An ice maker and a refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses an ice maker and a refrigerator. The ice maker comprises an ice making mechanism, a first ice storage box and an ice conveying mechanism. The ice making mechanism is used for making and outputting ice cubes. The first ice storage box is used for storing the ice cubes. The ice conveying mechanism comprises a first driving assembly, a carrier and an ice removing part. The first driving assembly drives the carrier to move between a first position and a second position. The ice removing part is arranged at the second position. When the carrier moves to the first position, the carrier can receive the ice cubes output by the ice making mechanism. When the carrier moves to the second position, the ice removing part pushes the ice cubes carried by the carrier into the first ice storage box. The ice maker can prevent the ice cubes from being stuck on the carrier during the conveying process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of home appliances, and in particular relates to an ice maker and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators are common household appliances used in daily life, mainly for keeping fruits, vegetables and other foods fresh at low temperatures.

[0003] In related technologies, refrigerators also include ice makers to produce ice for users. The ice produced by the ice maker often needs to be transported through multiple mechanisms to reach the user. However, the ice can easily get stuck during transport within the ice maker, thus affecting its normal operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an ice maker and a refrigerator, which makes it less likely for ice cubes to get stuck during the transport process within the ice maker.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ice maker, comprising:

[0006] An ice-making machine, used to produce and output ice blocks;

[0007] The first ice storage box is used to store ice; and

[0008] An ice transport mechanism includes a first drive assembly, a carrier, and an ice removal component. The first drive assembly drives the carrier to move between a first position and a second position, and the ice removal component is disposed at the second position.

[0009] When the vehicle moves to the first position, the vehicle is able to receive the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism;

[0010] When the vehicle moves to the second position, the de-icing component pushes the ice blocks carried by the vehicle into the first ice storage box.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator, including an ice maker as described above.

[0012] Optionally, the refrigerator further includes:

[0013] The enclosure, which includes a refrigeration compartment; and

[0014] The cabinet door is rotatably connected to the cabinet body to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0015] The ice-making mechanism, the first ice storage box, and the ice transport mechanism are installed in the refrigeration room. The first ice storage box is located above the ice-making mechanism. The ice maker also includes a distributor, which is installed on the door. The distributor can rotate with the door to connect or disconnect with the outlet of the first ice storage box, so that the distributor can receive and output ice blocks supplied by the first ice storage box.

[0016] In this embodiment, the ice transport mechanism can transport the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism to the first ice storage box via a carrier, and then push the ice blocks carried on the carrier into the first ice storage box via an ice-removing component. Based on this, on the one hand, the ice-removing component can prevent ice blocks from getting stuck on the carrier during transport and being unable to be discharged normally; on the other hand, compared to placing the ice-removing component in other locations such as the carrier, this embodiment can also avoid the ice-removing component occupying space on the carrier, thus reducing the carrier's carrying capacity, and avoid the ice-removing component interfering with the carrier receiving the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism, thereby affecting the ice transport operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The technical solution and its beneficial effects will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of some parts of the ice maker.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the ice conveying mechanism of the ice maker moving to different positions on the casing.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the carrier of the ice maker shown.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The image shows an exploded view of the ice conveying mechanism and part of the casing of the ice maker.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first ice storage box of the ice maker shown.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 2A magnified view of part X of the ice maker shown.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0027] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of some parts of the dispenser of the ice maker shown.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of some parts of the dispenser along the CC direction.

[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the water supply device.

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the water supply device of the ice maker shown.

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the outer casing of the ice maker shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] This application provides an ice maker, which can be used in refrigerators, other household appliances, or industrial equipment. The ice maker can also be used independently; this application does not limit its use in this regard. Taking the ice maker's application in a refrigerator as an example, the refrigerator can be a double-door refrigerator, a single-door refrigerator, or a three-door refrigerator; this application does not limit its use in this regard.

[0034] Below, we will take the application of an ice maker to a refrigerator as an example to give a general explanation and description of the refrigerator.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1The image shows a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along the AA direction. The refrigerator may include a body 100 and a door 200. The body 100 has refrigeration compartments 11, such as a freezer compartment 111, a refrigerator compartment 112, or a wide-range variable temperature compartment. The door 200 is rotatably mounted on the body 100 to open or close the refrigeration compartments 11. In this case, the ice maker 300 may be located inside the refrigeration compartment 11, or it may be located on the door 200. Alternatively, the ice maker 300 may be partially located inside the refrigeration compartment 11 and partially located on the door 200. Of course, the ice maker 300 may also be externally located on the surface of the body 100; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0036] Below, we will continue to provide examples of some structures of the ice maker 300 in the embodiments of this application to further explain and illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of some parts of an ice maker. Figure 4 for Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the ice-carrying mechanism of the ice maker moving to different positions on the casing. Figure 3 As shown, the ice maker 300 may include an ice-making mechanism 31, a first ice storage box 32, and an ice-discharging mechanism 33. The ice-making mechanism 31 is used to produce and output ice cubes. The first ice storage box 32 is used to store ice cubes. Figure 4 As shown, the ice conveying mechanism 33 includes a first drive assembly 331, a carrier 332, and an ice-removing component 335. The first drive assembly 331 drives the carrier to move between a first position and a second position. The ice-removing component 335 is disposed at the second position. When the carrier 332 moves to the first position, it can receive ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 31. When the carrier 332 moves to the second position, the ice-removing component 335 pushes the ice blocks carried by the carrier 332 into the first ice storage box 32.

[0038] On the one hand, the present application embodiment can prevent ice blocks from getting stuck on the carrier 332 and being unable to be discharged normally during transportation by using the de-icing component 335; on the other hand, the present application embodiment can also avoid the de-icing component 335 occupying the space of the carrier 332 and reducing the carrying capacity of the carrier 332, and avoid the de-icing component 335 interfering with the carrier 332 when receiving the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 31, thereby affecting the transportation operation of the ice blocks.

[0039] The ice-making mechanism 31 may include an ice tray for holding water used to make ice and freezing it into ice cubes. The ice-making mechanism 31 may also include a torsion motor that drives the ice tray to rotate, allowing the ice tray to rotate and pour out the formed ice cubes. Alternatively, the ice-making mechanism 31 may also include a fork that can rotate to push out the formed ice cubes; this embodiment of the application does not limit this aspect.

[0040] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the carrier of the ice maker. To reduce the contact area between the carrier 332 and the ice it carries, the side of the carrier 332 used to carry the ice can be provided with perforations 33223. This makes it less likely for the ice to stick to the bearing surface of the carrier 332 after melting; at the same time, it also makes the carrier 332 lighter.

