Refrigerator comprising fixing part

A refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a cabinet having a freezer chamber, and an ice maker provided in the freezer chamber, wherein the ice maker includes a tray for forming an ice chamber, and a case for supporting the tray, the case includes a fixing part to be fixed to walls for forming the freezer chamber or a housing fixed to the walls, and the fixing part includes an inclined surface so that the case forms a slope at the walls or the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2019/015588, filed on Nov. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0142079, filed on Nov. 16, 2018, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0033195, filed on Mar. 22, 2019. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including an ice maker.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door.

The refrigerator may cool the inside of the storage space by using cold air to store the stored food in a refrigerated or frozen state.

Generally, an ice maker for making ice is provided in the refrigerator.

The ice maker is constructed so that water supplied from a water supply source or a water tank is accommodated in a tray to make ice.

Also, the ice maker is constructed to transfer the made ice from the ice tray in a heating manner or twisting manner.

As described above, the ice maker through which water is automatically supplied, and the ice automatically transferred may be opened upward so that the mode ice is pumped up.

As described above, the ice made in the ice maker may have at least one flat surface such as crescent or cubic shape.

When the ice has a spherical shape, it is more convenient to ice the ice, and also, it is possible to provide different feeling of use to a user. Also, even when the made ice is stored, a contact area between the ice cubes may be minimized to minimize a mat of the ice cubes.

Korean Patent No. 10-1850918 as Prior Art document discloses an ice maker.

The ice maker of Prior Art document includes an upper tray in which a plurality of upper cells of a hemispherical shape are arranged and a pair of link guides extending upwardly from both sides are disposed, a lower tray in which a plurality of lower cells of a hemispherical shape are arranged and which is pivotally connected to the upper tray, a rotation shaft connected to rear ends of the lower tray and the upper tray such that the lower tray rotates relative to the upper tray, a pair of links having one end connected to the lower tray and the other end connected to the link guides, and an upper ejecting pin assembly respectively connected to the pair of links in a state in which both ends are fitted into the link guides to move up and down along with the links.

The upper ejecting pin assembly moves up and down to separate the ice of the upper tray. Accordingly, the upper ejecting pin assembly needs to move up and down in a vertical direction.

The lower tray rotates to one side for ice separation and then rotates to the other side for ice making. In this process, when the upper tray and the lower tray are not perfectly coupled, water leaks through a gap or it may be difficult to make spherical ice.

Since the refrigerator is installed to be inclined, when the ice maker and the refrigerator are horizontally aligned, it may be difficult to make spherical ice.

A motor is provided on one side of the ice maker. As errors occur due to a clearance in assembling actual parts, a difference in height between both links occurs and a difference in sealing force between left and right ice chambers occurs.

INVENTION

Technical Problem

The present disclosure provides an ice maker capable of making spherical ice which does not include a protrusion even when a refrigerator is actually installed to be inclined with respect to the ground, and a refrigerator including the same.

The present disclosure provides an ice maker capable of maintaining a state of reliably coupling an upper tray and a lower tray, and a refrigerator including the same.

The present disclosure provides an ice maker enabling sealing forces of a plurality of ice chambers to be equal by compensating for assembling errors which may occur in operating the ice maker, and a refrigerator including the same.

Technical Solution

An ice maker of the present disclosure includes a tray defining an ice chamber and a case coupled to the tray, and the case includes a fixing part to be fixed to a wall defining a freezing space or a housing (hereinafter referred to as a fixed part) fixed to the wall.

The fixing part may include an inclined surface for making inclination with respect to the wall or the housing.

The tray may include an upper tray and a lower tray, the case may include an upper case supporting the upper tray, and the fixing part may be formed in the upper case.

The upper case may include an upper plate for fixing the upper tray, a vertical extension part vertically extending along a circumference of the upper plate; and a horizontal extension part horizontally extending to an outside of the vertical extension part.

The ice maker may be fixed to the wall of the freezing space of the refrigerator or a separate housing.

The fixing part may include a first fixing part recessed from the horizontal extension part in order to insert a screw, and a surface, to which the screw of the first fixing part is coupled, may be inclined with respect to the horizontal extension part.

The fixing part may include a second fixing part protruding from the vertical extension part to be hooked with the fixed part, the second fixing part may include a first part extending upward from the vertical extension part and a second part bent and extended from the first part to an outside of the vertical extension part, and a lower surface of the second part may be inclined with respect to the horizontal extension part.

The housing may further include a plate coupled with the upper case, and the fixing part may include a third fixing part protruding to an outside of the vertical extension part to support the plate of the fixed part.

The third fixing part may include a vertical part extending in a direction vertical to the horizontal extension part and an inclined part bent and extended from the vertical part to support the plate of the fixed part, and the inclined part may be inclined with the horizontal extension part.

The plate of the fixed part may be inserted between a lower surface of the second part and an upper surface of the inclined part.

The upper assembly may be fixed to a wall of the freezing space or a separate housing and the lower assembly may be rotatably connected to the upper assembly.

The upper case may further include a pair of side circumferential walls extending upward from an edge of the horizontal extension part, and an upper surface of the pair of side circumferential walls may be inclined with respect to the horizontal extension part.

An upper ejector including an upper ejector pin for separating ice from the upper tray after ice making is completed may be further included.

The upper ejector may be connected to the lower assembly and thus, when the lower assembly rotates, the upper ejector may move up and down.

A plurality of links may be included and a connection unit connecting the upper ejector and the lower assembly and a driving unit for rotation power to the lower assembly may be further included.

The connection unit may include a pair of first links which rotates with power of the driving unit to rotate the lower support.

Heights of uppermost ends of the pair of first links are different from each other at a water supply position.

The height of the uppermost end of one first link close to the driving unit between the pair of first links is lower than that of the uppermost end of the other first link.

The heights of the uppermost ends of the pair of first links may be equal to each other when making ice.

Effect of the Invention

According to the disclosure, for ice making, after a lower tray rotates toward an upper tray, the lower tray further rotates toward the upper tray in a state in which operation of a motor is stopped, thereby more reliably coupling the upper tray with the lower tray.

In an ice making process, it is possible to maintain a state of reliably coupling the upper tray with the lower tray.

As a refrigerator and an ice maker are coupled to be inclined, even if the refrigerator is installed to be inclined with respect to the ground, it is possible to make spherical ice which does not include a protrusion.

The heights of the left and right first links are different, thereby compensating for assembling errors which may occur in operation of the ice maker.

By compensating for the assembling errors of the ice maker, sealing forces of a plurality of ice chambers are equal and thus ices made in the plurality of ice chambers become equal.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the same reference numerals as far as possible even though the components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components, and does not delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding component. It should be understood that when one component is “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the former may be directly connected or jointed to the latter or may be “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to the latter with a third component interposed therebetween.

FIG.1ais a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.1bis a view showing a state in which doors of the refrigerator ofFIG.1aare open.

Referring toFIGS.1aand2b, a refrigerator1according to an embodiment may include a cabinet2defining a storage space and a door that opens and closes the storage space.

In detail, the cabinet2may define the storage space that is vertically divided by a barrier. Here, a refrigerating space3may be defined at an upper side, and a freezing space4may be defined at a lower side.

Accommodation members such as a drawer, a shelf, a basket, and the like may be provided in the refrigerating space3and the freezing space4.

The door may include a refrigerating space door5opening/closing the refrigerating space3and a freezing space door6opening/closing the freezing space4.

The refrigerating space door5may be constituted by a pair of left and right doors and be opened and closed through rotation thereof. Also, the freezing space door6may be inserted and withdrawn in a drawer manner.

Alternatively, the arrangement of the refrigerating space3and the freezing space4and the shape of the door may be changed according to kinds of refrigerators, but are not limited thereto. For example, the embodiments may be applied to various kinds of refrigerators. For example, the freezing space4and the refrigerating space3may be disposed at left and right sides, or the freezing space4may be disposed above the refrigerating space3.

An ice maker100may be provided in the freezing space4. The ice maker100is constructed to make ice by using supplied water. Here, the ice may have a spherical shape. Alternatively, the ice maker100may be provided in the freezing space door6, the refrigerating space3, or the freezing space door5.

Also, an ice bin102in which the ice is stored after being transferred from the ice maker100may be further provided below the ice maker100.

The ice maker100and the ice bin102may be mounted in the freezing space4in a state of being respectively mounted in a separate housing.

As another example, the ice maker100may be directly coupled to a wall defining the freezing space4.

The housing or the wall defining the freezing space4coupled with the ice maker100may be referred to as a fixed part101.

A user may open the refrigerating space door6to approach the ice bin102, thereby obtaining the ice.

In another example, a dispenser7for dispensing purified water or the made ice to the outside may be provided in the refrigerating space door5.

Also, the ice made in the ice maker100or the ice stored in the ice bin102after being made in the ice maker100may be transferred to the dispenser7by a transfer unit. Thus, the user may obtain the ice from the dispenser7.

FIG.2ais a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a housing of a refrigerator and an ice maker are coupled, andFIG.2bis a cross-sectional view showing an actual installation state of a refrigerator.

Referring toFIGS.2aand2b, the fixed part101of the refrigerator1and the ice maker100may be coupled at a certain angle.

As shown inFIG.2b, in the refrigerator1, since the front side of the refrigerator is installed at a higher position with respect to the ground such that the door is more easily closed, the ice maker100may be coupled to be horizontal with respect to the ground according to an actual installation environment.

The refrigerator1may be installed to be inclined with respect to the ground at a predetermined angle, and the ice maker100may include a counter-gradient structure to be inclined with respect to the refrigerator1in an opposite direction.

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

FIGS.3aand3bare perspective views of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.4is an exploded view of an ice maker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3ato4, the ice maker100may include an upper assembly110and a lower assembly200.

The lower assembly200may rotate with respect to the upper assembly110. For example, the lower assembly200may be connected to be rotatable with respect to the upper assembly110.

In a state in which the lower assembly200contacts the upper assembly110, the lower assembly200together with the upper assembly110may make spherical ice.

That is, the upper assembly110and the lower assembly200may define an ice chamber111for making the spherical ice. The ice chamber111may have a chamber having a substantially spherical shape.

The upper assembly110and the lower assembly200may define a plurality of ice chambers111.

Hereinafter, a structure in which three ice chambers are defined by the upper assembly110and the lower assembly200will be described as an example, and also, the embodiments are not limited to the number of ice chambers111.

Meanwhile, in another aspect, the ice maker may include a tray defining an ice chamber and a case supporting the tray.

The tray includes an upper tray150and a lower tray250to be described later, and the case may include an upper case120and a lower case210to be described later.

In the state in which the ice chamber111is defined by the upper assembly110and the lower assembly200, water is supplied to the ice chamber111through a water supply part190.

The water supply part190is coupled to the upper assembly110to guide water supplied from the outside to the ice chamber111.

After the ice is made, the lower assembly200may rotate in a forward direction. Thus, the spherical ice made between the upper assembly110and the lower assembly200may be separated from the upper assembly110and the lower assembly200.

The ice maker100may further include a driving unit180so that the lower assembly200is rotatable with respect to the upper assembly110.

The driving unit180may include a driving motor and a power transmission part for transmitting power of the driving motor to the lower assembly200. The power transmission part may include one or more gears.

The driving motor may be a bi-directional rotatable motor. Thus, the lower assembly200may rotate in both directions.

The ice maker100may further include an upper ejector300so that the ice is capable of being separated from the upper assembly110.

The upper ejector300is connected to the lower assembly200. Therefore, when the lower assembly200rotates, the upper ejector300may move up and down.

For example, after ice making is completed, when the lower assembly200rotates downward to be separated from the upper assembly110for ice separation, the upper ejector300may move down.

