A drive mechanism for an ice maker

Abstract

This invention provides a drive mechanism for an ice maker, relating to the field of ice maker technology. It includes a housing and a lid. A first output gear and a second output gear are rotatably mounted on both sides of the housing, and a linkage gear is rotatably mounted within the housing between the first and second output gears. The invention connects two ice trays via a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The rotation of the linkage gear drives the first and second output gears to rotate. When the first notch meshing tooth contacts the second locking arc, the first output gear does not rotate, the ice tray on the first output shaft does not rotate, and the second output shaft continues to rotate. When the second notch meshing tooth contacts the first locking arc, the second output gear does not rotate, the ice tray on the second output shaft does not rotate, and the first output shaft continues to rotate. This achieves asynchronous rotation of the two sets of ice trays, avoiding simultaneous twisting of the components, i.e., staggered force application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice maker technology, and more particularly to a drive mechanism for an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator with a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. It uses a refrigeration system with water as the carrier and produces ice by passing it through a device when powered on. Depending on the principle of the evaporator and the production method, the shape of the ice produced will also be different. Generally, ice makers are classified according to the shape of the ice, such as granular ice makers, flake ice makers, plate ice makers, tube ice makers, shell ice makers, etc.

[0003] In ice makers, ice is typically generated on an ice tray, and then a drive mechanism rotates the tray, causing the ice to fall off. In existing technology, an ice maker is equipped with only one ice tray. If multiple ice trays are used, there is a problem that the amount of ice falling at one time is too large and difficult to collect. This requires multiple ice trays to rotate asynchronously, which in turn requires multiple drive motors. The components are simultaneously subjected to the force of twisting ice, increasing power consumption. Therefore, this invention proposes a drive mechanism for an ice maker to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a drive mechanism for an ice maker that enables two sets of ice trays to rotate asynchronously, thereby avoiding excessive ice volume in a single operation.

[0005] To achieve the objective of this invention, the invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a driving mechanism for an ice maker, comprising a box body and a box cover, wherein a first output gear and a second output gear are rotatably provided on both sides of the inner side of the box body, and a linkage gear is rotatably provided in the box body at a position between the first output gear and the second output gear, the linkage gear being adapted to the first output gear and the second output gear, a first locking arc is provided above one side of the linkage gear, and a second locking arc is provided below the other side of the linkage gear, and the box cover is a transparent part;

[0006] The first output gear has a first notch on one side, and a first notch meshing tooth is provided below the inner side of the first notch. The first notch meshing tooth is adapted to the second locking arc. The second output gear has a second notch on one side, and a second notch meshing tooth is provided above the inner side of the second notch. The second notch meshing tooth is adapted to the first locking arc. The first output gear and the second output gear are respectively provided with a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The first output gear and the second output gear rotate asynchronously in the same direction. The rotation angle distribution of the first output gear and the second output gear is achieved by incomplete meshing with the linkage gear. The first output gear and the second output gear are driven by a motor. The rotation position of the first output shaft and the second output shaft share a detection signal.

[0007] A further improvement is that: both sides of the box cover are provided with through holes, and the first output shaft and the second output shaft extend out through the two sets of through holes respectively.

[0008] A further improvement is that the height of both the first output gear and the second output gear is less than the height of the linkage gear, the first output gear meshes with the lower outer side of the linkage gear, and the second output gear meshes with the upper outer side of the linkage gear.

[0009] A further improvement is that a first gear is rotatably provided on one side of the box body, and a second gear is provided above the first gear, the second gear being adapted to the linkage gear.

[0010] A further improvement is that a third gear is rotatably provided inside the box at one side of the first gear, and a fourth gear is provided above the third gear, the fourth gear being adapted to the first gear.

[0011] A further improvement is that a fifth gear is rotatably provided inside the box at one side of the third gear, and a sixth gear is provided below the fifth gear. A seventh gear is rotatably provided inside the box at the position between the sixth gear and the third gear, and the seventh gear is adapted to the third gear and the sixth gear.

[0012] A further improvement is that a worm gear is rotatably provided inside the housing at one end of the fifth gear, and an eighth gear is provided on the top of the worm gear, which is adapted to the fifth gear.

