Refrigerator ice maker and ice making method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator ice maker and an ice making method thereof, and particularly relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment. The ice maker comprises a base, an ice making assembly and a motor, the base is provided with an air inlet and a water filling nozzle; the motor is mounted at the rear end of the base; an output shaft of the motor is inserted into the rear end of the ice making assembly; the front end of the ice making assembly is rotationally connected with the front side wall of the base; the ice-making assembly comprises an ice-making bottom box and an ice-making grid, and the ice-making grid is movably arranged at the top of the ice-making bottom box; an electromagnetic component is arranged at the bottom of the ice-making bottom box, and a permanent magnet is arranged between the ice-making bottom box and the ice-making grid and corresponds to each electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic component; and the ice-making grids are connected with the ice-making bottom box in a sucking manner or are separated from the ice-making bottom box in a lifting manner under the action that like poles repel each other or opposite poles attract each other of the electromagnetic coils and the permanent magnets. A traditional ice-making box is divided into two parts, and water in the ice-making bottom box is uniformly distributed under the action of a magnetic field in cooperation with a plurality of vertically-through ice lattices, so that ice blocks with the same size are obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention patent relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically to a refrigerator ice maker and its ice-making method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional refrigerator ice makers are typically located in the freezer compartment. A water pump in the refrigerator compartment draws water into the ice maker's tray. As the temperature drops due to cold air, the water in the tray freezes. After a certain time, once the water is completely frozen, a motor rotates the tray to tilt it, allowing the ice cubes to fall into the drawer or tray below. However, because the ice maker consists of small ice compartments, the water can only overflow from one compartment to the others, making it impossible to guarantee that each compartment contains the same amount of water, thus ensuring that the ice cubes are of uniform size. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a refrigerator ice maker and its ice-making method, the specific technical solution of which is as follows: A refrigerator ice maker includes a base, an ice-making component, and a motor. A water inlet is located on the top of the base. An air inlet is located on the front sidewall of the base. The motor is mounted at the rear end of the base. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the rear end of the ice-making component via a connector. The front end of the ice-making component is rotatably connected to the front sidewall of the base. The ice-making component includes an ice-making base and an ice-making grid, with the ice-making grid movably positioned on top of the ice-making base. An electromagnetic component is located at the bottom of the ice-making base, and permanent magnets are positioned between the ice-making base and the ice-making grid corresponding to the positions of each electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic component. The ice-making grid achieves attraction and connection with the ice-making base or lifting and separation through the repulsion of like poles or attraction of opposite poles between the electromagnetic coils and the permanent magnets.

[0004] Preferably, the ice-making grid is evenly provided with a plurality of ice grids that run vertically through each other; and the bottom four corners of the ice-making grid are provided with limiting grooves.

[0005] Preferably, the ice-making base box is a cuboid structure with an open top; the ice-making grid is embedded in the cavity of the ice-making base box; wherein, the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box is provided with a water storage enclosure for accommodating several ice grid areas; the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box is provided with a limiting rod corresponding to the position of the limiting groove, and the limiting rod is movably inserted into the limiting groove at the corresponding position.

[0006] Preferably, the ice-making base box has a connecting rod at its front end, which is rotatably connected to the shaft hole on the front side wall of the base; the ice-making base box has a connecting seat at its rear end, and the connecting seat has a slot on the side near the motor; the connecting piece is inserted into the slot.

[0007] Preferably, a spring is provided between each of the limiting rods and the limiting groove; wherein, the spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the limiting rod, the permanent magnet is sleeved on the side of the spring near the bottom of the limiting rod, and the permanent magnet is pressed into the limiting groove by the spring.

[0008] Preferably, the four electromagnetic coils are connected in series by current to form a series circuit.

[0009] Preferably, heating wires are provided on the top of the ice-making grid along the periphery of several ice grid areas.

[0010] More preferably, the air inlet is connected to the cold air duct of the freezer compartment; the water inlet is connected to the water storage box of the refrigerator compartment via a water pump.

