Ice making assembly and refrigeration appliance having the same

Abstract

The application provides an ice making assembly and a refrigeration equipment with the same. The ice making assembly comprises: an ice mold comprising a first mold and a second mold, the first mold having a first cavity, and the second mold having a second cavity, the first mold having a mold closing position and a mold opening position, when the first mold is in the mold closing position, the second cavity and the first cavity surround a spherical cavity, and when the first mold is in the mold opening position, the second cavity and the first cavity are separated by an ice removing space; a fixed support comprising a first fixed part; and a driving mechanism comprising a first connecting rod mechanism, the first connecting rod mechanism comprising: a first rod, a second rod hinged to the first rod and the first fixed part, and a third rod hinged to the first rod and the first fixed part, the first rod, the second rod, the third rod and the first fixed part together forming a parallelogram mechanism, and the first rod is in driving connection with the first mold to drive the first mold to move between the mold closing position and the mold opening position. In this way, the spherical ice can be conveniently made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of home appliances, and more particularly to an ice-making component and a refrigeration device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Spherical ice, due to its unique aesthetic appeal and slow melting rate, is widely used in the preparation of cocktails, whiskey, cold brew tea, and other beverages. Existing methods for making spherical ice primarily include hand-molded and press-molded methods. The hand-molded method involves using silicone or metal molds, filling them with water, and then freezing the ice. The press-molded method involves first creating hemispherical ice blocks, then using these blocks to form spherical ice through heating or physical pressing. Therefore, existing designs suffer from the following drawback: complex operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an ice-making component and a refrigeration device having the same, wherein a mold for forming a spherical cavity is moved between the mold-closing position and the mold-opening position by a parallelogram mechanism, which facilitates the production of spherical ice.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of this application provides an ice-making assembly, comprising:

[0005] An ice mold includes a first mold and a second mold. The first mold has a first cavity, and the second mold has a second cavity. The first mold has a closed position and an open position. When the first mold is in the closed position, the second cavity and the first cavity form a spherical cavity. When the first mold is in the open position, there is an ice-removing space between the second cavity and the first cavity.

[0006] A fixed bracket, which includes a first fixing part;

[0007] The drive mechanism includes a first linkage mechanism, the first linkage mechanism comprising:

[0008] First shot;

[0009] The second rod is hinged to both the first rod and the first fixing part;

[0010] The third rod is hinged to both the first rod and the first fixing part;

[0011] The first rod, the second rod, the third rod, and the first fixing part together form a parallelogram mechanism. The first rod is connected to the first mold in a transmission manner to drive the first mold to move between the mold closing position and the mold opening position.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly includes an ice-removing component, which has an ice-removing position and a non-ice-removing position. When the ice-removing component is in the ice-removing position, it presses against the second cavity wall; when the ice-removing component is in the non-ice-removing position, it exerts no pressure on the second cavity wall. The fixed bracket includes a second fixing part, and the driving mechanism includes a second linkage mechanism, which includes:

[0013] Fourth shot;

[0014] The fifth rod is hinged to both the fourth rod and the second fixing part;

[0015] The sixth rod is hinged to both the fourth rod and the second fixing part;

[0016] The fourth rod, the fifth rod, the sixth rod, and the second fixing part together form a parallelogram mechanism. The fourth rod is connected to the de-icing component to drive the de-icing component to move between the de-icing position and the non-de-icing position.

[0017] As one embodiment of this application, the driving structure includes:

[0018] A drive wheel that can rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;

[0019] The first driven wheel is connected to the driving wheel and the first linkage mechanism.

[0020] The second driven wheel is connected to the driving wheel and the second linkage mechanism.

[0021] When the driving wheel rotates in the first direction, it drives the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel to rotate simultaneously, thereby moving the first mold from the mold-closing position to the mold-opening position, and at the same time, moving the de-icing component from the non-de-icing position to the de-icing position.

[0022] When the driving wheel rotates in the second direction, it drives the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel to rotate simultaneously, thereby moving the first mold from the mold opening position to the mold closing position, and at the same time, moving the de-icing component from the de-icing position to the non-de-icing position.

[0023] As one embodiment of this application, the first linkage mechanism further includes:

[0024] The seventh rod is hinged to both the first rod and the first mold;

[0025] The eighth rod is hinged to both the first rod and the first mold;

[0026] The first rod, the seventh rod, and the eighth rod together with the first module form a parallelogram mechanism.

[0027] The first rod is opposite to at least a portion of the first cavity wall. When the first mold is in the mold-opening position, the first rod presses against the first cavity wall. When the first mold is in the mold-closed position, the first rod exerts no pressing force on the first cavity wall.

[0028] As one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly further includes:

[0029] An ice-removing protrusion is disposed on the first fixing part. When the first cavity is in the mold opening position, the ice-removing protrusion squeezes the wall of the first cavity. When the first cavity is in the mold closing position, the ice-removing protrusion exerts no squeezing force on the first cavity.

[0030] A first limiting structure is disposed on the first fixing part. The first limiting structure cooperates with the first mold to limit the first mold to perform linear movement.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, the first rod includes a first end and a second end; one end of the seventh rod is hinged to the first end, and the other end is hinged to the end of the first mold near the first end; one end of the eighth rod is hinged to the second end, and the other end is hinged to the end of the first mold near the second end; one end of the second rod is hinged to the first end, and the other end is hinged to the first fixing part; one end of the third rod is hinged to the second end, and the other end is hinged to the first fixing part; the seventh rod and the second rod are symmetrical with respect to the first rod, and the third rod and the eighth rod are symmetrical with respect to the first rod.

[0032] As one embodiment of this application, the second linkage mechanism further includes:

[0033] The ninth rod is hinged to both the fourth rod and the de-icing component;

[0034] The tenth rod is hinged to both the fourth rod and the de-icing component.

[0035] The fourth rod, the ninth rod, the tenth rod, and the de-icing component together form a parallelogram mechanism. The ninth rod and the fifth rod are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod, and the tenth rod and the sixth rod are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod.

[0036] The ice-making assembly further includes a second limiting structure, which is disposed on the second fixing part. The second limiting structure cooperates with the ice-removing component to limit the ice-removing component to perform linear movement.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the first linkage mechanism includes an eleventh link, the first driven wheel is provided with a first hinge portion, the first hinge portion is offset from the rotation center of the first driven wheel, one end of the eleventh link is hinged to the first hinge portion, and the other end is hinged to the first link.

[0038] The second linkage mechanism includes a twelfth link. The second driven wheel is provided with a second hinge portion, which is offset from the rotation center of the second driven wheel. One end of the twelfth link is hinged to the second hinge portion, and the other end is hinged to the fourth link.

[0039] The ice mold is located between the first fixed part and the second fixed part. The fixed bracket includes a third fixed part connecting the first fixed part and the second fixed part. The driving wheel and the driven wheel are disposed on the third fixed part. The second mold is fixedly connected to the third fixed part. The first driven wheel and the second driven wheel are symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel. The first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism are symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel.

