U.S. patent application number 15/557993 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for icemaker.
The applicant listed for this patent is DAE CHANG CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jun-Dong JI, Jung-Woo LEE.
Application Number | 20180156515 15/557993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56920423 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180156515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JI; Jun-Dong ; et
al. |
June 7, 2018 |
ICEMAKER
Abstract
An icemaker includes an ice tray including a partitioned space
accommodating ice-making water, an ejector configured to remove ice
in the ice tray, an ice-removing heater provided on one side of the
ice tray and including a heating element configured to supply heat
to the ice tray, and a control box provided to face the ice tray
and including a motor configured to drive the ejector and a power
supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and the heater
therein.
Inventors: |
JI; Jun-Dong; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; LEE; Jung-Woo; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAE CHANG CO., LTD. |
Jeollabuk-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
56920423 |
Appl. No.: |
15/557993 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
March 14, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2016/002529 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 5/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 5/08 20060101
F25C005/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 13, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0034918 |
Apr 27, 2015 |
KR |
10-2015-0059093 |
Claims
1: An icemaker comprising: an ice tray including a partitioned
space accommodating ice-making water; an ejector configured to
remove ice in the ice tray; an ice-removing heater provided on one
side of the ice tray and including a heating element configured to
supply heat to the ice tray; and a control box provided to face the
ice tray and including a motor configured to drive the ejector and
a power supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and the
heater therein, wherein the ice-removing heater has a plate shape;
a through-hole through which the ice-removing heater passes is
formed on a side of the ice tray of the control box; a packing
member configured to pack the ice-removing heater is formed in the
through-hole; and a line formed to extend from the heating element
of the ice-removing heater is packed by the packing member.
2: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater passes
through the packing member and one end thereof is directly inserted
into a power inlet provided in the power supply unit.
3: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein an escape prevention structure
configured to prevent detachment of the packing member from the
through-hole is formed in the packing member.
4: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the packing member is formed of
an elastic material, the elastic material including at least one
among a silicone, a resin, and a rubber.
5: The icemaker of claim 1, further comprising a close contact
member located on a side of the other surface of the ice-removing
heater and configured to press the ice-removing heater against the
ice tray.
6: The icemaker of claim 1, further comprising a fixing part
configured to fix a state in which one end of the ice-removing
heater is inserted into the power inlet.
7: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein a surface of the power inlet is
tin plated.
8: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater
includes a power connector located in the control box and a heating
part in close contact with the one side of the ice tray and
configured to supply heat to the ice tray, wherein a thickness or
width of the heating part is less than that of the power
connector.
9: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater
includes: a first insulation layer; a heating layer located on the
first insulation layer; and a second insulation layer formed on the
heating layer, wherein thicknesses or materials of the first
insulation layer and the second insulation layer are different.
10: The icemaker of claim 9, wherein the first insulation layer and
the second insulation layer are formed of polyimide (PI) or
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
11: The icemaker of claim 9, wherein the heating layer is formed of
a metal patterned by etching or printing.
12: The icemaker of claim 9, wherein the heating layer is formed of
a heating material having positive-temperature coefficient (PTC) or
a carbon material.
13: The icemaker of claim 9, wherein the heating layer includes a
cord heater.
14: The icemaker of claim 13, wherein the cord heater includes a
sheath irradiated with an electron beam.
15: The icemaker of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first
insulation layer and the second insulation layer is irradiated with
an electron beam.
16: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein a portion of the ice tray in
close contact with the ice-removing heater is formed as a flat
surface.
17: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein an electric wire passing
portion through which an electric wire, which is connected to a
power controller configured to control power supplied to the
ice-removing heater, passes is formed in the packing member.
18: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein at least one communication
hole is formed in the ice-removing heater such that cooling air
comes into contact with the ice tray.
19: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein: a plurality of ice-removing
heaters identical to the ice-removing heater are formed; and a
preset distance between the plurality of ice-removing heaters is
maintained such that cooling air comes into contact with the ice
tray.
20: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice tray is formed of one
material among a metal, a resin, and a combination of the metal and
the resin.
21: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater is
adhered to the ice tray by an adhesive.
22: The icemaker of claim 21, wherein the adhesive is a PI
adhesive.
23: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater is
inserted into the ice tray to be assembled therewith.
24: The icemaker of claim 23, wherein a plurality of through-holes
are formed in the ice-removing heater which is inserted into the
ice tray to be assembled therewith.
25: An icemaker comprising: an ice tray including a partitioned
space accommodating ice-making water; an ice-removing heater
provided on one side of the ice tray and including a heating
element configured to supply heat to the ice tray; and a control
box provided to face the ice tray and including a motor configured
to drive the ejector and a power supply unit configured to supply
power to the motor and the heater therein, wherein a power
connector connected to a power source is formed on one side of the
ice-removing heater; and either (i) the power connector is inserted
into an elastic member, which is inserted into one side of the
control box; or (ii) the power connector is covered by an elastic
member that is inserted into a passing portion, the passing
portion, through which the ice-removing heater and at least one of
lead wires connected to the ice-removing heater pass, is provided
on one side of the control box, and at least one of the elastic
member and the ice-removing heater is pressed against the ice tray
by a close contact member.
26: The icemaker of claim 25, wherein the power connector is
covered by the elastic member that is inserted into the passing
portion; the passing portion, through which the ice-removing heater
and the at least one of lead wires connected to the ice-removing
heater pass, is provided on one side of the control box; and the at
least one of the elastic member and the ice-removing heater is
pressed against the ice tray by the close contact member.
