Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice maker which comprises a water storage part, an ice making box and a refrigerating device, and the water storage part is provided with a water storage cavity and an air inlet exposed out of the water storage cavity; the ice-making box is provided with an ice-making cavity and an ice-making opening exposing the ice-making cavity; the refrigerating device comprises an ice-making column at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity; the ice maker further comprises a water supply pipe, the water supply pipe is communicated with the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity and the liquid level in the ice making cavity can be located on the same horizontal plane, and after the water supply pipe is controlled to be communicated with the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity, pressure balance can be achieved between the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity. At least one liquid level in the water storage cavity and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity are located on the same horizontal plane, so that the liquid level in the ice-making cavity accurately reaches the ice-making water level, the ice-making machine does not need to judge the water level, and the ice-making process is simplified.

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 step-by-step manner from the outside to the inside, and the air remaining in the air cannot be discharged. Therefore, the generated ice cubes have bubbles, 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, they directly break away from the ice-making column and are stored, and so on.

[0003] However, before the ice-making process starts, the ice maker of this method injects a certain amount of water into the ice-making box to ensure that complete ice cubes are formed on the ice-making column. This requires the ice maker to judge whether the water volume reaches the ice-making water level, and the ice-making process is relatively cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ice maker that simplifies the ice-making process.

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

[0006] A water storage member having a water storage cavity and an air inlet exposing the water storage cavity;

[0007] An ice-making box having an ice-making cavity and an ice-making opening exposing the ice-making cavity;

[0008] A refrigeration device including an ice-making column at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity;

[0009] Wherein, the ice maker further includes a water supply pipe that conducts the water storage cavity and the ice-making cavity, so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity are at the same horizontal plane.

[0010] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the water storage cavity has a mutually connected water storage space and an air inlet space, the water storage member further has a water injection port communicating with the water storage space, and the air inlet exposes the air inlet space.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the water storage member includes a plugging member that is sealingly matched with the water injection port.

[0012] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the water storage member includes a communication port connecting the water storage space and the air inlet space, and the horizontal height of the air inlet is greater than the horizontal height of the communication port.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the water supply pipe conducts the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity, so that the liquid level in the air intake space is at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity and is flush with the top of the communication port.

[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the water supply pipe conducts the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity, so that the liquid level in the water storage space is at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity and is lower than the top of the communication port.

[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the water storage member includes a water storage box forming a water storage space and an air intake box forming an air intake space, and the bottom surface of the water storage box, the bottom surface of the air intake box and the bottom of the communication port are at the same horizontal height.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the water storage member has a water outlet for docking with the water supply pipe, and the horizontal height of the water outlet is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the ice making box has a water inlet for docking with the water supply pipe, and the horizontal height of the water inlet is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port.

[0018] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes an ice collection basket and a driving mechanism for driving the ice collection basket to move relative to the ice making column. The ice collection basket includes a relief hole matching the ice making column and has an ice making position and an ice collection position. When in the ice making position, the ice making column passes through the relief hole.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the present utility model, after controlling the water supply pipe to conduct the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity, pressure balance can be achieved between the water storage cavity and the ice making cavity, so that at least one liquid level in the water storage cavity is at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity, thereby realizing that the liquid level in the ice making cavity accurately reaches the ice making water level, and there is no need for the ice maker to judge the water level, simplifying the ice making process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of the ice maker in the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in

[0023] 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;

[0024] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 an exploded view of;

[0025] Figure 6 It is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in;

[0026] Figure 7 It is Figure 4 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0027] Figure 8 It is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in;

[0028] 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;

[0029] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 an exploded view of;

[0030] Figure 11 It is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in;

[0031] Figure 12 It is Figure 9 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0032] Figure 13 It is Figure 12 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in;

[0033] 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;

[0034] Figure 15 It is Figure 14 an exploded view of;

[0035] Figure 16 It is Figure 14 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in;

[0036] Figure 17 It is Figure 14 a perspective view of another angle of the ice maker in, where the ice basket is in the ice-making position;

[0037] Figure 18 It is Figure 17 a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in. Detailed Embodiments

[0038] The following will describe the present utility model in detail in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments 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 embodiments is included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] It should be understood that the spatially relative position terms used herein, such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc., 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 accompanying drawings. The spatially relative position terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the figures.

