us United States «2 Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2009/0235682 Al oy sy om ey @ (60) PETRENKO et al. PULSE ELECTROTHERMAL MOLD. Inventors NWS} Wilder, VT ( Seoul (KR): Hong Hee PARK, Seo (KR); Joon Hyun OH, Seoul (KR); Kovang Ha SUH, Seoul (KR) CComespondence Address: LATHROP & GAGE LLP 4845 PEARL EAST CIRCLE, SUITE 201 BOULDER, CO.80301 (US) Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLL Hanover, NH (US) Appl.No: 121840,067 Filed: Related US, pplication Data Continuation-in-par of application No. 11/338,289, filed on Jen. 24, 2006, which iss continuation-in-part of application No, PCT/US2005/022035, led 0 ua 22,2008, sid pplication No, 11/398,239 isa continu ‘aon-in-part of application No, 10/939,289, filed oa Sep. 9.2004, now Pa, No, 7.034.257, which isa divi- sion of application No, 10/364,438, filed on Feb, 11, 2003, now: Pat. No. 6,870,139, Contination-in-par oF ‘pplication No. PCT/US2007/060478, filed on May 22, 2007, which isa eostinsation-in-part of applica tion No, PCT/US2006/002285, filed on Jan. 24, 2006, said application No, PCT/US20071060478 is @ com tinuation-in-pant of application No. 11/571,231, fled con Apr. 28, 2009, fied as application No. PCT/USOS/ 22035 on Jun, 22, 2005, said application No, PCT. 'US 2009023568241 3568 (43) Pub. Date: Sep. 24, 2009 US2007/069478 is a contination-in-pat of applica- tion No. 11/338,230 filed on Jan, 24, 2006, which i ‘ontinuation-in-part of application No, PCT/US2005 022085, fled on Jun. 22, 2005, said application No. 11/338,239isacontiauation-n-par of application No, 10/930 289 fled on Sep. 9, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,034, 257, whieh isa division of application No, 10'364,438, filed on Feb, 11, 2003, now Pat. No 6,870,139. (60) Provisional application No, 60/686,394, filed on Jan 24, 2005, provisional application No, 60646,932, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, provisional application No, 60739,506, fled on Nov. 23, 2005, provisional appli- cation No, 60/$81.912, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, provi- sional application No. 60/646,394, fled on Jan. 24, 2005, provisional application No. (646,932, ied on Tan. 25, 2005, provisional application No. 60°802,407, fled oo May 22, 2006, provisional application No, (Continved) Publication Classification (1) Ince F25C 5/08 25D 1704 F2SD 2302 200601) (2006.01), (2005.01), (2) IS. 62/381; 621407; 62/449 on An icemaker and a refrigerator having an icemaker are dis: teussed. The icemaker has puls-elecrothermal je release fad inchides an ice-making tray having several ice fomning Portions in which water is stored and ioe is formed, and @ housing surrounding the ice-making tray provided with at least one ead air inlet and/or ie ejection por through which colds supplied and ice reese along bent chanael. The cold air inlet and/or ice ejection ports are baled to prevent contact with a user’s fingers and thereby reduce the possibile ity of electric shock. ABSTRACTUS 2009/0235682 Al Page 2 Related US. Application Data (60) 601646,394, fled on Jan. 24,2005, provisional appli ‘ation No. 60/646,932, filed on Jan. 25, 2008, provi sional application No, 601739506, fled on Now. 23, 2005, provisional application No, 60/581,912, filed on Jun, 22, 2004, provisional application No, 6646,304, ‘led on Jan. 24, 2005, provisional application No. (606546,982, fled om Jan. 28, 2005, provisional appli cation No. 60/646,394, filed on Jan. 24, 2006, prov sional application No. 60/646,932, fled on Jan. 25, 2005, provisional application No. 601739, 50, ied on Nov. 23, 2008, provisional application No, 60/581, 912 fled on un. 22, 2004, provisional application No, 60 646,394, fed on Jan. 24, 205, provisional app cation No. 60V646,082, fled on Jan. 25, 2005, provi sional application No, 60/386,476, filed on Feb. 11, 2002, provisional application No. 601398,004, ied on Jul. 23, 2002, provisional application No, 604404,872, Filed on Aug, 21.2002.Patent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 1 of 8 US 2009/0235682 AI FIG. 1Patent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 2 of 8 US 2009/0235682 AI FIG. 2Patent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2009/0235682 AI FIG. 3A 14a 150Patent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 4 of 8 US 2009/0235682 AI FIG. 3BPatent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 6 of 8 US 2009/0235682 AI FIG. 4B [bt 152 154a 155| —154b \ LETPatent Application Publication Sep. 24, 2009 Sheet 8 of 8 FIG. 5B 152b SRRRG, US 2009/0235682 AI 152a 15le 154a LW ache of yee 7154 |—_ 150 110 iy 154bUS 2009/0235682 Al PULSE ELECTROTHERMAL MOLD RELEASE ICEMAKER WITH SABETY BAFFLES FOR REFRIGERATOR CLAIM TO PRIORITY 10001] This application isa eontinuation-n- ‘monly-owened and copending US. patent application Ser. No. 11/338,239 filed 24 Jan, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 601646, 304, ied 24 Jan. 2008, 601646.032, fled 2§ Jan. 2008, and (607739,506, fled 23 Nov. 2008. US. patent application Sor. No, 11/338,239 i also a continuation-in-part of commonly ‘owned PCT Application No, PCT/US2005/220%5 filed 22, Jun, 2005, which claims the benefit of prcrty to US, Prov sonal Patent Applications Nos. 60/581,912, filed 22 Jun. 2004, 60/646, 394 fled 24 Jun, 2005, and 601646:932 fled 25 ‘Jn. 2005. US, patent application Ser. No. 11/338,239 is also 4 continvation-in-part of commonly-awnedl and copending US. patent application Ser. No. 101939,289 filed 10 Sep. 2004, now USS, Pat. No, 7,034,257, whieh is a divisional pplication that elaims the benefit of priority to US. patent “application See. No, 10/368,438, filed 11 Pe, 2008, now US, Pat, No. 6 870,139, which claims the benefit of priority 10 US. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60356476, fled 11 Feb. 2002, 61308,004, filed 23 Jul 2002, and 60/404,872, ‘led 21 Aug, 2002, 10002] This application isalso a continuation in partof PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/060478, filed May 22, 2007, which claims benefit of priority to commonly-owned US: Provisional Patent Appliction No, 60/802,407, filed 22 May 2006, PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/069478 is also @ ‘continustionin-part of commonly-owned PCT/US20060 (002283, fled 24 Jan, 2006, which claims the beneit of pei ority to US. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 601646, 304; filed 24 Jan, 2005, 601646,932, fled 25 tan, 2005, and (60/739,506, fled 23 Nov. 2005. PCT Application No. PCT! [US2007/069478 is also acontinuation-i-part of commonly ‘owned and copending U.S. patent application Ser No, T1/S71,231, filed 22 Dee. 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to BCT/US2005'022035, filed 22 Jun. 2005, which ‘luims the benefit o priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appli- ‘ations Nos, 60/$81,912, fled 22 Jun, 2004, 60/646,394, led 24 Jan, 2005, and 601646,932, ile 25 Jan, 2008, PCT Appli ‘ation Serial No, PCT/USO7/069478 is also a continuation. Jncpart of commonly-awned and copending U.S. patent appli ‘ation Ser. No, 11/338,239, filed 24 Jan. 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to US. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 601646 394 filed 24 Jan. 2005, 60'646,032, fled 25 Jan 2005, snd 601739,506, filed 23 Nov. 2005, US. patent appli- ‘ation Ser. No, 11/338,239 is also @ continuation in-part of ‘commonly-owned PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/22035 ‘led 22 in 2005, which claims the henefit of priority toUS. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60/581,912, filed 22 Jun, 2004, 60V646 394, filed 24 Jan. 2005, and 60/646, 932, filed 25 Jan, 2005. U.S. patent application Ser. No, 11/338, 239 is also a continuation-in-pat of commonly-owned and ‘copending U.S. patent aplication Ser. No. 10939,289, now US. Pat, No, 7,034,257, filed 10 Sep, 2004, which isa divi sional application that claims the benefit of priority 10 US. patent application Ser. No, 10'368,438, now US. Pat. No. 6,870,139, filed 11 Feb. 2003, which claims the benefit of priority to S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60356, 4176 filed 11 Feb. 2002, 601398.004, filed 23 Jul. 2002, and (60408,872, fled 21 Aug. 2002, Sep. 24, 2009 [0003] AU of the abovesideattied patent applications are incorporated herein by reference, FIELD OF THE INVENTION {0004} The present invention relates to an icemaker and a relfigersor having an icemaker. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pulse electrothermal ieemaker ‘nd refrigerator having the icemaker, wherein the icemaker faa a bafcd passage for admitting cold air and releasing ioe \while preventing users rom accessinginterior components of the icemaker, BACKGROUND, [0005] Generally, an ice-making tray is an apparatus in ‘whic ices made rm water by expose to co a in Freeing deve Inparicla-ancemaking tay. which stores ‘ater in a pifieonainer and makes the sor water no ike foezing the stored water below the frezing poi, is severly wed ina refigerator « water purer or vending ache, and an icemaker (heiafer, refered ta “rofigerator ands fr"). [0006] Ta th pos simply configuredce making process