[0011] More preferably, the ice-making grid is made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel or iron-based alloy; the ice-making base is made of PP material.

[0012] An ice-making method for a refrigerator ice maker, using the aforementioned refrigerator ice maker, specifically includes the following steps: S1. When the refrigerator controller receives a signal that the ice production capacity is insufficient, it turns on the water pump to inject water into the ice-making tray below the water inlet. At the same time, it sends a positive current to the four electromagnetic coils of the electromagnetic component. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coil is the same as the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces repel each other. The ice-making grid is lifted upward by the repulsive force and separates from the ice-making tray. At this time, the added water flows evenly in the water storage plate of the ice-making tray. S2. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water storage enclosure has met the set requirements, the water pump is turned off and a reverse current is supplied to the four electromagnetic coils. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coils is opposite to the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces attract each other. The ice grid falls down under the force of attraction and is attracted and connected to the ice box. At this time, the ice grid will evenly distribute the water in the water storage enclosure into each grid. S3. After ice making is completed, the electromagnetic coil continues to supply reverse current, starts the motor and drives the ice-making grid to rotate and invert through the output shaft. At the same time, the heating wire is energized to heat the ice, causing the prepared ice cubes of equal size to separate from the ice-making grid and fall into the ice cube storage box, thus completing one ice-making process.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention breaks down a traditional ice maker into an ice grid containing several interconnected ice compartments and an ice base. By utilizing magnetic force, the water flow in the ice base can be evenly distributed, thereby obtaining ice cubes of uniform size. This effectively solves the problem that in traditional ice maker structures, water can only overflow from one compartment and spread outwards, making it impossible to ensure that each ice compartment contains the same amount of water. 2. The ice-making grid of this invention is made of metal material, which has the following advantages: first, it has good thermal conductivity, which speeds up ice making and shortens the ice making cycle; second, it has high structural strength, is not easily deformed, and extends its service life; and third, its smooth surface makes it easier for ice blocks to fall off. 3. The ice-making base of this invention is made of food-grade PP material, which ensures food safety while also reducing production costs and the weight of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings constituting this invention are provided to further understand this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the base; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A bottom view; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view of AA; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making base; where, Figure 6 (a) is a front view of the ice-making container; Figure 6 (b) is a side view of the ice-making container; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making grid structure; where, Figure 7 (a) is a front view of the ice-making grid; Figure 7 (b) is a bottom view of the ice-making grid; In the diagram, 1-base; 101-air inlet; 102-water inlet; 2-ice-making base; 201-connecting rod; 202-connecting seat; 2021-slot; 203-limiting rod; 204-water storage enclosure; 3-ice-making grid; 301-ice grid; 302-limiting groove; 4-motor; 401-connector; 5-heating wire; 6-electromagnetic assembly; 601-electromagnetic coil; 7-permanent magnet; 8-spring. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The specific implementation of the refrigerator ice maker and ice-making method provided by the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] like Figures 1-4As shown, a refrigerator ice maker includes a base 1, an ice-making assembly, and a motor 4. The motor 4 is mounted at the rear end of the base 1; the output shaft of the motor 4 is connected to the rear end of the ice-making assembly via a connector 401; the ice-making assembly is installed in the inner cavity of the base 1, and its front end is rotatably connected to the front sidewall of the base 1.

[0018] Preferably, the ice-making assembly includes an ice-making base box 2 and an ice-making grid 3, with the ice-making grid 3 movably disposed on the top of the ice-making base box 2; an electromagnetic assembly 6 is disposed at the bottom of the ice-making base box 2, and a permanent magnet 7 is disposed between the ice-making base box 2 and the ice-making grid 3 at positions corresponding to each electromagnetic coil 601 of the electromagnetic assembly 6 (disposed at the four corners of the bottom of the electromagnetic assembly 6). The ice-making grid 3 achieves attraction and connection with the ice-making base box 2 or lifting and separation by the like repulsion or opposite attraction between the electromagnetic coil 601 and the permanent magnet 7 at the corresponding positions, thereby achieving uniform separation of water in the ice-making base box 2.

