Ice making device and water dispenser

Abstract

The invention discloses an ice-making device and a water dispenser with the ice-making device, and relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, the ice-making device comprises an ice-making piece and a flow guide cover, the ice-making piece comprises a plurality of ice trays, each ice tray is provided with a first opening which is opened in the first direction, the adjacent ice trays are separated by a separation part, and the flow guide cover is arranged on the separation part; the first direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction; the flow guide cover comprises water diversion ribs, the water diversion ribs are arranged on the edge of the separation part and separate the first openings of the adjacent ice trays, and the heat conductivity coefficient of the water diversion ribs is lower than that of the ice making piece. According to the ice making device disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the flow guide cover is arranged, and the water diversion ribs of the flow guide cover are arranged on the edge of the separation part to separate the openings of the adjacent ice trays, so that water flow can be separated between the adjacent ice trays, and ice cubes made by the ice making part are prevented from being adhered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and in particular to an ice making device and a water dispenser. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the evaporator assembly for making cube ice generally has two or more rows of ice-making parts in the upper and lower rows. The ice cubes made by this evaporator are easy to stick together, which brings inconvenience to consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide an ice-making device with a flow deflector that can separate the water flow between adjacent ice compartments to prevent ice cubes produced by the ice-making components from sticking together.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water dispenser comprising the aforementioned refrigeration device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making device includes: an ice-making element and a deflector, the ice-making element includes a plurality of ice trays, the ice trays have a first opening open along a first direction, adjacent ice trays are separated by a partition, and the first direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction; the deflector includes a water dividing rib, the water dividing rib is provided at an edge of the partition and separates the first openings of adjacent ice trays, and the thermal conductivity of the water dividing rib is lower than the thermal conductivity of the ice-making element.

[0006] According to the ice-making device of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a deflector, and the water dividing ribs of the deflector are provided at the edge of the partition to separate the openings of adjacent ice trays, the water flow can be separated between adjacent ice trays to prevent the ice cubes made by the ice-making component from sticking together.

[0007] In addition, the ice-making device according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the partition includes a first partition, which separates adjacent ice trays. The water dividing ribs and the first partitions are distributed along the first direction, and the water dividing ribs are connected to edges of the first partitions.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the partition includes a second partition and a third partition, the second partition and the third partition are arranged between adjacent ice trays, a second opening is provided between the second partition and the third partition, the second opening is provided between the first openings of adjacent ice trays, and the water dividing rib is provided at the second opening.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the water dividing rib is disposed in the partition.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the water dividing rib protrudes from the edge of the partition along the first direction.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, the thickness of the water dividing rib is not greater than the thickness of the partition.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the thickness of the partition is not less than 2 mm.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, a protruding height of the water dividing rib relative to the partition along the first direction is not less than 3 mm.

[0015] In some examples of the present invention, the portion of the water dividing rib protruding from the edge of the partition has a first side surface and a second side surface, the first side surface faces one of the adjacent ice trays, and the second side surface faces the other of the adjacent ice trays, and the first side surface and the second side surface gradually retract as they move away from the partition along the first direction.

[0016] In some examples of the present invention, an inclination angle of the first side surface and the second side surface relative to the first direction is not less than 15°.

[0017] In some examples of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays include a first row and a second row distributed in an up-down direction, the partition includes a transverse portion provided between the first row and the second row, and the water dividing rib separates the first opening of the ice trays in the first row and the second row.

[0018] In some examples of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays include a first column and a second column distributed along a second direction, the partition includes a longitudinal portion arranged between the first column and the second column, the water dividing rib separates the first opening of the ice trays in the first column and the second column, and the first direction, the second direction and the up and down directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] In some examples of the present invention, the partition includes a plurality of transverse partitions and a plurality of longitudinal partitions, the plurality of transverse partitions extend along the second direction and are separated and distributed along the up and down directions, the plurality of longitudinal partitions extend along the up and down directions and are distributed along the second direction, the plurality of transverse partitions and the plurality of longitudinal partitions construct the plurality of ice trays, the air guide cover includes a plurality of transverse ribs corresponding to the plurality of transverse partitions and a plurality of longitudinal ribs corresponding to the plurality of longitudinal partitions, the transverse ribs connect the edges of the corresponding transverse partitions, the longitudinal ribs connect the edges of the corresponding longitudinal partitions, and the first direction, the second direction and the up and down directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] In some examples of the present invention, the ice-making device further includes a heating element, and the heating element is used to heat the water dividing rib.

[0021] In some examples of the present invention, the heating element is disposed in the air guide cover.

[0022] In some examples of the present invention, the ice-making component is a metal component, and the water-dividing rib is a plastic rib.