27: An icemaker comprising: an ice tray including a partitioned
space accommodating ice-making water; an ice-removing heater
provided on one side of the ice tray and including a heating
element configured to supply heat to the ice tray; and a control
box provided to face the ice tray and including a motor configured
to drive the ejector and a power supply unit configured to supply
power to the motor and the heater therein, wherein the ice-removing
heater is connected to a control member configured to control a
power source; and at least one of a lead wire of the ice-removing
heater and a lead wire of the control member is drawn into the
control box through one or more passing portions formed in the
control box.
28: The icemaker of claim 1, wherein the ice-removing heater and
the motor are supplied with direct current (DC) power.
29: The icemaker of claim 1, further comprising a cam gear
connected to the motor and rotated in the control box, wherein the
cam gear operates a cam switch at a predetermined angle and
consecutively performs a predetermined operation.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an icemaker, and more
particularly to an icemaker including a direct connection-type
ice-removing heater and is highly efficient.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, refrigerators include refrigerator compartments
configured to refrigerate and store food and freezer compartments
configured to freeze and store food. Here, icemakers for making ice
are installed in the refrigerator compartments or the freezer
compartments.
[0003] An icemaker for a conventional refrigerator includes a
heater below an ice tray. In the case in which ice is completely
made, the heater serves to slightly melt ice tightly coupled to an
inner side surface of the ice tray to remove the ice. A sheath
heater having a "U" shape is used as the heater, and since the
sheath heater has a small area in direct contact with the ice tray
and a tube having a large diameter, a heating wire configured to
generate heat is separated from the ice tray by a considerable
distance. Accordingly, in the case of the sheath heater, since heat
transfer efficiency is low, much time and electricity is consumed
to melt ice in the ice tray.
[0004] A surface heater using a metal thin film as a resister may
be used to solve the above-described problem. A lead wire
configured to connect the surface heater and an electric power
source is needed to supply electric power to the surface heater,
and since a metal portion of the lead wire should not be exposed to
the outside, additional components are needed to electrically
insulate both ends of the lead wire. Accordingly, a cost of the
icemaker increases, and a manufacturing process becomes
cumbersome.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are directed to
providing an icemaker configured to electrically connect a
plate-type ice-removing heater directly to a power supply unit.
[0006] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are
also directed to providing an icemaker capable of increasing
efficiency of heat transfer from an ice-removing heater to an ice
tray.
[0007] The embodiments of the present invention are also directed
to providing an icemaker capable of decreasing an ice-making time
and decreasing power consumption in an overall ice-making
process.
Technical Solution
[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides an icemaker
that includes: an ice tray including a partitioned space
accommodating ice-making water; an ejector configured to remove ice
in the ice tray; an ice-removing heater provided on one side of the
ice tray and including a heating element configured to supply heat
to the ice tray; and a control box provided to face the ice tray
and including a motor configured to drive the ejector and a power
supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and the heater
therein, wherein the ice-removing heater has a plate shape, a
through-hole through which the ice-removing heater passes is formed
on a side of the ice tray of the control box, a packing member
configured to pack the ice-removing heater is formed in the
through-hole, and a line formed to extend from the heating element
of the ice-removing heater is packed by the packing member.
[0009] The ice-removing heater may pass through the packing member
and one end thereof may be directly inserted into a power inlet
provided in the power supply unit.
[0010] An escape prevention structure configured to prevent
detachment of the packing member from the through-hole may be
formed in the packing member.
[0011] The packing member is formed of an elastic material, the
elastic material including at least one among a silicone, a resin,
and a rubber.
[0012] The icemaker may further include a close contact member
located on a side of the other surface of the ice-removing heater
and configured to press the ice-removing heater against the ice
tray.
[0013] The icemaker may further include a fixing part configured to
fix a state in which one end of the ice-removing heater is inserted
into the power inlet.
[0014] A surface of the power inlet may be tin plated.
[0015] The ice-removing heater may include a power connector
located in the control box and a heating part in close contact with
the one side of the ice tray and configured to supply heat to the
ice tray, wherein a thickness or width of the heating part may be
less than that of the power connector.
[0016] The ice-removing heater may include a first insulation
layer, a heating layer located on the first insulation layer, and a
second insulation layer formed on the heating layer, wherein
thicknesses or materials of the first insulation layer and the
second insulation layer may be different.
[0017] The first insulation layer and the second insulation layer
may be formed of polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate
(PET).
[0018] The heating layer may be formed of a metal patterned by
etching or printing.
[0019] The heating layer may be formed of a heating material having
positive-temperature coefficient (PTC) or a carbon material.
[0020] The heating layer may include a cord heater.
[0021] The cord heater may include a sheath irradiated with an
electron beam.
[0022] At least one of the first insulation layer and the second
insulation layer may be irradiated with an electron beam.
[0023] A portion of the ice tray in close contact with the
ice-removing heater may be formed as a flat surface.
[0024] An electric wire passing portion through which an electric
wire, which is connected to a power controller configured to
control power supplied to the ice-removing heater, passes may be
formed in the packing member.
[0025] At least one communication hole may be formed in the
ice-removing heater such that cooling air comes into contact with
the ice tray.
[0026] A plurality of ice-removing heaters identical to the
ice-removing heater may be formed, and a preset distance between
the plurality of ice-removing heaters may be maintained such that
cooling air comes into contact with the ice tray.
