Ice making assembly and ice making apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, providing an ice-making component and an ice-making device. The ice-making component includes: an ice grid having a closed position and an open position, the ice grid comprising at least three ice grid sections, each ice grid section being smaller than a hemispherical shell section. In the closed position, all the ice grid sections are joined together to form an ice groove for several spherical ice pieces. In the open position, the multiple ice grid sections separate to form an ice removal channel. A drive mechanism is connected to at least a portion of the ice grid sections, driving the ice grid sections to switch between the closed and open positions. According to embodiments of this application, since each ice grid section is smaller than the hemispherical shell section, the adhesive force between the spherical ice and the inner surface of the ice grid section can be reduced. After the ice grid section is opened, the spherical ice adheres to at most one ice grid section, allowing for rapid detachment of the spherical ice.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The ice-making component in the related technology includes two hemispherical ice grid sections. Even minor manufacturing or assembly errors in each hemispherical ice grid section can result in a clamping force on the spherical ice, making it difficult for the ice to detach during the de-icing process. Furthermore, the strong adhesion between the inner surface of the hemispherical ice grid section and the spherical ice also contributes to the difficulty in detaching the ice. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, the present invention proposes an ice-making assembly that can solve the technical problem of difficulty in de-icing the two hemispherical ice grid sections.

[0004] The present invention also proposes an ice-making device.

[0005] An ice-making assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: An ice-making grid has a closed position and an open position. The ice-making grid includes at least three ice grid sections, each of which is smaller than a hemispherical shell section. In the closed position, all the ice grid sections are joined together to form a plurality of spherical ice troughs. In the open position, the plurality of ice grid sections are separated from each other to form an ice removal channel. A drive mechanism is connected to at least a portion of the ice grid section, which drives the ice grid section to switch between the closed position and the open position.

[0006] According to embodiments of this application, since each ice grid section is smaller than the hemispherical shell section, the adhesive force between the spherical ice and the inner surface of the ice grid section can be reduced. After the ice grid section is opened, the spherical ice will adhere to at most one ice grid section, allowing for rapid detachment of the spherical ice.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice grid section includes: The top ice grid section has water injection holes, and each water injection hole corresponds to an ice trough. Two bottom ice trays are disposed on both sides of the top ice tray. The drive mechanism connects the two bottom ice trays and drives the two bottom ice trays away from the top ice tray.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the ice grid sections includes a plurality of spherical sections obtained by cutting the spherical shell with two intersecting cutting planes, wherein the included angle between the cutting planes is 120°, and all the cutting planes pass through the center of the spherical shell.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, two bottom ice grid sections are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top ice grid section, and the driving mechanism drives the bottom ice grid section to move linearly along its own central axis, so as to switch the ice grid section between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice grid section includes: A support portion is connected to the drive mechanism, and the support portion has a mounting groove. A flexible part is installed on the support part and at least partially located in the mounting groove. The flexible parts are assembled to form the ice groove. The flexible part is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the interior of the ice groove. The protrusion is adapted to compensate for the expansion and deformation of the spherical ice during the formation of spherical ice.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support portion includes a support body and a buckle. The support body forms the mounting groove, the buckle is located at the edge of the mounting groove, the support body has a reserved hole, the flexible portion forms a snap-fit ​​groove of the support portion, the side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove has a snap-fit ​​hole, the support body is fixed to the snap-fit ​​groove corresponding to the edge of the mounting groove, and the buckle and the snap-fit ​​hole cooperate.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making assembly includes a mounting base, the mounting base includes two side plates disposed opposite to each other and a top plate connected between the side plates, the top ice grid portion is fixed to the top plate, the driving mechanism includes an active component mounted on one of the side plates and a driven component mounted on the other side plate, the two ends of the ice grid portion are respectively connected to the active component and the driven component, and the active component is connected to the driven component through a synchronizing rod.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connecting seat is connected between the active component and the driven component, the connecting seat is connected to the bottom ice grid part through at least two connecting posts, a spring is provided between the connecting posts and the connecting seat, the connecting posts are provided with a limiting part, and the spring is provided between the limiting part and the connecting seat.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting base includes a fixing plate connected to at least one of the side plate and the top plate, the fixing plate being provided with a guide sleeve, and the connecting post passing through the guide sleeve.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making assembly includes an ice-pushing component connected to the drive mechanism. When the drive mechanism drives the ice grid to the closed position, the ice-pushing component moves away from the ice grid. When the drive mechanism drives the ice grid to the open position, the ice-pushing component pushes the spherical ice on the ice grid.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice-pushing component includes a push rod and a connecting rod parallel to the push rod. The connecting rod is connected to the driving mechanism. The connecting rod is provided with a guide block. The side plate is provided with a guide groove. The top plate is provided with a clearance hole. The push rod passes through the clearance hole. The connecting rod is adapted to move linearly along the guide groove to drive the push rod to move along the clearance hole and push the spherical ice between the separated ice grid sections.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tension spring is provided between the mounting base and the ice-pushing component, one end of the tension spring is fixed to the connecting rod, and the second end of the tension spring is fixed above the clearance hole.

[0018] A refrigeration apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the ice-making component described above.