[0041] The number of perforated holes 33223 can be one or more, such as two, three, four, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The perforated holes 33223 can be round holes, square holes, irregularly shaped holes, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0042] For example, the carrier 332 may include a connecting portion 33221 and a plurality of strip portions 33222. The plurality of strip portions 33222 protrude from the same side of the connecting portion 33221, such as the plurality of strip portions 33222 protruding from the side of the connecting portion 33221 away from the first ice storage box 32, so that the same side surface of the connecting portion 33221 and the plurality of strip portions 33222 forms the surface of the carrier 332 for carrying ice blocks, and a perforation 33223 is formed between two adjacent strip portions 33222.

[0043] To facilitate the discharge of ice blocks carried on the carrier 332, the surface of the carrier 332 used to carry the ice blocks may be provided with a raised structure to reduce the contact area between the carrier 332 and the ice blocks it carries, thereby making it less likely for the ice blocks to stick to the carrier 332's bearing surface after melting to a certain extent.

[0044] For example, the surface of the carrier 332 used to carry the ice block includes multiple smoothly connected curved surfaces, such as two, three, or four, which can form a continuous curved surface. The protruding portions of the continuous curved surface form the aforementioned protruding structure. It is understood that, compared to discontinuous curved surfaces, continuous curved surfaces can prevent the formation of steps on the upper surface of the carrier 332, which would cause the ice block to get stuck on the step surface and be unable to be pushed out normally.

[0045] The carrier 332 described above includes a connecting portion 33221 and a strip-shaped portion 33222. The continuous curved surface may include a first continuous curved surface and a second continuous curved surface. The upper surface of the connecting portion 33221 may form a first continuous curved surface, and the upper surface of each strip-shaped portion 33222 may form a second continuous curved surface as described above. Each second continuous curved surface and the first continuous curved surface may be smoothly connected.

[0046] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows an exploded view of the ice conveying mechanism and part of the housing of the ice maker. The ice-removing component 335 may include multiple ice-pushing parts 3351. Each ice-pushing part 3351 is positioned opposite a perforated hole 33223 so that the ice-pushing part 3351 can be inserted into the opposite perforated hole 33223. Specifically, along the direction from the first position to the second position, the ice-pushing parts 3351 are inclined towards the first ice storage box 32, so that when the carrier 332 moves towards the second position, the ice block carried by the carrier 332 can be pushed into the first ice storage box 32 by the ice-pushing parts 3351.

[0047] For example, taking the first position below the second position as an example, it can be understood that the ice-pushing part 3351 is inclined to the vertical direction, and the upper end of the ice-pushing part 3351 is inclined towards the first ice storage box 32 relative to the lower end. Therefore, during the upward movement of the carrier 332, the surface of the carrier 332 carrying the ice block will form an opening facing the first ice storage box 32 with the ice-pushing part 3351. As the carrier 332 continues to move upward, the volume of this space will gradually decrease, so that the ice block carried by the carrier 332 will be squeezed by the ice-pushing part 3351 and slide from the carrier 332 into the first ice storage box 32.

[0048] It is understandable that the de-icing component 335 can push the ice blocks out of the carrier 332 by the movement of the carrier 332. That is to say, the ice conveying mechanism 33 can drive the movement of the carrier 332 and complete the discharge of ice blocks from the carrier 332 through a first drive component 331. Therefore, compared with using two power devices to drive it separately, the embodiment of this application has the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing cost, and can also reduce the volume of the ice conveying mechanism 33, so that the ice maker 300 has more space for the first ice storage box 32 to store ice.

[0049] The ice-pushing part 3351 can be a straight plate or an arc-shaped plate, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0050] Of course, in some other embodiments, the de-icing component 335 may also include a de-icing motor disposed in a second position and a de-icing plate that is driven to drive the de-icing motor. The de-icing motor drives the de-icing plate to rotate (such as by rotation or linear motion) to push out the ice block carried by the carrier 332, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0051] The de-icing component 335 can be installed in various ways. For example, the de-icing component 335 can be installed on the first ice storage box 32 via a connector, or the de-icing component 335 can be installed on the first drive assembly 331 via a connector. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0052] For example, the ice maker 300 also includes a housing 34 having an ice-making cavity 341. The ice-making mechanism 31, the first ice storage box 32, and the ice-transporting mechanism 33 are disposed within the housing 34. Thus, the housing 34 can provide a certain degree of protection for the ice-making mechanism 31, the first ice storage box 32, and the ice-transporting mechanism 33, and can also reduce the melting of ice caused by heat exchange between the ice-making mechanism 31, the first ice storage box 32, and the ice-transporting mechanism 33 and the external environment.

[0053] At this time, the de-icing component 335 may be mounted on the housing 34. For example, the housing 34 includes a first inner wall that surrounds and forms an ice-making cavity 341. The first inner wall includes a first side wall 343 on which the first drive assembly 331 is mounted. The ice-making mechanism 31 and the first ice storage box 32 are located on the side of the first drive assembly facing away from the first side wall 343, and the de-icing component 335 is fixedly connected to the housing 34 and located between the first ice storage box 32 and the first side wall 343.

[0054] Given that the ice-pushing part 3351 is inclined to the vertical direction, it can be understood that the ice-pushing part 3351 is inclined from the first side wall 343 toward the first ice storage box 32 in the direction from bottom to top.

[0055] Correspondingly, the de-icing component 335 may also include a mounting body 3352, with all ice-pushing parts 3351 connected and fixed to the mounting body 3352. For example, the de-icing component 335 may be integrally molded by injection molding or other methods. The mounting body 3352 may be detachably connected to the top of the first inner wall by means of snap-fit, screw-fit, magnetic fixation, or other methods.

[0056] Please combine Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the carrier 332 is provided with a first ice outlet 3321 for discharging the ice it carries. In this case, to prevent ice from accidentally falling during the transport of ice by the carrier 332, the ice transport mechanism 33 may also include an ice baffle 333, which is movably connected to the carrier 332 to open or close the first ice outlet 3321. Thus, during the transport of ice by the carrier 332, the first ice outlet 3321 can be closed by the ice baffle 333 to prevent the ice carried on the carrier 332 from accidentally falling, and the first ice outlet 3321 can be opened by the ice baffle 333 when the carrier 332 needs to output ice to the first ice storage box 32, making the ice transport operation of the ice transport mechanism 33 more stable and reliable.