[0023] In some examples of the present invention, the air deflector further includes a connecting frame, which is arranged above the ice-making component. The connecting frame includes a water diversion trough, and the water diversion trough has a third opening open along the first direction. Water in the water diversion trough can flow out from the third opening and flow downward from the first opening into the ice tray for ice making.

[0024] In some examples of the present invention, the bottom surface of the water diversion trough is a plane extending along the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0025] In some examples of the present invention, the multiple ice trays include multiple columns distributed along the second direction, and multiple fourth partitions are provided in the water diversion trough. The multiple fourth partitions separate multiple sub-troughs corresponding to the multiple columns of ice trays in the water diversion trough, and the first direction, the second direction and the up and down directions are perpendicular to each other; or, the connecting frame and the water diversion rib are formed into an integral structure.

[0026] In some examples of the present invention, the ice-making device further includes a water supply component, which is disposed on an upper side of the ice-making component, and the upper portion of the air guide cover is connected to the water supply component.

[0027] In some examples of the present invention, the water supply component is provided with a hook, the deflector cover is provided with a positioning rib, and the hook is snap-connected to the positioning rib.

[0028] In some examples of the present invention, the deflector is provided with a positioning column extending in an up-down direction, the water supply component is provided in a positioning groove, and the positioning column passes through the positioning groove.

[0029] In some examples of the present invention, the water supply member is in a tube shape or a plate shape with an internal flow channel.

[0030] In some examples of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays include a first ice tray and a second ice tray, and the first opening of the first ice tray and the second opening of the second ice tray are opposite to each other along the first direction.

[0031] A water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned ice-making device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-section view in the AA direction;

[0034] Figure 3 is an assembly diagram of an ice-making device in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making device in some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of an ice-making device in some embodiments of the present invention (showing a state where a heating element is installed in a deflector cover);

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a shroud in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a shroud in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making component in some further embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device in some further embodiments of the present invention (showing a state where the air guide cover is installed on the ice-making element);

[0041] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of the air guide cover in some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 100, ice-making device; 10, ice-making element; 11, ice tray; 101, first opening; 111, first row; 112, second row; 113, first column; 114, second column; 12, partition; 121, first partition; 122, second partition; 123, third partition; 102, second opening; 124, transverse partition; 125, longitudinal partition; 20, deflector; 21, water divider; 211, first side; 212, second Side; 22, transverse rib; 203, first groove; 23, longitudinal rib; 206, longitudinal groove; 24, connecting frame; 240, water distribution trough; 242, fourth partition; 25, hook; 26, positioning column; 204, positioning groove; 30, heating element; 40, water pipe; 401, water outlet; 42, water supply element; 50, refrigeration pipe; 10a, first ice-making element; 10b, second ice-making element; 11a, second ice tray; 11b, second ice tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0045] Combine Figures 1 to 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making device 100 includes an ice-making element 10, which includes a plurality of ice trays 11. The ice trays 11 have first openings 101 that are open along a first direction. Adjacent ice trays 11 are separated by partitions 12 to form a plurality of independent ice trays 11. Water for making ice can enter the ice trays 11 through the first openings 101, and after ice cubes are formed, they can escape from the first openings 101. The first direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0046] Furthermore, during the ice-making process of the ice-making component 10, ice-making water flows to multiple ice grids 11. Due to the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration component, the ice-making water is easily cooled into ice when flowing between two ice grids 11, causing the ice cubes between adjacent ice grids 11 to stick together. The ice cubes after sticking together are larger in size or easily have irregular shapes, which is inconvenient for users to use. In order to facilitate ice removal, the ice-making device 100 also includes a deflector 20. The deflector 20 can be used to guide the circulation of ice-making water, thereby avoiding the situation where the water between the two ice grids 11 freezes after connecting at the opening or freezes at the opening, resulting in ice cubes sticking together.

[0047] Specifically, the water deflector 20 includes a water dividing rib 21, which is provided at the edge of the partition 12 and separates the first openings 101 of adjacent ice cubes 11. Thus, the water dividing rib 21 can prevent the water flowing from the first opening 101 into one ice cube 11 from being connected to the first opening 101 of another adjacent ice cube 11, that is, the water dividing rib 21 can separate the first openings 101 of two adjacent ice cubes 11 and guide the water flow into the ice cube 11, thereby preventing the water flow between the two adjacent ice cubes 11 from being connected together to form adhesion between the ice cubes or preventing the ice cubes from sticking together due to ice formation around the openings of adjacent ice cubes 11.

