Ice maker, ice making system and water dispenser

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice maker, an ice making system and a water dispenser, and relates to the technical field of household appliances, an ice making module is arranged in a water tank, the ice making module comprises an ice making box and an ice making piece, the ice making box is provided with an ice making groove, water is supplied into the ice making groove through a water pump assembly, the ice making piece can make ice blocks in the ice making groove, and the ice blocks are stored in the water tank; when white opaque ice blocks are needed, water injection is stopped after the water level in the ice making groove reaches the preset water level, the ice making piece can rapidly make the white opaque ice blocks in the ice making groove, and when transparent ice blocks are needed, the water pump assembly continuously injects water into the ice making groove in the ice making period of the ice making piece, so that water in the ice making groove is in a flowing state; according to the ice maker, bubbles in water are taken away by flowing water, formed ice blocks are transparent due to few bubbles, and transparent ice is higher in density, more resistant to melting and more attractive, so that the ice maker not only can provide white opaque ice blocks, but also can provide transparent ice blocks, and can meet the multi-purpose requirements of people for the ice blocks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an ice maker, an ice making system and a water dispenser. Background Art

[0002] Currently, ice cubes produced by small ice machines are generally white, opaque, and relatively loose in texture, making them easy to melt. This characteristic is particularly useful in applications where rapid cooling is required and aesthetics are less critical, such as in smoothies, salad garnishes, or ice tray displays, effectively enhancing the product's visual appeal and overall enjoyment.

[0003] However, for occasions where the purity and taste of beverages are paramount, such as high-end wine tastings and sophisticated cocktail preparations, ice produced by traditional small ice makers is not suitable. These scenarios place even higher demands on ice. Not only does it need to be highly transparent to showcase the true color of the beverage, but it also requires high density and melting resistance to ensure the ice retains its integrity over time, preventing it from melting too quickly and causing the beverage to warm up or change its flavor. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide an ice maker, an ice making system, and a water dispenser, which can solve the technical problem that the ice cubes produced by the ice maker have a limited application range.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an ice maker, which includes a water tank, an ice-making module and a water pump assembly, wherein the water tank has a water storage chamber, the ice-making module is arranged in the water tank, the ice-making module includes an ice-making box and an ice-making component, the ice-making box has an ice-making groove, the ice-making component is used to make ice cubes in the ice-making groove, the water pump assembly is connected to the water storage chamber, and the water pump assembly is used to pump water in the water storage chamber into the ice-making groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the ice-making component includes an ice-making body and a plurality of ice-making fingers connected to the ice-making body, and the ice-making fingers extend into the ice-making groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the water pump assembly includes a water pump and a water sprinkling component, the water sprinkling component includes a connecting pipe and a flow guide connected to the connecting pipe, the connecting pipe is connected to the water outlet of the water pump, and the flow guide is connected to the connecting pipe, the flow guide is provided with a plurality of water outlets at intervals, and the water outlets are used to supply water to the ice making trough.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flow guide is provided with a clamping portion, the clamping portion is used to clamp the ice-making element, and the water outlet is arranged toward the ice-making element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ice-making component includes an ice-making body and a plurality of ice-making fingers connected to the ice-making body, and one water outlet is correspondingly provided to one ice-making finger.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flow guide and the ice-making body extend in the same direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ice-making module further includes an ice receiving box, which is located below the ice-making element and has an ice receiving groove for receiving ice cubes.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ice making box is located in the ice receiving groove and is movably connected to the ice receiving box.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ice-making module further includes a first driving member, which is connected to the ice receiving box and is in transmission connection with the ice-making box. The first driving member is used to drive the ice-making box to rotate relative to the ice receiving box so that the ice cubes in the ice-making member fall into the ice receiving groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, an ice scraper is provided on the periphery of the ice making box, and the first driving member is used to drive the ice making box to rotate the ice scraper to drive the ice scraper to discharge the ice cubes in the ice receiving trough.

[0015] In some embodiments, a drainage port is provided on the bottom wall of the ice receiving trough and passes through the inner and outer sides of the ice receiving box.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ice-making module further includes a fixing member, which is mounted on the ice receiving box, and the fixing member and the ice receiving box clamp the ice-making member.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a partition, which is disposed inside the water tank and connected to the ice receiving box. The inner wall of the water tank, the partition, and the outer wall of the ice receiving box together define an ice storage cavity, and the ice storage cavity is connected to the ice receiving trough.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first ice outlet is provided on a side wall of the water tank, and the first ice outlet is communicated with the ice storage cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes an ice discharging module, which is disposed in the water tank and communicated with the ice storage cavity, and is used to discharge ice cubes in the ice storage cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the ice discharging module includes:

[0021] an ice outlet shell, the ice outlet shell being arranged on the water tank, the ice outlet shell having an ice inlet and a second ice outlet communicating with each other, the ice inlet being communicated with the ice storage cavity;

[0022] an ice-discharging screw rod, wherein the ice-discharging screw rod is disposed in the ice storage cavity, and one end of the ice-discharging screw rod extends to the ice inlet;

[0023] The second driving member is arranged on the ice outlet shell and is connected to the ice outlet screw for driving the ice outlet screw to rotate, so as to drive the ice cubes to enter the ice outlet shell from the ice outlet and be discharged from the second ice outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ice outlet shell includes a first shell and a second shell connected to the first shell, the first shell and the second shell jointly define an ice holding cavity, the ice holding cavity is communicated with the ice inlet and the second ice outlet, the first shell and the second shell further define the ice inlet, and the second shell has the second ice outlet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ice discharge module further includes an ice discharge door, which is movably installed in the ice discharge shell and is used to open or close the ice inlet.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ice discharging module further comprises:

