ice maker

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and particularly to an ice maker, which includes a shell, an inner shell, an inner liner, and a spray assembly. The shell has an inner cavity; the inner shell is disposed in the inner cavity and has a receiving cavity, and the inner shell has a bottom shell located at the bottom end of the inner shell; the inner liner is disposed in the receiving cavity and has an ice-making chamber; the spray assembly includes a spray pipe and a water pump connected in series, the spray pipe passes through the bottom shell and communicates with the ice-making chamber, the spray pipe has a spray end that extends into the ice-making chamber; the spray assembly is used to collect liquid water in the ice-making chamber and transport the liquid water to the ice-making chamber through the spray end. The above-mentioned ice maker uses a spray assembly to make the liquid water in the inner liner flow, which has a simple structure and fewer parts, thus having the advantages of saving material costs, saving installation space, and also helping to reduce the size of the ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most ice makers on the market are equipped with a water agitation component. This component typically includes a motor and fan blades. The fan blades are located inside the inner tank, and the motor drives the fan blades to rotate, which agitates the liquid water inside the tank, causing the gas in the water to escape quickly. This results in purer and more transparent ice cubes formed inside the tank. However, the proper operation of the aforementioned water agitation component requires the installation of supporting brackets, electrical control components, and other structures. Therefore, this not only leads to a larger overall size of the ice maker but also increases material costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an ice maker, which includes a shell, an inner shell, an inner liner, and a spray assembly. The shell has an inner cavity; the inner shell is disposed in the inner cavity and has a receiving cavity, and the inner shell has a bottom shell located at the bottom end of the inner shell; the inner liner is disposed in the receiving cavity and has an ice-making chamber; the spray assembly includes a spray pipe and a water pump connected in communication, the spray pipe passes through the bottom shell and communicates with the ice-making chamber, the spray pipe has a spray end that extends into the ice-making chamber; the spray assembly is used to collect liquid water in the ice-making chamber and transport the liquid water to the ice-making chamber through the spray end.

[0004] Optionally, in some embodiments, the inner liner includes an inner liner shell and a plurality of partitions, the partitions being disposed inside the inner liner shell, the plurality of partitions being spaced apart from each other and staggered to form a plurality of ice-making grids inside the inner liner shell; the inner liner also includes a mounting plane, the mounting plane being flush with the top of the partitions, and a spray pipe passing through the mounting plane.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting plane is provided with a connecting sleeve that communicates with the ice-making chamber; the bottom shell is provided with a return pipe that communicates with the connecting sleeve; and the spray pipe passes through the return pipe and the connecting sleeve.

[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, the spray assembly further includes a water pump bracket and a water outlet pipe; the water pump bracket is disposed outside the inner shell, the water pump is connected to the water pump bracket, and the water inlet end of the water pump is connected to the return pipe through the water pump bracket; one end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet end of the water pump, and the other end is connected to the spray pipe.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the spray assembly further includes a limiting rib, which is disposed on the outer side wall of the spray pipe and abuts against the inner side wall of the return pipe.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the limiting rib is arranged around the outer periphery of the spray pipe, and the limiting rib is provided with a plurality of water passage holes that connect the upper and lower sides of the limiting rib.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom shell is recessed in a direction away from the mounting plane to form a recessed step, the recessed step having a recessed cavity that communicates with a communicating sleeve, and a return pipe being disposed on the recessed step and communicating with the recessed cavity.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the housing includes a box body and a top cover, the top of the box body has a first opening, the top of the inner liner has a second opening, and the top cover is disposed on the first opening.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a retaining component disposed on the side of the top cover facing the inner liner; the connecting sleeve is a soft sleeve, and the inner side wall of the inner liner is provided with a warning line located above the partition plate; when the top cover is completely separated from the housing, the top end of the connecting sleeve is located above the warning line; when the top cover is closed on the first opening, the retaining component presses the top end of the connecting sleeve to move between the warning line and the mounting plane.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the top end of the communicating sleeve is provided with a flange; the abutment assembly includes a plurality of abutment members, which abut against different positions of the flange when the top cover is placed over the first opening.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the top of the connecting sleeve is provided with a flange; the supporting assembly includes a water distribution tank and a plurality of supporting members, the water distribution tank is disposed on the top cover, the bottom wall of the water distribution tank is provided with a clearance opening and a plurality of water outlets, the spray end passes through the clearance opening and extends into the water distribution tank; the supporting members are disposed on the side of the water distribution tank facing the connecting sleeve, and when the top cover is closed on the first opening, the plurality of supporting members respectively abut against different positions of the flange.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments, the relief port is located at the center of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank, and a plurality of water outlets are spaced apart along the edge of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank; the inner bottom wall of the water distribution tank is provided with a plurality of flow guiding slopes, which are located between the water outlets and the relief port, and the height of the flow guiding slopes near the relief port is higher than the height of the side near the water outlet.