[0019] The refrigeration equipment according to the embodiments of the present invention has the technical effects of the ice-making component described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the ice-making assembly in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ice grid section in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support portion according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible part according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the ice-making assembly including the mounting base according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the crank connecting rod structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the connection relationship between the ice tray and the drive mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the ice tray and the drive mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 11 This is the second schematic diagram of the ice-making component in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ice-making component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure label: 10. Ice tray; 100. Ice tray section; 110. Support section; 111. Support body; 1111. Mounting slot; 1112. Reserved hole; 1113. Assembly slot; 1114. Groove; 112. Buckle; 120. Flexible part; 121. Protrusion; 122. Ice groove; 123. Snap-fit ​​groove; 124. Snap-fit ​​hole; 125. Sealing protrusion; 1251. Semi-enclosed rib; 126. Sealing groove; 127. Protrusion; 128. Overlap edge; 1281. Sealing strip; 130. Heating element; 140. Top ice tray section; 141. Water inlet hole; 150. Bottom ice tray section; 200. Ice pushing component; 210. Push rod; 220. Connecting rod; 221. Guide block; 230. Tension spring; 300. Drive mechanism; 310. Gear and rack pair; 311. Output gear; 312. Rack; 313. Transmission gear; 320. Synchronizing rod; 330. Connecting seat; 331. Weight reduction hole; 340. Connecting post; 341. Limiting part; 350. Spring; 360. Crank connecting rod; 361. Drive end; 362. Output end; 400. Mounting base; 410. Top plate; 411. Clearance hole; 412. Water distribution port; 420. Side plate; 421. Guide groove; 422. Lifting lug; 423. Enclosure plate; 424. Guide groove; 430. Accommodation space; 440. Fixing plate; 441. Guide sleeve; 500, Linkage assembly; 510, Main rod; 520, Secondary rod. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Based on this, please see Figure 1 This application proposes an ice-making assembly, including an ice grid 10 and a drive mechanism 300. The ice grid 10 has a closed position and an open position, and includes at least three ice grid sections 100, each ice grid section 100 being smaller than a hemispherical shell section. In the closed position, all ice grid sections 100 are joined together to form an ice groove 122 for several spherical ice pieces. In the open position, the multiple ice grid sections 100 are separated to form an ice removal channel. The drive mechanism 300 connects to at least a portion of the ice grid sections 100, driving the ice grid sections 100 to switch between the closed and open positions. It should be noted that spherical ice includes standard spherical ice and also near-spherical ice. The phrase "each ice grid section 100 is smaller than a hemispherical shell section" refers to half of the "spherical shell" required to form spherical ice.

[0041] According to the embodiments of this application, since each ice grid portion 100 is smaller than the hemispherical shell portion, the adhesive force between the spherical ice and the inner surface of the ice grid portion 100 can be reduced. After the ice grid portion 100 is opened, the spherical ice will adhere to at most one ice grid portion 100, at which point the spherical ice can be quickly detached.

[0042] The ice grid 10 can have three sections 100. In this case, opening the ice grid 10 is relatively simple; only two sections 100 need to be activated to separate them. Alternatively, there could be four or five sections 100. When there are many sections 100, if each section 100 is the same size, the adhesion between the inner surface of each section 100 and the ice grid 100 is minimized. This prevents spherical ice from sticking to the ice grid 100 and becoming stuck during the de-icing process.

[0043] Please see Figure 1The ice grid section 100 includes a top ice grid section 140 and two bottom ice grid sections 150. The top ice grid section 140 has water injection holes 141 to ensure water is injected into the ice troughs 122 from the highest position, thus forming standard spherical ice as much as possible. The water injection holes 141 correspond one-to-one with the ice troughs 122, allowing all ice troughs 122 to be filled with water simultaneously, ensuring efficient water injection. Furthermore, the top ice grid section 140 with the water injection holes 141 can be fixed in place to prevent leakage.

[0044] Two bottom ice grid sections 150 are disposed on both sides of the top ice grid section 140. The drive mechanism 300 connects the two bottom ice grid sections and drives the two bottom ice grid sections 150 away from the top ice grid section 140 to form an ice removal channel between the two bottom ice grid sections 150.

[0045] According to the embodiments of this application, it is only necessary to open a distance equal to the diameter of a spherical ice between the two bottom ice grid sections 150 to form an ice removal channel between the two ice grid sections 100. As a result, the stroke of the drive mechanism 300 is very small, and the space required for the entire ice-making assembly can be controlled.

[0046] According to the embodiments of this application, the movement of the two bottom ice grid sections 150 can be synchronous, that is, the bottom ice grid sections 150 on both sides open synchronously and travel the same distance. Therefore, it is sufficient to ensure that the distance traveled by each ice grid section 100 is not less than the radius of the spherical ice. Of course, if the space in which the ice-making components are located is asymmetrical, the two ice grid sections 100 can also travel unequal distances.

[0047] To simplify the structure, the drive mechanism 300 drives the bottom ice tray to move in a straight line. Of course, the drive mechanism 300 can also drive the bottom ice tray to move in a straight line first and then flip over.

[0048] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 Each ice grid section 100 includes several spherical sections obtained by cutting the spherical shell with two intersecting cutting planes. In this case, the structure of the assembled ice grid sections 100 is more stable. Compared with two hemispherical ice grid sections 100 assembled with only one plane, it can better ensure the assembly effect and avoid misalignment. In one embodiment, the included angle between the cutting planes is 120°, and all cutting planes pass through the center of the spherical shell. The resulting three ice grid sections 100 are exactly the same size. Of course, all cutting planes can also pass through the center of the spherical shell, and ensure that the included angle A between the two cutting planes of all ice grid sections 100 is less than 180°, for example, close to 120° and between 110° and 130°. In this case, it can also be ensured that each part of the ice grid section 100 is much smaller than the hemispherical shell shape. Therefore, no matter which part of the ice grid section 100 the spherical ice is fixed in when the ice grid 10 is opened, it can be ensured that the ice removal is simpler than that of the traditional hemispherical ice grid section 100.

