Ice supply system

An icemaker for an ice supply system for preventing water from overflowing from the ice tray by vibration and/or shaking of the surrounding structure includes an icemaker, a container provided at a lower part of the icemaker and an ice chute for supplying the ice stored in the ice container. An ejector in the ice tray of the icemaker and a dropper device having an inclined upper surface at a side of the open top of the ice tray are provided for dropping the ice discharged upwardly by the ejector. An overflow prevention device is provided at another side of the open top of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing. The overflow prevention device includes a panel extending upward from the ice tray and a cover coupled with the hinge at the top of the ice tray.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. P2003-34081, filed on May 28, 2003; Korean Application No. P2003-59113 filed on Aug. 26, 2003; and Korean Application No. P2003-59091, filed on Aug. 26, 2003; the entirety of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to an ice supply system for a refrigerator having a structure for preventing water from overflowing from an ice tray by vibration and/or other movement of the surrounding refrigerator structure.

2. Description of the Background Art

The following discussion of the background art is a result of the present inventors analysis of the systems and features of searchlight technology of the background art. A refrigerator is an apparatus that includes a food-storage chamber therein for storing foods for a long-term period in a fresh condition. The food-storage chamber is always maintained at a low temperature by a refrigerating cycle for keeping food fresh. The food-storage chamber is divided into a plurality of storage chambers having different characteristics from each other such that a user can choose a food-storage method in consideration of the type, individual characteristics and/or the expiration dates of the individual foods. A typical storage chamber may include a cooling chamber and a freezer portion.

The cooling chamber keeps a temperature at about 3° C.–4° C. for keeping food and vegetables fresh for a long time. The freezer keeps a temperature at a sub-zero temperature (below 0° C.) for keeping and storing meat and fish frozen for a long time and making and storing ice. The refrigerator has been modified for performing various additional functions besides a typical refrigerating function thereof, e.g., a user had to open a door and take out a water bottle kept in the cooling chamber to drink cold water kept in the cooling chamber hitherto. Accordingly, a refrigerator is often supplied with a water dispenser provided at an outside of the door for supplying cold water cooled by cool air of the cooling chamber and the user can therefore obtain a drink of cold water at the exterior of the refrigerator without having to open the door. Furthermore, a refrigerator incorporating a water purifying function added to the water dispenser is also being supplied.

Further, in a case of using ice for drinking and cooking purposes, the user had to typically open the door of the freezer and take ice out of an ice tray provided in the freezer. However, it is relatively inconvenient for the user to open the door, take out the ice tray and separate ice from the ice tray. In addition, when the door is opened, cool air in the freezer leaks out and the temperature of the freezer goes up. Accordingly, the compressor is forced to work harder and longer to maintain the proper freezer temperature while consuming more energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings associated with the background art and achieves other advantages not realized by the background art. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an ice supply system that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the background art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ice supply system for a refrigerator for supplying ice from an exterior of the refrigerator without having to open a door of the refrigerator.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ice supply system for a refrigerator having an improved structure for preventing water in the icemaker from overflowing to the outside of the icemaker by shaking or other movement of the refrigerator or freezer door.

One or more of these and other objects are accomplished by an ice supply system for a refrigerator having a door, comprising an icemaker being provided within or next to the door of the refrigerator, the icemaker including an ice tray for receiving water; an ejector being provided adjacent to the ice tray; a motor for discharging ice in the ice tray by imparting a rotational motion to the ejector; a dropper having an inclined surface and being provided at an upper part of the ice tray for discharging ice stored within the ice tray via the ejector to the upper part of the ice tray and downward along the inclined surface of the dropper; and a overflow prevention device being provided on a side of the icemaker opposite from the dropper at an upper part of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing out of the ice tray; a container being provided under the icemaker and having an open top and an outlet for discharging the ice; and an ice chute being provided to communicate the dispenser provided at the door with the outlet of the container.

One or more of these and other objects are further accomplished by an icemaker for an ice supply system for a refrigerator, comprising an ice tray for receiving water and making ice; an ejector being provided adjacent to and within the ice tray; a motor for discharging ice in the ice tray by imparting a rotational motion to the ejector; a dropper having an inclined surface and being provided at an upper part of the ice tray for discharging ice stored within the ice tray via the ejector to the upper part of the ice tray and downward along the inclined surface of the dropper; and a overflow prevention device being provided on a side of the icemaker opposite from the dropper at an upper part of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing out of the ice tray.

The icemaker includes an ice tray for receiving water, an ejector, a dropper and an overflow prevention device. In this case, the ejector is provided adjacent to the ice tray and rotated by a motor for discharging the ice in the ice tray. The dropper is provided at an upper part of the ice tray and has an inclined surface for dropping the ice to a lower part thereof, wherein the ice is discharged to the top of the ice tray via the ejector. The overflow prevention device is provided at an upper outside portion of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing. The icemaker as aforementioned is provided at or within the door of the refrigerator.

The container includes an opened top and an outlet discharging the ice and provided at a lower part of the icemaker. The ice chute communicates the dispenser provided at the door with the outlet. The overflow prevention device includes a panel extending from the upper outside of the ice tray for a predetermined distance. In this case, the panel can be installed to the ice tray or separated from the ice tray. However, the panel and the ice tray are formed as a single body.

