Ice making assembly and refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The application provides an ice making assembly and a refrigeration device, the ice making assembly comprising: an ice making mold, the ice making mold comprising at least one ice making chamber, the ice making chamber being provided with an opening, a side wall of the ice making chamber being provided with at least one opening and closing slit, the opening and closing slit extending to the opening; an opening and closing mechanism connected with the ice making mold, the opening and closing mechanism being capable of switching the opening and closing slit between closing and opening, so that the ice making mold is switched between an ice making state and an ice leaving state through the opening and closing slit; in the ice making state, the opening and closing slit is closed; in the ice leaving state, the opening and closing slit is opened, and a part of the side wall of the ice making chamber is separated through the opening and closing slit. The ice making assembly provided by the application realizes the change of the opening area in the process of opening and closing of the opening and closing slit, and when the opening and closing slit is closed, the opening area is small, so that the ice block produced is more complete; when the opening and closing slit is opened, the opening expands outward, so that the opening area is large, and the ice block is more convenient to separate from the ice making chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more specifically, to an ice-making component and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, ice-making components include an ice-making chamber and an ice-discharging opening. When making ice blocks using ice-making components, if the integrity of the ice blocks is to be improved, the size of the opening needs to be reduced. Reducing the size of the opening increases the difficulty of removing the ice, making it impossible for the ice-making components to simultaneously take into account both the integrity of the ice blocks and the ease of removing the ice. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides an ice-making assembly.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention also provides a refrigeration device.

[0006] In view of the above, a first aspect of the present invention provides an ice-making assembly, comprising: an ice-making mold, the ice-making mold including at least one ice-making chamber having an opening, and a side wall of the ice-making chamber having at least one opening and closing slit extending to the opening; and an opening mechanism connected to the ice-making mold, the opening mechanism being capable of switching the opening and closing slit between closed and open, such that the ice-making mold switches between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state via the opening and closing slit, wherein in the ice-making state, the opening and closing slit is closed; and in the ice-removing state, the opening and closing slit is open, and a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber is separated via the opening and closing slit, such that the area of ​​the opening in the ice-removing state is greater than the area of ​​the opening in the ice-making state.

[0007] The ice-making assembly provided by this invention includes an ice-making mold and an opening mechanism. The ice-making mold includes at least one ice-making chamber with an opening. The side wall of the ice-making chamber has at least one opening / closing slit, which extends from the side wall to the opening, allowing a portion of the side wall to be disconnected. The opening mechanism allows the opening / closing slit to switch between closed and open states, enabling the ice-making assembly to switch between an ice-making state and an ice-removed state. Specifically, when the ice-making assembly is in the ice-making state, the opening / closing slit is closed, closing the disconnected portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber to prevent leakage. When the ice-making assembly is in the ice-removed state, the opening / closing slit is open, separating a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber, thus expanding the opening. In other words, the area of ​​the opening in the ice-removed state is larger than its area in the ice-making state, facilitating the removal of ice from the ice-making chamber in the ice-removed state. The ice-making component proposed in this application has an opening and closing slit extending to the opening on the side wall of the ice-making chamber. During the opening and closing process of the opening and closing slit, the opening area changes. When the opening and closing slit is closed, the opening area is smaller, making the ice block more intact. When the opening and closing slit is open, the opening expands outward, making the opening area larger, which makes it easier for the ice block to leave the ice-making chamber.

[0008] The ice-making assembly provided by the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] In some embodiments, optionally, when there are multiple openings and closing seams, the multiple openings and closing seams are spaced apart circumferentially along the opening.

[0010] In this embodiment, when there are multiple opening and closing seams, the multiple opening and closing seams are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the opening, so that the opening of the ice-making chamber can be expanded outward through the opening and closing seams, thereby facilitating the de-icing of the ice-making chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, optionally, along the circumference of the opening, an opening and closing seam is provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chamber to divide the sidewall of the ice-making chamber into a first shell wall and a second shell wall. A portion of the first shell wall and the second shell wall are connected, and the other portion is disconnected through the opening and closing seam. The first shell wall and the second shell wall enclose the opening. In the ice-free state, the ends of the first shell wall and the second shell wall that enclose the opening are far apart from each other, so that the opening is expanded outward. In the ice-making state, the first shell wall and the second shell wall are closed at the opening and closing seam.

[0012] In this embodiment, along the circumference of the opening, opening and closing seams are located on opposite sides of the ice-making chamber, dividing the sidewall of the ice-making chamber into a first shell wall and a second shell wall. A portion of the first shell wall and the second shell wall are connected, while the other portion is disconnected at the opening and closing seam. The first shell wall and the second shell wall can move away from each other or closer together at the disconnection point, thereby allowing the ice-making assembly to switch between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state. Specifically, in the ice-removing state, the ends of the opening enclosed by the first shell wall and the second shell wall move away from each other, causing the opening to expand outwards, increasing the opening area and facilitating the removal of ice. In the ice-making state, the first shell wall and the second shell wall close at the opening and closing seam, returning the opening area to its initial state and improving the integrity of the ice.

[0013] In some embodiments, optionally, when there are multiple ice-making chambers, the multiple ice-making chambers are arranged in at least one row, and the opening and closing seams are provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chambers along the arrangement direction of the multiple ice-making chambers, wherein, along the arrangement direction of the multiple ice-making chambers, any two adjacent first shell walls are connected at the break point, and any two adjacent second shell walls are connected at the break point.

[0014] In this embodiment, with multiple ice-making chambers, the number of ice blocks produced at one time is increased, enabling the production of small ice blocks. Multiple ice-making chambers are arranged in at least one row, with opening and closing seams located on opposite sides of the chambers along their arrangement direction, allowing simultaneous opening and closing of the chambers. Furthermore, along the arrangement direction of the ice-making chambers, any two adjacent first shell walls are connected at their break points, and any two adjacent second shell walls are connected at their break points. This means the multiple ice-making chambers are connected at their break points, forming a unified structure. This increases the connection strength between the multiple ice-making chambers and also prevents leakage from the break points.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly may optionally include: a flexible baffle, which closes two of the multiple opening and closing slits located at both ends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making chambers.

[0016] In this embodiment, the ice-making assembly further includes a flexible baffle. Multiple ice-making chambers are arranged in a row, and two adjacent first shell walls are connected at the break point, and two adjacent second shell walls are connected at the break point. The two opening and closing seams at both ends of the multiple opening and closing seams are closed by the flexible baffle. Thus, the two opening and closing seams of the two ice-making chambers at the beginning and end of the arrangement direction are closed by the flexible baffle. This allows both the first shell walls and the second shell walls to open and close by the flexible baffle, and also allows the opening and closing seams to be closed by the flexible baffle to prevent leakage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ice-making mold may optionally include: a housing, the housing including a plurality of ice-making chambers; and an enclosure portion connected to the housing and surrounding the opening, the enclosure portion being discontinuously disposed along the circumference of the opening to form a first enclosure wall and a second enclosure wall, the first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall being capable of causing the side walls of the ice-making chambers to separate or close.

