Refrigerator

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a refrigerator, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration equipment. When an ice maker of the refrigerator is used for removing ice blocks of the sixth specification, a first ice outlet is in an open state, and a second partition piece is inserted into a first ice cube tray so as to push the ice blocks of the sixth specification to be removed from the first ice outlet; when the ice maker makes ice in a seventh ice making mode, the first ice outlet is in a closed state, the water injection pipe injects water into at least one first ice cube tray in the communicated first ice cube trays, and water in the first ice cube tray flows into other first ice cube trays communicated with the first ice cube tray; a second separator is inserted into the first ice cube tray, so that water in the first ice cube tray is separated into a plurality of second ice cube trays, and the water in the second ice cube trays is condensed into ice cubes of the seventh specification; and when the ice blocks of the seventh specification are deiced, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the second partition piece moves towards the ice making disc so as to push the ice blocks of the seventh specification to be deiced from the first ice outlet. The refrigerator can simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to a patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 29, 2024, with application number 202411379329.3 and application name “Refrigerator,” all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] In order to meet the ice needs of users, refrigerators are usually equipped with an ice maker for making ice.

[0004] In the prior art, an ice maker typically includes an ice tray and a water injection pipe. The ice tray is equipped with multiple ice compartments. The bottom of the ice tray is provided with an openable or closable ice outlet, which is connected to the ice compartments. The water injection pipe is used to inject water into the ice compartments. During ice making, the ice outlet is closed, and the water injection pipe injects water into the ice compartments. The water in the ice compartments condenses into ice cubes due to the cold. The ice maker also includes an ice-removing device for removing ice. During ice removal, the ice outlet is open, and the ice-removing device pushes the ice cubes in the ice compartments, causing them to escape through the ice outlet.

[0005] However, the refrigerator equipped with the ice maker in the related art has a technical problem of complex mechanical structure. Utility Model Content

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of poor consistency in ice volume in refrigerators equipped with ice makers in the related art.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] A box body having a refrigeration compartment;

[0009] A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0010] A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box and is used to provide cooling for the refrigeration compartment;

[0011] An ice maker, which is installed on the box or the door and is used to make ice; the ice maker includes:

[0012] An ice tray is constructed with a water tank for holding water, and a first ice outlet is provided at the bottom of the ice tray, which is connected to the water tank and can be selectively opened or closed;

[0013] A water injection pipe, used for injecting water into the water tank;

[0014] a first partition disposed in the water tank to divide the water tank into a plurality of first ice-making trays, wherein the bottoms or lower portions of at least two of the plurality of first ice-making trays are connected;

[0015] a second partition configured to be selectively inserted into the first ice making tray to divide the first ice making tray into a plurality of second ice making trays;

[0016] When the ice maker operates in the sixth ice-making mode, the first ice outlet is closed, the water injection pipe injects water into at least one of the first ice-making compartments that are connected to each other, and the water in the first ice-making compartment flows into the other first ice-making compartments that are connected to the first ice-making compartments. The water in the first ice-making compartments is cooled and condensed into ice cubes of the sixth size.

[0017] When deicing the ice cubes of the sixth specification, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the second partition is inserted into the first ice making tray to push the ice cubes of the sixth specification to be deiced from the first ice outlet;

[0018] When the ice maker is making ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the first ice outlet is closed, the water injection pipe injects water into at least one of the first ice-making compartments that are connected to each other, and the water in the first ice-making compartment flows into the other first ice-making compartments that are connected to it; the second partition is inserted into the first ice-making compartment to separate the water in the first ice-making compartment into the plurality of second ice-making compartments, and the water in the second ice-making compartments is condensed into ice cubes of the seventh size due to cooling;

[0019] When deicing the ice cubes of the seventh specification, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the second partition moves toward the ice tray to push the ice cubes of the seventh specification to be deiced from the first ice outlet.

[0020] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application can use the second partition to make ice cubes of the seventh specification, and can also use the second partition to defrost ice cubes of the sixth specification and the seventh specification, thereby realizing functional reuse of the second partition and eliminating the need for an additional defrosting device. This is beneficial to simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker, thereby improving the convenience of assembling or maintaining the ice maker.

[0021] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the water tank includes two first tank side walls and two second tank side walls arranged vertically; the two first tank side walls extend along the first direction and are opposite and spaced apart in the second direction; the two second tank side walls extend along the second direction and extend in the first direction, and the two second tank side walls are connected to the two first tank side walls; wherein the first direction intersects with the vertical direction; the second direction intersects with the vertical direction and intersects with the first direction.

[0022] With this arrangement, the two first groove side walls and the two second groove side walls can form the water tank into a stable prism shape. The prism shape has good mechanical strength and stability, which is beneficial to preventing the water tank from deforming or breaking during use, and is beneficial to improving the structural reliability of the ice making tray.

[0023] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first partition includes a first partition plate and a second partition plate; the first partition plate extends along the first direction; the second partition plate extends along the second direction, and the second partition plate is arranged crosswise with the first partition plate to divide the water tank into a plurality of the first ice-making trays arranged in an array.

[0024] This arrangement improves the compactness of the arrangement of the multiple first ice-making trays, facilitating the placement of as many first ice-making trays as possible within a limited ice tray, thereby improving the space utilization of the ice tray. Furthermore, the array of multiple first ice-making trays helps ensure a relatively uniform amount of water in each first ice-making tray, thereby achieving more consistent ice cube size and shape, and improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0025] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first partition is provided with a plurality of first insertion holes, which are connected to the first ice-making tray; the second partition includes a plurality of partitions, which are arranged corresponding to the plurality of first insertion holes, and each of the partitions is inserted into the first ice-making tray via the first insertion hole corresponding thereto.

[0026] This arrangement, by providing the first insertion hole, allows the dividing portion of the second divider to be inserted into the first ice making tray through the first insertion hole, thereby preventing interference between the dividing portion of the second divider and the first divider, and improving the functional reliability of the ice maker. Furthermore, by configuring the second divider to include multiple dividing portions, each of which can be inserted into the first ice making tray through the first insertion hole, ice cubes formed by each dividing portion can be subjected to the force applied to them by the first divider forming the first ice making tray and the sidewalls of the water tank, thereby ensuring the de-icing effect of ice cubes of the seventh specification.

[0027] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the ice tray is fixedly disposed on the box body or the door body; the second partition is located above the ice tray and is vertically slidably connected to the ice tray.

[0028] With this arrangement, the second separator can be positioned by the ice tray, which is beneficial to improving the relative position accuracy between the second separator and the ice tray, thereby facilitating preventing the separator from being tilted relative to the ice tray.

[0029] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, one of the ice tray and the second divider is provided with a first sliding column, which is arranged vertically; the other of the ice tray and the second divider is provided with a first sliding through hole, which is sleeved on the first sliding column and can slide along the first sliding column.

[0030] With this arrangement, the ice tray and the second partition can be slidably connected through the first sliding post and the first sliding through hole that cooperate with each other, and the first sliding post can guide the second partition in the vertical direction, which is beneficial to prevent the second partition from deflecting during the sliding process.

[0031] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, there are multiple first sliding columns, and the multiple first sliding columns are arranged at circumferential intervals on the ice tray; there are multiple first sliding through holes, and the multiple first sliding through holes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple first sliding columns, and each first sliding through hole is sleeved on the first sliding column corresponding to it.

[0032] Such an arrangement allows the second separator and the ice tray to be slidably connected at multiple positions along the circumference of the ice tray, which helps to improve the stability of the second separator when sliding relative to the ice tray.

[0033] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the ice maker further includes a first driving mechanism, which acts on the second partition to drive the second partition to be inserted into the water tank.

[0034] With such a configuration, the first driving mechanism can be automatically controlled. By configuring the first driving mechanism to provide driving force for the second partition, it is beneficial to improve the intelligence of the ice maker, simplify the user operation steps, and thus help improve the user experience.

[0035] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first driving mechanism includes: a first motor; a first rotating shaft, which is arranged in a horizontal direction and connected to the first motor; a first cam, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft; when the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first rotating shaft drives the first cam to rotate until it abuts against the second partition and pushes the partition so that the partition is inserted into the water tank.

[0036] With this arrangement, the first motor can drive the first cam via the first rotating shaft to rotate, and the first cam pushes the second partition, enabling the second partition to slide vertically. Due to the simple structure of the first cam, it is suitable for mass production and application, which helps reduce the component cost of the first drive mechanism. Furthermore, the first cam is easy to replace, which helps reduce the maintenance cost of the first drive mechanism.

[0037] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0038] A box body having a refrigeration compartment;

[0039] A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0040] A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box and is used to provide cooling for the refrigeration compartment;

[0041] An ice maker, which is installed on the box or the door and is used to make ice; the ice maker includes:

[0042] An ice tray is provided with a water tank for holding water; a first ice outlet is provided at the bottom of the ice tray and can be selectively opened or closed, and the first ice outlet is connected to the water tank;

[0043] A water injection pipe, used for injecting water into the water tank;

[0044] At least two partitions are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction and can be selectively inserted into the water tank;

[0045] When the ice maker is making first sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet is in a closed state, and when at least a portion of the lower of the two adjacent partitions is inserted into the water tank, the water tank is divided into a plurality of first sub-ice making compartments, and water in the water tank is divided into the plurality of first sub-ice making compartments, and the water in the first sub-ice making compartments is condensed into first sub-ice cubes due to cooling;

[0046] When deglazing the first sub-ice cube, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and at least a portion of the upper partition is inserted into the first ice making tray to push the first sub-ice cube out through the first ice outlet;

[0047] When the ice maker is making second sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet is in a closed state, and at least a portion of the upper partition and at least a portion of the lower partition are inserted into the water tank, thereby dividing the water tank into a plurality of second sub-ice making compartments, and dividing water in the water tank into the plurality of second sub-ice making compartments, so that the water in the second sub-ice making compartments is condensed into second sub-ice cubes due to cooling;

[0048] When the second sub-ice cubes are deiced, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the partition located above moves toward the ice making tray to push the second sub-ice cubes to be deiced through the first ice outlet.

[0049] In the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application, the ice maker of the embodiment of the present application can use the upper partition in two adjacent partitions of at least two partitions to make the second sub-ice cube, and can also use the upper partition to defrost the first sub-ice cube and the second sub-ice cube, thereby realizing functional reuse of the upper partition without the need for an additional defrosting device, which is conducive to simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker and thus facilitating the miniaturization of the ice maker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice making tray in the related art;

[0052] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a refrigerator with its door open in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a refrigerator with its door open in other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application;

[0054] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice tray in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application;

[0055] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice tray in other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the partial cross-sectional structure of the bottom of the middle ice tray;

[0057] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ice tray in other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the middle ice tray Figure 2 ;

[0059] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application;

[0060] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0061] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the ice maker filling water into the water tank;

[0062] Figure 12 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the first specification;

[0063] Figure 13 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the ice maker's separator inserted into the water tank;

[0064] Figure 14 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the second specification;

[0065] Figure 15 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the middle separator;

[0066] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the separator in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0069] Figure 19 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the ice maker filling water into the water tank;

[0070] Figure 20 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the third specification;

[0071] Figure 21 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the first partition of the ice maker being inserted into the water tank;

[0072] Figure 22 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming the fourth size ice cubes;

[0073] Figure 23 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the first and second partitions of the ice maker being inserted into the water tank;

[0074] Figure 24 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the fifth specification;

[0075] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 26 for Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0077] Figure 27 for Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker filling water into the first ice tray;

[0078] Figure 28 for Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the sixth specification;

[0079] Figure 29 for Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming the second ice tray;

[0080] Figure 30 for Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the medium ice maker forming ice cubes of size 7;

[0081] Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 32 for Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the ice maker's ice tray being turned over;

[0083] Figure 33 for Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0084] Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 35 for Figure 34 Instructions for turning over the ice tray of the ice maker Figure 1 ;

[0086] Figure 36 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0087] Figure 37 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker filling water into the first ice tray;

[0088] Figure 38 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the sixth specification;

[0089] Figure 39 for Figure 34 Instructions for turning over the ice tray of the ice maker Figure 2 ;

[0090] Figure 40 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the sixth size ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0091] Figure 41 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the second partition of the ice maker being inserted into the water tank;

[0092] Figure 42 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the medium ice maker forming ice cubes of size 7;

[0093] Figure 43 for Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the seventh size of ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0094] Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 45 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the middle ice maker in the open state;

[0096] Figure 46 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0097] Figure 47 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker filling water into the first ice tray;

[0098] Figure 48 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the sixth specification;

[0099] Figure 49 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the sixth size ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0100] Figure 50 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming the second ice tray;

[0101] Figure 51 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the medium ice maker forming ice cubes of size 7;

[0102] Figure 52 for Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the seventh size of ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0103] Figure 53 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Figure 54 for Figure 53 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0105] Figure 55 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 56 for Figure 55 Schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the middle ice maker in the open state;

[0107] Figure 57 for Figure 55 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0108] Figure 58 for Figure 57 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the middle ice tray;

[0109] Figure 59 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure 60 for Figure 59 Schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the middle ice maker in the open state;

[0111] Figure 61 for Figure 59 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0112] Figure 62 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0113] Figure 63 for Figure 62 Schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the middle ice maker in the open state;

[0114] Figure 64 Schematic diagram of an ice maker forming ice cubes of the sixth specification in other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0115] Figure 65 for Figure 64 Schematic diagram of the sixth size ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0116] Figure 66 for Figure 64 Schematic diagram of the medium ice maker forming ice cubes of size 7;

[0117] Figure 67 for Figure 66 Schematic diagram of the seventh size of ice cubes being released from the medium ice machine;

[0118] Figure 68 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0119] Figure 69 for Figure 68 Schematic diagram of the ice maker's de-icing unit moving downward;

[0120] Figure 70 for Figure 68 Schematic diagram of the partial explosion of the ice machine;

[0121] Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0122] Figure 72 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the first ice outlet of the middle ice maker in the open state;

[0123] Figure 73 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0124] Figure 74 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the first ice tray of the medium ice maker when water is filled;

[0125] Figure 75 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming ice cubes of the sixth specification;

[0126] Figure 76for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the sixth specification ice cubes of the medium ice machine when de-icing;

[0127] Figure 77 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the middle ice maker forming the second ice tray;

[0128] Figure 78 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the medium ice maker forming ice cubes of size 7;

[0129] Figure 79 for Figure 71 Schematic diagram of the seventh specification ice cubes of the medium ice machine when de-icing;

[0130] Figure 80 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Figure 81 for Figure 80 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ice machine;

[0132] Figure 82 for Figure 81 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the water injection part;

[0133] Figure 83 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an ice maker in some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application;

[0134] Figure 84 for Figure 83 Schematic diagram of the second ice storage box of the medium ice maker containing ice cubes of the sixth specification;

[0135] Figure 85 for Figure 83 Schematic diagram of the first ice storage box of the medium ice maker containing ice cubes of the seventh specification;

[0136] Figure 86 for Figure 83 Schematic diagram of the second ice storage bucket of the medium ice maker containing ice cubes of the seventh specification.

[0137] Reference numerals:

[0138] 100-cabinet;

[0139] 110-refrigeration room; 120-tank liner;

[0140] 130-box housing;

[0141] 200-door body;

[0142] 210-door liner; 220-door shell;

[0143] 300-Ice Maker;

[0144] 400-Ice tray;

[0145] 410-water tank; 411-first ice tray;

[0146] 412-communication channel; 413-side wall of the first groove;

[0147] 414 - second groove sidewall; 415 - second communicating recess;

[0148] 416 - second ice tray; 420 - ice tray body;

[0149] 421-first ice outlet; 422-fourth connecting portion;

[0150] 423 - third rotating hole; 424 - second sliding protrusion;

[0151] 425 - water inlet; 430 - first connecting portion;

[0152] 431-first sliding post; 432-second sliding post;

[0153] 440-fixed seat; 441-first fixed plate;

[0154] 442-second fixing plate; 443-installation space;

[0155] 444-first rotating hole; 445-second connecting portion;

[0156] 446 - second rotation hole; 447 - fourth rotation hole;

[0157] 450-mounting seat; 451-mounting slot;

[0158] 452 - first rotating shaft; 460 - first de-icing device;

[0159] 461- ejector; 462- mounting plate;

[0160] 470-first opening and closing device; 471-shielding member;

[0161] 472-first shielding plate; 473-third connecting portion;

[0162] 474 - second rotation axis; 475 - second shielding plate;

[0163] 476-first sleeve groove; 477-first shielding member;

[0164] 478-second shielding member; 480-sealing member;

[0165] 481-first sealing plate; 482-second sealing plate;

[0166] 483-second socket; 490-water injection piece;

[0167] 491-water flow channel; 492-water outlet;

[0168] 500-divider;

[0169] 510 - partition; 511 - first partition plate;

[0170] 512 - second partition plate; 513 - first communicating recessed portion;

[0171] 514-intersection; 515-flow channel;

[0172] 520-first connecting plate; 521-first sliding through hole;

[0173] 522 - first vent hole; 530 - first partition;

[0174] 531 - first insertion hole; 540 - second separator;

[0175] 550-insert channel;

[0176] 600-first driving mechanism;

[0177] 610-first rotating shaft; 620-first cam;

[0178] 630-first elastic member;

[0179] 700-second de-icing device;

[0180] 710 - ice removal element; 711 - second connecting plate;

[0181] 712 - ice removal portion; 713 - second sliding through hole;

[0182] 720 - second connecting member; 721 - third sliding recess;

[0183] 722 - fifth sliding recess; 730 - fourth driving mechanism;

[0184] 731-third rotating shaft; 732-second cam;

[0185] 733-fourth elastic member; 734-fourth rotating shaft;

[0186] 735-second gear; 736-second rack;

[0187] 737-third connecting member; 738-fourth sliding recess;

[0188] 739 - third sliding protrusion; 740 - abutment member;

[0189] 741-fifth connecting portion; 742-abutting portion;

[0190] 743-second connecting rod; 744-second push column;

[0191] 800-first ice storage box;

[0192] 810-mounting frame; 820-ice inlet;

[0193] 830-second opening and closing device;

[0194] 900-second ice storage box;

[0195] 910-Ice storage tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0196] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0197] In order to make the purpose, implementation mode and advantages of the present application clearer, the exemplary implementation mode of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the exemplary embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments.

[0198] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood according to their ordinary and usual meanings.

[0199] In addition, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device comprising a list of components is not necessarily limited to those components expressly listed but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such product or device.

[0200] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0201] The terms "first," "second," and similar terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Therefore, features qualified with terms such as "first," "second," and similar terms may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0202] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0203] like Figure 1 As shown, in the related art, a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker generally includes an ice tray 100' and a water injection pipe for injecting water into the ice tray 100'. The ice tray 100' is provided with multiple ice compartments 110' with open tops. Adjacent refrigeration spaces 110' are separated by a partition 120'. A connecting groove 130' is provided at the top of the partition 120', connecting two adjacent ice compartments 110'. When making ice, the water injection pipe injects water into one of the ice compartments 110'. The water in the ice compartment 110' can flow into the adjacent ice compartment 110' through the connecting groove 130', so that the water is evenly distributed within the multiple ice compartments 110'. The water in the multiple ice compartments 110' absorbs the cold air from the refrigerator and condenses into ice cubes.

[0204] However, the above-mentioned refrigerator suffers from the technical problem of poor ice cube volume consistency. The inventors have discovered that the reason for this is that during the ice-making process, the water inlet pipe injects water into one or more ice compartments 110' in the ice tray 100'. Once the water fills one or more ice compartments 110', it can flow through the connecting groove 130' into adjacent ice compartments 110'. However, due to the surface tension of water, the surface area of ​​the water tends to decrease, hindering the flow of water and making it difficult for the water to be evenly distributed within the multiple ice compartments 110'. For example, among the multiple ice compartments 110', the water level is higher in ice compartments 110' closer to the water inlet pipe, while the water level is lower in ice compartments 110' farther from the water inlet pipe. This results in poor water height consistency across the multiple ice compartments 110', resulting in varying ice cube sizes within the multiple ice compartments 110' and, in turn, poor ice cube volume consistency.

[0205] Especially when making small ice cubes, the problem of poor consistency in ice cube volume is more significant. Specifically, in order to make small ice cubes, the volume of the ice cube tray 110' is usually reduced to reduce the amount of water in the ice cube tray 110'. However, since the amount of water in the smaller ice cube tray 110' is less, the gravity of the water in the ice cube tray 110' is smaller, which reduces the tendency of water to flow outward. Compared with the larger ice cube tray 110', the effect of surface tension in hindering the flow of water is more significant. During the ice-making process, when the water injection pipe injects water into the smaller ice cube tray 110', the height consistency of the water in the closer ice cube tray 110' and the farther ice cube tray 110' is worse, and there is even a problem of no water in the farther ice cube tray 110', resulting in worse consistency in the volume of the ice cubes.

[0206] In light of this, embodiments of the present application provide a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, wherein the bottoms or lower portions of at least two ice compartments in an ice tray are connected. During the ice-making process, when a water injection pipe fills the water reservoir of the ice tray with water, the water can flow through the bottoms or lower portions of the at least two ice compartments. Since surface tension generally acts on the upper surface of water, the flow of water through the bottoms or lower portions of the at least two ice compartments can minimize or eliminate the effect of surface tension on the flow of water, thereby ensuring that the water level in the connected ice compartments is uniform, thereby improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0207] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application may include a housing 100 and a door 200. The housing 100 may be configured with a refrigeration compartment 110. The door 200 may be rotatably connected to the housing 100 for opening or closing the refrigeration compartment 110.