inwhichan ice maKingconeiner filed with waters plasdin &frering chmber blow the freezing pointand ies incon ‘ene taken ont ofthe isemakingcontsinerby act afer iscismiae, win generally used. However ving soars fse and technologies develop, more aa more rligerstors have automat icemaker (0007) Ice making trys are lage classified into thermal -eomking rays en twist femiaking trays avordng to the typeof ie elec. The thomal type penal has heer inset adjacent othe tay to melt and separate ie there from, and the twist type isa type in which ee is released by twisting the cesmaking ry witha sig heater, [0008] A pulse-clectrothermal icemaking tray releases ice Syaplvingn brit pulse of lsc current the nota inerlae layer and eens the [0009] Application of electric current to an icemaking tray fam, bowen, pose ik fo users i users ae permis easy acess othe icmaking rye [0010] However, as the ice making tray installed in the {Remake chill watcrnot by self bt by clair suppl the icemaking ry installed inthe cena st ave 1 ir inlet por lr suificienly suppying colar beemse ol at ‘mst hesuicenly supine teice making ay installed inthe icemaker {W011} Aso aniecolet mast be provid so that ie can bedischage fom the icemaker SUMMARY, [0012] Toschieve these objects and other advantagesand in aecordance with the purpose ofthe invetion, as embodied ‘and broadly described herein, an icemaker having pulse-clee- twothermal ice release inchides an ice making. way having several of ice forming portions in which water ix sored and jee is formed and ahovsing surrounding the ice making tray provided with atleast one cold aie inlet andlor ice ejection por through which cod air is supplied and ie released slong fa bent channel [013] In an embodiment, a cold aie inlet port is a gap between spaced plates disposed at an upper part ofthe ice snaking tay. In an embodiment, the plates ae positioned stUS 2009/0235682 Al ‘different heights and parallel to each other. In another ‘embodiment, scold ir ilet ports may be formed by several slanted block members, 10014} Further, the housing is provided with astantedinnee surface that faces toward the ianer side of the housing ot @ specific angle, and the ice outlet may bea gap between Wo slanted inner surfaces of the housing. Ina particular embod ment, the pair of slanted inner surfaces have a vert ‘overlapped portional the lower part ofthe ice-making ‘Also, the gap that constitutes the ice outlets preferably’ less than the maximuen width of ie that is Toned in the iee- making tray. [0015] In an embodiment, a reftigerator having a taker includes: a cabinet provided with fcering chamber {or freezing foods: a door which is hinged wo the cabinet i ‘order to selectively openilose the freezing chamber: an ice making ray within the icemaker; and a housing surounding the ice making tray and provided with « cold ar inlet port through whieh cold air supplied from an upper par of the fee ‘aking ray Rows to the ice making tray along a bent channel and an ice outlet through which ice moved from the ice making tray is discharged along a bent passage at the lower side. BRIBE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. 10016) FIG. 1 isaperspetve view of an icemaker provided With ice making tray according to the present vention 0017] FIG. 2 isa perspective view ofan ice making ray ‘seconting to the present invention: 0018] FIG. 3Nand FIG. 38 show anicemakeraccondingto a prefered embodiment ofthe present invention: {0019} FIG. 4A and 1G. 48 ilastate an icemaker aovon- ing to another embedimen of the present invention; and 10020] FIG. 5A ae FIG. SB show an icemakeraccondingto Turter another embodiment ofthe present invention, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS, 10021] Refereace will now be made in detail to embod ments ofthe present invention, examples of which areilus- trated in the aecompsnying drawings. However, the present invention isnt restricted to the illustrated embodiments, but ‘may be embodied in different ways within inthe seape ofthe invention. The embodiments are described so thatthe concept ‘ofthe present invention sufficiently appreciated by apersa skilled in teat. Wherever possible, thesame reference mim- bers willbe used throughout the drawings to refer fo the same cor like pars 10022] FIG. 1 isa perspective view showing an icemaking tray provided in an icemaker according tothe present inven- tion, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the ‘cemaking tay 10023] -Theicemaker 100 according to thepresent invention has an ice making tay 110 with apparatus for dispensing ‘water