Ice maker and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and provides an ice maker and refrigeration equipment. The ice maker comprises a shell, an ice making part, an ice pushing part and a driving part, wherein the shell is provided with a stopping part; the ice making part is connected to the shell, a plurality of ice making cavities are formed in the ice making part, the ice making part is provided with a first flexible part, and the first flexible part is arranged as a local side wall of each ice making cavity; one end of the ice pushing part is connected to the first flexible part, and the ice pushing part is provided with a matching surface; the driving part is used for driving the ice making part to be switched between an ice making position and an ice leaving position, and in the ice making position, based on deformation of the first flexible part, a deformation space is formed between the matching surface and the first flexible part, or the first flexible part can be deformed and limited by the matching surface; and at the ice separation position, the other end of the ice pushing part is limited by the stop part. According to the ice maker provided by the invention, the shape of the ice block is limited through the ice pushing part, so that the shape of the ice block is ensured to meet the preset shape, and the accurate positioning of the ice pushing part and the ice making part can also be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to ice makers and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, users have higher requirements for product quality. Taking ice making as an example, users' demand for ice cubes is no longer limited to cube-shaped ice cubes. The demand for spherical ice cubes, cartoon-shaped ice cubes, and other irregularly shaped ice cubes has increased. The change in demand for ice cube shapes has increased the requirements for ice makers, and the performance of ice makers needs to be optimized.

[0003] Taking ice makers installed in refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators and freezers as an example, during the ice-making process, as water freezes into ice, the volume of the ice expands relative to the volume of the water. Due to the flexible confinement of the ice-making chamber, the ice is affected by the uncertainty of the expansion direction of the ice within the ice-making chamber, resulting in the shape of the ice cubes being difficult to meet the preset shape requirements. For example, it is difficult to make smooth spherical ice cubes, and the ice-making quality is poor and needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes an ice maker that, through the installation and cooperation of an ice-pushing part and an ice-making part, can restrict the shape of the ice block by the ice-pushing part, ensuring that the shape of the ice block meets the preset shape, and can also ensure that the ice-pushing part and the ice-making part are accurately positioned to push the ice block out of the ice-making cavity.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a refrigeration device.

[0006] An ice maker according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: The housing is equipped with a stop. An ice-making unit is connected to the housing. The ice-making unit has a plurality of ice-making cavities and is provided with a first flexible part, which is configured as a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity. An ice-pushing part, one end of which is connected to the first flexible part, and the ice-pushing part is provided with a mating surface; The driving unit is used to drive the ice-making unit to switch between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position. In the ice-making position, based on the deformation of the first flexible part, a deformation space of a preset shape is formed between the mating surface and the first flexible part, or the first flexible part is deformable and limited by the mating surface. In the ice-removing position, the other end of the ice-pushing part is limited by the stop part so as to push out the ice block in the ice-making cavity through the ice-pushing part.

[0007] An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, an ice-making section, an ice-pushing section, and a drive section. When the ice-making section is in the ice-making position, a deformation space is restricted between the mating surface of the ice-pushing section and the first flexible part of the ice-making section. During the freezing process, the first flexible part expands and deforms with the ice block, and the shape of the ice block is restricted by the mating surface to ensure that the shape of the ice block meets the preset shape, thus solving the problem that the shape of the ice block cannot meet the requirements. At the same time, the ice-pushing section is installed on the ice-making section, and the ice-pushing section and the ice-making section are kept in a state of accurate positioning, so that the problem of inaccurate positioning between the ice-pushing section and the ice-making section will not occur, and the ice-pushing section can accurately push out the ice block.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-pushing part is provided with a vent, which connects the deformation space with the external environment.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent is opened at the position where the first flexible part is in a balanced state, and the vertical distance to the first flexible part is the largest.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole forming an angle, one end of the first through hole is connected to one end of a plurality of second through holes, the other end of the first through hole is connected to the deformation space, the other end of the second through hole is connected to the external environment, and the other end of the second through hole extends away from the deformation space.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making part includes a support member and a flexible member, the flexible member including a second flexible member connected to the first flexible member, in the ice-making position, the support member limits the outer wall of the second flexible member, and in the ice-removing position, the ice-pushing part pushes the flexible member to move, at least a portion of the second flexible member separating from the support member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making unit includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell includes a first flexible portion. The driving portion is used to drive the first shell to move so that the ice-making unit switches between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. In the ice-making position, the first shell and the second shell form the ice-making cavity. In the ice-removing position, the opening of the first shell is inclined downward.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first shell portion and the second shell portion are configured to form a plurality of ice-making cavities, and at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting two of the ice-making cavities.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first shell portion includes a support member and a flexible member, the flexible member being disposed on the inner wall of the support member, the flexible member having a first cavity, the flexible member including a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion, the second shell portion having a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity being connected and communicating to form the ice-making cavity.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the end faces of the flexible member opposite to the second shell portion is provided with a protrusion and the other is provided with a concave portion, and in the ice-making position, the protrusion is inserted into the concave portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second shell portion is located above the first shell portion, the second shell portion is provided with a water inlet, and the second shell portion is a metal part.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is connected to an ice-separating portion, the ice-separating portion being used to separate the inner wall of the ice-making cavity from the ice block.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the ice-pushing part is provided with a support surface and a guide surface. The guide surface is connected to the end of the support surface. In the direction away from the support surface, the guide surface contracts inward relative to the support surface. At the ice-removing position, the support surface supports the stop part.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the ice-pushing part is provided with a bending part, the bending part bends toward the stop part, the bending part is connected to a mounting member, the mounting member is provided with the guide surface, and the mounting member connects a plurality of the bending parts.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration device includes a housing and an ice maker as described in any of the above claims, the ice maker being connected to the housing.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention, showing an opening on one side of the housing; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice maker in the ice-making position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice maker in the ice-free position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice-making unit, driving unit, and ice-pushing unit in cooperation with each other, provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with the ice-making unit in the ice-making position; Figure 5 This is a top view of the ice-making unit, driving unit, and ice-pushing unit in their coordinated state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB; Figure 8 This is a top view of the ice maker in the ice-free position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the C-C section; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-pushing part provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the flexible component provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice-making unit, driving unit, ice-pushing unit, and ice storage box provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure of part D in the middle; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making unit and the driving unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice-making unit, the driving unit, and the ice-removing unit in cooperation according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ice-making unit is in the ice-making state; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice-making unit, the driving unit and the ice-removing unit in cooperation according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the ice-making unit is in the ice-removing state; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the ice-making part and the ice-removing part according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the figure illustrates the pulse device; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the ice-making part and the ice-removing part according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the ice-making part and the ice-removing part provided in the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the coil structure in the pulse device provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure label: 100. Housing; 110. Stop; 200, Ice-making section; 210, Ice-making cavity; 220, Support member; 221, Support base; 222, Pressure plate; 230, Flexible member; 231, First flexible part; 232, Second flexible part; 233, Connecting part; 240, First shell part; 241, First cavity; 242, Protrusion; 250, Second shell part; 251, Second cavity; 252, Recessed part; 253, Water inlet; 300, Ice pushing part; 310, Mating surface; 320, Vent hole; 321, First through hole; 322, Second through hole; 330, Protrusion; 340, Deformation space; 350, Bending part; 351, Support surface; 360, Guide surface; 370, Mounting component; 400, Drive unit; 410, Rotating shaft; 420, Rocker arm; 430, Elastic element; 440, Limiting block; 450, Limiting groove; 451, First limiting surface; 452, Second limiting surface; 460, Drive motor; 500. Ice removal section; 510. Heating element; 511. Heating wire; 512. Heating plate; 520. Pulse device; 521. Coil; 522. Magnetic induction element; 523. Capacitor; 524. First switch; 525. Second switch; 530. Discharge circuit; 540. Charging circuit; 600, Power supply; 700, ice storage box; 800, ice cubes. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0030] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 20As shown, an ice maker is provided, including a housing 100, an ice-making unit 200, an ice-pushing unit 300, and a drive unit 400. (Reference) Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the ice-making unit 200 is connected to the housing 100. The ice-making unit 200 has several ice-making cavities 210, which are used to make ice blocks 800. The shape of the ice blocks 800 is consistent with the outline shape of the ice-making cavity 210. The shape of the ice-making cavity 210 can be, but is not limited to, spherical, cube, cuboid, heart-shaped, and cartoon-shaped, etc. The shape of the ice-making cavity 210 is diverse and is not limited here. The ice-making unit 200 has one or more ice-making cavities 210, and the outer wall of each ice-making cavity 210 is connected to an ice-pushing part 300 to ensure that the ice blocks 800 in each ice-making cavity 210 can be pushed out of the ice-making cavity 210.

