Ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, and more particularly to ice makers and refrigerators. The ice maker includes: an upper ice mold; a lower ice mold; and a driving device. The driving device is connected to the lower ice mold and is adapted to drive the lower ice mold to switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the opening of the lower ice mold faces upward and moves downward to separate from the upper ice mold. In the second state, the lower ice mold rotates from an upward-facing opening to a downward-facing opening. By driving the lower ice mold to move downward to open the mold, and then driving the lower ice mold to rotate to remove ice, the ice maker achieves an automatic ice removal effect. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, simpler and more convenient to execute, reduces the time required for ice removal, and does not affect other devices and components, effectively improving ice-making and ice removal efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, ice-making equipment for producing spherical ice is divided into two main categories: manual ice making and automatic ice making. Manual ice making is difficult to remove ice from and inconvenient to operate. It requires heating the ice-making module at room temperature or rinsing it with hot water to remove ice smoothly. Existing automatic ice making usually involves the lower ice mold and the upper ice film rotating and separating during ice removal. The lower ice mold rotates out of the space under the upper ice film, and then the spherical ice is pushed out from the upper ice mold and falls off. This method of ice removal makes it difficult to ensure that the spherical ice is completely separated from the lower ice mold before the lower ice mold rotates to its position. During the rotation process, the lower ice mold is also prone to scraping the spherical ice, which damages the shape of the spherical ice. Therefore, it is difficult to guarantee the ice removal effect and the quality of ice making. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes an ice maker that uses a drive device to first move the lower ice mold downwards to open the mold, and then drives the lower ice mold to rotate and remove ice, thereby achieving an automatic ice removal effect. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, simpler and more convenient to execute, reduces the time required for ice removal, and does not affect other devices and components, effectively improving ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0004] The present invention also provides a refrigerator.

[0005] An ice maker according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: Place the ice mold; Ice mold; A driving device is connected to the lower ice mold and is adapted to drive the lower ice mold to switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the opening of the lower ice mold faces upward and moves downward to separate from the upper ice mold. In the second state, the lower ice mold rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0006] According to the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the lower ice mold is driven to move downward to open the mold by a driving device, and then the lower ice mold is driven to rotate to remove ice, thereby realizing the automatic ice removal effect of the ice maker. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient. It reduces the time required for the ice maker to remove ice, and will not affect other devices and components, effectively improving the ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driving device includes: A transmission assembly, which is connected to the lower ice mold; A guide plate, wherein the guide plate is provided with a first guide hole and a second guide hole, and the end of the first guide hole is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole; A drive assembly connected to the transmission assembly, adapted to drive the transmission assembly to move along the first guide hole in a first state, and to drive the transmission assembly to move along the second guide hole in a second state.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two transmission components are respectively located on both sides of the lower ice mold and symmetrically connected to the lower ice mold, and the two guide plates are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the transmission components.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the first state, the driving device is adapted to drive the lower ice mold to move downward from the first position to the second position to release the mold-closing state with the upper ice mold, and then move downward from the second position to the third position to separate from the upper ice mold.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower ice mold is provided with a first connecting shaft and a guide post, the axial direction of the first connecting shaft is parallel to the rotational axis of the lower ice mold, and the extending direction of the guide post is parallel to the opening orientation of the lower ice mold. The transmission assembly includes: The first link component, the drive assembly is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft through the first link component; A clamping component, wherein the clamping component is movably connected to the guide post; The second linkage component is used to rotatably connect the drive assembly to the clamping component.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower ice mold is further provided with a second connecting shaft, and the guide plate is provided with a third guide hole, the third guide hole extending in a vertical direction, the second connecting shaft being inserted into the third guide hole. In the first state, the second connecting shaft moves along the third guide hole, and in the second state, the second connecting shaft rotates at the lower end of the third guide hole, and the first connecting shaft rotates around the second connecting shaft.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting rod component includes: A first link, one end of which is connected to the drive assembly; The second link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first link, and the other end of the second link rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft. The sum of the lengths of the first link and the second link is greater than or equal to the vertical distance between the axial direction of the drive assembly and the first connecting shaft when in the first position.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission assembly includes: A lead screw, the lead screw extending vertically along its axis, and a drive assembly connected to the lead screw and adapted to drive the lead screw to rotate. A connecting block, which is threadedly connected to the lead screw and is movable along the lead screw; A drive shaft, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting block and the other end of which is connected to the lower ice mold, is adapted to move along the first guide hole and the second guide hole.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft includes: A first shaft portion, the first shaft portion being adapted to move along the first guide hole and the second guide hole; The second shaft portion, two second shaft portions are symmetrically connected to the two ends of the first shaft portion, and the second shaft portion is at a set angle to the first shaft portion; The third shaft portion is connected to the two second shaft portions respectively. The axial direction of the third shaft portion is parallel to the axial direction of the first shaft portion. The two third shaft portions are connected to the drive assembly and the lower ice mold respectively.

[0015] A refrigerator according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a cabinet and an ice maker as described above disposed in the cabinet.

[0016] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following technical effects: In the ice maker of this invention, after the upper and lower ice molds are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device drives the lower ice mold to move and open the mold, so that the lower ice mold and the ice ball are separated from the upper ice mold together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold. Then, under the driving action of the driving device, the lower ice mold changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold, so that the ice ball falls off and the ice removal work is completed.

[0017] The lower ice mold is located below the upper ice mold. In the first state, the driving device drives the lower ice mold to move from top to bottom. The lower ice mold always has its opening facing upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold. In the second state, the driving device drives the lower ice mold to move below the upper ice mold. During the movement, the lower ice mold gradually rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0018] The ice maker of the present invention drives the lower ice mold to move downward to open the mold first, and then drives the lower ice mold to rotate to remove the ice, thereby realizing the automatic ice removal effect of the ice maker. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient. It reduces the time required for the ice maker to remove ice, and will not affect other devices and components, effectively improving the ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the guide plate of the ice maker provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the drive device and lower ice mold of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the drive device and lower ice mold of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drive device of the ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive shaft of the ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the drive shaft and the first connecting rod of the ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the drive shaft and the second connecting rod component of the ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A sectional view of AA; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of BB; Figure 12 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is the fourth structural schematic diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14 This is the fifth structural schematic diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 15This is a schematic flowchart of the ice removal method for an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure label: 100. Place the ice mold; 200. Lower ice mold; 210. Support frame; 211. First connecting shaft; 212. Second connecting shaft; 213. Extension; 220. Lower ice-making module; 221. Guide column; 300. Drive unit; 310. Transmission assembly; 311. First connecting rod; 3111. First end sleeve; 3112. First connecting hole; 3113. First hole wall; 3114. Second hole wall; 312. Second connecting rod; 313. Third connecting rod; 3131. Second end sleeve; 3132. Fixing hole; 3133. Second connecting hole; 314. Fourth connecting rod; 3141. Notch; 315. Lead screw; 316. Connecting block; 317. Drive shaft; 3171. First shaft portion; 3172. Second shaft portion; 3173. Third shaft portion; 318. Support member; 3181 3182. Third connecting shaft; 319. Through hole; 320. Elastic element; 321. Guide plate; 322. First guide hole; 323. Second guide hole; 324. Third guide hole; 335. Drive assembly; 331. Drive shaft; 3311. First shaft section; 3312. Transition shaft section; 3313. Middle shaft section; 3314. Bushing; 3315. First plane; 3316. Second plane; 332. Driver; 333. Cam; 334. First gear; 335. Second gear; 336. Countershaft; 340. First limit switch; 350. Second limit switch; 400, support frame; 410, first support seat; 420, second support seat. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 8As shown in the figure, an ice maker provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200 and a driving device 300. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. The driving device 300 is connected to the lower ice mold 200 and is adapted to drive the lower ice mold 200 to switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces upward and moves downward to separate from the upper ice mold 100. In the second state, the lower ice mold 200 rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0029] In the ice maker of this embodiment, after the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move and open the mold, so that the lower ice mold 200 and the ice ball are separated from the upper ice mold 100 together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold 200 and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold 200. Then, under the driving action of the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200, so that the ice ball falls off and the ice removal work is completed.

[0030] The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. In the first state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move from top to bottom. The lower ice mold 200 always has its opening facing upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold 100. In the second state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to always move below the upper ice mold 100. During the movement, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0031] The ice maker of the present invention drives the lower ice mold 200 to move downward to open the mold through the drive device 300, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to remove ice, thereby realizing the automatic ice removal effect of the ice maker. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient. It reduces the time required for the ice maker to remove ice, and will not affect other devices and components, effectively improving the ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0032] In this embodiment, the process from the first state to the second state is the ice-making process of opening and removing ice from the mold. After the ice removal is completed, the driving device 300 can drive the lower ice mold 200 to reverse to the second state. During the movement, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from an opening facing downwards to an opening facing upwards, and then reverses to the first state. The lower ice mold 200 always faces upwards and gradually approaches the upper ice mold 100. The lower ice mold 200 is in a bottom-up movement process, completing the mold closing of the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200. In other embodiments, the mold closing process can also be carried out by the driving device 300 driving the lower ice mold 200 to select other paths and methods to move.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driving device 300 includes a transmission assembly 310, a guide plate 320, and a driving assembly 330. The transmission assembly 310 is connected to the lower ice mold 200. The guide plate 320 is provided with a first guide hole 321 and a second guide hole 322, and the end of the first guide hole 321 communicates with the beginning of the second guide hole 322. The driving assembly 330 is connected to the transmission assembly 310 and is adapted to drive the transmission assembly 310 to move along the first guide hole 321 in a first state and to drive the transmission assembly 310 to move along the second guide hole 322 in a second state.