therein, andan icemaking try cover (aot shown) atthe upper part ofthe ice making tray 110 to prevent water from ‘overflowing of splashing. [0024] Theicemaking tay 110includesat least one eceiv= ing portions 112 receiving water for making ive cubes and provided with an opening through which water is supplied fn ice cubes are separated. The cemaking tray 110 may be assembly of several receiving portions 112 Sep. 24, 2009 [0025] In variations of ths embodiment, the ice-making tray 110 may be configured that receiving portions 112 are ‘arranged in row as showa,orthe receiving portions 2 may be arranged in several rows [0026] Receiving portions 112 may be formed in various shapes. Specifically, the rovciving portions 112 may be {ormed in'a hemisphere shape or ina cube shape. Maltple rehangeable ive making trays 110 having receiving pot ras 112 of various shapes may be provided such that ice cubes having shape satisfying a particular user's taste and ‘ed can be made, Is understood tha he receiving portions 113 having complicated shapes such as a star shape and bait shape can be provided, [0027] Icemaker 100 has a moving portion that moves the fcesmaking tay 110 to an ice release position so that theater ‘water freezes in icemaking tny 110 the ice can be separated ‘rom the io-making tray 110, [0028] | Inan embodiment, the moving portion may be con- figured tht i translates the ice-making tray 110. In another embodiment, however the moving portion rotates the ice- ‘making try 110 sbout longitudinal axis so the open upper part ofthe receiving portions 112 of the ice making tay 110 {aces downwards toward the lve par. 0029} -‘Themoving portion may further include a pivot 122 that is axially connected to both longitudinal ends of the jce-making tay 110, anda motor (not shown) for rotating the jewsmaking try 110, [0030] Aner completing the ice making process the motor Starts and rotates the ieesmaking tray 10 through an angle of 90°=180°. On one side of the moving portion, a water supply dove for supplying water into the fee-making tray 110 is provided. The Water supply may include a storage container 132 in which waters stored, and a water supply pipe 134 that supplies water from the storaye container 132 to the ice- ‘making tay 110. [0031} The storage container 132 is configured that be supplied with water from a water supply hose 136. since 8 valve (not shown) is provided in a region where the water supply pipe 134 and the storage container 132 are connected, water Rows into the ice-making tray 110 only ‘when aceded [0032] The ice making tay 110 is made of an electrical condctor, and the jee making tray 110 generates heat as current i passed through tray 110. This heat melts is facial layerof ioe thereby separating the ice from the try 110. [0033] A power supply 142 capable of supplying electic current through the ice-making tray 110 is provided. The power supply device 142 has power supply 143 andan input fentrol devioe 144, [034] The eloctical condtctor of which the ice making ‘ray 110 may be made of a material including, but not Kimited to, Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Titanium, stainless ste! alloy ‘or aluminum alloy having high electric conductivity, 2s well san injection molded electrically conductive plast [035] "Ics posible to uniformly heat the fee-making ty 110 rapidly by applying eleetie current through electrode 1 [0036] ‘Tae ice making tray 110 is configured that electsie ‘current ows lengthwise dhrough the fee making ay 110 An eleciric circuit (not shown) is connected to an electrode 114 (illustrated only atone end) at ea end ofthe try 110, [0037] As heat is generated by applying an elevtic current to the ice making tray 110 ice is meted tthe contact surface between te receiving portions 112 ofthe ice making tray 110US 2009/0235682 Al ‘and the ice formed therein, While iemaking ray 110 is ‘ote o ice he icemaker bottom, celled ic reiv= ing portion 112 sepwats from the receiving portion 12, and ‘drops from these making ty 110 10038) “The eating ofthe ie-msking tray 10s produced by a pulse of current controlled by the input costal device 1144 Here, the input contol device 144 may include a resi= Ave enti a ie iui ora col eect 10039} FIG. 3aisa perspective view ofan eemskerhaving ‘housing 150, wherein a side surface of the housing is incisd, and FIG. 3h sa crose-setional view schematically showing an icemaker aeconting wo the present invention [0040], The bousing 180 ofthe icemaker 100 surrounds the ‘eesmaking tas, and the housing is configured wo discharge ioe and to receive old sin. {0041} cold air inlet por 18a through which col sie celers is provided tthe upper part othe housing, Cold inlet por 1S. allows cold ar ntodoed rom the upper part ‘ofthe housing 180 reach the ce-makiog tay 110 slog 9 bent channel. The bent orbald channel prevents fom ‘onteting the tray and being electrically shocked a well as sopping cod air for making ie 0042] The cold sircineates into the ice-making tay 110 by conection. Therefore, the cold ai suppl into the making tay 110 is supplied om the upper part and ee is mode by freezing water in the ice-making tay 10. 