A water diversion box assembly and ice making device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice making equipment, and discloses a water distribution box assembly and ice making equipment, which comprises a water distribution box, a water distribution box support, a linkage driving mechanism and a reset mechanism. A water stop plate closes a water outlet hole in a closed position and is away from the water outlet hole to expose the water outlet hole in an open position. The linkage driving mechanism is arranged on the water distribution box and / or the water distribution box support and is used for applying a driving force to the water stop plate when the water distribution box is loaded into the water distribution box support, so that the water stop plate moves from the closed position to the open position. The reset mechanism is used for driving the water stop plate to return from the open position to the closed position when the water distribution box is removed from the water distribution box support. When the user pulls out the water distribution box to take ice, the water outlet hole is automatically closed by the reset mechanism when the water distribution box is separated from the support, water dripping from the water outlet hole is avoided, the ice taking process is dry and clean, the water outlet hole is automatically opened after being loaded into the support, smooth water discharge is ensured, and normal operation of the ice making equipment is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to a water distribution box assembly and an ice-making device. Background Technology

[0002] Ice blocks produced by the ice-making module of the ice-making equipment are transported to the ice dispensing port via a water distribution box for users to use. The water distribution box is usually removable and installed in a water distribution box bracket. Users pull the water distribution box out of the bracket when they need to take ice, and push it back into the bracket after taking the ice. The bottom or side of the water distribution box usually has a water outlet for returning the melted ice water during ice making and transportation to the refrigeration system for recycling.

[0003] When users pull the water dispenser box out of the bracket to remove ice, the residual water inside the box will continuously drip from the water outlet, staining the countertop and the machine body. Users have to prepare paper towels in advance and wipe it manually after removing the ice, which is cumbersome and results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a water distribution box assembly and an ice-making device to solve the problems of leakage and inconvenience in operation when dispensing ice from the water distribution box.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water distribution box assembly for an ice-making device, comprising: The water distribution box is equipped with a water outlet. A water baffle plate is movably installed inside the water distribution box and can move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the water baffle plate closes the water outlet. In the open position, the water baffle plate moves away from the water outlet to expose the water outlet. The water distribution box bracket is designed to detachably install the water distribution box within the water distribution box bracket. A linkage drive mechanism is installed on the water distribution box and / or the water distribution box bracket. It is used to apply a driving force to the water baffle plate when the water distribution box is installed into the water distribution box bracket, so that the water baffle plate moves from the closed position to the open position. A reset mechanism is used to drive the baffle plate from the open position to the closed position when the water distribution box is removed from the water distribution box bracket.

[0006] Beneficial effects: By installing a water baffle plate inside the water distribution box, and cooperating with the linkage drive mechanism and reset mechanism, automatic linkage control of the water outlet state and its assembly state of the water distribution box is achieved. When the user installs the water distribution box into the water distribution box bracket, the linkage drive mechanism automatically drives the water baffle plate from the closed position to the open position, ensuring unobstructed water flow. When the user pulls the water distribution box out of the water distribution box bracket, the driving force automatically disappears, and the reset mechanism then drives the water baffle plate back from the open position to the closed position, automatically closing the water outlet. When the user pulls out the water distribution box to retrieve ice, the water outlet is automatically closed by the reset mechanism the instant the water distribution box leaves the bracket, effectively preventing residual water in the water distribution box from dripping from the water outlet onto the table or outside the machine, ensuring a dry and clean ice retrieval process and improving the user experience.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the linkage drive mechanism includes a first magnetic component disposed on the water baffle plate and a second magnetic component disposed on the water distribution box support, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component generate a repulsive force or an attractive force between them as the driving force.

[0008] Beneficial effects: Utilizing magnetic force to achieve non-contact power transmission eliminates the risk of friction, wear, and jamming of physically contacting parts, improving durability and reliability; it also allows for a certain degree of alignment deviation, reducing machining accuracy and assembly difficulty; and its fast response speed ensures timely water-stopping action, avoiding leakage caused by a partially open or partially closed state.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the water-proof plate is provided with a magnetic component receiving groove, and the first magnetic component is embedded and fixed in the magnetic component receiving groove; Beneficial effects: The receiving tank enables precise positioning of the first magnetic component, ensuring the consistency and repeatability of the magnetic force; it provides environmental protection for the magnetic component, reducing contact with ice water and lowering the risk of corrosion; the magnetic force is directly transmitted through the wall of the receiving tank, resulting in a short force transmission path, high rigidity, and a faster and more decisive response from the baffle plate.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the linkage drive mechanism is a push rod disposed on the water distribution box bracket. When the water distribution box is installed into the water distribution box bracket, the push rod directly contacts and pushes the water baffle plate to move the water baffle plate to the open position. The water distribution box is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket along the first direction, and the push rod extends along the first direction.

[0011] Beneficial effects: It adopts a pure mechanical contact transmission, which has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. It uses the insertion action of the water distribution box itself as the driving power source to achieve reliable linkage control of motion driving motion.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the reset mechanism is an elastic element, which applies a spring force to the water-blocking plate to move it to the closed position as a reset force. Beneficial effects: The elastic component has a simple structure, few parts, and simple assembly process; it achieves automatic reset by storing and releasing elastic potential energy, and the response is reliable.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the reset mechanism is a gravity reset structure. When the water baffle is in the open position, the position height of the gravity reset structure is higher than that when the water baffle is in the closed position. The gravity of the gravity reset structure serves as the reset force. Beneficial effects: By using constant gravity as the resetting force source, the performance does not degrade over time, there is no fatigue aging problem, and the long-term reliability and service life are improved.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the reset mechanism includes a first magnetic element disposed on the water-blocking plate and a third magnetic element disposed on the water distribution box support, wherein the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element generate a repulsive force or an attractive force between them as the reset force.

