A refrigerator and a refrigerator assembly method

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator and a refrigerator assembling method. The refrigerator comprises a cabinet and an ice making device which is detachably installed in the cabinet. The ice making device comprises a shell, an ice making mechanism, an ice storage box and an ice conveying mechanism. The ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice conveying mechanism are detachably installed in the shell. The ice making mechanism is used for making and outputting ice blocks. The ice storage box is used for storing the ice blocks. The ice conveying mechanism is used for conveying the ice blocks output by the ice making mechanism to the ice storage box. In the application, the ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice conveying mechanism can be pre-installed on the shell. Therefore, the ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice conveying mechanism can be disassembled together with the shell, so that the disassembling efficiency of the ice making device in the cabinet is improved, and the disassembling difficulty of the ice making device in the cabinet is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of home appliances, and in particular relates to a refrigerator and a refrigerator assembly method. 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 cubes for users. These ice makers often contain multiple different mechanisms, making their structure complex and thus difficult to disassemble and reassemble within the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a refrigerator and a refrigerator assembly method to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of an ice-making device within the refrigerator body.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] Box; and

[0007] An ice-making device is detachably installed inside the housing. The ice-making device includes a housing, an ice-making mechanism, an ice storage box, and an ice-transporting mechanism. The ice-making mechanism, the ice storage box, and the ice-transporting mechanism are detachably installed in the housing. The ice-making mechanism is used to manufacture and output ice blocks. The ice storage box is used to store ice blocks. The ice-transporting mechanism is used to transport the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism to the ice storage box.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator assembly method, including:

[0009] The system comprises a box, a shell, an ice-making mechanism, an ice storage box, and an ice-transporting mechanism. The ice-making mechanism is used to manufacture and output ice blocks, the ice storage box is used to store ice blocks, and the ice-transporting mechanism is used to transport ice blocks.

[0010] The ice-making mechanism, the ice storage box, and the ice-transporting mechanism are installed on the housing so that the ice-transporting mechanism can transport the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism to the ice storage box;

[0011] The housing containing the ice-making mechanism, the ice storage box, and the ice-transporting mechanism is installed inside the box.

[0012] In this embodiment, the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice transport mechanism of the ice-making device can be pre-installed on the housing, so that the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice transport mechanism can be disassembled and assembled together with the housing, thereby improving the disassembly and assembly efficiency of the ice-making device inside the housing and reducing the disassembly and assembly difficulty of the ice-making device inside the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0013] 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.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The first exploded view of the casing of the ice-making device shown.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the installation of the ice-making device inside the box.

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the ice-making device with the box pulled out.

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water supply component of the ice-making device shown.

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A second exploded view of the casing of the ice-making device shown.

[0021] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the state of the ice transport mechanism's vehicle moving to different positions.

[0022] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first shell shown.

[0023] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the guide rail of the ice transport mechanism.

[0024] Figure 11 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the ice transport mechanism's carrier and drive unit.

[0025] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ice storage box of the ice-making device shown.

[0026] Figure 13 for Figure 8 The exploded view of the ice transport mechanism shown.

[0027] Figure 14 for Figure 13The diagram shows the structure of the de-icing component.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerator assembly method according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] This application provides a refrigerator, which can be a double-door refrigerator, a single-door refrigerator, or a three-door refrigerator. This application does not limit the specific type of refrigerator.

[0031] 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 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along the AA direction. The refrigerator may include a cabinet 100 and an ice-making device 200. The ice-making device 200 is detachably installed within the cabinet 100. Specifically, the ice-making device 200 includes a housing 21, an ice-making mechanism 22, an ice storage box 23, and an ice-transporting mechanism 24. The ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 are detachably installed on the housing 21. The ice-making mechanism 22 is used to produce and output ice cubes, the ice storage box 23 is used to store ice cubes, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 is used to transport the ice cubes output by the ice-making mechanism 22 to the ice storage box 23. Therefore, the ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 can be pre-installed on the housing 21 so that the ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 can be disassembled and assembled together with the housing 21. Based on this, the ice-making mechanism 22, ice storage box 23, ice transport mechanism 24 and shell 21 can be installed in advance and then installed as a whole into the cabinet 100 to reduce the assembly difficulty of the refrigerator.

[0032] The ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 can all be installed inside or outside the housing 21; this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 can all be installed inside the housing 21; or the ice-making mechanism 22 and the ice-transporting mechanism 24 can all be located inside the housing 21, with the ice storage box 23 partially located outside the housing 21; or the ice-making mechanism 22 and the ice storage box 23 can all be located inside the housing 21, with the ice-transporting mechanism 24 partially located outside the housing 21; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0033] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a first exploded view of the housing of the ice-making device. It exemplifies that the ice-making mechanism 22, ice storage box 23, and ice conveying mechanism 24 are all installed within the housing 21. The housing 21 may include a first housing 211 and a second housing 212. The first housing 211 has an ice-making cavity 213 with an opening. The second housing 212 is removably fitted onto the first housing 211 to close at least a portion of the opening of the ice-making cavity 213. In this case, the ice-making mechanism 22, ice storage box 23, and ice conveying mechanism 24 can be housed within the ice-making cavity 213. Furthermore, the housing 21 provides protection for the ice-making mechanism 22, ice storage box 23, and ice conveying mechanism 24, and also reduces heat exchange between the ice-making cavity 213 and the external environment. This prevents the ice on the ice-making mechanism 22, ice storage box 23, and ice conveying mechanism 24 from melting and sticking together, or from melting and sticking to the corresponding structures, ultimately causing blockage of the ice-making device 200. Therefore, it can be seen that the ice-making device 200 of the present application has the advantages of being stable and reliable.

[0034] The technical solution of the housing 21 will be further explained and described below in conjunction with some optional structures of the housing 100.

[0035] Please combine them together Figure 2 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the installation of the ice-making device inside the housing. The housing 100 may have a refrigeration compartment 11, such as a freezer compartment 111, a refrigerator compartment 112, or a wide-range variable temperature compartment. The ice-making device 200 may be installed in the freezer compartment 111, the refrigerator compartment 112, or the wide-range variable temperature compartment; this embodiment does not limit the installation in this way.

