Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice maker which comprises an ice making box, a refrigerating device, a heating piece and a mounting seat, and the ice making box is provided with an ice making cavity; the refrigerating device comprises an ice-making column at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity and a refrigerant pipe connected with the ice-making column; the heating piece is in contact with the refrigerant pipe; the mounting seat is provided with a mounting cavity for accommodating the heating piece; and a foaming layer is arranged in the mounting cavity. According to the ice maker, the heating piece is arranged in the mounting cavity, and heat exchange between the heating piece and the external environment is blocked by the foaming material in the mounting cavity, so that the heat loss of the heating piece during heating of the ice making column is reduced, and the ice making period of the ice maker is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of refrigeration devices, in particular to an ice maker. Background Art

[0002] In a traditional refrigerator with an ice maker, the ice maker is usually arranged in the freezer compartment and ice is made by air cooling or direct cooling. In this ice-making method, the ice freezes in a stepwise manner from the outside to the inside, and the air remaining in the air cannot be discharged. Therefore, there are bubbles in the generated ice cubes, and the quality of the ice cubes is poor and opaque. For this reason, an ice-making column is extended into the ice-making box, and by cooling the ice-making column, the ice cubes are directly formed on the ice-making column. After the ice cubes are formed, the heat generated by the heating element is used to make the ice cubes detach from the ice-making column and be stored, and so on.

[0003] However, since the heating element is directly exposed to the external environment, when the heating element heats the ice-making column, heat loss is likely to occur, resulting in an increase in the ice-making cycle of the ice maker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ice maker with a shortened ice-making cycle.

[0005] To achieve one of the above-mentioned utility model purposes, an embodiment of the utility model provides an ice maker, including:

[0006] An ice-making box having an ice-making cavity;

[0007] A refrigeration device including an ice-making column at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity and a refrigerant pipe connecting the ice-making column;

[0008] A heating element, the heating element being in contact with the refrigerant pipe;

[0009] A mounting seat having a mounting cavity for accommodating the heating element;

[0010] Wherein, a foaming layer is arranged in the mounting cavity.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting seat has a mounting hole matching the ice-making column, the refrigerant pipe is located in the mounting cavity, and the ice-making column passes through the mounting hole.

[0012] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting cavity includes a glue injection space and a foaming space communicating with each other, the refrigerant pipe and the heating element are both located in the glue injection space, a glue injection layer is arranged in the glue injection space, and the foaming layer is arranged in the foaming space.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, at least part of the foaming layer covers the side of the glue injection layer facing away from the ice-making column.

[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting hole is communicated with the mounting cavity, and the mounting seat further includes a sealing ring arranged in the mounting hole, and the sealing ring is sleeved on the ice-making column.

[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting seat includes a mounting shell and a mounting hole forming a mounting cavity, the mounting shell is connected to the ice-making box, and the mounting hole connects the ice-making cavity and the mounting cavity.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the mounting shell includes a mounting plate forming a mounting hole, the mounting seat also includes a partition connected to the mounting plate and located in the mounting cavity, and the glue filling space is formed in the partition.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the partition has an opening exposed in the installation cavity, the foaming space includes a first space and a second space surrounding the partition, and the opening connects the glue pouring space and the first space.

[0018] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the utility model, the ice maker also includes a water storage component and a water supply pipe, the water storage component has a water storage chamber and an air inlet exposing the water storage chamber, and the water supply pipe connects the water storage chamber and the ice making chamber so that at least one liquid level in the water storage chamber is at the same level as the liquid level in the ice making chamber.

[0019] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the ice maker also includes an ice collecting basket and a driving mechanism for driving the ice collecting basket to move relative to the ice making column. The ice collecting basket includes a clearance hole matching the ice making column and has an ice making position and an ice collecting position. In the ice making position, the ice making column is inserted into the clearance hole.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the utility model, the heating element is arranged in the installation cavity, and the foaming material in the installation cavity is used to block the heat exchange between the heating element and the external environment, thereby reducing the heat loss of the heating element when heating the ice column and shortening the ice making cycle of the ice maker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a part of the ice making machine in the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at AA;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at the middle BB;

[0024] Figure 4It is a perspective view of a part of an ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an exploded view;

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 4 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in , where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in

[0029] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a part of an ice maker in another preferred embodiment of the present utility model, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0030] Figure 10 is Figure 9 an exploded view;

[0031] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in

[0032] Figure 12 is Figure 9 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in , where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0033] Figure 13 is Figure 12 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in

[0034] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of a part of an ice maker in yet another preferred embodiment of the present utility model, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0035] Figure 15 is Figure 14 an exploded view;

[0036] Figure 16 is Figure 14 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in

[0037] Figure 17 is Figure 14 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in , where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0038] Figure 18 is Figure 17 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in . Detailed implementation manners

[0039] The following will describe the present utility model in detail in conjunction with the specific implementation manners shown in the drawings. However, these implementation manners do not limit the present utility model, and any structural, method, or functional transformation made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these implementation manners is included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0040] It should be understood that the spatially relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc. used herein are for the purpose of facilitating description to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the figures.

[0041] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 18 As shown, a ice maker provided by a preferred implementation manner of the present utility model is preferably used for making bullet ice.

[0043] With reference to Figure 1 As shown, specifically, an ice maker includes a water storage member 10 and an ice making box 20. In this embodiment, the water storage member 10 is used to store the liquid required for making ice and supply it to the ice making box 20.

[0044] With reference to Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the water storage member 10 has a water storage cavity 11 and an air inlet 12 exposing the water storage cavity 11. In this embodiment, the water storage cavity 11 in the water storage member 11 communicates with the external environment of the ice maker through the air inlet 12, so that the air pressure in the water storage cavity 11 is the same as that of the external environment.

[0045] Specifically, the ice making box 20 has an ice making cavity 21 and an ice making port 22 exposing the ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, the ice making cavity 21 in the ice making box 20 communicates with the external environment of the ice maker through the ice making port 22, so that the air pressure in the ice making cavity 21 is the same as that of the external environment.

[0046] Furthermore, the ice maker further includes a water supply pipe 40. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 40 can be selectively opened or closed, so as to selectively conduct the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21, and realize the water supply of the water storage member 10 to the ice making box 20.

[0047] Further, the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21, so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity 11 and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane. In this embodiment, since the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21 are both in the same external environment (i.e., have the same atmospheric pressure), a communicating vessel is formed between the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21. When the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21, according to the principle of the communicating vessel, the liquid levels between the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21 always remain the same height, and the water in the water storage cavity 11 can automatically flow into the ice-making cavity 21, so that the ice-making cavity 21 automatically maintains the required ice-making liquid level (for example, ensuring the liquid level where the ice-making column is sufficient to contact the liquid in the ice-making box 20), simplifying the water injection process.