[0027] a guide member, the guide member being arranged in the ice outlet shell;

[0028] a locking member, the locking member being movably connected to the guide member and being in transmission connection with the second driving member, the second driving member being used to drive the locking member to move along the guide member to a locked position or an unlocked position;

[0029] Wherein, when the locking member is located at the locking position, the locking member is locked with the ice outlet door, and when the locking member is located at the unlocking position, the locking member is unlocked from the ice outlet door.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ice outlet module further includes an ice outlet sleeve, which is arranged on the peripheral side of the second ice outlet, and the ice outlet sleeve is provided with a plurality of soft strips, which extend to the second ice outlet.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes an ice full sensor disposed in the ice storage cavity.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a drainage component, which is disposed in the water tank and communicates with the water tank.

[0033] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an ice making system, comprising a piping assembly and an ice maker as described above, wherein the piping assembly is connected to the ice making element and is used to provide refrigerant to the ice making element.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ice-making system includes a compressor, a solenoid valve, a condenser, a filter, a capillary tube and the ice-making component, which are sequentially connected through the piping assembly, and the ice-making component is also connected to the compressor and the solenoid valve; when the ice-making system makes ice, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the solenoid valve, the condenser, the filter, the capillary tube and the ice-making component in sequence, and returns to the compressor; when the ice-making system defrosts ice, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the solenoid valve and the ice-making component in sequence, and returns to the compressor.

[0035] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a water dispenser, comprising a body and the ice-making system as described above, wherein the ice-making system is arranged on the body.

[0036] The ice maker, ice making system, and water dispenser according to the embodiments of the present application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0037] An ice-making module is arranged in the water tank, and the ice-making module includes an ice-making box and an ice-making component. The ice-making box is located in the upper half of the water tank and has an ice-making groove. The water in the water storage chamber of the water tank is sucked into the ice-making groove by the water pump assembly, so that the ice-making component can make ice cubes in the ice-making groove, and the ice maker can have two working modes. When ice cubes need to be made quickly and the appearance of the ice cubes is not required to be high, the ice maker can adopt the first working mode. The water pump assembly injects water into the ice-making groove, and the injection of water is stopped after the water level in the ice-making groove reaches the preset water level. The ice-making component can quickly make ice cubes in the ice-making groove. White opaque ice cubes. When the ice cubes are required to have a higher density and melting resistance, the ice maker can adopt the second working mode. The water pump assembly continuously injects water into the ice-making trough during the ice-making period of the ice-making element, so that the water in the ice-making trough is in a flowing state. When the water freezes on the surface of the ice-making element, the bubbles in the water are carried away by the flowing water. The formed ice cubes are transparent because they contain no bubbles or few bubbles. Transparent ice has a higher density, is more resistant to melting and more beautiful. Therefore, the ice maker can provide both white opaque ice cubes and colorless transparent ice cubes, which can meet people's multi-purpose needs for ice cubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water path structure of an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 3 An exploded view of an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice-making module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5 An exploded view of the ice-making module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice dispensing module provided in an embodiment of the present application from a first viewing angle;

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice dispensing module provided in an embodiment of the present application from a second perspective;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a first exploded view of the ice dispensing module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 9 A second exploded view of the ice dispensing module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice-making system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a refrigerant circulation circuit of an ice-making system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a water dispenser provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the water dispenser provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Description of reference numerals:

[0053] 100, ice maker; 10, water tank; 11, box body; 12, cover; 13, seal; 101, ice storage chamber; 102, first ice outlet; 103, water storage chamber 103; 20, ice making module; 21, ice making box; 210, ice making trough; 22, ice making element; 221, ice making body; 222, ice making finger; 23, ice receiving box; 230, ice receiving trough; 231, drain outlet; 24, first driving element; 25, ice scraper; 26, fixing element; 30, water pump assembly; 31, water pump; 32, water spraying element; 321, connecting pipe; 322, guide body; 3220, water outlet; 3221, clamping part; 40, partition; 5 0. Ice discharging module; 51. Ice discharging shell; 511. First shell; 512. Second shell; 5101. Ice inlet; 5102. Second ice outlet; 5103. Ice holding chamber; 52. Ice discharging screw; 53. Second driving member; 54. Ice discharging door; 55. Guide member; 56. Locking member; 57. Ice discharging sleeve; 571. Soft strip; 60. Full ice sensor; 70. Drain component; 80. Water level sensor assembly; 81. Float; 82. Limiting member; 200. Ice making system; 201. Compressor; 202. Solenoid valve; 203. Condenser; 204. Filter; 205. Capillary tube; 300. Water dispenser; 301. Machine body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0055] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an ice maker 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application, the ice maker 100 can make ice cubes for people to use, and the ice maker 100 can include a water tank 10, an ice making module 20 and a water pump assembly 30.

