Ice-making components and ice-making equipment

Abstract

This invention discloses an ice-making assembly and ice-making equipment. The ice-making assembly includes a main housing, a cooling device, a pushing device, a shaping device, and an interference structure. The main housing has an assembly channel with an inlet and an outlet. The cooling device cools the medium within the assembly channel into crushed ice. The pushing device pushes the crushed ice along the ice-out direction during its movement. The shaping device compresses the crushed ice into ice strips and discharges them outwards. The interference structure is located at the connection point between at least two of the main housing, the pushing device, and the shaping device to break up the ice layer that has condensed at the connection point. This invention can disrupt the ice layer that may condense at the location through interference. This directly avoids the formation of an ice layer between the pushing device and the main housing that would hinder the pushing of crushed ice, or prevents the ice layer that has condensed at the location from spreading between the pushing device and the main housing, thereby helping to ensure the normal and efficient operation of the ice-making assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to an ice-making component and ice-making equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing ice makers, ice is typically cooled and condensed on the inner wall of the evaporator shell to obtain crushed ice. The crushed ice is then scraped off by the spiral ribs of a screw and pushed into a shaping unit. Finally, ice strips are extruded and formed using an ice outlet channel defined by shaping ribs within the shaping unit's shell. After being discharged, the ice strips are broken into ice blocks of suitable size.

[0003] In the aforementioned ice-crushing flow path, when the gaps between the screw and the inner wall of the evaporator shell, the screw and the shaping ribs, and the shaping ribs and the inner wall of the shaper shell are too large, ice crushing can easily accumulate and condense into an ice layer at these excessively wide gaps. This ice layer can form directly or spread to the inner wall of the evaporator shell, preventing the screw's spiral ribs from generating a pushing force against the ice crushing at the evaporator shell's inner wall. Ultimately, this blocks the ice-crushing flow path, locks up the ice-making components, and reduces the overall ice-making reliability of the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide an ice-making component and ice-making equipment, which aims to solve the problem in existing ice makers where crushed ice easily forms an ice layer at excessively wide assembly gaps and spreads to the inner wall of the evaporator shell, resulting in ice not being dispensed and the ice-making component being locked.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an ice-making assembly, comprising: The main shell has an assembly channel with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to an external medium, and the direction from the inlet to the outlet is the ice discharge direction. A refrigeration device is disposed in the main housing and is used to cool the medium in the assembly channel into crushed ice. A pushing device is movably disposed within the assembly channel so as to push the ice fragments along the ice outlet direction during its movement; A shaping device, disposed within the assembly channel and connected between the downstream end of the pushing device and the outlet, is used to compress crushed ice into ice strips and discharge them outward through the outlet; and, An interference structure is provided at the connection point between at least two of the main housing, the pushing device, and the shaping device, so as to break up the ice layer condensed at the connection point through interference.

[0006] Optionally, at least two of the main housing, the pushing device, and the shaping device form two spaced-apart mounting surfaces at their connection points; The interference structure is located at at least one of the two assembly surfaces and acts at the other.

[0007] Optionally, the interference structure is an interference protrusion protruding at at least one of the assembly surfaces.

[0008] Optionally, at least two interference protrusions are arranged sequentially along the assembly surface.

[0009] Optionally, all the interference protrusions have the same structure; or, Of the interference protrusions, at least two of them have different structural configurations.

[0010] Optionally, the two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The surface shape of the second assembly surface is adapted to the surface shape of the corresponding first assembly surface and the surface shape of the free end of the interference protrusion.

[0011] Optionally, the two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The free end surface of the interference protrusion slides against the second mounting surface; or, The free end surface of the interference protrusion is spaced apart from the second assembly surface, and the distance between them is not greater than a preset threshold.

[0012] Optionally, the interference structure is integrally formed with the assembly surface on which it is located; or, After the interference structure and the assembly surface on which it is located are formed separately, they are connected and fixed in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0013] Optionally, the two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The interference structure and the first assembly surface are each separately formed and are movable relative to the first assembly surface, so that the interference orientation and / or interference degree of the interference structure acting on the second assembly surface can be adjusted during its movement stroke.

[0014] Optionally, the interference structure is driven by an external force to move actively, so as to actively adjust the interference orientation and / or the interference degree; and / or The interference structure is driven to move in response to the pushing device, so as to adaptively adjust the interference orientation and / or the interference degree.

[0015] Optionally, the pushing device includes a screw rotatably disposed about an axis extending along the ice-out direction, the screw including a rod-shaped body and helical ribs protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the rod-shaped body; The shaping device includes a columnar body and at least two shaping ribs protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the columnar body. The columnar body is assembled at the downstream end of the rod-shaped body. An ice outlet channel is defined between every two adjacent shaping ribs so that crushed ice can be squeezed through the ice outlet channel to form ice strips. The interference structure is disposed between the upstream end surfaces of the spiral rib and the shaping rib.

[0016] Optionally, the upstream end of the shaping rib is at least partially concave and convex to form at least one interference protrusion, which constitutes the interference structure.

[0017] Optionally, the interference protrusion is disposed near the radial outer edge of the shaping rib, so as to form a through groove that is jointly enclosed between the radial inner side of the interference protrusion and the columnar body and / or the rod-shaped body, and the through groove communicates with the ice outlet channel; The upstream section of the spiral rib is adapted to have a notch at the interference protrusion to define the remaining protruding section, which is driven by the screw and moves through the through groove.

[0018] Optionally, the ice discharge channel includes an upstream channel segment and a downstream channel segment arranged sequentially along the ice discharge direction. The shaping ribs define the upstream channel segment as tapered, so that the circumferential width of the upstream channel segment decreases along the ice discharge direction. The interference protrusion is at least partially adapted to the fact that the shaping rib at its location is conical.

[0019] Optionally, the taper of the interference protrusion is the same as the taper of the shaping rib at the same location; or, The taper of the interference protrusion is similar to the taper of the shaping rib at the same location.

[0020] Optionally, the two shaping ribs defining the same ice outlet channel have a gradient channel wall at the corresponding conical setting, and the two gradient channel walls have different structures, thus forming a structural difference; The ice-making assembly also includes an adjustment structure located at at least one of the gradient channel walls to adapt and compensate for structural differences between the two gradient channel walls.

[0021] Optionally, the adjustment structure extends to the interference protrusion.

[0022] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an ice-making assembly, comprising: The main shell has an assembly channel with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to an external medium, and the direction from the inlet to the outlet is the ice discharge direction. A refrigeration device is disposed in the main housing and is used to cool the medium in the assembly channel into crushed ice. A pushing device is movably disposed within the assembly channel so as to push the ice fragments along the ice outlet direction during its movement; A shaping device, disposed within the assembly channel and connected between the downstream end of the pushing device and the outlet, is used to compress crushed ice into ice strips and discharge them outward through the outlet; and, A blocking structure is provided on the radially outer side of the connection between the pushing device and the shaping device to limit the extension of ice formed between the pushing device and the shaping device toward the space between the pushing device and the main housing.

