Ice-making device and refrigerator

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an ice-making device and a refrigerator. The ice-making device comprises an ice-making component and a support frame for suspending the ice-making component, wherein the ice-making component comprises a first ice-making component and a second ice-making component; and the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component are detachably arranged on the support frame. In the ice-making device provided in the present application, the ice-making component is suspended on the support frame, such that the structure is simple. Compared with a traditional ice-making device in which an ice-making component is mounted in a mounting box and the mounting box is then assembled in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator, the internal space of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator occupied by the ice-making device of the present application is reduced.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410077183.0, No. 202410077166.7, No. 202420130790.4 and No. 202420132717.0, all filed on January 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[02] The present application relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular, to an ice-making device and a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[03] A refrigerator is an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives. With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, some refrigerators with built-in ice-making devices have appeared on the market to meet users' demand for ice cubes. SUMMARY

[04] The present application provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator. The ice-making device not only has a simple structure and can reduce the occupation of the internal space of a freezing compartment of the refrigerator, but also facilitates the cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of an ice-making component.

[05] Specifically, the present application is realized by the following technical solutions.

[06] In one aspect, the present application provides an ice-making device, including: an ice-making component and a support frame for installing the ice-making component; the icemaking component includes a first ice-making component and a second ice-making component; the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component is detachably disposed on the support frame.

[07] In an embodiment of the present application, the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component includes a sliding member, and the support frame includes a sliding mating member; the sliding mating member wraps around an outer side of the sliding member and is in sliding fit with the sliding member.

[08] In an embodiment of the present application, the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component includes a housing and the sliding member disposed on the housing; the sliding members are respectively disposed on sides of the housing of the first ice-making component and the housing of the second ice-making component that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other; a projection of a region between two sliding members on a same ice-making component onto a horizontal plane is located within a projection of a respective housing onto the horizontal plane.

[09] In an embodiment of the present application, the support frame includes a first bracket body and a second bracket body connected to the first bracket body; the sliding mating members are respectively disposed on sides of the first bracket body and the second bracket body that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other; positions of the sliding mating members correspond to positions of the sliding members.

[10] In an embodiment of the present application, the sliding member is formed by extending outward from a side wall of the housing; the sliding mating member is formed by extending outward from an edge of the first bracket body and / or the second bracket body.

[11] In an embodiment of the present application, the housing of the first ice-making component is provided with an anti-retreat portion and a pressing portion that are connected; the first bracket body is provided with an anti-retreat mating member cooperating with the anti-retreat portion; the anti-retreat portion is capable of abutting against the anti-retreat mating member in a first state to restrict the first ice-making component from retreating relative to the support frame; the pressing portion is capable of being moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion from the anti-retreat mating member; and / or, the housing of the second ice-making component is provided with an anti-retreat portion and a pressing portion that are connected; the second bracket body is provided with an anti-retreat mating member cooperating with the anti-retreat portion; the anti-retreat portion is capable of abutting against the anti-retreat mating member in a first state to restrict the second ice-making component from retreating relative to the support frame; the pressing portion is capable of being moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion from the anti-retreat mating member.

[12] In an embodiment of the present application, the anti-retreat portion includes a support surface and a stop rib disposed on the support surface; the pressing portion includes a connecting end and a pressing end, the connecting end is connected to the support surface, and the pressing end is disposed protruding outward from the housing.

[13] In an embodiment of the present application, the sliding mating member includes a first inclined section and a first horizontal section, and the first inclined section gradually inclines upward along a sliding-in direction of the sliding member until the first inclined section connects with the first horizontal section.

[14] In an embodiment of the present application, the sliding mating member further includes a second inclined section and a second horizontal section; one end of the second inclined section is connected to the first horizontal section, and the other end gradually inclines upward along the sliding-in direction of the sliding member until the other end connects with the second horizontal section.

[15] In an embodiment of the present application, the sliding member includes a slide rail and a support rail that are spaced apart; after the sliding member and the sliding mating member are slidably fitted in place, a side surface of the first horizontal section and / or the second horizontal section abuts against the slide rail, and the other side surface of the first horizontal section abuts against the support rail.

[16] In an embodiment of the present application, an abutment length at a position where the slide rail abuts against the side surface of the first horizontal section is not less than one quarter of an overall length of the first horizontal section, and not greater than the overall length of the first horizontal section; and / or, an abutment length at a position where the slide rail abuts against the side surface of the second horizontal section is not less than one quarter of an overall length of the second horizontal section, and not greater than the overall length of the second horizontal section.

[17] In an embodiment of the present application, a starting end of the slide rail is provided with a chamfer, an inclined surface of the chamfer and an end surface of the starting end transition smoothly; and / or, a thickness of the slide rail is greater than a thickness of the support rail.

[18] In an embodiment of the present application, the support rail includes a first support plane and a second support plane, a height of the first support plane is less than a height of the second support plane; the first support plane and the second support plane are connected via a support inclined surface.

[19] In an embodiment of the present application, the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component includes a first electrical connector, and the support frame includes a second electrical connector; when the sliding member slides to an initial position of the first horizontal section or the second horizontal section, a plug position of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector corresponds to a socket position of the other.

[20] In an embodiment of the present application, when the sliding member slides along the slidingin direction to a preset position of the first horizontal section or the second horizontal section, the plug of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is automatically plugged into the socket of the other.

[21] In an embodiment of the present application, the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component includes a housing and a first limiting structure disposed on the housing, and the first electrical connector is detachably connected to the first limiting structure; and / or, the support frame includes a bracket body and a second limiting structure disposed on the bracket body, and the second electrical connector is detachably connected to the second limiting structure

[22] In another aspect, the present application further provides a refrigerator, including a freezing compartment, wherein a top wall of the freezing compartment is provided with the ice making device as described in any one of the above.

[23] The technical solutions provided by the present application can achieve the following beneficial effects.

[24] The present application provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator. The ice-making device has a simple structure by suspending an ice-making component on a support frame. Compared with conventional ice-making devices in which the ice-making component is installed in an installation box and then assembled together in the freezing compartment of the refrigerator, the ice-making device of the present application can reduce the occupation of the internal space of the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. The ice-making device provided by the present application has a plurality of ice-making components, which can meet the ice-making needs of customers. By making the plurality of ice-making components detachably installable on the support frame, the cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the ice-making components is facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[25] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic structural view of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[26] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing an ice-making device assembled in a freezing compartment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[27] FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2.

[28] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the structure taken along line A-A in FIG. 3.

[29] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram showing an ice-making component installed on a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[30] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure taken along line A-A in FIG. 5.

[31] FIG. 7 is a partial structural perspective view showing an ice-making component and a support frame in place according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[32] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram showing an ice-making component in a half-pushed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[33] FIG. 9 is a partial structural perspective view showing an ice-making component in a halfpushed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[34] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the structure taken along line B-B in FIG. 9.

[35] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[36] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the structure at portion A in FIG. 11.

[37] FIG. 13 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[38] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram showing an ice-making component about to be engaged with a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[39] FIG. 15 is a top view of a structure showing an ice-making component about to be engaged with a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[40] FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[41] FIG. 17 is a half-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 16, taken along line C-C.

[42] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigeration principle of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 16.

[43] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 16 after being integrated with an ice-making device.

[44] FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram showing the ice-making device of the present application installed on the top of a freezing compartment.

[45] FIG. 21 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making component of the present application.

[46] FIG. 22 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice maker housing body and the support frame of the present application after assembly is completed.

[47] FIG. 23 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice maker housing body and the support frame of the present application during an assembly process.

[48] FIG. 24 is a schematic structural diagram showing a first limiting portion provided on a side of the support frame facing the ice maker housing body according to the present application.

[49] FIG. 25 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice maker housing body of the present application.

[50] FIG. 26 is a schematic structural diagram showing the ice maker housing body and the support frame in a locked state according to the present application.

[51] FIG. 27 is a top view of the ice maker housing body of the present application at a portion where a second limiting portion is provided.

[52] FIG. 28 is a schematic structural diagram showing the ice maker housing body provided with a second limiting portion according to the present application.

[53] FIG. 29 is a front view of the ice maker housing body of the present application.

[54] FIG. 30 is a schematic structural view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[55] FIG. 31 is a half-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 30, taken along line D-D.

[56] FIG. 32 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making device shown in FIG. 31.

[57] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigeration principle of the refrigeration system of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 32.

[58] FIG. 34 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making system and the ice-making component shown in FIG. 33.

[59] FIG. 35 is a schematic structural diagram of the first air duct shown in FIG. 33.

[60] FIG. 36 is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the liquid injection tube and the bearing assembly shown in FIG. 33.

[61] FIG. 37 is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the ice-making component and the ice-making system shown in FIG. 33.

[62] FIG. 38 is a schematic structural diagram of the installation of the air deflector and the liquid guide member shown in FIG. 33.

[63] List of reference signs: 1, ice-making device; 10, ice-making component; 101, first ice-making component; 102, second ice-making component; 103, housing; 11, support frame; 111, first bracket body; 1111, protrusion; 112, second bracket body; 114, flange; 12, sliding member; 121, slide rail; 1210, terminal end; 1211, starting end; 12111, chamfer; 12112, end surface; 1212, sliding portion; 1213, guide portion; 12131, guide surface; 12132, guide rib; 1214, protruding rib; 1215, weightreducing structure; 122, support rail; 1221, first support plane; 1222, second support plane; 1223, support inclined surface; 13, sliding mating member; 131, first inclined section; 132, first horizontal section; 133, second inclined section; 134, second horizontal section; 135, mating track; 1351, track portion; 13511, track side wall; 1352, limiting portion; 1353, inlet end; 1354, stop end; 14, antiretreat portion; 141, support surface; 142, stop rib; 15, pressing portion; 151, pressing end; 16, first electrical connector; 17, second electrical connector; 18, first limiting structure; 19, second limiting structure; 191, first limiting member; 192, second limiting member; 2, refrigerator; 20, refrigerating compartment; 201, liquid storage container; 202, water pump; 203, liquid injection tube; 21, freezing compartment; 211, top wall; 212, recessed portion; 22, opening; a, abutment length; b, initial position; X direction, sliding-in direction.

[64] 1601, refrigerator; 1610, cabinet device; 1611, cabinet assembly; 1612, door assembly; 1612a, first door; 1612b, second door; 1613, freezing compartment; 13a, top wall; 1614, refrigerating compartment; 1615, air duct; 1620, compressor; 30, condenser; 40, evaporator; 50, expansion valve; 60, ice-making device; 100, ice-making component; 110, ice tray; 120, drive assembly; 130, ice storage container; 140, bearing assembly; 16141, ice maker housing body; 16141a, first shell; 16141b, second shell; 1411, fixing portion; 1412, second limiting portion; 1412a, mating portion; 1412b, connecting portion; 1412c, operating portion; 1413, first relief portion; 1414, first assembly portion; 1414a, first side portion; 1414b, second side portion; 1415, second assembly portion; 1416, second relief portion; 1417, first inclined surface; 1418, second inclined surface; 16141c, depth direction of the cavity; 16141d, length direction of the cavity; 16141e, width direction of the cavity; 16142, support frame; 1421, first limiting portion; 1421a, locking portion; 143, first connection structure; 143a, slide rail; 143b, support rail; 144, second connection structure; 144a, inclined section; 144b, horizontal section; 145, first electrical connector; 146, second electrical connector; 200, liquid injection component; 210, liquid storage container; 220, liquid injection tube.