[0015] Beneficial effects: It enables contactless reset drive, eliminates mechanical failure modes, and improves long-term reliability; it is especially suitable for use in combination with magnetic linkage drive schemes, and the first magnetic component can be reused, further simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the water outlet is formed on the bottom wall of the water distribution box, and the water distribution box assembly also includes an ice baffle plate disposed inside the water distribution box, covering the water outlet and the reset mechanism.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The ice baffle acts as a physical barrier to prevent ice from falling directly into the water outlet area or the water baffle movement area, preventing ice blockage and jamming. It also allows liquid water to pass through, ensuring smooth drainage, while protecting the reset mechanism from damage caused by ice impacts.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the baffle plate is a flat plate structure, and the outer contour dimension of the baffle plate is greater than or equal to the opening size of the water outlet, so as to completely cover and seal the water outlet in the closed position. The baffle plate slides horizontally to open or close the water outlet.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The baffle plate has a simple structure and low manufacturing and assembly costs; the planar sealing method is reliable and easy to implement; the horizontal sliding method occupies only a very small thickness space in the vertical direction, without increasing the overall height of the water distribution box, which is conducive to the compact layout of the whole machine.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the water distribution box is provided with a guide structure, and the water baffle plate is slidably engaged with the guide structure to guide the water baffle plate to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Ensures that the baffle plate moves precisely along the predetermined trajectory each time, so that it can be accurately aligned with the water outlet in the closed position; prevents positional deviation due to cumulative errors, wear or vibration during long-term use, and ensures the reliability of the closing seal.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the water distribution box bracket has an opening, through which the water distribution box is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket, and the water outlet is located on the side of the water distribution box away from the opening when it is installed in the water distribution box bracket.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The water outlet is located near the rear of the equipment, which shortens the connection distance with the chilled water return pipeline and is beneficial to the water circuit layout; at the same time, it increases the time that the water outlet is located inside the equipment, providing a more sufficient time window for the reset mechanism to reset.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the water distribution box assembly further includes a seal disposed between the water baffle and the water distribution box and surrounding the water outlet hole, wherein when the water baffle is in the closed position, the seal is pressed between the edge of the water baffle and the water outlet hole.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Improved sealing performance of the outlet when closed, effectively preventing leakage of residual water in the water distribution box and ensuring a dry and clean ice removal process. Simultaneously, the elastic cushioning of the seal absorbs the impact force when the baffle plate resets, preventing rigid collisions between the baffle plate and the bottom wall of the water distribution box or the edge of the outlet, thus reducing vibration and noise, minimizing wear on components, and extending the service life of the water distribution box assembly.

[0026] In one alternative embodiment, the water outlet is formed on the side wall of the water distribution box and extends to the bottom wall, and the water baffle includes a flap rotatably disposed at the water outlet.

[0027] Beneficial effects: It adopts rotational motion, resulting in low friction and minimal wear, making it less prone to jamming due to icing, and exhibiting good low-temperature adaptability; the structure is extremely simple with a small number of parts.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, the upper edge of the flap is hinged to the side wall of the water distribution box. In the closed position, the flap hangs down naturally, and the linkage drive mechanism drives the water baffle to flip upward, so that the water baffle moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0029] Beneficial effects: When closed, it is naturally suspended by gravity and can be stably sealed without the need for an external locking device; the lever principle allows the linkage drive mechanism to drive the flap to flip upward with only a small force; during the opening process, gravity always generates a reset torque, which increases with the opening angle, ensuring that the flap can quickly and rapidly reset after the driving force disappears, effectively shortening the time window for the water outlet to open.

[0030] Secondly, the present invention also provides an ice-making device, including the water distribution box assembly of any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a water distribution box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a water distribution box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another water distribution box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another water distribution box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water distribution box bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Water distribution box; 11. Water outlet; 12. Ice baffle; 13. Elastic component; 14. Water barrier; 141. First magnetic component; 2. Water distribution box bracket; 21. Second magnetic component; 22. Push rod; 23. Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] In existing technology, the water outlet of the water dispenser box is open when dispensing ice, and the residual water inside the box is very easy to leak. Users need to prepare paper towels in advance and manually wipe the table and the machine body after dispensing ice, which is cumbersome and can easily cause the environment to be damp.

[0036] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 6 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a water distribution box assembly for an ice-making device is provided, comprising: a water distribution box 1, a water distribution box bracket 2, a water separator 14, a linkage drive mechanism, and a reset mechanism.

[0038] Water distribution box 1 is provided with a water outlet 11. Water distribution box 1 is detachably installed within water distribution box bracket 2. In some embodiments, the user can remove or insert water distribution box 1 from the bracket by pulling it out. A baffle plate 14 is movably disposed within water distribution box 1 and can move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the baffle plate 14 closes the water outlet 11; in the open position, the baffle plate 14 moves away from the water outlet 11 to expose it. A linkage drive mechanism is disposed on water distribution box 1 and / or water distribution box bracket 2, and is used to apply a driving force to the baffle plate 14 when water distribution box 1 is inserted into water distribution box bracket 2, causing the baffle plate 14 to move from the closed position to the open position. A reset mechanism is used to drive the baffle plate 14 back from the open position to the closed position when the driving force provided by the linkage drive mechanism disappears when water distribution box 1 is removed from water distribution box bracket 2.

[0039] This application utilizes the relative motion between the water distribution box 1 and the water distribution box support 2 as a driving source to convert the insertion action of the water distribution box 1 into the driving force for opening the baffle plate 14. The linkage drive mechanism is set on the water distribution box 1 and / or the water distribution box support 2, and is configured to generate driving force only during the process of the water distribution box 1 being inserted into the support, and not generate any driving force when the water distribution box 1 is in the pulled-out state.