[0027] The ice tray may be formed of one among a metal, a resin,
and a combination of the metal and the resin.
[0028] The ice-removing heater may be adhered to the ice tray by an
adhesive.
[0029] The adhesive may be a PI adhesive.
[0030] The ice-removing heater may be inserted into the ice tray to
be assembled therewith.
[0031] A plurality of through-holes may be formed in the
ice-removing heater which is inserted into the ice tray to be
assembled therewith.
[0032] Another aspect of the present invention provides an icemaker
that includes: an ice tray including a partitioned space
accommodating ice-making water; an ice-removing heater provided on
one side of the ice tray and including a heating element configured
to supply heat to the ice tray; and a control box provided to face
the ice tray and including a motor configured to drive the ejector
and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and
the heater therein, wherein a power connector connected to a power
source is formed on one side of the ice-removing heater, a passing
portion through which the ice-removing heater and at least one of
lead wires, which are connected to the ice-removing heater, pass is
provided on one side of the control box, an elastic member
configured to cover the power connector is inserted into the
passing portion, and at least one of the elastic member and the
ice-removing heater is pressed against the ice tray by a close
contact member.
[0033] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
icemaker that includes: an ice tray including a partitioned space
accommodating ice-making water; an ice-removing heater provided on
one side of the ice tray and including a heating element configured
to supply heat to the ice tray; and a control box provided to face
the ice tray and including a motor configured to drive the ejector
and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and
the heater therein, wherein a power connector connected to a power
source is formed on one side of the ice-removing heater, and the
power connector is inserted into an elastic member, which is
inserted into one side of the control box.
[0034] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an
icemaker that includes: an ice tray including a partitioned space
accommodating ice-making water; an ice-removing heater provided on
one side of the ice tray and including a heating element configured
to supply heat to the ice tray; and a control box provided to face
the ice tray and including a motor configured to drive the ejector
and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the motor and
the heater therein, wherein the ice-removing heater is connected to
a control member configured to control a power source, and at least
one of a lead wire of the ice-removing heater and a lead wire of
the control member is drawn into the control box through one or
more passing portions formed in the control box.
[0035] The ice-removing heater and the motor may be supplied with
direct current (DC) power.
[0036] The icemaker may further include a cam gear connected to the
motor and rotated in the control box, wherein the cam gear may
operate a cam switch at a predetermined angle and consecutively
perform a predetermined operation.
Advantageous Effects
[0037] According to the embodiments of the present invention, since
a power connector of a plate-type ice-removing heater is directly
inserted into a power inlet formed in a power supply unit, an
additional insulation process of the power connector is not needed,
and thus a cost can be decreased, and a manufacturing process can
be simplified.
[0038] In addition, since an ice-removing heater is in surface
contact with an outer circumferential surface of an ice tray such
that the ice-removing heater is in close contact with the ice tray,
efficiency of heat transfer from the ice-removing heater to the ice
tray can increase and ice frozen on an inner circumferential
surface of the ice tray can be melted even with a small amount of
heat and a short operating time.
[0039] In addition, since an amount of heat generated by an
ice-removing heater decreases, a material used for an ice tray can
vary.
[0040] In addition, since communication holes are formed in an
ice-removing heater or a plurality of ice-removing heaters are
attached to and spaced a distance apart from each other, sufficient
cooling air comes into contact with an ice tray while ice is made
in the ice tray such that an ice-making time can decrease.
[0041] In addition, since a power connector of an ice-removing
heater is inserted into a control box through a packing member and
includes a fixing part configured to fix connection between the
power connector and a power inlet, the ice-removing heater and the
power inlet can be firmly electrically connected such that an
occurrence of malfunction of the ice-removing heater can be
prevented while the icemaker is used.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the icemaker according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an ice-removing heater
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating an ice tray according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a packing member
and components related thereto according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
an icemaker according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker
according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the icemaker according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure
in which an ice-removing heater is in close contact with an ice
tray according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the ice-removing
heater and an elastic member according to still another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater and the elastic member according to still
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater and an elastic member according to yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater and an elastic member according to yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater and the elastic member according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater and an elastic member according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
MODES OF THE INVENTION
[0062] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a heater and an
icemaker including the same according to the present invention will
be described in detail with reference FIGS. 1 to 20. However, the
embodiments are only examples, and the present invention is not
limited thereto.
[0063] In the description of the invention, when it is determined
that detailed descriptions of related well-known functions
unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention, the detailed
descriptions thereof will be omitted. Some terms described below
are defined in consideration of functions in the invention, and
meanings thereof may vary depending on, for example, a user or
operator's intentions or customs. Therefore, the meanings of the
terms should be interpreted on the basis of the scope throughout
this specification.
[0064] The spirit and scope of the invention are defined by the
appended claims. The following embodiments are only made to
efficiently describe the technological scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art.
[0065] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker
100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, the icemaker 100 includes an ice tray
102, an ejector 104, an ice-removing heater 120, and a control box
110.
[0067] The ice tray 102 may include an ice-making space configured
to accommodate water therein. The ice tray 102 may include a
plurality of partitions to divide the ice-making space into a
plurality of spaces. Here, the separated ice-making spaces in the
ice tray 102 may be formed to correspond to ejector fins 104-2. An
inner circumferential surface of the ice tray 102 may be formed in
a semicircular arc shape having a radius corresponding to a length
of the ejector fins 104-2 such that the ejector fin 104-2 may
rotate to remove ice. The ice tray 102 may be formed of a metal, a
resin, or a combination of the metal and the resin. Particularly,
since a temperature of heat generated by a sheath heater and the
like is high, the ice tray 102 should be conventionally formed of
the metal. On the other hand, since the ice-removing heater 120 is
formed to be thin in the present embodiment, ice may be easily
removed from the ice tray 102 even when a temperature of heat
generated by the ice-removing heater 120 is relatively low.