After ice separation is completed, when the lower assembly200rotates upward to be coupled to the upper assembly110for water supply, the upper ejector300may move up.

When the upper ejector300moves down during ice separation, ice attached to the upper assembly110may be separated from the upper assembly110.

The upper ejector300may include an ejector body310and a plurality of upper ejecting pins320extending in a direction crossing the ejector body310.

For example, the ejector body310is formed in a horizontal direction, and the upper ejecting pin320may be formed to extend in a vertical direction from the lower side of the ejector body130.

A plurality of grooves may be formed in the ejector body310along a longitudinal direction. A plurality of reinforcing ribs311may be formed in the grooves. The reinforcing ribs311may be formed in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ejector body310. The reinforcing ribs311may be formed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the ejector body310.

A cavity321may be formed in the upper ejecting pin320. Accordingly, it is possible to improve strength of the upper ejecting pin320.

For ice separation, when the lower end of the upper ejecting pin320presses a spherical upper tray150, that is, the upper side of the ice chamber111, stable contact is possible by the cavity321.

The upper ejecting pins320may be provided in the same number of ice chambers111.

A separation prevention protrusion312for preventing a connection unit350from being separated in the state of being coupled to the connection unit350that will be described later may be provided on each of both ends of the ejector body310.

For example, the pair of separation prevention protrusions312may protrude in opposite directions from the ejector body310.

Specifically, separation prevention protrusions312protruding in a direction crossing the ejector body310may be formed at both ends of the ejector body310.

The separation prevention protrusion312may include a circular central part312aand a plurality of protrusion parts312bprotruding from both sides of the central part312ain a radial direction of the central part312a.

While the upper ejecting pin320passing through the upper assembly110and inserted into the ice chamber111, the ice within the ice chamber111may be pressed.

The ice pressed by the upper ejecting pin320may be separated from the upper assembly110.

Also, the ice maker100may further include a lower ejector400so that the ice attached to the lower assembly200is capable of being separated.

The lower ejector400may press the lower assembly200to separate the ice attached to the lower assembly200from the lower assembly200. For example, the lower ejector400may be fixed to the upper assembly110.

The lower ejector400may include an ejector body410and a plurality of lower ejecting pins420protruding from the ejector body410. The lower ejecting pins420may be provided in the same number of ice chambers111.

While the lower assembly200rotates to transfer the ice, rotational force of the lower assembly200may be transmitted to the upper ejector300.

For this, the ice maker100may further include the connection unit350connecting the lower assembly200to the upper ejector300. The connection unit350may include one or more links.

For example, when the lower assembly200rotates in one direction, the upper ejector300may descend by the connection unit350to allow the upper ejector pin320to press the ice.

On the other hand, when the lower assembly200rotates in the other direction, the upper ejector300may ascend by the connection unit350to return to its original position.

Hereinafter, the upper assembly110and the lower assembly120will be described in more detail.

The upper assembly110may include an upper tray150defining a portion of the ice chamber111making the ice. For example, the upper tray150may define an upper portion of the ice chamber111.

The upper assembly110may further include an upper case120and support170fixing a position of the upper tray150.

The upper tray150may be disposed below the upper case120. A portion of the upper support170may be disposed below the upper tray150.

As described above, the upper case120, the upper tray150, and the upper support170, which are vertically aligned, may be coupled to each other through a coupling member.

That is, the upper tray150may be fixed to the upper case120through coupling of the coupling member.

The upper support170may restrict downward movement by supporting a lower portion of the upper tray150.

For example, the water supply part190may be fixed to the upper case120.

The ice maker100may further include a temperature sensor500detecting a temperature of the upper tray150.

For example, the temperature sensor500may be mounted on the upper case120. Also, when the upper tray150is fixed to the upper case120, the temperature sensor500may contact the upper tray150.

The lower assembly200may include a lower tray250defining the other portion of the ice chamber111making the ice. For example, the lower tray250may define a lower portion of the ice chamber111.

The lower assembly200may further include a lower support270supporting a lower portion of the lower tray250, and a lower case210, at least a portion of which covers an upper side of the lower tray250.

The lower case210, the lower tray250, and the lower support270may be coupled to each other through a coupling member.

The ice maker100may further include a switch for turning on/off the ice maker100. When the user turns on the switch600, the ice maker100may make ice.

That is, when the switch600is turned on, water may be supplied to the ice maker100. Then, an ice making process of making ice by using cold air and an ice separating process of transferring the ice through the rotation of the lower assembly200.

On the other hand, when the switch600is manipulated to be turned off, the making of the ice through the ice maker100may be impossible. For example, the switch600may be provided in the upper case120.

FIG.5is a top perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.6is a bottom perspective view of an upper case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the upper case120may be fixed to a housing101within the freezing space4or a wall of the freezing space4in a state in which the upper tray150is fixed.

The upper case120may include an upper plate for fixing the upper tray150.

The upper tray150may be fixed to the upper plate121in a state in which a portion of the upper tray150contacts a bottom surface of the upper plate121.

An opening123through which a portion of the upper tray150passes may be defined in the upper plate121.

For example, when the upper tray150is fixed to the upper plate121in a state in which the upper tray150is disposed below the upper plate121, a portion of the upper tray150may protrude upward from the upper plate121through the opening123.

Alternatively, the upper tray150may not protrude upward from the upper plate121through opening123but protrude downward from the upper plate121through the opening123.

The upper plate121may include a recess122that is recessed downward. The opening123may be defined in a bottom surface122aof the recess122.

Thus, the upper tray150passing through the opening123may be disposed in a space defined by the recess122.

A heater coupling part124for coupling an upper heater (see reference numeral148ofFIG.13) that heats the upper tray150so as to transfer the ice may be provided in the upper case120.

For example, the heater coupling part124may be provided on the upper plate121. The heater coupling part124may be disposed below the recess122.

The upper case120may further include a plurality of installation ribs128and129for installing the temperature sensor500.

The pair of installation ribs128and129may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction of an arrow B ofFIG.6. The pair of installation ribs128and129may be disposed to face each other, and the temperature sensor500may be disposed between the pair of installation ribs128and129.

The pair of installation ribs128and129may be provided on the upper plate121.

A plurality of slots131and132coupled to the upper tray150may be provided in the upper plate121.

A portion of the upper tray150may be inserted into the plurality of slots131and132.

The plurality of slots131and132may include a first upper slot131and a second upper slot132disposed at an opposite side of the first upper slot131with respect to the opening123.

The opening123may be defined between the first upper slot131and the second upper slot132.

The first upper slot131and the second upper slot132may be spaced apart from each other in a direction of an arrow B ofFIG.6.

Although not limited, the plurality of first upper slots131may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction of an arrow A (hereinafter, referred to as a first direction) that a direction crossing a direction of an arrow B (hereinafter, referred to as a second direction).

Also, the plurality of second upper slots132may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A.

In this specification, the direction of the arrow A may be the same direction as the arranged direction of the plurality of ice chambers111.

For example, the first upper slot131may be defined in a curved shape. Thus, the first upper slot131may increase in length.

For example, the second upper slot132may be defined in a curved shape. Thus, the second upper slot133may increase in length.

When each of the upper slots131and132increases in length, a protrusion (that is disposed on the upper tray) inserted into each of the upper slots131and132may increase in length to improve coupling force between the upper tray150and the upper case120.

A distance between the first upper slot131and the opening123may be different from that between the second upper slot132and the opening123. For example, the distance between the first upper slot131and the opening123may be greater than that between the second upper slot132and the opening123.

Also, when viewed from the opening123toward each of the upper slots131, a shape that is convexly rounded from each of the slots131toward the outside of the opening123may be provided.

The upper plate121may further include a sleeve133into which a coupling boss of the upper support, which will be described later, is inserted.

The sleeve133may have a cylindrical shape and extend upward from the upper plate121.

For example, a plurality of sleeves133may be provided on the upper plate121. The plurality of sleeves133may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A. Also, the plurality of sleeves133may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the direction of the arrow B.

A portion of the plurality of sleeves may be disposed between the two first upper slots131adjacent to each other.

The other portion of the plurality of sleeves may be disposed between the two second upper slots132adjacent to each other or be disposed to face a region between the two second upper slots132.

The upper case120may further include a plurality of hinge supports135and136allowing the lower assembly200to rotate.

The plurality of hinge supports135and136may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A with respect toFIG.6. Also, a first hinge hole137may be defined in each of the hinge supports135and136.

For example, the plurality of hinge supports135and136may extend downward from the upper plate121.

The upper case120may further include a vertical extension part140vertically extending along a circumference of the upper plate121. The vertical extension part140may extend upward from the upper plate121.

The water supply part190may be coupled to the vertical extension part140.

The upper case120may further include a horizontal extension part142horizontally extending to the outside of the vertical extension part140.

The upper case120may further include a side circumferential wall143aextending to the upper side of the horizontal extension part142.

For example, the side circumferential wall143amay extend upward from an edge of the horizontal extension part142and have a pair of walls formed such that the height thereof gradually increases toward a screw coupling part142adescribed below in a direction of arrow A.

Specifically, a wall formed in the direction of arrow A of the side circumferential wall143amay be inclined based on the horizontal extension part142, such that the ice maker100is horizontal with respect to the ground in consideration of the slope of the refrigerator1.

The upper case120may further include a front circumferential wall143bextending to the upper side of the horizontal extension part142.

For example, the front circumferential wall143bmay be connected to the side circumferential wall143aand extend upward from an edge of the horizontal extension part142.

The front circumferential wall143bmay be formed to be separated once, not interfering other components according to the shape of the edge of the horizontal extension part142.

The side circumferential wall143aand the front circumferential wall143bserve to prevent a gap between the ice maker100and the housing101from being exposed to the outside, in coupling the ice maker100to the fixed part101in a state of being inclined.

The upper case120may include a fixing part to be fixed to a wall of the freezing space or the housing.

As described above, the fixing part may include an inclined surface to be fixed to be inclined with respect to the wall of the freezing space or the housing in order to compensate for the inclination formed when the refrigerator is installed.

The vertical extension part140may include one or more coupling hooks140a. By the coupling hook140a, the upper case120may be hooked to the fixed part101. The coupling hook140amay be referred to as a second fixing part.

Specifically, a pair of coupling hooks140amay be installed to extend from the upper surface of the upper case120and to be spaced apart from each other in a direction of arrow B.

For example, the coupling hook140amay include a first part extending from the vertical extension part140and a second part bent once and extended from the first part to the outside of the upper case120.

The coupling hook140amay be inclined to one side to make inclination in consideration of the inclination of the refrigerator1when being coupled to the fixed part101.

Specifically, a lower surface of the second part of the coupling hook140amay be inclined to one side to make inclination.

The vertical extension part140may further include one or more coupling guides104b. The coupling guides140bmay be referred to as a third fixing part.

For example, the pair of coupling guides140bmay be installed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction of arrow B at one side of the vertical extension part140and may be bent once or more.

Specifically, the coupling guides140bmay extend outward from the vertical extension part140and include a first part bent once in the opposite direction of the coupling hook140a.

A second part bent once upward from the upper end of the first part of the coupling guide140bat a certain angle may be further included.

The first part of the coupling guide140bmay include a vertical part extending in a vertical direction and an inclined part bent once and extended from an upper end of the vertical part. The second part of the coupling guide140bmay extend from an end of the horizontal part.

The inclined part may be inclined in the same direction as the inclination direction of a lower surface of the coupling hook140a.

A plate of the fixed part101may be inserted and coupled between the coupling hook140aand the coupling guide140b.

The coupling guide140bmay be formed by adding a rib to an upper surface, and the rib may be coupled to the upper surface of the first part of the coupling guide140bin a hemispherical shape.

