Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration, and provides a refrigerator which comprises an ice outlet assembly, and the ice outlet assembly comprises an ice hopper, an ice making assembly, an ice storage assembly and a control assembly, and the ice hopper communicates with the ice making assembly and is provided with an ice outlet cavity; the box body is provided with a first inner cavity, the side wall, facing one side of the ice hopper, of the box body is connected with the ice hopper, a water containing cavity is formed in the bottom of the box body, and the water containing cavity is communicated with the first inner cavity; the ice door structure is located in the first inner cavity, and the ice door structure is rotationally connected with the box body; the switch structure is electrically connected with the ice door structure, and the switch structure is configured to control the ice door structure to rotate relative to the box body, so that the ice outlet cavity communicates with or does not communicate with the first inner cavity; when the ice outlet cavity is not communicated with the first inner cavity, an included angle is formed between the extending plane of the ice door structure and the horizontal plane, and the orthographic projection of the ice door structure towards the horizontal plane does not coincide with the orthographic projection of the switch structure towards the horizontal plane. According to the refrigerator, the cost of the ice outlet assembly is low, and energy consumption is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to refrigeration technology, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, users have increased demands for various functions of refrigerators. For example, an ice-making system is installed on the refrigerator door to automatically make ice cubes for users.

[0003] In the related art, a refrigerator includes a door body and an ice-making system arranged on the door body. The ice-making system includes an ice-making assembly and an ice-dispensing assembly. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an ice hopper, a mounting box, an ice door structure and a water receiving box. The ice hopper is located at the bottom of the ice-making assembly and is connected to the ice-making assembly. The bottom of the ice hopper is connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure is located in the mounting box and is connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure rotates relative to the mounting box to open or close the ice outlet of the ice hopper. The water receiving box is connected to the mounting box, the water receiving box is embedded in the front side of the door body, and is connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure includes an ice door box, a heat insulating member, a sealing member and a heating film. The heat insulating member is located in the area enclosed by the sealing member and the ice door box, and the heating film is arranged on the inner wall of the ice door box facing the heat insulating member.

[0004] However, the cost of ice-discharging components is high and the energy consumption is high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a refrigerator with a low-cost ice-dispensing component and low energy consumption.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] The box body is provided with a refrigeration compartment;

[0009] The door body is rotatably connected to the cabinet body to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0010] Ice making system, the ice making system includes:

[0011] An ice-making assembly is provided in the refrigeration compartment or the door;

[0012] The ice discharging assembly is installed on the door body and includes:

[0013] An ice hopper is connected to the ice making assembly and is provided with an ice discharge cavity;

[0014] The box body is provided with a first inner cavity, the side wall of the box body facing the ice hopper is connected to the ice hopper, and the bottom of the box body is provided with a water cavity, which is connected to the first inner cavity;

[0015] An ice door structure is located in the first inner cavity and is rotatably connected to the box body;

[0016] a switch structure, the switch structure being electrically connected to the ice door structure, and the switch structure being configured to control the ice door structure to rotate relative to the box body so as to connect or disconnect the ice outlet cavity with the first inner cavity;

[0017] When the ice outlet cavity is not connected to the first inner cavity, the extension plane of the ice door structure has an angle with the horizontal plane, and the orthographic projection of the ice door structure toward the horizontal plane does not coincide with the orthographic projection of the switch structure toward the horizontal plane.

[0018] The refrigerator provided herein includes a housing, a door, and an ice-making system. The housing is provided with a refrigeration compartment for storing food. The door is rotatably connected to the housing to open and close the refrigeration compartment, making it easier for users to access and place food. The ice-making system includes an ice-making assembly and an ice-dispensing assembly, which is mounted on the door to facilitate ice removal. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an ice hopper, a housing, an ice door structure, and a switch structure. The ice hopper is connected to the ice-making assembly and is used to receive ice cubes from the ice-making assembly. The ice hopper is provided with an ice-dispensing chamber. The housing has a first inner cavity, and the sidewall of the housing facing the ice hopper is connected to the ice hopper. The bottom of the housing is provided with a water-receiving chamber, which is connected to the first inner cavity and is used to receive condensed water. The ice door structure is located in the first inner cavity and is rotatably connected to the housing. The switch structure is electrically connected to the ice door structure and is configured to control the rotation of the ice door structure relative to the housing to connect or disconnect the ice-dispensing chamber with the first inner cavity. When the ice discharge chamber is disconnected from the first inner chamber, the extended plane of the ice door structure forms an angle with the horizontal plane, and the orthographic projection of the ice door structure onto the horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure onto the horizontal plane. Consequently, condensed water formed on the ice door structure will gather at the bottom of the ice door structure under the action of gravity and then drip down. Since the orthographic projection of the ice door structure onto the horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure onto the horizontal plane, condensed water is less likely to drip onto the switch structure. Instead, the condensed water will collect in the water storage chamber and evaporate at room temperature. Therefore, a heater is not required, reducing costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, condensed water is less likely to form water stains on the switch structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the ice outlet cavity is not connected to the first inner cavity, the orthographic projection of the bottom of the ice door structure toward the horizontal plane is located within the orthographic projection of the inner wall of the water storage cavity toward the horizontal plane.