Accordingly, the resin may also be used as a material which forms
the ice tray 102.
[0068] The ejector 104 may serve to remove ice in the ice tray 102.
The ejector 104 may include an ejector shaft 104-1 connected to a
motor 104-3 (see FIG. 2) in the control box 110, and a plurality of
ejector fins 104-2 formed on the ejector shaft 104-1 to be spaced
apart. The ejector fin 104-2 may rotate about the ejector shaft
104-1 in a predetermined direction (for example, in a clockwise
direction in FIG. 1) to remove ice in the ice tray 102.
[0069] The ice-removing heater 120 may be formed under the ice tray
102. Here, the ice-removing heater 120 may be formed to be in
surface contact with an outer circumferential surface of the ice
tray 102. The ice-removing heater 120 may be formed in a
longitudinal direction of the ice tray 102. The ice-removing heater
120 may generate heat at a predetermined area thereof. The
ice-removing heater 120 may be formed in a thin plate shape. For
example, a thickness of the ice-removing heater 120 may be greater
than 0 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm. A lower limit of the
thickness of the ice-removing heater 120 may be suitably set by a
person with ordinary skill in the art according to materials of a
heating element, an insulation member, and the like which form the
ice-removing heater 120. Since the ice-removing heater 120 is
formed in a thin shape, heat capacity of the ice-removing heater
120 is low such that a temperature of the ice-removing heater 120
may rapidly increase to a predetermined temperature. In this case,
power consumed when the ice-removing heater 120 is used may be
decreased.
[0070] In FIG. 1, the ice-removing heater 120 is illustrated as
being formed at a lower center of the ice tray 102, but the
ice-removing heater 120 is not limited thereto. Particularly, the
ice-removing heater 120 may also be formed to be eccentric to the
center of the ice tray 102 in one direction, and, in this case, a
structure of a printed circuit board (PCB) in the control box 110
may be simplified, and a power cut-off part, a temperature sensor
(not shown), and/or the like in the control box 110 may be
electrically connected to the ice-removing heater 120 and installed
on the ice tray 102 to be adjacent to each other.
[0071] In addition, the ice-removing heater 120 may be adhered to
the ice tray 102 using an adhesive to be in close contact with the
ice tray 102, or a space in which the ice-removing heater 120 is in
close contact with the ice tray 102 may also be formed and the
ice-removing heater 120 may be assembled by being inserted into the
ice tray 102. Polyimide (PI) adhesive may be used as the adhesive
for adhering the ice-removing heater 120 to the ice tray 102, but
the adhesive is not limited thereto, and the ice-removing heater
120 may be in close contact with the ice tray 102 using a known
double-sided tape.
[0072] In addition, when a surface of the ice tray 102 in close
contact with the ice-removing heater 120 is a curved surface, there
is a risk of the ice-removing heater 120 being detached from the
ice tray 102 even when the ice-removing heater 120 is flexible. To
prevent this, a partial surface 102a of the ice tray 102 in close
contact with the ice-removing heater 120 may be a flat surface.
[0073] The control box 110 may be provided on one side of the ice
tray 102. The control box 110 may be coupled to the ice tray 102 at
the one side of the ice tray 102. A controller (not shown)
configured to control an overall operation of the icemaker 100 may
be formed in the control box 110. In addition, the ice-removing
motor 104-3 (see FIG. 2) configured to rotate the ejector 104 in
the predetermined direction may be formed in the control box 110. A
power supply unit 106 (see FIG. 2) configured to supply power to
the ice-removing motor 104-3 (see FIG. 2) and the ice-removing
heater 120 may be formed in the control box 110.
[0074] Here, for example, the controller (not shown) may control a
turning on or turning off operation of the ice-removing heater 120
according to a rotation position of the ejector 104 or an elapsed
time of an operation of the ejector 104. Specifically, the
controller (not shown) may operate the ice-removing heater 120 when
a temperature of the ice tray 102 becomes a predetermined
ice-making temperature (that is, ice-making water in the ice tray
102 is completely frozen).
[0075] Next, the controller (not shown) rotates the ejector 104 in
the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 to start removing ice in the ice
tray 102. In the case in which the position of the ejector 104
passes by the ice-removing heater 120, the controller (not shown)
may turn the ice-removing heater 120 off. In this case, power
consumed when melting ice may be decreased. Here, a controller (not
shown) may check a current rotational position of the ejector 104
(that is, a rotational position of the ejector fin 104-2) by
checking a home position of the ejector 104 using a position sensor
(not shown) and accumulating and calculating the number of pulse
signals input from the ice-removing motor (not shown).
[0076] Here, it has been stated that, when the controller (not
shown) turns all ice-removing heaters 120 on and the ejector 104
passes by the ice-removing heater 120, the controller (not shown)
turns the ice-removing heater 120 off, but the controller is not
limited thereto and may control an operation of the ice-removing
heater 120 through various methods.
[0077] In addition, the controller (not shown) has been described
as controlling the ice-removing heater 120 according to the
position of the ejector 104, but the controller (not shown) is not
limited thereto and may also control the ice-removing heater 120
according to an elapsed time after the ejector 104 is rotated.