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, the first mold includes a first flexible body, the first flexible body including a first recess forming the first cavity and a first plate-shaped portion surrounding the recess. The first mold includes a first rigid body covering one side of the first plate-shaped portion. The second mold includes a second flexible body, the second flexible body including a second recess forming the second cavity and a second plate-shaped portion surrounding the second recess. The second mold includes a second rigid body covering one side of the second plate-shaped portion. The first linkage mechanism is connected to the first rigid body. The ice-making assembly also includes an elastic element connected between the first rigid body and the second rigid body. When the first mold is in the closed position, the first plate-shaped portion abuts against the second plate-shaped portion. Both the first linkage mechanism and the elastic element apply a pressing force toward the second plate-shaped portion to the first plate-shaped portion through the first rigid body.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, the first cavity is a hemispherical cavity, the second cavity is a hemispherical cavity, the first mold and the second mold are arranged side by side, when the first mold is in the mold-closed position, the first mold and the second mold surround to form a plurality of longitudinal rows of spherical cavities, the lower end of the first mold and / or the second mold is formed with a water inlet, the water inlet is connected to the lowest spherical cavity, the upper end of the first mold and / or the second mold is formed with a plurality of vents, the vents are connected to each of the highest spherical cavities in the longitudinal row, and the first mold and / or the second mold forms a fluid channel connecting two adjacent spherical cavities.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly further includes a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the ice mold, the water supply mechanism comprising:

[0043] Water storage container, used to store water;

[0044] A water supply pipe includes a main pipe and branch pipes. The main pipe connects the water storage device and the ice mold. One end of the branch pipe is open to the atmosphere, and the other end is connected to the main pipe near the ice mold.

[0045] The first valve is located near the ice mold in the main pipe and is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing back to the water storage container through the main pipe.

[0046] A second valve is provided in the branch pipe and is used to prevent water from the main pipe from flowing out of the branch pipe;

[0047] A water pump is used to cause water in the water storage container to flow into the ice mold through the main pipe, or to cause water in the main pipe to flow back to the water storage container.

[0048] The ice-making assembly also includes a heating element, which is disposed on the main pipe near the ice mold.

[0049] To achieve the above-mentioned application objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a refrigeration device, which includes a housing, a storage chamber formed in the housing, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. The refrigeration device includes an ice-making component as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0050] Compared with the prior art, this application uses a parallelogram mechanism to drive the mold used to form a spherical cavity to move between the mold closing position and the mold opening position. Its advantage is that it can facilitate the production of spherical ice. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The specific embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the ice-making component;

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the first mold in the mold-closed position and the de-icing part in the non-de-icing position;

[0055] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram showing the first mold in the mold-opening position and the de-icing part in the de-icing position;

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ice-making assembly after the fixing bracket has been removed;

[0057] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the fixed bracket in the middle;

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the drive mechanism;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0060] Among them, 1. Ice mold; 11. First mold; 111. First cavity; 112. First flexible body; 1121. First recessed portion; 1122. First plate-shaped portion; 113. First rigid body; 12. Second mold; 121. Second cavity; 122. Second flexible body; 1221. Second recessed portion; 1222. Second plate-shaped portion; 123. Second rigid body; 13. De-icing space; 14. Water inlet; 15. Vent; 16. Fluid channel; 2. Fixed bracket; 21. First fixed part; 22. Second fixed part; 23. De-icing protrusion; 24. First limiting structure; 25. Second limiting structure; 26. Third fixed part; 27. Fourth fixed part; 3. Drive mechanism; 31. First linkage mechanism; 311. First rod; 3111. First end; 3112. Second end; 312. Second rod; 31 3. Third link; 314. Seventh link; 315. Eighth link; 316. Eleventh link; 32. Second linkage; 321. Fourth link; 3211. Third end; 3212. Fourth end; 322. Fifth link; 323. Sixth link; 324. Ninth link; 325. Tenth link; 326. Twelfth link; 33. Drive wheel; 331. First direction; 332. Second direction; 34. First Driven wheel; 341, First hinge; 35, Second driven wheel; 351, Second hinge; 4, Ice removal component; 5, Elastic component; 6, Water supply mechanism; 61, Water supply pipe; 611, Main pipe; 612, Branch pipe; 62, First valve; 63, Second valve; 7, Spherical ice; 100, Ice making assembly; 1000, Refrigeration equipment; 1001, Box; 1002, Storage room; 1003, Door. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The present patent will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present patent, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This application provides an ice-making assembly 100. The ice-making assembly 100 is used to make spherical ice 7. The ice-making assembly 100 includes an ice mold. The ice mold includes a first mold 11. The first mold 11 has a first cavity 111, and the ice-making assembly 100 includes a second mold 12. The second mold 12 has a second cavity 121. The first mold 11 has a closed position. When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the second cavity 121 and the first cavity 111 enclose a spherical cavity. The first mold 11 has an open position. When the first mold 11 is in the open position, an ice-removing space 13 is spaced between the second cavity 121 and the first cavity 111.

[0063] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The ice-making assembly 100 includes a fixed bracket 2. The fixed bracket 2 is fixedly installed and can play a role in fixing and supporting. The fixed bracket 2 includes a first fixing part 21.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 7 The ice-making assembly 100 includes a drive mechanism 3. The drive mechanism 3 includes a first linkage mechanism 31. The first linkage mechanism 31 includes a first rod 311. The first linkage mechanism 31 includes a second rod 312. The second rod 312 is hinged to the first rod 311 and the first fixing part 21. The first linkage mechanism 31 includes a third rod 313. The third rod 313 is hinged to the first rod 311 and the first fixing part 21. The first rod 311, the second rod 312, the third rod 313, and the first fixing part 21 together form a parallelogram mechanism. The first rod 311 is drive-connected to the first mold 11 to move the first mold 11 between the mold-closed position and the mold-open position.

[0065] The de-icing space 13 between the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 should be larger than the diameter of the spherical ice 7 to facilitate de-icing and prevent the spherical ice from getting stuck during de-icing.

[0066] This application employs a combination of a first mold 11 and a second mold 12, with a drive mechanism 3 enabling automatic mold closing and opening actions for both molds. When the molds are closed, the first cavities 111 and 121 of the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 precisely fit together, forming a complete spherical cavity to create a spherical ice 7. When the molds are opened, an ice-removal space 13 is formed between the first mold 11 and the second mold 12, facilitating the smooth detachment of the spherical ice 7 from the ice mold.

[0067] The first linkage mechanism 31 and the fixed bracket 2 together form a parallelogram linkage mechanism. The first fixed part 21 constitutes a fixed link in the parallelogram linkage mechanism, and the first link 311, the second link 312, and the third link 313 constitute the movable link in the parallelogram linkage mechanism. The first fixed part 21 provides good structural support and can support and limit the first link 311, the second link 312, and the third link 313, enabling them to move stably and thus driving the first mold 11 to move smoothly between the mold-closed position and the mold-open position.

[0068] The first rod 311, the second rod 312, and the third rod 313, together with the first fixed part 21, constitute a parallelogram mechanism to drive the opening and closing action of the first mold 11. The parallelogram mechanism is characterized by maintaining the posture of the moving parts throughout the entire movement, thus ensuring that the first mold 11 maintains the correct orientation during opening and closing, avoiding tilting or misalignment. This guarantees precise alignment of the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121, preventing irregular shapes or incomplete mold closing caused by misalignment of the first mold 11, thereby improving the quality of the spherical ice 7. Furthermore, the parallelogram mechanism has a simple and compact structure, good movement stability and reliability, is easy to maintain, and is less prone to movement failure due to icing.

[0069] The transmission connection in this application refers to the interaction between two components through a certain mechanical structure, so that the movement of one component can be transmitted to the other component, thereby realizing the movement of the other component. In the ice-making assembly 100 of this application, the first rod 311 is transmissionally connected to the first mold 11, which means that the movement of the first rod 311 can drive the movement of the first mold 11, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the ice mold.

