Ice making module and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and provides an ice making module and a refrigerator, the ice making module comprises an ice forming assembly and a refrigeration assembly, an ice forming cavity and a water flow channel capable of penetrating through the ice forming cavity are formed in the ice forming assembly, and the refrigeration assembly is connected to the ice forming assembly. And the refrigeration assembly is used for providing cooling capacity for the ice forming assembly. According to the embodiment of the invention, the ice making speed can be increased, the transparency of ice cubes is improved, and air mixing and odor mixing with a refrigeration or freezing chamber are prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular to an ice-making module and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators can usually make ice cubes by air cooling. An ice tray filled with water is placed at a suitable position in the refrigerator. After cold air continues to act on the ice tray for a period of time, ice cubes can be formed in the ice tray.

[0003] In the process of making ice cubes by the above-mentioned air cooling method, because the cold air needs to continuously act on the water surface and the contact area with the water surface is large, the cold amount transfer speed is slow and the ice making speed is slow. The cold air will also enter the water, which is easy to form bubbles in the made ice cubes, reducing the transparency of the ice cubes and affecting the appearance of the ice cubes. In addition, because the water needs to constantly interact with the cold air in the refrigerator, this interaction will circulate in the entire internal space of the refrigerator, which is easy to cause the made ice cubes to be mixed with odors, affecting the consumption of the ice cubes. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides an ice-making module and a refrigerator, which can improve the ice-making speed, improve the transparency of ice cubes and prevent the air from entering or odor from entering the refrigeration or freezing compartment.

[0005] A first aspect of the present application provides an ice-making module, comprising:

[0006] An ice-forming assembly, wherein the ice-forming assembly is formed with an ice-forming cavity and a water flow channel capable of passing through the ice-forming cavity;

[0007] and a refrigeration assembly, wherein the refrigeration assembly is connected to the ice-forming assembly and is used to provide cold energy to the ice-forming assembly.

[0008] According to the ice-making module described in the first aspect of the present application, when water flows through the ice-forming chamber along the water flow channel, the refrigeration component can continuously provide coldness to the ice-forming component. During the flow of water, the water is in direct contact with the ice-forming component, so that the water forms ice cubes in the ice-forming chamber. The above-mentioned ice cube forming process can isolate the interference of cold wind. The formation of ice cubes depends on the continuous flow of water. Therefore, the ice-making module can increase the ice-making speed, improve the transparency of ice cubes and eliminate the odor of ice cubes.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the ice-forming chamber includes a peripheral wall for water flow, and the peripheral wall forms the water flow channel.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the peripheral wall includes:

[0011] bottom wall;

[0012] and side walls, the water flow can flow along the bottom wall and the side walls.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the side wall includes:

[0014] A first side wall and a second side wall are arranged in sequence along a first extension direction of the water flow channel, and the second side wall is arranged at an angle to the first extension direction;

[0015] The third side wall and the fourth side wall are connected between the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, a surface of the first side wall facing the first extension direction is configured as an inclined guide surface, and water can flow from the guide surface to the ice-forming chamber.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, a water guide groove is provided on the first side wall, and water can flow from the water guide groove into the ice forming chamber.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the bottom wall includes a buffer structure portion, and the buffer structure portion is used to slow down the flow rate of water.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the buffer structure portion includes at least one of a pit, a protrusion, and an arc-shaped structure.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the bottom wall is formed with a temporary storage cavity, and the water flow can fill up the temporary storage cavity.

[0021] In a possible implementation, there are a plurality of ice-forming cavities, and the plurality of ice-forming cavities are arranged at intervals along the first extension direction of the water flow channel, and the water flow channel runs through the plurality of ice-forming cavities.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the ice-forming assembly includes a plurality of groups of ice-forming cavities and a plurality of groups of water flow channels that can correspondingly penetrate each group of ice-forming cavities, and each group of ice-forming cavities includes a plurality of ice-forming cavities spaced apart along the first extension direction.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the ice-forming component includes:

[0024] An ice forming tray, formed with the ice forming cavity;

[0025] and an outer frame, the ice forming tray is arranged in the outer frame, and the water flow channel runs through the ice forming tray.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the ice-making module further includes:

[0027] A water distribution pipe is arranged on the outer frame, and the water distribution pipe comprises a water distribution hole, and water can flow into the water flow channel from the water distribution hole.

[0028] In a possible implementation, a support frame is formed by a protrusion on the outer frame, and the water distribution pipe is mounted on the support frame.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the water distribution pipe includes a water inlet, and a plurality of water distribution holes connected to the water inlet are provided on the water distribution pipe, and the density of the water distribution holes gradually increases in a direction away from the water inlet.

[0030] In a possible implementation, there are two ice forming trays, and the two ice forming trays are installed in the outer frame in a back-to-back manner.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the ice-making module further includes:

[0032] The outer frame is connected to the mounting cover, and the mounting cover is mounted on the shell of the ice-making device.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the mounting cover is configured as a first semi-enclosed structure.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the first semi-enclosed structure includes:

[0035] a first curved plate;

[0036] and a pair of first end plates, wherein the first end plates are connected to two ends of the first arc-shaped plate.

[0037] In a possible implementation, a first mounting platform is disposed on the shell, and a first connecting portion is disposed on the mounting upper cover, and the first connecting portion is fixedly connected to the first mounting platform.

[0038] In a possible implementation, a second mounting platform is disposed on the mounting upper cover, a second connecting portion is disposed on the outer frame, and the second connecting portion is fixedly connected to the second mounting platform.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration component includes:

[0040] A refrigeration pipe for the flow of refrigerant, wherein the refrigeration pipe is arranged at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the refrigeration pipe includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and the refrigeration pipe has at least one curved portion formed in a direction from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration pipe includes:

[0043] A straight pipe portion, an end of which forms the refrigerant inlet;

[0044] The bent portion is connected to the straight pipe portion, and an end portion of the bent portion forms the refrigerant outlet.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the ice-making module further includes:

[0046] The first ice-removing assembly is used for heating the ice cubes in the ice-forming chamber to partially melt the ice cubes, so that the ice cubes are separated from the ice-forming chamber.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the first deicing assembly includes:

[0048] A heating wire is arranged at the bottom of the ice forming chamber.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the water flow channel forms a water inlet at one end of the ice-forming chamber, and forms a water outlet at the other end of the ice-forming chamber, and a water collecting trough for converging water flow is formed on the water outlet.

[0050] A second aspect of the present application provides a refrigerator comprising the above-mentioned ice-making module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art description are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a structure of an ice-making device without a shell provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making structure provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0055] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making structure provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making module provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0057] Figure 6An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making module provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0058] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an ice forming tray provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0059] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an outer frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0060] Fig. 9 A schematic structural diagram of another angle of an outer frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0061] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water distribution pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0062] Fig.11 A schematic structural diagram of a housing provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0063] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of installing an upper cover according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0064] Fig.13 An integrated design diagram of an ice-making assembly and a refrigeration system provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0065] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of a water receiving assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0066] Reference numerals:

[0067] 100-housing; 101-upper space; 102-lower space; 110-first installation platform;

[0068] 200-ice-making structure; 210-ice-making module; 220-water receiving assembly; 211-ice-forming assembly; 212-refrigeration assembly; 213-water distribution pipe; 214-installation cover; 215-first ice-removing assembly; 211a-ice-forming chamber; 211b-bottom wall; 211c-side wall; 221-water receiving lower cover; 222-rotation assembly;

[0069] 211c1-first side wall; 211c2-second side wall; 211c3-third side wall; 211c4-fourth side wall; 211c11-guiding surface; 211c12-water guide groove;