[0048] After controlling the water supply pipe 40 to conduct the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21, pressure balance can be achieved between the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21, so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity 11 and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane, thereby enabling the liquid level in the ice-making cavity 21 to accurately reach the ice-making liquid level without the ice maker judging the liquid level, simplifying the ice-making process.

[0049] With reference to Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the water storage cavity 11 has a water storage space 111 and an air intake space 112 that communicate with each other. The water storage member 10 further has a water injection port 13 that communicates with the water storage space 111, and the air intake port 12 exposes the air intake space 112.

[0050] In this embodiment, after the air intake space 112 is exposed by the air intake port 12, the air intake space 112 communicates with the external environment of the ice maker, that is, the air pressure in the air intake space 112 is the same as that of the external environment. Similarly, when the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111, the water storage space 111 communicates with the external environment of the ice maker, that is, the air pressure in the water storage space 111 is the same as that of the external environment.

[0051] Moreover, since the air intake space 112 and the water storage space 111 communicate with each other, when the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111, a communicating vessel is also formed between the air intake space 112 and the water storage space 111, that is, the liquid levels in the air intake space 112 and the water storage space 111 always remain at the same height. Thus, when the water supply pipe 40 is closed (i.e., the water supply pipe 40 does not conduct the water storage cavity 11 and the ice-making cavity 21), the water storage cavity 11 can be filled with water by using the air intake port 12 and / or the water injection port 13 to meet different water injection requirements.

[0052] Further, the water storage member 10 includes a plugging member 14 which is in sealing cooperation with the water injection port 13. In this embodiment, after the water storage chamber 11 is filled with water, the water injection port is closed by the plugging member 14, so that the water storage space 111 is not communicated with the external environment of the ice maker. At this time, the water storage chamber 11 is only communicated with the external environment of the ice maker through the air inlet 12, that is, the air inlet space 112 can maintain the same air pressure as the external environment, so as to maintain the pressure balance between the water storage chamber 11 and the ice making chamber 21.

[0053] Compared with the scheme where the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111 (that is, the water injection port 13 is exposed to the external environment), setting the plugging member 14 can make full use of the water storage space 112 for water storage without being affected by the liquid level in the air inlet space 112.

[0054] When injecting water into the water storage member 10, first close the water supply pipe 40, remove the plugging member 14 on the water injection port 13, inject water into the water storage chamber 11 through the air inlet 12 and / or the water injection port 13, and then install the plugging member 14 on the water injection port 13 after the water injection is completed to keep the water storage space 111 closed.

[0055] Specifically, the radial dimensions of the plugging member 14 and the water injection port 13 are matched, and the sealing cooperation between the two is realized through the interference fit between the two or by using a sealing ring.

[0056] Specifically, the water storage member 10 includes a communication port 15 that communicates the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112, and the horizontal height of the air inlet 12 is greater than the horizontal height of the communication port 15. In this embodiment, when the water storage member 10 is not configured with the plugging member 14, that is, when the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111 after the water injection is completed, the horizontal height of the water injection port 13 is also greater than the horizontal height of the communication port 15, so as to form a communicating vessel between the air inlet space 112 and the water storage space 111.

[0057] When the water storage member 10 is configured with the plugging member 14, that is, when the water injection port 13 is blocked by the plugging member 14 after the water injection is completed, the horizontal height of the water injection port 13 can be greater than the horizontal height of the communication port 15, and the horizontal height of the water injection port 13 can be less than or equal to the horizontal height of the communication port 15. Preferably, the horizontal height of the water injection port 13 is also greater than the horizontal height of the communication port 15, so as to facilitate the injection of water into the water storage member 14.

[0058] Further preferably, the horizontal heights of the water injection port 13 and the air inlet 12 are the same, which can make full use of the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112 for water storage, that is, when the water storage chamber 11 reaches the maximum liquid level, both the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112 are filled with water.

[0059] Further, the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21, so that the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 and the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane and flush with the top of the communication port 15.

[0060] In this embodiment, after the water storage cavity 11 is filled with water, the water supply pipe 40 is opened (i.e., the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21). Since the air inlet space 112 communicates with the external environment through the air inlet 12 and the ice making cavity 21 communicates with the external environment through the ice making port 22, a communicating vessel is formed between the air inlet space 112 and the ice making cavity 21. At this time, the liquid in the air inlet space 112 automatically flows into the ice making cavity 12 until the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 reaches the top of the communication port 15 (for example, the upper edge of the communication port 15).

[0061] When the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 reaches the top of the communication port 15, every time a drop of water is injected into the ice making cavity 21, the water storage member 10 will suck a bubble from the air inlet 12. The bubble crosses the top of the communication port 15 and is supplemented into the sealed space at the top of the water storage space 111 to maintain the air pressure balance inside and outside the water storage member 10 until the liquid level in the ice making box 20 reaches the ice making liquid level and the water supply automatically stops.

[0062] If the ice making liquid level is reached in the ice making cavity 21 during the above process, the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 and the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane, that is, flush with the top of the communication port 15 (for example, the upper edge of the communication port 15), and lower than the liquid level in the water storage space 112.

[0063] Further, the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21, so that the liquid level in the water storage space 111 and the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane and lower than the top of the communication port 15.

[0064] In this embodiment, as the liquid level in the water storage space 111 continues to drop until it reaches the top of the communication port 15, at this time, the liquid level in the water storage space 111 and the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 are at the same height, that is, the two liquid levels in the water storage cavity 11 are at the same horizontal height, until the liquid in the water storage cavity 11 is emptied and a water shortage signal is sent. If the ice making liquid level is reached in the ice making cavity 21 during this process, the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 and the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 are at the same height and are both at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21, that is, lower than the top of the communication port 15.

[0065] Further, the water storage member 10 includes a water storage box 16 forming the water storage space 111 and an air inlet box 17 forming the air inlet space 112. In this embodiment, it is preferably that the water storage box 16 and the air inlet box 17 are integrally formed, and the communication port 15 is formed between the two boxes during the integral forming process, saving the manufacturing cost.

[0066] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the water storage box 16, the bottom surface of the air inlet box 17, and the bottom of the communication port 15 are at the same horizontal height. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the water storage box 16, the bottom surface of the air inlet box 17, and the bottom edge of the communication port 15 are flush with each other and are all parallel to the horizontal plane. Thus, when the water in one of the boxes of the water storage member 10 (such as the water storage box 16) is emptied, it is ensured that the water in the other box (such as the air inlet box 17) is also emptied, avoiding liquid residue in the water storage cavity 11.

