Refrigerator

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a refrigerator, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration equipment. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body provided with a refrigeration chamber; the door body is rotationally connected with the refrigerator body and used for opening or closing the refrigeration chamber; the refrigerating system is arranged in the refrigerator body and used for providing cooling capacity for the refrigerating chamber; the ice maker is arranged on the box body or the door body and is used for making ice; the ice maker includes: an ice tray configured with a water tank; at least part of the partition piece is arranged in the water containing tank, and the partition piece is used for dividing the water containing tank into a plurality of ice making grids; each ice cube tray is communicated with the adjacent ice cube tray at the bottom or the lower part, so that the degree that water can circulate is achieved; and the water injection pipe is used for injecting water into the water containing tank. The refrigerator can improve the volume consistency of ice blocks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] To meet users' ice needs, refrigerators are usually equipped with an ice maker.

[0003] In related technologies, ice makers generally include an ice-making tray and a water inlet pipe. The ice-making tray has multiple ice-making compartments with open tops. Adjacent ice-making compartments are separated by an isolation section, and a connecting groove is provided at the top of the isolation section, connecting two adjacent ice-making compartments. The water inlet pipe is used to inject water into the ice-making compartments. During ice making, water is injected into the ice-making compartments through the water inlet, and the water in the ice-making compartments can flow into adjacent ice-making compartments, so that the water can be evenly distributed among the multiple ice-making compartments. The water in the multiple ice-making compartments is cooled and condensed into ice blocks.

[0004] However, refrigerators equipped with ice makers in related technologies have a technical problem of poor consistency in ice volume. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of inconsistent ice volume in refrigerators equipped with ice makers in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0007] The enclosure has a refrigeration compartment.

[0008] A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0009] A refrigeration system, which is installed inside the cabinet, is used to provide cooling capacity to the refrigerated compartment;

[0010] An ice maker, installed on the housing or the door, is used for making ice; the ice maker includes:

[0011] An ice-making tray, which has a water-holding trough;

[0012] A divider, at least partially disposed within the water tank, is used to divide the water tank into multiple ice-making compartments; each ice-making compartment and its adjacent ice-making compartment are connected at the bottom or lower part to allow water to flow.

[0013] The water injection pipe is used to inject water into the water tank.

[0014] The refrigerator of this application embodiment connects the bottoms or lower parts of adjacent ice-making trays. During the ice-making process, when water is injected into the water tank through the water inlet pipe, the water can flow from the bottom or lower part of the adjacent ice-making trays. This minimizes or eliminates the obstruction to water flow caused by surface tension, which helps to ensure that the water level in the connected ice-making trays is the same, thereby improving the uniformity of ice volume.

[0015] In some possible implementations of this application, a connecting channel is provided between the bottom of the water tank and the bottom of the separator, and the connecting channel connects to the adjacent ice grid.

[0016] This design allows water to flow between adjacent ice trays through connecting channels, which helps maintain the same water level in the connected trays and thus improves the uniformity of ice volume.

[0017] In some possible implementations of this application, the bottom side of the separator is provided with a first communicating recess, the first communicating recess is connected to the adjacent ice grid, and the first communicating recess and the bottom of the water tank form the communicating channel.

[0018] This design, by creating a first connecting recess on the bottom side of the divider inside the water tank to form a connecting channel, reduces the processing difficulty of the connecting channel and makes the water flow path clearer and simpler, reducing dead ends and water accumulation points, and facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the ice tray.

[0019] In some possible implementations of this application, the bottom of the water tank is provided with a second communicating recess, the second communicating recess is located below the separator, the second communicating recess connects to the adjacent ice grid, and the second communicating recess and the bottom side of the separator located in the water tank form the communicating channel.

[0020] This design, by creating a second connecting recess at the bottom of the water tank to form a connecting channel, can minimize the height of the connecting channel, helping to eliminate or reduce the obstruction of surface tension on water flow, thereby improving the volume uniformity of the ice blocks.

[0021] In some possible implementations of this application, any two adjacent ice-making trays among the plurality of ice-making trays have a communication channel.

[0022] This design allows multiple ice trays to be connected through shorter connecting channels, enabling water to flow into each tray more quickly and improving water flow efficiency, thus increasing ice-making speed. Furthermore, it simplifies the structure of the ice tray, reducing the complexity of the ice maker and improving assembly efficiency, thereby increasing the refrigerator's production efficiency.

[0023] In some possible implementations of this application, the water tank includes two first tank sidewalls and two second tank sidewalls arranged vertically; the two first tank sidewalls extend along a first direction and are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in a second direction; the two second tank sidewalls extend along the second direction and are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the first direction; the two second tank sidewalls are connected to the two first tank sidewalls to form a prism-shaped water tank; wherein, the first direction intersects with the vertical direction; the second direction intersects with the vertical direction and intersects with the first direction.

[0024] This configuration allows the two first tank sidewalls and the two second tank sidewalls to form a stable prism shape for the water tank. The prism has good mechanical strength and stability, which helps prevent the water tank from deforming or breaking during use and improves the structural reliability of the ice-making tray.

[0025] In some possible implementations of this application, the separator includes a first separator plate and a second separator plate arranged vertically; the first separator plate extends along the first direction; the second separator plate extends along the second direction, and the second separator plate is arranged intersecting with the first separator plate; when the separator is disposed in the water tank, the first separator plate and the second separator plate divide the water tank into a plurality of ice-making grids arranged in an array.

[0026] With this configuration, when the dividers are placed inside the water tank, the first and second dividers can divide the water tank into multiple ice-making grids arranged in an array. This improves the compactness of the arrangement of the multiple ice-making grids and allows for maximizing the number of ice-making grids within the limited volume of the ice-making tray, thereby increasing the space utilization of the ice-making tray. Furthermore, the array arrangement of multiple ice-making grids helps ensure a relatively uniform water volume in each grid, resulting in more consistent ice size and shape, and improving the volume uniformity of the ice.

[0027] In some possible implementations of this application, the portion where the first partition plate and the second partition plate intersect forms an intersection, and the orthographic projection of the intersection onto the bottom of the water tank is located within the orthographic projection of the connecting channel onto the bottom of the water tank.

[0028] This design allows multiple ice trays adjacent to the intersecting section to connect to the connecting channel simultaneously, minimizing the number of connecting channels while ensuring connectivity between the ice trays. This simplifies the structure of the ice maker, thereby reducing the processing difficulty and cost of the parts.

[0029] In some possible implementations of this application, the number of the first partition plates is multiple, and the multiple first partition plates are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the second direction; or the number of the second partition plates is multiple, and the multiple second partition plates are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the first direction.

[0030] This arrangement ensures that the dimensions of multiple ice cube trays are as equal as possible in the second direction (y), which improves the volume consistency of the trays and thus the consistency of the ice volume. Alternatively, the dimensions of multiple ice cube trays can be made as equal as possible in the first direction (x), which also improves the volume consistency of the ice volume.

[0031] In some possible implementations of this application, the separator and the ice-making tray are an integral structure.

[0032] This design eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the divider and the ice-making tray, allowing for a direct connection. This strengthens the connection, enhancing overall structural stability and durability, and reducing the risk of unintended separation due to loose or damaged connections. Furthermore, by integrating the divider and ice-making tray into a single structure, they can be manufactured using injection molding or other integral processes, simplifying the processing of the ice-making tray. Additionally, this integrated design eliminates the need for separate assembly of the divider and ice-making tray, reducing assembly steps and improving overall assembly efficiency.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising:

[0034] The enclosure has a refrigeration compartment.

[0035] A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0036] A refrigeration system, which is installed inside the cabinet, is used to provide cooling capacity to the refrigerated compartment;

[0037] An ice maker, installed on the housing or the door, for making ice; wherein the ice maker includes:

[0038] An ice-making tray having multiple ice-making compartments, wherein at least two of the ice-making compartments are connected at their bottoms or lower parts;

[0039] A water inlet pipe is used to inject water into at least one of the at least two connected ice trays.

[0040] In the refrigerator of this embodiment, the ice tray can be provided with multiple ice compartments, and the lower parts of at least two of the ice compartments can be connected. A water inlet pipe can be configured to inject water into at least one of the connected ice compartments. Since surface tension typically acts on the upper surface of water, by connecting the lower parts of at least two ice compartments, water can flow through the lower parts of the at least two ice compartments, minimizing or eliminating the resistance to water flow caused by surface tension. This helps to ensure that the water level in the connected ice compartments is the same, thereby improving the uniformity of ice volume. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice-making tray in related technologies;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the refrigerator when the door is opened in some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the refrigerator when the door is opened in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice-making tray in some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice-making tray in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure at the bottom of a traditional Chinese ice tray;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice-making tray in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 8for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a Chinese-made ice tray Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0052] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an ice maker filling a water tank;

[0053] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice blocks of the first size.

[0054] Figure 13 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the partition of the ice maker inserted into the water tank;

[0055] Figure 14 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice blocks of the second size.

[0056] Figure 15 for Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the central partition;

[0057] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the separator in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0060] Figure 19 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an ice maker filling a water tank;

[0061] Figure 20 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice blocks of the third size.

[0062] Figure 21 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the first separator of the ice maker being inserted into the water tank;

[0063] Figure 22 for Figure 17A schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice blocks of the fourth size.

[0064] Figure 23 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the first and second separators of the ice maker inserted into the water tank;

[0065] Figure 24 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice blocks of the fifth size.

[0066] Figure 25 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 26 for Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0068] Figure 27 for Figure 25 A schematic diagram of water being poured into the ice tray of an ice maker.

[0069] Figure 28 for Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the sixth specification.

[0070] Figure 29 for Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the ice maker forming the ice trays;

[0071] Figure 30 for Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0072] Figure 31 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 32 for Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the ice-making tray of a Chinese ice maker flipping over;

[0074] Figure 33 for Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0075] Figure 34 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 35 for Figure 34 A diagram showing the ice tray of a Chinese ice maker flipping over. Figure 1 ;

[0077] Figure 36 for Figure 34A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0078] Figure 37 for Figure 34 A diagram illustrating the process of water being added to the ice tray in an ice maker.

[0079] Figure 38 for Figure 34 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the sixth specification.

[0080] Figure 39 for Figure 34 A diagram showing the ice tray of a Chinese ice maker flipping over. Figure 2 ;

[0081] Figure 40 for Figure 34 A diagram illustrating the ejection of the sixth-sized ice block from a medium-sized ice maker;

[0082] Figure 41 for Figure 34 A schematic diagram of the second separator of the ice maker being inserted into the water tank;

[0083] Figure 42 for Figure 34 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0084] Figure 43 for Figure 34 A diagram showing the seventh-sized ice block being ejected from a Chinese-made ice maker;

[0085] Figure 44 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 45 for Figure 44 A schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the ice maker when it is open;

[0087] Figure 46 for Figure 44 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0088] Figure 47 for Figure 44 A schematic diagram of water being poured into the ice tray of an ice maker.

[0089] Figure 48 for Figure 44 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the sixth specification.

[0090] Figure 49 for Figure 44 A diagram illustrating the ejection of the sixth-sized ice block from a medium-sized ice maker;

[0091] Figure 50 for Figure 44A schematic diagram of the ice maker forming the ice trays;

[0092] Figure 51 for Figure 44 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0093] Figure 52 for Figure 44 A diagram showing the seventh-sized ice block being ejected from a Chinese-made ice maker;

[0094] Figure 53 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 54 for Figure 53 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0096] Figure 55 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 56 for Figure 55 A schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the ice maker when it is open;

[0098] Figure 57 for Figure 55 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0099] Figure 58 for Figure 57 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a traditional Chinese ice platter;

[0100] Figure 59 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figure 60 for Figure 59 A schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the ice maker when it is open;

[0102] Figure 61 for Figure 59 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0103] Figure 62 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0104] Figure 63 for Figure 62 A schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the ice maker when it is open;

[0105] Figure 64 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the formation of a sixth-size ice block by an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0106] Figure 65 for Figure 64 A diagram illustrating the ejection of the sixth-sized ice block from a medium-sized ice maker;

[0107] Figure 66 for Figure 64 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0108] Figure 67 for Figure 66 A diagram showing the seventh-sized ice block being ejected from a Chinese-made ice maker;

[0109] Figure 68 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0110] Figure 69 for Figure 68 A schematic diagram of the ice-removing component of the ice maker moving downwards;

[0111] Figure 70 for Figure 68 A schematic diagram of a partial explosion of a Chinese ice maker;

[0112] Figure 71 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0113] Figure 72 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the ice maker when it is open;

[0114] Figure 73 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0115] Figure 74 for Figure 71 A diagram illustrating the process of filling the ice tray of an ice maker with water;

[0116] Figure 75 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the sixth specification.

[0117] Figure 76 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of the sixth-size ice block being removed from the ice maker;

[0118] Figure 77 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of the ice maker forming the ice trays;

[0119] Figure 78 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice maker forming ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0120] Figure 79 for Figure 71 A schematic diagram of the seventh-size ice block being removed from a Chinese-made ice maker;

[0121] Figure 80 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0122] Figure 81 for Figure 80 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a Chinese ice maker;

[0123] Figure 82 for Figure 81 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the central water injection component;

[0124] Figure 83 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application;

[0125] Figure 84 for Figure 83 A schematic diagram of the second ice storage box of the ice maker when it is holding ice of the sixth specification.

[0126] Figure 85 for Figure 83 A schematic diagram of the first ice storage box of the ice maker when it holds ice of the seventh specification.

[0127] Figure 86 for Figure 83 A schematic diagram of the second ice storage tank of the ice maker when it is holding ice blocks of the seventh specification.

[0128] Figure label:

[0129] 100 - Box;

[0130] 110 - Refrigeration compartment; 120 - Inner liner of the enclosure;

[0131] 130 - Box shell;

[0132] 200-Gate Body;

[0133] 210 - Door inner liner; 220 - Door outer shell;

[0134] 300 - Ice maker;

[0135] 400-Ice tray;

[0136] 410 - Water tank; 411 - Ice tray;

[0137] 412 - Connecting channel; 413 - First slot sidewall;

[0138] 414 - Second groove sidewall; 415 - Second connecting recess;

[0139] 416 - Sub-ice tray; 420 - Ice tray body;

[0140] 421 - First ice outlet; 422 - Fourth connecting part;

[0141] 423 - Third rotating hole; 424 - Second sliding protrusion;

[0142] 425 - Water inlet; 430 - First connecting part;

[0143] 431 - First sliding column; 432 - Second sliding column;

[0144] 440 - Fixing base; 441 - First fixing plate;

[0145] 442 - Second fixing plate; 443 - Installation space;

[0146] 444 - First rotating hole; 445 - Second connecting part;

[0147] 446 - Second rotating hole; 447 - Fourth rotating hole;

[0148] 450 - Mounting base; 451 - Mounting slot;

[0149] 452 - First rotating shaft; 460 - First de-icing device;

[0150] 461 - Top-mounted section; 462 - Mounting plate;

[0151] 470 - First opening and closing device; 471 - Blocking component;

[0152] 472 - First shield; 473 - Third connecting part;

[0153] 474 - Second rotating axis; 475 - Second baffle plate;

[0154] 476 - First set of connecting slots; 477 - First shielding component;

[0155] 478 - Second shielding element; 480 - Sealing element;

[0156] 481 - First sealing plate; 482 - Second sealing plate;

[0157] 483 - Second set of connecting grooves; 490 - Water injection components;

[0158] 491 - Water flow channel; 492 - Water outlet;

[0159] 500 - Separator;

[0160] 510 - Separator; 511 - First separator plate;

[0161] 512 - Second partition plate; 513 - First connecting recess;

[0162] 514 - Intersection; 515 - Flow channel;

[0163] 520 - First connecting plate; 521 - First sliding through hole;

[0164] 522 - First vent; 530 - First separator;

[0165] 531 - First insertion hole; 540 - Second separator;

[0166] 550 - Insert Channel;

[0167] 600 - First drive mechanism;

[0168] 610 - First rotating shaft; 620 - First cam;

[0169] 630 - First elastic element;

[0170] 700 - Second de-icing device;

[0171] 710 - De-icing component; 711 - Second connecting plate;

[0172] 712 - De-icing section; 713 - Second sliding through hole;

[0173] 720 - Second connector; 721 - Third sliding recess;

[0174] 722 - Fifth sliding recess; 730 - Fourth drive mechanism;

[0175] 731 - Third pivot; 732 - Second cam;

[0176] 733 - Fourth elastic element; 734 - Fourth pivot;

[0177] 735 - Second gear; 736 - Second rack;

[0178] 737 - Third connector; 738 - Fourth sliding recess;

[0179] 739 - Third sliding protrusion; 740 - Abutment;

[0180] 741 - Fifth connecting part; 742 - Abutting part;

[0181] 743 - Second connecting rod; 744 - Second push rod;

[0182] 800 - First ice storage box;

[0183] 810 - Mounting bracket; 820 - Ice inlet;

[0184] 830 - Second opening and closing device;

[0185] 900 - Second ice storage box;

[0186] 910 - Ice storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0187] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0188] To make the objectives, implementation methods and advantages of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0189] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0190] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that includes a series of components is not necessarily limited to those that are explicitly listed, but may include other components that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0191] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "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 this application 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 this application.

[0192] The terms "first," "second," and similar expressions are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with terms such as "first," "second," or similar expressions may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0193] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0194] like Figure 1 As shown, in related technologies, a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker generally includes an ice tray 100' and a water inlet pipe for injecting water into the ice tray 100'. The ice tray 100' has multiple ice compartments 110' with open tops. Adjacent cooling compartments 110' are separated by an isolation section 120', and the top of the isolation section 120' has a connecting groove 130' that connects two adjacent ice compartments 110'. During ice making, water is injected into a portion of the ice compartments 110' through the water inlet pipe. The water in these ice compartments 110' can flow into adjacent ice compartments 110' via the connecting groove 130', ensuring even distribution of water across the multiple ice compartments 110'. The water in the multiple ice compartments 110' receives cooling energy from the refrigerator and condenses into ice.

[0195] However, the aforementioned refrigerator suffers from a technical problem of inconsistent ice block volume. The inventors discovered that the reason lies in the following: During the ice-making process, water is injected into one or more ice-making compartments 110' within the ice-making tray 100' via a water inlet pipe. Once the compartments are full, the water flows into adjacent compartments 110' via a connecting channel 130'. However, due to surface tension, water tends to have a smaller surface area, hindering its flow and making it difficult for the water to be evenly distributed across the multiple ice-making compartments 110'. For example, the water level in the ice-making compartments 110' closer to the water inlet pipe is higher, while the water level in the compartments 110' farther from the water inlet pipe is lower. This results in inconsistent water levels across the multiple ice-making compartments 110', leading to varying ice block sizes and ultimately, inconsistent ice block volume.

[0196] The problem of inconsistent ice cube volume is particularly pronounced when making small ice cubes. Specifically, to make small ice cubes, the volume of the ice tray 110' is usually reduced to decrease the amount of water inside. However, because the smaller ice tray 110' contains less water, the gravity of the water inside is lower, reducing the tendency for water to flow outwards. Compared to the larger ice tray 110', surface tension has a more significant effect in hindering water flow. During the ice-making process, when water is poured into the smaller ice tray 110', the water level is less consistent between the closer and farther ice trays 110', sometimes even resulting in no water in the farther ice trays, leading to even worse consistency in ice cube volume.

