An ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe to detect ice quantity

Abstract

This invention discloses an ice maker that detects ice volume based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe, belonging to the field of ice maker technology. The drive arm is linked to a multi-layer cam gear and oscillates reciprocally along a predetermined trajectory. A linear moving arm is used to mount a full-ice detection magnet. The full-ice sensor is fixed inside the housing. The linear displacement of the linear moving arm causes the magnet to approach or move away from the full-ice sensor, thus generating a signal on / off state. The linear moving arm drives the ice probe shaft to rotate via a semi-arc gear, thereby detecting the ice volume. When the ice probe is blocked by ice during the reset process, the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise. The drive arm drives the linear moving arm, causing the full-ice signal to disappear. This state cannot accurately reflect the actual amount of ice in the refrigerator. By setting an adjusting spring inside the linear moving arm, when the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise, the drive arm compresses the adjusting spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ice maker, and more particularly to an ice maker that detects the amount of ice based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod, belonging to the field of ice maker technology. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker for refrigerators includes a drive unit, a metal ice-making container, and a heater. The drive unit is located on one side of the metal ice-making container. The drive unit works as follows: a motor drives a multi-layer cam gear through a gear train. Cams located on one or both sides of the multi-layer cam gear cause the ice pusher to rotate a certain angle along the direction of ice pushing and stop. An ice probe rod, which is linked to the ice pusher, rotates a certain angle to determine whether the ice is full. In the existing technology, the detection accuracy and structural design are not flexible enough, resulting in inconvenience during use and insufficient detection accuracy. To address these issues, an ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of the ice probe rod to detect the amount of ice is designed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an ice maker that detects ice quantity based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe, wherein the drive arm is linked with a multi-layer cam gear and oscillates back and forth along a predetermined trajectory;

[0004] A linear moving arm is used to install a magnet for detecting full ice levels;

[0005] The full ice sensor is fixed inside the housing cavity. The linear displacement of the linear moving arm makes the magnet approach or move away from the full ice sensor, thereby generating signal on / off.

[0006] The linear moving arm drives the ice probe shaft to rotate via a semi-circular gear, thereby detecting the amount of ice.

[0007] When the ice probe is blocked by ice during the reset process, the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise. The drive arm then drives the linear moving arm, causing the full ice signal to go from active to inactive. This state does not accurately reflect the amount of ice inside the refrigerator. By installing an adjusting spring inside the linear moving arm, when the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise, the drive arm compresses the adjusting spring, while the linear moving arm does not move or moves only a small distance, but the switch signal remains in the full ice state.

[0008] To prevent the adjusting spring installed inside the linear moving arm from falling off, a boss is provided at the end of the linear moving arm to limit the spring displacement;

[0009] To reduce the damping of the linear moving arm during movement, several concave surfaces are set to reduce the contact area between the linear moving arm and the mating parts, while oil can be stored in these concave surfaces to increase lubrication.

[0010] To ensure the accuracy of the ice probe's stopping position, the position control signal of the ice probe uses a tactile switch trigger signal to avoid the phenomenon of unstable signal acquisition due to temperature changes in the magnetic control signal;

[0011] The cam on one side of the multi-layer cam gear forms a cam pair with the switch rod. When the multi-layer cam gear rotates, the switch rod is pressed tightly against the cam surface under the action of the side limiting spring. When the multi-layer cam gear rotates to the groove, the switch rod rotates around the fulcrum and falls into the groove, at which point the switch is turned on. The positions when the switch is turned on are the origin position of the ice pusher and the ice probing position, respectively.

[0012] To prevent the side limiting spring from shifting during compression, a spring limiting device is provided on the middle plate;

[0013] To facilitate observation of the actual state of the springs after installation, the middle plate is made of a transparent component.

[0014] The temperature sensor is installed in a pre-set slot and comes into direct contact with the ice tray, improving the accuracy of temperature control and reducing residual water in the ice tray after each ice-making process.