[0013] A further improvement is that a motor is provided at one end of the inner side of the box, and a worm gear is provided at the output end of the motor, the worm gear being adapted to the worm wheel.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0015] 1. This invention connects two ice discs via a first output shaft and a second output shaft, respectively. The rotation of the linkage gear drives the first and second output gears to rotate. When the first notch meshing tooth contacts the second locking arc, the first output gear does not rotate, the ice disc on the first output shaft does not rotate, and the second output shaft still rotates. When the second notch meshing tooth contacts the first locking arc, the second output gear does not rotate, the ice disc on the second output shaft does not rotate, and the first output shaft still rotates. This achieves the purpose of asynchronously twisting the ice discs of the two sets of ice discs, avoiding simultaneous twisting of the components, i.e., staggered force application.

[0016] 2. This invention uses a motor to drive a worm gear to rotate, which in turn drives a worm wheel to rotate, causing the eighth gear to rotate. The eighth gear then drives the fifth gear to rotate, which in turn drives the sixth gear to rotate, which in turn drives the seventh gear to rotate. The seventh gear then drives the third gear to rotate, which in turn drives the fourth gear to rotate, which in turn drives the first gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear to rotate, thereby driving the linkage gears to rotate. Only one motor is needed to drive this, reducing power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first output gear of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second output gear of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage gear of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gears inside the housing of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram for the present invention.

[0025] The components are: 1. Box body; 2. Box cover; 3. First output gear; 4. Second output gear; 5. Linkage gear; 6. First locking arc; 7. Second locking arc; 8. First notched meshing tooth; 9. Second notched meshing tooth; 10. First output shaft; 11. Second output shaft; 12. First gear; 13. Second gear; 14. Third gear; 15. Fourth gear; 16. Fifth gear; 17. Sixth gear; 18. Seventh gear; 19. Worm gear; 20. Eighth gear; 21. Motor; 22. Worm. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] according to Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, this embodiment proposes a driving mechanism for an ice maker, including a housing 1 and a lid 2. A first output gear 3 and a second output gear 4 are rotatably mounted on both sides of the interior of the housing 1, and a linkage gear 5 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 1 at a position between the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4. The linkage gear 5 is adapted to the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4. A first locking arc 6 is provided above one side of the linkage gear 5, and a second locking arc 7 is provided below the other side of the linkage gear 5. The lid 2 is transparent to prevent misinstallation or omission of springs.

[0029] The first output gear 3 has a first notch on one side, and a first notch meshing tooth 8 is provided below the inner side of the first notch. The first notch meshing tooth 8 is adapted to the second locking arc 7. The second output gear 4 has a second notch on one side, and a second notch meshing tooth 9 is provided above the inner side of the second notch. The second notch meshing tooth 9 is adapted to the first locking arc 6. The first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 are respectively provided with a first output shaft 10 and a second output shaft 11. The first locking arc 6 is 73°, the second locking arc 7 is 55°, and the first notch and the second notch are both 22°. The first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 rotate asynchronously in the same direction, and the rotation angle distribution of the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 is achieved through incomplete meshing with the linkage gear 5. Although the two output gears rotate asynchronously in the same direction, they share a single position detection signal. In use, the first output shaft 10 and the second output shaft 11 are connected to the two ice trays respectively. The rotation of the linkage gear 5 drives the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 to rotate. When the first notch meshing tooth 8 contacts the second locking arc 7, the first output gear 3 does not rotate, the ice tray on the first output shaft 10 does not rotate, and the second output shaft 11 still rotates. When the second notch meshing tooth 9 contacts the first locking arc 6, the second output gear 4 does not rotate, the ice tray on the second output shaft 11 does not rotate, and the first output shaft 10 still rotates, so as to achieve the purpose of the two sets of ice trays rotating asynchronously in the same direction. See the timing diagram for details. The first and second output shafts are horizontal as the initial angle. As time goes by, the angle changes to achieve asynchronous rotation in the same direction.