[0208] The housing 100 may include an inner liner 120 and a housing 130. The inner liner 120 may be provided with a refrigeration compartment 110. The housing 130 may be connected to the outer side of the inner liner 120 to form the appearance of the refrigerator. The housing 100 may also include an insulation layer disposed between the inner liner 120 and the housing 130. The insulation layer insulates the refrigeration compartment 110, minimizing heat exchange between the refrigeration compartment 110 and the outside of the refrigerator, thereby ensuring the refrigerator's cooling performance.

[0209] For example, there may be multiple refrigeration compartments 110, and at least one of the multiple refrigeration compartments 110 may be configured as a cold storage compartment. The internal temperature of the cold storage compartment may be maintained between approximately 0°C and 5°C, storing items in a refrigerated mode. At least one of the multiple refrigeration compartments 110 may be configured as a freezer compartment, and the internal temperature of the freezer compartment may be maintained between approximately -30°C and 0°C, storing items in a frozen mode. In some possible implementations, the refrigeration compartment 110 may also be configured as a vacuum chamber or a temperature-changing chamber, etc., which will not be further described in the present embodiment.

[0210] There may be two refrigeration compartments 110. Figure 2 As shown, two refrigeration compartments 110 can be stacked in the vertical direction. Figure 3 As shown, the two refrigeration compartments 110 can also be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. One of the refrigeration compartments 110 can be set as a cold storage compartment, and the other refrigeration compartment 110 can be set as a freezer compartment.

[0211] The number of door bodies 200 can be set corresponding to the number of refrigeration compartments 110. A plurality of refrigeration compartments 110 can be provided with a corresponding door body 200. Alternatively, Figure 2 As shown, each refrigeration compartment 110 may be provided with two doors 200, and the two doors 200 may rotate in opposite directions to open or close the refrigeration compartment 110. Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, each refrigeration compartment 110 may be correspondingly provided with a door body 200 .

[0212] The door body 200 may include a door liner 210 and a door shell 220. When the door body 200 is closed, the door liner 210 may face the refrigeration compartment 110. The door shell 220 may be connected to the exterior of the door liner 210 to form the appearance of the refrigerator. The door shell 220 may be rotatably connected to the housing 100. The door body 200 may also include a door insulation layer, which may be disposed between the door liner 210 and the door shell 220. The door insulation layer can insulate the refrigeration compartment 110, thereby minimizing heat exchange between the refrigeration compartment 110 and the outside of the refrigerator, thereby ensuring the refrigerator's cooling effect.

[0213] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application may further include a refrigeration system for providing cooling to the refrigeration compartment 110. For example, the refrigeration system may be arranged in the housing 100. The refrigeration system may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttle, and an evaporator connected in a loop. When the refrigeration system is in operation, the compressor compresses the refrigerant vapor to generate high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor, and transports the refrigerant vapor to the condenser. The condenser liquefies the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor to generate low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant liquid, and transports it to the throttle. After the throttle reduces the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, the high-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant liquid is converted into a low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant liquid, and transported to the evaporator. After receiving the low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant liquid, the evaporator causes it to boil under isobaric conditions, absorbs heat and vaporizes to form refrigerant vapor, thereby lowering the temperature in the refrigeration compartment 110.

[0214] The refrigerator of the embodiment of the present application may further include an ice maker 300 for making ice. The ice maker 300 may be installed on the cabinet 100 or the door 200.

[0215] For example Figure 2 As shown, the ice maker 300 can be installed in the housing 100. When the refrigeration system is installed in the housing 100, installing the ice maker 300 in the housing 100 can minimize the distance between the ice maker 300 and the refrigeration system, which is beneficial for shortening the cold energy transmission path between the ice maker 300 and the refrigeration system, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the cold energy and further reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

[0216] For example Figure 3 As shown, the ice maker 300 can also be installed on the door body 200 to minimize the space occupied by the ice maker 300 in the refrigeration compartment 110 for storing items, which is beneficial to ensuring the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0217] refer to Figure 4 The ice maker 300 may include an ice tray 400 for holding water. The ice maker 300 may also include a water injection pipe for injecting water into the ice tray 400. When making ice, the water injection pipe can inject water into the ice tray 400, and the water in the ice tray 400 can receive the cold energy provided by the refrigeration system and condense to form ice cubes.

[0218] like Figure 4As shown, the ice tray 400 may be provided with a plurality of ice cube trays S, and the bottoms or lower portions of at least two of the plurality of ice cube trays S may be connected. A water injection pipe may be configured to inject water into at least one of the at least two connected ice cube trays S. Since surface tension generally acts on the upper surface of water, by connecting the bottoms or lower portions of the at least two connected ice cube trays S, water can flow below the at least two connected ice cube trays S, minimizing or eliminating the resistance to water flow caused by surface tension. This helps ensure that the water level within the connected ice cube trays S is uniform, thereby improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0219] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice tray 400 may be configured with a water tank 410. The water tank 410 may be used to hold water. The ice maker 300 may also include a divider 500. At least a portion of the divider 500 may be disposed within the water tank 410, dividing the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice compartments S. The bottoms or lower portions of at least two of the plurality of ice compartments S may be connected to allow water to flow. A water filling pipe may be used to fill the water tank 410 with water.

[0220] During the ice-making process, when the water filling pipe fills water into the water tank 410, water can flow from the bottom or lower part of the ice-making grid S into the ice-making grid S connected thereto, so as to minimize or eliminate the obstruction of the surface tension on the flow of water as much as possible, which is conducive to making the water height in the connected ice-making grids S the same, thereby helping to improve the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0221] The shape of the ice tray S can be specifically set according to the shape of the ice cubes. For example, the shape of the ice tray S can be a columnar space extending vertically. The horizontal cross-section of the columnar space can be a regular shape without edges and corners such as a circle or an ellipse, or a regular shape with edges and corners such as a triangle, a quadrilateral or a polygon, or an irregular shape such as a character or a cartoon pattern. For example Figure 4 As shown, the horizontal cross section of the ice tray S may be a quadrilateral.

[0222] It is understandable that the horizontal cross-section of the columnar space can also be other shapes. The horizontal cross-section of the columnar space can be set to different shapes according to actual needs, and this embodiment of the application will not be repeated here.

[0223] The plurality of ice making grids S in the ice making tray 400 may be arranged regularly. Figure 4As shown, the multiple ice cube trays S can be arranged in an array. The array can be rectangular or circular. This arrangement improves the compactness of the arrangement of the multiple ice cube trays S, facilitating the placement of as many ice cube trays S as possible within the limited volume of the ice tray 400, thereby improving space utilization within the ice tray 400. Furthermore, the array arrangement of the multiple ice cube trays S helps ensure a relatively uniform amount of water within each ice cube tray S, resulting in more consistent ice cube size and shape, and improving volume consistency.

[0224] The following describes the technical solution of the present embodiment in detail, taking as an example an ice tray S having a columnar shape with a quadrilateral horizontal cross-section and multiple ice trays S arranged in an array. Technical solutions for ice trays S having other shapes can be found in the following description and will not be further elaborated in this embodiment.

[0225] like Figure 4 As shown, the ice tray 400 may include an ice tray body 420. A downwardly recessed water reservoir 410 may be provided on the top side of the ice tray body 420 for holding water. When the water in the water reservoir 410 condenses into ice cubes due to cooling, the water reservoir 410 may also serve as at least part of an ice mold, allowing the ice cubes to solidify into a specific shape.

[0226] Exemplarily, the water tank 410 may include two first tank side walls 413 and two second tank side walls 414 arranged vertically. The two first tank side walls 413 may both extend in the first direction and be opposite and spaced apart in the second direction. The two second tank side walls 414 may both extend in the second direction and be opposite and spaced apart in the first direction. The two second tank side walls 414 are connected to the two first tank side walls 413 to enclose the water tank 410, and the water tank 410 may be prismatic. The two first tank side walls 413 and the two second tank side walls 414 can form the water tank 410 into a stable prismatic shape. The prismatic shape has good mechanical strength and stability, which helps prevent the water tank 410 from deforming or breaking during use, and helps improve the structural reliability of the ice tray 400.

[0227] It should be noted that the vertical direction can be Figure 4 The direction z shown in , the vertical direction may be referred to as vertical z hereinafter.

[0228] The first direction may intersect the vertical direction z. For example, the first direction may be perpendicular to the vertical direction z. The first direction may be Figure 4 The direction x shown in , the first direction may be referred to as the first direction x hereinafter.

[0229] The second direction may intersect the vertical direction z and the first direction x. For example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the vertical direction z and the first direction x. The second direction may be Figure 4The direction y shown in , the second direction may be referred to as the second direction y hereinafter.

[0230] The ice tray 400 may further include a first connecting portion 430. The first connecting portion 430 may be connected to the top edge of the ice tray body 420. The first connecting portion 430 may be used to position, install, or fix the ice tray 400, thereby improving the position accuracy of the ice tray 400.

[0231] The first connecting portion 430 may be a horizontal plate-shaped structure. The horizontal plate-shaped structure may surround the ice tray body 420 to improve the structural symmetry of the ice tray 400, so that the weight and pressure borne by the ice tray 400 can be more evenly distributed, which helps to make the ice tray 400 more stable during use and less likely to tip over or become unbalanced.

[0232] The first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 can be integrally formed. This arrangement eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420, allowing the first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between the first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420, thereby increasing the structural stability and durability of the ice tray 400 and reducing the risk of undesired separation of the first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 due to loosening or damage to the connecting structure.

[0233] In addition, by configuring the ice tray body 420 and the first connecting portion 430 as an integral structure, the first connecting portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 can be processed by an integral molding process such as injection molding, which helps reduce the difficulty of processing the ice tray 400.

[0234] Moreover, by providing the first connection portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the first connection portion 430 and the ice tray body 420 , which reduces the assembly steps of the ice tray 400 and improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300 .

[0235] The partition 500 may be used to partition the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice making grids S. For example, the partition 500 may include a partition portion 510, which may be disposed in the water tank 410 to partition the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice making grids S. Figure 4 As shown, the divider 510 may include a first divider plate 511 and a second divider plate 512 arranged along a vertical direction z. The first divider plate 511 may extend along a first direction x. The second divider plate 512 may extend along a second direction y. The second divider plate 512 may be arranged crosswise with the first divider plate 511. When the divider 500 is disposed within the water tank 410, the first divider plate 511 and the second divider plate 512 may divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice cube trays S arranged in an array.

[0236] The number of first partition plates 511 can be at least one. In other words, the number of first partition plates 511 can be one or more. When there are multiple first partition plates 511, the multiple first partition plates 511 can be arranged parallel and spaced apart in the second direction y. This arrangement ensures that the dimensions of the multiple ice trays S in the second direction y are as equal as possible, which helps to improve the volume consistency of the multiple ice trays S, thereby improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0237] The number of second dividers 512 can be at least one. In other words, the number of second dividers 512 can be one or more. When there are multiple second dividers 512, the multiple second dividers 512 can be arranged parallel and evenly spaced in the first direction x. This arrangement ensures that the dimensions of the multiple ice cube trays S in the first direction x are as equal as possible, which helps to improve the volume consistency of the multiple ice cube trays S, thereby improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0238] It is understandable that the number of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512, as well as the positions of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512 can be adjusted according to actual needs to form ice cubes S of different shapes and sizes, thereby obtaining ice cubes of different shapes and sizes. The embodiments of the present application will not go into details about this.

[0239] refer to Figure 4 The separator 500 and the ice tray 400 can be an integral structure. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the separator 500 and the ice tray 400, allowing the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 to be directly connected. This can enhance the connection strength between the separator 500 and the ice tray 400, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability and durability, and reducing the risk of the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 being unintentionally separated due to loose or damaged connecting structures.

[0240] In addition, by configuring the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 as an integral structure, the separator 500 and the ice tray 400 can be processed by an integral molding process such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the difficulty of processing the ice tray 400.

[0241] In addition, by providing the partition 500 and the ice tray 400 as an integrated structure, there is no need to assemble the partition 500 and the ice tray 400, which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0242] The divider 500 and ice tray 400 can also be separate structures. During ice making, the divider 500 can be inserted into the water reservoir 410 of the ice tray 400 to divide the water reservoir 410 into multiple ice compartments S. This arrangement allows the divider 500 to be easily removed from the ice tray 400, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the divider 500 and ice tray 400, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, if the divider 500 or ice tray 400 is damaged or needs to be replaced, either can be replaced independently, without having to replace both simultaneously. This reduces the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0243] A communication channel 412 may be provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the divider 500. The communication channel 412 may connect at least two of the plurality of ice cube trays S. A water inlet pipe may be used to inject water into the at least one ice cube tray S connected to the communication channel 412, so that the water in the at least one ice cube tray S can flow through the communication channel 412 into other ice cube trays S connected to the communication channel 412. The communication channel 412 provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the divider 500 may connect the lower portions of at least two of the plurality of ice cube trays S.

[0244] At least two ice making trays S among the plurality of ice making trays S may be connected via the communication channel 412. That is, the number of ice making trays S connected via the communication channel 412 may be two or more.

[0245] The at least two ice making grids S connected by the communication channel 412 can be adjacent to each other, which helps shorten the length of the communication channel 412 and reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the communication channel 412. Alternatively, the at least two ice making grids S connected by the communication channel 412 can be non-adjacent. Considering factors such as the layout of the ice making grids S and the position of the water injection pipe, at least two ice making grids S in appropriate locations can be connected to each other, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the ice maker 300.

[0246] The number of the communication passages 412 between the connected ice making trays S may be at least one. In other words, the number of the communication passages 412 between the connected ice making trays S may be one or more.

[0247] For example, Figure 4As shown, a connecting passage 412 can be provided between each of two adjacent ice making compartments S. This arrangement allows multiple ice making compartments S to be interconnected via the relatively short connecting passages 412, allowing water to flow more quickly into each ice making compartment S, thereby improving water flow efficiency and thereby increasing ice making speed. Furthermore, this arrangement can further simplify the structure within the ice making tray 400, reduce the structural complexity of the ice making machine 300, and help improve the assembly efficiency of the ice making machine 300, thereby increasing the production efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0248] In some possible implementations of the present invention, a gap may be provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the divider 500, thereby forming a connecting passage 412. For example, a gap may be provided between the bottoms of the first divider 511 and the second divider 512 of the divider 500 and the bottom of the water tank 410. This arrangement allows the connecting passage 412 to be formed by adjusting the height of the divider 500 within the water tank 410, thereby simplifying the formation of the connecting passage 412 and facilitating easier manufacturing of components within the ice maker 300.

[0249] In some other possible implementations of the present application, Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first connecting recess 513 can be provided on the bottom side of the divider 500. For example, the first connecting recess 513 can be provided at the bottom of the first divider plate 511, or the bottom of the second divider plate 512, or the bottom of both the first divider plate 511 and the second divider plate 512. The first connecting recess 513 can communicate with at least two ice trays S, and the first connecting recess 513 and the bottom of the water tank 410 can be enclosed to form a connecting channel 412. By providing the first connecting recess 513 on the bottom side of the divider 500 to form the connecting channel 412, the processing difficulty of the connecting channel 412 can be reduced, and the water flow path can be made clearer and simpler, reducing dead corners and water accumulation points, and facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the ice tray 400.

[0250] In some other possible implementations of the present application, Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, a second connecting recess 415 may be provided at the bottom of the water tank 410. The second connecting recess 415 may be located below the partition 500. For example, the second connecting recess 415 may be located at the bottom of the first partition plate 511, or the bottom of the second partition plate 512, or the bottom of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512. The second connecting recess 415 may connect at least two ice cube trays S, and the second connecting recess 415 and the bottom side of the partition 500 may be surrounded to form a connecting channel 412. By providing the second connecting recess 415 at the bottom of the water tank 410 to form the connecting channel 412, the height of the connecting channel 412 may be reduced as much as possible, which helps to eliminate or reduce the obstruction of surface tension on water flow, thereby facilitating improved volume consistency of ice cubes.

[0251] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the communication channel 412 may be provided at the bottom of the portion where the first partition plate 511 does not intersect with the second partition plate 512 , or may be provided at the bottom of the portion where the second partition plate 512 does not intersect with the first partition plate 511 .

[0252] For example, Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the intersection of the first partition plate 511 and the second partition plate 512 can form an intersection 514. The orthographic projection of the intersection 514 on the bottom of the water tank 410 can be located within the orthographic projection of the connecting channel 412 on the bottom of the water tank 410. In other words, the connecting channel 412 can also be arranged at the bottom of the intersection 514, and the orthographic projection area of ​​the connecting channel 412 on the bottom of the water tank 410 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersection 514 on the bottom of the water tank 410. This arrangement allows multiple ice cube trays S adjacent to the intersection 514 to be simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412, thereby minimizing the number of connecting channels 412 while ensuring connectivity between the ice cube trays S. This helps to simplify the structure of the ice maker 300, thereby reducing the processing difficulty and component costs of the ice maker 300.

[0253] For example Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting recess 513 can be disposed at the bottom of the intersection 514. At the bottom of the water tank 410, i.e., on plane xoy, the orthographic projection area of ​​the first connecting recess 513 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersection 514, so that multiple ice cube trays S adjacent to the intersection 514 are simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412 formed by the first connecting recess 513.

[0254] For example Figure 8As shown, the second connecting recess 415 can be provided at the bottom of the intersection 514. On plane xoy, the orthographic projection area of ​​the second connecting recess 415 can be larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the intersection 514, so that the plurality of ice cube trays S adjacent to the intersection 514 can be simultaneously connected to the connecting channel 412 formed by the second connecting recess 415.

[0255] In view of the technical problem that the refrigerator equipped with the ice maker 300 in the related art has poor consistency in ice volume, the embodiment of the present application can also provide a refrigerator equipped with the ice maker 300. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ice maker 300 may include an ice tray 400. The ice tray 400 may be configured with a water tank 410. The water tank 410 may be used to hold water. The ice maker 300 may also include a water injection pipe. The water injection pipe may be used to inject water into the water tank 410. The ice maker 300 of the embodiment of the present application may also include at least one partition 500. The partition 500 may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the water tank 410 after the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, so as to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice making grids S, and to divide the water in the water tank 410 into the plurality of ice making grids S, so that the water in the ice making grids S is cooled and condensed into ice cubes. Compared with the ice making grid S, the water tank 410 has a larger volume, the amount of water in the water tank 410 is larger, and the gravity of the water is larger, which can relatively reduce the obstruction of the surface tension on the water flow, which is beneficial to make the water height in multiple ice making grids S the same, thereby facilitating the improvement of the height consistency of the ice cubes, and further facilitating the improvement of the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0256] For example, the partition 500 and the ice tray 400 can be provided separately. The partition 500 can be configured to be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice making grids S.

[0257] When the ice machine is 300 ice making, refer to Figure 11 , the water filling pipe can first fill water into the water tank 410. Compared to the related art solution in which the water filling pipe fills water into the ice cube tray S, due to the larger volume of water tank 410 and the larger amount of water in it, the water in water tank 410 is subject to a greater gravitational force. As the water flows in water tank 410, the surface tension has a relatively small effect on the flow, making it easier for the water to flow smoothly within water tank 410. In other words, the surface height of the water in water tank 410 is highly consistent.

[0258] refer to Figure 13After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of ice making squares S, and the water in the water tank 410 is divided into the plurality of ice making squares S. Since the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, the water in the plurality of ice making squares S has a high degree of consistency.

[0259] refer to Figure 14 The water in the ice cube trays S is condensed into ice cubes due to the cold. Since the water in the multiple ice cube trays S has a high degree of consistency, the multiple ice cubes formed by condensation have a high degree of consistency, which is conducive to improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0260] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the ice maker 300 may have a first ice making mode and a second ice making mode. The first ice making mode may be used to produce large ice cubes, such as ice cubes of the first size A. The second ice making mode may be used to produce small ice cubes, such as ice cubes of the second size B. The ice maker 300 may switch between the first ice making mode and the second ice making mode.

[0261] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice making mode, refer to Figure 11 , the water filling pipe can fill water into the water tank 410. Figure 12 After the water in the water tank 410 flows flat, the water in the water tank 410 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes A of the first specification. The ice cubes A of the first specification are large-sized ice cubes.

[0262] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice making mode, refer to Figure 13 , the water filling pipe can first fill water into the water tank 410. After the water in the water tank 410 is leveled, at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 so that the water in the water tank 410 can be separated into multiple ice making grids S. Figure 14 The water in the ice cube tray S is cooled and condensed into ice cubes of second size B. The volume of the ice cubes of second size B may be smaller than the volume of the ice cubes of first size A. The ice cubes of second size B are small-sized ice cubes.

[0263] Such a setting enables the ice maker 300 to make ice cubes of different specifications, increases the number of ice cube specifications to meet users' different ice needs, and improves user experience; and there is no need to set up multiple ice makers 300 for ice cubes of multiple specifications, which simplifies the structure of the ice maker and is conducive to improving the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0264] It is understandable that in some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the ice maker 300 may also make ice only in the second ice making mode.

[0265] The ice tray 400 and the partition 500 are relatively movable, so that at least a portion of the partition 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice making mode.

[0266] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the divider 500 can be rotatable relative to the ice tray 400 about a horizontal axis. For example, the ice tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The divider 500 can be rotatable about a horizontal axis. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the divider 500 can be flipped about the horizontal axis relative to the ice tray 400 so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. The divider 500 can be rotated in the opposite direction relative to the ice tray 400 about the horizontal axis so that the divider 500 can be removed from the water tank 410, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the ice tray 400 or the divider 500, thereby ensuring the long-term performance of the ice maker 300. In addition, when the ice maker 300 has the first ice making mode, the partition 500 can be reversed relative to the ice making tray 400 so that the partition 500 is separated from the water tank 410, thereby allowing the ice maker 300 to make ice in the first ice making mode.