[0015] The objective of this invention can be achieved by adopting the following technical solution:

[0016] An ice maker based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe to detect ice quantity includes a side plate. A transmission chamber is connected to one side of the side plate, and a drive motor is located at one corner inside the transmission chamber. The drive motor is connected to a cam gear assembly via a gear transmission assembly. A drive arm is mounted on the cam gear assembly. A switch rod assembly is hinged to the lower part of the cam gear assembly through the transmission chamber. The switch rod assembly cooperates with the cam gear assembly, and a linkage switch assembly is provided at the end of the switch rod assembly. A flexible linear drive arm assembly is hinged to one corner of the drive arm, and the flexible linear drive arm assembly meshes with the ice probe assembly. The transmission chamber has a single-layer structure, and an electrical groove is formed in the inner wall of the transmission chamber. An electrical wire is located in the electrical groove and exits from a side slot formed on the side of the transmission chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the gear transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear, a third transmission gear, and an adjusting gear. The output end of the drive motor meshes with the first transmission gear through a linkage gear, and the outer side of the first transmission gear meshes with the second transmission gear. The outer side of the second transmission gear meshes with the third transmission gear. An adjusting gear is installed at the top center of the third transmission gear, and the adjusting gear meshes with a cam gear assembly. When the motor drives the multi-layer cam gear assembly through the gear assembly, it causes the ice pusher rod set on the multi-layer cam gear assembly to rotate at a certain angle along the ice pushing direction and stop. The ice probe rod linked to it rotates to detect the amount of ice.

[0018] Preferably, the cam gear assembly includes a multi-layer cam gear, a connecting inner wheel, a first slot and a second slot. The multi-layer cam gear is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber, and the connecting inner wheel is installed at the top center of the multi-layer cam gear. The connecting inner wheel is provided with a first slot and a second slot respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the switch rod assembly includes a switch rod, a convex locking block, and a connecting block. The switch rod is hinged inside the transmission chamber, and a convex locking block is provided at the middle of the inner side of the switch rod. The convex locking block cooperates with the second locking groove and the first locking groove. The connecting block is integrally formed at the end of the switch rod.

[0020] Preferably, the linkage switch assembly includes a switch, a side limiting spring, a fixing groove, and a side limiting spring. The side limiting spring is connected to one side of the connecting block, the fixing groove is installed in the middle of the inner side of the transmission chamber, and the other side of the connecting block is provided with a switch that cooperates with the connecting block.

[0021] Preferably, the flexible linear drive arm assembly includes a linear drive arm, an adjusting spring, side teeth, a magnetic block, a spring limiting rod, and a hook. A slide rail is provided at the inner corner of the transmission compartment, and a linear drive arm is provided on the slide rail. A spring limiting rod is integrally formed at the inner end of the linear drive arm, and an adjusting spring is inserted into the end of the spring limiting rod. Side teeth are installed on one side of the linear drive arm, and a hook is provided at the middle of the other side of the linear drive arm, with a magnetic block inserted into the hook.

[0022] Preferably, the ice probe assembly includes an ice probe shaft, a semi-circular gear, and an ice probe. The ice probe shaft is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber via a bearing, and a semi-circular gear is installed on the outer side of the ice probe shaft. The semi-circular gear meshes with the side teeth, and the bottom of the ice probe shaft passes through the transmission chamber to install the ice probe.

[0023] Preferably, the transmission chamber is fixed to the outer shell by a fixing screw.

[0024] Beneficial technical effects of the present invention:

[0025] The present invention provides an ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe to detect the amount of ice. The drive arm is linked with a multi-layer cam gear and swings back and forth along a predetermined trajectory.

[0026] A linear moving arm is used to install a magnet for detecting full ice levels;

[0027] The full ice sensor is fixed inside the housing cavity. The linear displacement of the linear moving arm makes the magnet approach or move away from the full ice sensor, thereby generating signal on / off.

[0028] The linear moving arm drives the ice probe shaft to rotate via a semi-circular gear, thereby detecting the amount of ice.

[0029] When the ice probe is blocked by ice during the reset process, the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise. The drive arm then drives the linear moving arm, causing the full ice signal to go from active to inactive. This state does not accurately reflect the amount of ice inside the refrigerator. By installing an adjusting spring inside the linear moving arm, when the multi-layer cam gear forces the drive arm to rotate counterclockwise, the drive arm compresses the adjusting spring, while the linear moving arm does not move or moves only a small distance, but the switch signal remains in the full ice state.

[0030] To prevent the adjusting spring installed inside the linear moving arm from falling off, a boss is provided at the end of the linear moving arm to limit the spring displacement;

[0031] To reduce the damping of the linear moving arm during movement, several concave surfaces are set to reduce the contact area between the linear moving arm and the mating parts, while oil can be stored in these concave surfaces to increase lubrication.