[0015] The ice maker provided in this embodiment includes a spray assembly comprising a spray pipe and a water pump. The spray pipe passes through the bottom shell and has a spray end extending into the ice-making chamber. The spray assembly collects liquid water from the ice-making chamber and re-sprays it back into the chamber. Therefore, the spray assembly can agitate the liquid water in the inner tank, allowing gas in the liquid water to escape quickly, thereby improving the transparency of the final ice. Because the spray assembly has a simple structure and few components, it offers advantages such as saving material costs and installation space, and also helps to reduce the size of the ice maker. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ice maker in some embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the ice maker.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural cross-section of the ice maker.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the ice maker from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the ice maker in some other embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial structural diagram of the ice maker from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a partial structural cross-section of the ice maker.

[0025] Label Explanation: 100. Ice maker; 10. Shell; 101. Inner cavity; 102. Housing; 103. Top cover; 104. First opening; 11. Inner shell; 111. Receiving cavity; 112. Bottom shell; 113. Return pipe; 114. Recessed step; 115. Recessed cavity; 12. Inner liner; 121. Ice-making cavity; 122. Inner liner and outer shell; 123. Divider plate; 124. Ice tray; 125. Mounting surface; 126. Connecting sleeve; 127. Second opening; 128. 129. Warning line; 13. Flanged edge; 14. Spray assembly; 15. Spray pipe; 16. Spray end; 17. Spray hole; 18. Water pump; 19. Water pump bracket; 10. Water outlet pipe; 12. Limiting rib; 13. Water passage hole; 14. Connecting cavity; 15. Connecting pipe; 16. Support assembly; 17. Supporting piece; 18. Water distribution tank; 19. Clearance port; 10. Water outlet; 11. Guide slope; 12. Insulation layer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or state relationship based on the orientation or state relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0028] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or state relationships, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or merely surface contact. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] If certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components, those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. For example, the term "comprising" used throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to"; "generally" means that those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and basically achieve the technical effect within a certain margin of error.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application provides an ice maker 100 for cooling liquid water to obtain ice. The ice maker 100 includes a housing 10, an inner housing 11, an inner liner 12, and a spray assembly 13.

[0033] The housing 10 is the main structure of the ice maker 100, and its interior is provided with an inner cavity 101 for accommodating other structures and components of the ice maker 100. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the housing 10 can also be cube-shaped, cylindrical, or any other arbitrary shape. The specific shape of the housing 10 is not limited.

[0034] The inner shell 11 is disposed within the inner cavity 101, and the top of the inner shell 11 is open. The inner shell 11 has a receiving cavity 111, which is mainly used to accommodate the inner liner 12 of the ice maker 100. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the inner shell 11 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the inner shell 11 can also be cube-shaped, cylindrical, or any other arbitrary shape. The specific shape of the inner shell 11 is not limited. The inner shell 11 has a bottom shell 112, which is located at the bottom end of the inner shell 11 when the ice maker 100 is in normal use.

[0035] The inner liner 12 is located in the receiving cavity 111. The inner liner 12 is provided with an ice-making cavity 121, which is used to hold the liquid water required for ice making, and the ice will eventually be generated in the ice-making cavity 121.