[0078] One side of the ice-removing heater 120 may be in close
contact with the ice tray 102, and the other side of the
ice-removing heater 120 may be supported by a close contact member
130. The close contact member 130 presses the ice-removing heater
120 toward the ice tray 102 to easily transfer heat generated by
the ice-removing heater 120 to the ice tray 102. In addition, the
close contact member 130 may serve as a heat cover configured to
prevent exposure of the ice-removing heater 120 to the outside.
[0079] In addition, since the icemaker 100 includes a converter
(not shown), alternating current (AC) power may be converted into
direct current (DC) power and supplied to components of the
icemaker 100. Much of power consumed in a refrigerator including
the icemaker 100 is consumed in the icemaker 100, and since the
power supplied to the icemaker 100 may be converted into DC power,
a voltage may be significantly lowered relative to AC power such
that power consumption may be decreased. This means that there is
no need to additionally design the icemaker 100 such that a
resistance value is increased to reduce power consumption in the
icemaker 100.
[0080] In addition, a cam gear (not shown) connected to the
ice-removing motor 104-3 may be formed in the control box 110. The
cam gear may receive a rotational force of the motor 104-3 to
rotate, and may come into contact with a cam switch (not shown) at
a predetermined phase angel to perform a predetermined operation.
Accordingly, an ice-removing operation of the icemaker 100 may be
performed step by step starting from the rotation of the cam
gear.
[0081] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the icemaker 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 2, the control box 110 of the icemaker 100
may include the ice-removing motor 104-3 for rotating the ejector
shaft 104-1 in the predetermined direction, and the power supply
unit 106 for supplying power to the ice-removing motor 104-3 and
the ice-removing heater 120. For example, the power supply unit 106
may be a PCB. A power inlet 108 into which one side of the
ice-removing heater 120 (a power connector) may be directly
inserted may be formed on one side of the power supply unit 106.
Since a metal terminal pattern is formed on a power connector 120-2
(see FIG. 3) of the ice-removing heater 120 such that the power
connector 120-2 (see FIG. 3) is directly inserted into the power
inlet 108, the ice-removing heater 120 may be electrically
connected to the power supply unit 106 even without additional
components. That is, in the present embodiment, there is no need
for a lead wire for connecting the ice-removing heater 120 and the
power supply unit 106, or for soldering, welding, or providing a
structure such as an eyelet for firmly electrically connecting the
lead wire, the ice-removing heater 120, and the power supply unit
106, and power may be supplied from the power supply unit 106 to
the ice-removing heater 120 by simply inserting the power connector
120-2 (see FIG. 3) of the ice-removing heater 120 into the power
inlet 108. A fixing part (not shown) may also be formed around the
power inlet 108 to firmly bring the ice-removing heater 120 into
contact with the power inlet 108. For example, the fixing part (not
shown) may be formed in a hook shape at both sides of the power
inlet 108 such that one end thereof having the hook shape may be
hooked onto the ice-removing heater 120 when the ice-removing
heater 120 is inserted into the power inlet 108, but the fixing
part is not limited thereto. The power inlet 108 may be tin plated
to prevent metal corrosion and enhance adhesion between the power
inlet 108 and the one end of the ice-removing heater 120.
[0083] In addition, it may be preferable for the ice-removing
heater 120 to be inserted into the power inlet 108 while leaving a
predetermined distance d, and the predetermined distance d may
preferably be 1.5 to 2.0 mm or more preferably be 1.8 mm.
[0084] In the present embodiment, since the ice-removing heater 120
and the power supply unit 106 are directly electrically connected,
additional components for electrically connecting the ice-removing
heater 120 and the power supply unit 106 are not needed such that a
cost may decrease. In addition, an additional process for
insulating electrical connecting units is not needed.
[0085] A through-hole 140a through which the ice-removing heater
120 passes may be formed on a side of the ice tray 102 in the
control box 110, and a packing member 140 configured to pack the
ice-removing heater 120 and fix the ice-removing heater 120 may be
formed around the through-hole 140a. The packing member 140 may
physically fix the ice-removing heater 120 when the ice-removing
heater 120 is inserted into the power inlet 108 formed in the power
supply unit 106 in the control box 110 to be electrically connected
to the control box 110. The packing member 140 is formed to cover a
part of the ice-removing heater 120, and the packing member 140 may
be formed of an elastic material such as a silicone, a resin, and a
rubber. A line extending from a heating element of the ice-removing
heater 120 and formed of the same material as the heating element
may be formed at a portion of the ice-removing heater 120 packed by
the packing member 140. An escape prevention structure which may be
engaged with the through-hole 140a may be formed in the packing
member 140 to prevent escape of the packing member 140 from the
through-hole 140a, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the ice-removing heater
120 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 3, the ice-removing heater 120 may include
a heating part 120-1 having a thin plate shape and configured to
supply heat to the ice tray 102, and the power connector 120-2
inserted into and electrically connected to the power inlet 108.
The heating part 120-1 and the power connector 120-2 may be
distinguished by the packing member 140. That is, a portion which
does not pass through the packing member 140, is located outside of
the control box 110, and is in close contact with a lower portion
of the ice tray 102 may be the heating part 120-1, and a portion
which passes through the packing member 140, is located in the
control box 110, and is inserted into the power inlet 108 may be
the power connector 120-2. A terminal 120a which may be
electrically connected to the power inlet 108 may be formed on the
power connector 120-2. The terminal 120a may be a pattern formed of
a metal.