[0034] In this embodiment, the driving device 300 mainly includes a transmission assembly 310, a guide plate 320, and a driving assembly 330. The driving assembly 330 is connected to the lower ice mold 200 through the transmission assembly 310. The driving assembly 330 drives the transmission assembly 310 to move, thereby moving the lower ice mold 200. The guide plate 320 is provided with corresponding guide holes. During the movement, the transmission assembly 310 cooperates with the direction of the guide holes. The first guide hole 321 provides a path guide for the transmission assembly 310 in the first state, and the second guide hole 322 provides a path guide for the transmission assembly 310 in the second state. The paths in the first and second states are continuous, so the end of the first guide hole 321 is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole 322. The transmission assembly 310, in conjunction with the first guide hole 321, allows the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically, and the transmission assembly 310, in conjunction with the second guide hole 322, allows the lower ice mold 200 to rotate around its rotation axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two transmission components 310 are respectively located on both sides of the lower ice mold 200 and symmetrically connected to the lower ice mold 200, and two guide plates 320 are correspondingly arranged with the transmission components 310. In this embodiment, one transmission component 310 and one guide plate 320 form a group, and two groups of transmission components 310 and guide plates 320 are respectively arranged on both sides of the lower ice mold 200. That is, the drive component 330 can drive the two transmission components 310 to move simultaneously, thereby driving the lower ice mold 200 to move through the two transmission components 310. Each transmission component 310 cooperates with its corresponding guide plate 320.

[0036] The transmission components 310 are located at both ends of the lower ice mold 200, which are distributed along the rotation axis of the lower ice mold 200. While providing a driving connection for the lower ice mold 200, they also provide support force for the lower ice mold 200. The two transmission components 310 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the lower ice mold 200 to achieve the effect of balanced support at both ends of the lower ice mold 200. At the same time, they can evenly distribute the structural load of a single transmission component 310 and protect the transmission component 310.

[0037] An ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, and a drive device 300. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100 and includes a lower ice-making module 220 and a support 210. The support 210 supports the outer side of the lower ice-making module 220 and has a first connecting shaft 211 and a second connecting shaft 212 that are axially parallel. The drive device 300 includes a drive assembly 330, a transmission assembly 310, and a guide plate 320. The guide plate 320 has a third guide hole 323 that extends vertically. The second connecting shaft 212 is inserted into the third guide hole 323. The drive assembly 330 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 211 through the transmission assembly 310, which is suitable for driving the lower ice mold 200 to switch from the first state to the second state. In the first state, the second connecting shaft 212 moves along the third guide hole 323, and the opening of the lower ice mold 200 moves upward and downward to separate from the upper ice mold 100. In the second state, the first connecting shaft 211 rotates around the second connecting shaft 212, and the second connecting shaft 212 rotates at the lower end of the third guide hole 323, and the lower ice mold 200 rotates from opening upward to opening downward.

[0038] In this embodiment of the ice maker, after the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move and open the mold, so that the lower ice mold 200 and the ice ball detach from the upper ice mold 100 together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold 200 and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold 200. Then, under the driving action of the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200, thus completing the ice removal process. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. In the first state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move from top to bottom. The lower ice mold 200 always has its opening facing upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold 100. In the second state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to always move below the upper ice mold 100. During the movement, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0039] The lower ice mold 200 mainly consists of a lower ice-making module 220 and a support 210. The support 210 surrounds the lower ice-making module 220 and is used to support and fix the lower ice-making module 220. The ice puck is located inside the lower ice-making module 220. Two connecting shafts are provided on the support 210, namely a first connecting shaft 211 and a second connecting shaft 212 that are axially parallel. The second connecting shaft 212 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower ice mold 200. The driving device 300 mainly consists of a transmission assembly 310, a guide plate 320, and a driving assembly 330. The driving assembly 330 is connected to the first connecting shaft 211 through the transmission assembly 310. The driving assembly 330 drives the transmission assembly 310 to move, thereby moving the lower ice-making module 220 through the support 210.

[0040] A third guide hole 323 is provided on the guide plate 320. The second connecting shaft 212 is inserted into the third guide hole 323. During the movement of the drive bracket 210, the transmission assembly 310 moves vertically by coordinating the direction of the third guide hole 323 with the second connecting shaft 212. Since the transmission assembly 310 and the first connecting shaft 211 are rotatably connected, the second connecting shaft 212 rotates within the third guide hole 323 during the rotation of the drive bracket 210. That is, the third guide hole 323 provides the movement path guide for the transmission assembly 310 and the lower ice mold 200 in the first and second states. In the first state, the transmission assembly 310 drives the first connecting shaft 211 to move from top to bottom, while the second connecting shaft 212 moves from top to bottom along the third guide hole 323 to the lower end of the third guide hole 323. In the second state, the transmission assembly 310 drives the first connecting shaft 211 to rotate around the second connecting shaft 212, and the second connecting shaft 212 rotates at the lower end of the third guide hole 323.

[0041] The ice maker of this invention uses a drive device 300 to drive the lower ice mold 200 to move downwards to open the mold, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate and remove ice, thereby achieving an automatic ice removal effect. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient, without affecting other devices and components, effectively improving ice making and ice removal efficiency. Moreover, the third guide hole 323 provides path guidance for the second connecting shaft 212, ensuring that the lower ice mold 200 moves smoothly in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the transmission assembly 310 connects to the first connecting shaft 211 of the bracket 210, making the distance between the first connecting shaft 211 and the second connecting shaft 212 the rotation radius of the lower ice mold 200. The second connecting shaft 212 becomes the rotation axis of the lower ice mold 200, further reducing the space and time required for the lower ice mold 200 to rotate. While ensuring the ice removal effect and ice making and ice removal efficiency, the integration of the device is improved.

[0042] When the ice maker opens the mold, the second connecting shaft 212 moves vertically from top to bottom within the third guide hole 323. When the ice maker closes the mold, the second connecting shaft 212 moves vertically from bottom to top within the third guide hole 323.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate 320 further includes a first guide hole 321 and a second guide hole 322. The end of the first guide hole 321 is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole 322. The first guide hole 321 extends in a vertical direction, and the second guide hole 322 is an arc shape with the lower end of the third guide hole 323 as the center. In a first state, the drive assembly 330 is adapted to drive the first connecting shaft 211 to move along the first guide hole 321. In a second state, the drive assembly 330 is adapted to drive the first connecting shaft 211 to move along the second guide hole 322.

[0044] In this embodiment, the guide plate 320 is provided with corresponding guide holes. The transmission assembly 310 drives the first connecting shaft 211 to move in accordance with the direction of the guide holes. The first connecting shaft 211 is inserted into the first guide hole 321. The first guide hole 321 provides a guiding path for the first connecting shaft 211 in the first state, and the second guide hole 322 provides a guiding path for the first connecting shaft 211 in the second state. The paths of the first state and the second state are continuous, so the end of the first guide hole 321 is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole 322. That is, after the first connecting shaft 211 moves to the end of the first guide hole 321, it enters the second guide hole 322 and moves along the second guide hole 322.

[0045] The second guide hole 322 is an arc-shaped hole with the lower end of the third guide hole 323 as the center. The first guide hole 321 and the third guide hole 323 are set parallel to each other. The arc-shaped second guide hole 322 extends from the end of the first guide hole 321 and surrounds the lower part of the third guide hole 323. The first connecting shaft 211 moves in the first guide hole 321, causing the lower ice mold 200 to move in the vertical direction. At this time, the second connecting shaft 212 also moves in the vertical direction in the third guide hole 323. The lower ice mold 200 moves in a straight line in the vertical direction. The first connecting shaft 211 moves in an arc shape in the second guide hole 322. At this time, the second connecting shaft 212 rotates in the third guide hole 323. The lower ice mold 200 rotates around the second connecting shaft 212.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the second guide hole 322 is higher than the lower end of the third guide hole 323. In this embodiment, the second guide hole 322 is an arc-shaped hole, and the first end of the second guide hole 322 is the end of the first guide hole 321. The curvature of the second guide hole 322 determines the rotation angle of the lower ice mold 200 and the orientation of the opening of the lower ice mold 200. To ensure that when the second state ends, that is, when the first connecting shaft 211 moves to the end of the second guide hole 322, the opening of the lower ice mold 200 can face downwards, and the ice ball can smoothly fall out of the opening of the lower ice mold 200, the end of the second guide hole 322 is designed to be higher than the lower end of the third guide hole 323.

[0047] If the end of the first guide hole 321 is lower than the lower end of the third guide hole 323, in order to ensure that the lower ice mold 200 rotates at least 180°, the end of the second guide hole 322 must be higher than the lower end of the third guide hole 323. If the end of the first guide hole 321 is flush with the lower end of the third guide hole 323, after the lower ice mold 200 rotates 180°, the end of the second guide hole 322 will be higher than the lower end of the third guide hole 323, allowing the lower ice mold 200 to rotate further into place.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a first state, the driving device 300 is adapted to drive the first connecting shaft 211 to move downward from the first end of the first guide hole 321 to the middle position to release the molded state with the upper ice mold 100, and then move downward from the middle position to the end of the first guide hole 321 to separate from the upper ice mold 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lower ice mold 200 is in a compressed and sealed state when it is closed with the upper ice mold 100. Therefore, in the first state, the lower ice mold 200 needs to release the compressed and sealed state of the mold before moving downward to separate from the upper ice mold 100. Therefore, the movement of the first connecting shaft 211 in the first guide hole 321 is divided into two parts. First, it moves downward from the beginning of the first guide hole 321 to the middle position, which can release the mold closing state of the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100. Then, it continues to move downward from the middle position to the end of the first guide hole 321, which can separate the lower ice mold 200 from the upper ice mold 100.

[0050] In the first state, the first connecting shaft 211 moves downward from the beginning of the first guide hole 321 to the middle position. The corresponding driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move downward from the first position to the second position. The first connecting shaft 211 moves downward from the middle position to the end of the first guide hole 321. The corresponding driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move downward from the second position to the third position.

[0051] An ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, and a drive device 300. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100 and includes a lower ice-making module 220 and a support 210. The support 210 supports the outer side of the lower ice-making module 220. The drive device 300 includes a drive assembly 330 and a transmission assembly 310. The transmission assembly 310 includes a first connecting rod component, a second connecting rod component, and a pressing component. The drive assembly 330 is rotatably connected to the support 210 through the first connecting rod component and rotatably connected to the pressing component through the second connecting rod component. The pressing component is in elastic contact with the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220.

