Ice maker quick-release sink mechanism and method of use

Abstract

The application discloses a quick dismounting water tank mechanism of an ice maker and a use method, and belongs to the technical field of ice makers. The quick dismounting water tank mechanism of the ice maker and the use method can effectively intercept ice slags by adding a mesh plate layer, and then operate a sliding rod to drive a bevel frame to move, and the bevel frame drives a rack to mesh with a sealing assembly to drive transmission, so that the sealing assembly closes the opening of the water tank, thereby preventing the liquid in the water tank from spilling and polluting the ice maker during the dismounting process. Moreover, the bevel frame drives a locking assembly to separate from a ratchet assembly, at this time, a translation assembly is operated to drive a fixing frame to move, so that the fixing frame drives a water outlet pipe on the water tank to separate from a water pump to complete the dismounting, at this time, the fixing frame is extruded between a bevel opening and a driving wheel to move, so that the driving wheel presses the fixing frame downward to move, so that the fixing frame drives the water tank downward, so that a water inlet pipe and a floating ball are exposed from the water tank, so as to avoid the blocking of the water tank to affect the dismounting. Moreover, a clamping assembly is extruded by a bevel block to be separated from a hole plate, so as to complete the quick dismounting operation of the water tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice maker technology, and in particular to a quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator with a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. It uses a refrigeration system with water as the carrier and produces ice by passing it through a device when powered on. The water tank inside the ice maker is a component used to collect and store the water used for ice making.

[0003] During the use of ice makers, some scale and other debris will remain in the water tank, so the water tank of the ice maker needs to be cleaned regularly. Every once in a while, the water tank needs to be removed for a thorough cleaning. In the existing technology, the water tank is generally installed in the ice maker with multiple bolts or pins. However, this installation method is relatively complicated, and the connection with the water pump needs to be disassembled before removing the bolts or pins. Therefore, disassembly and assembly are time-consuming and laborious. Moreover, the bolts and pins are prone to rust, and rust can easily pollute the water quality. During the removal of the water tank, since there is still some water in the tank, the water inside can spill out and easily pollute the inside of the ice maker. In addition, a lot of ice slag will be generated in the water tank during the initial operation of the ice maker. The ice slag falling into the water tank can also affect the water pump's water extraction. Therefore, it is of great significance to study a new quick-release water tank mechanism and usage method for ice makers to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0005] In view of the problems mentioned above and / or existing ice makers, the present invention is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that in the prior art, the water tank is generally installed in the ice maker by multiple bolts or pins, which is time-consuming and laborious to disassemble and assemble. Moreover, the bolts and pins are prone to rust, and the rust can easily pollute the water quality. In addition, during the removal of the water tank, since there is a certain amount of water in the water tank, the water inside the water tank can easily spill out and pollute the inside of the ice maker. Furthermore, in the early stage of operation, the ice maker will produce a large amount of ice slag in the water tank, and the ice slag falling into the water tank will also affect the water pump's ability to extract water.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker, comprising a housing, a water tank within the housing, a water outlet pipe connected to the rear of the water tank, the rear end of the water outlet pipe being connected to the inlet of a water pump, a toothed valve mounted on the water outlet pipe, the toothed valve engaging with a toothed plate, the toothed plate being fixed to the side wall of the housing, the water pump being installed in the housing, a float ball mounted on the housing with its bottom located in the water tank, an inlet pipe above the water tank, and;

[0008] The quick-release mechanism includes a fixed frame, a translation component fixed to the bottom of the fixed frame, the translation component being connected to the outer shell, and a ratchet component connected inside the outer shell, the ratchet component engaging with the translation component, a locking component engaging on the ratchet component, the upper end of the locking component sliding on a slanted frame, a rack fixed above the slanted frame, a sealing component engaging above the rack, the sealing component being assembled on a mesh layer and sealing the mesh layer, the mesh layer being inserted above a water tank, the water tank being located above the fixed frame, slanted openings on both sides of the fixed frame, the slanted openings being slidably engaged with a drive wheel, the drive wheel being fixed to the side wall of the outer shell, a slanted block being fixed to the side wall of the outer shell, the slanted block being slidably engaged with a locking component, the locking component passing through the fixed frame and inserted into two perforated plates, the perforated plates being fixed to the bottom of the water tank.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the translation component includes a lead screw, which rotates on two fixed plates via two bearings, and the two fixed plates are fixed to the outer casing;

