Air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an ice making unit and an air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises a main machine and a sub-machine. The main machine comprises the ice making unit. The sub-machine is detachably arranged on the main machine. When the sub-machine is connected to the main machine, the ice cubes generated by the ice making unit can be transported into the refrigeration unit of the sub-machine. The ice making unit comprises an ice making module. The ice making module comprises an ice making assembly, an ice removing assembly, a water supply assembly and an ice storage box. The ice making assembly comprises an ice making box and ice making components for releasing cold energy to the ice making box. A plurality of ice making grooves are defined in the ice making box. The water supply assembly is used for supplying water to the ice making box. The ice removing assembly is used for removing the ice cubes in the ice making box into the ice storage box. According to the ice making unit of the embodiment of the application, the previously made ice cubes can be transported to the sub-machine, so that the sub-machine has the refrigeration function. The space utilization in the sub-machine can be effectively improved. The cold storage time is shorter, and the user does not need to wait for a long time. Moreover, the ice making unit can conveniently realize the generation of the ice cubes and the ice removing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air handling equipment technology, and in particular to an ice-making unit and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners with sub-units have their cooling function achieved by the sub-unit's own compressor for immediate cooling; or, the sub-unit stores cold energy inside the main unit of the air conditioner after returning to the main unit, and can only achieve cooling function after the sub-unit has completed cold energy storage. The above-mentioned cooling methods of the sub-unit have the following shortcomings: (1) The sub-unit carries a compressor, which occupies a lot of space in the sub-unit, affecting the space layout of the sub-unit's cooling capacity and other functions. The compressor is heavy, resulting in high power consumption of the sub-unit; (2) If the sub-unit cools immediately, it will blow hot air at the back of the machine for cooling, which can easily cause local environmental discomfort; if the sub-unit stores cold energy inside the main unit, the sub-unit needs a long time to store cold energy. Only after the sub-unit has completed cold energy storage for a long time can it achieve cooling function, requiring users to wait for a long time, which cannot meet the user's cooling needs well. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of this invention is to provide an ice-making unit that can be installed inside the main unit of an air conditioner. The ice-making unit in the main unit stores cold energy. When the sub-unit needs cooling, it can connect to the main unit, allowing pre-made ice from the main unit's ice-making unit to be quickly delivered to the sub-unit, enabling it to perform cooling. Since no compressor is needed in the sub-unit, space utilization within the sub-unit is effectively improved. Furthermore, since cold energy is stored by the main unit, the storage time is shorter, reducing user waiting time and better meeting cooling needs. Moreover, the ice-making unit has a simple structure, facilitating ice production and de-icing, and allowing for ice storage. When the sub-unit needs cooling, the ice stored in the ice storage box can be delivered to it, eliminating the need for prolonged user waiting.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an ice-making unit is used in an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit includes a heat exchange and air supply unit and the ice-making unit. The sub-unit is detachably disposed on the main unit and includes a refrigeration unit. When the sub-unit is connected to the main unit, ice blocks generated by the ice-making unit can be transported into the refrigeration unit. The ice-making unit includes an ice-making module, which includes an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box. The ice-making component includes an ice-making part and an ice-making box. The ice-making box defines a plurality of spaced-apart ice-making slots. The ice-making part is used to release cold energy into the ice-making box. The water supply component is used to supply water to the ice-making box. The ice-removing component is used to remove ice blocks from the ice-making box into the ice storage box.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making unit can be installed inside the main unit of an air conditioner. Cold storage is achieved through the ice-making unit of the main unit. When the sub-unit needs cooling, it can connect to the main unit, allowing the ice blocks pre-made by the main unit's ice-making unit to be quickly delivered to the sub-unit, enabling it to perform cooling. Since no compressor is required in the sub-unit, space utilization within the sub-unit is effectively improved. Furthermore, cold storage by the main unit results in a shorter storage time, eliminating long waiting times for users and better meeting their cooling needs. Moreover, by configuring the ice-making module of the ice-making unit to include an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box, ice production and removal can be conveniently achieved, and the ice blocks can be stored. When the sub-unit needs cooling, the ice blocks stored in the ice storage box can be delivered to the sub-unit, enabling it to perform cooling without requiring a long waiting time for the user.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one side of each of the ice-making tanks is open to form a material inlet, through which water is adapted to enter the ice-making box, and ice cubes are adapted to exit the ice-making box from the material inlet.

[0007] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of the material outlets are formed on the same side of the ice-making container.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of ice-making tanks are arranged in an array on the same plane extending in the vertical direction.

[0009] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the ice storage box is located below the ice making box, and the ice blocks are adapted to fall from the ice making tank into the ice storage box under their own gravity.

[0010] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the material inlet is oriented horizontally or downwards, and the lower wall surface of the ice-making tank is a support surface that extends downwards in a direction adjacent to the material inlet.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making module includes: an ice-making housing, wherein the ice-making component, the ice-removing component and the ice storage box are all disposed within the ice-making housing, and the ice-making box is connected to the ice-making housing and fixed relative to the ice-making housing.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making component is disposed on the side of the ice-making container opposite to the material inlet.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the de-icing assembly includes a de-icing component for releasing heat to the ice-making box, wherein the de-icing component releases heat to the ice-making box at the de-icing position.

[0014] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, the de-icing component and the ice-making component are the same component.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall of the ice storage box is formed with an ice outlet, and the ice outlet is provided with an ice outlet switch door for opening and closing the ice outlet.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making module further includes an ice-stirring mechanism for stirring the ice blocks in the ice storage box.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water supply assembly is adapted to spray water into the ice-making tank.

[0018] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, the water supply assembly includes: a water storage box for storing water; a water conveying component, the water conveying component including a water conveying main pipe extending in a vertical direction and a spray pipe extending in a horizontal direction, the spray pipe having a plurality of spray holes formed on it for spraying water into the ice-making tank; and a water supply pump for conveying water in the water storage box to the ice-making tank through the water conveying component.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the spray pipe is disposed at the top of the ice-making box and above the uppermost ice-making trough, and the spray holes are formed in the lower part of the spray pipe and face obliquely downward.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ice storage box is located below the ice making box, and the water supply assembly includes: a water storage box for storing water; a water conveying component having a water conveying channel; a water supply pump for conveying water in the water storage box to the ice making box through the water conveying component; and an auxiliary water tank disposed on one side of the ice making box in the horizontal direction and above the ice storage box, the auxiliary water tank being in communication with the water storage box.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water supply assembly includes: a water storage box for storing water, the water storage box being located below the ice storage box, and a water leakage hole communicating between the ice storage box and the water storage box being formed on the bottom wall of the ice storage box; a water conveying component having a water conveying channel; and a water supply pump for conveying water in the water storage box to the ice making box through the water conveying component.

[0022] An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an ice-making unit according to the first aspect of the present invention described above.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention, by providing the aforementioned ice-making unit, cold storage is achieved through the ice-making unit of the main unit. When the sub-unit needs to cool, it can be connected to the main unit, allowing the ice blocks pre-made by the ice-making unit of the main unit to be quickly delivered to the sub-unit, enabling the sub-unit to have a cooling function. Since there is no need to install a compressor in the sub-unit, the space utilization within the sub-unit can be effectively improved. Furthermore, since the cold storage is handled by the main unit, the cold storage time is shorter, and users do not need to wait for a long time, better meeting the user's cooling needs. Moreover, by configuring the ice-making module of the ice-making unit to include an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box, ice block production and removal can be easily achieved, and the ice blocks can be stored. When the sub-unit needs to cool, the ice blocks stored in the ice storage box can be delivered to the sub-unit, enabling the sub-unit to have a cooling function without requiring a long waiting time for the user.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the slave unit is connected to the host unit, the water generated in the refrigeration unit can be delivered to the water supply assembly.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an indoor air conditioning unit according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0030] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A three-dimensional sectional view of the middle AA line;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Middle section view;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a connection diagram of the ice-making unit and the sub-unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a connection diagram of the ice-making unit and the sub-unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention from another angle.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a connection diagram of the docking components and the sub-unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of water transport.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a connection diagram of the docking assembly and the sub-unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention from another angle. Figure 9 The arrows in the image indicate the direction in which the ice is being transported.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a sub-unit of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a submachine in the system;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the docking assembly of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A diagram showing the separation of docking components;

[0040] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A 3D view of the ice-making docking module of the docking components;

[0041] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A 3D view of the cooling docking module of the docking components in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cold storage working principle of an ice-making unit in an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cold storage working principle of the ice-making unit of an air conditioner according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an ice-making module of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Exploded view of the ice-making module in the image;

[0046] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 The main view of the ice-making module in the image;

[0047] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 Sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0048] Figure 22 yes Figure 18 Top view of the ice-making module in the middle;

[0049] Figure 23 It is along Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the CC line;

[0050] Figure 24 yes Figure 18 A partial structural diagram of the ice-making module in the image;

[0051] Figure 25 yes Figure 18 Diagram showing the fit between the partition of the ice-making module and the ice-making shell;

[0052] Figure 26 yes Figure 18 A 3D view of the partition of the ice-making module;

[0053] Figure 27 yes Figure 18 A 3D view of the door switch bracket for the ice-making module;

[0054] Figure 28 yes Figure 18 A 3D view of the ice-making components in the ice-making module;

[0055] Figure 29 yes Figure 18 Another perspective 3D view of the ice-making component of the ice-making module.