[0040] The linkage drive mechanism is only responsible for driving the baffle plate 14 from the closed position to the open position, while the process of the baffle plate 14 returning from the open position to the closed position is handled by the reset mechanism. The action direction of the linkage drive mechanism is opposite to that of the reset mechanism. When the water distribution box 1 is inserted, the two form a force balance in the open position. When the water distribution box 1 is pulled out, only the reset mechanism acts alone, and a force balance is formed in the closed position.

[0041] When the user pushes the water distribution box 1 along the bracket, as the water distribution box 1 gradually approaches the predetermined installation position of the bracket, the linkage drive mechanism gradually generates and increases the driving force. When the driving force increases to exceed the reset force of the reset mechanism, the baffle plate 14 overcomes the reset force under the action of the driving force and moves from the closed position to the open position. When the water distribution box 1 is fully installed, the baffle plate 14 is in the fully open position, the water outlet 11 is fully exposed, and the water passage is unobstructed.

[0042] When the user pulls the water distribution box 1 out of the bracket, as the water distribution box 1 gradually moves away from the predetermined installation position of the bracket, the driving force of the linkage drive mechanism gradually decreases until it disappears completely. During this process, the reset force of the reset mechanism gradually becomes the dominant force, driving the baffle plate 14 from the open position back to the closed position. When the water distribution box 1 is completely detached from the bracket, the baffle plate 14 has completely returned to the closed position, and the water outlet 11 is resealed.

[0043] This ensures that the state of the water outlet 11 of the water distribution box 1 corresponds to the assembly state of the water distribution box 1. When the water distribution box 1 is inserted, the water outlet 11 is opened; when the water distribution box 1 is pulled out, the water outlet 11 is closed. This state correspondence is purely mechanical and automatic, and does not rely on conscious operation by the user, external signal control, or any form of sensor detection, thus achieving seamless and safe operation.

[0044] This invention automatically seals the water outlet 11 by driving the water baffle 14 through a reset mechanism the moment the water distribution box 1 is pulled out. Users can avoid water leakage without any additional operation when removing ice, ensuring a dry and clean ice removal process. This significantly simplifies the operation process and improves the user experience. Furthermore, the automatic water-stopping solution of this application has a simple structure, few parts, and low manufacturing cost. Automatic water-stopping is achieved through the linkage and reset of a purely mechanical structure, requiring no additional power source, sensors, or control system. It is compact, highly reliable, and reduces product manufacturing costs.

[0045] Those skilled in the art should understand that the core concept of the above solution lies in "using the relative movement between the water distribution box and the water distribution box support as a driving source to transform the installation and removal of the water distribution box into the state switching of the water baffle plate". Any modification or substitution made based on this concept, as long as the generation and disappearance of its driving force depends on the relative positional relationship between the water distribution box and the water distribution box support, and the water baffle plate automatically opens and closes the water outlet hole as the water distribution box is installed and removed through the cooperation of the linkage driving mechanism and the reset mechanism, does not depart from the protection scope of this invention.

[0046] The linkage drive mechanism can employ various physical principles to achieve its driving function. For example, in some embodiments, the linkage drive mechanism utilizes the magnetic force between magnetic components as the driving force, while in other embodiments, the linkage drive mechanism uses a mechanical push rod 22 as the driving force source. Regardless of the specific form adopted, the core function of the linkage drive mechanism is to drive the baffle plate 14 to open in response to changes in the relative position between the water distribution box 1 and the support.

[0047] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5The linkage drive mechanism adopts a magnetic drive method, specifically including a first magnetic component 141 fixedly mounted on the water baffle 14 and a second magnetic component 21 fixedly mounted on the water distribution box bracket 2. The first magnetic component 141 and the second magnetic component 21 are spatially corresponding. When the water distribution box 1 is installed along the water distribution box bracket 2, the first magnetic component 141 and the second magnetic component 21 gradually approach each other, generating magnetic interaction between them. This magnetic force can be set as a repulsive force or an attractive force, thus serving as the driving force for moving the water baffle 14 from the closed position to the open position.

[0048] Specifically, the first magnetic component 141 is embedded inside or on the surface of the water-blocking plate 14 and moves in conjunction with the water-blocking plate 14; the second magnetic component 21 is fixed at a predetermined position on the water distribution box bracket 2, usually located at the tail end or side wall of the bracket corresponding to the first magnetic component 141. When the user pushes the water distribution box 1 into the bracket, the first magnetic component 141 moves closer to the second magnetic component 21 along with the water distribution box 1, and the distance between them decreases to within the range of magnetic force. The generated magnetic force is transmitted through the water-blocking plate 14 and overcomes the reset force of the reset mechanism, pushing the water-blocking plate 14 from the closed position to the open position, thus opening the water outlet 11. When the user pulls the water distribution box 1 out of the bracket, the first magnetic component 141 moves away from the second magnetic component 21 along with the water distribution box 1, and the distance between them exceeds the effective range of magnetic force. The magnetic force rapidly decays to disappear, the water-blocking plate 14 loses external driving force, and automatically returns to the closed position under the action of the reset mechanism, completing the closure of the water outlet 11.

[0049] Optionally, when repulsion is used as the driving force, the first magnetic element 141 and the second magnetic element 21 are arranged opposite each other with the same magnetic poles. The repulsive force generated between them pushes the water-blocking plate 14 away from the second magnetic element 21, thereby exposing the water outlet 11. When attraction is used as the driving force, the first magnetic element 141 and the second magnetic element 21 are arranged opposite each other with opposite magnetic poles. The attractive force generated between them pulls the water-blocking plate 14 towards the second magnetic element 21, thereby opening the water outlet 11. Those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the repulsive driving method or the attractive driving method according to the internal spatial layout of the water distribution box 1, the movement direction of the water-blocking plate 14, and the required driving force.