[0010] A handle is fixed to one end of the lead screw, a first gear is fixed to the lead screw, a nut is threaded onto the lead screw, a support plate is fixed to the outside of the nut, two telescopic rods are embedded in the support plate, a movable wheel is fixed to the bottom end of the two telescopic rods, and the top ends of the two telescopic rods are fixed to the fixed frame.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the ratchet assembly includes a ratchet, which rotates on two fixed bars via two bearings. The two fixed bars are fixed to the bottom wall of the housing. A second gear is fixed on the ratchet, and the second gear meshes with the first gear.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the positioning assembly includes a movable plate, the movable plate being slidably mounted on the fixed frame, a ball bearing being fixed at one end of the movable plate, and a second spring being fixed between the ball bearing and the fixed frame;

[0013] Two L-shaped fixing rods are fixed above the movable plate, and the fixing rods are inserted into the perforated plate.

[0014] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a plurality of clips are fixed on the fixing frame, and a clip rod is inserted into the clip, and the clip rod is fixed to the bottom of the water tank;

[0015] One section of the bevel is a straight line;

[0016] The connection between the water outlet pipe and the water pump inlet is filled with a sealing gasket.

[0017] As a further embodiment of the present invention: both sides of the inclined frame are fixedly connected with sliding rods, one of which is locked to the water tank by bolts, the sliding rod slides in the sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is fixed to the water tank.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: the locking assembly includes a locking rod, the top end of the locking rod is fixed with a sliding plate, the sliding plate slides on the inclined surface of the inclined frame, and the bottom end of the locking rod is an inclined surface and engages with a ratchet.

[0019] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the locking rod slides in the hole sleeve, the hole sleeve is fixed on the water tank, a fixing block is fixed on the locking rod, and a first spring is fixed between the bottom of the hole sleeve and the fixing block.

[0020] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the sealing assembly includes multiple rotating shafts, the rotating shafts rotate on the mesh layer through bearings, a sealing layer is fixed on the rotating shafts, the sealing layer is located in the mesh layer, a fourth gear is fixed at one end of the rotating shafts, multiple fourth gears mesh with the same rack, a dovetail groove is provided below the rack, the rack slides on the dovetail strip through the dovetail groove, and the dovetail strip is fixed on the water tank;

[0021] A third gear is fixed to the other end of one of the shafts, and the third gear meshes with the rack.

[0022] A method for using a quick-release water tank mechanism in an ice maker includes the following steps:

[0023] S1. When disassembling the water tank, first turn the bolt to separate it from the water tank, and move the slide rod to drive the inclined frame to move, so that the rack and the third gear mesh and drive the transmission. The third gear drives the fourth gear to mesh and drive the transmission through the rotating shaft, so that multiple fourth gears drive the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously, so that the sealing layer flips to seal the mesh plate layer, so that the opening of the water tank is sealed, and the inclined frame squeezes the slide plate upward, so that the slide plate is released from the ratchet upward through the locking rod.