[0067] Specifically, the water storage member 10 has a water outlet 18 for docking with the water supply pipe 40. In this embodiment, the liquid in the water storage cavity 11 flows out through the water outlet 18 and into the water supply pipe 40.

[0068] Furthermore, the horizontal height of the water outlet 18 is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port 15. In this embodiment, the water outlet 18 of the water storage member 10 is not higher than the lower edge of the communication port 15 and is located on the bottom surface of the water storage cavity 11 (such as the bottom surface of the water storage space 111 and / or the air inlet space 112, preferably the bottom surface of the water storage space 111), facilitating the emptying of the water storage space 111. When the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 is maintained at the ice making liquid level, the water in the water storage cavity 11 (the water storage space 111 and / or the air inlet space 112) can flow to the water outlet 18 and through the water supply pipe 40 to the ice making cavity 21.

[0069] Specifically, the ice making box 20 has a water inlet 23 for docking with the water supply pipe 40. In this embodiment, the water in the water supply pipe 40 can flow into the ice making cavity 21 through the water inlet 23.

[0070] Furthermore, the horizontal height of the water inlet 23 is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port 15. In this embodiment, when the water inlet 23 of the ice making box 20 is lower than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port 15, that is, lower than the lowest liquid level of the water storage cavity 11, it is ensured that all the liquid in the water storage member 11 can flow into the ice making box 20 through the water inlet 23.

[0071] Preferably, the horizontal height of the water inlet 23 is equal to the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port 15, that is, when the water storage member 10 is emptied, the ice making box 20 is just at the lowest liquid level (such as the minimum liquid level required by the ice maker, that is, the liquid in the ice making box 20 just submerges the free end of the ice making column), that is, the lowest liquid level of the water storage member 10 is equal to the lowest liquid level of the ice making box 20.

[0072] With reference to Figures 4 to 6As shown in the figure, the ice maker further includes a refrigeration device 30, and the refrigeration device 30 includes an ice-making column 31 at least partially extending into the ice-making chamber 21. In this embodiment, the refrigeration device 30 is used to provide the cooling capacity required for ice-making. The ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making chamber 21 and contacts the liquid in the ice-making chamber 21. After the cooling capacity generated by the refrigeration device 30 is transferred to the ice-making column 31, the cooling capacity is continuously transferred to the liquid in the ice-making chamber 21 through the ice-making column 31, so that the liquid in the ice-making box 20 is condensed into ice cubes and finally condensed on the ice-making column 31. Since the ice-making column 31 has a columnar structure, the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are bullet-shaped.

[0073] During specific operation, start refrigeration. The refrigerant flows through the ice-making column 31, and the liquid in contact with the ice-making column 31 starts to freeze until the ice-making is completed. After defrosting, the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 drops. At this time, open the water supply pipe 40, and the water in the water storage member 10 will flow through the water supply pipe 40 to the ice-making box for water replenishment. Correspondingly, an equal amount of air will enter the upper space of the water storage box 16 (i.e., the upper part of the water storage space 111) from the communication port 15, always keeping the liquid level in the air intake box 17 the same as the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 during the ice-making process, so that the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 is always at the optimal ice-making liquid level, that is, ensuring that the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 submerges the ice-making column 31, maintaining the ideal liquid level and continuously making ice. When the liquid in the ice-making box 20 increases or decreases, the liquid can be discharged to the water storage member 10 or sucked from the water storage member 10 through the communicating vessel principle using the water supply pipe 40 to maintain the ideal liquid level.

[0074] Furthermore, the refrigeration device 30 includes a refrigerant pipe 32 connected to the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 32 is connected to the evaporator, condenser, and compressor to jointly form a refrigeration circuit. The refrigerant pipe 32 is connected to the ice-making column 31, so that the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit flows into the ice-making column 31 to cool the ice-making column 31. Since the ice-making columns 31 are evenly distributed in an array, it is preferably to set the refrigerant pipe 32 in a "U" shape.

[0075] Furthermore, the ice maker further includes a heating member 50, and the heating member 50 is in contact with the refrigerant pipe 32. In this embodiment, after the ice-making is completed, the refrigerant pipe 32 is heated by the heating member 50, so that the heat is transferred to the ice-making column 31, causing the ice cubes on the ice-making column 31 to fall off, thereby realizing defrosting. The heating member 50 can be fixed to the side of the refrigerant pipe 32 away from the ice-making column 31 by bonding.

[0076] Furthermore, the ice maker further includes a mounting base 60 having a mounting cavity 61 for accommodating the heating element 50, and a foaming layer 62 is provided in the mounting cavity 61. In this embodiment, the heating element 50 is disposed in the mounting cavity 61, and the foaming layer 62 (i.e., foaming material) in the mounting cavity 61 is used to block the heat exchange between the heating element 50 and the external environment, thereby reducing the heat loss of the heating element 50 when heating the ice column 31 and shortening the ice-making cycle of the ice maker.

[0077] Since a plurality of ice columns 31 are uniformly distributed in an array, and the refrigerant pipes 32 connect the plurality of ice columns in series, it is preferably to set the refrigerant pipes in a "U" shape, and the heating element 50 is attached to the "U"-shaped refrigerant pipe 32, preferably in a ring shape, to ensure the heating effect.

[0078] Specifically, the mounting base 60 has a mounting hole 63 that matches the ice column 31. In this embodiment, the radial dimension of the ice column 31 matches the radial dimension of the mounting hole 63, and the number of ice columns 31 is the same as that of the mounting holes 63 and they correspond to each other one by one.

[0079] Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe 32 is located in the mounting cavity 61, and the ice column 31 passes through the mounting hole 63. In this embodiment, after the ice column 31 extends into the mounting hole 63, the refrigerant pipe 32 is located in the mounting cavity 61, which not only realizes the positioning installation but also restricts the radial offset between the refrigeration device 30 and the mounting base 60 along the ice column 31. Moreover, since the refrigerant pipe 32 is located in the mounting cavity 61, the heat exchange between the refrigerant pipe 32 and the external environment can also be blocked by the foaming layer 62 in the mounting cavity 61. In addition, the foaming layer 62 can also limit the loosening of the heating element 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, simplify the installation process of the heating element 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, and improve the installation strength of the refrigerant pipe 32.

[0080] Furthermore, the mounting cavity 61 includes a glue filling space 611 and a foaming space 612 that communicate with each other. The refrigerant pipe 32 and the heating element 50 are both located in the glue filling space 611, a glue filling layer 64 is provided in the glue filling space 611, and the foaming layer 62 is provided in the foaming space 612.