[0056] Figure label:

[0057] Air conditioner indoor unit 1000;

[0058] Host 100;

[0059] Main unit housing 10; base 11; top cover 12; rear housing 13; front panel 14; upper panel 141; lower panel 142; air outlet frame 15; first chamber 101; second chamber 102; third chamber 103; main unit air inlet 104; door 16; heat exchange and air supply unit 17; heat exchanger assembly 171; air duct assembly 172;

[0060] Ice-making module 20; Ice-making component 2; Ice-removing component 24;

[0061] Ice container 31; ice trough 311; material inlet 312; support surface 313; mounting bracket 315;

[0062] Water storage box 41; water transport component 42; water transport pipe 421; spray pipe 422; spray hole 4221; water supply pump 43; auxiliary water tank 44; water passage hole 441; overflow component 45; overflow channel 451; water supply pipe 46; ice storage box 47;

[0063] Ice-making shell 5; outer shell 51; upper outer shell 511; lower outer shell 512; inner shell 52; upper inner shell 521; lower inner shell 522; support frame 55; partition 56; horizontal part 561; ice outlet 5611; water leakage hole 5612; inclined part 562;

[0064] Ice outlet switch 571; switch bracket 572; ice outlet channel 5721; mounting slot 5722; ice outlet drive mechanism 573; ice discharge pipe 574; ice stirring mechanism 58; stirring rod 581; ice stirring drive mechanism 582;

[0065] Ice-making pipeline 61; return gas pipeline 62; de-icing pipeline 63; control valve 64; ice-making condenser 65; ice-making compressor 66; exhaust port 661; return gas port 662; throttling device 67; media inlet pipeline 68;

[0066] Ice-making docking module 70; mounting base 71; docking component 72; first ice discharge inlet 721; first ice discharge outlet 722; first water inlet 723; first water outlet 724; positioning protrusion 725; Hall element 726; docking drive mechanism 73; charging base 74;

[0067] Sub-machine 200;

[0068] Sub-unit body 8; refrigeration unit 80; refrigeration housing 81; refrigeration cavity 811; sub-unit air outlet 812; cold source cavity 813; refrigeration docking module 82; second ice removal inlet 821; second ice removal outlet 822; second water inlet 823; second water outlet 824; positioning hole 825; magnet 826; circulating water pump 83;

[0069] Submachine chassis 9;

[0070] 300 ice cubes. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0072] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Reference Figures 1-11An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main unit 100 and a sub-unit 200. The main unit 100 may include a heat exchange and air supply unit 17 and an ice-making unit. The heat exchange and air supply unit 17 may include a heat exchanger assembly 171 and an air duct assembly 172. The air duct assembly 172 includes air duct components and a fan component disposed on the air duct components. When the main unit 100 is required to perform cooling / heating, the fan component can be controlled to operate, driving indoor air into the main unit 100 to exchange heat with the heat exchanger assembly 171 and then exhausting it into the room, thereby regulating the overall indoor ambient temperature. The ice-making unit is used for cold storage and produces ice blocks 300, which can be used by the sub-unit 200 for cooling.

[0074] The slave unit 200 is detachably mounted on the main unit 100. The slave unit 200 includes a cooling unit 80, which can cool the environment surrounding the slave unit 200 and regulate its temperature. Specifically, it can lower the temperature of the environment around the slave unit 200, achieving rapid local temperature regulation. When the slave unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making unit of the main unit 100 can be delivered to the cooling unit 80, thus enabling the slave unit 200 to have a cooling function.

[0075] When the slave unit 200 needs to cool, it can be connected to the main unit 100, and the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making unit of the main unit 100 can be delivered to the cooling unit 80 of the slave unit 200. After delivery, the slave unit 200 can be separated from the main unit 100 and moved to a designated location for cooling. The cooling unit 80 of the slave unit 200 uses the cooling capacity of the ice blocks 300 to achieve cooling, thereby quickly regulating the ambient temperature around the slave unit 200. After the cooling capacity in the slave unit 200 is used up, if the slave unit 200 still needs to cool, it can be reconnected to the main unit 100, and the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making unit of the main unit 100 can be delivered to the cooling unit 80 of the slave unit 200. After delivery, the slave unit 200 can be separated from the main unit 100 and moved to a designated location for cooling. Moving the sub-unit 200 to a set spatial location for cooling can be done by placing the sub-unit 200 and the main unit 100 in the same indoor space for localized cooling, for example, by moving the sub-unit 200 to a location far away from the main unit 100 for localized cooling; or by moving the sub-unit 200 to a location not in the same indoor space as the main unit 100 for localized cooling.

[0076] If all the ice 300 inside the sub-unit 200 turns into water, it can be considered that the cooling capacity inside the sub-unit 200 is used up; or, the temperature inside the cooling unit 80 of the sub-unit 200 can be detected. If the temperature inside the cooling unit 80 of the sub-unit 200 is higher than the set temperature, it can be considered that the cooling capacity inside the sub-unit 200 is used up.

[0077] It should be noted that the ice-making unit within the main unit 100 can produce ice before the slave unit 200 needs cooling, achieving cold storage. This allows the slave unit 200 to immediately connect to the main unit 100 when cooling is required, and the main unit 100's ice-making unit can deliver pre-made ice blocks 300 to the slave unit 200's cooling unit 80, significantly reducing user waiting time. After all the ice blocks 300 produced by the main unit 100's ice-making unit have been delivered to the slave unit 200, the main unit 100's ice-making unit can continue producing ice blocks 300 for use the next time the slave unit 200 needs them.

[0078] Because the main unit 100 stores cold energy and delivers the generated ice blocks 300 to the sub-unit 200, users do not need to wait for long periods, thus better meeting their cooling needs. Furthermore, since the sub-unit 200 does not require a compressor, it effectively improves space utilization and facilitates miniaturization, reducing its footprint and making its use more flexible and convenient.

[0079] Optionally, after the sub-unit 200 is detached from the host unit 100, the sub-unit 200 can be controlled to move automatically on the ground, thereby making the movement of the sub-unit 200 convenient and realizing the intelligent movement of the sub-unit 200. The user can control the sub-unit 200 to move automatically to a set spatial position as needed.

[0080] For example, in Figure 10 In the example, the sub-unit 200 includes a sub-unit body 8 and a sub-unit chassis 9. The sub-unit chassis 9 is located on the bottom surface of the sub-unit body 8. The sub-unit body 8 includes the aforementioned refrigeration unit 80. The sub-unit chassis 9 is an intelligent movable chassis.

[0081] Optionally, when the slave unit 200 is connected to the host unit 100, the host unit 100 can also charge the slave unit 200.

[0082] Optionally, the air conditioner can be a split-type air conditioner, such as a split-type floor-standing air conditioner. In this case, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 1000 and an outdoor unit, wherein the indoor unit 1000 includes the aforementioned main unit 100 and sub-unit 200.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the air conditioner of the present invention, an ice-making unit is installed in the main unit 100, and cold storage is achieved through the ice-making unit of the main unit 100. When the sub-unit 200 is required to cool, the sub-unit 200 can be connected to the main unit 100, so that the ice blocks 300 pre-made by the ice-making unit of the main unit 100 can be quickly delivered to the sub-unit 200, enabling the sub-unit 200 to have a cooling function. Since there is no need to install a compressor in the sub-unit 200, the space utilization within the sub-unit 200 can be effectively improved. Furthermore, since the cold storage is performed by the main unit 100, the cold storage time is shorter, and users do not need to wait for a long time, thus better meeting the user's cooling needs.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-9 When the slave unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, the water produced in the refrigeration unit 80 can be transported to the ice-making unit. The ice blocks 300 in the slave unit 200 release cold energy and melt into water. When the slave unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, not only can the ice blocks 300 in the main unit 100 be transported to the slave unit 200, but the water in the slave unit 200 can also be transported to the ice-making unit of the main unit 100, achieving water recycling and saving water resources. Specifically, when the slave unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, the main unit 100 can simultaneously transport ice blocks 300 to the slave unit 200 and water to the main unit 100, enabling ice-water exchange between the main unit 100 and the slave unit 200 and reducing the time it takes for the slave unit 200 to obtain ice blocks 300 from the main unit 100.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-9 When the sub-unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making unit can be transported to the refrigeration unit 80 by their own gravity. This eliminates the need for a separate power transmission device to transport the ice blocks 300 from the ice-making unit to the refrigeration unit 80, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the structure, and lowering the cost.

[0086] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-10The ice-making unit includes an ice-making module 20 for producing ice cubes 300. When the slave unit 200 is connected to the main unit 100, the ice-making module 20 can deliver the produced ice cubes 300 to the refrigeration unit 80 of the slave unit 200. The main unit 100 includes a main unit housing 10, which may have a first chamber 101, a second chamber 102, and a third chamber 103. The heat exchange and air supply unit 17 can be located in the first chamber 101. The side wall of the first chamber 101 has a main unit air inlet 104 and a main unit air outlet. For example, the main unit air inlet 104 can be located on the rear side of the first chamber 101 and the main unit air outlet can be located on the front side of the first chamber 101. The heat exchange and air supply unit 17 can include a duct assembly 172 and a heat exchanger assembly 171. The duct assembly 172 includes duct components and a fan component. When the main unit 100 needs to cool / heat the room, the fan component works to drive the indoor air from the main unit air inlet 104 into the first chamber 101. The air entering the first chamber 101 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger assembly 171 and is then discharged into the room from the main unit air outlet, thereby cooling / heating the indoor environment.

[0087] The ice-making module 20 is located in the second chamber 102, and the sub-unit 200 is detachably located in the third chamber 103. When the sub-unit 200 is located in the third chamber 103, it can be connected to the main unit 100; when the sub-unit 200 is disconnected from the main unit 100, it can be separated from the third chamber 103. By defining the first chamber 101, the second chamber 102, and the third chamber 103 within the main unit housing 10 of the main unit 100, it is convenient to arrange and place the heat exchange and air supply unit 17, the ice-making module 20, and the sub-unit 200, thereby achieving modularity of the structure within the main unit housing 10, facilitating maintenance, and resulting in a compact structure.

[0088] Optionally, the first chamber 101, the second chamber 102, and the third chamber 103 can be arranged sequentially from top to bottom. That is, the first chamber 101 is located at the top, the third chamber 103 is located at the bottom, and the second chamber 102 is located between the first chamber 101 and the third chamber 103. By arranging the first chamber 101, the second chamber 102, and the third chamber 103 sequentially from top to bottom, when the sub-machine 200 is located in the third chamber 103, the sub-machine 200 is located below the ice-making module 20, thereby enabling the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making module 20 to be transported into the sub-machine 200 under its own gravity. In addition, by placing the third chamber 103, which is used to accommodate the sub-machine 200, at the bottom, it is convenient for the sub-machine 200 to enter and leave the third chamber 103. For example, when the air conditioner is a split-type floor-standing air conditioner, if the sub-unit 200 can move automatically, it can automatically move into the third chamber 103 and automatically move out of the third chamber 103.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 4-15 The air conditioner may include a docking assembly for docking the ice-making module 20 and the refrigeration unit 80. The docking assembly may include an ice-making docking module 70 and a refrigeration docking module 82. The ice-making docking module 70 is connected to the ice-making module 20, and the refrigeration docking module 82 is connected to the refrigeration unit 80. The refrigeration docking module 82 is adapted to be detachably connected to the ice-making docking module 70. The docking assembly facilitates the connection and disconnection of the sub-unit 200 and the main unit 100. The ice-making docking module 70 may be located in the third chamber 103, thereby facilitating the connection between the refrigeration docking module 82 and the ice-making module 70 of the sub-unit 200. For example, when the sub-unit 200 is located in the third chamber 103, the refrigeration docking module 82 can be connected to the ice-making docking module 70, thereby connecting the sub-unit 200 to the main unit 100. In this way, the ice-making module 20 of the main unit 100 can be connected to the refrigeration unit 80 of the sub-unit 200 through the docking component and can achieve communication. The ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making module 20 can be transported to the sub-unit 200. When the sub-unit 200 needs to be separated from the main unit 100, for example after the ice blocks 300 have been transported to the sub-unit 200, the refrigeration docking module 82 can be separated from the ice-making docking module 70, thereby separating the sub-unit 200 from the main unit 100. At this time, the sub-unit 200 can be moved out of the third chamber 103.