[0052] In this embodiment of the ice maker, after the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to open the mold, causing the lower ice mold 200 and the ice ball to detach from the upper ice mold 100 together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold 200 and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold 200. Then, under the driving action of the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200, thus completing the ice removal process. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. During the ice maker's mold opening and ice removal process, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 in a top-down motion. The lower ice mold 200 always faces upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold 100. During the rotation of the lower ice mold 200 driven by the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from an upward-facing opening to an downward-facing opening.

[0053] The lower ice mold 200 mainly consists of a lower ice-making module 220 and a support 210. The support 210 surrounds the lower ice-making module 220 and is used to support and fix the lower ice-making module 220. The ice puck is located inside the lower ice-making module 220. The drive device 300 mainly consists of a transmission assembly 310 and a drive assembly 330. The transmission assembly 310 mainly consists of a first connecting rod component, a second connecting rod component, and a clamping component. The drive assembly 330 is connected to the support 210 through the first connecting rod component and to the clamping component through the second connecting rod component. The clamping component is located at the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220 and together with the support 210, forms a structure surrounding the lower ice-making module 220. The drive assembly 330 drives the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component to move, thereby moving the lower ice-making module 220 through the support 210 and the clamping component.

[0054] During the mold opening process of the ice maker, the drive assembly 330 first drives the second linkage component to move, while the first linkage component is not driven to move. The second linkage component drives the lower ice-making module 220 to move downward through the clamping component. The clamping component makes elastic contact with the lower ice-making module 220. The clamping component releases the lower ice-making module 220, releasing the clamping and sealing state between the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100. The drive assembly 330 then drives the first linkage component to move, and simultaneously drives the second linkage component to move the clamping component. The first linkage component drives the lower ice-making module 220 downward through the bracket 210, causing the lower ice mold 200 to separate from the upper ice mold 100 and gradually move away from the upper ice mold 100.

[0055] During the mold closing process of the ice maker, the drive assembly 330 first drives the first connecting rod component to move, and simultaneously drives the second connecting rod component to move the pressing component. The first connecting rod component drives the lower ice-making mold 220 to move upward through the bracket 210, so that the lower ice mold 200 gradually approaches and contacts the upper ice mold 100. The second connecting rod component elastically contacts the lower ice-making mold 220 through the pressing component, and the pressing component presses the lower ice-making mold 220, so that the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100 are pressed and sealed.

[0056] The ice maker of the present invention uses a drive device 300 to drive the lower ice mold 200 to move downwards to open the mold, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to remove ice, thereby achieving an automatic ice removal effect. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient, without affecting other devices and components, effectively improving ice making and ice removal efficiency. Moreover, through the cooperation of the first connecting rod 311, the second connecting rod 312, and the clamping component, the lower ice mold 200 can be pressed and sealed at the upper ice film when it is closed with the upper ice mold 100. When opening the mold, the pressing seal can be released first before separating from the upper ice mold 100 to remove ice, ensuring the sealing performance of the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200. This improves the ice making effect while ensuring ice removal efficiency.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a guide post 221 is provided at the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220. The extending direction of the guide post 221 is parallel to the opening direction of the lower ice-making module 200. The drive assembly 330 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 211 through a first connecting rod component. The pressing component is movably connected to the guide post 221. In this embodiment, the top of the lower ice-making module 220 is an upward-facing opening, and the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220 is provided with the guide post 221. The guide post 221 extends downward from the bottom surface of the lower ice-making module 220. The pressing component is provided corresponding to the guide post 221 and is movably connected to the guide post 221.

[0058] When the clamping component acts on the lower ice-making module 220, the guide post 221 can guide the force exerted by the clamping component on the lower ice-making module 220. That is, during the mold closing process, the guide post 221 guides the pressure of the clamping component to push the lower ice-making module 220 vertically upward to press it against the upper ice mold 100. During the mold opening process, the guide post 221 guides the downward movement of the clamping component, so that the clamping component can release the pressure on the lower ice-making module 220 vertically downward. The guide post 221 makes the movement of the clamping component relative to the lower ice-making module 220 more stable and reliable.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first linkage component includes a first linkage 311 and a second linkage 312. One end of the first linkage 311 is connected to the drive assembly 330; one end of the second linkage 312 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first linkage 311, and the other end of the second linkage 312 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 211. The sum of the lengths of the first linkage 311 and the second linkage 312 is greater than or equal to the vertical distance between the axial direction of the drive assembly 330 and the first connecting shaft 211 in the first position.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first connecting rod component mainly consists of a first connecting rod 311 and a second connecting rod 312. The drive assembly 330, the first connecting rod 311, and the first connecting shaft 211 are sequentially connected to form a drive transmission. The first connecting rod 311 and the second connecting rod 312 can rotate relative to each other, and the second connecting rod 312 can rotate relative to the first rotating shaft. In the first state, the drive assembly 330 drives the first connecting rod 311 to rotate, and the first connecting rod 311 synchronously drives the second connecting rod 312 to rotate and move downward, thereby causing the first connecting shaft 211 to move vertically downward in the first guide hole 321. In the second state, the drive assembly 330 continues to drive the first connecting rod 311 to rotate, and the first connecting rod 311 synchronously drives the second connecting rod 312 to rotate, thereby causing the first connecting shaft 211 to rotate in the second guide hole 322.

[0061] The process of the lower ice mold 200 moving from the first position to the second position and finally to the third position is the first state. In the first position, that is, when the first connecting shaft 211 is at the beginning of the first guide hole 321, the sum of the lengths of the first connecting rod 311 and the second connecting rod 312 is at least the vertical distance between the first connecting shaft 211 and the rotation axis of the drive assembly 330 at this time. During the movement of the lower ice mold 200, the first connecting rod 311 and the second connecting rod 312 always rotate relative to each other at an angle within a certain range, ensuring that the driving force of the drive assembly 330 is effectively transmitted and avoiding jamming of the connection transmission between the first connecting rod 311 and the second connecting rod 312.

[0062] In this embodiment, the third guide hole 323 is located between the first guide hole 321 and the rotation axis of the drive assembly 330. The distance between the second connecting shaft 212 and the first connecting shaft 211 is the rotation radius of the lower ice mold 200. That is, the vertical distance between the third guide hole 323 and the first guide hole 321 is the rotation radius of the lower ice mold 200. Therefore, the sum of the lengths of the first connecting rod 311 and the second connecting rod 312 is much greater than the rotation radius of the lower ice mold 200, which can ensure that the mold closing and opening actions of the ice maker are carried out smoothly.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing component includes a support member 318 and an elastic member 319. The support member 318 is provided with a third connecting shaft 3181 parallel to the rotation axis of the lower ice mold 200. The end of the second connecting rod component is provided with an arc-shaped notch 3141, which is adapted to the outer side of the third connecting shaft 3181. The third connecting shaft 3181 is embedded in the notch 3141. One end of the elastic member 319 is connected to the support member 318, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220.

[0064] In this embodiment, the bracket 210 has an opening at the bottom of the corresponding lower ice-making module 220, which is opposite to the opening of the lower ice-making module 220. The pressing component mainly consists of a support member 318 and an elastic member 319. The support member 318 is located at the opening, and the elastic member 319 is located between the support member 318 and the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220 to achieve an elastic contact effect between the pressing component and the lower ice-making module 220. A third connecting shaft 3181 is provided on the support member 318. The axial direction of the third connecting shaft 3181 is parallel to the axial direction of the first connecting shaft 211 and the second connecting shaft 212. A notch 3141 is provided at the end of the second connecting rod component. The shape of the notch 3141 is adapted to the outer peripheral surface of the third connecting shaft 3181. During the mold opening and closing process, the third connecting shaft 3181 can be inserted into the notch 3141 to realize relative rotation between the second connecting rod component and the third connecting shaft 3181, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second connecting rod component and the pressing component.

[0065] The elastic element 319 is provided by the support element 318 applying force to the elastic element 319. During mold closing, the lower ice mold 200 is flexibly squeezed against the upper ice mold 100, avoiding damage to components during rigid transmission of motion. Furthermore, the elastic element 319 can offset manufacturing errors in the first connecting rod assembly, the second connecting rod assembly, the upper ice mold 100, and the lower ice mold 200, ensuring accurate alignment of the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 during mold closing and sealing, as well as meeting the displacement and clamping force requirements for reaching the sealing position. The first connecting rod assembly ensures that the bracket 210 drives the lower ice-making module 220 to its limit position of contact with the upper ice mold 100. At this position, the clamping seal between the lower ice-making module 220 and the upper ice mold 100 will generate bending stress on the second connecting rod assembly. The design of the elastic element 319 effectively buffers and releases the stress exerted by the lower ice-making module 220 on the second connecting rod assembly.

[0066] During the mold opening process of the ice maker, the drive assembly 330 first drives the second linkage component to move, while the first linkage component is not driven to move. The second linkage component drives the support 318 to move downward away from the lower ice-making module 220. The pressure of the support 318 on the elastic component 319 decreases, and the elastic component 319 gradually relaxes the pressure on the lower ice-making module 220, thereby driving the lower ice-making module 220 to move downward and releasing the tight sealing state between the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100. During the mold closing process of the ice maker, the drive assembly 330 simultaneously drives the first linkage component and the second linkage component to move. The first linkage component drives the bracket 210 to move upward and approach the upper ice mold 100 until it contacts the upper ice mold 100. The second linkage component drives the support component 318 to move upward and approach the lower ice mold 220. The pressure of the support component 318 on the elastic component 319 increases, and the elastic component 319 gradually increases the pressure on the lower ice mold 220, thereby pushing the lower ice mold 220 to move upward, so that the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100 are pressed tightly and sealed.

[0067] In this embodiment, during the mold opening and closing process, since the rotation of the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component may be asynchronous, and the movement paths of the first connecting shaft 211 and the third connecting shaft 3181 are also different, the second connecting rod component and the third connecting shaft 3181 do not need to be kept in a connected state at all times. Therefore, the second connecting rod component is connected to the third connecting shaft 3181 in the form of a notch 3141. During the movement of the lower ice mold 200 between the first position and the second position, the third connecting shaft 3181 is in contact with the notch 3141, so that the drive assembly 330 can drive the pressing component to move by driving the second connecting rod component. During the rest of the movement, the third connecting shaft 3181 can be separated from the notch 3141 to ensure the drive rotation of the lower ice mold 200 by the first connecting rod component.