[0032] To ensure the accuracy of the ice probe's stopping position, the position control signal of the ice probe uses a tactile switch trigger signal to avoid the phenomenon of unstable signal acquisition due to temperature changes in the magnetic control signal;

[0033] The cam on one side of the multi-layer cam gear forms a cam pair with the switch rod. When the multi-layer cam gear rotates, the switch rod is pressed tightly against the cam surface under the action of the side limiting spring. When the multi-layer cam gear rotates to the groove, the switch rod rotates around the fulcrum and falls into the groove, at which point the switch is turned on. The positions when the switch is turned on are the origin position of the ice pusher and the ice probing position, respectively.

[0034] To prevent the side limiting spring from shifting during compression, a spring limiting device is provided on the middle plate;

[0035] To facilitate observation of the actual state of the springs after installation, the middle plate is made of a transparent component.

[0036] The temperature sensor is installed in a pre-set slot and comes into direct contact with the ice tray, improving the accuracy of temperature control and reducing residual water in the ice tray after each ice-making process. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which detects ice quantity based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of an ice maker based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a linear moving arm according to a preferred embodiment of an ice maker based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the transmission mechanism of an ice maker based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod to detect the amount of ice according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning rod assembly structure according to a preferred embodiment of an ice maker based on the lateral rotation of an ice probe rod to detect the amount of ice according to the present invention.

[0042] In the diagram: 1-Side strip, 2-Outer shell, 3-Transmission chamber, 4-Drive motor, 5-First transmission gear, 6-Second transmission gear, 7-Third transmission gear, 8-Adjusting gear, 9-Drive arm, 10-Multi-layer cam gear, 11-Linear drive arm, 12-Side tooth, 13-Semi-arc gear, 14-Ice probe shaft, 15-Adjusting spring, 16-Magnetic block, 17-Ice probe, 18-Spring limit rod, 19-Hook, 20-Switch rod, 21-Fixing groove, 22-Side limit spring, 23-Connecting block, 24-Switch, 25-Connecting inner wheel, 26-First slot, 27-Second slot, 28-Transmission fixing frame, 30-Protruding block, 33-Side slot, 34-Electrical wire. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical solution of the present invention more clearly, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0044] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides an ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe to detect ice quantity. It includes a side plate 1, a transmission chamber 3 connected to one side of the side plate 1, and a drive motor 4 located at one corner inside the transmission chamber 3. The drive motor 4 is connected to a cam gear assembly through a gear transmission assembly. A drive arm 9 is mounted on the cam gear assembly. A switch rod assembly is hinged to the lower part of the cam gear assembly through the transmission chamber 3. The switch rod assembly cooperates with the cam gear assembly, and a linkage switch assembly is provided at the end of the switch rod assembly. A flexible linear drive arm assembly is hinged to one corner of the drive arm 9. The flexible linear drive arm assembly meshes with the ice probe assembly. The transmission chamber 3 adopts a single-layer structure, and an electrical groove is opened in the inner wall of the transmission chamber 3. An electrical wire 34 is located in the electrical groove and passes through the side groove opening opened on the side of the transmission chamber 3.

[0045] The drive arm 9 is linked with the multi-layer cam gear 10 and swings back and forth along a predetermined trajectory;

[0046] Linear moving arm 11 is used to install the full-ice detection magnet;

[0047] The full ice sensor is fixed in the inner cavity of the housing. The linear displacement of the linear moving arm 11 makes the magnet 16 approach or move away from the full ice sensor, thereby generating signal on / off.

[0048] The linear moving arm 11 drives the ice probe shaft 14 to rotate via the semi-circular gear 13, thereby detecting the amount of ice.

[0049] When the ice probe 17 is blocked by ice during the reset process, the multi-layer cam gear 10 will force the drive arm 9 to rotate counterclockwise. The drive arm 9 drives the linear moving arm 11, causing the full ice signal to go from present to absent. This state cannot actually reflect the amount of ice in the refrigerator. By setting an adjusting spring 15 inside the linear moving arm 11, when the multi-layer cam gear 10 forces the drive arm 9 to rotate counterclockwise, the drive arm 9 will compress the adjusting spring 15, while the linear moving arm 11 will not move or will move a very small distance, but the switch signal will still be in the full ice state.

[0050] To prevent the adjusting spring 15 installed inside the linear moving arm 11 from falling off, a boss is provided at the end of the linear moving arm 11 to limit the spring displacement.

[0051] In order to reduce the damping of the linear moving arm 11 during the movement process, several concave surfaces are set to reduce the contact surface between the linear moving arm 11 and the mating parts, while oil can be stored in these concave surfaces to increase lubrication.