[0024] S2. Then, turn the handle to drive the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw and nut thread drive the support plate to move. The support plate drives the fixed frame to move through the telescopic rod. Since the inclined section is a straight line, the linear movement of the fixed frame drives the water tank to move linearly and separates the water outlet pipe from the water pump. The toothed valve meshes with the toothed plate to close the water outlet pipe. Then, the drive wheel is located on the inclined surface of the inclined section, causing the drive wheel to press the fixed frame downward. The fixed frame drives the water tank downward, causing the float and water inlet pipe to come out of the water tank. At this time, the ball moves to the inclined surface of the inclined block, and the ball is pressed by the inclined block to drive the movable plate to move. The movable plate drives the fixed rod to come out of the hole plate. At this time, the water tank is located in front of the outer shell. Then, take out the water tank to complete the dismantling operation.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the quick-release water tank mechanism and method of the ice maker can effectively intercept ice slag by adding a mesh plate layer. Secondly, the operating slide rod drives the inclined frame to move, and the inclined frame drives the rack and pinion to mesh with the sealing component, so that the sealing component closes the opening of the water tank, thereby preventing the liquid inside the water tank from spilling out and contaminating the refrigeration unit during the disassembly process. Moreover, the inclined frame drives the locking component to separate from the ratchet component. At this time, the operating translation component drives the fixed frame to move, so that the fixed frame drives the water outlet pipe on the water tank to separate from the water pump to complete the disassembly. At this time, the fixed frame squeezes between the inclined opening and the drive wheel, so that the drive wheel presses down on the fixed frame to move downward, so that the fixed frame drives the water tank downward, so that the water inlet pipe and float ball are exposed from the water tank, avoiding obstruction with the water tank and affecting the disassembly. In addition, the locking component is squeezed by the inclined block and disengages from the perforated plate, thereby completing the quick disassembly operation of the water tank. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of a quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method for an ice maker, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of the outer shell of an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the water tank and the water pump in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the quick-release mechanism in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the water tank and the mesh plate layer in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method provided by the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixing frame in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the translation component in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking component in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank and mesh plate layer in a quick-release water tank mechanism and usage method for an ice maker provided by the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water tank in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking component in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mesh plate layer and the sealing assembly in an ice maker quick-release water tank mechanism and its usage method provided by the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram: 100, outer casing; 200, water tank; 300, quick-release mechanism; 301, fixed frame; 302, translation assembly; 302a, lead screw; 302b, handle; 302c, fixed plate; 302d, nut; 302e, support plate; 302f, telescopic rod; 302g, first gear; 302h, moving wheel; 303, locking assembly; 303a, hole sleeve; 303b, first spring; 303c, locking rod; 303d, sliding plate; 304, bevel; 305, drive wheel; 306, locking assembly; 306a, ball bearing; 306b, second spring; 306c, movable plate; 306d 307. Fixed rod; 308. Ratchet assembly; 307a. Ratchet; 307b. Second gear; 307c. Fixed strip; 308. Sealing assembly; 308a. Third gear; 308b. Sealing layer; 308c. Fourth gear; 308d. Rotating shaft; 308e. Toothed rod; 308f. Dovetail strip; 309. Sleeve; 310. Locking rod; 311. Sliding sleeve; 312. Toothed rack; 313. Sliding rod; 314. Inclined frame; 315. Orifice plate; 400. Inclined block; 500. Water pump; 600. Inlet pipe; 700. Float; 800. Mesh plate layer; 900. Toothed plate; 110. Outlet pipe; 111. Toothed valve. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] Secondly, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When describing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0043] Furthermore, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that mutually excludes other embodiments.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] like Figure 1-10As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: a quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker, including a housing 100, a water tank 200 disposed within the housing 100, and a water outlet pipe 110 connected to the rear of the water tank 200. The rear end of the water outlet pipe 110 is connected to the inlet of a water pump 500, allowing the water pump 500 to circulate and extract liquid from the water tank 200. The connection between the water outlet pipe 110 and the inlet of the water pump 500 is filled with a sealing gasket. The inlet of the water inlet pipe 600 and the inlet of the water pump 500 are conical, allowing the water outlet pipe 110 to smoothly connect and insert into the inlet of the water pump 500, and the sealing gasket can maintain the connection between the water outlet pipe 110 and the inlet of the water pump 500. To ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage, a toothed valve 111 is installed on the outlet pipe 110. The toothed valve 111 meshes with the toothed plate 900, and the meshing and transmission of the toothed valve 111 and the toothed plate 900 allows the toothed valve 111 to close the outlet pipe 110, thereby preventing water leakage. The toothed plate 900 is fixed on the side wall of the housing 100. The water pump 500 is installed in the housing 100. A float ball 700 is installed on the housing 100, and the bottom of the float ball 700 is located in the water tank 200. An inlet pipe 600 is provided above the water tank 200, which can conveniently discharge the circulating liquid back into the water tank 200.