[0267] In some other possible implementations of the present application, the partition 500 can slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the ice tray 400 can be located below the divider 500. One of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 can be fixed to the cabinet 100 or the door 200, while the other can slide in the vertical direction z. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice making mode, the slidable one of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 can slide in the vertical direction z so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0268] Compared with the technical solution in which the divider 500 can rotate around a horizontal axis relative to the ice tray 400, the divider 500 can slide along the vertical direction z relative to the ice tray 400, which can reduce the space occupied by the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 when they move relative to each other, which is beneficial to reducing the working space required for the ice maker 300 to make ice, thereby helping to increase the storage capacity of the refrigerator.

[0269] For example, the divider 500 can be fixed. For example, the divider 500 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice tray 400 can slide relative to the divider 500 along the vertical direction z. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the ice tray 400 can slide toward the divider 500 along the vertical direction z so that at least a portion of the divider 500 is inserted into the water tank 410. When the divider 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the ice tray 400 can slide away from the divider 500 along the vertical direction z so that the divider 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0270] Alternatively, the ice tray 400 can be fixed. For example, the ice tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The divider 500 can slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the divider 500 can slide toward the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. When cleaning or maintaining the divider 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the divider 500 can slide away from the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z so that the divider 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0271] Compared with the technical solution in which the partition 500 is fixed and the ice tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction z, by fixing the ice tray 400 and setting the partition 500 to be slidable relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z, the stability of the ice tray 400 can be improved, which is beneficial to preventing water in the ice tray 400 from overflowing, thereby preventing the overflowing water from having a negative impact on the items in the refrigerator or other parts of the refrigerator, and is beneficial to improving the cleaning performance of the refrigerator.

[0272] The following describes the technical solution of the present embodiment in detail, taking as an example an example where the ice tray 400 is fixed and the divider 500 is slidable relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. The technical solution for a fixed divider 500 and a slidable ice tray 400 relative to the divider 500 along the vertical direction z can be described below, and will not be further elaborated in this embodiment.

[0273] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ice maker 300 may further include a fixing base 440. The fixing base 440 may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice tray 400 may be connected to the fixing base 440. The ice tray 400 may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200 via the fixing base 440.

[0274] The box insulation layer within the box body 100 and the door insulation layer within the door body 200 are generally manufactured by foaming the insulation material. During the foaming process, the insulation material expands rapidly, squeezing the box liner 120 or the door liner 210, causing the box liner 120 or the door liner 210 to deform. If the ice tray 400 is directly connected to the box liner 120 or the door liner 210, it is not conducive to providing a stable installation base for the ice tray 400. The ice tray 400 is connected to the box body 100 or the door body 200 via the fixing seat 440. During the foaming process, the insulation material does not directly act on the fixing seat 440, and the deformation of the fixing seat 440 is small, which is conducive to providing a stable installation base for the ice tray 400.

[0275] For example, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the fixing base 440 may include two first fixing plates 441. The two first fixing plates 441 may be arranged along the vertical direction z. The two first fixing plates 441 may be respectively arranged on opposite sides of the ice tray 400. The two first fixing plates 441 may be connected to the ice tray 400 and to the cabinet 100 or the door 200. The two first fixing plates 441 may secure the ice tray 400 on opposite sides of the ice tray 400, thereby improving the stability of the ice tray 400.

[0276] For example Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the two first fixing plates 441 can both be arranged along plane yoz. The two first fixing plates 441 can be spaced apart in the first direction x. The ice tray 400 can be located between the two first fixing plates 441 and connected to the two first fixing plates 441. The two first fixing plates 441 can secure the ice tray 400 in the first direction x. It is understood that the two first fixing plates 441 can also secure the ice tray 400 in the second direction y, which will not be further described in this embodiment of the present application.

[0277] The fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 can be integrally formed. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400, allowing the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400, thereby increasing the structural stability and durability of the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400, and reducing the risk of undesired separation of the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 due to loosening or damage of the connecting structure.

[0278] In addition, by setting the fixing seat 440 and the ice tray 400 as an integrated structure, the fixing seat 440 and the ice tray 400 can be processed by an integrated molding method such as injection molding, which is beneficial to reducing the processing difficulty of the fixing seat 440 and the ice tray 400.

[0279] Moreover, by providing the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 , which reduces the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300 .

[0280] The fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 can also be separate structures. This arrangement allows the ice tray 400 to be easily removed from the fixing base 440, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, if the ice tray 400 or the fixing base 440 is damaged or needs to be replaced, the ice tray 400 or the fixing base 440 can be replaced separately, without having to replace both the fixing base 440 and the ice tray 400 simultaneously, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0281] The divider 500 can be located above the ice tray 400 and can slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. The divider 500 slides toward the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z and can be inserted into the water tank 410. The divider 500 slides away from the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z and can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0282] For example, the partition 500 can be slidably connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical direction z. Since the cabinet 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the cabinet 100 or the door 200 can provide a sufficiently large connection space for the partition 500, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the ice maker 300 and thus helps optimize the structure of the refrigerator.

[0283] For example, the divider 500 may be slidably connected to the ice tray 400. This arrangement allows the divider 500 to be positioned by the ice tray 400, thereby improving the relative position accuracy between the divider 500 and the ice tray 400, thereby preventing the divider 500 from tilting relative to the ice tray 400.

[0284] For example, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the partition 500 may further include a first connecting plate 520. The first connecting plate 520 may be arranged along a horizontal plane. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first connecting plate 520 can slide vertically relative to the ice tray 400 in the xoy plane shown in FIG. The partition 510 can be connected to the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520. The first connecting plate 520 can be used to position, install, or fix the divider 500, thereby improving the position accuracy of the divider 500.

[0285] In some possible implementations of the present invention, a first guide rail pair may be provided between the divider 500 and the ice tray 400, and the divider 500 and the ice tray 400 may be slidably connected via the first guide rail pair. The first guide rail pair may include a first guide rail and a first slider. The first guide rail may be arranged along a vertical direction z and connected to the ice tray 400. The first slider may be slidably mounted on the first guide rail and connected to the divider 500. The first guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which helps improve the positioning accuracy of the divider 500.

[0286] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the ice maker 300 may further include a first connector, which may be connected to the ice tray 400. One of the first connector and the divider 500 may be provided with a first sliding recess, which may be arranged along the vertical direction z. The other of the first connector and the divider 500 may be provided with a first sliding protrusion, which may be slidably arranged in the first sliding recess. For example, the first sliding recess may be provided on the first connector, and the first sliding protrusion may be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the divider 500. The divider 500 and the first connector may be slidably connected along the vertical direction z through the first sliding recess and the first sliding protrusion that cooperate with each other, so that the divider 500 can be indirectly slidably connected to the ice tray 400 through the first connector. Compared with the sliding connection between the partition 500 and the ice tray 400 via the first guide rail pair, the connection structure between the partition 500 and the ice tray 400 can be simplified, which is beneficial to reducing the parts cost of the ice maker 300.

[0287] In some other possible implementations of the present application, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, one of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 may be provided with a first sliding post 431. The first sliding post 431 may be arranged along the vertical direction z. The other of the ice tray 400 and the divider 500 may be provided with a first sliding through hole 521. The first sliding through hole 521 may be sleeved on the first sliding post 431 and slidable along the first sliding post 431. The ice tray 400 and the divider 500 can be slidably connected via the cooperating first sliding post 431 and the first sliding through hole 521. The first sliding post 431 can guide the divider 500 in the vertical direction z, helping to prevent the divider 500 from deflecting during sliding.

[0288] The first sliding post 431 may be provided on the partition 500 , and the first sliding through hole 521 may be provided on the ice making tray 400 .

[0289] Or, as Figure 9 and Figure 10The first sliding post 431 can be disposed on the ice tray 400. For example, the first sliding post 431 can be disposed on the top side of the first connecting portion 430, which helps prevent the first sliding post 431 from blocking the water tank 410. The first sliding hole 521 can be disposed on the divider 500. For example, the first sliding hole 521 can be disposed on the first connecting plate 520. Since the first sliding post 431 is disposed on the ice tray 400 and the ice tray 400 is fixed, the first sliding post 431 can be made more stable, thereby improving the smoothness of the sliding of the divider 500 relative to the ice tray 400.

[0290] For example, there may be multiple first sliding posts 431. Multiple first sliding posts 431 may be spaced apart around the circumference of the ice tray 400. There may be multiple first sliding holes 521. Multiple first sliding holes 521 may correspond one to one with multiple first sliding posts 431. Each first sliding hole 521 may be fitted onto its corresponding first sliding post 431. This arrangement allows the divider 500 and the ice tray 400 to be slidably connected at multiple locations around the circumference of the ice tray 400, which helps improve the smoothness of the sliding movement of the divider 500 relative to the ice tray 400.

[0291] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, a driving force may be manually provided to the divider 500 so that the divider 500 can slide relative to the ice making tray 400 along the vertical direction z.

[0292] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the divider 500 can be manually pushed so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. When cleaning or maintaining the divider 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the divider 500 can be manually pulled to remove it from the water tank 410. Manually providing a driving force for the divider 500 eliminates the need for an additional driving mechanism, simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0293] In other possible implementations of the present application, the ice maker 300 may further include a first drive mechanism 600. The first drive mechanism 600 may act on the ice tray 400 or the divider 500. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the first drive mechanism 600 may drive the ice tray 400 or the divider 500 so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. The first drive mechanism 600 can be automatically controlled. By providing the first drive mechanism 600 with driving force for the divider 500, the intelligence of the ice maker 300 is enhanced, the user operation steps are simplified, and thus the user experience is improved.

[0294] The first driving mechanism 600 can be connected to a slidable one of the partition 500 and the ice tray 400 to drive the slidable one to slide along the vertical direction z. For example, when the ice tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction z, the first driving mechanism 600 can be connected to the ice tray 400 to drive the ice tray 400 to slide toward or away from the partition 500.

[0295] The following describes the first drive mechanism 600 using the example of a case where the divider 500 is slidable along the vertical direction z and the first drive mechanism 600 is connected to the divider 500. When the ice tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction z and the first drive mechanism 600 is connected to the ice tray 400, the details of the first drive mechanism 600 can be found in the following description and will not be further described in this embodiment.

[0296] In some possible implementations of the present application, the first driving mechanism 600 may include a first motor. The first motor may be used to provide driving force. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first driving mechanism 600 may further include a first rotating shaft 610. The first rotating shaft 610 may be arranged horizontally and connected to the first motor to rotate under the drive of the first motor. The first driving mechanism 600 may further include at least one first cam 620. The first cam 620 may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate under the drive of the first rotating shaft 610.

[0297] like Figure 13 As shown, when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice making mode, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate, and the first rotating shaft 610 can drive the first cam 620 to rotate until it abuts against the partition 500, and push the partition 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, that is, along Figure 13 The separator 500 is slid in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow so that at least a portion of the separator 500 is inserted into the water tank 410 .

[0298] When the partition 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice making mode, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the first rotating shaft 610 can drive the first cam 620 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the first cam 620 is separated from the partition 500, thereby allowing the partition 500 to leave the water tank 410.

[0299] In this embodiment of the first drive mechanism 600, the first motor drives the first cam 620 via the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate. The first cam 620 pushes the partition 500, enabling the partition 500 to slide along the vertical direction z. Due to its simple structure, the first cam 620 is suitable for mass production and application, which helps reduce the component cost of the first drive mechanism 600. Furthermore, the first cam 620 is easily replaceable, which helps reduce the maintenance cost of the first drive mechanism 600.

[0300] For example, the first motor can be connected to the box body 100 or the door body 200 through the fixing seat 440 to improve the structural compactness of the ice maker 300. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the fixing base 440 may further include a second fixing plate 442. The second fixing plate 442 may be located on a side of one of the first fixing plates 441 facing away from the ice tray 400. The second fixing plate 442 may be perpendicular to the first fixing plate 441. The second fixing plate 442 may be connected to the first fixing plate 441 to enclose a mounting space 443 for accommodating the first motor. The first motor may be connected to the first fixing plate 441, the second fixing plate 442, or both the first fixing plate 441 and the second fixing plate 442.

[0301] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second fixing plate 442 can be located on the side of the left first fixing plate 441 facing away from the ice tray 400. The second fixing plate 442 can be arranged along the xoy plane. The end of the second fixing plate 442 facing the left first fixing plate 441 can be connected to the bottom end of the left first fixing plate 441 to maximize the installation space 443 enclosed by the second fixing plate 442 and the left first fixing plate 441, which helps to provide a sufficient installation space 443 for the first motor.

[0302] It is understandable that the second fixing plate 442 may also be located on the side of the right first fixing plate 441 away from the ice tray 400 . For details, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated in this embodiment of the application.

[0303] For example, the first rotating shaft 610 can be connected to the fixing base 440 for rotation around a horizontal axis. The fixing base 440 can support the first rotating shaft 610 to improve the stability of the first rotating shaft 610 during rotation. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the two first fixing plates 441 of the fixing seat 440 can both be provided with a first rotation hole 444. The first rotation holes 444 of the two first fixing plates 441 can be arranged relative to each other. The two ends of the first rotating shaft 610 can be respectively inserted into the first rotation holes 444 of the two first fixing plates 441, and can rotate in the first rotation holes 444, so that the first rotating shaft 610 is arranged in the horizontal direction and the first rotating shaft 610 can be rotated around the horizontal direction. One end of the first rotating shaft 610 passes through the first rotation hole 444 corresponding to it and is connected to the first motor. When the first motor is activated, the first motor can drive the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate around the horizontal axis.

[0304] The first cam 620 can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610. The number of the first cam 620 can be at least one. In other words, the number of the first cam 620 can be one or more.

[0305] For example Figure 13 As shown, when there are multiple first cams 620, the multiple first cams 620 can be spaced apart along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 610. During ice making in the second ice-making mode of the ice maker 300, when the first motor drives the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate, the first rotating shaft 610 can drive the multiple first cams 620 to rotate synchronously. The multiple first cams 620 can abut against the divider 500, jointly pushing the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400. The multiple first cams 620 can apply thrust to the divider 500 at multiple locations along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 610, which helps to improve the uniformity of the thrust applied to the divider 500, thereby improving the smooth sliding of the divider 500.

[0306] like Figure 10 As shown, the ice maker 300 may further include a first elastic member 630, which can apply a first elastic force to the divider 500 to move the divider 500 away from the ice tray 400. When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft 610 to rotate in the opposite direction, the first rotating shaft 610 drives the first cam 620 to rotate in the opposite direction to move away from the divider 500. Under the first elastic force provided by the first elastic member 630, the divider 500 can slide away from the ice tray 400. The provision of the first elastic member 630 allows the divider 500 to automatically slide away from the ice tray 400 when the first driving mechanism 600 is not acting on the divider 500. This eliminates the need for manual operation of the divider 500 and improves the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0307] For example, the first elastic member 630 may be a first tension spring. The first tension spring may be disposed above the divider 500. The first end of the first tension spring may be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the first tension spring may be connected to the divider 500. When the first cam 620 pushes the divider 500 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the divider 500 may pull on the first tension spring, causing the first tension spring to deform, thereby generating a first elastic force. The direction of the first elastic force is from the ice tray 400 toward the divider 500. When the first cam 620 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the divider 500, the divider 500 may slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the first elastic force, thereby automatically removing the divider 500 from the water tank 410.

[0308] Or, as Figures 10 to 14 As shown, the first elastic member 630 may be a first compression spring. The first compression spring may be disposed below the divider 500. The first end of the first compression spring may abut the divider 500. For example, the first end of the first compression spring may abut the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the divider 500. The second end of the first compression spring may abut the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the first compression spring may abut the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400. When the first cam 620 pushes the divider 500 toward the ice tray 400, the divider 500 compresses the first compression spring, causing it to deform, thereby generating a first elastic force. The direction of the first elastic force is in the direction from the ice tray 400 toward the divider 500. When the first cam 620 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the divider 500, the divider 500, under the action of the first elastic force, slides away from the ice tray 400, allowing the divider 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0309] Compared with the first tension spring, the first compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the automatic reset of the partition 500.

[0310] When a first sliding post 431 is provided between the ice tray 400 and the divider 500, the first compression spring can be mounted on the first sliding post 431. This arrangement allows the first compression spring to be positioned using the first sliding post 431, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure for the first compression spring. Furthermore, the first sliding post 431 supports the first compression spring, improving its stability during deformation and thereby increasing the directional accuracy of the first elastic force.

[0311] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a second motor. The second motor may be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft may be arranged in a horizontal direction and connected to the second motor so as to be rotatable under the drive of the second motor. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first gear. The first gear may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 610. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first rack. The first rack may be arranged in a vertical direction z and connected to the partition 500. The first rack may be engaged with the first gear.

[0312] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice making mode, the second motor can drive the second rotating shaft to rotate, the second rotating shaft can drive the first gear to rotate, and the first gear can drive the first rack and the divider 500 to slide along the vertical z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0313] When the divider 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice making mode, the second motor can drive the second shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second shaft can drive the first gear to rotate in the opposite direction, and the first gear can drive the first rack and the divider 500 to slide away from the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z, so that the divider 500 leaves the water tank 410.

[0314] In this embodiment of the first drive mechanism 600, the second motor can drive the divider 500 to slide in the vertical direction z via the intermeshing first gear and first rack, allowing the first drive mechanism 600 to achieve bidirectional drive of the divider 500. Furthermore, because the intermeshing first gear and first rack have high transmission efficiency and precision, this helps reduce the driving power requirement for the second motor and enhances the positional accuracy of the divider 500 during sliding.

[0315] It should be noted that, for other relevant contents about the second motor and the second rotating shaft, reference can be made to the above description about the first motor and the first rotating shaft 610 respectively, and this embodiment of the application will not be repeated here.

[0316] In other possible implementations of the present application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a third motor. The third motor may be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first screw. The first screw may be arranged along the vertical direction z and connected to the third motor to rotate under the drive of the third motor. The partition 500 may be provided with a first threaded hole, and the first threaded hole may be sleeved on the first screw. For example, the first threaded hole may be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the partition 500.

[0317] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice making mode, the third motor can drive the first screw to rotate. Since the first screw is threadedly connected to the divider 500 through the first threaded hole, the first screw can drive the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0318] When the partition 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice making mode, the third motor can drive the first screw to rotate in the opposite direction, and the first screw can drive the partition 500 to slide away from the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z, so that the partition 500 leaves the water tank 410.

[0319] In this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 600 is threadedly connected to the divider 500 via a first threaded hole. The third motor can drive the divider 500 to slide vertically along the z axis via the first screw, enabling the first drive mechanism 600 to bidirectionally drive the divider 500. Furthermore, the threaded connection between the first screw and the divider 500 provides high transmission efficiency and precision, reducing the driving power requirements of the third motor and enhancing the positional accuracy of the divider 500 during sliding. Furthermore, the threaded transmission between the first screw and the divider 500 produces low transmission noise, which helps reduce noise generated during operation of the ice maker 300.

[0320] For example, the external thread of the first screw and the internal thread of the first threaded hole can both be self-locking threads. This configuration can provide the separator 500 with a self-locking function, allowing the separator 500 to maintain a stable position in the vertical direction z in the absence of external forces, thereby preventing the separator 500 from undesirably sliding in the vertical direction z and affecting the ice making performance of the ice maker 300.

[0321] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a fourth motor. The fourth motor may be used to provide driving force. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first connecting rod. The first end of the first connecting rod may be rotatably connected to the ice tray 400 or the fixing seat 440, and connected to the fourth motor so as to be rotatable under the drive of the fourth motor. The second end of the first connecting rod may be provided with a first push column. The divider 500 may include a first side plate arranged along the vertical direction z. The first side plate may be provided with a second sliding recess. The second sliding recess may extend in the horizontal direction. The second sliding recess may be sleeved on the first push column.

[0322] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the second ice-making mode, the fourth motor can drive the first end of the first connecting rod to rotate, and the second end of the first connecting rod can drive the first push column, so that the first push column can rotate and slide in the second sliding recess, and the first push column pushes the bottom wall of the second sliding recess to make the divider 500 slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0323] When the divider 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice making mode, the fourth motor can drive the first end of the first connecting rod to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second end of the first connecting rod can drive the first pushing column, so that the first pushing column can rotate and slide in the opposite direction in the second sliding recess, and the first pushing column pushes the top wall of the second sliding recess to make the divider 500 slide along the vertical direction z away from the ice tray 400, so that the divider 500 can leave the water tank 410.

[0324] In this embodiment of the first drive mechanism 600, the fourth motor can drive the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z via the first connecting rod and the first push column, enabling the first drive mechanism 600 to bidirectionally drive the divider 500. Furthermore, the fourth motor drives the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z via the first connecting rod. The simple structure of the first connecting rod and its connection to the divider 500 reduces the structural complexity of the first drive mechanism 600, thereby facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of the first drive mechanism 600. Furthermore, the low cost of the first connecting rod helps reduce the component cost of the first drive mechanism 600.