[0020] In this way, the condensed water on the surface of the ice gate structure gathers to the bottom under the action of gravity, and then the condensed water can drip directly into the water holding chamber and evaporate at room temperature.

[0021] In some embodiments, the invention further comprises a first ice guide, the first ice guide being disposed in the first inner cavity and at least partially located below the ice door structure;

[0022] When the ice outlet cavity is connected to the first inner cavity, ice cubes in the ice making assembly enter the ice taking container through the ice hopper and the first ice guide.

[0023] In this way, the first ice guide can guide the ice cubes in the ice bucket to the ice taking container of the user.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first ice guide comprises:

[0025] A first avoidance portion, the first avoidance portion being located below the ice gate structure;

[0026] The first ice guide portions are located on two opposite sides of the first avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide piece.

[0027] The first relief portion allows condensed water to drip vertically under the action of gravity. Without the first relief portion, condensed water at the bottom of the ice door structure would flow into the first ice guide and along its inner wall. When the amount of condensed water is low, it would tend to remain on the inner wall of the first ice guide. When the user freezes, the remaining condensed water would tend to enter the ice dispenser, contaminating the ice and potentially harming the user's health.

[0028] In some embodiments, a size of the first avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide is smaller than a rated ice size of the ice-making assembly.

[0029] In this way, it is difficult for ice cubes to enter the first avoidance portion and enter the water storage cavity along the first avoidance portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ice guide further comprises a second ice guide disposed in the first inner cavity and below the first ice guide;

[0031] When the ice outlet cavity is connected to the first inner cavity, ice cubes in the ice making assembly enter the ice taking container through the ice hopper, the first ice guide and the second ice guide.

[0032] In this way, the second ice guide can guide the ice cubes in the first ice guide to the ice taking container of the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second ice deflector comprises:

[0034] a second avoidance portion, the second avoidance portion being located below the first avoidance portion;

[0035] The second ice guide portion is located at two opposite sides of the second avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide piece.

[0036] In this way, by providing the second escape portion to avoid condensation, the condensation water can drip vertically under the action of gravity. If the second escape portion is not provided, the condensation water at the bottom of the ice door structure will enter the interior of the second ice guide and flow along the inner wall of the second ice guide. When the condensation water is small, the condensation water is likely to remain on the inner wall of the second ice guide. When the user freezes the ice, the residual condensation water is likely to enter the ice dispensing container, causing contamination of the ice cubes and harming the user's health.

[0037] In some embodiments, a size of the second avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide is smaller than a rated ice size of the ice-making assembly.

[0038] In this way, ice cubes are not easy to enter the second avoidance portion, and are not easy to enter the water storage cavity along the second avoidance portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, a dimension of the first avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

[0040] When the dimension of the first avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide is less than 15 mm, the dimension of the first avoidance portion is relatively small, which may easily cause part of the condensed water to enter the first ice guide through the first ice guide portion.

[0041] When the dimension of the first avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide is greater than 18 mm, the dimension of the first avoidance portion is relatively large, which may easily cause some ice cubes to enter the water storage chamber through the first avoidance portion.

[0042] In some embodiments, a dimension of the second avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the second ice deflector is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

[0043] When the size of the second avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide is less than 15 mm, the size of the second avoidance portion is relatively small, which may easily cause part of the condensed water to enter the second ice guide through the second ice guide portion.

[0044] When the size of the second avoidance portion along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide is greater than 18 mm, the size of the second avoidance portion is relatively large, which may easily cause some ice cubes to enter the water storage chamber through the second avoidance portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0048] Figure 3 An exploded view of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0049] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the ice bucket, ice door structure and ice discharge piece in the related art;

[0051] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an ice gate structure in the related art;

[0052] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another ice gate structure in the related art;

[0053] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Another state diagram of the refrigerator in FIG;

[0056] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice dispensing assembly in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Exploded diagram;

[0058] Figure 13 for Figure 11 sectional view of

[0059] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0060] Figure 15 A schematic structural diagram of a first ice guide in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A top view of

[0062] Figure 17 A schematic structural diagram of a second ice guide in a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Top view of .