[0048] More specifically, the thermal conductivity of the water diverter 21 is lower than that of the ice maker 10. As a result, the water diverter 21 is less likely to freeze during ice diversion, thus preventing ice from sticking together. Specifically, during ice formation, the thermal conductivity of the ice maker 10 is higher than that of the water diverter 21. Therefore, the ice tray 11 freezes first, preventing ice from forming on the water diverter 21 for a certain period of time.

[0049] According to the ice-making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a deflector 20, and the water dividing ribs 21 of the deflector 20 are provided at the edge of the partition 12 to separate the openings of adjacent ice trays 11, the water flow can be separated between adjacent ice trays 11 to prevent the ice cubes made by the ice-making element 10 from sticking together.

[0050] Combine Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the partition 12 includes a first partition 121 that separates adjacent ice trays 11. The water divider 21 and the first partition 121 are distributed along a first direction, and the water divider 21 is connected to the edge of the first partition 121. Specifically, the distribution direction of the water divider 21 and the first partition 121 is the same as the opening direction of the first opening 101, so that the water divider 21 can achieve separation in the opening direction of the first opening 101. When ice-making water flows from one ice tray 11 to another through the first partition 121, the water divider 21 can separate the ice-making water entering the first opening 101 on the first partition 121, thereby preventing ice from forming on the first partition 121.

[0051] Combine Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the partition 12 includes a second partition 122 and a third partition 123. The second partition 122 and the third partition 123 are positioned between adjacent ice trays 11. A second opening 102 is defined between the second partition 122 and the third partition 123. The second opening 102 is positioned between the first openings 101 of adjacent ice trays 11, and the water divider 21 is positioned within the second opening 102. Specifically, the second opening 102 between the second partition 122 and the third partition 123 increases the distance between the second partition 122 and the ice tray 11 where the third partition 123 is positioned, thereby improving the separation of the ice trays 11. The water dividing rib 21 is provided at the second opening 102 to prevent ice-making water from entering the second opening 102 and freezing at the second opening 102. Therefore, the water dividing rib 21 can prevent ice from forming between the second partition 122 and the third partition 123, thereby preventing ice from sticking between the second partition 122 and the third partition 123, and is conducive to guiding the water flow into the other ice tray 11.

[0052] Combine Figure 4In some embodiments of the present invention, the water divider 21 is disposed within the partition 12. Specifically, when the partition 12 of the ice-making element 10 is relatively large, the partition 12 can effectively separate adjacent ice cube trays 11, thereby preventing ice-making water from flowing between the ice cube trays 11. In some examples, the partition 12 between adjacent ice cube trays 11 has a gap. Placing the water divider 21 within the partition 12 can prevent ice-making water from entering the gap between the partitions 12 and causing adhesion. Furthermore, due to the low thermal conductivity of the water divider 21, ice-making water is less likely to freeze even if it briefly flows through the gap between the ice cube trays 11 during the ice-making process.

[0053] Combine Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, the water dividing rib 21 protrudes from the edge of the partition 12 along the first direction. Thus, the protruding portion of the water dividing rib 21 can act as a barrier between adjacent ice trays 11, making it difficult for water to flow directly and continuously from one ice tray 11 to another adjacent ice tray 11, thereby achieving a water dividing effect and preventing the water from flowing continuously between adjacent ice trays 11 and forming ice at the location of the partition 12.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the water divider 21 is no greater than the thickness of the partition 12, thereby achieving a non-stick effect while facilitating ice removal. Specifically, because the water divider 21 protrudes from the edge of the partition 12 in the first direction, and the first opening 101 of the ice tray 11 also faces the first direction, when the ice maker 10 removes ice, the ice cubes are removed in the first direction. The thickness of the water divider 21 is no greater than the thickness of the partition 12, so that the water divider 21 does not block the first direction or the direction of ice removal, making it difficult to remove ice cubes.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the separator 12 is not less than 2 mm to prevent adjacent ice trays 11 from being too close together, thereby affecting the ice cube formation or causing adjacent ice cubes to stick together. For example, the thickness of the separator 12 can be 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the protruding height of the water dividing rib 21 relative to the partition 12 along the first direction is not less than 3 mm, which is conducive to improving the water separation effect, thereby ensuring that ice cubes will not stick together between adjacent ice trays 11 due to the provision of the water dividing rib 21 at the partition 12.