[65] 3001, refrigerator; 3010, cabinet device; 3011, cabinet assembly; 3012, door assembly; 3012a, first door; 3012b, second door; 3013, freezing compartment; 3014, refrigerating compartment; 3020, compressor; 3030, condenser; 3040, evaporator; 3050, expansion valve; 3060, ice-making device; 30100, ice-making component; 30110, ice tray; 30111, first ice tray; 30112, second ice tray; 30120, drive assembly; 30130, ice storage container; 30140, bearing assembly; 30141, first bearing assembly; 30142, second bearing assembly; 30143, air deflector; 30144, liquid guide member; 150, snap-fit assembly; 30151, first snap-fit assembly; 152, second snap-fit assembly; 160, connection assembly; 30200, liquid injection component; 30210, liquid storage container; 30211, first liquid storage chamber; 30212, second liquid storage chamber; 30220, liquid injection tube; 221, first liquid injection tube; 222, second liquid injection tube; 223, first control valve; 224, second control valve; 230, liquid pump; 240, control assembly; 250, liquid measurement assembly; 300, refrigeration system; 310, refrigeration unit; 400, air delivery duct; 410, first air supply duct; 420, second air supply duct. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[66] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative of the concepts of the present application, and do not represent all implementations that fall within the scope of the present concepts. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present concepts.

[67] The terms used in the present application are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used in the present application shall have the ordinary meanings understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. As used in the specification and claims of the present application, "first", "second" and similar terms do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different constituent parts. Likewise, "a" or "an" and similar terms do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one. "A plurality of" or "several" means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "front", "rear", "lower" and / or "upper", "top", "bottom" and the like are merely for ease of description and are not limited to one location or one spatial orientation. "Comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the element or item appearing before "comprising" or "including" covers the elements or items listed after "comprising" or "including" and equivalents thereof, and do not exclude other elements or items in the present application. "Connected" or "coupled" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[68] Citation of any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the jurisdiction of the application or any other jurisdiction, or that such prior art could reasonably be understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.

[69] Existing ice making devices are typically fixedly mounted in the freezing compartment of a refrigerator and are inconvenient to disassemble. Furthermore, an ice making component in an existing ice making device usually needs to be first mounted in a mounting box for accommodating the ice making component, and then the mounting box and the ice making component are integrally assembled into the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. Although the ice making device can be smoothly installed into the freezing compartment during this process, the mounting box for accommodating the ice making component occupies excessive space in the freezing compartment, thereby reducing the effective volume of the freezing compartment.

[70] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present application provides a refrigerator 2, including a freezing compartment 21. A top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 is provided with an ice making device 1. Some existing ice-making devices 1 are usually installed on the left and right side walls of the freezing compartment 21. To ensure the stability of the installation, the portion of the ice-making device 1 near the left side of the freezing compartment 21 is connected to the left side wall of the freezing compartment 21 via a connecting member, and the portion of the ice-making device 1 near the right side of the freezing compartment 21 is connected to the right side wall of the freezing compartment 21 via a connecting member. Thus, although the installation stability of the ice-making device 1 can be solved, since the ice-making device 1 needs to be connected to both the left side wall and the right side wall of the freezing compartment 21, the volume of the ice-making device 1 needs to be expanded as much as possible along the left-right direction of the freezing compartment 21, which excessively occupies the freezing space within the freezing compartment 21. In contrast, the present application installs the ice-making device 1 on the top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 rather than on the left and right side walls of the freezing compartment 21. The volume of the ice-making device 1 does not need to be infinitely expanded along the left-right direction of the freezing compartment 21; the volume of the ice-making device 1 only needs to be appropriately expanded to meet the user's ice consumption demand. Not only can the occupation of the freezing space inside the freezing compartment 21 of the refrigerator 2 be reduced, but also adaptation to different models of refrigerators 2 is facilitated, providing stronger versatility.

[71] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the refrigerator 2 further includes a refrigerating compartment 20 and a water supply assembly for supplying water to the ice-making device 1. Exemplarily, the water supply assembly includes a liquid storage container 201, a water pump 202, a water valve (not shown), and a liquid injection tube 203, which are sequentially connected and arranged in the refrigerating compartment 20. The liquid injection tube 203 is also connected to the ice-making device 1, for conveying water from the liquid storage container 201 into the ice-making device 1 for subsequent ice-making. Of course, the specific structural composition of the water supply assembly is not limited to this. In one embodiment, the refrigerating compartment 20 is disposed above the freezing compartment 21, the water supply assembly is disposed on a side of the refrigerating compartment 20 close to the freezing compartment 21, and the ice-making device 1 is disposed on a side of the freezing compartment 21 close to the refrigerating compartment 20, thereby facilitating reducing the length of the liquid injection tube 203.

[72] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the ice-making device 1 includes an icemaking component 10 and a support frame 11 for suspending the ice-making component 10. The ice-making component 10 is provided with a first connection structure, and the support frame 11 is provided with a second connection structure. The first connection structure and the second connection structure are detachably connected. Exemplarily, one of the first connection structure and the second connection structure may be a snap-fit member, such as a snap tab, and the other may be a snap-fit mating member, such as a slot. Of course, the specific forms of the first connection structure and the second connection structure are not limited to this. The present application has a simple structure by suspending the ice-making component 10 on the support frame 11. Compared with conventional ice-making devices 1 where the ice-making component 10 is installed in an installation box and then assembled together in the freezing compartment 21 of the refrigerator 2, the volume of the support frame 11 of the present application does not need to be too large; the volume only needs to meet the suspension requirement of the ice-making device 1, has a smaller volume, and can reduce the occupation of the internal space of the freezing compartment 21 of the refrigerator 2. In contrast, the installation box of a conventional ice-making device 1 needs to cover the outer periphery of the ice-making component 10, which leads to an excessively large overall volume of the ice-making device 1 and increases the occupation of the internal space of the freezing compartment 21 after assembly with the freezing compartment 21. Furthermore, by providing the detachable connection between the ice-making component 10 and the support frame 11, the present application facilitates the cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the ice-making component 10.

[73] It should be noted that the support frame 11 mentioned herein may be a plate-shaped structure with a certain thickness, a frame structure, etc., and its specific form is not particularly limited.

[74] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the ice-making component 10 includes a first ice-making component 101 and a second ice-making component 102. The first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 is detachably disposed on the support frame 11. Exemplarily, either the first ice-making component 101 or the second ice-making component 102 can be independently detachably connected to the support frame 11. Of course, the first ice-making component 101 and the second ice-making component 102 can also be connected as one piece and be detached together from the support frame 11. By providing a plurality of icemaking components 10 in the ice-making device 1, the present application can meet the ice-making needs of different types for customers.

[75] Of course, the number of the ice-making components 10 may also be one. Even where the size of the freezing space of the freezing compartment 21 permits, the ice-making component 10 may further include a third ice-making component 10, a fourth ice-making component 10, and other multiple ice-making components 10. Each ice-making component 10 can be made into ice cubes of different sizes and / or shapes to meet the diverse needs of customers. Furthermore, to facilitate production and processing, the structure and size of each ice-making component 10 can be set to be the same.

[76] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a front side of the freezing compartment 21 is provided with an opening 22 for installing a door body. An end of the top wall 211 close to the opening 22 is provided with a recessed portion 212 recessed into the freezing compartment 21. In the type of refrigerator where the refrigerating compartment 20 is located above the freezing compartment 21, in order to facilitate the installation of a crossbeam between the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 21, the top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 needs to yield a certain space to meet the installation requirement of the crossbeam. However, if the yielded space is large, the internal space of the freezing compartment 21 will also be reduced. Therefore, a recessed portion 212 is usually provided on the top wall 211 of the refrigerator 2 near the opening 22 to reserve an installation space for the crossbeam. Exemplarily, the recessed portion 212 may be formed by using a vacuum forming process to suck at least a part of the top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 gradually away from the opening 22 upwards to form a shape, thereby expanding the internal space of the freezing compartment 21 to a certain extent.

[77] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the support frame 11 includes a bracket body and a flange 114 circumferentially arranged around the bracket body. The top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 is provided with a mounting opening (not shown). The bracket body is inserted through the mounting opening. The flange 114 abuts against an edge portion of the top wall 211 located at the mounting opening. Thus, during the assembly of the support frame 11, it is only necessary to insert the bracket body into the mounting opening so that the flange 114 abuts against the edge of the top wall 211 of the freezing compartment 21 near the mounting opening, greatly improving the installation efficiency of the support frame 11. Of course, to meet the service life requirement of the support frame 11, the width of the flange 114 needs to satisfy a certain width, for example, 6 mm. Additionally, the material of the support frame 11 also needs to satisfy a certain stiffness requirement, for example, polypropylene material. The specific width of the flange 114 and the material selection of the support frame 11 can be adaptively selected according to actual production needs.

[78] Referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the first connection structure is a sliding member 12, and the second connection structure is a sliding mating member 13. The sliding mating member 13 includes a first inclined section 131 and a first horizontal section 132. The first inclined section 131 gradually inclines upward along a sliding-in direction of the sliding member 12 until the first inclined section 131 connects with the first horizontal section 132. Better pushing and installation of the ice-making component 10 is thereby facilitated. In one embodiment, a height of the highest point of the first inclined section 131 is lower than a height of the lowest point of the recessed portion 212. Interference with the recessed portion 212 during the pushing process of the ice-making device 1 assembly is thereby prevented, which would hinder the advancement stroke of the ice-making component 10.

[79] In one embodiment, the sliding mating member 13 further includes a second inclined section 133 and a second horizontal section 134. One end of the second inclined section 133 is connected to the first horizontal section 132, and the other end gradually inclines upward along the sliding-in direction of the sliding member 12 until the other end connects with the second horizontal section 134. Pushing and installing the ice-making component 10 into the freezing compartment 21 is thereby further facilitated. A specific installation process of the ice-making component 10 is as follows: first, a starting end of a slide rail 121 is placed on the first inclined section 131; then, as pushing proceeds, the slide rail 121 sequentially contacts the first horizontal section 132, the second inclined section 133, and the second horizontal section 134 until the slide rail 121 is installed in place.

[80] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 includes a sliding member 12, and the support frame 11 includes a sliding mating member 13. The sliding mating member 13 wraps around an outer side of the sliding member 12 and is in sliding fit with the sliding member 12. A smoother detachable process of the first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 is thereby facilitated. Exemplarily, the sliding mating member 13 may wrap around the outer side of the sliding member 12 in a full circumferential coverage. Of course, the sliding mating member 13 may also wrap around the outer side of the sliding member 12 in a half-circumferential coverage.