A screw coupling part142aprotruding outward to screw-couple the upper case120to the fixed part101may be provided on the horizontal extension part142. The screw coupling part142amay be referred to as a first fixing part.

For example, a pair of screw coupling parts142amay be installed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of arrow B and may be coupled to the screw142bto be coupled to the fixed part101.

Specifically, a surface, in which the screw142bis coupled, of the screw coupling part142amay be inclined such that the ice maker100is horizontal with respect to the ground, in consideration of the fixed part101being inclined by the inclination of the refrigerator1.

When the ice maker100is horizontally installed in the refrigerator1and the refrigerator is installed to be inclined with respect to the ground, the ice maker100is inclined with respect to the ground.

In this case, water inside in the ice chamber for making ice is biased or water of some of a plurality of ice chambers is also located at an opening side of the upper tray, such that ice including a protrusion is formed. However, according to the present disclosure, since the ice maker100is installed to be inclined in one direction in the refrigerator1, even if the refrigerator is installed to be inclined with respect to the ground in the other direction, since the ice maker is horizontal with respect to the ground in a state in which installation of the refrigerator is completed, it is possible to prevent the above-described problem.

The upper case120may further include a side circumferential part143. The side circumferential part143may extend downward from the horizontal extension part142.

The side circumferential part143may be disposed to surround a circumference of the lower assembly200. That is, the side circumferential part143may prevent the lower assembly200from being exposed to the outside.

Some or all of the first fixing part to the third fixing part may be provided in the upper case120.

FIG.7is a top perspective view of an upper tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.8is a bottom perspective view of an upper tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.9is a side view of an upper tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.7to9, the upper tray150may be made of a non-metal material and a flexible material that is capable of being restored to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

For example, the upper tray150may be made of a silicon material. Like this embodiment, when the upper tray150is made of the silicon material, even though external force is applied to deform the upper tray150during the ice separating process, the upper tray150may be restored to its original shape. Thus, in spite of repetitive ice making, spherical ice may be made.

If the upper tray150is made of a metal material, when the external force is applied to the upper tray150to deform the upper tray150itself, the upper tray150may not be restored to its original shape any more.

In this case, after the upper tray150is deformed in shape, the spherical ice may not be made. That is, it is impossible to repeatedly make the spherical ice.

On the other hand, like this embodiment, when the upper tray150is made of the flexible material that is capable of being restored to its original shape, this limitation may be solved.

Also, when the upper tray150is made of the silicon material, the upper tray150may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed by heat provided from an upper heater that will be described later.

The upper tray150may include an upper tray body151defining an upper chamber152that is a portion of the ice chamber111.

The upper tray body151may be define a plurality of upper chambers152.

For example, the plurality of upper chambers152may define a first upper chamber152a, a second upper chamber152b, and a third upper chamber152c.

The upper tray body151may include three chamber walls153defining three independent upper chambers152a,152b, and152c. The three chamber walls153may be connected to each other to form one body.

The first upper chamber152a, the second upper chamber152b, and the third upper chamber152cmay be arranged in a line. For example, the first upper chamber152a, the second upper chamber152b, and the third upper chamber152cmay be arranged in a direction of an arrow A with respect toFIG.8. The direction of the arrow A ofFIG.8may be the same direction as the direction of the arrow A ofFIG.6.

The upper chamber152may have a hemispherical shape. That is, an upper portion of the spherical ice may be made by the upper chamber152.

An inlet opening154, through which water flows into the upper chamber152, may be formed in an upper side of the upper tray body151. For example, three upper inlet openings154may be formed in the upper tray body151. Cold air may be guided into the ice chamber111through the inlet opening154.

In the ice separating process, the upper ejector300may be inserted into the upper chamber152through the inlet opening154.

While the upper ejector300is inserted through the inlet opening154, an inlet wall155may be provided on the upper tray150to minimize deformation of the inlet opening154in the upper tray150.

The inlet wall155may be disposed along a circumference of the inlet opening154and extend upward from the upper tray body151.

The inlet wall155may have a cylindrical shape. Thus, the upper ejector30may pass through the inlet opening154via an inner space of the inlet wall155.

One or more first connection ribs155amay be provided along a circumference of the inlet wall155to prevent the inlet wall155from being deformed while the upper ejector300is inserted into the inlet opening154.

The first connection rib155amay connect the inlet wall155to the upper tray body151. For example, the first connection rib155amay be integrated with the circumference of the inlet wall155and an outer face of the upper tray body151.

Although not limited, the plurality of connection ribs155amay be disposed along the circumference of the inlet wall155.

The two inlet walls155corresponding to the second upper chamber152band the third upper chamber152cmay be connected to each other through the second connection rib162. The second connection rib162may also prevent the inlet wall155from being deformed.

A water supply guide156may be provided in the inlet wall155corresponding to one of the three upper chambers152a,152b, and152c.

Although not limited, the water supply guide156may be provided in the inlet wall corresponding to the second upper chamber152b.

The water supply guide156may be inclined upward from the inlet wall155in a direction which is away from the second upper chamber152b.

The upper tray150may further include a first accommodation part160. The recess122of the upper case120may be accommodated in the first accommodation part160.

A heater coupling part124may be provided in the recess122, and an upper heater (see reference numeral148ofFIG.13) may be provided in the heater coupling part124. Thus, it may be understood that the upper heater (see reference numeral148ofFIG.13) is accommodated in the first accommodation part160.

The first accommodation part160may be disposed in a shape that surrounds the upper chambers152a,152b, and152c. The first accommodation part160may be provided by recessing a top surface of the upper tray body151downward.

The heater coupling part124to which the upper heater (see reference numeral148ofFIG.13) is coupled may be accommodated in the first accommodation part160.

The upper tray150may further include a second accommodation part161(or referred to as a sensor accommodation part) in which the temperature sensor500is accommodated.

For example, the second accommodation part161may be provided in the upper tray body151. Although not limited, the second accommodation part161may be provided by recessing a bottom surface of the first accommodation part160downward.

Also, the second accommodation part161may be disposed between the two upper chambers adjacent to each other. For example, inFIG.7, the second accommodation part161may be disposed between the first upper chamber152aand the second upper chamber152b.

Thus, an interference between the upper heater (see reference numeral148ofFIG.13) accommodated in the first accommodation part160and the temperature sensor500may be prevented.

In the state in which the temperature sensor500is accommodated in the second accommodation part161, the temperature sensor500may contact an outer face of the upper tray body151.

The chamber wall153of the upper tray body151may include a vertical wall153aand a curved wall153b.

The curved wall153bmay be rounded upward in a direction that is away from the upper chamber152.

The upper tray150may further include a horizontal extension part164horizontally extending from the circumference of the upper tray body151. For example, the horizontal extension part164may extend along a circumference of an upper edge of the upper tray body151.

The horizontal extension part164may contact the upper case120and the upper support170.

For example, a bottom surface164b(or referred to as a “first surface”) of the horizontal extension part164may contact the upper support170, and a top surface164a(or referred to as a “second surface”) of the horizontal extension part164may contact the upper case120.

At least a portion of the horizontal extension part164may be disposed between the upper case120and the upper support170.

The horizontal extension part164may include a plurality of upper protrusions165and166respectively inserted into the plurality of upper slots131and132.

The plurality of upper protrusions165and166may include a first upper protrusion165and a second upper protrusion166disposed at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion165with respect to the inlet opening154.

The first upper protrusion165may be inserted into the first upper slot131, and the second upper protrusion166may be inserted into the second upper slot132.

The first upper protrusion165and the second upper protrusion166may protrude upward from the top surface164aof the horizontal extension part164.

The first upper protrusion165and the second upper protrusion166may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow B ofFIG.8. The direction of the arrow B ofFIG.8may be the same direction as the direction of the arrow B ofFIG.6.

Although not limited, the plurality of first upper protrusions165may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A.

The plurality of second upper protrusions166may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A.

For example, the first upper protrusion165may be provided in a curved shape. Also, for example, the second upper protrusion166may be provided in a curved shape.

In this embodiment, each of the upper protrusions165and166may be constructed so that the upper tray150and the upper case120are coupled to each other, and also, the horizontal extension part is prevented from being deformed during the ice making process or the ice separating process.

Here, when each of the upper protrusions165and166is provided in the curved shape, distances between the upper protrusions165and166and the upper chamber152in a longitudinal direction of the upper protrusions165and166may be equal or similar to each other to effectively prevent the horizontal extension parts264from being deformed.

For example, the deformation in the horizontal direction of the horizontal extension part264may be minimized to prevent the horizontal extension part264from being plastic-deformed. If when the horizontal extension part264is plastic-deformed, since the upper tray body is not positioned at the correct position during the ice making, the shape of the ice may not close to the spherical shape.

The horizontal extension part164may further include a plurality of lower protrusions167and168. The plurality of lower protrusions167and168may be inserted into a lower slot of the upper support170, which will be described below.

The plurality of lower protrusions167and168may include a first lower protrusion167and a second lower protrusion168disposed at an opposite side of the first lower protrusion167with respect to the upper chamber152.

The first lower protrusion167and the second lower protrusion168may protrude upward from the bottom surface164bof the horizontal extension part164.

The first lower protrusion167may be disposed at an opposite to the first upper protrusion165with respect to the horizontal extension part164. The second lower protrusion168may be disposed at an opposite side of the second upper protrusion166with respect to the horizontal extension part164.

The first lower protrusion167may be spaced apart from the vertical wall153aof the upper tray body151. The second lower protrusion168may be spaced apart from the curved wall153bof the upper tray body151.

Each of the plurality of lower protrusions167and168may also be provided in a curved shape. Since the protrusions165,166,167, and168are disposed on each of the top and bottom surfaces164aand164bof the horizontal extension part164, the deformation in the horizontal direction of the horizontal extension part164may be effectively prevented.

A through-hole169through which the coupling boss of the upper support170, which will be described later, may be provided in the horizontal extension part164.

For example, a plurality of through-holes169may be provided in the horizontal extension part164.

A portion of the plurality of through-holes169may be disposed between the two first upper protrusions165adjacent to each other or the two first lower protrusions167adjacent to each other.

The other portion of the plurality of through-holes169may be disposed between the two second lower protrusions168adjacent to each other or be disposed to face a region between the two second lower protrusions168.

FIG.10is a top perspective view of an upper support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.11is a bottom perspective view of an upper support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the upper support170may include a support plate171contacting the upper tray150.

For example, a top surface of the support plate171may contact the bottom surface164bof the horizontal extension part164of the upper tray150.

A plate opening172through which the upper tray body151passes may be defined in the support plate171.

A circumferential wall174that is bent upward may be provided on an edge of the support plate171. For example, the circumferential wall174may contact at least a portion of a circumference of a side surface of the horizontal extension part164.

Also, a top surface of the circumferential wall174may contact a bottom surface of the upper plate121.

The support plate171may include a plurality of lower slots176and177.

The plurality of lower slots176and177may include a first lower slot176into which the first lower protrusion167is inserted and a second lower slot177into which the second lower protrusion168is inserted.

The plurality of first lower slots176may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A on the support plate171. Also, the plurality of second lower slots177may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A on the support plate171.

The support plate171may further include a plurality of coupling bosses175. The plurality of coupling bosses175may protrude upward from the top surface of the support plate171.

Each of the coupling bosses175may pass through the through-hole169of the horizontal extension part164and be inserted into the sleeve133of the upper case120.

In the state in which the coupling boss175is inserted into the sleeve133, a top surface of the coupling boss175may be disposed at the same height as a top surface of the sleeve133or disposed at a height lower than that of the top surface of the sleeve133.

A coupling member coupled to the coupling boss175may be, for example, a bolt (see reference symbol B1ofFIG.3). The bolt B1may include a body part and a head part having a diameter greater than that of the body part. The bolt B1may be coupled to the coupling boss175from an upper side of the coupling boss175.