[0036] The spray assembly 13 includes a spray pipe 131 and a water pump 132 connected to each other. The spray pipe 131 passes through the bottom shell 112 and communicates with the ice-making chamber 121. The spray pipe 131 has a spray end 1311, which is the end of the spray pipe 131 that sprays water outward. The spray end 1311 extends into the ice-making chamber 121. The spray assembly 13 is used to collect liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 and transport the liquid water into the ice-making chamber 121 through the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131.

[0037] With the above configuration, the spray assembly 13 can collect the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 and transport it into the ice-making chamber 121 via the spray end 1311. Therefore, the spray assembly 13 can agitate the liquid water in the inner liner 12, allowing the gas in the liquid water to escape quickly, thereby improving the transparency of the final ice cubes. Because the spray assembly 13 has a simple structure and few components, it has advantages such as saving material costs and installation space, and also helps to reduce the size of the ice maker 100.

[0038] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the sidewall of the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 is provided with a plurality of spray holes 1312, which are evenly distributed around the sidewall of the spray pipe 131. The spray holes 1312 communicate the interior and exterior of the spray pipe 131, so that liquid water inside the spray pipe 131 can be sprayed out from the spray holes 1312 into the ice-making chamber 121.

[0039] In some embodiments, the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 is provided with a filter element (not shown in the figure) corresponding to the position of the spray hole 1312. The filter element is used to filter the liquid water that is about to enter the spray hole 1312 so as to avoid the spray hole 1312 from being blocked and affecting the spraying effect.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inner liner 12 includes an inner liner shell 122 and a plurality of partition plates 123. The inner liner shell 122 is the main frame structure of the inner liner 12, and it is a cubic structure with an open top. The partition plates 123 are disposed inside the inner liner shell 122. The partition plates 123 are plate-shaped structures and are approximately perpendicular to the inner bottom surface of the inner liner shell 122. The plurality of partition plates 123 are spaced apart from each other and staggered to form a plurality of ice-making trays 124 inside the inner liner shell 122. Each ice-making tray 124 will eventually produce one ice cube. The inner liner 12 also includes a mounting surface 125, which is flush with the top of the partition plates 123, and a spray pipe 131 passes through the mounting surface 125. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the mounting plane 125 is formed by the upward protrusion of the bottom wall of the inner liner 12, and the mounting plane 125 is approximately located at the center of the inner liner 12. Eight ice trays 124 are provided, and the eight ice trays 124 are evenly distributed around the mounting plane 125. In other embodiments, any other number of ice trays 124 may be provided, and there is no limitation on this.

[0041] With the above configuration, since the inner liner 12 contains multiple ice trays 124, the ice maker 100 can simultaneously produce multiple separate ice cubes each time it makes ice, making it convenient for users to take out the ice cubes. Furthermore, since the mounting plane 125 is located at the center of the bottom wall of the inner liner 12, the spray pipe 131 can easily spray water from all directions and corners inside the inner liner 12, thus effectively agitating the liquid water in each ice tray 124 and improving the transparency of the final ice cubes. Moreover, since the height of the mounting plane 125 is flush with the top of the partition plate 123, and the height of the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 is higher than the mounting plane 125, when the spray end 1311 is at a higher position, the water droplets sprayed by the spray pipe 131 fall from a height into the liquid water in the ice tray 124, thereby improving the agitation effect on the liquid water and further enhancing the transparency of the final ice cubes.

[0042] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the mounting plane 125 is provided with a connecting sleeve 126 communicating with the ice-making chamber 121. The connecting sleeve 126 is generally a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends, and the radius of the top opening of the connecting sleeve 126 is smaller than the radius of the bottom opening. The bottom shell 112 is provided with a return pipe 113, which communicates with the connecting sleeve 126. The return pipe 113 is a vertically arranged pipe, and is approximately located at the center of the bottom shell 112. The return pipe 113 and the connecting sleeve 126 are arranged opposite to each other and are connected. The spray pipe 131 passes through the return pipe 113 and the connecting sleeve 126. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the return pipe 113 is a circular pipe. In other embodiments, the return pipe 113 can also be a square pipe or other pipes of any other shape. The specific shape of the return pipe 113 is not limited.

