Ice taking device and ice maker
The spiral screw with flexible elements in the ice maker facilitates automated and efficient ice transfer, addressing the challenge of manual ice handling and melting.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422358494.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing ice makers require manual operation during the ice transfer process, which makes the ice easy to melt and inconvenient.
The ice collection device with a conveying screw with spiral blades and a flexible member is adopted. The ice movement is driven by the rotation of the conveying screw, and the deformation of the flexible member controls the overflow of the ice, realizing automatic ice collection.
It realizes the automatic transfer of ice cubes, avoids the overflow and melt of ice cubes, and meets users' quick ice collection needs.
Smart Images
Figure CN223106333U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of ice-making products, and particularly to an ice-taking device and an ice maker. Background Art
[0002] With the continuous development of mechanical technology, more and more products have started to appear in the user's field of vision. Ice makers are a type of product that can meet people's needs for taking ice cubes. Through an ice maker, users can obtain ice cubes of the appropriate type and particle size, thereby meeting the user's daily cold drink needs. The ice maker can be placed in application scenarios such as homes or shopping malls to enrich people's daily lives.
[0003] The ice cubes made by the ice maker need to be transferred to the container held by the user in a certain form. This requires the cooperation of an ice-taking device, and how to design the ice-taking device to meet the user's quick ice-taking needs and achieve automatic ice-taking is an important issue. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide an ice-taking device and an ice maker, which can help meet the user's quick ice-taking needs and achieve automatic ice-taking.
[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide an ice-taking device. The ice-taking device includes a cylinder, a flexible member, a conveying screw, and a receiving member. The cylinder has an inner cavity for accommodating ice cubes and an ice outlet channel that is connected to the inner cavity at one end. The flexible member includes a hollow connecting portion and a plurality of protruding portions extending from the edge of the connecting portion towards the hollow region. The connecting portion is sleeved around the outer periphery of the ice outlet channel, and the plurality of protruding portions are located at the other end of the ice outlet channel. The conveying screw is rotatably connected to the cylinder, and one end of the conveying screw passes through the ice outlet channel and extends into the inner cavity. The receiving member is disposed adjacent to the ice outlet channel, and the receiving member is provided with a transfer channel, and one end of the transfer channel faces the other end of the conveying screw.
[0006] The embodiments of the present application also provide an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice-making device and the above-mentioned ice-taking device, and the ice outlet of the ice-making device is connected to the inner cavity of the cylinder of the ice-taking device.
[0007] The ice taking device and ice making machine provided by the embodiments of the present application use a conveying screw with blades to convey ice cubes, so that the ice cubes can be transferred from the inner cavity connected to the ice outlet channel to the outside. During the rotation of the conveying screw, the ice cubes can be automatically driven to move along the ice outlet channel, and the protruding portion of the flexible member is deformed during the rotation, so that the ice cubes can normally move from the ice outlet channel to fall out, and then be smoothly transferred to the user's container along the transfer channel. After the conveying screw stops rotating, the protruding portion of the flexible member returns to its original shape, and the ice cubes stop being conveyed. Therefore, the user's need for quick ice taking is met through the cooperation of the conveying screw and the flexible member, and automatic ice taking is achieved.
[0008] In some embodiments, the connection part is provided with a clamp, which binds the connection part to the periphery of the ice outlet channel, and the clamp is also connected to the cylinder. In this way, the installation position of the connection part can be effectively fixed by the clamp, ensuring the fixing effect of the flexible member.
[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is provided with a boss protruding away from the hollow area, and the side of the clamp close to the cylinder abuts against the boss. In this way, the locking position of the clamp can be positioned by the boss to limit the movement of the clamp.
[0010] In some embodiments, a hollow liner is provided in the inner cavity, the liner is provided with a clearance area facing the ice outlet channel, the liner includes a bottom surface and a bearing surface which are arranged opposite to each other, the bottom surface is connected to the cylinder, and the height of the bearing surface from the bottom surface gradually decreases in the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity. In this way, by forming a bearing surface with a high middle and a low edge in the liner, it is possible to facilitate the ice cubes to gather at the edge of the inner cavity.
