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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

An escape prevention structure configured to prevent detachment of the packing member from the through-hole may be formed in the packing member.

The packing member is formed of an elastic material, the elastic material including at least one among a silicone, a resin, and a rubber.

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.

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.

A surface of the power inlet may be tin plated.

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.

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.

The first insulation layer and the second insulation layer may be formed of polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The heating layer may be formed of a metal patterned by etching or printing.

The heating layer may be formed of a heating material having positive-temperature coefficient (PTC) or a carbon material.

The heating layer may include a cord heater.

The cord heater may include a sheath irradiated with an electron beam.

At least one of the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer may be irradiated with an electron beam.

A portion of the ice tray in close contact with the ice-removing heater may be formed as a flat surface.

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.

At least one communication hole may be formed in the ice-removing heater such that cooling air comes into contact with the ice tray.

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.

The ice tray may be formed of one among a metal, a resin, and a combination of the metal and the resin.

The ice-removing heater may be adhered to the ice tray by an adhesive.

The adhesive may be a PI adhesive.

The ice-removing heater may be inserted into the ice tray to be assembled therewith.

A plurality of through-holes may be formed in the ice-removing heater which is inserted into the ice tray to be assembled therewith.

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.

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.

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.

The ice-removing heater and the motor may be supplied with direct current (DC) power.

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

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.

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.

In addition, since an amount of heat generated by an ice-removing heater decreases, a material used for an ice tray can vary.

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.

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

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the icemaker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an ice-removing heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice-removing heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating an ice tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a packing member and components related thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the icemaker according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the ice-removing heater and an elastic member according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing heater and an elastic member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing heater and an elastic member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing heater according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the icemaker 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the ice-removing heater 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ice-removing heater 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating the ice tray 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the packing member 140 and components related thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an ice-removing heater 120 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

A rib 110a may be formed under the protrusion 110-1 to enhance mechanical strength thereof.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an icemaker according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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

• • 100, 100a, 100b: ICEMAKER
  • 102: ICE TRAY
  • 102a, 102b, 102c: PARTIAL SURFACE
  • 104: EJECTOR
  • 104-1: EJECTOR SHAFT
  • 104-2: EJECTOR FIN
  • 104-3: ICE-REMOVING MOTOR
  • 106: POWER SUPPLY UNIT
  • 108: POWER INLET
  • 108a: CONNECTING WIRE
  • 110: CONTROL BOX
  • 120, 160a, 160b: ICE-REMOVING HEATER
  • 120-1: HEATING PART
  • 120-2: POWER CONNECTOR
  • 120a: TERMINAL
  • 121: FIRST INSULATION LAYER
  • 122: HEATING LAYER
  • 123: SECOND INSULATION LAYER
  • 125: COMMUNICATION HOLE
  • 127: CUT PORTION
  • 130: CLOSE CONTACT MEMBER
  • 131: SUPPORT
  • 132: SUPPORT SCREW
  • 135: CONTACT SURFACE
  • 140: PACKING MEMBER
  • 140a: THROUGH-HOLE
  • 141: HEATER PASSING PORTION
  • 142: ELECTRIC WIRE PASSING PORTION
  • 150: POWER CUT-OFF PART
  • 150a: ELECTRIC WIRE
  • 200: LEAD WIRE
  • 210: TERMINAL

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.