Detachable ice maker and deicing method of ice maker

Abstract

The invention provides a detachable ice maker and an ice removing method of the ice maker, and relates to the technical field of ice makers. The detachable ice maker comprises a shell, an ice tray, a detector and a blocking piece, wherein the ice tray is detachably connected to the shell; the blocking piece can enable the ice cube tray and the shell to be connected or disconnected, and the blocking piece can move relative to the detector. If the blocking piece is in the first state, the ice tray is connected with the shell, and the blocking piece can avoid the detector, so that the detector can detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice or not; and if the blocking piece is in the second state, the ice tray is disconnected from the shell, and the blocking piece can block the detector so that the detector can send out a full ice signal. The ice cube tray is convenient to clean, water injection misoperation after the ice cube tray is disassembled is avoided, and the ice maker is safe and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice maker technology, and in particular to a detachable ice maker and a method for removing ice from the ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In existing ice makers, the ice tray is fixed inside the ice maker assembly and cannot be disassembled by the user. This makes it difficult for users to clean the ice maker assembly themselves after long-term use, resulting in difficult, incomplete, inconvenient, and inefficient cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a detachable ice maker and an ice removal method for the ice maker, which allows for easy disassembly and assembly of the ice tray, facilitating cleaning, and preventing accidental water injection after disassembly of the ice tray, ensuring safety and reliability.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a detachable ice maker, comprising: case; Ice tray, which is detachably connected to the housing; Detector; A blocking element that allows the ice tray to connect or detach from the housing, and that the blocking element is movable relative to the detector; If the blocking member is in the first state, the ice tray is connected to the housing, and the blocking member can avoid the detector so that the detector can detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice; if the blocking member is in the second state, the ice tray is disconnected from the housing, and the blocking member can block the detector so that the detector can send a full ice signal.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, the blocking member is rotatably connected to the housing, and the blocking member rotates relative to the housing by a preset angle to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the blocking member includes a first portion and a second portion connected together, the first portion being rotatably connected to the housing so that the second portion can be relatively close to or away from the detector.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the first portion and the second portion are arranged at an angle.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the first portion is connected to a pin, which is detachably connected to the ice tray.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the ice tray is connected to a panel, and the panel is provided with a mounting groove; the pin can disengage from the mounting groove or be inserted into the mounting groove. When the pin is inserted into the mounting slot, the ice tray is connected to the housing; when the pin is disengaged from the mounting slot, the ice tray is disconnected from the housing.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the blocking member is slidably connected to the housing, and the blocking member slides a preset distance relative to the housing to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the housing is provided with a mounting plate, and the blocking member is movably connected to the mounting plate.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for de-icing an ice maker, applicable to a detachable ice maker as described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the method comprising: Obtain the freezing time of the ice tray after it has been filled with water; Obtain the number of times the ice maker's door was opened; De-icing is performed based on the freezing time and the number of times the door is opened.

[0013] In an optional implementation, after performing the de-icing step based on the freezing time and the number of door openings, the method further includes: The detector determines whether the ice is full; wherein, the full ice state includes: the ice storage box is full of ice, or the blocking member blocks the detector; If the detector sends a signal that the ice grid is not full, water is added to the ice grid. If the detector sends a full ice signal, the filling of water into the ice grid will stop.

[0014] The detachable ice maker and ice removal method provided in this invention have the following advantages: The ice tray features a detachable connection, allowing users to easily disassemble and clean it, making ice making healthier and more hygienic. It is also easy and efficient to assemble and disassemble. Through the use of moving obstructions and the linkage between the ice tray and the shell, water cannot be added after the ice tray has been removed, improving safety and reliability.

[0015] The ice removal method for ice makers provided in this embodiment does not rely on temperature sensors, which can reduce the configuration and installation of temperature sensors, reduce costs, and improve reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the detachable ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the split structure; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a blocking component of a detachable ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another state of the blocking component of the detachable ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the detachable ice maker in the disassembled state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 110-Housing; 111-Mounting plate; 120-Ice tray; 130-Panel; 131-Mounting slot; 140-Block; 141-First section; 142-Second section; 143-Pin. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0026] Please combine Figures 1 to 2 The present invention provides a detachable ice maker that allows users to easily clean the ice tray 120. The ice tray 120 is easy to install and remove, and can prevent accidental water filling after the ice tray 120 is removed.