[0325] In some other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first drive mechanism 600 may include a first electromagnet. When the first electromagnet is energized, it can generate a magnetic field. The first drive mechanism 600 may also include a first ferromagnetic member. The first ferromagnetic member can be arranged opposite to the first electromagnet in the vertical direction z. One of the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic member can be installed on the box body 100 or the door body 200, and the other can be connected to the partition 500. When the first electromagnet is energized, the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic member can attract each other due to the magnetic field, and the first electromagnet or the first ferromagnetic member can drive the partition 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400 or away from the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the partition 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 or the partition 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0326] In this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 600 is driven to slide along the vertical direction z by the magnetic attraction between the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic member. This eliminates the need for additional transmission structures, reducing the structural complexity of the first drive mechanism 600 and facilitating ease of assembly and maintenance of the first drive mechanism 600. Furthermore, by energizing and deenergizing the first electromagnet, the movement direction of the first ferromagnetic member, and thus the sliding direction of the separator 500, can be controlled, reducing the difficulty of controlling the first drive mechanism 600.

[0327] One of the first electromagnet and the first ferromagnetic member may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the other may be connected to the partition 500. For example, the first electromagnet may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the first ferromagnetic member may be connected to the partition 500. Alternatively, the first electromagnet may be connected to the partition 500, and the first ferromagnetic member may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200.

[0328] The following describes the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application in detail, taking the example of a first electromagnet being mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200 and the first ferromagnetic member being connected to the separator 500. The technical solution of the first electromagnet being connected to the separator 500 and the first ferromagnetic member being mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200 can be referred to in the following description, and will not be further described in detail in the embodiment of the present application.

[0329] When the first electromagnet is energized, the first electromagnet can attract the first ferromagnetic member, causing the first electromagnet to move toward the first electromagnet. The first ferromagnetic member can drive the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400 or away from the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 or the divider 500 can be removed from the water tank 410.

[0330] The first electromagnet may be located below the first ferromagnetic member. For example, when the ice tray 400 is fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200 , the first electromagnet may also be connected to the ice tray 400 or the fixing base 440 .

[0331] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice making mode, the first electromagnet can be energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member to move downward. The first ferromagnetic member can drive the divider 500 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0332] When the divider 500 or the ice tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice making mode, the first electromagnet may be de-energized and the first electromagnet may not attract the first ferromagnetic member, so that the first ferromagnetic member and the divider 500 can slide along the vertical direction z away from the ice tray 400, so that the divider 500 can leave the water tank 410.

[0333] The ice maker 300 may also include a second elastic member. This second elastic member can be used to apply a second elastic force to the divider 500, allowing it to slide away from the ice tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 can slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thereby leaving the water tank 410. By providing the second elastic member, the divider 500 can automatically leave the water tank 410 when the first electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation of the divider 500 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0334] For example, the second elastic member can be a second tension spring. The second tension spring can be arranged above the divider 500. The first end of the second tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the second tension spring can be connected to the divider 500. When the first electromagnet is energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member, and the first ferromagnetic member drives the divider 500 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the divider 500 can pull the second tension spring, causing the second tension spring to produce a tensile deformation, thereby causing the second tension spring to generate a second elastic force. The direction of the second elastic force is the direction from the ice tray 400 to the divider 500. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 can slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thereby allowing the divider 500 to automatically leave the water tank 410.

[0335] Alternatively, the second elastic member may be a second compression spring. The second compression spring may be disposed below the divider 500. The first end of the second compression spring may abut the divider 500. For example, the first end of the second compression spring may abut the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the divider 500. The second end of the second compression spring may abut the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the second compression spring may abut the top side of the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400. When the first electromagnet is energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member, which drives the divider 500 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the divider 500 compresses the second compression spring, causing it to deform, thereby generating a second elastic force. The direction of the second elastic force is in the direction from the ice tray 400 toward the divider 500. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 can slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the second elastic force, thereby automatically removing the divider 500 from the water tank 410.

[0336] Compared to the second tension spring, the second compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the partition 500 automatically leaving the water tank 410.

[0337] The first electromagnet can also be located above the first ferromagnetic member. The first electromagnet can be energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member upward. The first ferromagnetic member can drive the divider 500 to slide vertically away from the ice tray 400, allowing the divider 500 to exit the water tank 410. At this point, the divider 500 or ice tray 400 can be cleaned or maintained, or the ice maker 300 can be operated in the second ice-making mode.

[0338] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice making mode, the first ferromagnetic member can be de-energized and the first electromagnet does not attract the first ferromagnetic member, so that the first ferromagnetic member and the partition 500 can slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the partition 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0339] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the first ferromagnetic member can be de-energized, the first electromagnet can no longer attract the first ferromagnetic member, and the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400 under the action of gravity, so that at least a portion of the separator 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410. This configuration eliminates the need for a separate drive mechanism for sliding the separator 500 toward the ice tray 400, further simplifying the structure of the ice maker 300 and facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0340] Alternatively, the ice maker 300 may further include a third elastic member. This third elastic member can be used to apply a third elastic force to the divider 500, causing it to slide toward the ice tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 can slide toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the divider 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410. By providing the third elastic member, the divider 500 can be automatically inserted into the water tank 410 when the first electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation of the divider 500 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0341] For example, the third elastic member may be a third tension spring. The third tension spring may be disposed below the divider 500. The first end of the third tension spring may be connected to the divider 500. For example, the first end of the third tension spring may be connected to the first connecting plate 520 of the divider 500. The second end of the third tension spring may be connected to the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the third tension spring may be connected to the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400.

[0342] When the first electromagnet is energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member, which then drives the divider 500 to slide away from the ice tray 400, the divider 500 pulls on the third tension spring, causing it to deform, thereby generating a third elastic force. The third elastic force is directed toward the ice tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 slides toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the divider 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0343] Alternatively, the third elastic member may be a third compression spring. The third compression spring may be disposed above the divider 500. The first end of the third compression spring may abut the divider 500. For example, the first end of the third compression spring may abut the top side of the first connecting plate 520 of the divider 500. The second end of the third compression spring may be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200. When the first electromagnet is energized to attract the first ferromagnetic member, which then drives the divider 500 to slide away from the ice tray 400, the divider 500 compresses the third compression spring, causing it to deform, thereby generating a third elastic force. The direction of the third elastic force is in the direction from the divider 500 toward the ice tray 400. When the first electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the first ferromagnetic member, the divider 500 can slide toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the third elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the divider 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0344] Compared with the third tension spring, the third compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the partition 500.

[0345] For example, there can be at least two first electromagnets. In some possible implementations of the present invention, at least two first electromagnets can be disposed above and below the first ferromagnetic member, respectively. In other words, some of the first electromagnets can be located above the separator 500, while others can be located below the separator 500.

[0346] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the second ice-making mode, the first electromagnet located below the first ferromagnetic member can be energized, while the first electromagnet located above the first ferromagnetic member can be de-energized. The first electromagnet located below can attract the first ferromagnetic member to move downward, which in turn can drive the divider 500 to move vertically toward the ice tray 400, allowing at least a portion of the divider 500 to be inserted into the water tank 410.

[0347] When cleaning or maintaining the divider 500 or the ice tray 400, or when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice making mode, the first electromagnet below the first ferromagnetic member can be de-energized, and the first electromagnet above the first ferromagnetic member can be energized. The upper first electromagnet can attract the first ferromagnetic member to move upward, which in turn drives the divider 500 to move vertically away from the ice tray 400, thereby allowing the divider 500 to leave the water tank 410.

[0348] The material of the first ferromagnetic member can be a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, or iron-nickel-cobalt alloy, etc. It is understandable that the first ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be described in detail in the embodiment of the present application.

[0349] For example, the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can be separate structures, and the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can be fixedly connected by a connecting structure such as bolts or rivets. This arrangement allows the first ferromagnetic member to be easily removed from the separator 500, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, if the first ferromagnetic member or the separator 500 is damaged or needs to be replaced, the first ferromagnetic member or the separator 500 can be replaced separately, without having to replace both the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 simultaneously, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0350] For example, the material of the separator 500 is a ferromagnetic material, and the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can be an integral structure. With this arrangement, there is no need to provide an additional connecting structure between the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500, so that the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can be directly connected, which can enhance the connection strength between the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500, thereby enhancing the structural stability and durability of the ice maker 300 and reducing the risk of failure caused by the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 being unexpectedly separated due to loosening or damage of the connecting structure. In addition, by providing the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 as an integral structure, the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 can be processed by an integral molding method such as casting, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500. Moreover, by providing the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the first ferromagnetic member and the separator 500, reducing the assembly steps of the ice maker 300, thereby improving the production efficiency of the ice maker 300.

[0351] For example, at least a portion of the separator 500 can be made of a ferromagnetic material to form a first ferromagnetic material. For example, the first connecting plate 520 of the separator 500 can be made of a ferromagnetic material, and the first connecting plate 520 can be the first ferromagnetic member. This configuration can simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300, thereby facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0352] refer to Figures 11 to 14 A flow channel 515 may be provided between at least two of the plurality of ice making grids S. The flow channel 515 allows the at least two ice making grids S to communicate with each other. During ice making in the second ice making mode of the ice maker 300, when at least a portion of the divider 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the divider 500 squeezes the water within the water tank 410. Providing the flow channel 515 between the at least two ice making grids S allows the at least two ice making grids S to communicate with each other, allowing the squeezed water to flow within the at least two connected ice making grids S. This allows the water within the at least two ice making grids S to level out after insertion into the divider 500, ensuring that the water height within the at least two ice making grids S is as equal as possible. This helps prevent the squeezed water from splashing, thereby ensuring consistent water height within the ice making grids S and, in turn, improving the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0353] It should be noted that at least two ice making grids S among the plurality of ice making grids S may be connected via the flow channel 515 , which may mean that the number of ice making grids S connected via the flow channel 515 may be two or more.

[0354] The at least two ice making grids S connected by the flow channel 515 can be adjacent to each other, which helps shorten the length of the flow channel 515 and reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the flow channel 515. Alternatively, the at least two ice making grids S connected by the flow channel 515 can be non-adjacent. Considering factors such as the layout of the ice making grids S and the position of the water injection pipe, at least two ice making grids S in appropriate locations can be connected to each other, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the ice maker 300.

[0355] The number of the flow channel 515 between the connected ice making trays S may be at least one. In other words, the number of the flow channel 515 between the connected ice making trays S may be one or more.

[0356] For example, Figure 15 As shown, a flow channel 515 can be provided between any two adjacent ice making compartments S, thereby interconnecting the bottoms or lower portions of the two adjacent ice making compartments S. This arrangement allows multiple ice making compartments S to be interconnected via the relatively short flow channel 515, allowing water squeezed by the divider 500 to flow more quickly into each ice making compartment S, thereby improving water flow efficiency and, consequently, ice making speed. Furthermore, this arrangement simplifies the structure within the ice tray 400, reduces the structural complexity of the ice maker 300, and improves the assembly efficiency of the ice maker 300, thereby increasing refrigerator production efficiency.

[0357] The flow channel can be provided on the partition 500 or at the bottom of the water tank 410. Figure 15 In the partition 500 , when the partition portion 510 includes a first partition plate 511 and a second partition plate 512 , a communication channel 412 may be provided on the first partition plate 511 and / or the second partition plate 512 .

[0358] For example, refer to Figure 16 Flow channel 515 and communication channel 412 can be reused. In other words, communication channel 412 can serve as flow channel 515. Communication channel 412 and flow channel 515 can be the same channel. This configuration simplifies the structure of ice maker 300, thereby reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining ice maker 300.

[0359] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 16The first connecting plate 520 may be provided with a first vent 522, which may communicate with the ice tray S. During ice making in the first ice-making mode of the ice maker 300, when at least a portion of the divider 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the divider 500 squeezes the water in the water tank 410 and squeezes the air in the ice tray S. Providing the first vent 522 on the first connecting plate 520 allows the squeezed air in the ice tray S to flow out through the first vent 522, preventing the squeezed air from acting on the water and causing it to splash. This helps ensure the high consistency of the water in the ice tray S, and further improves the volume consistency of the ice cubes.

[0360] The number of the separator 500 may be one or at least two.

[0361] In some possible implementations of the present application, reference is made to Figure 9 and Figure 14 The number of the partition 500 can be one. When at least a portion of the partition 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the water tank 410 can be divided into a plurality of first ice making grids 411. The first ice making grids 411 are ice making grids S.

[0362] When the ice maker 300 is making ice, the water filling pipe can first fill the water tank 410 with water. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, the divider 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice compartments 411, and the water in the water tank 410 can be separated into the first ice compartments 411. The water in the first ice compartments 411 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes B of the second size. By having only one divider 500, the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 can be simplified.

[0363] In some possible implementations of the present application, there may be at least two dividers 500. At least two dividers 500 may be arranged sequentially in the vertical direction z and both located above the water tank 410. When at least a portion of the lower divider 500 of two adjacent dividers 500 is inserted into the water tank 410, the water tank 410 is divided into a plurality of first sub-ice-making compartments. During ice making by the ice maker 300, after the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, the lower divider 500 is inserted into the water tank 410 to separate the water in the water tank 410 into the first sub-ice-making compartments.

[0364] When at least a portion of the lower divider 500 and at least a portion of the upper divider 500 are both inserted into the water tank 410, the water tank 410 is divided into a plurality of second sub-ice compartments. The volume of the second sub-ice compartments can be smaller than the volume of the first sub-ice compartments. During ice making by the ice maker 300, after the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, at least a portion of the lower divider 500 and at least a portion of the upper divider 500 can be selectively inserted into the water tank 410, thereby separating the water in the water tank 410 into the second sub-ice compartments.

[0365] By providing at least two dividers 500, the water tank 410 can be divided into a first sub-ice compartment of smaller volume. The water in the first sub-ice compartment can be cooled and condensed into first sub-ice cubes of smaller volume. Alternatively, the water tank 410 can be divided into a second sub-ice compartment of smaller volume. The water in the second sub-ice compartment can be cooled and condensed into second sub-ice cubes of smaller volume. This allows the ice maker 300 to produce a variety of ice cubes of different volumes, which helps meet user needs.

[0366] The following takes the number of separators 500 as an example to specifically describe the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application. The technical solution with more than two separators 500 can refer to the following description, which will not be repeated in the embodiment of the present application.

[0367] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the number of the partitions 500 may be two, and the two partitions 500 may be a first partition 530 and a second partition 540 respectively. Figure 21 and Figure 22 At least a portion of the first partition 530 can be selectively inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice making grids 411. The first ice making grids 411 can be first sub-ice making grids. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The second partition 540 may be located above the first partition 530. At least a portion of the second partition 540 and at least a portion of the first partition 530 may be selectively inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of second ice-making trays 416. The second ice-making trays 416 may be second sub-ice-making trays.

[0368] The ice maker 300 may have a third ice making mode, a fourth ice making mode, and a fifth ice making mode.

[0369] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the third ice making mode, the water injection pipe can inject water into the water tank 410. After the water in the water tank 410 flows flat, the water in the water tank 410 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes C of a third size. The third size ice cubes C can be large ice cubes.

[0370] refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the fourth ice making mode, the water filling pipe may first fill the water tank 410 with water. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, at least a portion of the first divider 530 may be inserted into the water tank 410, thereby dividing the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice making compartments 411 and separating the water in the water tank 410 into the plurality of first ice making compartments 411. The water in the first ice making compartments 411 may be cooled and condensed into ice cubes D of a fourth size. The volume of the fourth size ice cubes D may be smaller than that of the third size ice cubes C. The fourth size ice cubes D may be smaller in size.

[0371] refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the fifth ice-making mode, the water filling pipe can first fill the water tank 410 with water. After the water in the water tank 410 has leveled off, at least a portion of the first divider 530 can be inserted into the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice compartments 411, and the water in the water tank 410 can be separated within the plurality of first ice compartments 411. At least a portion of the second divider 540 can be inserted into the ice compartments S, separating the water in the first ice compartments 411 into a plurality of second ice compartments 416. The water in the second ice compartments 416 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes E of the fifth size. The volume of the fifth size ice cubes E can be smaller than that of the fourth size ice cubes D. The fifth size ice cubes E can be smaller in size.

[0372] It can be understood that in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, when the ice maker 300 makes ice in the fifth ice making mode, the first partition 530 and the second partition 540 can also be inserted into the water tank 410 at the same time to divide the water tank 410 into multiple second ice making grids 416.

[0373] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing the first partition 530 and the second partition 540, the ice maker 300 can be enabled to produce ice cubes C of the third specification, ice cubes D of the fourth specification, and ice cubes E of the fifth specification, thereby increasing the number of specifications of ice cubes, which is beneficial for meeting the different ice usage needs of users and can also simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300.

[0374] It should be noted that, for other relevant contents about the first separator 530 and the second separator 540 , reference can be made to the above description about the separator 500 , which will not be elaborated in the embodiment of the present application.

[0375] For example, Figure 18 As shown, the first connecting plate 520 of the first partition 530 can be provided with a plurality of first insertion holes 531. The plurality of first insertion holes 531 can be provided corresponding to the plurality of first ice making trays 411. Each first insertion hole 531 is connected to the first ice making tray 411 corresponding thereto. The second partition 540 can have a plurality of partitions 510, and the plurality of partitions 510 can be provided corresponding to the plurality of first insertion holes 531. Each partition 510 can be inserted into the first ice making tray 411 via the first insertion hole 531. By providing the first insertion hole 531, the partition 510 of the second partition 540 can be inserted into the first ice making tray 411 via the first insertion hole 531, and it is beneficial to prevent the partition 510 of the second partition 540 from interfering with the first partition 530, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the ice maker 300.

[0376] For example, the first insertion hole 531 and the first vent hole 522 can be reused. In other words, the first insertion hole 531 and the first vent hole 522 can be the same through hole. This configuration simplifies the structure of the first partition 530, thereby reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0377] For example, Figure 18 As shown, and reference Figures 19 to 24 An escape passage may be provided between adjacent two of the plurality of partitions 510 of the second divider 540. When at least a portion of the second divider 540 is inserted into the first ice making tray 411, the escape passage may be used to accommodate at least a portion of the first divider 530, for example, at least the partitions 510 of the first divider 530. Providing an escape passage between adjacent two of the partitions 510 of the second divider 540 helps prevent interference between the second divider 540 and the first divider 530 during insertion of the second divider 540 into the first ice making tray 411, thereby ensuring the functional reliability of the ice maker 300.

[0378] In some other possible implementations of the present application, refer to Figure 25 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 27 and Figure 28, the first partition 530 can be arranged in the water tank 410. The first partition 530 can be configured to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice-making grids 411, wherein the lower portions of at least two first ice-making grids 411 are connected. The water injection pipe can be configured to inject water into at least one of the connected first ice-making grids 411. The second partition 540 can be configured to be at least partially insertable in the first ice-making grid 411 to divide the first ice-making grid 411 into a plurality of second ice-making grids 416. In the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the first partition 530 in the water tank 410, there is no need to control the first partition 530 during the ice-making process of the ice-making machine 300, which helps to reduce the control difficulty of the ice-making machine 300.

[0379] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 A first divider 530 may be disposed within the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice-making compartments 411. A communication channel 412 may be provided between the bottom of the water tank 410 and the bottom of the first divider 530 located within the water tank 410. The communication channel 412 may connect at least two of the plurality of first ice-making compartments 411. A water injection pipe may be configured to inject water into at least one first ice-making compartment 411 connected to the communication channel 412. The second divider 540 may be configured to be at least partially insertable within the first ice-making compartment 411 to divide the first ice-making compartment 411 into a plurality of second ice-making compartments 416.

[0380] The ice maker 300 may have a sixth ice making mode and a seventh ice making mode. Figure 27 and Figure 28 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the sixth ice making mode, the water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice making compartment 411. The water in the at least one first ice making compartment 411 can flow through the connecting channel 412 into other first ice making compartments 411 connected to the connecting channel 412. The water in the first ice making compartment 411 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes F of the sixth size.

[0381] refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice-making compartment 411. The water in the at least one first ice-making compartment 411 can flow into the other first ice-making compartments 411 through the connecting channel 412. At least a portion of the second partition 540 can be inserted into the ice compartment S, so that the water in the first ice compartment 411 can be separated into the plurality of second ice compartments 416. The water in the second ice compartments 416 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes G of the seventh size. The volume of the seventh size ice cubes G can be smaller than that of the sixth size ice cubes F.

[0382] and Figures 17 to 24 Compared to the solution in which the first divider 530 is configured to be insertable into the water tank 410, the arrangement of the first divider 530 in the water tank 410 eliminates the need to insert the first divider 530 into the water tank 410 or remove the first divider 530 from the water tank 410 during ice making, thereby simplifying the control of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, since the first divider 530 is inserted into the water tank 410 and does not need to be removed from the water tank 410, there is no need to reserve space for the first divider 530 to move, thereby reducing the volume of the installation space 443 required for the ice maker 300 and improving space utilization within the refrigerator.

[0383] It should be noted that, for the relevant contents about the connecting channel 412 , reference can be made to the above description, and the embodiments of the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0384] The ice maker 300 of the embodiment of the present application may further have an ice-removing function for separating ice cubes from the ice tray 400 and the partition 500 .

[0385] In some possible implementations of the present application, reference is made to Figure 31 、 Figure 32 and Figure 33 The ice tray 400 can be rotatably arranged on the box body 100 or the door body 200 around a horizontal axis. Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, the ice tray 400 may be rotatable about a horizontal axis extending along the first direction x. Ice can be removed by rotating the ice tray 400 about the horizontal axis, ie, by turning the ice tray 400 over.

[0386] like Figure 33 As shown, the ice maker 300 may include a mounting base 450. The ice tray 400 may be connected to the mounting base 450, and the mounting base 450 may be rotatably connected to the fixing base 440 about a horizontal axis. The ice tray 400 is indirectly rotatably connected to the fixing base 440 via the mounting base 450. This helps prevent the connection structure between the ice tray 400 and the fixing base 440 from affecting the shape of the ice tray 400, thereby preventing the connection structure from affecting the shape of the water tank 410, thereby helping to ensure the shape of the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 300.