[0056] Combine Figure 3The overall shape of the water tank 10 can be a long strip, a cube, a cylinder or other shapes. The present application does not impose any specific restrictions on the shape of the water tank 10. The water tank 10 includes a box body 11 and a cover plate 12. The cover plate 12 is arranged at the opening at the top of the box body 11, and a seal 13 is provided between the cover plate 12 and the box body 11. The box body 11 has a water storage chamber 103 inside. The water storage chamber 103 can be used to store the water required for ice making. The ice making module 20 can be arranged in the water tank. 10, and the ice-making module 20 is located above the water storage chamber 103, the ice-making module 20 can include an ice-making box 21 and an ice-making element 22, the ice-making box 21 can have an ice-making groove 210, the notch of the ice-making groove 210 is set upward, or it can be said that the notch of the ice-making groove 210 is set toward the side away from the water storage chamber 103, at least a part of the ice-making element 22 is set in the ice-making groove 210, so that the ice-making element 22 can make ice cubes in the ice-making groove 210.

[0057] The water pump assembly 30 is able to communicate with the water storage chamber 103 and pump water from the water storage chamber 103 into the ice making trough 210. The water pump assembly 30 has a water suction hole and a water outlet hole. The water suction hole of the water pump assembly 30 is able to communicate with the water storage chamber 103, and the water outlet hole of the water pump assembly 30 is able to supply water to the ice making trough 210. In this embodiment, the water suction hole of the water pump assembly 30 is able to communicate with the water storage chamber 103, so that the water pump assembly 30 can circulate water in the water storage chamber 103 and the ice making trough 210.

[0058] The ice maker 100 can have two operating modes. When the ice maker 100 is in the first operating mode, the water pump assembly 30 can inject water into the ice making groove 210 and stop injecting water when the water level in the ice making groove 210 reaches a preset level. When the ice maker 100 is in the second operating mode, the water pump assembly 30 is used to continuously inject water into the ice making groove 210 while the ice making element 22 is making ice. It should be noted that the complete ice making process of the ice maker 100 generally includes an ice making period and an ice shedding period. When the ice maker 100 is in the ice making period, the ice making element 22 produces ice cubes in the ice making groove 210, and water condenses on the ice making element 22 to form ice cubes. The ice maker 100 can produce different ice cubes in the two different operating modes to meet different user needs.

[0059] Specifically, when people need to make ice cubes quickly and do not have high requirements on the appearance of the ice cubes, the ice maker 100 can adopt the first working mode, that is, the water pump assembly 30 injects water into the ice making groove 210, and the injection of water is stopped after the water level in the ice making groove 210 reaches the preset water level. It should be noted that the preset water level may refer to the water level when the ice making groove 210 is filled with water, or it may refer to the water level when the ice making part 22 is completely immersed, or it may refer to the water level when the ice making part 22 is partially immersed. During the ice making process, the water in the ice making groove 210 is in a static state, so that the ice making part 22 can quickly produce white opaque ice cubes in the ice making groove 210, meeting people's needs for quickly making ice cubes.

[0060] When people require ice cubes with higher density and melting resistance, the ice maker 100 can adopt the second working mode, that is, the water pump assembly 30 continuously injects water into the ice-making groove 210 during the ice-making period of the ice-making element 22, so that the water in the ice-making groove 210 is in a flowing state. When the water freezes on the surface of the ice-making element 22, the bubbles in the water are carried away by the flowing water, and the formed ice cubes are transparent because they contain no bubbles or few bubbles. Compared with white opaque ice cubes, transparent ice has higher density, is more resistant to melting and more beautiful. Therefore, the ice maker 100 can provide both white opaque ice cubes and colorless transparent ice cubes, which can meet people's multi-purpose needs for ice cubes.

[0061] Furthermore, during ice making, the water in the ice making trough 210 can be kept full, thereby ensuring that the water level remains at a constant height. This results in smoother end surfaces for the resulting ice cubes, more uniform shapes for each ice cube, and improved ice consistency. It should also be noted that compared to circulating the water solely within the ice making trough 210, which results in a smaller flow range and poorer fluidity, and a large number of bubbles in the water constantly remaining within the ice making trough 210, in the present application, the water circulates between the ice making trough 210 and the water storage chamber 103, providing a larger flow range and enhancing fluidity. Furthermore, the water storage chamber 103 has a larger volume than the ice making trough 210, allowing more bubbles in the water to be distributed within the water storage chamber 103. This reduces or even eliminates bubbles in the water within the ice making trough 210, further improving the transparency and quality of the ice cubes.

[0062] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ice-making element 22 may include an ice-making body 221 and a plurality of ice-making fingers 222 connected to the ice-making body 221 . The ice-making fingers 222 may extend into the ice-making groove 210 , so that the ice-making fingers 222 may make ice cubes in the ice-making groove 210 .

[0063] Optionally, the ice-making element 22 can be an ice-making evaporator, and the refrigerant in the ice-making evaporator can evaporate in the ice-making element 22, so that the temperature of the ice-making element 22 decreases. When the surface temperature of the ice-making element 22 drops below 0°C, water forms ice cubes on the surface of the ice-making fingers 222.

[0064] After the refrigerant flows into the ice-making body 221, it can be divided into multiple ice-making fingers 222 in sequence. The evaporation of the refrigerant can reduce the temperature of the multiple ice-making fingers 222. When the surface temperature of the ice-making fingers 222 drops below 0°C, ice cubes can be formed on the surfaces of the multiple ice-making fingers 222, so that multiple ice cubes can be produced at a time, which can improve the efficiency of ice making.

