Refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance which comprises a storage chamber, and an ice maker is located in the storage chamber. The ice maker comprises a shell and an upper cover, the shell defines a cavity with a top opening, and the upper cover is removably arranged on the top opening; the ice maker further comprises an ice making module, and the ice making module enters the cavity from the top opening in the height direction of the ice maker and is detachably fixed to the shell. The ice making module can enter or break away from the cavity of the ice maker in the height direction of the ice maker, and cleaning of the ice making module and the cavity of the ice maker is facilitated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigeration appliances. BACKGROUND

[0002] In daily life, people have an increasing demand for ice cubes. In order to meet the market demand, more and more refrigeration appliances are provided with ice makers. For example, Chinese patent CN102803872B discloses an ice maker for a household refrigeration device, which comprises at least one tray, the tray being twistable about an axis, a lever extending in a radial direction relative to the axis being mounted on the tray.

[0003] Chinese patent CN1109871C discloses a refrigerator freezer compartment, which comprises a horizontal shelf for loading food, an ice cube tray and an ice cube storage box, a base for detachably loading the ice cube tray and the ice cube storage box, and a connecting device for detachably connecting the base to the lower side of the horizontal shelf, thereby supporting the base on the horizontal shelf. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present application to provide an improved refrigeration appliance, in particular an ice maker of a refrigeration appliance.

[0005] The technical solution of one embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0006] A refrigeration appliance comprises a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a storage compartment provided with a front opening; a door for opening or closing the front opening; an ice maker located in the storage compartment; the ice maker comprising a housing defining a chamber having a top opening; an upper cover removably arranged on the top opening; an ice making module comprising an inner housing and an ice making grid; the ice making grid is rotatably mounted in the inner housing along a first axis, and the ice making grid has a first position and a second position; when the ice making grid is located at the first position, the ice making grid is adapted to make ice; the ice making grid is rotated from the first position to the second position along the first axis to facilitate ice removal.

[0007] The ice making module is removably fixed on the housing along the height direction of the ice maker from the top opening into the chamber.

[0008] The above-mentioned solution enables the ice making module to enter or disengage from the chamber of the ice maker along the height direction of the ice maker, which facilitates the cleaning of the ice making module and the chamber of the ice maker.

[0009] In another aspect, the above scheme is particularly advantageous when the ice maker is installed on a door of the refrigeration appliance, and the ice making module is installed in the chamber of the ice maker along a height direction of the ice maker, i.e. a height direction of the refrigeration appliance, which is intersected with the opening and closing direction of the door of the refrigeration appliance, thereby reducing the influence of opening and closing the door of the refrigeration appliance on the installed ice making module, and reducing the possibility of the ice making module falling out of the chamber of the ice maker.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the housing comprises a front wall facing a user in a use state thereof, a rear wall opposite to the front wall, and a side wall non-detachably connected with the front wall.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the front wall and the rear wall are made of different materials. Thus, the front wall facing the user can be made of a transparent material to facilitate the user to observe the ice making state.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, the ice making module is detachably fixed to the rear wall. Thus, the structural design of the front wall is simplified, and the appearance coordination of the front wall facing the user is improved.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the housing comprises a plurality of walls connected with each other to define the chamber, wherein one of the walls comprises a receiving portion recessed towards the chamber, and the inner housing comprises a connecting member, wherein an entrance of the receiving portion is in communication with the chamber. Thus, the receiving portion does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the ice maker.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the entrance of the receiving portion is open towards the top opening of the housing.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, a projection of the entrance of the receiving portion along a height direction of the ice maker is located within a projection range of the top opening along the height direction of the ice maker.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, when the ice making module enters the chamber from the height direction of the ice maker, the connecting member enters the receiving portion in the chamber.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting member is located in the receiving portion and does not protrude from the outer surface of the wall. Thus, the connecting member is located in the receiving portion, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the ice maker and preventing interference with other components outside the ice maker.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting member abuts against the wall of the receiving portion to limit the downward displacement of the ice maker.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present application, the inner shell further comprises a limiting member configured to limit the displacement of the ice making module upward along the height direction of the ice maker.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting member and the limiting member are arranged vertically along the height direction of the ice maker, and the connecting member is located below the limiting member.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, the rear wall is provided with a first supporting member abutting against the ice making module to support the ice making module.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present application, the outer shell comprises a bottom wall opposite to the top opening, and the bottom wall is provided with a second supporting member abutting against the ice making module to support the ice making module. Thus, the supporting strength of the outer shell on the ice making module is improved.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, the outer shell comprises a first frame and a second frame, wherein the first frame is connected to the second frame from the rear.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present application, the second frame at least partially wraps the first frame along the front-rear direction of the ice maker. Thus, when the ice maker is installed on the door, the majority of the ice maker shell facing the user is the second frame of the ice maker, so that the whole is more beautiful and coordinated.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present application, the first frame and the second frame are made of different materials.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present application, the second frame is made of transparent material. Thus, it is convenient to observe the ice making state in the ice maker chamber.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present application, the upper cover is provided with a water inlet at a position opposite to the ice making tray, and water enters the chamber through the water inlet and falls into the ice making tray.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present application, the ice maker is located on the door. When the user operates the door to open or close, since the ice making module is installed or disassembled along the height direction of the ice maker, the rotation direction of the door is perpendicular to the taking and placing direction of the ice making module, which is beneficial to reduce the influence of the displacement of the ice making module during the movement of the door and reduce the possibility of the ice making module falling off.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present application, the inner housing comprises a first housing for mounting the transmission device and a second housing for mounting the ice making tray, the first housing defining a transmission space and the second housing defining an ice making space, the ice making space being separated from the transmission space, wherein the connecting member is located on the second housing.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present application, the connecting member is located outside the transmission space.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present application, the connecting member is directed towards the outside of the ice making space. Thus the connecting member does not occupy the ice making space and avoids interference with the ice making tray in the ice making space.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present application, a decorative plate is provided on the front wall, the top end of the decorative plate protruding from the plane defined by the top opening. Thus when the user observes the ice maker from the front side, the overall appearance of the ice maker is more harmonious and beautiful.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice maker further comprises an ice storage box, the front wall is provided with an opening, the ice storage box enters or is pulled out of the cavity through the opening, wherein the outer housing comprises a bottom wall connected with the side wall, the front end of the bottom wall is provided with a avoiding opening to adapt to the user pulling out the ice storage box from the cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 Partial structure diagram of the refrigeration appliance of one embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 Exploded view of the ice maker of one embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 Structure diagram of the outer housing of the ice maker of one embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 Structure diagram of the first frame of the outer housing of one embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 Structure diagram of the second frame of the outer housing of one embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 Structure diagram of the ice making module from the rear of one embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 Partial exploded view of the ice making module from the front of one embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 Structure diagram of the transmission of the ice making module of one embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 9 A schematic view of a connection portion and an operating member in an installed state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 10 A schematic view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application, viewed from above along a height direction of the ice maker;