[0050] This application achieves non-contact power transmission through magnetic drive. Magnetic drive eliminates the need for physical contact components between the water distribution box 1 and the support, thus eliminating friction, wear, and jamming risks, significantly improving the device's durability and reliability. Even in frequent insertion and removal scenarios, the performance of the magnetic drive mechanism does not degrade due to component wear. Furthermore, a certain degree of alignment deviation and distance fluctuation is allowed between magnetic components, generating effective driving force without precise guidance or strict limiting. This reduces the precision requirements for component processing and assembly difficulty, facilitating mass production. The magnetic components require no external power supply or signal control, resulting in a simple structure, fewer components, and a simple assembly process. Moreover, the magnetic force only suddenly increases and pushes the baffle plate 14 open when the water distribution box 1 is nearly fully inserted, and rapidly diminishes to disappear as soon as the water distribution box 1 is withdrawn, allowing the baffle plate 14 to close promptly under the action of the reset mechanism. This fast response ensures timely water-stopping action, preventing leakage caused by the water outlet 11 being in a semi-open state during the withdrawal of the water distribution box 1.

[0051] Both the first magnetic component 141 and the second magnetic component 21 can be permanent magnets, electromagnets, iron sheets, or a combination of both. In summary, those skilled in the art should understand that the core concept of the above-described magnetic drive scheme lies in "utilizing the relative movement between the water distribution box 1 and the support to cause changes in the magnetic force state between the magnetic components, thereby achieving non-contact drive of the water separator 14." Any modifications or substitutions made based on this concept, as long as the generation and disappearance of the driving force depend on the relative positional relationship between the water distribution box 1 and the support, do not depart from the protection scope of this invention.

[0052] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The baffle plate 14 is provided with a magnetic component receiving groove, in which the first magnetic component 141 is embedded and fixed. The receiving groove enables precise positioning of the first magnetic component 141 on the baffle plate 14. After being embedded in the receiving groove, the first magnetic component 141 is confined to a precise predetermined position, ensuring the consistency and repeatability of the magnetic force. The receiving groove also provides effective environmental protection for the first magnetic component 141, thereby reducing the area and time of contact between the magnetic component and ice water, and reducing the risk of corrosion. Furthermore, since the magnetic component is embedded inside the baffle plate 14 and in close contact with the wall of the receiving groove, the magnetic force on the magnetic component is directly transmitted to the baffle plate 14 body through the bottom and side walls of the receiving groove. The force transmission path is short and the rigidity is high, making the action response of the baffle plate 14 more rapid and decisive.

[0053] In some embodiments, the water distribution box bracket 2 is provided with a mounting groove, and the second magnetic element 21 is fixed in the mounting groove and embedded in the tail end rib of the water distribution box bracket 2. The tail end rib of the water distribution box bracket 2 is a reinforcing structure on the bracket body to enhance structural rigidity and resist deformation. In the design of the water distribution box bracket 2, the tail end area is the main stress area that bears the impact and pushing reaction force of the water distribution box 1 being installed. When the water distribution box 1 is fully installed in the bracket, the tail of the water distribution box 1 contacts the inner wall or bottom wall of the tail end of the bracket, and the installation force of the water distribution box 1 is transmitted to the tail end of the bracket through the tail. In order to resist these forces and maintain the overall shape stability of the bracket, the tail end of the bracket is usually provided with reinforcing ribs extending in the vertical and / or horizontal directions. The ribs protrude outward from the bottom wall, side wall or end wall of the bracket, increasing the moment of inertia of the tail end section and improving the bending and torsional stiffness.

[0054] The second magnetic component 21 is embedded in the tail end rib of the water distribution box bracket 2, making full use of the structural space occupied by the tail end rib to accommodate the second magnetic component 21, without the need to set an additional magnetic component mounting boss or mounting bracket at the tail end of the bracket, thereby achieving the magnetic function while maintaining or optimizing the structural compactness of the bracket.

[0055] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The linkage drive mechanism is a push rod 22 mounted on the water distribution box bracket 2. When the water distribution box 1 is installed into the water distribution box bracket 2, the push rod 22 directly contacts and pushes the baffle plate 14, causing the baffle plate 14 to move to the open position. The water distribution box 1 is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket 2 along the first direction (AB direction as shown in the figure), and the push rod 22 extends along the first direction. Thus, the installation action of the water distribution box 1 itself can be used as the driving power source. Through the direct mechanical contact between the push rod 22 and the baffle plate 14, the translational motion of the water distribution box 1 is converted into the state switching driving force of the baffle plate 14, realizing pure mechanical linkage control of motion driving motion.

[0056] When the user pushes the water distribution box 1 into the bracket along the first direction, the water distribution box 1 moves as a whole along the insertion direction. The water baffle 14, located inside the water distribution box 1, moves synchronously with the water distribution box 1 and gradually approaches the push rod 22 fixed on the bracket. When the water distribution box 1 continues to move along the insertion direction to the position where the end of the push rod 22 contacts the water baffle 14, the push rod 22 begins to apply a pushing force to the water baffle 14. As the water distribution box 1 is further inserted, the push rod 22 generates a relative feeding motion relative to the water baffle 14 along the first direction. The pushing force generated by this relative feeding motion continues to act on the water baffle 14 and overcomes the reset force of the reset mechanism, driving the water baffle 14 to move from the closed position to the open position. When the water distribution box 1 is fully inserted, the feed amount of the push rod 22 reaches its maximum value, and the water baffle 14 is pushed to the predetermined fully open position, and the water outlet 11 is fully open.