[0090] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 4-6 and combined Figures 16-17 The ice-making unit includes an ice compressor 66, which serves as the cooling power source for the ice-making unit and enables ice production. The ice compressor 66 can be located in the third chamber 103. The ice compressor 66 is connected to the ice-making module 20 via refrigerant piping. The ice compressor 66 can be located on the side of the ice-making docking module 70 furthest from the ice-making module 20. For example, when the first chamber 101, second chamber 102, and third chamber 103 are arranged from top to bottom, the ice compressor 66 can be located below the ice-making module 20 and adjacent to the rear of the third chamber 103. Alternatively, the ice compressor 66 can be located below and behind the ice-making docking module 70. When the slave unit 200 is located within the third chamber 103, it is positioned in front of the ice compressor 66. By placing the ice compressor 66 of the ice-making unit in the third chamber 103, the internal structure of the main unit 100 can be rationally and compactly arranged.

[0091] For example, in Figures 1-10In the example, the air conditioner is a split floor-standing air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit 1000 and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit 1000 includes the main unit 100 and the sub-unit 200 mentioned above. The main unit 100 includes a main unit housing 10, a heat exchange and air supply unit 17, a refrigeration unit 80, the sub-unit 200, and a docking assembly. The main unit housing 10 extends vertically and includes a base 11, a top cover 12, a rear housing 13, a front panel 14, and an air outlet frame 15. The front of the rear housing 13 is open, and a main unit air inlet 104 is formed on the rear housing 13. The air outlet frame 15 is connected to the front of the rear housing 13, and an air outlet duct is formed on the upper part of the air outlet frame 15. The air outlet end of the air outlet duct forms the main unit air outlet. The front panel 14 includes an upper panel 141 and a lower panel 142 arranged vertically. Both the upper panel 141 and the lower panel 142 are located on the front of the air outlet frame 15 and are connected to the air outlet frame 15. The rear housing 13 and the air outlet frame 15 are both on the base 11 and are located above the base 11. The top cover 12 covers the top of the rear housing 13, the air outlet frame 15, and the upper panel 141.

[0092] The main housing 10 defines a first chamber 101, a second chamber 102, and a third chamber 103 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. A heat exchange and air supply unit 17 is located in the first chamber 101. The heat exchange and air supply unit 17 includes a heat exchanger assembly 171 and an air duct assembly 172. The air duct assembly 172 can be located on the front side of the heat exchanger assembly 171. The air outlet duct forms part of the first chamber 101. The upper end surface of the lower panel 142 is higher than the highest position of the third chamber 103. For example, the upper end surface of the lower panel 142 can be higher than the lowest position of the second chamber 102 and lower than the highest position of the second chamber 102. The ice-making unit may include an ice compressor 66 and an ice-making module 20. The ice-making module 20 may be located in the second chamber 102, the ice compressor 66 may be located in the third chamber 103, and the sub-unit 200 may be detachably located in the third chamber 103. The second chamber 102 and the first chamber 101 may be separated, and the third chamber 103 and the first chamber 101 may be separated.

[0093] The lower panel 142 is movably disposed on the front side of the third chamber 103 to open and close the third chamber 103. When the lower panel 142 opens the third chamber 103, the slave unit 200 can enter or exit the third chamber 103 from the front. For example, the lower panel 142 can be moved forward first, and then controlled to move upward to open the third chamber 103. By moving the lower panel 142 forward first and then upward, it is not only convenient to open the third chamber 103, but also to avoid interference with the upper panel 141 during the upward movement of the lower panel 142. Conversely, to close the third chamber 103, the lower panel 142 can be moved downward first, and then controlled to move backward to close the third chamber 103. The third chamber 103 is closed by the lower panel 142, and the front surface of the lower panel 142 can be flush with the front surface of the upper panel 141.

[0094] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main unit 100 may also include a switch door 16, which is used to open and close the air outlet of the main unit. The switch door 16 is movably disposed on the main unit housing 10 along the circumference of the main unit housing 10. By controlling the movement of the switch door 16, the air outlet of the main unit can be easily closed and opened.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 Furthermore, the air conditioner may also include a charging dock 74 for charging the sub-unit 200. The charging dock 74 may be disposed within the third chamber 103, for example, on the bottom wall of the third chamber 103, and may be located in front of the ice compressor 66. When the sub-unit 200 moves into the third chamber 103, the charging interface on the sub-unit 200 can be plugged into the charging dock 74 on the main unit 100, enabling the main unit 100 to charge the sub-unit 200. When the sub-unit 200 is disconnected from the main unit 100, the charging interface of the sub-unit 200 is disconnected from the charging dock 74 of the main unit 100. For example, when the sub-unit 200 automatically moves into the third chamber 103, the charging interface of the sub-unit 200 can automatically plug into the charging dock 74 of the main unit 100; during the process of the sub-unit 200 moving out of the third chamber 103, the charging interface of the sub-unit 200 automatically separates from the charging dock 74 of the main unit 100.

[0096] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-6The ice-making unit and the main unit 100 each employ a separate compressor. The ice-making unit uses a separate compressor for ice making and cold storage, while the main unit 100 uses a separate compressor for cooling / heating. When the ice-making unit and the main unit 100 each employ a separate compressor, the heat exchange and air supply unit 17 includes a heat exchanger assembly 171 and an air duct assembly 172. The air duct assembly 172 includes air duct components and a fan component disposed on the air duct components. The ice-making unit can share at least a portion of the fan component with the main unit 100. The portion of the ice-making unit that serves as the condenser is the ice-making condenser 65. The ice-making condenser 65 can be located within the aforementioned first chamber 101, and the fan component of the heat exchange and air supply unit 17 can be used to dissipate heat from the ice-making condenser 65. When the aforementioned fan component includes one fan, that fan can dissipate heat from the ice-making condenser 65; when the aforementioned fan component includes multiple fans, one of the fans can be used to dissipate heat from the ice-making condenser 65.

[0097] It should be noted that the term "multiple" in this invention refers to two or more.

[0098] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making unit can share a compressor with the main unit 100, thereby reducing the number of compressors. The portion of the ice-making unit that serves as the condenser is the ice-making condenser 65. When the ice-making unit shares a compressor with the main unit 100, the heat exchanger in the heat exchanger assembly 171 of the main unit 100 can serve as the aforementioned ice-making condenser 65.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-15 The ice-making unit may include an ice-making module 20 for producing ice cubes 300. The air conditioner also includes a docking assembly for docking the ice-making module 20 and the refrigeration unit 80. The docking assembly includes an ice-making docking module 70 and a refrigeration docking module 82. The ice-making docking module 70 is connected to the ice-making module 20. The refrigeration docking module 82 is adapted to be detachably connected to the ice-making docking module 70. The docking assembly facilitates the connection and disconnection of the sub-unit 200 and the main unit 100.

[0100] The ice-making docking module 70 may have a first ice-discharging inlet 721 and a first ice-discharging outlet 722, which are interconnected. The first ice-discharging inlet 721 is adapted to be connected to the ice-making module 20, for example, through an ice-discharging pipe 574. The refrigeration docking module 82 is connected to the refrigeration unit 80. The refrigeration docking module 82 has a second ice-discharging inlet 821 and a second ice-discharging outlet 822, which are interconnected. The second ice-discharging outlet 822 is adapted to be connected to the refrigeration unit 80. When the slave unit 200 is connected to the host unit 100, the refrigeration docking module 82 is connected to the ice-making docking module 70. The first ice outlet 722 is docked and connected to the second ice inlet 821. Ice blocks 300 in the ice-making module 20 can enter the ice-making docking module 70 through the first ice inlet 721, and then sequentially pass through the first ice outlet 722 and the second ice inlet 821 into the refrigeration docking module 82. Finally, they are discharged from the second ice outlet 822 into the refrigeration unit 80 of the slave unit 200. After the ice blocks 300 in the host unit 100 are transported to the slave unit 200, when the slave unit 200 needs to be separated from the host unit 100, the refrigeration docking module 82 can be separated from the ice-making docking module 70, thus allowing the slave unit 200 to smoothly detach from the host unit 100.

[0101] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 4-15 The ice-making docking module 70 may further include a first water inlet 723 and a first water outlet 724 that are interconnected. The first water outlet 724 is adapted to communicate with the ice-making module 20. The refrigeration docking module 82 may further include a second water inlet 823 and a second water outlet 824 that are interconnected. The second water inlet 823 is adapted to communicate with the refrigeration unit 80. When the slave unit 200 is connected to the host unit 100, the refrigeration docking module 82 is adapted to be connected to the ice-making docking module 70, and the second water outlet 824 is docked with and connected to the first water inlet 723. Thus, when the host unit 100 and the slave unit 200 are docked through the docking components to achieve docking between the ice-making module 20 of the host unit 100 and the refrigeration unit 80 of the slave unit 200, not only can the ice blocks 300 in the host unit 100 be transported to the slave unit 200, but also the water in the slave unit 200 can be transported to the ice-making module 20 of the host unit 100, realizing water recycling and saving water resources.

[0102] Specifically, water in the sub-unit 200 can enter the refrigeration docking module 82 through the second water inlet 823, and then enter the ice-making docking module 70 through the second water outlet 824 and the first water inlet 723 in sequence. Finally, it enters the ice-making module 20 through the first water outlet 724. The ice-making module 20 can use the water input from the sub-unit 200 to make ice, realizing the recycling of water.