[0031] refer to Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the ice-making section 200 is provided with a first flexible section 231, which is set as a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210. Based on the fact that the volume of water will expand during the process of freezing into ice cubes 800, the ice-making section 200 is provided with the first flexible section 231. The first flexible section 231 can deform with the ice cubes 800. The deformation of the first flexible section 231 can fully adapt to the volume expansion of the ice cubes 800, and avoid the expansion of the ice cubes 800 from damaging the structural strength of the ice-making section 200.

[0032] It should be noted that the ice-making section 200 is equipped with a support member 220, which restricts the shape of the ice-making cavity 210, ensuring that the outline of other parts of the ice-making cavity 210 will not be deformed as the ice block 800 expands, so that the shape of the ice block 800 is consistent with the shape of the ice-making cavity 210, and the quality of the ice block 800 is better.

[0033] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the drive unit 400 is used to drive the ice-making unit 200 to switch between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. In the ice-making position, an ice-making cavity 210 is formed inside the ice-making unit 200, and water can be added into the ice-making cavity 210 without leakage. Ice blocks 800 can be produced under the action of cold air. In the ice-removing position, the ice blocks 800 can be removed from the position of the ice-making unit 200. The drive unit 400 can drive the ice-making unit 200 to switch between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position through rotational or linear motion. The structure of the drive unit 400 is not limited, and the movement path of the ice-making unit 200 is not limited.

[0034] During the process of switching between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the ice-making unit 200 is driven by the drive unit 400. All or part of the ice-making unit 200 moves. With the assistance of the ice-pushing unit 300, the ice block 800 in the ice-making unit 200 can be detached from the ice-making unit 200. The ice block 800 that is detached from the ice-making unit 200 can fall into the corresponding ice storage box 700.

[0035] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ice-pushing part 300 is provided with a mating surface 310. The mating surface 310 is used to limit the deformation profile of the first flexible part 231, prevent the first flexible part 231 from deforming freely, and ensure that the shape of the ice-making cavity 210 after the first flexible part 231 is deformed matches the preset shape of the ice block 800. This solves the problem of the uncertain expansion direction of the ice block 800 in the ice-making cavity 210 and avoids the situation where the shape of the ice block 800 is difficult to achieve the preset shape.

[0036] At the ice-making position, based on the deformability of the first flexible part 231, a deformation space 340 of a preset shape is formed between the mating surface 310 and the first flexible part 231. Alternatively, the first flexible part 231 can be deformed and limited by the mating surface 310, wherein the first flexible part 231 can, but is not limited to, deform to abut against the mating surface 310. Before the ice-making cavity 210 is empty or before the water in the ice-making cavity 210 freezes into ice block 800, a deformation space 340 of a preset shape is formed between the mating surface 310 and the first flexible part 231. The mating surface 310 mainly limits the deformation of the first flexible part 231, ensuring that the deformation of the first flexible part 231 does not exceed the range of the mating surface 310, minimizing local shape changes of the ice block 800, and ensuring that the overall outline shape of the ice block 800 meets the requirements of the preset shape. When ice block 800 is produced in ice-making cavity 210, the first flexible part 231 can be deformed to abut against mating surface 310. At this time, the first flexible part 231 is limited by mating surface 310, and the shape of ice block 800 produced by ice-making cavity 210 is also limited by mating surface 310.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the housing 100 is provided with a stop portion 110. One end of the ice-pushing portion 300 is connected to the first flexible portion 231, and the other end of the ice-pushing portion 300 is used to abut against the stop portion 110. In the ice-free position, the other end of the ice-pushing portion 300 abuts against the stop portion 110, so that the ice-pushing portion 300 is limited by the stop portion 110, and the ice-pushing portion 300 pushes the first flexible portion 231 to move relative to the ice-making portion 200, so as to push the ice block 800 out of the ice-making cavity 210.

[0038] During the process of the ice-making unit 200 moving from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the driving force of the drive unit 400 causes the ice-pushing unit 300 to move to abut against the stop part 110 and remain in the abutting state. The relative position of the stop part 110 and the ice-pushing unit 300 remains unchanged. The drive unit 400 continues to drive the ice-making unit 200 to move, so that the stopping force of the stop part 110 on the ice-pushing unit 300 is transmitted to the first flexible part 231, and pushes the first flexible part 231 to move relative to the ice-making unit 200, pushing the ice block 800 in the ice-making cavity 210 outward until it is ejected.