0043] As shown in FIG. 8%, the cold air intodved fom ‘houpperpar ofhowsing 180 reaches the j-making tay’ 10 slog the bent channel {0048} Inthe embodiment of FIG, 3, the cold aieinet port 11a, through which cold airs supplied, i a sup between sce plates 184, 1880, Pstes 1842, 1580 ma haves bent tal extended portion, aed they maybe instal at both sides 154,185 ofthe housing 150 Inan embodiment, lates 1540, 1580 have an overlapped portion atthe upper part of the jewrmaking tay 110. [0045] Plates 154, 1880 ate overlapped the upper partot the icemaking ty 110 to prevent wer from contacting with the icesmaking tray 110 and protect users from electrical sock rom contacting the femal tay 110. 10046) The channel for eld si supplied tote ice-making teay 110 is formed as. bent channel to prevent the user fom ‘contact with the fcemaking tay 10 10047], “The extended lena of the plates 184, 1880 is prferablyset sich hath cemsking ray 11cannotbe seen Troms outside housing 158 048] Since the ice making try 110 cannot be seen fom the outside housing 188, then sraght metal objects (oe ‘eanple, hitchen weil Suc a 9 kif inserted by a user int the cold air inlet port 181 will not contact tray 110. {0049} _lso, the housing is provided with an ce out 153 fiom which ice released from the ie making ay 110 is lischarged via a bent passage to prevent the user from ean twotng the ie making tay 110 though the ie outlet 10080} The iceansking try 110 is heated by an eletic ‘current to olease fo into the ice storage cabinet afer the ieemaking ray rots s0 thatthe reeiving portions face ows. {0081} Intheembodiment of FIG. 3, the dotedins inc ‘eae the rated stato he ice-makiag iy 110-Released ice ‘opshy ison weight andis discharged the icetlet 183 via bent passe. Sep. 24, 2009 [0052] Ice dischanged drops through the ice outlet 188, 2 ‘zap between the slanted inner surfaces 134, 158b provided atthe lower part ofa pairof opposing ier surfaces 184, 188 ‘of housing 130, [053] The saated inner surfaces 1540, 158b may be inte- rally formed in the inner surfaces 154, 15 as ilusrated in IG, 36, or may be formed separately from the inner surfaces 154, 185. The inner surfaces are bent toward the inner sideot the housing at an angleand extended and thee outlet 183 is ‘gap between the slanted inner surfaces IS4B, S85 that are bent and extended, [0054] ‘The ice-making ray may be installed in refigers~ {or withthe ice-making ray atthe door ofthe freezing cham- bet In his ease, it is necessary to prevent the hands of users Irom approaching the iee-making tray 110 of the icemaker from the bottom. [0088] In particular, users of low stature, specifically chil- ‘ren, should be prevented from being electiclly shocked by inserting thei hands into the housing atthe lower part ofthe ice-making tray 110, [0056] ‘Therefore, seconding to the embodiment shown in IG. 8%, the bent channel Y, from whieh ice i discharged, is configured that theice isnot vertically dropped, buts collides ‘ith the higher inner side surface ofthe pai of inner side surfaces 184, 188 of the housing and agein with the lower inner side surface hefore discharge. 0057] In this embodiment, the angle ofthe inner se sut= Tce of the housing which is bent and extended at an ange, and the length of the slanted inner surface 184, 1885 are preferably determined as fallows. [0058] That is, the angle O1, 02 of the bent and extend inner side surface is preferably within the range that can dvwavvaedly slide ice without remaining on the beat ianer side surface 1548, 188 even when the ice collides with the inner side surf. 0059} Also, sinoe ice is not downwardly std where the angle of the bent and extended inner sie surface isa steep angle, the angle should be the range that allows ice 10 be down\vardly slide after colliding thereto. [0060] Also, as well as the above described cold ar inlet port 1812, the respective length ff of the slanted inner Surface 184, 1886 has an overlapped portion atthe lower part ‘of the ice making tay 110, as the plate constitting the cold