[0030] Both sides of the lid 2 are provided with through holes, through which the first output shaft 10 and the second output shaft 11 extend respectively. This is used to connect an ice tray.

[0031] The heights of the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 are both less than the height of the linkage gear 5. The first output gear 3 meshes with the lower outer side of the linkage gear 5, and the second output gear 4 meshes with the upper outer side of the linkage gear 5. This ensures that the first locking arc 6 does not affect the first output gear 3, and the second locking arc 7 does not affect the second output gear 4.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] according to Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, this embodiment proposes a driving mechanism for an ice maker, including a box body 1 and a box cover 2. A first output gear 3 and a second output gear 4 are rotatably provided on both sides inside the box body 1, and a linkage gear 5 is rotatably provided inside the box body 1 at a position between the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4. The linkage gear 5 is adapted to the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4. A first locking arc 6 is provided above one side of the linkage gear 5, and a second locking arc 7 is provided below the other side of the linkage gear 5.

[0034] The first output gear 3 has a first notch on one side, and a first notch meshing tooth 8 is provided below the inner side of the first notch. The first notch meshing tooth 8 is adapted to the second locking arc 7. The second output gear 4 has a second notch on one side, and a second notch meshing tooth 9 is provided above the inner side of the second notch. The second notch meshing tooth 9 is adapted to the first locking arc 6. The first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 are respectively provided with a first output shaft 10 and a second output shaft 11. The first locking arc 6 is 73°, the second locking arc 7 is 55°, and the first notch and the second notch are both 22°. The first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 rotate asynchronously in the same direction, and the rotation angle distribution of the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 is achieved through incomplete meshing with the linkage gear 5. Although the two output gears rotate asynchronously in the same direction, they share a single position detection signal. In use, the first output shaft 10 and the second output shaft 11 are connected to the two ice trays respectively. The rotation of the linkage gear 5 drives the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 to rotate. When the first notch meshing tooth 8 contacts the second locking arc 7, the first output gear 3 does not rotate, the ice tray on the first output shaft 10 does not rotate, and the second output shaft 11 still rotates. When the second notch meshing tooth 9 contacts the first locking arc 6, the second output gear 4 does not rotate, the ice tray on the second output shaft 11 does not rotate, and the first output shaft 10 still rotates, so as to achieve the purpose of the two sets of ice trays rotating asynchronously in the same direction.

[0035] A first gear 12 is rotatably mounted on one side inside the housing 1, and a second gear 13 is mounted above the first gear 12. The second gear 13 is adapted to the linkage gear 5. The second gear 13 meshes with the middle of the outer side of the linkage gear 5, avoiding the influence of the first locking arc 6 and the second locking arc 7.

[0036] A third gear 14 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 1 located on one side of the first gear 12, and a fourth gear 15 is located above the third gear 14. The fourth gear 15 is adapted to the first gear 12. A fifth gear 16 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 1 located on one side of the third gear 14, and a sixth gear 17 is located below the fifth gear 16. A seventh gear 18 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 1 located between the sixth gear 17 and the third gear 14, and the seventh gear 18 is adapted to the third gear 14 and the sixth gear 17. A worm gear 19 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 1 located at one end of the fifth gear 16, and an eighth gear 20 is located on top of the worm gear 19. The eighth gear 20 is adapted to the fifth gear 16. A motor 21 is located at one end of the interior of the housing 1, and a worm 22 is located at the output end of the motor 21. The worm 22 is adapted to the worm gear 19. In use, motor 21 drives worm 22 to rotate, worm 22 drives worm wheel 19 to rotate, causing eighth gear 20 to rotate. Eighth gear 20 drives fifth gear 16 to rotate, causing sixth gear 17 to rotate, which in turn drives seventh gear 18 to rotate. Seventh gear 18 drives third gear 14 to rotate, causing fourth gear 15 to rotate, which in turn drives first gear 12 to rotate, causing second gear 13 to rotate, thereby driving linkage gear 5 to rotate. Only one motor 21 is needed for this operation, reducing power consumption.