[0387] For example, the mounting base 450 may be provided with a mounting groove 451. The ice tray 400 may be mounted in the mounting groove 451. The sidewalls and bottom wall of the mounting groove 451 can position the ice tray 400, thereby improving the relative position accuracy between the mounting base 450 and the ice tray 400.

[0388] For example, in the fixing base 440, each first fixing plate 441 may be provided with a second connecting portion 445 on a side facing the other first fixing plate 441. The two second connecting portions 445 may be arranged opposite to each other. Each second connecting portion 445 may be provided with a second rotation hole 446 on a side facing the other second connecting portion 445. The second rotation holes 446 of the two second connecting portions 445 are arranged opposite to each other. The ice maker 300 may further include a first rotating shaft 452. The number of the first rotating shafts 452 may be two. The two first rotating shafts 452 may extend in the horizontal direction. The two first rotating shafts 452 may be respectively connected to both sides of the mounting base 450. One of the first rotating shafts 452 may be inserted into one second rotation hole 446, and the other first rotating shaft 452 may be inserted into the other second rotation hole 446.

[0389] In some possible implementations of the present invention, the ice tray 400 can be manually rotated to flip it over. In other words, the ice maker 300 can have a manual ice removal function. Manually rotating the ice tray 400 eliminates the need for a separate drive mechanism for the ice tray 400, simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0390] In other possible implementations of the present invention, the ice maker 300 may further include a second drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism can act on the ice tray 400 to drive the ice tray 400 to rotate, thereby causing the ice tray 400 to flip. The second drive mechanism can be automatically controlled. By providing the second drive mechanism with driving force for the ice tray 400, the ice maker 300 can have an automatic ice-removing function, which helps improve the intelligence of the ice maker 300, simplifies user operation steps, and thus improves the user experience.

[0391] For example, the second drive mechanism may include a fifth motor. The fifth motor may be used to provide driving force. The fifth motor may be connected to the first rotating shaft 452 to drive the first rotating shaft 452 to rotate. The first rotating shaft 452 may drive the mounting base 450 and the ice tray 400 to rotate.

[0392] For example, the second drive mechanism may also include a first electric push rod. The first electric push rod may have a retractable telescopic rod. The first electric push rod may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, and the telescopic rod of the first electric push rod may be connected to the mounting base 450. When the telescopic rod is extended or retracted, it may drive the mounting base 450 to rotate and reversely rotate about the axis of the first rotation axis 452.

[0393] refer to Figure 34 、 Figure 35 and Figure 36The ice maker 300 may further include a first ice-removing device 460. The first ice-removing device 460 may be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. For example, the first ice-removing device 460 may be connected to the fixing base 440. The first ice-removing device 460 may have an ejection portion 461. The ice maker 300 may have a first ice-removing mode. When the ice maker 300 is removing ice in the first ice-removing mode, the second driving mechanism may drive the ice tray 400 to rotate until it abuts against the ejection portion 461, thereby allowing the ice cubes in the ice tray 400 to escape.

[0394] The first de-icing device 460 is provided with a push-out portion 461 so as to abut against the ice tray 400 when the ice tray 400 is flipped, thereby achieving the de-icing function. There is no need to provide an additional driving mechanism for the first de-icing device 460, which simplifies the mechanical structure of the first de-icing device 460 and reduces the control difficulty of the ice maker 300 during de-icing.

[0395] The following describes the first deicing device 460 using the technical solution in which the first divider 530 is disposed within the ice tray 400 as an example. When the first deicing device 460 is applied to the technical solution in which the first divider 530 is insertable within the water tank 410 or other technical solutions, please refer to the following description, and this embodiment will not be further described.

[0396] refer to Figures 34 to 37 The first ice-removing device 460 may include a mounting plate 462. The mounting plate 462 may be fixedly mounted on the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical axis z. For example, the mounting plate 462 may be connected to the fixing base 440. The mounting plate 462 may be located outside the ice tray 400. The ejector portion 461 may be disposed on the side of the mounting plate 462 facing the ice tray 400. The mounting plate 462 provides a mounting reference for the ejector portion 461. The provision of the mounting plate 462 facilitates adjustment of the ejector portion 461 during the manufacturing and installation of the ice machine 300.

[0397] For example, mounting plate 462 and fixing base 440 may be integrally formed. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between mounting plate 462 and fixing base 440, allowing mounting plate 462 and fixing base 440 to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between mounting plate 462 and fixing base 440, thereby increasing the structural stability and durability of first deicing device 460 and reducing the risk of unintended separation of mounting plate 462 and fixing base 440 due to loosening or damage of the connecting structure.

[0398] In addition, by configuring the mounting plate 462 and the fixing seat 440 as an integral structure, the mounting plate 462 and the fixing seat 440 can be processed by an integral molding process such as injection molding, which helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the ice maker 300.

[0399] Moreover, by configuring the mounting plate 462 and the fixing seat 440 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the mounting plate 462 and the fixing seat 440 , thereby reducing the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and improving the production efficiency of the ice maker 300 .

[0400] The ice maker 300 may have a sixth ice making mode. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the sixth ice making mode, Figure 37 The water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice making grid 411, and the water in the at least one first ice making grid 411 can flow into other first ice making grids 411 through the circulation channel. Figure 38 The water in the first ice making tray 411 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes F of the sixth specification.

[0401] The ice maker 300 may have a first ice-removing mode. Figure 36 , and refer to Figure 39 and Figure 40 When the ice maker 300 is defrosting ice in the first defrosting mode, the ice tray 400 can rotate until it abuts against the ejector 461, allowing ice cubes F of the sixth size in the ice tray 400 to escape. Before or after the ice maker 300 begins defrosting ice, the second drive mechanism can drive the ice tray 400 to rotate in the opposite direction, allowing the ice tray 400 to separate from the ejector 461.

[0402] For example, there may be multiple ejection portions 461, which may be spaced apart on the mounting plate 462. The multiple ejection portions 461 can abut against multiple locations of the ice tray 400 to uniformly apply force to the ice tray 400, causing multiple locations of the ice tray 400 to deform, thereby causing all ice cubes in the ice tray 400 to fall out and preventing ice leakage.

[0403] For example, the ice tray 400 may be made of a flexible material, such as plastic, rubber, or elastic metal. By making the ice tray 400 of flexible material, the ice tray 400 is more likely to deform when the ice tray 400 and the ejector portion 461 abut against each other, thereby making it easier for the ice cubes to separate from the ice tray 400.

[0404] For example, the bottom of the mounting groove 451 in the mounting base 450 can be hollowed out to expose the bottom of the ice tray 400. In this way, when the ice maker 300 is deicing in the first deicing mode, the ejector 461 can directly abut against the bottom of the ice tray 400, which is conducive to ensuring the deicing effect of ice cubes.

[0405] like Figures 34 to 36As shown, the ice maker 300 may further include a second ice-removing device 700. The second ice-removing device 700 may be disposed above the second partition 540. The second ice-removing device 700 may be configured to push the ice cubes in the second ice making tray 416 downward.

[0406] The ice maker 300 may also have a seventh ice making mode. When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the seventh ice making mode, Figure 41 The water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice making compartment 411, and the water in the at least one first ice making compartment 411 can flow into other first ice making compartments 411 through the circulation channel. At least a portion of the second partition 540 can be inserted into the first ice making compartment 411, so that the water in the first ice making compartment 411 can be separated into multiple second ice making compartments 416. Figure 42 The water in the second ice making tray 416 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes G of the seventh specification. The volume of the ice cubes G of the seventh specification may be smaller than the volume of the ice cubes F of the sixth specification.

[0407] The ice maker 300 may have a second ice-removing mode. Figure 43 When the ice maker 300 is in the second ice-removing mode, the ice tray 400 can rotate toward the first ice-removing device 460 to open the second ice-making compartment 416. The second ice-removing device 700 pushes the seventh size ice cube G in the second ice-making compartment 416 to remove the seventh size ice cube G.

[0408] When the ice maker 300 is deicing in the first deicing mode, after the ice tray 400 is flipped, some of the seventh-size ice cubes G may adhere to the second divider 540. These seventh-size ice cubes G will not rotate with the ice tray 400, which can easily lead to the technical problem of not fully deicing the ice cubes. By providing the second deicing device 700, the second deicing device 700 can push the seventh-size ice cubes G adhered to the second divider 540 to separate them from the second divider 540, thereby preventing ice leakage.

[0409] It should be noted that the relevant contents about the second de-icing device 700 will be described later, and will not be elaborated on in the embodiment of the present application.

[0410] In some other possible implementations of the present application, refer to Figure 44 、 Figure 45 and Figure 46 The bottom of the ice tray 400 may be provided with a first ice outlet 421 that can be selectively opened or closed. The first ice outlet 421 may be connected to the water tank 410. Figure 47 and Figure 48 , and refer to Figure 50 and Figure 51 When the ice maker 300 is making ice, the first ice outlet 421 may be in a closed state. Figure 49 , and refer to Figure 52 When the ice maker 300 is deicing, the first ice outlet 421 can be open, allowing ice cubes to escape through the first ice outlet 421. Compared to deicing by flipping the ice tray 400, by providing the first ice outlet 421 at the bottom of the ice tray 400, ice cubes in the ice compartment S can escape through the first ice outlet 421 at the bottom during the deicing process, eliminating the need to flip the ice tray 400. This helps reduce the difficulty of deicing the ice maker 300. Furthermore, there is no need to reserve space around the ice maker 300 for ice cubes to fall, which helps reduce the operating space of the ice maker 300.

[0411] The ice maker 300 may further include a first opening and closing device 470. The first opening and closing device 470 may be configured to selectively open or close the first ice outlet 421. The first opening and closing device 470 may include a shielding member 471 that is movable relative to the ice tray 400. The first opening and closing device 470 may have a closed state and an open state. When the first opening and closing device 470 is in the closed state, the shielding member 471 is movable relative to the ice tray 400. The shielding member 471 may cover at least a portion of the first ice outlet 421, allowing water to be stored in the water tank 410 and allowing the ice maker 300 to make ice. When the first opening and closing device 470 is in the open state, the shielding member 471 may move in the opposite direction relative to the ice tray 400, opening the first ice outlet 421 and allowing ice cubes to be discharged through the first ice outlet 421, allowing the ice maker 300 to deice.

[0412] For example, the shielding member 471 can slide relative to the ice tray 400. For example, the ice tray 400 can be fixed to the cabinet 100 or the door 200, and the shielding member 471 can be slidably connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical direction z, so that the shielding member 471 can indirectly slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. When the shielding member 471 slides to the first position, the shielding member 471 can at least partially cover the first ice outlet 421. When the shielding member 471 slides to the second position, the shielding member 471 can open the first ice outlet 421. By arranging the shielding member 471 to slide relative to the ice tray 400 to open or close the first ice outlet 421, the space occupied by the shielding member 471 when moving is reduced, thereby reducing the working space required by the ice maker 300 and facilitating the miniaturization of the ice maker 300.

[0413] When the first opening and closing device 470 is in the open position, the shielding member 471 can be located below at least a portion of the first ice outlet 421. Ice cubes released from the first ice outlet 421 can fall onto the shielding member 471, allowing the shielding member 471 to be used to receive the ice cubes. This arrangement improves the convenience of receiving ice cubes.

[0414] For example, Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the shielding member 471 can also rotate about a horizontal axis relative to the ice tray 400. For example, the shielding member 471 can be rotatably connected to the ice tray 400. When the shielding member 471 is rotated to the third position, the shielding member 471 can at least partially block the first ice outlet 421, allowing water to be stored in the water tank 410, allowing the ice maker 300 to make ice. When the shielding member 471 is rotated to the fourth position, the shielding member 471 can open the first ice outlet 421, allowing ice cubes to escape through the first ice outlet 421, allowing the ice maker 300 to de-ice.

[0415] In some possible implementations of the present invention, the shielding member 471 can also be used to implement an ice detection function. Therefore, there is no need to additionally provide an ice detection rod, which is beneficial to simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300.

[0416] The following describes the first opening and closing device 470 in detail, using the example of a rotatable connection between the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400. Other technical solutions in which the shielding member 471 is rotatable relative to the ice tray 400 about a horizontal axis, as well as technical solutions in which the shielding member 471 is slidable relative to the ice tray 400, can be found in the following description and will not be further described in this embodiment.

[0417] like Figures 44 to 46 As shown, the shielding member 471 may include a first shielding plate 472 and a third connecting portion 473. The third connecting portion 473 may be rotatably connected to the ice tray 400. The first shielding plate 472 may be used to shield at least a portion of the first ice outlet 421. The simple structure of the first shielding plate 472 facilitates a simplified structure of the shielding member 471, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the shielding member 471.

[0418] The ice tray 400 may be provided with a fourth connection portion 422. The first opening and closing device 470 may further include a second rotational shaft 474, which may be arranged horizontally. The fourth connection portion 422 may be rotatably connected to the third connection portion 473 via the second rotational shaft 474, thereby allowing the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400 to be rotatably connected about a horizontal axis via the second rotational shaft 474. For example, one of the third connection portion 473 and the fourth connection portion 422 may be provided with a third rotation hole 423. The other may be connected to the second rotational shaft 474. The second rotational shaft 474 may be inserted into the third rotation hole 423 and rotatable therein.

[0419] In some possible implementations of the present invention, the second rotation axis 474 may be disposed along the length of the ice tray 400. It should be noted that the ice tray 400 has a maximum dimension in a certain direction, which may be the length of the ice tray 400.

[0420] When the second rotating shaft 474 is disposed along the length direction of the ice tray 400, for example Figure 46 As shown, when the second rotation axis 474 can be arranged along the first direction x, the second rotation axis 474 can be connected to the third connection portion 473, and the third rotation hole 423 can be provided on the fourth connection portion 422. This arrangement is conducive to shortening the length of the second rotation axis 474, thereby preventing the second rotation axis 474 from deforming and affecting the rotation of the shielding member 471.

[0421] In some other possible implementations of the present invention, the second rotation axis 474 may be disposed along the width of the water tank 410. It should be noted that the ice tray 400 has a minimum dimension in a certain direction, which may be the width of the ice tray 400.

[0422] When the second rotation shaft 474 is disposed along the width direction of the ice tray 400, as shown in FIG. Figure 57 and Figure 58 As shown, when the second rotation axis 474 can be arranged along the second direction y, the second rotation axis 474 can be connected to the fourth connection portion 422, and the third rotation hole 423 can be provided on the third connection portion 473. This arrangement helps to increase the contact area between the second rotation axis 474 and the third rotation hole 423 while ensuring that the second rotation axis 474 is not too long, thereby improving the rotational stability of the shielding member 471.

[0423] For example, there may be two third connection parts 473. The two third connection parts 473 may be spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 46 As shown, the two third connecting portions 473 can be spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other in the first direction x. There can also be two fourth connecting portions 422. The two fourth connecting portions 422 can be respectively arranged corresponding to the two third connecting portions 473. Each fourth connecting portion 422 can be rotatably connected to its corresponding third connecting portion 473 via a second rotating shaft 474. By providing two third connecting portions 473 and two fourth connecting portions 422, the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400 can be rotatably connected at two positions in the horizontal direction, which helps to improve the smoothness of the shielding member 471 during rotation.

[0424] In some possible implementations of the present application, reference is made to Figure 53 and Figure 54The shielding member 471 may further include at least one second shielding plate 475. The second shielding plate 475 may intersect with the first shielding plate 472 to form a first sleeve groove 476. The first sleeve groove 476 may be sleeved onto the ice tray 400. Compared to a shielding member 471 including the first shielding plate 472, the provision of the second shielding plate 475, which forms the first sleeve groove 476 with the first shielding plate 472, increases the connection area between the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400, thereby improving the connection strength between the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400 and enhancing the reliability of the shielding member 471 when it is closed. Furthermore, the second shielding plate 475 can block the gap between the first shielding plate 472 and the ice tray 400, thereby preventing water in the water tank 410 from flowing out through the gap.

[0425] like Figures 45 to 54 As shown, there can be only one shielding member 471. This shielding member 471 can be used to open or close all first ice outlets 421, simplifying the mechanical structure of the first opening and closing device 470. This reduces the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the first opening and closing device 470, thereby improving the convenience of manufacturing and assembling the ice maker 300. Furthermore, the simplified mechanical structure of the first opening and closing device 470 reduces failure points, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the ice maker 300.

[0426] refer to Figures 55 to 61 Alternatively, there may be two shielding members 471, which may be a first shielding member 477 and a second shielding member 478. The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 may be configured to rotate in opposite directions to open or close all first ice outlets 421. In other words, the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 may be arranged in a split configuration. Compared to opening or closing all first ice outlets 421 with a single shielding member 471, this configuration helps reduce the space occupied by the shielding member 471 when rotating, thereby reducing the working space required by the ice maker 300 and improving the space utilization of the refrigerator.

[0427] For example, the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can be arranged horizontally. The side of the first shielding member 477 facing away from the second shielding member 478 can be rotatably connected to the ice tray 400 about a horizontal axis. The side of the second shielding member 478 facing away from the first shielding member 477 can be rotatably connected to the ice tray 400 about a horizontal axis. The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can rotate in opposite directions to open or close the first ice outlet 421.

[0428] The connection structure between the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 and the ice tray 400 can refer to the relevant description of the connection structure between the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400, and will not be repeated in this embodiment of the application.

[0429] The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 may be arranged along the length direction of the ice tray 400. Figure 55 、 Figure 56 and Figure 57 As shown, the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can be arranged along the first direction x. This arrangement is conducive to shortening the length of the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478, thereby reducing the difficulty of processing and assembling the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478.

[0430] The first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 may also be arranged along the width direction of the ice tray 400. Figure 59 、 Figure 60 and Figure 61 As shown, the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 can be arranged along the second direction Y. This arrangement is conducive to reducing the space occupied by the first shielding member 477 and the second shielding member 478 when rotating, thereby helping to reduce the working space required by the first opening and closing device 470, and further helping to improve the space utilization of the refrigerator.

[0431] like Figure 46 As shown, the first opening and closing device 470 may further include a sealing member 480. The sealing member 480 may be disposed on the side of the shielding member 471 that faces the ice tray 400 when the shielding member 471 is in the closed state. The sealing member 480 is used to seal the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400. The provision of the sealing member 480 improves the sealing between the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400, thereby preventing water in the water tank 410 from flowing out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0432] For example, the seal 480 may include a first sealing plate 481. The first sealing plate 481 may be disposed on the side of the shield 471 that faces the ice tray 400 when the shield 471 is closed. When the shield 471 is closed, the first sealing plate 481 may be located between the shield 471 and the ice tray 400. The simple structure of the first sealing plate 481 simplifies the structure of the seal 480 and improves the efficiency of its manufacture and installation.

[0433] For example, Figure 54As shown, the seal 480 may further include at least one second sealing plate 482. The second sealing plate 482 may intersect with the first sealing plate 481 to form a second sleeve groove 483 with the first sealing plate 481. When the shielding member 471 is in the closed position, the second sleeve groove 483 may be sleeved onto the ice tray 400. Compared to a seal 480 including the first sealing plate 481, the provision of the second sealing plate 482, which forms the second sleeve groove 483 with the first sealing plate 481, increases the connection area between the seal 480 and the ice tray 400, thereby improving the sealing performance between the seal 480 and the ice tray 400, thereby preventing water in the water tank 410 from flowing out from between the ice tray 400 and the shielding member 471.

[0434] In some possible implementations of the present application, the shielding member 471 can be manually rotated. By manually rotating the shielding member 471, there is no need to provide an additional drive mechanism for the shielding member 471, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the first opening and closing device 470 and reduces the difficulty in manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the first opening and closing device 470.

[0435] In other possible implementations of the present invention, the first opening and closing device 470 may further include a third drive mechanism. The third drive mechanism can act on the shielding member 471 to drive the shielding member 471 to rotate, thereby causing the shielding member 471 to open or close the first ice outlet 421. The third drive mechanism can be automatically controlled. By providing the third drive mechanism with driving force for the shielding member 471, the first opening and closing device 470 can automatically open or close the first ice outlet 421. This improves the intelligence of the first opening and closing device 470 and the ice maker 300, simplifies user operation steps, and thus improves the user experience.

[0436] For example, the third drive mechanism may include a sixth motor. The sixth motor may be used to provide driving force. The third motor may be connected to the second rotating shaft 474 to drive the second rotating shaft 474 to rotate. The second rotating shaft 474 may drive the shielding member 471 to rotate relative to the ice tray 400.

[0437] For example, the third drive mechanism may also include a second electric push rod. The second electric push rod may have a retractable telescopic rod. The second electric push rod may be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The telescopic rod of the second electric push rod may be connected to the shielding member 471. When the telescopic rod is extended or retracted, it may drive the shielding member 471 to rotate and reversely rotate about the axis of the second rotation axis 474.

[0438] In other possible implementations of the present embodiment, the third drive mechanism may further include a second electromagnet and a second ferromagnetic member. The second electromagnet may be connected to one of the shielding member 471 and the ice tray 400, and the second ferromagnetic member may be connected to the other. For example, the second electromagnet may be connected to the shielding member 471, and the second ferromagnetic member may be connected to the ice tray 400. Alternatively, the second ferromagnetic member may be connected to the shielding member 471, and the second electromagnet may be connected to the ice tray 400.

[0439] The material of the second ferromagnetic member can be a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, or iron-nickel-cobalt alloy, etc. It is understandable that the second ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0440] When the second electromagnet is energized, it can generate a magnetic field to attract the second ferromagnetic member. The second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic member attracted to each other can cause the shielding member 471 to rotate toward the ice tray 400 to close the first ice outlet 421.