[0044] Figure 11 A schematic view of an inner case structure of an ice making module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 12 A partial exploded view of an ice making module structure according to an embodiment of the present application, viewed from the front;

[0046] Figure 13 A schematic view of a drawer being pulled out from a chamber according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a drawer located in a chamber according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a drawer being pulled out from a chamber according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 16 A schematic view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a second frame is hidden.

[0050] Reference numerals:

[0051] 1 - cabinet; 2 - door; 3 - ice maker; 5 - half-enclosed structure; 6 - containing part; 7 - transmission device; 8 - operating member; 9 - water box 11 - front opening; 12 - storage compartment; 31 - outer shell; 32 - top opening; 33 - chamber; 34 - upper cover; 35 - ice making module; 36 - ice storage box; 37 - decorative plate; 51 - first wall; 52 - second wall; 53 - intermediate wall; 55 - open mouth; 56 - reinforcing rib; 57 - upper opening; 58 - lower opening; 59 - side opening; 61 - inlet; 70 - reset member; 71 - gear; 72 - rack; 73 - rod shaft; 74 - first connecting port; 75 - second connecting port; 81 - second mounting port; 100 - refrigeration appliance; 101 - first shaft; 114 - refrigeration compartment; 115 - freezer compartment; 300 - connecting structure; 301 - first mounting structure; 302 - second mounting structure; 303 - third mounting structure; 304 - fourth mounting structure; 310 - wall; 311 - front wall; 312 - rear wall; 313 - side wall; 314 - bottom wall; 315 - hanging ear; 316 - first frame; 317 - second frame; 341 - recess; 342 - water inlet; 350 - inner shell; 351 - ice making grid; 352 - connecting piece; 353 - limiting piece; 355 - transmission space; 356 - ice making space; 357 - first shell; 358 - second shell; 361 - guide rib; 362 - protrusion; 363 - limiting groove; 364 - mounting frame; 365 - box body; 510 - shaft hole; 521 - limiting guide groove; 522 - engagement groove; 525 - stop block; 721 - through hole; 722 - connecting part; 3011 - recessed part; 3012 - flange; 3021 - groove; 3022 - rib; 3031 - first hook; 3041 - second hook; 3042 - first mounting port; 3111 - opening; 3118 - recessed surface; 3121 - first support; 3125 - limiting port; 3141 - second support; 3142 - protruding rib; 3143 - avoiding port; 3161 - first side wall; 3162 - first bottom wall; 3163 - first side plate; 3164 - turned edge; 3171 - second side wall; 3172 - second bottom wall; 3173 - second side plate; 3175 - first side wall part; 3176 - second side wall part; 3177 - upper slide rail; 3178 - lower slide rail; 3179 - stop protrusion; 3514 - first rotation shaft; 3515 - second rotation shaft; 3517 - guide protrusion; 3541 - circumferential wall; 3542 - third wall; 3543 - front circumferential wall; 3544 - rear circumferential wall; 3545 - upper circumferential wall; 3546 - lower circumferential wall; 3547 - side cover; 3548 - receiving groove; 3549 - protruding part; 3631 - front section; 3632 - rear section; 5631 - first hole; 7221 - hook part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] For further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present application, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "height", "lateral", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, but do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation.

[0054] According to the embodiments of the present application, for the sake of clarity, Figure 1 An XYZ coordinate system is given, in which the width direction X, the front-rear direction Y and the height direction Z of the refrigeration appliance perpendicular to each other in the normal use state are schematically shown by arrows. Figure 1 The xyz coordinate system is also given in the middle, in which the width direction x, the front-rear direction y and the height direction z of the ice maker perpendicular to each other in the normal use state are schematically shown by arrows. When the ice maker is installed on the door of the refrigeration appliance, when the door is opened, the side of the ice maker facing the user in the operating state is the front side of the ice maker; when the door is closed, the ice maker faces away from the user, and the front side of the refrigeration appliance faces the user, so that the front-rear direction Y of the refrigeration appliance is opposite to the front-rear direction y of the ice maker.