[0057] Combine Figure 2In some embodiments of the present invention, the portion of the water divider 21 protruding from the edge of the partition 12 includes a first side surface 211 and a second side surface 212. The first side surface 211 faces one of the adjacent ice trays 11, while the second side surface 212 faces the other of the adjacent ice trays 11. The first side surface 211 and the second side surface 212 gradually retract as they move away from the partition 12 in the first direction. Thus, the first side surface 211 can guide the flow of water from the ice tray 11 toward the first side surface 211, while the second side surface 212 can guide the flow of water from the ice tray 11 toward the second side surface 212. This allows the water divider 21 to guide the ice-making water to flow in a predetermined direction, i.e., toward the center of the water divider 21. This prevents water from the first side surface 211 and the second side surface 212 from remaining on the surface of the water divider 21 for too long and freezing, thereby preventing the two ice trays 11 from sticking together.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first side surface 211 and the second side surface 212 are inclined at an angle of not less than 15° relative to the first direction to avoid blocking the first opening 101 and facilitate ice removal. For example, the inclination angle may be 15°, 16°, 18°, etc. The inclination angle may be adjusted based on the size of the ice-making element 10 or to balance water separation efficiency and manufacturing difficulty.

[0059] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays 11 include a first row 111 and a second row 112 distributed along the up-down direction, the partition 12 includes a transverse portion provided between the first row 111 and the second row 112, the water dividing rib 21 separates the first openings 101 of the ice trays 11 in the first row 111 and the second row 112, and the first direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0060] Specifically, when making ice, water first flows into the first row 111 located at the top, enters the first openings 101 of the ice trays 11 in the first row 111, and forms ice in the ice trays 11 in the first row 111. Then, the water continues to flow downward into the second row 112 located at the bottom, and then enters the first openings 101 of the ice trays 11 in the second row 112, and forms ice in the ice trays 11 in the second row 112. The transverse portion between the first row 111 and the second row 112 can function to connect the first row 111 and the second row 112 in the vertical direction, and can also function as a separator between the first row 111 and the second row 112. In order to prevent the ice-making water flowing from the first row 111 to the second row 112 from freezing in the transverse portion when passing through the transverse portion, thereby preventing the first row 111 and the second row 112 from being adhered to each other, a water dividing rib 21 is provided on the transverse portion to separate the first row 111 and the second row 112, or to guide the water to flow from the first row 111 to the second row 112. When the water passes through the water dividing rib 21 from the first row 111 to the second row 112, it is not easy to freeze, thereby avoiding the adhesion phenomenon.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays 11 include a first row 113 and a second row 114 distributed along a second direction. The divider 12 includes a longitudinal portion disposed between the first row 113 and the second row 114. A water divider 21 separates the first openings 101 of the ice trays 11 in the first row 113 and the second row 114. The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the water divider 21 can separate the ice trays 11 in the first row 113 and the second row 114 adjacent to each other along the second direction, so that ice-making water flowing out of the first openings 101 of the ice trays 11 in the first row 113 is unlikely to directly enter the ice trays 11 in the second row 114. Especially when the ice cubes are gradually formed, the water flows closer and closer to the first opening 101. Since the water dividing ribs 21 are arranged in the longitudinal parts of the first column 113 and the second column 114, the ice trays 11 in the first column 113 and the ice trays 11 in the second column 114 can be separated, so that the water in the ice trays 11 in the first column 113 and the water in the ice trays 11 in the second column 114 are not easily connected at the longitudinal part and frozen.

[0062] Combine Figure 3 and Figure 6In some embodiments of the present invention, the partition 12 includes a plurality of transverse partitions 124 and a plurality of longitudinal partitions 125. The plurality of transverse partitions 124 extend along the second direction and are separated and distributed along the up-down direction. The plurality of longitudinal partitions 125 extend along the up-down direction and are distributed along the second direction. The plurality of transverse partitions 124 and the plurality of longitudinal partitions 125 construct a plurality of ice trays 11. The air deflector 20 includes a plurality of transverse ribs 22 corresponding to the plurality of transverse partitions 124 and a plurality of longitudinal ribs 23 corresponding to the plurality of longitudinal partitions 125. The transverse ribs 22 connect edges of the corresponding transverse partitions 124, and the longitudinal ribs 23 connect edges of the corresponding longitudinal partitions 125. The first direction, the second direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0063] Specifically, combined Figure 1 and Figure 3 , multiple ice grids 11 can be arranged in an array to improve the ice making rate and help improve the compactness of the structure. Among the multiple adjacent ice grids 11, multiple are arranged in the transverse direction, and longitudinal partitions 125 are provided between the transversely adjacent ice grids 11 to separate the adjacent ice grids 11 in the transverse direction; among the multiple ice grids 11 arranged in the longitudinal direction, transverse partitions 124 are provided between the longitudinally adjacent ice grids 11 to separate the adjacent ice grids 11 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, each individual ice grid 11 is surrounded by transverse partitions 124 and longitudinal partitions 125 to separate it from the adjacent ice grids 11, which is conducive to the production of multiple independent ice cubes. Furthermore, the deflector 20 includes transverse ribs 22 and longitudinal ribs 23 correspondingly arranged on the transverse partitions 124 and the longitudinal partitions 125, which can not only improve the separation effect of adjacent ice grids 11, but also avoid ice formation at the separation point and avoid adhesion. Combined with Figure 6 The transverse ribs 22 and longitudinal ribs 23 are connected to form a grid-like structure, corresponding to the grid-like structure formed by the ice-making unit 10 and multiple ice trays 11. During assembly, the transverse ribs 22 and transverse partitions 124 are aligned in a first direction, and the longitudinal ribs 23 and longitudinal partitions 125 are aligned in a first direction. The deflector 20 is then positioned directly over one side of the first opening 101 of the ice-making unit 10 and ice trays 11. More specifically, the deflector 20 can be fixedly connected to the ice-making unit 10 to enhance structural stability, such as by screws, connection with hooks 25, or hooking.