[0049] According to an embodiment of this application, when the three ice grid sections 100 are of identical structural size, the surface area of ​​each ice grid section 100 is relatively small. Consequently, after the ice grid 10 is opened, the contact area between the spherical ice and each ice grid section 100 is relatively small. In this case, even without the ice-pushing component 200, the heating element 130 can facilitate ice removal more easily than with a conventional hemispherical ice grid section 100.

[0050] According to an embodiment of this application, two bottom ice grid sections 150 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top ice grid section 140, and the drive mechanism 300 drives the bottom ice grid sections 150 to move linearly along their own central axis, thereby switching the ice grid section 100 between the closed and open positions. Since the drive mechanism 300 only needs to drive the bottom ice grid sections 150 to move linearly, an ice-removing channel can be formed between the two bottom ice grid sections 150 without flipping the ice-making grid 10. Therefore, the structure of this ice-making component is relatively simple and does not occupy too much space. Specifically, during the process of opening the ice-making grid 10, the spherical ice may remain in the top ice grid section 140 or the bottom ice grid section 150. Neither the top ice grid section 140 nor the bottom ice grid section 150 can support the spherical ice, so the spherical ice can smoothly fall off through the ice-removing channel between the two bottom ice grid sections 150.

[0051] When all ice grid sections 100 are obtained by cutting the spherical shell with two cutting planes, during the opening of the bottom ice grid section 150, the bottom ice grid section 150 moves in a straight line diagonally downwards, that is, along the central axis of the bottom ice grid section 150. This continues until the minimum distance between the two bottom ice grid sections 150 reaches the diameter of the spherical ice, at which point the spherical ice can fall between the two bottom ice grid sections 150. If the spherical ice remains in the top ice grid section 140 during the opening of the bottom ice grid section 150, the spherical ice will fall from a higher height when it detaches. To prevent excessive noise or impact when the spherical ice detaches, the bottom ice grid sections 150 can be opened a preset distance. This preset distance ensures that the bottom ice grid section 150 and the top ice grid section 140 are separated from each other, and that the spherical ice falling from the top ice grid section 140 lands on the two bottom ice grid sections 150, preventing it from falling directly between them. Once the ice-pushing component 200 completes its operation, meaning the spherical ice detaches from the top ice grid 140, the bottom ice grid 150 continues to move until a detachment channel is formed between the bottom ice grids 150, ensuring the spherical ice can fall through the channel into the receiving container. This is achieved by controlling the opening of the bottom ice grid 150 in two stages. The first stage ensures the separation of the spherical ice from the bottom ice grid 150, and the second stage ensures the bottom ice grid 150 acts as a buffer and decelerator for the spherical ice detaching from the top ice grid 140, reducing noise and impact from the falling ice.

[0052] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ice grid section 100 includes a support section 110 and a flexible section 120. The support section 110 is connected to the drive mechanism 300 and has a mounting groove 1111. The flexible section 120 is mounted on the support section 110 and at least partially located within the mounting groove 1111. The flexible sections 120 are assembled to form an ice trough 122. The support section 110 ensures the structural rigidity of the ice grid section 100, while the flexible section 120 ensures the sealing of the assembled position, preventing water leakage or icing at the assembled position, thereby ensuring the regularity of the spherical ice shape.

[0053] According to an embodiment of this application, a protrusion 121 protruding towards the interior of the ice tray 122 can be provided in the flexible portion 120. The protrusion 121 is adapted to compensate for the expansion and deformation of the spherical ice during the ice-forming process. Multiple protrusions 121 can be provided; for example, each bottom ice tray 150 can be provided with a protrusion 121. If the ice-making process controls the ice to gradually freeze from top to bottom, then the protrusion 121 can be positioned as close as possible to the bottom of the ice tray 100.

[0054] According to the embodiments of this application, the support portion 110 includes a support body 111 and a buckle 112. The support body 111 forms a mounting groove 1111, and the buckle 112 is located at the edge of the mounting groove 1111. The flexible portion 120 forms a snap-fit ​​groove 123 for the support portion 110. A snap-fit ​​hole 124 is provided on the side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove 123. The support body 111 is fixed to the snap-fit ​​groove 123 corresponding to the edge of the mounting groove 1111, and the buckle 112 and the snap-fit ​​hole 124 cooperate. In this way, the structural strength of the support portion 110 is ensured. At the same time, when the ice grid portion 100 is opened and closed, the flexible portion 120 realizes the splicing or separation, which can ensure the splicing effect and avoid hard interference problems.

[0055] In one embodiment, the support body 111 has a reserved hole 1112, so that the ice pushing component 200 can also push the ice block through the reserved hole 1112. In this case, the ice pushing component 200 does not push the spherical ice from between adjacent ice grid sections 100 when the ice grid section 100 is separated, but directly pushes the flexible section 120.

[0056] Please see Figure 3 The support body 111 has an assembly groove 1113, through which the heating element 130 is fixed between the support portion 110 and the flexible portion 120. A groove 1114 is provided at the bottom of the support portion 110, allowing the heating element 130 to be inserted into the groove 1114 through the assembly groove 1113. Of course, the structural form and installation method of the heating element 130 are not limited to the example given here.