[0055] The refrigeration appliance 100 described in the embodiments of the present application can include a refrigerator, a refrigerator-freezer, a freezer, etc. Figure 1 The structure of the present embodiment can also be applied to other types of refrigeration appliances 1 in actual application, such as multi-door refrigerators, single-door refrigerators, freezers, etc.

[0056] In combination with Figures 1 to 16 As shown, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a cabinet 1 defining a storage compartment 12 having a front opening 11, and a door 2 connected to the cabinet 1 and used to open or close the storage compartment 12. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment 114 and a freezing compartment 115, and the temperature inside the freezing compartment 115 is lower than that inside the refrigerating compartment 114. In the embodiments of the present application, the freezing compartment 115 and the refrigerating compartment 114 are arranged along the width direction of the refrigeration appliance. In other embodiments, the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment are arranged along the height direction of the refrigeration appliance.

[0057] The refrigeration appliance 100 further includes an ice maker 3, which in the present embodiment can be installed on the door 2. For a manual ice maker, the ice maker is generally placed on the side of the storage compartment with lower temperature, so that the ice maker is arranged on the door for closing or opening the freezing compartment.

[0058] In other embodiments of the present application, the ice maker 3 can be directly placed in the storage compartment 12. In particular, the ice maker 3 is directly placed in the freezer compartment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the ice maker 3 includes a housing 31 and an ice making module 35. The housing 31 defines a chamber 33 of the ice maker 3, and the chamber 33 has a top opening 32 at a top portion thereof. An upper cover 34 is removably placed at the top opening 32. The ice making module 35 enters the chamber 33 from the top opening 32 in an ice maker height direction, and is fixed to the housing 31. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 31 includes a front wall 311 facing a user in a use state of the ice maker, a rear wall 312 disposed opposite to the front wall 311, and a side wall 313 non-detachably connected to the front wall 311. In addition, the housing 31 includes a bottom wall 314 disposed opposite to the opening, and the bottom wall 314 is connected to the side wall 313. In addition, the housing 31 has a hanging ear 315 provided on the side wall 313, and a protrusion (not shown) is provided on a side portion of the door to be fitted to the hanging ear 315, so that the ice maker is detachably connected to the door.

[0060] Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 31 includes a first frame 316 and a second frame 317. The first frame 316 and the second frame 317 define a chamber 33 having a top opening 32. The ice making module 35 enters the chamber in an ice maker height direction, and is fixed to the housing.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 31 includes a first frame 316 and a second frame 317. The first frame 316 and the second frame 317 define a chamber 33 having a top opening 32. The ice making module 35 enters the chamber in an ice maker height direction, and is fixed to the housing. Figures 3 to 5 The first frame 316 includes the rear wall 312 and a pair of first side walls 3161 connected to the rear wall 312. In particular, the first side walls 3161 are integrally formed with the rear wall 312. The first frame 316 includes a first bottom wall 3162 connected to the rear wall 312. The first bottom wall 3162 extends forward from the rear wall 312 in a front-rear direction of the ice maker.

[0062] The second frame 317 includes the front wall 311 and a pair of second side walls 3171 non-detachably connected to the front wall 311. The second side walls 3171 extend rearward from the front wall 311. The front wall 311 is integrally formed with the second side walls 3171. The second frame 317 further includes a second bottom wall 3172 connected to the second side walls 3171. The second bottom wall 3172 extends rearward from the front wall 311 in the front-rear direction of the ice maker.

[0063] In particular, the second side wall 3171 includes a first side wall portion 3175 connected to and extending obliquely to the front wall 311, and a second side wall portion 3176 connected to the first side wall portion 3175, wherein the second side wall portion 3176 extends obliquely to the front wall 311.

[0064] In particular, the second side wall 3171 includes a first side wall portion 3175 connected to and extending obliquely to the front wall 311, and a second side wall portion 3176 connected to the first side wall portion 3175, wherein the second side wall portion 3176 extends obliquely to the front wall 311.​

[0065] As shown in Figure 10 The angle between the first side wall portion 3175 and the front wall 311 is θ, and the angle between the second side wall portion 3176 and the front wall 311 is λ, where λ>θ.

[0066] The operation member 8 is located on the first side wall portion 3175, so that the operation member is relatively close to the user, facilitating the user to operate.

[0067] The width of the operation member 8 is adapted to the width of the first side wall portion 3175. The width of the first side wall portion 3175 is not greater than the width of the operation member 8. The first side wall portion 3175 and the second side wall portion 3176 have different light transmittances. The surface of the first side wall portion 3175 is provided with the same or similar coating as the surface of the operation member 8, for example, the first side wall portion 3175 and the operation member 8 adopt a metal coating with similar or the same color. In this way, on the one hand, the appearance design of the ice maker is more coordinated and beautiful; on the other hand, especially when the coating of the operation member and the surface of the wall where the operation member is located needs to be similar, using this scheme helps to reduce the coating area and reduce the manufacturing cost of the product.

[0068] A connecting structure 300 is provided between the first frame 316 and the second frame 317, and the first frame 316 is connected to the second frame 317 from the rear. In an embodiment of the present application, the connecting structure 300 includes a first mounting structure at the upper part of the shell, a second mounting structure at both sides of the shell, and a third mounting structure and a fourth mounting structure at the bottom of the shell.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5 to 6 The first mounting structure includes a recess 3011 and a flange 3012 matched with the recess 3011. Specifically, the first side wall 3161 includes a flange 3164 away from the cavity 33. The recess 3011 is provided on the upper part of the flange 3164 and the side surface facing the rear side of the ice maker. The upper part of the second side wall 3161 is provided with the flange 3012 which extends towards the cavity of the ice maker. In this way, the upper part of the first frame and the second frame is fixed by the cooperation of the recess 3011 and the flange 3012.