[0011] In some embodiments, a transition arc is provided in the hollow of the bearing surface, so that the movement of ice cubes can be avoided from being affected by the transition of the arc.
[0012] In some embodiments, the bearing surface is provided with a guide portion protruding in a direction away from the bottom surface, and the guide portion is arranged obliquely relative to the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity. In this way, the movement of the ice cubes to the edge of the inner cavity can be guided by the setting of the guide portion.
[0013] In some embodiments, the ice taking device further comprises a cover body, which is connected to the cylinder body and has a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity covers the part of the conveying screw exposed outside the ice outlet channel. In this way, the cover body can isolate the part of the area outside the conveying screw from being affected by the external environment.
[0014] In some embodiments, the receiving member is provided with a pipeline, and the pipeline is located outside the receiving member away from the transfer channel. In this way, by providing an independent pipeline, it is convenient for users to take other liquids.
[0015] In some embodiments, the conveying screw is inclined in the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity, and an acute angle is formed between the axis of the conveying screw and the axis of the cylinder. In this way, by arranging the conveying screw inclined, it is possible to avoid taking out the liquid together during the process of taking out the ice cubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by the pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings in the figures do not constitute a scale limitation.
[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ice maker provided by some embodiments of the present application;
[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of an ice maker provided by some embodiments of the present application;
[0019] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 the sectional structure schematic view taken along the direction A-A in
[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded structure schematic view of the conveying screw in an ice maker provided by some embodiments of the present application;
[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible member in an ice maker provided by some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the following will elaborate on each embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that in each embodiment of the present application, many technical details are presented for the purpose of enabling the reader to better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in the present application can still be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation manner of the present application. The various embodiments can be combined and cross-referenced with each other on the premise of not being contradictory.
[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, technical terms such as "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific situations.
[0025] In the daily process of making cold drinks, ice cubes are indispensable. Ice cubes can control the temperature of the drink within a certain range, thereby meeting the user's cold drink needs. In order to continuously produce ice cubes, an ice maker is usually used. The ice maker includes an ice-making device, which can convert normal temperature water into ice columns of a certain shape under the action of evaporation and heat absorption, and break the ice columns to form ice cubes with appropriate particle sizes. After these ice cubes are formed, they will be transferred to the user's container through a certain shape. If the ice cubes are transferred manually, not only is it easy for the ice cubes to melt, but it is also not conducive to achieving the quickness of taking ice.
[0026] In order to achieve automatic ice taking, some embodiments of the present application provide an ice-taking device. The ice-taking device uses a screw structure with a spiral blade to convey ice cubes, which can realize the automatic transfer of ice cubes. At the same time, in the channel for conveying ice cubes, through the setting of a flexible member, the unrestricted overflow of ice cubes is avoided, so as to control the overflow amount of ice cubes during the ice-taking process and achieve the quantitative use of ice cubes.
[0027] The following combines Figures 1 to 5 to illustrate the structure of the ice-taking device in the ice maker provided by some embodiments of the present application.
[0028] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, an ice-taking device provided by some embodiments of the present application includes a cylinder body 11, a flexible member 12, a conveying screw 13, and a receiving member 14. The cylinder body 11 has an inner cavity 101 for accommodating ice cubes and an ice outlet channel 102 with one end communicating with the inner cavity 101. The flexible member 12 includes a hollow connecting portion 121 and a plurality of protruding portions 122 extending from the edge of the connecting portion 121 towards the hollow region. The connecting portion 121 is sleeved around the ice outlet channel 102, and the plurality of protruding portions 122 are located at the other end of the ice outlet channel 102. The conveying screw 13 is rotatably connected to the cylinder body 11, and one end of the conveying screw 13 passes through the ice outlet channel 102 and extends into the inner cavity 101. The receiving member 14 is arranged adjacent to the ice outlet channel 102, and the receiving member 14 is provided with a transfer channel 141, and one end of the transfer channel 141 faces the other end of the conveying screw 13.