[0046] The quick-release mechanism 300 includes a fixing frame 301, on which multiple retaining sleeves 309 are fixed. A retaining rod 310 is inserted into each retaining sleeve 309. Inserting the retaining rod 310 into the retaining sleeve limits the movement of the water tank 200, preventing it from moving left or right. The retaining rod 310 is fixed to the bottom of the water tank 200. A translation component 302 is fixed to the bottom of the fixing frame 301. The translation component 302 includes a lead screw 302a, which rotates on two fixed plates 302c via two bearings. The lead screw 302a maintains stable rotation via the bearings, and the fixed plates 302c fix the bearings, allowing the lead screw 302a to be mounted. The two fixed plates 302c are fixed to the outer casing 100. A handle 3 is fixed to one end of the lead screw 302a. 02b, the handle 302b serves as the force application point, facilitating the control of the lead screw 302a's movement. A first gear 302g is fixed on the lead screw 302a, and a nut 302d is threadedly connected to it. The threaded transmission between the lead screw 302a and the nut 302d allows the nut 302d to drive the support plate 302e to perform translational movement. The support plate 302e is fixed externally to the nut 302d, and two telescopic rods 302f are embedded in the support plate 302e. The telescopic rods 302f connect the fixed frame 301 and the support plate 302e, allowing the support plate 302e to smoothly drive the fixed frame 301's movement. Furthermore, the telescopic rods 302f are telescopic, allowing the fixed frame 301 to move smoothly up and down. The bottom ends of the two telescopic rods 302f are fixed with movable... The movable wheel 302h supports the support plate 302e and has rolling properties, allowing the support plate 302e to move smoothly. The tops of the two telescopic rods 302f are fixed to the fixed frame 301. The translation component 302 is connected to the outer shell 100, and a ratchet component 307 is connected in the outer shell 100. The ratchet component 307 engages with the translation component 302, and a locking component 303 is engaged on the ratchet component 307. The upper end of the locking component 303 slides on the inclined frame 314. Slide rods 313 are fixedly connected to both sides of the inclined frame 314. One of the slide rods 313 is locked to the water tank 200 by bolts. The bolts can lock the position of the slide rod 313, thereby preventing the inclined frame 314 from moving freely. The slide rod 313 slides within the sliding sleeve 311, which guides the slide rod 313, allowing it to slide smoothly within the sleeve. This ensures the smooth movement of the inclined frame 314. The sliding sleeve 311 is fixed to the water tank 200. A rack 312 is fixed above the inclined frame 314, and a sealing assembly 308 engages above the rack 312. The sealing assembly 308 is mounted on the mesh layer 800 and seals it. The mesh layer 800 intercepts ice slag, preventing it from clogging the water pump 500 and causing water flow difficulties. The mesh layer 800 is inserted above the water tank 200, and its bottom is notched, allowing it to be embedded in the water tank 200, thus maintaining its stability.The water tank 200 is located above the fixing frame 301. The fixing frame 301 has beveled openings 304 on both sides. One section of the beveled opening 304 is straight, allowing the fixing frame 301 to move horizontally, thus facilitating the separation of the water inlet pipe 600 from the water pump 500. The remaining portion of the beveled opening 304 is inclined, allowing the drive wheel 305 to press the fixing frame 301 downwards through the beveled opening 304. The beveled opening 304 and the drive wheel 305 are slidably engaged. The drive wheel 305 is fixed to the side wall of the outer casing 100. A beveled block 400 is fixed to the side wall of the outer casing 100, and the beveled block 400 is slidably engaged with the locking assembly 306. The locking assembly 306 includes a movable plate 306c, which slides through the fixing frame 301. A ball bearing is fixed to one end of the movable plate 306c. 306a, the ball bearing 306a has rolling properties, thereby reducing friction with the inclined block 400 and maintaining smooth operation. The inclined surface of the inclined block 400 is relatively wide, allowing for the up-and-down movement of the ball bearing 306a and preventing separation. A second spring 306b is fixed between the ball bearing 306a and the fixed frame 301. The elastic force of the second spring 306b can drive the movable plate 306c to reset, causing the movable plate 306c to drive the fixed rod 306d to insert into the perforated plate 315, thereby fixing the water tank 200. Two L-shaped fixed rods 306d are fixed above the movable plate 306c, and the fixed rods 306d are inserted into the perforated plate 315. The locking assembly 306 passes through the fixed frame 301 and is inserted into the two perforated plates 315, which are fixed to the bottom of the water tank 200.