[0064] Description of reference numerals:

[0065] 10 - ice bucket; 20 - installation box; 30 - ice door structure; 31 - ice door box; 32 - thermal insulation; 33 - sealing element; 34 - heating film; 35 - drive motor; 36 - rotating shaft; 40 - water receiving box; 50 - ice dispensing element; 60 - switch structure; 70 - bracket;

[0066] 100- cabinet body; 200- door body; 300- ice-making assembly; 400- ice-dispensing assembly; 410- ice bucket; 420- box body; 421- installation box; 422- water collecting box; 423- water storage chamber; 430- ice door structure; 431- ice door box; 432- sealing element; 433- heat insulation element; 440- switch structure; 450- first ice guide element; 451- first avoidance part; 452- first ice guide part; 460- second ice guide element; 461- second avoidance part; 462- second ice guide part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0068] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the ice-discharging assembly in the related art. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of an ice discharge assembly in the related art. Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the ice discharge component in the related art.

[0069] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the ice dispensing assembly includes an ice hopper 10, a mounting box 20, an ice door structure 30, a water collection box 40, and an ice dispensing member 50. The ice hopper 10 is located at the bottom of the ice-making assembly and is connected to the ice-making assembly. The bottom of the ice hopper 10 is connected to the mounting box 20. The ice door structure 30 is located within the mounting box 20 and is connected to the mounting box 20 via a bracket 70. The ice door structure 30 rotates relative to the mounting box 20 to open or close the ice outlet of the ice hopper 10. The ice dispensing member 50 is located at the bottom of the mounting box 20. The water collection box 40 is connected to the mounting box 20 and embedded in the front side of the door body. The water collection box 40 is connected to the ice dispensing member 50.

[0070] A switch structure 60 is provided on the water receiving box 40 , and the switch structure 60 is electrically connected to the driving motor 35 .

[0071] When a user removes ice, they press the switch structure 60 using the ice dispenser. The drive motor 35 drives the rotating shaft 36, causing the ice door structure 30 to rotate relative to the bracket 70, opening the ice outlet. The ice-making assembly pushes ice cubes into the ice hopper 10. The ice cubes pass through the ice hopper 10, through the mounting box 20, and through the ice dispensing member 50, before falling into the user's ice dispenser. When the ice dispenser leaves the switch structure 60, the ice-making assembly stops pushing ice cubes, and the drive motor rotates the ice door structure 30 to close the ice outlet. The above process represents the complete operation of the ice dispensing system. It can be seen that the ice door structure 30 serves as a gateway connecting the interior and exterior of the refrigerator. When open, it allows ice cubes to be removed from the refrigerator. When closed, it helps prevent heat exchange between the interior of the refrigerator and the external environment, while also removing condensation near the ice outlet.

[0072] Decondensation is one of the functions of the ice-making system. If the condensation in the ice-discharging system is not removed in time, it will have a great impact on the user experience.

[0073] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle. Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the ice bucket, ice door structure and ice outlet in the related art. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of an ice gate structure in the related art.

[0074] To remove condensation, you need to understand the reasons why it is produced. There are two reasons why condensation is produced at the ice outlet:

[0075] 1. Heat and cold exchange. The ice gate structure 30 directly connects the internal and external environments. For example, when the ambient temperature is 25°C, the humidity is 70%, and the temperature inside the ice bin 10 is -19°C, the inner surface temperature of the ice gate structure 30 is only -3.6°C. The cold energy is transferred from the inner surface of the ice gate structure 30 to the outer surface of the ice gate structure 30. Although in an ambient temperature of 25°C, the outer surface temperature is only 16°C, which is lower than the dew point, causing condensation.

[0076] 2. Heat conduction. Ice hopper 10 is located inside the refrigerator, where the temperature of the entire component is below -18°C. Part of the mounting box 20 is in contact with the ice hopper 10, causing the local temperature of the mounting box 20 to fall below the dew point, resulting in condensation.

[0077] See also Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the inventors have discovered that condensation water forms on the outer surface of the ice door structure 30, first gathering at the lower edge of the ice door structure 30 before dripping onto the ice dispensing member 50 at the bottom of the mounting box 20. The water droplets then drip onto the switch structure 60, and finally into the water receiving box 40, where they accumulate and wait to be wiped or evaporate. Because the water contains impurities, it can leave water stains on the switch structure 60, affecting the user experience and, in severe cases, breeding bacteria.

[0078] In related art, the ice door structure 30 includes an ice door box 31, a thermal insulation member 32, a seal 33, and a heating film 34. A rotating shaft 36 is connected to a drive motor 35, which is rotatably connected to a bracket 70. The ice door box 31 is connected to the rotating shaft 36. The thermal insulation member 32 is located within the area enclosed by the seal 33 and the ice door box 31. The heating film 34 is located on the inner wall of the ice door box 31 facing the thermal insulation member 32. The ice discharge assembly utilizes the heating film 34 and the thermal insulation member 32 to address condensation. The drive motor 35 drives the rotating shaft 36, which rotates the ice door structure 30 relative to the bracket 70 to open or close the ice discharge port.

