Ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice making, in particular to an ice making machine and a refrigerator, and the ice making machine comprises a shell with a horizontal opening; the cover plate covers the opening, the cover plate is movably connected with the shell, and a containing space is defined by the cover plate and the shell; the ice mold is arranged in the containing space, and a handle is arranged on the side face, facing the cover plate, of the ice mold; the cold conduction device is arranged in the accommodating space, and the top surface of the cold conduction device is in sliding connection with the bottom surface of the ice mold, so that the ice mold enters and exits the accommodating space from the opening. The ice mold can be horizontally pulled out of the shell from the opening and can also be horizontally pushed into the shell from the opening to form a drawing type ice mold, the ice mold can slide on the cold conduction device, normal ice making and cold supply of the cold conduction device to the ice mold can be guaranteed, and the ice mold and the cold conduction device are relatively independently arranged, so that respective implementation functions are not hindered, and the ice mold and the cold conduction device are relatively independent. And the convenience of independent modular design can be achieved, the ice mold can be conveniently and rapidly taken out for cleaning, and the optimal ice making experience is brought to a user due to the fact that ice is rapidly and manually taken in a drawing mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to ice making technical field especially ice maker and refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] The ice making products on the market are mainly divided into two categories of manual ice making and automatic ice making, and the two categories adopt the static water ice making mode, the ice made by the static water ice making mode is all in non-transparent state, there are bubbles in the ice, so that the ice body melting speed is accelerated when cooling the beverage, the beverage taste is affected, and the non-transparent ice body also affects the user experience. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0003] The utility model aims at least solve one of the technical problems in the related art, for this purpose, the utility model provides an ice maker, the ice mould can be pulled out horizontally from the shell by the open, can also be pushed into the shell by the open, forms the ice mould of pull -out type, and the ice mould can slide on the cold guide device, under the cooperation condition that the ice mould and the shell drawer type go in and out, the normal ice making cooling of the cold guide device to the ice mould can also be ensured, and the relative independent setting of the ice mould and the cold guide device does not hinder the implementation function of each other, and the convenience of independent modular design can be realized, the ice mould is cleaned conveniently and quickly, the ice is taken manually quickly by pull -out type, and the best ice making experience is brought to the user.

[0004] The utility model further provides a refrigerator.

[0005] The ice maker according to the first aspect embodiment of the utility model comprises:

[0006] The shell has an open horizontally oriented;

[0007] The cover plate is covered in the open, and the cover plate is movably connected with the shell and surrounds the accommodation space with the shell;

[0008] The ice mould is arranged in the accommodation space, and the ice mould is provided with a handle on the side face towards the cover plate;

[0009] The cold guide device is arranged in the accommodation space, and the top surface of the cold guide device is slidably connected with the bottom surface of the ice mould, so that the ice mould goes in and out of the accommodation space from the open.

[0010] According to the ice making machine of the embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold can be pulled out of the shell horizontally through the opening, and can also be pushed into the shell horizontally through the opening to form a pull-out ice mold, and the ice mold can slide on the cooling device. Under the condition of the drawer-like entry and exit of the ice mold and the shell, the cooling device can also ensure normal ice making and cooling for the ice mold. The relatively independent settings of the ice mold and the cooling device do not hinder their respective functions, and can realize the convenience of independent modular design, facilitate quick removal and cleaning of the ice mold, and quick manual ice removal by pulling out, giving users the best ice making experience.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the ice mold is provided with one of a slide groove and a protrusion, and the top surface of the cooling device is provided with the other of a slide groove and a protrusion. The protrusion is embedded in the slide groove and can slide along the slide groove. The slide groove is extended along the direction of the opening.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold is provided with a heat-insulating layer on a side facing the cover plate.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises:

[0014] base;

[0015] A panel, the panel being arranged around the edge of the base and forming the opening;

[0016] A first heat-insulating plate is provided on a side of the enclosure forming the accommodating space.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate includes:

[0018] a plate body, the plate body covering the opening, the plate body being rotatably connected to the base;

[0019] A second heat-insulating plate is provided on a side of the plate body forming the accommodating space.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold includes a silicone mold, which includes a plurality of mold petals and a folding portion. The plurality of mold petals enclose the ice-making cavity, and adjacent mold petals are connected by the folding portion. The folding portion is suitable for switching between an expanded state and a closed state. In the expanded state, the mold petals are dispersed and the ice-making cavity is opened. In the closed state, the mold petals are aggregated and the ice-making cavity is closed. The ice-making cavity is connected to the water inlet pipe.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the ice mould further comprises a bottom support, the silica gel mould is equipped with an installation groove, the installation groove is correspondingly arranged below the bottom of ice making cavity, the bottom support is embedded in the installation groove, and the bottom surface of the bottom support is provided with the protrusion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the cold conducting device comprises:

[0023] A cold conducting plate is arranged on the base, and the top surface of the cold conducting plate is provided with the sliding groove.