[0070] 2111-ice tray; 2112-outer frame; 2121-refrigeration pipe; 2131-water distribution hole; 2132-water inlet; 2141-first connecting part; 2142-second mounting platform; 2143-first arc plate; 2144-first end plate; 2151-heating wire; 2211-second arc plate; 2212-second end plate; 2213-water outlet; 2214-lead-out piece; 2221-driving motor ;2222-rotating bracket;2112a-supporting frame;2112b-second connecting portion;2121a-refrigerant inlet;2121b-refrigerant outlet;2121c-straight pipe portion;2121d-bent portion;2143a-first arc-shaped surrounding cavity;2144a-water pipe through hole;2211a-second arc-shaped surrounding cavity;2222a-rotating shaft;2222b-connecting bracket;2222b1-rotating arm;

[0071] 300-water supply system; 310-water supply tank; 320-circulating water tank; 330-first water pipe; 340-first water pump; 350-second water pipe; 360-second water pump;

[0072] 400-water recovery system; 410-collector; 411-arc groove; 412-water receiving part;

[0073] 500-ice cube recovery structure; 510-ice cube recovery box;

[0074] 10-Ice making device;

[0075] 20-refrigeration system; 21-compressor; 22-condenser; 23-evaporator; 24-capillary tube; 23a-evaporating coil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] As a common household appliance, refrigerators are often used to keep food fresh and can store a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, bean products, dairy products, etc. With the development of refrigerators, some refrigerators also have ice-making functions. For example, these refrigerators can be equipped with an ice-making device, which can be installed in the refrigerator as an independent system device.

[0078] The above-mentioned refrigerator with ice-making function usually makes ice cubes by air cooling. For example, cold air can be introduced into the above-mentioned ice-making device, and ice cubes can be formed in the ice-making device through heat exchange between the cold air and water stored in the ice-making device.

[0079] The above-mentioned ice-making device is usually equipped with an ice tray, and the water stored in the ice-making device can flow into the ice tray. When the ice tray is full of water, cold air continues to act on the ice tray for a period of time, and ice cubes can be formed in the ice tray.

[0080] The principle of air cooling to make ice cubes lies in the heat exchange between cold air and water. In the process of making ice cubes by air cooling, the cold air needs to continuously act on the water surface and the contact area with the water surface is large, resulting in a slow transfer of cold. After the water surface freezes, the ice on the water surface will hinder the continued transfer of cold. The slow ice making speed and the cold air will also enter the water, which is easy to form bubbles in the ice cubes, reducing the transparency of the ice cubes and affecting the appearance of the ice cubes. Furthermore, when the cold air is unevenly distributed in the refrigerator or even turbulent, the transparency of the ice cubes will be further reduced. In addition, because the water needs to constantly interact with the cold air in the refrigerator, this interaction will circulate in the entire internal space of the refrigerator, which is easy to make the ice cubes mixed with odors, affecting the consumption of ice cubes.

[0081] Based on the above status quo and problems, the embodiment of the present application provides an ice-making device, which can be applied to refrigerators and other preparation machines, such as ice makers, etc. The ice-making device adopts a new ice-making method, which can isolate or substantially isolate the influence of cold wind on water, thereby solving the problems caused by the above-mentioned air-cooled ice making.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the ice-making device can perform contact cooling on the flowing water and form ice cubes. The water is in a continuous flow process, and the contact cooling can provide a heat exchange method with higher heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the ice-making device can isolate or basically isolate the influence of cold wind on the water. Therefore, the ice-making device can increase the ice-making speed, improve the transparency of the ice cubes, and prevent the air from entering the refrigerated or frozen compartment and transferring odors.

[0083] At present, refrigerators that use running water to make ice cannot achieve a balance between sealed ice making and pouring ice cubes, which is often manifested as a lack or deficiency in the performance of one of the two. For example, when the sealing effect is good, the ice cubes cannot be poured out smoothly. When the ice cubes can be poured out smoothly, it is difficult to make ice in a sealed environment. The running water ice making ability of the refrigerator is poor.

[0084] In this regard, the ice-making device of the present application is reasonably configured in structure, which can achieve a balance between sealed ice-making and dumping ice cubes, thereby improving the flowing water ice-making capacity of the refrigerator.

[0085] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device with a shell removed according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ice-making device 10 in the embodiment of the present application may include a shell 100, an ice-making structure 200, a water supply system 300, a water recovery system 400 and an ice recovery structure 500, wherein the shell 100 is a surrounding structure of the ice-making device 10, the ice-making structure 200 and the ice recovery structure 500 may be arranged in the shell 100, the water supply system 300 and the water recovery system 400 may be connected to the shell 100, the former is used to supply water to the ice-making structure 200, and the latter is used to recover the water remaining after ice making.

[0087] The shell 100 can be placed in the internal space of the refrigerator as an independent structure, and the shell 100 can also be formed by the internal structure of the refrigerator. For example, the shell 100 can be integrated with the inner wall of the refrigerator.

[0088] The housing 100 can be designed as a vertical structure, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped structure can be adopted, and its internal space can be designed in upper and lower layers, for example, the ice-making structure 200 can be arranged in the upper space 101 of the housing 100, and the ice cube recovery structure 500 can be arranged in the lower space 102 of the housing 100. In combination with the above, the function of the ice cube recovery structure 500 is to recover the ice cubes in the ice-making structure 200. Therefore, the housing 100 adopting the upper and lower layered structure can reasonably arrange the positions of the ice-making structure 200 and the ice cube recovery structure 500 in the housing 100, so that the ice cubes can directly fall into the ice cube recovery structure 500 by the action of gravity.

[0089] It can be understood that the shell 100 can form two separated spaces inside it to respectively form the above-mentioned upper space 101 and lower space 102, and a partition (not shown in the figure) and other structures can be set between the two spaces. In order to enable ice cubes to fall into the ice cube recovery structure 500, through holes for ice cubes to pass through can be set on the partition.

[0090] It can be understood that in order to reduce the impact of cold air on water, the shell 100 can adopt a closed or relatively closed structure. The shell 100 can form an independent area in the refrigerator separated from other areas in the refrigerator. The cold air circulation in the refrigerator cannot or rarely acts on the independent area, which can prevent the air from entering the refrigeration or freezing compartment and the odor from entering the refrigeration or freezing compartment, thereby enhancing the effect of eliminating odors in ice cubes.

[0091] In the structural type of the shell 100 adopting the above-mentioned upper and lower layered design, a structure capable of absorbing cold air or a sealing structure may be provided in certain structural coordination locations in the upper space 101 or the lower space 102, for example, at the coordination location between the water supply system 300 or the water recovery system 400 and the shell 100. The structure capable of absorbing cold air may be, for example, a honeycomb foam, and the sealing structure may be, for example, a sealing ring made of silicone or rubber.

[0092] In the above description, it can be based on Figure 1 The coordinate system shown is used to describe various directions or orientations, wherein the positive direction of X is the width direction of the shell 100, the positive direction of Y is the thickness direction of the shell 100, and the positive direction of Z is the height direction of the shell 100. The above-mentioned upper and lower layered design refers to the layering of the shell 100 in the height direction.

[0093] In addition, in combination with the following embodiments, it will be recognized that the width direction defines the left and right of the shell 100, wherein the right is the same as the positive direction of X, the thickness direction defines the front and back of the shell 100, wherein the front is the same as the positive direction of Y, and the height direction defines the top and bottom of the shell 100, wherein the top is the same as the positive direction of Z.

[0094] The ice-making structure 200 in the embodiment of the present application is a structure for forming ice cubes in the ice-making device 10, and water can flow through the ice-making structure 200 and form contact cooling with the ice-making structure 200. In order to allow the water to flow through the ice-making structure 200, the ice-making structure 200 can receive the water provided by the water supply system 300 at the top, and the water can flow through the ice-making structure 200 from top to bottom by its own weight. In the following embodiments of the present application, the ice-making structure 200 is mainly described in terms of the flow from top to bottom. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the water can also flow through the ice-making structure 200 from left to right or from right to left.