[0064] Combine Figure 7 A first groove 203 is provided on the side of the transverse rib 22 facing the transverse partition 124. During assembly, the transverse partition 124 can extend into the first groove 203 to improve the tightness of the connection between the air deflector 20 and the ice-making element 10, which is beneficial to improving the diversion effect; a second groove is provided on the side of the longitudinal rib 23 facing the longitudinal partition 125. During assembly, the longitudinal partition 125 can extend into the second groove to improve the tightness of the connection between the air deflector 20 and the ice-making element 10, which is beneficial to improving the diversion effect.

[0065] Further, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 The ice-making device 100 includes a water pipe 40, which is located above the ice-making element 10. The water pipe 40 has multiple water outlets 401 opening downward. Thus, water in the water pipe 40 flows out of the multiple water outlets 401 and can flow to the ice-making element 10 below for ice making. The ice-making device 100 also includes a cooling pipe 50, which is located on the side away from the first opening 101 of the ice tray 11. The cooling pipe 50 is used to exchange heat with the ice-making element 10, thereby cooling the water and freezing it when it flows through the ice tray 11.

[0066] Furthermore, the water pipe 40 is disposed above the deflector 20 , so that the water can flow down along the deflector 20 after flowing out of the water pipe 40 , which helps the deflector 20 guide the water to flow to the ice tray 11 for freezing.

[0067] Specifically, combined Figure 3 and Figure 6 The air deflector 20 can be provided with a connecting frame 24, or the connecting frame 24 can be integrated with the air deflector 20. The connecting frame 24 is connected to the top of the air deflector 20. The connecting frame 24 can be used to place the water pipe 40 so that the water in the water pipe 40 can flow directly to the air deflector 20 and be drained from the air deflector 20. The connecting frame 24 is provided with a positioning groove 204 for installing the water pipe 40. The upper end of the air deflector 20 is provided with a hook 25. The hook 25 can be hooked on the positioning groove 204 to achieve the connection between the air deflector 20 and the connecting frame 24. The structure is simple and easy to construct.

[0068] Specifically, the first direction may be the front-to-back direction or the depth direction of the ice tray 11 , and the second direction may be the left-to-right direction or the width direction of the ice tray 11 , or the extending direction of the first row 111 and the second row 112 of ice trays 11 .

[0069] Combine Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making device 100 further includes a heater 30 for heating the water divider 21. Specifically, during the deicing stage, due to the presence of the water divider 21, some ice cubes may adhere to the water divider 21, or some water may enter between the partition 12 and the water divider 21. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the deflector 20 and its slow temperature rise, the deicing time may be prolonged. By providing the heater 30 for heating the water divider 21, the water divider 21 can be quickly heated, facilitating deicing and making it easier for users to use.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element 30 is disposed within the deflector 20. Some ice cubes may stick to the deflector 20. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the deflector 20, the temperature rises slowly, which prolongs the ice removal process. Therefore, the addition of the heating element 30 within the deflector 20 allows the deflector 20 to heat up quickly, enabling rapid ice removal.

[0071] Optionally, the heating element 30 may be arranged in sections within the deflector 20. For example, the heat generated by a section of the heating element 30 may heat up the water dividing rib 21 or the deflector 20 near the section of the heating element 30, thereby achieving rapid ice removal.

[0072] Alternatively, the heating elements 30 may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the water dividing ribs 21 along the first direction to improve the heating effect on the water dividing ribs 21. Alternatively, the heating elements 30 may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the transverse ribs 22 and the longitudinal ribs 23 along the first direction to improve the heating effect on the transverse ribs 22 and the longitudinal ribs 23.