[0197] In view of this, this application provides a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, wherein the bottoms or lower parts of at least two ice trays in the ice maker are connected. During the ice-making process, when water is injected into the water tank of the ice maker through the water inlet pipe, the water can flow through the bottoms or lower parts of the at least two ice trays. Since surface tension usually acts on the upper surface of the water, the flow of water through the bottoms or lower parts of the at least two ice trays can minimize or eliminate the obstruction of water flow caused by surface tension, which is beneficial to ensuring that the water level in the connected ice trays is the same, thereby improving the uniformity of ice volume.

[0198] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The refrigerator of this embodiment may include a cabinet 100 and a door 200. The cabinet 100 may be configured with a cooling compartment 110. The door 200 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 100 for opening or closing the cooling compartment 110.

[0199] The refrigerator body 100 may include an inner liner 120 and a outer shell 130. The inner liner 120 may have a cooling compartment 110. The outer shell 130 may be connected to the outside of the inner liner 120 to form the appearance of the refrigerator. The refrigerator body 100 may also include a heat insulation layer, which may be disposed between the inner liner 120 and the outer shell 130. The heat insulation layer can insulate the cooling compartment 110 to minimize heat exchange between the cooling compartment 110 and the outside of the refrigerator, thus helping to ensure the cooling effect of the refrigerator.

[0200] Exemplarily, there may be multiple refrigeration chambers 110, and at least one of the multiple refrigeration chambers 110 may be configured as a cold storage chamber. The internal temperature of the cold storage chamber may be maintained between approximately 0°C and 5°C to store items in a refrigeration mode. At least one of the multiple refrigeration chambers 110 may be configured as a freezer chamber, and the internal temperature of the freezer chamber may be maintained between approximately -30°C and 0°C to store items in a freezing mode. In some possible implementations, the refrigeration chamber 110 may also be configured as a vacuum chamber or a variable temperature chamber, etc., which will not be described in detail in this application embodiment.

[0201] There can be two refrigeration rooms (110). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the two refrigeration chambers 110 can be stacked vertically. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the two refrigeration compartments 110 can also be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. One of the refrigeration compartments 110 can be set as a refrigerator compartment, and the other refrigeration compartment 110 can be set as a freezer compartment.

[0202] The number of doors 200 can be set to correspond to the number of refrigeration chambers 110. Multiple refrigeration chambers 110 can each have one door 200. Or, as... Figure 2 As shown, each refrigeration compartment 110 can be equipped with two doors 200, which can rotate in opposite directions to open or close the refrigeration compartment 110. Alternatively, as... Figure 3 As shown, each refrigeration room 110 can be equipped with a corresponding door 200.

[0203] The door 200 may include an inner door liner 210 and a outer door shell 220. When the door 200 is closed, the inner door liner 210 faces the refrigerator compartment 110. The outer door shell 220 may be connected to the outside of the inner door liner 210 to form the exterior of the refrigerator. The outer door shell 220 may be rotatably connected to the refrigerator body 100. The door 200 may also include a door insulation layer, which may be disposed between the inner door liner 210 and the outer door shell 220. The door insulation layer can insulate the refrigerator compartment 110 to minimize heat exchange between the refrigerator compartment 110 and the outside of the refrigerator, thus helping to ensure the refrigerator's cooling effect.

[0204] The refrigerator of this embodiment may further include a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity to the cooling compartment 110. Exemplarily, the refrigeration system may be housed within the cabinet 100. The refrigeration system may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator connected in a cycle. During operation, the compressor compresses refrigerant vapor to generate high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, and delivers the refrigerant vapor to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor to generate low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid, and delivers it to the throttling device. The throttling device reduces the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, transforming the high-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid into a low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid, which is then delivered to the evaporator. The evaporator receives the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid and boils it under isobaric conditions, absorbing heat and vaporizing to form refrigerant vapor, thereby lowering the temperature within the cooling compartment 110.

[0205] The refrigerator in this embodiment may further include an ice maker 300 for making ice. The ice maker 300 may be installed on the cabinet 100 or the door 200.

[0206] For example Figure 2As shown, the ice maker 300 can be installed inside the cabinet 100. When the refrigeration system is located inside the cabinet 100, placing the ice maker 300 inside the cabinet 100 can minimize the distance between the ice maker 300 and the refrigeration system, which helps to shorten the cold energy transmission path between the ice maker 300 and the refrigeration system, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of cold energy and thus helping to reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

[0207] For example Figure 3 As shown, the ice maker 300 can also be installed on the door 200 to minimize the space occupied by the ice maker 300 in the refrigeration compartment 110 used for storing items, thus ensuring the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0208] refer to Figure 4 The ice maker 300 may include an ice-making tray 400 for holding water. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet pipe for injecting water into the ice-making tray 400. During ice making, the water inlet pipe can inject water into the ice-making tray 400, and the water in the ice-making tray 400 can condense into ice blocks using the cold energy provided by the refrigeration system.

[0209] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice tray 400 can be provided with multiple ice grids 411, and the bottoms or lower parts of at least two of the ice grids 411 can be connected. A water inlet pipe can be configured to fill water into at least one of the connected ice grids 411. Since surface tension typically acts on the upper surface of water, by connecting the bottoms or lower parts of at least two ice grids 411, water can flow in the lower part of the connected ice grids 411, minimizing or eliminating the resistance to water flow caused by surface tension. This helps to ensure that the water level in the connected ice grids 411 is the same, thereby improving the volume uniformity of the ice.

[0210] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice maker 400 may be configured with a water tank 410. The water tank 410 can be used to hold water. The ice maker 300 may also include a divider 500. At least a portion of the divider 500 may be disposed within the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice-making compartments 411. The bottoms or lower parts of at least two of the plurality of ice-making compartments 411 may be connected to allow water to flow. A water inlet pipe can be used to fill water into the water tank 410.

[0211] During the ice-making process, when water is injected into the water tank 410 through the water inlet pipe, water can flow from the bottom or lower part of the ice grid 411 into the ice grid 411 connected to it, so as to minimize or eliminate the obstruction of water flow caused by surface tension as much as possible. This helps to make the water level in the connected ice grids 411 the same, thereby improving the volume uniformity of the ice.

[0212] The shape of the ice tray 411 can be specifically set according to the shape of the ice cubes. For example, the shape of the ice tray 411 can be a vertically extending cylindrical space. The horizontal cross-section of the cylindrical space can be a regular shape without sharp edges, such as a circle or ellipse; it can also be a regular shape with sharp edges, such as a triangle, quadrilateral, or polygon; or it can be an irregular shape, such as characters or cartoon patterns. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the horizontal cross-section of the ice tray 411 can be a quadrilateral.

[0213] It is understood that the horizontal cross-section of the cylindrical space can also be of other shapes. The horizontal cross-section of the cylindrical space can be set to different shapes according to actual needs, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0214] The multiple ice trays 411 in the ice tray 400 can be arranged in a regular pattern. For example... Figure 4 As shown, multiple ice-making grids 411 can be arranged in an array. The array can be a rectangular array or a circular array, etc. This arrangement can improve the compactness of the arrangement of multiple ice-making grids 411, which is beneficial to placing as many ice-making grids 411 as possible in the ice-making tray 400 with limited volume, thereby improving the space utilization of the ice-making tray 400. In addition, the multiple ice-making grids 411 arranged in an array can help ensure that the amount of water in each ice-making grid 411 is relatively uniform, thereby making the size and shape of the ice cubes more consistent, which is beneficial to improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0215] The technical solution of this application embodiment will be described in detail below, taking an ice tray 411 as a cylindrical space with a quadrilateral horizontal cross-section, and multiple ice trays 411 arranged in an array as an example. The technical solution when the ice tray 411 has other shapes can be referred to the following description, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0216] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice-making tray 400 may include an ice tray body 420. The top side of the ice tray body 420 may be provided with a downwardly recessed water-holding trough 410 for holding water. When the water in the water-holding trough 410 is cooled and condensed into ice, the water-holding trough 410 may also serve as at least part of the structure of an ice-holding mold to allow the ice to solidify into a specific shape.

[0217] For example, the water tank 410 may include two first tank sidewalls 413 and two second tank sidewalls 414 arranged vertically. The two first tank sidewalls 413 may both extend along a first direction and be arranged opposite each other and spaced apart in a second direction. The two second tank sidewalls 414 may both extend along a second direction and be arranged opposite each other and spaced apart in the first direction. The two second tank sidewalls 414 are connected to the two first tank sidewalls 413 to form the water tank 410, which may be prismatic. The two first tank sidewalls 413 and the two second tank sidewalls 414 enable the water tank 410 to form a stable prismatic shape. The prismatic shape has good mechanical strength and stability, which helps prevent the water tank 410 from deforming or breaking during use and improves the structural reliability of the ice tray 400.

[0218] It should be noted that the vertical direction can be... Figure 4 The direction z shown in the figure can be referred to as the vertical direction z below.

[0219] The first direction can intersect the vertical z-axis. For example, the first direction can be perpendicular to the vertical z-axis. The first direction can be... Figure 4 The direction x shown in the figure can be referred to as the first direction x below.

[0220] The second direction can intersect the vertical z-axis and the first direction x-axis. For example, the second direction can be perpendicular to the vertical z-axis and the first direction x-axis. The second direction can be... Figure 4 The direction y shown in the figure is referred to as the second direction y below.

[0221] The ice tray 400 may also include a first connecting part 430. The first connecting part 430 may be connected to the top edge of the ice tray body 420. The first connecting part 430 may be used for positioning, installing or fixing the ice tray 400, which helps to improve the positional accuracy of the ice tray 400.

[0222] The first connecting part 430 can be a horizontal plate-like structure. The horizontal plate-like structure can surround the ice tray body 420 to improve the structural symmetry of the ice tray 400, so that the weight and pressure borne by the ice tray 400 can be distributed more evenly, which helps to make the ice tray 400 more stable during use and less likely to tip over or become unbalanced.

[0223] The first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420 can be an integral structure. This design eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420, allowing for direct connection. This enhances the connection strength between the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420, thereby improving the structural stability and durability of the ice tray 400. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of unintended separation of the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420 due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure.

[0224] In addition, by setting the ice tray body 420 and the first connecting part 430 as an integral structure, the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420 can be processed by integral molding processing methods such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the ice tray 400.

[0225] Furthermore, by setting the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the first connecting part 430 and the ice tray body 420, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice tray 400 and thus improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0226] The divider 500 can be used to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice trays 411. Exemplarily, the divider 500 may include a dividing portion 510, which may be disposed within the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice trays 411. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the partition 510 may include a first partition plate 511 and a second partition plate 512 arranged vertically along the z-axis. The first partition plate 511 may extend along a first direction x. The second partition plate 512 may extend along a second direction y. The second partition plate 512 may be arranged intersecting with the first partition plate 511. When the partition 500 is disposed within the water tank 410, the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512 can divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice-making trays 411 arranged in an array.

[0227] The number of first partition plates 511 can be at least one. That is, the number of first partition plates 511 can be one or more. When there are multiple first partition plates 511, the multiple first partition plates 511 can be arranged parallel and spaced apart in the second direction y. This arrangement can make the dimensions of multiple ice trays 411 as equal as possible in the second direction y, which is beneficial to improving the volume consistency of multiple ice trays 411, thereby improving the volume consistency of ice cubes.

[0228] The number of second partitions 512 can be at least one. That is, the number of second partitions 512 can be one or more. When there are multiple second partitions 512, the multiple second partitions 512 can be arranged parallel and equally spaced in the first direction x. This arrangement can make the dimensions of the multiple ice trays 411 as equal as possible in the first direction x, which is beneficial to improving the volume consistency of the multiple ice trays 411, thereby improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0229] It is understood that the number of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512, as well as the position of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512, can be adjusted according to actual needs to form ice grids 411 of different shapes and sizes, thereby obtaining ice blocks of different shapes and sizes. This application embodiment will not elaborate on these points.

[0230] refer to Figure 4 The separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400 can be a single integrated structure. This design eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400, allowing for direct connection. This enhances the connection strength between the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400, thereby improving overall structural stability and durability. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of unintended separation of the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400 due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure.

[0231] In addition, by making the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 into an integrated structure, the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 can be processed by integral molding methods such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the ice tray 400.

[0232] Furthermore, by integrating the separator 500 with the ice-making tray 400 into a single structure, there is no need to assemble the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400 separately, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and thus improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0233] The divider 500 and the ice-making tray 400 can also be separate structures. During ice making, the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 of the ice-making tray 400 to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice-making compartments 411. This configuration allows the divider 500 to be easily removed from the ice-making tray 400, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of both the divider 500 and the ice-making tray 400, thus ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, when the divider 500 or the ice-making tray 400 is damaged or needs replacement, only the divider 500 or the ice-making tray 400 needs to be replaced, rather than replacing both simultaneously, reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0234] A connecting channel 412 may be provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the partition 500. The connecting channel 412 may connect at least two of the multiple ice trays 411. A water inlet pipe may be used to inject water into at least one ice tray 411 connected to the connecting channel 412, so that the water in the at least one ice tray 411 can flow through the connecting channel 412 into other ice trays 411 connected to the connecting channel 412. The connecting channel 412 provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the partition 500 may connect the lower parts of at least two of the multiple ice trays 411.

[0235] At least two of the multiple ice trays 411 can be connected by a connecting channel 412. That is, the number of ice trays 411 connected by the connecting channel 412 can be two or more.

[0236] At least two ice trays 411 connected by the connecting channel 412 can be adjacent, which helps to shorten the length of the connecting channel 412 and thus reduce the processing difficulty of the connecting channel 412. Alternatively, at least two ice trays 411 connected by the connecting channel 412 can also be non-adjacent. Considering factors such as the layout of the ice trays 411 and the position of the water inlet pipe, at least two ice trays 411 in suitable positions can be connected, thereby improving the design flexibility of the ice maker 300.

[0237] The number of connecting channels 412 between connected ice trays 411 can be at least one. That is, the number of connecting channels 412 between connected ice trays 411 can be one or more.

[0238] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, each of two adjacent ice trays 411 can have a connecting channel 412. This arrangement allows multiple ice trays 411 to be connected via shorter connecting channels 412, enabling water to flow more quickly into each ice tray 411, thus improving water flow efficiency and ice-making speed. Furthermore, it simplifies the structure of the ice tray 400, reducing the structural complexity of the ice maker 300 and improving assembly efficiency, thereby increasing the refrigerator's production efficiency.

[0239] In some possible implementations of this application, there may be a gap between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the partition 500, which can form a connecting channel 412. For example, there may be a gap between the bottom of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512 of the partition 500 and the bottom of the water tank 410. With this configuration, the connecting channel 412 can be formed by adjusting the height of the partition 500 located in the water tank 410, reducing the difficulty of forming the connecting channel 412 and helping to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the components in the ice maker 300.

[0240] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first connecting recess 513 may be provided on the bottom side of the separator 500. For example, the first connecting recess 513 may be provided at the bottom of the first separator 511, or at the bottom of the second separator 512, or at the bottom of both the first separator 511 and the second separator 512. The first connecting recess 513 may be connected to at least two ice trays 411, and the first connecting recess 513 and the bottom of the water tank 410 may form a connecting channel 412. By providing a first connecting recess 513 on the bottom side of the separator 500 to form a connecting channel 412, the processing difficulty of the connecting channel 412 can be reduced, and the water flow path can be made clearer and simpler, reducing dead ends and water accumulation points, and facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the ice tray 400.

[0241] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the bottom of the water tank 410 may be provided with a second connecting recess 415. The second connecting recess 415 may be located below the separator 500. For example, the second connecting recess 415 may be located at the bottom of the first separator 511, or the bottom of the second separator 512, or the bottom of the first separator 511 and the second separator 512. The second connecting recess 415 may connect at least two ice trays 411, and the second connecting recess 415 and the bottom side of the separator 500 may form a connecting channel 412. By providing a second connecting recess 415 at the bottom of the water tank 410 to form a connecting channel 412, the height of the connecting channel 412 can be minimized, which helps to eliminate or reduce the obstruction of surface tension on water flow, thereby improving the volume uniformity of the ice.

[0242] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connecting channel 412 can be located at the bottom of the portion of the first partition plate 511 that does not intersect with the second partition plate 512, or it can be located at the bottom of the portion of the second partition plate 512 that does not intersect with the first partition plate 511.

[0243] For example, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the intersection of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512 can form an intersection portion 514. The orthographic projection of the intersection portion 514 onto the bottom of the water tank 410 can lie within the orthographic projection of the connecting channel 412 onto the bottom of the water tank 410. That is, the connecting channel 412 can also be located at the bottom of the intersection portion 514, and the orthographic projection area of ​​the connecting channel 412 onto the bottom of the water tank 410 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersection portion 514 onto the bottom of the water tank 410. This arrangement allows multiple ice trays 411 adjacent to the intersection portion 514 to be simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412, minimizing the number of connecting channels 412 while ensuring connectivity between the ice trays 411. This helps simplify the structure of the ice maker 300, thereby reducing the processing difficulty and cost of the components in the ice maker 300.

[0244] For example Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting recess 513 can be provided at the bottom of the intersecting portion 514. At the bottom of the water tank 410, i.e. on the plane xoy, the orthographic projection area of ​​the first connecting recess 513 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersecting portion 514, so that multiple ice trays 411 adjacent to the intersecting portion 514 can be simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412 formed by the first connecting recess 513.

[0245] For example Figure 8 As shown, the second connecting recess 415 can be provided at the bottom of the intersecting portion 514. On the plane xoy, the orthographic projection area of ​​the second connecting recess 415 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersecting portion 514, so that multiple ice trays 411 adjacent to the intersecting portion 514 are simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412 formed by the second connecting recess 415.

[0246] To address the technical problem of inconsistent ice volume in refrigerators equipped with an ice maker 300 in related technologies, this application embodiment also provides a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker 300. (Reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10The ice maker 300 may include an ice-making tray 400. The ice-making tray 400 may be configured with a water tank 410. The water tank 410 may be used to hold water. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet pipe. The water inlet pipe is used to fill the water tank 410 with water. The ice maker 300 of the present application embodiment may also include a separator 500. The separator 500 may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the water tank 410 after the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, so as to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice-making compartments 411, and to separate the water in the water tank 410 into the plurality of ice-making compartments 411, so that the water in the ice-making compartments 411 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes. Compared to the ice tray 411, the water tank 410 has a larger volume and contains more water. The weight of the water is also greater, which can relatively reduce the resistance of surface tension to the water flow. This helps to make the water level in multiple ice trays 411 the same, thereby improving the uniformity of ice height and, consequently, the uniformity of ice volume.

[0247] For example, the divider 500 and the ice tray 400 can be separately provided. The divider 500 can be configured to be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice trays 411.

[0248] When making ice with an ice maker of 300, refer to Figure 11 Water can be injected into the water tank 410 first through the water injection pipe. Compared with the related technology of injecting water into the ice tray 411 through the water injection pipe, the water tank 410 has a larger volume and a larger water volume, resulting in a greater gravitational force on the water within it. When the water flows in the water tank 410, the surface tension has a relatively smaller resistance effect on the flow, making it easier for the water to level out. In other words, the surface height of the water in the water tank 410 is more uniform.

[0249] refer to Figure 13 After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice trays 411, and to separate the water in the water tank 410 into the multiple ice trays 411. Since the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, the water in the multiple ice trays 411 has a high degree of uniformity.