[0079] Specifically, the heating film 34 is a 0.01 mm thick film formed by printing nickel-chromium alloy powder. The heating film 34 is coiled and attached to an insulating tape material and affixed to the ice door box 31. This thin film heater has a complex manufacturing process and a high production cost.

[0080] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another ice gate structure in the related art.

[0081] See also Figure 7 As shown, in order to overcome and reduce the cost of the heater, the heater is produced by metal wire, the heater is directly repeatedly coiled, covered and attached to the insulating tape material, and pasted in the ice door box 31. This heater is produced by metal wire drawing process, which has simple processing technology and low manufacturing cost.

[0082] The metal wire can be made of nickel-chromium alloy wire. During use, due to its large resistance value, it generates more heat under the same current compared to the film heater. During use, the power-on time required to remove condensation on the surface of the ice door is short.

[0083] However, this solution has significant drawbacks. The nickel-chromium alloy wire heater (not shown) has a wire diameter of 2.2 mm, and combined with the thermally conductive material, the overall thickness reaches 3 mm. Considering assembly factors, the thickness of the ice door structure 30 is increased by more than 5 mm compared to a thin-film heater, increasing the volume of the ice door structure 30. Furthermore, condensation generated by heat conduction relies on radiation from the surface of the ice door structure 30, which is a long distance away, requiring a longer heating time and consuming more energy. Furthermore, the ice door structure is located in a relatively open environment, so most of the heat generated by the heater is dissipated outside the refrigerator, resulting in energy waste.

[0084] To overcome the shortcomings of the related art, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising a housing, a door, and an ice-making system. The housing is provided with a refrigeration compartment for storing food. The door is rotatably connected to the housing to open and close the refrigeration compartment, making it easier for users to access and place food. The ice-making system includes an ice-making assembly and an ice-dispensing assembly, which is mounted on the door to facilitate ice removal. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an ice hopper, a housing, an ice door structure, and a switch structure. The ice hopper is connected to the ice-making assembly and receives ice cubes from the ice-making assembly. The ice hopper is provided with an ice-dispensing chamber. The housing has a first inner cavity, and the sidewall of the housing facing the ice hopper is connected to the ice hopper. The bottom of the housing has a water-receiving chamber, which is connected to the first inner cavity and receives condensed water. The ice door structure is located in the first inner cavity and is rotatably connected to the housing. The switch structure is electrically connected to the ice door structure and is configured to control the rotation of the ice door structure relative to the housing to connect or disconnect the ice-dispensing chamber with the first inner cavity. When the ice discharge chamber is disconnected from the first inner chamber, the extended plane of the ice door structure forms an angle with the horizontal plane, and the orthographic projection of the ice door structure onto the horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure onto the horizontal plane. Consequently, condensed water formed on the ice door structure will gather at the bottom of the ice door structure under the action of gravity and then drip down. Since the orthographic projection of the ice door structure onto the horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure onto the horizontal plane, condensed water is less likely to drip onto the switch structure. Instead, the condensed water will collect in the water storage chamber and evaporate at room temperature. Therefore, a heater is not required, reducing costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, condensed water is less likely to form water stains on the switch structure.

[0085] The contents of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can understand the contents of this application more clearly and in detail.

[0086] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of another refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of another state of the refrigerator.

[0087] See also Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the present application provides a refrigerator, which includes a housing 100 , and the housing 100 is provided with a refrigeration compartment.

[0088] It should be noted that the number of the refrigeration compartment may be at least one, and the refrigeration compartment may include at least one of a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.

[0089] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a door body 200 .

[0090] The door body 200 is rotatably connected to the cabinet body 100 to open or close the refrigeration compartment.

[0091] It should be noted that the number of the door body 200 may be at least one. The door body 200 may include at least one of a freezer door and a refrigerator door.

[0092] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an ice making system.

[0093] In some embodiments, the ice-making system includes an ice-making assembly 300 , which is disposed in the refrigeration compartment or on the door 200 .

[0094] In some embodiments, the ice making system includes an ice discharging assembly 400 , which is disposed on the door 200 .

[0095] See also Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, an ice making system is provided on the freezer door, and an ice making assembly 300 and an ice dispensing assembly 400 are installed on the freezer door. When the door is not opened, when the user takes ice, ice cubes can enter the user's cup through the ice dispensing assembly 400 on the door.

[0096] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, an ice making system is provided on the refrigerator door. The ice making assembly 300 and the ice dispensing assembly 400 are installed in separate compartments on the refrigerator door for making and storing ice. When the door is closed, when a user takes ice, the ice cubes can enter the user's cup through the ice dispensing assembly 400 on the door.