[0052] To ensure the accuracy of the stopping position of the ice probe 17, the position control signal of the ice probe 17 adopts a tactile switch trigger signal to avoid the phenomenon of unstable signal acquisition due to temperature changes in the magnetic control signal;

[0053] The cam on one side of the multi-layer cam gear 9 forms a cam pair with the switch rod 20. When the multi-layer cam gear 9 rotates, the switch rod 20 is pressed tightly against the cam surface under the action of the side limiting spring 22. When the multi-layer cam gear 9 rotates to the groove, the switch rod 20 rotates around the fulcrum and falls into the groove, at which point the switch 24 is turned on. The positions of the switch 24 when it is turned on are the origin position of the ice pusher and the ice probing position.

[0054] To prevent the side limiting spring 22 from shifting during compression, a spring limiting device is provided on the middle plate;

[0055] To facilitate observation of the actual state of the springs after installation, the middle plate is made of a transparent component.

[0056] The temperature sensor is installed in a pre-set slot and comes into direct contact with the ice tray, improving the accuracy of temperature control and reducing residual water in the ice tray after each ice-making process.

[0057] In this embodiment, the gear transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear 5, a second transmission gear 6, a third transmission gear 7, and an adjusting gear 8. The output end of the drive motor 4 is meshed with the first transmission gear 5 through a linkage gear, and the outer side of the first transmission gear 5 is meshed with the second transmission gear 6. The outer side of the second transmission gear 6 is meshed with the third transmission gear 7. An adjusting gear 8 is installed at the top center of the third transmission gear 7, and the adjusting gear 8 is meshed with a cam gear assembly.

[0058] In this embodiment, the cam gear assembly includes a multi-layer cam gear 10, a connecting inner wheel 25, a first slot 26, and a second slot 27. The multi-layer cam gear 10 is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber 3, and the connecting inner wheel 25 is installed at the top center of the multi-layer cam gear 10. The connecting inner wheel 25 is provided with a first slot 26 and a second slot 27 respectively.

[0059] In this embodiment, the switch rod assembly includes a switch rod 20, a convex locking block 30, and a connecting block 23. The switch rod 20 is hinged inside the transmission chamber 3, and the convex locking block 30 is provided at the middle of the inner side of the switch rod 20. The convex locking block 30 cooperates with the second locking groove 27 and the first locking groove 26. The connecting block 23 is integrally formed at the end of the switch rod 20.

[0060] In this embodiment, the linkage switch assembly includes a switch 24, a side limiting spring 22, a fixing groove 21, and a side limiting spring 22. The side limiting spring 22 is connected to one side of the connecting block 23, and the fixing groove 21 is installed in the middle of the inner side of the transmission chamber 3. The other side of the connecting block 23 is provided with a switch 24 that cooperates with the connecting block 23.

[0061] In this embodiment, the flexible linear drive arm assembly includes a linear drive arm 11, an adjusting spring 15, side teeth 12, a magnetic block 16, a spring limiting rod 18, and a hook 19. A slide rail is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber 3, and the linear drive arm 11 is provided on the slide rail. The inner end of the linear drive arm 11 is integrally formed with a spring limiting rod 18, and the end of the spring limiting rod 18 is engaged with the adjusting spring 15. A side teeth 12 are installed on one side of the linear drive arm 11, and a hook 19 is provided at the middle of the other side of the linear drive arm 11, and a magnetic block 16 is engaged on the hook 19.

[0062] In this embodiment, the ice probe assembly includes an ice probe shaft 14, a semi-circular gear 13, and an ice probe 17. The ice probe shaft 14 is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber 3 via a bearing, and the semi-circular gear 13 is installed on the outer side of the ice probe shaft 14. The semi-circular gear 13 meshes with the side teeth 12. The bottom of the ice probe shaft 14 passes through the transmission chamber 3 and the ice probe 17 is installed thereon.

[0063] In this embodiment, the transmission chamber 3 is fixed to the outer shell 2 by a fixing screw.

[0064] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor slot is provided between the side strip plate 1 and the transmission compartment 3, and a temperature sensor is provided inside the temperature sensor slot.

[0065] By incorporating a temperature sensor inside a temperature sensor slot, the sensor is installed in a pre-set slot and makes direct contact with the ice tray, thereby improving temperature control accuracy and reducing residual water in the ice tray after each ice-making process.

[0066] After the heater is placed into the ice-making tank, use an arc-shaped buckle. The overlap height between the arc-shaped buckle and the heater should be less than the radius of the heater to prevent the heater from moving axially and falling off.