[0070] The transmission connection in this application can be implemented in different ways, including but not limited to direct rigid transmission and indirect transmission. Direct rigid transmission refers to the movement of two components as a whole through fixed connecting parts, such as screws, pins, welding, etc. For example, the first rod 311 is fixedly connected to the first mold 11 by screws, etc., and when the first rod 311 moves, it will directly drive the first mold 11 to move. Indirect transmission refers to the other transmission components that transmit power between the two components. For example, gears, connecting rods, etc. can be set between the first mold 11 and the first rod 311 to transmit power, so that when the first mold 11 moves, it indirectly drives the first mold 11 to move by driving other transmission components.

[0071] In this application, to ensure accuracy, the definitions of up, down, left, right, front, and back need to be clearly defined. Considering the structural features of this application, the following definitions apply: Up (above) refers to the direction opposite to gravity, i.e., away from the ground. Down (below) refers to the direction along the direction of gravity, i.e., closer to the ground. Front (in front) refers to the direction towards the operator or main work area when facing the ice-making component 100. Rear (behind) refers to the direction away from the operator or main work area. Left (left side) refers to the direction on the left side of the line of sight when viewed from the front of the ice-making component 100. Right (right side) refers to the direction on the right side of the line of sight when viewed from the front of the ice-making component 100.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 includes an ice-removing component 4. The ice-removing component 4 includes an ice-removing position. When the ice-removing component 4 is in the ice-removing position, it compresses the wall of the second cavity 121. The wall of the second cavity 121 deforms under the compression of the ice-removing component 4, thereby causing the spherical ice 7 within the second cavity 121 to detach from the second cavity 121. The ice-removing component 4 also includes a non-ice-removing position. When the ice-removing component 4 is in the non-ice-removing position, it exerts no compressive force on the wall of the second cavity 121.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The fixed bracket 2 includes a second fixing part 22. The drive mechanism 3 includes a second linkage mechanism 32. The second linkage mechanism 32 includes a fourth link 321. The second linkage mechanism 32 includes a fifth link 322. The fifth link 322 is hinged to the fourth link 321 and the second fixing part 22. The second linkage mechanism 32 includes a sixth link 323. The sixth link 323 is hinged to the fourth link 321 and the second fixing part 22. The fourth link 321, the fifth link 322, the sixth link 323, and the second fixing part 22 together form a parallelogram mechanism. The fourth link 321 is connected to the de-icing component 4 to drive the de-icing component 4 to move between the de-icing position and the non-de-icing position.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, the first cavity 111 is a hemispherical cavity. The second cavity 121 is a hemispherical cavity. A hemispherical cavity means that its size is half that of a spherical cavity, i.e., one-half. The first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 have the same size. In other embodiments, the sizes of the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 may be different. For example, the size of the first cavity 111 may be greater than one-half that of the spherical cavity, and the size of the first cavity 111 may be greater than that of the second cavity 121. As another example, the size of the first cavity 111 may be less than one-half that of the spherical cavity, and the size of the first cavity 111 may be smaller than that of the second cavity 121.

[0075] This application utilizes a second linkage mechanism 32 to achieve the de-icing and non-de-icing actions of the de-icing component 4. When de-icing is required, the de-icing component 4 compresses the wall of the second cavity 121, thereby detaching the spherical ice 7 adhering to the wall of the second cavity 121. When de-icing is not required, the de-icing component 4 does not exert compressive force on the wall of the second cavity 121, thus preventing deformation of the wall of the second cavity 121 and ensuring the integrity of the produced spherical ice 7. When the de-icing component 4 is in the non-de-icing position, the de-icing component 4 can be spaced a certain distance from the wall of the second cavity 121 or can be in contact with the wall of the second cavity 121.

[0076] The second linkage 32 and the second fixed part 22 together constitute a parallelogram linkage mechanism. The second fixed part 22 forms a fixed link in the parallelogram linkage mechanism, while the fourth link 321, the fifth link 322, and the sixth link 323 form the movable links in the parallelogram linkage mechanism. The second fixed part 22 provides good structural support, supporting and limiting the fourth link 321, the fifth link 322, and the sixth link 323, enabling them to move stably and thus driving the de-icing component 4 to move smoothly between the de-icing position and the non-de-icing position.

[0077] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes an ice-removing protrusion 23. The ice-removing protrusion 23 is disposed on the first fixing part 21. When the first cavity 111 is in the mold-opening position, the ice-removing protrusion 23 presses against the wall of the first cavity 111. The wall of the first cavity 111 can deform under the pressure of the ice-removing protrusion 23, thereby causing the spherical ice 7 attached to the wall of the first cavity 111 to detach. When the first cavity 111 is in the mold-closed position, the ice-removing protrusion 23 exerts no pressure on the first cavity 111, thereby avoiding deformation of the wall of the first cavity 111 and ensuring the integrity of the produced spherical ice 7. When the first mold 11 is in the mold-opening position, the ice-removing protrusion 23 can be spaced a certain distance from the wall of the first cavity 111, or it can be in contact with the wall of the first cavity 111.

[0078] When the ice mold is opened, the spherical ice 7 inside the spherical cavity may adhere to the wall of the first cavity 111 or the wall of the second cavity 121. Through the de-icing protrusion 23 and the de-icing component 4, the spherical ice 7 can be detached regardless of which hemispherical cavity wall it is attached to, thereby achieving automatic de-icing.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of this application, the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32 move synchronously. When the first mold 11 moves from the mold-closed position to the mold-opening position, the de-icing component 4 moves from the non-de-icing position to the de-icing position. When the first mold 11 moves from the mold-opening position to the mold-closed position, the de-icing component 4 moves from the de-icing position to the non-de-icing position.

[0080] In the ice-making assembly 100 of this application, the first linkage mechanism 31 is used to drive the opening and closing of the first mold 11, while the second linkage mechanism 32 is used to drive the de-icing and non-de-icing actions of the de-icing component 4. Through the synchronized movement of the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32, the de-icing action is ensured to be performed simultaneously with mold opening, and the de-icing component 4 is guaranteed not to exert unnecessary pressure on the spherical cavity wall when the mold is closed. This eliminates the problem of de-icing lag, making both ice-making and de-icing processes smoother and more efficient, and enabling stable and reliable automatic ice-making and automatic de-icing.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of this application, the drive structure includes a driving wheel 33. The driving wheel 33 is rotatable along a first direction 331 and a second direction 332 opposite to the first direction 331. The drive structure includes a first driven wheel 34, which is drively connected to the driving wheel 33 and a first linkage mechanism 31. The drive structure also includes a second driven wheel 35, which is drively connected to the driving wheel 33 and a second linkage mechanism 32.

[0082] When the driving wheel 33 rotates in the first direction 331, it drives the first driven wheel 34 and the second driven wheel 35 to rotate simultaneously, thereby moving the first mold 11 from the mold-closing position to the mold-opening position, and at the same time, moving the de-icing component 4 from the non-de-icing position to the de-icing position.

[0083] When the driving wheel 33 rotates in the second direction 332, it drives the first driven wheel 34 and the second driven wheel 35 to rotate simultaneously, so as to move the first mold 11 from the mold opening position to the mold closing position, and at the same time, it drives the de-icing part 4 from the de-icing position to the non-de-icing position.

[0084] This application controls the movement of the entire system through a driving wheel 33, ensuring that the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32 always operate synchronously. When the driving wheel 33 rotates in the first direction 331, the first driven wheel 34 drives the first linkage mechanism 31 to move, which in turn moves the first mold 11 to the mold-opening position, thus opening the ice mold. Simultaneously, the second driven wheel 35 drives the second linkage mechanism 32 to move, which in turn moves the de-icing component 4 to the de-icing position, thus de-icing. When the driving wheel 33 rotates in the second direction 332, the first driven wheel 34 drives the first linkage mechanism 31 to move, which in turn moves the first mold 11 to the mold-closing position, thus closing the ice mold. Simultaneously, the second driven wheel 35 drives the second linkage mechanism 32 to move, which in turn moves the de-icing component 4 back to the non-de-icing position.