[0057] The flexible part 120 has different structures corresponding to its two cutting planes. (Combined) Figure 2 and Figure 5 A sealing protrusion 125 is provided corresponding to one of the cutting planes, and a sealing groove 126 is provided corresponding to the other cutting plane. At the junction of the two cutting planes, the sealing protrusion 125 includes a semi-closed rib 1251, and the sealing groove 126 is flared and has a protrusion 127 inside. The semi-closed ribs 1251 and protrusions 127 of two adjacent ice tray portions 100 cooperate with each other, thereby improving the sealing effect at the junction of the cutting planes. In addition, an overlapping edge 128 is provided corresponding to the edge of the flexible portion 120, and the overlapping edges 128 of adjacent flexible portions 120 are fixed by a sealing strip 1281.

[0058] Please see Figure 6The ice-making assembly includes a mounting base 400, which includes two opposing side plates 420 and a top plate 410 connected between the side plates 420. The top ice tray 140 is fixed to the top plate 410. The drive mechanism 300 includes an active component mounted on one side plate 420 and a driven component mounted on the other side plate 420. The two ends of the ice tray 100 are respectively connected to the active component and the driven component. The active component is connected to the driven component via a synchronizing rod 320. In this configuration, the two ends of the ice tray 10 are connected to the active component and the driven component respectively, and because the active component and the driven component are synchronized via the synchronizing rod 320, the synchronized movement of the two ends of the ice tray 100 can be ensured.

[0059] Figure 6 In this design, a receiving space 430 is formed between the side plate 420 and the top plate 410. The ice tray 10 is placed within the receiving space 430, which also provides protection for the ice tray 10. The two side plates 420 are used for mounting the drive mechanism 300, while the other two sides of the receiving space 430 are open, facilitating monitoring of the interior of the receiving space 430 and providing space for the movement of the bottom ice tray 150. The top plate 410 is used to fix the top ice tray 140 for easy connection to an external water source. This type of mounting base 400 has a compact structure, facilitating the installation of the ice-making assembly. Of course, the mounting base 400 may not be provided, or the mounting base 400 may adopt other structural forms, as long as it can realize the assembly of the ice tray 10, the drive mechanism 300, and other components of the ice-making assembly mentioned later.

[0060] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 Both the driving and driven components include a rack and pinion pair 310 mounted on the side plate 420. The rack and pinion pair 310 includes two output gears 311 and two racks 312 meshing with the two output gears 311. The two racks 312 are respectively connected to the bottom ice tray 150. The rack and pinion pair 310 features a high structural precision. Driving the movement of the bottom ice tray 150 via the rack and pinion pair 310 ensures smooth movement when opening the ice tray 10, and when closing the ice tray 10, its high structural precision guarantees a tight seal between the top ice tray 140 and the bottom ice tray 150, preventing water leakage. Of course, besides synchronously driving the two bottom ice trays 150 to open via the two output gears 311 of the rack and pinion pair 310, the bottom ice tray 150 can also be driven to move linearly in other ways, for example, by... Figure 8The middle crank connecting rod 360 is connected to the bottom ice tray 150. The two bottom output ends 362 of the crank connecting rod 360 are connected to the bottom ice tray 150, and either the output ends 362 or the bottom ice tray 150 are confined to a linear guide rail for movement. The drive end 361 of the crank connecting rod 360 performs vertical linear motion under the drive of a power unit such as a motor or cylinder. Alternatively, the drive mechanism 300 can also use two power units to drive two linear motion pairs (slide rail and slider pair, lead screw and nut pair, etc.), among others.

[0061] According to an embodiment of this application, the ice tray 10 is along... Figure 1 Ice troughs 122 with multiple spherical ice crystals arranged along their medium length direction. Figure 1 The number of ice trays 122 is three. Obviously, the number of spherical ice cubes along the length can also be one, two, four, etc. To ensure the driving effect of the drive mechanism 300 on the ice grid section 100, gear rack pairs 310 are installed on both side plates 420, and the gear rack pairs 310 on both sides are connected to the bottom ice grid section 150. Of course, it is understandable that when the length of the ice grid section 100 is small, the gear rack pair 310 can be installed on only one side plate 420, and the other side plate 420 only needs to be equipped with a slide rail to ensure the movement of the ice grid section 100. Alternatively, when there is only one gear rack pair 310, it can be connected to the middle of the ice grid section 100 to ensure a more reasonable distribution of force on the ice grid section 100. Furthermore, the number of gear rack pairs 310 can be three or even more, distributed along the length of the ice grid section 10.

[0062] When both side plates 420 are equipped with gear rack pairs 310, the two gear rack pairs 310 can be driven by a power unit respectively. Of course, in order to simplify the structure and reduce costs, one gear rack pair 310 can be connected to a power unit, and the other gear rack pair 310 can be connected to the gear rack pair 310 with the power unit through a synchronizing rod 320. Figure 1 In this configuration, one side of the rack and pinion pair 310 includes an input gear (one of the two transmission gears 313 is the input gear), and the output gears 311 of the two rack and pinion pairs 310 are connected by a synchronizing rod 320. In this case, the movement of both ends of the ice tray 100 can be synchronized, preventing the speed of one end of the ice tray 100 from being faster than the speed of the other end, and thus avoiding the ice trays 100 from jamming together when the ice tray 10 is opened. Figure 1 In this system, a single power unit ensures the synchronous rotation of the four output gears 311, achieving optimal opening and closing of the ice tray 10 while maintaining a simple structure.