[0081] In this embodiment, by arranging both the refrigerant pipe 32 and the heating element 50 within the potting space 611 and performing potting encapsulation treatment on the potting space 611, that is, filling the potting layer 64 within the potting space 611, the installation strength of the ice-making column 32 and the heating element 50 is improved (for example, facilitating the peeling of ice cubes from the ice-making column 31 by the ice collection basket 70), and the sealing effect between the refrigeration device 30 and the mounting base 60 is enhanced. The potting space 611 communicates with the foaming space 612, enabling the potting layer 64 within the potting space 611 to come into contact with and be pressed against the foaming layer 62 within the foaming space 612, improving the sealing performance inside the installation cavity 61 and the cooperation strength between the foaming layer 62 and the potting layer 64, and preventing loosening.

[0082] Furthermore, at least a portion of the foaming layer 62 covers the side of the potting layer 64 facing away from the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, the foaming layer 62 within the foaming space 612 covers the side of the potting space 611 facing away from the ice-making column 31, reducing the heat exchange between the refrigerant pipe 32 and the heating element 50 within the potting space 611 and the external environment, thereby ensuring that the heat of the heating element 50 is concentratedly supplied to the refrigerant pipe 32, and the cold of the refrigerant pipe 32 is concentratedly supplied to the ice-making column 31 and within the ice-making box 20, preventing the loss of cold from the refrigerant pipe 32 and the dissipation of heat from the heating element 50 to the outside.

[0083] Furthermore, the installation hole 63 communicates with the installation cavity 61, and the mounting base 60 further includes a sealing ring 65 disposed within the installation hole 63, with the sealing ring 65 sleeved on the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 65 is sleeved on the ice-making column 31 and abuts against the inner wall of the installation hole 63, improving the sealing performance between the ice-making column and the installation hole 63 and ensuring normal ice-making. Moreover, it can also prevent leakage at the installation hole 63 during potting encapsulation or filling with foaming material.

[0084] Furthermore, the mounting base 60 includes a mounting housing 66 forming the installation cavity 61 and the installation hole 63, with the mounting housing 66 connected to the ice-making box 20, and the installation hole 63 communicating the ice-making cavity 21 with the installation cavity 61. In this embodiment, after the mounting housing 66 and the ice-making box 20 are fixed to each other, the distance between the installation cavity 61 and the ice-making cavity 21 is shortened, ensuring that the ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making cavity 21 for ice-making and reducing the volume of the ice-making machine. Moreover, when the installation hole 63 communicates the installation cavity 61 with the ice-making cavity 21, the sealing ring 65 can also prevent leakage between the installation cavity 61 and the ice-making cavity 21.

[0085] Specifically, the mounting shell 66 includes a mounting plate 661 forming a mounting hole 63, and the mounting seat 60 also includes a partition 68 connected to the mounting plate 661 and located in the mounting cavity 61, and the glue injection space 611 is formed in the partition 68. In this embodiment, the glue injection space 611 is formed in the partition 68, so that the mounting hole 63 directly connects the ice-making cavity 21 and the glue injection space 611, shortening the distance between the glue injection space 611 and the ice-making cavity 21. Preferably, the mounting shell 66 and the ice-making box 20 are integrally formed, and in this case, the mounting shell 66 and the ice-making box 20 share a mounting plate 661, so that the integration degree of the ice-making machine is higher, and the size of the ice-making machine is further reduced.

[0086] Specifically, the partition 68 has an opening 681 exposed in the installation cavity 61. In this embodiment, the partition 68 is annular and simple in structure. By setting an opening on the installation shell 66, the foaming space 612 can be filled with foaming material, and the glue filling space 611 can be filled with glue through the opening 681.

[0087] Specifically, the foaming space 612 includes a first space 6121 and a second space 6122 surrounding the partition 68, and the opening 681 connects the glue pouring space 611 and the first space 6121. In this embodiment, the cross section of the foaming space 612 is in a "concave" shape, with one part (i.e., the first space 6121) located on the side of the glue pouring space 611 away from the mounting hole 63, and the other part (i.e., the second space 6122) surrounding the glue pouring space 611. Therefore, the foaming layer 62 in the foaming space 612 is used to effectively insulate the glue pouring space 611, thereby improving the insulation effect.

[0088] Mate Reference Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the ice maker further includes an ice collecting basket 70 and a driving mechanism 80. The ice collecting basket 70 includes a clearance hole 71 matching the ice-making column 31. The driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collecting basket 70 to move relative to the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 80 drives the ice collecting basket 70 to move relative to the ice-making column 31 to collect ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31. The radial dimensions of the clearance hole 71 and the ice-making column 31 match each other. When the ice collecting basket 70 and the ice-making column 31 move relative to each other, the clearance hole 71 and the ice-making column 31 also move relative to each other, so that the ice cubes on the ice-making column 31 are detached and finally collected by the ice collecting basket 70.

[0089] Further, the ice collecting basket 70 has an ice making position that matches with the ice making column 31 and an ice collecting position that is disengaged from the ice making column 31. In the ice making position, the ice making column 31 is inserted into the clearance hole 71. In this embodiment, in the ice collecting position, the ice making column 31 is located outside the clearance hole 71, that is, the clearance hole 71 of the ice collecting basket 70 is separated from the ice making column 31.

[0090] The driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collecting basket 70 to move relative to the ice making column 31, so that the ice collecting basket 70 can be switched between the ice making position and the ice collecting position. When the ice collecting basket 70 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the clearance hole 71 can be used to move along the ice making column 31 to collect ice cubes, and the clearance hole 71 can be used to make the water in the ice collecting basket 70 flow into the ice making box 20, so as to separate the ice cubes from the water and complete the automatic collection of the ice cubes, thereby simplifying the ice making process.

[0091] Specifically, the ice column 31 has a free end 311 and a fixed end 312 opposite to each other. In this embodiment, the end of the ice column 31 connected to the refrigerant pipe 32 is the fixed end 312, and the end of the ice column 31 away from the refrigerant pipe 32 is the free end 311. Usually, the ice cubes formed by the liquid on the ice column 31 cover the free end 311 and are bullet-shaped. As for the arrangement of the ice column 31, it can be adjusted according to actual use needs, for example, the fixed end 312 is located at the top of the free end 311, or the free end 311 is located at the top of the fixed end 312, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, in the ice-making position, the clearance hole 71 is located on the side of the ice-making column 31 close to the fixed end 312. In this embodiment, when the ice collecting basket 70 moves from the ice-making position to the ice-collecting position, the clearance hole 71 moves from the fixed end 312 to the free end 311, that is, the clearance hole 71 is separated from the ice-making column 31 from the side of the ice-making column 31 close to the fixed end 312 to the free end 311. Therefore, when the ice collecting basket 70 moves, the ice cubes on the ice-making column 31 are peeled off by the clearance hole 71 when it leaves the ice-making column 31.