[0103] Optionally, the refrigeration unit 80 may include a circulating water pump 83, the outlet of which is connected to the second water inlet 823. The circulating water pump 83 is used to transport water from the refrigeration unit 80 to the ice-making module 20. When the slave unit 200 and the main unit 100 are connected via a docking assembly, the circulating water pump 83 can be turned on to pressurize and accelerate the water in the refrigeration unit 80 before it enters the ice-making module 20 sequentially through the second water inlet 823, the second water outlet 824, the first water inlet 723, and the first water outlet 724.

[0104] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 11-15 One of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 has a positioning protrusion 725, and the other has a positioning hole 825. For example, when the ice-making docking module 70 has the positioning protrusion 725, the refrigeration docking module 82 has the positioning hole 825; conversely, when the refrigeration docking module 82 has the positioning protrusion 725, the ice-making docking module 70 has the positioning hole 825. When the refrigeration docking module 82 and the ice-making docking module 70 are docked, the positioning protrusion 725 fits into the positioning hole 825. This allows for quick and accurate docking of the refrigeration docking module 82 and the ice-making docking module 70, and improves the connection strength and reliability between them.

[0105] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 11-15 The ice-making docking module 70 includes a mounting base 71, a docking component 72, and a docking drive mechanism 73. The docking component 72 is movably mounted on the mounting base 71, for example, the docking component 72 is slidably mounted on the mounting base 71. The docking component 72 has a first ice-discharge inlet 721 and a first ice-discharge outlet 722, which can be located on opposite sides of the docking component 72. The docking drive mechanism 73 is mounted on the mounting base 71 and connected to the docking component 72 to drive the docking component 72 to move, thereby docking or separating the ice-making docking module 70 from the refrigeration docking module 82. The docking drive mechanism 73 can be located on the side of the docking component 72 opposite to the first ice-discharge outlet 722. By configuring the ice-making docking module 70 to include the aforementioned mounting base 71, docking component 72, and docking drive mechanism 73, automatic docking and automatic separation of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 can be achieved. In addition, by setting the docking drive mechanism 73 on the main unit 100, the number of parts on the sub-unit 200 can be reduced, making the structure of the sub-unit 200 simple, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the sub-unit 200 and makes the use of the sub-unit 200 more flexible and convenient.

[0106] For example, when the slave unit 200 needs to connect to the host unit 100 via the docking component, the refrigeration docking module 82 of the slave unit 200 is opposite to the ice-making docking module 70 of the host unit 100. The docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to work, and the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move toward the adjacent refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice discharge outlet 722 on the docking component 72 and the second ice discharge inlet 821 on the refrigeration docking module 82 can be docked. When the slave unit 200 needs to detach from the host unit 100, the docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to work, and the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move away from the refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice discharge outlet 722 on the docking component 72 and the second ice discharge inlet 821 on the refrigeration docking module 82 can be separated.

[0107] In this configuration, the ice-making docking module 70 has the aforementioned first water inlet 723 and first water outlet 724, and the refrigeration docking module 82 has the aforementioned second water inlet 823 and second water outlet 824. When the slave unit 200 needs to connect to the host unit 100 via the docking assembly, the refrigeration docking module 82 of the slave unit 200 is opposite to the ice-making docking module 70 of the host unit 100. The docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to operate, driving the docking component 72 to move towards the adjacent refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice discharge outlet 722 on the docking component 72 aligns with the second ice discharge outlet 724 on the refrigeration docking module 82. The ice-discharging inlet 821 is connected, and at the same time, the first water inlet 723 on the docking component 72 is connected to the second water outlet 824 on the refrigeration docking module 82. When the slave unit 200 needs to be detached from the host unit 100, the docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to work. The docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move away from the refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice-discharging outlet 722 on the docking component 72 is separated from the second ice-discharging inlet 821 on the refrigeration docking module 82, and at the same time, the first water inlet 723 on the docking component 72 is separated from the second water outlet 824 on the refrigeration docking module 82.

[0108] When one of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 has the aforementioned positioning protrusion 725, and the other of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 has the aforementioned positioning hole 825, when the slave unit 200 needs to be connected to the host unit 100 via the docking assembly, the refrigeration docking module 82 of the slave unit 200 is opposite to the ice-making docking module 70 of the host unit 100. The docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to operate, driving the docking component 72 to move towards the adjacent refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice discharge outlet 722 on the docking component 72 docks with the second ice discharge inlet 821 on the refrigeration docking module 82, and simultaneously docks the first water inlet 723 on the docking component 72 with the second water outlet 824 on the refrigeration docking module 82. The positioning protrusion 725 is then inserted into the positioning hole 825, thereby... The ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are docked. When the slave unit 200 needs to be detached from the host unit 100, the docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to work. The docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move away from the refrigeration docking module 82, so that the first ice discharge outlet 722 on the docking component 72 separates from the second ice discharge inlet 821 on the refrigeration docking module 82. At the same time, the first water inlet 723 on the docking component 72 separates from the second water outlet 824 on the refrigeration docking module 82, and the positioning protrusion 725 disengages from the positioning hole 825, thereby realizing the separation of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration module 82.

[0109] Optionally, the docking drive mechanism 73 can be a drive mechanism such as a push rod motor that can achieve linear motion output.

[0110] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 11-15 The docking assembly may also include a detection sensor, which is used to detect whether the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly docked or disengaged. The detection sensor is electrically connected to the docking drive mechanism 73. For example, when the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move towards the vicinity of the refrigeration docking module 82 to dock the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82, the detection sensor can detect and determine whether the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly docked. When it is confirmed that the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly docked, the docking drive mechanism 73 is controlled to stop working. When the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move away from the refrigeration docking module 82 to disengage the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82, the detection sensor can detect and determine whether the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly disengaged. When it is confirmed that the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly disengaged, the docking drive mechanism 73 is controlled to stop working.

[0111] Optionally, the detection sensor is a Hall sensor. When the detection sensor is a Hall sensor, it may include a Hall element 726 and a magnet 826. The magnet 826 can generate a magnetic field and may be a permanent magnet. The Hall element 726 may be located on the ice-making docking module 70, for example, on the docking component 72, and the magnet 826 may be located on the refrigeration docking module 82. As the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move toward the adjacent refrigeration docking module 82, the distance between the docking component 72 of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 becomes smaller and smaller, and the magnetic field signal detected by the Hall element 726 becomes stronger and stronger. When the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall element 726 reaches the first magnetic field strength, it indicates that the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 are properly docked, and the docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to stop working. As the docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move away from the refrigeration docking module 82, the distance between the docking component 72 of the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 increases, and the magnetic field signal detected by the Hall element 726 becomes weaker. When the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall element 726 is less than the second magnetic field strength, it indicates that the ice-making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 have separated into place, and the docking drive mechanism 73 can be controlled to stop working. The second magnetic field strength is less than the first magnetic field strength.

[0112] For example, in Figures 11-15 In the example, the ice-making docking module 70 includes the aforementioned mounting base 71, docking component 72, and docking drive mechanism 73. The docking component 72 is movably disposed on the mounting base 71. The docking component 72 has a first ice-discharging inlet 721, a first ice-discharging outlet 722, a first water inlet 723, and a first water outlet 724. The first ice-discharging inlet 721 and the first ice-discharging outlet 722 are located on opposite sides of the docking component 72, and the first water inlet 723 and the first water outlet 724 are located on opposite sides of the docking component 72. The first ice-discharging outlet 722 and the first water inlet 723 are both located on the side of the docking component 72 adjacent to the refrigeration docking module 82, and the first ice-discharging inlet 721 and the first water outlet 724 are both located on the side of the docking component 72 away from the refrigeration docking module 82.

[0113] A docking drive mechanism 73 is located on the side of the docking component 72 facing away from the refrigeration docking module 82, and is connected to the docking component 72. The aforementioned positioning protrusion 725 is also formed on the side of the docking component 72 adjacent to the refrigeration docking module 82. The docking assembly may also include a detection sensor, which is a Hall sensor comprising a Hall element 726 and a magnet 826. The Hall element 726 is located in the middle of the docking component 72, with the first ice discharge outlet 722 and the first water inlet 723 located on opposite sides of the Hall element 726 along the horizontal direction. Two positioning protrusions 725 are formed on the docking component 72, located on opposite sides of the Hall element 726 along the horizontal direction. One of the two positioning protrusions 725 is located on the side of the first ice discharge outlet 722 away from the Hall element 726, and the other is located on the side of the first water inlet 723 away from the Hall element 726.

[0114] The refrigeration docking module 82 has the aforementioned second ice-discharging inlet 821, second ice-discharging outlet 822, second water inlet 823, and second water outlet 824. The second ice-discharging inlet 821 and the second ice-discharging outlet 822 are located on opposite sides of the refrigeration docking module 82, and the second water inlet 823 and the second water outlet 824 are located on opposite sides of the refrigeration docking module 82. The second ice-discharging outlet 822 and the second water inlet 823 are both located on the side of the refrigeration docking module 82 away from the ice-making docking module 70, and the second ice-discharging inlet 821 and the second water outlet 824 are both located on the side of the refrigeration docking module 82 adjacent to the ice-making docking module 70. The magnet 826 is located in the middle of the refrigeration docking module 82. The second ice inlet 821 and the second water outlet 824 are located on opposite sides of the magnet 826 along the horizontal direction. The refrigeration docking module 82 also has two positioning holes 825. The two positioning holes 825 are located on opposite sides of the magnet 826 along the horizontal direction. One of the two positioning holes 825 is located on the side of the second ice inlet 821 away from the magnet 826, and the other of the two positioning holes 825 is located on the side of the second water outlet 824 away from the magnet 826.

[0115] The ice-making unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Reference 18- Figure 24The ice-making unit may include an ice-making module 20, which may include an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box 47. The water supply component supplies water to the ice-making component, which produces ice blocks 300. The water supply component delivers water to the ice-making component, which then freezes the water into ice blocks 300. The ice-removing component removes the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making component into the ice storage box 47. By configuring the ice-making module 20 to include the aforementioned ice-making component, ice-removing component, water supply component, and ice storage box 47, when the host 100 needs to make ice, the water supply component delivers water to the ice-making component, which freezes the water into ice. After the ice-making component freezes the water into ice, the ice-removing component removes the ice blocks 300 from the ice-making component into the ice storage box 47 for use. During the ice-removing process of the ice-making component, the water supply component may stop supplying water, and the ice-making component may stop making ice.