[0057] For example, the ice-blocking component 333 can be configured such that when the vehicle 332 is located at the first ice storage box 32, the ice-blocking component 333 moves to open the first ice outlet 3321. When the vehicle 332 moves away from the first ice storage box 32, the ice-blocking component 333 moves to close the first ice outlet 3321. Thus, on the one hand, during the movement of the vehicle 332 towards the first ice storage box 32, the ice-blocking component 333 can close the first ice outlet 3321 to prevent the ice blocks carried on the vehicle 332 from accidentally falling; on the other hand, when the vehicle 332 moves to the first ice storage box 32, the ice-blocking component 333 can open the first ice outlet 3321 so that the ice blocks in the vehicle 332 can be output into the first ice storage box 32.

[0058] The ice-blocking component 333 and the carrier 332 can be slidably connected in various ways. For example, the ice-blocking component 333 and the carrier 332 can be slidably connected, or they can be rotatably connected. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0059] Taking the sliding connection between the ice-blocking component 333 and the carrier 332 as an example, the ice-blocking component 333 can be slidably installed on the carrier 332 along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement of the carrier 332. In this case, taking the first direction as vertical as an example, the ice maker 300 needs to reserve sufficient space in the vertical direction for the carrier 332 to move. By sliding the ice-blocking component 333 on the carrier 332 in the vertical direction, the space occupied by the ice maker 300 in the vertical direction can be utilized effectively, allowing the ice maker 300 to be narrower in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, when the width of the ice maker 300 in the horizontal direction is fixed, sliding the ice-blocking component 333 on the carrier 332 in the vertical direction allows for a larger width of the first ice storage box 32 to increase its volume. Of course, the first direction can also be horizontal, or it can be inclined to the vertical direction; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ice block 333 may be provided with a hollow structure, which can reduce the contact area between the ice block 333 and the ice block carried by the carrier 332, thereby reducing the probability of ice block sticking to the ice block 333 and also reducing the weight of the ice block 333.

[0061] The ice transport mechanism 33 may also include an elastic element 334. The elastic element 334 is mounted on the carrier 332 and is used to drive the ice-blocking element 333 to move in the direction of closing the first ice outlet 3321. Thus, the elastic element 334 enables the automatic ice-blocking element 333 to automatically close the first ice outlet 3321.

[0062] Specifically, the elastic element 334 can be a tension spring, compression spring, torsion spring, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. Taking the elastic element 334 as a torsion spring as an example, the carrier 332 is also provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The annular part of the torsion spring is sleeved on the first protrusion for fixation, one elastic arm of the torsion spring abuts against the ice-blocking element 333, and the other elastic arm of the torsion spring abuts against the second protrusion. When the ice-blocking element 333 moves in the direction of opening the first ice outlet 3321, the torsion spring is compressed so that the torsion spring has an elastic restoring force that drives the ice-blocking element 333 to move in the direction of closing the first ice outlet 3321.

[0063] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the first ice storage box of the ice maker. A blocking member 321 may be protruding from the surface of the first ice storage box 32. When the carrier 332 moves to the first ice storage box 32, the blocking member 321 can abut against the ice-blocking member 333 to drive the ice-blocking member 333 to open the first ice outlet 3321. It is understood that compared to setting up additional power sources to drive the ice-blocking member 333, the ice maker 300 of this embodiment has a simpler structure, smaller overall size, and lower manufacturing cost.

[0064] The replaceable ice-blocking component 333 is driven by a motor, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, or other means.

[0065] Alternatively, the ice-blocking component 333 is gravity-driven, moving in the direction of closing the first ice outlet 3321. For example, the upper end of the ice-blocking component 333 along the direction of gravity can be rotatably connected to the carrier 332. When the ice-blocking component 333 is not subjected to external force, it flips downward under its own weight to close the first ice outlet 3321. When ice blocks on the carrier 332 are discharged from the first ice outlet 3321, the ice blocks push the ice-blocking component 333 upward to open the first ice outlet 3321.

[0066] The formation of the first ice outlet 3321 can occur in various ways. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the carrier 332 may include an ice-carrying plate 3322 and a wing plate 3323. The ice-carrying plate 3322 is used to carry ice blocks. The wing plate 3323 protrudes from the side surface of the ice-carrying plate 3322 used to carry ice blocks, such that the end of the wing plate 3323 away from the first side wall 343 and the ice-carrying plate 3322 form a first ice outlet 3321. Furthermore, when the ice-blocking member 333 closes the first ice outlet 3321, the ice-blocking member 333, the wing plate 3323, the ice-carrying plate 3322 and the first side wall 343 can form an upward-opening ice storage cavity, and the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 31 can fall directly into the ice storage cavity.

[0067] The following examples, using the first drive component 331 as a reference, will further explain and illustrate the technical solution of the ice transport mechanism 33 in this application embodiment.

[0068] The structure of the first drive assembly 331 can be varied. For example, the first drive assembly 331 can be a lead screw drive assembly, a gear and rack drive assembly, or a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric push rod, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first drive assembly 331 includes a guide rail 3311 and a drive unit 3312. One end of the guide rail 3311 is located in a first position, and the other end is located in a second position. At this time, the carrier 332 is slidably connected to the guide rail 3311. The drive unit 3312 is mounted on the carrier 332 and drives the carrier 332 to slide along the guide rail 3311, thereby enabling the first drive assembly 331 to allow the carrier 332 to move between the first position and the second position.

[0070] Specifically, the lower end of the guide rail 3311 is the first position, located below the ice-making mechanism 31. The upper end of the guide rail 3311 is the second position, located above the ice-making mechanism 31. When the carrier 332 moves to the first position, or rather, when the carrier 332 moves below the ice-making mechanism 31, the ice blocks discharged from the ice-making mechanism 31 can fall onto the carrier 332 under their own weight. Then, the carrier 332 can transport the ice blocks to the second position, so that the de-icing component 335 can push the ice blocks on the carrier 332 into the first ice storage box 32.

[0071] The guide rail 3311 can be installed in various ways. For example, the guide rail 3311 can be detachably connected to the housing 34 by means of snap-fit, screw-fit, magnetic fixation, etc.

[0072] like Figure 5As shown, the drive unit 3312 may include an ice-carrying motor 33121 and a first gear 33122. The ice-carrying motor 33121 can be mounted and fixed to the carrier 332. The output shaft of the ice-carrying motor 33121 is connected to the first gear 33122 to drive the first gear 33122 to rotate. The guide rail 3311 is formed with a rack 33111, and the first gear 33122 meshes with the rack 33111. Therefore, when the ice-carrying motor 33121 drives the first gear 33122 to rotate, the carrier 332 can slide along the guide rail 3311.

