Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice maker which comprises an ice making box, a refrigerating device, an ice collecting basket and a driving mechanism, 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; the ice collecting basket is provided with an ice making position matched with the ice making column and an ice collecting position separated from the ice making column; the driving mechanism is used for driving the ice collecting basket to move in parallel relative to the ice making box; at the ice collecting position, at least part of the ice collecting basket is positioned above the ice making box; after the ice collecting basket is driven by the driving mechanism, when the ice collecting basket translates from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the ice collecting basket can collect ice blocks in the ice making box and transfer the ice blocks out of the ice making box, so that ice collection can be realized without draining water from the ice making box, and the energy consumption of the ice maker is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of refrigeration devices, and particularly 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 inserted 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 are directly separated from the ice-making column and stored, and so on.

[0003] However, after the ice is made by this method, the water in the ice-making box needs to be drained completely before the ice collection operation can be carried out. And after the ice is collected, the ice-making box needs to be refilled with water again before the ice-making operation can be carried out. During the process of repeatedly pumping and injecting water into the ice-making box, the energy consumption of the ice maker is increased. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an ice maker that saves energy consumption.

[0005] To achieve one of the above-mentioned utility model purposes, an embodiment of the utility model provides an ice maker, which is characterized by comprising:

[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;

[0008] An ice collection basket having an ice-making position cooperating with the ice-making column and an ice collection position disengaged from the ice-making column;

[0009] A driving mechanism for driving the ice collection basket to move parallel to the ice-making box;

[0010] Wherein, in the ice collection position, at least a part of the ice collection basket is located above the ice-making box.

[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the ice collection basket moves parallel to the ice-making box along the vertical direction.

[0012] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the driving mechanism includes a driving member arranged on one of the ice-making box and the ice collection basket and a driven member arranged on the other of the ice-making box and the ice collection basket. In the ice collection position, the driving member and the driven member cooperate with each other.

[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the active member is arranged on the ice making box, the driven member is arranged on the ice collecting basket, and the driven member is configured to move in parallel with the rotation of the active member.

[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the active member is configured as a gear, and the driven member is configured as a rack meshing with the active member.

[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the active member is configured as a screw rod, and the driven member is configured as a nut meshing with the active member.

[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the ice collecting basket includes a bottom wall, and the bottom wall is provided with a drainage hole.

[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the ice-making column has a free end and a fixed end opposite to each other, and the free end is located on the top of the fixed end.

[0018] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the ice collecting basket also includes a clearance hole matching the ice-making column. When in the ice-making position, the ice-making column is inserted into the clearance hole, and the bottom wall is located at the bottom of the ice-making column.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the utility model, after the ice collecting basket is driven by the driving mechanism, when it is switched from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the ice collecting basket can collect the ice cubes in the ice box and transfer them outside the ice box, thereby achieving ice collection without draining the ice box, thereby saving energy consumption 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 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a part of the ice maker in the preferred embodiment of the utility model, wherein the ice collection basket is in the ice making position;

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a decomposition schematic diagram of;

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view at the C-C position in;

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

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view at the D-D position in. Specific Embodiments

[0029] 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 structural, method, or functional transformations made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these embodiments are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] 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 accompanying drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures during use or operation.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 as shown, a preferred embodiment of the present utility model provides an ice maker, which is preferably used for making bullet ice.

[0033] 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 ice making and supply it to the ice-making box 20.

[0034] With reference to Figure 2As 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 in the external environment.

[0035] 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 in the external environment.

[0036] 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 water supply from the water storage member 10 to the ice making box 20.

[0037] Furthermore, 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 plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, since both the water storage cavity 11 and the ice making cavity 21 are 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 at 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, ensure the liquid level at which the ice making column is sufficient to contact the liquid in the ice making box 20), simplifying the water injection process.

[0038] 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 is at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21, thereby realizing that the liquid level in the ice making cavity 21 accurately reaches the ice making liquid level, without the need for the ice maker to judge the liquid level, and simplifying the ice making process.

[0039] Cooperate with reference to Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the water storage cavity 11 has a water storage space 111 and an air inlet space 112 that communicate with each other. The water storage member 10 further has a water injection port 13 communicating with the water storage space 111, and the air inlet 12 exposes the air inlet space 112.