[0088] At least one communication hole 125 may be formed in the
heating part 120-1 such that cooling air, which may make ice in the
ice tray 102, may come into contact with the ice tray 102. The
communication hole 125 may have a form in which a part of the
ice-removing heater 120 is removed such that external cooling air
may also reach a portion of the ice tray 102 to which the
ice-removing heater 120 is attached.
[0089] A thickness or width of the heating part 120-1 of the
ice-removing heater 120 may be less than that of the power supply
unit 120-2. It is preferable for the heating part 120-1 to be
formed to be thin and flexible to be in close contact with an outer
surface of the ice tray 102 having a curved surface. On the other
hand, since it is preferable for the power supply unit 120-2 to
secure mechanical strength so as to be inserted into and firmly
fixed to the power inlet 108, it is preferable for the thickness or
width of the power supply unit 120-2 to be greater than that of the
heating part 120-1. However, since there is a high possibility of
the heating part 120-1 being detached from the ice tray 102 when
the heating part 120-1 is excessively bent while in close contact
with the curved surface of the ice tray 102, the partial surface
102a of the outer surface of the ice tray 102 attached to the
heating part 120-1 may be formed as a flat surface to prevent the
above problem.
[0090] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater 120 according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, the ice-removing heater 120 may include
a first insulation layer 121, a heating layer 122 formed on the
first insulation layer 121, and a second insulation layer 123
configured to insulate the heating layer 122. The ice-removing
heater 120 may be formed through a method of forming a layer made
of a metal on the first insulation layer 121, the heating layer 122
is formed by patterning through etching and the like, and the
second insulation layer 123 is formed on the heating layer 122. The
second insulation layer 123 of the ice-removing heater 120 may be
in close contact with the ice tray 102.
[0092] Since the first insulation layer 121 should be maintained
while performing etching for forming the heating layer 122, it is
preferable for the first insulation layer 121 to have a thickness
sufficient to have a predetermined mechanical strength. On the
other hand, the second insulation layer 123 may be in close contact
with the ice tray 102 and serve as a path through which heat
generated by the heating layer 122 is transmitted. Accordingly, it
is preferable for the second insulation layer 123 to have a minimal
thickness by which electrical insulation is possible. As a result,
it is preferable for the thickness of the second insulation layer
123 be less than that of the first insulation layer 121. In
addition, the first insulation layer 121 may be formed of PI, and
the second insulation layer 123 may be formed of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). In addition, at least one the first insulation
layer 121 and the second insulation layer 123 may be irradiated
with an electron beam to be cross-linked.
[0093] In addition, the heating layer 122 may be formed of a metal
material, and also may be formed of a heating material having
positive-temperature coefficient (PTC) or a carbon material.
[0094] The heating layer 122 has been described as being patterned
by etching and the like above, but the heating layer 122 is not
limited thereto. For example, the heating layer 122 may also be
formed on the first insulation layer 121 by printing a metal
material, and disposing a cord heater including a heating wire
wound around a fiber member in a zigzag shape, and the like. The
cord heater may include a sheath cross-linked by being irradiated
with an electron beam.
[0095] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating the ice tray 102
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, as described above, the ice-removing
heater 120 may be attached to the lower portion of the ice tray
102. At least one communication hole 125 may be formed in the
ice-removing heater 120 such that cooling air, which is supplied
from the outside, is also supplied to a portion of the ice tray 102
in close contact with the ice-removing heater 120 through the
communication hole 125.
[0097] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the packing member
140 and components related thereto according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, since a heater passing portion 141 is
formed in the packing member 140, the power connector 120-2 of the
ice-removing heater 120 may pass through the heater passing portion
141 to be placed in the control box 110. The heating part 120-1 of
the ice-removing heater 120 may be located outside the control box
110 with respect to the packing member 140 and in close contact
with the lower portion of the ice tray 102.
[0099] In addition, an electric wire passing portion 142 through
which an electric wire 150a connected to a power cut-off part 150
configured to cut power supplied to the ice-removing heater 120 off
when power is excessively supplied to the ice-removing heater 120
or the ice-removing heater 120 is over heated may be formed in the
packing member 140. The power cut-off part 150 may be a fuse, a
bimetal, or the like. In addition, an electric wire connected to a
temperature sensor (not shown) may also pass through the electric
wire passing portion 142 in addition to the power cut-off part 150.
As described above, since the electric wire 150a connected the
power cut-off part 150, the temperature sensor (not shown), or the
like passes through the packing member 140, an additional component
for insulating or sealing the electric wire 150a from the outside
is not needed, and the electric wire 150a may be insulated and
sealed by the packing member 140.
[0100] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
an icemaker 100a according to another embodiment of the present
invention. When describing FIG. 7, components corresponding to the
previous embodiment will not be described.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, a power inlet 108 into which an
ice-removing heater 120 is inserted may be connected to a power
supply unit 106 such as a PCB through a connecting wire 108a
without being attached to the power supply unit 106. This is for
placing the power inlet 108 to be space apart from the power supply
unit 106 in a space in a control box 110 without attaching the
power inlet 108 to the power supply unit 106 to solve a problem
which occurs in the case in which types of current are different
between the ice-removing heater 120 and the power supply unit 106
such as the case in which the ice-removing heater 120 uses AC power
and DC power is supplied from the power supply unit 106.