[0019] Preferably, the front sidewall of the base 1 is provided with an air inlet 101; the top of the base 1 is provided with a water inlet 102. The air inlet 101 is connected to the cold air duct of the freezer compartment, and cold air enters the cavity of the base 1 from the air inlet 101, moving along the top of the ice-making assembly to cool the ice maker. The water inlet 102 is connected to the water storage box (not shown in the figure) of the refrigerator compartment via a water pump (not shown in the figure) to replenish water to the ice-making assembly.

[0020] like Figure 7 (a)- Figure 7 (b) The ice-making grid 3 is uniformly provided with a number of ice grids 301 that run vertically through each other.

[0021] like Figure 6 (a)- Figure 6 (b) The ice-making base box 2 is a cuboid structure with an open top; the ice-making grid 3 is embedded in the box cavity of the ice-making base box 2; wherein, the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box 2 is provided with a water storage enclosure 204 for accommodating several ice grid 301 areas.

[0022] In order to limit the position of the ice-making grid 3 in the inner cavity of the ice-making base box 2 and prevent it from shifting during lifting or lowering, a limiting groove 302 is provided at the four bottom corners of the ice-making grid 3; a limiting rod 203 is provided on the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box 2 corresponding to the position of the limiting groove 302, and the limiting rod 203 is movably inserted into the limiting groove 302 at the corresponding position.

[0023] Preferably, the front end of the ice-making base box 2 is provided with a connecting rod 201, and the ice-making base box 2 is rotatably connected to the shaft hole of the front side wall of the base 1 through the connecting rod 201.

[0024] Preferably, in order to realize the rotation and de-icing of the ice-making component, a connecting seat 202 is provided at the rear end of the ice-making base box 2. The connecting seat 202 is also provided with a slot 2021 near the motor 4 connector 401. The output shaft of the motor 4 is inserted into the slot 2021 through the connector 401.

[0025] Preferably, the motor 4 can also be a dual-axis time-shaft reduction motor, which can simultaneously control the ice probe rod of the ice maker (not shown in the figure).

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, a spring 8 is provided between each of the limiting rods 203 and the limiting groove 302; wherein, the spring 8 is sleeved on the outer surface of the limiting rod 203, and the permanent magnet 7 is sleeved on the outside of the spring 8 near the bottom of the limiting rod 203, and the permanent magnet 7 is pressed into the limiting groove 302 by the spring 8.

[0027] Preferably, the four electromagnetic coils 601 are connected in series by current to form a series circuit.

[0028] To facilitate quick ice removal, heating wires 5 are provided on the top of the ice-making grid 3 along the periphery of several ice grid 301 areas.

[0029] More preferably, the ice-making grid 3 is made of one of the following materials: aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or iron-based alloy, which has good thermal conductivity and is not easily deformed. This shortens the ice-making cycle, and its smooth surface makes it easier for ice cubes to fall off. In addition, the ice-making base 2 is made of PP material, which ensures food safety while also reducing production costs and the weight of the equipment.

[0030] The ice-making process of the ice maker of the present invention will be described in detail below, specifically including the following steps: S1. When the refrigerator controller receives a signal that the ice production capacity is insufficient, it turns on the water pump to inject water into the ice-making tray below the water inlet. At the same time, it sends a positive current to the four electromagnetic coils of the electromagnetic component. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coil is the same as the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces repel each other. The ice-making grid is lifted upward by the repulsive force and separates from the ice-making tray. At this time, the added water flows evenly in the water storage plate of the ice-making tray. S2. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water storage enclosure has met the set requirements, the water pump is turned off and a reverse current is supplied to the four electromagnetic coils. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coils is opposite to the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces attract each other. The ice grid falls down under the force of attraction and is attracted and connected to the ice box. At this time, the ice grid will evenly distribute the water in the water storage enclosure into each grid. S3. After ice making is completed, the electromagnetic coil continues to supply reverse current, starts the motor and drives the ice-making grid to rotate and invert through the output shaft. At the same time, the heating wire is energized to heat the ice, causing the prepared ice cubes of equal size to separate from the ice-making grid and fall into the ice cube storage box, thus completing one ice-making process.