[0023] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an ice-making apparatus, including the ice-making components described above.

[0024] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the interference structure is disposed at the connection between the main housing and the pushing device, the connection between the main housing and the shaping device, and / or the connection between the pushing device and the shaping device. During the operation of the ice-making assembly, it can disrupt any ice layer that may condense at its location through interference. This directly prevents the formation of an ice layer between the pushing device and the main housing that would hinder the pushing of ice fragments. Alternatively, it prevents the ice layer that condenses at its location from spreading between the pushing device and the main housing, thereby helping to ensure the normal and efficient operation of the ice-making assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the ice-making assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the main structure of the ice-making component; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of the ice-making component; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of B in its unfrozen state; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure of B in an icy state; Figure 7 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the assembled pusher and shaping components; Figure 8 for Figure 2 A front view schematic diagram of the assembled pusher and shaping components; Figure 9 for Figure 2 A top view of the assembled pusher and shaping components; Figure 10 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the shaping device; Figure 11 for Figure 2 Front view schematic diagram of the shaping device; Figure 12 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the push device.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers: 100 Main shell; 101 Assembly channel; 110 First shell; 111 First assembly section; 120 Second shell; 121 Second assembly section; 200 Pushing device; 210 Screw; 211 Rod-shaped body; 212 Spiral rib; 212a Notch; 212b Protruding section; 300 Shaping device; 310 Columnar body; 320 Shaping rib; 321 First rib; 321a First side channel wall; 321b Higher gradient channel wall; 322 Second rib; 322a Second side channel wall; 322b Lower gradient channel wall; 323 Ice outlet channel; 323a Upstream channel section; 323b Downstream channel section; 324 Adjustment structure; 330 Through groove; 400 Interference structure; 410 Interference protrusion; 500 Blocking structure; P1 First assembly surface; P2 Second assembly surface; S1 First assembly gap; S2 Second assembly gap; S3 Third assembly gap.

[0028] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 12 The present invention provides an ice-making component and an ice-making device applicable thereto.

[0033] It can be understood that ice-making equipment refers to devices and equipment that can process raw materials into ice products. Among them, the ice-making component is the functional module that mainly performs the above-mentioned functions. More specifically, the ice-making component generally includes a main housing 100, and an ice-making part and a shaping part disposed on the main housing 100.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The main shell 100 generally has an assembly channel 101. The assembly channel 101 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to the external medium (for ease of understanding, it is defined as raw material below), and the direction from the inlet to the outlet is the ice discharge direction.

[0035] Since the ice-making section is generally located upstream of the shaping section, meaning the ice-making section and the shaping section are arranged sequentially along the ice-discharging direction, for ease of understanding, the main housing 100 specifically includes a first housing 110 for assembling the ice-making section and a second housing 120 for assembling the shaping section. Correspondingly, the assembly channel 101 includes a first assembly section 111 formed in the first housing 110 and a second assembly section 121 formed in the second housing 120.

[0036] The first housing 110 has an inlet. The second housing 120 has an outlet. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected by a communication port. The inlet is used to feed external raw materials into the first assembly section 111. This raw material is, for example, clean water. The outlet is used to output the final shaped ice product.

[0037] It should be noted that the connection direction between the inlet and the connecting port is also the extension direction of the first assembly section 111. The connection direction between the connecting port and the outlet is also the extension direction of the second assembly section 121. The extension directions of the first assembly section 111, the extension directions of the second assembly section 121, and the aforementioned ice discharge direction can be set differently or the same in each pair according to actual needs. The following will provide a detailed explanation based on the specific structure.

[0038] Please combine Figures 2 to 4 The ice-making section is mainly used to process raw materials into irregularly shaped crushed ice. It includes, for example, a refrigeration device and a pushing device 200. The refrigeration device is located in the first housing 110 and is used to create a refrigerated environment within the first assembly section 111.

[0039] For example, after the refrigeration device is started and running, it can promote the circulation of a lower-temperature refrigerant in the first housing 110, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the raw materials in the first assembly section 111 during the circulation process, turning the raw materials into crushed ice. The crushed ice generally partially condenses on the inner wall of the first assembly section 111; the remaining part is mixed with the raw materials, forming an ice-water mixture.

[0040] The pushing device 200 is located at the first housing 110 and is mainly used to push the crushed ice obtained from the production of the refrigeration device along the extension direction of the first assembly section 111 toward the shaping part. In practical applications, the pushing device 200 may include a screw 210 and an actuation mechanism for driving the screw 210 to move.

[0041] The screw 210 passes through the first housing 110. The screw 210 includes a rod-shaped body 211 extending elongated along the extension direction of the first assembly section 111, and a helical rib 212 protruding radially from the outer peripheral sidewall of the rod-shaped body 211. The helical rib 212 is helically wound along the axial direction (i.e., the extension direction of the first assembly section 111) and the circumferential direction of the rod-shaped body 211.

[0042] The rod-shaped body 211 has a first central axis extending along the extension direction of the first assembly section 111. Driven by an external force, the rod-shaped body 211 rotates around the first central axis, thereby driving the spiral ribs 212 to move relative to the first housing 110, and ultimately pushing the ice fragments condensed on the inner wall of the first assembly section 111 and in the ice-water mixture along the extension direction of the first assembly section 111 to the communication port.

[0043] Of course, the aforementioned external force can generally be achieved by a specially designed actuator. This actuator may consist only of a driver, such as a motor or cylinder. Alternatively, it may include a driver and a transmission assembly. The specific form of the transmission assembly is determined according to actual needs; for example, it may be a gear set for speed regulation, a bevel gear set for direction changing, a gear and rack set for changing the form of motion, or a lead screw and nut assembly.

[0044] Based on the above, please combine Figures 2 to 4 The shaping part is connected to the connection port of the ice-making component. It can shape the crushed ice discharged out through the connection port into the final desired ice product (such as ice cubes), or into a semi-finished product (such as ice bars; for ease of understanding, ice bars will be used as an example below).

[0045] Therefore, the shaping section generally includes a shaping device 300. The shaping device 300 is mainly used to shape crushed ice and obtain, for example, ice bars. The shaping device 300 is assembled to the screw 210. The shaping device 300 includes a columnar body 310 and at least two shaping ribs 320.

[0046] The columnar body 310 extends elongatedly along the extension direction of the second assembly section 121. The columnar body 310 is directly or indirectly assembled to the rod end of the rod-shaped body 211. Therefore, in practical applications, the extension direction of the second assembly section 121 is essentially the axial direction of the columnar body 310. The columnar body 310 has a second central axis extending along the extension direction of the second assembly section 121.