[81] In one embodiment, the first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 includes a housing 103 and a sliding member 12 disposed on the housing 103. The sliding members 12 are respectively disposed on sides of the housing 103 of the first ice-making component 101 and the housing 103 of the second ice-making component 102 that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other. A projection of a region between two sliding members 12 on a same ice-making component 10 onto a horizontal plane is located within a projection of a respective housing 103 onto the horizontal plane. Thus, the overall structure of the sliding member 12 can be located inside the left and right edges of the housing 103, making the structure of the ice-making component 10 more compact and reducing the occupation of the internal space of the freezing compartment 21. In one embodiment, the support frame 11 includes a first bracket body 111 and a second bracket body 112 connected to the first bracket body 111. The sliding mating members 13 are respectively disposed on sides of the first bracket body 111 and the second bracket body 112 that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other. The positions of the sliding mating members 13 correspond to the positions of the sliding members 12. The sliding fit between the sliding mating members 13 and the sliding members 12 is thereby facilitated.

[82] It should be noted that the connection between the first bracket body 111 and the second bracket body 112 mentioned herein may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or may be integrally formed. The sliding members 12 of the first ice-making component 101 mentioned above should be disposed on the housing 103 of the first ice-making component 101, and the sliding members 12 of the second ice-making component 102 should be disposed on the housing 103 of the second ice-making component 102.

[83] In one embodiment, the sliding member 12 is formed by extending outward from a side wall of the housing 103. The sliding mating member 13 is formed by extending outward from an edge of the first bracket body 111 and / or the second bracket body 112. Secondary processing of the sliding member 12 and the sliding mating member 13 to be connected to the housing 103 and the bracket body can thereby be avoided, improving production efficiency. It should be noted that the side wall of the housing 103 may include a top wall 211 of the housing 103 or side walls located on both sides of the top wall 211 and connected to the top wall 211.

[84] Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the housing 103 of the first ice-making component 101 is provided with an anti-retreat portion 14 and a pressing portion 15 that are connected. The first bracket body 111 is provided with an anti-retreat mating member that cooperates with the anti-retreat portion 14. The anti-retreat portion 14 can abut against the antiretreat mating member in a first state to restrict the first ice-making component 101 from retreating relative to the support frame 11. The pressing portion 15 can be moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion 14 from the anti-retreat mating member. Thereby, the stability of the first ice-making component 101 after installation is improved, and disassembly of the first ice-making component 101 is facilitated. Exemplarily, the anti-retreat portion 14 includes a support surface 141 and a stop rib 142 disposed on the support surface 141. The pressing portion 15 includes a connecting end and a pressing end 151. The connecting end is connected to the support surface 141, and the pressing end 151 is disposed protruding outward from the housing 103. Thus, during the pushing process of the icemaking component 10, when the anti-retreat mating member contacts the support surface 141 and passes over the stop rib 142, a locking function is achieved. When the ice-making component 10 needs to be pulled out, a user manually pressing the pressing end 151 can achieve the separation of the anti-retreat portion 14 from the anti-retreat mating member. The anti-retreat mating member may be, for example, a protrusion protruding from the first bracket body 111, but is not limited thereto.

[85] In one embodiment, the housing 103 of the second ice-making component 102 is provided with an anti-retreat portion 14 and a pressing portion 15 that are connected. The second bracket body 112 is provided with an anti-retreat mating member that cooperates with the anti-retreat portion 14. The anti-retreat portion 14 can abut against the anti-retreat mating member in a first state to restrict the second ice-making component 102 from retreating relative to the support frame 11. The pressing portion 15 can be moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion 14 from the anti-retreat mating member. The pushing and pulling processes of the second ice-making component 102 are the same as those of the first icemaking component 101, and will not be described in detail here.

[86] It should be noted that the "first state" refers to a state after the ice-making component 10 is installed in place, which will be mentioned below. The "second state" refers to a state where the anti-retreat portion 14 is pressed downward by an external force to separate from the anti-retreat mating member, and the ice-making component 10 is being pulled out.

[87] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the sliding member 12 includes the slide rail 121 and a support rail 122 that are spaced apart. After the sliding member 12 and the sliding mating member 13 are slidably fitted in place, a side surface of the first horizontal section 132 and / or the second horizontal section 134 abuts against the slide rail 121, and the other side surface of the first horizontal section 132 abuts against the support rail 122. A relatively stable state between the sliding member 12 and the sliding mating member 13 is thereby facilitated after the ice-making component 10 is installed in place. In one embodiment, an abutment length (a length a extending along the sliding-in direction X) at a position where the slide rail 121 abuts against the side surface of the first horizontal section 132 is not less than one quarter of the overall length of the first horizontal section 132 and not greater than the overall length of the first horizontal section 132. In one embodiment, an abutment length at a position where the slide rail 121 abuts against the side surface of the second horizontal section 134 is not less than one quarter of the overall length of the second horizontal section 134 and not greater than the overall length of the second horizontal section 134. The stability of the sliding member 12 and the sliding mating member 13 is thereby further improved.

[88] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "abutment length" can be greater than or equal to 8 mm, for example, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc. The specific length can be arbitrarily adjusted according to actual production needs to ensure stability when the sliding member 12 and the sliding mating member 13 are stationary.

[89] Continuing to refer to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a starting end 1211 of the slide rail 121 is provided with a chamfer 12111. The inclined surface of the chamfer 12111 and an end surface 12112 of the starting end 1211 transition smoothly. The engagement between the slide rail 121 and the first inclined section 131 is thereby not only facilitated, but friction is also reduced. In one embodiment, a thickness of the slide rail 121 is greater than a thickness of the support rail 122. The structural strength of the slide rail 121 can thereby be improved. In one embodiment, the support rail 122 includes a first support plane 1221 and a second support plane 1222. A height of the first support plane 1221 is less than a height of the second support plane 1222. The first support plane 1221 and the second support plane 1222 are connected via a support inclined surface 1223. Stable support can thereby be provided. Exemplarily, the support inclined surface 1223 may be a vertical inclined surface, i.e., an angle between the vertical inclined surface and the first support plane 1221 and the second support plane 1222 is 90 degrees. Of course, the support inclined surface 1223 may also be a non-vertical inclined surface, i.e., an angle between the inclined surface and the first support plane 1221 and the second support plane 1222 is an acute angle or an obtuse angle. The initial end of the slide rail 121 can thereby be prevented from hitting the vertical inclined surface during the disassembly of the ice-making component 10, which would cause a dull force and make the disassembly process of the ice-making device 1 unsmooth, thereby affecting user experience.

[90] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 includes a first electrical connector 16, and the support frame 11 includes a second electrical connector 17. When the sliding member 12 slides to an initial position b of the first horizontal section 132 or the second horizontal section 134, a plug position of one of the first electrical connector 16 and the second electrical connector 17 corresponds to a socket position of the other. Effective connection between the first electrical connector 16 and the second electrical connector 17 is thereby facilitated when the sliding member 12 continues to slide forward along the sliding-in direction. In one embodiment, when the sliding member 12 slides along the sliding-in direction to a preset position of the first horizontal section 132 or the second horizontal section 134, the plug of one of the first electrical connector 16 and the second electrical connector 17 is automatically plugged into the socket of the other. Thus, when the sliding member 12 slides into place, the plugging of the first electrical connector 16 and the second electrical connector 17 can be completed simultaneously, saving a secondary plugging process and making the installation process of the ice-making component 10 more efficient.

[91] Here, the initial position b refers to the position where the sliding member 12 has just moved to the first horizontal section 132 or the second horizontal section 134. The preset position is any position along the sliding-in direction located after the initial position, and the height of the preset position is on the same horizontal plane as the initial position.

[92] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the first ice-making component 101 and / or the second ice-making component 102 includes a housing 103 and a first limiting structure 18 disposed on the housing 103. The first electrical connector 16 is detachably connected to the first limiting structure 18. The first electrical connector 16 is thereby stably limited on the housing 103. In one embodiment, the support frame 11 includes a bracket body and a second limiting structure 19 disposed on the bracket body. The second electrical connector 17 is detachably connected to the second limiting structure 19. The second electrical connector 17 is thereby stably limited on the bracket body. Exemplarily, the first limiting structure 18 includes a limiting groove provided on the housing 103. The second limiting structure 19 includes a first limiting member 191 fixedly disposed on the bracket body and a second limiting member 192 detachably connected to the first limiting member 191. After the second electrical connector is installed on the first limiting member 191, the second electrical connector 17 is further limited and installed on the bracket body by connecting the second limiting member 192 to the first limiting member 191.

[93] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the ice-making device 1 further includes a head disposed within the housing 103. Exemplarily, the head may be detachably connected to the housing 103 using a snap-fit structure. The snap-fit structure includes, but is not limited to, a claw-and-groove mating structure. When the ice-making device 1 is a dual ice-making device 1 with dual heads, one side of the first ice-making component 101 and one side of the second ice-making component 102 are respectively provided with a protrusion 1111 extending downward from the support frame 11, and the protrusion 1111 is provided with the second electrical connector. When the ice-making device 1 is a dual ice-making device 1 with a single head or a single ice-making device 1 with a single head, only one side of the ice-making component 10 needs to be provided with a protrusion 1111 extending downward from the support frame 11 for installing the second electrical connector.

[94] Referring to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the sliding member 12 includes the slide rail 121. The slide rail 121 includes a sliding portion 1212 and a guide portion 1213. The sliding mating member 13 includes a mating track 135. The mating track 135 includes a track portion 1351 and a limiting portion 1352. The sliding portion 1212 is in sliding fit with the track portion 1351. The guide portion 1213 is configured to contact the limiting portion 1352 when the sliding portion 1212 is in sliding fit with the track portion 1351. Thus, during the sliding process of the slide rail 121, if the slide rail collides with the mating track 135 and becomes stuck or jammed, the cooperation between the guide portion 1213 and the limiting portion 1352 can facilitate guiding the slide rail 121 to the correct direction. Exemplarily, the sliding portion 1212 and the track portion 1351 may include planar structures, i.e., the sliding portion 1212 is a sliding surface, and the track portion 1351 is a track surface. In another example, one of the sliding portion 1212 and the track portion 1351 includes a rib-like structure disposed on a planar structure. Friction during sliding can thereby be reduced, and the sliding process can be made smoother. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the track portion 1351 includes a rib-like structure disposed on a planar structure.

[95] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the guide portion 1213 includes a guide surface 12131 formed at an initial end of the slide rail 121, and a guide rib 12132 gradually extending from the guide surface 12131 along a length direction of the slide rail 121. Thus, when the slide rail 121 just slides into the mating track 135, the cooperation between the guide surface 12131 and the limiting portion 1352 can first achieve a primary guide. As the slide rail 121 gradually advances, the cooperation between the guide rib 12132 and the limiting portion 1352 achieves a secondary guide, which can improve the accuracy of the direction after guiding. In one embodiment, the slide rail 121 further includes a protruding rib 1214 disposed below the sliding portion 1212. A side of the track portion 1351 is formed with a track side wall 13511 for cooperating with the protruding rib 1214, for assisting the guide portion 1213 to provide more accurate guidance. Exemplarily, the track side wall 13511 and the protruding rib 1214 are in clearance fit to reduce friction.