[0018] In this embodiment, the ice-making mold includes a shell and an enclosure. The enclosure surrounds the opening and is disconnected corresponding to the opening and closing seam, so that the enclosure is a first enclosure wall and a second enclosure wall. The first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall can drive the side wall of the ice-making chamber to separate or close, thereby improving the convenience of switching the state of the ice-making chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, optionally, in the ice-making state, along the circumference of the opening, the first and second enclosure walls close together at the break to form a gap, and multiple ice-making chambers are connected through the gap.

[0020] In this embodiment, during ice-making, the first and second enclosure walls form a gap at the point of disconnection along the circumference of the opening. This allows multiple ice-making chambers to be connected through the gap, enabling simultaneous water injection into multiple chambers through the same water inlet during ice-making. For example, during water injection, each water inlet corresponds to one ice-making chamber. When the corresponding ice-making chamber is full, water flows through the gap to adjacent ice-making chambers until all ice-making chambers are full.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ice-making mold may optionally include a connecting portion located between the enclosure portion and the ice-making mold, and located outside the ice-making chamber.

[0022] In this embodiment, the ice-making mold also includes a connecting part located between the enclosure and the shell. When the ice-making mold is connected to other components, the connecting part provides a connection position to prevent the connection of other components from damaging the side wall or enclosure of the ice-making chamber, thereby preventing leakage.

[0023] In some embodiments, optionally, in the ice-making state, the inner wall surface of the ice-making chamber has a spherical structure; and / or in the ice-making state, the diameter of the ice-making chamber is larger than the diameter of the plane where the opening is located; and / or the ice-making mold is a one-piece molded structure; and / or the ice-making mold includes a rubber mold or a silicone mold.

[0024] In this embodiment, during ice-making, the inner wall of the ice-making chamber has a spherical structure, resulting in ice blocks that are spherical or partially spherical. Simultaneously, the opening and closing slits improve the integrity of the spherical ice blocks and facilitate their removal from the ice. Optionally, during ice-making, the diameter of the ice-making chamber is larger than the diameter of the plane containing the opening to improve the integrity of the ice ball. Furthermore, the opening and closing slits allow the ice ball to detach from the ice-making chamber through the outwardly expanding opening. Optionally, the ice-making mold is a one-piece molded structure to ensure the connection strength of the shell, enclosure, and connecting parts, while also ensuring the sealing effect of the ice-making chamber. Optionally, the ice-making mold includes a rubber mold or a silicone mold, giving it a certain degree of flexibility, allowing it to deform and thus open and close the opening and closing slits, thereby changing the size of the opening.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mold opening mechanism optionally includes: a drive unit connected to the ice-making mold, used to drive the ice-making mold to rotate between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position, wherein when the ice-making mold is in the ice-making position, the ice-making mold is in an ice-making state, and when the ice-making mold is in the ice-removing position, the ice-making mold is in an ice-removing state; and a pressure plate assembly wrapped around at least a portion of the outer side wall of the ice-making mold and disconnected from the opening and closing joint, wherein the drive unit is connected to the pressure plate assembly; during the process of the drive unit driving the ice-making mold to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the pressure plate assembly can drive the opening and closing joint to switch between opening and closing.

[0026] In this embodiment, the mold opening mechanism includes a drive unit and a pressure plate assembly. The pressure plate assembly wraps around at least a portion of the outer wall of the ice-making mold and is disconnected corresponding to the opening and closing slot. The drive unit is connected to the pressure plate assembly and is used to drive the ice-making mold to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. During the rotation of the ice-making mold between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the opening and closing slot can switch between opening and closing. When the ice-making mold is in the ice-making position, it is in an ice-making state, allowing it to form more complete ice blocks. When the ice-making mold is in the ice-removing position, it is in an ice-removing state, allowing the ice blocks to detach from the ice-making chamber. Simultaneously, the pressure plate assembly improves the sealing performance of the ice-making mold in the ice-making state. When the ice-making mold has a flexible structure, the pressure plate assembly provides a connection point for the drive unit, preventing direct connection to the ice-making mold from causing unreliable opening and closing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ice-making mold may optionally include a water injection section disposed opposite to the opening at the ice-making position for injecting water into the ice-making chamber.

[0028] In this embodiment, the ice maker further includes a water injection unit for injecting water into the ice-making chamber when the ice-making mold is in the ice-making position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly may optionally include an ejection mechanism disposed opposite to the ice-making mold at an ice-off position for ejecting ice blocks from the ice-making chamber.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ice maker also includes an ejection mechanism, which is positioned opposite to the ice mold at the ice-free position, thereby ejecting the ice blocks from the ice-making chamber at the ice-free position.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a refrigeration device is also provided, comprising: an ice-making component as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0032] The refrigeration device provided in the second aspect of the present invention, having included the ice-making component proposed in any of the above embodiments, thus possesses all the beneficial effects of the ice-making component.

[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of an ice-making mold in an ice-making state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram of an ice-making mold in an ice-making state according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 This shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of an ice-making mold in an ice-free state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making mold in an ice-free state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 One of the structural schematic diagrams of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 A second schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 7 The third schematic diagram shows the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 The fourth schematic diagram shows the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 Fifth schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Figure 11 The seventh schematic diagram shows the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 Eighth schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 9.

[0048] Figure 14 The third schematic diagram shows the structure of an ice-making mold in an ice-making state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 10.

[0050] Figure 16 An eleventh schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 12.