[0047] In this embodiment, the screw 302a and nut 302d are driven by the operating handle 302b, causing the nut 302d to move the support plate 302e. Since one section of the inclined opening 304 is straight, the support plate 302e drives the fixing frame 301 to move linearly via the telescopic rod 302f. This causes the water tank 200 to move linearly and separate the water outlet pipe 110 from the water pump 500, completing the dismantling operation. Next, the drive wheel 305 is positioned on the inclined surface of the inclined opening 304. At this time, the drive wheel 305 presses down on the fixing frame 301, causing the fixing frame 301 to move downwards, thus moving the water tank 200. The float 700 and the inlet pipe 600 are separated, thus avoiding the problem that the inlet pipe 600 and the float 700 will block the water tank 200 from moving forward. At this time, the ball 306a moves onto the inclined block 400, causing the inclined block 400 to squeeze the ball 306a and drive the movable plate 306c to move. The movable plate 306c drives the fixed rod 306d to disengage from the perforated plate 315, thereby removing the fixation of the water tank 200. This allows the water tank 200 to be easily removed from the outer casing 100. Moreover, this device removes the fixation of the water tank 200 from the outside, avoiding the difficulty of removing it from the inside. The water tank 200 is also easy and quick to assemble and disassemble.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Combined with appendix Figure 7 and attached Figure 11 The results show that the locking assembly 303 includes a locking rod 303c, with a sliding plate 303d fixed to the top of the locking rod 303c. The sliding plate 303d is mounted on the inclined frame 314, preventing the sliding plate 303d from causing the inclined frame 314 to move upwards. The sliding plate 303d slides on the inclined surface of the inclined frame 314, and the inclined surface of the inclined frame 314 can compress the sliding plate 303d to move upwards, thus allowing the locking rod 303c to smoothly disengage from the ratchet 307a, enabling the lead screw 302a to reverse smoothly, facilitating the subsequent removal of the water tank 200. The bottom end of the locking rod 303c is inclined and engages with the ratchet 307a. The locking rod 303c is inclined at the bottom, allowing the ratchet 307a to smoothly press the locking rod 303c upward, thus maintaining the unidirectional movement of the ratchet 307a. The locking rod 303c slides in the sleeve 303a, which guides the locking rod 303c, allowing it to slide smoothly up and down. The sleeve 303a is fixed to the water tank 200, and a fixing block is fixed on the locking rod 303c. A first spring 303b is fixed between the lower part of the sleeve 303a and the fixing block. The elastic force of the first spring 303b can drive the locking rod 303c to reset downward.

[0050] The ratchet assembly 307 includes a ratchet 307a, which rotates on two fixed bars 307c via two bearings. The ratchet 307a can rotate stably on the fixed bars 307c via the bearings, and the fixed bars 307c support the ratchet 307a via the bearings, keeping the second gear 307b corresponding to the first gear 302g. The two fixed bars 307c are fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 100. The second gear 307b is fixed on the ratchet 307a and meshes with the first gear 302g. Through the meshing transmission of the first gear 302g and the second gear 307b, the ratchet 307a can be rotated. Furthermore, the rotation of the lead screw 302a can be prevented by the locking of the teeth of the first gear 302g and the second gear 307b.