[0039] The ice maker of this invention includes a housing 100, an ice-making section 200, a drive section 400, and an ice-pushing section 300. The ice-pushing section 300 is connected to a first flexible section 231 of the ice-making section 200. The positioning of the ice-pushing section 300 and the first flexible section 231 is accurate, avoiding the situation where the ice-pushing section 300 cannot accurately abut against the first flexible section 231. The ice block 800 in the ice-making cavity 210 is accurately pushed out by the ice-pushing section 300. At the same time, the first flexible section 231 of the ice-making section 200 is limited by the mating surface 310 of the ice-pushing section 300. The mating surface 310 and the ice-making section 200 cooperate to limit the outline shape of the ice-making cavity 210 and limit the expansion direction of the ice block 800, which can ensure that the shape of the ice block 800 produced meets the requirements of the preset shape. The ice-pushing section 300 is installed into the ice-making section 200, which has little impact on the structure of the ice-pushing section 300 and the ice-making section 200. The installation is simple, and it can improve the positioning accuracy of the ice-pushing section. It can also optimize the quality of the ice block 800, making it suitable for making spherical ice blocks and other irregularly shaped ice blocks, and thus has a wider range of applications.

[0040] Below, for reference Figures 6 to 19 As shown, the ice-pushing section 300 will be explained.

[0041] Understandably, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ice-pushing part 300 is provided with a vent 320, which connects the deformation space 340 to the external environment. During the process of water freezing into ice block 800 in the ice-making chamber 210, the volume expansion of the ice block 800 causes the first flexible part 231 to deform towards the deformation space 340, and compresses the air in the deformation space 340 to be discharged into the external environment through the vent 320. This avoids air resistance to the first flexible part 231, ensuring that the first flexible part 231 can deform to abut the mating surface 310, thus maintaining the shape of the ice block 800.

[0042] Understandably, based on the fact that the first flexible part 231 is in a balanced state and does not deform, a vent 320 is opened on the mating surface 310 at the position with the largest vertical distance to the first flexible part 231. This is to prevent the vent 320 from being blocked when the first flexible part 231 begins to deform. Before the first flexible part 231 fully contacts the mating surface 310, the vent 320 is kept as open as possible to allow for smooth exhaust. This ensures that the first flexible part 231 can fully fit the mating surface 310, and that the shape of the ice-making cavity 210 meets the preset shape requirements, thus producing an ice block 800 of the preset shape.

[0043] The first flexible part 231 is in a balanced state, which can also be understood as the formation of a pre-shaped deformation space 340 between the mating surface 310 and the first flexible part 231, before the first flexible part 231 deforms to completely abut against the mating surface 310.

[0044] The position with the largest vertical distance to the first flexible part 231 can be understood as the different vertical distances from different positions of the mating surface 310 to the first flexible part 231. The vertical distance from the target position of the mating surface 310 to the first flexible part 231 is greater than that of other positions. A vent 320 is opened at the target position. For example, the vertical distance from the center of the vent 320 to the first flexible part 231 is the largest, or the point with the largest vertical distance to the first flexible part 231 is within the range of the vent 320.

[0045] Understandably, reference Figure 6 As shown, the vent 320 is provided with a first through hole 321 and a second through hole 322 forming an included angle. One end of the first through hole 321 is connected to one end of the second through hole 322, and the other end of the first through hole 321 is connected to the deformation space 340. The other end of the second through hole 322 is connected to the external environment. The vent 320 is designed with a segmented structure for easy processing. The first through hole 321 can extend in a straight line, and the second through hole 322 can also extend in a straight line. The extension direction of the vent 320 can be adjusted by segmentation, simplifying processing.

[0046] One end of the first through hole 321 is connected to one end of several second through holes 322. When the first through hole 321 is connected to a second through hole 322, the structure of the vent hole 320 is simple. When the first through hole 321 is connected to multiple second through holes 322, exhaust can be vented in different directions through multiple second through holes 322 to avoid the situation where a single through hole is blocked. The vent hole 320 should be designed as a symmetrical structure as much as possible, such as axial symmetry or central symmetry, to ensure the structural stability and structural strength of the ice pushing part 300.

[0047] While the second through hole 322 extends towards the deformation space 340, the other end of the second through hole 322 extends away from the deformation space 340. This ensures the support strength of the mating surface 310 and the structural stability of the ice-pushing part 300.

[0048] The angle between the first through hole 321 and the second through hole 322 is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°, ensuring that the second through hole 322 extends away from the deformation space 340.

[0049] In some cases, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the ice-pushing part 300 has multiple vent holes 320, which allows the deformation space 340 to exhaust air through multiple vent holes 320, thus avoiding the problem of a single vent hole 320 being blocked and affecting ice making.

[0050] It should be noted that the exhaust method of the deformation space 340 can be, but is not limited to, the structure of the exhaust hole mentioned above. The exhaust of the deformation space 340 can also be achieved through the installation gap between the ice pushing part 300 and the second flexible part 232, which can simplify the structure of the ice pushing part 300.

[0051] When the preset shape of ice block 800 is spherical, the mating surface 310 is an arc-shaped surface. The arc-shaped surface matches the local surface of the sphere to ensure that a spherical ice block is produced.

[0052] The first flexible part 231 is in a balanced state. The first flexible part 231 can be a plane or a curved surface, which can be selected as needed and is not limited here. (Reference) Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the first flexible part 231, which is in a balanced state, is planar, making it easy to process, position, and install. The structure and performance of the first flexible part 231 can be found in the following description of the ice-making part 200.

[0053] The ice-pushing part 300 can be understood as an approximately rod-shaped structure. One end of the ice-pushing part 300 is thicker to ensure the support effect and to define the shape of the ice cavity 210 through the mating surface 310. The other end of the ice-pushing part 300 is thinner to reduce the contact area between the ice-pushing part 300 and the stop part 110, reduce contact friction, and prevent the ice-pushing part 300 from being blocked by the resistance of the stop.

[0054] Understandably, reference Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the other end of the ice-pushing part 300 is provided with a support surface 351 and a guide surface 360. The guide surface 360 ​​is connected to the end of the support surface 351. The guide surface 360 ​​is connected to the end of the support surface 351. In the direction away from the support surface 351, the guide surface 360 ​​is retracted inward relative to the support surface 351. At the ice-free position, the support surface 351 is supported by the stop part 110.

[0055] The guide surface 360 ​​contracts inward relative to the support surface 351 in a direction away from the support surface 351. This can be understood as follows: by setting the guide surface 360 ​​to an inwardly contracting structure, the guide surface 360 ​​can avoid the stop part 110, preventing the ice pushing part 300 from jamming with the stop part 110. Here, "inwardly contracting" can be understood as contracting towards the center of the ice pushing part 300, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the other end of the ice pushing part 300 gradually decreases towards the end of the ice pushing part 300. The guide surface 360 ​​avoids the stop part 110. This can be understood as the guide surface 360 ​​and the stop part 110 not contacting each other, with a gap between them. Alternatively, it can be understood as the guide surface 360 ​​contacting the stop part 110, but not in tight contact, ensuring that the guide surface 360 ​​can move relative to the stop part 110. In other words, the drive part 400 can drive the ice-pushing part 300 to move relative to the stop part 110 until it moves to the point where the support surface 351 supports the stop part 110. When the guide surface 360 ​​and the stop part 110 are in contact, they are in line contact, reducing the contact resistance between them.