In the present invention, the panel includes a concave surface facing an inside of the ice tray. In this case, it is desirable that the ice tray is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and the curved surface of the panel and the inner surface of the ice tray have the same curvature. It is desirable that a range of an angle between a lower end of the panel and an upper end of the panel is 30° to 60° when a central axis of the ice tray is at an angular point or apex.

In the present invention, the panel can be longitudinally provided contrary to an above description. In this case, a height of the panel is 0.7 to 1.5 times of a radius of the ice tray. The dropper is provided to cover space between the upper part of the ice tray and a central axis of the ejector for preventing water from overflowing. The dropper is provided to the ice tray or separated from the ice tray. The dropper and the ice tray are formed as a single body.

In the present invention, a side of the dropper adjacent to the central axis of the ejector includes an inclined surface or a convex surface for easily transferring the ice to a top surface of the dropper, wherein the ice is discharged upwardly from the ice tray. The dropper includes at least one groove provided on the upper surface of a top plate for leading the ice discharged to the upper part of the ice tray and dropped to the top surface of the top plate.

The dropper includes the top plate having an inclined top surface inclined to a side, thus a side of the top plate adjacent to the central axis of the ejector is higher than an opposite side thereof, and a rim extending downward from both sides of the top plate and an opposite side of the side adjacent to the central axis of the ejector for surrounding an upper outside of the ice tray.

In the present invention, the dropper, in more detail includes the top plate provided at a location offset from the central axis of the ice tray to a top portion thereof for a predetermined distance. The dropper is provided at a location offset from the central axis of the ice tray to a top portion thereof for a predetermined distance. The ice tray is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and the central axis of the ejector is provided along the central axis of the ice tray. In this case, it is desirable that the offset distance between the dropper and the ice tray is less than 0.2 times of a radius of the ice tray.

The icemaker further includes a sensor provided at an end of the dropper for sensing a rotation angle of the ejector when the sensor is in contact with a rotating ejector. In this case, the ejector rotates in a first direction until being in contact with the sensor from a first location and inversely rotates in an opposite direction of the first direction until it reaches the first location after contacting the sensor.

In the present invention, the dropper includes at least one slot through which a part of the ejector passes when the ejector rotates. In this case, the ejector keeps rotating in the first direction. Meanwhile, the overflow prevention device in the present invention includes a cover coupled with a hinge at the upper part of the ice tray for covering an open top of the ice tray.

In the present invention, the cover covers the top of the ice tray by its own weight and opens the top of the ice tray by being pushed upward via the ejector. In this case, a spring coupled with the top of the cover is provided at the top of the cover for pushing the cover in a direction such that the cover covers the top of the ice tray and the cover can cover the top surface of the dropper.

The cover can be opened and closed by force of the motor. For this, a second gear assembly is further provided for rotating the hinge axis of the cover such that the cover or the ice tray is opened or closed according to the rotation of the ejector in the present invention. The ejector is directly coupled with the motor or via the first gear assembly. For example, the first gear assembly includes the first gear coupled with the motor and the second gear engaged with the first gear and coupled with the ejector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a perspective view of an interior of a refrigerator with an ice supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a perspective view of an icemaker and an ice container according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a sectional view taken along the line I—I ofFIG. 2.FIG. 4is a partial, sectional view of an interior of a refrigerator with an ice supply system in an improved structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 1, a refrigerator is shown having an ice supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator includes a cooling chamber and a freezer, and a door1is provided in front of the refrigerator for opening and closing the cooling chamber and the freezer. An ice supply system is provided at the door1and the freezer according to the present invention. Hereinafter, referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4, a structure of the ice supply system is described in detail according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, the ice supply system according to the present invention includes an icemaker10for producing ice, a container20for storing the ice produced from the icemaker10, an ice chute2for supplying the ice stored in the container20to a dispenser (not illustrated) provided at the door1. The icemaker10is provided in the cooling chamber of the refrigerator as illustrated inFIG. 1and includes an ice tray11, a water supplier12, an ejector14and a motor13.

The ice tray11has an open top as illustrated inFIG. 2and the interior of the ice tray is formed in a semi-cylindrical form for storing water and ice. A plurality of ribs11aare provided in the ice tray11for dividing the interior space into a plurality of sections. The plurality of ribs11aprotrude from the inner surface of the ice tray11as illustrated inFIG. 2. The ribs11ahelp the ice tray11produce a plurality of small pieces of ice.

The water supplier12is provided at a side of the ice tray11as illustrated inFIG. 2for supplying water to the ice tray11. A bracket15is provided to secure the icemaker10to the freezer as illustrated inFIG. 2. The ejector14includes a shaft14aand a plurality of fins14b. The shaft14aas a central axis of the ejector14is placed to cross the center along the longitudinal direction at an upper inside of the ice tray11. The plurality of fins14bare extended in a radial direction on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft14a. It is desirable that the plurality of fins14bare provided at a common interval along the longitudinal direction of the shaft14a. Particularly, each of the plurality of fins is placed in each section provided in the ice tray11by the ribs11a.