[0070] The second mounting structure includes a groove 3021 and a rib 3022 adapted to be inserted into the groove. Specifically, the groove 3021 extending along the height direction of the ice maker is provided on the side surface of the flange 3164 facing the front side. The rib 3022 extending along the height direction of the ice maker is provided on the side of the second side wall 3176 facing the cavity 33. In this way, the rib is adapted to be inserted into the groove to achieve the fixed connection of the side wall of the shell.

[0071] The third mounting structure comprises a first hook 3031 protruding from the second bottom wall 3172 to the cavity. Specifically, the first hook 3031 is arranged at the position of the two sides of the second bottom wall 3172 and close to the second side wall 3161. The first hook 3031 is adapted to be clamped at the front end of the first bottom wall 3162.

[0072] The fourth mounting structure comprises a second hook 3041 and a second port 3042 matched with the second hook 3041. Specifically, the second hook 3041 is arranged at the rear of the second bottom wall 3172. The first mounting port 3042 is arranged at the position where the first bottom wall 3162 is connected with the second hook 3041. Thus, the fixed connection of the bottom wall of the shell is realized by the matched connection of the second hook and the second port.

[0073] In order to facilitate the user to observe the ice making state in the cavity, the first frame 316 and the second frame 317 adopt different materials. Preferably, the second frame 317 adopts transparent material.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present application, the first frame 316 and the second frame 317 are connected in the front-rear direction, wherein the second frame 317 at least partially wraps the first frame 316 from the front.

[0075] In other embodiments, the shell 31 can be an integrally formed piece with a top opening; or can be connected together by different frames, not limited to front-rear direction connection, for example, can be connected in up-down direction.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2 The ice making module 35 is detachably fixed on the rear wall 312 of the shell 31. Specifically, the ice making module 35 is detachably fixed on the rear wall 312 of the first frame 316.

[0077] The ice making module 35 comprises an inner shell 350, an ice making grid 351 and a transmission device 7 for transmitting power to the ice making grid 351. The transmission device 7 is located in the cavity 33 of the ice maker 3.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, the ice making module 35 is provided with two ice making grids 351 arranged in up-down direction along the height direction of the ice maker. In other embodiments, according to the needs of the user, one or more ice making grids 351 can be installed in the ice making module 35. The ice making grid 351 is rotatably installed in the inner shell 350. The ice making grid 351 has a first position and a second position; when the ice making grid 351 is located at the first position, the ice making grid 351 is adapted to make ice; the ice making grid 351 is rotated from the first position to the second position along the first axis 101 to facilitate ice removal.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 to 7As shown, the inner shell 350 comprises a first shell 357 for mounting the transmission device 7, and a second shell 358 for mounting the ice making grid 351, the first shell 357 defines a transmission space 355, and the second shell 358 defines an ice making space 356, the ice making space 356 is separated from the transmission space 355. Since the ice maker generally makes ice in a low temperature environment, water used for ice making may splash on the transmission device during the process of water entering the ice making grid or when the ice maker shakes, when water splashes on the transmission device, due to the low temperature environment, the water splashed on the transmission device will freeze and affect the operation of the transmission device, and the transmission device of the present application is located in the transmission space, which is separated from the ice making space, preventing water used for ice making from splashing on the transmission device and reducing the influence of water used for ice making on the transmission device.

[0080] The transmission space 355 protrudes from the ice making space 356 in the height direction of the ice maker. In the embodiment of the present application, the upper and lower parts of the transmission space 355 exceed the ice making space 356, thereby facilitating the layout of the transmission device in the transmission space.

[0081] As shown in the drawings, Figure 7 The second shell 358 comprises a first wall 51, a second wall 52 opposite to the first wall 51, and an intermediate wall 53 connecting the first wall 51 and the second wall 52.

[0082] In order to realize the installation of the ice making module and the outer shell, a connecting piece 352 is arranged on the inner shell 350 of the ice making module 35. Specifically, the connecting piece 352 is arranged on the intermediate wall 53 of the second shell 358 and away from the transmission space 356. Specifically, the connecting piece 352 is configured as a hook extending downward in the height direction of the ice maker. Thus, the connecting piece does not occupy the volume of the ice making space, thereby facilitating the reduction of the influence on ice making grid ice release.

[0083] In addition, the outer shell 31 is provided with a receiving part 6 recessed towards the cavity 33 of the ice maker 3 on the rear wall 312 opposite to the connecting piece 352. As shown in the drawings, the receiving part 6 is provided with an entrance 61, so that when the ice making module 35 enters the cavity 33 from the downward direction in the height direction, the connecting piece 352 can be accommodated in the receiving part 6 through the entrance 61 of the receiving part 6, and the connecting piece 352 is clamped on the wall of the receiving part 6 to limit the downward displacement of the ice making module 35, thereby achieving the installation and fixation of the ice making module. At this time, the connecting piece 352 is located in the receiving part 6 and does not protrude from the outer side of the rear wall 312, thereby preventing the connecting piece from interfering with other components outside the ice maker, and facilitating the reduction of the occupied space of the ice maker to the external environment.