[96] It should be noted that the number of protruding ribs 1214 may be one or more, and the plurality of protruding ribs 1214 are arranged at intervals in the sliding-in direction (X direction). To improve the stability of the cooperation between the protruding rib 1214 and the track side wall 13511, the protruding rib 1214 should have a certain thickness in the sliding-in direction (X direction), for example, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, etc.

[97] Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the slide rail 121 includes a starting end 1211 and a terminal end 1210 located on opposite sides along the length direction. A width of the starting section is less than a width of the terminal end 1210. The mating track 135 includes an inlet end 1353 and a stop end 1354 located on opposite sides along the sliding-in direction. A width of the inlet end 1353 is greater than a width of the stop end 1354, and is also greater than the width of the starting section of the slide rail 121 and the width of the terminal end 1210. The insertion precision required during the insertion process of the slide rail 121 into the mating track 135 can thereby be reduced, improving insertion efficiency. In one embodiment, the slide rail 121 further includes a weight-reducing structure 1215, such as a weight-reducing groove, to facilitate a lightweight design.

[98] In one embodiment, the ice-making device 1 further includes an ice storage container located below the ice-making component 10, for storing ice cubes made by the ice-making component 10. In one embodiment, the ice-making device 1 further includes an ice detection rod installed on the ice-making component 10, for detecting whether the ice storage container is full of ice cubes. Since the ice-making process and the ice-making principle of the ice-making device 1 belong to existing known technology, they will not be described in detail here.

[99] The foregoing are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

[100] With the development of technology, ice makers, as common refrigeration appliances, are being used more and more widely. The basic principle of an ice maker is to inject an appropriate amount of liquid water into the ice maker, perform a certain degree of pre-cooling, solidify the liquid water into ice cubes under the action of a refrigerant medium, and then carry out ice harvesting to deliver the formed ice cubes into an ice storage box for storage, making it convenient for users to access. However, most existing ice makers have a complex assembly method with a refrigerator, resulting in high production difficulty, high processing costs, and inconvenience for users in disassembling, repairing, and cleaning the ice maker.

[101] The present application also provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator, which allow flexible assembly and disassembly of the ice-making device from the refrigerator.

[102] As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the present application provides a refrigerator 1601, including a cabinet device 1610, a compressor 1620, a condenser 30, an evaporator 40, and an expansion valve 50. The cabinet device 1610 includes a cabinet assembly 1611, a freezing compartment 1613, a refrigerating compartment 1614, and a door assembly 1612. The freezing compartment 1613 and the refrigerating compartment 1614 are respectively disposed within the cabinet assembly 1611. The door assembly 1612 includes a first door 1612a and a second door 1612b. The first door 1612a is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 1611 to open or close the freezing compartment 1613. The second door 1612b is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 1611 to open or close the freezing compartment 1613. The compressor 1620, the condenser 30, the evaporator 40, and the expansion valve 50 are respectively disposed on the cabinet assembly 1611, and at least a part of the evaporator 40 is disposed within the freezing compartment 1613.

[103] With reference to FIG. 18, when the refrigerator 1601 operates, the compressor 1620 outputs high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 30. The condenser 30 condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve 50 for expansion and throttling, further reducing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, and low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out from the expansion valve 50 to the evaporator 40. The low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous refrigerant within the evaporator 40. At least a part of the evaporator 40 is disposed within the freezing compartment 1613, so that the refrigerant absorbs a large amount of heat from the inside of the freezing compartment 1613 during the evaporation process, thereby lowering the temperature in the freezing compartment 1613, facilitating the freezing of items in the freezing compartment 1613 and realizing the refrigeration of the refrigerator 1601. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 40 is replenished back to the compressor 1620, forming a refrigerant circuit. In this way, the refrigerant continuously circulates in the refrigerant circuit to maintain the freezing environment of the freezing compartment 1613 (e.g., below -1 °C.).

[104] Referring back to FIG. 17, an air duct 1615 is provided between the refrigerating compartment 1614 and the freezing compartment 1613, facilitating the delivery of a portion of the cold air from the freezing compartment 1613 to the refrigerating compartment 1614 via the air duct 1615, to lower or maintain the low-temperature environment of the refrigerating compartment 1614 (e.g., 2° C. to 8°C.).

[105] As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, along a height direction (Z-axis direction) of the refrigerator 1601, the freezing compartment 1613 is disposed below the refrigerating compartment 1614. The refrigerator 1601 further includes a first fan (not labeled) disposed on the cabinet assembly 1611. An air inlet end or an air outlet end of the first fan is in communication with the air duct 1615, for delivering a portion of the cold air from the freezing compartment 1613 into the refrigerating compartment 1614.

[106] In some embodiments, an outer side wall of the freezing compartment 1613 is covered with an insulation layer (not shown) to isolate the evaporator 40 from the compressor 1620 and the condenser 30. The refrigerator 1601 further includes an air-cooled heat dissipation assembly (not shown) disposed on the cabinet assembly 1611, and the air-cooled heat dissipation assembly can at least dissipate heat from the condenser 30.

[107] In some embodiments, the cabinet assembly 1611 further includes a fresh-keeping compartment disposed in the cabinet assembly 1611. Along the height direction of the refrigerator 1601, the fresh-keeping compartment is disposed between the refrigerating compartment 1614 and the freezing compartment 1613.

[108] Furthermore, to meet the user's demand for using ice cubes, as shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 1601 further includes an ice-making device 60 for making ice cubes. The ice-making device 60 includes an ice-making component 100 and a liquid injection component 200. The ice-making component 100 includes an ice tray 110 disposed in the freezing compartment 1613. The liquid injection component 200 is used for injecting liquid required for making ice cubes into the ice tray 110.

[109] As shown in FIG. 19, in one example, the liquid injection component 200 includes a liquid storage container 210 and a liquid injection tube 220. The liquid storage container 210 is disposed in the refrigerating compartment 1614. One end of the liquid injection tube 220 communicates with the liquid storage container 210, and along the height direction of the refrigerator 1601, the other end of the liquid injection tube 220 is disposed above the ice tray 110.

[110] Optionally, the liquid injection component 200 further includes an on-off valve (not shown). The on-off valve is disposed on at least one of the liquid storage container 210 and the liquid injection tube 220, for opening the liquid injection component 200 to inject liquid into the ice tray 110, or closing the liquid injection component 200. Additionally, in some embodiments, the liquid injection component 200 may further include a water connection assembly for connecting to an external liquid injection tube 220.

[111] As shown in FIG. 19, in some embodiments, the ice tray 110 is rotatably disposed within the freezing compartment 1613 and has a liquid receiving state and an ice dumping state. The icemaking component 100 further includes a drive assembly 120 and an ice storage container 130. The drive assembly 120 is disposed in the freezing compartment 1613 for driving the ice tray 110 to switch between the liquid receiving state and the ice dumping state. Along the height direction of the refrigerator 1601, the ice storage container 130 is disposed below the ice tray 110. Thus, the ice storage container 130 can receive ice cubes dumped by the ice tray 110.

[112] It should be noted that the ice tray 110 and the drive assembly 120 can be directly or indirectly disposed within the freezing compartment 1613.

[113] In some embodiments, the first door 1612a of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 19 is opened and not shown, and the second door 1612b is in a closed state. The liquid storage container 210 is disposed on the second door 1612b. Thus, the liquid storage container 210 is stored in the refrigerating compartment via the second door 1612b, facilitating the user to take and place the liquid storage container 210. In some embodiments, ice water can also be provided for the user.

[114] Thus, in addition to the functions of freezing, refrigerating, and preserving food, the refrigerator 1601 can also have functions such as making ice cubes and providing ice water for users, meeting the usage needs of people, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the refrigerator 1601 product.

[115] However, conventional ice makers are usually installed on the left and right side walls of the freezing compartment. That is, a portion of the ice maker near the left side of the freezing compartment needs to be connected to the left side wall of the freezing compartment via a connecting member, and a portion of the ice maker near the right side of the freezing compartment needs to be connected to the right side wall of the freezing compartment via a connecting member. Since the ice maker needs to be connected to both the left side wall and the right side wall of the freezing compartment simultaneously, the volume of the ice maker needs to be expanded as much as possible along the left-right direction of the freezing compartment 1613, which excessively occupies the freezing space within the freezing compartment 1613, and the volume of the ice maker needs to be infinitely expanded along the left-right direction of the freezing compartment 1613, making it inconvenient to use.

[116] Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in some embodiments, an ice-making component 100 is provided, including a bearing assembly 140 fixed to the freezing compartment 1613. The bearing assembly 140 includes an ice maker housing body 16141 and a support frame 16142 fixed to the freezing compartment 1613 for suspending the ice maker housing body 16141. The ice tray 110 is rotatably disposed on the ice maker housing body 16141, and the drive assembly 120 is fixedly disposed on the ice maker housing body 16141. Thus, by integrating the ice tray 110 and the drive assembly 120 via the bearing assembly 140, the ice-making component 100 can be modularly assembled within the freezing compartment 1613, which is beneficial for improving the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator 1601.

[117] It should be noted that since the inner liner of the cabinet device 1610 of the refrigerator 1601 is mostly a non-flat surface, a support frame 16142 detachably connected to the ice maker housing body 16141 is introduced into the refrigerator 1601. On one hand, the support frame 16142 can increase the connection area between the ice maker and the cabinet device 1610, improving connection stability. On the other hand, the support frame 16142 can allow the ice maker housing body 16141 to be placed as horizontally as possible to avoid liquid leakage after water is injected into the ice tray 110.

[118] In some embodiments, the ice-making component 100 may include a plurality of ice makers. As an example, when the ice-making component 100 includes two ice makers, the two ice makers can be arranged side by side. The ice maker housing bodies 16141 of the two ice makers are detachably disposed on the support frame 16142. Wherein, either of the two ice maker housing bodies 16141 can be independently detachably connected to the support frame 16142. Of course, the two ice maker housing bodies 16141 can also be connected as one piece and be detached together from the support frame 16142. At the same time, according to the customer's ice-making needs, the ice-making component 100 may also include one ice maker housing body 16141, or, if the size of the freezing space in the freezing compartment 1613 permits, the ice maker can also be provided with three, or four. Correspondingly, the ice maker housing bodies 16141 are also provided as three, four, etc. Furthermore, each ice maker can make ice cubes of different sizes and / or shapes by adjusting the shape and / or size of the ice grids in the ice tray 110, to meet the diverse needs of customers for ice cubes. Correspondingly, to facilitate production and processing, the structure and size of each ice maker housing body 16141 can all be set to the same specification for batch production, and for replacement and repair.

[119] Referring to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the ice maker housing body 16141 is provided with a first connection structure 143, and the support frame 16142 is provided with a second connection structure 144. The first connection structure 143 and the second connection structure 144 are detachably connected. Exemplarily, one of the first connection structure 143 and the second connection structure 144 may be a snap-fit member, such as a snap tab, and the other may be a snap-fit mating member, such as a slot. Of course, the specific forms of the first connection structure 143 and the second connection structure 144 are not limited to this.