[0043] Through the above arrangement, the connection between the return pipe 113 and the connecting sleeve 126 enables communication between the ice-making chamber 121 and the external space of the inner shell 11 on the side opposite to the inner liner 12. The spray pipe 131 is arranged through the return pipe 113 and the connecting sleeve 126 so that the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 can extend into the ice-making chamber 121, thereby allowing the spray pipe 131 to spray water droplets to disturb the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121, thereby accelerating the escape of gas from the liquid water and improving the transparency of the final ice. In addition, the connecting sleeve 126 and the return pipe 113 provide sufficient installation space for the spray pipe 131.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the height of the end of the spray hole 1312 near the inner wall of the spray pipe 131 is lower than the height of the end of the spray hole 1312 near the outer wall of the spray pipe 131. This arrangement allows the water flow path from the spray pipe 131 to be parabolic, enabling it to travel further. The water that travels further falls into the ice-making chamber 121 and continues to flow towards the central connecting sleeve 126. This effectively agitates the liquid water at various locations within the ice-making chamber 121, thereby improving the transparency of the final ice.

[0045] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the spray assembly 13 further includes a water pump bracket 133 and a water outlet pipe 134. The water pump bracket 133 is disposed outside the inner shell 11; specifically, the water pump bracket 133 is connected to the bottom shell 112 and located outside the inner shell 11. The water pump 132 is connected to the water pump bracket 133, and therefore the water pump 132 is also located outside the inner shell 11. The water inlet of the water pump 132 is connected to the return pipe 113 through the water pump bracket 133. Specifically, the water pump bracket 133 may be provided with a connecting cavity 136, which is connected to both the return pipe 113 and the water inlet of the water pump 132, thereby enabling the water inlet of the water pump 132 to connect to the ice-making chamber 121. One end of the water outlet pipe 134 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 132, and the other end is connected to the spray pipe 131. Specifically, a connecting pipe 137 is provided on the water pump bracket 133. One end of the connecting pipe 137 is located inside the connecting cavity 136 and is connected to one end of the spray pipe 131. The other end of the connecting pipe 137 is located outside the cavity of the connecting pipe 137 and is connected to one end of the outlet pipe 134. The other end of the outlet pipe 134 is connected to the outlet end of the water pump 132.

[0046] With the above configuration, the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 can enter the water pump 132 through the connecting sleeve 126, the return pipe 113, and the connecting cavity 136. Then, the water in the water pump 132 is transported from the outlet pipe 134 to the connecting pipe 137, and then into the spray pipe 131. Finally, it is sprayed back into the ice-making chamber 121 from the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131, thereby disturbing the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121. The above process is continuously repeated, which can continuously disturb the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121, thereby allowing the gas in the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 to escape quickly, thereby improving the transparency of the final ice block.

[0047] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the spray assembly 13 further includes a limiting rib 135, which is disposed on the outer wall of the spray pipe 131 and abuts against the inner wall of the return pipe 113. The limiting rib 135 may be a plurality of protrusions disposed on the outer wall of the spray pipe 131, with each protrusion abutting against different positions on the inner wall of the return pipe 113 to collectively position the spray pipe 131. Through this arrangement, the limiting rib 135 can position the spray pipe 131 to prevent it from shaking during operation of the spray assembly 13, ensuring stable spraying from the spray pipe 131.

[0048] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the limiting rib 135 may be arranged around the outer periphery of the spray pipe 131, and the limiting rib 135 is provided with a plurality of water passage holes 1351. The water passage holes 1351 connect the upper and lower sides of the limiting rib 135 to ensure that the liquid water in the return pipe 113 can flow downward into the water pump bracket 133 through the water passage holes 1351.