[0052] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as thirteen;

[0053] Figure 19 Fourteenth schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 20 The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, number fifteen;

[0055] Figure 21 The third schematic diagram shows the structure of an ice-making mold in the detached state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] in, Figures 1 to 21 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0057] 100 Ice-making assembly, 10 Ice-making mold, 11 Housing, 102 Ice-making chamber, 1020 First shell wall, 1022 Second shell wall, 104 Opening, 106 Opening and closing seam, 12 Flexible baffle, 14 Enclosing part, 140 First enclosure wall, 142 Second enclosure wall, 144 Notch, 16 Connecting part, 20 Mold opening mechanism, 202 Drive part, 2020 Motor, 2022 Ice probe rod, 2024 Elastic element, 204 Pressure plate assembly, 2040 Upper pressure plate, 2042 Lower pressure plate, 30 Water injection part, 40 Ejection mechanism, 50 Rotating assembly 500 Rotary shaft, 502 Driving arm, 504 Driven arm, 506 Coupling, 60 Bracket, 602 First mating part, 604 Limiting surface, 6040 First limiting surface, 6042 Second limiting surface, 606 First limiting block, 608 Second limiting block, 70 Second mating part, 702 Limiting plate, 7020 First limiting hole, 7022 Second limiting hole, 7024 Strip hole, 7026 First end, 7028 Second end, 704 First pressure plate, 706 Second pressure plate, 708 First limiting component, 709 Second limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0059] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0060] The following reference Figures 1 to 21 An ice-making assembly 100 and a refrigeration device are described according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making assembly 100 is provided, comprising: an ice-making mold 10, the ice-making mold 10 including at least one ice-making chamber 102, the ice-making chamber 102 having an opening 104, and the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 having at least one opening and closing slit 106 extending to the opening 104; and an opening mechanism 20 connected to the ice-making mold 10, the opening mechanism 20 being capable of switching the opening and closing slit 106 between closed and open, so that the ice-making mold 10 switches between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state through the opening and closing slit 106, wherein, in the ice-making state, the opening and closing slit 106 is closed; and in the ice-removing state, the opening and closing slit 106 is open, and a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 is separated through the opening and closing slit 106, so that the area of ​​the opening 104 in the ice-removing state is larger than the area of ​​the opening 104 in the ice-making state.

[0062] The ice-making assembly 100 provided by the present invention includes an ice-making mold 10 and an opening mechanism 20. The ice-making mold 10 includes at least one ice-making chamber 102, which has an opening 104. The side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 has at least one opening / closing slit 106, which extends from the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 to the opening 104, such that a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 is disconnected through the opening / closing slit 106. The opening mechanism 20 enables the opening / closing slit 106 to switch between closed and open states, thereby allowing the ice-making assembly 100 to switch between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state via the opening / closing slit 106. Wherein, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the ice-making component 100 is in the ice-making state, the opening and closing seam 106 closes, causing the broken portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 to close, thereby preventing water leakage through the opening and closing seam 106; Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the ice-making component 100 is in the detached state, the opening slit 106 opens, allowing a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 to separate through the opening slit 106, thereby expanding the opening 104 outward. That is, the area of ​​the opening 104 in the detached state is larger than its area in the ice-making state, facilitating the detachment of ice from the ice-making chamber 102. The ice-making component 100 proposed in this application has an opening slit 106 extending to the opening 104 on the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102. During the opening and closing of the opening slit 106, the area of ​​the opening 104 changes. When the opening slit 106 is closed, the area of ​​the opening 104 is smaller, resulting in a more complete ice block. When the opening slit 106 is open, the opening 104 expands outward, resulting in a larger area, making it easier for the ice block to detach from the ice-making chamber 102.

[0063] It is understandable that the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 is provided with an opening and closing slit 106 extending to the opening 104, so that a part of the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 is broken at the opening and closing slit 106. That is, the ice-making chamber 102 is still a whole. The opening and closing slit 106 does not divide the ice-making chamber 102 into several completely separate parts. The opening and closing slit 106 is provided on the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 near the opening 104, so that the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 near the opening 104 can open and close, thereby realizing the change of the area of ​​the opening 104, making the ice more intact in the ice-making state and easier to remove ice in the ice-removing state.

[0064] Optionally, at least a portion of the ice-making mold 10 is a flexible structure, which allows the ice-making mold 10 to deform, thereby allowing the opening and closing slit 106 to open or close.

[0065] Optionally, in the ice-making state, the area of ​​the plane containing the opening 104 is much smaller than the maximum area of ​​the cross-section of the ice-making chamber 102.

[0066] Optionally, when the opening slit 106 is open, the ends of the side walls of the ice-making chamber 102 that enclose the opening 104 are far apart, such that the two end faces forming the opening slit 106 are set at a preset angle. Optionally, the preset angle is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 30°.

[0067] In some embodiments, optionally, when there are multiple opening and closing seams 106, the multiple opening and closing seams 106 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the opening 104.

[0068] In this embodiment, when there are multiple opening and closing seams 106, the multiple opening and closing seams 106 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the opening 104, so that the opening 104 of the ice-making chamber 102 can be expanded outward through the opening and closing seams 106, thereby facilitating the de-icing of the ice-making chamber 102.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, along the circumference of the opening 104, an opening and closing slit 106 is provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chamber 102 to divide the sidewall of the ice-making chamber 102 into a first shell wall 1020 and a second shell wall 1022. A portion of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are connected, and the other portion is disconnected through the opening and closing slit 106. The first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 enclose the opening 104. In the unfrozen state, the ends of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 that enclose the opening 104 are far apart from each other, so that the opening 104 is expanded outward. In the ice-making state, the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are closed at the opening and closing slit 106.

[0070] In this embodiment, along the circumference of the opening 104, an opening and closing slit 106 is provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chamber 102, dividing the sidewall of the ice-making chamber 102 into a first shell wall 1020 and a second shell wall 1022. A portion of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are connected, while the other portion is disconnected at the opening and closing slit 106. The first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 can move away from or towards each other at the disconnection point, thereby allowing the ice-making assembly 100 to switch between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state. In the ice-removing state, the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 enclose one end of the opening 104, moving away from each other, thus expanding the opening 104 and increasing its area, making it easier for ice to detach. In the ice-making state, the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 close at the opening and closing slit 106, returning the area of ​​the opening 104 to its initial state and improving the integrity of the ice.

[0071] It is understood that the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are not completely disconnected; they are only separated by an opening and closing seam 106 near the opening 104. When de-icing is required, the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are driven away from each other, causing the opening 104 to expand outward.

[0072] Optionally, when the opening and closing slit 106 is open, the ends of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 that form the opening are far apart from each other, so that the two end faces of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 that form the opening and closing slit 106 are set at a preset included angle.

[0073] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, when there are multiple ice-making chambers 102, the multiple ice-making chambers 102 are arranged in at least one row, and the opening and closing slits 106 are provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chambers 102 along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102. In this case, along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102, any two adjacent first shell walls 1020 are connected at the break point, and any two adjacent second shell walls 1022 are connected at the break point.