[0093] Specifically, the ice collecting basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72 and a side wall 73 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 72. In this embodiment, the side wall 73 surrounds the bottom wall 72, so that the ice collecting basket 70 is a dish-shaped structure with an open top.

[0094] Specifically, the clearance hole 71 is provided on the bottom wall 72 or on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73. In this embodiment, in order to ensure that the ice collecting basket 70 is smoothly switched between the ice making position and the ice collecting position, the clearance hole 71 can be selectively provided on the bottom wall 72 or on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73, so as to avoid interference between the clearance hole 71 and the ice making column 31 during the movement process.

[0095] Further, the refrigeration device 30 is connected to the ice-making box 20, and the ice collection basket 70 rotates or moves parallel to the ice-making box 20. In this embodiment, the refrigeration device 30 is fixed to the ice-making box 20 through the mounting base 60. At this time, the ice-making column 31 and the ice-making box 20 always remain relatively stationary. Therefore, the relative movement between the ice collection basket 70 and the ice-making column 31 is the relative movement between the ice collection basket 70 and the ice-making box 20 (such as rotational movement or parallel movement). By using the driving mechanism 80 to drive the ice collection basket 70 to displace relative to the ice-making box 20 (such as rotational movement or parallel movement), the ice cubes in the ice-making box 20 can be collected, so there is no need to drain the ice-making box 20, saving energy consumption.

[0096] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a driving member 81 provided on one of the ice-making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70 and a driven member 82 provided on the other of the ice-making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70. When in the ice collection position, the driving member 81 and the driven member 82 cooperate with each other.

[0097] In this embodiment, when in the ice-making position, the driving member 81 and the driven member 82 cooperate with each other. By using the cooperation (such as meshing) between the driving member 81 and the driven member 82, relative displacement between the ice-making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70 can be avoided when in the ice-making position and the ice collection position, ensuring the stability of the ice collection basket 70 during the ice-making process and the ice collection process.

[0098] Specifically, the bottom wall 72 and / or the side wall 73 are provided with drain holes 74. In this embodiment, the drain holes 74 communicate with the ice collection cavity inside the ice collection basket 70. When the ice collection basket 70 collects the ice cubes in the ice-making box 20, the liquid in the ice collection basket 70 can be discharged through the drain holes 74, reducing the resistance received by the ice collection basket 70 during movement and also ensuring that there is no liquid residue in the ice collection basket 70.

[0099] With reference to Figures 4 to 8 As shown, a ice maker provided by a preferred embodiment of the present utility model realizes the collection of ice cubes by rotating the ice collection basket 70 relative to the ice-making box 20.

[0100] Specifically, the ice collection basket 70 has an ice collection cavity 75 and an ice collection opening 76 exposing the ice collection cavity 75. In this embodiment, the ice collection basket 70 has an open dish-shaped structure, and users can take the ice cubes collected in the ice collection cavity 75 through the ice collection opening 76.

[0101] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collection basket 70 to rotate relative to the ice-making box 20. In this embodiment, the ice-making box 20 remains stationary, and the ice collection basket 70 rotates relative to the ice-making box 20 for ice collection operation, so there is no need to drain the ice-making box 20.

[0102] Further, the ice collecting basket 70 has an ice making position cooperating with the ice making column 31 and an ice collecting position disengaged from the ice making column 31. When in the ice making position, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 is opposite to that of the ice making opening 22.

[0103] In this embodiment, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 refers to the specific orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 in the ice collecting cavity 75 (or the ice collecting basket 70). For example, when the ice collecting opening 76 is located at the top of the ice collecting cavity 75, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 is upward. Similarly, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is the specific orientation of the ice making opening 22 in the ice making cavity 21 (or the ice making box 20).

[0104] Since there is liquid for making ice in the ice making box 20, the ice making opening 22 is usually located at the top of the ice making cavity 21, that is, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is upward. As Figure 4 and Figure 6 , when in the ice making position, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is upward, and the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 is opposite to that of the ice making opening 22, that is, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 is downward. When the ice collecting basket 70 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the ice collecting basket 70 collects ice cubes downward from the water surface, which can block the ice cubes floating upward after deicing, or can facilitate the ice cubes after deicing to enter the ice collecting cavity 75 for collection.

[0105] After being driven by the driving mechanism 80, when the ice collecting basket 70 is rotated and switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the ice collecting basket 70 can collect and transfer the ice cubes in the ice making box 20 outside the ice making box 20, so that ice collection can be achieved without draining the ice making box 20, saving the energy consumption of the ice maker.

[0106] Specifically, the rotation axis of the ice collecting basket 70 is parallel to the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, since the rotation axis of the ice collecting basket 70 is parallel to the horizontal direction, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 changes when in the ice making position and the ice collecting position.

[0107] In other embodiments, the rotation axis of the ice collecting basket 70 can be parallel to the vertical direction, or the rotation axis of the ice collecting basket 70 forms a certain angle with the horizontal direction.

[0108] Specifically, when in the ice collecting position, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 76 is the same as that of the ice making opening 22. In this embodiment, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 , when in the ice collecting position, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 22 is the same as that of the ice making opening 76, which is upward, facilitating the user to take ice cubes from the ice collecting cavity 75 through the ice collecting opening 22. When the ice collecting opening 22 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the orientation of the ice collecting opening 22 is switched from downward to upward. At this time, the driving mechanism 80 only needs to drive the ice collecting basket 70 to rotate 180 degrees, simplifying the design of the driving mechanism 80.

[0109] Further, the ice-making column 31 has opposite free ends 311 and fixed ends 312, and the free end 311 is located at the bottom of the fixed end 312. In this embodiment, the ice-making column 31 extends downward into the liquid in the ice-making cavity 21, that is, the free end 311 is below the water surface, and the fixed end 312 is at or above the water surface. When the ice-making column 31 is heated to separate the ice cubes, the ice cubes fall towards the ice-making cavity 21 due to gravity, facilitating ice removal.

[0110] Specifically, the ice collection basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72, a side wall 73 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 72, and drain holes 74 provided on the bottom wall 72 and / or the side wall 73. The drain holes 74 communicate with the ice collection cavity 75. In this embodiment, it is preferred to uniformly provide a plurality of drain holes 74 on any wall of the ice collection basket 70, so that the ice collection basket 70 has a hollow dish-shaped structure, facilitating drainage when the ice collection basket 70 rotates in the liquid and reducing the resistance received when the ice collection basket 70 rotates.

