ICE MAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ICE MAKING OF REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

The present invention is characterized in that a refrigerant pipe through which low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows is directly provided in a tray, that fast icing is possible even an ice maker is installed at a refrigerating chamber, and that transparent ice can be formed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to an ice making system and a method for ice making of a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a refrigerator is a household electronic appliance for refrigerating or freezing foods to freshly store them for a long time.

Particularly, the refrigerator is provided with a freezing chamber maintained at a range of 1 to 4° C. to store foods such as vegetables in a fresh state, and a freezing chamber maintained at −18° C. to store foods such meat or fish in a frozen state.

Also, the refrigerator is classified into a top mount type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is disposed above a refrigerating chamber, a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is disposed below a refrigerating chamber, and a side by side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are horizontally arranged side-by-side.

Also, the refrigerator may be classified into a double-door type refrigerator in which a door is respectively installed at both right side and left side of the refrigerator and a single-door type refrigerator in which a door is respectively installed at both upper side and lower side of the refrigerator.

Also, any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber is provided with an ice maker for making ice and an ice bank for storing the ice.

Particularly, when the ice maker and the ice bank are positioned in the freezing chamber, water stored in the ice maker is made into ice by means of a refrigerant passing through an evaporator, wherein the manufactured ice is dropped into the ice bank provided on a lower side of the ice maker and then stored therein.

Meanwhile, in case that the ice maker is provided in the refrigerating chamber, since the refrigerating chamber is maintained at a temperature above zero degrees, it is difficult to make ice by using cold air supplied into the refrigerating chamber. In other words, when the ice maker is provided in the refrigerating chamber, the ice is not completely made or the ice is melted right after the ice was made. Therefore, in case that the ice maker is provided in the refrigerating chamber, it is essentially necessary to have an insulation case for separating the ice maker from the cold air of the refrigerating chamber.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide an ice making system and a method for ice making of a refrigerator, which allow an ice maker provided in the refrigerating chamber to make ice with ease. In detail, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice making system and a method for ice making of a refrigerator, which do not need a separate insulation case surrounding the ice maker.

Also, another object of the present invention is to provide an ice making system and a method for ice making of a refrigerator, which reduce ice making time even though an ice maker is provided in a refrigerating chamber and which manufacture a transparent ice.

Also, further another object of the present invention is to provide an ice making system and a method for ice making of a refrigerator, which easily separate ice from an ice maker after completing the ice-manufacturing operations.

Technical Solution

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an ice making system of a refrigerator including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows; an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and low pressure state; a tray in which potable water for ice-making is stored, an inside of the tray being partitioned into a plurality of spaces; an ejector separating ice made in the tray; an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and buried in the tray; and a heat-generating element buried in the tray.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ice making system of a refrigerator including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows; an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and low pressure state; a tray partitioned into a plurality of ice making spaces and generating heat on its own by a current supply during ice separation process; an ejector separating ice made in the tray; and an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and buried in the tray.

In further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ice making system of a refrigerator including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows; an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and low pressure state; a tray in which potable water for ice-making is stored and generating heat on its own by a current supply during ice separation; and an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and extended into an inner space of the tray, and at least some of the ice making pipe are immersed in the water stored in the tray.

In further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ice making system of a refrigerator including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows; an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low-temperature and low-pressure state; a tray in which potable water for ice-making is stored and generating heat on its own by a current supply during an ice separation process; an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and extended into an inner space of the tray, and at least some of the ice making pipe are immersed in the water stored in the tray; and a heat-generating element attached to a surface of the ice making pipe.

Also, in further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for ice making of a refrigerator including the steps of: immersing some of an ice making pipe in the water, as the water is stored in an inner space of a tray where the ice making pipe is accommodated; forming ice on the surface of the ice making pipe, as low-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe; separating ice from a surface of the tray in order to move the ice; rotating the tray; and separating ice from the ice making pipe.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

With the ice making system and the method for ice making of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the manufacturing process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced, since there is no need to form a separate duct for supplying cold air into the ice maker in order to make ice.

Also, energy is also saved because additional energy is not required to make ice, as some of the refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator is used for ice-making.

Also, ice making is effectively performed even though the ice maker is provided in the refrigerating chamber.

Also, it is easy to allocate more space in the refrigerating chamber, since the separate insulation case for separating the ice maker from cold air of the refrigerating chamber is not required therein.