[0117] The ice-making component can repeatedly perform ice-making and ice-removal. For example, after the ice-removal component removes the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making component into the ice storage box 47, the water supply component can supply water to the ice-making component again, and the ice-making component will make ice. The ice-removal component will then remove the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making component into the ice storage box 47 again. Through repeated ice-making and ice-removal, ice-making can be stopped once the required amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 47 is reached. The ice-making docking module 70 is connected to the ice storage box 47, and the first ice discharge inlet 721 of the ice-making docking module 70 can be connected to the ice storage box 47 through the ice discharge pipe 574.

[0118] When water can be delivered from the sub-machine 200 to the ice-making module 20, the first water outlet 724 of the ice-making docking module 70 can be connected to the water supply component, and the water in the sub-machine 200 can be delivered to the water supply component of the ice-making module 20 to realize the recycling of water.

[0119] By configuring the ice-making module 20 to include the aforementioned ice-making component, ice-removing component, water supply component, and ice storage box 47, the generation and removal of ice blocks 300 can be conveniently realized, and the ice blocks 300 can be stored. When the sub-unit 200 needs to cool, the ice blocks 300 stored in the ice storage box 47 can be transported to the sub-unit 200, so that the sub-unit 200 can have the cooling function without the user having to wait for a long time.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present invention, refer to 18- Figure 24The ice-making assembly may include an ice-making component 2 and an ice-making container 31. A water supply assembly supplies water to the ice-making container 31, and the ice-making component 2 releases cold energy into the ice-making container 31. By releasing cold energy into the ice-making container 31 through the ice-making component 2, the water inside the ice-making container 31 can be frozen into ice cubes 300. An ice-removing assembly removes the ice cubes 300 from the ice-making container 31 into an ice storage container 47. The ice-making component 2 may be connected to the ice-making container 31, or it may be adjacent to the ice-making container 31, thereby maximizing the absorption of the cold energy released by the ice-making component 2 by the ice-making container 31, improving ice-making efficiency, and saving energy.

[0121] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-6 18- Figure 24 and combined Figure 16 The ice-making unit includes the aforementioned ice-making module 20, ice-making compressor 66, ice-making condenser 65, ice-making pipeline 61, and return gas pipeline 62. The ice-making module 20 includes the aforementioned ice-making components, ice-removing components, water supply components, and ice storage box 47. The ice-making components include the aforementioned ice-making part 2 and ice-making box 31. The ice-making part 2 serves as the evaporator of the ice-making unit. The ice-making part 2 has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. One end of the ice-making pipeline 61 is connected to the compressor's exhaust port 661, and the other end of the ice-making pipeline 61 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the ice-making part 2. The ice-making condenser 65 is connected in series on the ice-making pipeline 61. The refrigerant outlet of the ice-making part 2 is connected to the return gas port 662 of the ice-making compressor 66 via the return gas pipeline 62. A throttling device 67 is connected in series on the ice-making pipeline 61, downstream of the ice-making condenser 65. When the main unit 100 needs to make ice, the ice compressor 66 works, and the ice-making component 2, acting as an evaporator, can release cold energy to the ice box 31, thereby enabling ice making; when the ice compressor 66 stops working, the ice-making component stops making ice.

[0122] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the de-icing assembly includes a de-icing component 24 for releasing heat to the ice-making container 31. It is understood that after the water in the ice-making container 31 freezes into ice, the de-icing component 24 can release heat to the ice-making container 31, causing the ice blocks 300 inside the ice-making container 31 to detach from the ice-making container 31. This allows the ice blocks 300 to separate from the ice-making container 31 under their own gravity or other forces, and the ice blocks 300 are released into the ice storage container 47. De-icing is achieved by releasing heat to the ice-making container 31 through the de-icing component 24. This de-icing method is simple, fast, and efficient.

[0123] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 17The de-icing component 24 and the ice-making component 2 can be the same component. This reduces the number of parts, simplifying the structure of the ice-making module 20. The ice-making unit may include a de-icing pipe 63. One end of the de-icing pipe 63 can be connected to the exhaust port 661 of the ice compressor 66, and the other end can be connected to the refrigerant inlet of the ice-making component 2. For example, the other end of the de-icing pipe 63 and the refrigerant inlet of the ice-making component 2 can be connected via a refrigerant inlet pipe 68. The ice-making pipe 61 can be connected to the refrigerant inlet of the ice-making component 2 via the aforementioned refrigerant inlet pipe 68. A control valve 64 can be connected in series on the de-icing pipe 63, which is used to control the cutting off and opening of the de-icing pipe 63. When the ice-making component 2 needs to release cold energy to the ice-making box 31 to make ice, the control valve 64 is closed. The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 661 of the ice-making compressor 66 flows through the ice-making pipeline 61 and into the ice-making component 2 through the refrigerant inlet. During the flow of the refrigerant in the ice-making component 2, the ice-making component 2 releases cold energy to the ice-making box 31. The refrigerant in the ice-making component 2 flows out of the ice-making component 2 through the refrigerant outlet of the ice-making component 2 and flows into the compressor through the return gas pipeline 62 and the return gas port 662 of the compressor to be compressed again.

[0124] When the ice-making component 2 needs to release heat to the ice-making box 31 to remove ice, the control valve 64 opens. Since the ice-making pipeline is connected to the ice-making condenser 65, the throttling device 67, etc., the flow resistance of the ice-making pipeline 61 is much greater than that of the de-icing pipeline 63. The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 661 of the ice-making compressor 66 preferentially and primarily flows through the de-icing pipeline 63, with only a very small amount flowing through the ice-making pipeline 61. Therefore, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the ice-making pipeline 61 can be ignored. The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 661 of the ice-making compressor 66 flows through the de-icing pipeline 63 and into the ice-making component 2 through the refrigerant inlet. During the flow of the refrigerant within the ice-making component 2, the ice-making component 2 releases heat to the ice-making box 31. The refrigerant in the ice-making component 2 flows out through the refrigerant outlet and flows back into the compressor through the return gas pipeline 62 and the compressor's return gas port 662 to be recompressed.

[0125] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 21-14 , Figure 28 The ice maker 31 has an ice-making tank 311 inside, with one side of the ice-making tank 311 open to form a material inlet 312. Water output from the water supply component is suitable for entering the ice-making tank 311 of the ice maker 311 through the material inlet 312. After the water in the ice-making tank 311 freezes into ice cubes 300, the ice cubes 300 are suitable for being removed from the ice maker 311 through the material inlet 312. By providing a material inlet 312 on the ice maker 31, it is convenient for water to enter the ice maker 31 and for ice cubes 300 to be removed from the ice maker 31. Furthermore, since both water and ice cubes 300 are transported through the material inlet 312, the structure of the ice maker 31 can be simplified.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 21-14 , Figure 28 The ice storage box 47 can be located below the ice maker 31, so that the ice cubes 300 in the ice maker 31 can fall from the ice maker 311 into the ice storage box 47 under their own gravity through the material inlet 312. Thus, the ice cubes 300 can fall into the ice storage box 47 by their own gravity, without the need for a separate power mechanism. Furthermore, during the de-icing process, the ice cubes 300 in the ice maker 31 fall into the ice storage box 47 under their own force. Simultaneously, because a small amount of water is generated when the de-icing component 24 releases heat to the ice maker 31, this small amount of water will also fall from the ice maker 311 into the ice storage box 47 under its own gravity.

[0127] Optionally, when the ice container 31 is in the de-icing position, the ice cubes 300 inside the ice container 31 can fall from the ice-making tank 311 into the ice storage box 47 under their own gravity. Furthermore, when the ice container 31 is in the de-icing position, the lower wall surface of the ice-making tank 311 serves as a support surface 313, which extends downwards in the direction adjacent to the material inlet 312. By setting the lower wall surface of the ice-making tank 311 as an inclined downward-extending slope, the ice cubes 300 can slide down the support surface 313 of the ice-making tank 311 under their own gravity and fall into the ice storage box 47 through the material inlet 312.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 27 The bottom wall of the ice storage box 47 has an ice outlet 5611, and an ice outlet switch 571 is provided at the ice outlet 5611 for opening and closing the ice outlet 5611. An ice discharge pipe 574 connects the first ice discharge inlet 721 of the aforementioned ice-making docking module 70 to the ice outlet 5611. After the sub-unit 200 and the main unit 100 are docked via the aforementioned docking assembly, the ice outlet switch 571 opens the ice outlet 5611, allowing the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 to fall from the ice outlet 5611 into the ice discharge pipe 574 under their own gravity. Then, through the first ice discharge inlet 721, the first ice discharge outlet 722, the second ice discharge inlet 821, and the second ice discharge outlet 822 on the docking assembly, they enter the refrigeration unit 80 of the sub-unit 200. After the ice discharge is completed, the ice outlet switch 571 can be used to close the ice outlet 5611.

[0129] According to some optional embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 27The ice-making module 20 may further include: a door switch bracket 572 and an ice outlet drive mechanism 573. The door switch bracket 572 is located at the bottom of the ice storage box 47. The door switch bracket 572 has an ice outlet channel 5721 adapted to communicate with the ice outlet 5611. The ice outlet switch door 571 is movably located on the door switch bracket 572 to isolate and connect the ice outlet 5611 and the ice outlet channel 5721. The ice outlet drive mechanism 573 is located on the door switch bracket 572 and connected to the ice outlet switch door 571 to drive the ice outlet switch door 571 to move. For example, the door switch bracket 572 may also form a mounting groove 5722 for accommodating the ice outlet drive mechanism 573. The mounting groove 5722 may be located on one side of the ice outlet channel 5721. The mounting groove 5722 and the ice outlet channel 5721 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. By setting the switch door bracket 572 outside the ice storage box 47 and mounting the ice outlet drive mechanism 573 on the switch door bracket 572, the space occupied inside the ice storage box 47 can be reduced, and the ice outlet drive mechanism 573 and the ice outlet switch door 571 can be easily installed. By driving the ice outlet switch door 571 to move through the ice outlet drive mechanism 573, the ice outlet switch door 571 can be easily opened and closed. When the ice outlet switch door 571 opens the ice outlet 5611, the ice block 300 can fall into the ice discharge pipe 574 through the ice outlet 5611 and the ice discharge channel 5721 under its own gravity, and then be transported to the sub-machine 200 through the docking assembly.

[0130] Optionally, the ice mouth drive mechanism 573 can be a push rod motor.