[0250] refer to Figure 14 The water in the ice tray 411 is cooled and condenses into ice. Because the water in the multiple ice trays 411 has a high degree of uniformity, the multiple ice blocks formed have a high degree of uniformity, which helps to improve the volume uniformity of the ice blocks.

[0251] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the ice maker 300 may have a first ice-making mode and a second ice-making mode. The first ice-making mode can be used to make ice cubes A of a first specification. The second ice-making mode can be used to make ice cubes B of a second specification. The ice maker 300 can switch between the first ice-making mode and the second ice-making mode.

[0252] When ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, refer to Figure 11 The water inlet pipe can fill water into the water tank 410. (Reference) Figure 12 After the water in the water tank 410 is leveled, the water in the water tank 410 can be cooled and frozen into ice blocks of the first specification A.

[0253] When ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, refer to Figure 13 The water inlet pipe can first fill the water tank 410 with water. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410, so that the water in the water tank 410 can be divided into multiple ice trays 411. (Reference) Figure 14 The water in the ice tray 411 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes of the second size, B. The volume of the second-size ice cube B can be smaller than the volume of the first-size ice cube A.

[0254] This configuration allows the ice maker 300 to produce ice cubes of different sizes, increasing the variety of ice cube sizes available to meet different user needs and improving the user experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for multiple ice makers 300 for different sizes of ice cubes, simplifying the ice maker's structure and facilitating an increase in the refrigerator's storage capacity.

[0255] It is understood that in some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the ice maker 300 may also make ice only in the second ice-making mode.

[0256] The ice tray 400 and the divider 500 are movable relative to each other so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode.

[0257] In some possible implementations of this application, the separator 500 can rotate relative to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis. For example, the ice-making tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The separator 500 can rotate about a horizontal axis. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the separator 500 can be flipped relative to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. The separator 500 can rotate in the opposite direction relative to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis so that the separator 500 can leave the water tank 410, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the ice-making tray 400 or the separator 500, which helps ensure the long-term performance of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, when the ice maker 300 is in the first ice-making mode, the separator 500 can be flipped in the opposite direction relative to the ice-making tray 400 so that the separator 500 leaves the water tank 410, thereby enabling the ice maker 300 to make ice in the first ice-making mode.

[0258] In some other possible implementations of this application's embodiments, the separator 500 can slide vertically (z) relative to the ice-making tray 400. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the ice tray 400 can be located below the divider 500. One of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while the other can slide vertically along the z-axis. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the slidable one of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 can slide vertically along the z-axis so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0259] Compared to the technical solution where the divider 500 can rotate relative to the ice tray 400 around a horizontal axis, the divider 500 can slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical z-axis. This reduces the space occupied by the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 when they move relative to each other, which helps to reduce the working space required by the ice maker 300 when making ice, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0260] Exemplarily, the divider 500 can be fixedly installed. For example, the divider 500 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice tray 400 can slide vertically z-wise relative to the divider 500. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, the ice tray 400 can slide vertically z-wise toward the divider 500 so that at least a portion of the divider 500 is inserted into the water tank 410. When cleaning or maintaining the divider 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, the ice tray 400 can slide vertically z-wise away from the divider 500 so that the divider 500 can leave the water tank 410.

[0261] Alternatively, the ice tray 400 can be fixedly installed. For example, the ice tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The divider 500 can slide vertically (z) relative to the ice tray 400. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the divider 500 can slide vertically (z) toward the ice tray 400 so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. When cleaning and maintaining the divider 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, the divider 500 can slide vertically (z) away from the ice tray 400 so that the divider 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0262] Compared to the fixed setting of the divider 500, the technical solution of allowing the ice tray 400 to slide vertically in the z direction improves the stability of the ice tray 400 by fixing the ice tray 400 and setting the divider 500 to slide vertically in the z direction relative to the ice tray 400. This helps prevent water from overflowing from the ice tray 400, thus preventing the overflowing water from negatively affecting the items inside the refrigerator or other parts of the refrigerator, and also helps improve the cleaning performance of the refrigerator.

[0263] The technical solution of this application embodiment will be specifically described below, taking the ice-making tray 400 as fixedly set and the divider 500 as slidable relative to the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical z-axis. When the divider 500 is fixedly set and the ice-making tray 400 is slidable relative to the divider 500 along the vertical z-axis, the technical solution can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0264] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ice maker 300 may also include a mounting base 440. The mounting base 440 can be installed on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice maker tray 400 can be connected to the mounting base 440. The ice maker tray 400 can be installed on the housing 100 or the door 200 via the mounting base 440.

[0265] The insulation layer inside the cabinet 100 and the door insulation layer inside the door 200 are generally made by foaming the insulation material. During the foaming process, the insulation material expands rapidly, which will compress the inner liner 120 or the inner liner 210 of the door, causing deformation of the inner liner 120 or the inner liner 210. If the ice tray 400 is directly connected to the inner liner 120 or the inner liner 210 of the door, it is not conducive to providing a stable installation base for the ice tray 400. The ice tray 400 is connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 through the fixing base 440. During the foaming process, the insulation material does not directly act on the fixing base 440, and the deformation of the fixing base 440 is smaller, which is conducive to providing a stable installation base for the ice tray 400.

[0266] For example, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the mounting base 440 may include two first fixing plates 441. The two first fixing plates 441 may be arranged vertically along the z-axis. The two first fixing plates 441 may be respectively disposed on opposite sides of the ice-making tray 400. The two first fixing plates 441 may be connected to the ice-making tray 400 and to the housing 100 or the door 200. The two first fixing plates 441 can fix the ice-making tray 400 on opposite sides, which helps to improve the stability of the ice-making tray 400.

[0267] For example Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the two first fixing plates 441 can both be arranged along the plane yoz. The two first fixing plates 441 can be spaced apart in the first direction x. The ice-making tray 400 can be located between the two first fixing plates 441 and connected to the two first fixing plates 441. The two first fixing plates 441 can fix the ice-making tray 400 in the first direction x. It is understood that the two first fixing plates 441 can also fix the ice-making tray 400 in the second direction y, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0268] The mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400 can be a single integrated structure. This design eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400, allowing them to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between the mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400, thereby improving their structural stability and durability. It also reduces the risk of unintended separation of the mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400 due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure.

[0269] In addition, by making the fixing base 440 and the ice making tray 400 into an integrated structure, the fixing base 440 and the ice making tray 400 can be processed by one-piece molding processes such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the fixing base 440 and the ice making tray 400.

[0270] Furthermore, by integrating the mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400 into a single structure, there is no need to assemble the mounting base 440 and the ice-making tray 400 separately, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and thus improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0271] The mounting base 440 and the ice tray 400 can also be separate structures. This design allows the ice tray 400 to be easily removed from the mounting base 440, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of both and ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, when the ice tray 400 or the mounting base 440 is damaged or needs replacement, only the ice tray 400 or the mounting base 440 needs to be replaced, rather than both, reducing the maintenance costs of the ice maker 300.

[0272] The divider 500 can be located above the ice-making tray 400, and the divider 500 can slide vertically (z) relative to the ice-making tray 400. When the divider 500 slides vertically (z) toward the ice-making tray 400, it can be inserted into the water tank 410. When the divider 500 slides vertically (z) away from the ice-making tray 400, it can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0273] For example, the divider 500 can be slidably connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical z-axis. Since the cabinet 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the cabinet 100 or the door 200 can provide a sufficiently large connection space for the divider 500, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the ice maker 300, thereby facilitating the optimization of the refrigerator's structure.

[0274] For example, the separator 500 can also be slidably connected to the ice tray 400. This configuration allows the separator 500 to be positioned by the ice tray 400, which helps improve the relative positional accuracy between the separator 500 and the ice tray 400, thereby preventing the separator 500 from tilting relative to the ice tray 400.

[0275] For example, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The separator 500 may further include a first connecting plate 520. The first connecting plate 520 may be disposed along a horizontal plane. That is, the first connecting plate 520 may be disposed along... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The xoy plane is shown in the diagram. The separator 510 can be connected to the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520. The first connecting plate 520 can be used for positioning, installing, or fixing the separator 500, which helps to improve the positional accuracy of the separator 500.

[0276] In some possible implementations of this application, a first guide rail pair may be provided between the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400, allowing the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400 to be slidably connected via the first guide rail pair. The first guide rail pair may include a first guide rail and a first slider. The first guide rail may be arranged vertically along the z-axis and connected to the ice-making tray 400. The first slider may slide on the first guide rail and may be connected to the separator 500. The first guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which is beneficial for improving the positional accuracy of the separator 500.

[0277] In some other possible implementations of this application, the ice maker 300 may further include a first connector, which can be connected to the ice-making tray 400. One of the first connector and the partition 500 may be provided with a first sliding recess, which may be positioned vertically in the z-direction. The other of the first connector and the partition 500 may be provided with a first sliding protrusion, which can slide within the first sliding recess. For example, the first sliding recess may be provided on the first connector, and the first sliding protrusion may be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the partition 500. The partition 500 and the first connector can be slidably connected vertically in the z-direction via the mutually cooperating first sliding recess and first sliding protrusion, thereby allowing the partition 500 to be indirectly slidably connected to the ice-making tray 400 via the first connector. Compared to the partition 500 and the ice-making tray 400 being slidably connected via the first guide rail pair, this simplifies the connection structure between the partition 500 and the ice-making tray 400, which helps reduce the parts cost of the ice maker 300.

[0278] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, one of the ice-making tray 400 and the separator 500 may be provided with a first sliding post 431. The first sliding post 431 may be arranged along the vertical z-axis. The other of the ice-making tray 400 and the separator 500 may be provided with a first sliding through hole 521. The first sliding through hole 521 may be fitted onto the first sliding post 431 and may slide along the first sliding post 431. The ice-making tray 400 and the separator 500 can be slidably connected through the mutually cooperating first sliding post 431 and first sliding through hole 521. The first sliding post 431 can guide the separator 500 in the vertical z-axis, which helps to prevent the separator 500 from deflecting during sliding.

[0279] The first sliding post 431 can be set on the separator 500, and the first sliding through hole 521 can be set on the ice making tray 400.

[0280] Or, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10The first sliding post 431 can be disposed on the ice-making tray 400. For example, the first sliding post 431 can be disposed on the top side of the first connecting part 430, which helps to prevent the first sliding post 431 from obstructing the water tank 410. The first sliding through hole 521 can be disposed on the separator 500. For example, the first sliding through hole 521 can be disposed on the first connecting plate 520. Since the first sliding post 431 is disposed on the ice-making tray 400, and the ice-making tray 400 is fixedly disposed, the first sliding post 431 can be made more stable, thereby improving the stability of the separator 500 when sliding relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0281] For example, there can be multiple first sliding posts 431. These multiple first sliding posts 431 can be spaced apart circumferentially on the ice-making tray 400. There can also be multiple first sliding through holes 521. These multiple first sliding through holes 521 can be arranged one-to-one with the multiple first sliding posts 431. Each first sliding through hole 521 can be fitted onto its corresponding first sliding post 431. This arrangement allows the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400 to slide at multiple positions circumferentially on the ice-making tray 400, which helps improve the stability of the separator 500 when sliding relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0282] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the separator 500 can be manually driven so that the separator 500 can slide relative to the ice tray 400 in the vertical z direction.

[0283] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the separator 500 can be manually pushed so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice-making tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the separator 500 can be manually pulled to remove it from the water tank 410. By manually providing driving force to the separator 500, there is no need to provide an additional drive mechanism for the separator 500, which simplifies the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and reduces the difficulty of producing, assembling, and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0284] In some other possible implementations of this application, the ice maker 300 may further include a first drive mechanism 600. The first drive mechanism 600 can act on the ice-making tray 400 or the divider 500. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in a first ice-making mode, the first drive mechanism 600 can drive the ice-making tray 400 or the divider 500 so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. The first drive mechanism 600 is capable of automatic control. By setting the first drive mechanism 600 to provide driving force to the divider 500, the intelligence of the ice maker 300 is improved, user operation steps are simplified, and thus the user experience is enhanced.

[0285] The first drive mechanism 600 can be connected to one of the slidable components, the separator 500 and the ice-making tray 400, to drive the slidable component to slide along the vertical z-axis. For example, when the ice-making tray 400 is slidable along the vertical z-axis, the first drive mechanism 600 can be connected to the ice-making tray 400 to drive the ice-making tray 400 to slide toward or away from the separator 500.

[0286] The following description uses the example of a separator 500 that can slide vertically along the z-axis, with the first drive mechanism 600 connected to the separator 500, to illustrate the relevant aspects of the first drive mechanism 600. When the ice-making tray 400 can slide vertically along the z-axis, and the first drive mechanism 600 is connected to the ice-making tray 400, the relevant aspects of the first drive mechanism 600 can be referred to in the following description, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0287] In some possible implementations of this application's embodiments, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a first motor. The first motor can be used to provide driving force. (See reference...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first drive mechanism 600 may further include a first rotating shaft 610. The first rotating shaft 610 may be arranged horizontally and connected to a first motor to rotate under the drive of the first motor. The first drive mechanism 600 may further include at least one first cam 620. The first cam 620 may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate under the drive of the first rotating shaft 610.

[0288] like Figure 13 As shown, when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate. The first rotating shaft 610 can drive the first cam 620 to rotate until it abuts against the separator 500, and push the separator 500 to slide along the vertical z-direction towards the ice-making tray 400, that is, along... Figure 13 Slide in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow to insert at least a portion of the separator 500 into the water tank 410.

[0289] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate in the opposite direction. The first rotating shaft 610 can drive the first cam 620 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the first cam 620 is separated from the separator 500, thereby allowing the separator 500 to leave the water tank 410.

[0290] In the first drive mechanism 600 of this implementation, the first motor drives the first cam 620 to rotate via the first rotating shaft 610. The first cam 620 pushes the separator 500, allowing the separator 500 to slide vertically in the z-direction. Because the first cam 620 has a simple structure, it is suitable for mass production and application, which helps reduce the component cost of the first drive mechanism 600. Furthermore, the first cam 620 is easy to replace, which helps reduce the maintenance cost of the first drive mechanism 600.

[0291] For example, the first motor can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 via a mounting bracket 440 to improve the structural compactness of the ice maker 300. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the mounting base 440 may further include a second mounting plate 442. The second mounting plate 442 may be located on the side of one of the first mounting plates 441 opposite to the ice-making tray 400. The second mounting plate 442 may be perpendicular to the first mounting plate 441. The second mounting plate 442 may be connected to the first mounting plate 441 to form a mounting space 443 for accommodating the first motor. The first motor may be connected to the first mounting plate 441, the second mounting plate 442, or both the first and second mounting plates 441.

[0292] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second fixing plate 442 can be located on the side of the left first fixing plate 441 facing away from the ice-making tray 400. The second fixing plate 442 can be set along the xoy plane. The end of the second fixing plate 442 facing the left first fixing plate 441 can be connected to the bottom end of the left first fixing plate 441, so as to maximize the installation space 443 enclosed by the second fixing plate 442 and the left first fixing plate 441, which is beneficial to provide a sufficiently large installation space 443 for the first motor.

[0293] It is understood that the second fixing plate 442 can also be located on the side of the first fixing plate 441 on the right side away from the ice making tray 400. For details, please refer to the above description. This application embodiment will not repeat the details.

[0294] For example, the first rotating shaft 610 can be rotatably connected to the fixed base 440 about a horizontal axis. The fixed base 440 can support the first rotating shaft 610 to improve the smoothness of the rotation of the first rotating shaft 610. For example Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, both first fixing plates 441 of the fixing base 440 can be provided with first rotating holes 444. The first rotating holes 444 of the two first fixing plates 441 can be arranged opposite to each other. The two ends of the first rotating shaft 610 can be respectively inserted into the first rotating holes 444 of the two first fixing plates 441, and can rotate within the first rotating holes 444, so that the first rotating shaft 610 is arranged in the horizontal direction and can rotate around the horizontal direction. One end of the first rotating shaft 610 passes through the corresponding first rotating hole 444 and is connected to the first motor. When the first motor is activated, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate around the horizontal axis.

[0295] The first cam 620 can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610. There can be at least one first cam 620. That is, there can be one or more first cams 620.

[0296] For example Figure 13 As shown, when there are multiple first cams 620, they can be spaced apart along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 610. During the ice-making process of the ice maker 300 in the second ice-making mode, when the first motor drives the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate, the first rotating shaft 610 can drive multiple first cams 620 to rotate synchronously. The multiple first cams 620 can abut against the separator 500 and jointly push the separator 500 to slide along the vertical z-axis towards the ice-making plate 400. The multiple first cams 620 can apply thrust to the separator 500 at multiple positions along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 610, which helps to improve the uniformity of the thrust on the separator 500, thereby improving the sliding stability of the separator 500.

[0297] like Figure 10 As shown, the ice maker 300 may further include a first elastic element 630, which can apply a first elastic force to the separator 500, allowing the separator 500 to move away from the ice-making tray 400. When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate in the opposite direction, the first rotating shaft 610 drives the first cam 620 to rotate in the opposite direction to move away from the separator 500. The separator 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the first elastic force provided by the first elastic element 630. By setting the first elastic element 630, when the first driving mechanism 600 is not acting on the separator 500, the separator 500 can automatically slide away from the ice-making tray 400, thus eliminating the need for manual operation of the separator 500 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0298] For example, the first elastic element 630 can be a first tension spring. The first tension spring can be disposed above the separator 500. The first end of the first tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the first tension spring can be connected to the separator 500. When the first cam 620 pushes the separator 500 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, the separator 500 can pull the first tension spring, causing the first tension spring to undergo tensile deformation, thereby generating a first elastic force. The direction of the first elastic force is the direction from the ice-making tray 400 to the separator 500. When the first cam 620 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the separator 500, the separator 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the first elastic force, thereby allowing the separator 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0299] Or, such as Figures 10 to 14 As shown, the first elastic element 630 can be a first compression spring. The first compression spring can be disposed below the separator 500. The first end of the first compression spring can abut against the separator 500. For example, the first end of the first compression spring can abut against the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500. The second end of the first compression spring can abut against the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the first compression spring can abut against the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400. When the first cam 620 pushes the separator 500 to slide toward the ice-making tray 400, the separator 500 can compress the first compression spring, causing the first compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby causing the first compression spring to generate a first elastic force. The direction of the first elastic force is the direction from the ice-making tray 400 toward the separator 500. When the first cam 620 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the separator 500, the separator 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the first elastic force, thereby allowing the separator 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0300] Compared to the first tension spring, the first compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the reliability of the automatic reset function of the separator 500.

[0301] When a first sliding post 431 is provided between the ice-making tray 400 and the separator 500, the first compression spring can be sleeved on the first sliding post 431. This arrangement allows the first sliding post 431 to position the first compression spring, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure. Furthermore, the first sliding post 431 supports the first compression spring, improving its stability during deformation and thus enhancing the directional accuracy of the first elastic force.

[0302] In some other possible implementations of this application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a second motor. The second motor can be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft may be arranged horizontally and connected to the second motor so as to be rotatable under the drive of the second motor. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first gear. The first gear may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first rack. The first rack may be arranged vertically in the z-direction and connected to the spacer 500. The first rack may mesh with the first gear.