Also, more space is available in the refrigerating chamber or in the freezing chamber, since there is no need to form a separate cold air channel in order to supply some of the refrigerant into the ice maker.

Also, according to the above configuration, it is possible to make a transparent ice with ease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inner structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are views showing ice making and ice separation processs performed in the ice making system of the ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in a time series manner.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the concept of the present invention is not to be limited to these embodiments and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an inner structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a bottom freezer type refrigerator, in which a refrigerating chamber is disposed at an upper side and a freezing chamber is disposed at a lower side of the of the refrigerator, will be explained for example.

Particularly, a refrigerator 10 according to the present invention includes a body 11 in which a refrigerating chamber 15 and a freezing chamber 16 are provided, a refrigerating chamber door 12 opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 15, and a freezing chamber door 13 opening and closing the freezing chamber 16. Specifically, the refrigerating chamber 15 and the freezing chamber 16 are divided by a barrier 111.

Also, the refrigerator 10 further includes a compressor 32 disposed at a lower side of the body 11 to compress a refrigerant, an evaporator 31 arranged at a rear of the body 11 to generate cold air, and a blower fan 33 supplying the cold air generated by the evaporator 31 into the refrigerating chamber 15 and into the freezing chamber 16.

Also, the refrigerator 10 further includes a freezing duct 17 supplying the cold air blown by the blower fan 33 into the freezing chamber 16, a refrigerating duct 18 supplying the cold air into the refrigerating chamber 15, an ice maker 20 provided at a ceiling of the freezing chamber 16, and an ice bank 21 in which ice manufactured by the ice maker 20 is stored. Further, a dispenser 14, which is enabled to dispense the filtered water or the ice stored in the ice bank 21 from the outside, is provided in a front of any one of the refrigerating chamber doors 12.

Particularly, a plurality of cold air holes are provided in the freezing duct 17, and cold air is discharged to the freezing chamber 16 via the cold air holes. Here, the evaporator 31 and the blower fan 33 may be provided in a separate space in the body 11 and the freezing duct 17 communicating to the freezing chamber 16 may be separatedly formed, as well as the evaporator 31 and the blower fan 33 may be arranged in the freezing duct 17.

Also, the refrigerating duct 18 is extended from the space, where the evaporator 31 is accommodated, to the refrigerating chamber 15, after passing through the barrier 111. Here, it is noted that the refrigerating duct 18 may be branched from the freezing duct 17, as well as the refrigerating duct 18 is directly communicating with the space, where the evaporator 31 is accommodated.

Meanwhile, the freezing chamber door 13 is a drawer type door, and a basket 19 in which frozen foods are received is detachably provided at a rear of the freezing chamber door 13.

Specifically, a door frame is extended toward a rear at both sides of the back of the freezing chamber door 13, the door frame and the side of the freezing chamber 16 are connected by a rail element. Therefore, the freezing chamber door 13 is horizontally drawed by the rail element.

By means of this construction, the ice manufactured in the ice maker 20 provided at the ceiling of the refrigerating chamber 15 is separated from the tray (will be explained in the following) and is dropped into the ice bank 21. Here, even though it is not illustrated, a guide, which is extended from the ice maker 20 or from the ice bank 21, may be provided so that the ice separated from the ice maker 20 is safely dropped into the ice bank 21.

Specifically, an upper surface of the ice bank 21 is opened, and an opening of the ice bank 21 is disposed at a lower part of the ice maker 20 when the refrigerating chamber door 12 is closed.

Meanwhile, in case that the ice bank 21 is provided at the refrigerating chamber 15 or the refrigerating chamber door 12, when considering characteristics of the refrigerating chamber 15 maintained at a temperature above zero, a phenomenon that ice sticks to each other due to the melting of ice can be caused.

In order to solve such a problem, the inside of the ice bank 21 should be always maintained at sub-zero temperature to prevent the melting of ice.

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments for maintaining the inside of the ice bank 21 at a state where ice is not melted will be described.

The refrigerator 10 is of a configuration that the ice maker 20 and the ice bank 21 are disposed in the space of the refrigerating chamber.

Specifically, the ice bank 21 includes a cylindrical container 211 of which an upper part is opened, an auger 212 provided at the inner lower side of the container 211 to guide ice downwardly, a crusher 213 integrally connected to a lower end of the auger 212 to crush the ice, a motor 214 driving the crusher 213, and a shaft 215 transmitting rotational force of the motor by connecting the motor 214 with the crusher 213. Here, the shape of the container 211 is not restricted to the cylindrical shape, but can be formed to various forms.