[0097] In some embodiments, the ice making assembly 300 is installed in an independent enclosed space of the refrigerated compartment, and the door body 200 is provided with an ice dispensing assembly 400 , so that the user can take ice without opening the door body 200 .

[0098] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice discharging assembly in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 for Figure 11 Exploded diagram, Figure 13 for Figure 11 sectional view of .

[0099] See also Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice dispensing assembly 400 includes an ice hopper 410. The ice hopper 410 is used to receive ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300.

[0100] The ice hopper 410 is connected to the ice making assembly 300 and is provided with an ice discharge cavity.

[0101] The tail of the ice hopper 410 is provided with a first opening, which is communicated with the ice outlet cavity.

[0102] In some embodiments, the ice dispensing assembly 400 includes a box body 420. The box body 420 is used to be embedded in the door body 200 to provide installation space for other components of the ice dispensing assembly 400.

[0103] The box body 420 is provided with a first inner cavity.

[0104] A second opening is provided on a side of the box body 420 facing the ice bucket 410 , and the second opening is opposite to the first opening and is in communication with each other.

[0105] The side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice hopper 410 is connected to the ice hopper 410. For example, the connection can be made by snapping or by fasteners.

[0106] It can be understood that the cold energy of the ice hopper 410 can be transferred to the side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice hopper 410, and condensation is easily formed on this side wall. The extension plane of the side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice hopper 410 has an angle with the horizontal plane, so that the condensation formed on the inner side of this side wall can be gathered downward along the inner wall under the action of gravity.

[0107] A water storage chamber 423 is provided at the bottom of the box body 420 .

[0108] The water-holding cavity 423 may be in communication with the first inner cavity, or in other embodiments, the water-holding cavity 423 may not be in communication with the first inner cavity.

[0109] In some embodiments, the box body 420 includes a mounting box 421 .

[0110] The side wall of the installation box 421 facing the ice hopper 410 is connected to the ice hopper 410 , and the installation box 421 is provided with an inner cavity. The extension plane of the side wall of the inner cavity of the installation box 421 facing the ice hopper 410 has an angle with the horizontal plane.

[0111] In some embodiments, the box body 420 includes a water receiving box 422 .

[0112] The water receiving box 422 is provided at the bottom of the installation box 421. The water receiving box 422 is provided with an inner cavity, and the inner cavity of the water receiving box 422 is communicated with the inner cavity of the installation box 421. In some embodiments, the installation box 421 and the water receiving box 422 can be provided separately. The installation box 421 and the water receiving box are detachably connected.

[0113] In other embodiments, the installation box 421 and the water receiving box 422 can be provided integrally.

[0114] In some embodiments, a water storage cavity 423 is provided on the bottom wall of the water receiving box 422 .

[0115] In other embodiments, the box body 420 includes a cleaning box, which is arranged at the bottom of the water receiving box 422 and has a water holding chamber 423. The cleaning box is detachably connected to the water receiving box 422, so that the user can easily remove the cleaning box from the water receiving box 422 for cleaning.

[0116] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0117] See also Figures 12 to 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice discharge assembly 400 includes an ice door structure 430 .

[0118] The ice door structure 430 is located in the first inner cavity and is rotatably connected to the box body 420. The ice door structure 430 rotates relative to the box body 420 to connect or disconnect the ice outlet cavity with the first inner cavity.

[0119] In some embodiments, the ice door structure 430 includes an ice door box 431 .

[0120] The ice door box 431 is rotatably connected to the box body 420 .

[0121] The ice door box 431 is provided with a first installation cavity.

[0122] See also Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice door structure 430 includes a seal 432. The seal 432 is used to improve the sealing performance of the second outlet.

[0123] The sealing member 432 is covered on the ice door box 431 . When the ice door structure 430 closes the second outlet, the sealing member 432 abuts against the inner wall of the box body 420 .

[0124] Exemplarily, the material of the sealing member 432 may be rubber or silicone.

[0125] In some embodiments, the ice door structure 430 includes a heat insulator 433 located within the first mounting cavity. The heat insulator 433 is used to reduce heat exchange between the ice door structure 430 and the interior of the ice bin 410, thereby increasing the temperature of the outer surface of the ice door box 431 and reducing condensation.

[0126] See also Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, a switch structure 440 is further included.

[0127] The switch structure 440 is electrically connected to the ice door structure 430 , and the switch structure 440 is configured to control the ice door structure 430 to rotate relative to the box body 420 so that the ice outlet cavity is connected or disconnected with the first inner cavity.

[0128] The switch structure 440 is embedded in the box body 420 .