[0073] In some embodiments, in order to make the movement of the vehicle 332 more stable and smooth, the number of guide rails 3311 can be multiple, such as two, three, four, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0074] For example, the guide rail 3311 may include two rails, with each end of the carrier 332 slidably connected to one guide rail 3311 along its length. The drive unit 3312 may further include a transmission shaft 33123 and a second gear 33124. The first gear 33122 and the second gear 33124 are connected by the transmission shaft 33123 so that the first gear 33122 and the second gear 33124 can rotate synchronously. The first gear 33122 meshes with the rack 33111 of one guide rail 3311, and the second gear 33124 meshes with the rack 33111 of the other guide rail 3311. Thus, through the first gear 33122 and the second gear 33124, the moving speeds of the two ends of the carrier 332 can be made consistent, ultimately making the movement of the carrier 332 smoother.

[0075] The first ice storage box 32 may also be equipped with an ice-discharging screw 322, an ice-discharging motor 323, and an ice-discharging wheel 324. Both the first ice storage box 32 and the ice-discharging motor 323 can be mounted on the outer casing 34. The output shaft of the ice-discharging motor 323 is connected to one end of the ice-discharging screw 322, allowing the ice-discharging screw 322 to rotate under the drive of the ice-discharging motor 323. The ice-discharging screw 322 is located inside the first ice storage box 32, thus driving the ice blocks inside the first ice storage box 32 to move during its rotation. The ice-discharging wheel 324 is connected to the other end of the ice-discharging screw 322, enabling the ice-discharging screw 322 to push the ice blocks inside the first ice storage box 32 to the ice-discharging wheel 324, and simultaneously driving the ice-discharging wheel 324 to rotate. The ice-discharging wheel 324 can rotate to lift the ice blocks to a specific height and discharge them from the ice outlet of the first ice storage box 32.

[0076] The first ice storage box 32 may further include a first sensor, which is used to detect ice cubes inside the first ice storage box 32 to determine whether the first ice storage box 32 is full. The first sensor may include at least one of an infrared sensor, a laser rangefinder sensor, and a weight sensor, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0077] Please combine them together Figure 2 To improve the ice storage capacity of the ice maker 300, the ice maker 300 may also include a second ice storage box 39 for storing ice. The second ice storage box 39 is located on the lower side of the ice-making mechanism 31 along the direction of gravity, so that the ice discharged by the ice-making mechanism 31 can fall into the second ice storage box 39 under its own gravity.

[0078] At this time, the first ice storage box 32 can be set above the ice making mechanism 31. When the vehicle 332 moves up to the side of the first ice storage box 32, the ice blocks discharged by the ice making mechanism 31 can fall directly into the second ice storage box 39. When the vehicle 332 moves down to the lower side of the ice making mechanism 31, the ice blocks of the ice making mechanism 31 can be discharged onto the vehicle 332 and transported by the vehicle 332 to the first ice storage box 32.

[0079] The second ice storage box 39 may further include a second sensor, which is used to detect ice cubes inside the second ice storage box 39 to determine whether the second ice storage box 39 is full. The second sensor may include at least one of an infrared sensor, a laser rangefinder sensor, and a weight sensor, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0080] In addition, by cooperating with the second sensor and the first sensor, when the ice storage in the second ice storage box 39 reaches a preset value, the ice transport mechanism 33 transports the ice discharged by the ice making mechanism 31 to the first ice storage box 32; when the ice storage in the first ice storage box 32 reaches a preset value, the ice discharged by the ice making mechanism 31 falls directly into the second ice storage box 39.

[0081] Taking an ice maker 300 at least partially housed within a housing 100 as an example. The freezer compartment 111 is located below the refrigerator compartment 112, and the housing 100 has a first channel 12 connecting the freezer compartment 111 and the ice-making chamber 341. At this time, the outer shell 34 is located within the refrigerator compartment 112 and at the opening end of the first channel 12. Furthermore, the ice-making mechanism 31 is positioned above the first channel 12, and the second ice storage box 39 is positioned below the first channel 12, allowing the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 31 to pass through the first channel 12 and fall into the second ice storage box 39. It is understandable that, due to the extremely low temperature inside the freezer compartment 111, placing the second ice storage box 39 within the freezer compartment 111 allows the low temperature of the freezer compartment 111 itself to freeze and preserve the ice blocks in the second ice storage box 39, preventing them from melting and sticking together. Meanwhile, the ice-making mechanism 31 is located inside the cold storage compartment 112, which allows the second ice storage box 39 to be placed at a greater height in the direction of gravity or in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the ice storage capacity of the second ice storage box 39.

[0082] In addition, the freezing air in the freezer compartment 111 can be directly blown to the ice-making mechanism 31 through the first channel 12, so that the water in the ice-making mechanism 31 freezes to form ice blocks, making the overall structure of the refrigerator simpler.

[0083] The second ice storage box 39 may include a drawer disposed in the freezer compartment 111, allowing the user to pull the drawer out of the freezer compartment 111 to retrieve ice during use. Alternatively, the second ice storage box 39 may also automatically discharge ice via a screw or other component; this embodiment does not limit this approach.

[0084] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 2 The image shows a partial enlarged view of section X of the ice maker. The ice maker 300 may also include a dispenser 36. The dispenser 36 is mounted on the door 200 and can rotate to engage or disengage with the outlet of the first ice storage box 32, so that the dispenser 36 can receive and dispense ice supplied by the first ice storage box 32. Therefore, in addition to pulling the first ice storage box 32 out of the freezer compartment 111 to obtain ice, the user can also obtain ice directly through the dispenser 36 without opening the door 200.

[0085] The dispenser 36 may have a third housing 361, an ice-crushing mechanism 362, and a fourth housing 363. The third housing 361 has an ice-crushing chamber 3611 and an ice-inlet channel 3615 that are interconnected. The end of the ice-inlet channel 3615 away from the ice-crushing chamber 3611 can rotate with the door 200 to connect with the outlet of the first ice storage box 32, allowing ice discharged from the first ice storage box 32 to enter the ice-crushing chamber 3611 through the ice-inlet channel 3615. The ice-crushing mechanism 362 is used to discharge the ice in the ice-crushing chamber 3611 intact or chopped before discharge, so that the dispenser 36 can output whole ice or chopped ice to the user to meet different ice-taking needs. The fourth housing 363 has an ice-outlet channel 3631 communicating with the ice-crushing chamber 3611 for discharging the ice from the ice-crushing chamber 3611.

[0086] In this design, the ice inlet channel 3615 is inclined downwards along the direction of gravity, while the ice outlet channel 3631 is inclined upwards along the direction of gravity, closer to the ice crushing chamber 3611. This allows ice blocks discharged from the first ice storage box 32 to slide directly into the ice crushing chamber 3611 via the ice inlet channel 3615 under their own weight. Similarly, ice blocks within the ice crushing chamber 3611 can slide directly out of the chamber via the ice outlet channel 3631 under their own weight for the user to collect. This design ensures smoother movement of ice blocks within the dispenser 36, reducing the likelihood of blockages.