[0029] The cylinder body 11 can provide a receiving space for the ice-making device 21 to produce formed ice cubes, so as to facilitate the subsequent transfer of the ice cubes. The cylinder body 11 can be made of heat-insulating material to keep the received ice cubes warm. The inner cavity 101 of the cylinder body 11 can be communicated with the ice outlet of the ice-making device 21, so as to replenish the ice cubes at any time after the ice cubes received in the inner cavity 101 are consumed. The ice outlet channel 102 can be arranged at the bottom of the cylinder body 11 to convey the ice cubes along the ice outlet channel 102. The ice outlet channel 102 protrudes on the cylinder body 11, providing an opening for the transfer of the ice cubes.
[0030] The flexible member 12 is made of a flexible material and can undergo elastic deformation with a large deformation amount. The connecting portion 121 of the flexible member 12 is sleeved around the ice outlet channel 102, that is, around the periphery of the wall-like structure forming the ice outlet channel 102. The installation process of the flexible member 12 can be simplified and the fixing effect of the flexible member 12 can be ensured. At the same time, a plurality of protruding portions 122 are formed in the flexible member 12. The protruding portions 122 are located at the other end of the ice outlet channel 102 to form a curtain structure, which can block the free overflow of the ice cubes. At the same time, the protruding portions 122 can also deform and withdraw from blocking the ice cubes, so that the ice cubes can be normally conveyed along the ice outlet channel 102.
[0031] The conveying screw 13 is a component for conveying the ice cubes. The conveying screw 13 has blades extending in a spiral shape and can convey the ice cubes during the process of rotating around the axis. Thus, the ice cubes received in the inner cavity 101 are conveyed along the ice outlet channel 102 until the ice cubes fall from the other end of the ice outlet channel 102. Furthermore, the automatic transfer of the ice cubes is realized. The end of the conveying screw 13 can be connected to a driving member 131 such as a motor or a motor to drive the conveying screw 13. The base or the housing part of the driving member 131 can be connected to the cylinder body 11.
[0032] The receiving member 14 is arranged adjacent to the ice outlet channel 102, can receive the ice cubes falling from the ice outlet channel 102, and transfer the ice cubes to a specific area. The transfer channel 141 of the receiving member 14 can be arranged along the direction of gravity, so that after the ice cubes fall out of the ice outlet channel 102, they can be transferred along the transfer channel 141 to the user's container under the action of their own gravity.
[0033] The ice-taking device provided in some embodiments of the present application uses a conveying screw 13 with blades to convey ice cubes, so that the ice cubes can be transferred from the inner cavity 101 connected to the ice outlet channel 102 to the outside. During the rotation of the conveying screw 13, the ice cubes can be automatically driven to move along the ice outlet channel 102, and the protrusion 122 of the flexible member 12 is deformed during the rotation, so that the ice cubes can normally move from the ice outlet channel 102 to fall out, and then be smoothly transferred to the user's container along the transfer channel 141. After the conveying screw 13 stops rotating, the protrusion 122 of the flexible member 12 returns to its original shape, and the ice cubes stop being conveyed. Therefore, the user's need for quick ice retrieval is met through the cooperation of the conveying screw 13 and the flexible member 12, and automatic ice retrieval is achieved.
[0034] In some embodiments, the connection portion 121 of the flexible member 12 is provided with a clamp 15 , and the clamp 15 binds the connection portion 121 to the periphery of the ice outlet channel 102 . The clamp 15 is also connected to the cylinder 11 .
[0035] The clamp 15 can play a fastening role. By binding the clamp 15 on the periphery of the connecting portion 121, the flexible member 12 can be firmly fixed on the wall structure forming the ice outlet channel 102, that is, firmly fixed on the periphery of the ice outlet channel 102. The clamp 15 itself can be further connected to the cylinder 11 through a fastener, so that the installation effect of the flexible member 12 is more stable.