The motor13is provided at a point of an outer circumferential surface of the ice tray11to be pivotably connected to the shaft. Accordingly, when the shaft14ais rotated via the motor13, the plurality of fins14bare rotated together. Each of the plurality of fins14bpushes the ice in the ice tray11and drops to a lower part of the icemaker10. Referring toFIG. 2andFIG. 3, a plurality of droppers are provided in front of the ice tray11, i.e., at an upper end of an opposite side of a side where the bracket is provided.

Each of the droppers16is extended from a front upper part of the ice tray11to a point near the shaft14a. In this case, a small gap exists between each of the droppers16and the plurality of fins14bpass through the gap when the shaft14arotates. The ice in the ice tray11is pushed by the plurality of fins14b, separated from the ice tray11and dropped on the droppers16after being completely separated. The ice dropped on the droppers16are dropped again to the lower part of the icemaker10to be stored in the container20provided at the lower part of the icemaker10. Accordingly, an upper surface of the dropper16extends to drop the ice separated from the ice tray11to the lower part of the dropper. Therefore, it is desirable that a side of the dropper16adjacent to the shaft14aslopes toward one side and thus the side of the dropper16near the shaft14ais arranged at a higher position than a front side of the ice tray11.

The present inventors have determined that a structure is needed for preventing ice separated from the ice tray11from dropping to a rear side of the ice tray11. For this, it is desirable that a rear end of the ice tray11is provided higher than the shaft14aas shown inFIG. 3according to an embodiment of the present invention. Then, ice separated from the ice tray11is moved to the rear side of the ice tray11by the plurality of fins14b, is smoothly lead to the front side of the ice tray11and is then dropped to the upper surface of the dropper16.

A heater17is provided at a lower surface of the ice tray11as illustrated inFIG. 4. The heater17heats a surface of the ice tray11for a short time and slightly melts the ice on the surface of the ice tray11. Accordingly, ice is easily separated when the shaft14aand the plurality of fins14brotate. Referring toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a sensing arm18is provided in the icemaker10for estimating an amount of ice stored in the container20. The sensing arm18estimates the amount of ice stored in the container20by being controlled by a controller (not illustrated) and moving up and down. For example, the sensing arm18periodically descends, e.g., a descending amount of the sensing arm18is relatively large when a small amount of ice is stored in the container20. On the other hand, the sensing arm18bumps into the ice sooner and the corresponding descending amount is smaller when a large amount of ice is stored in the container20. Accordingly, the controller estimates the amount of ice in the ice container20by sensing the descending amount of the sensing arm18.

The container20is also provided at the lower part of the icemaker10as illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 3and has an open top for receiving and storing the ice dropped from the icemaker10. On a surface, i.e., a floor of the container20, an outlet21is provided for discharging the ice to the lower part as illustrated inFIG. 4. According to the present invention, a transferring device22is provided in the container20for transferring the ice stored in the container20to a side where the outlet21is provided. The transferring device22, for example, is formed in a zigzag or spiral shaped form and is provided to extend across an inside of the container20. The transferring device22is connected to the motor23and transfers the ice stored in the container20to the side where the outlet21is provided.

A structure for crushing ice can also be provided in the present invention. A crusher30is provided at a side of the outlet21in the container20as illustrated inFIG. 4. The crusher30includes a housing31, a shaft32, a supporter33and a blade34. The housing31is provided on the outlet21in the container20and a surface, i.e., a side corresponding to the transferring device22is formed in an opened form. The supporter33is provided to support the shaft32in the housing31as illustrated inFIG. 4. The shaft32is provided to pass through the supporter33and is rotated together with the housing31at a predetermined place.

The blade34is coupled with the shaft32and crushes the ice transferred by the transferring device22rotating with the shaft32. At least one or more blades34are provided, and it is desirable that the blades34are provided at both sides around the supporter33when a plurality of the blades34are provided. The outlet21provided in the container is automatically opened or closed according to a user's choice. For this, an ice discharger40is provided at the outlet21. The ice discharger40includes an actuator41and a shutter42as illustrated inFIG. 4. The shutter42is formed as a plate to be able to open the outlet21. The actuator41is connected to the shutter42by a lever (not illustrated). In this case, for example, a solenoid type actuator is employed as the actuator41. In the ice discharger40as described above, the actuator41is operated according to a control signal of the controller and the shutter42controls an amount of the opening and closing of the outlet21moving in accordance with the actuator41.

The ice chute2is provided at the bottom of and next to the container, i.e., at a lower part of the outlet21as illustrated inFIG. 1. The ice chute2is provided to pass through the door1and the ice discharged from the outlet21is lead to the outside of the door1. Although it is not illustrated, an ice dispenser is provided at an end of the ice chute2. The ice dispenser connects with the ice chute from the outside of the door1and supplies a predetermined amount of ice to a user when the user wants to use the ice.

An operation of the ice supply system of the refrigerator will be described according to the present invention as mentioned above. First, when the controller (not illustrated) determines that the amount of ice in the container20is not enough by an operation of the sensing arm18, water is supplied to the water supplier12of the icemaker10. The water supplied to the water supplier12is filled in the spaces between the ribs11aof the ice tray11and frozen by the cold air of the freezer. A plurality of pieces of ice in a regular, uniform size are produced via the ribs11ain the ice tray11. When a predetermined time period passes and the ice is produced, the heater17is operated for a short period of time to loosen the ice within the ice tray11. Accordingly, an exterior of the ice tray11is slightly heated and each piece of ice separates from the ice tray11as the exterior of each piece of ice is slightly melted.