[0040] In this embodiment, after the air inlet space 112 is exposed by the air inlet 12, the air inlet space 112 communicates with the external environment of the ice maker, that is, the air pressure in the air inlet space 112 is the same as that in 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 in the external environment.

[0041] Moreover, since the intake space 112 and the water storage space 111 are interconnected, when the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111, a communicating vessel is also formed between the intake space 112 and the water storage space 111, that is, the liquid levels in the intake space 112 and the water storage space 111 are always 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 chamber 11 and the ice making chamber 21), the water storage chamber 11 can be filled with water through the air inlet 12 and / or the water injection port 13 to meet different water injection requirements.

[0042] Furthermore, 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 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 connected to the external environment of the ice maker through the air inlet 12, that is, the intake space 112 can maintain the same air pressure as the external environment, thereby maintaining the pressure balance between the water storage chamber 11 and the ice making chamber 21.

[0043] Compared with the scheme where the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111 (i.e., 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 intake space 112.

[0044] When filling the water storage member 10 with water, first close the water supply pipe 40, remove the plugging member 14 on the water injection port 13, fill 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 filling is completed to keep the water storage space 111 closed.

[0045] 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 achieved through interference fit or using a sealing ring between the two.

[0046] Specifically, the water storage member 10 includes a communication port 15 that communicates the water storage space 111 and the intake 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 provided with the plugging member 14, that is, when the water injection port 13 exposes the water storage space 111 after the filling is completed, the horizontal height of the water injection port 13 is also greater than the horizontal height of the communication port 15, thereby forming a communicating vessel between the intake space 112 and the water storage space 111.

[0047] 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 water injection into the water storage member 14.

[0048] Further preferably, the horizontal heights of the water injection port 13 and the air inlet 12 are the same, and the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112 can be fully utilized for water storage, that is, when the water level in the water storage chamber 11 reaches the maximum level, both the water storage space 111 and the air inlet space 112 are filled with water.

[0049] Furthermore, the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage chamber 11 and the ice making chamber 21, so that the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 and the liquid level in the ice making chamber 21 are at the same horizontal plane and are flush with the top of the communication port 15.

[0050] In this embodiment, after the water storage chamber 11 is filled with water, the water supply pipe 40 is opened (that is, the water supply pipe 40 conducts the water storage chamber 11 and the ice making chamber 21). Since the air inlet space 112 communicates with the external environment through the air inlet 12 and the ice making chamber 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 chamber 21. At this time, the liquid in the air inlet space 112 automatically flows into the ice making chamber 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).

[0051] 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 chamber 21, the water storage member 10 will suck in 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.

[0052] If the ice making liquid level is reached in the ice making chamber 21 during the above process, the liquid level in the air inlet space 112 and the liquid level in the ice making chamber 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.

[0053] Furthermore, the water supply pipe 40 conducts 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 horizontal plane and are lower than the top of the communication port 15.

[0054] 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, 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 chamber 11 are at the same horizontal height, until the liquid in the water storage chamber 11 is emptied and a water shortage signal is issued. If the ice making liquid level is reached in the ice making chamber 21 during this process, the liquid level in the air intake space 112 is at the same height as the liquid level in the air intake space 112, and both are at the same horizontal plane as the liquid level in the ice making chamber 21, that is, lower than the top of the communication port 15.

[0055] Furthermore, the water storage member 10 includes a water storage box 16 forming a water storage space 111 and an air intake box 17 forming an air intake space 112. In this embodiment, the water storage box 16 and the air intake box 17 are preferably integrally formed, and a communication port 15 is formed between the two boxes during the integral forming process, thereby saving manufacturing costs.

[0056] 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 parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, when the water in one box of the water storage member 10 (for example, the water storage box 16) is emptied, it is ensured that the water in the other box (for example, the air inlet box 17) is also emptied to avoid liquid residue in the water storage chamber 11.

[0057] Specifically, the water storage member 10 has a water outlet 18 connected to the water supply pipe 40. In this embodiment, the liquid in the water storage chamber 11 flows out through the water outlet 18 and flows into the water supply pipe 40.