[0073] Combine Figure 3 During assembly, the heating element 30 can be sandwiched between the deflector 20 and the ice making element 10. Therefore, when the heating element 30 is working, it can heat the deflector 20 and the first opening 101, making it easier for ice cubes to escape from the first opening 101.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, ice-making element 10 is constructed of metal to enhance structural strength. Metal, with its high thermal conductivity, provides excellent heat conduction. Water diverter ribs 21 are constructed of plastic, resulting in lightweight construction and ease of manufacture and assembly. Plastic also has a low thermal conductivity, making it less likely for water to freeze on water diverter ribs 21 during operation, thereby preventing ice from forming on them and preventing adhesion.

[0075] Combine Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the present invention, the air deflector 20 further includes a connecting frame 24, which is positioned above the ice-making element 10. The connecting frame 24 includes a water diversion trough 240 having a third opening extending in a first direction. Water in the water diversion trough 240 flows out of the third opening and downward through the first opening into the ice tray for ice making. Specifically, the connecting frame 24 can guide water to the ice-making element 10 and then to the ice tray 11, thereby improving ice making efficiency.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom surface of water distribution trough 240 is a plane extending along the second direction, with the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction being perpendicular to each other. After entering water distribution trough 240, water can be distributed along the first and second directions before flowing downward into the ice trays, ensuring uniform water flow and improving ice-making performance.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays 11 include a plurality of columns distributed along the second direction, and a plurality of fourth partitions 241 are provided in the water dividing trough 240. The plurality of fourth partitions 241 separate a plurality of sub-troughs corresponding to the plurality of columns of ice trays 11 in the water dividing trough 240. The first direction, the second direction and the up and down directions are perpendicular to each other. The fourth partition 241 can limit the flow range of water along the second direction so that the sub-trough is opposite to the ice tray 11 below along the up and down direction, thereby preventing water in the plurality of sub-troughs from flowing to another sub-trough along the second direction, and preventing water from flowing between adjacent ice trays 11, thereby preventing ice from forming at the opening of the ice tray 11 and causing ice cubes to stick together.

[0078] Alternatively, the connecting frame 24 and the water dividing rib 21 may be formed into an integral structure.

[0079] Combine Figure 9 In some embodiments of the present invention, the ice-making device 100 further includes a water supply member 42, which is disposed on the upper side of the ice-making member. The upper portion of the air guide cover 20 is connected to the water supply member 42, and the water in the water supply member 42 can flow downward into the ice tray 11 for ice making.

[0080] Specifically, the water supply component 42 is provided with a hook, and the air deflector 20 is provided with a positioning rib, and the hook is snap-connected with the positioning rib, thereby the air deflector 20 can be connected to the water supply component 42 to achieve the installation of the air deflector 20.

[0081] Combine Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the present invention, the shroud 20 is provided with positioning posts 26 extending in the vertical direction, the water supply member 42 is provided in the positioning groove, and the positioning posts 26 are inserted into the positioning groove. The shroud 20 can be connected to the water supply member 42 to achieve installation of the shroud 20. In combination with the above, the shroud 20 can be connected to the water supply member 42 through both the positioning ribs and the positioning groove, thereby improving the stability of the shroud 20 after assembly.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water supply member 42 is in a tube shape or a plate shape with an internal flow channel.

[0083] Combine Figure 8 In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of ice trays 11 include a first ice tray 11a and a second ice tray 11b. The first opening of the first ice tray 11a and the second opening of the second ice tray 11b are oriented in a first direction away from each other, thereby improving the compactness of the ice-making device 100 and facilitating spatial arrangement. Water dividers 21 may be provided around the openings of the plurality of first ice trays 11a and the plurality of second ice trays 11b to prevent ice cubes from sticking together due to ice formation at the openings of the first ice trays 11a and the second ice trays 11b.

[0084] The present invention also provides a water dispenser. By arranging an ice-making device 100 in the water dispenser, the user can take ice from the water dispenser, which provides convenience for the user. The ice-making device 100 has a good ice-making effect and can prevent ice cubes from sticking, making it easy for the user to use.

[0085] The ice-making device 100 according to some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Combine Figures 1 to 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making device 100 includes an ice-making element 10, a water pipe 40, a deflector 20, and a heating element 30. The ice-making element 10 is provided with a plurality of ice trays 11. Adjacent ice trays 11 are separated by a partition. The thickness of the partition can be more than 2 mm. A water dividing rib 21 of the deflector 20 is provided on the top surface of each partition. The height of the water dividing rib 21 can be more than 3 mm and the width is less than or equal to the thickness of the partition to avoid the formation of an undercut, that is, the formation of an obstruction along the ice discharge direction so that the ice cannot escape.