[0036] For example, the housing 100 has a refrigerator compartment 112, a first channel 12, and a freezer compartment 111 connected in sequence. The freezer compartment 111 is located below the refrigerator compartment 112, and the first channel 12 is located between the freezer compartment 111 and the refrigerator compartment 112. The housing 21 is installed inside the refrigerator compartment 112 on the side near the freezer compartment 111, and at least a portion of the opening of the ice-making chamber 213 faces the freezer compartment 111 and is connected to the first channel 12. Furthermore, the freezing air in the freezer compartment 111 can be blown into the ice-making chamber 213 in sequence through the opening of the first channel 12 and the ice-making chamber 213 to prevent the ice in the ice-making device 200 from melting. The ice-making mechanism 22 can even directly use the freezing air blown into the freezer compartment 111 to make ice.

[0037] Furthermore, it is understandable that, compared to the side of the refrigerator compartment 112 away from the freezer compartment 111, since the casing 21 is installed on the side of the refrigerator compartment 112 close to the freezer compartment 111, the cold air in the freezer compartment 111 can be introduced into the ice-making device 200 simply by opening the first channel 12 in the partition between the refrigerator compartment 112 and the freezer compartment 111. There is no need to set up other air duct 26 structures. This not only simplifies the internal structure of the refrigerator, but also makes the assembly of the refrigerator more convenient and quick.

[0038] The outer surface of the housing 21 may be provided with a first connecting structure 2111. The box 100 includes a first inner wall forming a refrigerator compartment 112. The first inner wall is provided with a second connecting structure. The second connecting structure cooperates with the first connecting structure 2111 to realize a detachable connection between the housing 21 and the first inner wall.

[0039] Specifically, for ease of assembly and disassembly, the first connecting structure 2111 may be an opening exposed in the refrigerator compartment 112, so that after the housing 21 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 112, it can be directly assembled and disassembled through the opening of the refrigerator compartment 112.

[0040] For example, the first inner wall includes a first rear side wall 14, a first bottom wall 15, and a first left side wall 16. The first rear side wall 14 is located on the side of the first inner wall away from the opening of the refrigerator compartment 112. The first bottom wall 15 and the first left side wall 16 are connected and surround the first rear side wall 14 between the opening end face of the refrigerator compartment 112. The first bottom wall 15 is located on the side of the first inner wall near the freezer compartment 111, or in other words, the first bottom wall 15 is located at the bottom of the first inner wall. At this time, the first bottom wall 15 supports the second housing 212 and the first housing 211. The first left side wall 16 abuts against the second housing 212. The first rear side wall 14 abuts against the first housing 211, and a first connecting structure 2111 protrudes from the surface of the first housing 211 facing away from the first left side wall 16. At least one of the first rear side wall 14 and the first bottom wall 15 is provided with a second connecting structure.

[0041] Furthermore, during installation, the housing 21, which contains the ice-making mechanism 22, the ice storage box 23, and the ice transport mechanism 24, can be directly placed into the refrigerator compartment 112, with the first housing 211 abutting against the rear side of the first inner wall and the second housing 212 abutting against the left side of the first inner wall. Finally, the first connecting structure 2111 is connected and fixed to the second connecting structure provided on the first rear side wall 14 and / or the first bottom wall 15 from the right side of the first housing 211.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first connecting structure 2111 can be a protrusion with a screw hole, and the second connecting structure can be a threaded hole, so that a screw can pass through the first connecting structure 2111 and be screwed and fixed to the second connecting structure. Of course, in some other embodiments, a pin can also pass through the first connecting structure 2111 and be interference-fitted with the second connecting structure, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0043] The connection between the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be varied. For example, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be assembled by means of screwing, snap-fitting, magnetic fixation, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 211 may have a first step 2112 at the opening of the ice-making chamber 213, and the second housing 212 is embedded in the first step 2112 to achieve pre-fixation of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The first housing 211 also has a protruding second connecting structure with a threaded hole, and the second housing 212 has a second screw hole 2121, so that the screw can pass through the second screw hole 2121 and be screwed and fixed with the threaded hole of the second connecting structure.

[0045] To improve the efficiency of assembling the ice-making device 200 and the convenience of maintenance, the ice transport mechanism 24 and the ice storage box 23 are disposed in the first housing 211, and the ice-making mechanism 22 is disposed in the second housing 212.

[0046] On the one hand, in the actual assembly process, the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 can be connected after the assembly work is carried out simultaneously on the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. Compared with filling all the parts into the first housing 211 in sequence and then installing the second housing 212, the ice-making device 200 of this application embodiment can greatly reduce the assembly time and improve the assembly efficiency.

[0047] On the other hand, if all parts are sequentially filled into the first housing 211 and then the second housing 212 is installed, when the parts located deep inside the first housing 211 are damaged or assembled incorrectly, it is often necessary to start disassembling from the parts on the inner surface of the first housing 211. In contrast, in this embodiment, the corresponding parts can be directly disassembled from the corresponding first housing 211 and second housing 212, making the disassembly and maintenance of this embodiment simpler and more convenient.

[0048] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 3The diagram shows the ice-making device in the withdrawn state. Taking the ice storage box 23 installed in the first housing 211 as an example, the ice storage box 23 may include a support 231 and a box body 232. The support 231 is detachably connected to the first housing 211. The box body 232 is used to store ice. The box body 232 is slidably connected to the support 231, and the first housing 211 is provided with a pull-out opening 2113 for the box body 232 to slide out of the ice-making chamber 213. In actual use, the box body 232 can be pulled directly out of the housing 21 from the pull-out opening 2113, so that the user can directly obtain the ice inside the box body 232, or when the box body 232 is blocked or damaged, the box body 232 can be pulled out for maintenance.

[0049] To facilitate the user's pulling out of the box 232, one end of the box 232 can be inserted into the pull-out opening 2113 and is provided with a handle 2321.

[0050] The sliding connection between the box body 232 and the support 231 can be varied. For example, the support 231 may have a groove 2311, and the box body 232 may have a sliding part, with the sliding part slidingly connected to the groove 2311. Of course, in some other embodiments, the support 231 may have a sliding part, and the box body 232 may have a groove 2311 that mates with the sliding part; this application does not limit this aspect.

[0051] In some embodiments, the housing 232 and the support 231 are slidably connected so that the housing 232 can be directly removed from the casing 21 for maintenance. Of course, the housing 232 and the support 231 can also be slidably connected in a non-separable manner, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0052] Taking the case where the housing 232 and the bracket 231 are slidably connected, in order to facilitate the insertion of the housing 232 into the slide groove 2311 of the bracket 231, a guide structure can be provided at the end of the slide groove 2311 of the bracket 231 near the pull-out opening 2113. For example, a guide slope is formed at the end of the slide groove 2311 of the bracket 231 near the pull-out opening 2113.