While the body part of the bolt B1is coupled to the coupling boss175, when the head part contacts the top surface of the sleeve133, and the head part contacts the top surface of the sleeve133and the top surface of the coupling boss175, assembling of the upper assembly110may be completed.

The upper support170may further include a plurality of unit guides181and182for guiding the connection unit350connected to the upper ejector300.

The plurality of unit guides181and182may be, for example, disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A with respect toFIG.11.

The unit guides181and182may extend upward from the top surface of the support plate171. Each of the unit guides181and182may be connected to the circumferential wall174.

Each of the unit guides181and182may include a guide slot183vertically extends.

In a state in which both ends of the ejector body310of the upper ejector300pass through the guide slot183, the connection unit350is connected to the ejector body310.

Thus, when the rotational force is transmitted to the ejector body310by the connection unit350while the lower assembly200rotates, the ejector body310may vertically move along the guide slot183.

FIG.12is an enlarged view showing a heater coupling portion in the upper case ofFIG.5,FIG.13is a view showing a state in which a heater is coupled to the upper case ofFIG.5, andFIG.14is a view showing a layout of a wire connected to the heater in the upper case.

Referring toFIGS.12to14, the heater coupling part124may include a heater accommodation groove124aaccommodating the upper heater148.

For example, the heater accommodation groove124amay be defined by recessing a portion of a bottom surface of the recess122of the upper case120upward.

The heater accommodation groove124amay extend along a circumference of the opening123of the upper case120.

For example, the upper heater148may be a wire-type heater. Thus, the upper heater148may be bendable. The upper heater148may be bent to correspond to a shape of the heater accommodation groove124aso as to accommodate the upper heater148in the heater accommodation groove124a.

The upper heater148may be a DC heater receiving DC power. The upper heater148may be turned on to transfer ice. When heat of the upper heater148is transferred to the upper tray150, ice may be separated from a surface (inner face) of the upper tray150. In this case, as heat of the upper heater148is stronger, a portion of the spherical ice facing the upper heater148becomes opaque compared to the other portion. That is, an opaque band having a shape corresponding to the upper header is formed on the circumference of the ice.

However, in the present embodiment, by using a DC heater having low output, the amount of heat transferred to the upper tray150may be reduced, thereby preventing the opaque band from being formed on the circumference of the ice.

The upper heater148may be disposed to surround the circumference of each of the plurality of upper chambers152so that the heat of the upper heater148is uniformly transferred to the plurality of upper chambers152of the upper tray150.

Also, the upper heater148may contact the circumference of each of the chamber walls153respectively defining the plurality of upper chambers152. Here, the upper heater148may be disposed at a position that is lower than that of the inlet opening154.

Since the heater accommodation groove124ais recessed from the recess122, the heater accommodation groove124amay be defined by an outer wall124band an inner wall124c.

The upper heater148may have a diameter greater than that of the heater accommodation groove124aso that the upper heater148protrudes to the outside of the heater coupling part124in the state in which the upper heater148is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove124a.

Since a portion of the upper heater148protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodation groove124ain the state in which the upper heater148is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove124a, the upper heater148may contact the upper tray150.

A separation prevention protrusion124dmay be provided on one of the outer wall124band the inner wall124cto prevent the upper heater148accommodated in the heater accommodation groove124afrom being separated from the heater accommodation groove124a.

InFIG.12, for example, a plurality of separation prevention protrusions124dare provided on the inner wall124c.

The separation prevention protrusion124dmay protrude from an end of the inner wall124ctoward the outer wall124b.

Here, a protruding length of the separation prevention protrusion124dmay be less than about ½ of a distance between the outer wall124band the inner wall124cto prevent the upper heater148from being easily separated from the heater accommodation groove124awithout interfering with the insertion of the upper heater148by the separation prevention protrusion124d.

As illustrated inFIG.13, in the state in which the upper heater148is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove124a, the upper heater148may be divided into an upper rounded portion148cand a linear portion148d.

That is, the heater accommodation groove124amay include an upper rounded portion and a linear portion. Thus, the upper heater148may be divided into the upper rounded portion148cand the linear portion148dto correspond to the upper rounded portion and the linear portion of the heater accommodation groove124a.

The upper rounded portion148cmay be a portion disposed along the circumference of the upper chamber152and also a portion that is bent to be rounded in a horizontal direction.

The liner portion148dmay be a portion connecting the upper rounded portions148ccorresponding to the upper chambers152to each other.

Since the upper heater148is disposed at a position lower than that of the inlet opening154, a line connecting two points of the upper rounded portions, which are spaced apart from each other, to each other may pass through upper chamber152.

Since the upper rounded portion148cof the upper heater148may be separated from the heater accommodation groove124a, the separation prevention protrusion124dmay be disposed to contact the upper rounded portion148c.

A through-opening124emay be defined in a bottom surface of the heater accommodation groove124a. When the upper heater148is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove124a, a portion of the upper heater148may be disposed in the through-opening124e. For example, the through-opening124emay be defined in a portion of the upper heater148facing the separation prevention protrusion124d.

When the upper heater148is bent to be horizontally rounded, tension of the upper heater148may increase to cause disconnection, and also, the upper heater148may be separated from the heater accommodation groove124a.

However, when the through-opening124eis defined in the heater accommodation groove124alike this embodiment, a portion of the upper heater148may be disposed in the through-opening124eto reduce the tension of the upper heater148, thereby preventing the heater accommodation groove124afrom being separated from the upper heater148.

As illustrated inFIG.14, in a state in which a power input terminal148aand a power output terminal148bof the upper heater148are disposed in parallel to each other, the upper heater148may pass through a heater through-hole125defined in the upper case120.

Since the upper heater148is accommodated from a lower side of the upper case120, the power input terminal148aand the power output terminal148bof the upper heater148may extend upward to pass through the heater through-hole125.

The power input terminal148aand the power output terminal148bpassing through the heater through-hole125may be connected to one first connector129a.

Also, a second connector129cto which two wires129dconnected to correspond to the power input terminal148aand the power output terminal148bare connected may be connected to the first connector129a.

A first guide part126guiding the upper heater148, the first connector129a, the second connector129c, and the wire129dmay be provided on the upper plate121of the upper case120.

InFIG.14, for example, a structure in which the first guide part126guides the first connector129ais illustrated.

The first guide part126may extend upward from the top surface of the upper plate121and have an upper end that is bent in the horizontal direction.

Thus, the upper bent portion of the first guide part126may limit upward movement of the first connector126.

The wire129dmay be led out to the outside of the upper case120after being bent in an approximately “U” shape to prevent interference with the surrounding structure.

Since the wire129dis bent at least once, the upper case120may further include wire guides127and128for fixing a position of the wire129d.

The wire guides127and128may include a first guide127and a second guide128, which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The first guide127and the second guide128may be bent in a direction corresponding to the bending direction of the wire129dto minimize damage of the wire129dto be bent.

That is, each of the first guide127and the second guide128may include a curved portion.

To limit upward movement of the wire129ddisposed between the first guide127and the second guide128, at least one of the first guide127and the second guide128may include an upper guide127aextending toward the other guide.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which an upper assembly is assembled.

Referring toFIG.15, in the state in which the upper heater148is coupled to the heater coupling part124of the upper case120, the upper case120, the upper tray150, and the upper support170may be coupled to each other.

The first upper protrusion165of the upper tray150may be inserted into the first upper slot131of the upper case120. Also, the second upper protrusion166of the upper tray150may be inserted into the second upper slot132of the upper case120.

Then, the first lower protrusion167of the upper tray150may be inserted into the first lower slot176of the upper support170, and the second lower protrusion168of the upper tray150may be inserted into the second lower slot177of the upper support170.

Thus, the coupling boss175of the upper support170may pass through the through-hole of the upper tray150and then be accommodated in the sleeve133of the upper case120. In this state, the bolt B1may be coupled to the coupling boss175from an upper side of the coupling boss175.

In the state in which the bolt B1is coupled to the coupling boss175, the head part of the bolt B1may be disposed at a position higher than that of the upper plate121.

On the other hand, since the hinge supports135and136are disposed lower than the upper plate121, while the lower assembly200rotates, the upper assembly110or the connection unit350may be prevented from interfering with the head part of the bolt B1.

While the upper assembly110is assembled, a plurality of unit guides181and182of the upper support170may protrude upward from the upper plate121through the through-opening (see reference numerals139aand139bofFIG.6) defined in both sides of the upper plate121.

As described above, the upper ejector300passes through the guide slots183of the unit guides181and182protruding upward from the upper plate121.

Thus, the upper ejector300may descend in the state of being disposed above the upper plate121and be inserted into the upper chamber152to separate ice of the upper chamber152from the upper tray150.

When the upper assembly110is assembled, the heater coupling part124to which the upper heater148is coupled may be accommodated in the first accommodation part160of the upper tray150.

In the state in which the heater coupling part124is accommodated in the first accommodation part160, the upper heater148may contact the bottom surface160aof the first accommodation part160.

Like this embodiment, when the upper heater148is accommodated in the heater coupling part124having the recessed shape to contact the upper tray body151, heat of the upper heater148may be minimally transferred to other portion except for the upper tray body151.

At least a portion of the upper heater148may be disposed to vertically overlap the upper chamber152so that the heat of the upper heater148is smoothly transferred to the upper chamber152.

In this embodiment, the upper rounded portion148cof the upper heater148may vertically overlap the upper chamber152.

That is, a maximum distance between two points of the upper rounded portion148c, which are disposed at opposite sides with respect to the upper chamber152may be less than a diameter of the upper chamber152.

FIG.16is a perspective view of a lower assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.17is a top perspective view of a lower case according to an embodiment, andFIG.18is a bottom perspective view of the lower case according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.16to18, the lower assembly200may include a lower tray250, a lower support270and a lower case210.

The lower case210may surround the circumference of the lower tray250, and the lower support270may support the lower tray250.

The connection unit350may be coupled to the lower support270.

The connection unit350may include a first link352that receives power of the driving unit180to allow the lower support270to rotate and a second link356connected to the lower support270to transmit rotational force of the lower support270to the upper ejector300when the lower support270rotates, such that the upper ejector300moves up and down.

The first link352and the lower support270may be connected by an elastic member360. The elastic member360provides tensile force between the first link352and the lower support270. For example, the elastic member360may be a coil spring. As another example, the elastic member360may be a tensile spring.

The elastic member360may have one end connected to the first link362and the other end connected to the lower support270.

The elastic member360provide elastic force to the lower support270so that contact between the upper tray150and the lower tray250is maintained.

In this embodiment, the first link352and the second link356may be disposed on both sides of the lower support270, respectively.

One of the two first links352aand352bmay be connected to the driving unit180to receive the rotational force from the driving unit180. The two first links352a352bmay be connected to each other by a connection shaft (see reference numeral370ofFIG.4).

Specifically, inFIG.16, the driving unit180may be connected to the right first link352a, and the left first link352bmay receive rotational force by the connection shaft370.

In this case, the heights of the left first link352band the right first link352amay be different. Specifically, the height of the left first link352bmay be greater than that of the right first link352aby about 5 mm based on the lower surface of the lower support270.

In connection between the connection shaft370and the first link352, rotational force received by the left first link352bmay be less than that of the right first link352adue to assembly tolerance. In this case, there is a difference in elastic force between the elastic members360and thus there may be a difference in sealing force between the ice chambers. However, in the present disclosure, by making the heights of the two first links352aand352bdifferent, it is possible to prevent a difference in elastic forces between the elastic members360.

A separation prevention hole358, through which the ejector body310of the upper ejector300passes, may be formed in an upper end of the second link356.