[0056] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the guide surface 360 ​​contracts towards the axial direction of the ice-pushing part 300 in a direction away from the support surface 351. The guide surface 360 ​​can be, but is not limited to, an arc surface or a conical surface. The structural form of the guide surface 360 ​​is diverse and can be selected as needed.

[0057] The guide surface 360 ​​is an arc-shaped curved surface. The fit between the support surface 351 and the stop part 110 is achieved through the guide surface 360, which guides and fits the ice pusher 300 to the ice-removal position, reducing the resistance during its movement and preventing jamming between the ice pusher 300 and the stop part 110, thus making the movement of the ice pusher 300 smoother. The connection end between the guide surface 360 ​​and the support surface 351 is tangent, ensuring that the support surface 351 can smoothly contact the stop part 110.

[0058] It should be noted that the reference Figure 9 As shown, the stop portion 110 of the housing 100 is set as an inclined plate. The stop portion 110 supports and limits the ice-pushing portion 300, so that the opening of the ice-making portion 200 faces downward, ensuring that the ice block 800 can be separated from the ice-making portion 200 under the combined action of the pushing force of the ice-pushing portion 300 and gravity, making the ice removal process smoother.

[0059] The guide surface 360 ​​makes line contact with the stop part 110, reducing the contact friction between the guide surface 360 ​​and the stop part 110, and reducing the movement resistance of the guide surface 360 ​​relative to the stop part 110. This allows the drive part 400 to drive the ice pusher 300 to move smoothly, avoiding jamming between the ice pusher 300 and the stop part 110. After the ice pusher 300 moves to its position, it can push the ice block 800 in the ice making cavity 210 out smoothly. The structure is simple.

[0060] Understandably, reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the other end of the ice-pushing part 300 is provided with a bending part 350. The bending part 350 bends toward the stop part 110. The bending part 350 is provided with a guide surface 360 ​​and a support surface 351. The direction of the support surface 351 can be adjusted by the bending part 350 so that the support surface 351 can accurately fit the surface of the stop part 110.

[0061] In some cases, the bent portion 350 is connected to the mounting part 370, and the mounting part 370 is provided with a guide surface 360. The ice pushing part 300 includes an ice pushing body and the mounting part 370. The mounting part 370 is formed with a guide surface 360. The ice pushing body is provided with the bent portion 350 and the aforementioned mating surface 310. This simplifies the structure of the ice pushing body and makes it easy to replace different mounting parts 370 according to the different structures of the stop portion 110, making the operation simple.

[0062] Mounting component 370 is fixed to the bent portion 350 by means of plug-in, snap-fit, fastener connection, etc. (See reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the mounting part 370 is fixed to the bent part 350 by screws.

[0063] Mounting component 370 connects multiple bends 350, that is, multiple ice-pushing parts 300 are interconnected and can limit each other, ensuring that each ice-pushing part 300 is accurately positioned with the corresponding ice-making cavity 210 without the need for additional parts.

[0064] The ice-making section 200 will now be described.

[0065] Understandably, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the ice-making unit 200 includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230. The flexible member 230 includes a second flexible member 232 connected to the first flexible member 231. In the ice-making position, the support member 220 limits the outer wall of the second flexible member 232. In the ice-removing position, the ice-pushing unit 300 pushes the flexible member 230 to move, at least part of the second flexible member 232 separates from the support member 220. The ice-pushing unit 300 pushes the second flexible member 232 to separate from the support member 220, and the second flexible member 232 moves and drives the ice block 800 out of the ice-making cavity 210, achieving the purpose of pushing out the ice block 800.

[0066] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the flexible component 230 includes a first flexible portion 231 and a second flexible portion 232. The two flexible portions are formed into one component, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the installation structure. The flexible component 230 defines at least a partial contour of the ice-making cavity 210, acting as at least a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210. The support component 220 limits the second flexible portion 232 of the flexible component 230, preventing deformation of the second flexible portion 232 during ice-making and thus affecting the shape of the ice block 800. The support component 220 is a rigid structure, preventing deformation of the ice-making component as water freezes into ice blocks 800. The flexible component 230 is made of at least one of silicone, flexible plastic, and flexible rubber.

[0067] It is understood that the ice-pushing part 300 is connected to the flexible member 230, and at least one of the first flexible part 231 and the second flexible part 232 is connected to the ice-pushing part 300. The ice-pushing part 300 is connected at the junction of the first flexible part 231 and the second flexible part 232 to ensure the ice-pushing effect of the ice-pushing part 300.

[0068] refer to Figure 9 As shown, one of the flexible component 230 and the ice-pushing part 300 is provided with a protrusion 330, and the other is provided with a groove (not marked in the figure). The groove and the protrusion 330 are interlocked to connect the flexible component 230 and the ice-pushing part 300. The connection between the flexible component 230 and the ice-pushing part 300 is simple and the structure is straightforward. The groove and the protrusion 330 can be interference-fitted to ensure the stability of the connection between the flexible component 230 and the ice-pushing part 300; alternatively, the groove and the protrusion 330 can be interlocked to also ensure connection stability.

[0069] Of course, the ice-making unit 200 is not limited to having the aforementioned flexible member 230. That is, the ice-making unit 200 may not have a second flexible member 232. In this case, the first flexible member 231 may be directly connected to the support member 220, or the first flexible member 231 may be connected to other components of the ice-making unit 200 that do not have flexible deformation characteristics. The first flexible part 231 can be directly connected to the support member 220. This can be understood as the first flexible part 231 being fixedly connected to the support member 220. In this case, the support member 220 has an opening that matches the shape of the first flexible part 231. The first flexible part 231 closes the opening to accommodate the volume expansion of the ice block 800. At this time, the support member 220 and the first flexible part 231 cooperate to restrict the ice-making cavity 210. For example, the edge of the first flexible part 231 can be fixed to the ice-making part 200 by means of bonding, snapping, etc.; or, the first flexible part 231 can be movably connected to the support member 220, and the edge of the first flexible part 231 can be moved and adjusted relative to the support member 220. The first flexible part 231 can be adjusted in position during the process of pushing out the ice block 800 to ensure that the ice block 800 is pushed out smoothly. The connection method of the first flexible part 231 can be selected as needed.

[0070] Understandably, reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the ice-making unit 200 includes a first shell 240 and a second shell 250. In the ice-making position, the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 form an ice-making cavity 210. The first shell 240 is provided with a first cavity 241 opening toward the second shell 250, and the second shell 200 is provided with a second cavity 251 opening toward the first shell 240. When the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are engaged, the first cavity 241 and the second cavity 251 combine to form the ice-making cavity 210. In the structure where the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are combined, the ice block 800 first separates from one of the shells and then is pushed out from the other shell, making the process of the ice block 800 separating from the ice-making unit 200 smoother.