[0031] This invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It breaks down a traditional ice box into an ice grid containing several ice grids that run vertically through each other and an ice box. By using magnetic force, the water flow in the ice box can be evenly distributed, thereby obtaining ice blocks of uniform size.

[0032] In this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "bottom," and "top" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are merely used to facilitate the description of the structural relationships of the various components or elements of this invention and do not specifically refer to any particular component or element in this invention, nor should they be construed as limiting the invention. Terms such as "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0033] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator ice maker, characterized in that, Includes base, ice-making components, and motor; A water inlet is provided on the top of the base; an air inlet is provided on the front side wall of the base; the motor is installed at the rear end of the base; the output shaft of the motor is inserted into the rear end of the ice-making assembly through a connector; the front end of the ice-making assembly is rotatably connected to the front side wall of the base. The ice-making assembly includes an ice-making base box and an ice-making grid, with the ice-making grid movably disposed on the top of the ice-making base box; an electromagnetic assembly is disposed at the bottom of the ice-making base box, and permanent magnets are disposed between the ice-making base box and the ice-making grid corresponding to the positions of each electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic assembly; The ice-making grid achieves attraction and connection with the ice-making base box or lifting and separation through the repulsion of like poles or attraction of opposite poles between the electromagnetic coil and the permanent magnet.

2. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making grid is evenly provided with several ice grids that run vertically through each other; Limiting grooves are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the ice-making grid.

3. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making base box is a cuboid structure with an open top; the ice-making grid is embedded in the cavity of the ice-making base box; the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box is provided with a water storage enclosure for accommodating several ice grid areas; the inner bottom wall of the ice-making base box is provided with a limiting rod corresponding to the position of the limiting groove, and the limiting rod is movably inserted into the limiting groove at the corresponding position.

4. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ice-making base box is provided with a connecting rod at its front end, and the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the shaft hole on the front side wall of the base. The ice-making base is provided with a connecting seat at the rear end, and the connecting seat has a slot on the side near the motor; the connector is inserted into the slot.

5. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, A spring is provided between each of the limiting rods and the limiting groove; wherein, the spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the limiting rod, the permanent magnet is sleeved on the side of the spring near the bottom of the limiting rod, and the permanent magnet is pressed into the limiting groove by the spring.

6. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The four electromagnetic coils are connected in series with current to form a series circuit.

7. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, Heating wires are arranged at the top of the ice-making grid along the periphery of several ice grid areas.

8. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air inlet is connected to the cold air duct of the freezer compartment; The water inlet is connected to the water storage box in the refrigerator compartment via a water pump.

9. The refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making grid is made of one of the following materials: aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or iron-based alloy; the ice-making base is made of PP material.

10. A method for making ice using a refrigerator ice maker, employing the refrigerator ice maker described in any one of claims 6-8 above, characterized in that, Specifically, the steps include: S1. When the refrigerator controller receives a signal that the ice production capacity is insufficient, it turns on the water pump to inject water into the ice-making tray below the water inlet. At the same time, it sends a positive current to the four electromagnetic coils of the electromagnetic component. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coil is the same as the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces repel each other. The ice-making grid is lifted upward by the repulsive force and separates from the ice-making tray. At this time, the added water flows evenly in the water storage plate of the ice-making tray. S2. When the water level sensor detects that the water level in the water storage enclosure has met the set requirements, the water pump is turned off and a reverse current is supplied to the four electromagnetic coils. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic coils is opposite to the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnet at the corresponding position, that is, the magnetic forces attract each other. The ice grid falls down under the force of attraction and is attracted and connected to the ice box. At this time, the ice grid will evenly distribute the water in the water storage enclosure into each grid. S3. After ice making is completed, the electromagnetic coil continues to supply reverse current, starts the motor and drives the ice-making grid to rotate and invert through the output shaft. At the same time, the heating wire is energized to heat the ice, causing the prepared ice cubes of equal size to separate from the ice-making grid and fall into the ice cube storage box, thus completing one ice-making process.

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