[0068] In this embodiment, the elastic element 319 may be a compression spring or other elastic telescopic element.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a guide post 221 is provided at the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220. The extending direction of the guide post 221 is parallel to the opening direction of the lower ice-making module 200. A through hole 3182 is provided on the support member 318, and the guide post 221 passes through the through hole 3182. In this embodiment, the guide post 221 is provided at the bottom of the lower ice-making module 220, and the through hole 3182 is provided at the position corresponding to the guide post 221 of the support member 318. The guide post 221 is inserted into the through hole 3182. As the support member 318 moves closer to or further away from the lower ice-making module 220, the support member 318 is sleeved on the outside of the guide post 221 and moves relative to the guide post 221, ensuring the relative movement between the support member 318 and the lower ice-making module 220. The through hole 3182 cooperates with the guide post 221 to provide a guiding structure for the movement of the support member 318 and the lower ice-making module 220, and to restrict and stabilize the movement direction of the support member 318 and the lower ice-making module 220.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are multiple guide posts 221, and elastic elements 319 are arranged one-to-one with the guide posts 221 and are sleeved on the outside of the guide posts 221. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the lower ice-making module 220 is provided with multiple guide posts 221, and each guide post 221 has its matching elastic element 319. The elastic element 319 is sleeved on the outside of the guide post 221 and can be fixed in the through hole 3182 of the support member 318. Thus, the guide post 221 can also provide support and guidance for the extension and retraction of the elastic element 319, so that the pressing and releasing force of the pressing component on the lower ice-making module 220 is more stable. At the same time, the structure of the guide post 221, the elastic element 319, and the through hole 3182 of the support member 318 is integrated, so that the connection structure between the pressing component and the lower ice-making module 220 is more integrated and compact.

[0071] In other embodiments, the elastic element 319 may be provided independently of the guide post 221, or the elastic element 319 may be sleeved on part of the guide post 221. The elastic element 319 may be a helical spring.

[0072] An ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, and a drive device 300. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. The drive device 300 includes a drive assembly 330, a transmission assembly 310, a first limit switch 340, and a second limit switch 350. The drive assembly 330 includes a driver 332, a drive shaft 331, and a cam 333. The drive shaft 331 is rotatably connected to the lower ice mold 200 through the transmission assembly 310, and the cam 333 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331. Both the first limit switch 340 and the second limit switch 350 are electrically connected to the driver 332. The driver 332 is connected to the drive shaft 331 and is adapted to drive the cam 333 to switch between the position of contacting the first limit switch 340 and the position of contacting the second limit switch 350. When in the position of contacting the first limit switch 340, the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces upward and is closed and connected with the upper ice mold 100. When in the position of contacting the second limit switch 350, the lower ice mold 200 is separated from the upper ice mold 100 and the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces downward.

[0073] In this embodiment of the ice maker, after the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to open the mold, causing the lower ice mold 200 and the ice ball to detach from the upper ice mold 100 together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold 200 and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold 200. Then, under the driving action of the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200, thus completing the ice removal process. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. During the ice maker's mold opening and ice removal process, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 in a top-down motion. The lower ice mold 200 always faces upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold 100. During the rotation of the lower ice mold 200 driven by the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from an upward-facing opening to an downward-facing opening.

[0074] The drive unit 300 mainly consists of a transmission assembly 310, a drive assembly 330, and limit switches. The limit switches mainly include a first limit switch 340 and a second limit switch 350. The drive assembly 330 mainly consists of a driver 332, a drive shaft 331, and a cam 333. The driver 332 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331 and drives the drive shaft 331 to rotate, thereby driving the transmission assembly 310 connected to the drive shaft 331 to rotate. The first limit switch 340 and the second limit switch 350 are both set in conjunction with the cam 333. The cam 333 is set on the drive shaft 331 and coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331. During the rotation of the drive shaft 331, the cam 333 rotates synchronously. During the rotation of the cam 333, the protrusion will contact the first limit switch 340 and the second limit switch 350, thereby triggering the first limit switch 340 and the second limit switch 350 to send signals to control the start and stop of the drive 332.

[0075] The driver 332 drives the drive shaft 331 to reverse, and the cam 333 rotates from the position of contacting the first limit switch 340 to the position of contacting the second limit switch 350. The transmission component 310 drives the lower ice mold 200 to first move upward with its opening facing up and downward in the vertical direction, separating from the upper ice mold 100. Then, it drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate from the position of contacting the opening facing up to the position of contacting the opening facing down, completing the opening and unfreezing of the lower ice mold 200. After the cam 333 contacts the second limit switch 350, it triggers the driver 332 to drive the drive shaft 331 to reverse, and the cam 333 rotates from the position of contacting the second limit switch 350 to the position of contacting the first limit switch 340. The transmission component 310 drives the lower ice mold 200 to first rotate from the position of contacting the opening facing down to the position of contacting the opening facing up, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to move upward with its opening facing up and upward in the vertical direction, closing with the upper ice mold 100. After the cam 333 contacts the first limit switch 340, it triggers the driver 332 to stop driving.

[0076] The ice maker of the present invention, through the cooperation of the first limit switch 340, the second limit switch 350, the cam 333 and the driver 332, limits the extreme positions of the mold opening and closing of the ice maker, so that the lower ice mold 200 can accurately complete the mold opening and closing stroke, improve the automatic ice removal performance of the ice maker, make the ice removal action clearer and more precise, make the execution simpler and more convenient, and will not affect other devices and components, effectively improving the ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation angle of the cam 333 when switching between the position of contacting the first limit switch 340 and the position of contacting the second limit switch 350 is greater than 180°. In this embodiment, after the cam 333's protrusion contacts the first limit switch 340, it needs to rotate at least 180° forward to contact the second limit switch 350. Similarly, after the cam 333's protrusion contacts the second limit switch 350, it needs to rotate at least 180° backward to contact the first limit switch 340. Regardless of whether the mold is opening or closing, the lower ice mold 200 needs to move linearly upward or downward along the first guide hole 321. Before or after rotation, a linear motion path is required. Therefore, the drive shaft 331 needs to provide a certain angle of rotation drive transmission assembly 310 to drive the lower ice mold 200 to move linearly. Therefore, the rotation of the drive shaft 331 must be greater than 180°.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first limit switch 340 and the second limit switch 350 can be micro switches. The driver 332 can be a motor with a reducer, and is connected to the drive shaft 331 via a coupling.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft 331 includes a first shaft segment 3311 and a second shaft segment. Both ends of the second shaft segment are connected to the first shaft segment 3311. The first shaft segment 3311 is connected to a first connecting rod component, and the second shaft segment is connected to a second connecting rod component. The driver 332 is adapted to drive the first shaft segment 3311 and the second shaft segment to rotate synchronously, so that the lower ice mold 200 switches between an open mold state and a closed mold state. In the open mold state, the second connecting rod component first rotates a set angle, causing the pressing component to move downward. After releasing the pressure seal between the lower ice-making mold assembly 220 and the upper ice mold 100, the first connecting rod component rotates again, causing the lower ice mold 200 to leave the upper ice mold 100. In the closed mold state, the first connecting rod component and the second connecting component rotate synchronously, causing the lower ice mold 200 to contact the upper ice mold 100. Then, the pressing component moves upward, so that the lower ice-making mold assembly 220 and the upper ice mold 100 are pressed and sealed together.

[0080] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 331 is mainly composed of a first shaft segment 3311 and a second shaft segment. The first shaft segment 3311 is located at both ends of the second shaft segment and is coaxially connected with the second shaft segment. The driver 332 is connected to the second shaft segment, thereby synchronously driving the first shaft segment 3311 and the second shaft segment to rotate. The rotation of the first shaft segment 3311 drives the first connecting rod component to move, and the rotation of the second shaft segment drives the second connecting rod component to move.

[0081] In the mold-opening state, the driver 332 drives the first shaft segment 3311 and the second shaft segment to rotate synchronously. The second connecting rod component rotates first while the first connecting rod component remains fixed. The second connecting rod component drives the clamping component to move vertically downward along the first guide hole 321, thereby releasing the clamping and sealing state between the lower ice-making module 220 and the upper ice mold 100. The bracket 210 remains fixed. After the second connecting rod component rotates to the set angle, the first connecting rod component starts to rotate while the second connecting rod component remains rotating. The first connecting rod component drives the bracket 210 to move vertically downward along the first guide hole 321, causing the lower ice mold 200 to separate from the upper ice mold 100 as a whole. Then, the first connecting rod component drives the bracket 210 to rotate along the second guide hole 322, causing the opening of the lower ice mold 200 to face downward and detach from the ice.

[0082] In the mold-closed state, the driver 332 drives the first shaft segment 3311 and the second shaft segment to rotate synchronously. The second connecting rod component rotates synchronously with the first connecting rod component. The first connecting rod component drives the bracket 210 to rotate along the second guide hole 322, so that the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces upward. Then, the first connecting rod component drives the bracket 210 to move vertically upward along the first guide hole 321, so that the lower ice mold 200 as a whole contacts the upper ice mold 100. When the second connecting rod component drives the pressing component to move, the lower ice-making mold assembly 220 presses and seals with the upper ice mold 100.

[0083] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 331 is divided into two shaft segments, which drive different connecting rod components respectively. This creates a time difference between the actions of the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component when the ice maker opens the mold, and a rotation angle difference when the ice maker closes the mold. This ensures that the pressing component effectively presses and seals the lower ice mold 200 and the upper ice mold 100 together.

