracket 327.

The first wall 321 may include a plurality of fastening portions.

The plurality of fastening portions may include a first fastening portion 321b coupled to a first fastening portion 328a of the second bracket 327. The first fastening portion 321b may protrude from the first wall 321 and may include a boss to which a fastening member is coupled. The first fastening portion 328a of the second bracket 327 may include a hole into which the fastening member is inserted.

The plurality of fastening portions may include a second fastening portion 321c coupled to a second fastening portion 328b of the second bracket 327. The second fastening portion 321c may be formed in a fastening wall 324 provided at a position spaced apart from the first wall 321 in a direction toward the second bracket 327. For example, the second fastening portions 328b and 321c may include holes. A predetermined fastening member may be fastened to the second fastening portions 328b and 321c.

An upper surface of the fastening wall 324 may include a guide surface guiding sliding of the coupling bracket 336. Since the coupling bracket 336 is supported on the guide surface, stable reciprocating motion of the rack gear 330 and the piston 335 may be achieved. In some examples, the coupling bracket 336 may be disposed to be slightly spaced apart from the upper surface of the fastening wall 324.

The fastening wall 324 may include the rail groove 324a guiding movement of the rail 334 of the rack gear 330. The rail groove 324a may be formed on a surface of the fastening wall 324 facing the rack gear 330 among a plurality of surfaces defining the fastening wall 324. At least a portion of the rail 334 may be fitted into the rail groove 324a, and the rail 334 may move along the rail groove 324a.

The second bracket 327 may include a bracket wall 327a covering at least a portion of the rack gear 330 and the piston 335. The bracket wall 327a may include a second through-hole 327b in which a central portion 315a of the pinion gear 315 is rotatably supported. For example, the central portion 315a may be inserted into the second through-hole 327b.

Next, a process in which powdered ice generated in the ice-making part 200 and supplied to the compression part 300 is compressed will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15B.

A position of the piston 335 illustrated in FIG. 15A is defined as a first position. At the first position, the second motor 310 is in a stopped state, and the first motor 210 of the ice-making part 200 is driven so that powdered ice I1 may be supplied into the transfer pipe 340. The state of FIG. 15A may be maintained for a first predetermined time.

After the first predetermined time elapses, when the second motor 310 is driven in a forward direction, the piston 335 moves in a direction toward the cylinder 360 by engagement of the pinion gear 315 and the first gear 332 (forward movement of the piston), and in this process, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, powdered ice collected in a lower portion of the transfer pipe 340, that is, in the second part 342, is moved into the cylinder 360.

In FIG. 15B, the piston 335 is illustrated as moving only up to an inlet side of the cylinder 360. However, unlike this illustration, at least a portion of the piston 335 may be inserted into the cylinder 360. A position of the piston 335 in FIG. 15B is defined as a second position.

In the state of FIG. 15B, when the second motor 310 is driven in a reverse direction, the piston 335 may move in a direction away from the cylinder 360 (rearward movement of the piston). The rack gear 330 moves together with the piston 335, and at an end of movement of the rack gear 330, the second gear 333 may engage with the third gear 355. Accordingly, the third gear 355 rotates clockwise based on FIG. 15C, and thus the lever 350 rotates clockwise about the rotation bar 351.

When the lever 350 rotates, the plate 352 and the rounded portion 352a move into the accommodation space 341a of the transfer pipe 340 and transfer powdered ice present in the transfer pipe 340. For example, ice present in an upper portion of the transfer pipe 340, that is, in the first part 341, may be pressed downward and moved toward a lower portion of the transfer pipe 340, that is, toward the second part 342. A position of the piston 335 in FIG. 15C is defined as a third position.

In the state of FIG. 15C, when the second motor 310 is driven in the forward direction, the piston 335 may move in a direction toward the cylinder 360. When the rack gear 330 moves for movement of the piston 335, engagement between the second gear 333 and the third gear 355 is released, and by restoring force of the spring 358, the lever 350 moves to an upright position as illustrated in FIG. 15A. Then, the piston 335 may return to the first position.