[0037] The drive mechanism of the ice maker connects two ice trays via a first output shaft 10 and a second output shaft 11. The rotation of the linkage gear 5 drives the first output gear 3 and the second output gear 4 to rotate. When the first notch meshing tooth 8 contacts the second locking arc 7, the first output gear 3 does not rotate, the ice tray on the first output shaft 10 does not rotate, and the second output shaft 11 still rotates. When the second notch meshing tooth 9 contacts the first locking arc 6, the second output gear 4 does not rotate, the ice tray on the second output shaft 11 does not rotate, and the first output shaft 10 still rotates. This achieves the purpose of asynchronously twisting the ice trays of the two sets of ice trays, avoiding simultaneous twisting of the components and thus avoiding peak stress. Furthermore, this invention uses a motor 21 to drive a worm gear 22 to rotate, which in turn drives a worm wheel 19 to rotate, causing the eighth gear 20 to rotate. The eighth gear 20 then drives the fifth gear 16 to rotate, which in turn drives the sixth gear 17 to rotate, which in turn drives the seventh gear 18 to rotate. The seventh gear 18 then drives the third gear 14 to rotate, which in turn drives the fourth gear 15 to rotate, which in turn drives the first gear 12 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 13 to rotate, thereby driving the linkage gear 5 to rotate. Only one motor 21 is needed to drive this, reducing power consumption.

[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism for an ice maker, comprising a housing (1) and a lid (2), characterized in that: The box body (1) has a first output gear (3) and a second output gear (4) rotatably mounted on both sides of its interior. A linkage gear (5) is rotatably mounted inside the box body (1) between the first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4). The linkage gear (5) is adapted to the first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4). A first locking arc (6) is provided above one side of the linkage gear (5), and a second locking arc (7) is provided below the other side of the linkage gear (5). The box cover (2) is transparent. The first output gear (3) has a first notch on one side, and a first notch meshing tooth (8) is provided below the inner side of the first notch. The first notch meshing tooth (8) is adapted to the second locking arc (7). The second output gear (4) has a second notch on one side, and a second notch meshing tooth (9) is provided above the inner side of the second notch. The second notch meshing tooth (9) is adapted to the first locking arc (6). The first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4) are respectively provided with a first output shaft (10) and a second output shaft (11). The first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4) rotate asynchronously in the same direction, and the rotation angle distribution of the first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4) is achieved through incomplete meshing with the linkage gear (5). The first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4) are driven by the motor (21). The rotation positions of the first output shaft (10) and the second output shaft (11) share a detection signal. The first locking arc (6) is 73°, the second locking arc (7) is 55°, and the first notch and the second notch are both 22°. Both sides of the cover (2) are provided with through holes. The first output shaft (10) and the second output shaft (11) extend out through the two sets of through holes respectively. The height of the first output gear (3) and the second output gear (4) is less than the height of the linkage gear (5). The first output gear (3) meshes with the lower outer side of the linkage gear (5), and the second output gear (4) meshes with the upper outer side of the linkage gear (5).

2. The driving mechanism of an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box (1) has a first gear (12) rotatably mounted on one side, and a second gear (13) is mounted above the first gear (12). The second gear (13) is adapted to the linkage gear (5).

3. The driving mechanism of an ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: A third gear (14) is rotatably provided inside the box (1) at one side of the first gear (12), and a fourth gear (15) is provided above the third gear (14), the fourth gear (15) being adapted to the first gear (12).

4. The driving mechanism of an ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that: A fifth gear (16) is rotatably provided inside the box (1) at one side of the third gear (14), and a sixth gear (17) is provided below the fifth gear (16). A seventh gear (18) is rotatably provided inside the box (1) at the position between the sixth gear (17) and the third gear (14). The seventh gear (18) is adapted to the third gear (14) and the sixth gear (17).

5. The driving mechanism of an ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The box (1) at one end of the fifth gear (16) is provided with a worm gear (19) that rotates inside, and the top of the worm gear (19) is provided with an eighth gear (20), which is adapted to the fifth gear (16).

6. The driving mechanism of an ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that: A motor (21) is provided at one end of the inner side of the box (1), and a worm (22) is provided at the output end of the motor (21), and the worm (22) is adapted to the worm wheel (19).

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