[0053] The bracket 231 is also provided with a first slot 2312, which is located at one end of the slide groove 2311 near the pull-out opening 2113. The box body 232 is also provided with a first engaging part that engages with the first slot 2312. Therefore, after the box body 232 slides into place, it can be engaged with the first slot 2312 through the first engaging part to achieve the locking and fixing of the box body 232.

[0054] The box body 232 may include a receiving cavity 2324 for storing ice and a first ice outlet 2325 communicating with the receiving cavity 2324. The first ice outlet 2325 is located on the end face of the box body 232 near the pull-out opening 2113. Then, the ice stored in the box body 232 can be discharged through the first ice outlet 2325.

[0055] In some embodiments, to facilitate automatic discharge of ice from the container 232, the ice storage box 23 may further include an ice dispensing motor 233 and an ice dispensing screw 234. The ice dispensing motor 233 is detachably connected to the first housing 211 and is located on the side of the container 232 away from the first ice outlet 2325. The ice dispensing screw 234 is at least partially housed within the receiving cavity 2324. Furthermore, the ice dispensing screw 234 can slide with the container 232 to connect or disconnect from the ice dispensing motor 233, so that when the ice dispensing motor 233 is connected to the ice dispensing screw 234, the ice dispensing motor 233 can drive the ice dispensing screw 234 to rotate, thereby pushing the ice in the receiving cavity 2324 toward the first ice outlet 2325.

[0056] Specifically, the output shaft of the ice-dispensing motor 233 can be fixedly connected to a first transmission component. The first transmission component has a transmission protrusion protruding towards the pull-out opening 2113. The end of the ice-dispensing screw 234 near the ice-dispensing motor 233 can be fixedly connected to a second transmission component. The second transmission component can have a transmission groove with its opening facing away from the pull-out opening 2113. As the housing 232 slides, the transmission protrusion can be inserted into the transmission groove to connect the ice-dispensing motor 233 and the ice-dispensing screw 234, and the transmission protrusion can disengage from the transmission groove to separate the ice-dispensing motor 233 and the ice-dispensing screw 234, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the housing 232.

[0057] A first support structure 2332 may protrude from the side of the ice-dispensing motor 233 facing the opening of the housing 100. One end of the bracket 231 rests on the first support structure 2332 and is screwed to the first support structure 2332. The other end of the bracket 231 is engaged with the pull-out port 2113 and screwed to the first housing 211. Therefore, during the installation of the bracket 231, the bracket 231 can be pre-fixed by the ice-dispensing motor 233 and the pull-out port 2113, so that the bracket 231 can be easily screwed to the ice-dispensing motor 233 and the first housing 211 respectively, thereby reducing the difficulty of disassembling and assembling the ice-making mechanism 22.

[0058] The surface of the ice-dispensing motor 233 facing away from the pull-out port 2113 may have a protruding first insertion part 2333, which is used to insert into the first housing 211 to achieve pre-fixation of the ice-dispensing motor 233 and the first housing 211. The ice-dispensing motor 233 may also have a screw connection structure to achieve a fixed connection with the second housing 212.

[0059] The ice storage box 23 may also include an ice-pushing wheel 235, which is disposed within the receiving cavity 2324 and located on the side near the first ice outlet 2325. The ice-pushing wheel 235 is connected to an ice-discharging screw 234, which pushes ice toward the ice-pushing wheel 235. When the ice-discharging screw 234 rotates, it drives the ice-pushing wheel 235 to transport ice blocks from the bottom of the receiving cavity 2324 to the first ice outlet 2325. Because the ice blocks need to be transferred from a low position to a high position during the ice transport process, the ice-pushing wheel 235 does not transport a large number of ice blocks in each transport process, thus controlling the amount of ice dispensed. Therefore, when the user takes ice, the amount of ice blocks dispensed can be better controlled, preventing the phenomenon of dispensing too many ice blocks at once, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, since the ice pusher 235 is driven by the ice discharge screw 234, the ice making device 200 of this application embodiment has a simpler structure than an additional power structure to drive the ice pusher 235, making it easier to assemble and disassemble.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator may also include a door 300 and a dispenser 400. The door 300 is rotatably connected to the body 100. The dispenser 400 is installed on the door 300. The dispenser 400 can rotate with the door 300 to engage or disengage with the first ice outlet 2325, so that the dispenser 400 can receive and dispense ice supplied by the ice storage box 23. Thus, the user can obtain ice directly through the dispenser 400 on the door without opening the refrigerator door 300.

[0061] It is also understandable that, compared to placing the dispenser 400 and ice maker 200 together inside the cabinet 100, or placing the dispenser 400 and ice maker 200 together on the door 300, the embodiments of this application allow for simultaneous installation of the corresponding parts on both the cabinet 100 and the door 300, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator. Furthermore, when blockages or damage occur in the dispenser 400 or ice maker 200, the dispenser 400 or ice maker 200 can be disassembled and repaired separately, significantly reducing the difficulty of disassembling and maintaining the refrigerator.

[0062] The dispenser 400 may be equipped with an ice-crushing mechanism, which is used to discharge the ice supplied by the ice storage box 23 in the form of crushed ice or whole ice, so that users can take ice according to their own needs.

[0063] It should also be noted that by increasing the ice dispensing height of the ice storage box 23 by pushing the ice wheel 235, the height of the corresponding dispenser 400 on the door 300 can also be increased accordingly, thereby avoiding the dispenser 400 being too low and requiring the user to bend over to retrieve the ice.

[0064] Furthermore, to increase the ice dispensing height of the ice storage box 23, the ice storage box 23 can be located above the ice-making mechanism 22, or in other words, the ice storage box 23 can be located on the side of the ice-making mechanism 22 facing away from the freezer compartment 111. Subsequently, the ice blocks output from the ice-making mechanism 22 can be transported to the ice storage box 23 via the ice conveying mechanism 24.