[0102] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker
100b according to still another embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view
illustrating the icemaker 110b according to still another
embodiment of the present invention. When describing FIGS. 8 and 9,
components corresponding to the previous embodiment will not be
described.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of ice-removing
heaters 160a and 160b may be in close contact with a lower portion
of an ice tray 102 of the icemaker 100b, and the plurality of
ice-removing heaters 160a and 160b may be spaced a predetermined
distance from each other to form spaces such that cooling air may
come into contact with the ice tray 102. Instead of forming the
plurality of communication holes 125 in the ice-removing heater 120
to allow cooling air to come into contact with the lower portion of
the ice tray 102 like in the previous embodiment, since the
ice-removing heaters 160a and 160b are formed and the spaces are
formed between the ice-removing heaters 160a and 160b such that
cooling air may come into contact with the ice tray 102 in the
present embodiment, sufficient cooling air may reach the ice tray
102.
[0104] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure
in which an ice-removing heater 120 is in close contact with an ice
tray 102 according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, a partial surface 102c of an outer
surface of the ice tray 102 in close contact with the ice-removing
heater 120 may be formed in a "V" shape. Accordingly, the
ice-removing heater 120 in close contact with the partial surface
102c may also be formed in a "V" shape to be in close contact with
the partial surface 102c. Accordingly, since the ice-removing
heater 120 is bent as little as possible, an effect in which
detachment of the ice-removing heater 120 from the ice tray 102 is
prevented, and a distance between the ice-removing heater 120 and
ice in the ice tray 102 is less than that of when the partial
surface 102a of the ice-removing heater 120 in close contact with
the ice tray 102 is a simple flat surface such that the ice in the
ice tray 102 may be further easily removed.
[0106] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the ice-removing
heater 120 and an elastic member 140 according to still another
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating the ice-removing heater 120 and
the elastic member 140 according to still another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a power connector formed on
one side of the ice-removing heater 120 and connected to a power
source may be inserted into the elastic member 140. The elastic
member 140 may have one side having a shape in which one side
thereof is cut or removed such that the ice-removing heater 120 may
be inserted into the elastic member 140. The elastic member 140 may
be formed of an insulating elastic material such as a silicone, a
resin, and a rubber. A heating part 120-1 of the ice-removing
heater 120 may be located outside of the control box 110 with
respect to the elastic member 140 and be in close contact with a
lower portion of an ice tray 102. As described above, since the
power connector is inserted into the elastic member 140, the power
connector can be reliably insulated from the outside.
[0108] A passing portion, though which at least one of the
ice-removing heater 120 and lead wires 200 connected to the
ice-removing heater 120 may pass, may be formed on a side of the
ice tray 102 on a control box 110, and the elastic member 140,
which may insulate the power connector 120-2 of the ice-removing
heater 120 and pack the passing portion of the control box 110, may
be inserted into the passing portion. The elastic member 140 may
physically fix the ice-removing heater 120 when the ice-removing
heater 120 is electrically connected to a PCB in the control box
110. One end of each of the lead wires 200 may be electrically
connected to the PCB to supply power from the PCB to the
ice-removing heater 120. The one end of each of the lead wires 200
and the PCB may be connected by soldering, welding, or through an
eyelet.
[0109] The elastic member 140 has been described as packing the
passing portion of the control box 110 above, but the elastic
member 140 is not limited thereto and an additional packing member
(not shown) for packing the passing portion of the control box 110
may also be included in the control box 110.
[0110] In addition, the may be integrally formed to cover the
entire ice-removing heater 120, but the elastic member may not be
limited thereto, and a plurality of elastic members may also be
formed to cover the lead wires 200 connected to the ice-removing
heater 120 to correspond to the number of the lead wires 200.
[0111] In addition, the power cut-off part 150 which may cut the
power supplied to the ice-removing heater 120 off when the power is
excessively supplied or the ice-removing heater 120 is over heated
may be connected to one side of the heating layer 122 of the
ice-removing heater 120. The power cut-off part 150 may be
connected to the heating layer 122 of the ice-removing heater 120
and the lead wires 200 through connecting wires 150a. The power
cut-off part 150 may be a fuse, a bimetal, or the like. At least a
part of each of the connecting wires 150a connected to the power
cut-off part 150 may be inserted into the elastic member 140 with
the power connector. As described above, since the connecting wires
150a are insulated by the elastic member 140, an additional
component for insulating or separating the connecting wires 150a
from the outside is not needed, and the connecting wire 150a may
also be insulated and separated by the elastic member 140.
[0112] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater 120 and an elastic member 140 according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 13, a terminal 210, which may be connected
to a PCB in a control box 110, may be formed at one end of each of
lead wires 200 connected to an ice-removing heater 120. The
terminal 210 is connected to a terminal correspondingly formed on
the PCB to supply power to the ice-removing heater 120. Since the
terminal 210 is formed at the one end of each of the lead wires
200, there is no need for soldering, welding, or providing
structure such as an eyelet for electrically connecting the lead
wires 200 to the PCB, and the electric connection may be firmly
performed by simply coupling the terminal 210 to the corresponding
terminal on the PCB. However, the PCB may be directly connected to
the ice-removing heater 120.
[0114] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater 120 and an elastic member 140 according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating the ice-removing heater 120 and
the elastic member 140 according to yet another embodiment of the
present invention. Components according to the present embodiment
corresponding to the previous embodiment will not be described.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a part of a power cut-off part
150 may be inserted into the elastic member 140 to be insulated
from the outside along with a power connector 120-2 of the
ice-removing heater 120. Unlike the previous embodiment, since the
part of the power cut-off part 150 and the entirety of connecting
wires 150a are inserted into the elastic member 140 in the present
embodiment, electrical insulation can be reliably secured.