[0085] This application uses a single driving wheel 33 to control the entire motion process, requiring only one motor or power device to simultaneously drive the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32, greatly simplifying the system structure and reducing costs. The use of driven wheel transmission effectively reduces mechanical errors, ensuring that the first mold 11 and the de-icing component 4 remain coordinated and synchronized throughout the entire motion process, guaranteeing precise execution of the de-icing action.

[0086] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the first linkage mechanism 31 further includes a seventh link 314. The seventh link 314 is hinged to both the first link 311 and the first mold 11. The first linkage mechanism 31 also includes an eighth link 315. The eighth link 315 is hinged to both the first link 311 and the first mold 11. The first link 311, the seventh link 314, and the eighth link 315 together with the first mold 11 form a parallelogram mechanism.

[0087] By setting a seventh rod 314 and an eighth rod 315 hinged between the first rod 311 and the first mold 11, the first linkage mechanism 31 forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first fixed part 21, and the first linkage mechanism 31 and the first mold 11 also form a parallelogram mechanism. This double parallelogram mechanism further improves the rigidity and stability of the structure, enabling the first mold 11 to maintain a more precise trajectory during the mold opening and closing process, ensuring the alignment accuracy of the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121, reducing the shaking or tilting of the first mold 11 during the movement, and making the entire mold opening and closing process smoother.

[0088] Reference Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment of this application, the first rod 311 is opposite to at least a portion of the wall of the first cavity 111. When the first mold 11 is in the open position, the first rod 311 presses against the wall of the first cavity 111. When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first rod 311 exerts no pressing force on the wall of the first cavity 111.

[0089] The first rod 311 can be disposed between the first fixing part 21 and the first mold 11. In this embodiment, the first rod 311 has both driving and de-icing functions. The first rod 311 is not only used to drive the opening and closing movement of the first mold 11, but also applies extrusion force to the wall of the first cavity 111 when the mold is open to achieve the de-icing function. During the process of the first rod 311 driving the first mold 11 to the opening position through the seventh rod 314 and the eighth rod 315, the first mold 11 gradually moves closer to the first rod 311. During the process of the first rod 311 driving the first mold 11 to the closing position through the seventh rod 314 and the eighth rod 315, the first mold 11 gradually moves away from the first rod 311. When the first mold 11 is in the opening position, the first rod 311 extrudes the wall of the first cavity 111, causing the wall of the first cavity 111 to deform and de-ic. This design can reduce the number of additional de-icing mechanisms, reduce the number of components, reduce manufacturing costs, and make the entire ice-making assembly 100 smaller, simpler, and more compact.

[0090] Reference Figures 2 to 6 In one embodiment of this application, the first mold 11 has multiple first cavities 111. Some of the first cavities 111 are de-iced by de-icing protrusions 23 provided on the first fixing part 21, and some of the first cavities 111 are de-iced by first rods 311. For example, the first mold 11 may have three rows of first cavities 111, upper, middle and lower. The first rods 311 may be opposite to the cavity walls of the first cavities 111 in the middle row to achieve de-icing of the first cavities 111 in the middle row. There may be several de-icing protrusions 23, which may be opposite to the cavity walls of each of the first cavities 111 in the upper and lower rows to achieve de-icing of the walls of the first cavities 111 in the upper and lower rows.

[0091] In other embodiments of this application, the first rod 311 may not be used for de-icing; instead, the first mold 11 may be de-iced solely by de-icing protrusions 23 that are one-to-one with the walls of the first cavity 111. Alternatively, the de-icing protrusions 23 may not be provided, and the first mold 11 may be de-iced solely by the first de-icing rod. The de-icing protrusions 23 may be cylindrical.

[0092] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the second linkage mechanism 32 further includes a ninth link 324. The ninth link 324 is hinged to the fourth link 321 and the de-icing component 4. The second linkage mechanism 32 also includes a tenth link 325. The tenth link 325 is hinged to the fourth link 321 and the de-icing component 4. The fourth link 321, the ninth link 324, the tenth link 325, and the de-icing component 4 together form a parallelogram mechanism.

[0093] By setting the seventh rod 314 and the eighth rod 315, which are hinged between the fourth rod 321 and the de-icing component 4, the second linkage mechanism 32 forms a parallelogram mechanism with the second fixed part 22, and the second linkage mechanism 32 and the de-icing component 4 also form a parallelogram mechanism. This double parallelogram mechanism further improves the rigidity and stability of the structure, enabling the de-icing component 4 to maintain a more precise trajectory during mold opening and closing, reducing the shaking or tilting of the de-icing component 4 during movement, and making the entire de-icing process smoother.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the first rod 311 includes a first end 3111 and a second end 3112. A seventh rod 314 is hinged at one end to the first end 3111 and at the other end to the end of the first mold 11 near the first end 3111. An eighth rod 315 is hinged at one end to the second end 3112 and at the other end to the end of the first mold 11 near the second end 3112. Because the seventh rod 314 and the eighth rod 315 apply symmetrical compressive forces to both ends of the first mold 11, it ensures that the first mold 11 can fit more tightly against the second mold 12 when the mold is closed, making the spherical cavity enclosed by the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 more airtight, preventing water leakage due to poor sealing of the spherical cavity. Furthermore, this structural arrangement ensures that the first mold 11 is always subjected to balanced force during the opening and closing process, avoiding deformation problems caused by uneven local force.

[0095] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, one end of the second rod 312 is hinged to the first end 3111, and the other end is hinged to the first fixing part 21. One end of the third rod 313 is hinged to the second end 3112, and the other end is hinged to the first fixing part 21.

[0096] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the seventh rod 314 and the second rod 312 are symmetrical with respect to the first rod 311. The third rod 313 and the eighth rod 315 are symmetrical with respect to the first rod 311.

[0097] This configuration allows the first rod 311 to form a symmetrical parallelogram mechanism on both sides. Driven by the first rod 311, the first mold 11 can move closer to or further away from the first fixed part 21 along a fixed straight line without deflection, thereby ensuring the precise alignment of the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 and avoiding problems such as water leakage caused by misalignment of the first mold 11.

[0098] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7In one embodiment of this application, the fourth rod 321 includes a third end 3211 and a fourth end 3212. One end of the fifth rod 322 is hinged to the third end 3211, and the other end is hinged to the second fixing part 22. One end of the sixth rod 323 is hinged to the fourth end 3212, and the other end is hinged to the second fixing part 22. One end of the ninth rod 324 may be hinged to the third end 3211, and the other end is hinged to the end of the de-icing member 4 near the third end 3211. One end of the tenth rod 325 may be hinged to the fourth end 3212, and the other end is hinged to the end of the de-icing member 4 near the fourth end 3212. The ninth rod 324 and the fifth rod 322 may be symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod 321. The tenth rod 325 and the sixth rod 323 may be symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod 321. The second mold 12 may include a plurality of second cavities 121, and the de-icing member 4 may include de-icing rods that are one-to-one opposite to the walls of the second cavities 121.

[0099] This configuration ensures that the fourth rod 321 is always subjected to balanced force during movement. The four rods 321 form a symmetrical parallelogram mechanism on both sides. Driven by the fourth rod 321, the ice-removing component 4 can move closer to or further away from the second fixed part 22 along a fixed straight line without deflection, thus ensuring accurate ice removal and avoiding problems such as incomplete ice removal due to misalignment.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the first linkage mechanism 31 includes an eleventh link 316. The first driven wheel 34 is provided with a first hinge portion 341. The first hinge portion 341 is offset from the rotation center of the first driven wheel 34. One end of the eleventh link 316 is hinged to the first hinge portion 341, and the other end is hinged to the first link 311.