[120] In other words, the above embodiments install the ice maker housing body 16141 on the top wall 13a of the freezing compartment 1613 via the support frame 16142, rather than directly connecting the ice maker housing body 16141 to the left and right side walls of the freezing compartment 1613. Therefore, the volume of the ice maker housing body 16141 does not need to be infinitely expanded along the left-right direction of the freezing compartment 1613; the volume only needs to be appropriately expanded to meet the user's ice consumption demand. This not only reduces the occupation of the internal freezing space of the freezing compartment 1613 of the refrigerator 1601 by the ice maker housing body 16141, but also facilitates the adaptation of the ice maker housing body 16141 for installation in different models of refrigerators 1601, providing stronger versatility. At the same time, the detachable connection of the ice maker housing body 16141 and the support frame 16142 also facilitates the disassembly of the ice maker housing body 16141, thereby facilitating its cleaning, maintenance, or replacement.

[121] It should be noted that the support frame 16142 mentioned herein may be a plate-shaped structure with a certain thickness, a frame structure, etc., and its specific form is not particularly limited.

[122] Continuing to refer to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the first connection structure 143 includes a slide rail 143a and a support rail 143b that are spaced apart. The second connection structure 144 includes an inclined section 144a and a horizontal section 144b. Optionally, the inclined section 144a and the horizontal section 144b are alternately connected. The inclined section 144a gradually inclines upward along a sliding-in direction of the first connection structure 143 until the inclined section 144a connects with the horizontal section 144b.

[123] The installation process of the ice maker housing body 16141 and the support frame 16142 is as follows: first, the starting end of the slide rail 143a is placed on a first inclined section 144a. The ice maker housing body 16141 is gradually pushed forward in the X direction, and the slide rail 143a sequentially contacts the horizontal section 144b and the inclined section 144a until the slide rail 143a is installed in place. After the first connection structure 143 and the second connection structure 144 are slidably fitted in place, one side surface of the horizontal section 144b abuts against the slide rail 143a, and the other side surface of the horizontal section 144b abuts against the support rail 143b. Thus, the push-fit installation of the ice maker housing body 16141 and the support frame 16142 is completed.

[124] Referring to FIG. 22 to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the ice maker housing body 16141 includes a first electrical connector 145, and the support frame 16142 includes a second electrical connector 146. When the first connection structure 143 and the second connection structure 144 are slidably fitted in place, a plug position of one of the first electrical connector 145 and the second electrical connector 146 corresponds to a socket position of the other. Thus, when the ice maker housing body 16141 and the support frame 16142 are slid in the X direction, the plugging of the first electrical connector 145 and the second electrical connector 146 can be completed simultaneously, improving installation efficiency.

[125] In the related art, to improve the installation stability between the support frame and the ice maker housing body, a locking structure is usually provided between the two. Most existing locking structures are implemented via a knob, i.e., a knob is provided on the ice maker housing body, and a locking portion cooperating with the knob is provided on the support frame. The support frame and the ice maker housing body are disassembled and locked by rotating the knob. However, the structure of the knob and the locking portion is complex, has a high failure rate, and is prone to the risk of omission of installation, resulting in high cost. At the same time, when the knob and the locking portion are locked, they occupy a large space, increasing the volume of the ice maker housing body, requiring a larger installation space in the refrigerator, and resulting in poor versatility.

[126] Referring to FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, in some embodiments, the support frame 16142 is provided with a first limiting portion 1421. The ice maker housing body 16141 includes a first shell 16141a and a second shell 16141b fixedly disposed on the first shell 16141a and forming a cavity with the first shell 16141a. The first shell 16141a includes a fixing portion 1411 connected to the second shell 16141b, and a second limiting portion 1412 connected to the fixing portion 1411 and engaged with the first limiting portion 1421. Pressing the second limiting portion 1412 drives the second limiting portion 1412 to move along a depth direction 16141c of the cavity to achieve separation of the ice maker housing body 16141 from the support frame 16142.

[127] It should be noted that the support frame 16142 has a first installation portion and a second installation portion fixedly provided on the first installation portion. The first installation portion is used for connecting the support frame 16142 to an inner liner of the refrigerator 1601, and the second installation portion is used for detachably connecting the support frame 16142 to the ice maker housing body 16141. Optionally, the second installation portion of the hanging unit faces the ice maker housing body 16141, and the first limiting portion 1421 on the support frame 16142 is disposed on the second installation portion.

[128] The first shell 16141a is used for assembling the second limiting portion 1412, to achieve detachable connection between the ice maker housing body 16141 and the support frame 16142 through the engagement and disengagement of the first limiting portion 1421 and the second limiting portion 1412. The second shell 16141b is used for carrying other components of the ice maker housing body 16141, such as the drive assembly 120, the ice tray 110, etc. At the same time, the cavity formed by the ice maker housing body 16141 is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, so that the refrigerator 1601 can cool the liquid water carried by the ice tray 110 within the ice maker to form ice cubes. Furthermore, the cavity formed by the ice maker housing body 16141 can prevent air with other odors or impurities from the refrigerator 1601 from entering the ice maker housing body 16141, to avoid affecting the taste and purity of the ice cubes.

[129] When disassembling the ice maker housing body 16141 from the support frame 16142, the user only needs to press the second limiting portion 1412 along the depth direction 16141c of the cavity to disengage the second limiting portion 1412 from the first limiting portion 1421, unlocking the ice maker housing body 16141 from the support frame 16142. Afterwards, the user can pull the ice maker housing body 16141 to move in the length direction 141d of the cavity to detach the ice maker housing body 16141 from the support frame 16142, and thus remove the ice maker housing body 16141 from the refrigerator 1601. Optionally, the first limiting portion 1421 and the second limiting portion 1412 are installed on a side of the ice maker housing body 16141 facing the user, facilitating the pressing operation by the user.

[130] Referring to FIG. 27 to FIG. 29, in some embodiments, to facilitate the processing of the first limiting portion 1421 and the second limiting portion 1412, the first limiting portion 1421 includes at least one locking portion 1421a. The second limiting portion 1412 includes a pressing portion connected to the fixing portion 1411, and a mating portion 1412a fixedly disposed on the pressing portion and engaged with the locking portion 1421a. A force is applied to the pressing portion along the depth direction 16141c of the cavity to drive the mating portion 1412a to disengage from the locking portion 1421a. Optionally, one of the locking portion 1421a and the mating portion 1412a is a groove, and the other is a protrusion embedded in the groove.

[131] In some embodiments, to facilitate unlocking the mating portion 1412a from the locking portion 1421a, the pressing portion includes a connecting portion 1412b that is connected to the fixing portion 1411 and has elasticity, and an operating portion 1412c fixedly disposed on the connecting portion 1412b. At least a part of the operating portion 1412c protrudes from the first shell 16141a along the length direction 141d of the cavity. The mating portion 1412a is fixedly disposed on the connecting portion 1412b.

[132] That is, the connection between the operating portion 1412c and the fixing portion 1411 is an elastic connection, such that when the user presses the operating portion 1412c along the depth direction 16141c of the cavity, the connecting portion 1412b between the operating portion 1412c and the fixing portion 1411 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing the operating portion 1412c to drive the mating portion to move relative to the fixing portion 1411 along the depth direction 16141c of the cavity, thereby detaching the mating portion 1412a from the locking portion 1421a. Moreover, when the user releases the pressure on the operating portion 1412c, the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 1412b between the operating portion 1412c and the fixing portion 1411 recovers, allowing the mating portion 1412a to move in a direction opposite to the depth direction 16141c of the cavity and thus engage with the locking portion 1421a, achieving locking of the mating portion 1412a with the locking portion 1421a.

[133] Optionally, the connecting portion 1412b may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material with good elasticity or ductility.

[134] At the same time, where the installation space for the ice maker in the refrigerator 1601 permits, the operating portion 1412c can be arranged to protrude from the first shell 16141a along the length direction 141d of the cavity, facilitating the user to apply force to press the operating portion 1412c.

[135] Referring to FIG. 28, in some embodiments, to increase the force application area of the user on the operating portion 1412c to achieve a labor-saving effect, the operating portion 1412c is configured as an arc-shaped structure, and a convex surface of the arc-shaped structure faces a wall surface of the first relief portion 1413.

[136] In some embodiments, to facilitate the user to install the ice maker housing body 16141 on the support frame 16142, the mating surface between the locking portion 1421a and the mating portion 1412a includes a first inclined surface 1417. A side of the first inclined surface 1417 close to the operating portion 1412c protrudes relative to a side of the first inclined surface 1417 away from the operating portion 1412c.

[137] It should be noted that when the user installs the ice maker housing body 16141, to save operation space, the user pushes the ice maker housing body 16141 into the refrigerator 1601 along the length direction 141d of the cavity. At this time, the first inclined surface 1417 can guide the mating body, such that the mating body automatically engages with the locking portion 1421a during the user's pushing process of the ice maker housing body 16141.

[138] In some embodiments, to facilitate reminding the user that the mating portion 1412a and the locking portion are already in an engaged state, a wall surface of the connecting portion 1412b fixedly disposed between the operating portion 1412c and the mating portion 1412a is provided with a third limiting portion. The support frame 16142 is provided with a fourth limiting portion cooperating with the third limiting portion, such that when the mating portion 1412a is engaged with the locking portion 1421a, the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion press against each other. Optionally, the third limiting portion protrudes outward from the cavity. The third limiting portion includes a second inclined surface 1418. A side of the second inclined surface 1418 connected to the operating portion 1412c protrudes relative to a side of the second inclined surface 1418 connected to the mating portion 1412a. The fourth limiting portion may be a rib protruding into the cavity. When the mating portion 1412a is engaged with the locking portion 1421a, the rib of the fourth limiting portion presses against the second inclined surface 1418 to remind the user that the mating portion 1412a and the locking portion are already in an engaged state.

[139] In some embodiments, when the mating portion 1412a is engaged with the locking portion 1421a, the fourth limiting portion and the third limiting portion can also cooperate to generate a prompt sound, to remind the user that the mating portion 1412a and the locking portion are already in an engaged state.

[140] In some embodiments, to reduce the volume of the ice maker housing body 16141, the second shell 16141b includes a first relief portion 1413 accommodating the operating portion 1412c. There is at least a spacing set along the depth direction 16141c of the cavity between a wall surface of the first relief portion 1413 and a wall surface of the operating portion 1412c. The first relief portion 1413 accommodates the operating portion 1412c to reduce the space occupied by the second limiting portion 1412 along the length direction 16141d of the cavity, thereby reducing the volume of the ice maker housing body 16141. Furthermore, a spacing is provided between the wall surface of the first relief portion 1413 and the wall surface of the operating portion 1412c to avoid motion interference. Simultaneously, to avoid assembly errors, a spacing may also be provided between the first relief portion 1413 and the operating portion 1412c along the width direction 16141e of the cavity. Optionally, the first relief portion 1413 is configured as a U-shaped groove.