[0051] In this embodiment: the elastic force of the first spring 303b drives the locking rod 303c to move downward, and the locking rod 303c engages with the ratchet 307a downward. Due to the special shape of the ratchet 307a, the ratchet 307a can maintain unidirectional rotation, and the ratchet teeth of the ratchet 307a can squeeze the locking rod 303c to move upward. Maintaining the unidirectional movement of the ratchet 307a allows the lead screw 302a to rotate smoothly clockwise, avoiding the problem of loosening caused by the reverse movement of the lead screw 302a. Thus, the water tank 200 can be locked in a fixed state, maintaining the stability of the water tank 200.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] Combined with appendix Figure 11-12 It is concluded that: both sides of the inclined frame 314 are fixedly connected with sliding rods 313, one of which is bolted to the water tank 200. The sliding rod 313 slides in the sliding sleeve 311, which is fixed to the water tank 200. The sealing assembly 308 includes multiple rotating shafts 308d, which rotate on the mesh layer 800 via bearings. The rotating shafts 308d can maintain smooth rotational movement via the bearings. A sealing layer 308b is fixed on the rotating shaft 308d. The sealing layers 308b can overlap each other after being flipped, thereby sealing the opening of the water tank 200. The sealing layer 308b is located in the mesh layer 800. A fourth gear 308c is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 308d. Multiple fourth gears 308c are connected to the same... A rack 308e engages with a fourth gear 308c, causing multiple fourth gears 308c to drive the rotating shaft 308d to rotate synchronously. A dovetail groove is provided below the rack 308e, through which the rack 308e slides on a dovetail bar 308f. The dovetail bar 308f guides the rack 308e, allowing it to slide smoothly on the dovetail bar 308f through the dovetail groove. The dovetail bar 308f is fixed on the water tank 200. A third gear 308a is fixed to the other end of one of the rotating shafts 308d. The third gear 308a engages with a rack 312, and the rack 312 and the third gear 308a mesh to drive the rotating shaft 308d to rotate.

[0054] In this embodiment: the inclined frame 314 is moved by the slide bar 313, the inclined frame 314 drives the rack 312 to move, the rack 312 meshes with the third gear 308a, the third gear 308a drives the rotating shaft 308d to rotate, the rotating shaft 308d drives the fourth gear 308c to rotate, the fourth gear 308c meshes with the rack 308e, so that the rack 308e can mesh with the other fourth gears 308c, so that the rotating shaft 308d can synchronously drive the sealing layer 308b to rotate, so that the sealing layer 308b closes the mesh layer 800, thus closing the opening of the water tank 200, thereby preventing liquid from flowing out and causing pollution to the inside of the ice maker. Moreover, the inclined frame 314 not only drives the rack 312 to drive the third gear 308a, but also squeezes the slide plate 303d to drive the locking rod 303c upward to disengage from the ratchet 307a, thereby reducing the number of operation steps and making the operation more convenient.

[0055] A method for using a quick-release water tank mechanism in an ice maker includes the following steps:

[0056] S1. When disassembling the water tank 200, first rotate the bolt to separate it from the water tank 200, and move the slide bar 313 to drive the inclined frame 314 to move, so that the rack 312 meshes with the third gear 308a. The third gear 308a drives the fourth gear 308c to mesh with the rack 308e through the rotating shaft 308d, so that multiple fourth gears 308c drive the rotating shaft 308d to rotate synchronously, so that the sealing layer 308b flips to close the mesh plate layer 800, so that the opening of the water tank 200 is closed, and the inclined frame 314 presses the slide plate 303d upward, so that the slide plate 303d is disengaged from the ratchet 307a through the locking bar 303c.

[0057] S2. Then, rotating the handle 302b drives the lead screw 302a to rotate. The lead screw 302a and nut 302d drive the support plate 302e to move through the threaded transmission. The support plate 302e drives the fixed frame 301 to move through the telescopic rod 302f. Since the inclined section 304 is a straight line, the linear movement of the fixed frame 301 drives the water tank 200 to move linearly and separates the water outlet pipe 110 from the water pump 500. At the same time, the toothed valve 111 engages with the toothed plate 900 to close the water outlet pipe 110. Subsequently, the drive wheel 305 is located at... On the inclined surface of the inclined opening 304, the drive wheel 305 presses the fixing frame 301 downwards, and the fixing frame 301 drives the water tank 200 downwards, causing the float ball 700 and the water inlet pipe 600 to disengage from the water tank 200. At this time, the ball 306a moves to the inclined surface of the inclined block 400, and the ball 306a is pressed by the inclined block 400, which drives the movable plate 306c to move. The movable plate 306c drives the fixing rod 306d to disengage from the perforated plate 315. At this time, the water tank 200 is located in front of the outer casing 100. Then, the water tank 200 is removed to complete the dismantling operation.