[0084] It is understandable that the time difference and angle difference between the actions of the first link component and the second link component can be achieved by different shapes of the different shaft segments of the drive shaft 331, or by different shapes of the first link component and the second link component.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first end sleeve 3111 is provided at one end of the first connecting rod 3111, the first end sleeve 3111 is provided with a first connecting hole 3112, a first shaft segment 3311 is inserted into the first connecting hole 3112, the first shaft segment 3311 and the first connecting hole 3112 are clearance-fitted, the first shaft segment 3311 is provided with a first plane 3315, the first plane 3315 is parallel to the axial direction of the first shaft segment 3311, the first connecting hole 3112 is provided with a first hole wall 3113 that mates with the first plane 3315, and the included angle between the first hole wall 3113 and the first plane 3315 is a set angle.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first connecting rod 311 of the first connecting rod component is connected to the first shaft segment 3311 through the first end sleeve 3111. The first end sleeve 3111 is provided with a first connecting hole 3112. The first end sleeve 3111 is sleeved on the outside of the first shaft segment 3311. The first connecting hole 3112 and the first shaft segment 3311 are clearance-fitted, that is, the first shaft segment 3311 can rotate relative to the first connecting rod in the first connecting hole 3112. The first shaft segment 3311 has a first plane 3315 extending along its axial direction. The vertical distance between the first plane 3315 and the circumferential surface of the first shaft segment 3311 is greater than the radius of the first shaft segment 3311 and less than the diameter of the first shaft segment 3311, thereby forming a first shaft segment 3311 with an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0087] The shape of the first connecting hole 3112 matches the shape of the first shaft segment 3311. The first hole wall 3113 inside the first connecting hole 3112 matches the first plane 3315, and the first plane 3315 and the first hole wall 3113 form a predetermined angle. The first hole wall 3113 is symmetrically bent. When the first half of the first plane 3315 is in contact with the first side of the first hole wall 3113, the second half of the first plane 3315 and the second side of the first hole wall 3113 form a predetermined angle. Therefore, before the first shaft segment 3311 rotates through the set angle, the first half gradually moves away from the first side, and the second half gradually moves closer to the second side. During this process, the first connecting rod 311 remains stationary. After rotating to the set angle, the second half contacts the second side. At this time, the first shaft segment 3311 abuts against the first end sleeve 3111, thereby driving the first connecting rod 311 to rotate synchronously. This creates a time difference between the rotation of the drive shaft 331 and the action of the first connecting rod component, satisfying the action time difference requirement between the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component during the ice maker's mold opening process.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first shaft segment 3311 is provided with a second plane 3316 opposite to the first plane 3315, and a second hole wall 3114 that mates with the second plane 3316 is provided in the first connecting hole 3112. The included angle between the second hole wall 3114 and the second plane 3316 is a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, the first shaft segment 3311 is also provided with a second plane 3316, which also extends along the axial direction of the first shaft segment 3311. The second plane 3316 is opposite to and parallel to the first plane 3315. The first plane 3315 and the second plane 3316 are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the first shaft segment 3311. The vertical distance between the first plane 3315 and the second plane 3316 is greater than the radius of the first shaft segment 3311 and less than the diameter of the first shaft segment 3311, thereby forming a first shaft segment 3311 with a flat cross-sectional shape.

[0089] The shape of the first connecting hole 3112 matches the shape of the first shaft segment 3311. The second hole wall 3114 inside the first connecting hole 3112 matches the second plane 3316. Therefore, the first hole wall 3113 and the second hole wall 3114 are arranged opposite to each other and symmetrically. The second plane 3316 and the second hole wall 3114 form a set angle. The second hole wall 3114 is symmetrically bent. When the third half of the second plane 3316 is in contact with the third side of the second hole wall 3114, the fourth half of the second plane 3316 and the fourth side of the second hole wall 3114 form a set angle. Therefore, before the first shaft segment 3311 rotates through the set angle, the third half gradually moves away from the third side surface, and the fourth half gradually moves closer to the fourth side surface. During this process, the first connecting rod 311 remains stationary. After rotating to the set angle, the fourth half surface contacts the fourth side surface. At this time, the first shaft segment 3311 abuts against the first end sleeve 3111, thereby driving the first connecting rod 311 to rotate synchronously. This creates a time difference between the rotation of the drive shaft 331 and the action of the first connecting rod component, satisfying the action time difference requirement between the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component during the ice maker's mold opening process.

[0090] By setting the first plane 3315 and the second plane 3316 on the first shaft segment 3311, and matching the shape of the first connecting hole 3112 on the first end sleeve 3111, the force balance and structural strength of the first shaft segment 3311 and the first connecting rod 311 at the connection point can be guaranteed. Moreover, the cooperation between the first hole wall 3113 and the second hole wall 3114 can maximize the set angle range.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first plane 3315 and the second plane 3316 form a similar rhomboid design for the cross-section of the first shaft segment 3311, and the first hole wall 3113 and the second hole wall 3114 form a symmetrical double-fan-shaped design for the cross-section of the first connecting hole 3112.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second shaft segment includes a transition shaft segment 3312 and a middle shaft segment 3313. The transition shaft segment 3312 is the same as the first shaft segment 3311. The second connecting rod component is provided with a second connecting hole 3133. The transition shaft segment 3312 passes through the second connecting hole 3133 and is fixedly connected to the second connecting hole 3133. The two ends of the middle shaft segment 3313 are connected to the first shaft segment 3311 through the transition shaft segment 3312.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second shaft segment mainly consists of a transition shaft segment 3312 and a middle shaft segment 3313. The first shaft segment 3311 is connected to the middle shaft segment 3313 through the transition shaft segment 3312. The middle shaft segment 3313 is the middle part of the drive shaft 331. The first shaft segment 3311 and the transition shaft segment 3312 are the ends of the drive shaft 331. The overall shape of the transition shaft segment 3312 is the same as the overall shape of the first shaft segment 3311. However, the second connecting hole 3133 of the second connecting rod component is fixedly connected to the transition shaft segment 3312. That is, the transition shaft segment 3312 and the second connecting rod component rotate synchronously without any time difference or angle difference in rotation. The first shaft segment 3311 and the transition shaft segment 3312 rotate synchronously, which causes a time difference in rotation between the first connecting rod component and the second connecting rod component during the ice maker's mold opening process. Because there is no angular difference in the fit between the second link component and the transition shaft section 3312, when the drive shaft 331 drives the second link component to move during the mold opening process, the movement of the first link component relative to the second link component will be somewhat delayed.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft 331 further includes a bushing 3314, which is fitted onto the outer side of the middle shaft section 3313. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 331 mainly consists of a first shaft section 3311, a transition shaft section 3312, a middle shaft section 3313, and a bushing 3314. The first shaft section 3311, the transition shaft section 3312, and the middle shaft section 3313 can be a single, continuous flat shaft. The first shaft section 3311 is connected to the first connecting rod 311 through the first bushing 3314, thereby strengthening the structure of the first shaft section 3311. The transition shaft section 3312 can be strengthened through its connection with the second connecting rod component. The bushing 3314 is fitted onto the outer side of the middle shaft section 3313, thereby strengthening the structure of the middle shaft section 3313.

[0095] In other embodiments, the drive shaft 331, composed of the first shaft segment 3311, the transition shaft segment 3312, and the middle shaft segment 3313, can be a variable diameter shaft with different cross-sectional shapes. The overall structural strength of the drive shaft 331 is enhanced according to the changes in the cross-sectional shape of different shaft segments.

[0096] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 331 can be a steel shaft.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second link component includes a third link 313 and a fourth link 314. One end of the third link 313 is provided with a second end sleeve 3131, and the second end sleeve 3131 is provided with a second connecting hole 3133. A transition shaft section 3312 is inserted into the second connecting hole 3133. The second end sleeve 3131 is provided with a fixing hole along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second shaft section. The fixing hole 3132 communicates with the second connecting hole 3133. A bolt is installed in the fixing hole 3132 to fix the transition shaft section 3312 to the second connecting hole 3133. One end of the fourth link 314 is fixedly connected to the other end of the third link 313. When in contact with the first limit switch 340, the fourth link 314 extends in a vertical direction, and the other end of the fourth link 314 is rotatably connected to the clamping component.

[0098] In this embodiment, the second connecting rod component mainly consists of a third connecting rod 313 and a fourth connecting rod 314. The third connecting rod 313 is connected to the transition shaft section 3312 of the second shaft segment through a second end sleeve 3131. A second connecting hole 3133 is provided on the second end sleeve 3131. The second end sleeve 3131 is sleeved on the outside of the transition shaft section 3312. To prevent relative rotation between the second connecting hole 3133 and the transition shaft section 3312, a fastening component is provided between the second end sleeve 3131 and the transition shaft section 3312. That is, a fixing hole 3132 is provided on the second end sleeve 3131. A bolt is screwed into the fixing hole 3132 and abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the transition shaft section 3312, pressing it onto the transition shaft section 3312, thereby achieving the limiting and fixing between the second end sleeve 3131 and the transition shaft section 3312, and thus fixing the second connecting rod component onto the transition shaft section 3312.

[0099] The third link 313 and the fourth link 314 are an integral structure, that is, the second link component is a bent rod, and the third link 313 and the fourth link 314 are at a certain angle. The end of the fourth link 314 is provided with a notch 3141, which is rotatably connected to the third connecting shaft 3181 of the support member 318. When the lower ice mold 200 moves between the first position and the second position, the extension direction of the fourth link 314 is kept as vertical as possible. This ensures that the force applied by the fourth link 314 to the pressing component is in the vertical direction, so that the lower ice mold 200 is subjected to vertical upward pressure when pressing the upper ice mold 100, or when the lower ice mold 200 separates from the upper ice film, the fourth link 314 provides vertical upward support force to the pressing component, which is conducive to accurate and unbiased force application.

[0100] In other embodiments, the second connecting hole 3133 can be matched with the cross-sectional shape of the transition shaft section 3312, and the second bushing 3314 is interference-fitted with the transition shaft section 3312, thereby directly fixing the second bushing 3314 to the transition shaft section 3312 without the need for additional fixing holes 3132 and bolts or other fastening components. The third connecting rod 313 and the fourth connecting rod 314 can also be a separate structure, and the connection between the two connecting rods can adopt a fixed angle connection form.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support 210 is provided with an extension 213. The extension direction of the extension 213 is perpendicular to both the opening orientation and the rotation axis of the lower ice mold 200. The end of the extension 213 is provided with a second connecting shaft 212. In this embodiment, the support 210 is provided with an extension 213. When the ice maker is in the closed state, the extension 213 extends horizontally from the location of the lower ice mold 200 to the third guide hole 323. The second connecting shaft 212 is provided at one end of the extension 213 that extends out of the lower ice mold 200, and the first connecting shaft 211 is provided at one end of the extension 213 located on the support 210. The length of the support 210 can limit the amount of space required for the lower ice mold 200 to rotate.