[0047] After assembly, the second central axis of the columnar body 310 is generally collinear with or parallel to the first central axis of the rod-shaped body 211. That is, the extension direction of the first assembly segment 111 and the extension direction of the second assembly segment 121 are essentially the same. Furthermore, both are essentially in the same direction as the ice-discharging direction of the entire main shell 100. Therefore, for ease of understanding, unless otherwise specified below, the axial, circumferential, and radial directions basically correspond to the axial (i.e., the extension direction of the first assembly segment 111, the extension direction of the second assembly segment 121, or the ice-discharging direction) circumferential and radial directions of the columnar body 310 and the rod-shaped body 211.

[0048] In each shaping rib 320: each shaping rib 320 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral sidewall of the columnar body 310 and extends elongatedly along the axial direction of the columnar body 310. The shaping ribs 320 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the columnar body 310. An ice outlet channel 323 is defined between every two adjacent shaping ribs 320, so that the crushed ice pushed by the screw 210 is compressed into ice strips through the ice outlet channel 323.

[0049] It should be noted that the columnar main body 310 and the shaping rib 320 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the columnar main body 310 and the shaping rib 320 can be separately formed and then detachably or non-detachably connected. Similarly, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be separately formed and then detachably or non-detachably connected.

[0050] Interference structure 400 is provided at the connection between at least two of the main housing 100, the pushing device 200 and the shaping device 300, so as to break up the ice layer condensed at the connection through interference.

[0051] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the interference structure 400 is disposed at the connection between the main housing 100 and the pushing device 200, the connection between the main housing 100 and the shaping device 300, and / or the connection between the pushing device 200 and the shaping device 300. During the operation of the ice-making assembly, it can disrupt any ice layer that may condense at its location through interference. This directly prevents the formation of an ice layer between the pushing device 200 and the main housing 100 that hinders the pushing of ice fragments. Alternatively, it prevents the ice layer that condenses at its location from spreading between the pushing device 200 and the main housing 100, thereby helping to ensure the normal and efficient operation of the ice-making assembly.

[0052] It is understandable that the two shaping ribs 320 that define the same ice outlet channel 323 can be named the first rib 321 and the second rib 322, respectively. The walls of the first rib 321 and the second rib 322 that are close to each other in the circumferential direction, that is, the walls that jointly enclose and define the ice outlet channel 323, are respectively named the first side channel wall 321a and the second side channel wall 322a.

[0053] Next, the ice outlet channel 323 includes an upstream channel section 323a and a downstream channel section 323b. The pushing force applied by the helical ribs 212 of the screw 210 can push the broken ice through the upstream channel section 323a and the downstream channel section 323b in sequence.

[0054] Therefore, the upstream channel section 323a is generally designed with a narrowing opening. That is, the circumferential width of the upstream channel section 323a gradually decreases along the ice outlet direction. This ensures that, under the continuous pushing of the screw 210, the loose ice fragments are compressed and solidified into a whole after passing through the upstream channel section 323a.

[0055] That is, the wall surface of the first side channel wall 321a corresponding to the upstream channel segment 323a is basically a gradually changing channel wall, and can be named the first gradually changing channel wall. The wall surface of the second side channel wall 322a corresponding to the upstream channel segment 323a is basically a gradually changing channel wall, and can be named the second gradually changing channel wall.

[0056] Under normal circumstances, the degree of narrowing of the upstream channel section 323a, that is, the slope of the milk in the first and second gradual channel sections, is basically the same.

[0057] The shape of the downstream channel segment 323b is not subject to any restrictions. However, the maximum circumferential width of the downstream channel segment 323b generally does not exceed the minimum circumferential width of the upstream channel segment 323a.

[0058] The circumferential width of the downstream channel segment 323b can be consistently set along the ice-out direction. That is, apart from the first gradient channel wall, the remaining channel wall of the first side channel wall 321a can extend straight along the ice-out direction. Similarly, apart from the second gradient channel wall, the remaining channel wall of the second side channel wall 322a can extend straight along the ice-out direction. This allows the ice fragments to continue to be shaped and maintain a relatively uniform width as they are continuously pushed forward.

[0059] Based on this, please combine Figures 5 to 6When the shaping device 300 and the pushing device 200 are assembled in place, a first assembly gap S1 will be formed between the upstream end surface of the shaping device 300 and the downstream end surface of the pushing device 200. Specifically, the upstream end surface of the shaping device 300 can mainly be represented by a local area of ​​the upstream end surface of the columnar body 310 and / or the upstream end surface of the shaping rib 320. Correspondingly, the downstream end surface of the pushing device 200 can mainly be represented by a local area of ​​the downstream end surface of the rod-shaped body 211 and / or the upstream end surface of the spiral rib 212.

[0060] That is, the upstream end surface of the shaping device 300 forms an assembly surface, the downstream end surface of the pushing device 200 forms an assembly surface, and the two assembly surfaces are spaced apart from each other, defining a first assembly gap S1.

[0061] Similarly, after the shaping device 300 is assembled into place within the second housing 120, a second assembly gap S2 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaping device 300 and the inner surface of the second housing 120 (i.e., the second assembly section 121). Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the shaping device 300 can be mainly represented by a local area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the shaping rib 320, for example, the area mainly near the aforementioned first assembly gap S1.

[0062] That is, the outer peripheral surface of the shaping rib 320 forms an assembly surface, and the inner surface of the second housing 120 (i.e. the second assembly section 121) forms an assembly surface. The two assembly surfaces are spaced apart from each other, defining the second assembly gap S2.

[0063] Similarly, after the pusher 200 is assembled into place within the first housing 110, a first assembly gap S1 will be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pusher 200 and the inner surface of the first housing 110 (i.e., the first assembly section 111). Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the pusher 200 can be mainly represented by a local area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the spiral rib 212, for example, the area mainly near the aforementioned first assembly gap S1.

[0064] That is, the outer peripheral surface of the spiral rib 212 forms an assembly surface, and the inner surface of the first housing 110 (i.e. the first assembly section 111) forms an assembly surface. The two assembly surfaces are spaced apart from each other, defining the third assembly gap S3.

[0065] It is understood that the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and the third assembly gap S3 are interconnected.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, if it does not exist Figure 5The structure within the dashed box (i.e., interference structure 400 and / or blocking structure 500 as described below) will then have the following... Figure 6 The situation shown: When the gap S1 of the first assembly is too large and exceeds the preset threshold, during the use of the ice-making component, a first layer of ice will gradually condense and form at the first assembly gap S1 (e.g., Figure 6 (As indicated by the dashed circular line). This first ice layer will gradually spread to the second assembly gap S2, and condense at the second assembly gap S2 to form a second ice layer (as shown in the image). Figure 6 (As indicated by the dashed polygonal line). Eventually, this second ice layer will gradually spread to the third assembly gap S3, and solidify there to form the third ice layer (as shown in the image). Figure 6 (As indicated by the dashed ellipse).