[0057] When the user pulls the water distribution box 1 out of the bracket in the opposite direction of the first direction, the water distribution box 1 moves as a whole in the pulling direction, and the water baffle 14 moves synchronously with the water distribution box 1 and gradually moves away from the push rod 22. At the beginning of the water distribution box 1 being pulled out, the push rod 22 and the water baffle 14 are still in contact, but as the pulling distance increases, the feed of the push rod 22 relative to the water baffle 14 gradually decreases, and the pushing force applied to the water baffle 14 gradually decreases. When the water distribution box 1 is pulled out to the position where the end of the push rod 22 is no longer in contact with the water baffle 14, the driving force applied by the push rod 22 to the water baffle 14 completely disappears, and the water baffle 14 automatically returns from the open position to the closed position under the action of the reset mechanism. When the water distribution box 1 is fully pulled out, the water baffle 14 is in a completely closed and stable state, and the water outlet 11 is reliably sealed.

[0058] The push rod 22 drive scheme adopts a purely mechanical contact transmission, which has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0059] The reset mechanism can also achieve its reset function using various physical principles. In some embodiments, the reset mechanism can utilize the elastic potential energy of an elastic body as the reset power source, the change in gravitational potential energy as the reset power source, or magnetic force as the reset power source. Regardless of the specific form used, the core function of the reset mechanism is to independently and reliably drive the baffle plate 14 to the closed position after the linkage driving force disappears.

[0060] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reset mechanism uses an elastic element 13, which applies a spring force to the water-blocking plate 14 to move toward the closed position as a reset force.

[0061] The elastic element 13 is disposed inside the water distribution box 1. When the water baffle 14 is in the closed position, the elastic element 13 is in a natural or pre-compressed state. At this time, the elastic element 13 does not apply any force to the water baffle 14 or only applies a small pre-tightening force to ensure the sealing between the water baffle 14 and the edge of the water outlet 11. When the linkage drive mechanism drives the water baffle 14 to move from the closed position to the open position, the movement of the water baffle 14 forces the elastic element 13 to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic element 13 stores elastic potential energy, and at the same time, the elastic element 13 generates a reaction force to resist the deformation. The direction of this reaction force always points to the closed position of the water baffle 14. When the driving force of the linkage drive mechanism disappears, the elastic potential energy stored in the elastic element 13 is released. The released elastic potential energy is converted into mechanical energy to drive the water baffle 14 from the open position back to the closed position, realizing the automatic reset of the water baffle 14.

[0062] The type of elastic element 13 can be selected according to the movement mode of the baffle plate 14. When the baffle plate 14 moves in a horizontal sliding manner, the elastic element 13 is preferably a compression spring. One end of the compression spring abuts against the inner wall of the water distribution box 1, and the other end abuts against the baffle plate 14. When the baffle plate 14 slides to the open position, the compression spring is compressed. After the driving force disappears, the compression spring extends and pushes the baffle plate 14 back to its original position. Optionally, a tension spring can also be used. One end of the tension spring is fixed to the inner wall of the water distribution box 1, and the other end is connected to the baffle plate 14. When the baffle plate 14 slides to the open position, the tension spring is stretched. After the driving force disappears, the tension spring contracts and pulls the baffle plate 14 back to its original position. When the baffle plate 14 moves in a rotational swing manner, the elastic element 13 is preferably a torsion spring. The torsion spring is fitted on the hinge shaft of the baffle plate 14. When the baffle plate 14 rotates to the open position, the torsion spring is torn. After the driving force disappears, the torsion spring rotates back and drives the baffle plate 14 back to its original position.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the elastic element 13 is shown in the form of a compression spring. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any element capable of undergoing recoverable elastic deformation and storing energy under external force can be used as the elastic element 13. For example, the elastic element 13 can be a tension spring, leaf spring, or leaf spring, or it can be a rubber elastomer or a polyurethane elastic block, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The reset mechanism adopts a gravity reset structure. When the water baffle 14 is in the open position, the position height of the gravity reset structure is higher than that when the water baffle 14 is in the closed position. The gravity of the gravity reset structure serves as the reset force.

[0065] The gravity reset structure is at least a part of the baffle plate 14 itself, or an additional structure fixedly mounted on the baffle plate 14 and moving synchronously with the baffle plate 14, or the structure itself. The position of the gravity reset structure in space changes with the state of the baffle plate 14. When the baffle plate 14 is in the closed position, the gravity reset structure is located at a first height position; when the linkage drive mechanism drives the baffle plate 14 from the closed position to the open position, the gravity reset structure rises with the baffle plate 14 from the first height position to a second height position, which is higher than the first height position. During this rising process, the driving force provided by the linkage drive mechanism does work against gravity, storing energy in the gravity reset structure in the form of gravitational potential energy.

[0066] When the driving force of the linkage mechanism disappears, the gravity reset structure loses the external support force that maintains it at the second height position. Under the continuous action of Earth's gravity, the gravity reset structure tends to fall naturally from the second height position back to the first height position, and its stored gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, driving the water baffle 14 from the open position back to the closed position. Throughout the reset process, gravity is the continuous driving force, the magnitude of which is equal to the product of the mass of the gravity reset structure and the gravitational acceleration, and its direction is always vertically downward.

[0067] Gravity is a constant physical quantity that remains unchanged over time during the lifespan of ice-making equipment. Therefore, the performance of the gravity reset mechanism will not degrade due to long-term use, and it has extremely high long-term reliability and service life.

[0068] In some embodiments, the reset mechanism includes a first magnetic element 141 disposed on the water-blocking plate 14 and a third magnetic element disposed on the water distribution box bracket 2. The first magnetic element 141 and the third magnetic element generate a repulsive force or an attractive force between them as the reset force.