By repeating the processes of FIGS. 15A to 15D, powdered ice (or ice fragments) may undergo compression or recombination within an internal space of the cylinder 360 and may be manufactured into molded ice I2, that is, ice in a third state (see FIG. 15B). When pressure sufficient to pass through the discharge pipe 370 is applied to the molded ice I2 by the piston 335, the molded ice I2 may be discharged through the discharge pipe 370. In some examples, the third state ice may be heated before being discharged from discharge pipe 370 and generate fourth state ice. In some examples, the temperature of ice may sequentially increase from the first state ice to the fourth state ice based on the locations of ice. For example, the first state ice on the ice-making body may have a first temperature, and the second state ice separated from the ice-making body may have a second temperature higher than or equal to the first temperature. The third state ice molded into shape at an inlet side of the cylinder has a third temperature higher than or equal to the second temperature, and the fourth state ice at an outlet side of the cylinder may have a fourth temperature higher than the third temperature.

Ice discharged from the discharge pipe 370 interferes with the cutter wall 380 and is cut to a predetermined size, and the cut ice may be introduced into the ice bin 500.

FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an ice-making part of an ice maker, FIG. 17 is a left side view illustrating the configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker, FIG. 18 is a right side view illustrating the configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker, and FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating the configuration of the ice-making part of the ice maker.

First, referring to FIG. 16, an ice-making part 200 may include a cold air duct 400 that supplies cold air into an inner space of an ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The inner space of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may form a cold air flow path.

The cold air duct 400 may be connected to a first duct 90, and may be disposed in a space between the first duct 90 and a first bracket 220.

The cold air duct 400 may include an inlet portion 420 through which cold air is introduced. The inlet portion 420 may be connected to an end of the first duct 90.

The cold air duct 400 may include an outlet portion 430 that discharges cold air into the cold air flow path. The outlet portion 430 may be connected to a first opening 224b of the first bracket 220, and the cold air discharged from the outlet portion 430 may be introduced into the inside of the first bracket 220 through the first opening 224b.

The inlet portion 420 may be formed at one end of the cold air duct 400, and the outlet portion 430 may be formed at the other end of the cold air duct 400. The one end and the other end may form ends facing each other.

The cold air duct 400 may include a duct body 440 that extends from the inlet portion 420 toward the outlet portion 430 and guides a flow of the cold air. The inlet portion 420 and the outlet portion 430 may be formed at both ends of the duct body 440.

The duct body 440 may be configured such that a width or a flow cross-sectional area of the duct body 440 changes with reference to a flow direction of the cold air. For example, the duct body 440 may have a downstream-side width W2 smaller than an upstream-side width W1 with reference to the cold air flow.

In other words, a downstream-side flow cross-sectional area of the duct body 440 may be smaller than an upstream-side flow cross-sectional area. With such a configuration, a flow velocity of the cold air introduced through the inlet portion 420 may increase and the cold air may be readily supplied into the inner space of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

A width or a flow cross-sectional area of the inlet portion 420 may be formed to be greater than a width or a flow cross-sectional area of the outlet portion 430.

In order for the width or the flow cross-sectional area of the duct body 440 to change, a side surface of the duct body 440 may be formed to be inclined by a first angle θ1 with respect to a virtual first extension line ℓ1. The first extension line ℓ1 may be understood as a horizontal extension line extending from one side surface of the first bracket 220 toward the other side surface thereof.

Referring to FIG. 19, the duct body 440 may extend upwardly inclined by a second angle θ2 with respect to a virtual second extension line ℓ2 and may be connected to the first opening 224b, so as to supply cold air to a circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241, in particular, to an upper-side circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241.

The second extension line ℓ2 may be understood as a horizontal extension line extending from one side surface of the first bracket 220 toward the other side surface thereof. For example, the second extension line ℓ2 may be a horizontal extension line passing through the inlet portion 420. In FIG. 19, the second extension line ℓ2 is illustrated as passing through a lower end of the inlet portion 420, but the second extension line ℓ2 may be defined to pass not only through the lower end but also through a central portion or an upper end of the inlet portion 420.