Specifically, a separation prevention hole358, through which the separation prevention protrusion312may penetrate, may be formed in an upper end of the second link356.

The separation prevention hole358may include a circular central part358ato correspond to the separation prevention protrusion312and a pair of grooves358brecessed outward in a radial direction at both sides of the central part358ato communicate with the central part358a.

Accordingly, the separation prevention protrusion321may be inserted into the separation prevention hole358in a manner of inserting the central part312aand a protrusion part312bof the separation prevention protrusion312into the central part358aand the groove358bof the separation prevention hole358. In a state in which the separation prevention protrusion312is inserted into the separation prevention hole358, the groove358band the protrusion part312bare dislocated and thus the separation prevention protrusion312may be continuously inserted into the separation prevention hole358without being separated.

The lower case210may include a lower plate211for fixing the lower tray250.

A portion of the lower tray250may be fixed to contact a bottom surface of the lower plate211.

An opening212through which a portion of the lower tray250passes may be defined in the lower plate211.

For example, when the lower tray250is fixed to the lower plate211in a state in which the lower tray250is disposed below the lower plate211, a portion of the lower tray250may protrude upward from the lower plate211through the opening212.

The lower case210may further include a circumferential wall214surrounding the lower tray250passing through the lower plate211.

The circumferential wall214may include a vertical wall214aand a curved wall215.

The vertical wall214ais a wall vertically extending upward from the lower plate211. The curved wall215is a wall that is rounded in a direction that is away from the opening212upward from the lower plate211.

The vertical wall214amay include a first coupling slit214bcoupled to the lower tray250. The first coupling slit214bmay be defined by recessing an upper end of the vertical wall downward.

The curved wall215may include a second coupling slit215ato the lower tray250.

The second coupling slit215amay be defined by recessing an upper end of the curved wall215downward.

The lower case210may further include a first coupling boss216and a second coupling boss217.

The first coupling boss216may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate211. For example, the plurality of first coupling bosses216may protrude downward from the lower plate211.

The plurality of first coupling bosses216may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A with respect toFIG.17.

The second coupling boss217may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lower plate211. For example, the plurality of second coupling bosses217may protrude from the lower plate211. The plurality of first coupling bosses217may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A with respect toFIG.17.

The first coupling boss216and the second coupling boss217may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow B.

In this embodiment, a length of the first coupling boss216and a length of the second coupling boss217may be different from each other. For example, the first coupling boss216may have a length less than that of the second coupling boss217.

The first coupling member may be coupled to the first coupling boss216at an upper portion of the first coupling boss216. On the other hand, the second coupling member may be coupled to the second coupling boss217at a lower portion of the second coupling boss217.

A groove215bfor movement of the coupling member may be defined in the curved wall215to prevent the first coupling member from interfering with the curved wall215while the first coupling member is coupled to the first coupling boss216.

The lower case210may further include a slot218coupled to the lower tray250.

A portion of the lower tray250may be inserted into the slot218. The slot218may be disposed adjacent to the vertical wall214a.

For example, a plurality of slots218may be defined to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A ofFIG.17. Each of the slots218may have a curved shape.

The lower case210may further include an accommodation groove218ainto which a portion of the lower tray250is inserted. The accommodation groove218amay be defined by recessing a portion of the lower tray211toward the curved wall215.

The lower case210may further include an extension wall219contacting a portion of the circumference of the side surface of the lower plate212in the state of being coupled to the lower tray250. The extension wall219may linearly extend in the direction of the arrow A.

FIG.19is a top perspective view of the lower tray according to an embodiment,FIGS.20and21are bottom perspective views of the lower tray according to an embodiment, andFIG.22is a side view of the lower tray according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.19to22, the lower tray250may be made of a flexible material that is capable of being restored to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.

For example, the lower tray250may be made of a silicon material. Like this embodiment, when the lower tray250is made of a silicon material, the lower tray250may be restored to its original shape even through external force is applied to deform the lower tray250during the ice separating process. Thus, in spite of repetitive ice making, spherical ice may be made.

If the lower tray250is made of a metal material, when the external force is applied to the lower tray250to deform the lower tray250itself, the lower tray250may not be restored to its original shape any more.

In this case, after the lower tray250is deformed in shape, the spherical ice may not be made. That is, it is impossible to repeatedly make the spherical ice.

On the other hand, like this embodiment, when the lower tray250is made of the flexible material that is capable of being restored to its original shape, this limitation may be solved.

Also, when the lower tray250is made of the silicon material, the lower tray250may be prevented from being melted or thermally deformed by heat provided from an upper heater that will be described later.

The lower tray250may include a lower tray body251defining a lower chamber252that is a portion of the ice chamber111. The lower tray body251may be called as a lower mold body.

The lower tray body251may be define a plurality of lower chambers252.

For example, the plurality of lower chambers252may include a first lower chamber252a, a second lower chamber252b, and a third lower chamber252c.

The lower tray body251may include three chamber walls252ddefining three independent lower chambers252a,252b, and252c. The three chamber walls252dmay be integrated in one body to form the lower tray body251.

The first lower chamber252a, the second lower chamber252b, and the third lower chamber252cmay be arranged in a line. For example, the first lower chamber252a, the second lower chamber252b, and the third lower chamber252cmay be arranged in a direction of an arrow A with respect toFIG.19.

The lower chamber252may have a hemispherical shape or a shape similar to the hemispherical shape. That is, a lower portion of the spherical ice may be made by the lower chamber252.

In the present disclosure, the shape similar to the hemispherical shape means a shape which is not a complete hemisphere but is close to a hemisphere.

The lower tray250may further include a first extension part253horizontally extending from an edge of an upper end of the lower tray body251. The first extension part253may be continuously formed along the circumference of the lower tray body251.

The lower tray250may further include a circumferential wall260extended upward from an upper surface of the first extension part253.

A bottom surface of the upper tray body151may be contact with the top surface251eof the lower tray body251. A top surface of the lower tray body251may be called as an end surface.

The circumferential wall260may surround the upper tray body251seated on the top surface251eof the lower tray body251.

The circumferential wall260may include a first wall260asurrounding the vertical wall153aof the upper tray body151and a second wall260bsurrounding the curved wall153bof the upper tray body151.

The first wall260ais a vertical wall vertically extending from the top surface of the first extension part253. The second wall260bis a curved wall having a shape corresponding to that of the upper tray body151. That is, the second wall260bmay be rounded upward from the first extension part253in a direction that is away from the lower chamber252.

The lower tray250may further include a second extension part254horizontally extending from the circumferential wall260.

The second extension part254may be disposed higher than the first extension part253. Thus, the first extension part253and the second extension part254may be stepped with respect to each other.

The second extension part254may include a first upper protrusion255inserted into the slot218of the lower case210. The first upper protrusion255may be disposed to be horizontally spaced apart from the circumferential wall260.

For example, the first upper protrusion255may protrude upward from a top surface of the second extension part254at a position adjacent to the first wall260a.

Although not limited, a plurality of first upper protrusions255may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A with respect toFIG.19. The first upper protrusion255may extend, for example, in a curved shape.

The second extension part254may include a first lower protrusion257inserted into a protrusion groove of the lower case270, which will be described later. The first lower protrusion257may protrude downward from a bottom surface of the second extension part254.

Although not limited, the plurality of first lower protrusions257may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of arrow A.

The first upper protrusion255and the first lower protrusion257may be disposed at opposite sides with respect to a vertical direction of the second extension part254. At least a portion of the first upper protrusion255may vertically overlap the second lower protrusion257.

A plurality of through-holes may be defined in the second extension part254.

The plurality of through-holes256may include a first through-hole256athrough which the first coupling boss216of the lower case210passes and a second through-hole256bthrough which the second coupling boss217of the lower case210passes.

For example, the plurality of through-holes256amay be defined to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A ofFIG.19.

Also, the plurality of second through-holes256bmay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A ofFIG.19.

The plurality of first through-holes256aand the plurality of second through-holes256bmay be disposed at opposite sides with respect to the lower chamber252.

A portion of the plurality of second through-holes256bmay be defined between the two first upper protrusions255. Also, a portion of the plurality of second through-holes256bmay be defined between the two first lower protrusions257.

The second extension part254may further a second upper protrusion258. The second upper protrusion258may be disposed at an opposite side of the first upper protrusion255with respect to the lower chamber252.

The second upper protrusion258may be disposed to be horizontally spaced apart from the circumferential wall260. For example, the second upper protrusion258may protrude upward from a top surface of the second extension part254at a position adjacent to the second wall260b.

Although not limited, the plurality of second upper protrusions258may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A ofFIG.20.

The second upper protrusion258may be accommodated in the accommodation groove218aof the lower case210. In the state in which the second upper protrusion258is accommodated in the accommodation groove218a, the second upper protrusion258may contact the curved wall215of the lower case210.

The circumferential wall260of the lower tray250may include a first coupling protrusion262coupled to the lower case210.

The first coupling protrusion262may horizontally protrude from the first wall260aof the circumferential wall260. The first coupling protrusion262may be disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the first wall260a.

The first coupling protrusion262may include a neck part262ahaving a relatively less diameter when compared to those of other portions. The neck part262amay be inserted into a first coupling slit214bdefined in the circumferential wall214of the lower case210.

The circumferential wall260of the lower tray250may further include a second coupling protrusion262ccoupled to the lower case210.

The second coupling protrusion262cmay horizontally protrude from the second wall260aof the circumferential wall260. The second coupling protrusion260cmay be inserted into a second coupling slit215adefined in the circumferential wall214of the lower case210.

The second extension part254may include a second lower protrusion266. The second lower protrusion266may be disposed at an opposite side of the second lower protrusion257with respect to the lower chamber252.

The second lower protrusion266may protrude downward from a bottom surface of the second extension part254. For example, the second lower protrusion266may linearly extend.

A portion of the plurality of first through-holes256amay be defined between the second lower protrusion266and the lower chamber252.

The second lower protrusion266may be accommodated in a guide groove defined in the lower support270, which will be described later.

The second extension part254may further a side restriction part264. The side restriction part264restricts horizontal movement of the lower tray250in the state in which the lower tray250is coupled to the lower case210and the lower support270.

The side restriction part264laterally protrudes from the second extension part254and has a vertical length greater than a thickness of the second extension part254. For example, one portion of the side restriction part264may be disposed higher than the top surface of the second extension part254, and the other portion of the side restriction part264may be disposed lower than the bottom surface of the second extension part254.

Thus, the one portion of the side restriction part264may contact a side surface of the lower case210, and the other portion may contact a side surface of the lower support270. In one example, the lower tray body251may has a heater contact portion251awhich the lower heater296contacts. In one example, the heater contact portion251amay be formed on each of the chamber walls252d. The heater contact portion251amay protrude from the respective chamber wall252d. In one example, the heater contact portion251amay be formed in a circular ring shape.

FIG.23is a top perspective view of a lower support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.24is a bottom perspective view of a lower support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.25is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the lower assembly has been assembled.

Referring toFIGS.23to25, the lower support270may include a support body271supporting the lower tray250.

The support body271may include three chamber accommodation parts272accommodating the three chamber walls252dof the lower tray250. The chamber accommodation part272may have a hemispherical shape.

The support body271may have a lower opening274through which the lower ejector400passes during the ice separating process. For example, three lower openings274may be defined to correspond to the three chamber accommodation parts272in the support body271.

A reinforcement rib275reinforcing strength may be disposed along a circumference of the lower opening274.

Two adjacent chamber walls252dof the three chamber walls252dmay be connected by a connection rib273. The connection rib273may reinforce the strength of the chamber walls252d.

The lower support270may further include a first extension wall285horizontally extending from an upper end of the support body271.

The lower support270may further include a second extension wall286that is formed to be stepped with respect to the first extension wall285on an edge of the first extension wall285.