[0065] The ice-making mechanism 22 is detachably mounted on the second housing 212. For example, the ice-making mechanism 22 can be screwed, snap-fitted, or magnetically fixed to the second housing 212. The ice-making mechanism 22 may include an ice tray for holding water for making ice and freezing it into ice cubes. The ice-making mechanism 22 may also include a torsion motor that drives the ice tray to rotate, so that the ice tray can rotate to pour out the formed ice cubes. Alternatively, the ice-making mechanism 22 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.

[0066] Please combine them together Figure 2 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water supply assembly of the ice-making device is shown. The ice-making device 200 may also include a water supply assembly 25. The water supply assembly 25 is detachably connected to the side of the housing 21 facing away from the opening of the box 100. The water supply assembly 25 is used to connect to an external water source and is connected to the ice-making mechanism 22 to supply water to the ice-making mechanism 22.

[0067] Understandably, compared to separating the water supply component 25 and the housing 21, 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 component 25 and the housing 21 are closer together, the water supply pipe between the water supply component 25 and the ice-making mechanism 22 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 component 25 and the housing 21 within the refrigeration compartment 11, the water in the water supply component 25 can be pre-cooled within the refrigeration compartment 11, thereby increasing the ice-making speed of the ice-making mechanism 22.

[0068] The water supply assembly 25 can also be connected to the distributor 400 so that the distributor 400 can output the water supplied by the water supply assembly 25.

[0069] Therefore, without opening the refrigeration chamber 11, users can directly obtain water, ice, or both through the distributor 400 on the cabinet door 300. It is also understood that since the water in the distributor 400 is supplied by the water supply assembly 25, 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 400.

[0070] For example, the water supply assembly 25 may include a water valve 251 and a water tank 252. The water valve 251 is detachably connected to the side of the housing 21 facing away from the opening of the housing 100. The water valve 251 includes a first inlet 2511, a first outlet 2512, and a second outlet 2513. The first inlet 2511 is used to connect to an external water source. The first outlet 2512 is connected to an ice-making mechanism 22 to supply water to the ice-making mechanism 22. The water tank 252 is detachably connected to the side of the housing facing away from the opening of the housing 100. The water tank 252 is connected to the second outlet 2513 to contain the water supplied by the water valve 251, and the water tank 252 is connected to a distributor 400 to supply water to the distributor 400.

[0071] Then, tap water and other domestic water can be injected into the water supply component 25 through the first water inlet 2511. Then, the water valve 251 distributes the domestic water to the ice-making mechanism 22 or the water tank 252, so that the ice-making mechanism 22 can make ice or the distributor 400 can supply water.

[0072] It is also understandable that the water tank 252 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 22 does not need to obtain the ice water from the water tank 252. This can prevent the ice-making mechanism 22 from drawing away the ice water in the water tank 252 when making ice, thus avoiding the situation where there is not enough ice water in the water tank 252 for the user to obtain from the distributor 400.

[0073] Alternatively, in some other embodiments of the water supply assembly 25, which includes a water tank 252 and a water valve 251, the water tank 252 may be connected to an external water source, and the inlet of the water valve 251 may be connected to the water tank 252. The water valve 251 is used to supply water to the ice-making mechanism 22 and the distributor 400. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0074] The number of inlets of water valve 251 can be one. The number of inlets of water valve 251 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0075] Taking the case where there are multiple inlets of water valve 251 as an example, multiple first inlets 2511 can be used as inlets of water valve 251, and water valve 251 can be connected to multiple different water sources to obtain different types of water. Alternatively, the inlets of water valve 251 can also include a first inlet 2511 and a second inlet (not shown in the figure). The first inlet 2511 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 ice-making mechanism 22.

[0076] The number of first outlets 2512 can be one. The number of first outlets 2512 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0077] Taking a single first water outlet 2512 as an example, the number of ice-making mechanisms 22 can also be single, in which case one first water outlet 2512 corresponds to one ice-making mechanism 22. Alternatively, the number of ice-making mechanisms 22 can also be multiple. In this case, one first water outlet 2512 injects ice-making water into the ice-making chamber 213, and the guiding structure within the ice-making chamber 213 guides the water injected by one first water outlet 2512 and distributes it to multiple ice-making mechanisms 22.

[0078] The connection between the water valve 251 and the ice-making device 200 can be varied. For example, the water valve 251 can be detachably installed on the housing 21 by means of screwing, snap-fitting, etc.

[0079] The above are some illustrative examples of the water valve 251 in the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect. The following will continue to illustrate some structures of the water tank 252 in the embodiments of this application.

[0080] The water tank 252 includes a third inlet 2521 and a third outlet 2522. The third inlet 2521 is connected to the second outlet 2513. The third outlet 2522 is connected to the distributor 400, so that the water in the water tank 252 can be output to the distributor 400.

[0081] The number of third outlets 2522 can be one. The number of third outlets 2522 can also be multiple, such as two, three or four, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0082] When there are multiple third water outlets 2522, the distributor 400 can also be equipped with multiple water inlets, each connected to one third water outlet 2522, 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 2522 can be processed by heating, magnetizing, or mixing with powder before being output to the corresponding water inlet on the distributor 400, thereby meeting the diverse water intake needs of users.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least one of the third inlet 2521 and the third outlet 2522 is positioned upwards along the direction of gravity. Therefore, when the water valve 251 injects water into the water tank 252, the air inside the water tank 252 is easily expelled. Otherwise, air in the water tank 252 would easily remain inside, causing leakage at the water outlet of the distributor 400 after each water draw.

[0084] Specifically, it may be that only the third inlet 2521 is set upward in the direction of gravity, or only the third outlet 2522 is set upward in the direction of gravity, or both the third inlet 2521 and the third outlet 2522 are set upward in the direction of gravity. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0085] The housing 21 and the inner surface of the box 100 form a closed mounting cavity 214, which is independent of the ice-making cavity 213. The water supply assembly 25 is housed within the mounting cavity 214.

[0086] On the one hand, the low-temperature air in the cooling chamber 11 can exchange heat with the housing 21 and the mounting cavity 214 to a certain extent, thereby cooling the water supply component 25 in the mounting cavity 214. At the same time, it can prevent the cold air in the cooling chamber 11 from blowing directly onto the water supply component 25, which would cause the water in the water supply component 25 to freeze and thus affect the normal operation of the ice maker and the distributor 400. On the other hand, in order for the water in the ice-making mechanism 22 to freeze into ice, the air temperature in the ice-making cavity 213 is usually extremely low. At this time, by making the mounting cavity 214 independent from the ice-making cavity 213, it can also prevent the air in the ice-making cavity 213 from blowing directly onto the water supply component 25, which would then cause the water in the water supply component 25 to freeze.