[0087] It should also be noted that, to prevent the outlet of the dispenser 36 from being too low, which would require users to bend over to retrieve ice, the height of the inlet of the ice inlet channel 3615 can be increased. Based on this, and considering that the first ice storage box 32 is located on the side of the ice-making mechanism 31 facing away from the second ice storage box 39, the height of the outlet of the first ice storage box 32 can be increased without increasing the overall volume of the ice-making mechanism 31, thereby correspondingly increasing the inlet height of the ice inlet channel 3615.

[0088] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 9 , Figure 9 for Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along the BB direction. To facilitate ice retrieval, the door 200 includes a first end 21 rotatably connected to the body 100. The distance between the outlet end of the ice inlet channel 3615 and the first end 21 is greater than the distance between the inlet end of the ice inlet channel 3615 and the first end 21. Furthermore, when the ice-making device is close to the first end 21 of the door 200, the ice crushing chamber 3611 can be offset towards a position closer to the center of the door 200, allowing the user to retrieve ice from the center of the door 200.

[0089] Specifically, to allow users to operate the dispenser 36 from the door 200 to retrieve ice, the door 200 also has an ice-retrieval trough 22 with an opening on its outer surface. The outlet of the dispenser 36 and the control component 364 are located inside the ice-retrieval trough 22, allowing users to retrieve ice from within the trough 22 using the outlet of the dispenser 36 and the control component 364. However, if the ice-crushing chamber 3611 is too close to the first end 21 of the door 200, the outlet of the dispenser 36 will also be too close to the first end 21. Consequently, the distance between the inner wall of the ice-retrieval trough 22 near the first end 21 and the outlet of the dispenser 36 will decrease, making it inconvenient for users to reach their hands into the ice-retrieval trough 22, or making it inconvenient to place larger containers such as glass bottles directly below the outlet of the dispenser 36. Therefore, it can be seen that by tilting the ice inlet channel 3615 towards the middle of the horizontal direction of the door 200, the user can more conveniently take ice through the dispenser 36 provided on the door 200.

[0090] For example, in combination Figure 8 The distributor 36 may further include a distribution channel 365, an ice outlet valve 366, and a water supply component. The distribution channel 365 passes through the side wall of the door 200 forming the ice collection trough 22, such that the outlet of the distribution channel 365 is located within the ice collection trough 22, thus forming the outlet of the distributor 36. Ice blocks in the ice outlet channel 3631 can be fed into the inlet of the distribution channel 365, allowing the ice blocks in the ice outlet channel 3631 to be discharged through the distribution channel 365. The ice outlet valve 366 is rotatably disposed between the ice crushing chamber 3611 and the inlet of the distribution channel 365, so that the ice crushing chamber 3611 and the distribution channel 365 are connected, or separated. The outlet of the water supply component is located within the distribution channel 365, allowing the water supply component to also supply water to the ice collection trough 22 through the distribution channel 365. Finally, the control component 364 can be an electronically controlled component that controls the ice dispensing valve 366 and the water supply component via electrical signals, or it can be a mechanically driven structure that controls the ice dispensing valve 366 and the water supply component via mechanical transmission. This embodiment of the application does not limit the specific type of control component 364. Furthermore, the user can use the control component 364 to dispense ice, water, or both simultaneously.

[0091] For example, the housing 100 may include a third inner wall to enclose a refrigeration chamber 11 that houses the outer casing 34. The outer casing 34 may be fitted against the side of the third inner wall near the first end 21 of the door 200. It is understood that if the outer casing 34 were positioned in the exact center of the refrigeration chamber 11, it would divide the refrigeration chamber 11 into two narrower sub-chambers, making it inconvenient to place larger items in either of these smaller sub-chambers. Therefore, positioning the outer casing 34 at the edge of the refrigeration chamber 11 allows for convenient storage of larger items, while simultaneously allowing the user to easily retrieve ice from the center of the door 200.

[0092] The distance from the center line of the outlet of the ice outlet channel 3631 to the first end 21 is greater than the distance from the center line of the inlet of the ice outlet channel 3631 to the first end 21, so that users can take ice from the box door 200 closer to the middle, thus making it easier for users to take ice.

[0093] At this time, when the ice-making mechanism 31 is close to the first end 21 of the door 200, the ice block can slide into the ice crushing chamber 3611 through the ice inlet channel 3615 and shift from the first end 21 of the door 200 towards the middle of the door 200. The ice block can also be discharged from the ice crushing chamber 3611 through the ice outlet channel 3631 and shift from the first end 21 of the door 200 towards the middle of the door 200 for the second time. This makes it easier for the user to take ice from the middle of the door 200.

[0094] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of some parts of the dispenser of the ice maker shown. Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of some parts of the dispenser along the CC direction. The ice-crushing mechanism 362 may include a rotating shaft 3621, an ice-crushing motor 3623, and an ice blade assembly 3622. The rotating shaft 3621 passes through the third housing 361. One end of the rotating shaft 3621 located outside the ice-crushing chamber 3611 is connected to the ice-crushing motor 3623, and the other end of the rotating shaft 3621 located inside the ice-crushing chamber 3611 is connected to the ice blade assembly 3622. This allows the ice-crushing motor 3623 to drive the ice blade assembly 3622 via the rotating shaft 3621, thereby causing the ice blade assembly 3622 to either completely discharge or shred and discharge the ice from the ice-crushing chamber 3611.

[0095] The ice skate assembly 3622 may include a movable ice skate and a fixed ice skate that are axially spaced along the rotating shaft 3621. The movable ice skate is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 3621. One end of the fixed ice skate is fixed to the third housing 361, and the other end of the fixed ice skate is sleeved on the rotating shaft 3621.

[0096] Taking the initial ice block entering the ice-crushing chamber 3611 from the ice inlet channel 3615 as an example, when the rotating shaft 3621 rotates clockwise or in the first direction, the moving ice blade can directly push the whole ice to the outlet channel 3631 for discharge, thus outputting the whole ice. When the rotating shaft 3621 rotates counterclockwise or in the second direction, the moving ice blade can first push the whole ice towards the fixed ice blade, so that the moving ice blade and the fixed ice blade work together to cut the whole ice into ice fragments, and then the moving ice blade continues to push the ice fragments so that the ice fragments are discharged from the outlet channel 3631.