[0071] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the first shell 240 includes a first flexible portion 231, and a driving portion 400 is used to drive the first shell 240 to move, so that the ice-making portion 200 switches between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. The ice block 800 first separates from the second shell 250, so that the ice block 800 and the first shell 240 move synchronously. The driving portion 400 is used to drive the first shell 240, the ice block 800 inside the first shell 240, and the ice-pushing portion 300 to move until the ice-pushing portion 300 moves to abut against the stop portion 110. The ice-pushing portion 300 is subjected to the pushing force of the stop portion 110, ensuring that the ice block 800 can be pushed out of the first shell 240.

[0072] The first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or front-back; their orientation is not limited. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the first shell portion 240 is located below the second shell portion 250.

[0073] In some cases, refer to Figure 9 As shown, at the position away from the ice, the opening of the first shell 240 is tilted downwards. The ice block 800 inside the first shell 240 is pushed out by the combined action of the pushing force of the ice pushing part 300 and gravity. Gravity plays an auxiliary role, which can reduce the pushing force required by the ice pushing part 300 and reduce power consumption.

[0074] The second shell 250 is fixed to the shell 100. During the process of switching between the ice-making chamber 210 and the ice-removing position, the second shell 250 remains fixed. Under the drive of the drive unit 400, the first shell 240 moves to the position with the opening facing downward so as to remove the ice.

[0075] When the ice-making section 200 includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230, and the first shell section 240 includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230, the structure of the second shell section 250 is not limited. The second shell section 250 can be a flexible structure or a rigid structure, or the second shell section 250 can also include a support member and a flexible member (not shown in the figure).

[0076] Understandably, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first shell portion 240 also includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230. The flexible member 230 is disposed on the inner wall of the support member 220 and has a first cavity 241. The flexible member 230 includes a first flexible portion 231 and a second flexible portion 232. The second shell portion 250 has a second cavity 251. The first cavity 241 and the second cavity 251 are connected and interlock to form an ice-making cavity 210. The support member 220 provides support and limitation on the outside of the flexible member 230. The flexible member 230 and the second shell portion 250 cooperate to form the ice-making cavity 210. The way the flexible member 230 forms the first cavity 241 results in a strong overall structure for the first cavity 241, which can reduce the problem of water leakage.

[0077] Of course, the flexible component 230 can also be combined with the support component 220 to form the first cavity 241. The composition of the first cavity 241 is diverse and can be selected according to needs.

[0078] Understandably, reference Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 form a plurality of ice-making cavities 210. The first shell portion 240 is provided with a plurality of first cavities 241 opening toward the second shell portion 250. The second shell portion 100 is provided with a plurality of second cavities 251 opening toward the first shell portion 240. The first cavity 241 and the second cavity 251 correspond one-to-one. Two corresponding first cavities 241 and second cavities 251 form an ice-making cavity 210.

[0079] When the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 form multiple ice-making chambers 210, at least one of the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 has a connecting portion 233, which connects two ice-making chambers 210 to keep the water level in the different ice-making chambers 210 consistent. Water can also be added to multiple ice-making chambers 210 through a single water inlet 253, simplifying the water supply structure. When the second shell portion 250 is located above the first shell portion 240, the second shell portion 250 has a water inlet 253, which can be located above one of the ice-making chambers 210.

[0080] It is understood that the connecting part 233 includes a connecting groove recessed along the end face of at least one of the first shell part 240 and the second shell part 250. The connecting groove is formed on the end face of the first shell part 240 and the second shell part 250. The connecting groove is simple to process and can also ensure that water flows evenly and stably among the multiple ice-making chambers 210.

[0081] When the first shell portion 240 includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230, the flexible member 230 forms a communicating groove with the end face of at least one of the second shell portions 250, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the flexible part 230 is recessed to form a connecting groove, which has little impact on the structure of other parts and is easy to process and has low cost.

[0082] It is understandable that one of the end faces of the flexible component 230 and the second shell portion 250, which are positioned opposite each other, has a protrusion 242 and a recess 252. In the ice-making position, the protrusion 242 is inserted into the recess 252. The first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 can be positioned by the cooperation of the protrusion 242 and the recess 252. When the flexible component 230 has a sealing function, the cooperation of the protrusion 242 and the recess 252 can also seal the end faces of the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250, resulting in a simple structure. The protrusion 242 can be understood as a bump, and the recess 252 can be understood as a groove. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown, the flexible component 230 is provided with a protrusion 242, and the second shell portion 250 is provided with a concave portion 252. The protrusion 242 is arranged around the outer ring of the plurality of first cavities 241, and the position of the concave portion 252 corresponds to the position of the protrusion 242.

[0083] Understandably, the second shell 250 is made of metal, and a second cavity 251 is formed within the metal. Metal has good thermal conductivity, allowing for rapid cooling and helping to reduce heat loss. Compared to the first shell 240 and the second shell 250, both of which are equipped with support members 220 and flexible members 230, the flexible members 230 have poor thermal conductivity, which affects the ice-making process time. By making the second shell 100 a metal part, the thermal conductivity is optimized, effectively shortening the ice-making time.

[0084] Understandably, reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, at least one of the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 is connected to an ice-removing portion 500, which is used to separate the inner wall of the ice-making cavity 210 from the ice block 800. The ice-removing portion 500 mainly serves to relieve or reduce the adhesion between the inner wall surface of the ice-making cavity 210 and the ice block 800. The ice-removing method of the ice-removing portion 500 can be, but is not limited to, heating separation or mechanical separation.

[0085] refer to Figure 14 As shown, the ice-removing part 500 includes a heating element 510, which is located outside the flexible member 230 and the ice-pushing part 300. The heating element 510 heats the ice block 800 inside the flexible member 230, reduces the adhesion between the ice block 800 and the inner wall of the flexible member 230, and helps the ice block 800 to be removed from the ice under the pushing force of the ice-pushing part 300.

[0086] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heating element 510 is connected to the support member 220. The support member 220 is provided with a mounting groove, and the heating element 510 is disposed in the mounting groove, making the installation of the heating element 510 simple. The mounting groove is located on the outer side of the connection between the flexible member 230 and the ice-pushing part 300. The heating element 510 heats both the flexible member 230 and the ice-pushing part 300 simultaneously, solving the problem of at least one of the flexible member 230 and the ice-pushing part 300 sticking to the support member 220. During the process of the ice-pushing part 300 pushing the flexible member 230, the outer wall of the flexible member 230 is prevented from being interfered with by the adhesive force, reducing damage to the flexible member 230 and ensuring the lifespan of the flexible member 230.