[0087] The housing 21 may include a main body 21a with a heat insulation layer and a baffle 21b without a heat insulation layer. The main body 21a encloses an ice-making cavity 213, and the baffle 21b protrudes from the main body 21a. The side of the main body 21a facing away from the opening of the refrigerator compartment 112, the baffle 21b, and the inner wall of the refrigeration compartment 11 enclose an installation cavity 214. Furthermore, the heat insulation layer of the main body 21a can reduce heat exchange between the ice-making cavity 213 and the outside environment, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making mechanism 22. At the same time, the baffle 21b does not have a heat insulation layer, so that the cold air in the refrigeration compartment 11 can appropriately cool the water supply assembly 25 in the installation cavity 214.

[0088] For example, the main body 21a may include the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 described above, and the ice-making cavity 213 is formed by splicing the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The first housing 211. Correspondingly, the heat insulation layer includes a first heat insulation layer disposed on the first housing 211 and a second heat insulation layer disposed on the second housing 212.

[0089] For example, the first housing 211 may include a first outer shell and a first inner shell, which enclose a cavity, and the first insulation layer is a heat-insulating foam layer formed by foaming within the cavity. In this case, the baffle 21b may be integrally formed onto the first housing 211.

[0090] The first outer shell is located on the outer surface of the main body 21a, while the first inner shell is located on the inner surface of the main body 21a. The first inner shell 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 and the first inner shell for foaming. It is understood that by placing the first injection port in the first inner shell, the appearance of the first shell can be made more aesthetically pleasing.

[0091] The second housing 212 may include a second outer shell and a second inner shell. The second outer shell and the second inner shell surround to form a cavity, and the second heat insulation layer is a heat-insulating foam layer formed by foaming within the cavity.

[0092] The second outer shell is located on the outer surface of the main body 21a, while the second inner shell is located on the inner surface of the main body 21a. Both the second inner shell and the second outer shell can be provided with a second injection port, allowing the foaming material to be injected from the second injection port into the cavity formed by the second outer shell and the second inner shell for foaming. In practical use, the second outer shell can be attached to the inner wall of the refrigeration chamber 11 to conceal the second injection port.

[0093] A thermal insulation sealing strip can be provided at the joint between the second shell 212 and the first shell 211 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.

[0094] In addition, the ice-making device 200 may also include a water pipe 27. The second inner shell may have a wiring groove 2122 through which the water supply pipe 27 passes. One end of the wiring groove 2122 is connected to the mounting cavity 214. The bottom wall of the wiring groove 2122 is provided with at least one through hole that connects to the ice-making cavity 213, so that the water pipe 27 can be extended along the wiring groove 2122 to a preset position and then inserted into the ice-making cavity 213 through the through hole to supply water.

[0095] To ensure a more stable installation of the water pipe 27, a second fixing member can be provided on the side of the first housing 211 facing away from the opening of the refrigeration compartment 11. The second fixing member is used to fix the water pipe 27. The second fixing member can be integrally formed with the first housing 211 or separately formed from the second housing. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0096] The water pipe 27 may be fitted with a heat insulation sleeve to prevent the low-temperature air in the ice-making cavity 213 from exchanging heat with the water pipe 27 through the second inner shell and ultimately causing the water in the water pipe 27 to freeze.

[0097] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 2 The second exploded view shows the casing of the ice-making device. The ice-making device 200 may also include an air duct 26. The air duct 26 is installed in the first casing 211 and includes a first air outlet 261 and a second air outlet 262. The first air outlet 261 faces the ice storage box 23, allowing cold air to be blown into the ice storage box 23 to prevent the ice inside the ice storage box 23 from melting. The second air outlet 262 faces the ice-making mechanism 22, allowing air to be blown onto the ice-making mechanism 22 to freeze the ice-making water carried by the ice-making mechanism 22 into ice.

[0098] The inlet of the air duct 26 can be connected to the freezer compartment 111, so that the freezing air in the freezer compartment 111 can be guided by the air duct 26 to blow towards the ice storage box 23 and the ice making mechanism 22. For example, the inlet of the air duct 26 can be provided through the opening of the ice making cavity 213 facing the first channel 12, so that the inlet of the air duct 26 is connected to the freezer compartment 111 through the first channel 12.

[0099] To facilitate the installation of the air duct 26 on the first housing 211, the air duct 26 can be pre-fixed to the first housing 211 before being connected and fixed to the first housing 211.

[0100] For example, the first housing 211 includes a connected second right side wall 2114 and a second rear side wall 2115. The second right side wall 2114 faces the second housing 212, and the second rear side wall 2115 is located on the side of the second right side wall 2114 facing the second housing 212. A second insertion portion 263 protrudes from the side of the air duct 26 facing the second right side wall 2114 and is inserted into the second right side wall 2114. The side of the air duct 26 facing the second rear side wall 2115 is screwed and fixed to the second rear side wall 2115. Furthermore, the air duct 26 can be inserted into the ice-making cavity 213 from the opening of the ice-making cavity 213 until the first insertion portion 2333 and the second right side wall 2114 are inserted and fixed, so as to pre-fix the air duct 26 and the first housing 211; then, the air duct 26 can be screwed to the second rear side wall 2115 to realize the connection and fixation of the air duct 26 and the first housing 211.

[0101] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the state of the ice transport mechanism's carrier moving to different positions. The ice transport mechanism 24 may include a guide rail 241, a carrier 242, and a drive unit 243. The guide rail 241 is detachably mounted to the first housing 211. The carrier 242 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 241. The drive unit 243 is mounted on the carrier 242. The drive unit 243 is used to drive the carrier 242 to slide, so that the carrier 242 can carry the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 22 and transport them to the ice storage box 23. Furthermore, during the assembly of the ice-making device 200, the guide rail 241, carrier 242, and drive unit 243 can be pre-assembled into a single unit and then installed onto the first housing 211 to improve the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0102] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first shell shown. Figure 10 for Figure 8The diagram shows the structure of the guide rail of the ice conveying mechanism. Continuing with the example of a detachable connection between the guide rail 241 and the first housing 211, the first housing 211 may include a second right side wall 2114 away from the second housing 212. The second right side wall 2114 is provided with a first hooking part 2116 and a second screwing part 2117. The guide rail 241 has a second hooking part 2411 and a third screwing part 2412 on the side facing the second right side wall 2114. The second hooking part 2411 cooperates with the first hooking part 2116 to allow the guide rail 241 to be hooked onto the second right side wall 2114, and the third screwing part 2412 is screwed and fixed to the second screwing part 2117. Therefore, during installation, the guide rail 241 can be pre-fixed to the first housing 211 through the cooperation of the first hooking part 2116 and the second hooking part 2411, and then the guide rail 241 can be connected and fixed to the second housing 212 through the cooperation of the third screwing part 2412 and the second screwing part 2117.