[0131] Optionally, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47 extends downwards in the direction adjacent to the ice outlet 5611. This allows the ice blocks 300 that have escaped into the ice storage box 47 to slide down the inclined bottom wall of the ice storage box 47 towards the ice outlet 5611 under their own weight, resulting in a greater concentration of ice blocks 300 at the ice outlet 5611. When the ice outlet 5611 is opened, the ice blocks 300 located at the ice outlet 5611 can fall into the ice discharge pipe 574 through the ice outlet 5611 and the ice discharge channel 5721 under their own weight, and then be transported to the sub-machine 200 via the docking assembly. After the ice blocks 300 at the ice outlet 5611 are discharged from the ice storage box 47, the ice blocks 300 away from the ice outlet 5611 slide down the inclined bottom wall of the ice storage box 47 towards the ice outlet 5611 under their own gravity. The ice slides to the ice outlet 5611, and falls into the ice discharge pipe 574 through the ice outlet 5611 and the ice discharge channel 5721. Then it is transported to the sub-machine 200 through the docking assembly until the ice discharge is completed.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figure 19 , Figure 23The ice-making module 20 may further include an ice-stirring mechanism 58, which is used to stir the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47. The ice-stirring mechanism 58 prevents the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 from sticking together and failing to be properly discharged into the sub-machine 200. When ice blocks 300 are stored in the ice storage box 47, the ice-stirring mechanism 58 remains operational, further preventing the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 from sticking together and failing to be properly discharged into the sub-machine 200.

[0133] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 19 , Figure 23 The ice-stirring mechanism 58 may include a stirring rod 581 and an ice-stirring drive mechanism 582. The stirring rod 581 is disposed inside the ice storage box 47, and the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 is disposed outside the ice storage box 47 and connected to the stirring rod 581 to drive the stirring rod 581 to move. When it is necessary for the ice-stirring mechanism 58 to stir the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 to prevent them from sticking together, the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 can be activated to drive the stirring rod 581 to move. The movement of the stirring rod 581 drives the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 to move, preventing the ice blocks 300 from sticking together. In addition, by disposing of the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 outside the ice storage box 47, water from the ice storage box 47 can be prevented from entering the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582, ensuring the stability and reliability of the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 and extending its service life.

[0134] Optionally, the ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 can drive the stirring rod 581 to rotate. The ice-stirring drive mechanism 582 can be a motor. There can be two ice-stirring drive mechanisms 582, which are respectively connected to the two ends in the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring rod 581, and the two ice-stirring drive mechanisms 582 rotate synchronously.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 18-24 The water supply assembly includes a water storage box 41, a water conveying component 42, and a water supply pump 43. The water storage box 41 is used to store water, the water conveying component 42 has a water conveying channel, and the water supply pump 43 can be installed on the water conveying component 42. The water supply pump 43 is used to transport the water in the water storage box 41 to the ice-making box 31 through the water conveying channel of the water conveying component 42. By setting up the water storage box 41, a certain amount of water can be stored. When the ice-making assembly is making ice, the water supply pump 43 can transport the water in the water storage box 41 to the ice-making box 31 through the water conveying channel of the water conveying component 42.

[0136] Optionally, refer to Figures 18-24The water storage box 41 can be located below the ice storage box 47. By placing the water storage box 41 below the ice storage box 47, there are no other components obstructing the ice storage box 47 and the ice making box 31, so that the ice cubes 300 in the ice making box 31 can fall smoothly into the ice storage box 47 under their own gravity.

[0137] Furthermore, referring to Figures 18-24 When the water storage box 41 is located below the ice storage box 47, a drainage hole 5612 can be formed on the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47. This drainage hole 5612 can connect the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41, allowing water in the ice storage box 47 to flow downwards into the water storage box 41 through the drainage hole 5612, and allowing water in the ice storage box 47 to be recycled back into the water storage box 41 through the drainage hole 5612. The drainage hole 5612 can be located at the lowest point of the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47, allowing water in the ice storage box 47 to flow to the drainage hole 5612 under its own gravity, thus better ensuring that water in the ice storage box 47 can flow into the water storage box 41 through the drainage hole 5612.

[0138] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 18-24 The ice-making module 20 includes: an ice-making housing 5, an ice-making component and an ice-removing component both disposed within the ice-making housing 5, an ice storage box 47 and a water storage box 41 both located below the ice storage box 31, and a partition 56 provided inside the ice-making housing 5 to separate the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41. By providing the partition 56 inside the ice-making housing 5, the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41 can be easily formed. For example, the water storage box 41 is located below the ice storage box 47, and the partition 56 separates the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41 in a vertical direction within the ice-making housing 5.

[0139] When the water storage box 41 is located below the ice storage box 47, the partition 56 can form the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47, and the aforementioned water leakage hole 5612 can be formed on the partition 56.

[0140] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 21 , Figure 26The partition 56 may include a horizontal portion 561 and an inclined portion 562. The horizontal portion 561 extends horizontally and has an ice outlet 5611. One end of the inclined portion 562 is connected to the horizontal portion 561, and the other end of the inclined portion 562 extends upward at an incline. By configuring the partition 56 to include the aforementioned horizontal portion 561 and inclined portion 562, and by setting the ice outlet 5611 on the horizontal portion 561, the ice blocks 300 that fall from the ice-making box 31 into the ice storage box 47 slide down the inclined portion 562 to the horizontal portion 561 under their own gravity. This allows more of the ice blocks 300 to concentrate at the ice outlet 5611, making it easier to discharge the ice blocks 300 from the ice storage box 47 through the ice outlet 5611 when the ice outlet 5611 is open.

[0141] Optionally, when the partition 56 separates the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41 within the ice-making housing 5, the partition 56 can be installed and fixed within the ice-making housing 5 in the following ways. For example, a support structure for supporting the partition 56 can be provided inside the ice-making housing 5. This support structure may include a support protrusion on the inner sidewall of the ice-making housing 5, or a support frame 55 disposed within the ice-making housing 5. For example, when the partition 56 includes the aforementioned horizontal portion 561 and inclined portion 562, the inclined portion 562 can be supported on the support protrusion or the support frame 55, and the horizontal portion 561 can be supported on the bottom wall of the ice-making housing 5. For example, an annular support arm can be formed on the bottom wall of the ice-making housing 5, and the horizontal portion 561 can be supported on the support arm. The support arm is located below and surrounds the ice outlet 5611, and defines a connecting channel within the support arm that connects the ice outlet 5611 and the ice outlet channel 5721 on the door switch bracket 572. In other examples, the horizontal part 561 may also be supported on the aforementioned door opening and closing bracket 572.

[0142] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 18-24 The ice-making module 20 includes an ice-making shell 5, which comprises an outer shell 51, an inner shell 52, and an insulation layer. The inner shell 52 is located inside the outer shell 51, and the insulation layer is located between the outer shell 51 and the inner shell 52. The ice-making assembly, the ice-removing assembly, and the ice storage box 47 are all located inside the inner shell 52. By configuring the ice-making shell 5 with an insulation layer, the cold energy loss of the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making module 20 can be reduced.

[0143] For example, in Figures 18-24In the example, the ice-making housing 5 includes the aforementioned outer housing 51, inner housing 52, and insulation layer. The outer housing 51 includes an upper outer housing 511 and a lower outer housing 512; the inner housing 52 includes an upper inner housing 521 and a lower inner housing 522; and the insulation layer includes an upper insulation layer and a lower insulation layer. The lower sides of both the upper inner housing 521 and the upper outer housing 511 are open, and the upper sides of both the lower inner housing 522 and the lower outer housing 512 are open. The upper inner housing 521 is disposed inside the upper outer housing. The upper insulation layer is sandwiched between the outer wall of the upper inner housing 521 and the inner wall of the upper outer housing 511, and the lower insulation layer is sandwiched between the outer wall of the lower inner housing 522 and the inner wall of the lower outer housing 512. The upper outer housing 511 and the lower outer housing 512 are detachably connected, for example, by fasteners, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the ice-making housing 5 and the maintenance of its internal components.

[0144] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4-15 The refrigeration unit 80 of the slave unit 200 may include a refrigeration housing 81 and a refrigeration module. The refrigeration housing 81 defines a refrigeration cavity 811 and a cold source cavity 813. The refrigeration cavity 811 may be located above the cold source cavity 813, and the refrigeration module is disposed within the refrigeration cavity 811. The aforementioned refrigeration docking module 82 is connected to the side wall of the cold source cavity 813. The second ice outlet 822 of the aforementioned refrigeration docking module 82 is located within the cold source cavity 813 and communicates with the cold source cavity 813. Ice blocks 300 can be discharged into the cold source cavity 813 through the second ice outlet 822. When the refrigeration docking module 82 has the aforementioned second water inlet 823 and second water outlet 824, the second water inlet 823 is located inside and connected to the cold source cavity 813. The refrigeration unit 80 may also include the aforementioned circulating water pump 83, which may be located inside the cold source cavity 813. The inlet of the circulating water pump 83 is connected to the cold source cavity 813, and the outlet of the circulating water pump 83 is connected to the second water inlet 823. When the slave unit 200 and the host unit 100 exchange ice and water, ice blocks 300 can be transported to the cold source cavity 813, and the circulating water pump 83 can transport the water in the cold source cavity 813 to the water supply assembly of the host unit 100. The first water outlet 724 of the ice-making docking module 70 and the aforementioned water storage box 41 can be connected via a water pipe 46. For example, the circulating water pump 83 can transport the water in the cold source cavity 813 to the water storage box 41 through the aforementioned docking assembly and the water pipe 46.

[0145] The refrigeration module includes a refrigeration fan and refrigeration components. The side wall of the refrigeration chamber 811 has a sub-unit air inlet, and the top wall of the refrigeration chamber 811 can have a sub-unit air outlet 812. The refrigeration fan can be a centrifugal fan. The refrigeration components include heat exchange tubes and fins. The fins are installed on the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes have water inlets and outlets. The refrigeration unit 80 also includes a refrigeration circulation pump, which is connected in series with the heat exchange tubes. The refrigeration circulation pump can be located in the cold source chamber 813. The ice 300 in the cold source chamber 813 can be melted into low-temperature cold water. The refrigeration circulation pump can transport the low-temperature cold water in the cold source chamber 813 to the heat exchange tubes through the water inlet. After flowing through the heat exchange tubes, it flows back to the cold source chamber 813 from the water outlet, realizing the circulation of the low-temperature cold water in the cold source chamber 813 within the heat exchange tubes. When the cooling fan operates, it drives external air into the cooling chamber 811 through the air inlet of the sub-unit 200. After exchanging heat with the cooling components, the air temperature decreases and is blown out of the air outlet of the sub-unit into the room, thereby reducing the ambient temperature around the sub-unit 200 and achieving localized cooling. When all the ice 300 in the cold source chamber 813 melts or when the water temperature in the cold source chamber 813 is detected to be higher than the set value, it can be considered that the cooling capacity in the sub-unit 200 is exhausted. If the sub-unit 200 needs to continue cooling, it can be connected to the main unit 100 to deliver the pre-made ice 300 in the main unit 100 to the sub-unit 200.