The motor13starts to operate and the shaft14aand the plurality of fins14bare then rotated together. The plurality of fins14bpush the ice between the ribs11ain a circumferential direction of the ice tray11and the ice is completely separated from the ice tray11via the plurality of fins14b, is dropped onto the dropper16and is subsequently dropped to the lower part of the icemaker10. The ice dropped to the lower part of the icemaker10is stored in the container20.

When a predetermined amount of the ice is filled in the container20from an above repeated process, the sensing arm18detects the amount of the ice and the controller stops producing ice. Of course, when it is determined via the sensing arm18that the ice is not enough, the process is repeated to continue producing the ice and the produced ice is stored in the container20.

Meanwhile, a user manipulates the control panel provided on an outer surface of the door10in a state that the container20is filled with the ice, the user is supplied with crushed ice or uncrushed ice in a large size through the ice dispenser. Hereinafter, the process will be described.

When the user manipulates the control panel to select a function for supplying the ice, the motor23rotates and transfers a large piece of ice stored in the container20to the crusher30. The large piece of ice transferred to the crusher30is crushed into smaller pieces of ice. Meanwhile, when the crushed ice is supplied through the ice dispenser, the shutter42slightly opens the outlet21. The outlet21is provided at the lower part of the crusher30and the crushed ice is discharged through the outlet21. The crushed ice passes through the ice chute2and supplied to the user through the ice dispenser.

When the user manipulates the control panel to select a function for supplying a large piece of uncrushed ice, the shutter42completely opens the outlet21. When the motor23operates and the transferring device22rotates, the large pieces of ice stored in the container20are transferred to the crusher30. At this time, the large pieces of uncrushed ice are discharged through the outlet21before reaching the crusher30, pass through the ice chute2and are supplied to the user through the ice dispenser.

Using the refrigerator with the ice supply system according to the present invention as mentioned above, the user is selectively supplied with crushed ice and uncrushed ice. However, the present inventors have determined that the ice supply system has a few disadvantages described in greater detail hereinafter with reference toFIG. 4.

According to an embodiment described in reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 4, the icemaker10and the container20are provided at the cooling chamber in the refrigerator. Therefore, there is a problem that a space of the refrigerator is not effectively used such that the icemaker10and the container20take up a lot of space thereof. In order to overcome this problem, the icemaker10and the container20may be provided in or at the door1. However, in this case, a second problem can occur. Specifically, if water is supplied to the ice tray11of the icemaker10for producing ice when the door1is simultaneously opened, the water in the ice tray11is often heavily shaken by inertia and the swinging moment of the door1. Accordingly, water can overflow when the door1is opened and closed. Therefore, the present inventors have created an ice supply system with an improved structure for preventing water from overflowing when the door is opened or closed as aforementioned. An improved structure for an ice maker of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 5, the ice supply system with the improved structure according to the present invention includes an icemaker100, a container provided at a lower part of the icemaker100and installed at the door1and an ice chute300for communicating the container200with the dispenser (not illustrated) and supplying ice stored in the container20to the dispenser. The ice supply system with an improved structure is provided at the door1and has an advantage of utilizing the space in the cooling chamber of the refrigerator.

In order to user the icemaker installed at the door1as mentioned above, water stored in the icemaker100needs to be prevented from overflowing by a swinging action of the door1. The ice supply system with an improved structure according to the present invention includes an overflow prevention device and a dropper with an improved structure for preventing water from overflowing. The overflow prevention device and the dropper are provided at an upper part of the ice tray in positions facing each other for preventing water from overflowing to an outside of the ice tray when the door1is opened or closed and water is shaken. The structure of the icemaker100will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

As a reference, for convenience in describing, a side of the dropper is hereinafter named as a front side of the ice tray and a side of the overflow prevention device is named as a rear side of the ice tray. When each embodiment is described, same name and number as those in the embodiment described referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4are employed. And, description of the same structure as the embodiment described referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4will be omitted and only the structure for preventing water from overflowing will be described.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of an inside of a refrigerator with an ice supply system in an improved structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an icemaker in the ice supply system ofFIG. 5.FIG. 7is a sectional view of the icemaker shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 8is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an icemaker in the ice supply system ofFIG. 5.FIG. 9is a sectional view of the icemaker shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 10Ais perspective view of a dropper in the icemaker ofFIG. 8as viewed from above the dropper.FIG. 10Bis a perspective view of a dropper in the icemaker ofFIG. 8as viewed from below the dropper.FIG. 10Cis a sectional view of the dropper in the icemaker ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 6is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of the icemaker in the ice supply system ofFIG. 5andFIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of the icemaker ofFIG. 6. Referring toFIG. 6, a dropper160ain the icemaker100according to the first embodiment is slightly different from the example described in reference toFIG. 2. The overflow prevention device includes a panel110aprovided at an upper part of the icemaker at an opposite side of the dropper160a. Therefore, the panel110aand the dropper160ain the icemaker100according to the first embodiment prevent water in the ice tray11from overflowing by a shaking action thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the panel110ais extended upward from an upper rear side of the ice tray11for a predetermined length. In this case, a side of the panel110afacing an inside of the ice tray11includes a concave face. When the panel110ahas a concave face, water slopping in the ice tray11from an inner side to the panel110ais naturally lead to the inner side thereof. When the ice in the ice tray11is discharged to an upper part of the ice tray11via an ejector14, the ice is lead to an upper surface of the dropper160a.