[0074] In this embodiment, with multiple ice-making chambers 102, the number of ice cubes prepared at one time is increased, enabling the production of small ice cubes. Multiple ice-making chambers 102 are arranged in at least one row, and opening / closing slits 106 are positioned on opposite sides of the ice-making chambers 102 along the arrangement direction A, allowing the multiple ice-making chambers 102 to open and close simultaneously. Along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102, any two adjacent first shell walls 1020 are connected at the break point, and any two adjacent second shell walls 1022 are connected at the break point. This means that the multiple ice-making chambers 102 are connected at the break points, making them a single unit. This increases the connection strength between the multiple ice-making chambers 102 and also prevents leakage from the break points of the ice-making chambers 102.

[0075] It is understandable that the opening and closing seam 106 is set on opposite sides of the ice-making chambers 102 along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102, so that the first shell walls 1020 of the multiple ice-making chambers 102 are all located on one side of the arrangement direction A, and the second shell walls 1022 of the multiple ice-making chambers 102 are all located on the other side of the arrangement direction A. This allows the multiple ice-making chambers 102 to open and close simultaneously, and through the connection of adjacent first shell walls 1020 and adjacent second shell walls 1022, leakage of the ice-making chambers 102 at the opening and closing seam 106 can be avoided.

[0076] It is understandable that two adjacent first shell walls 1020 are connected at the break point, that is, the two adjacent first shell walls 1020 are connected at their closest ends, and two adjacent second shell walls 1022 are connected at the break point, that is, the two adjacent second shell walls 1022 are connected at their closest ends, so that along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102, the multiple first shell walls 1020 are connected sequentially, and the multiple second shell walls 1022 are connected sequentially.

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 100 may optionally include a flexible baffle 12, which closes two of the multiple opening and closing slits 106 located at both ends along the arrangement direction A of the plurality of ice-making chambers 102.

[0078] In this embodiment, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a flexible baffle 12. A plurality of ice-making chambers 102 are arranged in a row, and two adjacent first shell walls 1020 are connected at the break point, and two adjacent second shell walls 1022 are connected at the break point. Two of the multiple opening and closing seams 106 located at both ends are closed by the flexible baffle 12. This allows the two opening and closing seams 106 located at the beginning and end of the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102 located on the outside to be closed by the flexible baffle 12. This ensures that the first shell walls 1020 and the second shell walls 1022 can open and close by the flexible baffle 12, and that the opening and closing seams 106 are closed by the flexible baffle 12 to prevent leakage.

[0079] Optionally, the flexible baffle 12 and the ice-making mold 10 are an integral structure.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the ice-making mold 10 includes: a housing 11, the housing 11 including a plurality of ice-making chambers; and an enclosure 14 connected to the housing 11 and surrounding the opening 104. Along the circumference of the opening 104, the enclosure 14 is discontinuously disposed corresponding to the opening and closing seam 106 to form a first enclosure wall 140 and a second enclosure wall 142. The first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 can drive the sidewalls of the ice-making chambers 102 to separate or close.

[0081] In this embodiment, the ice-making mold 10 also includes an enclosure 14 and a shell 11. The enclosure 14 surrounds the opening 104 and is disconnected from the corresponding opening and closing seam 106, so that the enclosure 14 is divided into a first enclosure wall 140 and a second enclosure wall 142. The first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 can drive the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 to separate or close, thereby improving the convenience of switching the state of the ice-making chamber 102.

[0082] Optionally, the first enclosure wall 140 is connected to the first shell wall 1020, and the second enclosure wall 142 is connected to the second shell wall 1022.

[0083] Optionally, along the arrangement direction A of the multiple ice-making chambers 102, the disconnection points of the first enclosure 140 and the second enclosure 142 located at the beginning and end are also closed by flexible baffles 12.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, in the ice-making state, along the circumference of the opening 104, the first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 enclose a gap 144 at the break, and the plurality of ice-making chambers 102 are connected through the gap 144.

[0085] In this embodiment, during ice-making, the first enclosure 140 and the second enclosure 142 form a gap 144 at the point of disconnection along the circumference of the opening 104. This allows multiple ice-making chambers 102 to be connected through the gap 144, enabling simultaneous water injection into multiple ice-making chambers 102 through the same water inlet during ice-making. For example, during water injection, each water inlet corresponds to one ice-making chamber 102. When the ice-making chamber 102 corresponding to the water inlet is full, water flows through the gap 144 to adjacent ice-making chambers 102 until all ice-making chambers 102 are full.

[0086] It is understandable that the ends of the first enclosure 140 and the second enclosure 142 that are close to each other form a gap 144.

[0087] Optionally, the two ends of the first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 that are close to each other are inclined in opposite directions from the side closer to the shell 11 to the side farther away from the shell 11, so that the first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 enclose a notch 144, and the sides of the first enclosure wall 140 and the second enclosure wall 142 that are close to the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are in contact, so that the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 fit tightly at the break point to avoid leakage.

[0088] Optionally, the end of the notch 144 near the housing 11 is on the same plane as the opening 104 to ensure that the ice blocks in the ice-making chamber 102 have the same shape as the ice-making chamber 102.

[0089] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 10 may optionally include a connecting portion 16 located between the enclosure portion 14 and the housing 11, and located outside the ice chamber 102.

[0090] In this embodiment, the ice-making mold 10 also includes a connecting part 16, which is located between the enclosure part 14 and the housing 11. When the ice-making mold 10 is connected to other components, the connecting part 16 is used to provide a connection position to prevent the connection of other components from damaging the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 or the integrity of the enclosure part 14, thereby preventing leakage.

[0091] In some embodiments, optionally, in the ice-making state, the inner wall surface of the ice-making chamber 102 has a spherical structure; and / or in the ice-making state, the diameter of the ice-making chamber 102 is larger than the diameter of the plane where the opening 104 is located; and / or the ice-making mold 10 has an integrally molded structure; and / or the ice-making mold 10 includes a rubber mold or a silicone mold.

[0092] In this embodiment, during ice-making, the inner wall of the ice-making chamber 102 has a spherical structure, resulting in ice blocks that are spherical or partially spherical. Simultaneously, the opening and closing seam 106 enhances the integrity of the spherical ice blocks and facilitates their removal from the ice. Optionally, during ice-making, the diameter of the ice-making chamber 102 is larger than the diameter of the plane containing the opening 104 to improve the integrity of the ice ball. Furthermore, the opening and closing seam 106 allows the ice ball to detach from the ice-making chamber 102 through the outwardly expanding opening 104 while still in the ice-free state. Optionally, the ice-making mold 10 is a one-piece molded structure to ensure the connection strength of the ice-making mold 10, the enclosure 14, and the connecting part 16, while also ensuring the sealing effect of the ice-making chamber 102. Optionally, the ice-making mold 10 includes a rubber mold or a silicone mold, which gives the ice-making mold 10 a certain degree of flexibility, thereby enabling the ice-making mold 10 to deform and open and close the opening and closing slit 106, thereby changing the size of the opening 104.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the mold opening mechanism 20 includes: a drive unit 202 connected to the ice-making mold 10, used to drive the ice-making mold 10 to rotate between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position. When the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-making position, the ice-making mold 10 is in an ice-making state; when the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-removing position, the ice-removing mold 10 is in an ice-removing state. A pressure plate assembly 204 is wrapped around at least a portion of the outer wall of the ice-making mold 10 and is disconnected from the opening and closing slot 106. The drive unit 202 is connected to the pressure plate assembly 204. During the process of the drive unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the pressure plate assembly 204 can drive the opening and closing slot 106 to switch between opening and closing.