Also, the ice maker 20 is provided at one side of the ceiling of the refrigerating chamber 15. Specifically, the ice maker 20 is disposed above the upper side of the ice bank 21, so that it is configured to drop the discharged ice into the container 211. The structure and the ice making method of the ice maker 20 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating duct 18 is communicated with the space, where the evaporator 31 is accommodated, and it is raised along the wall of the refrigerating chamber 15 and extended to the ceiling portion of the refrigerating chamber 15. And, an end of the refrigerating duct 18 is extended to the front of the refrigerating chamber 15, so that it is disposed above the container 211. Therefore, the cold air flowing along the refrigerating duct 18 is discharged to the front, and some of the discharged cold air are dropped into the inside of the container 211 and the other are circulated within the refrigerating chamber 15.

According to this structure, since at least some of the cold air, which are cooled down to low temperature by passing through the evaporator 31, are directly discharged to the container 211, the phenomenon that ice accommodated in the container 211 is melted and sticks to each other can be prevented.

Also, the cold air can be downwardly discharged, as the refrigerating duct 18 is extended to the front of the refrigerating chamber 15 and the end of the discharging side is inclined at a predetermined angle. Therefore, the effect of the air curtain can be obtained, since the cold air discharged from the refrigerating duct 18 is downwardly discharged at the front of the refrigerating chamber 15.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

Hereinafter, it is noted that the ice maker can be defined as the ice making system in a broad sense.

Referring to FIG. 4, the ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a tray 201 in which drinking water for ice-making is stored, an ejector 203 rotatably provided in the tray 201, and a motor 206 rotating the ejector 203.

More particularly, a plurality of partition ribs 207 are arranged in the tray 201 at specific intervals, so that the tray 201 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces. And, the water stored in the respective space is cooled down, and thus, ice is manufactured.

Also, the ejector 203 includes a rotation shaft 204 connected to the motor 206, an ejector pin 205 extended to the rotation shaft 204. Particularly, the ejector pin 205 is rotated as the rotation shaft 204 rotates, the ice formed in the partitioned space within the tray 201 is separated.

Meanwhile, an ice making pipe 40 and a heater 46 are buried in the tray 201. The structure of the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

By means of this structure, drinking water is supplied into the tray 201, and the drinking water is frozen by flowing low-temperature refrigerant into the ice making pipe 40. And, if the ice making is completed, ice is separated as the ejector 203 rotates, and the separated ice is dropped into the ice bank 21 and stored therein.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46 are buried in the tray 201 so as to cool down the drinking water stored in the tray 201 or to facilitate the moving of the ice by heating the finished ice.

Specifically, as shown in the drawing, the ice making pipes 40 are arranged at specific intervals in an intersecting direction with respect to the rotation shaft 204 of the ejector 203, or they can be arranged to meander in an “S” shape. And, the heaters 46 can be disposed between the ice making pipes 40 and arranged in the same manner as the ice making pipes 40.

By means of this configuration, the ice making is performed by flowing low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into the ice making pipes 40 during the ice making process. And, if the ice moving is started after finishing the ice making, the surface of the tray 201 is heated as the power is applied to the heater 46. And then, the ice formed in the tray 201 is melted and separated from the inner-circumference surface of the tray 201. After that, if the ejector 203 is rotated, the ejector pin 205 rotates the ice separated from the inner-circumference surface of the tray 201. And then, the separated ice is dropped into the ice bank 21.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46, which are provided in the tray 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, are characterized in that they are buried in same direction as the rotation shaft 204 of the ejector 203. If only some of the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46 are buried in the tray 201, heat loss can be caused. For example, in case that a depression is formed in the floor of the tray 201 and the ice making pipe 40 and/or the heater 46 are/is seated on the depression, cold air or hot air is leaked from the surface that is not contacted with the tray 201 into the outside, and thus, the efficiency of heat exchange is decreased. Therefore, it is preferable that the whole outer-circumference surface of the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46 is buried into the floor of the tray 201 and is not exposed to the outside. This can also be applied to the first embodiment.

Of course, the ice making pipes 40 can be arranged to meander in an “S” shape and the heaters 46 can be disposed between the ice making pipes 40 in this embodiment.