The duct body 440 may extend to be inclined with respect to the first duct 90.

A cold air flow path formed along the circumferential surface 242a and 242b may be defined between an upper portion of the tray 241 and a second wall 222 of the first bracket 220, and due to the inclined shape of the duct body 440, cold air may be supplied into the cold air flow path while being prevented from flowing toward a reservoir 250 located below the tray 241. Accordingly, freezing of the reservoir 250 due to cold air may be prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, both end portions of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may form openings through which cold air passes. The first opening 224b connected to the outlet portion 430 of the cold air duct 400 may be formed at one end of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. A second opening 227 may be formed at the other end of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

The first opening 224b may be an opening for cold air inflow, and the second opening 227 may be understood as an opening for cold air discharge. The second opening 227 may function as an opening through which ice separated from the tray 241 is discharged.

The first opening 224b may be formed at one side surface of the first bracket 220, and at least a portion of the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241, in particular, at least a portion of a first circumferential surface 242a, may be disposed to face the first opening 224b.

That is, the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241 may be exposed to the outside of the first bracket 220 through the first opening 224b. From another viewpoint, the circumferential surface 242a and 242b may be understood as being disposed to face the outside of the ice maker through the cold air duct 400. With such a configuration, cold air introduced through the cold air duct 400 may be supplied to the circumferential surface 242a and 242b through the first opening 224b. In addition, ice separated from the first circumferential surface 242a by the first blade 280 may be discharged to the outside of the first bracket 220 through the second opening 227.

The second opening 227 may be formed at the other side surface of the first bracket 220. The other side surface of the second bracket 230 may be opposite to the one side surface on which the first opening 224b is formed. That is, the one side surface and the other side surface of the second bracket 230 may be disposed to face each other. The cold air introduced through the first opening 224b may cool the tray 241 while passing the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241, and may be discharged through the second opening 227.

The second opening 227 may be defined as a space between a guide wall 226 provided at one side portion of the first bracket 220 and the first blade 280. The guide wall 226 may be formed to be rounded corresponding to a curvature of the first circumferential surface 242a of the tray 241, and may guide cold air flowing along a second wall 222 of the first bracket 220 toward the first circumferential surface 242a.

In other words, the second opening 227 may be understood as a space between the guide wall 226 and a fifth wall 225 to which the first blade 280 is mounted.

The first blade 280 may include a blade body 281 mounted to the fifth wall 225 and a tip 283 provided at an end of the blade body 281. The tip 283 may have a shape in which a cross-sectional area of an end portion of the tip 283 becomes smaller so as to separate ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a.

For example, a plurality of recesses 241a and a plurality of protrusions 241b may be alternately arranged in an axial direction on the first circumferential surface 242a. A plurality of tips 283 may be provided to be spaced apart in the axial direction such that at least a portion of each tip 283 may be inserted into the plurality of recesses 241a.

An end portion of the blade body 281 may include a flat surface so as to separate ice formed on the protrusions 241b.

Ice formed on the first circumferential surface 242a may be separated by the first blade 280, and the separated ice may be discharged through the second opening 227, and the discharged ice may be introduced into a compression part 300.

The first bracket 220 may include a first accommodating space 220a in which the tray assembly 240 is received. An axial width of the first accommodating space 220a may be formed to be greater than an axial width of the tray assembly 240.

A cold air flow path through which cold air flows may be formed between an outer wall of the tray assembly 240 and a wall of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230.

For example, the first tray cover 246 of the tray assembly 240 and a gear bracket 231 may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance S1, and a first side flow path may be formed in a space spaced apart by the first distance.

The second tray cover 247 of the tray assembly 240 and a first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 may be spaced apart from each other by a second distance S2, and a second side flow path may be formed in a space spaced apart by the second distance. As described above, since cold air supplied through the first and second side flow paths may cool a side wall of the tray assembly 240, cooling of the tray 241 may be rapidly performed and ice-making performance may be improved.

The tray 241 may be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity so as to be cooled. For example, the tray 241 may be formed of a metal material. As an example of the metal material, steel or aluminum may be proposed.