[0040] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "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.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 18 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present utility model provides an ice maker, which is preferably used for making bullet ice.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 both the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21 are in the same external environment (i.e., having 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 can automatically maintain the required ice making liquid level (for example, ensuring that the ice making column is sufficient to contact the liquid in the ice making box 20), simplifying the water injection process.

[0047] 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 realizing that the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 accurately reaches the ice making liquid level, without the ice maker having to judge the liquid level, simplifying the ice making process.

[0048] 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 also 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 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.

[0051] Further, the water storage member 10 includes a plugging member 14, and the plugging member 14 is in sealing cooperation with the water injection port 13. In this embodiment, after the water storage cavity 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 cavity 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 cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21.

[0052] Compared with the solution 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.

[0053] 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 cavity 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] When the water storage member 10 is configured with the plugging member 14, that is, when the water injection port 13 is plugged 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.

[0057] 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 cavity 11 reaches the maximum liquid level, both the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112 are filled with water.

[0058] 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 intake space 112 and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane and are flush with the top of the communication port 15.

[0059] 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 intake space 112 communicates with the external environment through the air intake port 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 intake space 112 and the ice-making cavity 21. At this time, the liquid in the air intake space 112 automatically flows into the ice-making cavity 12 until the liquid level in the air intake space 112 reaches the top of the communication port 15 (for example, the upper edge of the communication port 15).

[0060] When the liquid level in the air intake 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 inhale a bubble from the air intake port 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.

[0061] If the ice-making liquid level is reached in the ice-making cavity 21 during the above process, the liquid level in the air intake space 112 and the liquid level in the ice-making cavity 21 are at the same horizontal plane, that is, they are flush with the top of the communication port 15 (for example, the upper edge of the communication port 15), and are lower than the liquid level in the water storage space 112.

[0062] 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 are lower than the top of the communication port 15.

[0063] In this embodiment, as the liquid level in the water storage space 111 continuously drops 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 intake 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 intake space 112 and the liquid level in the air intake 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.

[0064] Further, the water storage member 10 includes a water storage box 16 forming the water storage space 111 and an air intake box 17 forming the air intake space 112. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the water storage box 16 and the air intake 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.

[0065] Further, the bottom surface of the water storage box 16, the bottom surface of the air intake 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 intake 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 intake box 17) is also emptied, avoiding liquid residue in the water storage cavity 11.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Further, 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 intake 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 remains at the ice-making liquid level, the water in the water storage cavity 11 (the water storage space 111 and / or the air intake space 112) can flow to the water outlet 18 and through the water supply pipe 40 to the ice-making cavity 21.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Further, 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 cold quantity required for ice making. The ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making chamber 21 and comes into contact with the liquid in the ice-making chamber 21. After the cold quantity generated by the refrigeration device 30 is transferred to the ice-making column 31, the cold quantity 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.

[0072] 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 begins 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, so as to always keep 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. Thus, the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 is always at the optimal ice-making liquid level, that is, to ensure that the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 submerges the ice-making column 31, maintain the ideal liquid level and continue ice-making. 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 water supply pipe 40 by the principle of communicating vessels to maintain the ideal liquid level.

[0073] 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, the condenser and the 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 down 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.

[0074] 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 facing away from the ice-making column 31 by bonding.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Since multiple ice columns 31 are evenly distributed in an array, and the refrigerant pipes 32 connect multiple 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.

[0077] 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 one by one.