The ice making and ice separation processs are the same as those of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the ice making system according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention includes a compressor 32 compressing a refrigerant; a condenser 34 in which the refrigerant compressed to high-temperature and high-pressure is condensed; an expansion valve 35 in which the refrigerant passed through the condenser 34 is expanded into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant; an evaporator 31 in which the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve 35 heat-exchanges with air. And, the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion valve 35 and the evaporator 31 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 39.

Specifically, a blower fan 33 is provided at one side of the evaporator 31 to supply the cold air, which is heat-exchanged and cooled by passing through the evaporator, into the refrigerating and freezing chambers. And, the ice making pipe 40 is branched from the outlet side of the expansion valve 35 and is connected to the outlet side of the evaporator 31. Further, a valve 36 is provided at a point where the ice making pipe 40 is branched, so that some of the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve 35 flow into the ice making pipe 40 during the ice making process.

Also, the ice making pipe 40 and the heater 46 are buried in the tray 201.

By means of this configuration, a degree of opening of the valve 36 is controlled in the ice making process, so that some of the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve 35 flow into the ice making pipe 40. And then, the water stored in the tray 201 is frozen by heat-exchange with the ice making pipe 40. And, after finishing the ice making, the degree of opening of the valve 36 is re-controlled and the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the ice making pipe 40 is blocked, and the power is applied to the heater 46.

Specifically, the ice formed in the tray 201 is separated from the surface of the tray 201 due to the heat generation of the heater 46. And, the ice is detached from the tray 201 as the ejector 203 is rotated. Further, the detached ice is dropped into the ice bank 21 and stored therein.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

Referring to FIG. 8, the configuration of the ice maker according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, however there is a difference in that a separate heater 46 is not installed and the tray 201 itself serves as a heater.

Particularly, the tray 201 is made of a material capable of generating heat by itself, so that the ice is separated from the surface of the tray 201 as the tray 201 is heated.

More particularly, the tray 201 is made of a resin including carbon element by using an injection molding process, it instantaneously generates heat when the power is applied to the tray 201. And, the ice is separated form the tray 201 by the instantaneous heat-generation, and therefore the phenomenon, that ice is changed into water and dropped down, is minimized.

In other words, it is possible to supply only the amount of heat that is necessary to separate the ice from the surface of the tray 201 by instantaneously heating the tray 201 in a short period of time. Therefore, the ice moving is perfored while maintaining the original shape of the ice, and water generated from the ice is prevented from dropping into the ice bank together with the ice. Furthermore, the phenomenon that ice in the ice bank sticks to each other is also minimized.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, the drinking water stored in the tray 201 is frozen as the ice making pipes 40 are buried into the tray 201.

Particularly, the ice making pipes 40 are arranged at specific intervals in an intersecting direction with respect to the ejector 203, and they can be arranged to meander in an “S” shape, as shown in the drawing. This structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

By means of this configuration, the ice making is performed by flowing low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into the ice making pipe 40. And, if the ice moving is started after finishing the ice making, the tray 201 is instantaneously heated as the power is applied to the tray 201. And then, the ice formed in the tray 201 is slightly melt and it is separated form the inner-circumference surface of the tray 201. After that, the ejector pin 205 rotates the ice separated from the inner-circumference surface of the tray 201. And then, the separated ice is dropped into the ice bank 21.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the ice making pipe 40 provided in the tray 201 is arranged in the same direction as the rotation shaft 204 of the ejector 203, this structure is the same as that of the second embodiment, however there is a difference in that only the ice making pipe 40 is buried into the tray and the tray 201 is of a material capable of generating heat.

Therefore, the same structure and function as the second embodiment will be omitted. Other ice making and ice separation processs are the same as those of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 shows a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the ice making system is the same as the ice making system of the first and second, however there is a difference in that the tray 201 instead of the heater 46 is made of a material capable of heat-generating by itself.

Therefore, most of the ice making and ice separation processs are the same as those explained in the first and second embodiments, however there is a difference in that ice is separated from the tray 201 as the power is applied to the tray during the ice separation process. Therefore, the descriptions which are the same as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

Referring to FIG. 12, the ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the above embodiment at the point that it is provided in the inner space of the tray 201, instead that the tray 201 is able to generate heat by itself and is buried in the tray 201. That is, if at least some of the ice making pipe 40 is accommodated in the space where the drinking water for ice making is stored and if the drinking water for ice making is supplied into the tray 201, ice is directly formed on the surface of the ice making pipe 40 because some of the ice making pipe 40 is immersed into the water. Others, for example the tray 201 is divided into a plurality of spaced by the partition ribs 207, are the same as the above described embodiments.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail.