[0049] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom shell 112 is recessed away from the mounting plane 125 to form a recessed step 114. The recessed step 114 is generally annular, and a recessed cavity 115 is provided within the recessed step 114. The recessed cavity 115 communicates with the communicating sleeve 126, and a return pipe 113 is disposed on the recessed step 114 and communicates with the recessed cavity 115. The radius of the recessed step 114 is larger than the diameter of the return pipe 113. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the return pipe 113 is located at the center of the recessed step 114. In other embodiments, the return pipe 113 may also be located at any other position on the recessed step 114, without limitation.

[0050] With the above configuration, when the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 flows out from the connecting sleeve 126, it first falls into the recessed step 114, and then enters the return pipe 113 and flows to the water pump 132 to achieve circulation. Since the radius of the recessed step 114 is larger than the orifice of the return pipe 113, the recessed step 114 can fully collect the liquid water flowing out from the connecting sleeve 126, so as to prevent the liquid water flowing out from the connecting sleeve 126 from spilling into the inner cavity 101, which helps to improve the safety of the equipment.

[0051] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes a box body 102 and a top cover 103. The box body 102 is the main structure of the housing 10, and is generally a rectangular shell with an open top. The top of the box body 102 has a first opening 104. The top of the inner liner 12 has a second opening 127, which is opposite to the first opening 104, meaning that the projection of the second opening 127 upward in the vertical direction can fall into the first opening 104. The top cover 103 covers the first opening 104. The top cover 103 and the box body 102 can be hinged, or they can be separate structures and detachably connected by screws, or detachably snap-fit ​​connected by buckles and slots. The specific connection method between the top cover 103 and the box body 102 is not limited. The ice maker 100 also includes a supporting component 14, which is disposed on the side of the top cover 103 facing the inner liner 12. The connecting sleeve 126 is a soft sleeve, such as a soft rubber sleeve or a silicone sleeve; the specific material of the connecting sleeve 126 is not limited. The inner wall of the inner liner 12 has a warning line 128 located above the partition plate 123. The warning line 128 is used to remind the user that when adding liquid water for ice making to the inner liner 12, the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 needs to be added to the level indicated by the warning line 128 to ensure that there is sufficient liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 for ice making and spraying. When the top cover 103 is completely separated from the body 102, the top of the connecting sleeve 126 is above the warning line 128 to prevent liquid water from entering the connecting sleeve 126 when the user adds liquid water to the ice-making chamber 121. When the top cover 103 is placed over the first opening 104, the supporting component 14 presses the top of the connecting sleeve 126 to move between the indicator line 128 and the mounting plane 125. At this time, some of the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 will enter the connecting sleeve 126 to supply the spraying component 13 for spraying.

[0052] With the above settings, when using the ice maker 100 to make ice, the user first needs to open the top cover 103, and then add liquid water to the ice-making chamber 121 of the inner liner 12. It is necessary to ensure that the liquid water level is not lower than the indicator line 128 and not higher than the top of the connecting sleeve 126. Then the user closes the top cover 103 and starts the spray assembly 13. During the closing process of the top cover 103, the holding assembly 14 will contact the top of the connecting sleeve 126 and squeeze the top of the connecting sleeve 126 to move it between the indicator line 128 and the mounting plane 125. At this time, some of the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 will enter the connecting sleeve 126 and further enter the return pipe 113, water pump 132, and spray pipe 131 and be sprayed back into the ice-making chamber 121 to achieve sufficient disturbance of the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121. When the ice-making process is finished and the top cover 103 is opened, after all the multiple supporting parts 141 have separated from the flange 129, the connecting sleeve 126 will return to its initial position due to its own elasticity.

[0053] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the top end of the connecting sleeve 126 is provided with a flange 129. The flange 129 is used to increase the contact area between the supporting component 14 and the connecting sleeve 126, thereby improving the stability of the supporting component 14 when it squeezes the connecting sleeve 126. The supporting component 14 includes a plurality of supporting members 141, which protrude from the surface of the top cover 103 facing the inner liner 12. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the supporting member 141 is generally a plate-shaped structure. In other embodiments, the supporting member 141 can also be a block-shaped structure, a strip-shaped structure, etc., and the specific shape of the supporting member 141 is not limited. When the top cover 103 is placed over the first opening 104, the plurality of supporting members 141 abut against different positions of the flange 129. As a specific example, in this embodiment, four supporting members 141 are provided. In other embodiments, the supporting members 141 can also be two, three, five, or any other number, and this is not limited.