A top surface of the second extension wall286may be disposed higher than the first extension wall285.

The first extension part253of the lower tray250may be seated on a top surface271aof the support body271, and the second extension part285may surround side surface of the first extension part253of the lower tray250. Here, the second extension wall286may contact the side surface of the first extension part253of the lower tray250.

The lower support270may further include a first protrusion groove287accommodating the first lower protrusion257of the lower tray250.

The first protrusion groove287may extend in a curved shape. The first protrusion groove287may be formed, for example, in a second extension wall286.

The lower support270may further include a first coupling groove286ato which a first coupling member B2passing through the first coupling boss216of the upper case210is coupled.

The first coupling groove286amay be provided, for example, in the second extension wall286.

The plurality of first coupling grooves286amay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow A in the second extension wall286. Some of the plurality of first coupling grooves286amay be located between the adjacent two first protrusion grooves287.

The lower support270may further include a boss through-hole286bthrough which the second coupling boss217of the upper case210passes.

The boss through-hole286bmay be provided, for example, in the second extension wall286. A sleeve286csurrounding the second coupling boss217passing through the boss through-hole286bmay be disposed on the second extension wall286. The sleeve286cmay have a cylindrical shape with an opened lower portion.

The first coupling member B2may be coupled to the first coupling groove286aafter passing through the first coupling boss216from an upper side of the lower case210.

The second coupling member B3may be coupled to the second coupling boss217from a lower side of the lower support270.

The sleeve286cmay have a lower end that is disposed at the same height as a lower end of the second coupling boss217or disposed at a height lower than that of the lower end of the second coupling boss217.

Thus, while the second coupling member B3is coupled, the head part of the second coupling member B3may contact bottom surfaces of the second coupling boss217and the sleeve286cor may contact a bottom surface of the sleeve286c.

The lower support270may further include an outer wall280disposed to surround the lower tray body251in a state of being spaced outward from the outside of the lower tray body251.

The outer wall280may, for example, extend downward along an edge of the second extension wall286.

The lower support270may further include a plurality of hinge bodies281and282respectively connected to hinge supports135and136of the upper case210.

The plurality of hinge bodies281and282may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction of an arrow A ofFIG.23. Each of the hinge bodies281and282may further include a second hinge hole281a.

The shaft connection part353of the first link352may pass through the second hinge hole281. The connection shaft370may be connected to the shaft connection part353.

The shaft connection part353may include polygonal grooves in surfaces facing each other, and the shaft connection part353may be connected by a connection shaft370having both ends having a polygonal cross section and inserted into the grooves.

For example, the shaft connection part353may include grooves having a square cross section in surfaces facing each other, and the connection shaft370may include a square cross section.

The first link352may have a shaft coupling part354aconnected to the rotation shaft of the driving unit180protruding from a surface facing the driving unit180.

The shaft coupling part354amay have a cavity formed therein. A plurality of reinforcing ribs may be formed around the shaft coupling part354a.

Accordingly, when the driving unit180rotates, the shaft coupling part354arotates and thus the first link352rotates. In this case, the first links352at both sides may simultaneously rotate by the connection shaft370.

A distance between the plurality of hinge bodies281and282may be less than that between the plurality of hinge supports135and136. Thus, the plurality of hinge bodies281and282may be disposed between the plurality of hinge supports135and136.

The lower support270may further include a coupling shaft283to which the second link356is rotatably coupled. The coupling shaft283may be disposed on each of both surfaces of the outer wall280.

Also, the lower support270may further include an elastic member coupling part284to which the elastic member360is coupled. The elastic member coupling part284may define a space284bin which a portion of the elastic member360is accommodated. Since the elastic member360is accommodated in the elastic member coupling part284to prevent the elastic member360from interfering with the surrounding structure.

Also, the elastic member coupling part284may include a hook part284aon which a lower end of the elastic member370is hooked.

<Coupling Structure of Lower Heater>

FIG.26is a plan view of a lower support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.27is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower heater is coupled to a lower support ofFIG.26, andFIG.28is a view showing a state in which a lower assembly is coupled to an upper assembly and, at the same time, a wire connected to a lower heater penetrates an upper case.

Referring toFIGS.26to28, the ice maker100according to this embodiment may further include a lower heater296for applying heat to the lower tray250during the ice making process.

The lower heater297may provide the heat to the lower chamber252during the ice making process so that ice within the ice chamber111is frozen from an upper side.

Also, since lower heater296generates heat in the ice making process, bubbles within the ice chamber111may move downward during the ice making process. When the ice is completely made, a remaining portion of the spherical ice except for the lowermost portion of the ice may be transparent. According to this embodiment, the spherical ice that is substantially transparent may be made.

For example, the lower heater296may be a wire-type heater.

The lower heater296may be installed on the lower support270. Also, the lower heater296may contact the lower tray250to provide heat to the lower chamber252.

For example, the lower heater296may contact the lower tray body251. Also, the lower heater296may be disposed to surround the three chamber walls252dof the lower tray body251.

The lower support270may further include a heater coupling part290to which the lower heater296is coupled.

The heater coupling part290may include a heater accommodation groove291that is recessed downward from the chamber accommodation part272of the lower tray body251.

Since the heater accommodation groove291is recessed, the heater coupling part290may include an inner wall291aand an outer wall291b.

The inner wall291amay have, for example, a ring shape, and the outer wall291bmay be disposed to surround the inner wall291a.

When the lower heater296is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291, the lower heater296may surround at least a portion of the inner wall291a.

The lower opening274may be defined in a region defined by the inner wall291a. Thus, when the chamber wall252dof the lower tray250is accommodated in the chamber accommodation part272, the chamber wall252dmay contact a top surface of the inner wall291a. The top surface of the inner wall291amay be a rounded surface corresponding to the chamber wall252dhaving the hemispherical shape.

The lower heater may have a diameter greater than a recessed depth of the heater accommodation groove291so that a portion of the lower heater296protrudes to the outside of the heater accommodation groove291in the state in which the lower heater296is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291.

A separation prevention protrusion291cmay be provided on one of the outer wall291band the inner wall291ato prevent the lower heater296accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291from being separated from the heater accommodation groove291.

InFIG.26, the separation prevention protrusions291cis provided on the inner wall291a.

Since the inner wall291ahas a diameter less than that of the chamber accommodation part272, the lower heater196may move along a surface of the chamber accommodation part272and then be accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291in a process of assembling the lower heater196.

That is, the lower heater196is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291from an upper side of the outer wall291atoward the inner wall291a. Thus, the separation prevention protrusion291cmay be disposed on the inner wall291ato prevent the lower heater296from interfering with the separation prevention protrusion291cwhile the lower heater196is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291.

The separation prevention protrusion291cmay protrude from an upper end of the inner wall291atoward the outer wall291b.

A protruding length of the separation prevention protrusion291cmay be about ½ of a distance between the outer wall291band the inner wall291a.

As illustrated inFIG.27, in the state in which the lower heater296is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291, the lower heater296may be divided into a lower rounded portion296aand a linear portion296b.

The lower rounded portion296amay be a portion disposed along the circumference of the lower chamber252and also a portion that is bent to be rounded in a horizontal direction.

The liner portion296bmay be a portion connecting the lower rounded portions296acorresponding to the lower chambers252to each other.

Since the lower rounded portion296aof the lower heater296may be separated from the heater accommodation groove291, the separation prevention protrusion291cmay be disposed to contact the lower rounded portion296a.

A through-opening291dmay be defined in a bottom surface of the heater accommodation groove291. When the lower heater296is accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291, a portion of the upper heater296may be disposed in the through-opening291d. For example, the through-opening291dmay be defined in a portion of the lower heater296facing the separation prevention protrusion291c.

When the lower heater296is bent to be horizontally rounded, tension of the lower heater296may increase to cause disconnection, and also, the lower heater296may be separated from the heater accommodation groove291.

However, when the through-opening291dis defined in the heater accommodation groove291like this embodiment, a portion of the lower heater296may be disposed in the through-opening291dto reduce the tension of the lower heater296, thereby preventing the heater accommodation groove291from being separated from the lower heater296.

The lower support270may include a first guide groove293guiding a power input terminal296cand a power output terminal of the lower heater296accommodated in the heater accommodation groove291and a second guide groove294extending in a direction crossing the first guide groove293.

For example, the first guide groove293may extend in a direction of an arrow B in the heater accommodation part291.

The second guide groove294may extend from an end of the first guide groove293in a direction of an arrow A. In this embodiment, the direction of the arrow A may be a direction that is parallel to the extension direction of a rotational central axis C1of the lower assembly.

Referring toFIG.27, the first guide groove293may extend from one of the left and right chamber accommodation parts except for the intermediate chamber accommodation part of the three chamber accommodation parts.

For example, inFIG.27, the first guide groove293extends from the chamber accommodation part, which is disposed at the left side, of the three chamber accommodation parts.

As illustrated inFIG.27, in a state in which the power input terminal296cand the power output terminal296dof the lower heater296are disposed in parallel to each other, the lower heater296may be accommodated in the first guide groove293.

The power input terminal296cand the power output terminal296cof the lower heater296may be connected to one first connector297a.

A second connector297bto which two wires298connected to correspond to the power input terminal296aand the power output terminal296bare connected may be connected to the first connector297a.

In this embodiment, in the state in which the first connector297aand the second connector297bare connected to each other, the first connector297aand the second connector297bare accommodated in the second guide groove294.

The wire298connected to the second connector297bis led out from the end of the second guide groove294to the outside of the lower support270through an lead-out slot295defined in the lower support270.

According to this embodiment, since the first connector297aand the second connector297bare accommodated in the second guide groove294, the first connector297aand the second connector297bare not exposed to the outside when the lower assembly200is completely assembled.

As described above, the first connector297aand the second connector297bmay not be exposed to the outside to prevent the first connector297aand the second connector297bfrom interfering with the surrounding structure while the lower assembly200rotates and prevent the first connector297aand the second connector297bfrom being separated.

Since the first connector297aand the second connector297bare accommodated in the second guide groove294, one portion of the wire298may be disposed in the second guide groove294, and the other portion may be disposed outside the lower support270by the lead-out slot295.

Here, since the second guide groove294extends in a direction parallel to the rotational central axis C1of the lower assembly200, one portion of the wire298may extend in the direction parallel to the rotational central axis C1.

The other part of the wire298may extend from the outside of the lower support270in a direction crossing the rotational central axis C1.

According to the arrangement of the wires298, tensile force may not merely act on the wires298, but torsion force may act on the wires298during the rotation of the lower assembly200.

When compared that the tensile force acts on the wire298, if the torsion acts on the wire298, possibility of disconnection of the wire298may be very little.

According to this embodiment, while the lower assembly200rotates, the lower heater296may be maintained at a fixed position, and twisting force may act on the wire298to prevent the lower heater296from being damaged and disconnected.

The power input terminal296cand the power output terminal296dof the lower heater296are disposed in the first guide groove293. Here, since heat is also generated in the power input terminal296cand the power output terminal296d, heat provided to the left chamber accommodation part to which the first guide groove293extends may be greater than that provided to other chamber accommodation parts.

In this case, if intensities of the heat provided to each chamber accommodating part are different, transparency of the made spherical ice after the ice making process and the ice separating process may be changed for each ice.

Thus, a detour accommodation groove292may be further provided in the chamber accommodation part (for example, the right chamber accommodation part), which is disposed farthest from the first guide groove292, of the three chamber accommodation parts to minimize a difference in transparency for each ice.

For example, the detour accommodation groove292may extend outward from the heater accommodation groove291and then be bent so as to be disposed in a shape that is connected to the heater accommodation groove291.