Referring toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the ice tray11is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape having an open top. Accordingly, it is desirable that a curved surface of the panel110aand the inside of the ice tray11include the same curvature in the first embodiment. In this case, water slopping in the ice tray11from an inner side to the panel110ais naturally lead to the inner side thereof along the inside of the ice tray11and the curved surface of the panel110a. When the ejector14discharges the ice, the ice is easily transformed along the inside of the ice tray11and the curved surface of the panel110a.

Meanwhile, the panel110aincludes a length for preventing water from overflowing from the ice tray11. However, when the curved surface of the panel110aand the inside of the ice tray11have the same curvature, a cross section of the panel110aincludes an arc form as illustrated inFIG. 7and it is easy to describe the length of the panel110aby an angle α. Since the radius of the ice tray11is already determined and thus the length of the ice tray11is calculated when a central axis of the ice tray11is at an angular apex and an angle between a lower end and an upper end of the panel110ais determined. A range of the angle α between the lower end and the upper end of the panel110ais proposed to be between 30° to 60°. This is a value obtained from a plurality of experiments. As a reference,FIG. 7illustrates a case on the assumption that the shat14aof the ejector14is provided on the central axis of the ice tray11.

The panel110aand the ice tray11can be formed as a single body or separately. When the panel110aand the ice tray11are formed as a single body, there is a difficulty in forming the panel110aand the ice tray11as a single body using a metallic pattern. On the other hand, when the panel110ais formed as a separate body, it is easy to form the panel110aand the ice tray11separately using a metallic pattern. There is an advantage that the panel110acan be attached to the ice tray in the embodiment described referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4. In this case, it is economical in that a manufacturer can use a part of the ice tray even if the structure of the refrigerator is changed. Furthermore, when the bracket is provided at the freezer3and the door1, the user can selectively install the icemaker100at either the door1or the freezer3according the user's preference.

Meanwhile, the dropper160acovers the space between the front upper part of the ice tray11and the shaft14afor preventing water from overflowing as illustrated inFIG. 7in the first embodiment. The dropper160aand the ice tray11are formed as a single body. When the dropper160aand the ice tray11are formed as a single body, the dropper160ais provided at the ice tray11.

Referring toFIG. 7, the dropper160ais provided separate from a centerline of the shaft14afor a predetermined distance.FIG. 7illustrates an embodiment showing that the shaft14ais provided at the central axis of the ice tray11. Accordingly, the dropper160ais provided at a location being offset from the central axis of the ice tray11.

Also, referring toFIG. 7, a side of the dropper160a, e.g., the side adjacent to the shaft, is inclined higher than the front side of the ice tray11. The ice discharged via the ejector14is easily slipped along the front surface of the dropper160aand dropped to the container200. A lower surface of the dropper160aeasily leads water slopping in the ice tray11to the inside of the ice tray11. Meanwhile, it is desirable that an angle of inclination of the dropper ranges from 10° to 45°.

The ice in the ice tray11rises along the inside of the ice tray11and the curved surface of the panel110abeing pushed by the plurality of fins14bof the ejector14and is discharged to the open top of the ice tray11. The ice is discharged through a space between the upper end of the panel110aand an end of the dropper160aas illustrated inFIG. 7. Therefore, it is desirable that a length between the upper end of the panel110aand the end of the dropper160ais formed to be larger in size than a maximum height of the ice frozen in the ice tray11. In the embodiment described above, in a case that the dropper160aincludes a slot (not illustrated) through which the fin14bpasses during the rotation of the shaft14a, water may flow out of the ice tray11through the slot when the door1is heavily shaken. However, the dropper160amay not include the slot as illustrated inFIG. 6. In this case, the plurality of fins14bmay not pass through the dropper160aand thus the shaft14ashould be able to rotate in a first direction and in a second direction. In other words, when a motor is provided for rotating in the first direction and in the second direction, the plurality of fins14brotates from a first place to a position of the dropper160ato discharge the ice and inversely rotates to the first place after discharging the ice to return to an initial operating position shown approximately inFIG. 7.

A second embodiment of the icemaker in the ice supply system is illustrated inFIG. 8toFIG. 10c. Referring toFIG. 8andFIG. 9, a panel110band a dropper160bare provided to prevent water in the ice tray from overflowing by a shake according to the second embodiment. The provided location of the panel110band the dropper160bis the same as the first embodiment described in reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7and a repeated description will be omitted with reference toFIG. 8. The structure of the panel110band the dropper160bprovided in the second embodiment will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 8andFIG. 9, the panel110bis provided at a position perpendicular to the upper rear part of the ice tray11in contrast to the panel110aof the first embodiment. The panel110bprovided above should include enough height or clearance to prevent water slopping in the ice tray11from overflowing to the rear side of the ice tray11. It is not necessary for the panel110bto be very high, e.g., so high as to sacrifice the available space for the installation and manufacturing efficiency of the ice tray11. Accordingly, it is preferable that an appropriate height of the panel110bis about 0.7 to 1.5 times of the radius of the ice tray11according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

When the panel is provided perpendicular to the upper part of the ice tray11, water in the ice tray11is prevented from overflowing to the rear side of the ice tray11. The ice tray11and the panel110bare easily formed as a single body by using the metallic pattern such that it is difficult to separate a form with a complex curved surface from the metallic pattern and easy to separate a form with a simple straight line. The panel110band the ice tray11are formed as a single body. However, it is acceptable and possible to separately manufacture the panel110bto be able to attach to and detach from the ice tray11.