[0094] In this embodiment, the mold opening mechanism 20 includes a drive unit 202 and a pressure plate assembly 204. The pressure plate assembly 204 wraps around at least a portion of the outer side wall of the ice-making mold 10 and is disconnected from the opening / closing slit 106. The drive unit 202 is connected to the pressure plate assembly 204 and is used to drive the ice-making mold 10 to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position. During the rotation of the ice-making mold 10 between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the opening / closing slit 106 can switch between opening and closing. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, when the ice mold 10 is in the ice-making position, it is in an ice-making state, allowing it to form more complete ice blocks. Figure 10As shown, when the ice mold 10 is in the ice-free position, it is in an ice-free state, allowing the ice to detach from the ice-making chamber 102. The pressure plate assembly 204 improves the sealing performance of the ice mold 10 during ice-making. Furthermore, when the ice mold 10 has a flexible structure, the pressure plate assembly 204 provides a connection point for the drive unit 202, preventing the ice mold 10 from being unreliably opened and closed if directly connected to the ice-making assembly 100.

[0095] In specific applications, such as Figure 6 As shown, the drive unit 202 includes a motor 2020, which is connected to the pressure plate assembly 204 via a connecting shaft, and is used to drive the ice-making assembly 100 to move between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position.

[0096] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the ice-making assembly 100 also includes an elastic element 2024, which is connected to the pressure plate assembly 204. When the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-free state, the elastic element 2024 is in a deformed state so that the ice-making mold 10 can switch to the ice-making state.

[0097] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 100 may optionally include a water injection section 30, which is disposed opposite to the opening 104 at the ice-making position, for injecting water into the ice-making chamber 102.

[0098] In this embodiment, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a water injection section 30, which is used to inject water into the ice-making chamber 102 when the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-making position.

[0099] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 100 may optionally include an ejection mechanism 40, which is disposed opposite to the ice-making mold 10 at the ice-off position, for ejecting ice blocks from the ice-making chamber 102.

[0100] In this embodiment, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes an ejection mechanism 40, which is positioned opposite to the ice-making mold 10 at the ice-free position, thereby ejecting the ice blocks from the ice-making chamber 102 at the ice-free position.

[0101] Optionally, during the process of the drive unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-removing position, the ejection mechanism 40 blocks the movement of the ice-making mold 10 between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, such as... Figures 8 to 10As shown, when the ejector mechanism 40 contacts the ice-making mold 10, the drive unit 202 continues to drive the ice-making mold 10 to move, causing the ejector mechanism 40 to open the opening and closing slot 106 of the ice-making assembly 100, thus switching the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-free state. At the same time, the ejector mechanism 40 ejects the ice ball. In this embodiment, through the cooperation of the ejector mechanism 40 and the drive unit 202, both the opening and closing of the ice-making mold 10 and the ejection of the ice block can be achieved.

[0102] Optionally, the ice-making assembly 100 also includes a bracket 60, on which the drive unit 202, the water injection unit 30, and the ejection mechanism 40 are all mounted.

[0103] like Figures 11 to 21 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the mold opening mechanism 20 includes a drive part 202, a first mating part 602 and a second mating part 70, the first mating part 602 is disposed on the bracket 60 and the second mating part 70 is disposed on the ice making mold 10.

[0104] The ice-making mold 10 includes at least one ice-making chamber 102, which has an opening 104. A second mating part 70 is connected to the ice-making mold 10 and can drive the opening and closing slit 106 to open or close, so that the ice-making mold 10 can switch between an ice-making state and an ice-removing state. The area of ​​the opening 104 in the ice-removing state is larger than the area of ​​the opening 104 in the ice-making state. A driving part 202 is provided on the bracket 60 and is connected to the second mating part 70. It is used to drive the ice-making mold 10 to move between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position. During the process of the ice-making mold 10 switching from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the second mating part 70 and the first mating part 602 are mutually restrictive to switch the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-removing state. During the process of the ice-making mold 10 switching from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position, the second mating part 70 and the first mating part 602 are mutually restrictive to switch the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-making state.

[0105] In this embodiment, during the movement of the ice-making mold 10 from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position driven by the drive unit 202, the first mating part 602 and the second mating part 70 engage in a limiting engagement, causing at least a portion of the ice-making chamber 102 to deform, thereby increasing the area of ​​the opening 104. The ice-making mold 10 then switches to the ice-removing state, facilitating the detachment of ice blocks from the ice-making chamber 102 at the ice-removing position. Conversely, during the movement of the ice-making mold 10 from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position driven by the drive unit 202, the first mating part 602 and the second mating part 70 engage in a limiting engagement, causing at least a portion of the ice-making chamber 102 to deform, thereby decreasing the area of ​​the opening 104. The ice-making mold 10 then switches to the ice-making state, resulting in a more complete shape of the ice blocks. This application, through the same drive unit 202, achieves both position switching and state switching of the ice-making mold 10, thus enabling both more complete ice blocks and easier detachment of ice blocks.

[0106] Optionally, the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-making state at the ice-making position and in the ice-removing position.

[0107] It is understood that at least a portion of the ice-making mold 10 is a flexible structure, which, driven by the second mating part 70, allows at least a portion of the ice-making chamber 102 to deform, thereby enabling the ice-making mold 10 to switch between the ice-making state and the ice-removing state.

[0108] Optionally, the drive unit 202 drives the ice-making mold 10 to rotate or move linearly or rotate and move linearly.

[0109] Optionally, in the ice-making state, the area of ​​the plane where the opening 104 is located is much smaller than the maximum area of ​​the cross-section of the ice-making chamber 102, thereby making the prepared ice block more intact. Furthermore, through the driving of the second mating part 70, the opening 104 is enlarged in the ice-free state, thereby facilitating the ice block to detach from the ice-making chamber 102.

[0110] Optionally, the ice produced by the ice-making chamber 102 is at least a portion of a sphere.