When a portion291of the lower heater is additionally accommodated in the detour accommodation groove292, a contact area between the chamber wall accommodated in the right chamber accommodation part272and the lower heater296may increase.

Thus, a protrusion292afor fixing a position of the lower heater accommodated in the detour accommodation groove292may be additionally provided in the right chamber accommodation part272.

Referring toFIG.28, in the state in which the lower assembly200is coupled to the upper case120of the upper assembly110, the wire298led out to the outside of the lower support270may pass through a wire through-slot138defined in the upper case120to extend upward from the upper case120.

A restriction guide139for restricting the movement of the wire298passing through the wire through-slot138may be provided in the wire through-slot138. The restriction guide139may have a shape that is bent several times, and the wire298may be disposed in a region defined by the restriction guide139.

FIG.29is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.3a, andFIG.30is a view showing a state in which ice generation is completed inFIG.26.

InFIG.29, a state in which the upper tray and the lower tray contact each other is illustrated.

Referring toFIG.29, the upper tray150and the lower tray250vertically contact each other to complete the ice chamber111.

The bottom surface151aof the upper tray body151contacts the top surface251eof the lower tray body251.

Here, in the state in which the top surface251eof the lower tray body251contacts the bottom surface151aof the upper tray body151, elastic force of the elastic member360is applied to the lower support270.

The elastic force of the elastic member360may be applied to the lower tray250by the lower support270, and thus, the top surface251eof the lower tray body251may press the bottom surface151aof the upper tray body151.

Thus, in the state in which the top surface251eof the lower tray body251contacts the bottom surface151aof the upper tray body151, the surfaces may be pressed with respect to each other to improve the adhesion.

As described above, when the adhesion between the top surface251eof the lower tray body251and the bottom surface151aof the upper tray increases, a gap between the two surface may not occur to prevent ice having a thin band shape along a circumference of the spherical ice from being made after the ice making is completed.

The first extension part253of the lower tray250is seated on the top surface271aof the support body271of the lower support270. Also, the second extension wall286of the lower support270contacts a side surface of the first extension part253of the lower tray250.

The second extension part254of the lower tray250may be seated on the second extension wall286of the lower support270.

In the state in which the bottom surface151aof the upper tray body151is seated on the top surface251eof the lower tray body251, the upper tray body151may be accommodated in an inner space of the circumferential wall260of the lower tray250.

Here, the vertical wall153aof the upper tray body151may be disposed to face the vertical wall260aof the lower tray250, and the curved wall153bof the upper tray body151may be disposed to face the second wall260bof the lower tray250.

An outer face of the chamber wall153of the upper tray body151is spaced apart from an inner face of the circumferential wall260of the lower tray250. That is, a space may be defined between the outer face of the chamber wall153of the upper tray body151and the inner face of the circumferential wall260of the lower tray250.

Water supplied through the water supply part180is accommodated in the ice chamber111. When a relatively large amount of water than a volume of the ice chamber111is supplied, water that is not accommodated in the ice chamber111may flow into the space between the outer face of the chamber wall153of the upper tray body151and the inner face of the circumferential wall260of the lower tray250.

Thus, according to this embodiment, even though a relatively large amount of water than the volume of the ice chamber111is supplied, the water may be prevented from overflowing from the ice maker100.

A heater contact part251afor allowing the contact area with the lower heater296to increase may be further provided on the lower tray body251.

The heater contact portion251amay protrude from the bottom surface of the lower tray body251. In one example, the heater contact portion251amay be formed in a ring shape and disposed on the bottom surface of the lower tray body251. The bottom surface of the heater contact portion251amay be planar.

The lower tray body251may further include a convex portion251bin which a portion of the lower portion of the lower tray body251is convex upward. That is, the convex portion251bmay be convex toward the inside of the ice chamber111.

A recess251cmay be defined below the convex portion251bso that the convex portion251bhas substantially the same thickness as the other portion of the lower tray body251.

In this specification, the “substantially the same” is a concept that includes completely the same shape and a shape that is not similar but there is little difference.

The convex portion251bmay be disposed to vertically face the lower opening274of the lower support270.

The convex portion251bmay have a diameter D less than that D2of the lower opening274.

When cold air is supplied to the ice chamber111in the state in which the water is supplied to the ice chamber111, the liquid water is phase-changed into solid ice. Here, the water may be expanded while the water is changed in phase. The expansive force of the water may be transmitted to each of the upper tray body151and the lower tray body251.

In case of this embodiment, although other portions of the lower tray body251are surrounded by the support body271, a portion (hereinafter, referred to as a “corresponding portion”) corresponding to the lower opening274of the support body271is not surrounded.

If the lower tray body251has a complete hemispherical shape, when the expansive force of the water is applied to the corresponding portion of the lower tray body251corresponding to the lower opening274, the corresponding portion of the lower tray body251is deformed toward the lower opening274.

In this case, although the water supplied to the ice chamber111exists in the spherical shape before the ice is made, the corresponding portion of the lower tray body251is deformed after the ice is made. Thus, additional ice having a projection shape may be made from the spherical ice by a space occurring by the deformation of the corresponding portion.

Thus, in this embodiment, the convex portion251bmay be disposed on the lower tray body251in consideration of the deformation of the lower tray body251so that the ice has the completely spherical shape.

In this embodiment, the water supplied to the ice chamber111is not formed into a spherical form before the ice is generated. After the generation of the ice is completed, the convex portion251bof the lower tray body251is deformed toward the lower opening274, such that the spherical ice may be generated.

In the present embodiment, the diameter D1of the convex portion251bis smaller than the diameter D2of the lower opening274, such that the convex portion251bmay be deformed and positioned inside the lower opening274.

Hereinafter, the link structure of the upper ejector and the lower assembly will be described in greater detail.

FIG.31ais a perspective view of an ice maker, from which an upper case is removed, when viewed from one side, andFIG.31bis a perspective view of an ice maker, from which an upper case is removed, when viewed from the other side.

FIGS.32aand32bare views illustrating a height difference of a first link of an ice maker, from which an upper case is removed.

FIG.33is a side view showing a lower tray and an upper ejector.FIG.34is a sideview showing a state in which the lower tray is rotated and an upper ejector is lowered in the state ofFIG.33.FIGS.35ato35bare side views showing a state in which the lower tray is further rotated.FIGS.36ato36care side views showing the position of the lower tray according to the rotation angle of a first link.FIG.37is a perspective view showing a coupling state of an upper ejector and a second link.FIG.38is a bottom perspective view of an upper ejector.FIGS.39aand39bare perspective view of a first link.FIG.40is a perspective view showing a coupling state of a first link and a connection shaft.

As shown in the figures, the ice maker100according to the present disclosure may further include the upper ejector300such that ice is separated from the upper assembly110.

The upper ejector300may be connected to the lower assembly200. When the lower assembly200rotates, the upper ejector300may move up and down.

For example, after ice making is completed, when the lower assembly200rotates downward to be spaced apart from the upper assembly110for ice separation, the upper ejector300may move down.

After ice making is completed, when the lower assembly200rotates upward to be coupled to the upper assembly110for water supply, the upper ejector300may move up.

During ice separation, when the upper ejector300moves down, ice attached to the upper assembly110may be separated from the upper assembly110.

The upper ejector300is connected to the lower assembly200by the connection unit350.

The connection unit350includes a first link352that receives power of the driving unit180to allow the lower support270to rotate. Accordingly, when the driving unit180operates, the first link352and the lower support270simultaneously rotate.

The lower support270has hinge bodies281and282formed at both sides thereof, and second hinge holes281aare formed in the hinge bodies281and282.

The shaft connection part353of the first link352may pass through the second hinge hole281.

The connection shaft370may be connected to the shaft connection part353.

The shaft connection part353may include polygonal shaft connection grooves353cin surfaces facing each other, and the shaft connection part353may be connected by a connection shaft370having both ends having a polygonal cross section and inserted into the shaft connection grooves353c.

For example, the shaft connection part353may include shaft connection grooves353chaving a square cross section in surfaces facing each other, and the connection shaft370may include a square cross section.

In this case, in assembling the shaft connection grooves353cand the connection shaft370, assembling tolerance may occur and thus sufficient rotational force may not be transferred to the left first link352bwhich is not connected to the motor.

In order to solve this, as shown inFIG.40, the left first link352bmay be formed at a higher position than the right first link352a, and a dotted line connecting the centers of the coupling holes354dof the two first links352aand352bmay not be horizontal with respect to the connection shaft370.

In the second hinge hole281a, an available space may be secured in the rotation direction of the shaft connection part353in a state in which the shaft connection part353is coupled.

Referring to the figure, the shaft connection part353may include a first circular central part353aand first locking parts353bprotruding from both sides of the first central part353ain a radial direction, and the second hinge hole281amay include a second circular central part281band a second locking groove281ccommunicating with the second central part281band recessed from both sides of the second central part281boutward in the radial direction.

The width of the second locking groove281cmay be greater than that of the first locking part353b.

In a state in which the first locking part353bis inserted into the second locking groove281c, an available space may be secured in the second locking part281cin the rotation direction of the first locking part353b.

The first link352and the lower support270may be connected by the elastic member360. The elastic member360provides tensile force between the first link352and the lower support270. For example, the elastic member360may be a coil spring. As another example, the elastic member360may be a tensile spring.

The elastic member360may have one end connected to the first link362and the other end connected to the lower support270.

The elastic member360provides elastic force pulling the lower support270toward the upper tray150so that contact between the upper tray150and the lower tray250is maintained.

As shown inFIGS.39ato40, the coupling hole354dcoupled with an end of the elastic member360may be formed in one end of the first link352. The coupling hole354dcoupled with the end of the elastic member360may be formed in one end of the first link352.

Referring toFIGS.35ato36c, after ice separation is completed, when the driving unit180operates, the shaft connection part353rotates and the first link352rotates along with the shaft connection part353. As the first link352rotates, the lower support270also rotates upward by the elastic member360and reaches a position ofFIG.36a. Specifically, when the first link352connected to the driving unit180rotates in a clockwise direction (inFIG.36a), the upper end of the first link352also rotates in the clockwise direction, and the lower support270also rotates in the clockwise direction by the elastic member360connecting the upper end of the first link352and the lower end of the lower support270.

When the lower support270reaches the position ofFIG.36a, operation of the driving unit180is stopped and water supply is performed.

As shown in the figure, when water supply is performed, the upper end of the lower support270and the lower end of the upper support170may be spaced apart from each other.

At a water supply position, the upper surface of the lower tray250is spaced apart from the lower surface of the upper tray150.

Although not limited, an angle between the upper surface of the lower tray250and the lower surface of the upper tray150at the water supply standby position of the lower assembly200may be about 8 degrees.

Thereafter, when water supply is completed, the driving unit180operates again.

The shaft connection part353rotates in the clockwise direction along with the driving unit180and the first link352rotates along with the shaft connection part353.

As the first link352rotates, the lower support270also rotates upward by the elastic member360and reaches the positions ofFIGS.35aand36b.

In this case, the upper surface of the lower tray250and the lower surface of the upper tray150come into contact with each other. Although not limited, in the state ofFIGS.35aand36b, the lower end of the upper tray150and the upper end of the lower tray250may be in a horizontal state.

As shown inFIG.32a, the heights of the right first link352aand the left first link352bmay be different from each other. That is, the heights of the uppermost ends of the right first link352aand the left first link352bat a water supply position may be different from each other.

In the state ofFIGS.35aand36b, the upper tray150and the lower tray250are in contact with each other but may not be completely in contact with each other. Coupling force may be weakened.

Accordingly, as shown inFIGS.35band36c, the driving unit180further operates, the shaft connection part353rotates in the clockwise direction along with the driving unit180and the first link352rotates along with the shaft connection part353.