[0102] After ice making is completed, the driver 332 first drives the second linkage component to move, releasing the pressure of the elastic element 319. Then, after eliminating the angle difference between the drive shaft 331 and the first linkage component, the first linkage component begins to rotate with the drive shaft 331, thereby driving the lower ice mold 200 to move. The bracket 210 is provided with a first connecting shaft 211 and a second connecting shaft 212. The corresponding guide plate 320 is provided with a first guide hole 321 and a second guide hole 322 to form a motion guide structure, and a third guide hole 323 to form a motion guide structure. Guided by the third guide hole 323, the second connecting shaft 212 can move vertically downwards by 60mm. After reaching the limit position, the second connecting shaft 212 can rotate around this point. During the vertical downward movement of the second connecting shaft 212, the first connecting shaft 211 moves vertically downwards synchronously. After the second connecting shaft 212 moves to the limit position, it can only rotate around this point. The first connecting shaft 211 rotates around the second guide hole 322 under the linkage of the first and second connecting rod components until the cam 333 on the drive shaft 331 triggers the limit switch, and the driver 332 is de-energized and stops moving.

[0103] like Figures 9 to 14As shown in the figure, an ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, and a driving device 300. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. The driving device 300 includes a driving assembly 330, a transmission assembly 310, and a guide plate 320. The guide plate 320 is provided with a first guide hole 321 and a second guide hole 322. The lower end of the first guide hole 321 communicates with the upper end of the second guide hole 322. The first guide hole 321 extends vertically, and the second guide hole 322 communicates with the first guide hole 322. The hole 321 extends downward at a set angle. The transmission component 310 is connected to the lower ice mold 200, and the drive component 330 is connected to the transmission component 310. It is suitable for driving the lower ice mold 200 to switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the drive transmission component 310 moves along the first guide hole 321 so that the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces upward and moves downward. In the second state, the drive transmission component 310 moves linearly and rotates along the second guide hole 322 so that the lower ice mold 200 rotates from an opening facing upward to an opening facing downward.

[0104] In the ice maker of this embodiment, after the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 are closed, an ice-making cavity is formed. After ice making is completed, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move and open the mold, so that the lower ice mold 200 and the ice ball are separated from the upper ice mold 100 together. The ice ball is located inside the lower ice mold 200 and moves synchronously with the lower ice mold 200. Then, under the driving action of the driving device 300, the lower ice mold 200 changes its posture to separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200, so that the ice ball falls off and the ice removal work is completed.

[0105] The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. In the first state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to move from top to bottom. The lower ice mold 200 always has its opening facing upward and gradually moves away from the upper ice mold 100. In the second state, the driving device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to always move below the upper ice mold 100. During the movement, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

[0106] The driving device 300 mainly consists of a driving assembly 330, a transmission assembly 310, and a guide plate 320. The guide plate 320 has corresponding guide holes. The driving assembly 330 drives the transmission assembly 310 to move. During movement, the transmission assembly 310, in conjunction with the direction of the guide holes, drives the ice mold 200 to move and rotate. The first guide hole 321 provides a guiding path for the transmission assembly 310 in the first state, and the second guide hole 322 provides a guiding path for the transmission assembly 310 in the second state. The paths in the first and second states are continuous, so the end of the first guide hole 321 is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole 322. That is, after the transmission assembly 310 moves to the end of the first guide hole 321, it enters the second guide hole 322 and moves along the second guide hole 322.

[0107] The first guide hole 321 and the second guide hole 322 are linear guide holes. The first guide hole 321 is set vertically, and the second guide hole 322 is located below the first guide hole 321. In the vertical direction from top to bottom, the extension direction of the second guide hole 322 forms a set angle with the extension direction of the first guide hole 321. In the first state, the transmission component 310 moves in the first guide hole 321, causing the lower ice mold 200 to move downwards vertically. The opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces upwards and separates from the upper ice mold 100, completing the mold opening. Then, in the second state, the transmission component 310 enters the second guide hole 322. While the transmission component 310 continues to move downwards vertically, it is also rotated due to the influence of the inclined second guide hole 322. This causes the lower ice mold 200 to continue to descend while rotating around the rotation axis, rotating from an upward opening to a downward opening, thus realizing the de-icing operation.

[0108] The ice maker of the present invention drives the lower ice mold 200 to move downward to open the mold through the drive device 300, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to remove ice, thereby realizing the automatic ice removal effect of the ice maker. The ice removal action is clearer and more precise, and the execution is simpler and more convenient. It reduces the time required for the ice maker to remove ice, and will not affect other devices and components, effectively improving the ice making and ice removal efficiency.

[0109] In this embodiment, the process from the first state to the second state is the ice-making process of opening and removing ice from the mold. After the ice removal is completed, the driving device 300 can drive the lower ice mold 200 to reverse to the second state. During the movement, the lower ice mold 200 gradually rotates from an opening facing downwards to an opening facing upwards, and then reverses to the first state. The lower ice mold 200 always faces upwards and gradually approaches the upper ice mold 100. The lower ice mold 200 is in a bottom-up movement process, completing the mold closing of the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200. In other embodiments, the mold closing process can also be carried out by the driving device 300 driving the lower ice mold 200 to select other paths and methods to move.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission assembly 310 includes a lead screw 315, a connecting block 316, and a transmission shaft 317. The axial direction of the lead screw 315 extends vertically. The drive assembly 330 is connected to the lead screw 315 and is adapted to drive the lead screw 315 to rotate. The connecting block 316 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 315 and is movable along the lead screw 315. One end of the transmission shaft 317 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 316, and the other end is connected to the lower ice mold 200. The transmission shaft 317 is adapted to move along the first guide hole 321 and the second guide hole 322.

[0111] In this embodiment, the transmission assembly 310 mainly consists of a lead screw 315, a connecting block 316, and a transmission shaft 317. The drive assembly 330 is connected to the lead screw 315 and drives the lead screw 315 to rotate. The connecting block 316 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 315 to form a lead screw 315 nut structure. While the lead screw 315 rotates, the connecting block 316 can move linearly along the lead screw 315. The lower ice mold 200 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 316 through the transmission shaft 317. The linear movement of the connecting block 316 can drive the transmission shaft 317 and the lower ice mold 200 to move linearly. Since the position of the lead screw 315 is fixed, when the ice maker opens the mold, the drive shaft 317 moves from the first guide hole 321 to the second guide hole 322. While maintaining a vertical downward movement, the drive shaft 317 is subjected to the inclined guiding force of the second guide hole 322, causing it to rotate. The drive shaft 317 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 316 and fixedly connected to the lower ice mold 200. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 317 drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate from an upward opening to a downward opening. When the ice maker closes the mold, the drive shaft 317, while maintaining a vertical upward movement, is subjected to the inclined guiding force of the second guide hole 322, causing it to rotate. The drive shaft 317 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 316 and fixedly connected to the lower ice mold 200. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 317 drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate from an downward opening to an upward opening, and then moves from the second guide hole 322 into the first guide hole 321.

[0112] Through the cooperation of the lead screw 315 and the connecting block 316, and the rotational cooperation of the transmission shaft 317 between the connecting block 316 and the lower ice mold 200, a simple lead screw and nut structure combined with the structural design of the second guide hole 322 ensures linear motion while also generating rotation, thereby realizing the rotation of the lower ice mold 200 and meeting the de-icing requirements. The device structure is simpler, easier to implement, and more stable.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft 317 includes a first shaft portion 3171, a second shaft portion 3172, and a third shaft portion 3173. The first shaft portion 3171 is adapted to move along a first guide hole 321 and a second guide hole 322. Two second shaft portions 3172 are symmetrically connected to the two ends of the first shaft portion 3171, and the second shaft portions 3172 and the first shaft portion 3171 are at a set angle. Two third shaft portions 3173 are respectively connected to the two second shaft portions 3172, the axial direction of the third shaft portion 3173 is parallel to the axial direction of the first shaft portion 3171, and the two third shaft portions 3173 are respectively connected to the drive assembly 330 and the lower ice mold 200.

[0114] In this embodiment, the transmission shaft 317 mainly consists of a first shaft portion 3171, two second shaft portions 3172, and two third shaft portions 3173. In the connection direction from the connecting block 316 to the lower ice mold 200, the sequence is: one third shaft portion 3173, one second shaft portion 3172, the first shaft portion 3171, another second shaft portion 3172, and another third shaft portion 3173. The first shaft portion 3171, the second shaft portion 3172, and the third shaft portion 3173 are arranged on the same plane, and the first shaft portion 3171 and the third shaft portion 3173 are parallel to each other. The second shaft portion 3172 connects the first shaft portion 3171 and the third shaft portion 3173, forming a U-shaped transmission shaft. The first shaft portion 3171 moves within the first guide hole 321 and the second guide hole 322. When within the second guide hole 322, the third shaft portion 3173 rotates, and the first shaft portion 3171 can rotate around the third shaft portion 3173.

[0115] The lower ice mold 200 can be rotated by using a curved shaft 317, composed of a first shaft portion 3171, a second shaft portion 3172, and a third shaft portion 3173, as the drive shaft 317. This, combined with the inclined second guide hole 322 and the linear drive of the lead screw 315 and connecting block 316, results in a simple and easy-to-implement structure. Furthermore, the drive shaft 317 ensures sufficient structural strength, and the guide plate 320 provides support for the drive shaft 317 as it moves within the second guide hole 322, reducing the load on the drive shaft 317 connected to the lower ice mold 200.

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second shaft portion 3172 is perpendicularly connected to the first shaft portion 3171, and the horizontal distance between the first end and the last end of the second guide hole 322 is twice the length of the second shaft portion 3172. In this embodiment, the second shaft portion 3172 serves to connect the first shaft portion 3171 and the third shaft portion 3173, and the second shaft portion 3172 is perpendicularly connected to both the first shaft portion 3171 and the third shaft portion 3173, thereby improving the structural strength of the bent drive shaft 317.