[0303] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the second motor can drive the second rotating shaft to rotate, the second rotating shaft can drive the first gear to rotate, and the first gear can drive the first rack and the separator 500 to slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400 so that at least a part of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0304] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the second motor can drive the second rotating shaft to rotate in the opposite direction. The second rotating shaft can drive the first gear to rotate in the opposite direction. The first gear can drive the first rack and the separator 500 to slide vertically away from the ice tray 400, so that the separator 500 leaves the water tank 410.

[0305] In the first drive mechanism 600 of this implementation, the second motor can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically in the z-direction via a meshing first gear and a first rack. The first drive mechanism 600 can provide bidirectional drive for the separator 500. Furthermore, since the meshing first gear and first rack have high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, it is beneficial to reduce the drive power requirements of the second motor and to enhance the positional accuracy of the separator 500 during sliding.

[0306] It should be noted that other related information regarding the second motor and the second shaft can be found in the above description of the first motor and the first shaft 610, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0307] In some other possible implementations of this application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a third motor. The third motor can be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first screw. The first screw may be arranged vertically in the z-direction and connected to the third motor to rotate under the drive of the third motor. The separator 500 may be provided with a first threaded hole, which can be sleeved on the first screw. For example, the first threaded hole may be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500.

[0308] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the third motor can drive the first screw to rotate. Since the first screw is threadedly connected to the separator 500 through the first threaded hole, the first screw can drive the separator 500 to slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a part of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0309] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third motor can drive the first screw to rotate in the opposite direction. The first screw can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically away from the ice tray 400, so that the separator 500 leaves the water tank 410.

[0310] In the first drive mechanism 600 of this implementation, the first screw is threadedly connected to the separator 500 through a first threaded hole. The third motor can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the first screw, enabling the first drive mechanism 600 to drive the separator 500 bidirectionally. Furthermore, since the first screw and the separator 500 are threadedly connected, they have high transmission efficiency and accuracy, which helps reduce the drive power requirements of the third motor and enhances the positional accuracy of the separator 500 during sliding. Moreover, the threaded transmission between the first screw and the separator 500 results in low transmission noise, which helps reduce the noise generated by the ice maker 300 during operation.

[0311] For example, the external thread of the first screw and the internal thread of the first threaded hole can both be self-locking threads. This configuration allows the separator 500 to have a self-locking function, and the separator 500 can maintain a stable position in the vertical z direction without the action of external force. This helps to prevent the separator 500 from undesirably sliding along the vertical z direction and affecting the ice-making performance of the ice maker 300.

[0312] In some other possible implementations of this application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a fourth motor. The fourth motor can be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first connecting rod. The first end of the first connecting rod may be rotatably connected to the ice-making tray 400 or the fixed base 440, and connected to the fourth motor so that it can rotate under the drive of the fourth motor. The second end of the first connecting rod may be provided with a first push post. The separator 500 may include a first side plate arranged vertically in the z direction. The first side plate may be provided with a second sliding recess. The second sliding recess may extend horizontally. The second sliding recess may be sleeved on the first push post.

[0313] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the fourth motor can drive the first end of the first connecting rod to rotate, and the second end of the first connecting rod can drive the first push column, so that the first push column can rotate and slide in the second sliding recess, and so that the first push column pushes the bottom wall of the second sliding recess, so that the separator 500 slides along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, thereby allowing at least a portion of the separator 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0314] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the fourth motor can drive the first end of the first connecting rod to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second end of the first connecting rod can drive the first push column, so that the first push column can rotate in the opposite direction and slide in the opposite direction in the second sliding recess, and so that the first push column pushes the top wall of the second sliding recess, so that the separator 500 slides in the vertical z direction away from the ice tray 400, thereby allowing the separator 500 to leave the water tank 410.

[0315] In the first drive mechanism 600 of this implementation, the fourth motor can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the first link and the first push column, enabling the first drive mechanism 600 to drive the separator 500 bidirectionally. Furthermore, the fourth motor drives the separator 500 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the first link. The first link and its connection structure with the separator 500 are simple, which helps reduce the structural complexity of the first drive mechanism 600, thereby improving the ease of assembly and maintenance. Moreover, the first link has a low cost, which helps reduce the component cost of the first drive mechanism 600.

[0316] In some other possible implementations of this application, the first driving mechanism 600 may include a first electromagnet. When the first electromagnet is energized, it can generate a magnetic field. The first driving mechanism 600 may also include a first ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element may be arranged opposite to the first electromagnet in the vertical z-direction. One of the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic element may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the other may be connected to the partition 500. When the first electromagnet is energized, the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic element may attract each other due to the magnetic field. The first electromagnet or the first ferromagnetic element may drive the partition 500 to slide in the vertical z-direction toward or away from the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the partition 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 or the partition 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0317] In the first drive mechanism 600 of this implementation, the separator 500 can be driven to slide vertically in the z-direction through the magnetic attraction between the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic component. This eliminates the need for other transmission structures, reducing the structural complexity of the first drive mechanism 600 and thus improving the ease of assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, by energizing and de-energizing the first electromagnet, the movement direction of the first ferromagnetic component can be controlled, thereby controlling the sliding direction of the separator 500, which further reduces the control difficulty of the first drive mechanism 600.

[0318] One of the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic component may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while the others may be connected to the partition 500. For example, the first electromagnet may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the first ferromagnetic component may be connected to the partition 500. Alternatively, the first electromagnet may be connected to the partition 500, and the first ferromagnetic component may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200.

[0319] The technical solution of this application embodiment will be specifically described below, taking the example of the first electromagnet being installed on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the first ferromagnetic component being connected to the partition 500. The technical solution of connecting the first electromagnet to the partition 500 and installing the first ferromagnetic component on the housing 100 or the door 200 can be referred to the following description, and will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0320] When the first electromagnet is energized, it can attract the first ferromagnetic component, causing the first electromagnet to move toward the first electromagnet. The first ferromagnetic component can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically z toward or away from the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 or the separator 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0321] The first electromagnet can be located below the first ferromagnetic component. For example, when the ice tray 400 is fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, the first electromagnet can also be connected to the ice tray 400 or the mounting base 440.

[0322] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the first electromagnet can be energized to attract the first ferromagnetic component to move downwards. The first ferromagnetic component can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically z toward the ice-making tray 400 so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0323] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the first electromagnet can be de-energized and will not attract the first ferromagnetic component, so that the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 can slide vertically away from the ice tray 400, so that the separator 500 can leave the water tank 410.

[0324] The ice maker 300 may also include a second elastic element. This second elastic element applies a second elastic force to the separator 500, allowing it to slide away from the ice-making tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic element, the separator 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thus leaving the water tank 410. By providing the second elastic element, the separator 500 can automatically leave the water tank 410 when the first electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0325] For example, the second elastic element can be a second tension spring. The second tension spring can be positioned above the partition 500. The first end of the second tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the second tension spring can be connected to the partition 500. When the first electromagnet is energized and attracts the first ferromagnetic element, causing the partition 500 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, the partition 500 can pull the second tension spring, causing the second tension spring to undergo tensile deformation, thereby generating a second elastic force. The direction of the second elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 towards the partition 500. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic element, the partition 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thereby allowing the partition 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0326] Alternatively, the second elastic element can be a second compression spring. The second compression spring can be positioned below the separator 500. The first end of the second compression spring can abut against the separator 500. For example, the first end of the second compression spring can abut against the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500. The second end of the second compression spring can abut against the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the second compression spring can abut against the top side of the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400. When the first electromagnet is energized and attracts the first ferromagnetic element, causing the first ferromagnetic element to slide the separator 500 towards the ice-making tray 400, the separator 500 can compress the second compression spring, causing the second compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby generating a second elastic force. The direction of the second elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 towards the separator 500. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic element, the separator 500 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thereby allowing the separator 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0327] Compared to the second tension spring, the second compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the reliability of the automatic separation of the separator 500 from the water tank 410.

[0328] The first electromagnet can also be located above the first ferromagnetic component. The first electromagnet can be energized to attract the first ferromagnetic component to move upwards. The first ferromagnetic component can drive the separator 500 to slide vertically away from the ice-making tray 400, allowing the separator 500 to leave the water tank 410. At this time, the separator 500 or the ice-making tray 400 can be cleaned or maintained, or the ice maker 300 can make ice in a second ice-making mode, etc.

[0329] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, the first ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, and the first electromagnet will not attract the first ferromagnetic component, so that the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 can slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0330] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the first ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, the first electromagnet can no longer attract the first ferromagnetic component, and the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 can slide vertically towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of gravity, so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism for the separator 500 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, further simplifying the structure of the ice maker 300 and improving the ease of assembly and maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0331] Alternatively, the ice maker 300 may also include a third elastic element. This third elastic element can be used to apply a third elastic force to the separator 500, causing it to slide towards the ice-making tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic element, the separator 500 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the separator 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410. By providing the third elastic element, the separator 500 can be automatically inserted into the water tank 410 when the first electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation of the separator 500 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0332] For example, the third elastic element may be a third tension spring. The third tension spring may be disposed below the separator 500. The first end of the third tension spring may be connected to the separator 500. For example, the first end of the third tension spring may be connected to the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500. The second end of the third tension spring may be connected to the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the third tension spring may be connected to the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400.

[0333] When the first electromagnet is energized and attracts the first ferromagnetic component, causing the separator 500 to slide away from the ice-making tray 400, the separator 500 can pull the third tension spring, causing the third tension spring to stretch and generate a third elastic force. The direction of the third elastic force is that the separator 500 points towards the ice-making tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic component, the separator 500 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the separator 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0334] Alternatively, the third elastic element can be a third compression spring. The third compression spring can be positioned above the partition 500. The first end of the third compression spring can abut against the partition 500. For example, the first end of the third compression spring can abut against the top side of the first connecting plate 520 of the partition 500. The second end of the third compression spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200. When the first electromagnet is energized and attracts the first ferromagnetic element, causing the partition 500 to slide away from the ice-making tray 400, the partition 500 can compress the third compression spring, causing the third compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby generating a third elastic force. The direction of the third elastic force is that the partition 500 points towards the ice-making tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic element, the partition 500 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the partition 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0335] Compared to the third tension spring, the third compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the functional reliability of the separator 500.

[0336] For example, there may be at least two first electromagnets. In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, at least two first electromagnets may be respectively disposed above and below the first ferromagnetic element. That is, some of the first electromagnets may be located above the separator 500, and the other part of the first electromagnets may be located below the separator 500.

[0337] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the first electromagnet located below the first ferromagnetic component can be energized, and the first electromagnet located above the first ferromagnetic component can be de-energized. The first electromagnet located below can attract the first ferromagnetic component to move downwards, and the first ferromagnetic component can drive the separator 500 to move vertically z toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0338] When cleaning or maintaining the separator 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the first electromagnet located below the first ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, and the first electromagnet located above the first ferromagnetic component can be energized. The first electromagnet located above can attract the first ferromagnetic component to move upward, and the first ferromagnetic component can drive the separator 500 to move vertically z-way away from the ice tray 400, so that the separator 500 can leave the water tank 410.

[0339] The first ferromagnetic component can be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, or iron-nickel-cobalt alloys. It is understood that the first ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0340] For example, the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 can be separate structures, and can be fixedly connected by bolts, rivets, or other connecting structures. This configuration allows the first ferromagnetic component to be easily removed from the separator 500, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of both components and helping to ensure the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, when the first ferromagnetic component or the separator 500 is damaged or needs replacement, only the first ferromagnetic component or the separator 500 needs to be replaced, rather than replacing both components simultaneously, thus reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0341] For example, the separator 500 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 can be a single integrated structure. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500, allowing them to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500, thereby improving the structural stability and durability of the ice maker 300 and reducing the risk of unintended separation due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure. Furthermore, by making the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 a single integrated structure, they can be manufactured using integral molding methods such as casting, reducing the processing difficulty. Moreover, by making the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 a single integrated structure, assembly of the first ferromagnetic component and the separator 500 is eliminated, reducing the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and thus improving its production efficiency.

[0342] For example, at least a portion of the separator 500 may be made of a ferromagnetic material to form a first ferromagnetic material. For instance, the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500 may be made of a ferromagnetic material, thus the first connecting plate 520 is the first ferromagnetic element. This arrangement simplifies the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300, thereby improving the ease of assembly, maintenance, and other aspects of the ice maker 300.

[0343] refer to Figures 11 to 14 A flow channel 515 can be provided between at least two of the multiple ice trays 411, allowing the at least two ice trays 411 to be connected. During the ice-making process of the ice maker 300 in the second ice-making mode, when at least a portion of the separator 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the separator 500 will compress the water in the water tank 410. By providing a flow channel 515 between at least two ice trays 411 to connect them, the compressed water can flow within the connected ice trays 411. This allows the water in the at least two ice trays 411 to flow level again after the separator 500 is inserted, making the water level in the at least two ice trays 411 as equal as possible and preventing splashing of the compressed water. This helps to ensure the uniformity of the water level in the ice trays 411, thereby improving the uniformity of the ice volume.

[0344] It should be noted that at least two of the multiple ice trays 411 can be connected through the flow channel 515. This means that the number of ice trays 411 connected through the flow channel 515 can be two or more.

[0345] At least two ice trays 411 connected by the flow channel 515 can be adjacent, which helps to shorten the length of the flow channel 515 and thus reduce the processing difficulty of the flow channel 515. Alternatively, at least two ice trays 411 connected by the flow channel 515 can also be non-adjacent. Considering factors such as the layout of the ice trays 411 and the position of the water inlet pipe, at least two ice trays 411 in suitable positions can be connected, thereby improving the design flexibility of the ice maker 300.

[0346] The number of flow channels 515 between connected ice trays 411 can be at least one. That is, the number of flow channels 515 between connected ice trays 411 can be one or more.

[0347] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, any two adjacent ice trays 411 can each have a flow channel 515. This arrangement allows multiple ice trays 411 to be connected via shorter flow channels 515, enabling water squeezed by the separator 500 to flow more quickly into each ice tray 411, thus improving water flow efficiency and ice-making speed. Furthermore, it simplifies the structure of the ice tray 400, reducing the structural complexity of the ice maker 300 and improving assembly efficiency, thereby increasing the refrigerator's production efficiency.

[0348] The flow channel can be located on the separator 500 or at the bottom of the water tank 410. For example... Figure 15 In the separator 500, when the separator 510 includes a first separator plate 511 and a second separator plate 512, a communication channel 412 may be provided on the first separator plate 511 and / or the second separator plate 512.

[0349] For example, refer to Figure 16 The flow channel 515 and the connecting channel 412 can be reused. That is, the connecting channel 412 can be used as the flow channel 515. The connecting channel 412 and the flow channel 515 can be the same channel. This configuration simplifies the structure of the ice maker 300, thereby reducing the difficulty of producing, assembling and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0350] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 16The first connecting plate 520 may be provided with a first vent 522, which can be connected to the ice tray 411. During the ice-making process of the ice maker 300 in the first ice-making mode, when at least a portion of the separator 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the separator 500 will compress the water in the water tank 410 and the air in the ice tray 411. By providing the first vent 522 on the first connecting plate 520, the compressed air in the ice tray 411 can flow out through the first vent 522, which helps to prevent the compressed air from acting on the water and causing splashing, thereby helping to ensure the height uniformity of the water in the ice tray 411, and thus helping to improve the volume uniformity of the ice.

[0351] The number of separators 500 can be at least two, meaning that the number of separators 500 can be two or more.

[0352] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 17 to 23 The number of dividers 500 can be at least two. At least two dividers 500 can be sequentially arranged vertically in the z-direction. In two adjacent dividers 500, the lower divider 500 is configured to be inserted into the water tank 410 after the water has leveled out, to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice trays 411, and to separate the water in the water tank 410 into the ice trays 411. The upper divider 500 is configured to be inserted into the ice trays 411, to divide the ice trays 411 into multiple sub-ice trays 416, and to separate the water in the ice trays 411 into the sub-ice trays 416.

[0353] By incorporating at least two dividers 500, the water tank 410 can be divided into smaller ice-making trays 411, where the water cools and freezes into smaller ice cubes; or the water tank 410 can be divided into even smaller sub-ice-making trays 416, where the water cools and freezes into even smaller ice cubes. This allows the ice maker 300 to produce ice cubes of varying sizes, thus better meeting user needs.

[0354] The following uses two separators 500 as an example to specifically describe the technical solution of the embodiments of this application. Technical solutions with more than two separators 500 can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0355] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18The number of dividers 500 can be two, and the two dividers 500 can be a first divider 530 and a second divider 540, respectively. The first divider 530 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice trays 411. The second divider 540 can be located above the first divider 530. The second divider 540 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the ice trays 411 to divide the ice trays 411 into a plurality of sub-ice trays 416.

[0356] The ice maker 300 can have a third ice-making mode, a fourth ice-making mode and a fifth ice-making mode.

[0357] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the third ice-making mode, the water inlet pipe can inject water into the water tank 410. After the water in the water tank 410 is leveled, the water in the water tank 410 is cooled and can be frozen into ice cubes of the third specification C.

[0358] refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the fourth ice-making mode, water can first be injected into the water tank 410 through the water inlet pipe. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, at least a portion of the first separator 530 can be inserted into the water tank 410, dividing the water in the water tank 410 into multiple ice-making compartments 411. The water in the ice-making compartments 411 can be cooled and condensed into fourth-size ice cubes D. The volume of the fourth-size ice cube D can be smaller than the volume of the third-size ice cube C.

[0359] refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the fifth ice-making mode, water can first be injected into the water tank 410 through the water inlet pipe. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled out, at least a portion of the first separator 530 can be inserted into the water tank 410, dividing the water in the water tank 410 into multiple ice-making compartments 411. At least a portion of the second separator 540 can be inserted into the ice-making compartments 411, dividing the water in the ice-making compartments 411 into multiple sub-ice-making compartments 416. The water in the sub-ice-making compartments 416 can be cooled and condensed into fifth-size ice cubes E. The volume of the fifth-size ice cube E can be smaller than the volume of the fourth-size ice cube D.

[0360] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the first separator 530 and the second separator 540, the ice maker 300 can make ice cubes of the third specification C, the fourth specification D and the fifth specification E, which increases the number of ice cube specifications and helps to meet the different ice needs of users.

[0361] It should be noted that for other related information regarding the first separator 530 and the second separator 540, please refer to the above description of the separator 500. This application embodiment will not repeat the details.

[0362] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the first connecting plate 520 of the first separator 530 may be provided with a plurality of first insertion holes 531. The plurality of first insertion holes 531 may correspond to a plurality of ice trays 411. Each first insertion hole 531 is connected to its corresponding ice tray 411. The second separator 540 may have a plurality of partition portions 510, and the plurality of partition portions 510 may correspond to a plurality of first insertion holes 531. Each partition portion 510 may be inserted into the ice tray 411 via a first insertion hole 531.

[0363] For example, the first insertion hole 531 and the first vent hole 522 can be reused. That is, the first insertion hole 531 and the first vent hole 522 can be the same through hole. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the first separator 530, thereby reducing the difficulty of producing, assembling and maintaining the ice maker 300, etc.

[0364] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, and with reference Figures 19 to 24 In the second partition 540, a clearance channel may be provided between two adjacent partitions 510. When at least a portion of the second partition 540 is inserted into the ice tray 411, the clearance channel can be used to accommodate at least the partitions 510 of the first partition 530. By providing a clearance channel between two adjacent partitions 510 in the second partition 540, interference between the second partition 540 and the first partition 530 is prevented during the insertion of the second partition 540 into the ice tray 411, thereby helping to ensure the functional reliability of the ice maker 300.