[0054] With the above settings, when the user closes the top cover 103, multiple abutments 141 can contact different positions of the flange 129, thereby jointly squeezing the connecting sleeve 126 to move towards the mounting plane 125. This makes the movement of the connecting sleeve 126 more stable and smooth, and can avoid the problem that the connecting sleeve 126 is easily tilted and stuck when a single abutment 141 squeezes the connecting sleeve 126.

[0055] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In some other embodiments, the top end of the connecting sleeve 126 is provided with a flange 129. The supporting assembly 14 includes a water distribution tank 142 and a plurality of supporting members 141. The water distribution tank 142 is located on the side of the top cover 103 facing the inner liner 12. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the water distribution tank 142 is generally a cuboid structure. In other embodiments, the water distribution tank 142 can also be a cube, a cylinder, or any other arbitrary shape. The bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142 is provided with a relief opening 143 and a plurality of water outlets 144. The spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 passes through the relief opening 143 and extends into the water distribution tank 142. The water outlets 144 are used to allow liquid water in the water distribution tank 142 to flow out. The abutment 141 is located on the side of the water tank 142 facing the connecting sleeve 126. When the top cover 103 is placed over the first opening 104, several abutments 141 abut against different positions of the flange 129.

[0056] With the above configuration, when the user closes the top cover 103, multiple abutment members 141 can contact different positions of the flange 129, thereby jointly squeezing the connecting sleeve 126 to move towards the mounting plane 125. At this time, the spray end 1311 of the spray pipe 131 extends into the water distribution tank 142 through the relief port 143. When the spray pipe 131 sprays water, the water sprayed out by the spray pipe 131 will fall into the water distribution tank 142, and then flow into the water distribution tank 142 from the outlet 144 and fall into the ice-making chamber 121, so as to disturb the liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121.

[0057] Please continue reading. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the relief port 143 is located at the center of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142, and a plurality of water outlets 144 are spaced along the edge of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142, that is, a plurality of water outlets 144 are distributed around the relief port 143. The inner bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142 is provided with a plurality of guide slopes 145, which are located between the water outlets 144 and the relief port 143. The height of the guide slopes 145 near the relief port 143 is higher than the height of the side near the water outlet 144. As a specific example, in this embodiment, four guide slopes 145 are provided, corresponding to the four sides of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142. With the above arrangement, the water sprayed from the spray pipe 131 will fall on the inclined guide slopes 145 and then flow along the guide slopes 145 to the water outlets 144, which can accelerate the rate at which liquid water in the water distribution tank 142 is discharged from the water distribution tank 142. In addition, since multiple water outlets 144 are arranged along the edge of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank 142, it can be ensured that the liquid water flowing out of the water distribution tank 142 can fall onto the top of each ice-making grid 124, and then the water flows into the connecting sleeve 126 located in the middle of the inner liner 12 to achieve circulation. This can achieve all-round disturbance of the liquid water in each position in the ice-making cavity 121, thereby improving the disturbance effect of the spray assembly 13 on the liquid water in the inner liner 12, and thus improving the transparency of the final ice cube.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 further includes a heat insulation layer 15 disposed in the inner cavity 101. The heat insulation layer 15 is made of heat insulation material, such as heat insulation sponge or heat insulation silicone. The heat insulation layer 15 is disposed on the outside of the inner shell 11 and covers the inner shell 11. Through the above arrangement, the heat insulation layer 15 can reduce the rate of heat exchange between the liquid water in the inner liner 12 and the external environment, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency.