[0067] When the third ice layer forms, it will cause a decrease in damping at the third assembly gap S3, which is located between the spiral rib 212 and the inner surface of the first housing 110. This is equivalent to causing the spiral rib 212 to slip. The spiral rib 212 will not be able to scrape off the ice layer at least at the third assembly gap S3 of the first housing 110, and thus will not be able to form a continuous pushing force, causing the abnormality that the broken ice cannot be continuously pushed toward the shaping part.

[0068] Based on this, when the interference structure 400 is selectively set at the first assembly gap S1, the interference breaks the first ice layer, which is equivalent to directly preventing the generation and subsequent spread of the first ice layer from the source.

[0069] When the interference structure 400 is selectively set at the second assembly gap S2, the interference breaks the second ice layer, which is equivalent to blocking the spread of the first ice layer toward the third assembly gap S3 and forming the third ice layer.

[0070] When the interference structure 400 is selectively set at the third assembly gap S3, it can directly interfere and destroy the third ice layer, thus avoiding the slippage failure of the spiral rib 212 at the third assembly gap S3.

[0071] You can choose one of the three options or select at least two of them in combination. However, all of them can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks to some extent.

[0072] In view of the above, at least two of the main housing 100, the pushing device 200, and the shaping device 300 form two spaced-apart mounting surfaces at their connection points. Correspondingly, the interference structure 400 is provided on at least one of the two mounting surfaces and acts on the other.

[0073] For ease of understanding, the two assembly surfaces at any one of the assembly gaps S1, S2, and S3 can be named the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2, respectively. For example... Figures 5 to 6 The diagram shows the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 marked at the first assembly gap S1. Specifically, the interference structure 400 is disposed on the first assembly surface P1 and then acts on the second assembly surface P2.

[0074] It is important to emphasize that if both assembly surfaces are provided with interference structures 400, then these two assembly surfaces can respectively constitute the first assembly surface P1 and the other's second assembly surface P2. It should be noted that in practical applications, the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 are not necessarily designed to continuously form a gap. Specifically, taking the first gap S1 as an example: generally, in the initial state, such as before ice making is started, through structural matching and other methods, it can be ensured that the first gap S1 is almost zero, that is, the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 on both sides of the first gap S1 basically maintain surface contact. However, when the pushing component 200 continues to operate, some of the ice produced pushes the pushing component 200 in the opposite direction, causing the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 to move away to a certain extent, forming the first gap S1.

[0075] Based on this, there are several specific ways to implement the interference structure 400: For example, in one specific embodiment, the interference structure 400 may include a heating device. The heating device actively generates heat, or it can transfer external heat. Where feasible, the heat applied by the heating device is specifically applied to the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, while minimizing its spread to other areas: such as the normal ice-pushing channel and ice-discharging channel 323. By appropriately heating the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, the condensation of the first, second, and / or third ice layers at the corresponding locations can be prevented.

[0076] However, it should be noted that this does not limit the heating device to being assembled at the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3. Only when the specifications of the selected heating device are appropriate and the assembly method is reasonable can the heating device be directly assembled at the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3 be considered. Generally, however, this mainly refers to the deliberate transfer or use of existing heating devices to the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, ultimately forming the interference structure 400. Specifically, for example, a dedicated air passage or a reasonable heat conduction path can be provided to transfer the hot air or other forms of heat generated by the heating device to the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3.

[0077] Alternatively, in one specific embodiment, the interference structure 400 may include an ice-melting device. The ice-melting device actively releases an appropriate amount of ice-melting material that substantially does not affect the quality of the ice product and meets food safety standards. The ice-melting material may be, for example, salt. Where feasible, the ice-melting material released by the ice-melting device is specifically applied to the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, while minimizing its spread to other areas: such as the normal ice-breaking pushing channel and ice-discharging channel 323. By appropriately melting the ice in the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, the formation of a first, second, and / or third ice layer at the corresponding locations can be prevented, or the spread of ice layers between them can be blocked.

[0078] Similarly, this is not limited to assembling the ice-melting device at the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3. It is sufficient to ensure that the ice-melting material actively generated, stored, and / or transferred by the ice-melting device can be reasonably transferred and applied to the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3 when needed. Likewise, appropriate perforated structures or other forms of conveying paths can be used to achieve the transfer of the ice-melting material.

[0079] Or for example Figures 1 to 12 In the structure shown, the interference structure 400 can structurally disrupt the generation and / or spread of the first ice layer, the second ice layer, and / or the third ice layer. Specifically, for example, the interference structure 400 is an interference protrusion 410 protruding from at least one assembly surface. For example, the interference structure 400 is an interference protrusion 410 protruding from the first assembly surface P1.

[0080] However, it should first be noted that, as described above, the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3 may appear in some stages and not in others. That is, the corresponding first assembly surface P1 and second assembly surface P2 may remain in contact or may form a gap.

[0081] Optionally, in one specific embodiment, taking the interference protrusion 410 formed on the first assembly surface P1 as an example: the interference protrusion 410 can be configured to be separate from the first assembly surface P1, and the interference protrusion 410 is made of an elastic material with sufficient strength. The interference protrusion 410 is elastically deformable mainly along the direction between the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2, and has basically no elastic deformation capability in other directions. Thus, when the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 abut against each other, the interference protrusion 410 is compressed and shortened. When the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 move away from each other, the interference protrusion 410 returns to its original length and elongates, thus fulfilling its interference function.

[0082] Alternatively, in a specific embodiment, both the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 are provided with interference protrusions 410, thus forming concave portions between adjacent interference protrusions 410. The interference protrusion 410 of one of the first assembly surfaces P1 and P2 matches the concave portion of the other. That is, when the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 abut against each other, the interference protrusion 410 on the first assembly surface P1 matches the concave portion of the second assembly surface P2; and the interference protrusion 410 on the second assembly surface P2 matches the concave portion of the first assembly surface P1. When the first assembly surface P1 and the second assembly surface P2 move away from each other, all the interference protrusions 410 become visible, thus fulfilling their interference function.

[0083] Of course, the assembly gaps at this time mainly refer to the first assembly gap S1 and the third assembly gap S3. This is because when the screw 210 is driven to rotate, a relative movement stroke can be generated between the two assembly surfaces of the first assembly gap S1 and the two assembly surfaces of the third assembly gap S3. This means that the interference protrusion 410 at the first assembly surface P1 can be driven to move relative to the second assembly surface P2. Then, by means of this relative movement, the interference protrusion 410 can generate an interference effect at the second assembly surface P2, and then, by means of this interference effect, the ice layer at that location can be broken.