[0027] Because the ice maker is designed to be detachable, the lack of a detection mechanism for the connection status of the ice tray 120 after the user removes it could lead to misjudgment and continued water filling, causing water to accumulate and freeze in the ice storage box, affecting safety and hygiene. To solve this problem, this embodiment uses a blocking component 140 and a detector to work together to reliably identify the connection status of the ice tray 120, preventing accidental water filling after the ice tray 120 is removed.

[0028] The detachable ice maker includes a housing 110, an ice tray 120, a detector, and a stopper 140. The ice tray 120 is detachably connected to the housing 110 and is used to hold water for ice making. This detachable connection allows users to easily disassemble and clean the ice tray 120 after a period of use, ensuring thorough cleaning and better hygiene. It also facilitates easy and efficient assembly and disassembly. The detector can be mounted on the housing 110 or other components of the ice maker and outputs a status signal indicating whether the ice tray 120 is in place, as well as detecting whether the ice storage box is full. The stopper 140 is configured to move relative to the detector during the installation or removal of the ice tray 120. When the blocking member 140 is in the first state, the ice tray 120 is connected to the housing 110. At this time, the blocking member 140 can avoid the detector, meaning that the blocking member 140 does not block the sensing area of ​​the detector. The detector can normally detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice, indicating that the ice tray 120 is installed in place and the ice-making process can begin. When the user needs to clean or maintain the ice storage box, the blocking member 140 is operated to switch it to the second state. During this process, the ice tray 120 is disconnected from the housing 110, and the blocking member 140 moves to the position that blocks the detector, causing the detector to send a blocking signal, indicating that the ice tray 120 has been removed (not in place), simulating a full ice storage box, and stopping water filling for ice making. This avoids continuing to fill water after the ice tray 120 has been removed.

[0029] During this process, the action of the blocking component 140 directly corresponds to the installation and removal status of the ice tray 120, without the need for additional sensors for independent communication, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability. Therefore, this technical solution can effectively prevent accidental water filling when the ice tray 120 is missing, without relying on the built-in electronic components of the ice tray 120, thus improving the safety and intelligence level of the ice maker.

[0030] Optionally, the housing 110 is provided with a mounting plate 111, and the blocking member 140 is movably connected to the mounting plate 111. In this embodiment, the blocking member 140 is connected to the mounting plate 111 of the housing 110. The movement of the blocking member 140 relative to the mounting plate 111 can be rotation or sliding. The following description uses rotation as an example.

[0031] Please combine Figures 3 to 5 The blocking member 140 is rotatably connected to the housing 110. The blocking member 140 rotates relative to the housing 110 by a preset angle to switch from a first state to a second state. Optionally, the blocking member 140 can rotate approximately 90 degrees to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0032] Optionally, the blocking member 140 includes a first portion 141 and a second portion 142 connected together. The first portion 141 is rotatably connected to the housing 110, allowing the second portion 142 to move relatively closer to or further away from the detector. The first portion 141 and the second portion 142 are angled together. In this embodiment, the first portion 141 and the second portion 142 are connected in an L-shape. The first portion 141 is connected to a pin 143, which is detachably connected to the ice tray 120. The pin 143 allows for the connection or disconnection of the ice tray 120 and the housing 110.

[0033] Optionally, the ice tray 120 is connected to a panel 130, which has a mounting groove 131; a pin 143 can disengage from or insert into the mounting groove 131. When the pin 143 is inserted into the mounting groove 131, the ice tray 120 is connected to the housing 110, ensuring the relative fixation of the positions of the ice tray 120 and the housing 110; when the pin 143 disengages from the mounting groove 131, the ice tray 120 is disengaged from the housing 110. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 When the pin 143 is inserted into the mounting slot 131 in a horizontal position, the ice grid 120 is connected to the housing 110. At this time, the second section 142 is in a vertical position, which can avoid the detector, and the detector cannot detect the second section. Figure 5 If the blocking component 140 rotates 90 degrees, the pin 143 is in a vertical position and disengages from the mounting slot 131. At this time, the housing 110 and the ice tray 120 are disconnected, and the ice tray 120 can be removed. Simultaneously, the second part 142 is in a horizontal position, within the detection range of the detector, thus blocking the detector. The detector emits a blocking signal, simulating a full ice signal, indicating that the ice tray 120 has been removed. At this time, water will not be added to the ice storage box, avoiding accidental water filling. It should be noted that when removing the ice tray 120, only the panel 130 and the ice tray 120 need to be removed, making the operation convenient, time-saving, and labor-saving.