[0065] Specifically, the ice-making body 221 can extend horizontally and be positioned above the ice-making tray 21. A plurality of ice-making fingers 222 can be sequentially spaced along the extension direction of the ice-making body 221. Each of the ice-making fingers 222 is vertically inserted into the ice-making groove 210, allowing water within the ice-making groove 210 to submerge the ice-making fingers 222, thereby facilitating ice formation on the surfaces of the ice-making fingers 222. In one embodiment, the ice-making fingers 222 can be bullet-shaped, thereby forming transparent bullet-shaped ice cubes. Alternatively, the ice-making fingers 222 can have other shapes, such as cylindrical or hemispherical, depending on actual needs.

[0066] See also Figures 3 to 5 In some embodiments, the water pump assembly 30 can include a water pump 31 and a water sprinkling component 32. The water pump 31 can have a water suction hole and a water outlet hole. The water suction hole of the water pump 31 can be connected to a water source, and the water outlet hole of the water pump 31 can be connected to the water sprinkling component 32. The water sprinkling component 32 can be arranged above the ice making box 21 and supply water to the ice making groove 210.

[0067] Optionally, the water sprinkling component 32 may include a connecting pipe 321 and a guide body 322. The connecting pipe 321 may be connected to the water outlet of the water pump 31, and the guide body 322 may be connected to the connecting pipe 321, so that the water pump 31 can pump water to the guide body 322 through the connecting pipe 321, and the guide body 322 is provided with a plurality of water outlets 3220 at intervals. Water can flow along the guide body 322 and flow from the plurality of water outlets 3220 into the ice-making trough 210. By providing the guide body 322, water can be guided to flow from the plurality of water outlets 3220 into the ice-making trough 210, which can facilitate water supply to the ice-making trough 210 and increase the disturbance of the water flow in the ice-making trough 210, so that when water freezes on the surface of the ice-making component 22, the water flow can take away more water cannons, so that the ice cubes produced will be more transparent.

[0068] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the flow guide 322 can be provided with a clamping portion 3221 , and the clamping portion 3221 can be used to clamp the ice-making element 22 , and the water outlet 3220 can be arranged toward the ice-making element 22 .

[0069] Optionally, the flow guide 322 can be provided with a plurality of clamping portions 3221 at intervals, and the plurality of clamping portions 3221 can be used to clamp the ice-making component 22, so that the ice-making component 22 is fixed below the flow guide 322, and the plurality of water outlets 3220 can be arranged toward the ice-making component 22, so that when water is supplied to the ice-making trough 210, water flowing out of the water outlet 3220 will flow toward the ice-making component 22, so that the water flow can flow along the surface of the ice-making component 22. During the ice-making period of the ice-making component 22, the water flow can drive the water bubbles on the surface of the ice-making component 22, so that the ice cubes produced will be more transparent.

[0070] Combine Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple water outlets 3220 can be respectively arranged corresponding to multiple ice-making fingers 222, so that water flowing out of one water outlet 3220 will flow to the surface of a corresponding ice-making finger 222, so that the guiding body 322 can guide the water flow to flow evenly to the multiple ice-making fingers 222, and the water bubbles on the surface of each ice-making finger 222 can be carried away by the water flow, so that the ice cubes produced by the multiple ice-making fingers 222 will be more transparent.

[0071] Optionally, the flow guide 322 can be extended in the same direction as the ice-making body 221, so that the multiple water outlets 3220 on the flow guide 322 can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple ice-making fingers 222 on the ice-making body 221, and the flow guide 322 can guide the water flow in the direction in which the ice-making body 221 extends, so that the water flow can flow evenly from the multiple water outlets 3220 to the multiple ice-making fingers 222.

[0072] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ice-making module 20 may further include an ice receiving tray 23. The ice receiving tray 23 may be located below the ice-making element 22 and may have an ice receiving chute 230 for receiving ice cubes. It should be noted that the opening of the ice receiving chute 230 is upwardly facing, or in other words, may be directed toward the ice-making element 22, so that ice cubes that fall off the ice-making element 22 can fall into the ice receiving chute 230. It should be noted that during ice making, the ice-making tray 21 is located between the ice-making element 22 and the ice receiving tray 23. Before the ice-making element 22 can remove ice, the ice-making tray 21 must be moved away so that it is no longer blocked between the ice-making element 22 and the ice receiving tray 23. Ice cubes that fall off the ice-making element 22 can fall directly into the ice receiving chute 230.

[0073] Optionally, the ice-making box 21 is located in the ice receiving chute 230, and the ice-making box 21 can be movably connected to the ice receiving box 23, so that before the ice-making element 22 removes ice, the ice-making box 21 can be moved to prevent the ice-making box 21 from being blocked between the ice-making element 22 and the ice receiving box 23, so that the ice cubes can fall directly into the ice receiving chute 230, making it convenient to collect the manufactured ice cubes.

[0074] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ice-making module 20 can further include a first driving member 24, which can be connected to the ice receiving box 23, and the first driving member 24 can be transmission-connected to the ice-making box 21, so that the first driving member 24 can drive the ice-making box 21 to rotate relative to the ice receiving box 23, and ice cubes falling off the ice-making member 22 can fall into the ice receiving groove 230.