[0084] Specifically, one or at least two interference protrusions 410 can be provided at the first assembly surface P1. When at least two are provided, the interference protrusions 410 can be arranged in any suitable manner: for example, random arrangement, array arrangement, ring arrangement, etc.

[0085] Similarly, when at least two interference protrusions 410 are provided, the structures of each interference protrusion 410 at the same first assembly surface P1 can be configured identically, so that the degree of interference of each interference protrusion 410 to the second assembly surface P2 remains essentially the same. Alternatively, at least two of the interference protrusions 410 may be configured differently, so that the degree of interference of the at least two interference protrusions 410 to the second assembly surface P2 is different.

[0086] The structure of the interference protrusion 410 may include, but is not limited to, the protrusion height, the area and / or shape of the free end surface of the interference protrusion 410, and the material used to manufacture the interference protrusion 410.

[0087] When the structures of each interference protrusion 410 are intentionally set to be different along a certain direction, the interference intensity of the second assembly surface P2 can be gradually increased or decreased in that direction.

[0088] Of course, in practical applications, the interference effect of the interference protrusion 410 on the second assembly surface P2 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, in one specific scheme, the free end surface of the interference protrusion 410 slides against the second assembly surface P2. This ensures that the interference protrusion 410 contacts the second assembly surface P2, but does not significantly affect the relative movement between them. On the one hand, this ensures that the degree of interference of the interference protrusion 410 on the second assembly surface P2 is increased as much as possible, so that ice layer is almost impossible to form. On the other hand, it ensures that the interference between the interference protrusion 410 and the second assembly surface P2 has as little impact as possible on the efficiency of the screw 210 in pushing the ice fragments.

[0089] Alternatively, in another specific embodiment, the free end surface of the interference protrusion 410 is kept at a distance from the second mounting surface P2, and the distance between them is no greater than a preset threshold. This means that the destructive effect of the interference protrusion 410 on the ice layer can be intentionally reduced, allowing an ice layer of a certain thickness to form at the second mounting surface P2. However, it is necessary to ensure that the thickness of this ice layer does not cause the aforementioned adverse effects.

[0090] At this point, the size of the preset threshold also basically affects the setting of the allowable thickness of the ice layer, and can be determined based on data such as actual scenario requirements, experience values, test values, and simulation values.

[0091] From a coordination perspective, it doesn't matter whether the interference protrusion 410 is set to one or at least two, or whether there is contact between the interference protrusion 410 and the second assembly surface P2. Generally, the surface shape of the second assembly surface P2 can be set to match the surface shape of the corresponding first assembly surface P1 and the surface shape of the free end of the interference protrusion 410. That is, for example, when the shape of the plate surface corresponding to the second assembly surface P2 is a flat surface, the surface of the free end of the interference protrusion 410 is also set to a flat surface. When the shape of the plate surface corresponding to the second assembly surface P2 is a convex arc surface, the surface of the free end of the interference protrusion 410 is set to a concave arc surface that matches the convex arc surface. When the shape of the plate surface corresponding to the second assembly surface P2 is a concave arc surface, the surface of the free end of the interference protrusion 410 is set to a convex arc surface that matches the concave arc surface. In this way, the interference intensity applied to various parts of the second assembly surface P2 can remain basically balanced and consistent during the movement of the interference protrusion 410 relative to the second assembly surface P2.

[0092] Of course, the interference structure 400 and its first assembly surface P1 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the interference structure 400 and its first assembly surface P1 can be separately formed and then detachably or non-detachably connected and fixed. The forming method of the interference structure 400 has extremely high flexibility and a wide range of choices, without too many constraints.

[0093] When the interference structure 400 and the first assembly surface P1 are each formed separately: In one specific design, the interference structure 400 and the first assembly surface P1 can be fixedly positioned relative to each other. That is, the relative orientation between the two remains essentially constant.

[0094] Alternatively, in another specific embodiment, the interference structure 400 and the first mounting surface P1 can be movably connected to each other. Specifically, for example, the interference protrusion 410 can be movable relative to the first mounting surface P1. This allows the interference orientation and / or degree of interference of the interference structure 400 on the second mounting surface P2 to be adjustable during the movement of the interference protrusion 410.

[0095] For example, when the interference protrusion 410 is movable along the surface of the first mounting surface P1, the orientation of the interference protrusion 410 acting on the second mounting surface P2 can be adjusted accordingly. When the interference protrusion 410 is movable relative to the protrusion direction of the first mounting surface P1, the protrusion height of the interference protrusion 410 can be adjusted accordingly, ultimately making the degree of interference of the interference protrusion 410 acting on the second mounting surface P2, that is, the interference intensity, adjustable.

[0096] Furthermore, the movement of the interference structure 400 described above can be actively performed. Specifically, this means that the active movement of the interference structure 400 can be driven by a specially designed or externally provided power device, making the adjustment process of the interference orientation and / or interference degree of the interference structure 400 acting on the second assembly surface P2 more proactive, controllable, and precise.

[0097] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the movement of the interference structure 400 can be responsive. Specifically, for example, the interference structure 400 can be driven by the pushing device 200 to move responsively, allowing for adaptive adjustment of the interference orientation and / or interference intensity. In this case, for example, the pushing force of the pushing device 200 can be converted through a process such as wedge-shaped surface transmission to a driving force suitable for moving the interference structure 400. This simplifies the adjustment process of the interference orientation and / or interference intensity of the interference structure 400 acting on the second assembly surface P2, while also reducing energy consumption.

[0098] Next, based on the specific structural configuration of the pushing device 200 and the shaping device 300 as described above: the pushing device 200 includes a screw 210 rotatably disposed about an axis extending in the ice-discharging direction. The screw 210 includes a rod-shaped body 211 and helical ribs 212 protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the rod-shaped body 211. The shaping device 300 includes a columnar body 310 and at least two shaping ribs 320 protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the columnar body 310. The columnar body 310 is assembled to the downstream end of the rod-shaped body 211, and an ice-discharging channel 323 is defined between every two adjacent shaping ribs 320, so that crushed ice is compressed into ice strips through the ice-discharging channel 323.

[0099] Specifically, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the interference structure 400 can be positioned between the upstream end surfaces of the helical rib 212 and the shaping rib 320, specifically at the aforementioned first assembly gap S1. As described above, this effectively disrupts the formation of the first ice layer at its source. It also completely prevents the first ice layer from transforming into the second and third ice layers.

[0100] At this time, as Figures 10 to 11 As shown, the upstream end of the shaping rib 320 is at least partially concave and convex to form at least one interference protrusion 410, which constitutes the interference structure 400. This means that the shape of the shaping rib 320 itself, and its location, especially at the upstream end, can be fully utilized to directly form the interference protrusion 410. Conversely, this also makes the forming of the interference protrusion 410 simpler and more efficient.