[0078] 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. While achieving positioning and installation, it restricts the generation of radial offset along the ice column 31 between the refrigeration device 30 and the mounting base 60. 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 restrict the loosening of the heating element 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, simplifies the installation process of the heating element 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, and improves the installation strength of the refrigerant pipe 32.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In this embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 32 and the heating element 50 are both located in the potting space 611, and the potting space 611 is subjected to potting and encapsulation treatment, that is, a potting layer 64 is filled in the potting space 611, so as to improve the installation strength of the ice-making column 32 and the heating element 50 (for example, facilitating the peeling of ice cubes from the ice-making column 31 by the ice basket 70), and improve the sealing effect between the refrigeration device 30 and the mounting base 60. The potting space 611 communicates with the foaming space 612, so that the potting layer 64 in the potting space 611 contacts and presses against the foaming layer 62 in the foaming space 612, improving the sealing performance inside the installation cavity 61 and the matching strength between the foaming layer 62 and the potting layer 64, and avoiding loosening.

[0081] Furthermore, at least part 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 in 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 in 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 the ice-making box 20, avoiding the loss of cold of the refrigerant pipe 32 and the heat dissipation of the heating element 50 to the outside.

[0082] Furthermore, the mounting hole 63 communicates with the installation cavity 61, and the mounting base 60 further includes a sealing ring 65 disposed in the mounting hole 63, and the sealing ring 65 is 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 mounting hole 63, improving the sealing performance between the ice-making column and the mounting hole 63 and ensuring normal ice-making. Moreover, it can also prevent leakage at the mounting hole 63 during potting and encapsulation or filling with foaming material.

[0083] Furthermore, the mounting base 60 includes a mounting housing 66 forming the installation cavity 61 and the mounting hole 63, the mounting housing 66 is connected to the ice-making box 20, and the mounting hole 63 communicates 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 mounting hole 63 communicates the installation cavity 61 and the ice-making cavity 21, the sealing ring 65 can also prevent leakage between the installation cavity 61 and the ice-making cavity 21.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] By driving the ice collecting basket 70 to move relative to the ice making column 31 by means of the driving mechanism 80, the ice collecting basket 70 can be switched between the ice making position and the ice collecting position. Thus, when the ice collecting basket 70 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the ice cubes can be collected by moving along the ice making column 31 through the relief holes 71, and the water in the ice collecting basket 70 can flow into the ice making box 20 through the relief holes 71, realizing the separation of the ice cubes and the water, and completing the automatic collection of the ice cubes, which simplifies the ice making process.

[0090] Specifically, the ice making column 31 has opposite free end 311 and fixed end 312. In this embodiment, the end of the ice making column 31 connected to the refrigerant pipe 32 is the fixed end 312, and the end of the ice making column 31 away from the refrigerant pipe 32 is the free end 311. Usually, the ice cubes formed by the liquid on the ice making column 31 cover the free end 311, presenting a bullet shape. As for the arrangement mode of the ice making column 31, it can be adjusted according to actual use requirements. 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.

[0091] Further, when in the ice making position, the relief holes 71 are 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 relief holes 71 move from the fixed end 312 towards the free end 311 direction, that is, the relief holes 71 are disengaged from the ice making column 31 from the side of the ice making column 31 close to the fixed end 312 towards the free end 311 direction. Thus, during the movement of the ice collecting basket 70, the ice cubes on the ice making column 31 are peeled off when the relief holes 71 leave the ice making column 31.

[0092] 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 four sides of the bottom wall 72, making the ice collecting basket 70 in a dish-shaped structure with an open top.

[0093] Specifically, the relief holes 71 are provided on the bottom wall 72 or on the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 73. In this embodiment, in order to ensure the smooth switching of the ice collecting basket 70 between the ice making position and the ice collecting position, the relief holes 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 relief holes 71 and the ice making column 31 during the movement.

[0094] Further, the refrigeration device 30 is connected to the ice-making box 20, and the ice-collecting 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 seat 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-collecting basket 70 and the ice-making column 31 is the relative movement between the ice-collecting basket 70 and the ice-making box 20 (such as rotational movement or parallel movement). The driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice-collecting basket 70 to displace relative to the ice-making box 20 (such as rotational movement or parallel movement) to collect the ice cubes in the ice-making box 20, so that there is no need to drain the ice-making box 20, saving energy consumption.