[0129] When the user presses the switch structure 440 with the ice dispensing container, the ice door structure 430 opens the second opening, and the ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300 enter the ice dispensing container through the ice hopper 410. When the ice dispensing container stops pressing the switch structure 440, the ice door structure 430 closes the second opening.

[0130] See also Figure 13 As shown, when the ice outlet cavity is disconnected from the first inner cavity, the extension plane of the ice gate structure 430 and the horizontal plane form an angle k. This helps the condensed water on the surface of the ice gate structure 430 to gather at the bottom under the action of gravity.

[0131] The orthographic projection of the ice gate structure 430 onto a horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure 440 onto a horizontal plane. This prevents condensed water from dripping onto the switch structure 440. Instead, the condensed water collects in the water chamber 423 and evaporates at room temperature. This eliminates the need for a heater, reducing costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, condensed water is less likely to form water stains on the switch structure 440.

[0132] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, when the first inner cavity is not connected to the inner cavity of the ice hopper 410, the angle k between the extension plane of the ice gate structure 430 and the horizontal plane is greater than 40°.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the first inner cavity is not connected to the inner cavity of the ice hopper 410 , the angle k between the extension plane of the ice gate structure 430 and the horizontal plane is not less than 45°.

[0134] It can be understood that an angle k between the extension plane of the ice gate structure 430 and the horizontal plane greater than 40 degrees is conducive to the gathering of condensed water.

[0135] In some embodiments, the angle k between the extension plane of the ice gate structure 430 and the horizontal plane is 42 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 degrees, 49 degrees, or 50 degrees.

[0136] See also Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the angle z between the extension plane of the side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice bucket 410 and the horizontal plane is not less than 45°.

[0137] In some embodiments, an angle z between an extension plane of a side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice bin 410 and a horizontal plane is greater than 40°.

[0138] It is understandable that the angle z between the extension plane of the side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice hopper 410 and the horizontal plane is not less than 40 degrees, which is conducive to the gathering of condensed water.

[0139] In some embodiments, the angle z between the extension plane of the side wall of the box body 420 facing the ice bucket 410 and the horizontal plane is 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 degrees, 49 degrees or 50 degrees.

[0140] See also Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, when the ice outlet cavity is disconnected from the first inner cavity, the horizontal projection of the bottom of the ice gate structure 430 is located within the horizontal projection of the inner wall of the water holding cavity 423. This allows condensed water on the surface of the ice gate structure 430 to gather at the bottom under the action of gravity and then drip directly into the water holding cavity 423, where it evaporates at room temperature.

[0141] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first ice guide in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 for Figure 15 Top view of .

[0142] See also Figure 13 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice discharging assembly 400 further includes a first ice guide 450. The first ice guide 450 is used to guide the ice cubes in the ice hopper 410 to the ice taking container of the user.

[0143] The first ice guide 450 is disposed in the first inner cavity and is at least partially located below the ice door structure 430 .

[0144] When the ice discharge cavity is connected to the first inner cavity, the ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300 are placed in the ice taking container through the ice hopper 410 and the first ice guide 450 .

[0145] Along the height direction, from top to bottom, the radial dimension of the inner wall of the first ice guide 450 decreases.

[0146] The height direction is the direction indicated by the Z axis in the figure.

[0147] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, the first ice deflector 450 includes a first avoidance portion 451. The first avoidance portion 451 is used to avoid condensed water.

[0148] The first avoidance portion 451 is located below the ice gate structure 430 . Under the action of gravity, the condensed water collected at the bottom of the ice gate structure 430 falls vertically and passes through the first avoidance portion 451 .

[0149] In some embodiments, the first ice guide 450 includes a first ice guide portion 452. The first ice guide portion 452 is used to guide ice cubes into an ice taking container of a user.

[0150] The first ice deflecting portions 452 are located on two opposite sides of the first avoiding portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector 450 .

[0151] It is understood that by providing the first escape portion 451, condensed water can drip vertically under the action of gravity. If the first escape portion 451 is not provided, condensed water at the bottom of the ice door structure 430 will enter the interior of the first ice guide 450 and flow along the inner wall of the first ice guide 450. When the condensed water is small, the condensed water is likely to remain on the inner wall of the first ice guide 450. When the user freezes the ice, the residual condensed water is likely to enter the ice dispensing container, causing contamination of the ice cubes and harming the user's health.

[0152] See also Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, the size of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide 450 is smaller than the rated ice size of the ice-making assembly 300 .

[0153] It should be noted that the ice cubes produced by the ice making assembly 300 in different refrigerators may have different specifications, for example, 20 mm or 15 mm. The circumferential size of the first avoidance portion 451 along the first ice guide 450 is set according to the rated ice cube size of the ice making assembly 300.