[141] Referring to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, in some embodiments, to improve the convenience for the user to disassemble the ice maker housing body 16141, the second shell 16141b includes a first assembly portion 1414 fixedly disposed on the first shell 16141a, and a second assembly portion 1415 fixedly disposed on the first assembly portion 1414 and forming the cavity with the first assembly portion 1414. The first assembly portion 1414 includes a first side portion 1414a and a second side portion 1414b spaced apart from the first side portion 1414a along the width direction 16141e of the cavity. The first relief portion 1413 is disposed on the first assembly portion 1414, and a distance from the first relief portion 1413 to the first side portion 1414a is greater than a distance from the first relief portion 1413 to the second side portion 1414b. A wall surface of the second assembly portion 1415 connected to the second side portion 1414b is provided with a second relief portion 1416.

[142] Optionally, since the space for installing the ice maker housing body 16141 in the refrigerator 1601 is limited, to save space, the second relief portion 1416 is configured as a notch. The second relief portion 1416 extends along the length direction 16141d of the cavity.

[143] It should be noted that the second relief portion 1416 is disposed on a side of the second shell 16141b close to the second side portion 1414b, to shorten a distance between the first relief portion 1413 and the second relief portion 1416, allowing the user to operate with one hand when disassembling the ice maker housing body 16141. The distance between the first relief portion 1413 and the second relief portion 1416 conforms to ergonomic design.

[144] When the user disassembles the ice maker housing body 16141 with one hand, the four fingers of the user's single hand extend into the second relief portion 1416, and the thumb presses the operating portion 1412c to unlock the ice maker housing body 16141 from the support frame 16142. At the same time, the user's four fingers curl to grip the second relief portion 1416 and apply force along the length direction 16141d of the cavity, allowing the ice maker housing body 16141 to be detached from the support frame 16142 with one hand.

[145] Optionally, to enhance the user's grip comfort, a wall surface of the notch has an arc.

[146] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise structures described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

[147] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other, but must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement. When the combination of technical solutions results in mutual contradiction or impossibility of implementation, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope claimed by the present application. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[148] To enrich the functions of the refrigerator, manufacturers have adopted a method of forming an ice-making module using the freezing layer of an air conditioner, thereby providing the user with an ice-making function and broadening the application scenarios of the refrigerator.

[149] In the related art, in common refrigerators, a single ice-making module is often established to save space. The size and capacity of the ice cubes made are relatively fixed. For some narrow-mouth cups, it is difficult to directly put the ice cubes in, which is not conducive to improving the user experience. At the same time, only one type of ice cube can be produced at a time, and the quantity produced is limited, which is not conducive to meeting user needs. Refrigerators with ice-making modules can usually only produce ice cubes of a single size, which is not suitable for various application scenarios and is not conducive to optimizing the user experience.

[150] The present application provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator. The ice-making device in the present application facilitates making ice cubes of different sizes, improving user experience. At the same time, through air volume control, the time for making large-capacity ice cubes is improved, the large ice cube making speed is increased, while the time for making smallcapacity ice cubes is slowed down, allowing small ice cubes to be fully cooled, and improving the quality of small-capacity ice cube making.

[151] As shown in FIG. 30 to FIG. 33, the present application provides a refrigerator 3001, including a cabinet device 3010, a compressor 3020, a condenser 3030, an evaporator 3040, and an expansion valve 3050. The cabinet device 3010 includes a cabinet assembly 3011, a freezing compartment 3013, a refrigerating compartment 3014, and a door assembly 3012. The freezing compartment 3013 and the refrigerating compartment 3014 are respectively disposed within the cabinet assembly 3011. The door assembly 3012 includes a first door 3012a and a second door 3012b. The first door 3012a is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 3011 to open or close the freezing compartment 3013. The second door 3012b is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 3011 to open or close the freezing compartment 3013. The compressor 3020, the condenser 3030, the evaporator 3040, and the expansion valve 3050 are respectively disposed on the cabinet assembly 3011, and at least a part of the evaporator 3040 is disposed within the freezing compartment 3013.

[152] As shown in FIG. 32, the refrigerator 3001 further includes an ice-making device 3060. The ice-making device 3060 is installed within the cabinet assembly 3011. The ice-making device 3060 includes: an ice-making component 30100, a liquid injection component 30200, a refrigeration system 300, and an air delivery duct 400.

[153] Referring back to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, an air delivery duct 400 is provided between the refrigerating compartment 3014 and the freezing compartment 3013, facilitating the delivery of a portion of the cold air from the freezing compartment 3013 to the refrigerating compartment 3014 via the air delivery duct 400, to lower or maintain the low-temperature environment of the refrigerating compartment 3014 (e.g., 2°C. to 8°C.).

[154] The refrigeration system 300 is used for generating cooling capacity. The air delivery duct 400 communicates with the refrigeration system 300, so that the air delivery duct 400 delivers the cooling capacity. As shown in FIG. 34, the air delivery duct 400 at least includes a first air supply duct 410 and a second air supply duct 420. The ice-making component 30100 includes a first ice tray 30111 and a second ice tray 30112. The first ice tray 30111 communicates with the first air supply duct 410 (a flow direction of the cold air volume is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 32). The second ice tray 30112 communicates with the second air supply duct 420. The liquid injection component 30200 communicates with the ice-making component 30100 to deliver a liquid to be frozen to the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112. A cold air volume of the first air supply duct 410 is greater than a cold air volume of the second air supply duct 420. A capacity of the first ice tray 30111 is greater than a capacity of the second ice tray 30112.

[155] It can be understood that, referring back to FIG. 32, the compressor 3020, the condenser 3030, the evaporator 3040, and the expansion valve 3050 combine to form the refrigeration system 300. When the refrigerator 3001 operates, the compressor 3020 outputs high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 3030. The condenser 3030 condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve 3050 for expansion and throttling, further reducing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, and low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out from the expansion valve 3050 to the evaporator 3040. The low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gaseous refrigerant within the evaporator 3040. At least a part of the evaporator 3040 is disposed within the freezing compartment 3013, so that the refrigerant absorbs a large amount of heat from the inside of the freezing compartment 3013 during the evaporation process, thereby lowering the temperature in the freezing compartment 3013, facilitating the freezing of items in the freezing compartment 3013 and realizing the refrigeration of the refrigerator 3001. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 3040 is replenished back to the compressor 3020, forming a refrigerant circuit. In this way, the refrigerant continuously circulates in the refrigerant circuit to maintain the freezing environment of the freezing compartment 3013 (e.g., below -1°C.).

[156] Referring back to FIG. 34, after the refrigeration system 300 generates cooling capacity, the cooling capacity is respectively delivered to the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 through the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420. The cold air volume of the first air supply duct 410 is greater than the cold air volume of the second air supply duct 420, and the capacity of the first ice tray 30111 is greater than the capacity of the second ice tray 30112, so that the capacity of ice cubes made by the first ice tray 30111 is greater than the capacity of ice cubes made by the second ice tray 30112. To achieve the same freezing effect per unit time, the cooling capacity required by the first ice tray 30111 needs to be greater than the cooling capacity required by the second ice tray 30112. Thus, through the cooperation of the cooling capacity difference between the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420, rapid cooling of the first ice tray 30111 is facilitated, improving the cooling effect. Furthermore, the differentiated distribution of cooling capacity can slow down the ice-making speed of the second ice tray 30112, facilitating the second ice tray 30112 to be fully cooled and frozen, thereby improving the icemaking effect.

[157] As shown in FIG. 31, in some embodiments, along a height direction of the refrigerator 3001, the freezing compartment 3013 is disposed below the refrigerating compartment 3014. The refrigerator 3001 further includes a first fan (not labeled) disposed on the cabinet assembly 3011. An air inlet end or an air outlet end of the first fan communicates with an air duct for delivering a portion of the cold air from the freezing compartment 3013 into the refrigerating compartment 3014.

[158] It should be noted that the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 can be formed as a single ice grid, or multiple ice grids, which is not particularly limited herein. At the same time, the capacity of ice cubes made by the first ice tray 30111 being greater than the capacity of ice cubes made by the second ice tray 30112 can be reflected in the difference in total quantity of single ice cubes of the same size (i.e., the number of ice cubes made by the first ice tray 30111 is greater than the number of ice cubes made by the second ice tray 30112), or in the difference in size of ice cubes of the same quantity (i.e., the size of ice cubes made by the first ice tray 30111 is larger than the size of ice cubes made by the second ice tray 30112), etc.

[159] In some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 32, the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 include a plurality of small ice grids arranged at intervals, wherein the size of the small ice grids of the first ice tray 30111 is larger than the size of the small ice grids of the second ice tray 30112, so that the first ice tray 30111 forms large ice cubes and the second ice tray 30112 forms small ice cubes.

[160] It should be noted that the adjustment of the cold air volumes of the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420 can be achieved by controlling the flow rate of the ducts via a control valve, or by controlling the air volume through structural improvements.

[161] Specifically, in one specific implementation, referring back to FIG. 34 and also to FIG. 35, the refrigeration system 300 includes a refrigeration unit 310, and a first air outlet and a second air outlet disposed on the refrigeration unit 310. The first air outlet communicates with the first air supply duct 410, so that the cooling capacity communicates with the first ice tray 30111 through the first air outlet. The second air outlet communicates with the second air supply duct 420, so that the cooling capacity communicates with the second ice tray 30112 through the second air outlet. A cross-sectional area of the first air outlet is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second air outlet. Thus, the cold air volumes of the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420 can be reduced by changing the cross-sectional areas of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, which is simple in structure, convenient to set, and beneficial for improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, compared to control via a control valve, the control by improvement in the area difference in a simple structure is more stable, reduces power consumption, and is beneficial for achieving energy saving.

[162] In another specific implementation, the refrigeration system 300 includes two sets of refrigeration units 310. The two sets of refrigeration units 310 are respectively a first refrigeration unit communicating with the first air supply duct 410 and a second refrigeration unit communicating with the second air supply duct. The cold air volumes of the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420 are differentially controlled by the refrigeration difference between the first refrigeration unit and the second refrigeration unit. Thus, it is beneficial to ensure the stability of the wind speed of the output air volume, improve the adequacy of heat exchange, and improve the quality of ice making.

[163] Combined with any of the above embodiments of the ice-making component 30100, to improve the quality of ice making, as shown in FIG. 36, the ice-making component 30100 further includes at least one set of bearing assemblies 30140. The first ice tray 30111 includes a first ice tray body and at least one first opening disposed on the first ice tray body. The second ice tray 30112 includes a second ice tray body and at least one second opening disposed on the second ice tray body. The at least one set of bearing assemblies 30140 includes a first bearing assembly 30141 covering the first opening and a second bearing assembly 30142 covering the second opening. Thus, by providing the bearing assemblies 30140, contamination of the ice cubes in the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 by the first air supply duct 410 and the second air supply duct 420 can be reduced, improving the cleaning performance of ice making.

[164] Further, in a specific implementation, referring back to FIG. 36 and also to FIG. 37, the first air supply duct 410 communicates with the first ice tray 30111 through the first bearing assembly 30141. The second air supply duct 420 communicates with the second ice tray 30112 through the second bearing assembly 30142. It should be noted that the cooperation manner between the first bearing assembly 30141 and the first air supply duct 410 can be, but is not limited to, plug-in connection, and can also be socket connection or welding, etc., which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, the cooperation between the bearing assembly 30140 and the first ice tray 30111 or the second ice tray 30112 forms an air duct fit, which is simple in design and convenient for processing.