[0441] When the second electromagnet is de-energized, no magnetic field is generated, and the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic member are separated from each other. The separated second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic member can cause the shielding member 471 to rotate away from the ice tray 400 under the action of gravity, thereby opening the first ice outlet 421.

[0442] The magnetic attraction between the second electromagnet and the second ferromagnetic member drives the shielding member 471 to open or close the first ice outlet 421. By energizing and deenergizing the second electromagnet, the rotational direction of the second ferromagnetic member, and thus the rotational direction of the shielding member 471, can be controlled, thereby simplifying the control of the third drive mechanism.

[0443] In some possible implementations of the present application, reference is made to Figure 44 and Figure 61 The ice maker 300 may further include a second ice-removing device 700. The second ice-removing device 700 may be configured to push the ice cubes formed in the ice making tray S when the first ice outlet 421 is in an open state, so that the ice cubes in the water tank 410 can be removed through the first ice outlet 421.

[0444] like Figure 46 As shown, and reference Figure 47 、 Figure 48 、 Figure 49 、 Figure 50 、 Figure 51 and Figure 52, an insertion channel 550 may be provided at the top of the partition 500. The second ice-deicing device 700 may include an ice-deicing member 710. The ice-deicing member 710 may be located above the ice tray 400. One of the ice-deicing member 710 and the ice tray 400 may be fixedly disposed on the cabinet 100 or the door 200, and the other may be slidable in the vertical direction Z. When the second ice-deicing device 700 is deicing, the slidable one of the ice-deicing member 710 and the ice tray 400 may slide in the vertical direction Z so that at least a portion of the ice-deicing member 710 can be inserted into the ice tray S through the insertion channel 550, thereby pushing the ice cubes in the ice tray S out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0445] It should be noted that if Figure 46 As shown, the insertion channel 550 may be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the first partition 530. The insertion channel 550 may also be provided on the first connecting plate 520 of the second partition 540.

[0446] like Figure 46 As shown, when the first partition 530 does not have the first connecting plate 520, the partition portion 510 of the first partition 530 divides the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice making trays 411. The first ice making trays 411 have open tops. The open tops of the first ice making trays 411 can form insertion channels 550.

[0447] For example, refer to Figure 47 and Figure 48 When ice maker 300 is making ice in the sixth ice making mode, first opening and closing device 470 can close first ice outlet 421. A water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice making compartment 411. The water in the at least one first ice making compartment 411 can flow through the circulation channel into other first ice making compartments 411. The water in the first ice making compartment 411 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes F of the sixth size.

[0448] refer to Figure 49 The ice maker 300 may have a third ice-deglazing mode. When the ice maker 300 is deglazing in the third ice-deglazing mode, the first opening and closing device 470 may open the first ice outlet 421. The ice-deglazing member 710 may slide relative to the ice tray 400 in the vertical direction z, so that at least a portion of the ice-deglazing member 710 may enter the first ice compartment 411 through the insertion channel 550 of the first divider 530 and the insertion channel 550 of the second divider 540, thereby pushing the sixth-size ice cubes F in the first ice compartment 411, so that the sixth-size ice cubes F may be discharged through the first ice outlet 421.

[0449] refer to Figure 50 and Figure 51When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the first opening and closing device 470 can close the first ice outlet 421. The water injection pipe can inject water into at least one first ice compartment 411. The water in the at least one first ice compartment 411 can flow into the other first ice compartments 411 through the connecting channel 412. At least a portion of the second divider 540 can be inserted into the first ice compartment 411, so that the water in the first ice compartment 411 can be separated into multiple second ice compartments 416. The water in the second ice compartments 416 can be cooled and condensed into ice cubes G of the seventh size. The volume of the seventh size ice cubes G can be smaller than that of the sixth size ice cubes F.

[0450] refer to Figure 52 The ice maker 300 may have a fourth ice-deglazing mode. When the ice maker 300 is deglazing in the fourth ice-deglazing mode, the first opening and closing device 470 may open the first ice outlet 421. The ice-deglazing member 710 may slide relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z, so that at least a portion of the ice-deglazing portion 712 may sequentially enter the second ice compartment 416 through the insertion channel 550 of the first divider 530 and the insertion channel 550 of the second divider 540, thereby pushing the seventh size ice cubes G in the second ice compartment 416, so that the seventh size ice cubes G may be discharged through the first ice outlet 421.

[0451] By setting an insertion channel 550 on the partition 500 and setting an ice-deicing component 710 on the second ice-deicing device 700, the ice-deicing component 710 can be directly inserted into the ice-making grid S through the insertion channel 550 and directly contact the ice cubes, thereby effectively pushing the ice cubes out, which helps to improve the ice-deicing efficiency of the second ice-deicing device 700 and reduce the ice-deicing time.

[0452] In some possible implementations of the present invention, at least two of the insertion channel 550, the first vent hole 522, or the first insertion hole 531 can be reused. In other words, at least two of the insertion channel 550, the first vent hole 522, or the first insertion hole 531 can be the same through-hole. This configuration simplifies the structure of the first separator 530, thereby reducing the difficulty in manufacturing the first separator 530.

[0453] For example, Figure 46 As shown, the de-icing member 710 may include a second connecting plate 711. The second connecting plate 711 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, the second connecting plate 711 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. Figure 46 The de-icing member 710 may further include an ice-removing portion 712. The ice-removing portion 712 may be connected to the bottom side of the second connecting plate 711 and may face the insertion channel 550. The second connecting plate 711 may be used to position, install, or secure the de-icing member 710, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the de-icing member 710.

[0454] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the ice tray 400 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice-removing member 710 can slide along the vertical direction Z. When the second ice-removing device 700 removes ice, the ice-removing member 710 can slide along the vertical direction Z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can enter the ice compartment S through the insertion channel 550, thereby pushing the ice cubes out of the first ice outlet 421.

[0455] For example, the deicing member 710 can be slidably connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical direction Z. The deicing member 710 can slide indirectly relative to the ice tray 400 via the cabinet 100 or the door 200. Because the cabinet 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the cabinet 100 or the door 200 can provide sufficient connection space for the deicing member 710, which helps reduce the design difficulty of the second deicing device 700 and thus facilitates optimization of the structure of the ice maker 300.

[0456] For example, the ice-removing member 710 can be connected to the ice-making tray 400 by sliding along the vertical direction Z. Figure 46 As shown, the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing member 710 can be slidably connected to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction Z. With this arrangement, the de-icing member 710 can slide directly relative to the ice tray 400, and the ice tray 400 can be used to position the de-icing member 710, which helps improve the relative position accuracy between the de-icing member 710 and the ice tray 400, thereby helping to prevent the de-icing member 710 from deflecting relative to the ice tray 400.

[0457] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, a second guide rail pair may be provided between the deicing member 710 and the ice tray 400, and the deicing member 710 and the ice tray 400 may be slidably connected via the second guide rail pair. The second guide rail pair may include a second guide rail and a second slider. The second guide rail may be arranged along a vertical direction z and connected to the ice tray 400. The second slider may be slidably mounted on the second guide rail and connected to the deicing member 710. The second guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which helps improve the positioning accuracy of the deicing member 710.

[0458] In some other possible implementations of the present application, refer to Figure 46One of the de-icing member 710 and the ice tray 400 may be provided with a second sliding post 432, which may be arranged along the vertical direction Z. The other of the de-icing member 710 and the ice tray 400 may be provided with a second sliding through-hole 713, which may be sleeved on the second sliding post 432 and slidable along the second sliding post 432. The ice tray 400 and the de-icing member 710 may be slidably connected via the second sliding post 432 and the second sliding through-hole 713, which cooperate with each other. The second sliding post 432 can guide the de-icing member 710 in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the de-icing member 710 from deflecting during sliding.

[0459] The second sliding post 432 may be provided on the ice removing member 710 , and the second sliding through hole 713 may be provided on the ice making tray 400 .

[0460] Or, as Figure 46 As shown, the second sliding post 432 can be disposed on the ice tray 400. For example, the second sliding post 432 can be disposed on the top side of the first connecting portion 430, which helps prevent the second sliding post 432 from blocking the water tank 410. The second sliding hole 713 can be disposed on the ice remover 710. For example, the second sliding hole 713 can be disposed on the second connecting plate 711. Since the second sliding post 432 is disposed on the ice tray 400 and the ice tray 400 is fixed, the second sliding post 432 can be more stable, thereby improving the smoothness of the ice remover 710 when sliding relative to the ice tray 400.

[0461] For example, there may be multiple second sliding posts 432. Multiple second sliding posts 432 may be spaced apart around the circumference of the ice tray 400. There may also be multiple second sliding holes 713. Multiple second sliding holes 713 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple second sliding posts 432, with each second sliding hole 713 being fitted over its corresponding second sliding post 432. This arrangement allows the de-icing element 710 and the ice tray 400 to be slidably connected at multiple locations around the circumference of the ice tray 400, thereby improving the smoothness of the sliding movement of the de-icing element 710 relative to the ice tray 400.

[0462] In some other possible implementations of the present application, refer to Figure 62 and Figure 63The ice maker 300 may further include a second connector 720, which may be connected to the ice-removing member 710. For example, the second connector 720 may be connected to one end of the second connecting plate 711. A third sliding recess 721 may be provided between the second connector 720 and the ice tray 400, and the third sliding recess 721 may be arranged along the vertical direction z. A second sliding protrusion 424 may be provided between the second connector 720 and the ice-removing member 710, and the second sliding protrusion 424 may slide within the third sliding recess 721. For example, the third sliding recess 721 may be provided on the second connector 720, and the second sliding protrusion 424 may be provided on the outside of the ice tray 400.

[0463] like Figure 62 As shown, when the ice maker 300 is making ice, the first opening and closing device 470 can close the first ice outlet 421. The ice stripping member 710 can drive the second connecting plate 711 to slide back toward the ice tray 400, and the second sliding protrusion 424 can slide in the third sliding recess 721. Figure 63 As shown, when the ice maker 300 is removing ice, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421. The ice removing member 710 can drive the second connecting plate 711 to slide toward the ice tray 400, and the second sliding protrusion 424 can slide in the third sliding recess 721 in the opposite direction.

[0464] The second connecting member 720 and the ice tray 400 can be slidably connected along the vertical direction z via the cooperating third sliding recess 721 and second sliding protrusion 424, thereby enabling the ice-removing member 710 to be indirectly slidably connected to the ice tray 400 via the second connecting member 720. Compared to a sliding connection between the ice-removing member 710 and the ice tray 400 via the second guide rail pair, this simplifies the connection structure between the ice-removing member 710 and the ice tray 400, thereby reducing the component cost of the second ice-removing device 700.

[0465] In some possible implementations of the present invention, during deicing, the deicing member 710 can be configured to not simultaneously contact the ice cubes in the multiple ice trays S. When the second deicing device 700 is deicing, the deicing member 710 is driven by a force and moves relative to the ice tray 400. Because the deicing member 710 does not simultaneously contact the ice cubes in the multiple ice trays S, the contact area between the deicing member 710 and the ice cubes can be reduced. While the driving force applied to the deicing member 710 remains unchanged, the deicing force applied to the ice cubes can be increased, facilitating the deicing of the ice cubes, thereby ensuring the deicing effect of the ice maker 300.

[0466] For example, the ice-removing member 710 may include a plurality of ice-removing portions 712. The ice-removing portions 712 may be opposite to the insertion channel. For example, each ice-making tray S may be provided with an insertion channel 550. There may be a plurality of ice-removing portions 712, and the plurality of ice-removing portions 712 may be arranged opposite to the insertion channels 550 of the plurality of ice-making trays S. For example Figure 46 As shown, when the ice maker 300 includes the first partition 530 and the second partition 540, each second ice making tray 416 may be provided with an insertion channel 550. The plurality of ice separating portions 712 and the plurality of insertion channels 550 of the second ice making trays 416 may be arranged one by one opposite to each other.

[0467] For example, along the vertical direction Z, the lengths of at least two of the plurality of ice-removing portions 712 may be different. In other words, the lengths of the plurality of ice-removing portions 712 may not be exactly the same. Figure 64 As shown, the length of one of the ice-shedding portions 712 may be H1, and the length of the other ice-shedding portion 712 may be H2. H2 may be greater than H1.

[0468] like Figure 64 、 Figure 65 、 Figure 66 and Figure 67 During ice removal by the second deicing device 700, the deicing element 710 moves relative to the ice tray 400, allowing the longer of the multiple deicing sections 712 to first contact the ice cubes in the ice compartment S, pushing these ice cubes out through the first ice outlet 421. The deicing element 710 continues to move relative to the ice tray 400, allowing the shorter of the multiple deicing sections 712 to contact the ice cubes in the ice compartment S, pushing another portion of the ice cubes out through the first ice outlet 421. By arranging the lengths of the multiple deicing sections 712 to be of varying lengths, the multiple deicing sections 712 do not simultaneously contact multiple ice cubes, thus reducing the contact area between the deicing sections 712 and the ice cubes. While maintaining the same driving force on the deicing element 710, the deicing force applied to the ice cubes is increased, facilitating ice removal and thereby ensuring effective deicing by the ice maker 300.

[0469] When the bottoms or lower portions of at least two ice making grids S among the plurality of ice making grids S are connected, the bottoms or lower portions of the ice cubes formed in the at least two ice making grids S are connected to each other. Figure 64 and Figure 65 As shown, the lower parts of at least two ice blocks F of the sixth specification are connected to each other. Figure 66 and Figure 67 As shown, the lower portions of at least two seventh-size ice cubes G are connected to each other. Therefore, sufficient ice-removing force is required during ice removal. The lengths of the multiple ice-removing portions 712 corresponding to the at least two connected ice-making trays S may not be exactly the same.

[0470] Since the lower portions of at least two ice making grids 411 are connected, the lower portions of the ice cubes formed in the at least two ice making grids 411 are connected to each other. Figure 64 and Figure 65 As shown, the lower parts of at least two ice blocks F of the sixth specification are connected to each other. Figure 66 and Figure 67 As shown, the lower portions of at least two ice cubes G of the seventh specification are interconnected. By setting the lengths of the at least two ice-removing portions 712 corresponding to the at least two connected ice-making trays 411 to be different, some of the at least two ice-removing portions 712 can first contact a portion of the ice cubes and push the connected portion of the ice cubes, thereby applying a thrust to the portion of the ice cubes. Compared to a scenario where the at least two ice-removing portions 712 corresponding to the at least two connected ice-making trays 411 are identical in length and the at least two ice-removing portions 712 push the at least two connected ice cubes simultaneously, the contact area between the ice-removing element 710 and the ice cubes is reduced, thereby increasing the local thrust between the ice-removing element 710 and the ice cubes, facilitating the separation of the connected ice cubes from each other and from the ice tray 400 and the divider 500.

[0471] For example, Figures 64 to 67 The horizontal width of the ice tray S can decrease in a vertically downward direction. For example, the widths of the first ice tray 411 and the second ice tray 416 in the first direction x can decrease in a vertically downward direction z. The width of the ice tray S in the first direction x can decrease gradually or in a stepwise manner along the vertically downward direction. This arrangement allows the ice cubes formed in the ice tray S, such as the sixth-size ice cube F and the seventh-size ice cube G, to decrease in a horizontally downward direction, forming a structure that is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom. When the second ice-removing device 700 removes ice, it applies a downward thrust to the ice cubes in the ice tray S through the insertion channel 550 located at the top of the ice tray S. This helps prevent the sidewalls of the ice tray S from blocking the ice cubes, thereby facilitating the ice cubes' escape from the ice tray S.

[0472] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the ice-removing member 710 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The ice tray 400 can slide along the vertical direction Z. When the second ice-removing device 700 is removing ice, the ice tray 400 can slide along the vertical direction Z toward the ice-removing member 710, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can enter the ice tray S through the insertion channel 550, thereby pushing the ice cubes out of the first ice outlet 421.

[0473] For example, the ice tray 400 can be slidably connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200 along the vertical direction Z. Since the cabinet 100 and the door 200 have a large area, the cabinet 100 or the door 200 can provide a sufficiently large connection space for the ice tray 400, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the second ice removing device 700, thereby facilitating the optimization of the structure of the ice maker 300.

[0474] For example, the ice tray 400 can be slidably connected to the ice de-icing member 710 along the vertical direction Z. The ice tray 400 can also be slidably connected to the second connecting plate 711 of the ice de-icing member 710 along the vertical direction Z. This arrangement allows the ice tray 400 to be positioned by the ice de-icing member 710, thereby improving the relative position accuracy between the ice tray 400 and the ice de-icing member 710 and preventing the ice tray 400 from tilting relative to the ice de-icing member 710.

[0475] When the ice-removing component 710 is fixedly arranged on the box body 100 or the door body 200 and the ice-making tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction z, the sliding connection structure between the ice-removing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 can refer to the above description of the connection structure between the ice-removing component 710 and the ice-making tray 400 when the ice-making tray 400 is fixedly arranged on the box body 100 or the door body 200 and the ice-removing component 710 is slidable along the vertical direction z, and the embodiments of the present application will not repeat them in detail.

[0476] The following describes the technical solution of the present embodiment in detail, taking the example of a fixed ice tray 400 and an ice-removing member 710 being slidable relative to the ice tray 400 along the vertical direction z. The technical solution of a fixed ice-removing member 710 and a slidable ice tray 400 relative to the ice-removing member 710 along the vertical direction z as described below, and will not be further described in detail in the present embodiment.

[0477] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, a driving force may be manually provided to the ice-removing member 710 so that the ice-removing member 710 can slide relative to the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical direction z.

[0478] For example, when the second ice-removing device 700 is removing ice, the ice-removing member 710 can be manually pushed so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can be inserted into the ice tray S. By manually providing driving force to the ice-removing member 710, there is no need to provide an additional driving mechanism for the ice-removing member 710, which helps simplify the mechanical structure of the ice-making machine 300 and reduces the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the ice-making machine 300.

[0479] In some possible implementations of the present application, such as Figures 44 to 46As shown, the second de-icing device 700 may further include a fourth drive mechanism 730, which can act on the de-icing member 710. When the second de-icing device 700 is de-icing, the fourth drive mechanism 730 can drive the de-icing member 710 to slide along the vertical direction Z toward the ice tray 400. The fourth drive mechanism 730 can be automatically controlled. By providing the fourth drive mechanism 730 with driving force to the de-icing member 710, automatic de-icing is achieved, which helps improve the intelligence of the ice maker 300, simplifies user operation steps, and thus improves the user experience.

[0480] It is understood that the fourth driving mechanism 730 can be connected to a slidable one of the ice deicing member 710 and the ice making tray 400 to drive the slidable one to slide along the vertical direction Z. For example, when the ice making tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction Z, the fourth driving mechanism 730 can be connected to the ice making tray 400 to drive the ice making tray 400 to slide toward or away from the ice deicing member 710.

[0481] This embodiment of the present application uses the example of an ice-removing member 710 being slidable along the vertical direction z and the fourth drive mechanism 730 being connected to the ice-removing member 710 as an example to specifically describe the fourth drive mechanism 730. When the ice tray 400 is slidable along the vertical direction z and the fourth drive mechanism 730 is connected to the ice tray 400, the relevant details of the fourth drive mechanism 730 can be found in the following description and will not be further described in this embodiment of the present application.

[0482] In some possible implementations of the present application, reference is made to Figure 44 and Figure 45 , the fourth driving mechanism 730 may include a seventh motor. The fourth driving mechanism 730 may also include a third rotating shaft 731. The third rotating shaft 731 is arranged in the horizontal direction and is connected to the seventh motor. The fourth driving mechanism 730 may also include at least one second cam 732. The second cam 732 may be sleeved on the third rotating shaft 731. Figure 49 and Figure 52 As shown, when the second de-icing device 700 de-ices, the seventh motor can drive the third shaft 731 to rotate, and the third shaft 731 can drive the second cam 732 to rotate until it abuts against the de-icing member 710 and pushes the de-icing member 710 to slide toward the ice tray 400. Figure 47 、 Figure 48 、 Figure 50 and Figure 51 When the second ice-removing device 700 does not remove ice, the seventh motor can drive the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the third rotating shaft 731 can drive the second cam 732 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the second cam 732 can be separated from the ice-removing member 710, so that the ice-removing member 710 can slide away from the ice-making tray 400.

[0483] In this embodiment of the fourth drive mechanism 730, the seventh motor drives the second cam 732 via the third rotating shaft 731. The second cam 732 pushes the de-icing element 710, enabling it to slide along the vertical axis z. Due to its simple structure, the second cam 732 is suitable for mass production and application, helping to reduce the component cost of the fourth drive mechanism 730. Furthermore, the second cam 732 is easily replaceable, which helps reduce maintenance costs for the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0484] For example, the fourth motor can be connected to the box 100 or the door 200 via a fixing base 440 to improve the compactness of the ice maker 300. For details about the fixing base 440, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0485] For example, the third rotating shaft 731 can be connected to the fixing base 440 for rotation around a horizontal axis. The fixing base 440 can support the third rotating shaft 731 to improve the stability of the third rotating shaft 731 during rotation. Figure 46 As shown, the two first fixing plates 441 of the fixing base 440 can both be provided with a fourth rotation hole 447. The fourth rotation holes 447 of the two first fixing plates 441 can be arranged relative to each other. The two ends of the third rotating shaft 731 can be respectively inserted into the fourth rotation holes 447 of the two first fixing plates 441, and can rotate in the fourth rotation holes 447, so that the third rotating shaft 731 is arranged in the horizontal direction and the third rotating shaft 731 can be rotated around the horizontal direction. One end of the third rotating shaft 731 passes through the corresponding fourth rotation hole 447 and is connected to the seventh motor. When the seventh motor is activated, it can drive the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate around the horizontal axis.