[0146] The following describes a control method for an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0147] In this embodiment, the ice-making module 20 includes the aforementioned ice-making component, water supply component, ice-making component, and ice storage box 47. The control method of the air conditioner may include:

[0148] The host 100 receives ice-making instructions. For example, a user can send an ice-making instruction to the host 100 via a mobile terminal or remote control, and the host 100 receives the ice-making instruction.

[0149] After the host 100 receives the ice-making command, the water supply component supplies water to the ice-making component. For example, the water supply pump 43 transports the water in the water storage box 41 to the ice-making tank 311 of the ice box 31 through the water transport channel of the water transport component 42. For example, the water transport channel flows the water into the ice-making tank 311 through the material port 312. The ice-making component 2 releases cold energy to the ice box 31, causing the water in the ice box 31 to freeze into ice cubes 300. The ice-making component 2 can release cold energy to the ice box 31 while supplying water to the ice box 31, or it can release cold energy to the ice box 31 after a certain amount of water is supplied to the ice box 31, thereby causing the ice-making component to produce ice cubes 300.

[0150] The de-icing assembly removes the ice blocks 300 produced by the ice-making assembly into the ice storage box 47. For example, the de-icing component 24 of the de-icing assembly can release heat to the ice-making box 31 so that the ice blocks 300 in the ice-making box 31 are disconnected from the ice-making box 31. After the ice blocks 300 are disconnected from the ice blocks 300 in the ice-making box 31, the ice blocks 300 fall from the material outlet 312 into the ice storage box 47 located below under their own gravity.

[0151] Ice making and de-icing can be repeated multiple times. During the ice making process, the weight of ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 can be detected in real time. When the amount of ice in the ice storage box 47 reaches the preset weight, ice making can be stopped. The pre-made ice blocks 300 stored in the ice storage box 47 can be used when needed later.

[0152] When the slave unit 200 needs cooling, the user can send an ice removal command to the main unit 100 and the slave unit 200, and the main unit 100 and the slave unit 200 will receive the ice removal command.

[0153] After the host 100 receives the ice removal command, it determines whether the amount of ice in the current ice storage box 47 has reached the preset weight. If the amount of ice in the current ice storage box 47 has reached the preset weight, the slave unit 200 can move into the third chamber 103 of the host 100. The charging interface on the slave unit 200 can be plugged into the charging socket 74 on the host 100. The refrigeration docking module 82 on the slave unit 200 corresponds to the ice making docking module 70 in the host 100. The docking drive mechanism 73 drives the docking component 72 to move toward the adjacent refrigeration docking module 82, so that the ice making docking module 70 and the refrigeration docking module 82 can dock, thereby realizing the connection between the slave unit 200 and the host 100.

[0154] When the ice outlet 5611 of the ice storage box 47 is opened, the ice blocks 300 inside the ice storage box 47 are transported to the cold source cavity 813 of the refrigeration unit 80 through the ice outlet 5611, the ice discharge pipe 574 and the docking assembly.

[0155] After the host 100 receives the ice removal command, it determines whether the amount of ice in the current ice storage box 47 has reached the preset weight. If the amount of ice in the current ice storage box 47 has not reached the preset weight, the ice making module 20 makes ice until the amount of ice in the ice storage box 47 reaches the preset weight.

[0156] Specifically, when the slave unit 200 can transport water from the cold source cavity 813 to the water storage box 41 of the main unit 100, after the main unit 100 receives the ice removal cooling, it can not only transport the ice blocks 300 in the main unit 100 to the slave unit 200, but also transport the water in the slave unit 200 to the main unit 100, realizing the ice-water exchange between the main unit 100 and the slave unit 200. Optionally, the operation of the slave unit 200 transporting water from the cold source cavity 813 to the water storage box 41 can be carried out simultaneously with the ice removal operation of the main unit 100; alternatively, the slave unit 200 can first transport water from the cold source cavity 813 to the water storage box 41, and then the main unit 100 can perform the ice removal operation.

[0157] The following reference Figures 18-29 An ice-making module 20 according to some specific embodiments of the present invention is described.

[0158] Refer to Figures 18-29 In this embodiment, the ice-making module 20 includes an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box 47. The ice-making component includes an ice-making part 2 and a fixed ice-making box 31. The ice-making box 31 defines a plurality of spaced ice-making slots 311. The ice-making part 2 is used to release cold energy to the ice-making box 31. The water supply component is used to supply water to the ice-making box 31. The ice-removing component is used to remove ice blocks 300 from the ice-making box 31 into the ice storage box 47.

[0159] Optionally, the ice container 31 can be a one-piece molded part.

[0160] When ice making is required, the water supply assembly supplies water to the ice-making box 31, allowing water to enter the multiple ice-making compartments 311 of the ice-making box 31. The ice-making component 2 releases cold energy to the ice-making box 31, causing the water inside the ice-making box 31 to freeze into ice cubes 300. After all the water in the ice-making box 31 has frozen into ice cubes 300, the ice cubes 300 in the ice-making box 31 are removed into the ice storage box 47 by the ice removal assembly.

[0161] A fixed ice container 31 means that the ice container 31 does not move, and the ice-making position and the ice-removing position of the ice container 31 are the same position. For example, the ice-making module 20 may include: an ice-making housing 5, an ice-making component and an ice-removing component both located inside the ice-making housing 5, and the ice container 31 connected to the ice-making housing 5 and fixed relative to the ice-making housing 5.

[0162] By including an ice-making component 2 and an ice-making box 31 with multiple ice-making slots 311, and by fixing the ice-making box 31, the structure of the ice-making component can be simplified, and a large number of ice cubes 300 can be made at one time.

[0163] The de-icing assembly may include a de-icing component 24 for releasing heat to the ice container 31. The de-icing component 24 releases heat to the ice container 31, thereby detaching the ice block 300 inside the ice container 31 from the ice container 31 and allowing it to fall into the ice storage box 47 under its own gravity.

[0164] Optionally, the de-icing component 24 can be the same component as the ice-making component 2. When it is necessary to form ice cubes 300 from the water in the ice-making container 31, the ice-making component 2 releases cold energy to the ice-making container 31; when it is necessary to remove the ice cubes 300 from the ice-making container 31 into the ice storage container 47, the de-icing component 24 can be controlled to release heat to the ice-making container 31. The specific method of controlling the ice-making component 2 to release cold energy to the ice-making container 31 and the de-icing component 24 to release heat to the ice-making container 31 can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present invention, with reference to Figures 21-24 as well as Figure 28 , Figure 29 The ice-making container 31 has an ice-making tank 311, one side of which is open to form a material inlet 312. Water is suitable for entering the ice-making container 31 through the material inlet 312, and ice cubes 300 are suitable for exiting the ice-making container 31 through the material inlet 312. An ice storage box 47 is located below the ice-making container 31. During ice removal, the ice cubes 300 are suitable for falling from the ice-making tank 311 into the ice storage box 47 through the material inlet 312 under their own gravity. By providing the material inlet 312, both the water supply and the exit of the ice cubes 300 can share the same material inlet 312, making the structure of the ice-making container 31 simple.

[0166] For example, refer to Figures 21-24 The ice storage box 47 is located below the ice making box 31. The ice cubes 300 are adapted to fall from the ice making tank 311 into the ice storage box 47 under their own gravity, so that the ice cubes 300 in the ice making box 31 can be easily dropped into the ice storage box 47.

[0167] Optionally, refer to Figure 21 and Figure 28 The multiple material inlets 312 of the ice maker 31 are all oriented horizontally or downwards. This facilitates the ice blocks 300 in the ice maker 311 to slide out of the material inlets 312 under their own gravity and fall into the ice storage box 47.

[0168] Furthermore, the lower wall surface of the ice-making tank 311 is a support surface 313, which extends downward in the direction adjacent to the material inlet 312. Since the support surface 313 of the ice block 300 in the ice-making tank 311 extends downward in the direction adjacent to the material inlet 312, when the ice block 300 is detached from the ice-making box 31 by releasing heat to the ice-making box 31 through the de-icing component 24, the ice block 300 in the ice-making tank 311 can easily slide along the support surface 313 under its own gravity and slide out of the ice-making tank 311 from the material inlet 312, falling into the ice storage box 47.

[0169] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 21-24 as well as Figure 28 , Figure 29 Multiple material inlets 312 are formed on the same side of the ice maker 31. This allows the ice cubes 300 inside the ice maker 31 to be de-iced from the same side of the ice maker 31, making the structure of the ice maker 31 simple and the de-icing process convenient.

[0170] Optionally, the multiple material outlets 312 of the ice maker 31 are oriented in the same direction, which makes the structure of the ice maker 31 simple and facilitates the ice blocks 300 in the multiple ice maker compartments 311 to be ejected through the corresponding material outlets 312.

[0171] Optionally, multiple ice-making tanks 311 can be arranged in an array on the same plane extending in the vertical direction. This simplifies the structure of the ice box 31, and ensures that the structure on the ice box 31 does not obstruct the ice blocks 300 as they fall downwards.