In this case, the lower tray250is in contact with the upper tray150and thus does not rotate anymore and only the elastic member360is stretched. the elastic restoration force of the elastic member360increases and the contact between the lower tray250and the upper tray150may be maintained by the elastic restoration force of the elastic member360.

As shown inFIG.32b, the maximum heights of the right first link352aand the left first link352bmay be the same, and, as a result, the elastic force of the elastic member360is the same and sealing force of contact between the lower tray250and the upper tray150is the same in the left and right ice chambers.

Referring toFIGS.35ato35b, the width of the first locking groove281cformed in the second hinge hole281ais greater than that of the first locking part353bformed on the shaft connection part353. The shaft connection part353may independently rotate in a counterclockwise direction in a state of being inserted into the second hinge hole281a.

Accordingly, in a state in which it is difficult to further rotate the lower tray250(in the state ofFIG.235a) as the lower tray250is brought into contact with the upper tray150, when the driving unit180further operates, as shown inFIG.35b, only the shaft connection part may rotate in the clockwise direction in a state of being inserted into the second hinge hole281a, and, as a result, the first link352may rotate along with the shaft connection part353.

As the elastic member360is stretched, the elastic restoration force of the elastic member360increases and contact between the lower tray250and the upper tray150may be maintained by the elastic restoration force of the elastic member360.

In the ice making process, contact between the upper tray150and the lower tray250may be maintained.

In other words, in the ice making process, the heights of the uppermost ends of the right first link352aand the left first link352bmay be the same.

Thereafter, in the state ofFIGS.35band36c, when ice making is completed, for ice separation, the driving unit180operates. In this case, the first link352rotates in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS.35band36c). The upper end of the first link352rotates in the counterclockwise direction and, in this state, contact between the upper tray150and the lower tray250is maintained by the elastic restoration force of the elastic member360. In this case, the shaft connection part353independently rotates in the counterclockwise direction in a state of being inserted into the second hinge hole281a.

Thereafter, in the state ofFIGS.35aand36b, the lower end of the first locking part353bformed on the left side of the shaft connection part353is brought into contact with the first locking groove281c.

When the driving unit180continuously operates, the shaft connection part353rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the lower end of the first locking part353brotates the first locking groove281cin the counterclockwise direction, and, as a result, the lower support270and the lower assembly200may rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

Thereafter, when ice separation is completed, the driving unit180operates and the first link352and the lower support270rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby sequentially being subjected to the processes ofFIGS.36a,36band36c.

The connection unit350includes a second link356connected to the lower support270to transfer rotational force of the lower support270to the upper ejector300when the lower support270rotates.

That is, the upper ejector300may be connected to the lower support270by the second link356.

Accordingly, the rotational force of the lower assembly200may be transferred to the upper ejector300by the second link356.

The upper ejector300straightly move up and down by the unit guides181and182.

For example, after ice making is completed, for ice separation, when the lower assembly200rotates downward to be separated from the upper assembly110, the upper ejector300may move down.

After ice separation is completed, for water supply, when the lower assembly200rotates upward to be coupled to the upper assembly110, the upper ejector300may move up.

During ice separation, when the upper ejector300moves down, the upper ejecting pin320is inserted into the upper chamber152through the inlet opening154. Ice attached to the upper tray150may be separated from the upper tray150.

For reference, the ejector body310of the upper ejector300may move up and down in the guide slot183formed in the unit guides181and182.

The upper ejector300reaches a highest position in the ice making state, that is, the state ofFIGS.35band36c.

When the lower assembly200rotates in the counterclockwise direction (inFIGS.35ato36c) for ice separation, the upper ejector300moves down in correspondence with the rotation angle of the lower assembly200.

For example, when the lower tray250is brought into contact with the lower ejector400, the upper ejector300may reach a lowest position.

In contrast, after ice separation is completed, when the lower assembly200rotates in the clockwise direction (inFIGS.35ato36c) for water supply and ice making, the upper ejector300moves up in correspondence with the rotation angle of the lower assembly200.

For example, when the lower tray250is brought into contact with the upper tray150in a horizontal state, the upper ejector300may reach a highest position.

Hereinafter, an ice making process by an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG.41is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.3ain a water supply state, andFIG.42is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.3ain an ice making state.

FIG.43is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.3ain an ice making completion state,FIG.44is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.3ain an initial ice separation state, andFIG.45is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.3ain an ice separation completion.

Referring toFIGS.41to45, first, the lower assembly200rotates to a water supply standby position.

The top surface251eof the lower tray250is spaced apart from the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150at the water supply position of the lower assembly200. The water supply standby position may be called as an open position. The bottom surface151eof the upper tray150may be called as an end surface.

Although not limited, the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150may be disposed at a height that is equal or similar to a rotational center C2of the lower assembly200.

In this embodiment, the direction in which the lower assembly200rotates (in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing) is referred to as a forward direction, and the opposite direction (in a clockwise direction) is referred to as a reverse direction.

Although not limited, an angle between the top surface251eof the lower tray250and the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150at the water supply standby position of the lower assembly200may be about 8 degrees.

In this state, the water is guided by the water supply part190and supplied to the ice chamber111.

In this connection, the water is supplied to the ice chamber111through one inlet opening of the plurality of inlet openings154of the upper tray150.

In the state in which the supply of the water is completed, a portion of the water may be fully filled into the lower chamber252, and the other portion of the water may be fully filled into the space between the upper tray150and the lower tray250.

The upper chamber151may be filled with the other portion of the water. Of course, according to the angle between the upper surface251eof the lower tray250and the lower surface151eof the upper tray150or the volumes of the lower chamber252and the upper chamber152, water may not be located in the upper chamber152after the supply of the water is completed.

In case of this embodiment, a channel for communication between the three lower chambers252may be provided in the lower tray250.

As described above, although the channel for the flow of the water is not provided in the lower tray250, since the top surface251eof the lower tray250and the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150are spaced apart from each other, the water may flow to the other lower chamber along the top surface251eof the lower tray250when the water is fully filled in a specific lower chamber in the water supply process.

Thus, the water may be fully filled in each of the plurality of lower chambers252of the lower tray250.

In the case of this embodiment, since the channel for the communication between the lower chambers252is not provided in the lower tray250, additional ice having a projection shape around the ice after the ice making process may be prevented being made.

In the state in which the supply of the water is completed, as illustrated inFIG.42, the lower assembly200rotates reversely. When the lower assembly200rotates reversely, the top surface251eof the lower tray250is close to the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150.

Thus, the water between the top surface251eof the lower tray250and the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150may be divided and distributed into the plurality of upper chambers152.

Also, when the top surface251eof the lower tray250and the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150are attached to each other, the water may be fully filled in the upper chamber152.

In the state in which the top surface251eof the lower tray250and the bottom surface151eof the upper tray150are attached to each other, a position of the lower assembly200may be called an ice making position. The ice making position may be called as a closed position.

In the state in which the lower assembly200moves to the ice making position, ice making is started.

Since pressing force of water during ice making is less than the force for deforming the convex portion251bof the lower tray250, the convex portion251bmay not be deformed to maintain its original shape.

When the ice making is started, the lower heater296is turned on. When the lower heater296is turned on, heat of the lower heater296is transferred to the lower tray250.

Thus, when the ice making is performed in the state where the lower heater296is turned on, ice may be made from the upper side in the ice chamber111.

That is, water in a portion adjacent to the inlet opening154in the ice chamber111is first frozen. Since ice is made from the upper side in the ice chamber111, the bubbles in the ice chamber111may move downward.

Since the ice chamber111is formed in a sphere shape, the horizontal cross-sectional area may vary based on a height of the ice chamber111.

Thus, the output of the lower heater296may vary depending on the height at which ice is produced in the ice chamber111.

The horizontal cross-sectional area increases as it goes downwardly. Then, the horizontal cross-sectional area becomes maximum at the boundary between the upper tray150and the lower tray250and decreases as it goes downwardly again.

In the process where ice is generated from a top to a bottom in the ice chamber111, the ice comes into contact with the top surface of the convex portion251bof the lower tray250.

In this state, when the ice is continuously made, the block part251bmay be pressed and deformed as shown inFIG.43, and the spherical ice may be made when the ice making is completed.

A control unit (not shown) may determine whether the ice making is completed based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor500.

The lower heater296may be turned off at the ice-making completion or before the ice-making completion.

When the ice-making is completed, the upper heater148is first turned on for the ice-removal of the ice. When the upper heater148is turned on, the heat of the upper heater148is transferred to the upper tray150, and thus, the ice may be separated from the surface (the inner face) of the upper tray150.

After the upper heater148has been activated for a set time duration, the upper heater148may be turned off and then the drive unit180may be operated to rotate the lower assembly200in a forward direction.

As illustrated inFIG.44, when the lower assembly200rotates forward, the lower tray250may be spaced apart from the upper tray150.

Also, the rotational force of the lower assembly200may be transmitted to the upper ejector300by the connection unit350. Thus, the upper ejector300descends by the unit guides181and182, and the upper ejecting pin320may be inserted into the upper chamber152through the inlet opening154.

In the ice separating process, the ice may be separated from the upper tray250before the upper ejecting pin320presses the ice. That is, the ice may be separated from the surface of the upper tray150by the heat of the upper heater148.

In this case, the ice may rotate together with the lower assembly250in the state of being supported by the lower tray250.

Alternatively, even though the heat of the upper heater148is applied to the upper tray150, the ice may not be separated from the surface of the upper tray150.

Thus, when the lower assembly200rotates forward, the ice may be separated from the lower tray250in the state in which the ice is attached to the upper tray150.

In this state, while the lower assembly200rotates, the upper ejecting pin320passing through the inlet opening154may press the ice attached to the upper tray150to separate the ice from the upper tray150. The ice separated from the upper tray150may be supported again by the lower tray250.

When the ice rotates together with the lower assembly250in the state in which the ice is supported by the lower tray250, even though external force is not applied to the lower tray250, the ice may be separated from the lower tray250by the self-weight thereof.

While the lower assembly200rotates, even though the ice is not separated from the lower tray250by the self-weight thereof, when the lower tray250is pressed by the lower ejector400as shown inFIG.45, the ice may be separated from the lower tray250.

Particularly, while the lower assembly200rotates, the lower tray250may contact the lower ejecting pin420.

When the lower assembly200continuously rotates forward, the lower ejecting pin420may press the lower tray250to deform the lower tray250, and the pressing force of the lower ejecting pin420may be transmitted to the ice to separate the ice from the lower tray250. The ice separated from the surface of the lower tray250may drop downward and be stored in the ice bin102.

After the ice is separated from the lower tray250, the lower assembly200may be rotated in the reverse direction by the drive unit180.

When the lower ejecting pin420is spaced apart from the lower tray250in a process in which the lower assembly200is rotated in the reverse direction, the deformed lower tray250may be restored to its original form. That is, the deformed convex portion251bmay be restored to its original form.

In the reverse rotation process of the lower assembly200, the rotational force is transmitted to the upper ejector300by the connecting unit350, such that the upper ejector300is raised, and thus, the upper ejecting pin320is removed from the upper chamber152.

As described above, the lower assembly200rotates by the driving unit180in the reverse direction and then the upper end of the right first link352arotates to a first position (a dotted line ofFIG.32a).

In this case, the upper tray150and the lower tray250are in contact with each other but may not be completely in contact with each other.

In this state, when the driving unit180further operates, the lower assembly is pulled upward by the tensile force of the elastic member360, such that the upper end of the right first link352arotates to a second position (dotted position ofFIG.32b) higher than the first position (dotted position ofFIG.32a) and, as a result, the upper tray150and the lower tray250are more completely coupled.

When the lower assembly200reaches the water supply standby position, the drive unit180is stopped, and then water supply starts again.