The dropper160baccording to the second embodiment is provided to cover the upper part of the ice tray11and the space near the shaft14a. The dropper160bincludes a top plate161band a rim165b. The top plate161bincludes a top surface inclined to one side and a side of the top plate adjacent to the shaft14ais higher than an opposite side thereof as illustrated inFIG. 9toFIG. 10. In this case, it is desirable that a range of an angle of the top surface is 10° to 45°. The top surface of the top plate161bleads to slide the ice discharged through the upper part of the ice tray11via the ejector14to the lower part thereof.

Meanwhile,FIG. 9illustrates another embodiment of the top plate161bhaving a different thickness. However, in the present invention, the top plate can be designed to have a same thickness. In this case, the top surface and the bottom surface of the top plate161bare inclined such that the side adjacent to the shaft14ais higher than the opposite side thereof. Accordingly, the water slopping in the ice tray11from side to side is naturally lead to an inside of the ice tray11along the bottom surface of the top plate161b.

All the ice dropped to the upper surface of the dropper160bshould be dropped to the inside of the container200other than to another place. For this, on the top surface of the top plate161b, at least one groove163bis provided as illustrated inFIG. 8andFIG. 10A. It is desirable that the at least one groove163bis formed at an opposite side of the side adjacent to the shaft14aand a plurality of the grooves are formed at a predetermined interval.

The top plate161bincludes a bottom surface parallel to the horizon or the bottom surface inclined by a predetermined angle. When the bottom surface of the top plate161bis inclined, the range of the angle is from −10° to 10°. This means that a side of the bottom surface adjacent to the shaft14ais lower than the opposite side thereof or the side adjacent to the shaft14ais higher than the opposite side thereof.

The rim165bis extended to both sides of the top plate161bfrom the opposite side of the side adjacent to the shaft14ato the lower part thereof as illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B. When the dropper160bis provided at the ice tray11, the rim165bis described above as surrounding an upper outer surface of the ice tray11. Meanwhile, a side adjacent to the shaft among a plurality of sides of the dropper160bis inclined as illustrated inFIG. 9toFIG. 10Bso as to easily transfer the ice to the top surface of the dropper160balong the side adjacent to the shaft14a, e.g., the ice being pushed by the ejector14and discharged to the upper part of the ice tray11. InFIG. 9toFIG. 10B, an example showing the side adjacent to the shaft14aslopes. However, it is okay the side is formed as the curved surface is slightly convex.

Referring toFIG. 10AtoFIG. 10C, the dropper160bfurther includes a shield166b. The shield166bextends downward from an end side adjacent to the shaft14aof the dropper. The shield as composed as aforementioned prevents water slopping in the ice tray11from being bumped into the lower surface of the dropper160band moving to the shaft14aand leads the water to the inside of the ice tray11. The shield166bas aforementioned includes a predetermined angle of inclination against a perpendicular line. As a reference,FIG. 9illustrates an example showing that the shield166bis inclined toward one side.

The dropper160bas aforementioned and the ice tray11is formed as a single body or formed separately. In this case, the bottom of the ice tray is concave and a side of the open top of the ice tray11is covered. Accordingly, it is difficult to form the ice tray11, the panel110band the dropper160bas a single body using the metallic pattern. Therefore, the dropper160bis formed separately from the ice tray11and is installed to the ice tray.

Meanwhile, a pad167bis further included with the dropper160b. The pad167bis formed of rubber materials or synthetic resins and provided along the inner circumferential surface of the rim165bfor improving adhesion of the rim165band the ice tray11. When the dropper160band the ice tray11are separately manufactured, and provided to the ice tray11and the pad167bis provided, the pad167bimproves adherence of the dropper160band the ice tray11and prevents water from leaking between the rim165band the ice tray11. Meanwhile, if a sealing material such as silicon is adhered to the pad167b, adherence and waterproofing are further improved.

In the icemaker100according to the second embodiment having a structure as aforementioned, it is desirable that the slot is not provided at the dropper160b, the slot through which the fin14bpasses when the ejector14rotates so as to prevent water from being leaked through the slot. With respect to the slot for the fin14bto pass through at the dropper160b, a structure is required for preventing the fin14band the dropper160bfrom interfering with each other.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable that the motor is included for rotating the shaft14ain a first direction and a second direction. An additional structure for controlling a rotational range of the shaft14aby estimating a rotation angle of the shaft14aconnected to the motor13.

Accordingly, in the icemaker100according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a sensor170is further included for sensing a rotation angle of the shaft14a. The sensor170is provided at an adjacent surface of the shaft14aamong a plurality of surfaces of the dropper160as illustrated inFIG. 9and senses the rotation angle of the shaft14awhen the fin14bis in contact with the shaft14a.