[0365] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 25 and Figure 26 The first divider 530 can be disposed within the water tank 410. The first divider 530 can be configured to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice-making trays 411, wherein at least two ice-making trays 411 are connected at their lower parts. A water inlet pipe can be configured to inject water into at least one of the connected ice-making trays 411. The second divider 540 can be configured to be at least partially insertable into the ice-making trays 411 to divide the ice-making trays 411 into multiple sub-ice-making trays 416. In this embodiment, by disposing of the first divider 530 within the water tank 410, there is no need to control the first divider 530 during the ice-making process of the ice maker 300, which helps to reduce the control difficulty of the ice maker 300.

[0366] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 A first divider 530 can be disposed within a water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into multiple ice-making trays 411. A connecting channel 412 can be provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the first divider 530 located within the water tank 410, the connecting channel 412 connecting at least two of the multiple ice-making trays 411. A water inlet pipe can be configured to inject water into at least one ice-making tray 411 connected to the connecting channel 412. A second divider 540 can be configured to be at least partially insertable into the ice-making tray 411 to divide the ice-making tray 411 into multiple sub-ice-making trays 416.

[0367] Ice maker 300 can have a sixth and a seventh ice-making mode. (Reference) Figure 27 and Figure 28 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the sixth ice-making mode, the water inlet pipe can inject water into at least one ice-making tray 411, and the water in the at least one ice-making tray 411 can flow into other ice-making trays 411 connected to the communication channel 412 via the communication channel 412. The water in the ice-making trays 411 can be cooled and condensed into sixth-size ice cubes F.

[0368] refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the water inlet pipe can inject water into at least one ice-making compartment 411, and the water in the at least one ice-making compartment 411 can flow into other ice-making compartments 411 via the connecting channel 412. At least a portion of the second separator 540 can be inserted into the ice-making compartment 411, so that the water in the ice-making compartment 411 can be divided into multiple sub-ice-making compartments 416, and the water in the sub-ice-making compartments 416 can be condensed into seventh-size ice cubes G upon cooling. The volume of the seventh-size ice cube G can be smaller than the volume of the sixth-size ice cube F.

[0369] and Figures 17 to 24 Compared to the previous design where the first separator 530 could be inserted into the water tank 410, placing the first separator 530 inside the water tank 410 eliminates the need to insert or remove it during ice making, simplifying the control of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, since the first separator 530 is inserted into the water tank 410 and does not need to be removed, no space needs to be reserved for its movement, reducing the required installation space 443 for the ice maker 300 and thus improving space utilization within the refrigerator.

[0370] It should be noted that the relevant content regarding the connection channel 412 can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0371] The ice maker 300 of this application embodiment may also have an ice removal function that separates ice blocks from the ice making tray 400 and the separator 500.

[0372] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 31 , Figure 32 and Figure 33 The ice tray 400 can be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 100 or the door 200 around a horizontal axis. For example... Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, the ice-making tray 400 is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending along a first direction x. Ice removal can be performed by rotating the ice-making tray 400 about the horizontal axis, i.e., by flipping the ice-making tray 400.

[0373] like Figure 33 As shown, the ice maker 300 may include a mounting base 450. The ice-making tray 400 can be connected to the mounting base 450, and the mounting base 450 can be rotatably connected to the fixed base 440 about a horizontal axis. The ice-making tray 400 is indirectly rotatably connected to the fixed base 440 via the mounting base 450, which helps prevent the connection structure between the ice-making tray 400 and the fixed base 440 from affecting the shape of the ice-making tray 400. This, in turn, helps prevent the connection structure from affecting the shape of the water tank 410, and thus helps ensure the shape of the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 300.

[0374] For example, the mounting base 450 may be provided with a mounting groove 451. The ice tray 400 may be installed in the mounting groove 451. The side walls and bottom walls of the mounting groove 451 can position the ice tray 400, which helps to improve the relative positional accuracy between the mounting base 450 and the ice tray 400.

[0375] For example, in the mounting base 440, each first fixing plate 441 may have a second connecting portion 445 on the side facing the other first fixing plate 441. The two second connecting portions 445 may be arranged opposite to each other. Each second connecting portion 445 may have a second rotating hole 446 on the side facing the other second connecting portion 445. The second rotating holes 446 of the two second connecting portions 445 are arranged opposite to each other. The ice maker 300 may also include a first rotating shaft 452. The number of first rotating shafts 452 may be two. The two first rotating shafts 452 may extend in a horizontal direction. The two first rotating shafts 452 may be respectively connected to both sides of the mounting base 450. One first rotating shaft 452 is inserted into one second rotating hole 446, and the other first rotating shaft 452 is inserted into the other second rotating hole 446.

[0376] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the ice-making tray 400 can be manually rotated to flip it over. That is, the ice maker 300 can have a manual ice removal function. By manually rotating the ice-making tray 400, there is no need to set up an additional drive mechanism for the ice-making tray 400, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300, thereby reducing the difficulty of producing, assembling and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0377] In some other possible implementations of this application, the ice maker 300 may further include a second drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism can act on the ice-making tray 400 to drive the ice-making tray 400 to rotate, thereby causing the ice-making tray 400 to flip. The second drive mechanism is capable of automatic control. By setting the second drive mechanism to provide driving force to the ice-making tray 400, the ice maker 300 can have an automatic ice-removing function, which helps to improve the intelligence of the ice maker 300, simplify user operation steps, and thus improve the user experience.

[0378] For example, the second drive mechanism may include a fifth motor. The fifth motor may be used to provide driving force. The fifth motor may be connected to the first rotating shaft 452 to drive the first rotating shaft 452 to rotate, which may drive the mounting base 450 and the ice-making tray 400 to rotate.

[0379] For example, the second drive mechanism may also include a first electric actuator. The first electric actuator may have a telescopic rod. The first electric actuator may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the telescopic rod of the first electric actuator may be connected to the mounting base 450. When the telescopic rod extends or retracts, it can drive the mounting base 450 to rotate and reverse about the axis of the first rotation shaft 452.

[0380] refer to Figure 34 , Figure 35 and Figure 36 The ice maker 300 may further include a first de-icing device 460. The first de-icing device 460 may be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. For example, the first de-icing device 460 may be connected to a mounting base 440. The first de-icing device 460 may have an ejector portion 461. The ice maker 300 may have a first de-icing mode. When the ice maker 300 de-ices in the first de-icing mode, a second drive mechanism may drive the ice-making tray 400 to rotate until it abuts against the ejector portion 461, thereby causing the ice cubes inside the ice-making tray 400 to be ejected.

[0381] The first de-icing device 460 is provided with a top part 461, which abuts against the ice-making tray 400 when the ice-making tray 400 is flipped, thereby realizing the de-icing function. There is no need to set an additional drive mechanism for the first de-icing device 460, which simplifies the mechanical structure of the first de-icing device 460 and reduces the control difficulty of the ice maker 300 when de-icing.

[0382] The following description uses the technical solution where the first separator 530 is disposed within the ice-making tray 400 as an example to illustrate the relevant content of the first de-icing device 460. When the first de-icing device 460 is applied to technical solutions where the first separator 530 can be inserted into the water tank 410 and other technical solutions, the following description can be used as a reference, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0383] refer to Figures 35 to 37 The first de-icing device 460 may include a mounting plate 462. The mounting plate 462 may be fixedly mounted vertically on the housing 100 or the door 200; for example, the mounting plate 462 may be connected to a mounting base 440. The mounting plate 462 may be located on the outside of the ice-making tray 400. A top-mounted portion 461 may be located on the side of the mounting plate 462 facing the ice-making tray 400. The mounting plate 462 provides a mounting reference for the top-mounted portion 461, and by providing the mounting plate 462, the ease of adjusting the top-mounted portion 461 is improved during the manufacturing and assembly of the ice-making machine 300.

[0384] For example, the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 can be an integral structure. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440, allowing for direct connection. This enhances the connection strength between the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440, thereby improving the structural stability and durability of the first de-icing device 460 and reducing the risk of unintended separation of the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure.

[0385] Furthermore, by making the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 into an integral structure, the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 can be processed by integral molding processes such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the ice maker 300.

[0386] Furthermore, by integrating the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 into a single structure, there is no need to assemble the mounting plate 462 and the fixing base 440 separately, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and thus improves the production efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0387] Ice maker 300 may have a sixth ice-making mode. When ice maker 300 makes ice in the sixth ice-making mode, refer to... Figure 37 The water inlet pipe can fill at least one ice tray 411 with water, and the water in the at least one ice tray 411 can flow into other ice trays 411 via a flow passage. (Reference) Figure 38 The water in the ice tray 411 can be cooled and frozen into sixth-size ice cubes F.

[0388] Ice maker 300 can have a first de-icing mode. (Reference) Figure 36 and refer to Figure 39 and Figure 40 When the ice maker 300 is de-icing in the first de-icing mode, the ice-making tray 400 can rotate to abut against the ejector 461, so that the sixth-sized ice cube F inside the ice-making tray 400 can be ejected. Before the ice maker 300 makes ice, the second drive mechanism can drive the ice-making tray 400 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the ice-making tray 400 moves away from the ejector 461.

[0389] For example, there can be multiple ejector portions 461, which can be arranged at intervals on the mounting plate 462. The multiple ejector portions 461 can abut against multiple positions of the ice-making tray 400 to apply force evenly to the ice-making tray 400, causing deformation at multiple positions of the ice-making tray 400. This helps to make all the ice in the ice-making tray 400 fall out and helps to prevent ice leakage.

[0390] For example, the ice tray 400 can be made of a flexible material, such as plastic, rubber, or a flexible metal. By making the material of the ice tray 400 flexible, the ice tray 400 is more likely to deform when it abuts against the ejector 461, thereby making it easier for the ice to detach from the ice tray 400.

[0391] For example, the bottom of the mounting groove 451 in the mounting base 450 can be hollowed out to expose the bottom of the ice-making tray 400. With this configuration, when the ice maker 300 is de-icing in the first de-icing mode, the ejector part 461 can directly abut against the bottom of the ice-making tray 400, which helps to ensure the de-icing effect of the ice.

[0392] like Figures 34 to 36 As shown, the ice maker 300 may further include a second de-icing device 700. The second de-icing device 700 may be disposed above the second divider 540. The second de-icing device 700 may be configured to push the ice blocks of the sub-ice grid 416 downward.

[0393] Ice maker 300 can also have a seventh ice-making mode. When ice maker 300 makes ice in the seventh ice-making mode, refer to... Figure 41 A water inlet pipe can fill at least one ice tray 411 with water, which can then flow into other ice trays 411 via a flow passage. At least a portion of a second separator 540 can be inserted into the ice tray 411, allowing the water in the ice tray 411 to be divided into multiple sub-ice trays 416. (Reference) Figure 42 The water in the ice tray 416 can be cooled and frozen into a seventh-sized ice cube G. The volume of the seventh-sized ice cube G can be smaller than the volume of the sixth-sized ice cube F.

[0394] Ice maker 300 can have a second de-icing mode. (Reference) Figure 43When the ice maker 300 de-ices in the second de-ice mode, the ice tray 400 can rotate toward the first de-ice device 460 to open the sub-ice tray 416. The second de-ice device 700 pushes the seventh-sized ice block G in the sub-ice tray 416 to remove the seventh-sized ice block G.

[0395] During the ice removal process in the first ice removal mode of the ice maker 300, after the ice tray 400 flips, some seventh-size ice cubes G may stick to the second separator 540. These seventh-size ice cubes G will not follow the ice tray 400, easily leading to the technical problem of incomplete ice removal. By setting up a second ice removal device 700, the second ice removal device 700 can push the seventh-size ice cubes G stuck to the second separator 540, thereby separating these seventh-size ice cubes G from the second separator 540 and helping to prevent ice leakage.

[0396] It should be noted that the details regarding the second de-icing device 700 will be described later, and will not be repeated here in this embodiment.

[0397] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 44 , Figure 45 and Figure 46 The bottom of the ice-making tray 400 may be equipped with a selectively openable first ice outlet 421. The first ice outlet 421 may be connected to a water tank 410. (Reference) Figure 47 and Figure 48 and refer to Figure 50 and Figure 51 When the ice maker 300 is making ice, the first ice outlet 421 can be in the closed state. (Reference) Figure 49 and refer to Figure 52 When the ice maker 300 is removing ice, the first ice outlet 421 can be in the open state, allowing ice cubes to be removed through the first ice outlet 421. Compared to removing ice by flipping the ice tray 400, by setting the first ice outlet 421 at the bottom of the ice tray 400, ice cubes in the ice grid 411 can be removed through the first ice outlet 421 at the bottom during the ice removal process, without needing to flip the ice tray 400, which helps reduce the difficulty of removing ice from the ice maker 300. In addition, there is no need to reserve space around the ice maker 300 for ice cubes to fall, which helps to reduce the working space of the ice maker 300.

[0398] The ice maker 300 may further include a first opening / closing device 470. The first opening / closing device 470 may be configured to selectively open or close the first ice outlet 421. The first opening / closing device 470 may include a blocking member 471, which is movable relative to the ice-making tray 400. The first opening / closing device 470 may have a closed state and an open state. When the first opening / closing device 470 is in the closed state, the blocking member 471 is movable relative to the ice-making tray 400 and can block at least part of the first ice outlet 421, allowing water to be contained in the water tank 410 so that the ice maker 300 can make ice. When the first opening / closing device 470 is in the open state, the blocking member 471 is movable in the opposite direction relative to the ice-making tray 400, and can open the first ice outlet 421, allowing ice cubes to exit through the first ice outlet 421, so that the ice maker 300 can de-ice.

[0399] For example, the blocking member 471 can slide relative to the ice-making tray 400. For instance, the ice-making tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the blocking member 471 can be slidably connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 along the vertical z-axis, so that the blocking member 471 can indirectly slide relative to the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical z-axis. When the blocking member 471 slides to the first position, it can block at least part of the first ice outlet 421. When the blocking member 471 slides to the second position, it can open the first ice outlet 421. By setting the blocking member 471 to be slidable relative to the ice-making tray 400 to open or close the first ice outlet 421, it is beneficial to reduce the space occupied by the blocking member 471 when it moves, thereby reducing the working space required by the ice maker 300 and further contributing to the miniaturization of the ice maker 300.

[0400] When the first opening / closing device 470 is in the open state, the blocking member 471 can be located at least partially below the first ice outlet 421. Ice blocks that detach from the first ice outlet 421 can fall onto the blocking member 471, thus allowing the blocking member 471 to be used to collect ice blocks. This arrangement improves the convenience of collecting ice blocks.

[0401] For example, such as Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the blocking member 471 can also rotate relative to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis. For example, the blocking member 471 can be rotatably connected to the ice-making tray 400. When the blocking member 471 is rotated to the third position, the blocking member 471 can block at least part of the first ice outlet 421, so that water can be contained in the water tank 410, allowing the ice maker 300 to make ice. When the blocking member 471 is rotated to the fourth position, the blocking member 471 can open the first ice outlet 421, so that ice blocks can be ejected through the first ice outlet 421, allowing the ice maker 300 to de-ice.

[0402] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the shielding member 471 can also be used to realize the ice detection function. Therefore, there is no need to set up an additional ice detection rod, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300.

[0403] The following description uses the example of the rotatable connection between the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400 to illustrate the relevant aspects of the first opening and closing device 470. Other technical solutions where the shielding member 471 can rotate relative to the ice-making tray 400 around a horizontal axis, and technical solutions where the shielding member 471 can slide relative to the ice-making tray 400, can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0404] like Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the shielding member 471 may include a first shielding plate 472 and a third connecting portion 473 connected together. The third connecting portion 473 can be rotatably connected to the ice-making tray 400. The first shielding plate 472 can be used to shield at least part of the first ice outlet 421. Since the structure of the first shielding plate 472 is simple, it is beneficial to simplify the structure of the shielding member 471 and improve the manufacturing efficiency of the shielding member 471.

[0405] The ice-making tray 400 may be provided with a fourth connecting portion 422. The first opening and closing device 470 may further include a second rotating shaft 474, which may be arranged horizontally. The fourth connecting portion 422 may be rotatably connected to the third connecting portion 473 via the second rotating shaft 474, thereby allowing the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400 to be rotatably connected about a horizontal axis via the second rotating shaft 474. Exemplarily, one of the third connecting portion 473 and the fourth connecting portion 422 may be provided with a third rotating hole 423. The other may be connected to the second rotating shaft 474. The second rotating shaft 474 may be inserted into the third rotating hole 423 and rotatable within the third rotating hole 423.

[0406] In some possible implementations of this application, the second rotation axis 474 can be arranged along the length direction of the ice-making tray 400. It should be noted that the ice-making tray 400 has a maximum size in a certain direction, which can be the length direction of the ice-making tray 400.

[0407] When the second rotating shaft 474 is set along the length of the ice-making tray 400, for example Figure 46 As shown, when the second rotating shaft 474 is arranged along the first direction x, the second rotating shaft 474 can be connected to the third connecting part 473, and the third rotating hole 423 can be provided on the fourth connecting part 422. This arrangement helps to shorten the length of the second rotating shaft 474, thereby helping to prevent the second rotating shaft 474 from deforming and affecting the rotation of the blocking member 471.

[0408] In some other possible implementations of this application, the second rotating shaft 474 may be arranged along the width direction of the water tank 410. It should be noted that the ice-making tray 400 has a minimum dimension in a certain direction, which may be the width direction of the ice-making tray 400.

[0409] When the second rotating shaft 474 is set along the width direction of the ice-making tray 400, such as Figure 57 and Figure 58 As shown, when the second rotating shaft 474 is arranged along the second direction y, the second rotating shaft 474 can be connected to the fourth connecting part 422, and the third rotating hole 423 can be provided on the third connecting part 473. This arrangement, while ensuring that the second rotating shaft 474 is not too long, helps to increase the contact area between the second rotating shaft 474 and the third rotating hole 423, thereby improving the rotational stability of the shielding member 471.

[0410] For example, there may be two third connecting portions 473. The two third connecting portions 473 may be spaced apart and arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction. For example... Figure 46 As shown, the two third connecting parts 473 can be spaced apart and arranged opposite each other in the first direction x. There can also be two fourth connecting parts 422. The two fourth connecting parts 422 can be respectively arranged corresponding to the two third connecting parts 473. Each fourth connecting part 422 can be rotatably connected to its corresponding third connecting part 473 via a second rotating shaft 474. By providing two third connecting parts 473 and two fourth connecting parts 422, the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400 can be rotatably connected at two positions in the horizontal direction, which helps to improve the stability of the shielding member 471 during rotation.

[0411] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 53 and Figure 54 The shielding member 471 may further include at least one second shielding plate 475. The second shielding plate 475 may intersect with the first shielding plate 472 to form a first connecting groove 476. The first connecting groove 476 may be fitted onto the ice-making tray 400. Compared to the shielding member 471 including the first shielding plate 472, by providing the second shielding plate 475 that forms the first connecting groove 476 with the first shielding plate 472, the connection area between the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400 can be increased, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400, thereby improving the reliability of the shielding member 471 when it is in the closed state. In addition, the second shielding plate 475 can also block the gap between the first shielding plate 472 and the ice-making tray 400, which is beneficial to preventing water in the water tank 410 from flowing out of the gap.