Particularly, the ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a tray 201, an ice making pipe 40 extended into the tray 201, and a water supply unit for supplying water into the tray 201.

Particularly, the water supply unit includes a water tank 42 in which water is stored, a pump 41 for pumping the water in the water tank 42, and a water supply pipe 43 extended from the pump 41 to the tray 201. And, a dispenser connecting pipe 44 may be branched from one side of the water supply pipe 43, and the flow direction of the water can be selectively controlled as a switching valve 45 is installed at the branched point. More particularly, the dispenser connecting pipe 44 is extended to the dispenser, so that the users may dispense drinking water.

Meanwhile, a rotation shaft 202 may be extended to both sides of the tray 201, the rotation shaft 202 may be inserted into an inner wall of the refrigerator where the tray 201 is installed. And, the inner portion of the tray 201 is divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition ribs 207.

Also, the ice making pipe 40 is a pipe in which some of the refrigerant performing the refrigerant cycle flow, it is the same as the ice making pipe 40 shown in FIG. 7 and this will be explained below with reference to the drawing.

Meanwhile, the ice making pipes 40 form protrusions 401 as shown in the drawing, since it is curved or bent several times. And, the protrusions 401 are respectively arranged in the space partitioned by the partition rib 207. And, some of the protrusions 401 are immersed into water stored in the tray 201.

FIG. 13 shows a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the ice making system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 32 compressing a refrigerant; a condenser 34 in which the refrigerant compressed to high-temperature and high-pressure is condensed; an expansion valve 35 in which the refrigerant passed through the condenser 34 is expanded into low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant; an evaporator 31 in which the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve 35 heat-exchanges with air. And, the compressor 32, the condenser 34, the expansion valve 35 and the evaporator 31 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 39.

Specifically, a blower fan 33 is provided at one side of the evaporator 31 to supply the cold air, which is heat-exchanged and cooled by passing through the evaporator, into the refrigerating and freezing chambers. And, the ice making pipe 40 is branched from the outlet side of the expansion valve 35, and the exit of the ice making pipe 40 is divided into two branches and they are connected to the outlet side of the evaporator 31 and to inlet side of the condenser 34, respectively. Further, a first valve 36 is installed at a point where the ice making pipe 40 is branched from the outlet side of the expansion valve 35, so that some of the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve 35 is controlled to flow into the ice making pipe 40, selectively. And, a return pipe 49 is branched from the outlet side of the ice making pipe 40 and is connected to the inlet side of the condenser 34. And, a third valve 38 is provided at a point where the return pipe 49 is branched, so that the refrigerant is controlled to flow into any one of the outlet of the evaporator 31 or the inlet of the condenser 34, selectively. And, an ice separation pipe 47 is branched from the outlet side of the compressor 32 and is extended to the inlet of the ice making pipe 40. And, a second valve 37 is provided at a point where the inlet of the ice making pipe 40 and the ice separation pipe 47 are met, so that some of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant are selectively flowed into the ice making pipe 40. Of course, a separate valve may further be installed at an inlet point where the ice separation pipe 47 is branched.

The circulation process of the refrigerant, in which the ice making and ice separation processs are performed by the above-described ice making system, will be explained.

First, the refrigeration cycle is performed as the refrigerator is driven. In other words, the refrigerant is compressed into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant by the compressor 32, and the compressed refrigerant is changed into high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant by the heat exchange with air while passing through the condenser 34. And, the refrigerant passed through the condenser 34 is changed into low-temperature and low-pressure 2-phase refrigerant as it passes through the expansion valve 35. And, the low-temperature and low-pressure 2-phase refrigerant is changed into low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant by the heat-exchange with the outside air while passing through the evaporator 31. And, air heat-exchanging with the evaporator 31 is cooled down and it is supplied to the refrigerating and freezing chambers by the blower fan 33. And, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 31 performs a cycle that is re-introduced into the compressor 32.

Particularly, some of the refrigerant flow along line a during the ice making process, and some of the refrigerant flow along line b during the ice separation process.

More particularly, a degree of opening of the first valve 36 is controlled while performing the ice making process, and thus, some of the refrigerant are supplied into the ice making pipe 40. And, water stored in the tray 201 is frozen by the refrigerant passing through the ice making pipe 40. And, as a degree of opening of the third valve 38 is controlled, the refrigerant passed through the ice making pipe 40 is moved to the outlet side of the evaporator 31 and is re-introduced into the compressor 32.