[0097] In some embodiments, the third housing 361 includes a first inner wall surrounding and forming an ice crushing chamber 3611. The first inner wall includes a first bottom wall 3614 located below the weight direction of the ice crushing chamber 3611, and the first bottom wall 3614 is arranged horizontally. A pivot 3621 is perpendicularly inserted through the first bottom wall 3614, and the pivot 3621 is tractively connected to an ice blade assembly 3622 to drive the ice blade assembly 3622, so that the ice blade assembly 3622 pushes the ice blocks in the ice crushing chamber 3611 to rotate around the axis of the pivot 3621 and exit the ice crushing chamber 3611. At this time, compared with the side of the first bottom wall 3614 near the ice inlet channel 3615 being inclined downward in the weight direction, since the first bottom wall 3614 is horizontally arranged in this embodiment, the ice blocks on the first bottom wall 3614 do not need to overcome their own weight during rotation, so that the movement of the ice blocks in the ice crushing chamber 3611 is smoother.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first inner wall may further include a first top wall and a first annular wall 3612. The first top wall and the first bottom wall 3614 are disposed opposite each other along the direction of gravity. The first annular wall 3612 surrounds and connects between the first top wall and the first bottom wall 3614. Furthermore, the first top wall, the first annular wall 3612, and the first bottom wall 3614 can be jointly arranged to form an ice crushing chamber 3611. In this case, the outlet end of the ice inlet channel 3615 can be connected to the first annular wall 3612. Furthermore, ice blocks in the ice inlet channel 3615 can enter the ice crushing chamber 3611 from the side wall of the ice crushing chamber 3611. Of course, in some other embodiments, the outlet end of the ice inlet channel 3615 may also be connected to the first top wall, or the outlet end of the ice inlet channel 3615 may be partially connected to the first annular wall 3612 and partially connected to the first top wall. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0099] To allow the ice in the ice crushing chamber 3611 to be discharged, the first inner wall also has a second ice outlet 3613. The ice blade assembly 3622 can push the ice in the ice crushing chamber 3611 to rotate to the second ice outlet 3613 and discharge it from the ice crushing chamber 3611. At this time, the second ice outlet 3613 is at least partially located in the first annular wall 3612. This prevents the ice in the ice crushing chamber 3611 from generating centrifugal force due to the pushing of the ice blade assembly 3622, and from rotating around the first annular wall 3612 under the action of centrifugal force, thus preventing it from being discharged.

[0100] The second ice outlet 3613 can also be partially located on the first bottom wall 3614. Consequently, some ice blocks that are pushed by the ice blade assembly 3622 and rotate on the first bottom wall 3614 can be discharged from the part of the second ice outlet 3613 located on the first bottom wall 3614, so as to avoid some ice blocks being unable to be discharged in the ice crushing chamber 3611 or even causing blockage.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, the ice maker 300 may also include a water supply device 35. Both the housing 34 and the water supply device 35 are disposed within the refrigeration chamber 11, with the water supply device 35 mounted on the housing 34. The water supply device 35 is used to connect to an external water source. The water supply device 35 also interfaces with the ice-making mechanism 31 to supply the ice-making mechanism 31 with the water required for making ice.

[0102] Understandably, compared to separating the water supply device 35 and the outer casing 34, the internal structure of the cabinet 100 in this embodiment is more compact, thus saving storage space in the refrigeration compartment 11. Furthermore, because the water supply device 35 and the outer casing 34 are closer together, the water supply pipeline between the water supply device 35 and the ice-making mechanism 31 can be shorter or even eliminated altogether, making the water wiring in the refrigeration compartment 11 simpler and reducing the difficulty of refrigerator installation. In addition, by installing the water supply device 35 and the outer casing 34 within the refrigeration compartment 11, the water in the water supply device 35 can be pre-cooled within the refrigeration compartment 11, thereby increasing the ice-making speed of the ice-making mechanism 31.

[0103] The water supply device 35 can also be connected to the distributor 36 so that the distributor 36 can output the water supplied by the water supply device 35.

[0104] Therefore, without opening the refrigeration chamber 11, users can directly obtain water, ice, or both through the distributor 36 on the cabinet door 200. It is also understood that since the water in the distributor 36 is supplied by the water supply device 35, which is located inside the refrigeration chamber 11 for pre-cooling, users can directly obtain ice water (i.e., liquid water at a low temperature but not yet frozen) through the distributor 36.

[0105] For example, please continue to refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the water supply device. The water supply device 35 may include a water valve 351 and a water tank 352. The water valve 351 includes a first inlet 3511, a first outlet 3512, and a second outlet 3513. The first inlet 3511 is used to connect to an external water source. The first outlet 3512 is connected to an ice-making mechanism 31 to supply water to the ice-making mechanism 31. The water tank 352 is connected to the second outlet 3513 to contain the water supplied by the water valve 351, and the water tank 352 is connected to a distributor 36 to supply water to the distributor 36.

[0106] Then, tap water and other domestic water can be injected into the water supply device 35 through the first water inlet 3511. Then, the water valve 351 distributes the domestic water to the ice-making mechanism 31 or the water tank 352, so that the ice-making mechanism 31 can make ice or the distributor 36 can supply water.

[0107] It is also understandable that the water tank 352 can hold a certain amount of water and place it in the refrigeration room 11 for a sufficient time to form ice water. The ice-making mechanism 31 does not need to obtain the ice water from the water tank 352. This can prevent the ice-making mechanism 31 from drawing away the ice water in the water tank 352 when making ice, thus avoiding the situation where there is not enough ice water in the water tank 352 for the user to obtain from the distributor 36.

[0108] Alternatively, in some other embodiments of the water supply device 35, which includes a water tank 352 and a water valve 351, the water tank 352 may be connected to an external water source, and the inlet of the water valve 351 may be connected to the water tank 352. The water valve 351 is used to supply water to the ice-making mechanism 31 and the distributor 36. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0109] The number of inlets of water valve 351 can be one. The number of inlets of water valve 351 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] When there is only one water inlet in the water valve 351, the first water inlet 3511 mentioned above is the only inlet of the water valve 351.

[0111] Taking the case where the water valve 351 has multiple inlets as an example, multiple first inlets 3511 can serve as the inlets of the water valve 351, allowing the water valve 351 to be connected to multiple different water sources to obtain different types of water. Alternatively, the inlets of the water valve 351 can also include a first inlet 3511 and a second inlet (not shown in the figure). The first inlet 3511 is connected to an external water source, while the second inlet is connected to the water circulation system inside the refrigerator (not shown in the figure), so that some of the water inside the refrigerator can be recycled. For example, the water circulation system can be used to collect some of the water that did not freeze successfully to form ice during the ice-making process of the ice-making mechanism 31.