[0412] like Figures 45 to 54As shown, there can be one blocking member 471. This blocking member 471 allows all first ice outlets 421 to be opened or closed, simplifying the mechanical structure of the first opening / closing device 470. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the first opening / closing device 470, and improves the ease of manufacturing and assembling the ice maker 300. Furthermore, the simplified mechanical structure of the first opening / closing device 470 results in fewer potential failure points, thus improving the reliability and durability of the ice maker 300.

[0413] refer to Figures 55 to 61 The number of blocking members 471 can also be two, namely a first blocking member 477 and a second blocking member 478. The first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can be configured to rotate in opposite directions to open or close all the first ice outlets 421. That is, the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can be set opposite each other. With this configuration, compared to opening or closing all the first ice outlets 421 with one blocking member 471, when the size of the first ice outlets 421 remains unchanged, it is beneficial to reduce the space occupied by the blocking member 471 when rotating, thereby reducing the working space required by the ice maker 300 and improving the space utilization rate of the refrigerator.

[0414] For example, the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can be arranged horizontally. The side of the first blocking member 477 opposite to the second blocking member 478 can be rotatably connected to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis. The side of the second blocking member 478 opposite to the first blocking member 477 can be rotatably connected to the ice-making tray 400 about a horizontal axis. The first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can rotate in opposite directions to open or close the first ice outlet 421.

[0415] The connection structure between the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 and the ice-making tray 400 can be referred to the relevant description of the connection structure between the shielding member 471 and the ice-making tray 400 above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0416] The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can be arranged along the length of the ice-making tray 400. For example Figure 55 , Figure 56 and Figure 57 As shown, the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can be arranged along the first direction x. This arrangement helps to shorten the length of the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478, thereby reducing the processing and assembly difficulty of the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478.

[0417] The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can also be arranged along the width of the ice-making tray 400. For example Figure 59 , Figure 60 and Figure 61 As shown, the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 can be arranged along the second direction y. This arrangement helps to reduce the space occupied by the first blocking member 477 and the second blocking member 478 when they rotate, thereby reducing the working space required by the first opening and closing device 470 and thus improving the space utilization rate of the refrigerator.

[0418] like Figure 46 As shown, the first opening and closing device 470 may further include a sealing element 480. The sealing element 480 may be disposed on the side facing the ice-making tray 400 when the shield 471 is in the closed state. The sealing element 480 is used to seal the shield 471 and the ice-making tray 400. By providing the sealing element 480, the sealing performance between the shield 471 and the ice-making tray 400 is improved, thereby preventing water in the water tank 410 from flowing out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0419] For example, the seal 480 may include a first sealing plate 481. The first sealing plate 481 may be disposed on the side facing the ice-making tray 400 when the shield 471 is in the closed state. When the shield 471 is in the closed state, the first sealing plate 481 may be located between the shield 471 and the ice-making tray 400. Since the structure of the first sealing plate 481 is simple, it is beneficial to simplify the structure of the seal 480 and improve the manufacturing and installation efficiency of the seal 480.

[0420] For example, such as Figure 54 As shown, the seal 480 may further include at least one second sealing plate 482. The second sealing plate 482 may intersect with the first sealing plate 481 to form a second engagement groove 483. When the shield 471 is in the closed state, the second engagement groove 483 may be fitted onto the ice tray 400. Compared to the seal 480 including the first sealing plate 481, by providing the second sealing plate 482 that forms the second engagement groove 483 with the first sealing plate 481, the connection area between the seal 480 and the ice tray 400 can be increased, which is beneficial to improving the sealing performance between the seal 480 and the ice tray 400, thereby helping to prevent water in the water tank 410 from flowing out between the ice tray 400 and the shield 471.

[0421] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the blocking member 471 can be rotated manually. By manually rotating the blocking member 471, there is no need to set an additional drive mechanism for the blocking member 471, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the first opening and closing device 470 and reduces the difficulty of producing, assembling and maintaining the first opening and closing device 470.

[0422] In some other possible implementations of this application, the first opening and closing device 470 may further include a third driving mechanism. The third driving mechanism can act on the blocking member 471 to drive the blocking member 471 to rotate, thereby opening or closing the first ice outlet 421. The third driving mechanism is capable of automatic control. By providing driving force to the blocking member 471, the first opening and closing device 470 can automatically open or close the first ice outlet 421, which helps improve the intelligence of the first opening and closing device 470 and the ice maker 300, simplifies user operation steps, and thus enhances the user experience.

[0423] For example, the third drive mechanism may include a sixth motor. The sixth motor may be used to provide driving force. The third motor may be connected to the second rotating shaft 474 to drive the second rotating shaft 474 to rotate, and the second rotating shaft 474 may drive the shield 471 to rotate relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0424] For example, the third drive mechanism may also include a second electric actuator. The second electric actuator may have a telescopic rod. The second electric actuator may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the telescopic rod of the second electric actuator may be connected to the blocking member 471. When the telescopic rod extends or retracts, it can drive the blocking member 471 to rotate and reverse about the axis of the second rotation axis 474.

[0425] In other possible implementations of this application, the third driving mechanism may further include a second electromagnet and a second ferromagnetic element. The second electromagnet may be connected to one of the blocking member 471 and the ice-making tray 400, and the second ferromagnetic element may be connected to the other. For example, the second electromagnet may be connected to the blocking member 471, and the second ferromagnetic element may be connected to the ice-making tray 400. Alternatively, the second ferromagnetic element may be connected to the blocking member 471, and the second electromagnet may be connected to the ice-making tray 400.

[0426] The second ferromagnetic component can be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, or iron-nickel-cobalt alloys. It is understood that the second ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0427] When the second electromagnet is energized, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the second ferromagnetic component. The mutual attraction between the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic component causes the blocking component 471 to rotate toward the ice-making tray 400, thereby closing the first ice outlet 421.

[0428] When the second electromagnet is de-energized, it does not generate a magnetic field, and the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic component can separate from each other. The separation of the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic component allows the blocking component 471 to rotate away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of gravity, thereby opening the first ice outlet 421.

[0429] By utilizing the magnetic attraction between the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic component, the blocking component 471 can be driven to open or close the first ice outlet 421. By energizing and de-energizing the second electromagnet, the rotation direction of the second ferromagnetic component can be controlled, thereby controlling the rotation direction of the blocking component 471, which helps to reduce the control difficulty of the third drive mechanism.

[0430] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 44 and Figure 61 The ice maker 300 may also include a second de-icing device 700. The second de-icing device 700 may be configured to push the ice blocks formed in the ice grid 411 when the first ice outlet 421 is in the open state, so that the ice blocks in the water tank 410 are removed through the first ice outlet 421.

[0431] like Figure 46 As shown, and with reference Figure 47 , Figure 48 , Figure 49 , Figure 50 , Figure 51 and Figure 52 The top of the separator 500 may be provided with an insertion channel 550. The second de-icing device 700 may include a de-icing component 710. The de-icing component 710 may be located above the ice-making tray 400. One of the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 may be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while the other may slide vertically along the Z direction. When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the slidable one of the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 may slide vertically along the Z direction, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 may be inserted into the ice-making grid 411 through the insertion channel 550, thereby pushing the ice blocks in the ice-making grid 411 out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0432] It should be noted that, as Figure 46 As shown, the insertion channel 550 can be disposed on the first connecting plate 520 of the first separator 530. The insertion channel 550 can also be disposed on the first connecting plate 520 of the second separator 540.

[0433] like Figure 46 As shown, when the second partition 540 does not have the first connecting plate 520, the partition portion 510 of the second partition 540 divides the water tank 410 into multiple ice trays 411. Each ice tray 411 has an open top. The open top of the ice tray 411 can form an insertion channel 550.

[0434] refer to Figure 47 and Figure 48When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the sixth ice-making mode, the first opening and closing device 470 can close the first ice outlet 421. Water can be injected into at least one ice tray 411 through a water inlet pipe, and the water in this tray can flow into other ice trays 411 via a flow channel. The water in the ice trays 411 can be cooled and condensed into sixth-size ice cubes F.

[0435] refer to Figure 49 The ice maker 300 may have a third de-icing mode. When the ice maker 300 de-ices in the third de-icing mode, the first opening and closing device 470 may open the first ice outlet 421. The de-icing component 710 may slide vertically z relative to the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 may enter the ice tray 411 through the insertion channels 550 of the first separator 530 and the second separator 540, thereby pushing the sixth-size ice block F in the ice tray 411 so that the sixth-size ice block F may be ejected through the first ice outlet 421.

[0436] refer to Figure 50 and Figure 51 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the first opening and closing device 470 can close the first ice outlet 421. A water inlet pipe can fill at least one ice-making tray 411, and the water in this tray can flow into other ice-making trays 411 via a connecting channel 412. At least a portion of the second separator 540 can be inserted into the ice-making tray 411, allowing the water in the tray 411 to be divided into multiple sub-ice-making trays 416. The water in the sub-ice-making trays 416 can be cooled and condensed into seventh-size ice cubes G. The volume of the seventh-size ice cube G can be smaller than the volume of the sixth-size ice cube F.

[0437] refer to Figure 52 The ice maker 300 may have a fourth de-icing mode. When the ice maker 300 de-ices in the fourth de-icing mode, the first opening and closing device 470 may open the first ice outlet 421. The de-icing component 710 may slide vertically z-oriented toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least part of the de-icing part 712 may sequentially enter the sub-ice-making tray 416 through the insertion channels 550 of the first separator 530 and the second separator 540, thereby pushing the seventh-size ice block G in the sub-ice-making tray 416 so that the seventh-size ice block G may be ejected through the first ice outlet 421.

[0438] By providing an insertion channel 550 on the separator 500 and an ice-removing component 710 in the second ice-removing device 700, the ice-removing component 710 can be directly inserted into the ice grid 411 through the insertion channel 550 and directly contact the ice block, thereby effectively pushing the ice block out, which helps to improve the ice-removing efficiency of the second ice-removing device 700 and reduce the ice-removing time.

[0439] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, at least two of the insertion channel 550, the first vent hole 522, or the first insertion hole 531 can be reused. That is, at least two of the insertion channel 550, the first vent hole 522, or the first insertion hole 531 can be the same through hole. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the first separator 530, thereby reducing the difficulty in manufacturing the first separator 530.

[0440] For example, such as Figure 46 As shown, the de-icing component 710 may include a second connecting plate 711. The second connecting plate 711 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, the second connecting plate 711 may be arranged along... Figure 46 The xoy plane is shown in the diagram. The de-icing component 710 may also include a de-icing section 712. The de-icing section 712 may be connected to the bottom side of the second connecting plate 711, and the de-icing section 712 may be opposite to the insertion channel 550. The second connecting plate 711 may be used for positioning, installing, or fixing the de-icing component 710, which helps to improve the positional accuracy of the de-icing component 710.

[0441] In some possible implementations of this application, the ice-making tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The de-icing component 710 can slide vertically along the Z direction. When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the de-icing component 710 can slide vertically along the Z direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can enter the ice-making grid 411 through the insertion channel 550 to push the ice block out from the first ice outlet 421.

[0442] For example, the de-icing component 710 can be slidably connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 along the vertical Z direction. The de-icing component 710 can be indirectly slidable relative to the ice-making tray 400 through the housing 100 or the door 200. Since the housing 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the housing 100 or the door 200 can provide a sufficiently large connection space for the de-icing component 710, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the second de-icing device 700, thereby facilitating the optimization of the structure of the ice maker 300.

[0443] For example, the de-icing component 710 can be slidably connected to the ice-making tray 400 in the vertical Z direction. For example Figure 46 As shown, the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing component 710 can be slidably connected to the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical Z direction. With this configuration, the de-icing component 710 can slide directly relative to the ice-making tray 400, and the ice-making tray 400 can be used to position the de-icing component 710. This helps improve the relative positional accuracy between the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400, thereby preventing the de-icing component 710 from tilting relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0444] In some possible implementations of this application, a second guide rail pair can be provided between the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400, allowing for a slidable connection between them. The second guide rail pair may include a second guide rail and a second slider. The second guide rail can be arranged vertically along the z-axis and connected to the ice-making tray 400. The second slider can slide on the second guide rail and can be connected to the de-icing component 710. The second guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which helps improve the positional accuracy of the de-icing component 710.

[0445] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 46 One of the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 may be provided with a second sliding post 432, which may be arranged vertically along the Z direction. The other of the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 may be provided with a second sliding through hole 713, which may be fitted onto the second sliding post 432 and slide along the second sliding post 432. The ice-making tray 400 and the de-icing component 710 can be slidably connected through the mutually cooperating second sliding post 432 and second sliding through hole 713, and the second sliding post 432 can guide the de-icing component 710 vertically, which helps to prevent the de-icing component 710 from deflecting during sliding.

[0446] The second sliding post 432 can be set on the de-icing component 710, and the second sliding through hole 713 can be set on the ice-making tray 400.

[0447] Or, such as Figure 46 As shown, the second sliding post 432 can be disposed on the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second sliding post 432 can be disposed on the top side of the first connecting part 430, which helps to prevent the second sliding post 432 from obstructing the water tank 410. The second sliding through hole 713 can be disposed on the de-icing component 710. For example, the second sliding through hole 713 can be disposed on the second connecting plate 711. Since the second sliding post 432 is disposed on the ice-making tray 400, and the ice-making tray 400 is fixedly disposed, the second sliding post 432 can be made more stable, thereby improving the stability of the de-icing component 710 when sliding relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0448] For example, there can be multiple second sliding posts 432. These multiple second sliding posts 432 can be spaced apart circumferentially on the ice-making tray 400. There can also be multiple second sliding through holes 713. These multiple second sliding through holes 713 can be configured one-to-one with the multiple second sliding posts 432, and each second sliding through hole 713 can be fitted onto its corresponding second sliding post 432. This configuration allows the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 to slide at multiple positions circumferentially on the ice-making tray 400, which helps improve the stability of the de-icing component 710 when sliding relative to the ice-making tray 400.

[0449] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 62 and Figure 63 The ice maker 300 may further include a second connector 720, which can be connected to the de-icing component 710. For example, the second connector 720 can be connected to one end of the second connecting plate 711. One of the second connector 720 and the ice-making tray 400 may be provided with a third sliding recess 721, which may be arranged vertically in the z-direction. The other of the second connector 720 and the de-icing component 710 may be provided with a second sliding protrusion 424, which can slide within the third sliding recess 721. For example, the third sliding recess 721 may be provided on the second connector 720, and the second sliding protrusion 424 may be provided on the outer side of the ice-making tray 400.

[0450] like Figure 62 As shown, when the ice maker 300 is making ice, the first opening and closing device 470 can close the first ice outlet 421. The de-icing component 710 can drive the second connecting plate 711 to slide away from the ice-making plate 400, and the second sliding protrusion 424 can slide within the third sliding recess 721. Figure 63 As shown, when the ice maker 300 is de-icing, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421. The de-icing component 710 can drive the second connecting plate 711 to slide toward the ice-making plate 400, and the second sliding protrusion 424 can slide in the opposite direction within the third sliding recess 721.

[0451] The second connector 720 and the ice-making tray 400 can be slidably connected vertically in the z-direction via the mutually cooperating third sliding recess 721 and second sliding protrusion 424, thereby allowing the de-icing component 710 to be indirectly slidably connected to the ice-making tray 400 via the second connector 720. Compared to the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 being slidably connected via the second guide rail pair, this simplifies the connection structure between the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400, and helps reduce the component cost of the second de-icing device 700.

[0452] refer to Figure 64 , Figure 65 , Figure 66 and Figure 67 Each ice tray 411 may be provided with an insertion channel 550. There may be multiple de-icing sections 712, and these sections may be arranged one-to-one with the insertion channels 550 of the multiple ice trays 411. Along the vertical Z direction, the lengths of at least two de-icing sections 712 corresponding to at least two connected ice trays 411 may not be exactly the same. For example, the lengths of the multiple de-icing sections 712 may not be exactly the same. Figure 64 As shown, multiple ice-making grids 411 can be interconnected. The length of one de-icing section 712 can be H1, and the length of the other de-icing section 712 can be H2. H2 can be greater than H1.

[0453] Because the lower parts of at least two ice trays 411 are connected, the lower parts of the ice blocks formed within these at least two ice trays 411 are interconnected. Figure 64 and Figure 65 As shown, the lower parts of at least two sixth-size ice blocks F are connected to each other. And as... Figure 66 and Figure 67 As shown, the lower parts of at least two seventh-size ice blocks G are interconnected. By setting the lengths of at least two de-icing sections 712 corresponding to the at least two connected ice trays 411 to be not exactly the same, some of the de-icing sections 712 can first contact some of the ice blocks and push the interconnected ice blocks to apply a pushing force to those ice blocks. Compared to at least two de-icing sections 712 corresponding to the at least two connected ice trays 411 having the same length, and at least two de-icing sections 712 simultaneously pushing the at least two interconnected ice blocks, the contact area between the de-icing member 710 and the ice blocks can be reduced, thereby increasing the local pushing force between the de-icing member 710 and the ice blocks. This is beneficial for separating the interconnected ice blocks from each other and for separating the interconnected ice blocks from the ice tray 400 and the separator 500.

[0454] For example, such as Figures 64 to 67 The width of the ice tray 411 in the horizontal direction can decrease in the vertically downward direction. For example, the width of the ice tray 411 in the first direction x can decrease in the vertical direction z. The width of the ice tray 411 in the first direction x can decrease gradually or in steps in the vertical direction z. This arrangement allows the ice blocks formed in the ice tray 411, such as sixth-size ice blocks F and seventh-size ice blocks G, to have a width that decreases in the vertically downward direction, resulting in a structure that is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom. When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the second de-icing device 700 applies a downward pushing force to the ice blocks in the ice tray 411 via the insertion channel 550 located at the top of the ice tray 411. This helps prevent the side walls of the ice tray 411 from obstructing the ice blocks, thus facilitating the removal of the ice blocks from the ice tray 411.

[0455] In some other possible implementations of this application, the de-icing component 710 may be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice-making tray 400 may slide vertically along the Z-axis. When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the ice-making tray 400 may slide vertically along the Z-axis toward the de-icing component 710, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 may enter the ice-making grid 411 through the insertion channel 550, thereby pushing the ice block out from the first ice outlet 421.

[0456] For example, the ice tray 400 can be slidably connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 along the vertical Z direction. Since the housing 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the housing 100 or the door 200 can provide a sufficiently large connection space for the ice tray 400, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the second de-icing device 700, thereby facilitating the optimization of the structure of the ice maker 300.

[0457] For example, the ice-making tray 400 can be slidably connected to the de-icing component 710 along the vertical Z direction. The ice-making tray 400 can also be slidably connected to the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing component 710 along the vertical Z direction. This configuration allows the ice-making tray 400 to be positioned by the de-icing component 710, which helps improve the relative positional accuracy between the ice-making tray 400 and the de-icing component 710, thereby helping to prevent the ice-making tray 400 from tilting relative to the de-icing component 710.

[0458] When the de-icing component 710 is fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the ice-making tray 400 can slide along the vertical z direction, the sliding connection structure between the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 can be referred to the relevant description above of the connection structure between the de-icing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 when the ice-making tray 400 is fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200 and the de-icing component 710 can slide along the vertical z direction. This embodiment of the application will not repeat the description here.