[0172] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 28 and Figure 29 The ice-making component 2 is located on the side of the ice container 31 away from the material inlet 312, and the ice-making component 2 can be arranged in a serpentine pattern on the back side of the ice container 31. This makes the ice-making assembly structure compact and avoids the influence of the ice-making component 2 on the falling of ice cubes 300, making it easier for ice cubes 300 in the ice container 31 to fall off.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47 is formed with an ice outlet 5611, and an ice outlet switch door 571 for opening and closing the ice outlet 5611 is provided at the ice outlet 5611. The ice making module 20 may further include: a switch door bracket 572 and an ice outlet driving mechanism 573. The ice outlet driving mechanism 573 is disposed on and connected to the switch door bracket 572 to drive the ice outlet switch door 571 to move, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the ice outlet 5611 by the ice outlet switch door 571. The ice storage box 47, the switch door bracket 572 and the ice outlet switch door 571 are specifically described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making module 20 further includes an ice-stirring mechanism 58, which is used to stir the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47. The ice-stirring mechanism 58 prevents the ice blocks 300 in the ice storage box 47 from sticking together and failing to be properly discharged into the sub-machine 200. The specific structure of the ice-stirring mechanism 58 and other related aspects can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water supply assembly is adapted to spray water into the ice-making tank 311. By spraying water into the ice-making tank 311 of the ice-making box 31, air in the water can be effectively removed, reducing the bubble content in the ice cubes 300 and improving the quality of the formed ice cubes 300. In this embodiment, the ice-making component 2 can be controlled to release cold energy into the ice-making box 31 while the water supply assembly sprays water into the ice-making tank 311.

[0176] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 19-24 as well as Figure 28 , Figure 29 The water supply assembly may include: a water storage box 41, a water transport component 42, and a water supply pump 43. The water storage box 41 is used to store water, the water transport component 42 has a water transport channel, and the water supply pump 43 is used to transport water in the water storage box 41 to the ice maker 31 through the water transport component 42. The water transport component 42 includes a water transport pipe 421 and a spray pipe 422. The water transport pipe 421 extends vertically, and the spray pipe 422 is connected to the upper end of the water transport pipe 421. The spray pipe 422 extends horizontally and has multiple spray holes 4221 formed on it for spraying water into the ice maker 311. The multiple spray holes 4221 can be arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the spray pipe 422. The water supply pump 43 can be connected to the lower end of the water transport pipe 421 and can be installed inside the water storage box 41. When the water supply component needs to supply water to the ice box 31, the water supply pump 43 works, drawing water from the water storage box 41 and passing it through the water pipe 421 into the spray pipe 422. The water flowing into the spray pipe 422 is sprayed into the ice box 31 through multiple spray holes 4221 on the spray pipe 422.

[0177] Optionally, refer to Figures 19-24 as well as Figure 28 , Figure 29 The spray pipe 422 can be located on the top of the ice container 31, above the uppermost ice-making tank 311. For example, the top of the ice container 31 can be equipped with a mounting bracket 315, and the spray pipe 422 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 315. Spray holes 4221 are formed in the lower part of the spray pipe 422 and face downwards. Thus, water entering the spray pipe 422 can be sprayed downwards through multiple spray holes 4221. Since all the ice-making tanks 311 on the ice container 31 are below the spray pipe 422, the water sprayed downwards from the spray pipe 422 can be sprayed into the multiple ice-making tanks 311 through the material inlet 312.

[0178] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 18-24 The water storage box 41 is located below the ice storage box 47. A water leakage hole 5612 is formed on the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47, which connects the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41. Water in the ice storage box 47 can flow into the water storage box 41 through the water leakage hole 5612 for recycling.

[0179] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 19-24 The ice storage box 47 is located below the ice maker box 31. The water supply assembly may include: a water storage box 41, a water conveying component 42, a water supply pump 43, and an auxiliary water tank 44. The water storage box 41 is used to store water, the water conveying component 42 has a water conveying channel, and the water supply pump 43 is used to transport water from the water storage box 41 to the ice maker box 31 through the water conveying component 42. The auxiliary water tank 44 is located on one side of the ice maker box 31 in the horizontal direction, above the ice storage box 47, and is connected to the water storage box 41. Water in the cold source cavity 813 of the sub-unit 200 can be transported to the auxiliary water tank 44 through the circulating water pump 83 and the water supply pipe 46. Water in the auxiliary water tank 44 can replenish the water storage box 41. By setting the auxiliary water tank 44, the water storage capacity of the ice maker module 20 can be increased. Furthermore, by placing the auxiliary water tank 44 on one side of the ice-making box 31 in the horizontal direction and above the ice storage box 47, the structure of the ice-making module 20 can be made compact.

[0180] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 19-24An auxiliary water tank 44 is located on the side of the ice maker 31 where the material inlet 312 is formed. The top of the auxiliary water tank 44 is open. An overflow component 45 is provided on the upper edge of the auxiliary water tank 44 near the material inlet 312. The overflow component 45 has an overflow channel 451. The overflow channel 451 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 44 and extends towards the material inlet 312. When there is a lot of water in the auxiliary water tank 44 and it is higher than the upper edge of the auxiliary water tank 44, the water overflowing from the auxiliary water tank 44 can be guided into the ice maker 31 through the overflow channel 451. As the water flowing out of the overflow channel 451 flows downward, some of the water can flow into the ice maker 311 through the material inlet 312. During the ice-making process, when the water supply pump 43 is used to transport water from the water storage box 41 to the ice-making box 31 through the water transport component 42, if there is a lot of water in the auxiliary water tank 44, the water overflowing from the auxiliary water tank 44 can be guided into the ice-making box 31 through the overflow channel 451, thereby improving the water supply efficiency and thus improving the ice-making efficiency.

[0181] For example, in some examples of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 18-24 as well as Figure 28 The ice-making module 20 includes the aforementioned ice-making housing 5, partition 56, ice-making assembly, water supply assembly, and de-icing assembly. The water supply assembly may include a water storage box 41, a water conveying component 42, a water supply pump 43, and an auxiliary water tank 44. The water conveying component 42 includes the aforementioned water conveying pipe 421 and spray pipe 422. A drainage hole 5612 connecting the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41 is formed on the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47. The partition 56 is disposed inside the ice-making housing 5, separating the ice storage box 47 and the water storage box 41 within the ice-making housing 5. The water storage box 41 is located below the ice storage box 47, and the partition 56 forms the bottom wall of the ice storage box 47. The ice-making assembly includes an ice-making box 31 and an ice-making component 2. The ice-removing assembly includes an ice-removing component 24. The ice-making component 2 and the ice-removing component 24 are the same component. The ice-making assembly and the auxiliary water tank 44 are both located inside the refrigeration housing 81 and are both located above the ice storage box 47. The ice-making assembly and the auxiliary water tank 44 are arranged horizontally. Multiple ice-making slots 311 are formed on the side of the ice-making box 31 adjacent to the auxiliary water tank 44. The material inlets 312 of the multiple ice-making slots 311 all face horizontally and towards the auxiliary water tank 44. The multiple ice-making slots 311 are arranged in an array on the same plane extending vertically. The ice-making component 2 is located on the side of the ice-making box 31 away from the material inlet 312. The ice-making box 31 is connected to the ice-making housing 5, and the auxiliary water tank 44 is installed and fixed on the ice-making housing 5. The bottom wall of the auxiliary water tank 44 has a water passage hole 441 that connects the auxiliary water tank 44 and the ice storage box 47. Water in the auxiliary water tank 44 can flow into the ice storage box 47 through the water passage hole 441, and water in the ice storage box 47 can flow into the water storage box 41 through the water leakage hole 5612 for recycling.

[0182] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0183] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit. The main unit includes a heat exchange and air supply unit and an ice-making unit. The main unit is used for cooling / heating the indoor environment. The sub-unit is detachably mounted on the main unit and includes a cooling unit for cooling the surrounding environment. When the sub-unit is connected to the main unit, ice produced by the ice-making unit can be delivered into the cooling unit. After the sub-unit is detached from the main unit, it can move automatically on the ground. The ice-making unit includes: An ice-making module includes an ice-making component, an ice-removing component, a water supply component, and an ice storage box. The ice-making component includes an ice-making part and an ice-making box. The ice-making box defines multiple spaced ice-making slots. The ice-making part is used to release cold energy into the ice-making box. The water supply component is used to supply water to the ice-making box. The ice-removing component is used to remove ice from the ice-making box into the ice storage box.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein Each of the ice-making tanks has one side open to form a material inlet, through which water is adapted to enter the ice-making box and ice cubes are adapted to exit the ice-making box from the material inlet.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein Multiple material outlets are formed on the same side of the ice-making container.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein Multiple ice-making tanks are arranged in an array on the same plane extending in the vertical direction.

5. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The ice storage box is located below the ice making box, and the ice blocks are adapted to fall from the ice making tank into the ice storage box under their own gravity.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein The material inlet faces horizontally or downwards, and the lower wall of the ice-making tank serves as a support surface, which extends downwards in a direction adjacent to the material inlet.

7. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The ice-making module includes an ice-making shell, and the ice-making component, the ice-removing component, and the ice storage box are all disposed inside the ice-making shell. The ice-making box is connected to the ice-making shell and fixed relative to the ice-making shell.

8. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The ice-making component is located on the side of the ice container opposite to the material inlet.

9. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The de-icing assembly includes a de-icing component for releasing heat to the ice-making box, wherein the de-icing component releases heat to the ice-making box at the de-icing position.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The de-icing component and the ice-making component are the same component.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the ice storage box has an ice outlet, and the ice outlet is provided with an ice outlet switch door for opening and closing the ice outlet.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making module further includes an ice-stirring mechanism, which is used to stir the ice blocks in the ice storage box.

13. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The water supply assembly is adapted to spray water into the ice-making tank.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 13, characterized in that, The water supply components include: Water storage box for storing water; A water conveying component, comprising a water conveying main pipe extending in a vertical direction and a spray pipe extending in a horizontal direction, wherein the spray pipe has a plurality of spray holes formed on it to spray water into the ice-making tank. A water supply pump is used to transport water from the water storage box to the ice maker via the water transport component.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 14, characterized in that, The spray pipe is located at the top of the ice-making box and above the uppermost ice-making trough, and the spray holes are formed at the lower part of the spray pipe and face diagonally downward.

16. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The ice storage box is located below the ice making box, and the water supply assembly includes: Water storage box for storing water; A water-carrying component, wherein the water-carrying component has a water-carrying channel; A water supply pump, used to transport water from the water storage box to the ice-making box through the water transport component; An auxiliary water tank is located on one side of the ice-making box in the horizontal direction and above the ice storage box, and the auxiliary water tank is connected to the water storage box.

17. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The water supply components include: A water storage box for storing water, the water storage box being located below the ice storage box, and a drainage hole connecting the ice storage box and the water storage box being formed on the bottom wall of the ice storage box; A water-carrying component, wherein the water-carrying component has a water-carrying channel; A water supply pump is used to transport water from the water storage box to the ice maker via the water transport component.

18. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sub-unit is connected to the main unit, the water generated in the refrigeration unit can be delivered to the water supply assembly.

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