If the sensor170is provided, a control section discharges the ice by using a method of inversely rotating the motor13till the fin14breaches the first place when the fin14brotates clockwise at a first place illustrated inFIG. 9and is in contact with the sensor170. Accordingly, water is effectively prevented from leaking even though the slot is not provided in the dropper160b.

The icemaker according to the present invention further includes a sensor170provided at an end of the dropper for sensing the rotation angle of the shaft14awhen the fin14brotating together with the shaft14ais in contact. In the present invention, the motor13is rotatably provided enabling rotation in both directions, e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise. In this case, the fin14bis rotated in the first direction from the first place until it contacts the sensor170and in the second direction until it reaches the first place after contacting the sensor170.

A predetermined distance D may be provided between the dropper160band the upper surface of the ice tray11. Specifically, a lower end of the dropper160b, i.e., a lower end of the top plate161bis separately provided from the longitudinal line passing the shaft14aas illustrated inFIG. 9such that the fin14bis not in contact with the dropper160bwhen the fin14brotates.

The dropper160bcan also be provided at a place offset from the central axis of the ice tray11for a predetermined distance. In this case, it is desirable that the ice tray11is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and the shaft14ais provided along the central axis of the ice tray11. It is desirable that the separated distance between the dropper160band the upper part of the ice tray11or the off-set distance is less than 0.2 times of the radius of the ice tray11.

FIG. 11is an exploded, perspective view of a third embodiment of an icemaker in the ice supply system ofFIG. 5.FIG. 12Ais a cross-sectional view of an exemplary spring provided in the icemaker ofFIG. 11shown in a state in which a cover is in a closed position.FIG. 12Bis cross-sectional view of an exemplary spring provided in the icemaker ofFIG. 11shown in a state in which a cover is in an opened position.FIG. 13Ais a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gear assembly provided for rotating a cover of the icemaker ofFIG. 11in a state in which a cover is in a closed position.FIG. 13Bis a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gear assembly provided for rotating a cover of the icemaker ofFIG. 11in a state in which a cover is in an open position.FIG. 14Ais a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gear assembly and a spring provided for rotating a cover of the icemaker ofFIG. 11shown in state in which the cover is in a closed position.FIG. 14Bis a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gear assembly and a spring provided for rotating a cover of the icemaker ofFIG. 11shown in state in which the cover is in an opened position.

InFIG. 11toFIG. 14B, a third embodiment of the icemaker100in the ice supply system ofFIG. 5is illustrated. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As seen inFIG. 11, the overflow prevention device or device includes a cover180in contrast to the first and second embodiments. Of course, not only the cover180, but also a dropper160cis provided for preventing water from overflowing to the outside by a shaking motion of door1or the icemaker100.

In the third embodiment, the dropper160cis the same as that in the second and third embodiments and thus a repeated description will be omitted hereinafter. Referring toFIG. 11toFIG. 12B, the cover180of this embodiment is coupled with a hinge at a top, rear portion of the ice tray11for opening or closing the open top of the ice tray11. The cover180is formed, e.g., in a flat form, and the dropper160ccovers a side of the open top of the ice tray11. Therefore, the cover180covers a remaining part of the dropper160cat the upper part of the ice tray11as illustrated inFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B.

In the icemaker100according to the second embodiment, it is desirable that the cover180covers the upper part of the ice tray11by virtue of its own weight as illustrated inFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B. For this, a first end at a hinge axis181between both ends of the cover180is higher than a second end at an opposite side of the hinge side.

If the cover180is provided as described above, the cover180closes the ice tray11by its own weight when the fin14bof the ejector14is in the first place. As illustrated inFIG. 12B, the cover180is pushed by the fin14ban then opens the top of the ice tray11after the shaft14aof the ejector rotates and is in contact with the bottom of the cover180.

Referring toFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B, the cover180is provided to further cover a top surface of the dropper160c. In this case, a sealing material185is provided at the second end at the opposite side of the hinge axis181. If the sealing material185is provided, water is effectively prevented from leaking between the cover180and the dropper160c.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B, a spring190is provided on the top surface of the cover180for improving adherence of the cover180and the top surface of the dropper160c. A first end of the spring190is coupled with the top surface of the cover180and a second end of the spring is coupled with the door of the refrigerator. In this case, the spring is provided in a compressed form. Accordingly, the spring190always biases the cover180to adhere to the upper surface of the dropper160c.

In the icemaker according to the third embodiment with the aforementioned structure, the shaft100is directly coupled with the motor13or via a gear assembly as illustrated inFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B. The gear assembly for transferring a rotational force of the motor13to the shaft14ais described in greater detail hereinafter as a first gear assembly.

The first gear assembly includes a first gear410and a second gear420as illustrated inFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B. The first gear410is coupled with the motor13and the second gear420is engaged with the gear410, and coupled with the shaft14a. Accordingly, if the motor is operated and the first gear rotates, the second gear engaged with the first gear rotates together with the first gear when the shaft14arotates.

In the mean time, the shaft14aslowly rotates and discharges the ice. Therefore, it is desirable that a number of teeth of the first gear410is less than the number of teeth of the second gear420. In that case, although the motor13rotates at a high speed, the second gear420and the shaft14aslowly rotate and the fin14bdischarges the ice with a large force.