[0063] The two output gears 311 of the gear rack pair 310 are of the same type, and the two racks 312 are also of the same type. In order to ensure that the rotation squares of the output gears 311 are opposite, the gear rack pair 310 includes at least two transmission gears 313 of the same type, thus the gear rack pair 310 is an axisymmetric structure. Of course, the number of transmission gears 313 is not limited to the example given here. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen, a surrounding plate 423 is provided on the side plate 420. All gears (unless otherwise specified, referring to at least one of the transmission gear 313 and the output gear 311) are installed in the space formed by the surrounding plate 423, while the rack 312 is inclined downward and meshes with the gears. In this case, the gears and rack 312 can be protected. The rack 312 can be mounted on the side plate 420 through a guide groove 424 with an opening facing downward.

[0064] The two racks 312 on the two side plates 420 can be connected by a connecting seat 330, and the connecting seat 330 is connected to the bottom ice tray 150. In order to reduce weight, the connecting seat 330 is provided with several weight-reducing holes 331.

[0065] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The connecting seat 330 is connected to the bottom ice tray 150 via a connecting post 340. A spring 350 is provided between the connecting post 340 and the connecting seat 330. The connecting post 340 has a limiting part 341, and the spring 350 is located between the limiting part 341 and the connecting seat 330. By providing the spring 350 between the connecting post 340 and the connecting seat 330, it is ensured that when in the closed position, the connecting seat 330 compresses the spring 350, thereby maintaining a reliable seal between the ice tray 100 sections due to the compression of the spring 350. There can be two connecting posts 340, connected to both ends of the ice tray 100. Alternatively, more connecting posts 340 can be provided to further ensure the reliability of the connection between the connecting seat 330 and the ice tray 100.

[0066] Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the middle, one end of the connecting post 340 is provided with a thread to be threadedly connected to the ice grid part 100, and the other end of the connecting post 340 passes through the connecting seat 330.

[0067] To further enhance the stability of the bottom ice tray 10, the mounting base 400 also includes a fixing plate 440, which is connected to at least one of the side plate 420 and the top plate 410, and extends into the receiving space 430. A guide sleeve 441 is provided on the fixing plate 440, through which the connecting post 340 is inserted to prevent the connecting post 340 from shaking.

[0068] In this embodiment of the application, after the ice-making assembly completes ice making, the ice tray 10 is switched to the open position. To ensure that the spherical ice cubes detach from the ice tray 10, a heating element 130 can be provided corresponding to the ice tray 10 to prevent the spherical ice cubes from sticking to the inner wall of the ice trough 122 through heating. However, even with the heating element 130, there are still problems such as the spherical ice cubes being difficult to detach, requiring a large amount of heat, and the prolonged heating time affecting ice-making efficiency. Therefore, the ice-making assembly can be equipped with an ice-pushing component 200 to push the spherical ice cubes in the ice trough 122 to ensure that the ice cubes detach when the ice tray 10 is open.

[0069] In this design, the ice-pushing component 200 and the ice grid section 100 need to have relative movement to achieve the effect of pushing the spherical ice. Therefore, a movable ice-pushing component 200 is needed for the stationary top ice grid, while a stationary ice-pushing component 200 can be used for the bottom ice grid section 150, which moves in a straight line. As the bottom ice grid section 150 moves, it will come into contact with the ice-pushing component 200. Of course, it is also possible to control the spherical ice to stay in a specific ice grid section 100 when the ice grid 10 is opened. In this case, the ice-pushing component 200 can be set for that specific ice grid section 100.

[0070] According to an embodiment of this application, the ice-pushing component 200 is connected to the gear and rack pair 310. When the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 10 to the closed position, the ice-pushing component 200 moves away from the ice tray 10. When the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 10 to the open position, the ice-pushing component 200 pushes the spherical ice on the ice tray 10. In this case, since the ice-pushing component 200 and the drive mechanism 300 are linked, there is no need to set up an additional power unit to drive the ice-pushing component 200, which can save costs and ensure the orderly operation between the movement of the ice tray 10 and the ice-pushing component 200.

[0071] According to an embodiment of this application, see Figure 1The gear and rack pair 310 includes a transmission gear 313. The ice-pushing component 200 is connected to the rotating shaft of the transmission gear 313 via a connecting rod assembly 500. The ice-pushing component 200 is mounted on the mounting base 400. The connecting rod assembly 500 is adapted to drive the ice-pushing component 200 to make linear motion relative to the mounting base 400, so as to push the spherical ice in the top ice grid 140 in the open position. The connecting rod assembly 500 includes a main rod 510 and a secondary rod 520. The main rod 510 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The main rod 510 and the secondary rod 520 are rotatably connected relative to each other. The secondary rod 520 and the ice-pushing component 200 are rotatably connected relative to each other. During the rotation of the rotating shaft, the main rod 510 is driven to rotate, and the main rod 510 drives the secondary rod 520 to rotate, so as to pull the ice-pushing component 200 to make linear motion. Of course, the connection between the ice-pushing component 200 and the bottom ice grid 150 is not limited to the examples above, as long as the ice-pushing component 200 can be driven to move in a straight line. For example, when the ice-pushing component 200 and one of the bottom ice grids 150 move along the same straight line, it is only necessary to fix the ice-pushing component 200 to the bottom ice grid 150. Specifically, the ice-pushing component 200 can be fixedly connected to the connecting seat 330. Alternatively, an ice-pushing gear can be provided on the rotating shaft, and the ice-pushing component 200 can be provided with a rack meshing with the gear to convert the rotation of the rotating shaft into the linear motion of the ice-pushing component 200. There are many specific mechanical structure forms, which will not be listed here.