[0058] Furthermore, the horizontal height of the water outlet 18 is not greater than the horizontal height of the bottom of the connecting port 15. In this embodiment, the water outlet 18 of the water storage member 10 is not higher than the lower edge of the connecting port 15, and is located at the bottom surface of the water storage chamber 11 (e.g., 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), so as to facilitate emptying the water storage space 111. When the liquid level in the ice-making chamber 21 is maintained at the ice-making liquid level, the water in the water storage chamber 11 (the water storage space 111 and / or the air inlet space 112) can flow to the water outlet 18, and flow to the ice-making chamber 21 through the water supply pipe 40.

[0059] Specifically, the ice making box 20 has a water inlet 23 connected to the water supply pipe 40. In this embodiment, water in the water supply pipe 40 can flow into the ice making chamber 21 through the water inlet 23.

[0060] 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 chamber 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.

[0061] 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 (for example, 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.

[0062] With reference to Figures 4 to 6 As shown, 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 cavity 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 cavity 21 and contacts the liquid in the ice-making cavity 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 cavity 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.

[0063] 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 ends. 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 (that is, 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 inlet box 17 and the liquid level in the ice-making box 20 the same height during the ice-making process, so that 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.

[0064] Further, 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 the ice-making column 31. Since the ice-making columns 31 are uniformly distributed in an array, it is preferably to set the refrigerant pipe 32 as a "U" shape.

[0065] Further, 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 ice making is completed, the refrigerant pipe 32 is heated by the heating member 50, so that heat is transferred to the ice making column 31, causing the ice on the ice making column 31 to fall off, thereby realizing ice removal. The heating member 50 can be fixed to the side of the refrigerant pipe 32 facing away from the ice making column 31 by adhesion.

[0066] Further, the ice maker further includes a mounting base 60 having a mounting cavity 61 for accommodating the heating member 50, and a foaming layer 62 is provided in the mounting cavity 61. In this embodiment, the heating member 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 member 50 and the external environment, thereby reducing the heat loss of the heating member 50 when heating the ice making column 31 and shortening the ice making cycle of the ice maker.

[0067] Since a plurality of ice making columns 31 are uniformly distributed in an array, and the refrigerant pipe 32 connects the plurality of ice making columns in series, it is preferably to set the refrigerant pipe in a "U" shape, and the heating member 50 is attached to the "U"-shaped refrigerant pipe 32, preferably in a ring shape, to ensure the heating effect.

[0068] Specifically, the mounting base 60 has a mounting hole 63 that matches the ice making column 31. In this embodiment, the radial dimension of the ice making column 31 matches the radial dimension of the mounting hole 63, and the number of the ice making columns 31 is the same as that of the mounting holes 63 and they correspond to each other one by one.

[0069] Further, the refrigerant pipe 32 is located in the mounting cavity 61, and the ice making column 31 passes through the mounting hole 63. In this embodiment, after the ice making 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 generation of radial offset along the ice making 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 member 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, simplify the installation process of the heating member 50 and the refrigerant pipe 32, and improve the installation strength of the refrigerant pipe 32.

[0070] Further, the mounting cavity 61 includes a glue filling space 611 and a foaming space 612 that communicate with each other. Both the refrigerant pipe 32 and the heating member 50 are 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.

[0071] 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 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 by the foaming layer 62 within the foaming space 612, enhancing the sealing performance inside the installation cavity 61 and the mating strength between the foaming layer 62 and the potting layer 64 to prevent loosening.

[0072] 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, it ensures 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.

[0073] Furthermore, the mounting hole 63 communicates with the installation cavity 61, and the mounting base 60 further includes a sealing ring 65 disposed within the mounting 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 mounting hole 63, enhancing the sealing performance between the ice-making column and the mounting hole 63 to ensure normal ice-making. Moreover, it can also prevent leakage at the mounting hole 63 during potting encapsulation or filling with foaming material.

[0074] Furthermore, the mounting base 60 includes a mounting housing 66 forming the installation cavity 61 and the mounting hole 63, with the mounting housing 66 connected to the ice-making box 20, and the mounting 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 mounting 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 periphery of the bottom wall 72, so that the ice collecting basket 70 is an open dish-shaped structure.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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). The driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collection 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 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 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.

[0088] 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 suffered by the ice collection basket 70 during movement and ensuring that there is no liquid residue in the ice collection basket 70.

[0089] 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 the parallel movement of the ice collection basket 70 relative to the ice-making box 20.