[0459] The technical solution of this application embodiment will be specifically described below, taking the ice-making tray 400 fixedly set and the ice-removing component 710 slidable relative to the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical z-axis as an example. When the ice-removing component 710 is fixedly set and the ice-making tray 400 is slidable relative to the ice-removing component 710 along the vertical z-axis, the technical solution can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0460] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the de-icing component 710 can be manually driven so that the de-icing component 710 can slide relative to the ice-making plate 400 in the vertical z direction.

[0461] For example, when the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the de-icing component 710 can be manually pushed so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice grid 411. By manually providing driving force to the de-icing component 710, there is no need to set up an additional driving mechanism for the de-icing component 710, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300, thereby reducing the difficulty of producing, assembling and maintaining the ice maker 300, etc.

[0462] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, such as Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the second de-icing device 700 may further include a fourth drive mechanism 730, which can act on the de-icing component 710. When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the fourth drive mechanism 730 can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide along the vertical Z-axis towards the ice-making tray 400. The fourth drive mechanism 730 can be automatically controlled. By providing driving force to the de-icing component 710, automatic de-icing is achieved, which helps improve the intelligence of the ice maker 300, simplifies user operation steps, and thus enhances the user experience.

[0463] Understandably, the fourth drive mechanism 730 can be connected to one of the slidable components, the de-icing member 710 and the ice-making tray 400, to drive the slidable component to slide along the vertical z-axis. For example, when the ice-making tray 400 is slidable along the vertical z-axis, the fourth drive mechanism 730 can be connected to the ice-making tray 400 to drive the ice-making tray 400 to slide toward or away from the de-icing member 710.

[0464] This application embodiment uses the example of an ice-removing component 710 that can slide vertically along the z-axis, with a fourth drive mechanism 730 connected to the ice-removing component 710, to specifically describe the fourth drive mechanism 730. When the ice-making tray 400 can slide vertically along the z-axis, and the fourth drive mechanism 730 is connected to the ice-making tray 400, the relevant content of the fourth drive mechanism 730 can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0465] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 44 and Figure 45 The fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a seventh motor. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include a third rotating shaft 731. The third rotating shaft 731 is arranged horizontally and connected to the seventh motor. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include at least one second cam 732. The second cam 732 may be sleeved on the third rotating shaft 731. Figure 49 and Figure 52 As shown, when the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the seventh motor can drive the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate. The third rotating shaft 731 can drive the second cam 732 to rotate until it abuts against the de-icing component 710, and push the de-icing component 710 so that it slides towards the ice-making tray 400. Figure 47 , Figure 48 , Figure 50 and Figure 51 When the second de-icing device 700 is not de-icing, the seventh motor can drive the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate in the opposite direction. The third rotating shaft 731 can drive the second cam 732 to rotate in the opposite direction so that the second cam 732 can separate from the de-icing component 710, thereby allowing the de-icing component 710 to slide away from the ice-making tray 400.

[0466] In the fourth drive mechanism 730 of this implementation, the seventh motor drives the second cam 732 to rotate via the third shaft 731. The second cam 732 pushes the de-icing component 710, allowing it to slide vertically in the z-direction. Because the second cam 732 has a simple structure, it is suitable for mass production and application, which helps reduce the component cost of the fourth drive mechanism 730. Furthermore, the second cam 732 is easy to replace, which helps reduce the maintenance cost of the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0467] For example, the fourth motor can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 via the mounting bracket 440 to improve the structural compactness of the ice maker 300. Details regarding the mounting bracket 440 are provided above and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0468] For example, the third rotating shaft 731 can be rotatably connected to the fixed base 440 about a horizontal axis. The fixed base 440 can support the third rotating shaft 731 to improve the smoothness of the rotation of the third rotating shaft 731. For example Figure 46 As shown, both first fixing plates 441 of the fixing base 440 can be provided with fourth rotating holes 447. The fourth rotating holes 447 of the two first fixing plates 441 can be arranged opposite to each other. The two ends of the third rotating shaft 731 can be respectively inserted into the fourth rotating holes 447 of the two first fixing plates 441, and can rotate within the fourth rotating holes 447, so that the third rotating shaft 731 is arranged in the horizontal direction and can rotate around the horizontal direction. One end of the third rotating shaft 731 passes through the corresponding fourth rotating hole 447 and is connected to the seventh motor. When the seventh motor is activated, it can drive the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate around the horizontal axis.

[0469] The second cam 732 can be sleeved on the third rotating shaft 731. The number of second cams 732 can be at least one. That is, the number of second cams 732 can be one or more.

[0470] For example Figure 46As shown, when there are multiple second cams 732, they can be spaced apart along the axial direction of the third rotating shaft 731. During the de-icing process of the second de-icing device 700, when the seventh motor drives the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate, the third rotating shaft 731 can drive multiple second cams 732 to rotate synchronously. The multiple second cams 732 can abut against the de-icing component 710, jointly pushing the de-icing component 710 to slide along the vertical z-axis towards the ice-making plate 400. The multiple second cams 732 can apply thrust to the de-icing component 710 at multiple positions along the axial direction of the third rotating shaft 731, which helps to improve the uniformity of the thrust received by the de-icing component 710, thereby improving the sliding stability of the de-icing component 710.

[0471] like Figure 46 As shown, the second de-icing device 700 may further include a fourth elastic element 733. The fourth elastic element 733 can be used to apply a fourth elastic force to the de-icing element 710, so that the de-icing element 710 can move away from the ice-making tray 400. When the seventh motor drives the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate in the opposite direction, the third rotating shaft 731 drives the second cam 732 to rotate in the opposite direction to move away from the de-icing element 710. The de-icing element 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fourth elastic force provided by the fourth elastic element 733. By setting the fourth elastic element 733, when the fourth driving mechanism 730 does not act on the de-icing element 710, the de-icing element 710 can automatically slide away from the ice-making tray 400, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation of the de-icing element 710 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0472] For example, the fourth elastic element 733 can be a fourth tension spring. The fourth tension spring can be disposed above the de-icing element 710. The first end of the fourth tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the fourth tension spring can be connected to the de-icing element 710. When the second cam 732 pushes the de-icing element 710 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing element 710 can pull the fourth tension spring, causing the fourth tension spring to undergo tensile deformation, thereby generating a fourth elastic force. The direction of the fourth elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 towards the de-icing element 710. When the second cam 732 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the de-icing element 710, the de-icing element 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fourth elastic force, thereby allowing the de-icing element 710 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0473] Or, such as Figures 46 to 52As shown, the fourth elastic element 733 can be a fourth compression spring. The fourth compression spring can be located below the de-icing element 710. The first end of the fourth compression spring can abut against the de-icing element 710. For example, the first end of the fourth compression spring can abut against the bottom side of the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing element 710. The second end of the fourth compression spring can abut against the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the fourth compression spring can abut against the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400. When the second cam 732 pushes the de-icing element 710 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing element 710 can compress the fourth compression spring, causing the fourth compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby generating a fourth elastic force. The direction of the fourth elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 towards the de-icing element 710. When the second cam 732 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the de-icing component 710, the de-icing component 710 can slide away from the ice-making plate 400 under the action of the fourth elastic force, so that the de-icing component 710 can automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0474] Compared to the fourth tension spring, the fourth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the reliability of the automatic reset function of the de-icing component 710.

[0475] When a second sliding post 432 is provided between the ice-making tray 400 and the de-icing component 710, the fourth compression spring can be sleeved on the second sliding post 432. This arrangement allows the second sliding post 432 to position the fourth compression spring, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure. Furthermore, the second sliding post 432 supports the fourth compression spring, improving its stability during deformation and thus enhancing the directional accuracy of the fourth spring force.

[0476] In some other possible implementations of this application's embodiments, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include an eighth motor. The eighth motor can be used to provide driving force. (See reference...) Figure 68 , Figure 69 and Figure 70 The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a fourth rotating shaft 734. The fourth rotating shaft 734 may be arranged horizontally and connected to an eighth motor so as to be rotatable under the drive of the eighth motor. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second gear. The second gear may be sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft 734. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second rack. The second rack may be arranged vertically (z-axis) and connected to the de-icing member 710. The second rack may mesh with the second gear.

[0477] When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 to rotate. The fourth rotating shaft 734 can drive the second gear to rotate. The second gear can drive the second rack and the de-icing component 710 to slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a part of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0478] When cleaning or maintaining the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft to rotate in the opposite direction. The fourth rotating shaft 734 can drive the second gear to rotate in the opposite direction. The second gear can drive the second rack and the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the de-icing component 710 leaves the ice-making grid 411.

[0479] In the fourth drive mechanism 730 of this implementation, the eighth motor can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the meshing second gear and second rack. The fourth drive mechanism 730 can provide bidirectional drive for the de-icing component 710. Furthermore, since the meshing second gear and second rack have high transmission efficiency and accuracy, it helps to reduce the drive power requirements of the sixth motor and enhances the positional accuracy of the de-icing component 710 during sliding.

[0480] It should be noted that for other related structures of the eighth motor and the fourth rotating shaft 734, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the seventh motor and the third rotating shaft 731 in the above implementation methods. This application embodiment will not repeat them here.

[0481] For example, the second rack 736 can be fixedly connected to the de-icing component 710. When the eighth motor drives the fourth shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate, the second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to move vertically in the z-direction, and the second rack 736 can directly drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically in the z-direction. This configuration simplifies the connection structure between the second rack 736 and the de-icing component 710, which helps to reduce the structural complexity of the ice maker 300.

[0482] Or, refer to Figures 68 to 70 The second rack 736 can be slidably connected to the ice-making tray along the vertical z-axis. Exemplarily, the ice maker may also include a third connector 737, which can be connected to the ice-making tray 400. The third connector 737 and the second rack 736 can be slidably connected along the vertical z-axis. By providing the third connector 737, the sliding range of the second rack 736 can be increased, which is beneficial for increasing the sliding stroke of the de-icing component 710.

[0483] For example, one of the third connector 737 and the second rack 736 may be provided with a fourth sliding recess 738. The fourth sliding recess 738 may extend vertically in the z-direction. The other may be provided with a third sliding protrusion 739. The third sliding protrusion 739 may slide within the fourth sliding recess 738. Figure 70 As shown, the fourth sliding recess 738 can be disposed on the third connector 737, and the third sliding protrusion 739 can be disposed on the second rack 736. Alternatively, the fourth sliding recess 738 can be disposed on the second rack 736, and the third sliding protrusion 739 can be disposed on the third connector 737.

[0484] The third connector 737 and the second rack 736 can be slidably connected through the fourth sliding recess 738 and the third sliding protrusion 739. This arrangement simplifies the connection structure between the third connector 737 and the second rack 736, and helps to reduce the structural complexity of the second de-icing device 700.

[0485] The fourth drive mechanism may also include an abutment 740. The abutment 740 may be connected to the second rack 736 and abut against the de-icing member 710. Exemplarily, the abutment 740 may include a connected fifth connecting portion 741 and an abutment portion 742. The fifth connecting portion 741 may extend horizontally. A first end of the fifth connecting portion 741 may be connected to the second rack 736, and a second end of the fifth connecting portion 741 may be connected to the abutment portion 742. The abutment portion 742 abuts against the de-icing member 710.

[0486] When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate. The second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to slide vertically downward relative to the third connecting member 737, so that the second rack 736 slides relative to the ice-making tray 400. The second rack 736 can drive the abutment member 740, so that the abutment member 740 can push the de-icing member 710 into the ice-making grid 411, thereby performing de-icing.

[0487] When the second de-icing device 700 is not de-icing, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate in opposite directions. The second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to slide vertically upward relative to the third connecting member 737, so that the second rack 736 slides in opposite directions relative to the ice-making tray 400. The second rack 736 can drive the abutting member 740, so that the abutting member 740 can disengage from the de-icing member 710, thereby allowing the de-icing member 710 to disengage from the ice-making grid 411.

[0488] By providing the abutment member 740, it is beneficial to prevent the swaying or vibration between the second gear 735 and the second rack 736 from being transmitted to the de-icing member 710, thereby improving the stability of the de-icing member 710 when it slides.

[0489] For example, the ice maker may further include a first elastic member that provides a first elastic force. When the abutment member 740 disengages from the de-icing member 710, the de-icing member 710 can disengage from the ice grid 411 under the action of the first elastic force. For details regarding the first elastic member, please refer to the description above; this embodiment will not repeat them here.

[0490] In some other possible implementations of this application, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a ninth motor. The ninth motor can be used to provide driving force. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include a second screw. The second screw may be arranged vertically in the z-direction and connected to the ninth motor to rotate under the drive of the ninth motor. The de-icing component 710 may be provided with a second threaded hole, which can be sleeved on the second screw. For example, the second threaded hole may be provided on the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing component 710.

[0491] When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the ninth motor can drive the second screw to rotate. Since the second screw is threadedly connected to the de-icing component 710 through the second threaded hole, the second screw can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a part of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0492] When the second de-icing device 700 is not de-icing, or when cleaning or maintaining the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, the ninth motor can drive the second screw to rotate in the opposite direction. The second screw can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the de-icing component 710 leaves the ice-making grid 411.

[0493] In the fourth drive mechanism 730 of this implementation, the second screw is threadedly connected to the de-icing component 710 through the second threaded hole. The ninth motor can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the second screw, enabling the fourth drive mechanism 730 to drive the de-icing component 710 bidirectionally. Furthermore, since the second screw and the de-icing component 710 are threadedly connected, they have high transmission efficiency and accuracy, which helps reduce the drive power requirements of the ninth motor and enhances the positional accuracy of the de-icing component 710 during sliding. Moreover, the threaded transmission between the second screw and the de-icing component 710 results in low transmission noise, which helps reduce the noise generated by the ice maker 300 during operation.

[0494] For example, the external thread of the second screw and the internal thread of the second threaded hole can both be self-locking threads. This configuration allows the de-icing component 710 to have a self-locking function, and the de-icing component 710 can maintain a stable position in the vertical z direction without the action of external force. This helps to prevent the de-icing component 710 from undesirably sliding along the vertical z direction and affecting the ice-making performance of the ice maker 300.

[0495] In some other possible implementations of this application's embodiments, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a tenth motor. The tenth motor can be used to provide driving force. (See reference...) Figure 62 and Figure 63 The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second connecting rod 743. The first end of the second connecting rod 743 is rotatably connected to the ice-making disc about a horizontal axis and is rotatable under the drive of the tenth motor. The second end of the second connecting rod 743 may be provided with a second push post 744. The second connecting member may be provided with a fifth sliding recess 722. The fifth sliding recess 722 may extend horizontally. The fifth sliding recess 722 may be sleeved on the second push post 744.

[0496] When the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the tenth motor can drive the first end of the second connecting rod 743 to rotate, and the second end of the second connecting rod 743 can drive the second push column 744, so that the second push column 744 can rotate in the fifth sliding recess 722 and push the bottom wall of the fifth sliding recess 722, so that the de-icing component 710 can slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice making tray 400, thereby allowing at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 to be inserted into the ice making grid 411.

[0497] When cleaning or maintaining the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, or when the second de-icing device 700 fails to de-ic, the tenth motor can drive the first end of the second connecting rod 743 to rotate in the opposite direction. The second end of the second connecting rod 743 can drive the second push column 744, so that the second push column 744 can rotate in the opposite direction within the fifth sliding recess 722, and push the top wall of the fifth sliding recess 722, so that the de-icing component 710 slides vertically z away from the ice-making tray 400, thereby allowing the de-icing component 710 to leave the water tank 410.

[0498] In the fourth drive mechanism 730 of this implementation, the tenth motor can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the second link 743 and the second push column 744, enabling the fourth drive mechanism 730 to drive the de-icing component 710 bidirectionally. Furthermore, the tenth motor drives the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically in the z-direction via the second link 743. The second link 743 and its connection structure with the de-icing component 710 are simple, which helps reduce the structural complexity of the fourth drive mechanism 730, thereby improving the ease of assembly and maintenance. Moreover, the second link 743 has a low cost, which helps reduce the component cost of the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0499] In some other possible implementations of this application, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a third electromagnet. When the third electromagnet is energized, it can generate a magnetic field. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include a third ferromagnetic element. The third ferromagnetic element may be arranged opposite to the third electromagnet in the vertical z-direction. One of the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic element may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the other may be connected to the de-icing element 710. When the third electromagnet is energized, the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic element may attract each other due to the magnetic field. The third electromagnet or the third ferromagnetic element may drive the de-icing element 710 to slide in the vertical z-direction toward or away from the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing element 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411 or the de-icing element 710 can be removed from the ice-making grid 411.

[0500] In the fourth drive mechanism 730 of this implementation, the de-icing component 710 can be driven to slide vertically in the z-direction through the magnetic attraction between the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic component. This eliminates the need for other transmission structures, reducing the structural complexity of the fourth drive mechanism 730 and thus improving the ease of assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, by energizing and de-energizing the third electromagnet, the movement direction of the third ferromagnetic component can be controlled, thereby controlling the sliding direction of the de-icing component 710, further reducing the control difficulty of the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0501] One of the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic component can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while others can be connected to the de-icing component 710. For example, the third electromagnet can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the third ferromagnetic component can be connected to the de-icing component 710. Alternatively, the third electromagnet can be connected to the de-icing component 710, and the third ferromagnetic component can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200.

[0502] The technical solution of this application embodiment will be specifically described below, taking the installation of a third electromagnet on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the connection of the third ferromagnetic component to the de-icing component 710 as an example. The technical solution of connecting the third electromagnet to the de-icing component 710 and installing the third ferromagnetic component on the housing 100 or the door 200 can be referred to the following description, and will not be repeated in this application embodiment.

[0503] When the third electromagnet is energized, it can attract the third ferromagnetic component, causing the third electromagnet to move toward the third electromagnet. The third ferromagnetic component can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically toward or away from the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411 or the de-icing component 710 can be removed from the ice-making grid 411.

[0504] The third electromagnet can be located below the third ferromagnetic component. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third electromagnet can be energized to attract the third ferromagnetic component to move downward. The third ferromagnetic component can drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically z toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0505] When cleaning or maintenance is required for the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, or when the second de-icing device 700 fails to de-ic, the third electromagnet can be de-energized, and the third electromagnet can no longer attract the third ferromagnetic component, so that the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 can slide vertically away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the de-icing component 710 can leave the ice-making grid 411.

[0506] The ice maker 300 may also include a fifth elastic element. This fifth elastic element applies a fifth elastic force to the de-icing component 710, allowing it to slide away from the ice-making tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic component, the de-icing component 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, thus leaving the ice-making grid 411. By providing the fifth elastic element, the de-icing component 710 can automatically leave the ice-making grid 411 when the third electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0507] For example, the fifth elastic element can be a fifth tension spring. The fifth tension spring can be positioned above the de-icing element 710. The first end of the fifth tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the fifth tension spring can be connected to the de-icing element 710. When the third electromagnet is energized and attracts the third ferromagnetic element, causing the third ferromagnetic element to slide the de-icing element 710 toward the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing element 710 can pull the fifth tension spring, causing the fifth tension spring to undergo tensile deformation, thereby generating a fifth elastic force. The direction of the fifth elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 toward the de-icing element 710. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic element, the de-icing element 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, thereby allowing the de-icing element 710 to automatically leave the ice-making grid 411.