[0111] like Figure 14 and Figure 21As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, along the circumference of the opening 104, the ice-making chamber 102 is provided with opening and closing slits 106 on opposite sides. The opening and closing slits 106 extend to the opening 104 to divide the sidewall of the ice-making chamber 102 into a first shell wall 1020 and a second shell wall 1022. A portion of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are connected, and the other portion is disconnected through the opening and closing slits 106. The first mating part 602 and the second mating part 70 can be limited to engage to drive the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to rotate so that the opening and closing slits 106 open or close. In the ice-making state, the opening and closing slits 106 are closed, and in the ice-free state, the opening and closing slits 106 are open so that the opening 104 is expanded outward.

[0112] In this embodiment, along the circumference of the opening 104, the ice-making chamber 102 is provided with opening and closing slits 106 on opposite sides. The opening and closing slits 106 extend from the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 to the opening 104, so that the side wall of the ice-making chamber 102 is divided into a first shell wall 1020 and a second shell wall 1022. A portion of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are connected, and the other portion is disconnected at the opening and closing slits 106. Then, during the process of the driving part 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to move, under the limiting action of the first mating part 602 and the second mating part 70, the second mating part 70 can drive the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to rotate, thereby changing the size of the opening 104. During the movement of the ice-making mold 10 from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the second mating part 70 drives the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to rotate, causing the opening and closing seam 106 to open. The disconnected parts of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 are separated through the opening and closing seam 106, thereby expanding the opening 104 and switching the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-removing state, which facilitates the removal of ice blocks. During the movement of the ice-making mold 10 from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position, the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 rotate to close the opening and closing seam 106, thereby reducing the opening 104, making the prepared ice blocks more complete and preventing water leakage from the opening and closing seam 106.

[0113] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the second mating part 70 includes: a limiting plate 702 connected to the driving part 202 and located at both ends of the ice-making mold 10; a first pressure plate 704 connected to the first shell wall 1020, with both ends of the first pressure plate 704 movably connected to the limiting plate 702; and a second pressure plate 706 connected to the second shell wall 1022, with both ends of the second pressure plate 706 movably connected to the limiting plate 702. During the switching process between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position of the ice-making mold 10, at least one of the first pressure plate 704 and the second pressure plate 706 is limited and mated with the first mating part 602 to allow the ice-making mold 10 to switch between the ice-making state and the ice-removing state.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second mating part 70 includes a limiting plate 702, a first pressure plate 704, and a second pressure plate 706. The limiting plate 702 is connected to the driving part 202, the first pressure plate 704 is connected to the first shell wall 1020, and the second pressure plate 706 is connected to the second shell wall 1022. Both ends of the first pressure plate 704 are movably connected to the limiting plate 702, and both ends of the second pressure plate 706 are movably connected to the limiting plate 702. During the process of the drive unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, at least one of the first pressure plate 704 and the second pressure plate 706 engages with the first mating part 602, causing the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to flip outward, thereby expanding the opening 104 and opening the slit 106. During the process of the drive unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position, at least one of the first pressure plate 704 and the second pressure plate 706 engages with the first mating part 602, causing the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to flip inward toward the ice-making chamber 102, thereby closing the slit 106 and narrowing the opening 104. The arrangement of the first pressure plate 704 and the second pressure plate 706 ensures the reliability of the opening and closing of the slit 106.

[0115] like Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the second mating part 70 further includes: a first limiting member 708 disposed on the first pressure plate 704, located at both ends of the ice-making mold 10; a second limiting member 709 disposed on the second pressure plate 706, located at both ends of the ice-making mold 10; the limiting plate 702 is provided with a first limiting hole 7020 and a second limiting hole 7022; the first limiting member 708 is disposed within the first limiting hole 7020 and can rotate within the first limiting hole 7020; the second limiting member 709 passes through the first limiting hole 7022. The second limiting hole 7022 is located within the second limiting hole and can be limited and engaged with the first mating part 602; wherein, the second limiting member 709 is rotatably connected to the second limiting hole 7022 and can slide along the second limiting hole 7022 to the side away from the first limiting member 708 to drive the second shell wall 1022 to flip away from the first shell wall 1020, or slide along the second limiting hole 7022 to the side close to the first limiting member 708 to drive the second shell wall 1022 to flip close to the first shell wall 1020.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second mating part 70 further includes a first limiting member 708 and a second limiting member 709. The limiting plate 702 is provided with a first limiting hole 7020 and a second limiting hole 7022. The first limiting member 708 is disposed on the first pressure plate 704, and the second limiting member 709 is disposed on the second pressure plate 706. The second limiting member 709 engages with the first mating part 602. Simultaneously, the first limiting member 708 is disposed in the first limiting hole 7020 and can rotate within it, while the second limiting member 709 is disposed in the second limiting hole 7022 and can rotate and move within it. Thus, during the process of the driving unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the second limiting member 709 and the first mating part 602 engage in a limiting fit, causing the second limiting member 709 to rotate within the second limiting hole 7022 and slide away from the first limiting member 708. This, in turn, causes the second shell wall 1022 to flip away from the first shell wall 1020. Simultaneously, the first shell wall 1020 flips relative to the second shell wall 1022 due to the rotation of the first limiting member 708, thereby opening the opening slit 106 and expanding the opening 104. During the process of the driving unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position, the second limiting member 709 and the first mating part 602 engage in a limiting fit, causing the second limiting member 709 to rotate within the second limiting hole 7022 and slide towards the side closer to the first limiting member 708, thereby causing the second shell wall 1022 to flip towards the direction closer to the first shell wall 1020. At the same time, the first shell wall 1020 flips relative to the second shell wall 1022 through the rotation of the first limiting member 708, thereby closing the opening and closing seam 106 and reducing the size of the opening 104.

[0117] like Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments, the second limiting hole 7022 optionally includes a strip hole 7024.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second limiting hole 7022 includes a strip hole 7024, so that the second limiting member 709 can both rotate within the second limiting hole 7022 and slide along the length direction of the second limiting hole 7022, thereby realizing the flipping of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022.

[0119] like Figure 13 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the second limiting hole 7022 includes a first end 7026 and a second end 7028, with the first end 7026 located on the side of the second end 7028 close to the first limiting hole 7020; in the ice-making state, the second limiting member 709 is located at the first end 7026, and in the ice-removing state, the second limiting member 709 is located at the second end 7028.

[0120] In this embodiment, in the ice-making state and the ice-removing state, the second limiting member 709 is located at the first end 7026 and the second end 7028 of the second limiting hole 7022, respectively, thereby limiting the second limiting member 709 and enabling the ice-making mold 10 to remain in the ice-making state or the ice-removing state.