[0101] When the first driven wheel 34 rotates, the first hinge portion 341 swings accordingly, driving the eleventh rod 316 to move, and the first rod drives the first rod 311 to move. The first hinge portion 341 can be close to the edge of the first driven wheel 34 so that it swings with a larger amplitude when the first driven wheel 34 rotates, thereby better driving the eleventh rod 316 to move. The first hinge portion 341 can be a shaft or shaft hole for hinge.

[0102] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the second linkage mechanism 32 includes a twelfth link 326. The second driven wheel 35 is provided with a second hinge portion 351. The second hinge portion 351 is offset from the rotation center of the second driven wheel 35. One end of the twelfth link 326 is hinged to the second hinge portion 351, and the other end is hinged to the fourth link 321.

[0103] When the second driven wheel 35 rotates, the second hinge portion 351 swings accordingly, driving the twelfth rod 326 to move, and the twelfth rod 326 drives the fourth rod 321 to move. The second hinge portion 351 can be located near the edge of the second driven wheel 35 so that it swings with a larger amplitude when the second driven wheel 35 rotates, thereby better driving the twelfth rod 326 to move. The second hinge portion 351 can be a shaft or shaft hole for hinge.

[0104] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the ice mold is located between the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22. The fixing bracket 2 includes a third fixing part 26 connecting the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22. The driving wheel 33 and the driven wheel can be disposed on the third fixing part 26, and the second mold 12 is fixedly connected to the third fixing part 26. The first driven wheel 34 and the second driven wheel 35 can be symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel 33, and the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32 can be symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel 33.

[0105] The movement of the first mold 11 and the de-icing component 4 is driven by the first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32 respectively. The first driven wheel 34 and the second driven wheel 35 are symmetrically arranged relative to the driving wheel 33, which facilitates the cooperation between the driven wheel and the corresponding linkage mechanism and ensures that the de-icing component 4 moves synchronously with the first mold 11, ensuring that the de-icing action in each ice-making cycle is always accurate and efficient.

[0106] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a first limiting structure 24. The first limiting structure 24 is disposed on the first fixing part 21. The first limiting structure 24 cooperates with the first mold 11 to limit the first mold 11 to perform linear movement.

[0107] Limiting holes can be formed at the four corners of the first mold 11. The first limiting structure 24 can include limiting posts that correspond one-to-one with the limiting holes of the first mold 11. The limiting posts pass through the limiting holes to limit the first mold.

[0108] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a second limiting structure 25. The second limiting structure 25 is disposed on the second fixing part 22. The second limiting structure 25 cooperates with the de-icing member 4 to limit the de-icing member 4 to perform linear movement.

[0109] Limiting holes can be formed at the four corners of the de-icing component 4. The second limiting structure 25 may include limiting posts that correspond one-to-one with the limiting holes of the de-icing component. The limiting posts pass through the limiting holes to limit the de-icing component 4.

[0110] The first limiting structure 24 and the second limiting structure 25 respectively constrain the movement trajectory of the first mold 11 and the de-icing component 4, ensuring that their movement always maintains a straight line and will not deviate or jam due to mechanical errors or uneven force. The cooperation between the limiting hole and the limiting post ensures that the first mold 11 and the de-icing component 4 maintain a consistent pace throughout the entire movement process, making the de-icing action more precise and stable, and improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0111] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the first mold 11 includes a first flexible body 112. The first flexible body 112 includes a first recess 1121 forming a first cavity 111 and a first plate-like portion 1122 surrounding the recess. The first mold 11 includes a first rigid body 113. The first rigid body 113 covers one side of the first plate-like portion 1122. The second mold 12 includes a second flexible body 122. The second flexible body 122 includes a second recess 1221 forming a second cavity 121 and a second plate-like portion 1222 surrounding the second recess 1221. The second mold 12 includes a second rigid body 123. The second rigid body 123 covers one side of the second plate-like portion 1222. A first linkage mechanism 31 is connected to the first rigid body 113.

[0112] The ice-making assembly 100 may also include an elastic element 5. The elastic element 5 is connected between the first rigid body 113 and the second rigid body 123. When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first plate-shaped portion 1122 abuts against the second plate-shaped portion 1222. Both the first linkage mechanism 31 and the elastic element 5 apply a pressing force toward the second plate-shaped portion 1222 to the first plate-shaped portion 1122 via the first rigid body 113. In other embodiments, the elastic element 5 may be connected at one end to the first rigid body 113 and at the other end to the first fixing portion 21 or the second fixing portion 22, etc.

[0113] The first flexible body 112 and the second flexible body 122 can be made of materials such as rubber. The first rigid body 113 and the second rigid body 123 can be made of materials such as plastic and metal.

[0114] Both the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are composed of rigid and flexible bodies. The rigid bodies (first rigid body 113 and second rigid body 123) provide structural support, ensuring the stability and operability of the ice mold. The flexible bodies (first flexible body 112 and second flexible body 122) form a hemispherical cavity, improving the mold's sealing and providing deformation capacity during de-icing. The elastic element 5 provides additional clamping force during mold closing, ensuring sealing and improving the de-icing effect.

[0115] Because the first plate-shaped portion 1122 of the first flexible body 112 abuts against the second plate-shaped portion 1222 of the second flexible body 122, and the first rigid body 113 applies a pressing force, the mold can form a highly sealed spherical cavity after mold closing, preventing water leakage or air entry and improving the success rate of ice making. The deformability of the flexible body makes it easier for the spherical ice 7 to detach from the mold when the mold is opened. During the de-icing stage, the flexible body can undergo a certain deformation under the action of the de-icing structure, reducing the adhesion of the spherical ice 7 to the mold cavity and making de-icing smoother. After de-icing, the flexible body automatically recovers through the natural rebound of the flexible material, so as to carry out the next cycle of ice making and reduce additional mechanisms.

[0116] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 5 In one embodiment of this application, when the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 form a plurality of longitudinal rows of spherical cavities. A water inlet 14 is formed at the lower end of the first mold 11 and / or the second mold 12. The water inlet 14 communicates with the lowest spherical cavity. A plurality of vents 15 are formed at the upper end of the first mold 11 and / or the second mold 12. Each vent 15 communicates with the highest spherical cavity in each longitudinal row. The first mold 11 and / or the second mold 12 form a fluid channel 16 connecting two adjacent spherical cavities.

[0117] The vertical direction in this application refers to the up-down direction. The horizontal direction in this application refers to the horizontal direction, including the left-right and front-back directions. A column refers to both a vertical arrangement and a top-down arrangement. Each column of spherical cavities may include multiple spherical cavities arranged side-by-side with vertical spacing. These columns of spherical cavities can be arranged side-by-side laterally simultaneously.

[0118] The water inlet 14 and the vent 15 can be formed by the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 together, or by one of the first mold 11 and the second mold 12. The fluid channel 16 can be formed by the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 together, or by one of the first mold 11 and the second mold 12.

[0119] Fluid channels 16 can be formed between two adjacent spherical cavities. Laterally adjacent spherical cavities can form lateral fluid channels 16, and longitudinally adjacent spherical cavities can form longitudinal fluid channels 16. Up to four fluid channels 16 can be formed around a spherical cavity to accelerate the flow of liquid.