[0095] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a driving member 81 provided on one of the ice-making box 20 and the ice-collecting basket 70 and a driven member 82 provided on the other of the ice-making box 20 and the ice-collecting basket 70. When in the ice-collecting position, the driving member 81 and the driven member 82 cooperate with each other.

[0096] 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 between the driving member 81 and the driven member 82 (such as meshing with each other), relative displacement between the ice-making box 20 and the ice-collecting basket 70 can be avoided when in the ice-making position and the ice-collecting position, ensuring the stability of the ice-collecting basket 70 during the ice-making process and the ice-collecting process.

[0097] Specifically, the bottom wall 72 and / or the side wall 73 is provided with a drain hole 74. In this embodiment, the drain hole 74 communicates with the ice-collecting cavity inside the ice-collecting basket 70. When the ice-collecting basket 70 collects the ice cubes in the ice-making box 20, the liquid in the ice-collecting basket 70 can be discharged through the drain hole 74, reducing the resistance received by the ice-collecting basket 70 during movement and also ensuring that there is no liquid residue in the ice-collecting basket 70.

[0098] 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-collecting basket 70 relative to the ice-making box 20.

[0099] Specifically, the ice-collecting basket 70 has an ice-collecting cavity 75 and an ice-collecting opening 76 exposing the ice-collecting cavity 75. In this embodiment, the ice-collecting basket 70 has an open dish-shaped structure, and the user can take the ice cubes collected in the ice-collecting cavity 75 through the ice-collecting opening 76.

[0100] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice-collecting basket 70 to rotate relative to the ice-making box 20. In this embodiment, the ice-making box 20 remains stationary, and the ice-collecting 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.

[0101] Further, 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. When in the ice making position, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is opposite to the orientation of the ice making port 22.

[0102] In this embodiment, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 refers to the specific orientation of the ice collection port 76 in the ice collection cavity 75 (or the ice collection basket 70). For example, when the ice collection port 76 is located at the top of the ice collection cavity 75, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is upward. Similarly, the orientation of the ice making port 22 is the specific orientation of the ice making port 22 in the ice making cavity 21 (or the ice making box 20).

[0103] Since there is liquid for making ice in the ice making box 20, the ice making port 22 is usually located at the top of the ice making cavity 21, that is, the orientation of the ice making port 22 is upward. As Figure 4 and Figure 6 , when in the ice making position, the orientation of the ice making port 22 is upward, and the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is opposite to the orientation of the ice making port 22, that is, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is downward. When the ice collection basket 70 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the ice collection basket 70 collects ice cubes downward from the water surface, which can block the ice cubes floating upward after defrosting, or can facilitate the ice cubes after defrosting to enter the ice collection cavity 75 and be collected.

[0104] After the ice collection basket 70 is driven by the driving mechanism 80 and rotates 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.

[0105] 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 port 76 changes when in the ice making position and the ice collection position.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Specifically, when in the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 76 is the same as the orientation of the ice making port 22. In this embodiment, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 , when in the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 22 is the same as the orientation of the ice making port 76, which is upward, facilitating the user to take ice cubes from the ice collection cavity 75 through the ice collection port 22. When the ice collection port 22 is switched from the ice making position to the ice collection position, the orientation of the ice collection port 22 is switched from downward to upward. 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.

[0108] Furthermore, the ice-making column 31 has opposite free ends 311 and a fixed end 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 detach the ice cubes, the ice cubes fall towards the ice-making cavity 21 under the action of gravity, facilitating ice detachment.

[0109] Specifically, the ice-collecting 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-collecting cavity 75. In this embodiment, it is preferably to uniformly provide a plurality of drain holes 74 on any wall of the ice-collecting basket 70, so that the ice-collecting basket 70 has a hollow dish-shaped structure, facilitating drainage when the ice-collecting basket 70 rotates in the liquid and reducing the resistance received when the ice-collecting basket 70 rotates.