[0075] Optionally, the first driving member 24 can be a motor or a rotary motor. The first driving member 24 can be installed on the outer wall of the ice receiving box 23, and the movable end of the first driving member 24 can extend into the ice receiving box 23 and be transmission-connected to the ice making box 21, so that the first driving member 24 can drive the ice making box 21 to rotate relative to the ice receiving box 23, and the ice making box 21 can pour water in the ice making groove 210 into the ice receiving box 23 during the rotation, and the ice making box 21 can rotate to an avoidance position. The avoidance position refers to a position where the ice making box 21 is no longer blocked between the ice making element 22 and the ice receiving box 23, so that ice cubes falling off the ice making element 22 can directly fall into the ice receiving groove 230, making it convenient for the ice receiving box 23 to collect ice cubes.

[0076] Optionally, the first driving member 24 can also drive the ice-making box 21 to rotate to the ice-making position. The ice-making position refers to the position where the ice-making box 21 is located between the ice-making member 22 and the ice receiving box 23. At this time, the ice-making member 22 extends into the ice-making groove 210 and can make ice cubes in the ice-making groove 210. That is to say, the first driving part can drive the ice-making box 21 to reciprocate between the ice-making position and the avoidance position.

[0077] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, an ice scraper 25 may be provided on the periphery of the ice box 21 , and the first driving member 24 may drive the ice box 21 to rotate the ice scraper 25 so that the ice scraper 25 may discharge the ice cubes in the ice receiving trough 230 .

[0078] Optionally, the ice scraper 25 can be extended in a direction away from the periphery of the ice box 21, and when the ice box 21 rotates to the avoidance position, the ice scraper 25 can be vertically arranged in the ice receiving groove 230, and when the ice box 21 rotates to the ice making position, the ice scraper 25 can be horizontally arranged in the ice receiving groove 230.

[0079] Specifically, after waiting for the ice-making component 22 to drop the manufactured ice cubes into the ice receiving chute 230, the first driving component 24 can drive the ice-making box 21 to rotate from the avoidance position to the ice-making position. During this process, the ice-making box 21 can drive the ice-shovel 25 to rotate, and the ice-shovel 25 can shovel the ice cubes in the ice receiving chute 230 out of the ice receiving chute 230, making it convenient for people to use the ice cubes.

[0080] Combine Figure 5 Optionally, a drain port 231 penetrating the inner and outer sides of the ice receiving box 23 can be provided on the bottom wall of the ice receiving chute 230, so that water flowing from the ice making box 21 into the ice receiving chute 230 can be discharged from the drain port 231, and the drain port 231 can be arranged toward the water storage chamber 103, so that the water in the ice receiving chute 230 can flow to the water storage chamber 103 through the drain port 231, so that the water can be recycled and waste can be prevented.

[0081] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ice-making module 20 can further include a fixing member 26 . The fixing member 26 can be installed on the ice receiving box 23 , and the fixing member 26 and the ice receiving box 23 can clamp the ice-making member 22 .

[0082] Optionally, one of the fixing member 26 and the ice receiving box 23 can be provided with a buckle, and the other of the fixing member 26 and the ice receiving box 23 can be provided with a slot, so that the fixing member 26 can be snapped onto the ice receiving box 23, and the fixing member 26 and the ice receiving box 23 can jointly define a clamping cavity, and the ice-making element 22 can be arranged in the clamping cavity, so that the fixing member 26 and the ice receiving box 23 can clamp and fix the ice-making element 22, thereby making it very convenient to fix the ice-making element 22 to the ice receiving box 23.

[0083] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 can further include a partition 40, which can be disposed inside the water tank 10 and connected to the ice receiving box 23. The inner wall of the water tank 10, the partition 40, and the outer wall of the ice receiving box 23 can together define an ice storage chamber 101, and the ice storage chamber 101 can be connected to the ice receiving trough 230.

[0084] Optionally, the partition 40 can be horizontally arranged inside the water tank 10, and the partition 40 can divide the interior of the water tank 10 into two parts, the lower part of the partition 40 is the water storage chamber 103, and the upper part of the partition 40 is the space for accommodating the ice-making module 20. The partition 40 can be connected to the ice receiving box 23, so that the partition 40, the outer wall surface of the ice receiving box 23 and the inner wall surface of the water tank 10 can together define the ice storage chamber 101, and the ice storage chamber 101 is also connected to the ice receiving trough 230, so that the ice shovel 25 can discharge the ice cubes in the ice receiving trough 230 into the ice storage chamber 101, and the ice storage chamber 101 can be used to store ice cubes.

[0085] Optionally, a first ice outlet 102 can be provided on the side wall of the water tank 10, and the first ice outlet 102 can be connected to the ice storage chamber 101, and the ice cubes stored in the ice storage chamber 101 can be discharged from the first ice outlet 102, making it convenient for people to take the ice cubes.

[0086] See also Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 can further include an ice discharging module 50 . The ice discharging module 50 can be disposed in the water tank 10 , and the ice discharging module 50 can be connected to the ice storage chamber 101 . The ice discharging module 50 can be used to discharge ice cubes in the ice storage chamber 101 .

[0087] Optionally, the ice discharging module 50 can be arranged at the first ice outlet 102, and the ice discharging module 50 can be connected to the ice storage chamber 101 through the first ice outlet 102, so that the ice discharging module 50 can automatically discharge the ice cubes in the ice storage chamber 101 through the first ice outlet 102, further facilitating people to take ice cubes.

[0088] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the ice discharging module 50 may include an ice discharging shell 51 , an ice discharging screw 52 and a second driving member 53 .