[0087] The heating element 510 includes at least one of a heating wire 511 and a heating plate 512. (Reference) Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 14 As shown, when the heating element 510 includes a heating wire 511, the heating wire 511 can be wound around the outside of the ice-making cavity 210; Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, when the heating element 510 includes a heating plate 512, the heating plate 512 is attached to the outside of the ice-making cavity 210, or the heating plate 512 is integrated with the side wall of the ice-making cavity 210, the number of parts can be reduced and the heat transfer effect can be optimized.

[0088] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, when the heating element 510 includes a heating plate 512, and the heating plate 512 is configured as at least a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210, the heating plate 512 heats at least a portion of the ice-making cavity 210, thereby at least separating the partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210 from the ice block 800 through heating. The heating plate 512 may include, but is not limited to, graphene plates, metal plates, etc. The material type of the heating plate 512 is not limited. It can be understood that the material of the ice-making part 200 has heating characteristics and is a material that can generate heat when electricity is applied.

[0089] The ice maker is also equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure). The temperature sensor can be attached to the outer wall of the ice-making cavity 210 to accurately monitor the temperature of the ice-making cavity 210, so as to facilitate the adjustment of the processing power and duration of the heating element 510, and also to facilitate the control of the cold supply.

[0090] Understandably, reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the ice-removing part 500 includes a pulse device 520, which is disposed on the outside of the ice-making cavity 210. The pulse device 520 is configured to drive at least a portion of the sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210 to move via electrical pulse excitation. The pulse device 520 can generate an electrical pulse force through electrical pulse excitation. The electrical pulse force of the pulse device 520 acts between the sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210 and the ice block 800, thereby breaking the adhesive force between the sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210 and the ice block 800, allowing the ice block 800 to detach from the sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210.

[0091] The pulse device 520 provides both electrical pulse force and heat. The pulse device 520 can separate the side wall of the ice-making cavity 210 from the ice block 800 through the dual action of electrical pulse force and heat.

[0092] The ice maker of this invention introduces electro-pulse de-icing technology, providing a combined electric and mechanical ice-removal method with advantages such as low energy consumption, small size, light weight, easy maintenance, and high reliability. The Electro-Impulse De-icing (EIDI) technology, which uses an electrical coil 521 and circuit for ice removal, is applied to the ice maker, resulting in a simple and highly reliable ice-removal structure.

[0093] Understandably, reference Figures 17 to 20As shown, the pulse device 520 includes a coil 521 and a magnetic induction element 522. The coil 521 is configured to generate a changing magnetic field when excited by an electrical pulse. An electrical pulse force is generated between the coil 521 and the magnetic induction element 522. The magnetic induction element 522 is configured as at least a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity 210. When the coil 521 is energized, the current pulse excitation generates a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field induces eddy currents and a magnetic field in the magnetic induction element 522. The two magnetic fields acting between the coil 521 and the magnetic induction element 522 are in opposite directions, thus generating a pair of repulsive forces between them. This repulsive force causes the magnetic induction element 522 to undergo small-amplitude pulse motion within its elastic deformation range. During the motion of the magnetic induction element 522, it undergoes high-acceleration motion.

[0094] The magnetic induction element 522 can be made of metal, and its shape is not limited. The coil 521 is disposed on the outside of the magnetic induction element 522. Here, "inside" and "outside" are based on the side wall of the ice-making cavity 210. The ice-making cavity 210 is located on the inside of the side wall, and the coil 521 is disposed on the outside of the side wall. The direction away from the ice-making cavity 210 is considered "outside," and the direction towards the center of the ice-making cavity 210 is considered "inside."

[0095] Electrical energy is stored in capacitor 523. When the ice is removed, coil 521 is energized within hundreds of milliseconds. Coil 521 generates an electric field, and induced eddy currents are generated on its surface. The instantaneous high heat vaporizes a very small amount of ice on the surface, generating pressure and thus extruding ice blocks 800. The force of the ice removal also acts on the ice maker. The electric field generated by coil 521 and the induced eddy currents on its surface also have heating characteristics. By applying short pulses multiple times, heating can be controlled without other heating devices.

[0096] In some cases, a gap is provided between the coil 521 and the magnetic induction element 522. The gap can be set between 2 mm and 3 mm to avoid direct contact between the coil 521 and the magnetic induction element 522.

[0097] It is understood that coil 521 and capacitor 523 are connected in series to form a discharge circuit 530. The discharge circuit 530 is equipped with a first switch 524, and capacitor 523 is equipped with a terminal for connecting to power supply 600 to form a charging circuit 540. Capacitor 523 is connected to a second switch 525 for switching the charging circuit 540 on and off. When capacitor 523 discharges through coil 521, the first switch 524 is closed, and the second switch 525 is opened. The discharge circuit 530 is connected, and the charging circuit 540 is disconnected, causing a repulsive force to be generated between coil 521 and magnetic induction element 522. This excites magnetic induction element 522 to move with small amplitude and high acceleration within its elastic deformation range, causing the ice adhering between magnetic induction element 522 and ice block 800 to be broken, and ice block 800 to separate from magnetic induction element 522, thus achieving ice removal. During the charging process of capacitor 523, the second switch 525 is closed, the first switch 524 is open, the charging circuit 540 is connected, the discharging circuit 530 is disconnected, and there is no repulsive force between coil 521 and magnetic induction element 522.

[0098] During the ice removal process, the first switch 524 and the second switch 525 can be opened and closed alternately to charge the capacitor 523 in a timely manner; or, during the entire ice removal process, the first switch 524 remains closed and the second switch 525 remains open, and the capacitor 523 has enough charge to complete one ice removal cycle, which simplifies the control and makes the ice removal efficiency higher.

[0099] It should be noted that the ice removal part 500 includes at least one of the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520. The above description addresses the case where "the ice removal part includes the heating element 510 or the pulse device 520".

[0100] When the ice-removing unit 500 includes a heating element 510 and a pulse device 520, the combined effect of electrical pulse force and heat optimizes the ice-removing effect. The heating element 510 and pulse device 520 work together to minimize the adhesive force of the ice cubes 800 adhering to the surface through heating, and then ice removal is achieved using a slight electrical pulse impact force. This design offers electrical safety and minimizes mechanical impact. Its advantages include a simple instrument structure, and when used in conjunction with the heating element 510, it is effective for removing ice from surfaces of ice cubes 800 of various shapes.

[0101] Because the surface of ice block 800 has a large adhesive force, direct separation via EIDI may damage the ice-making unit 200. In this embodiment of the ice maker, the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520 are combined. After the heating element 510 melts the surface of the ice block 800, the pulse device 520 can controllably perform multiple EIDI impacts in a shorter time to achieve ice separation. This ensures that ice separation via EIDI can be achieved with a smaller electrical pulse force and minimizes the reaction force acting on the ice-making unit 200, eliminating the need for a mechanical ice-pushing structure.