[0101] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the interference protrusion 410 can be specifically positioned close to the radial outer edge of the shaping rib 320. This allows the interference protrusion 410 to radially enclose and define a through groove 330 between itself, the columnar body 310, and / or the rod-shaped body 211. This through groove 330 communicates with the ice discharge channel 323.

[0102] The upstream section of the spiral rib 212 is provided with a notch 212a at the interference protrusion 410 to define the remaining protruding section 212b. The protruding section 212b is driven by the screw 210 and moves through the through groove 330.

[0103] Thus, when the helical rib 212 is driven to move spirally around the second central axis, the protruding section 212b moves through the through groove 330, and the interference protrusion 410 enters from the notch 212a and acts on the axial surface of the helical rib 212. This makes the structure and movement between the interference protrusion 410 and the helical rib 212 more coordinated at their proximity.

[0104] As described above, the ice-exit channel 323 includes an upstream channel segment 323a and a downstream channel segment 323b arranged sequentially along the ice-exit direction. The shaping ribs 320 define the upstream channel segment 323a as tapered, so that the circumferential width of the upstream channel segment 323a decreases along the ice-exit direction. Specifically, when the interference protrusion 410 is positioned at the shaping rib 320, its shape and size are made as compatible as possible with the shaping rib 320 at its location. For example, at least partially, the interference protrusion 410 is adapted to the tapered shape of the shaping rib 320 at its location. Thus, the interference protrusion 410 can both exert its interference effect and act as a local channel wall of the upstream channel segment 323a to compress and shape the broken ice.

[0105] More specifically, the taper of the interference protrusion 410 should be made as similar as possible to the taper of the shaping rib 320 at its location. Alternatively, the taper of the interference protrusion 410 should be similar to the taper of the shaping rib 320 at its location. This will allow the structures of the interference protrusion 410 and the shaping rib 320 to be more integrated and unified.

[0106] Furthermore, based on one or more of the above embodiments, the two shaping ribs 320 of the same ice outlet channel 323 are defined to have corresponding conical settings, i.e., gradient channel walls set at the upstream channel segment 323a. The two gradient channel walls have different structures, forming a structural difference. The ice-making assembly also includes an adjustment structure 324, which is located at at least one gradient channel wall to adapt and compensate for the structural difference between the two gradient channel walls.

[0107] As can be seen from the above, when the two shaping ribs 320 are the first rib 321 and the second rib 322 respectively, the two gradient channel walls are also the first gradient channel wall and the second gradient channel wall respectively. The structures of the first gradient channel wall and the second gradient channel wall are different. Therefore, the configuration scheme for adjusting structure 324 is as follows: In one configuration, the adjustment structure 324 can be selected as one type. This adjustment structure 324 is only provided in either the first gradient channel wall or the second gradient channel wall. In this case, the adjustment structure 324 is set approximately to approximate the structural difference between the first gradient channel wall and the second gradient channel wall. By filling this difference, the structural differences between the first rib 321 and the second rib 322 are minimized, making the structures of the two shaping ribs 320 as similar or identical as possible.

[0108] Alternatively, in another configuration, two types of adjustment structures 324 can be selected. These two types of adjustment structures 324 are configured one-to-one with the first rib 321 and the second rib 322. In this case, each adjustment structure 324 is matched to its corresponding first rib 321 or second rib 322. Furthermore, the structural settings of the two adjustment structures 324 are different. The inherent structural differences between the first gradient channel wall and the second gradient channel wall are compensated by the reverse difference in the structures of the two adjustment structures 324. This also minimizes the structural differences between the first rib 321 and the second rib 322, making the structures of the two shaping ribs 320 as similar or identical as possible.

[0109] In summary, depending on the actual application requirements, the structure 324 can be freely and flexibly set at the first gradient channel wall and / or the second gradient channel wall.

[0110] More specifically, the adjustment structure 324 can be directly set across the entire area of ​​the first gradient channel wall and / or the second gradient channel wall. This places higher demands on the setting of the adjustment structure 324, but achieves a relatively more adaptive adjustment purpose.

[0111] Alternatively, adjustment structure 324 can be set in a local area of ​​the first gradient channel wall and / or the second gradient channel wall. This can appropriately reduce the setting requirements for adjustment structure 324, but it will also appropriately reduce the adaptation and adjustment effect. When there is an allowable deviation range in the overall machine's requirements for the shaping quality of the ice strips, the specific setting scheme of adjustment structure 324 can be appropriately adjusted according to this deviation range.

[0112] Similarly, for the individual first gradient channel wall: the adjustment structure 324 can be provided only at the first gradient channel wall. Alternatively, the adjustment structure 324 can be partially provided at the first gradient channel wall, with the remaining portion extending towards the remaining wall segment of the first side channel wall 321a for a transitional connection. Specifically, the remaining portion can extend towards the remaining wall segment of the downstream channel segment 323b in the direction of ice discharge. And / or the remaining portion can extend towards the remaining wall segment of the upstream channel segment 323a in the opposite direction of ice discharge.

[0113] And / or, for the individual second gradient channel wall: the adjustment structure 324 can be provided only at the second gradient channel wall. Alternatively, the adjustment structure 324 can be partially provided at the second gradient channel wall, with the remaining portion extending towards the remaining wall segment of the second side channel wall 322a for a transitional connection. Specifically, the remaining portion can extend towards the remaining wall segment of the downstream channel segment 323b in the direction of ice exit. And / or the remaining portion can extend towards the remaining wall segment of the upstream channel segment 323a against the direction of ice exit.

[0114] It should also be noted that, depending on the actual situation, the adjustment structure 324 and the first and / or second gradient channel walls at the location can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the adjustment structure 324 and the first and / or second gradient channel walls at the location can be separately formed and then connected and fixed in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0115] Based on the above, there are no restrictions on the types of differences that may exist between the first gradient channel wall and the second gradient channel wall: For example, in one scenario, the structural difference between the first and second gradient channel walls may manifest in surface quality. Surface quality can include, but is not limited to, significant differences in roughness, flatness, hardness, dirt resistance, and surface defects.

[0116] When a difference in surface quality arises between the first and second gradient channel walls as described above, in order to compensate for this difference, the adjustment structure 324 can be optionally an external material layer attached to the first and / or second gradient channel walls. That is, the adjustment structure 324 and the shaping rib 320 are separately configured, and then attached to the surface of the first and / or second gradient channel walls in any suitable manner to cover at least one wall segment with a surface quality difference, ultimately adjusting the surface quality of the first and second gradient channel walls to be the same or nearly the same.

[0117] Or, for example, in another scenario, the structural differences between the first and second gradient channel walls may manifest in aspects such as shape, size, and material.