[0154] It is understandable that the size of the first avoidance portion 451 is smaller than the size of the ice cube, and the ice cube is not easy to enter the first avoidance portion 451 and is not easy to enter the water storage chamber 423 along the first avoidance portion 451.

[0155] See also Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, the dimension of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide 450 is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

[0156] In some embodiments, a dimension m of the first avoiding portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector 450 is 15-18 mm.

[0157] In some embodiments, a dimension m of the first avoiding portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector 450 is greater than 15.

[0158] In some embodiments, a dimension m of the first avoiding portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector 450 is less than 18 mm.

[0159] When the dimension m of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide 450 is less than 15 mm, the dimension of the first avoidance portion 451 is too small, which may cause some condensed water to enter the first ice guide 450 through the first ice guide portion 452 .

[0160] When the dimension m of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide 450 is greater than 18 mm, the first avoidance portion 451 is relatively large, which may easily cause some ice cubes to enter the water storage chamber 423 through the first avoidance portion 451 .

[0161] In some embodiments, a dimension m of the first avoiding portion 451 along the circumferential direction of the first ice deflector 450 is 16 mm or 17 mm.

[0162] It should be noted that the first avoidance portion 451 includes a notch, and the dimension m of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumference of the second ice deflector 460 can be the distance between two circumferentially opposing sidewalls of the notch. Alternatively, the dimension m of the first avoidance portion 451 along the circumference of the first ice deflector 450 can be the distance between two perpendicular lines drawn along the corresponding sidewalls of the notch at the same horizontal point along the two circumferentially opposing sidewalls of the notch.

[0163] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second ice guide in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 for Figure 17 Top view of .

[0164] See also Figure 13 、 Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice discharging assembly 400 further includes a second ice guide 460. The second ice guide 460 is used to guide the ice cubes in the first ice guide 450 to the ice taking container of the user.

[0165] The second ice guide 460 is disposed in the first inner cavity and is located below the first ice guide 450 .

[0166] When the ice discharge cavity is connected to the first inner cavity, the ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300 are placed in the ice taking container through the ice hopper 410 , the first ice guide 450 and the second ice guide 460 .

[0167] Along the height direction, from top to bottom, the radial dimension of the inner wall of the second ice guide 460 decreases.

[0168] The height direction is the direction indicated by the Z axis in the figure.

[0169] It should be noted that the opening size at the end of the second ice guide 460 matches the user's ice taking container.

[0170] See also Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, the second ice deflector 460 includes a second avoidance portion 461. The second avoidance portion 461 is used to avoid condensed water.

[0171] The second avoidance portion 461 is located below the first avoidance portion 451. Under the action of gravity, the condensed water collected at the bottom of the ice gate structure 430 falls vertically and passes through the first avoidance portion 451 and the second avoidance portion 461.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second ice guide 460 includes a second ice guide portion 462. The second ice guide portion 462 is used to guide ice cubes into an ice taking container of a user.

[0173] The second ice deflecting portions 462 are located on two opposite sides of the second avoiding portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice deflector 460 .

[0174] It is understood that by providing the second escape portion 461 to avoid condensation, the condensation water can drip vertically under the action of gravity. If the second escape portion 461 is not provided, the condensation water at the bottom of the ice door structure 430 will enter the interior of the second ice guide 460 and flow along the inner wall of the second ice guide 460. When the condensation water is small, the condensation water is likely to remain on the inner wall of the second ice guide 460. When the user freezes the ice, the residual condensation water is likely to enter the ice dispensing container, causing contamination of the ice cubes and harming the user's health.

[0175] See also Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, the size of the second avoidance portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide 460 is smaller than the rated ice size of the ice-making assembly 300 .

[0176] It should be noted that the ice cubes produced by the ice making assembly 300 in different refrigerators may have different specifications, for example, 20 mm or 15 mm. The circumferential size of the second avoidance portion 461 along the second ice guide 460 is set according to the rated ice cube size of the ice making assembly 300.

[0177] It is understandable that the size of the second avoidance portion 461 is smaller than the size of the ice cube, and the ice cube is not easy to enter the second avoidance portion 461 and is not easy to enter the water storage chamber 423 along the second avoidance portion 461.

[0178] See also Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, a dimension n of the second avoidance portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide 460 is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

[0179] It should be noted that the second relief portion 461 includes a notch, and the circumferential dimension n of the second relief portion 461 along the second ice deflector 460 can be the distance between two circumferentially opposing sidewalls of the notch. Alternatively, the circumferential dimension n of the second relief portion 461 along the second ice deflector 460 can be the distance between two perpendicular lines drawn along the corresponding sidewalls of the notch at the same level at two circumferentially opposing points.

[0180] In some embodiments, a dimension n of the second avoiding portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide 460 is 15-18 mm.