[0120] This scheme utilizes a single water inlet 14 to allow water to gradually fill the lowest spherical cavity to the uppermost spherical cavity using gravity: water first enters the lowest spherical cavity, ensuring the bottom cavity is completely filled; water then flows through the longitudinal fluid channel 16 to the upper spherical cavities, sequentially filling the entire column; simultaneously, water diffuses to adjacent columns through the transverse fluid channel 16, ensuring uniform water injection laterally. This layered water injection method not only improves water injection efficiency but also avoids the uneven flow problem caused by multiple water inlets 14 in traditional schemes.

[0121] This design incorporates an exhaust vent 15 in the highest spherical cavity of each column, ensuring that air is completely expelled as the water rises, preventing air stagnation. When the water fills the highest spherical cavity, the exhaust vent 15 ensures uniform water distribution throughout all cavities, improving ice-making quality. This optimized exhaust path ensures that each spherical ice 7 is bubble-free, resulting in higher transparency and superior quality.

[0122] The transverse fluid channel 16 ensures that multiple spherical cavities at the same level are filled with water simultaneously, preventing one cavity from being completely filled while another remains incomplete. The longitudinal fluid channel 16 ensures that water flows upward from the bottom, stabilizing the water level and preventing incomplete filling of some spherical cavities due to insufficient water pressure. This design eliminates the problem of localized water stagnation and avoids inconsistent water levels in different cavities, thus ensuring that all spherical ice cubes 7 are of uniform size and shape.

[0123] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a water supply mechanism 6 for supplying water to the ice mold. The water supply mechanism 6 includes a water storage component. The water storage component is used to store water. The water supply mechanism 6 includes a water supply pipe 61. The water supply pipe 61 includes a main pipe 611 and a branch pipe 612. The main pipe 611 connects the water storage component and the ice mold, and one end of the branch pipe 612 is open to the atmosphere, while the other end is connected to the main pipe 611 near the ice mold.

[0124] The water supply mechanism 6 includes a first valve 62. The first valve 62 is located near the ice mold on the main pipe 611 and is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing back into the water storage container via the main pipe 611. The water supply mechanism 6 includes a second valve 63. The second valve 63 is located on the branch pipe 612 and is used to prevent water from flowing out of the main pipe 611 from the branch pipe 612. The water supply mechanism 6 includes a water pump, which is used to either cause water in the water storage container to flow into the ice mold via the main pipe 611, or to cause water in the main pipe 611 to flow back into the water storage container.

[0125] The first valve 62 and the second valve 63 can be one-way valves. The first valve 62 only allows water from the main pipe 611 to flow to the ice mold, but does not allow water from inside the ice mold to flow into the main pipe 611, thus preventing water from flowing back into the water storage container and ensuring ice-making efficiency. The second valve 63 only allows external gas to flow into the branch pipe 612, but does not allow water from the branch pipe 612 to flow to the outside, thus preventing water from leaking out of the branch pipe 612 and ensuring smooth backflow when the water pump is pumping back, preventing the water pump from malfunctioning due to negative pressure. In other embodiments, the first valve 62 and the second valve 63 can also be openable and closable valves.

[0126] The water pump can cause the water in the water storage device to be injected into the ice mold. After the water injection is completed, the water pump can draw the residual water in the main pipe 611 back to the water storage device to prevent the water from freezing in the main pipe 611 and avoid affecting the next ice making cycle due to pipe freezing, thereby improving the long-term stability of the water supply mechanism 6.

[0127] When the ice mold needs water filling, the water pump operates, causing water in the storage container to flow into the ice mold through the main pipe 611 and the first valve 62. After filling, the water pump reverses direction, causing the water in the main pipe 611 to flow back. External air enters the main pipe 611 through the second valve 63 and the branch pipe 612, causing the water in the main pipe 611 to flow back into the storage container. When the water pump reverses direction, external air enters the main pipe 611 from the branch pipe 612, creating a stable pressure difference, making it easier for water to be drawn back into the storage container and preventing negative pressure resistance from forming in the pipe, which would affect the water return effect.

[0128] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making assembly 100 further includes a heating element disposed on the main pipe 611 near the ice mold. This design places the heating element on the main pipe 611 near the ice mold, so that even if the water pump fails to completely pump back all residual water, the heating element can still heat the water inside the main pipe 611, preventing freezing and ensuring smooth ice-making in the next cycle.

[0129] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment of this application, when the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are side by side, with the first mold 11 located to the left of the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces to the right, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces to the left. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move to the left, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move to the right, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0130] In other embodiments, the arrangement of the first module 11 and the second module 12 may also include, but is not limited to, the following implementation methods.

[0131] Another implementation method 1: When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are side by side, with the first mold 11 located to the right of the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces to the left, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces to the right. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move to the right, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move to the left, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0132] Another implementation method 2: When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are arranged side by side, with the first mold 11 located above the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces downward, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces upward. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move upward, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move downward, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0133] Other implementation method three: When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are arranged side by side, with the first mold 11 located below the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces upward, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces downward. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move downward, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move upward, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0134] Other implementation method four: When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are arranged side by side, with the first mold 11 located in front of the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces the rear, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces the front. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move forward, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move backward, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0135] Fifth embodiment: When the first mold 11 is in the closed position, the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are arranged side by side, with the first mold 11 located behind the second mold 12. The opening of the first cavity 111 faces forward, and the opening of the second cavity 121 faces backward. The first linkage mechanism 31 drives the first mold 11 to move backward, moving the first mold 11 from the closed position to the open position. The first linkage mechanism 31 also drives the first mold 11 to move forward, moving the first mold 11 from the open position to the closed position.

[0136] In the following embodiments, the preferred embodiment of this application (i.e., the first mold 11 and the second mold 12 are arranged side by side, with the first mold 11 to the left of the second mold 12) will be used as an example to describe in detail the relative positions of the structures of the ice-making component 100.

[0137] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, the first module 11 and the second module 12 are arranged side by side, with the first module 11 to the left of the second module 12.

[0138] The first fixing part 21 is located on the left side of the first mold 11. The first fixing part 21 may include a longitudinally extending left fixing wall. The first linkage mechanism 31 is located on the left side of the ice mold. The first linkage mechanism 31 is located between the left fixing wall and the first mold 11. The first rod 311 is parallel to the left fixing wall. The first rod 311 is parallel to the first plate-shaped part 1122 of the first mold 11. The first end 3111 of the first rod 311 refers to the front end of the first rod 311. The second end 3112 of the first rod 311 refers to the rear end of the first rod 311. The end of the first mold 11 near the first end 3111 refers to the front end of the first mold 11. The end of the first mold 11 near the second end 3112 refers to the rear end of the first mold 11.

[0139] The second rod 312 is hinged at one end to the front end of the first rod 311 and at the other end to the front end of the left fixed wall. The third rod 313 is hinged at one end to the rear end of the first rod 311 and at the other end to the front end of the left fixed wall. The seventh rod 314 is hinged at one end to the first rod 311 and at the other end to the front end of the first mold 11. The eighth rod 315 is hinged at one end to the front end of the first rod 311 and at the other end to the rear end of the first mold 11. The second rod 312 and the seventh rod 314 are symmetrical about left and right with respect to the first rod 311. The third rod 313 and the eighth rod 315 are symmetrical about left and right with respect to the first rod 311.