[0089] Optionally, the ice outlet shell 51 can be set on the outer wall of the water tank 10, and the ice outlet shell 51 can have an ice inlet 5101 and a second ice outlet 5102 that are connected to each other. The ice inlet 5101 can be set opposite to the first ice outlet 102, so that the ice inlet 5101 is connected to the ice storage chamber 101.

[0090] The ice-discharging screw 52 is a spiral feed screw that can be disposed transversely within the ice storage chamber 101, with one end of the ice-discharging screw 52 extending to the ice inlet 5101. A second driving member 53 can be disposed within the ice-discharging housing 51 and in transmission communication with the ice-discharging screw 52. The second driving member 53 is configured to rotate the ice-discharging screw 52, causing the ice-discharging screw 52 to rotate, thereby driving ice cubes from the ice outlet into the ice-discharging housing 51. The ice cubes are then discharged from the second ice outlet 5102 for consumption, achieving automatic ice discharging and providing a very convenient experience.

[0091] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the ice outlet shell 51 can include a first shell 511 and a second shell 512. The first shell 511 and the second shell 512 can be connected and define an ice storage cavity 5103. The ice storage cavity 5103 can be connected to the ice inlet 5101 and the second ice outlet 5102.

[0092] Optionally, the first shell 511 is located above the second shell 512, and the first shell 511 and the second shell 512 can jointly define the ice inlet and outlet 5101, and the second shell 512 can have a second ice outlet 5102, so that the second ice outlet 5102 can be set below the ice inlet 5101, and the second ice outlet 5102 is also set downward. The second shell 512 has a guiding slope connecting the ice inlet 5101 and the second ice outlet 5102. When the ice cubes are sent from the ice inlet 5101 into the ice holding chamber 5103 by the ice-discharging screw 52, the ice cubes can move along the guiding slope to the second ice outlet 5102 under the action of their own gravity, so that the ice cubes can be easily discharged from the second ice outlet 5102, and the ice-discharging process is very smooth.

[0093] See also Figures 7 to 9 In some embodiments, the ice discharging module 50 can further include an ice discharging door 54 , which can be movably installed in the ice discharging shell 51 , and can be used to open or close the ice inlet 5101 .

[0094] Optionally, the ice discharging door 54 can be rotatably installed in the ice discharging shell 51, and the ice inlet 5101 can be opened or closed by rotating the ice discharging door 54. During the ice making process, the ice discharging door 54 can close the ice inlet 5101 to prevent ice cubes falling into the ice storage chamber 101 from being discharged from the ice inlet 5101. When ice cubes are needed, the rotating ice discharging screw 52 can transport the ice cubes to the ice inlet 5101, and under the squeezing action of the ice cubes, the ice cubes can open the ice discharging door 54, so that the ice cubes can enter the ice storage chamber 5103 from the ice inlet 5101. At the same time, the provision of the ice discharging door 54 can also prevent dust from entering the ice storage chamber 101.

[0095] See also Figures 7 to 9 In some embodiments, the ice discharging module 50 can further include a guide member 55 and a locking member 56. The guide member 55 can be arranged in the ice discharging shell 51. The locking member 56 can be movably connected to the guide member 55, and the locking member 56 can be transmission-connected to the second driving member 53. The second driving member 53 can be used to drive the locking member 56 to move along the guide member 55 to a locked position or an unlocked position.

[0096] Optionally, the guide member 55 can be vertically arranged in the ice discharge shell 51, and the guide member 55 is located above the ice discharge door 54, and the locking member 56 can be slidably installed on the guide member 55 vertically, so that the locking member 56 can slide up and down along the guide member 55, and a rack structure can also be provided on the locking member 56, and the movable end of the second driving member 53 can engage with the rack structure on the locking member 56, so that the second driving member 53 can drive the locking member 56 to slide up and down along the guide member 55. It can also be said that the second driving member 53 can drive the locking member 56 to move along the guide member 55 to a locked position or an unlocked position.

[0097] When the second driving member 53 drives the locking member 56 to move downward along the guide member 55 to the locked position, the locking member 56 can move downward to the side of the ice discharging door 54 facing away from the ice inlet 5101, thereby locking the locking member 56 with the ice discharging door 54, allowing the ice discharging door 54 to close the ice inlet 5101. More clearly, when the locking member 56 is located on the side of the ice discharging door 54 facing away from the ice inlet 5101, if ice cubes press the ice discharging door 54 toward the interior of the ice discharging housing 51, the locking member 56 abuts against the side of the ice discharging door 54, preventing the ice discharging door 54 from rotating toward the interior of the ice discharging housing 51, i.e., preventing the ice discharging door 54 from opening, and thus preventing the ice cubes from entering the ice discharging housing 51.

[0098] When the second driving member 53 drives the locking member 56 to move upward along the guide member 55 to the unlocked position, the locking member 56 can move upward away from the ice discharging door 54, thereby releasing the locking member 56 from the ice discharging door 54 and allowing the ice discharging door 54 to open the ice inlet 5101. More specifically, when the locking member 56 is located above the ice discharging door 54, if ice cubes press the ice discharging door 54 toward the inside of the ice discharging housing 51, since there is no obstruction on the side of the ice discharging door 54, the ice discharging door 54 can rotate toward the inside of the ice discharging housing 51, thus opening the ice discharging door 54 and allowing the ice cubes to enter the ice discharging housing 51 through the ice inlet 5101.