[0087] Specifically, the ice-making element 10 has two or more rows of ice trays 11, each separated by a transverse partition 124. The transverse partition 124 can also be at least 2 mm thick. The top surface of the transverse partition 124 is also designed with a transverse water divider 21 of the deflector 20. The water divider 21 is also at least 3 mm high and its width is less than or equal to the partition thickness to prevent the formation of an undercut.

[0088] The air guide cover 20 needs to be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, preferably plastic.

[0089] More specifically, the water inlet pipe 40 is mounted above the deflector 20. Water flows from the water inlet pipe 40 down the deflector 20 and into the ice tray 11, where it freezes. The transverse water dividers 21 of the deflector 20 are designed with a certain bevel angle, generally recommended to be greater than 15 degrees, to facilitate ice removal.

[0090] Furthermore, a heating element 30 is installed inside the deflector 20 , and the heating element 30 can heat the deflector 20 during the de-icing stage.

[0091] According to the ice-making device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the ice cube trays 11 of the ice-making element 10 are provided with a deflector 20 and a water dividing rib 21 with a low thermal conductivity coefficient. On the one hand, the water flow can be separated to prevent the water flows between the two ice cube trays 11 from being connected together and sticking together after freezing. On the other hand, the water dividing rib 21 has a low thermal conductivity coefficient, and the cold energy of the ice-making element 10 cannot be fully transferred to the water dividing rib 21. The temperature of the top surface of the water dividing rib 21 will be higher than the temperature of the ice cube tray 11. When freezing, the ice inside the ice cube tray 11 will freeze first and then slowly grow to the top surface of the water dividing rib 21. Therefore, within a certain period of time, the top surface will not freeze. By controlling the freezing time, it can be achieved that the ice cubes between the ice cube trays 11 will not stick together. During the ice-removing stage, due to the addition of the deflector 20, some ice cubes will stick together with the deflector 20. Since the thermal conductivity of the deflector 20 is low and the temperature rises slowly, the ice-removing time will be prolonged. Therefore, after adding a heating element 30 in the deflector 20, the deflector 20 can be quickly heated up to achieve rapid ice-removing.

[0092] Combine Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the ice-making device 100 of the present invention, when the distance between two adjacent ice trays 11 is large, the multiple ice trays 11 become independent ice trays 11. When the distance between the ice trays 11 is large (such as the distance ≥ 5 mm), the height of the protrusion of the water dividing rib 21 of the air guide cover 20 can also be reduced to be flush with the top surface of the ice tray 11 or protrude 1-2 mm. In this way, the water dividing rib 21 can be used to fill the gap between the two ice trays 11 to prevent water from entering the gap, thereby preventing the connection between the adjacent ice trays 11 from freezing and sticking together.

[0093] Combine Figures 8 to 10 According to another embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making device 100 includes an ice-making element 10, a first ice-making element 10a, a second ice-making element 10b, and a shroud 20. The first ice-making element 10a includes a plurality of first ice trays 11, each of which has a first opening 101 extending in a first direction. The second ice-making element 10b includes a plurality of second ice trays 11b, each of which has a third opening extending in the first direction, with the third opening and the first opening 101 facing in opposite directions. In other words, the first ice-making element 10a and the second ice-making element 10b are arranged back-to-back. The shroud 20 is provided with a water dividing rib 21.

[0094] A first gap is defined between two adjacent first ice trays 11, and a flow deflector 20 can be positioned over the first ice-making element 10a, with a water divider 21 of the flow deflector 20 positioned at the first gap. A second gap is defined between two adjacent second ice trays 11b, and a flow deflector 20 can be positioned over the second ice-making element 10b, with a water divider 21 of the flow deflector 20 positioned at the second gap.

[0095] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "inside", "outside", "circumferential", 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 the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying 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 the present invention.

[0096] Furthermore, 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 defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0097] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0098] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0099] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0100] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice making device (100), characterized in that: include: An ice-making element (10), the ice-making element (10) comprising a plurality of ice trays (11), the ice trays (11) having first openings (101) open along a first direction, adjacent ice trays (11) being separated by partitions (12), the first direction being perpendicular to the up-down direction; A flow guide cover (20), the flow guide cover (20) comprising a water dividing rib (21), the water dividing rib (21) being provided at the edge of the partition (12) and separating the first openings (101) of adjacent ice trays (11), the thermal conductivity of the water dividing rib (21) being lower than the thermal conductivity of the ice making element (10).

2. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (12) comprises a first partition (121), the first partition (121) separates adjacent ice trays (11), the water dividing rib (21) and the first partition (121) are distributed along the first direction, and the water dividing rib (21) is connected to the edge of the first partition (121).

3. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (12) includes a second partition (122) and a third partition (123), wherein the second partition (122) and the third partition (123) are arranged between adjacent ice trays (11), a second opening (102) is provided between the second partition (122) and the third partition (123), the second opening (102) is provided between the first openings (101) of adjacent ice trays (11), and the water dividing rib (21) is provided at the second opening (102).

4. The ice making device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water dividing rib (21) is arranged in the partition (12).

5. The ice making device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water dividing rib (21) protrudes from the edge of the partition (12) along the first direction.

6. The ice making device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thickness of the water dividing rib (21) is not greater than the thickness of the partition (12); and / or the thickness of the partition (12) is not less than 2 mm; and / or the protruding height of the water dividing rib (21) relative to the partition (12) along the first direction is not less than 3 mm.

7. The ice making device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The portion of the water dividing rib (21) protruding from the edge of the partition (12) comprises a first side surface (211) and a second side surface (212), wherein the first side surface (211) faces one of the adjacent ice trays (11), and the second side surface (212) faces the other of the adjacent ice trays (11), and the first side surface (211) and the second side surface (212) gradually retract when moving away from the partition (12) along the first direction.

8. The ice making device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inclination angle of the first side surface (211) and the second side surface (212) relative to the first direction is not less than 15°.

9. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of ice trays (11) include a first row (111) and a second row (112) distributed in an up-down direction, the partition (12) includes a transverse portion provided between the first row (111) and the second row (112), and the water dividing rib (21) separates the first opening (101) of the ice trays (11) in the first row (111) from the second row (112); And / or, the plurality of ice trays (11) include a first column (113) and a second column (114) distributed along a second direction, the partition (12) includes a longitudinal portion provided between the first column (113) and the second column (114), the water dividing rib (21) separates the first opening (101) of the ice trays (11) in the first column (113) from the second column (114), and the first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

10. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (12) includes a plurality of transverse partitions (124) and a plurality of longitudinal partitions (125), wherein the plurality of transverse partitions (124) extend along the second direction and are separated and distributed along the up-down direction, and the plurality of longitudinal partitions (125) extend along the up-down direction and are distributed along the second direction. The plurality of transverse partitions (124) and the plurality of longitudinal partitions (125) construct the plurality of ice trays (11), and the air guide (20) includes a plurality of transverse ribs (22) corresponding to the plurality of transverse partitions (124) and a plurality of longitudinal ribs (23) corresponding to the plurality of longitudinal partitions (125), wherein the transverse ribs (22) connect the edges of the corresponding transverse partitions (124), and the longitudinal ribs (23) connect the edges of the corresponding longitudinal partitions (125), and the first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

11. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making device (100) further comprises a heating element (30), and the heating element (30) is used to heat the water dividing rib (21).

12. The ice making device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The heating element (30) is arranged in the air guide cover (20).

13. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The ice-making component (10) is a metal component, and the water-dividing rib (21) is a plastic rib.

14. The ice-making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The deflector (20) further includes a connecting frame (24), the connecting frame (24) being arranged above the ice-making element (10), the connecting frame (24) including a water diversion trough (240), the water diversion trough (240) having a third opening opened along the first direction, and water in the water diversion trough (240) can flow out from the third opening and flow downward from the first opening (101) into the ice tray (11) for ice making.

15. The ice making device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the water diversion trough (240) is a plane extending along the second direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other; or, the plurality of ice trays include a plurality of rows distributed along the second direction, a plurality of fourth partitions (242) are provided in the water diversion trough (240), and the plurality of fourth partitions (242) separate a plurality of sub-troughs corresponding to the plurality of rows of ice trays in the water diversion trough (240), and the first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other; or, the connecting frame (24) and the water diversion rib (21) are formed into an integral structure.

16. The ice making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The ice-making device (100) further comprises a water supply component (42), wherein the water supply component (42) is arranged on the upper side of the ice-making component (10), and the upper portion of the deflector (20) is connected to the water supply component (42).

17. The ice making device (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that: The water supply member (42) is provided with a hook, the deflector (20) is provided with a positioning rib, and the hook is snap-connected with the positioning rib; and / or, the deflector (20) is provided with a positioning column (26) extending in the up-down direction, the water supply member (42) is provided in a positioning groove, and the positioning column (26) is passed through the positioning groove; and / or, the water supply member (42) is tubular or plate-shaped with an internal flow channel.

18. The ice-making device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of ice trays (11) include a first ice tray (11a) and a second ice tray (11b), wherein a first opening of the first ice tray (11a) and a second opening of the second ice tray (11b) are opposite to each other along the first direction.

19. A water dispenser, characterized in that: The ice-making device (100) comprises the ice-making device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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