[0117] The length of the second guide hole 322 is related to the tilt angle. If the length of the second guide hole 322 is short, its tilt angle needs to be large to ensure that the lower ice mold 200 can quickly rotate into place after passing through the shorter descent path of the second guide hole 322, so as to avoid the lower ice mold 200 not being able to open downwards at the end of the second guide hole 322 and thus hindering ice removal. If the length of the second guide hole 322 is long, its tilt angle needs to be small to ensure that the lower ice mold 200 rotates into place slowly when passing through the longer descent path of the second guide hole 322, so as to avoid the lower ice mold 200 rotating into place before reaching the end of the second guide hole 322.

[0118] However, the length of the second guide hole 322 cannot be too long; it needs to be approximately twice the length of the second shaft portion 3172. When moving within the second guide hole 322, the first shaft portion 3171 rotates around the third shaft portion 3173. Therefore, the length of the second shaft portion 3172 is the rotation radius of the first shaft portion 3171. The drive shaft 317 needs to drive the opening of the lower ice mold 200 to rotate from upward to downward, i.e., the lower ice mold 200 rotates 180°. Correspondingly, the first shaft portion 3171 rotates 180° around the third shaft portion 3173. Therefore, when the first shaft portion 3171 moves from the beginning to the end of the second guide hole 322, it needs to be horizontally displaced by twice the length of the second shaft portion 3172. If the length of the second guide hole 322 exceeds twice the length of the second shaft portion 3172, the lead screw 315 and connecting block 316 may continue to drive the drive shaft 317 downward. However, the drive shaft 317 does not have a rotation space exceeding 180° and will resist the guide plate 320.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate 320 is further provided with a third guide hole 323, which is connected to the end of the second guide hole 322. The third guide hole 323 extends downward in the vertical direction. The drive assembly 330 drives the transmission shaft 317 to move along the third guide hole 323 so that the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces downward and moves downward.

[0120] In this embodiment, the guide plate 320 is provided with a first guide hole 321, a second guide hole 322, and a third guide hole 323 from top to bottom. The first guide hole 321 and the third guide hole 323 are both arranged in the vertical direction. The second guide hole 322 connects the first guide hole 321 and the third guide hole 323. The drive shaft 317 enters the second guide hole 322 from the first guide hole 321 and then enters the third guide hole 323 from the second guide hole 322. During the mold opening process, the drive shaft 317 drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to an opening facing downwards through the second guide hole 322. Then, it drives the lower ice mold 200 to continue moving downwards for a certain distance while maintaining the opening facing downwards in the third guide hole 323. This helps the lower ice mold 200 to unfreeze and also lowers the height of the lower ice mold 200 so that it reaches a suitable height for the ice ball to fall.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive assembly 330 includes a drive shaft 331 and a driver 332. The drive shaft 331 extends horizontally and is provided with a first gear 334. The lead screw 315 is provided with a second gear 335, and the second gear 335 meshes with the first gear 334 for transmission. The driver 332 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331 and is adapted to drive the drive shaft 331 to drive the lead screw 315 to rotate.

[0122] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 330 mainly consists of a drive shaft 331 and a driver 332. The driver 332 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331 and drives the drive shaft 331 to rotate. The drive shaft 331 extends horizontally and is connected to the vertically arranged lead screw 315 through a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear 334 and a second gear 335. The first gear 334 and the second gear 335 are bevel gears that mesh with each other to realize the transmission of rotation in the horizontal direction to rotation in the vertical direction. The first gear 334 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 331, and the second gear 335 is coaxially connected to the lead screw 315.

[0123] In this embodiment, the driver 332 is a motor, and the lower end of the lead screw 315 is coaxially connected to the secondary shaft 336 by a screw. The second gear 335 is set on the secondary shaft 336. The first gear 334 set on the drive shaft 331 is a driving bevel gear, and the second gear 335 set on the secondary shaft 336 is a driven bevel gear. The two driving bevel gears transmit the driving force of one drive shaft 331 to the two driven bevel gears, thereby driving the two lead screws 315 to rotate. Through the simple cooperation of the motor, drive shaft 331 and bevel gears, the power for the movement, mold opening and rotation, and ice removal of the lower ice mold 200 can be realized.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a retaining ring is provided between the drive shaft 317 and the connecting block 316. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 317 and the connecting block 316 are rotatably connected, and a retaining ring is provided at the connection position. The retaining ring restricts the axial movement of the drive shaft 317 on the connecting block 316, ensuring that the rotation of the drive shaft 317 on the connecting block 316 is not affected, while preventing the drive shaft 317 from shifting or misaligning in the horizontal direction, thus ensuring the safety of the lower ice mold 200 during the mold opening and closing process.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes a support frame 400, on which a first support base 410 and a second support base 420 are provided. A lead screw 315 is rotatably connected to the first support base 410, and a drive shaft 331 is rotatably connected to the second support base 420. In this embodiment, the ice maker mainly consists of an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, a drive device 300, and a support frame 400. The support frame 400 surrounds the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200, and the drive device 300, providing installation space and ice removal space for the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200, while also providing support for the drive device 300.

[0126] A first support base 410 and a second support base 420 are provided on the support frame 400. The first support base 410 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the lead screw 315, providing support and fixation for the lead screw 315. The lead screw 315 can rotate on the first support base 410. The connecting block 316 can move between the first support base 410 and the second support base 420. The second support base 420 is provided at both ends of the drive shaft 331, providing support and fixation for the drive shaft 331. The drive shaft 331 rotates on the second support base 420. The driver 332 is fixed to the support frame 400 with screws to ensure the driving stability of the drive device 300. The upper ice mold 100 is fixed on the support frame 400 and remains stationary.

[0127] The refrigerator provided by the present invention will be described below. The refrigerator described below can be referred to in correspondence with the ice maker described above.

[0128] This invention also provides a refrigerator, including an ice maker as described in the above embodiments.

[0129] The refrigerator of this invention includes an ice maker, which mainly consists of an upper ice mold 100, a lower ice mold 200, a water supply device, a drive device 300, and a heating device. The lower ice mold 200 is located below the upper ice mold 100. The drive device 300 is connected to the lower ice mold 200. The water supply device is adapted to supply water to the ice-making cavity enclosed by the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 in ice-making mode. The heating device mainly consists of a first heating component, a second heating component, and a third heating component. The first heating component is located in the water supply device, the second heating component is located in the upper ice mold 100, and the third heating component is located in the lower ice mold 200.

[0130] The ice removal method of the ice maker provided by the present invention will be described below. The ice removal method of the ice maker described below can be referred to in correspondence with the refrigerator described above.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a method for de-icing an ice maker, comprising: Once the ice-making time reaches the first set time and the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 reaches the first set temperature, stop the ice-making mode and heat the upper ice mold 100. Once it is determined that the upper ice mold 100 meets the first preset condition, heating of the upper ice mold 100 is stopped. The first preset condition is that at least one of the time and temperature conditions is met. The lower ice mold 200 is controlled to move vertically downwards to separate from the upper ice mold 100. Then, the lower ice mold 200 is controlled to rotate to the set position and stop. The lower ice mold 200 is heated. Once it is determined that the lower ice mold 200 meets the second preset condition, heating of the lower ice mold 200 is stopped. The second preset condition is that at least one of the time and temperature conditions is met.

[0132] The ice removal method of the ice maker in this embodiment of the invention determines whether ice making is complete and ice removal can begin by judging the ice making time and the temperature of the upper ice mold 100. If the ice making time reaches a first set time and the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 reaches a first set temperature, the ice making mode is stopped and ice removal begins. When ice removal begins, the upper ice mold 100 is first heated by the second heating element. The increased temperature of the upper ice mold 100 causes the ice ball inside the ice making cavity to separate from the upper ice mold 100. At this time, the ice ball adheres to the lower ice mold 200. Then, at least one of time and temperature is used as a first preset condition to determine whether the upper ice mold 100 has been heated completely. If the upper ice mold 100 meets the first preset condition, then... Stop heating the upper ice mold 100, then control the drive device 300 to drive the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically downwards to separate from the upper ice mold 100, then drive the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to a set position and stop. The set position is the position where the opening of the lower ice mold 200 faces downwards. Then drive the lower ice mold 200 to be heated through the third heating component. Finally, use at least one of time and temperature as the second preset condition to determine whether the lower ice mold 200 has been heated. If the lower ice mold 200 meets the first preset condition, stop heating the lower ice mold 200. The lower ice mold 200 heats up so that the ice ball on it separates from the lower ice mold 200 and falls off, completing the de-icing work.

[0133] This invention improves the automation and intelligence of ice maker's ice removal process by heating the upper ice mold 100 and lower ice mold 200 in stages, combining the separation of the lower ice mold 200 from the upper ice mold 100 with the rotational ice removal action, and coordinating the heating control judgment of the upper ice mold 100 and lower ice mold 200 with time or temperature. This increases the efficiency of ice making and ice removal, while also ensuring the integrity of the ice ball, which is beneficial to improving the quality of ice balls made by the ice maker.

[0134] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first preset condition is that the heating time of the second heating component reaches a second set time or the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 reaches a second set temperature. In this embodiment, the first preset condition is selected as the heating time of the second heating component on the upper ice mold 100 reaching the second set time or the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 after heating reaching the second set temperature. This condition selection is generally sufficient to melt and separate the ice ball from the upper ice mold 100.

[0135] In other embodiments, the first preset condition may also be selected as the heating time of the second heating component reaching the second preset time and the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 reaching the second preset temperature, which must be satisfied together.

[0136] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second preset condition is that the heating time of the third heating component reaches a third set time or the temperature of the lower ice mold 200 reaches a third set temperature. In this embodiment, the second preset condition is selected as the heating time of the lower ice mold 200 by the third heating component reaching a third set time or the temperature of the lower ice mold 200 after heating reaching a third set temperature. This condition selection is generally sufficient to melt and separate the ice ball from the lower ice mold 200.