[0099] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the ice outlet module 50 can further include an ice outlet sleeve 57, which can be arranged on the peripheral side of the second ice outlet 5102, and the ice outlet sleeve 57 can be provided with a plurality of soft strips 571, which can extend to the second ice outlet 5102.

[0100] Optionally, the ice discharging sleeve 57 can be made of a soft material, such as rubber or plastic, to provide a certain degree of elasticity, making it easier to fit the ice discharging sleeve 57 around the second ice outlet 5102. The ice discharging sleeve 57 can also be provided with a plurality of soft bars 571 extending to the second ice outlet 5102. When ice cubes move to the second ice outlet 5102, the ice cubes, under the action of their own gravity, can press against the soft bars 571 and be discharged from the second ice outlet 5102, thereby reducing the speed of the ice cubes and the sound of the ice cubes falling. Furthermore, the provision of the soft bars 571 can prevent insects, dust, debris, and other debris from entering the ice discharging housing 51 through the second ice outlet 5102.

[0101] See also Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 can further include a full ice sensor 60. The full ice sensor 60 can be disposed in the ice storage chamber 101. The full ice sensor 60 can be an infrared sensor. When the ice cubes in the ice storage chamber 101 are stored to a preset height, the full ice sensor 60 can detect it and send a signal.

[0102] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice maker 100 can further include a water level sensor assembly 80 disposed in the water storage chamber 103. The water level sensor assembly 80 can include a float 81 and a stopper 82. The stopper 82 is vertically disposed and connected to the water tank 10. The float 81 is serially connected to the stopper 82 and can slide along the stopper 82. The float 81 can float up and down with the water in the water storage chamber 103. When the water level in the water storage chamber 103 rises to a first set height, the float 81 floats to a first preset position, reminding the user to stop filling the water. When the water level in the water storage chamber 103 drops to a second set height, the float 81 drops to a second preset position, reminding the user to add water to the water storage chamber 103. The specific positions of the first set height, the second set height, the first preset position, and the second preset position can be selected according to actual needs.

[0103] See also Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 can further include a drainage component 70 . The drainage component 70 can be disposed on the water tank 10 and can be in communication with the water tank 10 , so that the drainage component 70 can drain the water inside the water tank 10 .

[0104] Optionally, the water in the water tank 10 is pure drinkable water, and the cold water in the ice making process will circulate into the water tank 10, so that the water stored in the water tank 10 will gradually become cold water, so that the drainage component 70 can provide cold water to the user.

[0105] In the second aspect, based on the above-mentioned ice maker 100, the present application also provides an ice making system 200, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 The ice-making system 200 may include a piping assembly and an ice maker 100 as described in any one of the above embodiments. The piping assembly may be connected to the ice-making element 22 of the ice maker 100, so that the ice-making system 200 may provide refrigerant to the ice-making element 22, so that the ice-making element 22 may make ice cubes.

[0106] Optionally, the ice-making system 200 can include a compressor 201 , a solenoid valve 202 , a condenser 203 , a filter 204 , a capillary tube 205 and an ice-making element 22 that are sequentially connected through a piping assembly, and the ice-making element 22 can also be connected to the compressor 201 and the solenoid valve 202 .

[0107] When the ice-making system 200 is making ice, the solenoid valve 202 can connect the compressor 201 and the condenser 203, so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 201 can flow through the solenoid valve 202, the condenser 203, the filter 204, the capillary tube 205 and the ice-making element 22 in sequence, and return to the compressor 201 to form a refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant can evaporate in the ice-making element 22, so that the surface temperature of the ice-making element 22 is reduced. When the surface temperature of the ice-making element 22 drops below 0°C, water can freeze on the surface of the ice-making element 22. When the ice layer on the surface of the ice-making element 22 reaches a certain thickness, it means that the ice cubes have been made and the ice cubes can be fallen off the ice-making element 22.

[0108] When the ice-making system 200 is defrosting, the solenoid valve 202 is switched, and the solenoid valve 202 can directly connect the compressor 201 with the ice-making component 22. The high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 201 can directly enter the ice-making component 22 through the solenoid valve 202, so that the surface temperature of the ice-making component 22 rises rapidly, and the contact surface between the ice cubes and the ice-making component 22 melts, and the ice cubes fall off from the ice-making component 22 under the action of gravity. After a certain period of time, all the ice cubes on the ice-making component 22 fall off, and the solenoid valve 202 is switched again. At this time, the defrosting time period ends, and a complete ice-making cycle also ends, and then a new ice-making cycle starts.

[0109] In the third aspect, based on the above-mentioned ice making system 200, the present application also provides a water dispenser 300, please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The water dispenser 300 includes a body 301 and an ice-making system 200 as described in any one of the above embodiments. The ice-making system 200 can be arranged on the body 301, so that users can obtain ice cubes and ice water more conveniently.

[0110] The beneficial effects of the water dispenser 300 in the present application are the same as those of the ice maker 100 in the present application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0111] The same or similar numbers in the drawings of this embodiment correspond to the same or similar parts; in the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicate an orientation or position relationship, they are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing the position relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as a limitation on this patent. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0112] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that: include: a water tank having a water storage chamber; An ice-making module is disposed in the water tank, the ice-making module comprising an ice-making box and an ice-making component, the ice-making box having an ice-making groove, and the ice-making component is used to make ice cubes in the ice-making groove; A water pump assembly is connected to the water storage chamber and is used to pump water in the water storage chamber into the ice making groove.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that The ice-making component includes an ice-making body and a plurality of ice-making fingers connected to the ice-making body, and the ice-making fingers extend into the ice-making groove.