[0084] Specifically, the inlet 61 of the accommodation portion 6 is in communication with the chamber 33 of the ice maker 3. The inlet 61 is open toward the top opening 32 of the housing 31. A projection of the inlet 61 along the ice maker height direction is within a range of a projection of the top opening 32 along the ice maker height direction. In this way, the inlet portion does not protrude from the top opening, thereby facilitating reduction of the space occupied by the ice maker as a whole to the external environment.

[0085] To further limit the upward displacement of the ice making module during operation, a limiting member 353 is provided on the intermediate wall 53 of the inner shell 350. The limiting member 353 is located at the upper portion of the connecting member 352, close to the end of the intermediate wall 53. Specifically, the limiting member 353 is configured as a hook extending upward along the ice maker height direction.

[0086] Meanwhile, a limiting opening 3125 is provided on the rear wall 312 at a position opposite to the limiting member 353. As shown in the figure, when the ice making module 35 enters the chamber 33 from the height direction downward, the end of the limiting member 353 enters the limiting opening 3125 of the rear wall 312, thereby limiting the upward displacement of the ice making module. At this time, the limiting member 353 does not protrude from the outer side of the rear wall 312, thereby preventing interference of the limiting member with other components outside the ice maker, and facilitating reduction of the space occupied by the ice maker as a whole to the external environment.

[0087] In other embodiments, the ice making module 35 is not limited to being connected to the rear wall 312 of the ice maker 3. The ice making module 35 can also be connected to the side wall 313 or the front wall 311 of the ice maker 3, or simultaneously connected to the rear wall 312 and the side wall 313.

[0088] To improve the support strength of the ice making module, as shown in the figure, a first support member 3121 is provided on the rear wall 312, which is configured as a baffle extending from the rear wall 312 toward the chamber 33. Specifically, the first support member 3121 has an upward supporting force on the intermediate wall 53 of the inner shell 350, thereby enhancing the support effect on the ice making module.

[0089] In addition, a second support member 3141 is provided on the bottom wall 314 of the inner shell 350, which is configured as a baffle extending from the bottom wall 314 toward the chamber 33. Specifically, the ice making module 35 enters the chamber 33 from the top opening 32 downward, and the second support member 3141 has an upward supporting force on the first shell 357, thereby supporting the ice making module.

[0090] When the ice making module is installed, first, the ice making module 35 is inserted into the accommodating portion 6 along the top opening 32 of the ice making machine 3, and then the connecting piece 352 is inserted into the limiting opening 3125. When the ice making module 35 is disassembled, first, the limiting piece 353 is pressed to move towards the inside of the cavity 33, so that the limiting piece 353 retreats from the limiting opening 3125, and then an upward force along the height direction of the ice making machine is applied to the ice making module 35 to take out the ice making module 35 from the cavity 33.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, the ice making module 35 includes a semi-enclosed structure 5. Specifically, the semi-enclosed structure 5 includes a first wall 51, a second wall 52 opposite to the first wall 51, and an intermediate wall 53 connecting the first wall 51 and the second wall 52. The semi-enclosed structure 5 includes an opening 55. The opening 55 includes an upper opening 57 facing the top opening 32, a lower opening 58 opposite to the upper opening 57, and at least one side opening 59 connecting the upper opening 57 and the lower opening 58. Figures 11 to 12 In an embodiment of the present application, the semi-enclosed structure 5 is in a U shape. The ice making tray 351 is adapted to enter the inner shell 350 from the opening 55 of the semi-enclosed structure 5 to be installed on or disassembled from the inner shell. Specifically, the ice making tray 351 is detachably connected to the inner shell 350 along the side opening 59.

[0092] The ice making tray 351 is connected to the first wall 51 and the second wall 52 along the first axis 101. At both ends of the ice making tray 351 in the first axis 101 direction, opposite first rotation shaft 3514 and second rotation shaft 3515 are arranged. The first rotation shaft 3514 is connected to the first wall 51, and the second rotation shaft 3515 is connected to the second wall 52.

[0093] Specifically, the first wall 51 is provided with a shaft hole 510, and the transmission device 7 passes through the shaft hole 510 to be connected to the first rotation shaft 3514. The second wall 52 is provided with an engagement groove 522 extending away from the first wall 51, and the second rotation shaft 3515 is connected to the engagement groove 522. In addition, the second wall 52 is also provided with a limiting guide groove 521 extending away from the first wall 51 and communicating with the engagement groove 522. In an embodiment of the present application, the engagement groove 522 is arc-shaped, and the limiting guide groove 521 is arc-shaped, and the curvature radius of the limiting guide groove 521 is greater than that of the engagement groove 522.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 11, the second transmission shaft 3515 extends upwardly in the direction of the ice making tray opening and is provided with a guide protrusion 3517. The guide protrusion 3517 is matched with the limiting guide groove 521, and the guide protrusion 3517 moves along the arc trajectory of the limiting guide groove 521 from the first end of the limiting guide groove 521 to the second end of the limiting guide groove 521, thereby limiting the rotation of the ice making tray.

[0095] ​

[0096] Additionally, a stop block 525 is provided on the second wall 52 and located below and behind the engagement groove 522. When the ice tray 351 rotates from the first position to the second position, the stop block 525 abuts against the ice tray 351, preventing the ice tray from continuing to rotate, thereby limiting the excessive rotation of the ice tray.

[0097] When the user needs to remove the ice tray from the inner shell, the inner shell 350 is adapted to deform along the axial direction of the first axis 101, thereby causing the ice tray to detach from the inner shell. Specifically, the user applies a force to the second wall 52 away from the first wall 51, causing the second wall 52 to deform away from the first wall 51, thereby causing the ice tray to detach from the inner shell.