[165] Additionally, referring back to FIG. 34, the ice-making component 30100 further includes at least one set of snap-fit assemblies 150. The at least one set of snap-fit assemblies 150 includes a first snap-fit assembly 30151 fixedly connected to the first ice tray 30111 and a second snap-fit assembly 152 fixedly connected to the second ice tray 30112. The first ice tray 30111 is snap-fit connected to the first bearing assembly 30141 via the first snap-fit assembly 30151. The second ice tray 30112 is snap-fit connected to the second bearing assembly 30142 via the second snap-fit assembly 152. Thus, the snap-fit connection between the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 and the bearing assembly 30140 is realized through the snap-fit assemblies 150, improving the fixing effect while facilitating disassembly.

[166] In one example, the snap-fit assembly 150 includes a snap-fit arm, the bearing assembly 30140 is provided with a slot hole, and one end of the snap-fit arm snaps into the slot hole to achieve fixing. Thus, the design of the snap-fit arm is simple and occupies little space, which is beneficial for improving space utilization.

[167] To improve the ice cube receiving effect, in some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the ice-making component 30100 further includes at least one set of ice storage containers 30130 and at least one set of connection assemblies 160. The at least one set of ice storage containers 30130 includes a first ice storage container and a second ice storage container. The at least one set of connection assemblies 160 includes a first connection assembly and a second connection assembly. The first ice storage container is detachably connected to the first ice tray 30111 via the first connection assembly. The second ice storage container is detachably connected to the second ice tray 30112 via the second connection assembly. The first connection assembly is fixedly connected to the first snap-fit assembly 30151. The second connection assembly is fixedly connected to the second snap-fit assembly 152. It can be understood that the ice storage container 30130 can store ice cubes falling from the ice grids, and the provision of the first ice storage container and the second ice storage container allows for classification of ice cubes, facilitating user selection. At the same time, by arranging the connection assembly 160 between the ice storage container 30130 and the snap-fit assembly 150, the ice storage container 30130 can be fixedly connected to the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112, as well as the bearing assembly 30140, and can be detachably connected, facilitating the extraction of ice cubes.

[168] It should be noted that the connection manner between the connection assembly 160 and the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 can be plug-in connection, snap-fit connection, magnetic attraction, etc., which is not particularly limited herein.

[169] To improve the heat exchange and ice making effect, in a specific implementation, referring to FIG. 38, at least one of the first bearing assembly 30141 and the second bearing assembly 30142 is provided with an air deflector 30143, so that at least a part of the cooling capacity flows through the air deflector 30143 to the first ice tray 30111 and / or the second ice tray 30112. Specifically, the air deflector 30143 may be connected to the first bearing assembly 30141 or the second bearing assembly 30142 by bending. Thus, the cold air volume can be guided to the surfaces of the first ice tray 30111 and / or the second ice tray 30112 via the air deflector 30143, accelerating the freezing speed of the liquid to be frozen in the first ice tray 30111 and / or the second ice tray 30112, improving ice making efficiency.

[170] Furthermore, in another specific implementation, referring back to FIG. 38, at least one of the first bearing assembly 30141 and the second bearing assembly 30142 may also be provided with a liquid guide member 30144. The liquid guide member 30144 is fixedly connected to the air deflector 30143, so that liquid droplets on the first bearing assembly 30141 and / or the second bearing assembly 30142 flow along the liquid guide member 30144 into the first ice tray 30111 and / or the second ice tray 30112. It can be understood that cold air easily liquefies when the cold air encounters a temperature side with a temperature difference, condensing in the air duct and interfering with the cold air. However, by providing the liquid guide member 30144, the liquefied droplets can be guided to the first ice tray 30111 or the second ice tray 30112.

[171] It should be noted that the liquid guide member 30144 and the air deflector 30143 can be separately manufactured and fixedly connected by welding, bonding, etc., or can be integrally manufactured, which is not particularly limited herein.

[172] In some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 34, the liquid injection component 30200 includes a liquid injection tube 30220 and a liquid pump 230. The liquid pump 230 is used for providing the liquid to be frozen to the liquid injection tube 30220. The liquid injection component 30200 further includes a first liquid injection tube, a second liquid injection tube, a first control valve 223, and a second control valve 224. The first liquid injection tube is communicatively disposed between the liquid pump 230 and a first liquid storage chamber 30211. The second liquid injection tube is communicatively disposed between the liquid pump 230 and a second liquid storage chamber 30212. The first control valve 223 is disposed on the first liquid injection tube to adjust a flow rate of the liquid to be frozen flowing from the first liquid injection tube to the first liquid storage chamber 30211. The second control valve 224 is disposed on the second liquid injection tube to adjust a flow rate of the liquid to be frozen flowing from the second liquid injection tube to the second liquid storage chamber 30212. Thus, unlike controlling the liquid pump 230 by switching the liquid pump 230 on and off, controlling via a control valve is more stable and avoids the reduction in operating life caused by repeatedly switching the liquid pump 230 on and off.

[173] It should be noted that the liquid guide member 30144 can be, but is not limited to, a liquid guide baffle, and can also be a protrusion or other structure, which is not particularly limited herein.

[174] To further improve the automation level of the ice-making device 3060, in some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 34, the ice-making device 3060 further includes a control assembly 240 communicatively connected to the first control valve 223 and the second control valve 224, and a liquid measurement assembly 250. The liquid measurement assembly 250 is used for measuring the capacities of the liquid to be frozen in the first liquid storage chamber 30211 and the second liquid storage chamber 30212. The control assembly 240 adjusts the first control valve 223 and the second control valve 224 based on the capacities of the liquid to be frozen, to control the solution capacities of the first liquid storage chamber 30211 and the second liquid storage chamber 30212. It can be understood that the capacities of the liquid to be frozen in the first liquid storage chamber 30211 and the second liquid storage chamber 30212 are measured by the liquid measurement assembly 250, the control assembly 240 receives the capacities of the liquid to be frozen, and compares the capacities of the liquid to be frozen with a preset range. When the capacity of the liquid to be frozen is less than the preset range, the opening of the first control valve 223 or the second control valve 224 is increased to increase the capacities of the liquid to be frozen in the first liquid storage chamber 30211 and the second liquid storage chamber 30212. When the capacity of the liquid to be frozen is greater than the preset range, the first control valve 223 or the second control valve 224 is closed.

[175] Specifically, in one example, referring back to FIG. 34, the liquid measurement assembly 250 includes at least two liquid level gauges. The at least two liquid level gauges are respectively disposed in the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112 to detect liquid level data of the first ice tray 30111 and the second ice tray 30112. The control assembly 240 obtains the capacities of the liquid to be frozen based on the liquid level data.

[176] In another example, the liquid measurement assembly 250 includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor is used for measuring the solution depths of the first liquid storage chamber 30211 and the second liquid storage chamber 30212 to obtain the capacities of the liquid to be frozen.

[177] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that terms such as “center”, “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, “axial”, “radial”, “circumferential” and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the present application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[178] Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second” and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined by “first”, “second”, etc. may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such feature. In the description of the present application, “a plurality of” means at least two, for example two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

[179] In the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as “mounted”, “connected”, “coupled”, “fixed” and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may be internal communication between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise expressly defined. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application according to specific circumstances.

[180] In the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature being “on” or “under” a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being “above”, “over”, or “on top of” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature has a higher horizontal level than the second feature. A first feature being “below”, “under”, or “beneath” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature has a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[181] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed to”, “disposed on”, “fixedly provided on” or “mounted on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element present at the same time.

[182] The various technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, all such combinations should be considered as falling within the scope of the present specification.

[183] The foregoing are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. The above-disclosed technical contents may be utilized to make slight changes or modifications to obtain equivalent implementations of equivalent variations; however, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present application without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, comprising:an ice-making component and a support frame for installing the ice-making component; the icemaking component comprises a first ice-making component and a second ice-making component; the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component is detachably disposed on the support frame.

2. The ice-making device according to claim 1, wherein the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component comprises a sliding member, and the support frame comprises a sliding mating member; the sliding mating member wraps around an outer side of the sliding member and is in sliding fit with the sliding member.

3. The ice-making device according to claim 2, wherein the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component comprises a housing and the sliding member disposed on the housing; the sliding members are respectively disposed on sides of the housing of the first ice-making component and the housing of the second ice-making component that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other; a projection of a region between two sliding members on a same ice-making component onto a horizontal plane is located within a projection of a respective housing onto the horizontal plane.

4. The ice-making device according to claim 3, wherein the support frame comprises a first bracket body and a second bracket body connected to the first bracket body; the sliding mating members are respectively disposed on sides of the first bracket body and the second bracket body that are close to each other and on the other sides that are away from each other; positions of the sliding mating members correspond to positions of the sliding members.

5. The ice-making device according to claim 4, wherein the sliding member is formed by extending outward from a side wall of the housing; the sliding mating member is formed by extending outward from an edge of the first bracket body and / or the second bracket body.

6. The ice-making device according to claim 4, wherein the housing of the first ice-making component is provided with an anti-retreat portion and a pressing portion that are connected; the first bracket body is provided with an anti-retreat mating member cooperating with the anti-retreat portion; the anti-retreat portion is capable of abutting against the anti-retreat mating member in a first state to restrict the first ice-making component from retreating relative to the support frame; the pressing portion is capable of being moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion from the anti-retreat mating member;and / or, the housing of the second ice-making component is provided with an anti-retreat portion and a pressing portion that are connected; the second bracket body is provided with an anti-retreat mating member cooperating with the anti-retreat portion; the anti-retreat portion is capable of abutting against the anti-retreat mating member in a first state to restrict the second ice-making component from retreating relative to the support frame; the pressing portion is capable of being moved by an external force away from the anti-retreat mating member in a second state to separate the anti-retreat portion from the anti-retreat mating member.

7. The ice-making device according to claim 6, wherein the anti-retreat portion comprises a support surface and a stop rib disposed on the support surface; the pressing portion comprises a connecting end and a pressing end, the connecting end is connected to the support surface, and the pressing end is disposed protruding outward from the housing.

8. The ice-making device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding mating member comprises a first inclined section and a first horizontal section, and the first inclined section gradually inclines upward along a sliding-in direction of the sliding member until the first inclined section connects with the first horizontal section.

9. The ice-making device according to claim 8, wherein the sliding mating member further comprises a second inclined section and a second horizontal section; one end of the second inclined section is connected to the first horizontal section, and the other end gradually inclines upward along the sliding-in direction of the sliding member until the other end connects with the second horizontal section.

10. The ice-making device according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member comprises a slide rail and a support rail that are spaced apart; after the sliding member and the sliding mating member are slidably fitted in place, a side surface of the first horizontal section and / or the second horizontal section abuts against the slide rail, and the other side surface of the first horizontal section abuts against the support rail.

11. The ice-making device according to claim 10, wherein an abutment length at a position where the slide rail abuts against the side surface of the first horizontal section is not less than one quarter of an overall length of the first horizontal section, and not greater than the overall length of the first horizontal section;and / or, an abutment length at a position where the slide rail abuts against the side surface of the second horizontal section is not less than one quarter of an overall length of the second horizontal section, and not greater than the overall length of the second horizontal section.