[0121] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the drive unit 202 includes: a motor 2020, disposed on the bracket 60; a rotating shaft 500, connected to the motor 2020, the rotating shaft 500 being connected to the limiting plate 702, and the motor 2020 driving the ice-making mold 10 to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position through the rotating shaft 500.

[0122] In this embodiment, the drive unit 202 includes a motor 2020 and a rotating shaft 500. The motor 2020 is mounted on the bracket 60 and connected to the rotating shaft 500. The motor 2020 drives the ice-making mold 10 to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position through the rotating shaft 500, so as to realize the switching of the position of the ice-making mold 10 and save the space required for the movement of the ice-making mold 10.

[0123] like Figure 11 and Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the first mating part 602 includes: a limiting surface 604, which engages with a second limiting member 709. The limiting surface 604 has a first position and a second position. In the ice-making state, the second limiting member 709 is located in the first position, and in the ice-removing state, the second limiting member 709 is located in the second position. The rotating shaft 500 is located on the side of the first shell wall 1020 away from the second shell wall 1022. Along the rotation axis of the ice-making mold 10, the distance between the limiting surface 604 at the first position and the rotation axis is less than the distance between the limiting surface 604 at the second position and the rotation axis.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first mating part 602 includes a limiting surface 604, and the first mating part 602 is limited and engaged with the second limiting member 709 through the limiting surface 604. The limiting surface 604 has a first position and a second position. When the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-making state, the second limiting member 709 is located in the first position; when the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-removing state, the second limiting member 709 is located in the second position. The distance between the limiting surface 604 at the first position and the rotation axis is less than the distance between the limiting surface 604 at the second position and the rotation axis. Thus, during the process of the motor 2020 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the limiting surface 604 causes the distance between the second limiting member 709 and the rotation axis to increase, which causes the second shell wall 1022 to flip away from the first shell wall 1020, thereby opening the opening slit 106 and enlarging the opening 104. Conversely, during the process of the motor 2020 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-removing position to the ice-making position, the limiting surface 604 causes the distance between the second limiting member 709 and the rotation axis to decrease, which causes the second shell wall 1022 to flip closer to the first shell wall 1020, thereby closing the opening slit 106 and shrinking the opening 104.

[0125] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments, optionally, the first mating part 602 further includes: a first limiting block 606 and a second limiting block 608, which are circumferentially spaced along the rotation of the ice-making mold 10; the limiting surface 604 includes a first limiting surface 6040 and a second limiting surface 6042, the first limiting surface 6040 is located on the side of the first limiting block 606 facing the rotation axis, and the second limiting surface 6042 is located on the side of the second limiting block 608 away from the rotation axis. The first limiting block 606 is limited and engaged with the second limiting member 709 through the first limiting surface 6040, and the second limiting block 608 is limited and engaged with the second limiting member 709 through the second limiting surface 6042. The first position is located on the first limiting surface 6040, and the second position is located on the second limiting surface 6042.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first mating part 602 further includes a first limiting block 606 and a second limiting block 608. The first limiting block 606 and the second limiting block 608 are spaced apart along the rotational circumference of the ice-making mold 10 so as to achieve limiting mating with the second limiting member 709 during the rotation of the ice-making mold 10. The limiting surface 604 includes a first limiting surface 6040 and a second limiting surface 6042. The first limiting surface 6040 is located on the side of the first limiting block 606 near the rotation axis, and the second limiting surface 6042 is located on the side of the second limiting block 608 away from the rotation axis. Thus, during the process of the motor 2020 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the second limiting member 709 gradually transitions from engaging with the first limiting block 606 to engaging with the second limiting block 608. Since the second limiting surface 6042 is located on the side of the second limiting block 608 away from the rotation axis, and the second position is located on the second limiting surface 6042, as the ice-making mold 10 rotates, the second limiting surface 6042 gradually exerts a pulling force on the second limiting member 709, causing the first shell wall 1020 and the second limiting surface 6042 to... The two shell walls 1022 flip outwards, opening the slit 106 and expanding the opening 104, thus switching the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-free state. During the process of the motor 2020 driving the ice-making mold 10 to switch from the ice-free position to the ice-making position, the second limiting member 709 gradually transitions from cooperating with the second limiting block 608 to cooperating with the first limiting block 606. Since the first limiting surface 6040 is located on the side of the first limiting block 606 closer to the rotation axis, and the first position is located on the first limiting surface 6040, as the ice-making mold 10 rotates, the first limiting surface 6040 gradually exerts a squeezing force on the second limiting member 709, thereby causing the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 to flip inwards, closing the slit 106 and switching the ice-making mold 10 to the ice-making state.

[0127] In some embodiments, optionally, at least one of the first limiting surface 6040 and the second limiting surface 6042 is arranged in an arc shape.

[0128] In this embodiment, at least one of the first limiting surface 6040 and the second limiting surface 6042 is arc-shaped, so that the opening 104 of the ice-making mold 10 can gradually change.

[0129] In some embodiments, optionally, during the process of the driving unit 202 driving the ice-making mold 10 to move to the ice-free position, when the ice-making mold 10 is in the ice-free state, the ejection mechanism 40 can block the ice-making mold 10 to push the medium in the ice-making chamber 102 out of the ice-making chamber 102 through the opening 104.

[0130] In this embodiment, as the ice-making mold 10 moves towards the ice-free position, when the ice-making mold 10 switches to the ice-free state, the ejection mechanism 40 can prevent the ice-making mold 10 from continuing to move. Then, driven by the drive unit 202, the ejection mechanism 40 squeezes the outer wall of the ice-making chamber 102, causing the ejection mechanism 40 to eject the ice blocks inside the ice-making chamber 102. This application achieves both the switching of the ice-making mold 10's state and the ejection of ice blocks using the same drive unit 202, reducing the use of drive structures and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0131] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the ice-making component 100 is an ice maker, which is installed in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator and is used to make small spherical ice.

[0132] The ice maker includes a drive unit (e.g., drive section 202), a rotating assembly 50, an ice mold assembly, and a mounting bracket 60.

[0133] Drive unit: includes motor 2020 and ice probe rod 2022, used for driving and ice probing.

[0134] Rotating unit: includes coupling 506, rotating shaft 500, two active arms 502, and four driven arms 504, used to drive the ice mold to rotate and open. The rotating shaft 500 is connected to the motor 2020 through the coupling 506. One end of the two driven arms 504 is rotatably connected to the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022 through the pressure plate assembly 204 (including two upper pressure plates 2040 and two lower pressure plates 2042). The other end of the two driven arms 504 is rotatably connected to one end of the active arm 502. The other end of the active arm 502 is mounted on the rotating shaft 500. The motor 2020 drives the ice-making assembly 100 to rotate through the rotating shaft 500.