[0181] In some embodiments, a dimension n of the second avoiding portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice deflector 460 is greater than 15.

[0182] In some embodiments, a dimension n of the second avoiding portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice deflector 460 is less than 18 mm.

[0183] When the dimension n of the second avoidance portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide 460 is less than 15 mm, the dimension of the second avoidance portion 461 is too small, which may easily cause some condensed water to enter the second ice guide 460 through the second ice guide portion 462 .

[0184] When the dimension n of the second avoidance portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide 460 is greater than 18 mm, the second avoidance portion 461 is relatively large, which may easily cause some ice cubes to enter the water storage chamber 423 through the second avoidance portion 461 .

[0185] In some embodiments, a dimension n of the second avoiding portion 461 along the circumferential direction of the second ice deflector 460 is 16 mm or 17 mm.

[0186] It should be noted that references in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0187] Generally speaking, terms should be understood, at least in part, based on the context in which they are used. For example, as used herein, the term "one or more" can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in the plural sense, depending at least in part on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage, depending at least in part on the context.

[0188] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “over” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something,” but also includes “on something” with intervening features or layers therebetween, and “above” or “over” includes not only the meaning of “above” or “over,” but also includes “above” or “over” with no intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0189] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as depicted in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0190] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood according to their ordinary and usual meanings.

[0191] In addition, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device comprising a list of components is not necessarily limited to those components expressly listed but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such product or device.

[0192] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0193] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Throughout this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0194] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0195] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body (100), wherein the box body (100) is provided with a refrigeration compartment; A door body (200), the door body (200) being rotatably connected to the box body (100) to open or close the refrigeration compartment; An ice making system, comprising: an ice-making assembly (300), the ice-making assembly (300) being arranged in the refrigeration compartment or the door (200); An ice discharging assembly (400) is provided on the door body (200), and the ice discharging assembly (400) comprises: An ice hopper (410), the ice hopper (410) being in communication with the ice-making assembly (300), and the ice hopper (410) being provided with an ice-discharging cavity; A box body (420), the box body (420) being provided with a first inner cavity, a side wall of the box body (420) facing the ice hopper (410) being connected to the ice hopper (410), and a water storage cavity being provided at the bottom of the box body (420), the water storage cavity being in communication with the first inner cavity; an ice door structure (430), the ice door structure (430) being located in the first inner cavity, the ice door structure (430) being rotatably connected to the box body (420); a switch structure (440), the switch structure (440) being electrically connected to the ice door structure (430), the switch structure (440) being configured to control the ice door structure (430) to rotate relative to the box body (420) so as to connect or disconnect the ice outlet cavity with the first inner cavity; When the ice outlet cavity is not connected to the first inner cavity, the extension plane of the ice door structure (430) has an angle with the horizontal plane, and the orthographic projection of the ice door structure (430) toward the horizontal plane does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the switch structure (440) toward the horizontal plane.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: When the ice outlet cavity is not connected to the first inner cavity, the orthographic projection of the bottom of the ice door structure (430) toward the horizontal plane is located within the orthographic projection of the inner wall of the water storage cavity toward the horizontal plane.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a first ice guide (450), the first ice guide (450) being arranged in the first inner cavity, and at least a portion of the first ice guide (450) being located below the ice door structure (430); When the ice discharge cavity is in communication with the first inner cavity, ice cubes in the ice making assembly (300) enter the ice taking container through the ice hopper (410) and the first ice guide (450).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The first ice guide (450) comprises: a first avoidance portion (451), the first avoidance portion (451) being located below the ice door structure (430); A first ice guide portion (452), the first ice guide portion (452) is located on two opposite sides of the first avoidance portion (451) along the circumference of the first ice guide piece (450).

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The size of the first avoidance portion (451) along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide (450) is smaller than the size of the rated ice cubes of the ice-making assembly (300).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that It also includes a second ice guide (460), which is arranged in the first inner cavity and located below the first ice guide (450); When the ice discharge cavity is connected to the first inner cavity, ice cubes in the ice making assembly (300) enter the ice taking container through the ice bucket (410), the first ice guide (450) and the second ice guide (460).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that The second ice guide (460) comprises: a second avoidance portion (461), the second avoidance portion (461) being located below the first avoidance portion (451); A second ice guide portion (462), the second ice guide portion (462) is located on two opposite sides of the second avoidance portion (461) along the circumference of the second ice guide member (460).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that The size of the second avoidance portion (461) along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide (460) is smaller than the size of the rated ice cubes of the ice-making assembly (300).

9. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that The dimension of the first avoidance portion (451) along the circumferential direction of the first ice guide (450) is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The size of the second avoidance portion (461) along the circumferential direction of the second ice guide (460) is greater than 15 mm and less than 18 mm.

Images