Meanwhile, if the ice separation process is started after finishing the ice making process, low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is not supplied into the ice making pipe 40 because the first valve 36 is closed. However, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing along the ice separation pipe 47 is supplied into the ice making pipe 40, as the second valve 37 is controlled. And, ice attached to the protrusion 401 of the ice making pipe 40 is separated therefrom, as the temperature of the ice making pipe 40 is raised.

Also, the degree of opening of the third valve 38 is re-adjusted during the ice separation process, the refrigerant passed through the ice making pipe 40 is flowed into the return pipe 49 and is introduced into the inlet of the compressor 34.

Here, it is noted that the point, where the outlet end of the ice making pipe 40 is connected, is not restricted to the described embodiments. And, the cycle may also be configured that the refrigerant passed from the condenser flows to the ice making pipe 40, as well as the refrigerant passed from the compressor flows to the ice making pipe 40.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show ice making and ice separation processs performed in the ice making system of the ice maker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in a time series manner.

Referring to FIG. 14, drinking water is supplied into the tray 201, and the supplied drinking water is respectively stored in the spaces partitioned by the partition ribs 207. And, the supplied drinking water is filled to the height where the protrusion of the ice making pipe 40 is immersed.

Referring to FIG. 15, as described in the FIG. 13, after finishing the water supply, water stored in the tray 201 is frozen by passing low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into the ice making pipe 40. Here, ice is directly formed on the surface of the ice making pipe 40, and the ice is gradually formed from the surface of the ice making pipe 40 to the outside, and therefore the transparent ice can be obtained.

Meanwhile, if water supplied in the tray 201 is completely frozen, no refrigerant is supplied into the ice making pipe 40. And, the tray 201 is instantaneously heated as the power is applied to the tray 201. And then, ice is separated from the surface of the tray 201.

Referring to FIG. 16, if ice is separated from the surface of the tray 201 by instantaneously heating the tray 201, the tray 201 is rotated around the rotation shaft 202.

Meanwhile, the separated ice, which is separated as the tray 201 rotates, is hook onto the protrusion 401. In this state, the degree of opening of the valve is adjusted so that high-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe 40. And then, ice attached to the protrusion 401 is detached from the ice making pipe 40. And, the detached ice is dropped into the ice bank 21.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 shows a refrigerant cycle of an ice making system of a refrigerator having an ice maker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the configuration of the ice maker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is almost the same as that of the ice maker of the fifth embodiment, however there is a difference in that the structure that moves ice from the protrusion 401 of the ice making pipe 40.

Particularly, according to the sixth embodiment, as a separate heater 48 is attached on the surface of the ice making pipe 40, ice is moved from the protrusion 401 by the heat generation of the heater 48. Therefore, the ice separation pipe 47, the return pipe 49, the second valve 37 and the third valve 38 described in the fifth embodiment are not necessary any more.

Also, in the ice making and ice separation processs, the process is almost the same as that of the fifth embodiment. Merely, there is a difference in that ice is separated by the het generation of the heater 48 as the power is applied to the heater, while separating the ice from the protrusion 401. Therefore, the same process as that of the fifth embodiment will omitted.

According to the ice maker and ice making method of the sixth embodiment, there is an advantage in that the transparent ice can be obtained together with the fifth embodiment.

Claims

1. An ice making system of a refrigerator, comprising:

a compressor compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows;

an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and low pressure state;

a tray in which potable water for ice-making is stored, an inside of the tray being partitioned into a plurality of spaces;

an ejector separating ice made in the tray;

an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and buried in the tray; and

a heat-generating element buried in the tray.

2. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice making pipe and the heat-generating element are bent several times and arranged in a parallel direction or an intersecting direction with respect to a rotation shaft of the ejector.

3. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant expanded to a low temperature and a low pressure flows into the ice making pipe during the ice making process,

the heat-generating element is activated, and an inner-circumference surface of the tray is heated during the ice separation process.

4. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the tray is provided in a refrigerating chamber.

5. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 4, further comprising:

a container installed at a rear of a door of the refrigerating chamber, in which ice separated from the tray is dropped and stored.

6. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 5, further comprising:

a freezing chamber provided below the refrigerating chamber;

an evaporator installed at a rear of the freezing chamber; and

a cold air duct extended along a rear of the refrigerating chamber and a ceiling in order to directly supply cold air supplied from the evaporator into the container.

7. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the tray is exposed to cold air of the refrigerating chamber.

8. An ice making system of a refrigerator, comprising:

a compressor compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows;

an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and a low pressure state;

a tray partitioned into a plurality of ice making spaces and generating heat on its own by a current supply during ice separation;

an ejector separating ice made in the tray; and

an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and buried in the tray.

9. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the tray is provided in a refrigerating chamber.

10. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising:

a container installed at a rear of a door of the refrigerating chamber, in which ice separated from the tray is dropped and stored.

11. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the tray is exposed to cold air of the refrigerating chamber.

12. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the tray is an injection moulding including conductive materials.

13. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the ice making pipe is bent several times and arranged in a parallel direction or an intersecting direction with respect to a rotation shaft of the ejector.

14. An ice making system of a refrigerator, comprising:

a compressor compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows;

an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low temperature and low pressure state;

a tray in which poatable water for ice-making is stored and generating heat on its own by a current supply during ice separation process; and

an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and extended into an inner space of the tray, and at least some of the ice making pipe are immersed in the water stored in the tray.

15. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein low-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe during the ice making process,

high-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe during the ice separation process.

16. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 15, further comprising:

an ice separation pipe branched from an outlet side of the compressor or the condenser and extended to an inlet side of the ice making pipe, and allowing high-temperature refrigerant to flow into the ice making pipe during the ice separation process; and

a return pipe branched from an outlet side of the ice making pipe and connected to an outlet side of the compressor or the condenser, through which high-temperature refrigerant flows during the ice separation process.

17. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the tray is rotated after self-generating heat.

18. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the tray is provided in a refrigerating chamber.

19. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising:

a container installed at a rear of a door of the refrigerating chamber, in which ice separated from the tray is dropped and stored.

20. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising:

a freezing chamber provided below the refrigerating chamber;

an evaporator installed at a rear of the freezing chamber; and

a cold air duct extended along a rear of the refrigerating chamber and a ceiling in order to directly supply cold air supplied from the evaporator into the container.

21. An ice making system of a refrigerator including:

a compressor compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser through which the refrigerant passing the compressor flows;

an expansion valve in which the refrigerant passing the condenser is expanded into a low-temperature and low-pressure state;

a tray in which potable water for ice-making is stored and generating heat on its own by a current supply during a ice separation process;

an ice making pipe branched from an outlet side of the expansion valve and extended into an inner space of the tray, and at least some of the ice making pipe are immersed in the water stored in the tray; and

a heat-generating element attached to a surface of the ice making pipe.

22. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 21, wherein the tray is rotated after self-generating heat.

23. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 21, wherein low-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe during an ice making process,

ice is separated from the ice making pipe due to the activation of the heat-generating element during the ice separation process.

24. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 21, wherein the tray is provided in the refrigerating chamber.

25. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 24, further comprising:

a container installed at a rear of a door of the refrigerating chamber, in which ice separated from the tray is dropped and stored.

26. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 24, further comprising:

a freezing chamber provided below the refrigerating chamber;

an evaporator installed at a rear of the freezing chamber; and

a cold air duct extended along a rear of the refrigerating chamber and a ceiling in order to directly supply cold air supplied from the evaporator into the container.

27. The ice making system of the refrigerator according to claim 21, wherein the heat-generating element includes a heater generating heat as the current is applied thereto.

28. A method for ice making of a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:

immersing some of an ice making pipe in the water, as the water is stored in an inner space of a tray where the ice making pipe is accommodated;

forming ice on the surface of the ice making pipe, as low-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe;

separating ice from a surface of the tray in order to move the ice;

rotating the tray; and

separating ice from the ice making pipe.

29. The method for ice making of the refrigerator according to claim 28, wherein ice moving starts after completely converting water supplied to the tray into ice.

30. The method for ice making of the refrigerator according to claim 28, wherein in the step of separating ice from a surface of the tray, the tray self-generates heat as current is applied thereto.

31. The method for ice making of the refrigerator according to claim 28, wherein in the step of separating ice from the ice making pipe, high-temperature refrigerant flows into the ice making pipe.

32. The method for ice making of the refrigerator according to claim 28, wherein in the step of separating ice from the ice making pipe, a heat-generating element attached to a surface of the ice making pipe is heated.