[0036] In addition, the clamp 15 may be designed with an anti-slip structure. For example, different raised areas may be provided on the inner surface of the clamp 15 to lock the binding area on the connecting portion 121 .
[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connection portion 121 may be provided with a boss 123 that protrudes away from the hollow area, and the side of the clamp 15 close to the cylinder 11 abuts against the boss 123 .
[0038] The boss 123 can play a positioning role. In the process of binding the clamp 15, one side of the clamp 15 can be abutted against the boss 123, which can facilitate the locking of the clamp 15. At the same time, the boss 123 can limit the locking position of the clamp 15 to prevent the clamp 15 from easily moving axially on the connecting portion 121.
[0039] In some embodiments, a hollow liner 16 may be provided in the inner cavity 101 of the cylinder 11, and the liner 16 is provided with a yield area 161 facing the ice outlet channel 102. The liner 16 includes a bottom surface 162 and a bearing surface 163 that are relatively arranged. The bottom surface 162 is connected to the cylinder 11, and the height of the bearing surface 163 from the bottom surface 162 gradually decreases in the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity 101.
[0040] The gasket 16 is located in the inner cavity 101, and the gasket 16 can transform the flat bottom surface 162 of the inner cavity 101. A surface with a specific shape can be formed on the gasket 16 to adjust the surface shape of the bottom of the inner cavity 101. The hollow part of the gasket 16 reserves space for the ice outlet of the ice making device 21. At the same time, the gasket 16 is provided with a relief area 161 to avoid blocking the ice outlet passage 102.
[0041] And, as Figure 3 shown, the bearing surface 163 of the gasket 16 presents a conical shape with a higher middle and lower edges. By adjusting the height of each part of the surface of the gasket 16, it is convenient for the ice cubes formed in the hollow part to move towards the edge of the inner cavity 101, which is beneficial for the ice cubes to be transported from the ice outlet passage 102 at the edge of the inner cavity 101 to the outside. Similarly, the stirring rod 103 located in the inner cavity 101 can be set in a shape with a downward inclination at the edge to promote the movement of the ice cubes towards the edge of the inner cavity 101.
[0042] In addition, a transition arc can be provided at the hollow part of the bearing surface 163.
[0043] The transition arc can avoid forming a sharp shape near the hollow part of the bearing surface 163, thereby alleviating the blocking trend of the ice cubes at the hollow part. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the ice cubes to move along the conical slope part of the bearing surface 163.
[0044] In some embodiments, the bearing surface 163 can be provided with a guiding part 164 that protrudes in a direction away from the bottom surface 162, and the guiding part 164 is inclined relative to the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity 101.
[0045] The guiding part 164 is a protruding part provided on the bearing surface 163, and the guiding part 164 can be set in a strip shape or a block shape. During the movement of the ice cubes on the bearing surface 163, under the guidance of the guiding part 164, they can further move towards the position at the edge of the inner cavity 101. Thus, it is beneficial for the ice cubes to be transferred to the position of the ice outlet passage 102, so that the conveying screw 13 can convey the ice cubes to the outside.
[0046] In some embodiments, the ice taking device can further include a cover 17. The cover 17 is connected to the cylinder body 11, and the cover 17 has a receiving cavity 171 that covers the part of the conveying screw 13 exposed outside the ice outlet passage 102.
[0047] The cover 17 can wrap the exposed part of the conveying screw 13 inside, thereby forming a certain degree of shielding to isolate the external environment in the non-ice-dropping area and prevent impurities such as dust in the external environment from being easily introduced to the position where the ice outlet passage 102 is located. In addition, the driving member 131 can be connected to the cover 17.
[0048] As Figure 3 andFigure 4 As shown, the receiving member 14 may be provided with a pipe 142, and the pipe 142 is located outside the receiving member 14 away from the transfer channel 141.
[0049] The provision of the pipe 142 can facilitate the user to obtain other liquids. For example, the pipe 142 can be connected to a water storage container so that the user can obtain water through the pipe 142. In actual situations, the pipe 142 can also be connected to a container storing other liquids so that the user can obtain them nearby.