[0103] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 11 , Figure 11 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the carrier and drive unit of the ice conveying mechanism. The drive unit 243 may include an ice conveying motor 2431 and a first gear 2432. The ice conveying motor 2431 can be mounted and fixed to the carrier 242. The output shaft of the ice conveying motor 2431 is connected to the first gear 2432 to drive the first gear 2432 to rotate. The guide rail 241 is formed with a rack 2413, and the first gear 2432 meshes with the rack 2413. Therefore, when the ice conveying motor 2431 drives the first gear 2432 to rotate, the carrier 242 can slide along the guide rail 241.

[0104] In some embodiments, in order to make the movement of the vehicle 242 more stable and smooth, the number of guide rails 241 can be multiple, such as two, three, four, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0105] For example, the guide rail 241 may include two rails, with each end of the carrier 242 slidably connected to one guide rail 241 along its length. The drive unit 243 may further include a transmission shaft 2433 and a second gear 2434. The first gear 2432 and the second gear 2434 are connected by the transmission shaft 2433 so that the first gear 2432 and the second gear 2434 can rotate synchronously. The first gear 2432 meshes with the rack 2413 of one guide rail 241, and the second gear 2434 meshes with the rack 2413 of the other guide rail 241. Furthermore, through the first gear 2432 and the second gear 2434, the moving speeds at both ends of the carrier 242 can be made consistent, ultimately making the movement of the carrier 242 smoother.

[0106] The carrier 242 is provided with a second ice outlet for discharging the ice it carries. To prevent ice from accidentally falling during transport, the ice transport mechanism 24 may also include an ice baffle 244, which is movably connected to the carrier 242 to open or close the first ice outlet 2325. Thus, during ice transport, the ice baffle 244 can close the first ice outlet 2325 to prevent the ice from accidentally falling, and open the second ice outlet when the carrier 242 needs to discharge ice to the ice storage box 23, making the ice transport operation of the ice transport mechanism 24 more stable and reliable.

[0107] For example, the ice-blocking component 244 can be configured such that when the vehicle 242 is located at the ice storage box 23, the ice-blocking component 244 moves to open the second ice outlet. When the vehicle 242 moves away from the ice storage box 23, the ice-blocking component 244 moves to close the second ice outlet. Thus, on the one hand, during the movement of the vehicle 242 towards the ice storage box 23, the ice-blocking component 244 can close the second ice outlet to prevent the ice blocks carried on the vehicle 242 from accidentally falling off; on the other hand, when the vehicle 242 moves to the ice storage box 23, the ice-blocking component 244 can open the second ice outlet so that the ice blocks inside the vehicle 242 can be discharged into the ice storage box 23.

[0108] The ice-blocking component 244 and the carrier 242 can be slidably connected in various ways. For example, the ice-blocking component 244 and the carrier 242 can be slidably connected, or they can be rotatably connected. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0109] Taking the sliding connection between the ice-blocking component 244 and the carrier 242 as an example, the ice-blocking component 244 can be slidably installed on the carrier 242 along a first direction, which is parallel to the direction of movement of the carrier 242. In this case, taking the first direction as vertical as an example, the ice-making device 200 needs to reserve sufficient space in the vertical direction for the carrier 242 to move. By sliding the ice-blocking component 244 on the carrier 242 in the vertical direction, the space occupied by the ice-making device 200 in the vertical direction can be utilized effectively, allowing the ice-making device 200 to be narrower in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, when the width of the ice-making device 200 in the horizontal direction is fixed, sliding the ice-blocking component 244 on the carrier 242 in the vertical direction allows for a larger width of the ice storage box 23 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.

[0110] like Figure 8As shown, the ice transport mechanism 24 may further include an elastic element 245. The elastic element 245 is mounted on the carrier 242 and is used to drive the ice-blocking element 244 to move in the direction of closing the second ice outlet. Therefore, the elastic element 245 enables the automatic ice-blocking element 244 to automatically close the second ice outlet. Specifically, the elastic element 245 can be a tension spring, compression spring, torsion spring, etc., and this embodiment does not limit its application.

[0111] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the ice storage box in the ice-making device. A blocking member 2313 may protrude from the surface of the ice storage box 23. When the carrier 242 moves to the ice storage box 23, the blocking member 2313 can abut against the ice-blocking member 244 to drive the ice-blocking member 244 to open the second ice outlet. It is understood that compared to setting up additional power sources to drive the ice-blocking member 244, the ice maker of this embodiment has a simpler structure, smaller overall size, and lower manufacturing cost.

[0112] The replaceable ice-blocking component 244 is driven by a motor, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, or other means.

[0113] Alternatively, the ice-blocking component 244 is gravity-driven, moving in the direction of closing the second ice outlet. For example, the upper end of the ice-blocking component 244 along the direction of gravity can be rotatably connected to the carrier 242. When the ice-blocking component 244 is not subjected to external force, it flips downward under its own weight to close the second ice outlet. When ice blocks on the carrier 242 are discharged from the second ice outlet, the ice blocks push the ice-blocking component 244 upward to open the second ice outlet.

[0114] Among them, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first ice outlet 2325 can be formed in various ways. For example, as shown, the carrier 242 may include an ice-carrying plate 2421 and a wing plate 2422. The ice-carrying plate 2421 is used to carry ice blocks. The wing plate 2422 protrudes from the side surface of the ice-carrying plate 2421 used to carry ice blocks, so that the end of the wing plate 2422 away from the second right side wall 2114 and the ice-carrying plate 2421 surround the ice-carrying plate 2421 to form a second ice outlet. Furthermore, when the ice-blocking member 244 closes the second ice outlet, the ice-blocking member 244, the wing plate 2422, the ice-carrying plate 2421 and the second right side wall 2114 can surround to form an upward-opening ice storage cavity, and the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 22 can fall directly into the ice storage cavity.