[0111] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a rotating shaft 83 connected to the ice collection basket 70, and the drain holes 74 are provided on the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the drain holes 74 are provided on the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83. For example, on a surface of the side wall 73 away from the rotating shaft 83, the linear velocity at the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83 is the largest. Providing the drain holes 74 at this position can minimize the resistance received during rotation.

[0112] The driving mechanism 80 includes a driving motor 84 drivingly connected to the rotating shaft 83. The driving motor 84 is fixed to the ice-making box 20, and the rotating shaft 83 is fixed to the ice collection basket 70 and rotatably cooperates with the ice-making box 20. Thus, after the driving motor 84 drives the rotating shaft 83 to rotate, the ice collection basket 70 rotates around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 83 following the rotating shaft 83. The rotation axis or axis of the rotating shaft 83 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the ice-making box 20 is fixed during the rotation of the ice collection basket 70.

[0113] In addition, in addition to driving the ice collection basket 70 to generate a relative displacement relative to the ice-making box 20, the driving mechanism 80 can also use the driving part and the driven part to limit the mutual separation of the ice collection basket 70 and the ice-making box 20. Among them, the driving part is a gear connected to the driving motor 84, and the driven part is a gear connected to the rotating shaft 83.

[0114] Furthermore, the ice collecting basket 70 further includes a clearance hole 71 matching the ice-making column 31. When in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 is inserted into the clearance hole 71, and the bottom wall 72 is located at the top of the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, when in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 extends into the clearance hole 71, the clearance hole 71 is close to the side of the fixed end 312, and the bottom wall 72 is located in the middle and upper position of the ice-making column 31, so that the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are located in the ice collecting cavity 75. When in the ice collecting position, the ice-making column 31 exits the clearance hole 71. When switching from the ice-making position to the ice collecting position, the ice cubes are peeled off from the ice-making column 31 by using the clearance hole 71 whose radial size is smaller than that of the ice cubes.

[0115] Moreover, when in the ice making position, the bottom wall 72 is at or below the water surface in the ice making box 20. Compared with the solution of "the free end 311 is located on the top of the fixed end 312", this solution can use the ice collecting basket 70 to peel off the ice cubes on the ice making column 31, reduce the time of heating and ice detaching, and ensure smooth ice detaching.

[0116] Specifically, the clearance hole 71 is provided on the bottom wall 72 or on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73, and is connected to the ice collecting chamber 75. In this embodiment, the clearance hole 71 is a slender waist-shaped hole extending radially along the rotating shaft 83, and is preferably only provided on the bottom wall 72, so as to avoid the clearance hole 71 from interfering with the ice-making column 31 during the rotation of the ice collecting basket 70, thereby improving the structural strength of the ice collecting basket 70. Moreover, when in the ice collecting position, the water in the ice collecting basket 70 can be drained by using the clearance hole 71 on the bottom wall 72.

[0117] In other embodiments, the extension range of the clearance hole 71 is set according to the distance between the rotating shaft 83 and the adjacent ice-making column 31 . For example, when the distance is too small, the clearance hole 71 can also extend to the side wall 73 to ensure that no interference is caused to the ice-making column 31 .

[0118] Furthermore, the ice maker also includes a movable member 90 connected to the rotating shaft 83 and a first stopper 100 and a second stopper 110 connected to the ice box 20. When in the ice making position and the ice collecting position, the movable member 90 abuts against different stoppers, respectively. In this embodiment, when in the ice making position, the movable member 90 abuts against the first stopper 100, and when in the ice collecting position, the movable member 90 abuts against the second stopper 110. By triggering the corresponding stopper during the rotation of the movable member 90 with the rotating shaft 83, the driving motor 84 can be controlled to stop working to stop the rotation of the ice collecting basket 70, so that the ice collecting basket 70 can be rotated accurately to avoid excessive rotation.

[0119] Mate Reference Figures 9 to 13 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present utility model provides an ice maker, in which ice cubes are collected by rotating an ice collecting basket 70 relative to an ice making box 20 .

[0120] Specifically, the ice collection basket 70 has an ice collection cavity 75 and an ice collection opening 76 that exposes the ice collection cavity 75. In this embodiment, the ice collection basket 70 has an open dish-shaped structure.

[0121] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collection basket 70 to rotate and move relative to the ice making box 20. In this embodiment, the ice making box 20 remains stationary, and the ice collection basket 70 rotates relative to the ice making box 20 for ice collection operation, so that there is no need to drain the ice making box 20.

[0122] Furthermore, the ice collection basket 70 has an ice making position that cooperates with the ice making column 31 and an ice collection position that disengages from the ice making column 31. In the ice making position, the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 is the same as the orientation of the ice making opening 22.

[0123] In this embodiment, the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 refers to the specific orientation of the ice collection opening 76 in the ice collection cavity 75 (or the ice collection basket 70). For example, when the ice collection opening 76 is located at the top of the ice collection cavity 75, the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 is upward. Similarly, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is the specific orientation of the ice making opening 22 in the ice making cavity 21 (or the ice making box 20).

[0124] Since there is liquid for ice making in the ice making box 20, the ice making opening 22 is usually located at the top of the ice making cavity 21, that is, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is upward. As Figure 9 and Figure 11 , in the ice making position, the orientation of the ice making opening 22 is upward, and the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 is the same as the orientation of the ice making opening 22, that is, the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 is upward. When the ice collection basket 70 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the ice collection basket 70 collects the ice cubes floating up to the water surface after ice detachment from the water surface, and successfully collects the ice cubes in the ice making box 20, so as to fully lift the ice cubes in the ice making box 20.

[0125] After being driven by the driving mechanism 80, when the ice collection basket 70 rotates and switches from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the ice collection basket 70 can collect and transfer the ice cubes in the ice making box 20 outside the ice making box 20, so that ice collection can be realized without draining the ice making box 20, saving the energy consumption of the ice maker.

[0126] Specifically, the rotation axis of the ice collection basket 70 is parallel to the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, since the rotation axis of the ice collection basket 70 is parallel to the horizontal direction, the orientation of the ice collection opening 76 changes when in the ice making position and the ice collection position.

[0127] In other embodiments, the rotation axis of the ice collection basket 70 can be parallel to the vertical direction, or the rotation axis of the ice collection basket 70 forms a certain angle with the horizontal direction.