[0095] The water supply system 300 can deliver water to the ice-making structure 200. The water supply system 300 can include a water supply tank 310. The water supply tank 310 can be arranged outside the housing 100. Sterilized and disinfected water can be stored in the water supply tank 310. The water in the water supply tank 310 can be directly delivered to the ice-making structure 200, or can be delivered to the ice-making structure 200 after passing through a circulation structure (such as a circulation water tank 320 hereinafter). The circulation structure here can realize the reuse of water. It can be understood that when the water supply system 300 is equipped with the water supply tank 310 and the circulation structure, the water supply tank 310, the ice-making structure 200 and the circulation water tank 320 can form a water supply circulation system. The water supply tank 310 can provide water to the ice-making structure 200, and the circulation water tank 320 can deliver water to the water supply tank 310 to realize the reuse of water after ice making, thereby saving water usage in addition to meeting the water required for ice making.

[0096] Of course, in other embodiments, the water supply system 300 may not set the water supply tank 310 outside the shell 100, but set a circulating water tank 320 inside the shell 100. The circulating water tank 320 can transport water to the ice-making structure 200. When the amount of water in the circulation structure is insufficient due to the gradual formation of ice cubes, the circulating water tank 320 can be replenished with water. For example, the circulating water tank 320 can be pulled out of the shell 100 for water replenishment, or water can be injected into the circulation structure through a liquid injection device outside the shell 100. A water replenishment tank can also be set outside the shell 100, and the water replenishment tank can transport water to the circulating water tank 320.

[0097] All or part of the above-mentioned variations of the water supply system 300 will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0098] The water recovery system 400 can recover the remaining water after ice making. The water recovery system 400 can be connected to the water supply system 300, especially to the above-mentioned water supply circulation system. The water recovery system 400 is configured with a collector 410 that can collect water flowing out of the ice making structure 200 and a power structure that enables water to flow in the water supply circulation system. The collector 410 can collect the water after ice making and transport it to the water supply system 300, for example, to the above-mentioned circulating water tank 320 or water supply tank 310. The power structure can be, for example, the first water pump 340 in the following embodiments.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, the water recovery system 400 may also be provided separately. For example, the water recovery system 400 may be provided with a container capable of collecting water. When the amount of water in the container reaches a specified capacity, the container may be removed from the ice-making device 10 and the water therein may be poured out, and then the container may be loaded into the ice-making device 10 for continued use.

[0100] The ice cube recovery structure 500 may be provided with an ice cube recovery box 510, which may be disposed at the bottom of the housing 100, and the ice cubes formed in the ice making structure 200 may fall into the ice cube recovery box 510.

[0101] In some embodiments, in order to prevent ice cubes from being damaged due to falling into the ice cube recovery box 510, a buffer structure may be provided in the ice cube recovery box 510. The buffer structure may be a soft cushion or a structure with a certain degree of elasticity.

[0102] In some embodiments, a channel structure may be provided between the ice making structure 200 and the ice cube recovery box 510. The channel structure may be provided at an angle so that ice cubes can slowly enter the ice cube recovery box 510 along the channel structure, and may also play a buffering role for ice cubes. The channel structure may be connected to the housing 100, or to the ice making structure 200, or to the ice cube recovery box 510.

[0103] It is understandable that, in order to facilitate the removal of ice cubes, the ice cube recovery box 510 can be installed in the housing 100 in a pull-out manner as a whole. When ice cubes need to be removed, the ice cube recovery box 510 can be pulled out of the housing 100. In order to ensure that the ice cube recovery box 510 can be smoothly pulled out or pushed into the housing 100, a guide rail can be set at the bottom of the housing 100, and the ice cube recovery box 510 can move along the guide rail.

[0104] In addition, a switch door structure can also be set in the ice recovery box 510. The switch door structure is an electrically controllable structure, and an ice dispensing button is designed to be matched on the refrigerator. By pressing the ice dispensing button, the switch door structure can be driven to open, so that ice cubes are discharged from the switch door structure.

[0105] It is understandable that in order to prevent excessive output of ice cubes at one time, a screening structure for screening ice cubes can be provided in the ice recovery bin 510. The screening structure can, for example, perform a lifting movement in the ice recovery bin 510. The screening structure has a screening platform. The screening platform can be a flat structure, and is more suitable for being designed as a structure with a recessed area. The size of the screening structure can be designed according to actual needs. The number of lifting movements or the duration of the lifting movement of the screening structure can be set, so that the required amount of ice cubes can be retained on the screening platform during the movement of the screening structure. Thereafter, the switch door structure can be controlled to open to release the restriction of the switch door structure on the ice cubes on the screening platform, so that the required amount of ice cubes can be output from the ice recovery bin 510.

[0106] In some embodiments, a plurality of screening structures may be provided in the ice recovery bin 510, so that different screening structures may be controlled to move according to usage requirements, thereby obtaining the required amount of ice according to the user's current needs.

[0107] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making structure provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making structure provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0108] In the examples of this application, please refer to Figure 3 to Figure 4The ice-making structure 200 includes an ice-making module 210 and a water receiving assembly 220. The ice-making module 210 is used to form ice cubes, and the water receiving assembly 220 is used to receive the remaining water after ice making, that is, water flows continuously through the ice-making structure 200, a part of which can form ice cubes, and the excess water will flow out of the ice-making structure 200 and be received by the water receiving assembly 220.

[0109] The ice-making structure 200 in the embodiment of the present application uses flowing water to make ice, which can improve the transparency of ice cubes.

[0110] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making module provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 6 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making module provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0111] In the examples of this application, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The ice-making module 210 includes an ice-forming component 211 and a refrigeration component 212 .

[0112] The ice forming assembly 211 is a place for forming ice cubes. The ice forming assembly 211 is formed with an ice forming cavity 211 a and a water flow channel that can penetrate the ice forming cavity 211 a.

[0113] It can be understood that after the water flow is delivered to the ice-making module 210, the water flow can be delivered along the water flow channel. During the delivery process, the water flow will pass through the ice-making chamber 211a. In this process, a part of the water will remain in the ice-making chamber 211a or a part of the water will slowly pass through the ice-making chamber 211a due to reasons such as flow velocity and flow rate. This part of the water can gradually become ice cubes under the action of the refrigeration component 212.

[0114] The structure of the ice-forming chamber 211 a in the embodiment of the present application determines the structure of the ice cubes. It can be understood that ice cubes with different structures can be formed by setting the ice-forming chamber 211 a in different shapes.

[0115] The refrigeration assembly 212 can be designed to partially extend into the ice-forming chamber 211a, or can be connected to the ice-making assembly. The function of the refrigeration assembly 212 is to provide cold energy to the ice-forming assembly 211, so that the ice-forming assembly 211 has a lower temperature, so that the water flowing through the ice-forming chamber 211a can contact the ice-forming assembly 211 with a lower temperature, thereby forming the contact cooling described above. The cold energy of the ice-forming assembly 211 can be transferred to the water flow, so that the water flow is turned into ice cubes.

[0116] In the embodiment of the present application, when the water flows through the ice-forming chamber 211a along the water flow channel, the refrigeration component 212 can continuously provide coldness to the ice-forming component 211. During the flow of the water, the water is in direct contact with the ice-forming component 211, so that the water forms ice cubes in the ice-forming chamber 211a. The above-mentioned ice cube forming process can isolate the interference of cold wind. The formation of ice cubes depends on the continuous flow of water. Therefore, the ice-making module 210 can increase the ice-making speed, improve the transparency of ice cubes and eliminate the odor of ice cubes.

[0117] In some embodiments, the ice-forming chamber comprises a peripheral wall for water flow, and the peripheral wall forms a water flow channel, that is, the water flow can flow along the surface of the peripheral wall.

[0118] In some embodiments, in the ice-making module 210, along the first extension direction of the water flow channel, at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the ice-making chamber 211a may be configured to reduce the flow rate of the water flow.

[0119] It should be noted that the surrounding wall here refers to the structural part of the entity structure in the ice-forming component 211 that is adjacent to the ice-forming cavity 211a and is used to enclose the ice-forming cavity 211a (for example, the surrounding wall can be formed by the ice-forming tray 2111 in the following embodiment). When water flows through the ice-forming cavity 211a, based on the setting of the surrounding wall, the flow rate of the water flow can be reduced, thereby facilitating the refrigeration component 212 to provide cooling to the water flow with the reduced flow rate to form ice cubes.