[0110] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a rotating shaft 83 connected to the ice-collecting basket 70, and the drain holes 74 are provided on a side of the ice-collecting basket 70 radially away from the rotating shaft 83 along the rotating shaft 83. In this embodiment, it is preferably that the drain holes 74 are provided on a side of the ice-collecting 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-collecting 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 the rotation process.

[0111] 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-collecting 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-collecting 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-collecting basket 70.

[0112] In addition, in addition to driving the ice-collecting basket 70 to generate a relative displacement relative to the ice-making box 20, the driving mechanism 80 can also use the driving member and the driven member to limit the mutual separation of the ice-collecting basket 70 and the ice-making box 20. Among them, the driving member is a gear connected to the driving motor 84, and the driven member is a gear connected to the rotating shaft 83.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 .

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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 .

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 to perform the ice collection operation, so that it is not necessary to drain the ice making box 20.

[0121] 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 is disengaged from the ice making column 31. When 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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 9 and Figure 11 , when 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 de-icing from the water surface, and successfully collects the ice cubes in the ice making box 20, so as to fully pick up the ice cubes in the ice making box 20.

[0124] After the ice collection basket 70 is driven by the driving mechanism 80 and 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Specifically, the ice maker further includes an ice storage box 120. When the ice collecting position is in the ice collecting position, the direction of the ice collecting port 76 is opposite to the direction of the ice making port 22, and the ice storage box 120 is located below the ice collecting basket 70. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the ice collecting position, the direction of the ice collecting port 22 is opposite to the direction of the ice making port 76, that is, the direction of the ice collecting port 22 is downward, so that the ice cubes in the ice collecting chamber 75 can fall downward through the ice collecting port 22. At this time, the ice storage box 120 is located below the ice collecting basket 70, so that the ice cubes in the ice collecting basket 70 can accurately fall into the ice storage box 120 for storage. When the ice collecting port 22 switches from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the direction of the ice collecting port 22 switches from upward to downward. At this time, the driving mechanism 80 only needs to drive the ice collecting basket 70 to rotate 180 degrees, which simplifies the design of the driving mechanism 80.

[0128] Furthermore, the ice-making column 31 has a free end 311 and a fixed end 312 opposite to each other, and the free end 311 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.

[0129] Specifically, the ice collecting basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72, a side wall 73 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 72, and a drainage hole 74 provided on the bottom wall 72 and / or the side wall 73, and the drainage hole 74 is connected to the ice collecting chamber 75. In this embodiment, it is preferred to evenly provide a plurality of drainage holes 74 on any wall of the ice collecting basket 70, so that the ice collecting basket 70 has a hollow dish-like structure, which facilitates drainage of the ice collecting basket 70 when rotating in the liquid, thereby reducing the resistance encountered by the ice collecting basket 70 when rotating.

[0130] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a rotating shaft 83 connected to the ice collecting basket 70, and the drainage hole 74 is provided on the side wall 73 and is located on the side of the ice collecting basket 70 away from the rotating shaft 83 along the radial direction of the rotating shaft 83. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the drainage hole 74 is provided on the side of the ice collecting basket 70 away from the rotating shaft 83 along the radial direction of the rotating shaft 83, for example, on a surface of the side wall 73 away from the rotating shaft 83. The linear velocity of the ice collecting basket 70 at the side of the rotating shaft 83 away from the rotating shaft 83 along the radial direction of the rotating shaft 83 is the largest, and providing the drainage hole 74 at this location can minimize the resistance encountered during the rotation process.

[0131] The driving mechanism 80 includes a driving motor 84 connected to a rotating shaft 83. The driving motor 84 is fixed to the ice box 20. The rotating shaft 83 is fixed to the ice collecting basket 70 and rotates with the ice box 20. Therefore, after the driving motor 84 drives the rotating shaft 83 to rotate, the ice collecting basket 70 rotates with the rotating shaft 83 around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 83. The rotation axis or axis of the rotating shaft 83 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The ice box 20 is fixed during the rotation of the ice collecting basket 70.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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 .