When the icemaker100according to the third embodiment has an aforementioned structure, the shaft14aand the fin14brotate together according to an operation of the motor13and discharges the ice to the top of the ice tray11. In this case, the cover closes the ice tray11with its own weight and the force of the spring190before the ice pushed by the fin14bpushes open the cover180. Accordingly, water stored in the ice tray11is not leaked to the outside by shaking when opening and closing the door.

When the shaft14akeeps rotating and the ice pushes the cover180, the cover180rotates around the hinge axis181and opens the top of the ice tray11. Accordingly, the ice is discharged through the open top of the ice tray11and the discharged ice slips along the top surface of the dropper160cand is stored in the container200. When the fin14bfurther rotates clockwise, the cover180rotates clockwise by its own weight and the force of the spring190, and covers the top of the ice tray11. In the third embodiment, when the cover180covers the top surface of the dropper160c, it is desirable that the slit is provided to the dropper160c. When the slot is provided, the shaft14aand the fin14brotate in a same direction. Accordingly, the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is reduced since it is not necessary to provide a motor which enables rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and/or the sensor. The cover180is adhered to the top surface of the dropper160cand water leaking through the slot as described in the second embodiment is not a concern.

An embodiment with a structure is illustrated inFIG. 11toFIG. 12B, e.g., the structure wherein the cover180is pushed by the fin14bor is pushed open by the ice pushed by the fin14b. However, in the third embodiment, a structure wherein the cover180receives the power of the motor is opened. This structure will be briefly described hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 13AandFIG. 13B, the second gear assembly is provided in the third embodiment for communicating the shaft14awith the cover180. In this case, the second assembly includes a third gear430, a fourth gear440, a fifth gear450and a sixth gear460. The third gear430is provided to rotate together with the hinge axis181of the cover180as illustrated inFIG. 13A. The fourth gear440and the fifth gear450are engaged with the third gear430and the fourth gear440, respectively. The sixth gear460is provided to rotate together with the shaft14a.

An incised portion465is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the sixth gear460as illustrated inFIG. 13AandFIG. 13B. Accordingly, there is no tooth on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the sixth gear460having the incised portion465. The fifth gear450is not engaged with the sixth gear460while the shaft14arotates at a predetermined angle due to the incised part465. In this case, it is desirable that the incised part465is engaged by being pushed by the ejector14before coming into contact with the cover180until the fin14bpasses through the slot.

When the second gear assembly having the aforementioned structure is provided, the cover180opens by the operation of the motor13. A brief description of this structure is provided hereinafter. When the motor13rotates in the state illustrated inFIG. 13A, the first gear410of the first assembly rotates, thereby rotating the second gear420and the shaft14a. Accordingly, the fin14brotates clockwise at the first position. When the fin14brotates, the ice in the ice tray11separates from the inside of the ice tray11and is transferred out of the tray11.

When the shaft14arotates, the sixth gear460rotates together with the shaft14a. In a first stage of the rotating shaft14a, the shaft14ais not engaged with the fifth gear450and the sixth gear460, i.e., due to the incised part465. Accordingly, the third gear430and the hinge axis181are not rotated. When the shaft14akeeps rotating, the ice draws near the cover180as it travels along the inner surface of the ice tray11. In this case, the fifth gear450is engaged with the sixth gear460and the fourth gear440rotates together with the third gear430. Accordingly, the hinge axis181rotates and the cover180opens the top of the ice tray11. When the top of the ice tray11gradually opens, the ice is discharged through the top of the ice tray11. The ice slips into the top surface of the dropper160cand drops to the container200.

When the fin14bpasses through the slot of the dropper160c, the fifth gear450is not engaged with the sixth gear460. At this time, the cover180is inversely rotated by its own weight to close the top of the ice tray11. When the second gear assembly is provided, a spring190is further provided at the top of the cover180for connecting the cover180with the door as illustrated inFIG. 14AandFIG. 14B. In the case, where the fifth gear450is not engaged with the sixth gear460by the incised part465, the cover180is inversely rotated by its own weight to close the top of the ice tray11. Waterproofing of the tray11is improved by the spring190adhering the cover180to the dropper160c.

When the second gear assembly is provided, the motor rotating in the first direction and the second direction is further provided. In this case, the fin14bdischarges the ice, rotates until it contacts the dropper160cand inversely rotates until it reaches the first position. Accordingly, improved waterproofing is expected in this case since the aforementioned slot for rib14bslot is no longer necessary.

The present invention having the structure described above has the following advantages. First, when the overflow prevention device including the panel is provided, water in the icemaker is prevented from overflowing to the rear of the icemaker by shaking generated when the door is opened or closed. Second, if the panel provided as the overflow prevention device has a curved surface, water sliding back and forth within the ice tray from side to side is lead to the inside thereof.

In addition, if the panel provided in the overflow prevention device is longitudinally provided, the ice tray and the panel are formed as a single body. If the dropper is provided, water is prevented from overflowing to the front of the ice tray when the door is opened or closed. If the cover is provided as the overflow prevention device, water is prevented from being flowed to the outside of the ice tray because the cover covers the open top of the ice tray when the door is opened or closed. Further, if the gear assembly is provided, the cover with a simple structure automatically opens or closes the ice tray.