[0112] The number of first outlets 3512 can be one. The number of first outlets 3512 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0113] Taking a single first water outlet 3512 as an example, the number of ice-making mechanisms 31 can also be single, in which case one first water outlet 3512 corresponds to one ice-making mechanism 31. Alternatively, the number of ice-making mechanisms 31 can also be multiple. In this case, one first water outlet 3512 injects ice-making water into the ice-making chamber 341, and the guiding structure inside the ice-making chamber 341 guides the water injected by one first water outlet 3512 and distributes it to multiple ice-making mechanisms 31.

[0114] The connection method between the water valve 351 and the ice-making device can be varied. For example, the water valve 351 can be detachably installed on the housing 34 by means of screwing, snap-fitting, etc.

[0115] The above are some illustrative examples of the water valve 351 in the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. The following will continue to illustrate some structures of the water tank 352 in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] The water tank 352 includes a third inlet 3521 and a third outlet 3522. The third inlet 3521 is connected to the second outlet 3513. The third outlet 3522 is connected to the distributor 36, so that the water in the water tank 352 can be output to the distributor 36.

[0117] The number of third outlets 3522 can be one. The number of third outlets 3522 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0118] When there are multiple third water outlets 3522, the distributor 36 can also be equipped with multiple water inlets, each connected to one third water outlet 3522, so that each water inlet can be used to obtain different types of water. For example, some of the water output from the third water outlets 3522 can be processed by heating, magnetizing, or mixing with powder before being output to the corresponding water inlet on the distributor 36, thereby meeting the diverse water needs of users.

[0119] In some embodiments, at least one of the third inlet 3521 and the third outlet 3522 is positioned upwards along the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the water valve 351 injects water into the water tank 352, the air inside the water tank 352 is easily expelled. Otherwise, air in the water tank 352 may remain inside, further causing water and air to be simultaneously expelled from the distributor 36 when the user takes water, ultimately leading to irregular splashing of water at the outlet of the distributor 36, or leakage at the outlet of the distributor 36 after each water draw.

[0120] Specifically, it may be that only the third inlet 3521 is set upward in the direction of gravity, or only the third outlet 3522 is set upward in the direction of gravity, or both the third inlet 3521 and the third outlet 3522 are set upward in the direction of gravity. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0121] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 12 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for an ice maker. The water tank 352 may include a first side 3523 and a second side 3524 arranged opposite each other along the direction of gravity. A third inlet 3521 and a third outlet 3522 are both located on the first side 3523. Since at least one of the third inlet 3521 and the third outlet 3522 is arranged upwards along the direction of gravity, it can be understood that both the third inlet 3521 and the third outlet 3522 are located on the upper side of the water tank 352. The water tank 352 may include a water flow channel 3525. One end of the water flow channel 3525 forms the third inlet 3521, and the other end forms the third outlet 3522. The water flow channel 3525 is arranged in a tortuous manner between the first side 3523 and the second side 3524. Furthermore, the water that enters the water tank 352 first will be closer to the outlet of the water tank 352. In other words, the water that is closer to the outlet of the water tank 352 stays in the cooling room 11 for a longer time and the temperature is lower. This makes it easier for users to take away the cooler ice water in the water tank 352 first through the distributor 36.

[0122] The water flow channel 3525 may form at least one bend 35251 near the first side 3523. In this case, the water tank 352 may also include an exhaust channel 3526. The exhaust channel 3526 is located on the first side 3523, with one end connected to the second outlet 3513 and the other end connected to the third inlet 3521. The exhaust channel 3526 is also connected to the bend 35251. Furthermore, air in the middle portion of the water flow channel 3525 can be discharged through the bend 35251 into the exhaust channel 3526, and ultimately discharged along the exhaust channel 3526 from either the third inlet 3521 or the third outlet 3522.

[0123] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water supply device 35 can be installed on the side of the outer casing 34 facing away from the opening of the refrigeration chamber 11, so that the water supply device 35 can be blocked by the outer casing 34, so that the interior of the refrigeration chamber 11 is cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing after the door 200 is opened.

[0124] The outer shell 34 and the inner surface of the housing 100 form a closed mounting cavity 342, which is independent of the ice-making cavity 341. The water supply device 35 is housed within the mounting cavity 342.

[0125] On the one hand, the low-temperature air in the refrigeration chamber 11 can exchange heat with the outer shell 34 and the mounting cavity 342 to a certain extent, thereby cooling the water supply device 35 in the mounting cavity 342. At the same time, it can prevent the cold air in the refrigeration chamber 11 from blowing directly onto the water supply device 35, which would cause the water in the water supply device 35 to freeze and thus affect the normal operation of the ice maker and the distributor 36. On the other hand, in order for the water in the ice-making mechanism 31 to freeze into ice, the air temperature in the ice-making cavity 341 is usually extremely low. At this time, by making the mounting cavity 342 independent from the ice-making cavity 341, it can also prevent the air in the ice-making cavity 341 from blowing directly onto the water supply device 35, which would then cause the water in the water supply device 35 to freeze.

[0126] like Figure 12 As shown, the outer casing 34 may include a main body 344 with a heat insulation layer and a baffle 345 without a heat insulation layer. The main body 344 encloses an ice-making cavity 341, and the baffle 345 protrudes from the main body 344. The side of the main body 344 facing away from the refrigeration chamber 11, the baffle 345, and the inner wall of the refrigeration chamber 11 enclose an installation cavity 342. Furthermore, the heat insulation layer of the main body 344 can reduce heat exchange between the ice-making cavity 341 and the outside environment, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making mechanism 31. At the same time, the baffle 345 does not have a heat insulation layer, so that the cold air in the refrigeration chamber 11 can appropriately cool the water supply device 35 in the installation cavity 342.

[0127] For example, please continue to refer to Figure 14 , Figure 14 for Figure 2 The diagram shows an exploded view of the outer casing of the ice maker. The main body 344 may include a first housing 3441 and a second housing 3442, which are joined together to form an ice-making cavity 341. The first housing 3441 and the second housing 3442 can be detachably connected by means of screwing, snap-fitting, or magnetic fixation. Correspondingly, the heat insulation layer includes a first heat insulation layer disposed on the first housing 3441 and a second heat insulation layer disposed on the second housing 3442.

[0128] For example, the first housing 3441 may include a first outer shell 34411 and a first inner shell 34412, which together form a cavity. The first insulation layer is a heat-insulating foam layer formed within the cavity by foaming. In this case, the baffle 345 may be integrally formed on the first housing 3441.