[0069] Specifically, the first magnetic component 141 is fixedly mounted on the baffle plate 14 and moves synchronously with the baffle plate 14; the third magnetic component is fixedly mounted at a predetermined position on the water distribution box bracket 2. The direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic component 141 and the third magnetic component is configured such that when the baffle plate 14 is in the open position, the magnetic force between the first magnetic component 141 and the third magnetic component acts in the direction that drives the baffle plate 14 to move toward the closed position, and this magnetic force is the reset force.

[0070] In the embodiment using repulsive force as the reset force, the first magnetic element 141 and the third magnetic element are arranged opposite each other with the same magnetic pole. When the water distribution box 1 is pulled out from the water distribution box support 2, the repulsive force between them pushes the water-blocking plate 14 away from the third magnetic element, that is, towards the closed position. In the embodiment using attractive force as the reset force, the first magnetic element 141 and the third magnetic element are arranged opposite each other with opposite magnetic poles. When the water distribution box 1 is pulled out, an attractive force is generated between them, which pulls the water-blocking plate 14 towards the third magnetic element, that is, towards the closed position.

[0071] It should be noted that when the linkage drive mechanism also adopts the magnetic drive method, the first magnetic element 141 in the reset mechanism can be the same magnetic element as the first magnetic element 141 in the linkage drive mechanism. When the same magnetic element participates in both linkage drive and reset drive, the different mating magnetic poles on both sides of the first magnetic element 141 attract or repel the second magnetic element 21 and the third magnetic element respectively, realizing the reuse of a single magnetic element and further reducing the number of parts.

[0072] The magnetic reset scheme achieves contactless reset drive, eliminating mechanical failure modes such as friction wear, fatigue fracture, and stress relaxation, significantly improving the reliability and service life of the reset mechanism during long-term repeated use. Furthermore, magnetic reset is particularly suitable for use in combination with magnetic linkage drive schemes, further simplifying assembly.

[0073] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water outlet 11 is located on the bottom wall of the water distribution box 1, as shown in the reference. Figure 6 The water distribution box assembly also includes an ice baffle 12, which is disposed inside the water distribution box 1 and covers the water outlet 11 and the reset mechanism.

[0074] During the ice-making process, ice and water exist simultaneously in the water distribution box 1. The melted liquid water naturally settles at the bottom of the water distribution box 1 under the influence of gravity. The water outlet 11 is located on the bottom wall of the lowest point of the water distribution box 1, allowing the liquid water to flow smoothly out of the outlet 11 under gravity and return to the refrigeration system to participate in the ice-making cycle, preventing accumulation. This gravity-driven flow simplifies the water system and reduces energy consumption and failure rate.

[0075] Without proper protection, ice blocks may fall into the bottom water outlet 11 area or the water baffle 14 assembly area when moving with the water flow or settling under gravity inside the water distribution box 1. This could cause the ice blocks to get stuck at the water outlet 11, preventing the water baffle 14 from completely closing the water outlet 11, resulting in continuous water leakage. It could also form ice blockage, hindering the normal return flow of ice water. Ice blocks hitting the water baffle 14 or the reset mechanism could also cause deformation, displacement or damage to components. Ice blocks accumulating around the reset mechanism would increase the frictional resistance when the reset mechanism moves.

[0076] The ice baffle 12 blocks ice while allowing liquid water to pass through. The ice baffle 12 is located inside the water distribution box 1 and covers the water outlet 11 and the reset mechanism. As a physical barrier, it ensures that any ice that falls from above the water distribution box 1 or sinks with the water flow is blocked by the ice baffle 12 and cannot directly enter the area of ​​the water outlet 11 below or the moving area of ​​the water baffle 14.

[0077] The baffle plate 14 is movably disposed within the water distribution box 1, and its movement can be selected according to the internal spatial structure of the water distribution box 1 and the position of the water outlet 11. In some embodiments, the baffle plate 14 adopts a horizontal sliding mode, and the baffle plate 14 moves linearly back and forth in a plane parallel to the bottom wall of the water distribution box 1, exposing or covering the water outlet 11 by sliding. In other embodiments, the baffle plate 14 adopts a rotational swing mode, and the baffle plate 14 rotates around the hinge axis, exposing or covering the water outlet 11 by flipping. Regardless of the movement mode adopted, the ultimate function of the baffle plate 14 is to reliably close the water outlet 11 in the closed position and allow the maximum water flow channel in the open position.

[0078] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The baffle plate 14 has a flat plate structure. The outer contour dimension of the baffle plate 14 is greater than or equal to the opening 23 dimension of the water outlet 11, so as to completely cover and seal the water outlet 11 in the closed position. The baffle plate 14 slides in the horizontal direction to open or close the water outlet 11.

[0079] Specifically, the movement trajectory of the baffle plate 14 is parallel to the bottom wall of the water distribution box 1. The height of the baffle plate 14 relative to the bottom wall of the water distribution box 1 remains constant throughout its movement. The baffle plate 14 slides parallel to the bottom wall above it. When it slides directly above the water outlet 11, it blocks the water outlet 11; when it slides away from directly above the water outlet 11, it exposes the water outlet 11. The flat baffle plate 14 has a simple structure, low manufacturing and assembly costs, and a planar seal, ensuring reliable and easy-to-implement sealing.

[0080] Since the baffle plate 14 is flat and moves horizontally, it only occupies the space of its own thickness in the vertical direction. With the necessary movement gap, the height of the baffle plate 14 assembly can be controlled within a very small range, so that the baffle plate 14 does not increase the overall height of the water distribution box 1.