[0135] Ice mold assembly: includes a ball mold (e.g., ice-making assembly 100, optionally a silicone part), two upper pressure plates 2040 (pressed against the outer walls of the first enclosure 140 and the second enclosure 142), and two lower pressure plates 2042 (pressed against the outer walls of the first shell wall 1020 and the second shell wall 1022). After the upper pressure plates 2040 and the lower pressure plates 2042 clamp the ball mold, they rotate with the rotating unit. The ball mold serves as the ice-making chamber 102 for making ice.

[0136] Support 60: The motor 2020 and the rotating unit are mounted on the support 60, which also provides the ejection mechanism 40 for pushing the bottom of the ball mold to complete the separation from the ice.

[0137] Optionally, in the initial state (e.g., the ice-making state), the diameter of the circle at the opening 104 of the ice mold is much smaller than the diameter of the ice ball, so after the ice mold is broken open, pressure is applied from the bottom to detach the ice ball.

[0138] like Figure 5 , Figures 8 to 10 The four main operating states of the entire ice maker are shown: Figure 5 As shown, in the horizontal state (e.g., the ice-making state), the tension spring (e.g., elastic element 2024) tightens the two sides of the ice mold to form the ice-making chamber 102. Water is added through the water inlet of the water injection section 30, and then ice is made; as Figure 8 As shown, after ice making is complete, the ice mold 10 directly begins to rotate away from the ice and moves to the ejection mechanism 40; as Figure 9 As shown, the ice mold 10 then continues to rotate, and the ejector mechanism 40 applies pressure to the ice mold 10, forcing the two driven arms 504 to open against the force of the tension spring, thereby expanding the opening 104 of the ice mold; as Figure 10 As shown, the ice mold 10 then continues to rotate, and the ejection mechanism 40 forces the ice ball to detach from the ice mold, completing the ice removal action.

[0139] The ice-making assembly 100 proposed in this application produces ice balls that are more complete, balancing the integrity of the ice ball with ease of removal from the ice. Furthermore, the mechanism has high operational efficiency, enabling the simultaneous production of multiple small spherical ice balls. Moreover, a single motor 2020 simultaneously performs the opening 104 and ejection actions, reducing the number of components required.

[0140] Alternatively, the opening 104 of the ice mold can be opened by fixing one side of the ice mold to the pivot 500 and then blocking the other side during rotation.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a refrigeration device is also provided, comprising: an ice-making component 100 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0142] The refrigeration equipment provided by the present invention, having included the ice-making component proposed in any of the above embodiments, has all the beneficial effects of the ice-making component 100.

[0143] Optionally, the refrigeration equipment includes refrigerators or freezers.

[0144] In this invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "installed," "connected," "linked," and "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linked" can be 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 this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0145] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is 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.

[0146] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice-making component, characterized in that, include: An ice-making mold, the ice-making mold including at least one ice-making chamber, the ice-making chamber having an opening, and the side wall of the ice-making chamber having at least one opening and closing slit extending to the opening; A mold opening mechanism is connected to the ice-making mold. The mold opening mechanism enables the opening and closing seam to switch between closed and open, so that the ice-making mold can switch between ice-making state and ice-removing state through the opening and closing seam. In the ice-making state, the opening and closing seam is closed; in the ice-removing state, the opening and closing seam is open, and a portion of the side wall of the ice-making chamber is separated through the opening and closing seam, so that the area of ​​the opening in the ice-removing state is larger than the area of ​​the opening in the ice-making state.

2. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are multiple openings and closing seams, the multiple openings and closing seams are spaced apart circumferentially along the opening.

3. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the circumference of the opening, the opening and closing seam is provided on opposite sides of the ice-making chamber to divide the side wall of the ice-making chamber into a first shell wall and a second shell wall. A portion of the first shell wall and the second shell wall are connected, and the other portion is disconnected through the opening and closing seam. The first shell wall and the second shell wall together enclose the opening. In the ice-free state, the first shell wall and the second shell wall are separated from each other at one end of the opening, so that the opening is set outward; in the ice-making state, the first shell wall and the second shell wall are closed at the opening and closing seam.

4. The ice-making assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, When there are multiple ice-making chambers, the multiple ice-making chambers are arranged in at least one row, and the opening and closing seams are located on opposite sides of the ice-making chambers along the arrangement direction of the multiple ice-making chambers. Along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making chambers, any two adjacent first shell walls are connected at the break point, and any two adjacent second shell walls are connected at the break point.

5. The ice-making assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A flexible baffle is provided along the arrangement direction of the plurality of ice-making chambers, and two of the plurality of opening and closing seams located at both ends are closed by the flexible baffle.

6. The ice-making assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ice-making mold includes: A housing, the housing comprising a plurality of the ice-making chambers; An enclosure portion is connected to the housing and surrounds the opening. Along the circumference of the opening, the enclosure portion is discontinuously disposed corresponding to the opening and closing seam to form a first enclosure wall and a second enclosure wall. The first enclosure wall and the second enclosure wall can drive the side wall of the ice-making chamber to separate or close.

7. The ice-making assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the ice-making state, along the circumference of the opening, the first enclosure and the second enclosure close together at the break point to form a gap, and the plurality of ice-making chambers are connected through the gap.

8. The ice-making assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice-making mold also includes: The connecting part is located between the enclosure and the housing, and is located outside the ice-making chamber.

9. The ice-making assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, In the ice-making state, the inner wall surface of the ice-making chamber has a spherical structure; and / or In the ice-making state, the diameter of the ice-making chamber is larger than the diameter of the plane containing the opening; and / or The ice-making mold is a one-piece molded structure; and / or The ice-making mold includes a rubber mold or a silicone mold.

10. The ice-making assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The mold opening mechanism includes: A drive unit, connected to the ice-making mold, is used to drive the ice-making mold to rotate between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position. When the ice-making mold is in the ice-making position, the ice-making mold is in the ice-making state; when the ice-making mold is in the ice-removing position, the ice-removing mold is in the ice-removing state. A pressure plate assembly is wrapped around at least a portion of the outer side wall of the ice-making mold and is disconnected corresponding to the opening and closing seam; the driving part is connected to the pressure plate assembly. During the process of the driving unit driving the ice-making mold to rotate between the ice-making position and the ice-removing position, the pressure plate assembly can drive the opening and closing seam to switch between opening and closing.

11. The ice-making assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A water injection unit is provided opposite to the opening at the ice-making position for injecting water into the ice-making chamber.

12. The ice-making assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: An ejection mechanism is disposed opposite to the ice-making mold at the ice-removal position and is used to eject ice blocks from the ice-making chamber.

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

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