[0140] The second fixing part 22 is located on the right side of the second mold 12. The second fixing part 22 may include a longitudinally extending right fixing wall. The de-icing component 4 is located on the right side of the second mold 12. The de-icing component 4 is located between the right fixing wall and the second mold 12. The de-icing component 4 includes a main body wall and a de-icing rod extending from the main body wall toward the second mold 12. The main body wall may be parallel to the second plate-shaped part 1222 of the second mold 12. The main body wall may be parallel to the right fixing wall. The second linkage mechanism 32 is located on the right side of the de-icing component 4. The second linkage mechanism 32 is located between the right fixing wall and the de-icing component 4. The fourth rod 321 is parallel to the right fixing wall. The fourth rod 321 is parallel to the main body wall. The third end 3211 of the fourth rod 321 refers to the front end of the fourth rod 321. The fourth end 3212 of the fourth rod 321 refers to the rear end of the fourth rod 321. The end of the de-icing component 4 near the third end 3211 refers to the front end of the de-icing component 4. The end of the de-icing component 4 near the fourth end 3212 refers to the rear end of the de-icing component 4.

[0141] The fifth rod 322 is hinged at one end to the front end of the fourth rod 321, and at the other end to the front end of the right fixed wall. The sixth rod 323 is hinged at one end to the rear end of the fourth rod 321, and at the other end to the rear end of the right fixed wall. The ninth rod 324 is hinged at one end to the front end of the fourth rod 321, and at the other end to the front end of the de-icing component 4. The tenth rod 325 is hinged at one end to the rear end of the fourth rod 321, and at the other end to the rear end of the de-icing component 4. The fifth rod 322 and the ninth rod 324 are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod 321. The sixth rod 323 and the tenth rod 325 are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod 321.

[0142] The third fixing part 26 is located on the front side of the ice mold. The third fixing part 26 may include a horizontally extending front fixing wall. The front fixing wall connects the left fixing wall and the right fixing wall. The driving wheel 33, the first driven wheel 34, and the second driven wheel 35 are all rotatably mounted on the front fixing wall. The first driven wheel 34 is located to the left of the driving wheel 33, and the second driven wheel 35 is located to the right of the driving wheel 33. The first driven wheel 34 and the second driven wheel 35 are symmetrical about left and right with respect to the driving wheel 33. The front end of the eleventh rod 316 is hinged to the first hinge part 341 of the first driven wheel 34, and the rear end is hinged to the front end of the first rod 311. The front end of the twelfth rod 326 is hinged to the second hinge part 351 of the second driven wheel 35, and the rear end is hinged to the front end of the fourth rod 321. The first linkage mechanism 31 and the second linkage mechanism 32 are symmetrical about left and right with respect to the driving wheel 33.

[0143] The fixing bracket 2 may further include a fourth fixing part 27 connecting the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22. The fourth fixing part 27 is located on the rear side of the ice mold. The fourth fixing part 27 may include a longitudinally extending rear fixing wall. The front end of the second mold 12 is fixed to the front fixing wall, and the rear end of the second mold 12 is fixed to the rear fixing wall.

[0144] The optimized design of the fixed bracket 2 ensures the stability of the ice mold, transmission mechanism, and rotating parts in spatial layout, and improves the reliability and durability of the entire ice-making assembly 100. The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are spaced apart and opposite each other, with the ice mold positioned between them, ensuring that the ice mold does not shift during ice making, mold opening and closing, and ice removal, thus improving the structural stability of the ice-making assembly 100. The third fixing part 26 and the fourth fixing part 27 connect the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22, further enhancing the overall rigidity of the fixed bracket 2 and ensuring that none of the components deform or loosen during movement.

[0145] The second mold 12 is fixedly connected to the third fixing part 26 and the fourth fixing part 27, ensuring that the second mold 12 is always in a stable working position and its relative position will not be affected by external movement. Since the first mold 11 moves relative to the second mold 12 during mold closing and opening, the fixing of the second mold 12 ensures the precise movement of the first mold 11, avoiding misalignment of the ice-making cavity due to unstable reference, which would affect the shape of the spherical ice 7. This stable structural design ensures the precise alignment of the first mold 11 and the second mold 12, avoids cavity displacement during mold closing, improves ice-making accuracy, and makes the spherical ice 7 more standard in shape.

[0146] The ice mold can have fifteen spherical cavities, arranged in three rows horizontally and five columns vertically. Each column includes three spherical cavities spaced vertically. Correspondingly, the first mold 11 has fifteen first cavities 111, and the second mold 12 has fifteen second cavities 121. A water injection channel is formed at the rear end of the second mold 12. The water injection channel communicates with the last and lowest second cavity 121 of the second mold 12. The end of the main pipe 611 is inserted into the water injection channel.

[0147] The ice-making assembly 100 may include a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may include an evaporator, which can supply cold to the ice mold via air cooling or direct cooling.

[0148] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, a refrigeration device 1000 is also provided, which includes a housing 1001, a storage compartment 1002 formed within the housing 1001, and a door 1003 for opening and closing the storage compartment 1002. The refrigeration device 1000 includes an ice-making assembly 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The refrigeration device 1000 may include an ice-making compartment. The ice-making compartment may be located within the storage compartment 1002 or within the door 1003 of the storage compartment 1002. The ice-making assembly 100 may be disposed within the ice-making compartment.

[0149] The refrigeration equipment 1000 can be a refrigerator, a freezer, a commercial display case, etc.

[0150] In summary, the ice-making component 100 and the refrigeration equipment 1000 having the ice-making component 100 of this application can solve the technical problem of complex operation in the prior art for preparing spherical ice.

[0151] The technical solution of this application enables the ice mold 1 to close or detach using a parallelogram mechanism. The parallelogram mechanism maintains the posture of the moving parts throughout the entire movement, thus ensuring that the first mold 11 maintains the correct orientation during opening and closing, avoiding tilting or misalignment. This guarantees precise alignment of the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121, preventing irregular shapes or incomplete mold closure of the spherical ice 7 due to misalignment of the first mold 11, thereby improving the quality of the spherical ice 7. Furthermore, the parallelogram mechanism is simple and compact, possesses good motion stability and reliability, is easy to maintain, and is less prone to motion failure due to icing.

[0152] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0153] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this patent, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this patent. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the technology of this patent should be included within the scope of protection of this patent.

Claims

1. An ice-making assembly (100), characterized in that, include: An ice mold (1) includes a first mold (11) and a second mold (12). The first mold (11) has a first cavity (111), and the second mold (12) has a second cavity (121). The first mold (11) has a closed mold position and an open mold position. When the first mold (11) is in the closed mold position, the second cavity (121) and the first cavity (111) form a spherical cavity. When the first mold (11) is in the open mold position, there is an ice-removing space (13) between the second cavity (121) and the first cavity (111). The fixed bracket (2) includes a first fixing part (21); The drive mechanism (3) includes a first linkage mechanism (31), which includes: First shot (311); The second rod (312) is hinged to both the first rod (311) and the first fixing part (21); The third rod (313) is hinged to both the first rod (311) and the first fixing part (21); The first rod (311), the second rod (312), the third rod (313) and the first fixing part (21) together form a parallelogram mechanism. The first rod (311) is connected to the first mold (11) in a transmission connection so as to drive the first mold (11) to move between the mold closing position and the mold opening position.

2. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly (100) includes an ice-removing component (4), which has an ice-removing position and a non-ice-removing position. When the ice-removing component (4) is in the ice-removing position, it presses against the wall of the second cavity (121). When the ice-removing component (4) is in the non-ice-removing position, it exerts no pressure on the wall of the second cavity (121). The fixed bracket (2) includes a second fixed part (22). The driving mechanism (3) includes a second linkage mechanism (32), which includes: Fourth shot (321); The fifth rod (322) is hinged to both the fourth rod (321) and the second fixing part (22); The sixth rod (323) is hinged to both the fourth rod (321) and the second fixing part (22); The fourth rod (321), the fifth rod (322), the sixth rod (323) and the second fixing part (22) together form a parallelogram mechanism. The fourth rod (321) is connected to the de-icing component (4) to drive the de-icing component (4) to move between the de-icing position and the non-de-icing position.

3. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The driving structure includes: The drive wheel (33) is rotatable along a first direction (331) and a second direction (332) opposite to the first direction (331); The first driven wheel (34) is connected to the driving wheel (33) and the first linkage mechanism (31) in a transmission manner; The second driven wheel (35) is connected to the driving wheel (33) and the second linkage mechanism (32) in a transmission manner; When the driving wheel (33) rotates in the first direction (331), it drives the first driven wheel (34) and the second driven wheel (35) to rotate simultaneously, so as to drive the first mold (11) to move from the mold closing position to the mold opening position, and at the same time, drive the de-icing component (4) to move from the non-de-icing position to the de-icing position; When the driving wheel (33) rotates in the second direction (332), it drives the first driven wheel (34) and the second driven wheel (35) to rotate simultaneously, so as to move the first mold (11) from the mold opening position to the mold closing position, and at the same time, it drives the de-icing component (4) from the de-icing position to the non-de-icing position.

4. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first linkage mechanism (31) further includes: The seventh rod (314) is hinged to both the first rod (311) and the first mold (11); The eighth rod (315) is hinged to both the first rod (311) and the first mold (11); The first rod (311), the seventh rod (314), and the eighth rod (315) together form a parallelogram mechanism in the first mold (11). The first rod (311) is opposite to at least a portion of the wall of the first cavity (111). When the first mold (11) is in the mold-opening position, the first rod (311) presses against the wall of the first cavity (111). When the first mold (11) is in the mold-closed position, the first rod (311) exerts no pressing force on the wall of the first cavity (111).

5. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly (100) also includes: The de-icing protrusion (23) is disposed on the first fixing part (21). When the first cavity (111) is in the mold opening position, the de-icing protrusion (23) squeezes the wall of the first cavity (111). When the first cavity (111) is in the mold closing position, the de-icing protrusion (23) has no squeezing force on the first cavity (111). A first limiting structure (24) is disposed on the first fixing part (21). The first limiting structure (24) cooperates with the first mold (11) to limit the first mold (11) to make linear movement.

6. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first rod (311) includes a first end (3111) and a second end (3112). The seventh rod (314) is hinged at one end to the first end (3111) and at the other end to the end of the first mold (11) near the first end (3111). The eighth rod (315) is hinged at one end to the second end (3112) and at the other end to the end of the first mold (11) near the second end (3112). The second rod (312) is hinged at one end to the first end (3111) and at the other end to the first fixing part (21). The third rod (313) is hinged at one end to the second end (3112) and at the other end to the first fixing part (21). The seventh rod (314) and the second rod (312) are symmetrical with respect to the first rod (311), and the third rod (313) and the eighth rod (315) are symmetrical with respect to the first rod (311).

7. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second linkage (32) also includes: The ninth rod (324) is hinged to both the fourth rod (321) and the de-icing component (4); The tenth rod (325) is hinged to both the fourth rod (321) and the de-icing component (4); The fourth rod (321), the ninth rod (324), the tenth rod (325) and the de-icing component (4) together form a parallelogram mechanism. The ninth rod (324) and the fifth rod (322) are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod (321), and the tenth rod (325) and the sixth rod (323) are symmetrical with respect to the fourth rod (321). The ice-making assembly (100) further includes a second limiting structure (25), which is disposed on the second fixing part (22). The second limiting structure (25) cooperates with the de-icing component (4) to limit the de-icing component (4) to make linear movement.

8. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first linkage mechanism (31) includes an eleventh link (316), the first driven wheel (34) is provided with a first hinge part (341), the first hinge part (341) is offset from the rotation center of the first driven wheel (34), one end of the eleventh link (316) is hinged to the first hinge part (341), and the other end is hinged to the first link (311); The second linkage mechanism (32) includes a twelfth link (326), and the second driven wheel (35) is provided with a second hinge portion (351). The second hinge portion (351) is offset from the rotation center of the second driven wheel (35). One end of the twelfth link (326) is hinged to the second hinge portion (351), and the other end is hinged to the fourth link (321). The ice mold (1) is located between the first fixing part (21) and the second fixing part (22). The fixing bracket (2) includes a third fixing part (26) connecting the first fixing part (21) and the second fixing part (22). The driving wheel (33) and the driven wheel are disposed on the third fixing part (26). The second mold (12) is fixedly connected to the third fixing part (26). The first driven wheel (34) and the second driven wheel (35) are symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel (33). The first linkage mechanism (31) and the second linkage mechanism (32) are symmetrical with respect to the driving wheel (33).

9. The ice-making assembly (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first mold (11) includes a first flexible body (112), the first flexible body (112) including a first recess (1121) forming the first cavity (111) and a first plate-shaped portion (1122) surrounding the recess. The first mold (11) includes a first rigid body (113), the first rigid body (113) covering one side of the first plate-shaped portion (1122). The second mold (12) includes a second flexible body (122), the second flexible body (122) including a second recess (1221) forming the second cavity (121) and a second plate-shaped portion (1222) surrounding the second recess (1221). The second mold (12) includes a second rigid body (1222). 3) The second rigid body (123) covers one side of the second plate-shaped part (1222). The first linkage mechanism (31) is connected to the first rigid body (113). The ice-making assembly (100) also includes an elastic element (5). The elastic element (5) is connected between the first rigid body (113) and the second rigid body (123). When the first mold (11) is in the mold-closed position, the first plate-shaped part (1122) abuts against the second plate-shaped part (1222). The first linkage mechanism (31) and the elastic element (5) both apply a pressing force toward the second plate-shaped part (1222) to the first plate-shaped part (1122) through the first rigid body (113).

10. The ice-making assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first cavity (111) is a hemispherical cavity, the second cavity (121) is a hemispherical cavity, the first mold (11) and the second mold (12) are arranged side by side, when the first mold (11) is in the mold-closed position, the first mold (11) and the second mold (12) surround to form a plurality of longitudinal rows of spherical cavities, the lower end of the first mold (11) and / or the second mold (12) is formed with a water inlet (14), the water inlet (14) is connected to the lowest spherical cavity, the upper end of the first mold (11) and / or the second mold (12) is formed with a plurality of exhaust ports (15), the exhaust ports (15) are connected to each of the highest spherical cavities in the longitudinal row, and the first mold (11) and / or the second mold (12) form a fluid channel (16) connecting two adjacent spherical cavities.

11. The ice-making assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making assembly (100) further includes a water supply mechanism (6) for supplying water to the ice mold (1), the water supply mechanism (6) comprising: Water storage container, used to store water; A water supply pipe (61) includes a main pipe (611) and a branch pipe (612). The main pipe (611) connects the water storage device and the ice mold (1). One end of the branch pipe (612) is connected to the atmosphere, and the other end is connected to the main pipe (611) near the ice mold (1). A first valve (62) is provided on the main pipe (611) near the ice mold (1) and is used to prevent water in the ice mold (1) from flowing back to the water storage device through the main pipe (611); A second valve (63) is provided in the branch pipe (612) and is used to prevent water from the main pipe (611) from flowing out of the branch pipe (612); A water pump is used to cause water in the water storage container to flow into the ice mold (1) through the main pipe (611), or to cause water in the main pipe (611) to flow back to the water storage container; The ice-making assembly (100) also includes a heating element disposed on the main pipe (611) near the ice mold (1).

12. A refrigeration device (1000) comprising a housing (1001), a storage compartment (1002) formed within the housing (1001), and a door (1003) for opening and closing the storage compartment (1002), characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment (1000) includes an ice-making component (100) as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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