[0120] The structural design based on the peripheral wall can reduce the flow rate of the water flow and make it easier for the water flow to remain in the ice-forming chamber 211a, or make it easier for the water flow to form a more sufficient contact with the ice-forming assembly 211, which is conducive to forming ice cubes in the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0121] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The surrounding wall includes a bottom wall 211b and a side wall 211c. Water can flow along the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c, and water can slowly form ice on the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c. It can be understood that in some specific embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom wall 211b and / or the side wall 211c is configured to reduce the flow rate of the water flow to increase the speed of ice formation.

[0122] Here, the peripheral wall is designed to include a bottom wall 211b and a side wall 211c, and a structure capable of reducing the flow velocity of the water flow may be provided on one or both of the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c.

[0123] by Figure 1 Taking the shown orientation as an example, water flows through the ice-making module 210 from top to bottom, the first extension direction of the water flow channel is the vertical direction, the bottom wall 211b can be designed to extend from top to bottom in a vertical plane, and the side wall 211c can be designed to surround the bottom wall 211b.

[0124] In other embodiments, the bottom wall 211b can be tilted, and the side wall 211c can be formed at one end of the bottom wall 211b. When water flows along the bottom wall 211b and reaches the side wall 211c, the side wall 211c can block the water flow, thereby reducing the flow rate of the water flow.

[0125] In the following embodiments, the peripheral wall is mainly described in detail by taking the bottom wall 211b disposed in the vertical plane as an example, and at this time, the water flows through the ice-making module 210 in the vertical direction. It can be understood that in other embodiments, for example, when the water flows through the ice-making module 210 from left to right, the peripheral wall can adopt other structures.

[0126] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second extension direction of the bottom wall 211b is parallel to the first extension direction, and at least a portion of the side wall 211c is arranged at an angle to the first extension direction.

[0127] The water flow can flow on the bottom wall 211b at a first speed, at which time the flow direction of the water flow is in the vertical direction. The first speed is the fast stage of the water flow. When the water flow flows toward the side wall 211c, the flow direction of the water flow will form an angle with the vertical direction, and the water flow enters the slow stage. The water flow can flow through the side wall 211c at a second speed, which is less than the first speed, so that the time for the water flow to pass through the side wall 211c is prolonged, which is conducive to sufficient heat exchange between the water flow and the ice-forming component 211. Ice cubes will gradually form on the side wall 211c. As the subsequent water flow continues to flow, the ice cubes will gradually form and fill the entire ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0128] It is understandable that the size of the angle can be changed in combination with different design factors. For example, when the water flow rate is large, the angle α (refer to Figure 7 ) can be increased accordingly, for example, the angle can be close to a right angle. When the water flow rate is small, the angle can be reduced accordingly.

[0129] In some specific embodiments, the angle is an acute angle, thereby reducing the flow rate of the water flow while ensuring that the water flow passes smoothly through the side wall 211c.

[0130] In some specific embodiments, an arc segment may be provided between the side wall 211c and the bottom wall 211b, which may enhance the connection strength between the side wall 211c and the bottom wall 211b and reduce the flow resistance to the water flow, making it easier for the water flow to flow from the bottom wall 211b to the side wall 211c.

[0131] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The side wall 211c includes a first side wall 211c1 and a second side wall 211c2. The first side wall 211c1 and the second side wall 211c2 are sequentially spaced apart along the first extension direction. In some specific embodiments, the second side wall 211c2 is arranged at an angle to the first extension direction.

[0132] The second side wall 211c2 can block the water flow to a certain extent, so that the water flow flows on the second side wall 211c2 at a second speed.

[0133] The side wall 211c further includes a third side wall 211c3 and a fourth side wall 211c4, which are connected between the first side wall 211c1 and the second side wall 211c2.

[0134] The embodiment of the present application can form an ice-making chamber 211a having a substantially rectangular structure based on the arrangement of the first side wall 211c1, the second side wall 211c2, the third side wall 211c3 and the fourth side wall 211c4, so as to produce ice cubes having a substantially rectangular structure.

[0135] It is understandable that the water flow can flow into the ice-forming chamber 211a from the outside of the first side wall 211c1, the water flow enters the ice-forming chamber 211a and flows along the bottom wall 211b at a first speed, and then the water flow flows on the second side wall 211c2 at a second speed, thereby gradually forming ice cubes on the second side wall 211c2. Of course, when the second side wall 211c2 is not set at an angle, the water flow can also gradually form ice on the entire surface of the peripheral wall.

[0136] To facilitate the flow of water into the ice-forming chamber 211a, in some specific embodiments, the surface of the first side wall 211c1 facing the first extension direction is constructed as an inclined guide surface 211c11, and the lower end of the guide surface 211c11 faces the bottom wall 211b. When the water flows into the water flow channel from the outside of the first side wall 211c1, the guide surface 211c11 can guide the water flow into the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0137] It is understandable that a water channel (not shown) or a water hole or the like may be formed between the first side wall 211c1 and the bottom wall 211b so that water can flow from these structures into the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0138] In order to achieve uniform flow of water on the guide surface 211c11, micro grooves may be provided on the guide surface 211c11 so that the water can flow along the grooves and toward the bottom wall 211b.

[0139] In some other specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 8The water flow rate can also be controlled by combining the self-flow characteristics of the water flow to make the water flow through the ice-forming chamber 211a. Figures 1 to 5 The lower end of the guide surface 211c11 is away from the bottom wall 211b, and a water guide groove 211c12 can be set on the first side wall 211c1. The water guide groove 211c12 can be designed as an outward expansion structure, that is, in the direction opposite to the Y direction, the diameter of the water guide groove 211c12 gradually increases, and the water with a smaller flow rate flows along the water guide groove 211c12 to the rear side of the ice-forming component 211 (the rear side can be understood according to the direction definition in the previous text), and then the water flows along the rear side into the ice-forming chamber 211a, and then the water flows along the bottom wall 211b and the surrounding wall of the ice-forming chamber 211a, so that ice cubes are gradually formed on the bottom wall 211b and / or the surrounding wall. The above-mentioned flow process is that the water flows along the surface of the surrounding wall.

[0140] In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211b includes a buffer structure portion, and the buffer structure is used to slow down the flow rate of water.

[0141] Here, the water flow can also be decelerated by providing a buffer structure on the bottom wall 211b. When the water flows on the bottom wall 211b and passes through the buffer structure, the speed of the water flow can be reduced.

[0142] In some specific embodiments, the buffer structure portion includes one or more of a pit, a protrusion, and an arc-shaped structure. For example, the buffer structure portion can be directly formed on the bottom wall 211b. For example, a pit can be formed by cutting at an appropriate position of the bottom wall 211b. The buffer structure portion can also be connected to the bottom wall 211b through a subsequent connection process. For example, a protrusion or an arc-shaped structure can be connected to the bottom wall 211b by mechanical connection.

[0143] In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211 b is formed with a temporary storage cavity, and the water flow can fill up the temporary storage cavity.

[0144] The temporary storage cavity can be a structure on the bottom wall 211b for retaining water flow. For example, the temporary storage cavity can be formed by a part of the above-mentioned pit, and this part of the pit has the function of retaining water flow. To form this part of the pit, the pit can be designed as a circuitous structure, for example, one part of the pit is located in a vertical plane, and the other part of the pit is located in a horizontal plane.

[0145] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 There are multiple ice-forming cavities 211 a, and the multiple ice-forming cavities 211 a are arranged at intervals along the first extension direction, and the water flow channel runs through the multiple ice-forming cavities 211 a.

[0146] The water flow can pass through the multiple ice-forming chambers 211 a in sequence, so that ice cubes can be formed in each ice-forming chamber 211 a, which can improve the efficiency of ice cube manufacturing.