FIG. 20 is a left perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cold air duct, and FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cold air duct.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the cold air duct 400 may be disposed between a side wall 81 of an ice-making chamber 25 and the tray assembly 240. From another viewpoint, the cold air duct 400 may be disposed between the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25 and the ice-making brackets 220 and 230, in particular, the first bracket 220.

The cold air duct 400 may include a duct bracket 410 connected to the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25, and a duct body 440 extending from the duct bracket 410 and forming a cold air flow path therein.

The duct bracket 410 may include a fastening hole 415 fastened to the side wall 81. A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the side wall 81 through the fastening hole 415. The duct bracket 410 may be disposed to surround the inlet portion 420 of the cold air duct 400.

The first duct 90 (see FIG. 5) may be embedded in the side wall 81, and a duct outlet 91 (duct discharge portion) formed at an end of the first duct 90 may be coupled to the side wall 81. Cold air flowing through the first duct 90 may be discharged through the duct outlet 91 and may be introduced into the duct body 440 through the inlet portion 420.

The duct body 440 may include a plurality of walls 441 to 444. For example, the plurality of walls may include a first wall 441 forming one side wall of the duct body 440, a second wall 442 forming a bottom wall, a third wall 443 forming the other side wall, and a fourth wall 444 forming a top wall. A flow path through which cold air passes may be formed inside the first to fourth walls 441 to 444.

The inlet portion 420 may be formed at one end of the duct body 440, and the outlet portion 430 may be formed at the other end thereof. The duct body 440 may extend obliquely from the inlet portion 420 toward the outlet portion 430.

Since the first duct 90 guides a flow of cold air by extending upward from a lower portion of a first refrigerator space door 20, the cold air duct 400 may extend upwardly inclined toward a lateral side of the ice-maker so as to smoothly guide cold air from an upper end of the first duct 90 to an ice maker 100. For this, the second wall 442 and the fourth wall 444 may extend upwardly inclined from the inlet portion 420 toward the outlet portion 430.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a partial configuration of the ice-making part, FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state in which the tray assembly and the reservoir are removed from FIG. 22, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 8, FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a state in which cold air is supplied from the refrigerator space door to the ice-making chamber and cold air of the ice-making chamber is returned to the outside of the refrigerator space door,.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 26, the cold air duct 400 may be coupled to the first bracket 220. For example, the outlet portion 430 of the cold air duct 400 may be disposed to be connected to the opening 224b of the first bracket 220.

An outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240 may be disposed to face the opening 224b. The cold air duct 400 may be coupled to the first bracket 220 such that cold air introduced through the opening 224b is supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240.

A distance from the opening 224b to the outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240 may be formed to be smaller than a distance from the opening 224b to the reservoir 250. Accordingly, cold air introduced through the opening 224b may flow toward the outer circumferential surface of the tray assembly 240, and direct flow toward the reservoir 250 may be prevented.

When an extension line ℓ3 corresponding to a direction in which the cold air duct 400 extends from the side wall 81 of the ice-making chamber 25 to the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 is defined, the extension line ℓ3 may be formed to be tangent to an extension line ℓ4 of the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241 or to form a direction corresponding thereto. Accordingly, cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400 may be readily supplied in a direction toward the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241.

When a radial extension line ℓc passing through a center of the tray 241 is defined, the extension line ℓc may extend to bisect the tray 241. For example, the extension line ℓc may be understood as a radial extension line passing through a bar 249 of the tray assembly 240.

With reference to the extension line ℓc, the first opening 224b and the second opening 227 of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 may be disposed opposite to each other. Accordingly, cold air introduced through the first opening 224b may be discharged through the second opening 227 after passing along the circumferential surface of the tray 241.

With reference to the extension line ℓc, the cold air duct 400 and the guide wall 226 may be disposed opposite to each other. The guide wall 226 may be spaced apart from an outer circumference of the tray 241 by a predetermined distance, and may include a portion extending in a circumferential direction so as to guide a cold air flow in an outer circumferential direction of the tray 241.