fir inlet port has an overlapped portion, [0061] ‘Thehousing 150 s preferably designed such thatthe ce-making try caniot be seen from below by extending the respective slanted inner surface 154, 158, [0062] The respective lengths fof the slanted inner surface 184, 18S and the angle 61, 02 of the bent and extended inne side surface are determined aeconting to the Size of ice capable of being discharged [0063] The wid of the ice outlet 183 should be greater than the minimum size capable of discharging the ie. [0064] ‘Te least distance between the slanted inner sure 1555 disposed atthe lower side and the slanted inner surface 154 disposed atthe upper side is defined as This 9 is @ vertical distance from the slanted inner surface SSB disposed atthe lower side tothe lower end of the slanted inner surface 1546 disposed atthe upperside. [0065] In an embodiment, the least distance 6 is grester than themaximom depth ofthe unit receiving portion 1120 the ice making tray 110 and is less than the maximum diam eter dof one reeiving portion 112US 2009/0235682 Al 10066] The least distance 9 is greater than the maximum depth of the receiving portion 112 ofthe ive-making tray 110, because the leat distance d must be greater than the depth of the receiving portion 12.4. the thickness of ee, in onler to «discharge released je trough the ice outlet 153, 10067] The receiving portion 112 ean be shaped in various ways. 10068] As doscribod in the above, the iee-making tray socontingo the present invention may be installed atthe dane ‘ofthe freezing chamber when itis installed in the reigerator Inthis embodiment, the doorof the freezing chamber isa door that i hinged tothe cabinet, in which the freezing chamber is provided, to selectively open or close the freezing chamber. [0069] Since the inne side surface, which is installed in a direction ofthe inner sie surface of the door, i configured with the the lower slanted inner surface 158, i is dificult for users to approach the ice-making tray than otherwise, even when, user's arm is beat. 10070] FIG. dais. a perspective view ofan icemaker having a housing 150, wherein a side surface of the housing. is incised, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an icemaker seconding to the present invention. [0071] -Theoverlappedexplanation with theembodimentin FIG. 3 will be omitted from the embodiment in FIG. 4. [0072] According to theembodimentin FIG. 4, the housing 150 surrounding the ice making tray 110, in whieh ice is sade, is provided with a plurality of slot-ike cold air inlet ports 1814 that are formed by a plurality of slanted block fcmbers 152, 10073] FIG. 4b ilostrates the col ar inlet posts 1816 with reference to the schematic cross-soctional View of the ice- ‘maker according tothe presen invention. 10074] Cold air supplied into the upper par ofthe ice mak- fing ray 110 s supplied to the ice making tray provided in the housing via the cold ar infet ports 1816 formed by the phir rality of slanted bloek members 182 [0075] The block members 182 at the upper prt of the housing 182 ae inclined at specific angle. Block members 182may be integrally formed with thehousing 150, ormay be separately made and installed tthe per part ofthe housing. [0076] By adjusting the spacing between oftheblock mem- bers 182, it is possible to block users fingers from the ice- making tay 110. For example, if de diameter of an object ‘capable of passing though the cold ar inet port 181. is ess than 10 mm, is possible to prevent parts ofthe body, for ‘example the finger of children, from touching tray 110. 10077] To. prevent straight conductive slender objects Inserted into the cold air inlet port 1816 from eontaeting tray 110, the angle 03 ofthe block member 152 can be increase. 10078] 1theangle 03 of the block member 1S2is increased, the ice-making tray 119 cannot be seen from the upper par of the housing 10079] FIG. Sais.a perspective view ofan feemaker having f housing 150, wherein a side surfoce of the housing is incised, and FIG. 5h is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an icemaker sovonding to the present invention. 