[0147] It is understandable that Figure 1 Taking the shown orientation as an example, the speed of water flowing through each ice-forming cavity 211a is different, which is manifested as the speed of water flowing through each ice-forming cavity 211a gradually decreases along the flow direction of the water flow. Therefore, during actual ice formation, the ice cubes in each ice-forming cavity 211a are gradually formed from bottom to top, against the flow direction of the water flow.

[0148] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The ice-forming assembly 211 includes a plurality of groups of ice cavities 211a and a plurality of groups of water flow channels that can correspond to and penetrate each group of ice cavities 211a. Each group of ice cavities 211a includes a plurality of ice-forming cavities 211a that are spaced apart along the first extension direction.

[0149] The design of the multiple groups of ice chambers 211a can further improve the efficiency of making ice cubes.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the plurality of water flow channels may be arranged at intervals so that the water can flow evenly to each water flow channel.

[0151] In order to achieve uniform distribution of water to each water flow channel, the embodiment of the present application can set up a water supply system 300, for example, multiple groups of water supply systems 300 can be set up, and each group of water supply systems 300 corresponds to a water flow channel.

[0152] Of course, in some embodiments, only one water supply system 300 may be provided. The purpose of uniform water flow distribution can be achieved by reasonably configuring the water supply system 300. For these reasonable configurations, reference may be made to the water distribution pipe 213 in the following embodiments.

[0153] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an ice forming tray provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an outer frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Fig. 9 A structural schematic diagram of another angle of an outer frame provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0154] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5 to 9 The ice-forming assembly 211 includes an ice-forming tray 2111 and an outer frame 2112 .

[0155] The ice forming tray 2111 is formed with an ice forming cavity 211 a . The ice forming tray 2111 is disposed in an outer frame 2112 . The outer frame 2112 can protect the ice forming tray 2111 . The water flow channel can penetrate the ice forming tray 2111 .

[0156] It should be noted that the water flow channel running through the ice tray 2111 means that water can flow through the ice tray 2111 from top to bottom. In combination with the above, it can be understood that when the ice forming assembly 211 is provided with a water trough or water hole, the water flow channel can also run through the outer frame 2112.

[0157] In combination with the above, the water flow will contact the ice tray 2111, and the ice tray 2111 has a lower temperature under the action of the refrigeration component 212. The ice tray 2111 transfers the cold energy to the water flow to slowly form ice cubes. The outer frame 2112 can be made of a material with relatively good temperature retention. Enclosing the outer frame 2112 outside the ice tray 2111 can maintain the temperature in the ice tray 2111 at a lower level, which is conducive to increasing the speed of ice cube formation.

[0158] The outer frame 2112 can be formed into a solid structure using a heat-insulating material, for example. The outer frame 2112 can also be designed as a hollow structure, and the interior of the outer frame 2112 can be filled with a heat-insulating material.

[0159] The thermal insulation material may be selected from glass fiber, asbestos, rock wool and the like.

[0160] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of a water distribution pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0161] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 The ice-making module 210 further includes a water distribution pipe 213 , which is disposed on the outer frame 2112 . The water distribution pipe 213 includes a water distribution hole 2131 , and water can flow into the water flow channel from the water distribution hole 2131 .

[0162] It can be understood that the water distribution pipe 213 can be connected to the water supply system 300 , and the water in the water supply system 300 can enter the water distribution pipe 213 and flow out from the water distribution hole 2131 .

[0163] The number of water diversion holes 2131 can be set according to the number of water flow channels. The number of water diversion holes 2131 can be the same as the number of water flow channels. In this case, the water diversion holes 2131 and the water flow channels are set in a one-to-one correspondence. Alternatively, a setting method in which multiple water diversion holes 2131 correspond to one water flow channel can be adopted. In this case, the number of water diversion holes 2131 is greater than the number of water flow channels.

[0164] To install the water distribution pipe 213, please refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A support frame 2112a is protruded from the outer frame 2112, and the water distribution pipe 213 is mounted on the support frame 2112a.

[0165] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The water distribution pipe 213 includes a water inlet 2132 , and a plurality of water distribution holes 2131 communicating with the water inlet 2132 are disposed on the water distribution pipe 213 . The density of the water distribution holes 2131 gradually increases in a direction away from the water inlet 2132 .

[0166] The density here means that the distance between the water diversion holes 2131 changes gradually, and the density gradually increases, which means that the distance between the water diversion holes 2131 gradually decreases. Taking the arrangement of five water diversion holes 2131 as an example, along the direction away from the water inlet 2132, there are the first water diversion hole, the second water diversion hole, the third water diversion hole, the fourth water diversion hole and the fifth water diversion hole, respectively. It can be understood that the distance between the first water diversion hole and the second water diversion hole is the largest, and the distance between the fourth water diversion hole and the fifth water diversion hole is the smallest.

[0167] In combination with the above, the water inlet 2132 can be connected to the water supply system 300, and the water in the water supply system 300 can enter the water distribution pipe 213 through the water inlet 2132. It can be understood that the closer to the water inlet 2132, the greater the flow rate and flow rate of the water flow, and by adjusting the density of the water distribution holes 2131, the problem of uneven flow caused by the different distances between each water distribution hole 2131 and the water inlet 2132 can be balanced, and finally the water flow out of each water distribution hole 2131 can maintain the same water output.

[0168] In some embodiments, the above balance may also be achieved by changing the aperture of each water diversion hole 2131 . For example, the aperture of the water diversion hole 2131 gradually increases in a direction away from the water inlet 2132 .

[0169] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the ice tray 2111 and the outer frame 2112. For example, Figures 3 to 8 In the example shown, the ice forming tray 2111 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and the outer frame 2112 is also a substantially rectangular parallelepiped structure. The ice forming cavity 211a can be formed on the front side of the ice forming tray 2111. Figure 1 In the coordinate system in , the positive side can be understood as the rear side of the ice tray 2111.

[0170] In some embodiments, two ice forming trays 2111 may be provided in the outer frame 2112 , and the two ice forming trays 2111 may be installed in the outer frame 2112 in a back-to-back manner.

[0171] Arranging two ice forming trays 2111 back to back can fully utilize the space of the ice making device 10. For example, two ice forming trays 2111 can be arranged in the upper space 101 of the shell 100, and the two ice forming trays 2111 can fully utilize the space of the shell 100 along the Y direction.

[0172] When the ice making amount is the same, the two ice forming trays 2111 can each share the production amount of ice cubes in half. Compared with the method of using a single ice forming tray 2111, the space occupied by the ice making module 210 in the ice making structure 200 can be saved while obtaining the same amount of ice cubes, thereby reducing the space occupied by the ice making device 10 in the refrigerator.

[0173] In some specific embodiments, the two ice forming trays 2111 may have the same structural form. For example, the two ice forming trays 2111 have the same number and shape of ice forming cavities 211 a, and the ice forming cavities 211 a are arranged in the same manner.

[0174] In some other specific embodiments, the structures of the two ice forming trays 2111 may be different. For example, the ice forming cavities 211a in the two ice forming trays 2111 may have different shapes. Thus, the ice making module 210 may produce ice cubes of different shapes.

[0175] In combination with the above, the function of the ice cube recovery structure 500 is to collect the finished ice cubes through the ice cube recovery box 510. It can be understood that the number of ice cube recovery boxes 510 can be designed differently. For example, in the above embodiment in which a single ice forming tray 2111 is provided, one ice cube recovery box 510 can be provided. In the above embodiment in which two ice forming trays 2111 are provided, two ice cube recovery boxes 510 can be provided to recover ice cubes of different shapes. Of course, for the embodiment in which two ice forming trays 2111 are provided, only one ice cube recovery box 510 can be provided, so that the shapes of ice cubes do not need to be distinguished, and ice cubes of different shapes can be recovered simultaneously.

[0176] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The ice-making module 210 further includes an installation cover 214 , the outer frame 2112 is connected to the installation cover 214 , and the installation cover 214 is installed on the housing 100 of the ice-making device 10 .