[0034] Optionally, the detector uses an ice-detecting rod. The ice-detecting rod can move axially to the ice storage box. If the ice storage box is full, the movement of the ice-detecting rod is blocked and it cannot move further. At this time, the ice-detecting rod sends a full ice signal, stopping water injection for ice making. With the ice grid 120 installed in place, if the ice storage box is not full, the ice-detecting rod can continue to move, with a greater travel distance. At this time, the ice-detecting rod sends a partial ice signal, indicating that the ice storage box is not full. After de-icing, water injection can continue until the ice storage box is full.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the second portion 142 of the blocking member 140 is in a horizontal state (the ice tray 120 and the housing 110 are disconnected), it can prevent the movement of the ice probe. The ice probe is blocked by the second portion 142, sending a blocking signal to simulate a full ice signal. When the controller receives the blocking signal, it assumes that the ice storage box is in a "full ice state" and therefore stops water filling for ice making. In this way, it can avoid the situation where water flows into the ice storage box after the ice tray 120 is disassembled and water continues to be filled.

[0036] In some implementations, the detector may also employ other detection methods or structural forms, such as infrared detection, laser ranging detection, or proximity switches, etc., without specific limitations.

[0037] Optionally, in other embodiments, the blocking member 140 is slidably connected to the housing 110, and the blocking member 140 slides a preset distance relative to the housing 110 to switch from a first state to a second state. For example, the blocking member 140 is horizontally positioned. The pin 143 moves horizontally to insert into or disengage from the mounting slot 131 of the panel 130. Furthermore, when the pin 143 moves horizontally, it causes the blocking member 140 to move horizontally as well. When the pin 143 disengages from the mounting slot 131, the blocking member 140 moves just below the ice-detecting rod, preventing the ice-detecting rod from moving. When the pin 143 inserts into the mounting slot 131, the blocking member 140 can avoid the ice-detecting rod. This achieves a similar technical effect.

[0038] This invention also provides an ice-removing method for an ice maker, applicable to any of the detachable ice makers described in the foregoing embodiments. Since the ice tray 120 of the ice maker is designed with a detachable connection, it is not suitable for installing temperature sensors or other devices on the ice tray 120 to detect its ice-making status. This embodiment redesigns the ice-removing control method, specifically, the ice-removing method for the ice maker includes: The system obtains the freezing time after filling ice tray 120 with water, as well as the number of times the ice maker door was opened. It then performs the ice removal process based on these data. For example, if the number of door openings is zero, the freezing time is the preset duration before the ice removal process begins. If the door is opened once or multiple times, the freezing time is increased by a floating time after the preset duration before the ice removal process begins. The more times the door is opened, the longer the floating time becomes, ensuring that ice removal only begins after ice has been completely made in ice tray 120.

[0039] For example, if the door is opened zero times, the freezing time is the preset time, which is approximately 10 minutes; the timing starts 10 minutes after water is poured into ice tray 120, and the de-icing process begins. If the door is opened 3 times, the freezing time is 15 minutes (the preset time of 10 minutes plus a floating time of 5 minutes). If the door is opened 5 times, the freezing time is 20 minutes (the preset time of 10 minutes plus a floating time of 10 minutes). The above data is only for illustrating the de-icing control principle and does not constitute a specific time limit.

[0040] Optionally, the number of times the door is opened can be obtained from the sensors on the ice maker door. The freezing time can be obtained through a timer. During de-icing, the controller controls the ice-removing motor to rotate, causing the ice maker to flip and pour the ice cubes in ice tray 120 into the ice storage box.