[0115] To reduce the contact area between the ice-carrying plate 2421 and the ice it carries, the side of the carrier 242 used to carry the ice may be provided with perforations 2423. For example, the ice-carrying plate 2421 of the carrier 242 may be provided with perforations 2423, so that the ice is less likely to stick to the bearing surface of the carrier 242 after melting to a certain extent; at the same time, it can also make the carrier 242 lighter.

[0116] The number of perforated holes 2423 can be one or more, such as two, three, four, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The perforated holes 2423 can be round holes, square holes, irregularly shaped holes, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0117] For example, the ice transport plate 2421 or carrier 242 may include a connecting portion 24211 and a plurality of strip portions 24212. The plurality of strip portions 24212 protrude from the same side of the connecting portion 24211, such as the plurality of strip portions 24212 protruding from the side of the connecting portion 24211 away from the ice storage box 23, so that the same side surface of the connecting portion 24211 and the plurality of strip portions 24212 forms the surface of the carrier 242 for carrying ice blocks, and a perforation 2423 is formed between two adjacent strip portions 24212.

[0118] To facilitate the discharge of ice blocks carried on the carrier 242, the surface of the carrier 242 used to carry the ice blocks may be provided with a raised structure to reduce the contact area between the carrier 242 and the ice blocks it carries, thereby making it less likely for the ice blocks to stick to the carrier 242's bearing surface after melting to a certain extent.

[0119] For example, the surface of the carrier 242 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 242, which would cause the ice block to get stuck on the step surface and be unable to be pushed out normally.

[0120] The carrier 242 described above includes a connecting portion 24211 and a strip-shaped portion 24212. The continuous curved surface may include a first continuous curved surface and a second continuous curved surface. The upper surface of the connecting portion 24211 may form a first continuous curved surface, and the upper surface of each strip-shaped portion 24212 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.

[0121] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 for Figure 8 The exploded view of the ice transport mechanism shown is... Figure 14 for Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the de-icing component. The ice transport mechanism 24 also includes a de-icing component 246. The de-icing component 246 is detachably connected to the side of the first housing 211 away from the ice-making mechanism 22. The de-icing component 246 is used to push the ice blocks carried by the carrier 242 into the ice storage box 23.

[0122] On the one hand, the present application embodiment can prevent ice blocks from getting stuck on the carrier 242 and failing to be discharged normally during transportation by using the de-icing component 246; on the other hand, the present application embodiment can also avoid the de-icing component 246 occupying the space of the carrier 242 and reducing the carrying capacity of the carrier 242, and avoid the de-icing component 246 interfering with the carrier 242 when receiving ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism 22, thereby affecting the transportation operation of ice blocks.

[0123] Continuing with the aforementioned carrier 242, which includes a connecting portion 24211 and a strip-shaped portion 24212, the de-icing component 246 may include multiple ice-pushing portions 2461. Each ice-pushing portion 2461 is positioned opposite a perforated hole 2423, allowing the ice-pushing portion 2461 to be inserted into the opposite perforated hole 2423. The ice-making mechanism 22 faces the ice storage box 23, and the ice-pushing portions 2461 are inclined towards the ice storage box 23, so that when the carrier 242 moves towards the ice storage box 23, the ice blocks carried by the carrier 242 can be pushed into the ice storage box 23 by the ice-pushing portions 2461.

[0124] For example, taking the ice-making mechanism 22 as being below the ice storage box 23, it can be understood that the ice-pushing part 2461 is inclined to the vertical direction, and the upper end of the ice-pushing part 2461 is inclined towards the ice storage box 23 relative to the lower end. Therefore, as the carrier 242 moves upward, the surface of the carrier 242 carrying the ice block will form an opening facing the ice storage box 23 with the ice-pushing part 2461, and as the carrier 242 continues to move upward, the volume of this space will gradually decrease, so that the ice block carried by the carrier 242 is squeezed by the ice-pushing part 2461 and slides from the carrier 242 into the ice storage box 23.

[0125] It is understandable that the de-icing component 246 can push the ice blocks out of the carrier 242 by the movement of the carrier 242. In other words, the ice conveying mechanism 24 can drive the movement of the carrier 242 and complete the discharge of ice blocks from the carrier 242 through a single first drive component. Therefore, compared with using two separate power units, the embodiments of this application have the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing cost, while also reducing the volume of the ice conveying mechanism 24, so that the ice maker has more space for the ice storage box 23 to store ice.

[0126] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 15 , Figure 15This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerator assembly method according to an embodiment of this application. This application also provides a refrigerator assembly method, including:

[0127] 501. Obtain the box, shell, ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice-transporting mechanism. The ice-making mechanism is used to manufacture and output ice blocks, the ice storage box is used to store ice blocks, and the ice-transporting mechanism is used to transport ice blocks.

[0128] 502. Install the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice transport mechanism into the housing so that the ice transport mechanism can transport the ice blocks output by the ice-making mechanism to the ice storage box;

[0129] 503. Install the shell containing the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box and ice transport mechanism into the box.

[0130] Understandably, the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice transport mechanism can be pre-installed on the housing, allowing them to be disassembled and reassembled together with the housing. Based on this, the ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, ice transport mechanism, and housing can be pre-installed and then assembled into the box as a single unit, reducing the assembly difficulty of the box.

[0131] The specific structures of the box, shell, ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice-transporting mechanism can be found in the above-mentioned box, shell, ice-making mechanism, ice storage box, and ice-transporting mechanism, and will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0132] Other specific structures of the refrigerator can be found in the refrigerator described above, or the refrigerator assembly method of this application embodiment can be implemented based on the refrigerator described above, and this application embodiment will not elaborate on this.