[0177] Fig.11 A schematic structural diagram of a housing provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of installing a top cover according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In order to realize the connection between the mounting cover 214 and the shell 100, the side wall 211c of the shell 100 extends toward the inside of the shell 100 to form a first mounting platform 110, and the side wall 211c of the mounting cover 214 extends in a direction away from the mounting cover 214 to form a first connecting portion 2141, which can be connected to the first mounting platform 110.

[0178] To ensure reliable connection, the first mounting platform 110 is configured to have a first mounting groove, and the first connecting portion 2141 is configured to be a first boss that can be embedded in the first mounting groove. After the first boss is installed in the first mounting groove, the connection between the upper cover 214 and the shell 100 can be achieved by fasteners such as screws.

[0179] To achieve the connection between the outer frame 2112 and the mounting cover 214, please refer to Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.12 A second mounting platform 2142 is provided on the mounting cover 214, and a second connecting portion 2112b that can be connected to the second mounting platform 2142 is provided on the outer frame 2112. A connection can be formed between the second mounting platform 2142 and the second connecting portion 2112b by fasteners such as screws.

[0180] To ensure reliable connection, a second mounting groove is provided on the second mounting platform 2142, and the second connecting portion 2112b is constructed as a second boss that can be embedded in the second mounting groove. After the second boss is installed in the second mounting groove, the connection between the outer frame 2112 and the mounting cover 214 can be achieved by fasteners such as screws.

[0181] In combination with the foregoing, the process of making ice cubes in the present application can isolate or substantially isolate the interference of cold wind. For this reason, ice cubes can be formed in a relatively closed space. In addition to the relevant settings of the shell 100 as described above, the embodiment of the present application can also achieve the above purpose by designing and installing the specific shape of the upper cover 214.

[0182] For example, in some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 6 , Fig.12 The upper cover 214 is installed to be configured as a first semi-enclosed structure, which can surround the ice-making assembly above the ice-making assembly.

[0183] The installation cover 214 of the first semi-enclosed structure serves to install and fix the ice-forming component 211 on the one hand, and can achieve semi-enclosure of the ice-forming component 211 on the other hand. The first semi-enclosed structure combined with the second semi-enclosed structure in the following embodiments can confine the ice-forming component 211 in a relatively closed space, thereby isolating the interference of cold wind on ice making.

[0184] In some embodiments, please refer to Fig.12 The first semi-enclosed structure includes a first arc-shaped plate 2143 and a pair of first end plates 2144 , and the first end plates 2144 are connected to both ends of the first arc-shaped plate 2143 .

[0185] The first arc-shaped plate 2143 may form a first arc-shaped surrounding cavity 2143a, the ice-forming assembly 211 may be disposed in the first arc-shaped surrounding cavity 2143a, and the first end plate 2144 may close the first arc-shaped surrounding cavity 2143a at the end.

[0186] The second mounting platform 2142 may be formed on the first arc-shaped plate 2143 . For example, the second mounting platform 2142 may be formed by protruding toward the first arc-shaped surrounding cavity 2143 a at an appropriate position of the first arc-shaped plate 2143 .

[0187] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration assembly 212 includes a refrigeration pipe 2121 for the flow of refrigerant, and the refrigeration pipe 2121 is arranged at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0188] When the refrigerant flows in the refrigeration pipe 2121, the outer wall of the refrigeration pipe 2121 can provide sufficient cooling to the ice-forming component 211. When the flowing water forms sufficient contact with the refrigeration component 212, the refrigeration component 212 can drive the water flow to gradually form ice cubes.

[0189] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cooling tube 2121 includes a cooling medium inlet 2121a and a cooling medium outlet 2121b. The cooling tube 2121 has at least one curved portion 2121d formed in a direction from the cooling medium inlet 2121a to the cooling medium outlet 2121b.

[0190] The setting of the curved portion 2121d can extend the travel of the refrigeration tube 2121 in the ice-forming chamber 211a, increase the contact area between the refrigeration assembly 212 and the refrigeration tube 2121, and extend the time for the refrigerant to pass through the ice-forming chamber 211a, thereby increasing the speed of ice formation.

[0191] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration pipe 2121 includes a straight pipe portion 2121c and a curved portion 2121d, the end of the straight pipe portion 2121c forms a refrigerant inlet 2121a, the curved portion 2121d is connected to the straight pipe portion 2121c, and the end of the curved portion 2121d forms a refrigerant outlet 2121b.

[0192] It is understandable that the refrigerant can enter the refrigeration tube 2121 from the refrigerant inlet 2121a. The refrigerant inlet 2121a formed by the straight tube portion 2121c can allow the refrigerant to enter the ice-forming chamber 211a at a faster speed, which can ensure the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigeration tube 2121, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. The refrigerant outlet 2121b formed by the curved portion 2121d can extend the overall time for the refrigerant to pass through the ice-forming chamber 211a. The above embodiment can achieve a balance between the flow rate of the refrigerant and the time it flows through the ice-forming chamber 211a through the arrangement relationship between the straight tube portion 2121c and the curved portion 2121d, thereby ensuring the ice-forming effect of the ice-forming component 211 on the flowing water.

[0193] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly can be a separately arranged piping system, wherein the refrigeration pipe 2121 can be connected to a device capable of providing a refrigerant, and the refrigerant can continuously provide cooling to the water flow through the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigeration pipe 2121. In other embodiments, the ice-making assembly 211 can also be integrated into the refrigeration system 20 of the refrigerator, and the refrigeration system 20 provides cooling for the ice-making assembly 211.

[0194] Fig.13 An integrated design diagram of an ice-making assembly and a refrigeration system 20 provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0195] Please refer to Fig.13 The refrigeration system 20 of the refrigerator may include necessary structures such as a compressor 21, a condenser 22 and an evaporator 23. The refrigerant may circulate among the compressor 21, the condenser 22 and the evaporator 23, thereby realizing the refrigeration function of the refrigeration system 20.

[0196] The evaporation coil 23a of the evaporator 23 is a component that absorbs heat in the evaporator 23. In the specific design, the evaporation coil 23a can be integrated at the bottom of the ice-making tray 2111. For example, it is arranged at the bottom of the ice-making tray 2111 according to the structure and arrangement of the aforementioned refrigeration tube 2121. The evaporation coil 23a can provide cooling for the water flowing through the ice-making tray 2111, so that ice cubes are gradually formed in the ice-making cavity 211a.

[0197] In addition, components such as capillary tubes 24 that can play a throttling and pressure-reducing role may be provided in the refrigeration system 20 to improve the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration system 20 .

[0198] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The ice-making module 210 further includes a first ice-removing assembly 215, which is used to heat the ice cubes in the ice-forming cavity 211a to partially melt the ice cubes, thereby allowing the ice cubes to escape from the ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0199] The first de-icing assembly 215 realizes the separation of ice cubes from the ice forming chamber 211a by heating. It is understandable that the first de-icing assembly 215 can be arranged around the ice forming chamber 211a. When the first de-icing assembly 215 is working, the ice cubes can be shrunk as a whole, so that the ice cubes can be separated from the ice forming chamber 211a. The first de-icing assembly 215 can also only act on a part of the ice cubes to complete the separation of the ice cubes.

[0200] For example, in some specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The first ice-removing assembly 215 includes a heating wire 2151 , which is disposed at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber 211 a . Specifically, the heating wire 2151 may surround the outer circumference of the refrigeration tube 2121 .

[0201] The heating wire 2151 can heat the bottom wall 211b of the ice cube to melt it. Combined with the ice cube forming process and the setting of the second side wall 211c2 described above, it can be seen that the portion of the ice cube close to the second side wall 211c2 is larger and heavier, and the ice cube as a whole presents a trapezoidal boss structure. When the bottom of the ice cube melts, the ice cube can naturally fall into the ice cube recovery box 510 under the action of its gravity and the guidance of the second side wall 211c2.

[0202] In some embodiments, the ice-making module 210 may further include a second ice-removing assembly, which is used to apply force to the ice cubes in the ice-forming cavity 211 a so that the ice cubes can be removed from the ice-forming cavity 211 a.