With such a configuration, cold air flowing toward the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241 may maintain a flow along the circumferential surface 242a and 242b by the guide wall 226. Further, cold air may flow via the guide wall 226 to a lower portion of the tray 241 where the first blade 280 is located. In some examples, the circumferential surface 242a may be referred to as a circumferential portion or a peripheral portion of the ice-making body (e.g., tray 241) configured to receiver water.

With reference to the extension line ℓc, the cold air duct 400 and the first blade 280 may be disposed opposite to each other. With reference to the cold air flow, the first blade 280 may be disposed on a downstream side of the guide wall 226.

The cold air duct 400 may be disposed such that cold air is supplied along the circumferential surface 242a and 242b of the tray 241 corresponding to a rotation direction of the tray 241. As cold air is supplied along the circumferential surface 242a and 242b, a portion of the circumferential surface located on an upstream side of the cold air may remain in a water state, while ice may gradually be generated on another portion of the circumferential surface located on a downstream side of the cold air.

After the tray 241 is cooled for a predetermined time at an ice-making position of FIG. 24, the tray 241 may rotate, for example, in a counterclockwise direction, and in this process, ice sufficiently formed on the first circumferential surface 242a by cold air may be separated by the first blade 280.

Further, as the tray 241 continues to rotate, ice on the opposite first circumferential surface 242a may be additionally cooled and then may be separated by the first blade 280. With such a configuration and operation, ice-making performance may be improved.

With reference to the extension line ℓc, the first blade 280 and the second blade 285 may be disposed opposite to each other. A blade bracket 221c to which the second blade 285 is mounted may be provided on the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220. The blade bracket 221c may protrude from the first wall 221 toward one side wall of the tray assembly 240.

The second blade 285 may be additionally provided between the other side wall of the tray assembly 240 and an outer wall of the gear bracket 231.

Since the first and second blades 280 and 285 are disposed opposite to each other with respect to the center of the tray 241, rotational resistance of the tray 241 due to the first and second blades 280 and 285 may be distributed, and rotation performance of the tray 241 may be improved. Further, obstruction of the cold air flow path formed on an outer circumferential side of the tray 241 by the first and second blades 280 and 285 may be prevented.

With respect to the center of the tray 241, the cold air duct 400 and the reservoir 250 may be disposed opposite to each other. For example, the cold air duct 400 may be located above the center of the tray 241, and the reservoir 250 may be located below the center of the tray 241. Accordingly, cold air supplied through the cold air duct 400 may be supplied to the circumferential surface 242a and 242b located above the center of the tray 241, and supply to the reservoir 250 may be prevented. Accordingly, freezing of the reservoir 250 may be prevented.

A cold air flow path may be formed between both side walls of the tray assembly 240 and the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. A first side-wall flow path 238a may be formed between the gear bracket 231 and one side wall of the tray assembly 240, and a second side-wall flow path 238b may be formed between the first wall 221 of the first bracket 220 and the other side wall of the tray assembly 240. By the first and second side-wall flow paths 238a and 238b, cooling performance of the tray 241 may be improved.

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating an example configuration of an ice-making part.

Referring to FIG. 27, in some implementations, a tray assembly 240a may include a circumferential surface 1242a and 1242b. The circumferential surface 1242a and 1242b may include a first circumferential surface 1242a that receives water to form ice, and a second circumferential surface 1242b that extends from the first circumferential surface 1242a and has a center distance shorter than a center distance of the first circumferential surface 1242a.

When the first circumferential surface 1242a is disposed to face the reservoir 250, the first circumferential surface 1242a may be disposed to be immersed in or contacted with water stored in the reservoir 250. In contrast, when the second circumferential surface 1242b is disposed to face the reservoir 250, the second circumferential surface 1242b may be disposed not to be immersed in or contacted with water stored in the reservoir 250.

When passing around the first blade 280, the first circumferential surface 1242a may be disposed adjacent to the first blade 280 so that the first blade 280 contacts ice on the first circumferential surface 1242a. In contrast, when passing around the first blade 280, the second circumferential surface 1242b may be located at a position spaced apart from the first blade 280 so that the first blade 280 does not interfere with the second circumferential surface 1242b.