[0058] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the currently considered best mode for carrying out the invention, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0060] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0061] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker, characterized in that: The system includes a housing (100), a water tank (200) inside the housing (100), a water outlet pipe (110) connected to the rear of the water tank (200), the rear end of the water outlet pipe (110) being connected to the inlet of a water pump (500), a toothed valve (111) mounted on the water outlet pipe (110), the toothed valve (111) engaging with a toothed plate (900), the toothed plate (900) being fixed to the side wall of the housing (100), the water pump (500) being installed in the housing (100), a float ball (700) being mounted on the housing (100), the bottom of the float ball (700) being located in the water tank (200), an inlet pipe (600) being provided above the water tank (200), and so on; The quick-release mechanism (300) includes a fixing frame (301), a translation component (302) fixed to the bottom of the fixing frame (301), the translation component (302) including a lead screw (302a), a handle (302b) fixed to one end of the lead screw (302a), the translation component (302) being connected to the housing (100), and a ratchet assembly (307) connected in the housing (100), the ratchet assembly (307) engaging with the translation component (302), a locking component (303) engaging on the ratchet assembly (307), the upper end of the locking component (303) sliding on the inclined frame (314), a rack (312) fixed above the inclined frame (314), and a sealing component (302b) engaging above the rack (312). 8) The sealing component (308) is assembled on the mesh plate layer (800) and seals the mesh plate layer (800). The mesh plate layer (800) is inserted above the water tank (200). The water tank (200) is located above the fixing frame (301). The fixing frame (301) has oblique openings (304) on both sides. The oblique openings (304) are slidably engaged with the drive wheel (305). The drive wheel (305) is fixed on the side wall of the outer shell (100). The side wall of the outer shell (100) is fixed with an oblique block (400). The oblique block (400) is slidably engaged with the positioning component (306). The positioning component (306) passes through the fixing frame (301) and is inserted into two perforated plates (315). The perforated plates (315) are fixed at the bottom of the water tank (200). Both sides of the inclined frame (314) are fixedly connected with sliding rods (313), one of which is locked to the water tank (200) by bolts. The sliding rod (313) slides in the sliding sleeve (311), which is fixed to the water tank (200). The locking assembly (303) includes a locking rod (303c), the top of which is fixed with a sliding plate (303d), the sliding plate (303d) slides on the inclined surface of the inclined frame (314), and the bottom end of the locking rod (303c) is an inclined surface and engages with the ratchet assembly (307).

2. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The translation component (302) includes a lead screw (302a), which rotates on two fixed plates (302c) via two bearings, and the two fixed plates (302c) are fixed to the housing (100); A handle (302b) is fixed to one end of the lead screw (302a), a first gear (302g) is fixed on the lead screw (302a), a nut (302d) is threaded onto the lead screw (302a), a support plate (302e) is fixed to the outside of the nut (302d), two telescopic rods (302f) are embedded in the support plate (302e), a moving wheel (302h) is fixed to the bottom end of the two telescopic rods (302f), and the top ends of the two telescopic rods (302f) are fixed to the fixing frame (301).

3. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The ratchet assembly (307) includes a ratchet (307a) that rotates on two fixed bars (307c) via two bearings. The two fixed bars (307c) are fixed to the bottom wall of the housing (100). A second gear (307b) is fixed on the ratchet (307a) and meshes with a first gear (302g).

4. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning assembly (306) includes a movable plate (306c), which slides through the fixed frame (301). A ball bearing (306a) is fixed at one end of the movable plate (306c), and a second spring (306b) is fixed between the ball bearing (306a) and the fixed frame (301). Two L-shaped fixing rods (306d) are fixed above the movable plate (306c), and the fixing rods (306d) are inserted into the perforated plate (315).

5. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple clips (309) are fixed on the fixing frame (301), and a clip (310) is inserted into the clip (309). The clip (310) is fixed to the bottom of the water tank (200). One segment of the bevel (304) is a straight line; The connection between the outlet pipe (110) and the inlet of the water pump (500) is filled with a sealing gasket.

6. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The locking rod (303c) slides in the sleeve (303a), the sleeve (303a) is fixed on the water tank (200), a fixing block is fixed on the locking rod (303c), and a first spring (303b) is fixed between the lower part of the sleeve (303a) and the fixing block.

7. The quick-release water tank mechanism for an ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (308) includes multiple rotating shafts (308d), which rotate on the mesh layer (800) via bearings. A sealing layer (308b) is fixed on the rotating shaft (308d) and is located in the mesh layer (800). A fourth gear (308c) is fixed at one end of the rotating shaft (308d). Multiple fourth gears (308c) mesh with the same rack (308e). A dovetail groove is provided below the rack (308e). The rack (308e) slides on the dovetail strip (308f) through the dovetail groove. The dovetail strip (308f) is fixed on the water tank (200). One of the shafts (308d) has a third gear (308a) fixed at the other end, which meshes with a rack (312).

8. A method of using the quick-release water tank mechanism of an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: in, The organizations include: The positioning assembly (306) includes a movable plate (306c), which slides through the fixed frame (301). A ball bearing (306a) is fixed at one end of the movable plate (306c), and a second spring (306b) is fixed between the ball bearing (306a) and the fixed frame (301). Two L-shaped fixing rods (306d) are fixed above the movable plate (306c), and the fixing rods (306d) are inserted into the perforated plate (315); The sealing assembly (308) includes multiple rotating shafts (308d), which rotate on the mesh layer (800) via bearings. A sealing layer (308b) is fixed on the rotating shaft (308d) and is located in the mesh layer (800). A fourth gear (308c) is fixed at one end of the rotating shaft (308d). Multiple fourth gears (308c) mesh with the same rack (308e). A dovetail groove is provided below the rack (308e). The rack (308e) slides on the dovetail strip (308f) through the dovetail groove. The dovetail strip (308f) is fixed on the water tank (200). One of the shafts (308d) has a third gear (308a) fixed at the other end, and the third gear (308a) meshes with the rack (312); in, The steps are as follows: S1. When disassembling the water tank (200), first turn the bolt to separate it from the water tank (200), and move the slide bar (313) to drive the inclined frame (314) to move, so that the rack (312) meshes with the third gear (308a). The third gear (308a) drives the fourth gear (308c) to mesh with the rack (308e) through the rotating shaft (308d), so that multiple fourth gears (308c) drive the rotating shaft (308d) to rotate synchronously, so that the sealing layer (308b) flips to close the mesh plate layer (800), so that the opening of the water tank (200) is closed, and the inclined frame (314) presses the slide plate (303d) upward, so that the slide plate (303d) disengages from the ratchet (307a) through the locking bar (303c). S2. Then, turn the handle (302b) to drive the lead screw (302a) to rotate. The lead screw (302a) and the nut (302d) drive the support plate (302e) to move through the threaded transmission. The support plate (302e) drives the fixed frame (301) to move through the telescopic rod (302f) embedded on it. Since the inclined section (304) is straight, the linear movement of the fixed frame (301) drives the water tank (200) to move linearly and separates the water outlet pipe (110) from the water pump (500). The toothed valve (111) meshes with the toothed plate (900) to make the toothed valve (111) close the pipeline of the water outlet pipe (110). Then, the drive wheel (305) moves. On the inclined surface of the inclined opening (304), the drive wheel (305) presses the fixing frame (301) downward, and the fixing frame (301) drives the water tank (200) downward, causing the float (700) and the water inlet pipe (600) to dislodge from the water tank (200). At this time, the ball (306a) moves to the inclined surface of the inclined block (400), and the ball (306a) is pressed by the inclined block (400) to drive the movable plate (306c) to move. The movable plate (306c) drives the fixing rod (306d) to dislodge from the perforated plate (315). At this time, the water tank (200) is located in front of the outer shell (100). Then, the water tank (200) is removed to complete the dismantling operation.

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