[0203] The second ice-removing assembly may adopt a structure such as a push rod. After ice making is completed, the push rod acts on the back of the ice cube to drive the ice cube to separate from the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0204] In some embodiments, a water flow channel forms a water inlet at one end of the ice-forming chamber 211a, where the water inlet may include the guide surface 211c11, the water guide groove 211c12, etc. mentioned above, and forms a water outlet at the other end of the ice-forming chamber 211a, where the water outlet may include the second side wall 211c2 mentioned above, etc. A water collecting groove for converging water flow is formed on the water outlet, and the setting of the water collecting groove can improve the forming speed of ice cubes.

[0205] The above embodiment has made a detailed description of the overall structure of the ice-making module 210. It can be recognized from the above description that the ice-making module 210 can transfer cold energy to the water flow through the direct contact between the ice-forming component 211 and the water flow, and the heat exchange efficiency is high. The water flow can flow into the ice-forming chamber 211a from different positions through the guide surface 211c11, the guide groove, etc. When the water flow passes through the bottom wall 211b and / or the side wall 211c, the ice-forming component 211 and the water flow can form sufficient interaction, so that ice cubes are formed in the ice-forming chamber 211a. Combined with the above, in the process of gradually forming ice cubes, the water flow will continuously flow through the ice-making module 210, a part of the water will be used to form ice cubes, and most of the water will pass through the ice-making module 210 to form the water left after ice making described in the above text (hereinafter referred to as "residual water"). The water receiving component 220 is another component of the ice-making structure 200, and this part of water will be received by the water receiving component 220.

[0206] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of a water receiving assembly 220 provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0207] In the examples of this application, please refer to Fig.14 The water receiving assembly 220 includes a rotatably arranged water receiving lower cover 221, and the water receiving lower cover 221 has at least an ice making state in which a closed cavity is formed with the ice making module 210, and an ice pouring state in which the closed cavity is opened to facilitate pouring of ice cubes.

[0208] In combination with the foregoing, it can be known that an installation cover 214 is provided in the ice-making module 210. When the installation cover 214 adopts a first semi-enclosed structure, the installation cover 214 can form a first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a. The ice-forming component 211 is located in the first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a. The water receiving lower cover 221 can cooperate with the installation cover 214 to achieve full enclosed of the ice-forming component 211.

[0209] In the embodiment of the present application, the water receiving assembly 220 is based on the rotation setting of the water receiving lower cover 221. The water receiving assembly 220 can switch between the ice making state and the ice pouring state, so that the ice making process can be completed in a closed chamber. After the ice making is completed, the closed chamber can be opened to pour out the ice cubes, thereby improving the flowing water ice making capacity of the ice making structure 200.

[0210] When dumping ice cubes, it is necessary to open the sealed cavity by turning over the water receiving lower cover 221. As a method, the ice cubes can be dumped after ice making is completed and the water in the water receiving lower cover 221 is discharged. For example, during a period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) after ice making is completed and ice is removed, the water receiving lower cover 221 remains in the ice making state, and the remaining water flows out of the water receiving lower cover 221 during this period. Then, the water receiving lower cover 221 is turned over, and the ice cubes fall into the ice cube recovery box 510. As another method, the ice cubes can also fall into the water receiving lower cover 221 first, and then the water receiving lower cover 221 is turned over so that the ice cubes finally fall into the ice cube recovery box 510. In order to prevent damage to the ice cubes, a buffer structure similar to that set in the ice cube recovery box 510 in the previous text can be set on the water receiving lower cover 221.

[0211] To adapt the installation cover 214 of the first semi-enclosed structure in the ice making module 210, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Fig.14 The water receiving lower cover 221 is constructed as a second semi-enclosed structure, and the second semi-enclosed structure can form a second arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2211a. The second arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2211a and the aforementioned first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a can form the above-mentioned closed cavity.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second semi-enclosed structure includes a second arc-shaped plate 2211 and a second end plate 2212 . The second end plate 2212 is connected to two ends of the second arc-shaped plate 2211 .

[0213] In order to achieve smooth flipping of the water receiving lower cover 221 , the inner diameter of the second semi-enclosed structure needs to be larger than the inner diameter of the first semi-enclosed structure, so that the water receiving lower cover 221 can be flipped around the outer periphery of the upper cover 214 .

[0214] In some embodiments, the second curved plate 2211 is tilted from high to low. Figure 1 The left end of the second arc plate 2211 is higher than the right end, so that when the remaining water flows into the second arc plate 2211, the remaining water can be transported from left to right along the first arc plate 2143 to the subsequent position.

[0215] In some embodiments, the lower water receiving cover 221 is provided with a water outlet 2213 at a lower end corresponding to the second arc-shaped plate 2211 .

[0216] The water outlet 2213 is located at the right end of the second arc-shaped plate 2211 , and the remaining water can be transported to a subsequent location through the water outlet 2213 .

[0217] In some embodiments, the water outlet 2213 is disposed on the second end plate 2212 , and the water outlet 2213 is located at one end of the second end plate 2212 abutting against the second arc-shaped plate 2211 .

[0218] It is understandable that a water outlet 2213 may be provided on the second end plate 2212 located at the right end, and the water outlet 2213 is located at the bottom of the second end plate 2212 .

[0219] In some embodiments, the water receiving lower cover 221 includes a lead-out piece 2214 connected to the water outlet 2213 , and the lead-out piece 2214 is connected to the water recovery system 400 .

[0220] The lead-out member 2214 can guide the remaining water into the water recovery system 400. Combined with the foregoing, the water recovery system 400 can be connected to the water supply system 300, thereby realizing the reuse of the remaining water.

[0221] In some embodiments, in combination with the foregoing Figure 1 The water recovery system 400 is provided with a collector 410, and the outer wall of the collector 410 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 411, and the tail of the arc-shaped groove 411 is connected to a water receiving piece 412, and the water receiving piece 412 is located inside the collector 410, and the lead-out piece 2214 can move along the arc-shaped groove 411 and be connected to the water receiving piece 412.

[0222] The lead-out member 2214 turns over along with the lower water receiving cover 221, so the movement track of the lead-out member 2214 is an arc, and the arc-shaped groove 411 can adapt to the movement of the lead-out member 2214. When the upper water receiving cover switches from the ice pouring state to the ice making state, the lead-out member 2214 can move along the arc-shaped groove 411, and when the lead-out member 2214 moves to the tail of the arc-shaped groove 411, it can communicate with the water receiving member 412, thereby achieving the purpose of conveying the remaining water to the collector 410.

[0223] In the above process, the lead-out piece 2214 can abut against the arc-shaped groove 411. The lead-out piece 2214 can be made of elastic material, so that the lead-out piece 2214 can form a tight fit with the arc-shaped groove 411, thereby preventing residual water from leaking from between the water receiving lower cover 221 and the collector 410.

[0224] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Fig.13 The water receiving assembly 220 further includes a rotating assembly 222 . The water receiving lower cover 221 is connected to the rotating assembly 222 and can rotate around the ice-making module 210 when driven by the rotating assembly 222 .

[0225] The rotating assembly 222 can drive the water receiving lower cover 221 to rotate, thereby realizing the switching of the water receiving lower cover 221 between the ice making state and the ice pouring state.

[0226] In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 222 includes a driving motor 2221 and a rotating bracket 2222 . The rotating bracket 2222 is connected to the output end of the driving motor 2221 , and the underwater cover 221 is connected to the rotating bracket 2222 .

[0227] The driving motor 2221 can be installed on the housing 100 , and the output shaft of the driving motor 2221 is connected to the rotating bracket 2222 . The driving motor 2221 can drive the rotating bracket 2222 to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the water receiving lower cover 221 .