[0059] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide an ice maker 100. The ice maker 100 is equipped with a spray assembly 13, which includes a spray pipe 131 and a water pump 132 connected together. The spray pipe 131 passes through the bottom shell 112 and has a spray end 1311 extending into the ice-making chamber 121. The spray assembly 13 collects liquid water in the ice-making chamber 121 and re-sprays the liquid water into the ice-making chamber 121. Therefore, the spray assembly 13 can agitate the liquid water in the inner liner 12, allowing gas in the liquid water to escape quickly, thereby improving the transparency of the final ice cubes. Because the spray assembly 13 has a simple structure and few components, it has advantages such as saving material costs and installation space, and also helps to reduce the size of the ice maker 100.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The shell has an internal cavity; An inner shell is disposed in the inner cavity, the inner shell has a receiving cavity, and the inner shell has a bottom shell located at the bottom end of the inner shell; An inner liner is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the inner liner is provided with an ice-making cavity; and The spray assembly includes a spray pipe and a water pump connected together. The spray pipe passes through the bottom shell and communicates with the ice-making chamber. The spray pipe has a spray end that extends into the ice-making chamber. The spray assembly is used to collect liquid water in the ice-making chamber and transport the liquid water into the ice-making chamber via the spray end.

2. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner includes an inner liner shell and several partitions. The partitions are disposed inside the inner liner shell, and the partitions are spaced apart from each other and staggered to form several ice-making grids inside the inner liner shell. The inner liner also includes a mounting plane, which is flush with the top of the partitions, and the spray pipe passes through the mounting plane.

3. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting surface is provided with a connecting sleeve that communicates with the ice-making chamber; the bottom shell is provided with a return pipe that communicates with the connecting sleeve; the spray pipe passes through the return pipe and the connecting sleeve.

4. The ice maker as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The spray assembly also includes a water pump bracket and a water outlet pipe; the water pump bracket is disposed outside the inner shell, the water pump is connected to the water pump bracket, and the water inlet of the water pump is connected to the return pipe through the water pump bracket; one end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the water outlet of the water pump, and the other end is connected to the spray pipe.

5. The ice maker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The spray assembly also includes a limiting rib, which is disposed on the outer side wall of the spray pipe and abuts against the inner side wall of the return pipe.

6. The ice maker as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting rib is arranged around the outer periphery of the spray pipe, and the limiting rib is provided with a plurality of water passage holes that connect the upper and lower sides of the limiting rib.

7. The ice maker as described in claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the bottom shell is recessed away from the mounting plane to form a recessed step. A recessed cavity is provided in the recessed step and is connected to the communicating sleeve. The return pipe is disposed on the recessed step and is connected to the recessed cavity.

8. The ice maker according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The shell includes a box body and a top cover. The top of the box body has a first opening, the top of the inner liner has a second opening, and the top cover is placed over the first opening.

9. The ice maker as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a supporting component, which is disposed on the side of the top cover facing the inner liner; the connecting sleeve is a soft sleeve, and the inner side wall of the inner liner is provided with a warning line located above the partition plate; when the top cover is completely separated from the housing, the top end of the connecting sleeve is located above the warning line; when the top cover is placed over the first opening, the supporting component presses the top end of the connecting sleeve to move it between the warning line and the mounting plane.

10. The ice maker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The top of the connecting sleeve is provided with a flange; the abutment assembly includes a plurality of abutment members, and when the top cover is placed over the first opening, the plurality of abutment members abut against different positions of the flange.

11. The ice maker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The top of the connecting sleeve is provided with a flange; the supporting assembly includes a water distribution tank and a plurality of supporting members. The water distribution tank is disposed on the top cover. The bottom wall of the water distribution tank is provided with a clearance opening and a plurality of water outlets. The spray end passes through the clearance opening and extends into the water distribution tank. The supporting members are disposed on the side of the water distribution tank facing the connecting sleeve. When the top cover is placed over the first opening, the plurality of supporting members abut against different positions of the flange.

12. The ice maker as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The clearance opening is located at the center of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank, and several outlets are spaced apart along the edge of the bottom wall of the water distribution tank; the inner bottom wall of the water distribution tank is provided with several guide slopes, which are located between the outlets and the clearance opening, and the height of the guide slopes near the clearance opening is higher than the height of the side near the outlet.

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