[0116] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing
heater 120 according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 16, a cut portion 127 may be formed in one
side of power connectors 120-2 of the ice-removing heater 120. The
cut portion 127 may serve to separate the power connectors 120-2 in
both directions, and the cut portion 127 may prevent an electrical
short of a pair of lead wires 200 connected to the ice-removing
heater 120. Accordingly, the cut portion 127 can reliably
electrically insulate the ice-removing heater 120.
[0118] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
ice-removing heater 120 and an elastic member 140 according to yet
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 17, the elastic member 140 may be located
at a space formed by the cut portion 127. Accordingly, the cut
portion 127 and the elastic member 140 can further reliably
electrically insulate the ice-removing heater 120.
[0120] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 18, a passing portion may be formed on a
side of an ice tray of a control box 110, and an ice-removing
heater 120 and at least one lead wire 200 connected to the
ice-removing heater 120 may pass through the passing portion. In
addition, an elastic member 140 which covers a power connector
120-2 of the ice-removing heater 120 may be inserted into the
passing portion. In addition, a close contact member 130 may be
disposed under an ice tray 102, and the close contact member 130
may press the ice-removing heater 120 against the ice tray 102.
[0122] The close contact member 130 may include a contact surface
135 in contact with a lower portion of the ice-removing heater 120.
The contact surface 135 may have a curved surface having a round
structure rather than a flat surface. Since the contact surface 135
includes the curved surface having the round structure, a contact
area between the ice-removing heater 120 and the close contact
member 130 may be minimized. Accordingly, heat generated by the
ice-removing heater 120 and discharged to the outside by the close
contact member 130 may be minimized.
[0123] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 19, a part of a power cut-off part 150 may
be inserted into an elastic member 140 and insulated in a state in
which the power cut-off part 150 is in contact with a lower portion
of an ice-removing heater 120. A portion of the power cut-off part
150 exposed from the elastic member 140 may be supported by a close
contact member 130. In addition, a control box 100 may include a
protrusion 110-1 which protrudes toward an ice tray 102, and the
protrusion 110-1 may support a lower portion of the close contact
member 130, which supports the power cut-off part 150, to
secondarily support the power cut-off part 150. Since the power
cut-off part 150 is supported by the close contact member 130 and
the protrusion 110-1, exposure of the power cut-off part 150 to the
outside and damage to a connection between the power cut-off part
150 and other components can be prevented.
[0125] However, the protrusion 110-1 has been described as being
located under the close contact member 130, but the protrusion
110-1 is not limited thereto and the protrusion 110-1 may also
directly support a lower portion of the power cut-off part 150
instead of the close contact member 130. In this case, a height of
the protrusion 110-1 may vary.
[0126] A rib 110a may be formed under the protrusion 110-1 to
enhance mechanical strength thereof.
[0127] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an
icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 20, in the case in which an elastic member
140 is inserted into a control box 110, a close contact member 130
may include a support 131 to correspond to a force which pushes the
elastic member 140 out of the control box 110. The support 131 may
provide a space in which the close contact member 130 may be
coupled to the control box 110, and a support screw 132 may be
inserted into the control box 110 through the support 131.
Accordingly, the support 131 may prevent the close contact member
130 from being pushed out by the elastic member 140.
[0129] In addition, a protrusion 145 may be formed at the elastic
member 140 to enhance coupling between the elastic member 140 and a
passing portion of the control box 110. A guide 110-2 for the
elastic member 140 and a step portion 110-3 corresponding to the
protrusion 145 of the elastic member 140 may be formed in the
passing portion of the control box 110. Accordingly, the passing
portion of the control box 110 can be firmly coupled to the elastic
member 140.
[0130] While the present invention has been described above in
detail with reference to representative embodiments, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiment may be
variously modified without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined
not by the described embodiment but by the appended claims, and
encompasses equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended
claims.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0131] 100, 100a, 100b: ICEMAKER [0132] 102: ICE TRAY [0133] 102a,
102b, 102c: PARTIAL SURFACE [0134] 104: EJECTOR [0135] 104-1:
EJECTOR SHAFT [0136] 104-2: EJECTOR FIN [0137] 104-3: ICE-REMOVING
MOTOR [0138] 106: POWER SUPPLY UNIT [0139] 108: POWER INLET [0140]
108a: CONNECTING WIRE [0141] 110: CONTROL BOX [0142] 120, 160a,
160b: ICE-REMOVING HEATER [0143] 120-1: HEATING PART [0144] 120-2:
POWER CONNECTOR [0145] 120a: TERMINAL [0146] 121: FIRST INSULATION
LAYER [0147] 122: HEATING LAYER [0148] 123: SECOND INSULATION LAYER
[0149] 125: COMMUNICATION HOLE [0150] 127: CUT PORTION [0151] 130:
CLOSE CONTACT MEMBER [0152] 131: SUPPORT [0153] 132: SUPPORT SCREW
[0154] 135: CONTACT SURFACE [0155] 140: PACKING MEMBER [0156] 140a:
THROUGH-HOLE [0157] 141: HEATER PASSING PORTION [0158] 142:
ELECTRIC WIRE PASSING PORTION [0159] 150: POWER CUT-OFF PART [0160]
150a: ELECTRIC WIRE [0161] 200: LEAD WIRE [0162] 210: TERMINAL
* * * * *