[0081] In some embodiments, the water distribution box 1 is provided with a guide structure, and the water baffle 14 is slidably engaged with the guide structure to guide the water baffle 14 to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position. The guide structure ensures that the water baffle 14 moves along a predetermined trajectory each time, ensuring that the water baffle 14 can be accurately aligned with the water outlet 11 when in the closed position. Due to the constraint effect of the guide structure, the water baffle 14 will not shift its position due to accumulated errors, component wear or external vibration during long-term repeated use, and can always accurately return to the closed position and completely cover the water outlet 11.

[0082] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5The water distribution box bracket 2 has an opening 23, and the water distribution box 1 is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket 2 through the opening 23. The water outlet 11 is located on the side of the water distribution box 1 away from the opening 23 when it is installed in the water distribution box bracket 2.

[0083] The opening 23 is located on one side wall of the water distribution box bracket 2, typically the front side wall or panel facing the user's operating position. The opening 23 faces the user's operating position, allowing the user to directly face the opening 23 when standing in front of the device, and easily reach out to grasp the water distribution box 1 and pull it out or push it in. The water outlet 11 is located on the side furthest from the opening 23, meaning that the water outlet 11 is spatially located at the deepest point of the water distribution box 1, furthest from the user's operating position.

[0084] From the perspective of water connection, the arrangement of the water outlet 11 away from the opening 23 makes its position closer to the rear or back of the ice-making equipment. In ice-making equipment, the chilled water return pipe is usually located in the rear space of the equipment, connecting to the refrigeration system containing the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Positioning the water outlet 11 at the rear of the water distribution box 1 ensures the shortest connection distance between the water outlet 11 and the return pipe at the rear of the equipment after the water distribution box 1 is installed in the bracket.

[0085] Furthermore, the fact that the water outlet 11 is located on the side away from the opening 23 increases the path length for the water outlet 11 to move outside the device and increases the time the water outlet 11 is inside the device, providing more time for the reset mechanism to respond.

[0086] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The water outlet 11 is opened on the side wall of the water distribution box 1 and extends to the bottom wall. The water baffle 14 includes a flap that is rotatably disposed at the water outlet 11.

[0087] In this embodiment, the water outlet 11 is located on the side wall and extends to the boundary between the side wall and the bottom wall. When the water level in the water distribution box 1 is low, a small amount of residual water deposited on the bottom wall can also be discharged through the bottom of the water outlet 11; when the water level in the water distribution box 1 is high or the water is tilted towards the side wall due to its tilt, the water can also be discharged through the side wall portion of the water outlet 11. This design of the water outlet 11 effectively avoids the drainage dead zone problem that may occur with a single bottom wall opening 23, improving the thoroughness and reliability of drainage.

[0088] The flap is a plate-shaped component that can rotate around a predetermined axis. It is located at the water outlet 11 and is rotatably connected to the side wall or bottom wall of the water distribution box 1 by means of hinge, pivot, or shaft connection. In the closed position, the main body of the flap covers the water outlet 11, blocking the water flow channel; in the open position, the flap rotates around its rotation axis by a predetermined angle, causing the main body of the flap to move away from or deflect from the water outlet 11, exposing the water outlet 11 to allow water flow. The flap-type water baffle 14 adopts rotational motion, resulting in low friction and less wear. It is not prone to jamming due to freezing, has better low-temperature adaptability, and the flap-type structure is extremely simple with few parts.

[0089] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The upper edge of the flap is hinged to the side wall of the water distribution box 1. In the closed position, the flap hangs down naturally, and the linkage drive mechanism drives the baffle plate 14 to flip upward, moving the baffle plate 14 from the closed position to the open position. The hinge axis is set at the upper edge of the flap, so that the rotation axis of the flap is located at the uppermost end of the flap body. In the closed position, the flap hangs down naturally, and the flap is naturally suspended on the hinge axis by its own weight, with its main body covering the water outlet 11, thus closing the water outlet 11. In this posture, even without any external locking device, the flap can be stably maintained in the closed position, because any disturbance that attempts to flip the flap upward must first lift the center of gravity of the flap from directly below the hinge axis to the side or above the hinge axis, a process that requires work to overcome gravity.

[0090] The movement of the flap from the closed position to the open position is accomplished by a linkage drive mechanism that flips it upwards. The linkage drive mechanism acts on the lower area of ​​the flap. Since the hinge axis of the flap is located at the upper edge, and the point of action of the push rod 22 is located at the lower part of the flap, due to the lever principle, the linkage drive mechanism only needs to provide a small driving force to generate a driving torque sufficient to overcome the gravitational torque, pushing the flap to flip upwards around the hinge axis, thus reducing the driving force requirement.

[0091] As the upward tilting angle of the flap increases, its center of gravity gradually rises and deviates from directly below the hinge axis. This means that during the opening process, the flap's own gravity constantly generates a restoring torque that returns it to the closed position, and this restoring torque gradually increases with the opening angle. When the water distribution box 1 is pulled out and the linkage driving force disappears, the flap accelerates back to the closed position under the action of the gradually increasing gravitational torque, ensuring that the flap can quickly reset during the pulling out process of the water distribution box 1, effectively shortening the time window during which the water outlet 11 is in the open state.

[0092] In some embodiments, the water distribution box assembly further includes a seal, which is disposed between the water baffle plate 14 and the water distribution box 1 and surrounds the water outlet 11. When the water baffle plate 14 is in the closed position, the seal is pressed between the edges of the water baffle plate 14 and the water outlet 11. As the water baffle plate 14 moves from the open position to the closed position, the water baffle plate 14 gradually approaches and contacts the seal. When the water baffle plate 14 reaches the closed position, the water baffle plate 14 continues to be subjected to the driving force of the reset mechanism or its own weight, applying a compressive load to the seal. Under the action of the compressive load, the seal undergoes elastic deformation, generating compressive stress inside. This compressive stress is transmitted through the contact surface of the seal to the edges of the water baffle plate 14 and the water outlet 11. When the contact stress generated in the seal is greater than the difference between the liquid pressure inside the water outlet 11 and the external ambient pressure, the seal effectively prevents liquid leakage along the sealing interface.