[0072] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 7 The gear rack pair 310 and the connecting rod assembly 500 are mounted on different sides of the side plate 420, which can prevent interference between the gear rack pair 310 and the connecting rod assembly 500 to the greatest extent.

[0073] According to an embodiment of this application, a guide groove 421 can be provided in the side plate 420, and a clearance hole 411 can be provided in the top plate 410. The ice-pushing component 200 includes a push rod 210 and a connecting rod 220 parallel to the push rod 210. The push rod 210 passes through the clearance hole 411, and the connecting rod 220 is provided with a guide block 221. The guide block 221 is installed in the guide groove 421, and the connecting rod 220 is connected to the connecting rod assembly 500. In this case, when the ice tray 10 is opened, the ice-pushing component 200 can push the spherical ice in the top ice tray 140. Of course, during the process of opening the ice tray 10, if the spherical ice remains in the bottom ice tray 150 adjacent to the ice-pushing component 200, the ice-pushing component 200 can also push the spherical ice to make it fall off. During the ice removal process, the bottom ice tray 150 can be heated first, so that the spherical ice will definitely remain in the top ice tray 140 during the process of opening the ice tray 10. Based on this, with the help of the ice-pushing component 200, it is guaranteed that the spherical ice will definitely fall off.

[0074] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 7 A tension spring 230 is provided between the mounting base 400 and the ice-pushing component 200. By providing the tension spring 230, the ice-pushing component 200 will remain outside the ice tray 10 when the external force is removed. One end of the tension spring 230 is fixed to the connecting rod 220, and the second end of the tension spring 230 is fixed above the clearance hole 411. Specifically, a lifting lug 422 can be provided on the side plate 420, and the lifting lug 422 has a lifting hole, into which the second end of the tension spring 230 is hung.

[0075] According to embodiments of this application, in conjunction with Figure 6 The ice-pushing component 200 is disposed on one side of the top plate 410. A water distribution port 412 is provided on the top plate 410 corresponding to the water inlet 141 of the ice tray 10, and the water distribution port 412 is located in the middle of the top plate 410. In this configuration, the water distribution port 412 and the ice-pushing component 200 are offset, preventing interference between them. Positioning the water distribution port 412 in the middle of the top plate 410 ensures that water is injected into the ice tray 10 from the highest point, forming a spherical ice shape as complete as possible. The ice-pushing component 200 is tilted, meaning it can be disposed not only with the top ice tray 140 but also with the adjacent bottom ice tray 150.

[0076] According to the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the ice tray 10 of the ice-making assembly is opened, the ice-pushing component 200 pushes the spherical ice between the adjacent ice tray sections 100. During the pushing process, the ice-pushing component 200 hardly contacts the ice tray section 100. Therefore, the ice tray 10 does not need to be structurally designed to adapt to the ice-pushing component 200, and there is no need to make special selections in terms of materials, which can reduce the processing and material selection costs of the ice tray 10.

[0077] Furthermore, it should be noted that the ice-pushing component 200 of this application extends between adjacent ice grid sections 100 and pushes the spherical ice, and can push the spherical ice on at least two ice grid sections 100. That is, regardless of which ice grid section 100 the spherical ice is located on, the ice-pushing component 200 can push the spherical ice off.

[0078] Specifically, the ice-pushing component 200 can move along the separation plane of the two adjacent ice grid sections 100, or the ice-pushing component 200 can be at a certain angle to the separation plane. Taking the case where the ice grid section 100 includes a top ice grid section 140 and a bottom ice grid section 150 as an example, when the ice-pushing component 200 is at a certain angle to the separation plane, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12The ice-pushing component 200 can push the spherical ice on all three ice grid sections 100. It should be noted that the ice-pushing component 200 does not necessarily have to start moving after the ice grid section 100 has moved into place. It can start moving when the distance between two ice grid sections 100 is sufficient for the ice-pushing component 200 to be inserted. At this time, regardless of which ice grid section 100 the spherical ice is stationary, the ice-pushing component 200 can still push the ice.

[0079] According to an embodiment of this application, the ice-pushing component 200 can be connected to the drive mechanism 300. When the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 10 to the closed position, the ice-pushing component 200 moves away from the ice tray 10. When the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 10 to the open position, the ice-pushing component 200 pushes the spherical ice on the ice tray 10. In this case, there is no need to provide an additional power unit for the ice-pushing component 200, and the orderly movement between the pushing of the ice-pushing component 200 and the movement of the ice tray 100 can be guaranteed. Of course, it is also feasible to connect the ice-pushing component 200 separately to a power unit, such as a motor or cylinder, to drive the ice-pushing component 200 to push the spherical ice.