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The water pump assembly comprises: water pumps; A water sprinkling component includes a connecting pipe and a guide body connected to the connecting pipe, the connecting pipe is connected to the water outlet of the water pump, and the guide body is connected to the connecting pipe, and the guide body is provided with a plurality of water outlets at intervals, and the water outlets are used to supply water to the ice making trough.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that The flow guide is provided with a clamping portion, the clamping portion is used to clamp the ice-making component, and the water outlet is arranged toward the ice-making component.

5. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that The ice-making component includes an ice-making body and a plurality of ice-making fingers connected to the ice-making body, and one of the water outlets is correspondingly arranged to one of the ice-making fingers.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that The guide body and the ice-making body extend in the same direction.

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The ice-making module further includes an ice receiving box, which is located below the ice-making component and has an ice receiving groove for receiving ice cubes.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that The ice making box is located in the ice receiving groove and is movably connected to the ice receiving box.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that The ice making module also includes: The first driving member is connected to the ice receiving box and is in transmission connection with the ice making box. The first driving member is used to drive the ice making box to rotate relative to the ice receiving box so that the ice cubes in the ice making member fall into the ice receiving trough.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that An ice scraper is provided on the periphery of the ice making box, and the first driving member is used to drive the ice making box to drive the ice scraper to rotate, so as to drive the ice scraper to discharge the ice cubes in the ice receiving trough.

11. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein: The bottom wall of the ice receiving trough is provided with a drainage port which passes through the inner and outer side surfaces of the ice receiving box.

12. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein: The ice-making module further includes a fixing member installed on the ice receiving box, and the fixing member and the ice receiving box clamp the ice-making member.

13. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein: The ice maker further includes a partition, which is arranged inside the water tank and connected to the ice receiving box. The inner wall of the water tank, the partition and the outer wall of the ice receiving box together define an ice storage cavity, and the ice storage cavity is communicated with the ice receiving trough.

14. The ice maker according to claim 13, wherein A first ice outlet is provided on the side wall of the water tank, and the first ice outlet is communicated with the ice storage cavity.

15. The ice maker according to claim 13, wherein The ice maker further includes an ice discharging module, which is arranged in the water tank and communicated with the ice storage cavity. The ice discharging module is used to discharge ice cubes in the ice storage cavity.

16. The ice maker according to claim 15, wherein The ice discharging module comprises: an ice outlet shell, the ice outlet shell being arranged on the water tank, the ice outlet shell having an ice inlet and a second ice outlet communicating with each other, the ice inlet being communicated with the ice storage cavity; an ice-discharging screw rod, wherein the ice-discharging screw rod is disposed in the ice storage cavity, and one end of the ice-discharging screw rod extends to the ice inlet; The second driving member is arranged on the ice outlet shell and is connected to the ice outlet screw for driving the ice outlet screw to rotate, so as to drive the ice cubes to enter the ice outlet shell from the ice outlet and be discharged from the second ice outlet.

17. The ice maker according to claim 16, wherein The ice outlet shell includes a first shell and a second shell connected to the first shell. The first shell and the second shell jointly define an ice storage cavity. The ice storage cavity is communicated with the ice inlet and the second ice outlet. The first shell and the second shell also define the ice inlet. The second shell has the second ice outlet.

18. The ice maker according to claim 16, wherein The ice discharging module further comprises: An ice outlet door is movably installed in the ice outlet shell and is used to open or close the ice inlet.

19. The ice maker according to claim 18, wherein The ice discharging module further comprises: a guide member, the guide member being arranged in the ice outlet shell; a locking member, the locking member being movably connected to the guide member and being in transmission connection with the second driving member, the second driving member being used to drive the locking member to move along the guide member to a locked position or an unlocked position; Wherein, when the locking member is located at the locking position, the locking member is locked with the ice outlet door, and when the locking member is located at the unlocking position, the locking member is unlocked from the ice outlet door.

20. The ice maker according to claim 16, wherein The ice discharging module further comprises: An ice outlet sleeve is arranged on the peripheral side of the second ice outlet, and the ice outlet sleeve is provided with a plurality of soft bars, and the soft bars extend to the second ice outlet.

21. The ice maker according to claim 13, wherein The ice maker further includes a full ice sensor, which is arranged in the ice storage cavity.

22. The ice maker according to claim 1, wherein The ice maker further includes a drainage component, which is disposed on the water tank and communicates with the water tank.

23. An ice making system, characterized in that: The ice maker comprises a piping assembly and the ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the piping assembly is communicated with the ice-making element and is used to provide refrigerant to the ice-making element.

24. The ice making system according to claim 23, wherein: The ice-making system includes a compressor, a solenoid valve, a condenser, a filter, a capillary tube, and the ice-making element, which are sequentially connected through the piping assembly, and the ice-making element is also connected to the compressor and the solenoid valve; When the ice-making system makes ice, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the solenoid valve, the condenser, the filter, the capillary tube and the ice-making element in sequence, and returns to the compressor; When the ice-making system is de-icing, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the solenoid valve and the ice-making element in sequence and returns to the compressor.

25. A water dispenser, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a machine body and an ice-making system according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the ice-making system is arranged on the machine body.

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