12. The ice-making device according to claim 10, wherein a starting end of the slide rail is provided with a chamfer, an inclined surface of the chamfer and an end surface of the starting end transition smoothly; and / or, a thickness of the slide rail is greater than a thickness of the support rail.

13. The ice-making device according to claim 10, wherein the support rail comprises a first support plane and a second support plane, a height of the first support plane is less than a height of the second support plane; the first support plane and the second support plane are connected via a support inclined surface.

14. The ice-making device according to claim 9, wherein the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component comprises a first electrical connector, and the support frame comprises a second electrical connector; when the sliding member slides to an initial position of the first horizontal section or the second horizontal section, a plug position of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector corresponds to a socket position of the other.

15. The ice-making device according to claim 14, wherein when the sliding member slides along the sliding-in direction to a preset position of the first horizontal section or the second horizontal section, the plug of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is automatically plugged into the socket of the other.

16. The ice-making device according to claim 14, wherein the first ice-making component and / or the second ice-making component comprises a housing and a first limiting structure disposed on the housing, and the first electrical connector is detachably connected to the first limiting structure; and / or, the support frame comprises a bracket body and a second limiting structure disposed on the bracket body, and the second electrical connector is detachably connected to the second limiting structure.

17. The ice-making device according to claim 1, wherein the ice-making component is suspendedon the support frame.

18. The ice-making device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding member comprises a slide rail, the slide rail comprises a sliding portion and a guide portion; the sliding mating member comprises a mating track, the mating track comprises a track portion and a limiting portion; the sliding portion is in sliding fit with the track portion, and the guide portion is configured to contact the limiting portion when the sliding portion is in sliding fit with the track portion.

19. The ice-making device according to claim 18, wherein the guide portion comprises a guide surface formed at an initial end of the slide rail, and a guide rib gradually extending from the guide surface along a length direction of the slide rail.

20. The ice-making device according to claim 18, wherein the slide rail further comprises a protruding rib disposed below the sliding portion, and a side of the track portion is formed with a track side wall for cooperating with the protruding rib.

21. The ice-making device according to claim 1, wherein the support frame comprises a first limiting portion; andthe ice-making component comprises at least one ice maker housing body, the ice maker housing body comprises a first shell and a second shell fixedly disposed on the first shell and forming a cavity with the first shell, the first shell comprises a fixing portion connected to the second shell, and a second limiting portion connected to the fixing portion and engaged with the first limiting portion, and pressing the second limiting portion drives the second limiting portion to move along a depth direction of the cavity to achieve separation of the ice maker housing body from the support frame.

22. The ice-making device according to claim 21, wherein the first limiting portion comprises at least one locking portion, and the second limiting portion comprises a pressing portion connected to the fixing portion, and a mating portion fixedly disposed on the pressing portion and engaged with the locking portion;one of the locking portion and the mating portion is a groove, and the other is a protrusion embedded in the groove, and pressing the pressing portion along the depth direction of the cavity drives the mating portion to disengage from the locking portion.

23. The ice-making device according to claim 22, wherein the pressing portion comprises a connecting portion connected to the fixing portion and having elasticity, and an operating portion fixedly disposed on the connecting portion, at least a part of the operating portion protrudes from the first shell along a length direction of the cavity, and the mating portion is fixedly disposed on the connecting portion.

24. The ice-making device according to claim 23, wherein a mating surface between the locking portion and the mating portion comprises a first inclined surface, and a side of the first inclined surface close to the operating portion protrudes relative to a side of the first inclined surface away from the operating portion.

25. The ice-making device according to claim 24, wherein a wall surface of the connecting portion fixedly disposed between the operating portion and the mating portion is provided with a third limiting portion, the support frame is provided with a fourth limiting portion cooperating with the third limiting portion, such that when the mating portion is engaged with the locking portion, the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion press against each other.

26. The ice-making device according to claim 25, wherein the third limiting portion comprises a second inclined surface, and a side of the second inclined surface connected to the operating portionprotrudes relative to a side of the second inclined surface connected to the mating portion.

27. The ice-making device according to claim 26, wherein the second shell comprises a first relief portion accommodating the operating portion, and there is at least a spacing set along the depth direction of the cavity between a wall surface of the first relief portion and a wall surface of the operating portion.

28. The ice-making device according to claim 27, wherein the operating portion is configured as an arc-shaped structure, and a convex surface of the arc-shaped structure faces a wall surface of the first relief portion.

29. The ice-making device according to claim 27, wherein the second shell comprises a first assembly portion fixedly disposed on the first shell, and a second assembly portion fixedly disposed on the first assembly portion and forming the cavity with the first assembly portion;the first assembly portion comprises a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from the first side portion along a width direction of the cavity, the first relief portion is disposed on the first assembly portion, and a distance from the first relief portion to the first side portion is greater than a distance from the first relief portion to the second side portion;a wall surface of the second assembly portion connected to the second side portion is provided with a second relief portion.

30. The ice-making device according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the first shell further comprises a first connection structure, and the support frame comprises a second connection structure detachably connected to the first connection structure.

31. The ice-making device according to claim 1, wherein the ice-making device further comprises, a refrigeration system, configured to generate a cooling capacity; andan air delivery duct, communicating with the refrigeration system, so that the air delivery duct delivers the cooling capacity; the air delivery duct at least comprises a first air supply duct and a second air supply duct;wherein the ice-making component comprises a first ice tray and a second ice tray; the first ice tray communicates with the first air supply duct; the second ice tray communicates with the second air supply duct;the ice-making device further comprises:a liquid injection component, communicating with the ice-making component to deliver a liquid to be frozen to the first ice tray and the second ice tray;wherein a cold air volume of the first air supply duct is greater than a cold air volume of the second air supply duct; and a capacity of the first ice tray is greater than a capacity of the second ice tray.

32. The ice-making device according to claim 31, wherein the refrigeration system comprises a refrigeration unit, and a first air outlet and a second air outlet disposed on the refrigeration unit; the first air outlet communicates with the first air supply duct, so that the cooling capacity communicates with the first ice tray through the first air outlet; the second air outlet communicates with the second air supply duct, so that the cooling capacity communicates with the second ice tray through the second air outlet; wherein a cross-sectional area of the first air outlet is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second air outlet.

33. The ice-making device according to claim 32, wherein the ice-making component further comprises at least one set of snap-fit assemblies and at least one set of bearing assemblies; the first ice tray comprises a first ice tray body and at least one first opening disposed on the first ice tray body; the second ice tray comprises a second ice tray body and at least one second opening disposedon the second ice tray body;the at least one set of snap-fit assemblies comprises a first snap-fit assembly fixedly connected to the first ice tray and a second snap-fit assembly fixedly connected to the second ice tray; the at least one set of bearing assemblies comprises a first bearing assembly covering the first opening and a second bearing assembly covering the second opening;the first air supply duct communicates with the first ice tray through the first bearing assembly; the second air supply duct communicates with the second ice tray through the second bearing assembly; the first ice tray is snap-fit connected to the first bearing assembly via the first snap-fit assembly; and the second ice tray is snap-fit connected to the second bearing assembly via the second snap-fit assembly.

34. The ice-making device according to claim 33, wherein the ice-making component further comprises at least one set of ice storage containers and at least one set of connection assemblies; the at least one set of ice storage containers comprises a first ice storage container and a second ice storage container; the at least one set of connection assemblies comprises a first connection assembly and a second connection assembly; the first ice storage container is detachably connected to the first ice tray via the first connection assembly; the second ice storage container is detachably connected to the second ice tray via the second connection assembly; wherein the first connection assembly is fixedly connected to the first snap-fit assembly; and the second connection assembly is fixedly connected to the second snap-fit assembly.

35. The ice-making device according to claim 33, wherein at least one of the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly is provided with an air deflector, so that at least a part of the cooling capacity flows through the air deflector to the first ice tray and / or the second ice tray.

36. The ice-making device according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly is provided with a liquid guide member, the liquid guide member is fixedly connected to the air deflector, so that liquid droplets on the first bearing assembly and / or the second bearing assembly flow along the liquid guide member into the first ice tray and / or the second ice tray.

37. The ice-making device according to claim 31, wherein the liquid injection component comprises a liquid pump, a liquid injection tube, a first liquid storage chamber, and a second liquid storage chamber; the liquid pump is configured to provide the liquid to be frozen to the liquid injection tube; the liquid injection tube further comprises a first liquid injection tube, a second liquid injection tube, a first control valve, and a second control valve; the first liquid injection tube is communicatively disposed between the liquid pump and the first liquid storage chamber; the second liquid injection tube is communicatively disposed between the liquid pump and the second liquid storage chamber; the first control valve is disposed on the first liquid injection tube to adjust a flow rate of the liquid to be frozen flowing from the first liquid injection tube to the first liquid storage chamber; and the second control valve is disposed on the second liquid injection tube to adjust a flow rate of the liquid to be frozen flowing from the second liquid injection tube to the second liquid storage chamber.

38. The ice-making device according to claim 37, wherein the ice-making device further comprises a control assembly communicatively connected to the first control valve and the second control valve, and a liquid measurement assembly; the liquid measurement assembly is configured to measure capacities of the liquid to be frozen in the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, and the control assembly adjusts the first control valve and the second control valve based on the capacities of the liquid to be frozen, to control solution capacities of the firstliquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber.

39. The ice-making device according to claim 38, wherein the liquid measurement assembly comprises at least two liquid level gauges, and the ice-making device further comprises a first liquid storage chamber configured for supplying liquid to the first liquid injection tube, and a second liquid storage chamber configured for supplying liquid to the second liquid injection tube; the liquid pump is configured to supply liquid to the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber; the at least two liquid level gauges are respectively configured to detect liquid level data of the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber; and the control assembly obtains the capacities of the liquid to be frozen based on the liquid level data.

40. A refrigerator, comprising a freezing compartment, wherein a top wall of the freezing compartment is provided with the ice-making device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

41. The refrigerator according to claim 40, wherein the support frame comprises a bracket body and a flange circumferentially arranged around the bracket body; the top wall of the freezing compartment is provided with a mounting opening; the bracket body is inserted through the mounting opening, and the flange abuts against an edge portion of the top wall located at the mounting opening.

42. The refrigerator according to claim 40, wherein a front side of the freezing compartment is provided with an opening for installing a door body; and an end of the top wall close to the opening is provided with a recessed portion recessed into the freezing compartment.

43. The refrigerator according to claim 42, wherein the sliding mating member comprises a first inclined section and a first horizontal section, the first inclined section gradually inclines upward along a sliding-in direction of the sliding member until the first inclined section connects with the first horizontal section; and a height of a highest point of the first inclined section is lower than a height of a lowest point of the recessed portion.

44. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet device and the ice-making device according to any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the cabinet device has a freezing compartment, the support frame is fixedly disposed on an inner wall of the freezing compartment, and the ice maker housing body is detachably connected to the support frame.

45. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet assembly and the ice-making device according to any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the ice-making device is installed within the cabinet assembly.

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