[0486] The second cam 732 can be sleeved on the third rotating shaft 731. The number of the second cam 732 can be at least one. In other words, the number of the second cam 732 can be one or more.

[0487] For example Figure 46 As shown, when there are multiple second cams 732, the multiple second cams 732 can be spaced apart along the axial direction of the third rotating shaft 731. During ice removal by the second deicing device 700, when the seventh motor drives the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate, the third rotating shaft 731 can drive the multiple second cams 732 to rotate synchronously. The multiple second cams 732 can abut against the deicing member 710, jointly pushing the deicing member 710 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400. The multiple second cams 732 can apply thrust to the deicing member 710 at multiple locations along the axial direction of the third rotating shaft 731, which helps to improve the uniformity of the thrust applied to the deicing member 710, thereby improving the sliding smoothness of the deicing member 710.

[0488] like Figure 46As shown, the second ice-removing device 700 may further include a fourth elastic member 733, which can be used to apply a fourth elastic force to the ice-removing member 710, thereby moving the ice-removing member 710 away from the ice tray 400. When the seventh motor drives the third rotating shaft 731 to rotate in the opposite direction, the third rotating shaft 731 drives the second cam 732 to rotate in the opposite direction, moving the ice-removing member 710 away from the ice tray 400. Under the fourth elastic force provided by the fourth elastic member 733, the ice-removing member 710 can slide away from the ice tray 400. The provision of the fourth elastic member 733 allows the ice-removing member 710 to automatically slide away from the ice tray 400 when the fourth driving mechanism 730 is not acting on the ice-removing member 710. This eliminates the need for manual operation of the ice-removing member 710, thereby improving the user convenience of the ice-making machine 300.

[0489] For example, the fourth elastic member 733 may be a fourth tension spring. The fourth tension spring may be disposed above the de-icing member 710. The first end of the fourth tension spring may be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the fourth tension spring may be connected to the de-icing member 710. When the second cam 732 pushes the de-icing member 710 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 may pull on the fourth tension spring, causing the fourth tension spring to deform, thereby generating a fourth elastic force. The direction of the fourth elastic force is from the ice tray 400 toward the de-icing member 710. When the second cam 732 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the de-icing member 710, the de-icing member 710 may slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the fourth elastic force, thereby automatically leaving the water tank 410.

[0490] Or, as Figures 46 to 52 As shown, the fourth elastic member 733 may be a fourth compression spring. The fourth compression spring may be disposed below the de-icing member 710. The first end of the fourth compression spring may abut against the de-icing member 710. For example, the first end of the fourth compression spring may abut against the bottom side of the second connecting plate 711 of the de-icing member 710. The second end of the fourth compression spring may abut against the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the fourth compression spring may abut against the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400. When the second cam 732 pushes the de-icing member 710 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 may compress the fourth compression spring, causing the fourth compression spring to produce a compression deformation, thereby causing the fourth compression spring to generate a fourth elastic force. The direction of the fourth elastic force is from the ice tray 400 toward the de-icing member 710. When the second cam 732 rotates in the opposite direction to separate from the ice removing member 710 , the ice removing member 710 can slide back toward the ice making tray 400 under the action of the fourth elastic force, so that the ice removing member 710 can automatically leave the water tank 410 .

[0491] Compared with the fourth tension spring, the fourth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the automatic reset of the ice de-icing member 710 .

[0492] When a second sliding post 432 is provided between the ice tray 400 and the ice remover 710, the fourth compression spring can be mounted on the second sliding post 432. This arrangement allows the second sliding post 432 to be used to position the fourth compression spring, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure for the fourth compression spring. Furthermore, the second sliding post 432 supports the fourth compression spring, improving its stability during deformation and thereby increasing the directional accuracy of the fourth spring force.

[0493] In some other possible implementations of the present application, the fourth driving mechanism 730 may include an eighth motor. The eighth motor may be used to provide driving force. Figure 68 、 Figure 69 and Figure 70 The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a fourth rotating shaft 734. The fourth rotating shaft 734 may be arranged horizontally and connected to the eighth motor so as to be rotatable under the drive of the eighth motor. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second gear. The second gear may be sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft 734. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second rack. The second rack may be arranged vertically in the z direction and connected to the de-icing element 710. The second rack may mesh with the second gear.

[0494] When the second ice-removing device 700 is removing ice, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 to rotate, the fourth rotating shaft 734 can drive the second gear to rotate, and the second gear can drive the second rack and the ice-removing member 710 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid S.

[0495] When cleaning or maintaining the ice-removing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, the fourth rotating shaft 734 can drive the second gear to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second gear can drive the second rack and the ice-removing component 710 to slide along the vertical direction z away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the ice-removing component 710 leaves the ice-making grid S.

[0496] In this embodiment of the fourth drive mechanism 730, the eighth motor drives the de-icing element 710 to slide in the vertical direction z via the intermeshing second gear and second rack. This allows the fourth drive mechanism 730 to achieve bidirectional drive of the de-icing element 710. Furthermore, because the intermeshing second gear and second rack provide high transmission efficiency and precision, this helps reduce the driving power requirement for the sixth motor and enhances the positional accuracy of the de-icing element 710 during sliding.

[0497] It should be noted that, regarding other relevant structures of the eighth motor and the fourth rotating shaft 734, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of the seventh motor and the third rotating shaft 731 in the above implementation method, and this embodiment of the application will not be repeated here.

[0498] For example, the second rack 736 can be fixedly connected to the de-icing member 710. When the eighth motor drives the fourth rotating shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate, the second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to move along the vertical axis z, and the second rack 736 can directly drive the de-icing member 710 to slide along the vertical axis z. This arrangement simplifies the connection structure between the second rack 736 and the de-icing member 710, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the ice maker 300.

[0499] Alternatively, refer to Figures 68 to 70 The second rack 736 can be slidably connected to the ice tray along the vertical z axis. For example, the ice maker can further include a third connector 737 that can be connected to the ice tray 400. The third connector 737 and the second rack 736 can be slidably connected along the vertical z axis. The provision of the third connector 737 increases the sliding range of the second rack 736, thereby increasing the sliding travel of the ice remover 710.

[0500] For example, one of the third connecting member 737 and the second rack 736 may be provided with a fourth sliding recess 738. The fourth sliding recess 738 may extend along the vertical direction z. The other may be provided with a third sliding protrusion 739. The third sliding protrusion 739 may be slidably disposed in the fourth sliding recess 738. Figure 70 As shown, the fourth sliding recess 738 can be provided on the third connecting member 737, and the third sliding protrusion 739 can be provided on the second rack 736. Alternatively, the fourth sliding recess 738 can be provided on the second rack 736, and the third sliding protrusion 739 can be provided on the third connecting member 737.

[0501] The third connecting member 737 and the second rack 736 can be slidably connected via the fourth sliding recess 738 and the third sliding protrusion 739. This configuration simplifies the connection structure between the third connecting member 737 and the second rack 736, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the second deicing device 700.

[0502] The fourth drive mechanism may also include an abutment member 740. The abutment member 740 may be connected to the second rack 736 and abut against the de-icing member 710. For example, the abutment member 740 may include a fifth connecting portion 741 and an abutment portion 742 connected thereto. The fifth connecting portion 741 may extend horizontally. A first end of the fifth connecting portion 741 may be connected to the second rack 736, and a second end of the fifth connecting portion 741 may be connected to the abutment portion 742. The abutment portion 742 may abut against the de-icing member 710.

[0503] When the second ice-removing device 700 is removing ice, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate. The second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to slide downward along the vertical direction z relative to the third connecting member 737, so that the second rack 736 slides relative to the ice tray 400. The second rack 736 can also drive the abutment 740, so that the abutment 740 can push the ice-removing member 710 into the ice tray S, thereby removing ice.

[0504] When the second ice-removing device 700 is not removing ice, the eighth motor can drive the fourth rotating shaft 734 and the second gear 735 to rotate in the opposite direction. The second gear 735 can drive the second rack 736 to slide upward along the vertical direction z relative to the third connecting member 737, causing the second rack 736 to slide in the opposite direction relative to the ice tray 400. The second rack 736 can drive the abutment member 740 to separate from the ice-removing member 710, thereby allowing the ice-removing member 710 to leave the ice-making tray S.

[0505] The abutment member 740 is provided to prevent the swing or vibration between the second gear 735 and the second rack 736 from being transmitted to the deicing member 710 , thereby improving the stability of the deicing member 710 when sliding.

[0506] For example, the ice maker may further include a first elastic member providing a first elastic force. When the abutment member 740 moves away from the ice-removing member 710, the ice-removing member 710 may move away from the ice-making tray S under the action of the first elastic force. For details regarding the first elastic member, please refer to the above description and will not be further elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0507] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a ninth motor. The ninth motor may be used to provide driving force. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include a second screw. The second screw may be arranged along the vertical direction z and connected to the ninth motor to rotate under the drive of the ninth motor. The deicing member 710 may be provided with a second threaded hole, which may be sleeved on the second screw. For example, the second threaded hole may be provided on the second connecting plate 711 of the deicing member 710.

[0508] When the second ice-removing device 700 is removing ice, the ninth motor can drive the second screw to rotate. Since the second screw is threadedly connected to the ice-removing member 710 through the second threaded hole, the second screw can drive the ice-removing member 710 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can be inserted into the ice compartment S.

[0509] When the second ice-removing device 700 is not removing ice, or when the ice-removing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400 is being cleaned or maintained, the ninth motor can drive the second screw to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second screw can drive the ice-removing component 710 to slide away from the ice-making tray 400 along the vertical direction z, so that the ice-removing component 710 leaves the ice-making grid S.

[0510] In this implementation, the fourth drive mechanism 730 is threadedly connected to the de-icing element 710 via a second threaded hole. The ninth motor, via the second screw, can drive the de-icing element 710 to slide vertically in the z direction, enabling the fourth drive mechanism 730 to bidirectionally drive the de-icing element 710. Furthermore, the threaded connection between the second screw and the de-icing element 710 provides high transmission efficiency and precision, reducing the required drive power for the ninth motor and enhancing the positional accuracy of the de-icing element 710 during sliding. Furthermore, the threaded transmission between the second screw and the de-icing element 710 reduces transmission noise, helping to reduce noise generated during operation of the ice maker 300.

[0511] For example, the external thread of the second screw and the internal thread of the second threaded hole can both be self-locking threads. This configuration can provide the de-icing member 710 with a self-locking function, allowing the de-icing member 710 to maintain a stable position in the vertical direction z in the absence of external forces, thereby preventing the de-icing member 710 from undesirably sliding in the vertical direction z and affecting the ice-making performance of the ice-making machine 300.

[0512] In some other possible implementations of the present application, the fourth driving mechanism 730 may include a tenth motor. The tenth motor may be used to provide driving force. Figure 62 and Figure 63 The fourth drive mechanism 730 may further include a second connecting rod 743. The first end of the second connecting rod 743 may be rotatably connected to the ice tray about a horizontal axis and may be rotated by the tenth motor. A second push post 744 may be provided at the second end of the second connecting rod 743. The second connecting member may be provided with a fifth sliding recess 722. The fifth sliding recess 722 may extend horizontally and may be sleeved onto the second push post 744.

[0513] When the second ice-removing device 700 removes ice, the tenth motor can drive the first end of the second connecting rod 743 to rotate, and the second end of the second connecting rod 743 can drive the second pushing column 744, so that the second pushing column 744 can rotate in the fifth sliding recess 722, and the second pushing column 744 pushes the bottom wall of the fifth sliding recess 722, so that the ice-removing component 710 can slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least part of the ice-removing component 710 can be inserted into the ice-making grid S.

[0514] When the ice-deicing component 710 or the ice-making tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or the second ice-deicing device 700 does not de-ice, the tenth motor can drive the first end of the second connecting rod 743 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the second end of the second connecting rod 743 can drive the second pushing column 744, so that the second pushing column 744 can rotate in the opposite direction in the fifth sliding recess 722, and the second pushing column 744 pushes the top wall of the fifth sliding recess 722, so that the ice-deicing component 710 slides along the vertical direction z away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the ice-deicing component 710 can leave the water tank 410.

[0515] In this implementation of the fourth drive mechanism 730, the tenth motor drives the de-icing element 710 to slide along the vertical axis z via the second connecting rod 743 and the second push rod 744, enabling the fourth drive mechanism 730 to drive the de-icing element 710 in both directions. Furthermore, the tenth motor drives the de-icing element 710 to slide along the vertical axis z via the second connecting rod 743. The simple structure of the second connecting rod 743 and its connection to the de-icing element 710 reduces the structural complexity of the fourth drive mechanism 730, thereby facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of the fourth drive mechanism 730. Furthermore, the low cost of the second connecting rod 743 helps reduce the component cost of the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0516] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the fourth drive mechanism 730 may include a third electromagnet. When the third electromagnet is energized, it can generate a magnetic field. The fourth drive mechanism 730 may also include a third ferromagnetic member. The third ferromagnetic member can be arranged opposite the third electromagnet in the vertical direction z. One of the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic member can be installed on the box body 100 or the door body 200, and the other can be connected to the de-icing member 710. When the third electromagnet is energized, the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic member can attract each other due to the magnetic field. The third electromagnet or the third ferromagnetic member can drive the de-icing member 710 to slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400 or away from the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the de-icing member 710 can be inserted into the ice tray S or the de-icing member 710 can be removed from the ice tray S.

[0517] In this implementation, the fourth drive mechanism 730 drives the de-icing element 710 to slide along the vertical direction z through the magnetic attraction between the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic member. This eliminates the need for additional transmission structures, reducing the structural complexity of the fourth drive mechanism 730 and improving the ease of assembly and maintenance of the fourth drive mechanism 730. Furthermore, simply energizing and de-energizing the third electromagnet controls the movement direction of the third ferromagnetic member, and thus the sliding direction of the de-icing element 710, reducing the control complexity of the fourth drive mechanism 730.

[0518] One of the third electromagnet and the third ferromagnetic member can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while the other can be connected to the de-icing member 710. For example, the third electromagnet can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200, while the third ferromagnetic member can be connected to the de-icing member 710. Alternatively, the third electromagnet can be connected to the de-icing member 710, while the third ferromagnetic member can be mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200.

[0519] The following describes the technical solution of the present embodiment in detail, taking as an example a case where the third electromagnet is mounted on the housing 100 or door 200 and the third ferromagnetic member is connected to the de-icing member 710. The technical solution for connecting the third electromagnet to the de-icing member 710 and mounting the third ferromagnetic member on the housing 100 or door 200 can be found in the following description and will not be further elaborated in this embodiment.

[0520] When the third electromagnet is energized, the third electromagnet can attract the third ferromagnetic part, causing the third electromagnet to move toward the third electromagnet. The third ferromagnetic part can drive the ice-removing part 710 to slide vertically toward the ice tray 400 or away from the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing part 710 can be inserted into the ice compartment S or the ice-removing part 710 can leave the ice compartment S.

[0521] The third electromagnet can be located below the third ferromagnetic member. When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third electromagnet can be energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member downward. The third ferromagnetic member can drive the ice-removing member 710 to slide vertically toward the ice tray 400, allowing at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 to be inserted into the ice compartment S.

[0522] When the ice-deicing member 710 or the ice-making tray 400 is cleaned or maintained, or the second ice-deicing device 700 does not de-ice, the third electromagnet can be powered off, and the third electromagnet can stop attracting the third ferromagnetic member, so that the third ferromagnetic member and the ice-deicing member 710 can slide along the vertical direction z away from the ice-making tray 400, so that the ice-deicing member 710 can leave the ice-making grid S.

[0523] The ice maker 300 may also include a fifth elastic member. This fifth elastic member can be used to apply a fifth elastic force to the ice-removing member 710, causing it to slide away from the ice tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic member, the ice-removing member 710 can slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, leaving the ice compartment S. By providing the fifth elastic member, the ice-removing member 710 can automatically leave the ice compartment S when the third electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation of the ice-removing member 710 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0524] For example, the fifth elastic member can be a fifth tension spring. The fifth tension spring can be arranged above the de-icing member 710. The first end of the fifth tension spring can be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200, and the second end of the fifth tension spring can be connected to the de-icing member 710. When the third electromagnet is energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member, and the third ferromagnetic member drives the de-icing member 710 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 can pull the fifth tension spring, causing the fifth tension spring to produce a tensile deformation, thereby causing the fifth tension spring to generate a fifth elastic force. The direction of the fifth elastic force is the direction from the ice tray 400 to the de-icing member 710. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic member, the de-icing member 710 can slide away from the ice tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, so that the de-icing member 710 can automatically leave the ice compartment S.

[0525] Alternatively, the fifth elastic member may be a fifth compression spring. The fifth compression spring may be disposed below the de-icing member 710. The first end of the fifth compression spring may abut the de-icing member 710. For example, the first end of the fifth compression spring may abut the bottom side of the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing member 710. The second end of the fifth compression spring may abut the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the fifth compression spring may abut the top side of the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400. When the third electromagnet is energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member, and the third ferromagnetic member drives the de-icing member 710 to slide toward the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 may compress the fifth compression spring, causing the fifth compression spring to produce compression deformation, thereby causing the fifth compression spring to generate a fifth elastic force. The direction of the fifth elastic force is from the ice tray 400 toward the de-icing member 710. When the third electromagnet is powered off and does not attract the third ferromagnetic member, the ice-removing member 710 can slide back toward the ice-making tray 400 under the action of the fifth elastic force, so that the ice-removing member 710 can automatically leave the ice-making tray S.

[0526] Compared with the fifth tension spring, the fifth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the ice-removing member 710 automatically leaving the ice-making tray S.

[0527] A third electromagnet can also be located above the third ferromagnetic member. The third electromagnet can be energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member upward. The third ferromagnetic member can drive the de-icing member 710 to slide vertically away from the ice tray 400, allowing the de-icing member 710 to exit the ice compartment S. At this point, the de-icing member 710 or the ice tray 400 can be cleaned or maintained, or the ice maker 300 can be operated in the second ice making mode.

[0528] When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the first ice making mode, the third ferromagnetic member can be de-energized, and the third electromagnet does not attract the third ferromagnetic member, so that the third ferromagnetic member and the ice-removing member 710 can slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can be inserted into the ice making grid S.

[0529] For example, when the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third ferromagnetic member can be de-energized, the third electromagnet can no longer attract the third ferromagnetic member, and the third ferromagnetic member and the ice-removing member 710 can slide along the vertical direction z toward the ice tray 400 under the action of gravity, so that at least a portion of the ice-removing member 710 can be inserted into the ice compartment S. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism for sliding the ice-removing member 710 toward the ice tray 400, further simplifying the structure of the ice maker 300 and facilitating easier assembly and maintenance of the ice maker 300.

[0530] Alternatively, the ice maker 300 may further include a sixth elastic member. This sixth elastic member can be used to apply a sixth elastic force to the ice-de-icing member 710, causing it to slide toward the ice tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic member, the ice-de-icing member 710 can slide toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the ice-de-icing member 710 to be inserted into the ice tray S. By providing the sixth elastic member, the ice-de-icing member 710 can be automatically inserted into the ice tray S when the third electromagnet is de-energized, eliminating the need for manual operation of the ice-de-icing member 710 and improving the ease of use of the ice maker 300.

[0531] For example, the sixth elastic member may be a sixth tension spring. The sixth tension spring may be disposed below the de-icing member 710. The first end of the sixth tension spring may be connected to the de-icing member 710. For example, the first end of the third tension spring may be connected to the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing member 710. The second end of the sixth tension spring may be connected to the ice tray 400. For example, the second end of the sixth tension spring may be connected to the first connecting portion 430 of the ice tray 400.

[0532] When the third electromagnet is energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member, which then drives the de-icing member 710 to slide away from the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 pulls on the sixth tension spring, causing it to deform, thereby generating a sixth elastic force. The sixth elastic force directs the de-icing member 710 toward the ice tray 400. When the third electromagnet is deenergized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic member, the de-icing member 710 slides toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the de-icing member 710 to be inserted into the ice tray S.

[0533] Alternatively, the sixth elastic member may be a sixth compression spring. The sixth compression spring may be disposed above the de-icing member 710. The first end of the sixth compression spring may abut the de-icing member 710. For example, the first end of the sixth compression spring may abut the top side of the first connecting plate 520 of the de-icing member 710. The second end of the sixth compression spring may be connected to the housing 100 or the door 200. When the third electromagnet is energized to attract the third ferromagnetic member, which drives the de-icing member 710 to slide away from the ice tray 400, the de-icing member 710 compresses the sixth compression spring, causing the sixth compression spring to deform, thereby generating a sixth elastic force. The sixth elastic force is directed toward the ice tray 400. When the third electromagnet is de-energized and no longer attracts the third ferromagnetic member, the de-icing member 710 can slide toward the ice tray 400 under the action of the sixth elastic force, allowing at least a portion of the de-icing member 710 to be inserted into the ice tray S.

[0534] Compared with the sixth tension spring, the sixth compression spring has a stronger load capacity and higher stability, which is beneficial to improving the functional reliability of the ice removal component 710.

[0535] For example, there can be at least two third electromagnets. In some possible implementations of the present invention, at least two third electromagnets can be positioned above and below the third ferromagnetic element, respectively. In other words, some of the third electromagnets can be positioned above the de-icing element 710, while others can be positioned below the de-icing element 710.