[0118] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the columnar body 310 and the shaping rib 320 are assembled together within the second housing 120. To ensure a stable assembly, the second housing 120 and at least one shaping rib 320 are typically detachably connected, for example, by bolts. This requires an appropriate increase in the circumferential width of the shaping rib 320 to create a sufficiently large assembly space and sufficient structural strength. Conversely, the shaping ribs 320 that do not require assembly need to have their circumferential width minimized to define a sufficient number and size of ice-discharging channels 323 within the limited outer peripheral space of the columnar body 310.

[0119] Based on this, for ease of understanding, the first rib 321 can be regarded as a shaping rib 320 with a larger circumferential width; and the second rib 322 can be regarded as a shaping rib 320 with a smaller circumferential width.

[0120] In each shaping rib 320, the number of first ribs 321 can be one or less than the number of second ribs 322. However, to make the overall structure more regular and balanced, generally, the number of first ribs 321 and second ribs 322 is the same, and they are arranged in groups. That is, each first rib 321 and each second rib 322 is arranged alternately along the outer periphery of the columnar body 310. And each ice outlet channel 323 can be defined by a first rib 321 and a second rib 322.

[0121] As mentioned above, the inclination angles of the first and second gradient channel walls need to be as similar as possible, that is, the taper of each forming rib 320 needs to be as similar as possible. However, since the circumferential widths of the first rib 321 and the second rib 322 are different, the extension heights of the two gradient channel walls are different during the forming process. Generally, the extension height of the first gradient channel wall along the ice exit direction is higher than that of the second gradient channel wall. Therefore, the first gradient channel wall is a higher gradient wall surface with a greater height; the second gradient channel wall is a lower gradient wall surface with a lesser height.

[0122] The higher gradient channel wall 321b forms a first orthographic projection region along the circumference. The lower gradient channel wall 322b forms a second orthographic projection region along the circumference. Since the two projection regions have different extension heights, the first orthographic projection region partially overlaps with the second orthographic projection region, forming an overlapping region and the remaining height deviation region, respectively.

[0123] This height deviation area is one of the main reasons for the structural differences between the first side channel wall 321a and the second side channel wall 322a. Therefore, the adjustment structure 324 can be specifically set at this height deviation area.

[0124] It should be noted that both the higher gradient channel wall 321b and the lower gradient channel wall 322b correspond to the height deviation region. The difference is that the wall surface of the higher gradient channel wall 321b corresponding to the height deviation region is still an inclined surface. However, the wall surface of the lower gradient channel wall 322b corresponding to the height deviation region may be a flat surface that basically matches the wall shape of its downstream channel section 323b.

[0125] It should also be emphasized that the adjustment structure 324 is primarily located in the height deviation area. Therefore, depending on actual needs, the adjustment structure 324 can precisely cover the height deviation area. Alternatively, the adjustment structure 324 can be partially located in the height deviation area, with the remaining portion extending along the ice-out direction to cover a portion of the wall of its downstream channel segment 323b. And / or the adjustment structure 324 can be partially located in the height deviation area, with the remaining portion extending against the ice-out direction to cover the overlapping area of ​​its upstream channel segment 323a.

[0126] At this point, the adjustment structure 324 can also serve as a transitional connection between the upstream and downstream channel walls at its location, making the transition between the upstream channel segment 323a and the downstream channel segment 323b smoother.

[0127] Based on the above, in the first setting, the adjustment structure 324 can be specifically positioned in the height deviation area of ​​the elevated gradient wall. That is, it can be positioned on the inclined surface of the elevated gradient wall near its downstream channel section 323b.

[0128] In a specific embodiment, the adjustment structure 324 is adapted to ensure that the upstream channel segment 323a and the downstream channel segment 323b extend in a straight, inclined manner at their respective locations. That is, by improving the adjustment structure 324, the shape of the height deviation region of the higher gradient wall surface is made closer to the shape of the straight surface of its downstream channel segment 323b. This is equivalent to appropriately eliminating the wall surface where the higher gradient wall surface is higher than the lower gradient wall surface, directly achieving the goal of shortening the height difference between the higher and lower gradient wall surfaces.

[0129] Alternatively, in another specific design, the structure 324 is adjusted to be recessed in the extension trend of the upstream channel segment 323a and the downstream channel segment 323b at its location. It can be understood that, compared to the flat surface of the corresponding height of the lower gradient wall, the height deviation area of ​​the higher gradient wall is equivalent to protruding towards the central axis of the ice exit channel 323, which can easily exert a circumferential or tangential destructive force on the ice strips at that location.

[0130] Adjusting the concave setting of structure 324 directly reduces the protrusion of the height deviation area of ​​the higher gradient wall, minimizing the destructive force of icicle formation along the circumference or tangential direction at that location. This indirectly achieves the goal of shortening the height difference between the higher and lower gradient walls.

[0131] In a further design, the inner surface of the recessed area is shaped like a concave arc. This concave arc allows for a smoother transition between the recessed area itself and the surface shape of its surroundings, resulting in a more seamless and fluid design. Furthermore, it makes the inner surface of the recessed area more rounded, preventing excessive stress concentration on the passing icicles and avoiding damage that could cause cracks or surface burrs.

[0132] Furthermore, the adjustment structure 324 can extend against the direction of ice exit to a height close to the lower gradient wall. Specifically, it can be slightly higher than the lower gradient wall, or slightly lower. This makes the structures between the higher and lower gradient walls as similar as possible.

[0133] Of course, if the molding conditions permit, the structure 324 can be adjusted to extend in the opposite direction of ice ejection until it is level with the height of the lower gradient wall. This will make the structures of the higher and lower gradient walls as similar as possible.

[0134] Of course, in another setting, the adjustment structure 324 can also be specifically set in the height deviation area of ​​the lower gradient wall. That is, it can be set on the straight surface of the lower gradient wall near its downstream channel section 323b.

[0135] It is understandable that, compared to the inclined surface of the higher gradient wall, the height deviation area of ​​the lower gradient wall is equivalent to being recessed towards the central axis of the ice outlet channel 323, which easily creates an uneven squeezing force on the ice strips at that location compared to the higher gradient wall.

[0136] Optionally, the structure 324 can be adjusted so that the upstream channel segment 323a and the downstream channel segment 323b at the current location extend outwards. That is, by referring to the inclined surface shape of the corresponding height deviation area of ​​the higher gradient wall, the straight surface of the height deviation area of ​​the lower gradient wall can be appropriately filled. This directly reduces the concavity of the height deviation area of ​​the lower gradient wall, indirectly achieving the goal of shortening the height difference between the higher and lower gradient walls.

[0137] Similarly, the outer surface of the convex part is convex arc-shaped. This also makes the connection between the adjustment structure 324 and its surrounding channel walls smoother and more rounded, which helps to improve the production quality of the ice pops at that location.