[0508] Alternatively, the fifth elastic element can be a fifth compression spring. The fifth compression spring can be located below the de-icing element 710. The first end of the fifth compression spring can abut against the de-icing element 710. For example, the first end of the fifth compression spring can abut against the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing element 710. The second end of the fifth compression spring can abut against the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the fifth compression spring can abut against the top side of the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400. When the third electromagnet is energized and attracts the third ferromagnetic element, causing the third ferromagnetic element to slide the de-icing element 710 towards the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing element 710 can compress the fifth compression spring, causing the fifth compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby generating a fifth elastic force. The direction of the fifth elastic force is from the ice-making tray 400 towards the de-icing element 710. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic component, the de-icing component 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, thereby enabling the de-icing component 710 to automatically leave the ice-making grid 411.

[0509] Compared to the fifth tension spring, the fifth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the reliability of the automatic separation of the de-icing component 710 from the ice grid 411.

[0510] The third electromagnet can also be located above the third ferromagnetic component. The third electromagnet can be energized to attract the third ferromagnetic component upwards. The third ferromagnetic component can then drive the de-icing component 710 to slide vertically away from the ice-making tray 400, allowing the de-icing component 710 to leave the ice-making grid 411. At this time, the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400 can be cleaned or maintained, or the ice maker 300 can be used to make ice in the second ice-making mode, etc.

[0511] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice-making mode, the third ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, and the third electromagnet will not attract the third ferromagnetic component, so that the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 can slide along the vertical z-direction toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0512] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, the third electromagnet can no longer attract the third ferromagnetic component, and the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 can slide vertically towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of gravity, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism for the de-icing component 710 to slide towards the ice-making tray 400, further simplifying the structure of the ice maker 300 and improving the ease of assembly and maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0513] Alternatively, the ice maker 300 may also include a sixth elastic element. This sixth elastic element can be used to apply a sixth elastic force to the de-icing component 710, causing it to slide towards the ice-making tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic component, the de-icing component 710 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 to be inserted into the ice-making grid 411. By providing the sixth elastic element, the de-icing component 710 can be automatically inserted into the ice-making grid 411 when the third electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0514] For example, the sixth elastic element can be a sixth tension spring. The sixth tension spring can be disposed below the de-icing member 710. The first end of the sixth tension spring can be connected to the de-icing member 710. For example, the first end of the third pull-out spring can be connected to the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing member 710. The second end of the sixth tension spring can be connected to the ice-making tray 400. For example, the second end of the sixth tension spring can be connected to the first connecting portion 430 of the ice-making tray 400.

[0515] When the third electromagnet is energized and attracts the third ferromagnetic component, causing the de-icing component 710 to slide away from the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing component 710 can pull the sixth tension spring, causing the sixth tension spring to stretch and generate a sixth elastic force. The direction of the sixth elastic force is that the de-icing component 710 points towards the ice-making tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic component, the de-icing component 710 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, so that at least a part of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0516] Alternatively, the sixth elastic element can be a sixth compression spring. The sixth compression spring can be positioned above the de-icing element 710. The first end of the sixth compression spring can abut against the de-icing element 710. For example, the first end of the sixth compression spring can abut against the top side of the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing element 710. The second end of the sixth compression spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200. When the third electromagnet is energized and attracts the third ferromagnetic element, causing the third ferromagnetic element to slide the de-icing element 710 away from the ice-making tray 400, the de-icing element 710 can compress the sixth compression spring, causing the sixth compression spring to undergo compression deformation, thereby generating a sixth elastic force. The direction of the sixth elastic force is that the de-icing element 710 points towards the ice-making tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic element, the de-icing element 710 can slide towards the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the de-icing element 710 to be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0517] Compared to the sixth tension spring, the sixth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which helps to improve the functional reliability of the de-icing component 710.

[0518] For example, there may be at least two third electromagnets. In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, at least two third electromagnets may be respectively disposed above and below the third ferromagnetic component. That is, some of the third electromagnets may be located above the de-icing component 710, and the other part of the third electromagnets may be located below the de-icing component 710.

[0519] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third electromagnet located below the third ferromagnetic component can be energized, and the third electromagnet located above the third ferromagnetic component can be de-energized. The third electromagnet located below can attract the third ferromagnetic component to move downwards, and the third ferromagnetic component can drive the de-icing component 710 to move vertically z toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid 411.

[0520] When cleaning or maintenance is required for the de-icing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, or when the second de-icing device 700 fails to de-ic, the third electromagnet located below the third ferromagnetic component can be de-energized, while the third electromagnet located above the third ferromagnetic component can be energized. The upper third electromagnet can attract the third ferromagnetic component to move upwards, which in turn drives the de-icing component 710 to move vertically (z) away from the ice-making tray 400, allowing the de-icing component 710 to leave the ice-making grid 411.

[0521] The third ferromagnetic component can be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, or iron-nickel-cobalt alloys. It is understood that the first ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0522] For example, the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 can be separate structures, and can be fixedly connected by bolts, rivets, or other connecting structures. This configuration allows the third ferromagnetic component to be easily removed from the de-icing component 710, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of both components and ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, when either the third ferromagnetic component or the de-icing component 710 is damaged or needs replacement, only the third ferromagnetic component or the de-icing component 710 needs to be replaced, rather than replacing both components simultaneously, thus reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0523] For example, the de-icing component 710 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 can be a single integrated structure. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710, allowing for direct connection. This enhances the connection strength between the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710, thereby improving the structural stability and durability of the ice maker 300 and reducing the risk of unintended separation due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure. Furthermore, by making the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 a single integrated structure, they can be manufactured using integral molding methods such as casting, which helps reduce the processing difficulty of the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710. Furthermore, by integrating the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 into a single structure, there is no need to assemble the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 separately, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and thus improves the production efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0524] In some other possible implementations of this application, the second de-icing device 700 is not required; de-icing can be performed using the separator 500. The following description uses an ice maker 300 including a first separator 530 and a second separator 540 as an example, where the first separator 530 is fixedly disposed within the ice-making tray 400, and the second separator 540 can be inserted into the water tank 410. Other technical solutions for de-icing using the separator 500 can be referred to the following description, which will not be repeated in this application.

[0525] refer to Figure 71 , Figure 72 and Figure 73The ice maker 300 may include an ice-making tray 400. The ice-making tray 400 may be configured with a water-holding tank 410. The bottom of the ice-making tray 400 may be provided with a first ice outlet 421, which may communicate with the water-holding tank 410. The ice maker 300 may also include a first divider 530. The first divider 530 may be fixedly disposed in the water-holding tank 410 to divide the water-holding tank 410 into a plurality of ice-making compartments 411. The lower parts of at least two of the plurality of ice-making compartments 411 may be connected. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet pipe. The water inlet pipe may be configured to inject water into at least one of the at least two ice-making compartments 411. The ice maker 300 may further include a second divider 540, which may be configured to be inserted into the ice tray 411 to divide the ice tray 411 into a plurality of sub-ice trays 416. The ice maker 300 may further include a first opening and closing device 470. The first opening and closing device 470 may be configured to selectively open or close the first ice outlet 421.

[0526] refer to Figure 74 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the sixth ice-making mode, the first ice outlet 421 can be closed. The water inlet pipe can fill at least one of the at least two connected ice trays 411. The water in this at least one ice tray 411 can flow from the bottom to the other ice tray 411 connected to it. The second separator 540 may not be inserted into the ice tray 411. (Reference) Figure 75 The water in the ice tray 411 can be cooled and frozen into sixth-size ice cubes F.

[0527] When the ice maker 300 is de-icing, continue to refer to... Figure 75 The first ice outlet 421 can be in the open state. (Reference) Figure 76 The first drive mechanism 600 can drive the second separator 540 to slide along the vertical Z direction toward the ice-making tray 400. The second separator 540 can push the sixth-sized ice block F so that the sixth-sized ice block F can be dislodged from the first ice outlet 421.

[0528] refer to Figure 77 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the first ice outlet 421 can be closed. The water inlet pipe can fill at least one of the at least one connected ice-making trays 411, and the water in that at least one ice-making tray 411 can flow to other ice-making trays 411 connected to it. The first drive mechanism 600 can drive the second separator 540 to slide vertically Z-oriented toward the ice-making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the second separator 540 can be inserted into the ice-making tray 411, allowing the water in the ice-making tray 411 to be divided into multiple sub-ice-making trays 416. (Reference) Figure 78The water in the ice tray 416 can be cooled and frozen into ice cubes of size 7, G.

[0529] When the ice maker 300 is de-icing, continue to refer to... Figure 78 The first ice outlet 421 can be in the open state. (Reference) Figure 79 The first drive mechanism 600 can drive the second separator 540 to continue sliding along the vertical Z direction toward the ice-making tray 400. The second separator 540 pushes the seventh-size ice block G so that the seventh-size ice block G can be removed from the first ice outlet 421.

[0530] In this implementation, the separator 500 can be used for de-icing, eliminating the need for an additional de-icing device. This simplifies the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and improves the ease of assembly or maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0531] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, when the bottom or lower part of at least two of the multiple ice trays 411 are connected, the water inlet pipe can be used to inject water into at least one of the connected ice trays 411, and the water in the at least one ice tray 411 can flow to other ice trays 411 connected to it.

[0532] The water inlet pipe can fill water into an ice tray 411. For example, refer to... Figure 73 The ice tray 400 may be provided with a water inlet 425. This water inlet 425 may be connected to one of at least two connected ice trays 411. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet 490. The water inlet 490 may have a water flow channel 491. The water inlet 490 may also have a water outlet 492, which is connected to the water flow channel 491. One water outlet 492 of the water inlet 490 may be connected to one corresponding water inlet 425. Water flowing from the water inlet pipe may enter the water flow channel 491, and then enter the ice tray 411 via the water outlet 492 and the water inlet 425.

[0533] The water inlet pipe can also fill multiple ice trays 411 with water. For example, see reference... Figure 80 , Figure 81 and Figure 82 The ice-making tray 400 may be provided with multiple water inlets 425. Each water inlet 425 may be connected to one of at least two connected ice-making trays 411. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet component 490. The water inlet component 490 may have a water flow channel 491. The water inlet component 490 may also have multiple water outlets 492, each of which may be connected to the water flow channel 491. The multiple water outlets 492 of the water inlet component 490 may be connected to the multiple water inlets 425.

[0534] By configuring the water injection pipe to simultaneously inject water into multiple interconnected ice-making trays 411 via the water injection component 490, the water injection time can be shortened, which is beneficial to improving water injection efficiency. In addition, simultaneously injecting water into multiple interconnected ice-making trays 411 helps to reduce the water height difference within the multiple ice-making trays 411, which is beneficial to improving the consistency of ice volume formed within the multiple ice-making trays 411.

[0535] refer to Figure 83 , Figure 84 , Figure 85 and Figure 86 The refrigerator may also include a first ice storage box 800. The first ice storage box 800 can be used to hold ice cubes dispensed from the ice maker 300 for the user to use.

[0536] For example, such as Figures 83 to 86 As shown, the first ice storage box 800 can be positioned below the ice-making tray 400. For example, the refrigerator may also include a mounting bracket 810. The mounting bracket 810 can be fixedly mounted on the cabinet 100 or the door 200. The first ice storage box 800 can be connected to the mounting bracket 810. Since the first ice storage box 800 is connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 via the mounting bracket 810, the insulation material does not directly act on the mounting bracket 810 during the foaming process, resulting in minimal deformation of the mounting bracket 810 and providing a stable mounting reference for the first ice storage box 800.

[0537] For example, the top of the first ice storage box 800 may be provided with an ice inlet 820. When the ice maker 300 removes ice, the ice blocks removed from the first ice outlet 421 can enter the first ice storage box 800 through the ice inlet 820.

[0538] The bottom of the first ice storage box 800 may be provided with a second ice outlet. The second ice outlet can be selectively opened or closed.

[0539] By way of example, the refrigerator may also include a second opening and closing device 830. The second opening and closing device 830 may be configured to selectively open or close the second ice outlet.

[0540] The refrigerator may also include a second ice storage box 900. The second ice storage box 900 is movably disposed below the first ice storage box 800. The second ice storage box 900 may be configured with multiple ice storage compartments 910. Each of the multiple ice storage compartments 910 is used to hold ice cubes of different sizes. When the ice maker 300 removes ice, the second ice storage box 900 can move relative to the first ice storage box 800 so that the ice storage compartment 910 corresponding to the ice cube size is located below the second ice outlet. The second opening and closing device 830 can open the second ice outlet, allowing ice cubes to fall into the corresponding ice outlet compartment. This configuration allows for partitioned storage of ice cubes of different sizes, improving the convenience for users when using ice.

[0541] In some possible implementations of this application, the ice maker 300 may further include a third guide rail pair, through which the second ice storage box 900 and the housing 100 or door 200 can be slidably connected. Exemplarily, the third guide rail pair may include a third guide rail and a third slider. The third guide rail may be arranged horizontally and connected to the housing 100 or door 200. The third slider may slide on the third guide rail and may be connected to the second ice storage box 900. The third guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which is beneficial for improving the positional accuracy of the second ice storage box 900.

[0542] In some other possible implementations of this application, one of the second ice storage box 900 and the housing 100 may be provided with a sixth sliding recess, which may be arranged horizontally. The other may be provided with a fourth sliding protrusion, which may slide within the sixth sliding recess. The second ice storage box 900 and the housing 100 can be slidably connected horizontally through the mutually cooperating sixth sliding recess and fourth sliding protrusion. Compared to the second ice storage box 900 and the housing 100 being slidably connected through a third guide rail pair, the connection structure between the second ice storage box 900 and the housing 100 can be simplified, which is beneficial to reducing the component cost of the ice maker 300.

[0543] Alternatively, one of the second ice storage container 900 and the door 200 can be provided with a sixth sliding recess, which can be arranged horizontally. The other can be provided with a fourth sliding protrusion, which can slide within the sixth sliding recess. The second ice storage container 900 and the door 200 can be slidably connected horizontally through the mutually cooperating sixth sliding recess and fourth sliding protrusion. Compared to the second ice storage container 900 and the door 200 being slidably connected through a third guide rail pair, the connection structure between the second ice storage container 900 and the door 200 can be simplified, which helps to reduce the component cost of the ice maker 300.

[0544] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, the second ice storage box 900 can be moved manually. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism for the second ice storage box 900, simplifying the mechanical structure of the refrigerator and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the refrigerator.

[0545] In some other possible implementations of this application, the ice maker 300 may further include a fifth drive mechanism. The fifth drive mechanism can be connected to the second ice storage box 900 to drive the second ice storage box 900 to move. The fifth drive mechanism is capable of automatic control. By setting the fifth drive mechanism to provide driving force to the second ice storage box 900, the intelligence of the ice maker 300 is improved, user operation steps are simplified, and thus the user experience is enhanced.

[0546] For example, the third drive mechanism may also include a third electric actuator. The third electric actuator may have a telescopic rod. The third electric actuator may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the telescopic rod of the third electric actuator may be connected to the second ice storage box 900. When the telescopic rod extends or retracts, it can drive the second ice storage box 900 to slide in the horizontal direction.

[0547] The number of ice storage tanks 910 can be set according to the size and quantity of ice blocks produced by the ice maker 300. For example, the ice maker 300 can produce ice blocks of two sizes. The second ice storage box 900 can have two ice storage tanks 910, and the two ice storage tanks 910 can be used to store ice blocks of two sizes respectively.

[0548] The following description uses the example of ice maker 300 producing ice cubes of the sixth specification F and the seventh specification G to illustrate the relevant aspects of the second ice storage box 900. Technical solutions for ice maker 300 producing ice cubes of other specifications can be found in the following description, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0549] The second ice storage box 900 may include two ice storage tanks 910. The two ice storage tanks 910 are used to store sixth-size ice cubes F and seventh-size ice cubes G, respectively.

[0550] refer to Figure 83 After the ice maker 300 produces ice of the sixth specification F, the first ice outlet 421 can be in the open state. For example, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421 of the ice-making tray 400. The ice maker 300 de-ices the sixth specification ice cube F so that the sixth specification ice cube F can enter the first ice storage box 800 through the ice inlet 820. The second ice storage box 900 is moved so that one of the ice storage compartments 910 moves below the first ice outlet 421. (Reference) Figure 84 The second ice outlet can be in the open state. For example, the second opening and closing device 830 can open the second ice outlet, and the sixth-size ice block F can enter the ice-making tank through the second ice outlet.

[0551] refer to Figure 85 After the ice maker 300 produces ice of the sixth specification F, the first ice outlet 421 can be in the open state. For example, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421 of the ice-making tray 400. The ice maker 300 de-ices the sixth specification ice cube F so that the sixth specification ice cube F can enter the first ice storage box 800 through the ice inlet 820. The second ice storage box 900 is moved so that another ice storage tank 910 moves below the first ice outlet 421. (Reference) Figure 86The second ice outlet can be in the open state. For example, the second opening and closing device 830 opens the second ice outlet, and the sixth-size ice block F can enter the ice-making tank through the second ice outlet.

[0552] For details regarding the second opening and closing device 830, please refer to the above description of the first opening and closing device 470. This application embodiment will not repeat the details.

[0553] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application 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. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0554] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: The enclosure has a refrigeration compartment. A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment; A refrigeration system, which is installed inside the cabinet, is used to provide cooling capacity to the refrigerated compartment; An ice maker, installed on the housing or the door, is used for making ice; the ice maker includes: An ice-making tray, which has a water-holding trough; A divider, at least partially disposed within the water tank, is used to divide the water tank into multiple ice-making compartments; each ice-making compartment and its adjacent ice-making compartment are connected at the bottom or lower part to allow water to flow. The water injection pipe is used to inject water into the water tank.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting channel is provided between the bottom of the water tank and the bottom of the separator, and the connecting channel connects to the adjacent ice tray.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom side of the separator is provided with a first connecting recess, which connects to the adjacent ice tray, and the first connecting recess and the bottom of the water tank form the connecting channel.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank is provided with a second connecting recess, which is located below the separator. The second connecting recess connects to the adjacent ice tray, and the second connecting recess and the bottom side of the separator form the connecting channel.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The water tank includes two first tank sidewalls and two second tank sidewalls arranged vertically; The two first groove sidewalls extend along a first direction and are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart in a second direction; Two second tank sidewalls extend along the second direction and are arranged opposite to and spaced apart in the first direction. The two second tank sidewalls are connected to the two first tank sidewalls to form a prism-shaped water tank. Wherein, the first direction intersects with the vertical direction; the second direction intersects with the vertical direction and also intersects with the first direction.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The separator includes a first separator plate and a second separator plate arranged vertically. The first partition extends along the first direction; the second partition extends along the second direction, and the second partition is intersecting the first partition. When the separator is placed inside the water tank, the first separator and the second separator divide the water tank into a plurality of ice-making grids arranged in an array.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The portion where the first partition plate and the second partition plate intersect forms an intersection; the orthographic projection of the intersection onto the bottom of the water tank is located within the orthographic projection of the connecting channel onto the bottom of the water tank.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the first partition plates is multiple, and the multiple first partition plates are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the second direction; Alternatively, multiple second partition plates may be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the first direction.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The separator and the ice-making tray are an integral structure.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: The enclosure has a refrigeration compartment. A door, which is rotatably connected to the housing, is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment; A refrigeration system, which is installed inside the cabinet, is used to provide cooling capacity to the refrigerated compartment; An ice maker, installed on the housing or the door, for making ice; wherein the ice maker includes: An ice-making tray having multiple ice-making compartments, wherein at least two of the ice-making compartments are connected at their bottoms or lower parts; A water inlet pipe is used to inject water into at least one of the at least two connected ice trays.

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