[0129] The first outer shell 34411 is located on the outer surface of the main body 344, while the first inner shell 34412 is located on the inner surface of the main body 344. The first inner shell 34412 may be provided with a first injection port, allowing foaming material to be injected from the first injection port into the cavity formed by the first outer shell 34411 and the first inner shell 34412 for foaming. It is understood that by placing the first injection port in the first inner shell 34412, the appearance of the first outer shell 34411 can be made more aesthetically pleasing.

[0130] The second housing 3442 may include a second outer shell 34421 and a second inner shell 34422. The second outer shell 34421 and the second inner shell 34422 enclose a cavity, and the second heat insulation layer is a heat-insulating foam layer formed in the cavity by foaming.

[0131] The second outer shell 34421 is located on the outer surface of the main body 344, while the second inner shell 34422 is located on the inner surface of the main body 344. Both the second inner shell 34422 and the second outer shell 34421 can be provided with a second injection port, allowing foaming material to be injected from the second injection port into the cavity formed by the second outer shell 34421 and the second inner shell 34422 for foaming. In practical use, the second outer shell 34421 can be attached to the inner wall of the refrigeration chamber 11 to conceal the second injection port.

[0132] A thermal insulation sealing strip can be provided at the joint between the second housing 3442 and the first housing 3441 for sealing. The thermal insulation sealing strip can be made of thermal insulation foam or other materials, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0133] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, the refrigerator may also include a second water pipe 38. The second inner shell 34422 may have a second wiring groove through which the second water pipe 38 passes. One end of the second wiring groove is connected to the mounting cavity 342. The bottom wall of the second wiring groove is provided with at least one through hole that connects to the ice-making cavity 341, so that the second water pipe 38 can extend along the second wiring groove to a preset position and then be inserted into the ice-making cavity 341 through the through hole to supply water.

[0134] To ensure a more stable installation of the second water pipe 38, a second fixing member can be provided on the side of the first outer shell 34411 facing away from the opening of the refrigeration chamber 11. The second fixing member is used to fix the second water pipe 38. The second fixing member can be integrally formed with the first outer shell 34411 or separately formed from the second outer shell 34421. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0135] The second water pipe 38 may be fitted with a heat insulation sleeve to prevent the low-temperature air in the ice-making cavity 341 from exchanging heat with the second water pipe 38 through the second inner shell 34422 and ultimately causing the water in the second water pipe 38 to freeze.

[0136] The ice maker 300 and refrigerator provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice-making machine, used to produce and output ice blocks; The first ice storage box is used to store ice. and An ice transport mechanism includes a first drive assembly, a carrier, and an ice removal component. The first drive assembly drives the carrier to move between a first position and a second position, and the ice removal component is disposed at the second position. When the vehicle moves to the first position, the vehicle is able to receive the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism; When the vehicle moves to the second position, the de-icing component pushes the ice blocks carried by the vehicle into the first ice storage box; The ice maker also includes a shell with an ice-making cavity; the ice-making mechanism, the first ice storage box, and the ice-transporting mechanism are disposed inside the shell; the shell includes a first inner wall that surrounds the ice-making cavity, and the first inner wall includes a first side wall for mounting the first drive assembly; the ice-removing component is fixedly connected to the shell and located between the first ice storage box and the first side wall; The de-icing component includes multiple ice-pushing parts; along the direction from the first position to the second position, the ice-pushing parts are inclined towards the first ice storage box. As the vehicle moves toward the second position, the surface of the vehicle carrying the ice block and the ice-pushing part form an opening facing the first ice storage box. As the vehicle continues to move toward the second position, the volume of the space gradually decreases, so that the ice block carried by the vehicle is squeezed by the ice-pushing part and slides from the vehicle into the first ice storage box.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier has a perforated hole on one side for carrying ice blocks.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The carrier includes a connecting part and a plurality of strip-shaped parts. The plurality of strip-shaped parts protrude from the same side of the connecting part. The same side surface of the connecting part and the plurality of strip-shaped parts forms the surface of the carrier that carries ice blocks. The hollow hole is formed between two adjacent strip-shaped parts.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the ice-pushing parts is positioned opposite one of the hollow holes, so that the ice-pushing parts can be inserted into the opposite hollow holes.

5. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first inner wall, including the ice-making mechanism and the first ice storage box, is located on the side of the first drive assembly facing away from the first side wall.

6. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the carrier used to carry ice blocks includes multiple smoothly connected curved surfaces.

7. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The carrier is provided with a first ice outlet for discharging the ice it carries. The ice transport mechanism also includes an ice-blocking component, which is movably connected to the carrier to open or close the first ice outlet.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ice-blocking component is slidably mounted on the vehicle along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle.

9. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ice transport mechanism also includes an elastic element, which is installed on the carrier and is used to drive the ice-blocking element to move in the direction of closing the first ice outlet.

10. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surface of the first ice storage box is provided with a blocking member. When the carrier moves to the second position, the blocking member can abut against the ice blocking member to drive the ice blocking member to open the first ice outlet.

11. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle includes: Ice-carrying boards are used to carry ice blocks; and A wing plate protrudes from one side surface of the ice transport plate used to carry ice blocks, and the wing plate and the ice transport plate surround each other to form the first ice outlet.

12. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first driving component includes: A guide rail, one end of which is located at the first position and the other end at the second position, wherein the vehicle is slidably mounted on the guide rail; and A drive unit is mounted on the vehicle and drives the vehicle to slide along the guide rail.

13. The ice maker according to claim 12, characterized in that, The guide rail is equipped with a rack; the drive unit includes: Ice transport motor, mounted on the vehicle; and A first gear is disposed on the output shaft of the ice transport motor. The first gear meshes with a rack so that the ice transport motor can drive the carrier to slide on the guide rail via the first gear.

14. The ice maker according to claim 13, characterized in that, The number of guide rails is two, and each end of the vehicle along its length is slidably connected to one of the guide rails. The drive unit further includes a transmission shaft and a second gear. One end of the transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the first gear, and the other end of the transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the second gear. The second gear and the first gear respectively mesh with a rack of one of the guide rails.

15. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Including the ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes: The enclosure, which includes a refrigeration compartment; and The cabinet door is rotatably connected to the cabinet body to open or close the refrigeration compartment; The ice-making mechanism, the first ice storage box, and the ice transport mechanism are installed in the refrigeration room. The first ice storage box is located above the ice-making mechanism. The ice maker also includes a distributor, which is installed on the door. The distributor can rotate with the door to connect or disconnect with the outlet of the first ice storage box, so that the distributor can receive and output ice blocks supplied by the first ice storage box.

Images