[0098] However, in existing technologies, to achieve ice removal from the ice tray, a torsion spring is typically installed at one end of the ice tray to reset it after ice removal. This results in a complex connection structure between the ice tray and the shell, hindering disassembly and installation. In this application, the installation of the ice tray and the inner shell is simple, requiring no disruption of the connection structure. The ice tray is non-destructively detached through deformation of the inner shell, and this detachment is reversible; after removal, the second wall can return to its undeformed, initial state. The ice tray can be reinstalled onto the inner shell through deformation, allowing for multiple disassembly and installation cycles. Therefore, the structure is simple, operation is convenient, and cleaning of the ice tray is easy.

[0099] To improve the structural strength of the semi-enclosed structure, reinforcing ribs 56 are provided on multiple walls of the semi-enclosed structure 5. Specifically, reinforcing ribs 56 extending in a direction away from the ice tray 351 are provided on the second shell 358.

[0100] like Figures 6 to 11 As shown, the first housing 357 defines a transmission space 355. The transmission device 7 is located in the transmission space 355. Specifically, the first housing 357 includes a first wall 51, a peripheral wall 3541, and a third wall 3542 connected to the peripheral wall 3541. The peripheral wall 3541 includes a front peripheral wall 3543, a rear peripheral wall 3544, an upper peripheral wall 3545, and a lower peripheral wall 3546. The front peripheral wall 3543, the rear peripheral wall 3544, the upper peripheral wall 3545, and the lower peripheral wall 3546 are interconnected to form a space suitable for installing the transmission device.

[0101] In an embodiment of this application, the third wall 3542 is configured as a side cover 3547, which is adapted to close the opening of the space defined by the peripheral wall 3541 and the first wall 51, thereby enabling the transmission device to be mostly covered, which helps to prevent the user from touching the transmission device and causing injury to the user, improves the safety performance of the product, and helps to prevent water used for making ice from splashing onto the transmission device.

[0102] The transmission device 7 comprises a gear 71 connected with the first rotating shaft 3514 of the ice making tray 351 and installed at the shaft hole 510 of the first wall 51. In the embodiment of the present application, two ice making trays 351 are arranged in the ice making module 35, and the ice making trays 351 are arranged in the vertical direction of the ice maker. The gear 71 is installed on the first rotating shaft 3514 of each ice making tray 351.

[0103] In addition, the transmission device 7 further comprises a rack 72 engaged with the gear 71 and a rod shaft 73 for installing the rack 72 to the inner shell 350. Specifically, the rack 72 is provided with a through hole 721 penetrating the length direction of the rack 72, and the rack 72 is movable up and down relative to the rod shaft 73. The rod shaft 73 penetrates the through hole 721 and installs the rack 72 to the peripheral wall 3541 in the vertical direction of the ice maker. Specifically, the upper peripheral wall 3545 is provided with a first hole 5631, and one end of the rod shaft 73 penetrates the first hole 5631. The lower peripheral wall 3546 is provided with a receiving groove 3548 on the side in the transmission space 355, and the receiving groove 3548 is configured to accommodate the other end of the rod shaft 73.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6 , the top of the side cover 3547 is provided with a protrusion 3549. The protrusion 3549 is adapted to accommodate the end of the rod shaft 73 protruding from the upper peripheral wall 3545.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present application, the rack 72 and the rod shaft 73 are made of different materials, and the rod shaft 73 is preferably a metal piece.

[0106] As shown in Figure 7 , the reset member 70 is arranged in the transmission space 355. Specifically, the reset member 70 is arranged at the lower end of the rack 72. One end of the reset member 70 is installed in the receiving groove 3548 of the lower peripheral wall 3546, and the other end of the reset member 70 abuts against the rack 72. Thus, the reset member is arranged in the transmission space and separated from the ice making space. On the one hand, it prevents the ice making water from splashing on the reset member and affecting the service life of the reset member. On the other hand, the reset member is separated from the ice making tray, which simplifies the installation structure of the ice making tray and the inner shell and facilitates the disassembly and installation of the ice making tray.

[0107] In addition, after the user completes the operation of the operating member, the reset member can automatically apply a force opposite to the running direction of the user's operation of the operating member, so that the user does not need to additionally perform a reset operation, and thus the ice making tray is restored to the original position.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present application, the reset member 70 is a spring.

[0109] As shown in Figures 6 to 11 , the first shell 357 comprises a first connecting port 74, and the transmission device 7 extends out of the first connecting port 74 and is connected with the operating member 8.

[0110] The first connecting port 74 penetrates at least two walls of the first housing 357. Specifically, the first connecting port 74 penetrates the front peripheral wall 3543 and the third wall 3542.

[0111] The transmission device 7 is provided with a connecting portion 722, and the operating member 8 is detachably connected with the transmission device 7 through the connecting portion 722. The connecting portion 722 is configured to extend from the transmission space 355 to reach the cavity 33 of the ice maker 3, and the connecting portion 722 protrudes from the inner housing 350 and does not protrude from the outer housing 31. The outer housing 31 is provided with a second connecting port 75 at a position opposite to the connecting portion 722. Specifically, the connecting portion 722 is arranged opposite to the first side wall portion 3175, and preferably, the central axis of the connecting portion 722 is substantially perpendicular to the first side wall portion 3175. The second connecting port 75 is arranged on the first side wall portion 3175. The connecting portion 722 penetrates the first connecting port 74 into the cavity 33, and the operating member 8 is detachably connected with the connecting portion 722 through the second connecting port 75, so as to transmit power to the ice making tray through the transmission device to realize ice release of the ice making tray.