[0102] Understandably, reference Figures 15 to 17 As shown, a pulse device 520 is provided on the first partial surface of the ice-making cavity 210, and a heating element 510 is provided on the second partial surface of the ice-making cavity 210. The first and second partial surfaces are independent of each other. The pulse device 520 and the heating element 510 are used to separate ice blocks 800 at different positions. The first and second partial surfaces can be selected according to the force between the ice block 800 and the side wall of the ice-making cavity 210. The pulse device 520 is provided for the part that is suitable for separation by pulse force, and the heating element 510 is provided for the part that is suitable for separation by heat. The pulse device 520 and the heating element 510 are highly independent and convenient to install separately.

[0103] In some cases, one of the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520 is located outside the other, and the sidewall of this part is subjected to the dual action of the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520, resulting in better ice removal effect.

[0104] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, when the heating element 510 includes a heating plate 512, the heating plate 512 is disposed on at least a partial side wall of the ice-making cavity 210. The heating plate 512 can be disposed inside the coil 521. The way the heating plate 512 and the coil 521 cooperate has little impact on the structure and volume of the ice maker. Moreover, the ice is removed through the dual action of heating and pulse force, resulting in good ice removal effect and high ice removal efficiency.

[0105] For an ice-making chamber 210, the positional relationship between the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520 can be achieved by at least one of the above methods, and is not limited to one of them. It can be set according to the difficulty of ice removal.

[0106] It is understood that the pulse device 520 is disposed at at least one end of the ice-making cavity 210, and the electrical pulse force provided by the pulse device 520 is mainly used for the ice removal at the end of the ice-making cavity 210. The ice removal at other parts of the ice-making cavity 210 can be selected as needed.

[0107] The end here, see reference Figures 15 to 18 As shown, the lower end of the first shell 240 and the upper end of the second shell 250 are both ends of the ice-making cavity 210. If the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are arranged side by side, the left and right ends of the two shells can also be understood as ends.

[0108] When the lower end of the first shell 240 is provided with an ice-pushing part 300, and the lower end of the first shell 240 is also provided with a coil 521 of a pulse device 520, the ice can be quickly separated by a combination of electrical pulse force separation and ice pushing, and the dual force can be used. Of course, it can also be combined with heating to separate the ice.

[0109] It should be noted that the position of the pulse device 520 is not affected by whether it is combined with the heating element 510. In the scheme where the pulse device 520 is combined with the heating element 510, the pulse device 520 can be set at at least one end of the ice-making cavity 210. In the scheme where the pulse device 520 is set independently, the pulse device 520 can also be set at at least one end of the ice-making cavity 210.

[0110] It is understandable that when the ice-making unit 200 includes a first shell 240 and a second shell 250, the first shell 240 is provided with a first cavity 241, the second shell 250 is provided with a second cavity 251, and the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are fastened together to form an ice-making cavity 210, that is, the first cavity 241 and the second cavity 251 are combined to form an ice-making cavity 210. One of the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 is provided with a pulse device 520, and at least one of the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 is separated from the ice by an electrical pulse force.

[0111] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first shell portion 240 is provided with a heating element 510 and an ice-pushing part 300, and the second shell portion 250 is provided with a heating element 510 and a pulse device 520. The first shell portion 240 is located below the second shell portion 250. The coil 521 of the pulse device 520 and the upper heating element 510 are provided on the outer side of the second shell portion 250. The upper heating element 510 is located below the coil 521, and the coil 521 cooperates with the upper heating element 510 to remove ice. The lower heating element 510 is provided on the outer side of the first shell portion 240, and the ice-pushing part 300 is provided at the lower end of the first shell portion 240, located below the lower heating element 510.

[0112] In other cases, refer to Figures 15 to 19 As shown, both the first shell portion 240 and the second shell portion 250 are provided with a heating element 510 and a pulse device 520. When the first shell portion 240 is provided with both the heating element 510 and the pulse device 520, the first shell portion 240 may optionally be provided with an ice-pushing portion 300. The structure of the ice-pushing portion 300 may be, but is not limited to, the structure described above.

[0113] The drive unit 400 will now be described.

[0114] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the drive unit 400 includes a drive motor 460, a rotating shaft 410, a rocker arm 420, and an elastic element 430. The rocker arm 420 is fixed to the rotating shaft 410. One end of the elastic element 430 is connected to the rocker arm 420, and the other end of the elastic element 430 is connected to the first housing 240 of the ice-making unit 200. The torque output by the drive motor 460 drives the rotating shaft 410 to rotate. The rotating shaft 410 and the rocker arm 420 rotate synchronously. The rocker arm 420 is connected to the first housing 240 through the elastic element 430, thereby driving the first housing 240 to rotate, so that the ice-making unit 200 switches between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. The rotating shaft 410 passes through the shaft hole of the first housing 240. The housing of the drive motor 460 can be fixed to the housing 100 for easy installation of the drive motor 460.

[0115] When the ice-making unit 200 is in the ice-making position, the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are engaged to form an ice-making cavity 210. The first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are sealed together, allowing water to be injected into the ice-making cavity 210. In the ice-removing position, the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are opened, separating the ice block 800 in the ice-making cavity 210 from the second shell 250. The first shell 240 contains the ice block 800, which is pushed out of the first shell 240 and falls into the ice storage box 700 by the ice-pushing part 300, thus achieving ice removal. Before the ice-making unit 200 switches from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the ice-removing part 500 separates the second shell 250 from the ice block 800, allowing the ice block 800 to rotate synchronously with the first shell 240. The rotating shaft 410 drives the first shell 240 to rotate until the ice block 800 can be pushed out of the first shell 240. When the first shell 240 is below the second shell 250, the rotating shaft 410 drives the first shell 240 to rotate downwards to the position away from the ice.

[0116] A limiting block 440 is provided in one of the shaft holes of the rotating shaft 410 and the first housing 240, and a limiting groove 450 is provided in the other. The limiting block 440 is rotatably disposed in the limiting groove 450. In the ice-making position, the limiting block 440 contacts and limits the first limiting surface 451 of the limiting groove 450. In the ice-removing position, the limiting block 440 contacts and limits the second limiting surface 452 of the limiting groove 450. The limiting block 440 rotates to contact and limit the first limiting surface 451 or the second limiting surface 452. In the ice-making position, the elastic element 430 is in an elastic deformation state. The tension of the elastic element 430 causes the limiting block 440 to abut against the first limiting surface 451. During the movement from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the rotating shaft 410 first rotates until the limiting block 440 makes contact with the second limiting surface 452. At this time, the elastic element 430 can be in a balanced state or an elastic deformation state. The rotating shaft 410 can drive the first shell 240 to rotate to the ice-removing position.