[0228] In some specific embodiments, the rotating bracket 2222 includes a rotating shaft 2222a and a connecting bracket 2222b. The rotating shaft 2222a can be rotatably installed on the shell 100. For example, a rotating shaft 2222a hole can be set on opposite sides of the shell 100, and bearings and other components can be set between the rotating shaft 2222a and the rotating shaft 2222a hole. The rotating shaft 2222a is connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 2221, the connecting bracket 2222b is connected to the rotating shaft 2222a, and the underwater cover 221 is connected to the connecting bracket 2222b.

[0229] The connecting bracket 2222b serves as an intermediate component between the rotating shaft 2222a and the water receiving lower cover 221. By properly arranging the structure of the connecting bracket 2222b, the connection strength between the water receiving lower cover 221 and the rotating shaft 2222a can be improved, and the rotation stability of the water receiving lower cover 221 can be improved.

[0230] For example, in some embodiments, the connecting bracket 2222b includes a pair of rotating arms 2222b1, which are respectively connected to both sides of the rotating shaft 2222a and extend in directions away from each other. Specifically, the rotating arm 2222b1 can be connected to the second end plate 2212. The separate setting of the rotating arm 2222b1 can increase the contact area between the rotating arm 2222b1 and the second end plate 2212, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0231] In order to more clearly understand the various structural combinations of the ice-making device 10 in the embodiment of the present application, each structure will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings. The following description only shows some embodiments of each structure, and more embodiments can be referred to the above.

[0232] The housing 100 has an upper and lower layered structure to form an upper space 101 at the top and a lower space 102 at the bottom.

[0233] Water supply system 300: In conjunction with the above, please refer to Figure 1The water supply system 300 is configured with a circulating water tank 320, a first water pipe 330, a first water pump 340, a water supply tank 310, a second water pipe 350 and a second water pump 360. The first water pipe 330 is connected between the circulating water tank 320 and the water distribution pipe 213. Water can enter the water distribution pipe 213 under the action of the first water pump 340. When the water amount in the circulating water tank 320 is insufficient, the second water pump 360 can be started to allow the water in the water supply tank to enter the circulating water tank 320 through the second water pipe 350.

[0234] Please refer to Figure 2 and Fig.12 A water pipe through hole 2144a is also provided on the installation cover 214 . The water pipe through hole 2144a can be provided on the first end plate 2144 . The first water pipe 330 can pass through the water pipe through hole and be connected to the water distribution pipe 213 .

[0235] Water recovery system 400: In conjunction with the above, please refer to Figure 1 The water recovery system 400 is equipped with a collector 410 , on which a water receiving member 412 is provided, and an arc-shaped groove 411 is formed on the outer wall of the collector 410 .

[0236] Ice recovery structure 500: In conjunction with the above, please refer to Figure 1 The ice recovery structure 500 is provided with an ice recovery box 510 , and the ice recovery box 510 is disposed in the lower space 102 .

[0237] Ice-making structure 200: The ice-making structure 200 includes an ice-making module 210 and a water receiving assembly 220. The ice-making module 210 includes an ice-forming assembly 211, a refrigeration assembly 212, a water distribution pipe 213, an installation cover 214 and a first ice-removing assembly 215. The water receiving assembly 220 includes a water receiving lower cover 221 and a rotating assembly 222. The installation cover 214 adopts a first semi-enclosed structure, and the water receiving lower cover 221 adopts a second semi-enclosed structure. The two can form a closed cavity. The water receiving assembly 220 can receive excess water and transport it to the water recovery system 400.

[0238] The working process of the ice making device 10 is as follows: the water supply system 300 transports water to the water distribution pipe 213, and the water distribution pipe 213 inputs the water into the ice forming chamber 211a along the water flow channel. The ice forming component 211 can continuously transfer the cold to the water flow under the action of the refrigeration component 212, so that ice cubes are gradually formed in the ice forming chamber 211a. The residual water in the ice making process can enter the water supply system 300 again through the water recovery system 400. The water can form a cycle between the water supply system 300, the water distribution pipe 213, the ice forming component 211, and the water recovery system 400 to realize flowing water ice making. After ice making is completed, the refrigeration component 212 and the water supply system 300 are closed, and the ice cubes can be dumped into the ice cube recovery box 510 by flipping the water receiving lower cover 221.

[0239] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0240] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof used in the embodiments of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

[0241] Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, it can also be a detachable connection, or it can be integrated; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can make the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated.

[0242] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An ice-making module, characterized in that: include: An ice-forming assembly, wherein the ice-forming assembly is formed with an ice-forming cavity and a water flow channel capable of passing through the ice-forming cavity; and a refrigeration assembly, wherein the refrigeration assembly is connected to the ice-forming assembly and is used to provide cold energy to the ice-forming assembly.

2. The ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-forming chamber comprises a peripheral wall for water flow, and the peripheral wall forms the water flow channel.

3. The ice-making module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The peripheral wall comprises: bottom wall; and side walls, the water flow can flow along the bottom wall and the side walls.

4. The ice-making module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side wall comprises: The first side wall and the second side wall are sequentially arranged at intervals along the first extension direction of the water flow channel; The third side wall and the fourth side wall are connected between the first side wall and the second side wall.

5. The ice-making module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the first side wall facing the first extension direction is configured as an inclined guide surface, and water can flow from the guide surface to the ice-forming chamber.

6. The ice-making module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first side wall is provided with a water guide groove, and water can flow from the water guide groove into the ice forming chamber.

7. The ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: There are a plurality of ice-forming cavities, and the plurality of ice-forming cavities are arranged at intervals along the first extension direction of the water flow channel, and the water flow channel runs through the plurality of ice-forming cavities.

8. The ice-making module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ice-forming assembly includes a plurality of groups of ice-forming cavities and a plurality of groups of water flow channels that can correspondingly penetrate each group of ice-forming cavities, and each group of ice-forming cavities includes a plurality of ice-forming cavities that are spaced apart and arranged along the first extension direction.

9. The ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ice forming assembly comprises: An ice forming tray, formed with the ice forming cavity; and an outer frame, the ice forming tray is arranged in the outer frame, and the water flow channel runs through the ice forming tray.

10. The ice-making module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ice making module further comprises: A water distribution pipe is arranged on the outer frame, and the water distribution pipe comprises a water distribution hole, and water can flow into the water flow channel from the water distribution hole.

11. The ice-making module according to claim 10, characterized in that: A support frame is formed by a protrusion on the outer frame, and the water distribution pipe is mounted on the support frame.

12. The ice-making module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The water distribution pipe comprises a water inlet, and a plurality of water distribution holes connected with the water inlet are arranged on the water distribution pipe, and the density of the water distribution holes gradually increases in a direction away from the water inlet.

13. The ice-making module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ice making module further comprises: The outer frame is connected to the mounting cover, and the mounting cover is mounted on the shell of the ice-making device.

14. The ice-making module according to claim 13, characterized in that: The mounting cover is configured as a first semi-enclosed structure.

15. The ice-making module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first semi-enclosed structure comprises: a first curved plate; and a pair of first end plates, wherein the first end plates are connected to two ends of the first arc-shaped plate.

16. The ice-making module according to claim 13, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a first mounting platform, the mounting upper cover is provided with a first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion is fixedly connected to the first mounting platform.

17. The ice-making module according to claim 16, characterized in that: A second mounting platform is arranged on the mounting upper cover, a second connecting portion is arranged on the outer frame, and the second connecting portion is fixedly connected to the second mounting platform.

18. The ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The refrigeration assembly comprises: A refrigeration pipe for the flow of refrigerant, wherein the refrigeration pipe is arranged at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber.

19. The ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ice making module further comprises: The first ice-removing assembly is used for heating the ice cubes in the ice-forming chamber to partially melt the ice cubes, so that the ice cubes are separated from the ice-forming chamber.

20. The ice-making module according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first de-icing assembly comprises: A heating wire is arranged at the bottom of the ice forming chamber.

21. The ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The water flow channel forms a water inlet at one end of the ice-forming chamber, and forms a water outlet at the other end of the ice-forming chamber. A water collecting groove for collecting water flow is formed on the water outlet.

22. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The ice-making module comprises the ice-making module according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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