[0041] The ice-removal method for the ice maker in this embodiment does not rely on a temperature sensor, which can reduce the configuration and installation of temperature sensors, reduce costs, and improve reliability.

[0042] Optionally, after performing the de-icing step based on freezing time and number of door openings, the following may also be included: The system determines whether the ice container is full based on a detector. A full ice container includes either a full ice level or the detector being blocked by the stopper 140. If the detector indicates the container is not full, water can be added to the ice tray 120; if the detector indicates the container is full, water addition to the ice tray 120 is stopped. This prevents the ice tray 120 from being disassembled and subsequently filled with water, improving safety and making ice making healthier and more hygienic.

[0043] The detachable ice maker and ice removal method provided in this invention have the following beneficial effects, including: The ice tray 120 features a detachable connection, allowing users to easily disassemble and clean it, making ice making healthier and more hygienic. During assembly and disassembly, only the panel 130 and the ice tray 120 need to be removed. The installation and disassembly are achieved by rotating the blocking member 140 relative to the mounting plate 111 of the housing 110, making assembly and disassembly convenient and efficient. Through the movement of the blocking member 140 and the linkage between the ice tray 120 and the housing 110, the possibility of continued water filling after the ice tray 120 is disassembled is prevented, improving safety and reliability.

[0044] The ice removal method for ice makers provided in this embodiment does not rely on temperature sensors, which can reduce the configuration and installation of temperature sensors, reduce costs, and improve reliability.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detachable ice maker characterized by, The ice making machine comprises: a housing (110); an ice tray (120) detachably connected to the housing (110); a detector; a blocking piece (140) capable of connecting or disconnecting the ice tray (120) and the housing (110), and capable of moving relative to the detector; if the blocking piece (140) is in a first state, the ice tray (120) is connected to the housing (110), and the blocking piece (140) can avoid the detector so that the detector can detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice; if the blocking piece (140) is in a second state, the ice tray (120) is disconnected from the housing (110), and the blocking piece (140) can block the detector so that the detector sends a full ice signal.

2. The detachable ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The blocking piece (140) is rotatably connected to the housing (110), and rotates a preset angle relative to the housing (110) to switch from the first state to the second state.

3. The detachable ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The blocking piece (140) comprises a first part (141) and a second part (142) connected to each other, and the first part (141) is rotatably connected to the housing (110) so that the second part (142) can move close to or away from the detector.

4. The detachable ice maker of claim 3, wherein, The first part (141) and the second part (142) are arranged at an angle.

5. The detachable ice maker of claim 3, wherein, The first part (141) is connected with a latch (143) which is detachably connected with the ice tray (120).

6. The detachable ice maker of claim 5, wherein, The ice tray (120) is connected with a panel (130) provided with a mounting groove (131); the latch (143) can be separated from or inserted into the mounting groove (131); When the latch (143) is inserted into the mounting groove (131), the ice tray (120) is connected to the housing (110); when the latch (143) is separated from the mounting groove (131), the ice tray (120) is disconnected from the housing (110).

7. The detachable ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The blocking piece (140) is slidably connected to the housing (110), and slides a preset distance relative to the housing (110) to switch from the first state to the second state.

8. The detachable ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The housing (110) is provided with a mounting plate (111), and the blocking piece (140) is movably connected to the mounting plate (111).

9. A method of ice maker ice removal, comprising: The ice making machine detachable ice making method suitable for the ice making machine of any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: acquiring a freezing time length after the ice tray (120) is filled with water; acquiring the number of times of opening the door of the ice making machine; performing ice removal according to the freezing time length and the number of times of opening the door.

10. The ice maker harvest method of claim 9, wherein, After the step of performing ice removal according to the freezing time length and the number of times of opening the door, the method further comprises: determining whether the ice storage box is full of ice according to the detector; wherein the full ice state includes that the ice storage box is full of ice, or the blocking piece (140) blocks the detector. If the detector sends a signal that the ice is not full, water is added to the ice grid (120); If the detector sends a full ice signal, the filling of water into the ice grid (120) is stopped.

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