[0117] The elastic element 430 can be set as a compression spring or a tension spring. The structure of the elastic element 430 is not limited. The elastic element 430 serves the purpose of circumferential positioning and installation.

[0118] The first shell portion 240 includes a support member 220 and a flexible member 230. The support member 220 includes a support base 221 and a pressure plate 222. The flexible member 230 is limited between the support base 221 and the pressure plate 222. The pressure plate 222 presses the flexible member 230 onto the support base 221. The structure of the first shell portion 240 is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0119] Taking the making of spherical ice cubes as an example, after the previous ice removal is completed, the rotating shaft 410 drives the first shell 240 to rotate and fit with the second shell 250. After reaching the ice-making position, water is added to make ice. During the entire ice-making process, the upper and lower ice removal parts 500 are closed (such as stopping the heating element 510). The whole piece freezes from top to bottom. The bottom of the flexible part 230 of the first shell 240 has a flat surface. After the water freezes and expands, the flat surface of the flexible part 230 is pushed downwards. Finally, it is restricted by the mating surface 310 of the ice pushing part 300. After the lower part freezes, it forms a more complete and smooth spherical ice cube. The elastic material of the flexible part 230 has self-recovery characteristics. The elastic deformation characteristics of the flexible part 230 itself, combined with the pulling force of the ice pushing part 300 and the water pressure during the water addition process, allow the flexible part 230 to return to its initial state after ice removal.

[0120] After ice making is completed, the heating elements 510 of the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are turned on simultaneously. The upper second shell 250 is made of metal and conducts heat quickly. After being turned on for a certain period of time, the ice block 800 can detach from the second shell 250 under the action of gravity. The first shell 240 can rotate away from the second shell 250 under the drive of the drive unit 400. The spherical ice block is more likely to stick to the first shell 240. When it reaches the de-icing position plane, the bottom ice pushing part 300 squeezes the bottom plane of the flexible part 230, causing the flexible part 230 to detach from the support member 220. The ice ball separates from the flexible part 230, completing the de-icing process.

[0121] A bending portion 350 is provided at the end of the ice-pushing part 300 away from the flexible member 230. The bending portion 350 is bent at a certain arc, and a guide surface 360 ​​is provided at the end of the bending portion 350. This guide surface plays a guiding role when the ice-pushing part 300 contacts the surface of the stop portion 110 of the shell 100, so as to ensure that the ice-pushing part 300 can move smoothly to the ice-removal position, so as to better push the spherical ice block in the first shell 240. The spherical ice block slides into the ice storage box 700, which is provided with a flexible ice storage tray to better protect the spherical ice block.

[0122] After the ice is removed from the ice position, the rotating shaft 410 drives the first shell 240 to rotate and move closer to the second shell 250. Through the elastic force of the elastic element 430, the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 are pressed together to ensure the sealing performance between the first shell 240 and the second shell 250 and prevent water leakage.

[0123] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 20 As shown, a refrigeration device is provided, including a housing and an ice maker as described above, the ice maker being connected to the housing. Since the refrigeration device includes an ice maker, and the ice maker has the aforementioned beneficial effects, the refrigeration device also has the aforementioned beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the above description; further elaboration is not provided here.

[0124] Refrigeration equipment includes a variety of devices with refrigeration functions, such as refrigerators, freezers, display cases, vending machines, and wine cabinets. There are many types of refrigeration equipment available, which can be selected according to needs.

[0125] The space inside the refrigeration unit can be used for refrigeration or freezing. An ice maker can share the refrigeration cycle system (common compressor) with this space, or it can have its own independent refrigeration cycle. When the refrigeration unit is a refrigerator, the ice maker can be installed in the refrigerator cabinet or door; the location of the ice maker is flexible and can be chosen according to needs.

[0126] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The housing is equipped with a stop. An ice-making unit is connected to the housing. The ice-making unit has a plurality of ice-making cavities and is provided with a first flexible part, which is configured as a partial sidewall of the ice-making cavity. An ice-pushing part, one end of which is connected to the first flexible part, and the ice-pushing part is provided with a mating surface; A driving unit is used to drive the ice-making unit to switch between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position. In the ice-making position, based on the deformation of the first flexible part, a deformation space of a preset shape is formed between the mating surface and the first flexible part, or the first flexible part is deformable and limited by the mating surface. At the ice-off position, the other end of the ice-pushing part is limited by the stop part so that the ice block in the ice-making cavity is pushed out by the ice-pushing part.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-pushing part is provided with a ventilation hole, which connects the deformation space with the external environment.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ventilation hole is opened at the position where the first flexible part is in a balanced state, with the vertical distance to the first flexible part being the largest.

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ventilation hole is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole forming an angle. One end of the first through hole is connected to one end of several second through holes, the other end of the first through hole is connected to the deformation space, the other end of the second through hole is connected to the external environment, and the other end of the second through hole extends away from the deformation space.

5. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making unit includes a support member and a flexible member. The flexible member includes a second flexible member connected to the first flexible member. In the ice-making position, the support member limits the outer wall of the second flexible member. In the ice-removing position, the ice-pushing unit pushes the flexible member to move, and at least a portion of the second flexible member separates from the support member.

6. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making unit includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell includes a first flexible part. The driving part is used to drive the first shell to move so that the ice-making unit switches between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. In the ice-making position, the first shell and the second shell form the ice-making cavity. In the ice-removing position, the opening of the first shell is inclined downward.

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first shell portion and the second shell portion form a plurality of ice-making cavities, and at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion has a connecting portion that connects two of the ice-making cavities.

8. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first shell portion includes a support member and a flexible member. The flexible member is disposed on the inner wall of the support member and has a first cavity. The flexible member includes a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion. The second shell portion has a second cavity. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected and interlocked to form the ice-making cavity.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, One of the end faces of the flexible member opposite to the second shell portion is provided with a protrusion and the other is provided with a concave portion. At the ice-making position, the protrusion is inserted into the concave portion.

10. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second shell is located above the first shell, and the second shell has a water inlet. The second shell is a metal part.

11. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is connected to an ice-separating portion, which is used to separate the inner wall of the ice-making chamber from the ice block.

12. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The other end of the ice-pushing part is provided with a support surface and a guide surface. The guide surface is connected to the end of the support surface. In the direction away from the support surface, the guide surface contracts inward relative to the support surface. At the ice-removing position, the support surface supports the stop part.

13. The ice maker according to claim 12, characterized in that, The other end of the ice-pushing part is provided with a bending part, which bends toward the stop part. The bending part is connected to a mounting member, which is provided with the guide surface. The mounting member connects multiple bending parts.

14. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, It includes a housing and an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ice maker is connected to the housing.

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