10080] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the block member constituting the cold air inet port are arranged i «double layers and he slotconstiuting the cold airinlet port is ‘arranged in double layers. [W081] | Thecold sirinlet ports 1Sto, 151d in the shape of @ slot will be explained with reference fo FIG. 84. Sep. 24, 2009 [0082] Asshownin FIG. 56, block members 1524, 182bare slantedly arranged in double layers with cold aie inlet ports 1S1c, 151d formed by the Block members overlapping each other The cold sirsupplied trom theupper part of tse housing through the overigpped cold air inlet ports can be supplied into the ice-making tmy’ 110 along the eold air passage X. [0083] As shown in FIG. Sa and $b, the angle 03 of the ber 152i high enough so that the ice-making tray ‘seen frm above the upper part of the housing [0084] "With the horizontal postion ofthe respective block ‘member 152a, 1526s appropriately adjusted, the possibility ‘of metalic objects touching the ice-making tray is tinimized because the jeesmaking tray 110 cannot be s the ‘upper part ofthe housing. 0085} Ivistherefore possible wo prevent electri shock from the conductive iee-making tay while suflicient cold air lows into the ice-making tray and the discharge of ce is wnim- pedled [0086] 1¢ will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations ean be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit orseopeot the inventions. Thus, is intended that he present invention ‘covers the modifications and variations ofthis vention pro- Vided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents. ‘What is claimed is 1. Am icemaker, comprising: fan jeemaking tray having a plurality of fe receiving por: tions in which waters stored to make ice, theicemabing tray comprising a material that generates heat when cleric current lows through the icemaking tray; a controller for providing an electric current through the icemaking tray to perform an ice body separation; and ‘housing surrounding the ice making tray and provided With a cold airinlet por through which cold aie supplied fem an upper part a the ice making tay lows to the ce making tray along a bent channel, and an ice outlet ‘through which ice moved from the ice making tray is discharged along a bent passage atthe lower side 2. The icemaker according to claim 1, wherein the eold ait inlet por is. «gap between spaced pltes disposed at an upper part ofthe ice-making try” 3. The icemaker according to claim 2, wherein the plates are positioned at different height and are parallel to each oer 4. The icemaker aocordng to claim 3, wherein the plates ‘overlap each other sch that they are spaced apart atthe upper part othe ice making tray. '5. The icemsker according to claim 1, wherein the cold ait inlet por isa plurality of slots formed by plurality ofstanted block member. 6. The icemaker according to claim 8, wherein the block members are slanted ses that the ice making tray cannot be seen from any location atthe upper part ofthe housing. 7. The icemaker according to claim 5, wherein the slots formed by theblock members may be formedas double layers at different heights 8. The icemaker according o claim S, wherein the housing js provided with slanted inner surfaces that face towand the inner side of the housing ata specific angle, and the ice outlet isa gap between the slanted inner surfaces ofthe housing, 9. Theicemaker according to claim 8, wherein the eight of upper end ofthe pair of slanted inner surfaces differsUS 2009/0235682 Al 10, The icemaker according claim 9, wherein the pairof slanted inner surfaces have a vertically overlapped portion at the lower part of the ice-making ty. 11. The icemaker according 0 claim 10, wherein he pairof slanted innee surfaces are extended sch that the ice making tray eannot be seen fom any location atthe ower part ofthe housing. 12, The icemaker according to claim &, wherein the gap ‘constituting the ice ont i less than the maximum wih of jee forme inthe ice-making tay. 13, The icemaker according to claim 10, wherein the ver tical distance fom the slanted incr surlace disposed at the lower part toa lower end of the slanted inner surface disposed the upperparts ess than the maximum diameter of te ie receiving portion and is greater than the maximum depth of the ice receiving portion Sep. 24, 2009 14. reffigeratr, comprising: 4 cabinet provided with a freezing chamber for freezing foods: 1 door that is hinged tothe cabinet in onder to selectively ‘open and elose the freezing chamber: an genssking tray provided witha plurity of ee receiving portions in which waters stored to make ie; and a housing surrounding the ice making tray and provided ‘witha cold airinet port through which cold ar supplied from an upper part ofthe jee making tray moves tothe ice making tray along a bent channel, and an jee outlet Trough which fee moved from the iee making ty is slischarged along & bent passage atthe lower sce; wherein the icemaking tay is disposed withia the housing, ‘andthe housing is attached to the door,