[0093] Therefore, the sealing element significantly improves the sealing reliability of the water outlet 11 in the closed state, and the elastic buffering effect of the sealing element protects the water baffle 14 and the edge of the water outlet 11, extending the service life of the device.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides an ice-making device, including a water distribution box assembly of any of the above embodiments. In the above embodiments, by employing the above-described water distribution box assembly, the ice-making device achieves automatic sealing of the water outlet 11 of the water distribution box 1 during the ice-taking process, eliminating the risk of water leakage and significantly improving the overall cleanliness of the device and the user experience.

[0095] In the above embodiments, the ice-making equipment can be a stand-alone ice maker, an ice-making module built into the refrigerator door or freezer compartment, a commercial ice maker, or any other ice-making device that needs to extract ice from the water distribution box 1 and prevent water leakage during the ice extraction process. The ice-making equipment also includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and refrigeration piping connecting the above components. The water distribution box assembly is located at the ice block output end of the ice-making equipment and is used to transport the ice blocks generated by the ice-making module to the user's ice extraction position and return the melted ice water to the ice-making circulation system. The specific structure, installation position, and connection method of the water distribution box assembly can be adaptively adjusted according to the overall layout of different ice-making equipment. As long as it includes the water distribution box assembly structure in any of the above embodiments and realizes the corresponding automatic water-stopping function, it falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0096] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined in this application.

Claims

1. A water distribution box assembly for an ice-making device, characterized in that, include: The water distribution box (1) is provided with a water outlet (11). A water baffle plate (14) is movably disposed in the water distribution box (1) and can move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the water baffle plate (14) closes the water outlet (11). In the open position, the water baffle plate (14) moves away from the water outlet (11) to expose the water outlet (11). Water distribution box bracket (2), wherein the water distribution box (1) is detachably installed inside the water distribution box bracket (2); A linkage drive mechanism is provided on the water distribution box (1) and / or the water distribution box bracket (2) to apply a driving force to the water baffle plate (14) when the water distribution box (1) is installed into the water distribution box bracket (2), so that the water baffle plate (14) moves from the closed position to the open position. A reset mechanism is used to drive the water separator (14) back from the open position to the closed position when the water separator (1) is removed from the water separator bracket (2).

2. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage drive mechanism includes a first magnetic component (141) disposed on the water baffle (14) and a second magnetic component (21) disposed on the water distribution box bracket (2). The first magnetic component (141) and the second magnetic component (21) generate a repulsive force or an attractive force between each other as the driving force.

3. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-blocking plate (14) is provided with a magnetic component receiving groove, and the first magnetic component (141) is embedded and fixed in the magnetic component receiving groove.

4. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage drive mechanism is a push rod (22) set on the water distribution box bracket (2). When the water distribution box (1) is installed in the water distribution box bracket (2), the push rod (22) directly contacts and pushes the water-blocking plate (14) so ​​that the water-blocking plate (14) moves to the open position. The water distribution box (1) is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket (2) along the first direction, and the push rod (22) extends along the first direction.

5. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reset mechanism is an elastic element (13), which applies a spring force to the water-blocking plate (14) to move it to the closed position as a reset force; And / or, the reset mechanism is a gravity reset structure, the position height of the gravity reset structure when the water baffle (14) is in the open position is higher than the position height of the gravity reset structure when the water baffle (14) is in the closed position, and the gravity of the gravity reset structure is used as the reset force; And / or, the reset mechanism includes a first magnetic element (141) disposed on the water-blocking plate (14) and a third magnetic element disposed on the water-dividing box bracket (2), wherein the first magnetic element (141) and the third magnetic element generate a repulsive force or an attractive force between them as the reset force.

6. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet (11) is opened on the bottom wall of the water distribution box (1). The water distribution box assembly also includes an ice baffle (12), which is disposed inside the water distribution box (1) and covers the water outlet (11) and the reset mechanism.

7. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The baffle plate (14) is a flat plate structure. The outer contour dimension of the baffle plate (14) is greater than or equal to the opening (23) dimension of the water outlet (11) so as to completely cover and seal the water outlet (11) in the closed position. The baffle plate (14) slides in the horizontal direction to open or close the water outlet (11).

8. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water distribution box (1) is provided with a guide structure, and the water baffle (14) is slidably engaged with the guide structure to guide the water baffle (14) to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position.

9. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water distribution box bracket (2) is provided with an opening (23). The water distribution box (1) is movably inserted into the water distribution box bracket (2) through the opening (23). The water outlet (11) is located on the side of the water distribution box (1) away from the opening (23) when it is installed in the water distribution box bracket (2).

10. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing element is disposed between the water-blocking plate (14) and the water distribution box (1) and surrounds the water outlet (11). When the water-blocking plate (14) is in the closed position, the sealing element is pressed between the edge of the water-blocking plate (14) and the water outlet (11).

11. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet (11) is opened on the side wall of the water distribution box (1) and extends to the bottom wall. The water baffle (14) includes a flap that is rotatably disposed at the water outlet (11).

12. The water distribution box assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The upper edge of the flap is hinged to the side wall of the water distribution box (1). In the closed position, the flap hangs down naturally, and the linkage drive mechanism drives the water-blocking plate (14) to flip upward, so that the water-blocking plate (14) moves from the closed position to the open position.

13. An ice-making device, characterized in that, The water distribution box assembly includes any one of claims 1-12 above.

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