[0090] Specifically, the driving mechanism 80 is used to drive the ice collection basket 70 to move parallel to the ice-making box 20. In this embodiment, the parallel movement means moving in a straight line along one direction. The ice-making box 20 remains stationary, and the ice collection basket 70 moves in a straight line relative to the ice-making box 20 for ice collection operation, so that there is no need to drain the ice-making box 20.

[0091] 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 at 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.

[0092] 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 7 and Figure 8 , after the ice collection basket 70 is translated 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 4 and Figure 6 , 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In other embodiments, it may be that the driven member 82 is provided on the ice making box 20 and the driving member 81 is provided on the ice collection basket 70, that is, the driven member 82 remains stationary and the driving member 81 moves parallel while rotating.

[0097] Specifically, the driving member 81 is configured as a gear, and the driven member 82 is configured as a rack meshing with the driving member 81. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the driving member 81 is perpendicular to the translation direction of the ice collecting 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 preferably symmetrically arranges two gears and two corresponding racks, and the two gears are respectively driven by two driving motors 84 to improve the stability of the driving mechanism 80.

[0098] In other embodiments, the driving member 81 is configured as a screw rod, and the driven member 82 is configured as a nut meshing with the driving member 81. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the driving member 81 is parallel to the translation direction of the ice collecting basket 70, thereby saving the size of the ice maker along the direction perpendicular to the translation direction, that is, saving the size of the ice maker along the horizontal direction. Similarly, the ice maker preferably symmetrically arranges two screw rods and two corresponding nuts, and the two screw rods are respectively driven by two driving motors 84 to improve the stability of the driving mechanism 80.

[0099] Specifically, the ice collecting basket 70 includes a bottom wall 72, and the bottom wall 72 is provided with a drain hole 74. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 72 has a drain hole, which is beneficial for the ice collecting basket 70 to move up and down in the liquid in the ice making chamber 21, and is also beneficial for the ice collecting basket 70 to drain water into the ice making box 20 when it reaches the ice collecting position.

[0100] 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 and the ice block is separated, the ice block rises to the liquid level under the action of buoyancy, which is convenient for ice removal.

[0101] Furthermore, the ice collecting basket 70 further includes a relief hole 71 matching the ice making column 31. When in the ice making position, the ice making column 31 passes through the relief 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 relief hole 71, on the side of the relief hole 71 close to the fixed end 312, and the bottom wall 72 is located at a position slightly lower than the middle of the ice making column 31, so that the ice block formed on the ice making column 31 is located in the ice collecting chamber 75. When in the ice collecting position, the ice making column 31 withdraws from the relief hole 71. When switching from the ice making position to the ice collecting position, the relief hole 71 with a radial dimension smaller than that of the ice block is used to strip the ice block from the ice making column 31.

[0102] 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, thereby improving 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 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, 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); An ice-collecting basket (70) having an ice-making position in cooperation with the ice-making column (31) and an ice-collecting position disengaged from the ice-making column (31); A driving mechanism (80) for driving the ice-collecting basket (70) to move parallel to the ice-making box (20); Wherein, in the ice-collecting position, at least a part of the ice-collecting basket (70) is located above the ice-making box (20).

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-collecting basket (70) moves parallel to the ice-making box (20) along the vertical direction.

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, 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), and in the ice-collecting position, the driving member (81) cooperates with the driven member (82).

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving member (81) is provided on the ice-making box (20), the driven member (82) is provided on the ice-collecting basket (70), and the driven member (82) is configured to move parallel as the driving member (81) rotates.

5. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving member (81) is configured as a gear, and the driven member (82) is configured as a rack meshing with the driving member (81).

6. The ice maker according to claim 3, wherein, The driving member (81) is configured as a screw, and the driven member (82) is configured as a nut meshing with the driving member (81).

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein, The ice-collecting basket (70) includes a bottom wall (72) provided with a drain hole (74).

8. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making column (31) has opposite free ends (311) and a fixed end (312), and the free end (311) is located at the top of the fixed end (312).

9. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ice-collecting basket (70) further includes a relief hole (71) matching the ice-making column (31). In the ice-making position, the ice-making column (31) passes through the relief hole (71), and the bottom wall (72) is located at the bottom of the ice-making column (31).

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, 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) communicates the water storage cavity (11) with 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).

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