[0050] In some embodiments, the conveying screw 13 may be inclined relative to the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity 101, and an acute angle is formed between the axis of the conveying screw 13 and the axis of the cylinder 11.
[0051] By arranging the conveying screw 13 in an inclined manner, the extraction path of the ice cubes can be controlled, and while the ice cubes are being extracted, the extraction of the liquid formed by melting can be avoided. During the process of the user taking ice, the ice cubes can be conveyed along the ice outlet channel 102 under the pushing action of the blades, while the liquid formed by the melting of the ice cubes can be extracted from the bottom of the ice outlet channel 102 under the action of gravity and then discharged to a specific area. In actual situations, as Figure 3 shown, a discharge port 104 may be provided at the bottom of the ice outlet channel 102 for periodically cleaning impurities such as melted water. The ice outlet channel 102 may be located at the bottom of the cylinder 11 and at least partially lower than the bottom surface of the cylinder 11. The ice outlet channel 102 may be arranged in an inclined shape consistent with the conveying screw 13 to facilitate the separation of ice and water when extracting the ice cubes.
[0052] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice making device 21 and the above-mentioned ice taking device, and the ice outlet of the ice making device 21 is communicated with the inner cavity 101 of the cylinder 11 of the ice taking device.
[0053] The ice making device 21 includes an evaporator, and the evaporator can absorb the heat of normal temperature water, thereby condensing the normal temperature water to form an ice column. During the extrusion process, the ice column can be broken to form ice cubes of appropriate size, and then introduced into the inner cavity 101 of the cylinder 11, so that the conveying screw 13 conveys the formed ice cubes to the outside for the user to obtain.
[0054] By using the conveying screw 13 to convey the ice cubes and simultaneously controlling the free falling process of the ice cubes through the flexible member 12, automatic ice taking can be realized.
[0055] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present application, and in actual applications, various changes can be made in form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.
Claims
1. An ice-taking device, characterized in that, include: The cylinder has an inner cavity for accommodating ice cubes and an ice outlet passage with one end communicating with the inner cavity; A flexible member, comprising a hollow connecting portion and a plurality of protrusions extending from the edge of the connecting portion to the hollow area, wherein the connecting portion is sleeved on the periphery of the ice outlet channel, and the plurality of protrusions are located at the other end of the ice outlet channel; A conveying screw rod is rotatably connected to the barrel, and one end of the conveying screw rod passes through the ice outlet channel and extends into the inner cavity; A receiving member is arranged adjacent to the ice outlet channel, and the receiving member is provided with a transfer channel, one end of which faces the other end of the conveying screw.
2. The ice taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection portion is provided with a clamp, which binds the connection portion to the periphery of the ice outlet channel, and the clamp is also connected to the cylinder.
3. The ice taking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting portion is provided with a boss protruding away from the hollow area, and the side of the clamp close to the cylinder body abuts against the boss.
4. The ice taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hollow liner is arranged in the inner cavity, and the liner is provided with a yield area facing the ice outlet channel. The liner includes a bottom surface and a bearing surface which are arranged opposite to each other, and the bottom surface is connected to the cylinder, and the height of the bearing surface from the bottom surface gradually decreases in the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity.
5. The ice taking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A transition arc is arranged in the hollow of the bearing surface.
6. The ice taking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bearing surface is provided with a guide portion protruding in a direction away from the bottom surface, and the guide portion is inclined relative to the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity.
7. The ice taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cover body, which is connected to the cylinder body and has a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity covers a portion of the conveying screw exposed outside the ice outlet channel.
8. The ice taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving member is provided with a pipeline, and the pipeline is located on the outer side of the receiving member away from the transfer channel.
9. The ice taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying screw is arranged to be inclined relative to the direction from the center to the edge of the inner cavity, and an acute angle is formed between the axis of the conveying screw and the axis of the barrel.
10. An ice maker, comprising an ice-making device, characterized in that, It also includes the ice taking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ice outlet of the ice making device is connected to the inner cavity of the cylinder of the ice taking device.