[0133] The refrigerator and refrigerator assembly method 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. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: The ice maker comprises: a cabinet; and an ice making device detachably mounted in the cabinet, the ice making device comprising a housing, an ice making mechanism, an ice storage box and an ice conveying mechanism, the ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice conveying mechanism being detachably mounted in the housing, the ice making mechanism being configured to make and output ice cubes, the ice storage box being configured to store the ice cubes, and the ice conveying mechanism being configured to convey the ice cubes output by the ice making mechanism to the ice storage box; wherein the housing comprises: a first housing forming an ice making cavity with an opening; and a second housing detachably covering the first housing to close at least part of the opening of the ice making cavity; wherein the ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice conveying mechanism are arranged in the ice making cavity; the ice making device further comprises a water supply assembly detachably connected to a side of the housing opposite to the opening of the cabinet, the water supply assembly being configured to connect to an external water source and supply water to the ice making mechanism; the housing and the inner surface of the cabinet form a closed mounting cavity, the mounting cavity and the ice making cavity being independent of each other; the water supply assembly is accommodated in the mounting cavity; the housing comprises a main body portion with a thermal insulation layer and a baffle without a thermal insulation layer; the main body portion forms the ice making cavity, and the baffle is protruded from the main body portion; the inner wall of the mounting cavity is formed by the side of the main body portion opposite to the opening of the refrigeration chamber, the baffle and the refrigeration chamber.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet has the refrigeration chamber, a first passage and a freezing chamber which are sequentially communicated, the freezing chamber is located below the refrigeration chamber, and the first passage is located between the freezing chamber and the refrigeration chamber; wherein the housing is mounted in the refrigeration chamber near the freezing chamber, and at least part of the opening of the ice making cavity faces the freezing chamber and communicates with the first passage.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the housing is protruded with a first connecting structure, the cabinet comprises a first inner wall forming the refrigeration chamber, the first inner wall is provided with a second connecting structure, and the second connecting structure cooperates with the first connecting structure to realize detachable connection between the housing and the first inner wall.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first inner wall comprises a first rear side wall, a first bottom wall and a first left side wall, the first rear side wall is located at a side of the first inner wall away from the opening of the refrigeration chamber, the first bottom wall and the first left side wall are connected and surround the connection between the first rear side wall and the opening end surface of the refrigeration chamber, and the first bottom wall is located at a side of the first inner wall close to the freezing chamber; wherein the first bottom wall supports the second housing and the first housing, the first left side wall abuts against the second housing, the first rear side wall abuts against the first housing, the first connecting structure is protruded from a side surface of the first housing opposite to the first left side wall, and at least one of the first rear side wall and the first bottom wall is provided with the second connecting structure.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice making mechanism is arranged in the second housing, and the ice conveying mechanism and the ice storage box are arranged in the first housing.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ice storage box comprises: a support detachably connected with the first housing; A box body for storing ice cubes is slidably connected to the bracket, and the first shell is provided with a pull-out opening through which the box body is pulled out of the ice-making cavity.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that The bracket is provided with a sliding groove, and the box body is provided with a sliding portion that is slidably connected to the sliding groove. The bracket is further provided with a first clamping groove located at one end of the sliding groove close to the pull-out opening, and the box body is further provided with a first clamping portion that is clamped to the first clamping groove.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the box body is provided with a handle and is arranged in the pull-out opening.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The box body comprises a containing cavity for storing ice cubes and a first ice outlet in communication with the containing cavity, the first ice outlet being located at one end face of the box body close to the pull-out opening; wherein the ice storage box further comprises: an ice outlet motor that is detachably connected to the first shell, the ice outlet motor being arranged on a side of the box body away from the first ice outlet; and an ice outlet screw rod that is at least partially accommodated in the containing cavity, the ice outlet screw rod being capable of sliding with the box body to be connected or disconnected with the ice outlet motor, so that the ice outlet motor can drive the ice outlet screw rod to rotate to push the ice cubes in the containing cavity towards the first ice outlet.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice outlet motor is provided with a first support structure on a side thereof facing the opening of the box body; One end of the bracket is supported on the first support structure and is screwed to the first support structure, and the other end of the bracket is clamped to the pull-out opening and is screwed to the first shell.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ice-making device further comprises an air duct mounted to the first shell, the air duct comprising a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first air outlet facing the ice storage box, and the second air outlet facing the ice-making mechanism.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first shell comprises a second right side wall and a second back side wall connected thereto, the second right side wall facing the second shell, and the second back side wall being arranged on a side of the second right side wall facing the second shell; wherein the air duct is provided with a second plug-in portion on a side thereof facing the second right side wall, the second plug-in portion being plugged into the second right side wall, and a side of the air duct facing the second back side wall being screwed and fixed to the second back side wall.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ice transporting mechanism comprises: a guide rail that is detachably mounted to the first shell; a carrier that is slidably mounted to the guide rail; and a driving unit mounted to the carrier, the driving unit being used to drive the carrier to slide, so that the carrier can carry the ice cubes output by the ice-making mechanism and transport them to the ice storage box.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first shell comprises a second right side wall away from the second shell, the second right side wall being provided with a first hanging portion and a second screwing portion; a side of the guide rail facing the second right side wall is provided with a second hanging portion and a third screwing portion, the second hanging portion being matched with the first hanging portion to enable the guide rail to be hung on the second right side wall, and the third screwing portion being screwed and fixed to the second screwing portion.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that, The ice transporting mechanism further comprises an ice removing member that is detachably connected to a side of the first shell away from the ice-making mechanism, the ice removing member being used to push the ice cubes carried by the carrier into the ice storage box.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator further comprises: a box door that is rotatably connected to the box body; and A dispenser is mounted on the box door, and the dispenser can rotate with the box door to be connected with or separated from the outlet of the ice storage box, so that the dispenser can receive and output the ice supplied by the ice storage box. The dispenser is connected with the water supply assembly, so that the dispenser can receive and output the water supplied by the water supply assembly.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein The water supply assembly comprises: A water valve is detachably connected to the side of the shell away from the box opening, and the water valve comprises a first water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water inlet is used to be connected with an external water source, and the first water outlet is connected with the ice making device for supplying water to the ice making device. A water tank is detachably connected to the side of the shell away from the box opening, and the water tank is connected with the second water outlet to contain the water supplied by the water valve. The water tank is connected with the dispenser to supply water to the dispenser.

18. A refrigerator assembly method, characterized by, A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is assembled by the following method: An ice box, a shell, an ice making mechanism, an ice storage box and an ice transport mechanism are obtained. The ice making mechanism is used to manufacture and output ice cubes. The ice storage box is used to store ice cubes. The ice transport mechanism is used to transport ice cubes. The ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice transport mechanism are mounted on the shell, so that the ice transport mechanism can transport the ice cubes output by the ice making mechanism to the ice storage box. The shell provided with the ice making mechanism, the ice storage box and the ice transport mechanism is mounted in the ice box.

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