[0138] Based on the above-described configuration of the interference structure 400 and the adjustment structure 324, it can be understood that when the interference structure 400 is directly positioned at the shaping rib 320, there may be structural interdependence between the two. For example, a local surface of the interference protrusion 410 can form a first gradient channel wall or a second gradient channel wall. In specific applications, the adjustment structure 324 can optionally extend to the wall surface of the interference protrusion 410 as needed. This makes the interference structure 400 and the adjustment structure 324 more integrated and coordinated.

[0139] Furthermore, in order to overcome the drawbacks caused by the ice layer that condenses at the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2, and / or the third assembly gap S3, the present invention also provides another approach: At this time, the ice-making assembly may also include a main housing 100, a cooling device, a pushing device 200, and a shaping device 300. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the structures of the main housing 100, the cooling device, the pushing device 200, and the shaping device 300 can all refer to the above description.

[0140] The difference is that this invention does not provide an interference structure 400, but instead provides a blocking structure 500. The blocking structure 500 is arranged radially outward at the connection between the pushing device 200 and the shaping device 300 to limit the extension of the ice formed between the pushing device 200 and the shaping device 300 towards the space between the pushing device 200 and the main housing 100.

[0141] In other words, the interference structure 400 achieves the above purpose by actively disrupting the ice layer formed at the first assembly gap S1, the second assembly gap S2 and / or the third assembly gap S3.

[0142] The blocking structure 500 can be set between the first assembly gap S1 and the second assembly gap S2, and between the second assembly gap S2 and the third assembly gap S3, which is equivalent to blocking the spread path of the first ice layer to the second assembly gap S2 and the spread path of the second ice layer to the third assembly gap S3, thus achieving the above purpose.

[0143] And in a specific solution, such as Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the blocking structure 500 can also be specifically represented by a protruding structure. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly contains errors.) Figures 1 to 12 The structure and orientation of the interference protrusion 410 are similar, as long as it serves a blocking function. Therefore, in some respects, the blocking structure 500 can be specifically configured with reference to at least some embodiments of the interference structure 400 described above, and will not be elaborated further.

[0144] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice-making component, characterized in that, include: The main shell has an assembly channel with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to an external medium, and the direction from the inlet to the outlet is the ice discharge direction. A refrigeration device is disposed in the main housing and is used to cool the medium in the assembly channel into crushed ice. A pushing device is movably disposed within the assembly channel so as to push the ice fragments along the ice outlet direction during its movement; A shaping device is disposed within the assembly channel and connected between the downstream end of the pushing device and the outlet. The shaping device is used to compress crushed ice into ice strips and discharge them outward through the outlet. as well as, An interference structure is provided at the connection point between at least two of the main housing, the pushing device, and the shaping device, so as to break up the ice layer condensed at the connection point through interference.

2. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the main housing, the pushing device, and the shaping device form two spaced-apart mounting surfaces at their connection points; The interference structure is located at at least one of the two assembly surfaces and acts at the other.

3. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The interference structure is an interference protrusion protruding at at least one of the assembly surfaces.

4. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, At least two interference protrusions are arranged sequentially along the assembly surface.

5. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, All the interference protrusions described herein have the same structure; or, Of the interference protrusions, at least two of them have different structural configurations.

6. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The surface shape of the second assembly surface is adapted to the surface shape of the corresponding first assembly surface and the surface shape of the free end of the interference protrusion.

7. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The free end surface of the interference protrusion slides against the second assembly surface; or, The free end surface of the interference protrusion is spaced apart from the second assembly surface, and the distance between them is not greater than a preset threshold.

8. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The interference structure and its mounting surface are integrally formed; or... After the interference structure and the assembly surface on which it is located are formed separately, they are connected and fixed in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

9. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two assembly surfaces are a first assembly surface and a second assembly surface, and the interference protrusion protrudes from the first assembly surface; The interference structure and the first assembly surface are each separately formed and are movable relative to the first assembly surface, so that the interference orientation and / or interference degree of the interference structure acting on the second assembly surface can be adjusted during its movement stroke.

10. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The interference structure is driven by an external force to move actively, so as to actively adjust the interference orientation and / or the interference degree; and / or The interference structure is driven to move in response to the pushing device, so as to adaptively adjust the interference orientation and / or the interference degree.

11. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing device includes a screw rotatably disposed about an axis extending along the ice-out direction, the screw including a rod-shaped body and a spiral rib protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the rod-shaped body; The shaping device includes a columnar body and at least two shaping ribs protruding from the outer peripheral sidewall of the columnar body. The columnar body is assembled at the downstream end of the rod-shaped body. An ice outlet channel is defined between every two adjacent shaping ribs so that crushed ice can be squeezed through the ice outlet channel to form ice strips. The interference structure is disposed between the upstream end surfaces of the spiral rib and the shaping rib.

12. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The upstream end of the shaping rib is at least partially concave and convex to form at least one interference protrusion, which constitutes the interference structure.

13. The ice-making assembly as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The interference protrusion is located near the radial outer edge of the shaping rib, so that it can jointly enclose and define a through groove between the radial inner side of the interference protrusion and the columnar body and / or the rod-shaped body, and the through groove communicates with the ice outlet channel; The upstream section of the spiral rib is adapted to have a notch at the interference protrusion to define the remaining protruding section, which is driven by the screw and moves through the through groove.

14. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The ice-out channel includes an upstream channel segment and a downstream channel segment arranged sequentially along the ice-out direction. The shaping ribs define the upstream channel segment as tapered, so that the circumferential width of the upstream channel segment decreases along the ice-out direction. The interference protrusion is at least partially adapted to the fact that the shaping rib at its location is conical.

15. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The taper of the interference protrusion is the same as the taper of the shaping rib at its location; or, The taper of the interference protrusion is similar to the taper of the shaping rib at the same location.

16. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The two shaping ribs defining the same ice outlet channel have gradually changing channel walls at the corresponding conical locations, and the two gradually changing channel walls have different structures, thus forming a structural difference; The ice-making assembly also includes an adjustment structure located at at least one of the gradient channel walls to adapt and compensate for structural differences between the two gradient channel walls.

17. The ice-making assembly as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The adjustment structure extends to the interference protrusion.

18. An ice-making assembly, characterized in that, include: The main shell has an assembly channel with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is used to connect to an external medium, and the direction from the inlet to the outlet is the ice discharge direction. A refrigeration device is disposed in the main housing and is used to cool the medium in the assembly channel into crushed ice. A pushing device is movably disposed within the assembly channel so as to push the ice fragments along the ice outlet direction during its movement; A shaping device is disposed within the assembly channel and connected between the downstream end of the pushing device and the outlet. The shaping device is used to compress crushed ice into ice strips and discharge them outward through the outlet. as well as, A blocking structure is provided on the radially outer side of the connection between the pushing device and the shaping device to limit the extension of ice formed between the pushing device and the shaping device toward the space between the pushing device and the main housing.

19. An ice-making device, characterized in that, Includes the ice-making assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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