[0080] According to an embodiment of this application, a preset distance exists between the ice-pushing component 200 and the outer surface of the ice tray 10 corresponding to the closed position. Specifically, when the ice tray 10 is first opened, if the distance between adjacent ice tray sections 100 is insufficient for the ice-pushing component 200 to enter between adjacent ice tray sections 100, a preset distance needs to be maintained between the ice-pushing component 200 and the outer surface of the ice tray section 100 to prevent interference when the ice tray section 100 is first opened. When the distance between adjacent ice tray sections 100 is sufficient for the ice-pushing component 200 to enter between adjacent ice tray sections 100, the ice-pushing component 200 moves to the position where it begins to enter the ice tray section 100, and as the ice-pushing component 200 extends in, it contacts the spherical ice on the ice tray section 100. That is, the above preset distance is related to the size of the ice pushing component 200. The preset distance needs to ensure that: before the distance between adjacent ice grid sections 100 is sufficient for the ice pushing component 200 to enter, the ice pushing component 200 will not interfere with the ice grid section 100 during its movement toward the ice grid section 100.

[0081] It is worth mentioning that, in addition to ensuring the ice-pushing component 200 is in its initial position and at a preset distance from the surface of the ice tray 10 when the ice tray 10 is in the closed position, there can also be a delay in the drive between the drive mechanism 300 and the ice-pushing component 200. That is, when the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 100 to move, it does not drive the ice-pushing component 200 to move towards the ice tray 10. Only when the drive mechanism 300 drives the ice tray 100 to move a certain distance, that is, when the distance between adjacent ice trays 100 is sufficient for the ice-pushing component 200 to enter, does the drive mechanism 300 drive the ice-pushing component 200 to extend from between adjacent ice trays 100. There are many ways to implement delayed drive here. For example, when the drive mechanism 300 is connected to the ice-pushing component 200 through a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can be equipped with a limiting protrusion. The transmission component corresponding to the ice-pushing component 200 is equipped with a limiting groove that matches the limiting protrusion. In the initial position, the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove do not make limiting engagement. Only when the rotating shaft drives the limiting protrusion to rotate a certain angle (the time for the rotating shaft to rotate a certain angle corresponds to the delay mentioned above) will the limiting protrusion abut against the side wall of the limiting groove. Through the abutment engagement between the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove, the ice-pushing component 200 can be driven to move.

[0082] According to the embodiments of this application, the ice-pushing component 200 mentioned above can push spherical ice on multiple ice grid sections 100. Of course, when the position of the ice-pushing component 200 is determined, the opening of the heating element 130 of each ice grid section 100 can be controlled to ensure that when the ice grid section 100 is opened, the spherical ice remains on a specific ice grid section 100. The specific ice grid section 100 here includes the ice grid section 100 adjacent to the ice-pushing component 200.

[0083] Specifically, each ice tray 100 is provided with a heating element 130 to heat the ice tray 100 during the de-icing process.

[0084] In one embodiment: when the ice tray 10 is in the closed position, the heating element 130 of the ice tray section 100 not adjacent to the ice pushing component 200 is activated first—the ice tray 10 opens. During this process, the spherical ice remains in the ice tray section 100 adjacent to the ice pushing component 200—the ice tray 10 opens. Alternatively, when the ice tray 10 is in the open position, the heating element 130 adjacent to the ice pushing component 200 is activated—the ice pushing component 200 pushes the spherical ice. In this case, since the heating element 130 of the ice tray section 100 not adjacent to the ice pushing component 200 is heated first, it can be ensured that when the ice tray 10 is opened, the spherical ice will definitely remain in the ice tray section 100 adjacent to the ice pushing component 200. Therefore, after the ice tray 10 is opened, the ice pushing component 200 can effectively act on the spherical ice.

[0085] In another embodiment, for the case where the ice tray 100 includes a top ice tray 140, since water needs to be injected through the top ice tray 140, the top ice tray 140 is relatively prone to spherical ice sticking and not easily falling off. The ice pushing component 200 is set to correspond to the top ice tray 140. At this time, the ice removal process includes: when the ice tray 10 is in the closed position, the heating element 130 of the other ice trays 100 other than the top ice tray 140 is turned on first - the ice tray 10 is opened. At this time, the spherical ice stays in the top ice tray 140 - the ice tray 10 is opened. Or when the ice tray 10 is in the open position, the heating element 130 of the top ice tray 140 is turned on - the ice pushing component 200 pushes the spherical ice. The ice grid section 100 includes a top ice grid section 140 and two bottom ice grid sections 150 disposed on both sides of the top ice grid section 140. At this time, the ice pushing component 200 is disposed between the top ice grid section 140 and one of the bottom ice grid sections 150, so that when the ice grid 10 is turned on, it can act on the spherical ice of the top ice grid section 140.

[0086] As described above, by controlling the sequential activation of each heating element 130, the spherical ice can be controlled to remain on a specific ice tray 100 during the activation of the ice tray 10. This specific ice tray 100 corresponds to the position of the ice-pushing component 200, ensuring that the ice-pushing component 200 can act on the spherical ice in that specific ice tray 100. Then, before the ice-pushing component 200 acts on the spherical ice, the heating element 130 of the ice tray 10 corresponding to the ice-pushing component 200 is activated to facilitate the ice-pushing component 200 pushing the spherical ice down.

[0087] According to an embodiment of this application, when the ice grid portion 100 includes a top ice grid portion 140 and bottom ice grid portions 150 disposed on both sides of the top ice grid portion 140, the ice pushing component 200 can be disposed on the separation plane between the top ice grid portion 140 and one of the bottom ice grid portions 150, and / or the ice pushing component 200 can be made to move along the separation plane between the top ice grid portion 140 and the bottom ice grid portion 150.

[0088] According to the embodiments of this application, the support part 110 needs to have a certain rigidity, and it may be made of materials such as plastic or metal, but is not limited to them; the flexible part 120 needs to have a certain elastic deformation performance, and it may be made of silicone, but is not limited to them.