An area of the first circumferential surface 1242a may be formed to be greater than an area of the second circumferential surface 1242b.

Compared to the previously described examples, the present implementation is configured such that the first and second circumferential surfaces 1242a and 1242b are provided in a single pair and includes a first circumferential surface having an area greater than that of the first circumferential surface of the previously described examples. Accordingly, in some implementations, an ice-making amount may be greater than that in the previously described examples.

An extension direction of the cold air duct 400 may be tangent to the first circumferential surface 1242a or form a direction corresponding thereto so that cold air supplied from the cold air duct 400 may be directly supplied to the first circumferential surface 1242a. Other configurations of the ice maker may be the same as those of the previously described examples.

FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example configuration of an ice-making part.

Referring to FIG. 28, in some implementations, a tray assembly 240b may include a circumferential surface 2242. For example, water may be supplied to an entire area of the circumferential surface 2242 and ice may be generated.

The ice-making part can be configured such that the reservoir 250 and a heater 255 are removed, and water is directly supplied to the circumferential surface 2242 through a water supply pipe 120a. In order to prevent water supplied from the water supply pipe 120a from being discharged to a lower side of the tray assembly 240b, an amount of water supplied through the water supply pipe 120a may be small.

The water supply pipe 120a may be disposed to supply water toward an upper end of the tray assembly 240b. For example, a discharge portion of the water supply pipe 120a may be formed at a position slightly higher than the upper end of the tray assembly 240b.

The water supply pipe 120a may extend into the inner space of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230 by passing through the second wall 222 of the first bracket 220.

Water supplied to the upper end of the tray assembly 240b may spread toward a lower end of the tray assembly 240b along the circumferential surface 2242 by gravity. Since an amount of water flowing along the circumferential surface 2242 is small, the water may slowly spread along the circumferential surface 2242 and separation from the circumferential surface 2242 may be prevented.

A cold air duct 400a supplying cold air may be connected to a lateral side of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The cold air duct 400a may be disposed at approximately a height of the center C of the tray assembly 240b, and cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400a may cool the circumferential surface 2242 located at the center height of the tray assembly 240b.

Further, cold air may cool water present on the circumferential surface 2242 while flowing toward the upper end and the lower end of the tray assembly 240b.

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example configuration of an ice-making part.

Referring to FIG. 29, in some implementations, a configuration of a tray assembly 240c may be the same as the above-described configuration of the tray assembly 240.

A reservoir 250 may be disposed at one side of the tray assembly 240, for example, at a lower side. A vertical direction will be defined. The vertical direction may be defined based on a ground on which the refrigerator 1 or the cabinet 10 is placed. For example, the refrigerator 1 or the cabinet 10 may be understood as being placed above the ground. The vertical direction may correspond to a gravity direction. Such definition regarding directions may be applied throughout the specification in the same manner.

Since the reservoir 250 is disposed below the tray assembly 240, ice separated from a side wall 244 of the tray assembly 240 may fall into the reservoir 250.

A cold air duct 400b supplying cold air may be connected to a lateral side of the ice-making brackets 220 and 230. The cold air duct 400b may be disposed at a position higher than approximately the center C of the tray assembly 240c, and cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400b may flow adjacent to an upper end of the tray assembly 240c. For example, cold air may be supplied to a circumferential surface formed at the upper end of the tray assembly 240c.

That is, the reservoir 250 may be disposed at one side of the tray assembly 240c, and the cold air duct 400b may be disposed to supply cold air toward the other side opposite to the one side of the tray assembly 240c.

With such a configuration, since the cold air duct 400b is spaced apart from the reservoir 250 relatively far, cold air discharged from the cold air duct 400b may be prevented from being directly supplied to the reservoir 250. Accordingly, freezing of water in the reservoir 250 may be prevented.

In some implementations, it has been described that the ice maker 100 is mounted to the refrigerator space door 20. However, the ice maker 100 may alternatively be mounted to a freezing space door 50 or disposed inside a freezing space 19. In some examples, the ice maker 100 may be provided as a standalone appliance.