[0067] The above are merely further embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and concept of the present invention, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker based on detecting ice quantity by lateral rotation of an ice probe, characterized in that: Includes a side plate (1), one side of which is connected to a transmission chamber (3), and a drive motor (4) is located at one corner inside the transmission chamber (3). The drive motor (4) is connected to a cam gear assembly through a gear transmission assembly. A drive arm (9) is provided on one side of the cam gear assembly, and a switch rod assembly is hinged to the other side of the cam gear assembly through the transmission chamber (3). The switch rod assembly cooperates with the cam gear assembly, and a linkage switch assembly is provided at the end of the switch rod assembly. A flexible linear drive arm assembly is hinged to one corner of the drive arm (9). The flexible linear drive arm assembly meshes with an ice probe rod assembly. The drive arm cooperates with the cam gear assembly. The transmission chamber (3) adopts a single-layer structure, and an electrical groove is opened on the inner wall of the transmission chamber (3). An electrical wire (34) is provided in the electrical groove, and the electrical wire (34) passes through the side groove opening on the side of the transmission chamber (3). The cam gear assembly includes a multi-layer cam gear (10), a connecting inner wheel (25), a first slot (26), and a second slot (27). The multi-layer cam gear (10) is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber (3), and the connecting inner wheel (25) is installed at the top center of the multi-layer cam gear (10). The connecting inner wheel (25) is provided with a first slot (26) and a second slot (27). The ice probe assembly includes an ice probe shaft (14), a semi-arc gear (13), and an ice probe (17). The ice probe shaft (14) is provided at the inner corner of the transmission chamber (3) via a bearing, and a semi-arc gear (13) is installed on the outer side of the ice probe shaft (14). The semi-arc gear (13) meshes with the side teeth (12). The bottom of the ice probe shaft (14) passes through the transmission chamber (3) and the ice probe (17) is installed thereon. The flexible linear drive arm assembly includes a linear drive arm (11), an adjusting spring (15), side teeth (12), a magnetic block (16), a spring limiting rod (18), and a hook (19). The inner corner of the transmission chamber (3) is provided with a slide rail, on which the linear drive arm (11) is provided. The inner end of the linear drive arm (11) is integrally formed with a spring limiting rod (18). The end of the spring limiting rod (18) is inserted with an adjusting spring (15). Side teeth (12) are installed on one side of the linear drive arm (11). A hook (19) is provided at the middle of the other side of the linear drive arm (11), and a magnetic block (16) is inserted into the hook (19). The full ice sensor is fixed in the inner cavity of the housing. The linear displacement of the linear drive arm (11) causes the magnetic block (16) to approach or move away from the full ice sensor, thereby generating signal on / off. When the ice probe (17) is blocked by ice during the reset process, by setting an adjusting spring (15) in the linear drive arm (11), when the multi-layer cam gear (10) forces the drive arm (9) to rotate counterclockwise, the drive arm (9) will compress the adjusting spring (15), while the linear drive arm (11) will not move or will move a very small distance, but the switch signal will still be in the full ice state.

2. An ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear (5), a second transmission gear (6), a third transmission gear (7), and an adjusting gear (8). The output end of the drive motor (4) is meshed with the first transmission gear (5) through a linkage gear, and the outer side of the first transmission gear (5) is meshed with the second transmission gear (6). The outer side of the second transmission gear (6) is meshed with the third transmission gear (7). An adjusting gear (8) is installed at the top center of the third transmission gear (7), and the adjusting gear (8) is meshed with a cam gear assembly. When the motor drives the cam gear assembly through the gear transmission assembly, it drives the ice pusher rod set on the cam gear assembly to rotate a certain angle along the direction of ice pushing and stop. The ice probe rod linked with it rotates to detect the amount of ice.

3. An ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switch rod assembly includes a switch rod (20), a convex locking block (30), and a connecting block (23). The switch rod (20) is hinged inside the transmission chamber (3), and a convex locking block (30) is provided at the middle of the inner side of the switch rod (20). The convex locking block (30) cooperates with the second locking groove (27) and the first locking groove (26). The connecting block (23) is integrally formed at the end of the switch rod (20).

4. An ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to claim 3, characterized in that: The linkage switch assembly includes a switch (24), a fixing groove (21) and a side limiting spring (22). The side limiting spring (22) is connected to one side of the connecting block (23). The fixing groove (21) is installed in the middle of the inner side of the transmission chamber (3). The other side of the connecting block (23) is provided with a switch (24) that cooperates with the connecting block (23).

5. An ice maker based on the horizontal rotation of an ice probe rod to detect ice quantity according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transmission chamber (3) is fixed to the outer shell (2) by a fixing screw.

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