[0137] 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.

[0138] Further, when in the ice collection position, at least 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 the 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.

[0139] Further, the ice collection basket 70 moves parallel to the ice making box 20 along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , after the ice collection basket 70 is translated upward along the vertical direction relative to the ice making box 20 and switched 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 along the vertical direction relative to the ice making box 20 and switched 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 includes a driving member 81 disposed on one of the ice making box 20 and the ice collection basket 70 and a driven member 82 disposed 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. In this embodiment, when in the ice making position, the driving member 81 and the driven member 82 also 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.

[0142] Further, the driving member 81 is disposed on the ice making box 20, the driven member 82 is disposed 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, and the driven member 82 moves linearly, that is, the ice making box 20 remains stationary and the ice collection basket 70 moves linearly, so as to convert the rotational motion of the driving motor 84 into the linear motion of the ice collection basket 70 and realize the parallel movement of the ice collection basket 70 relative to the ice making box 20.

[0143] In other embodiments, the driven member 82 may be disposed on the ice making box 20 and the driving member 81 may be disposed on the ice collection basket 70, that is, the driven member 82 remains stationary and the driving member 81 moves parallel while rotating.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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 provided only 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 to 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 completely by means of the relief hole 71 on the bottom wall 72.

[0150] 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.

[0151] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative manner 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.

[0152] 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 changes made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: A water storage member (10) having a water storage chamber (11) and an air inlet (12) exposing the water storage chamber (11); An ice making box (20) having an ice making cavity (21) and an ice making opening (22) exposing the ice making cavity (21); A refrigeration device (30) comprising an ice-making column (31) at least partially extending into the ice-making cavity (21); The ice maker further comprises a water supply pipe (40), wherein the water supply pipe (40) connects the water storage chamber (11) and the ice making chamber (21), so that at least one liquid level in the water storage chamber (11) and the liquid level in the ice making chamber (21) are at the same level.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage chamber (11) comprises a water storage space (111) and an air intake space (112) which are connected to each other, the water storage member (10) further comprises a water injection port (13) connected to the water storage space (111), and the air intake port (12) exposes the air intake space (112).

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, The water storage member (10) comprises a blocking member (14), and the blocking member (14) is in sealing cooperation with the water injection port (13).

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein, The water storage member (10) comprises a communication port (15) connecting the water storage space (111) and the air intake space (112), and the horizontal height of the air intake port (12) is greater than the horizontal height of the communication port (15).

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, wherein, The water supply pipe (40) connects the water storage chamber (11) and the ice making chamber (21) so that the liquid level in the air intake space (112) and the liquid level in the ice making chamber (21) are at the same level and are flush with the top of the communication port (15).

6. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water supply pipe (40) connects the water storage chamber (11) and the ice making chamber (21) so that the liquid level in the water storage space (111) and the liquid level in the ice making chamber (21) are at the same level and lower than the top of the communication port (15).

7. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water storage member (10) comprises a water storage box (16) forming a water storage space (111) and an air intake box (17) forming an air intake space (112); the bottom surface of the water storage box (16), the bottom surface of the air intake box (17) and the bottom of the connecting port (15) are at the same level.

8. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water storage member (10) has a water outlet (18) connected to a water supply pipe (40), and the horizontal height of the water outlet (18) is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port (15).

9. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ice making box (20) has a water inlet (23) connected to the water supply pipe (40), and the horizontal height of the water inlet (23) is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the communication port (15).

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker further comprises an ice collecting basket (70) and a driving mechanism (80) for driving the ice collecting basket (70) to move relative to the ice making column (31); the ice collecting basket (70) comprises a clearance hole (71) matching the ice making column (31) and has an ice making position and an ice collecting position; in the ice making position, the ice making column (31) is inserted into the clearance hole (71).

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