[0112] The central axis of the connecting portion 722 and the first shaft 101 have an included angle a in the height direction of the ice maker, and the included angle a is in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Preferably, the included angle a is 49 degrees.

[0113] Therefore, the overall design of the outer housing is more reasonable, which on the one hand reduces the influence on the cavity volume of the ice maker, and on the other hand prevents the outer housing from interfering with the door when the ice maker is installed on the door.

[0114] Specifically, the connecting portion 722 is located on the rack 72. The connecting portion 722 is integrally formed with the rack 72. In the height direction of the ice maker, the central axis of the connecting portion 722 and the plane defined by the movement direction of the rack 72 have an included angle β, and the included angle β is in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees. Preferably, the included angle β is 41 degrees.

[0115] As shown in Figure 9 The connecting portion 722 is provided with a hook portion 7221. The hook portion 7221 has elasticity and is matched with the second mounting port 81 on the operating member 8, so as to realize detachable connection of the operating member with the connecting portion.

[0116] As shown in Figure 13 The outer housing 31 is provided with an ice storage box 36 at the bottom. Specifically, the outer housing 31 is provided with an opening 3111 at the lower portion of the front wall 311, and the ice storage box 36 is slidably accommodated in the cavity 33 through the opening 3111.

[0117] The ice storage box 36 comprises a box body 365 for accommodating ice blocks and a mounting frame 364 connected with the box body 365.

[0118] Specifically, the two sides of the box body 365 are provided with guide ribs 361 extending along the front-rear direction of the ice storage box 36. A protrusion 362 is provided at the rear of the guide rib 361 and is configured to extend downward along the height direction of the ice maker from the guide rib.

[0119] The mounting frame 364 is adapted to close the opening 3111 of the front wall 311 and extends downward along the height direction of the ice maker beyond the bottom of the box body 365, thereby facilitating the user to pull the ice storage box out of the cavity from the bottom of the mounting frame.

[0120] The first frame 316 is provided with a first side plate 3163 extending along the first bottom wall 3162 toward the cavity 33. The first side plate 3163 is spaced apart from the first side wall 3161 by a certain distance. A limiting slot 363 is provided at the top of the first side plate 3163 near the rear of the cavity 33. The limiting slot 363 has a top portion comprising a front segment 3631 and a rear segment 3632. The front segment 3631 is inclined upward along the direction from front to rear away from the rear wall 312. The ice storage box 36 enters the cavity 33 along the top of the first side plate 3163 until the protrusion 362 falls into the limiting slot 363, thereby limiting the forward and backward displacement of the ice storage box in the cavity.

[0121] As shown in Figures 14 to 15 The second frame 317 is provided with a second side plate 3173 extending along the second bottom wall 3172 toward the cavity 33. The second side plate 3173 is provided with an upper slide rail 3177 and a lower slide rail 3178 arranged oppositely thereon, and the upper slide rail 3177 and the lower slide rail 3178 are spaced apart by a certain distance to define a guide channel therebetween. The lower slide rail 3178 is provided with a stop protrusion 3179 extending toward the upper slide rail 3177. When the user pulls the ice storage box 36 out of the cavity 33, the guide ribs 361 on both sides of the ice storage box 36 slide out of the cavity 33 along the first side plate 3163 on the first frame 316 and the guide channel until the protrusion 362 on the guide rib 361 abuts against the stop protrusion 3179, thereby limiting the ice storage box from being completely removed from the cavity.

[0122] In addition, if it is necessary to completely remove the ice storage box 36 from the cavity 33, the ice storage box 36 is lifted upward and pulled outward when being pulled to the stop protrusion 3179, so that the protrusion 362 slides out of the guide channel and the ice storage box is removed from the cavity.

[0123] The bottom wall 314 is provided with a protrusion 3142 extending toward the cavity 33, and the bottom of the ice storage box 36 contacts the protrusion 3142. Therefore, when the water in the ice tray or the liquid melted from the ice flows to the bottom wall, the contact area between the bottom of the ice storage box and the bottom wall is small, which facilitates the pushing and pulling of the ice storage box in the cavity.

[0124] Specifically, a clearance opening 3143 is provided at the front end of the bottom wall 314, with the opening of the clearance opening 3143 facing the mounting frame 364 of the ice storage box 36. This facilitates the user to push and pull the ice storage box from the bottom.

[0125] like Figure 15 As shown, the top cover 34 is removably disposed on the top opening 32. The top cover 34 includes a recess 341 recessed toward the ice tray 351. Specifically, the transmission space 355 overlaps with the recess 341 in the horizontal direction. The transmission space 355 and the recess 341 do not overlap in the height direction of the ice maker. Thus, the top cover and the transmission space do not interfere with each other, thereby facilitating the layout of the transmission space.

[0126] In the embodiment of this application, the upper cover 34 is funnel-shaped.

[0127] A water inlet 342 is provided at the position corresponding to the ice tray 351 on the top cover 34. Thus, in actual use, the user can directly pour water into the ice tray through the water inlet. In addition, the ice maker 3 also includes a water box 9, which is placed in the recess 341 of the top cover 34, and the shape of the water box 9 is adapted to the shape of the recess 341.

[0128] For example, the water tank 9 can be marked with graduations, such as the maximum water volume MAX shown in the figure, to indicate the maximum amount of water the ice tray can hold. This helps users determine the appropriate amount of water to fill and avoids overfilling and overflowing the ice tray.