[0128] Specifically, the ice maker further includes an ice storage box 120. When in the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is opposite to that of the ice making port 22, and the ice storage box 120 is located below the ice collection basket 70. In this embodiment, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 , when in the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 22 is opposite to that of the ice making port 76, that is, the orientation of the ice collection port 22 is downward, so that the ice cubes in the ice collection cavity 75 can fall through the ice collection port 22. At this time, the ice storage box 120 is located below the ice collection basket 70, so that the ice cubes in the ice collection basket 70 can accurately fall into the ice storage box 120 for ice storage. When the ice collection port 22 switches from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 22 switches from upward to downward. At this time, the driving mechanism 80 only needs to drive the ice collection basket 70 to rotate 180 degrees, simplifying the design of the driving mechanism 80.

[0129] Furthermore, the ice making column 31 has opposite free ends 311 and fixed ends 312, and the free end 311 is located at the top of the fixed end 312. In this embodiment, both the free end 311 and the fixed end 312 of the ice making column 31 are below the liquid level. When the ice making column 31 is heated to separate the ice cubes, the ice cubes are buoyed up to the liquid level for easy ice removal.

[0130] Specifically, the ice collection basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72, a side wall 73 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 72, and a drain hole 74 provided on the bottom wall 72 and / or the side wall 73. The drain hole 74 communicates with the ice collection cavity 75. In this embodiment, it is preferred to uniformly provide a plurality of drain holes 74 on any wall of the ice collection basket 70, so that the ice collection basket 70 has a hollow dish-shaped structure, which is convenient for draining water when the ice collection basket 70 rotates in the liquid and reduces the resistance received when the ice collection basket 70 rotates.

[0131] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a rotating shaft 83 connected to the ice collection basket 70. The drain hole 74 is provided on the side wall 73 and is located on the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the drain hole 74 is provided on the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83. For example, on a surface of the side wall 73 away from the rotating shaft 83, the linear velocity at the side of the ice collection basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83 is the largest. Providing the drain hole 74 at this position can minimize the resistance received during rotation.

[0132] The driving mechanism 80 includes a driving motor 84 drivingly connected to the rotating shaft 83. The driving motor 84 is fixed to the ice making box 20. The rotating shaft 83 is fixed to the ice collection basket 70 and is rotationally matched with the ice making box 20. Thus, after the driving motor 84 drives the rotating shaft 83 to rotate, the ice collection basket 70 rotates around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 83 along with the rotating shaft 83. The rotation axis of the rotating shaft 83 or the axis is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the ice making box 20 is fixed during the rotation of the ice collection basket 70.

[0133] In addition, the driving mechanism 80 can not only drive the ice collecting basket 70 to move relative to the ice making box 20, but also use the active member and the driven member to limit the ice collecting basket 70 and the ice making box 20 from being separated from each other. The active member is a gear connected to the driving motor 84, and the driven member is a gear connected to the rotating shaft 83.

[0134] Furthermore, the ice collecting basket 70 further includes a clearance hole 71 matching the ice-making column 31. When in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 is inserted into the clearance hole 71, and the bottom wall 72 is located at the bottom of the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, when in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 extends into the clearance hole 71, the clearance hole 71 is close to the side of the fixed end 312, and the bottom wall 72 is located in the middle and lower position of the ice-making column 31, so that the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are located in the ice collecting cavity 75. When in the ice collecting position, the ice-making column 31 exits the clearance hole 71. When switching from the ice-making position to the ice collecting position, the ice cubes are peeled off from the ice-making column 31 by using the clearance hole 71 whose radial size is smaller than that of the ice cubes.

[0135] Specifically, the clearance hole 71 is provided on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73, and is connected to the ice collecting chamber 75. In this embodiment, the clearance hole 71 is preferably provided on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73 to avoid interference of the clearance hole 71 with the ice-making column 31 during the rotation of the ice collecting basket 70, thereby improving the drainage capacity. By using the clearance hole on the bottom wall 72, the water in the ice collecting basket can be drained when in the ice collecting position.

[0136] Furthermore, the ice maker further comprises a movable member 90 connected to the rotating shaft 83 and a first stopper 100 and a second stopper 110 connected to the ice making box 20. When in the ice making position, the movable member 90 abuts against the first stopper 100, and when in the ice collecting position, the movable member 90 abuts against the second stopper 110. In this embodiment, by using the movable member 90 to trigger the corresponding stopper during the rotation of the rotating shaft 83, the driving motor 84 can be controlled to stop working to stop the rotation of the ice collecting basket 70, so that the ice collecting basket 70 can be rotated accurately to avoid excessive rotation.

[0137] Mate Reference Figures 14 to 18 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present utility model provides an ice maker, in which ice cubes are collected by moving the ice collecting basket 70 parallel to the ice making box 20 .

[0138] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collecting basket 70 to move parallel to the ice making box 20. In this embodiment, parallel movement refers to linear motion in one direction. The ice making box 20 remains stationary, and the ice collecting basket 70 moves linearly relative to the ice making box 20 to collect ice, so that the ice making box 20 does not need to be drained.

[0139] Further, when in the ice collection position, at least a part of the ice collection basket 70 is located above the ice making box 20. In this embodiment, when in the ice collection position, the ice collection basket 70 is located on top of the ice making box 20. As long as it is higher than the liquid level in the ice making box 20, it is convenient to drain the water in the ice collection basket 20 (such as the water collected during the ice collection process) into the ice making box 20 to ensure that the collected ice cubes can be used normally.

[0140] Further, the ice collection basket 70 moves parallel to the ice making box 20 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , after the ice collection basket 70 is translated upward in the vertical direction relative to the ice making box 20 and switches from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the ice collection basket 70 is located above the ice making box 20, which is convenient for the user to take ice. As shown in Figure 14 and Figure 16 , after the ice collection basket 70 is translated downward in the vertical direction relative to the ice making box 20 and switches from the ice collection position to the ice making position, the ice collection basket 70 is located inside the ice making box 20, so as to make ice.

[0141] In other embodiments, the translation direction of the ice collection basket 70 relative to the ice making box 20 may be at an angle to the vertical direction.

[0142] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a driving member 81 provided on one of the ice making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70 and a driven member 82 provided on the other of the ice making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70. When in the ice collection position, the driving member 81 cooperates with the driven member 82. In this embodiment, when in the ice making position, the driving member 81 also cooperates with the driven member 82. By using the cooperation (such as meshing) between the driving member 81 and the driven member 82, relative displacement between the ice making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70 can be avoided when in the ice making position and the ice collection position, ensuring the stability of the ice collection basket 70 during the ice making process and the ice collection process.

[0143] Further, the driving member 81 is provided on the ice making box 20, the driven member 82 is provided on the ice collection basket 70, and the driven member 82 is configured to move parallel as the driving member 81 rotates. In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 80 includes a driving motor 84 drivingly connected to the driving member 81. After being driven by the driving motor 84, the driving member 81 rotates and remains stationary, while the driven member 82 moves linearly. That is, the ice making box 20 remains stationary and the ice collection basket 70 moves linearly, thereby converting the rotational motion of the driving motor 84 into the linear motion of the ice collection basket 70 to realize the parallel movement of the ice collection basket 70 relative to the ice making box 20.