[0536] When the ice maker 300 is making ice in the first ice-making mode, the third electromagnet located below the third ferromagnetic member can be energized, while the third electromagnet located above the third ferromagnetic member can be de-energized. The third electromagnet located below can attract the third ferromagnetic member to move downward, which in turn drives the de-icing member 710 to move vertically toward the ice tray 400, allowing at least a portion of the de-icing member 710 to be inserted into the ice compartment S.

[0537] When cleaning or maintaining the de-icing element 710 or the ice tray 400, or when the second de-icing device 700 is not de-icing, the third electromagnet located below the third ferromagnetic element can be de-energized, and the third electromagnet located above the third ferromagnetic element can be energized. The third electromagnet located above the third ferromagnetic element can attract the third ferromagnetic element to move upward, which in turn can drive the de-icing element 710 to move vertically away from the ice tray 400, thereby allowing the de-icing element 710 to leave the ice compartment S.

[0538] The material of the third ferromagnetic member can be a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, ferrite or iron-nickel-cobalt alloy, etc. It is understandable that the first ferromagnetic material can also be other ferromagnetic materials, which will not be described in detail in the embodiment of the present application.

[0539] For example, the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 may be separate components, and the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 may be fixedly connected via a connection structure such as bolts or rivets. This arrangement allows the third ferromagnetic member to be easily removed from the de-icing member 710, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710, thereby ensuring the sanitation of the ice maker 300. Furthermore, if the third ferromagnetic member or the de-icing member 710 is damaged or needs to be replaced, it can be replaced independently, without having to replace both the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 simultaneously, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the ice maker 300.

[0540] For example, the de-icing member 710 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 can be integrally formed. This arrangement eliminates the need for an additional connecting structure between the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710, allowing the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 to be directly connected. This enhances the connection strength between the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710, thereby improving the structural stability and durability of the ice maker 300 and reducing the risk of unintended separation of the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710 due to loosening or damage of the connecting structure. Furthermore, by integrally forming the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710, they can be manufactured using an integral molding process, such as casting, which reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the third ferromagnetic member and the de-icing member 710. Moreover, by configuring the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 as an integral structure, there is no need to assemble the third ferromagnetic component and the de-icing component 710 , thereby reducing the assembly steps of the ice maker 300 and improving the production efficiency of the ice maker 300 .

[0541] In some other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, it is not necessary to provide the second deicing device 700 , and the partition 500 can be used for deicing.

[0542] For example, there can be at least two dividers 500. When the ice maker 300 is producing first sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet 421 can be closed. Of the at least two dividers 500, at least a portion of the lower divider 500 located between two adjacent dividers 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410, thereby dividing the water tank 410 into a plurality of first sub-ice compartments and dividing the water in the water tank 410 into the plurality of first sub-ice compartments. The water in the first sub-ice compartments condenses into first sub-ice cubes due to cooling.

[0543] When the ice maker 300 is detaching the first sub-ice cube, the first ice outlet 421 is open. At least a portion of the upper partition 500 can be inserted into the first sub-ice making compartment to push the first sub-ice cube out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0544] When the ice maker 300 is producing the second sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet 421 is closed. At least a portion of the lower and upper dividers 500 of the two adjacent dividers 500 can be inserted into the water tank 410, thereby dividing the water tank 410 into a plurality of second sub-ice compartments and dividing the water in the water tank 410 into the plurality of second sub-ice compartments. The water in the second sub-ice compartments condenses into the second sub-ice cubes due to cooling.

[0545] When the ice maker 300 is deicing the second sub-ice cube, the first ice outlet 421 is in an open state, and the upper partition 500 moves toward the ice tray 400. The upper partition 500 and the lower partition 500 and / or the side wall of the water tank 410 can apply forces in opposite directions in the vertical direction Z to the second sub-ice cube, so as to push the second sub-ice cube out through the first ice outlet 421.

[0546] With such an arrangement, the ice maker 300 of the embodiment of the present application can utilize the upper partition 500 in two adjacent partitions 500 of at least two partitions 500 to make the second sub-ice cube, and can also utilize the upper partition 500 to defrost the first sub-ice cube and the second sub-ice cube, thereby realizing functional reuse of the upper partition 500, which is beneficial to simplifying the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the ice maker 300.

[0547] The following describes an embodiment of the present application using an ice maker 300 including a first divider 530 and a second divider 540 as an example, wherein the first divider 530 is fixedly mounted within the ice tray 400 and the second divider 540 is insertable within the water tank 410. Other technical solutions for de-icing using the divider 500 can be found in the following description and will not be further elaborated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0548] refer to Figure 71 、 Figure 72 and Figure 73 The ice maker 300 may include an ice tray 400. The ice tray 400 may be configured with a water tank 410 for holding water. A first ice outlet 421 may be provided at the bottom of the ice tray 400. The first ice outlet 421 may be connected to the water tank 410 and may be selectively opened or closed. The ice maker 300 may also include a first partition 530. The first partition 530 may be fixedly disposed in the water tank 410 to divide the water tank 410 into a plurality of first ice compartments 411. The lower portions of at least two of the plurality of first ice compartments 411 may be connected. The ice maker 300 may also include a water injection pipe. The water injection pipe may be configured to inject water into at least one of the at least two connected first ice compartments 411. The ice maker 300 may further include a second partition 540 . The second partition 540 may be configured to be insertable into the first ice making tray 411 to divide the first ice making tray 411 into a plurality of second ice making trays 416 .

[0549] refer to Figure 74 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the sixth ice making mode, the first ice outlet 421 may be in a closed state. The water injection pipe may inject water into at least one of the at least two connected first ice making grids 411. The water in the at least one first ice making grid 411 may flow from the bottom to the other first ice making grids 411 connected thereto. The second partition 540 may not be inserted into the first ice making grid 411. Figure 75 The water in the first ice making tray 411 is cooled and condensed into ice cubes F of the sixth specification.

[0550] When the ice machine 300 is de-icing, continue to refer to Figure 75 , the first ice outlet 421 may be in an open state. Figure 76 The first driving mechanism 600 can drive the second partition 540 to slide along the vertical direction Z toward the ice tray 400, and the second partition 540 can push the sixth-size ice cubes F to make the sixth-size ice cubes F escape from the first ice outlet 421.

[0551] refer to Figure 77 When the ice maker 300 makes ice in the seventh ice making mode, the first ice outlet 421 can be in a closed state. The water injection pipe can inject water into at least one of the at least one first ice making grid 411 that is connected to each other, and the water in the at least one first ice making grid 411 can flow into the other first ice making grids 411 that are connected to it. The first driving mechanism 600 can drive the second partition 540 to slide along the vertical direction Z toward the ice making tray 400, so that at least a portion of the second partition 540 can be inserted into the first ice making grid 411, so that the water in the first ice making grid 411 can be separated into the plurality of second ice making grids 416. Figure 78 The water in the second ice making tray 416 can be condensed into ice cubes G of the seventh specification by cooling.

[0552] When the ice machine 300 is de-icing, continue to refer to Figure 78 , the first ice outlet 421 may be in an open state. Figure 79 The first driving mechanism 600 can drive the second divider 540 to continue sliding along the vertical direction Z toward the ice tray 400, and the second divider 540 pushes the seventh-size ice cubes G. As the second divider 540 slides toward the ice tray 400, it can exert a downward force on the seventh-size ice cubes G. The first divider 530 and / or the sidewalls of the water tank 410 can exert an upward force on the seventh-size ice cubes G. Under the action of these opposing forces, the seventh-size ice cubes G can escape from the first ice outlet 421.

[0553] In this implementation, the separator 500 can be used for ice removal without providing an additional ice removal device, which helps to simplify the mechanical structure of the ice maker 300 and thus helps to improve the convenience of assembling or maintaining the ice maker 300.

[0554] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, when the bottoms or lower parts of at least two ice-making grids S among a plurality of ice-making grids S are connected, a water injection pipe can be used to inject water into at least one ice-making grid S among the at least two connected ice-making grids S, and the water in the at least one ice-making grid S can flow into other ice-making grids S connected thereto.

[0555] The water injection pipe can inject water into an ice cube tray S. For example, referring to Figure 73 The ice tray 400 may be provided with a water inlet 425. The water inlet 425 may be connected to one of the at least two first ice making grids 411 that are connected to each other. The ice maker 300 may further include a water injection member 490. A water flow channel 491 may be provided in the water injection member 490. The water injection member 490 may also be provided with a water outlet 492, which is connected to the water flow channel 491. One water outlet 492 of the water injection member 490 may be connected to a corresponding water inlet 425. Water flowing out of the water injection pipe may enter the water flow channel 491, and then enter the first ice making grid 411 through the water outlet 492 and the water inlet 425.

[0556] The water injection pipe can also inject water into multiple ice cube trays S. For example, refer to Figure 80 、 Figure 81 and Figure 82The ice tray 400 may be provided with multiple water inlets 425. The multiple water inlets 425 may be connected to multiple first ice compartments 411 of the at least two connected first ice compartments 411 in a one-to-one correspondence. The ice maker 300 may also include a water inlet 490. The water inlet 490 may be provided with a water flow channel 491. The water inlet 490 may also be provided with multiple water outlets 492, each of which may be connected to the water flow channel 491. The multiple water outlets 492 of the water inlet 490 may be connected to the multiple water inlets 425 in a corresponding manner.

[0557] By configuring the water injection pipe to simultaneously inject water into multiple connected ice cube trays S through the water injection member 490, the water injection time can be shortened, which is conducive to improving water injection efficiency. In addition, simultaneously injecting water into multiple connected ice cube trays S can help reduce the difference in water level within the multiple ice cube trays S, which helps to improve the consistency of the volume of ice cubes formed in the multiple ice cube trays S.

[0558] refer to Figure 83 、 Figure 84 、 Figure 85 and Figure 86 The refrigerator may further include a first ice storage box 800. The first ice storage box 800 may be used to store ice cubes escaped from the ice maker 300 for users to take.

[0559] For example, Figures 83 to 86 As shown, the first ice bank 800 can be disposed below the ice tray 400. For example, the refrigerator may further include a mounting bracket 810. The mounting bracket 810 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 100 or the door 200. The first ice bank 800 can be connected to the mounting bracket 810. The first ice bank 800 is connected to the housing 100 or the door 200 via the mounting bracket 810. During the foaming process, the insulating material does not directly act on the mounting bracket 810, minimizing deformation of the mounting bracket 810, thereby providing a stable mounting base for the first ice bank 800.

[0560] For example, an ice inlet 820 may be provided on the top of the first ice bank 800. When the ice maker 300 is shedding ice, ice cubes shedding from the first ice outlet 421 may enter the first ice bank 800 through the ice inlet 820.

[0561] A second ice outlet may be provided at the bottom of the first ice storage box 800. The second ice outlet may be selectively opened or closed.

[0562] For example, the refrigerator may further include a second opening and closing device 830. The second opening and closing device 830 may be configured to selectively open or close the second ice outlet.

[0563] The refrigerator may also include a second ice storage box 900. The second ice storage box 900 is movably disposed below the first ice storage box 800. The second ice storage box 900 may be configured with multiple ice storage slots 910. The multiple ice storage slots 910 are respectively used to accommodate ice cubes of different sizes. When the ice maker 300 is removing ice, the second ice storage box 900 can be moved relative to the first ice storage box 800 so that the ice storage slots 910 corresponding to the size of the ice cubes are located below the second ice outlet. The second opening and closing device 830 can open the second ice outlet, allowing the ice cubes to fall into the corresponding ice outlet slots. This arrangement allows ice cubes of different sizes to be stored in separate zones, improving the convenience of ice use for users.

[0564] In some possible implementations of the present invention, the ice maker 300 may further include a third guide rail pair, which can be used to slidably connect the second ice bank 900 to the cabinet 100 or the door 200. For example, the third guide rail pair may include a third guide rail and a third slider. The third guide rail may be arranged horizontally and connected to the cabinet 100 or the door 200. The third slider may be slidably mounted on the third guide rail and connected to the second ice bank 900. The third guide rail pair has high linear motion accuracy, which helps improve the positioning accuracy of the second ice bank 900.

[0565] In other possible implementations of the present invention, one of the second ice storage bin 900 and the housing 100 may be provided with a sixth sliding recess, which may be arranged horizontally. The other may be provided with a fourth sliding protrusion, which may slide within the sixth sliding recess. The second ice storage bin 900 and the housing 100 may be slidably connected horizontally via the cooperating sixth sliding recess and fourth sliding protrusion. Compared to a sliding connection between the second ice storage bin 900 and the housing 100 via a third guide rail pair, this simplifies the connection structure between the second ice storage bin 900 and the housing 100, thereby reducing the component cost of the ice maker 300.

[0566] Alternatively, one of the second ice bank 900 and the door 200 may be provided with a sixth sliding recess, which may be arranged horizontally. The other may be provided with a fourth sliding protrusion, which may slide within the sixth sliding recess. The second ice bank 900 and the door 200 may be slidably connected horizontally via the cooperating sixth sliding recess and fourth sliding protrusion. Compared to a sliding connection between the second ice bank 900 and the door 200 via a third guide rail pair, this simplifies the connection structure between the second ice bank 900 and the door 200, thereby reducing the component cost of the ice maker 300.

[0567] In some possible implementations of the present invention, the second ice storage box 900 can be manually moved. This configuration eliminates the need for an additional drive mechanism for the second ice storage box 900, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure of the refrigerator and reducing the difficulty of manufacturing, assembling, and maintaining the refrigerator.

[0568] In other possible implementations of the present invention, the ice maker 300 may further include a fifth drive mechanism. The fifth drive mechanism may be connected to the second ice bank 900 to drive the second ice bank 900 to move. The fifth drive mechanism can be automatically controlled to provide driving force for the second ice bank 900, thereby enhancing the intelligence of the ice maker 300 and simplifying user operation steps, thereby improving the user experience.

[0569] For example, the third driving mechanism may also include a third electric push rod. The third electric push rod may have a retractable telescopic rod. The third electric push rod may be mounted on the cabinet 100 or the door 200. The telescopic rod of the third electric push rod may be connected to the second ice bank 900. When the telescopic rod is extended or retracted, it may drive the second ice bank 900 to slide horizontally.

[0570] The number of ice storage troughs 910 can be set according to the number of specifications of ice cubes produced by the ice maker 300. For example, if the ice maker 300 can produce ice cubes of two specifications, the number of ice storage troughs 910 in the second ice storage box 900 can be two, and the two ice storage troughs 910 can be used to store ice cubes of two specifications respectively.

[0571] The following describes the second ice storage box 900 using the example of the ice maker 300 producing ice cubes of the sixth specification F and ice cubes of the seventh specification G. The technical solutions for the ice maker 300 producing ice cubes of other specifications can be found in the following description and will not be further described in this embodiment.

[0572] The second ice storage box 900 may include two ice storage slots 910. The two ice storage slots 910 are used to store ice cubes F of the sixth specification and ice cubes G of the seventh specification, respectively.

[0573] refer to Figure 83 After the ice maker 300 makes ice cubes F of the sixth specification, the first ice outlet 421 can be in an open state. For example, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421 of the ice tray 400. The ice maker 300 de-ices the ice cubes F of the sixth specification so that the ice cubes F of the sixth specification can enter the first ice storage box 800 through the ice inlet 820. Move the second ice storage box 900 so that one of the ice storage slots 910 moves to the bottom of the first ice outlet 421. Figure 84, the second ice outlet can be in an open state. For example, the second opening and closing device 830 can open the second ice outlet, and ice cubes F of the sixth specification can enter the ice making trough through the second ice outlet.

[0574] refer to Figure 85 After the ice maker 300 makes ice cubes F of the sixth specification, the first ice outlet 421 can be in an open state. For example, the first opening and closing device 470 can open the first ice outlet 421 of the ice tray 400. The ice maker 300 de-ices the ice cubes F of the sixth specification so that the ice cubes F of the sixth specification can enter the first ice storage box 800 through the ice inlet 820. Move the second ice storage box 900 so that the other ice storage trough 910 moves to the bottom of the first ice outlet 421. Figure 86 For example, the second opening and closing device 830 opens the second ice outlet, and ice cubes F of the sixth specification can enter the ice making trough through the second ice outlet.

[0575] For the relevant contents of the second opening and closing device 830 , reference may be made to the above description of the first opening and closing device 470 , and this embodiment of the present application will not be further elaborated on.

[0576] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions within the scope of the various embodiments of this application.

[0577] For ease of explanation, the above description has been made with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Based on the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible. The above embodiments are selected and described to better explain the principles and practical applications, so that those skilled in the art can better utilize the embodiments and various different variations of the embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: A box body having a refrigeration compartment; A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment; A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box and is used to provide cooling for the refrigeration compartment; An ice maker, which is installed on the box or the door and is used to make ice; the ice maker includes: An ice tray is constructed with a water tank for holding water, and a first ice outlet is provided at the bottom of the ice tray, which is connected to the water tank and can be selectively opened or closed; A water injection pipe, used for injecting water into the water tank; a first partition disposed in the water tank to divide the water tank into a plurality of first ice-making trays, wherein the bottoms or lower portions of at least two of the plurality of first ice-making trays are connected; a second partition configured to be selectively inserted into the first ice making tray to divide the first ice making tray into a plurality of second ice making trays; When the ice maker operates in the sixth ice-making mode, the first ice outlet is closed, the water injection pipe injects water into at least one of the first ice-making compartments that are connected to each other, and the water in the first ice-making compartment flows into the other first ice-making compartments that are connected to the first ice-making compartments. The water in the first ice-making compartments is cooled and condensed into ice cubes of the sixth size. When deicing the ice cubes of the sixth specification, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the second partition is inserted into the first ice making tray to push the ice cubes of the sixth specification to be deiced from the first ice outlet; When the ice maker is making ice in the seventh ice-making mode, the first ice outlet is closed, the water injection pipe injects water into at least one of the first ice-making compartments that are connected to each other, and the water in the first ice-making compartment flows into the other first ice-making compartments that are connected to it; the second partition is inserted into the first ice-making compartment to separate the water in the first ice-making compartment into the plurality of second ice-making compartments, and the water in the second ice-making compartments is condensed into ice cubes of the seventh size due to cooling; When deicing the ice cubes of the seventh specification, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the second partition moves toward the ice tray to push the ice cubes of the seventh specification to be deiced from the first ice outlet.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The water tank includes two first tank side walls and two second tank side walls arranged along the vertical direction; the two first tank side walls extend along the first direction and are opposite and spaced apart in the second direction; the two second tank side walls extend along the second direction and extend in the first direction, and the two second tank side walls are connected to the two first tank side walls; wherein, the first direction intersects with the vertical direction; the second direction intersects with the vertical direction and intersects with the first direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that The first partition includes a first partition plate and a second partition plate; the first partition plate extends along the first direction; the second partition plate extends along the second direction, and the second partition plate is arranged to cross the first partition plate to divide the water tank into a plurality of first ice making trays arranged in an array.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that The first partition is provided with a plurality of first insertion holes, and the first insertion holes are connected to the first ice making tray; The second partition includes a plurality of partitions, and the plurality of partitions are provided corresponding to the plurality of first insertion holes. Each of the partitions is inserted into the first ice making tray via the first insertion hole corresponding thereto.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The ice tray is fixedly arranged on the box body or the door body; the second partition is located above the ice tray and is vertically slidably connected to the ice tray.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that One of the ice tray and the second partition is provided with a first sliding column, which is arranged vertically; the other of the ice tray and the second partition is provided with a first sliding through hole, which is sleeved on the first sliding column and can slide along the first sliding column.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that There are multiple first sliding columns, and the multiple first sliding columns are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the ice making tray; There are multiple first sliding through holes, and the multiple first sliding through holes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple first sliding posts. Each first sliding through hole is sleeved on the corresponding first sliding post.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The ice maker further includes a first driving mechanism, which acts on the second partition to drive the second partition to be inserted into the water tank.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that The first driving mechanism comprises: First motor; a first rotating shaft, arranged in a horizontal direction and connected to the first motor; a first cam, sleeved on the first rotating shaft; When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first rotating shaft drives the first cam to rotate until it abuts against the second partition and pushes the partition so that the partition is inserted into the water tank.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The refrigerator comprises: A box body having a refrigeration compartment; A door body, which is rotatably connected to the box body and is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment; A refrigeration system, which is arranged in the box and is used to provide cooling for the refrigeration compartment; An ice maker, which is installed on the box or the door and is used to make ice; the ice maker includes: An ice tray is provided with a water tank for holding water; a first ice outlet is provided at the bottom of the ice tray and can be selectively opened or closed, and the first ice outlet is connected to the water tank; A water injection pipe, used for injecting water into the water tank; At least two partitions are arranged in sequence along the vertical direction and can be selectively inserted into the water tank; When the ice maker is making first sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet is in a closed state, and when at least a portion of the lower of the two adjacent partitions is inserted into the water tank, the water tank is divided into a plurality of first sub-ice making compartments, and water in the water tank is divided into the plurality of first sub-ice making compartments, and the water in the first sub-ice making compartments is condensed into first sub-ice cubes due to cooling; When deicing the first sub-ice cube, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and at least a portion of the upper partition is inserted into the first sub-ice making tray to push the first sub-ice cube out through the first ice outlet; When the ice maker is making second sub-ice cubes, the first ice outlet is in a closed state, and at least a portion of the upper partition and at least a portion of the lower partition are inserted into the water tank, thereby dividing the water tank into a plurality of second sub-ice making compartments, and dividing water in the water tank into the plurality of second sub-ice making compartments, so that the water in the second sub-ice making compartments is condensed into second sub-ice cubes due to cooling; When the second sub-ice cubes are deiced, the first ice outlet is in an open state, and the partition located above moves toward the ice making tray to push the second sub-ice cubes to be deiced through the first ice outlet.

Images