[0089] According to an embodiment of this application, a refrigeration device is provided, including the aforementioned ice-making component. The refrigeration device can be a refrigerator, a water dispenser with ice-making function, or an ice maker, etc. When the refrigeration device is a refrigerator, the ice tray 10 of the ice-making component can be placed in the freezer compartment to cool the water in the ice tray 10 using the cold air in the freezer compartment; alternatively, the ice-making component can be placed in the door of the refrigerator compartment and cooled by a separate refrigeration system. Of course, the placement of the ice-making component in the refrigerator is not limited to the examples described here. Furthermore, if the ice-making component is not connected to an external water pipe, a water tank is generally required. To prevent the water in the tank from freezing, the water tank can be placed in the refrigerator compartment.

[0090] 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-making component, characterized in that, include: An ice grid (10) has a closed position and an open position. The ice grid (10) includes at least three ice grid sections (100), each of which is smaller than a hemispherical shell section. In the closed position, all the ice grid sections (100) are joined together to form an ice trough (122) for several spherical ice. In the open position, the multiple ice grid sections (100) are separated from each other to form an ice removal channel. A drive mechanism (300) is connected to at least part of the ice grid (100) and drives the ice grid (100) to switch between the closed position and the open position.

2. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice grid section (100) includes: The top ice grid section (140) has a water injection hole (141), and the water injection hole (141) corresponds to the ice trough (122) one by one; Two bottom ice grid sections (150) are disposed on both sides of the top ice grid section (140). The drive mechanism (300) connects the two bottom ice grid sections and drives the two bottom ice grid sections (150) away from the top ice grid section (140).

3. The ice-making assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the ice grid sections (100) includes several spherical sections obtained by cutting the spherical shell with two intersecting cutting planes, the included angle between the cutting planes being 120°, and all the cutting planes passing through the center of the spherical shell.

4. The ice-making assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two bottom ice grid sections (150) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top ice grid section (140), and the driving mechanism (300) drives the bottom ice grid section (150) to move linearly along its own central axis, so as to switch the ice grid section (100) between the closed position and the open position.

5. The ice-making assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The ice grid section (100) includes: A support part (110) is connected to the drive mechanism (300), and the support part (110) has a mounting groove (1111). A flexible part (120) is installed in the support part (110) and is at least partially located in the mounting groove (1111). The flexible part (120) is assembled to form the ice groove (122). The flexible part (120) is provided with a protrusion (121) that protrudes toward the interior of the ice groove (122). The protrusion (121) is adapted to compensate for the expansion and deformation of the spherical ice during the formation of spherical ice.

6. The ice-making assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support part (110) includes a support body (111) and a buckle (112). The support body (111) forms the mounting groove (1111). The buckle (112) is located at the edge of the mounting groove (1111). The support body (111) has a reserved hole (1112). The flexible part (120) forms a snap-fit ​​groove (123) of the support part (110). The side wall of the snap-fit ​​groove (123) has a snap-fit ​​hole (124). The support body (111) is fixed to the snap-fit ​​groove (123) corresponding to the edge of the mounting groove (1111). The buckle (112) and the snap-fit ​​hole (124) cooperate.

7. The ice-making assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly includes a mounting base (400), which includes two opposing side plates (420) and a top plate (410) connected between the side plates (420). The top ice grid (140) is fixed to the top plate (410). The drive mechanism (300) includes an active component mounted on one of the side plates (420) and a driven component mounted on the other side plate (420). The two ends of the ice grid (100) are respectively connected to the active component and the driven component. The active component is connected to the driven component through a synchronizing rod (320).

8. The ice-making assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, A connecting seat (330) is connected between the active component and the driven component. The connecting seat (330) is connected to the bottom ice grid part (150) through at least two connecting posts (340). A spring (350) is provided between the connecting posts (340) and the connecting seat (330). The connecting posts (340) are provided with a limiting part (341). The spring (350) is provided between the limiting part (341) and the connecting seat (330).

9. The ice-making assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting base (400) includes a fixing plate (440) connected to at least one of the side plate (420) and the top plate (410), the fixing plate (440) being provided with a guide sleeve (441), and the connecting post (340) passing through the guide sleeve (441).

10. The ice-making assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly includes an ice-pushing component (200) connected to the drive mechanism (300). When the drive mechanism (300) drives the ice grid (10) to the closed position, the ice-pushing component (200) moves away from the ice grid (10). When the drive mechanism (300) drives the ice grid (10) to the open position, the ice-pushing component (200) pushes the spherical ice of the ice grid (10).

11. The ice-making assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ice-pushing component (200) includes a push rod (210) and a connecting rod (220) parallel to the push rod (210). The connecting rod (220) is connected to the drive mechanism (300). The connecting rod (220) is provided with a guide block (221). The side plate (420) is provided with a guide groove (421). The top plate (410) is provided with a clearance hole (411). The push rod (210) passes through the clearance hole (411). The connecting rod (220) is adapted to move linearly along the guide groove (421) to drive the push rod (210) to move along the clearance hole (411) and push the spherical ice between the separated ice grid sections (100).

12. The ice-making assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, A tension spring (230) is provided between the mounting base (400) and the ice pushing component (200). One end of the tension spring (230) is fixed to the connecting rod (220), and the second end of the tension spring (230) is fixed above the clearance hole (411).

13. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, Includes the ice-making assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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