[0144] In other embodiments, the driven member 82 may be provided on the ice making box 20 and the driving member 81 may be provided on the ice collection basket 70, that is, the driven member 82 remains stationary while the driving member 81 rotates and moves parallel at the same time.

[0145] Specifically, the active member 81 is configured as a gear, and the driven member 82 is configured as a rack meshing with the active member 81. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the active member 81 is perpendicular to the translation direction of the ice collection basket 70, thereby saving the size of the ice maker along the translation direction, that is, saving the size of the ice maker along the vertical direction. The ice maker is preferably symmetrically provided with two gears and two corresponding racks, and the two gears are driven by two drive motors 84 respectively, so as to improve the stability of the drive mechanism 80.

[0146] In other embodiments, the active member 81 is configured as a screw, and the driven member 82 is configured as a nut meshing with the active member 81. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the active member 81 is parallel to the translation direction of the ice collection basket 70, thereby saving the size of the ice maker along the direction perpendicular to the translation, that is, saving the size of the ice maker along the horizontal direction. Similarly, the ice maker is preferably symmetrically provided with two screws and two corresponding nuts, and the two screws are driven by two drive motors 84 respectively to improve the stability of the drive mechanism 80.

[0147] Specifically, the ice collecting basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72, and the bottom wall 72 is provided with a drainage hole 74. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 72 has a drainage hole, which is conducive to the ice collecting basket 70 to move up and down in the liquid in the ice making chamber 21, and to facilitate the ice collecting basket 70 to drain water into the ice making box 20 when reaching the ice collecting position.

[0148] Furthermore, the ice-making column 31 has a free end 311 and a fixed end 312 opposite to each other, and the free end 31 is located on the top of the fixed end 312. In this embodiment, the free end 311 and the fixed end 312 of the ice-making column 31 are both below the liquid surface, and when the ice-making column 31 is heated to separate the ice cubes, the ice cubes are lifted to the liquid surface by the buoyancy, which is convenient for ice removal.

[0149] Furthermore, the ice collecting basket 70 further includes a clearance hole 71 matching the ice-making column 31. When in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 is inserted into the clearance hole 71, and the bottom wall 72 is located at the bottom of the ice-making column 31. In this embodiment, when in the ice-making position, the ice-making column 31 extends into the clearance hole 71, the clearance hole 71 is close to the side of the fixed end 312, and the bottom wall 72 is located in the middle and lower position of the ice-making column 31, so that the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are located in the ice collecting cavity 75. When in the ice collecting position, the ice-making column 31 exits the clearance hole 71. When switching from the ice-making position to the ice collecting position, the ice cubes are peeled off from the ice-making column 31 by using the clearance hole 71 whose radial size is smaller than that of the ice cubes.

[0150] Specifically, the relief hole 71 is provided on the bottom wall 72 and communicates with the ice collection cavity 75. In this embodiment, the relief hole 71 is circular, and is preferably only provided on the bottom wall 72 to avoid interference of the relief hole 71 with the ice making column 31 during the rotation of the ice collection basket 70, and improve the structural strength of the ice collection basket 70. Moreover, when in the ice collection position, the water in the ice collection basket 70 can be drained through the relief hole 71 on the bottom wall 72.

[0151] The ice maker further includes a first movable member 91 and a second movable member 92 connected to the ice collection basket 70, and a first limiting member 100 and a second limiting member 110 connected to the ice making box 20. When in the ice making position, the first movable member 91 abuts against the first limiting member 100, and when in the ice collection position, the second movable member 92 abuts against the second limiting member 110. In this embodiment, by triggering the corresponding limiting member during the translation of the movable member along with the ice collection basket 70, the driving motor 84 can be controlled to stop working to stop the translation of the ice collection basket 70, so as to accurately position the translation of the ice collection basket 70 and avoid excessive movement.

[0152] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and 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 series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present invention, and they are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, Comprising: An ice-making box (20) having an ice-making cavity (21); A refrigeration device (30) including an ice-making column (31) at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity (21) and a refrigerant pipe (32) connecting the ice-making column (31); A heating element (50) in contact with the refrigerant pipe (32); A mounting base (60) having a mounting cavity (61) for accommodating the heating element (50); Wherein, a foaming layer (62) is provided in the mounting cavity (61).

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (60) has a mounting hole (63) matching the ice-making column (31), the refrigerant pipe (32) is located in the mounting cavity (61), and the ice-making column (31) passes through the mounting hole (63).

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein The mounting cavity (61) includes a glue filling space (611) and a foaming space (612) communicating with each other. The refrigerant pipe (32) and the heating element (50) are both located in the glue filling space (611). A glue filling layer (64) is provided in the glue filling space (611), and the foaming layer (62) is provided in the foaming space (612).

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a part of the foaming layer (62) covers the side of the glue filling layer (64) facing away from the ice-making column (31).

5. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting hole (63) communicates with the mounting cavity (61). The mounting base (60) further includes a sealing ring (65) provided in the mounting hole (63), and the sealing ring (65) is sleeved on the ice-making column (31).

6. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base (60) includes a mounting shell (66) forming the mounting cavity (61) and the mounting hole (63). The mounting shell (66) is connected to the ice-making box (20), and the mounting hole (63) communicates the ice-making cavity (21) with the mounting cavity (61).

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting shell (66) includes a mounting plate (661) forming the mounting hole (63). The mounting base (60) further includes a partition (68) connecting the mounting plate (661) and located in the mounting cavity (61), and the glue filling space (611) is formed in the partition (68).

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein The partition (68) has an opening (681) exposed in the mounting cavity (61). The foaming space (612) includes a first space (6121) and a second space (6122) surrounding the partition (68). The opening (681) communicates the glue filling space (611) with the first space (6121).

9. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein The ice maker further includes a water storage member (10) and a water supply pipe (40). The water storage member (10) has a water storage cavity (11) and an air inlet (12) exposing the water storage cavity (11). The water supply pipe (40) conducts the water storage cavity (11) and the ice-making cavity (21) so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity (11) is at the same horizontal level as the liquid level in the ice-making cavity (21).

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker further includes an ice collection basket (70) and a driving mechanism (80) for driving the ice collection basket (70) to move relative to the ice-making column (31). The ice collection basket (70) includes a clearance hole (71) matching the ice-making column (31) and has an ice-making position and an ice collection position. In the ice-making position, the ice-making column (31) passes through the clearance hole (71).

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