[0129] A decorative panel 37 is provided on the front wall 311. Specifically, a recessed surface 3118 is provided on the side of the front wall 311 facing the user, and the decorative panel 37 is installed on the recessed surface 3118. The top of the decorative panel 37 protrudes beyond the plane defined by the top opening 32. Preferably, the top of the decorative panel 37 is substantially flush with the top of the top cover. As a result, when the user observes the ice maker from the front, the overall appearance of the ice maker is more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, the outer surface of the decorative panel 37 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the mounting frame 364 of the ice storage box 36, thereby making the overall appearance of the ice maker more aesthetically pleasing.

[0131] Combination Figures 1 to 16 Various embodiments of the individual components described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of this application.

[0132] This application has been described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments; however, the above embodiments are merely examples for implementing this application. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. On the contrary, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application are within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance (100) comprising: a cabinet (1) comprising a storage compartment (12) provided with a front opening (11); a door (2) for opening or closing the front opening (11); an ice maker (3) located within the storage compartment (12); the ice maker (3) comprising: a housing (31) defining a cavity (33) having a top opening (32); an upper cover (34) removably provided on the top opening (32); an ice making module (35) comprising an inner housing (350) and an ice making grid (351); the ice making grid (351) being rotatably mounted in the inner housing (350) along a first axis (101) and having a first position and a second position; the ice making grid (351) being adapted to make ice when the ice making grid (351) is in the first position; the ice making grid (351) being rotated from the first position to the second position along the first axis (101) to facilitate ice removal; characterized in that the ice making module (35) is removably fixed to the housing (31) from the top opening (32) into the cavity (33) along an ice maker height direction.

2. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, the housing (31) comprising a front wall (311) facing a user in a use state thereof, a rear wall (312) opposite to the front wall (311), and a side wall (313) non-removably connected with the front wall (311).

3. The refrigeration appliance of claim 2, wherein, the front wall (311) and the rear wall (312) are made of different materials; and / or, the ice making module (35) is removably fixed to the rear wall (312).

4. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, the housing (31) comprises a plurality of walls connected with each other to define the cavity (33), one of the walls (310) comprising a receiving portion (6) recessed towards the cavity (33), the inner housing (350) comprising a connecting member (352), wherein, an entrance (61) of the receiving portion (6) is in communication with the cavity (33); and / or, the entrance (61) of the receiving portion (6) faces the top opening (32) of the housing (31); and / or, a projection of the entrance (61) of the receiving portion (6) along the ice maker height direction is located within a projection range of the top opening (32) along the ice maker height direction; and / or, the connecting member (352) enters the receiving portion (6) within the cavity (33) during a process that the ice making module (35) enters the cavity (33) downward along the ice maker height direction; and / or, the connecting member (352) is located in the receiving portion (6) and does not protrude from an outer surface of the wall (310).

5. The refrigeration appliance of claim 4, wherein, the connecting member (352) abuts against a wall of the receiving portion (6) to limit downward displacement of the ice maker (3); and / or, the inner housing (350) further comprises a limiting member (353) configured to limit upward displacement of the ice making module (35) along the ice maker height direction.

6. The refrigeration appliance of claim 5, wherein, The connecting piece (352) and the limiting piece (353) are arranged in the height direction of the ice maker, and the connecting piece (352) is below the limiting piece (353).

7. The refrigeration appliance of claim 2, wherein, The rear wall (312) is provided with a first support (3121) abutting against the ice making module (35) to support the ice making module (35).

8. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, The shell (31) comprises a bottom wall (314) opposite to the top opening (32), and the bottom wall (314) is provided with a second support (3141) abutting against the ice making module (35) to support the ice making module (35).

9. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, The shell (31) comprises a first frame (316) and a second frame (317), wherein the first frame (316) is connected to the second frame (317) from the rear; And / or, the second frame (317) at least partially wraps the first frame (316) in the front-rear direction of the ice maker (3); And / or, the first frame (316) and the second frame (317) are made of different materials; And / or, the second frame (317) is made of transparent material.

10. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, The upper cover (34) is provided with a water injection groove (341) at a position opposite to the ice making tray (351), and water enters the chamber (33) through the water injection groove (341) and falls into the ice making tray (351).

11. The refrigeration appliance of claim 1, wherein, The ice maker (3) is located on the door (2).

12. The refrigeration appliance of claim 4, wherein, The inner shell (350) comprises a first shell (357) for mounting the transmission device (7) and a second shell (358) for mounting the ice making tray (351), the first shell (357) defines a transmission space (355), the second shell (358) defines an ice making space (356), the ice making space (356) is separated from the transmission space (355), and the connecting piece (352) is located on the second shell (358); And / or, the connecting piece (352) is located outside the transmission space (355); And / or, the connecting piece (352) is directed to the outside of the ice making space (356).

13. The refrigeration appliance of claim 2, wherein, The front wall (311) is provided with a decorative plate (37), and the top end of the decorative plate (37) protrudes from the plane defined by the top opening (32).

14. The refrigeration appliance of claim 2, wherein, The ice maker further comprises an ice storage box (36), and the front wall (311) is provided with an opening (3111), and the ice storage box (36) enters or is pulled out of the chamber (33) through the opening (3111), wherein the shell (31) comprises a bottom wall (314) connected with the side wall (313), and the front end of the bottom wall (314) is provided with a avoiding opening (3143) to facilitate the user to pull out the ice storage box (36) from the chamber (33).

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