[0137] In other embodiments, the second preset condition can also be selected as the heating time of the third heating component reaching a third preset time and the temperature of the lower ice mold 200 reaching a third preset temperature, which must be satisfied together.

[0138] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making stop mode includes: The water supply device is controlled to stop supplying water, and the first heating element is controlled to stop heating.

[0139] In this embodiment, when the ice maker is in ice-making mode, the water supply device is turned on to supply water to the ice-making cavity enclosed by the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200. At the same time, the first heating component heats the water surface of the water supply device to prevent the water surface from freezing and affecting the water supply circulation. Therefore, when it is necessary to stop the ice-making mode, the water supply device is stopped first, and the heating of the water surface by the first heating component is stopped.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the lower ice mold 200 to rotate to a set position and then stop includes: After the duration of the signal from the second limit switch 350 reaches the first set duration, the rotation of the lower ice mold 200 stops.

[0141] In this embodiment, the driver 332 is controlled by limit switch signals and timeout protection. When the second limit switch 350 continuously sends a signal for a period of time until the first set duration, it proves that the protrusion of the cam 333 of the drive device 300 has been in contact with the second limit switch 350 for a period of time. The driver 332 drives the drive shaft 331 to rotate to the limit position, that is, the lower ice mold 200 rotates to the set position and needs to stop rotating. Then the driver 332 is controlled to stop driving.

[0142] Understandably, once the de-icing is complete, a signal is sent to the driver 332, which then begins to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the lower ice mold 200 to rotate in the opposite direction again to close the mold.

[0143] The control method for the ice maker provided by the present invention will be described below. The control method for the ice maker described below can be referred to in correspondence with the de-icing method for the ice maker described above.

[0144] This invention also provides a control method for an ice maker, comprising: Start the water supply device to inject water into the ice-making chamber; The start and stop of the first heating element are controlled according to the water surface temperature of the water supply device; Perform the de-icing method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiments; Control the lower ice mold 200 to rotate until the opening faces upward, then control the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically upward to close with the upper ice mold 100 and stop, then heat the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200 and the water supply device; Once the upper ice mold 100, lower ice mold 200, and water supply device are determined to meet the fourth preset condition, heating of the upper ice mold 100, lower ice mold 200, and water supply device is stopped. The fourth preset condition is meeting at least one of the time and temperature conditions. Return to the step of starting the water supply device to inject water into the ice-making chamber.

[0145] The ice maker control method of this invention provides a control method for the ice maker from ice-making mode to de-icing mode and then to mold closing. In ice-making mode, the water supply device is activated to inject water into the ice-making chamber. The start and stop of the first heating component are controlled according to the water surface temperature of the water supply device. When the water surface temperature of the water supply device is high, the first heating component does not need to be activated; when the water surface temperature of the water supply device is low, the first heating component is activated for heating. This avoids the water supply device freezing and affecting ice making, and also saves the energy required for heating. During the ice-making process, the ice-making time and the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 are used to determine whether ice making is complete and de-icing can begin. If de-icing can begin, the ice maker enters the de-icing mode and executes the de-icing method of the ice maker described in the above embodiment.

[0146] After de-icing is completed, the control drive device 300 drives the lower ice mold 200 to rotate so that the opening faces upward, and then drives the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically upward to close with the upper ice mold 100 and stop. The water supply device is heated by the first heating component, the upper ice mold 100 is heated by the second heating component, and the lower ice mold 200 is heated by the third heating component, so as to raise the temperature of the water supply device, the upper ice film and the lower ice mold 200. The upper ice film, the lower ice mold 200 and the water supply device are heated completely by using at least one of time and temperature as the fourth preset condition. If the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200 and the water supply device meet the fourth preset condition, the heating of the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200 and the water supply device is stopped. This ensures that all the ice crystals in the pipes of the water supply device connected to the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 melt, which is conducive to starting the next ice-making mode.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth preset condition is that the heating time of the heating device reaches a fourth set time or the temperatures of the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200, and the water supply device reach a fourth set temperature. In this embodiment, the fourth preset condition is set separately for the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200, and the water supply device. That is, the upper ice mold 100, the lower ice mold 200, and the water supply device can each choose at least one of the time and temperature conditions they need to meet as the judgment condition. They can choose to meet one of them or both of them.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically upward and close with the upper ice mold 100, and then stopping includes: After the duration of the signal from the first limit switch 340 reaches the second set duration, the movement of the lower ice mold 200 stops.

[0149] In this embodiment, the driver 332 is controlled by limit switch signals and timeout protection. When the first limit switch 340 continuously sends signals for a period of time that reaches the second set duration, it proves that the cam 333 of the drive device 300 has been in contact with the first limit switch 340 for a period of time. The driver 332 drives the drive shaft 331 to rotate to the limit position, that is, the lower ice mold 200 rises to the upper ice mold 100 and presses and seals with the upper ice mold 100. The mold closing is completed. It is necessary to stop the upward movement, so the driver 332 is controlled to stop driving.

[0150] This invention also provides a control system for executing the ice removal method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiments or the control method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiments.

[0151] The control system of this invention can send commands to the heating device, water supply device, and drive device 300 to enable the ice maker to perform the ice-making and de-icing processes. First, a fixed amount of water is added to the water tank of the water supply device to start the ice-making mode. At this time, the water pump is turned on, and the fan of the first heating component generates circulating air to blow air onto the heating wire to heat the water surface. The water surface temperature sensor detects the water surface temperature to control the fan's on / off state. When the ice-making time reaches the first set time t0 and the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 reaches the first set temperature T0, the water pump, fan, and heating wire stop, and the two heating wires of the second heating component are turned on, allowing for simultaneous or time-sharing heating of the upper ice mold 100. Ice mold 100 is heated until the second set time t1 is reached, or the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the upper ice mold 100 has risen to the second set temperature T1. Then, the heating wire of the second heating component is turned off. At this time, the driver 332 is activated, causing the lower ice mold 200 to move vertically downwards by 60mm, and then rotate 180° to the set position. Then, the two heating wires of the third heating component are turned on, either sequentially or simultaneously, to heat the lower ice mold 200 until the third set time t2 is reached, or the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the lower ice mold 200 has reached the third set temperature T2. Then, the heating wire of the third heating component is turned off. This completes one ice-making and de-icing process.

[0152] Next, power is supplied to the reverse driver 332. The lower ice mold 200 is reset under the drive of the driver 332. After receiving the signal from the first limit switch 340, the driver 332 stops. At this time, the heating wires of the first heating component and the second heating component are turned on. The heating wire of the first heating component heats the water surface to the fourth set time t3, or the temperature sensors of the water surface, the upper ice mold 100 and the lower ice mold 200 detect that the temperature has reached the fourth set temperature T3, and then the heating wire is stopped. At this time, the next round of ice making is started. This process is repeated until the ice storage box is full and the ice is full.

[0153] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device is provided. This electronic device may include a processor 810, a communications interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840. The processor 810, communications interface 820, and memory 830 communicate with each other via the communication bus 840. The processor 810 can call logical instructions stored in the memory 830 to execute the control method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiment.

[0154] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 830 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to related technologies, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0155] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer program product, the computer program product including a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program including program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is able to execute the control method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiments.

[0156] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, is implemented to perform the control method of the ice maker as described in the above embodiments.

[0157] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0158] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the parts that contribute to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of software products. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0159] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: Place the ice mold; Ice mold; A driving device is connected to the lower ice mold and is adapted to drive the lower ice mold to switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the opening of the lower ice mold faces upward and moves downward to separate from the upper ice mold. In the second state, the lower ice mold rotates from having its opening facing upward to having its opening facing downward.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device includes: A transmission assembly, which is connected to the lower ice mold; A guide plate, wherein the guide plate is provided with a first guide hole and a second guide hole, and the end of the first guide hole is connected to the beginning of the second guide hole; A drive assembly connected to the transmission assembly, adapted to drive the transmission assembly to move along the first guide hole in a first state, and to drive the transmission assembly to move along the second guide hole in a second state.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two transmission components are located on both sides of the lower ice mold and are symmetrically connected to the lower ice mold. The two guide plates are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the transmission components.

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the first state, the driving device is adapted to drive the lower ice mold to move downward from the first position to the second position to release the mold-closing state with the upper ice mold, and then move downward from the second position to the third position to separate from the upper ice mold.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower ice mold is provided with a first connecting shaft and a guide post. The axial direction of the first connecting shaft is parallel to the rotation axis of the lower ice mold, and the extending direction of the guide post is parallel to the opening direction of the lower ice mold. The transmission assembly includes: The first link component, the drive assembly is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft through the first link component; A clamping component, wherein the clamping component is movably connected to the guide post; The second linkage component is used to rotatably connect the drive assembly to the clamping component.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower ice mold is further provided with a second connecting shaft, and the guide plate is provided with a third guide hole. The third guide hole extends in the vertical direction, and the second connecting shaft is inserted into the third guide hole. In the first state, the second connecting shaft moves along the third guide hole. In the second state, the second connecting shaft rotates at the lower end of the third guide hole, and the first connecting shaft rotates around the second connecting shaft.

7. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting rod component includes: A first link, one end of which is connected to the drive assembly; The second link has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first link, and the other end of the second link rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft. The sum of the lengths of the first link and the second link is greater than or equal to the vertical distance between the axial direction of the drive assembly and the first connecting shaft when in the first position.

8. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes: A lead screw, the lead screw extending vertically along its axis, and a drive assembly connected to the lead screw and adapted to drive the lead screw to rotate. A connecting block, which is threadedly connected to the lead screw and is movable along the lead screw; A drive shaft, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting block and the other end of which is connected to the lower ice mold, is adapted to move along the first guide hole and the second guide hole.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive shaft includes: A first shaft portion, the first shaft portion being adapted to move along the first guide hole and the second guide hole; The second shaft portion, two second shaft portions are symmetrically connected to the two ends of the first shaft portion, and the second shaft portion is at a set angle to the first shaft portion; The third shaft portion is connected to the two second shaft portions respectively. The axial direction of the third shaft portion is parallel to the axial direction of the first shaft portion. The two third shaft portions are connected to the drive assembly and the lower ice mold respectively.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, which is disposed in the housing.

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