[0024] A cold conducting column is arranged on the bottom surface of the cold conducting plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the utility model, the ice maker further comprises a water supply device, the water supply device comprises a water tank, a water inlet pipe and a water return pipe, one end of the water inlet pipe is embedded in the shell and detachably connected with the ice mould, the other end of the water inlet pipe is communicated with the water tank, one end of the water return pipe is embedded in the shell and detachably connected with the ice mould, and the other end of the water return pipe is communicated with the water tank.

[0026] According to the refrigerator of the second embodiment of the utility model, the ice maker is arranged in the refrigerator body.

[0027] The above one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0028] The ice mould is arranged in the shell, and the shell is provided with an opening facing the horizontal direction, the ice mould can be put into or taken out of the shell through the opening, that is, the ice mould can be horizontally pulled out of the shell through the opening or horizontally pushed into the shell through the opening, forming a pull-out type ice mould, the cover plate is arranged on the opening of the shell and movably connected with the shell, when the cover plate covers the opening, the cover plate and the shell jointly enclose a containing space, when the cover plate leaves the opening, the opening is opened, and the ice mould can be taken out of or put into the containing space.

[0029] The ice mould and the cold conducting device are arranged in the containing space, and the ice mould is arranged on the cold conducting device, the bottom surface of the ice mould is in contact with the top surface of the cold conducting device, the cold conducting device provides cold energy for the ice mould during ice making, the cold energy is conducted to the ice making cavity of the ice mould, the cold energy is gradually conducted upwards, the ice making cavity forms a temperature gradient that the temperature gradually increases from bottom to top, the water forms a tendency of layer-by-layer ice formation from bottom to top, and the transparency of ice making is further improved.

[0030] The ice mold can be pulled out of the shell horizontally through the opening, or pushed into the shell horizontally through the opening to form a pull-out ice mold. The ice mold can also slide on the cooling device. Under the condition that the ice mold and the shell are in drawer-like movement, the cooling device can also ensure normal ice making and cooling for the ice mold. The relatively independent settings of the ice mold and the cooling device do not hinder their respective functions, and can realize the convenience of independent modular design, which is convenient for quick removal and cleaning of the ice mold, and quick manual ice removal by pulling out, giving users the best ice making experience.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 This is one of the structural diagrams of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 This is the second structural diagram of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is the third structural diagram of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 4 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 5 This is the second cross-sectional view of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 6 This is one of the structural diagrams of the refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 7 This is the second structural diagram of the refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the utility model;

[0040] Figure 8 This is the fourth structural diagram of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0041] Figure 9 This is the fifth structural diagram of the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0042] Figure 10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the top cover of the ice maker provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0043] Reference numerals:

[0044] 100, ice mold; 110, ice-making chamber; 120, drainage portion; 121, drainage outlet; 122, drainage groove; 123, second pipe connection; 130, water injection portion; 131, first water injection channel; 132, second water injection channel; 140, base; 150, silicone mold; 151, mold petal; 152, folding portion; 153, mounting groove; 154, handle; 160, bottom support; 161, protrusion; 170, insulation layer;

[0045] 200, water supply device; 210, water tank; 220, return pipe; 230, water inlet pipe; 231, first pipe interface; 232, pipe body; 240, water pump; 250, water supply pipe; 260, water level sensor; 270, control valve;

[0046] 300, cooling device; 310, cooling plate; 311, chute; 320, cooling column;

[0047] 400, top cover; 410, third insulation board;

[0048] 500, housing; 510, base; 511, vent; 520, enclosure; 530, first insulation board; 540, first mounting hole; 550, second mounting hole; 560, opening;

[0049] 600, cover plate; 610, plate body; 620, second insulation plate;

[0050] 700, refrigerator body; 710, foaming layer; 720, freezing chamber; 730, refrigeration chamber;

[0051] 800, ice maker; 810, heating component; 820, fan; 830, temperature sensor; 840, thermal insulation box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention 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 operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0056] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0057] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the ice maker provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a shell 500, a water supply device 200 and an ice mold 100, the shell 500 has a horizontal opening 560; the water supply device 200 includes a water tank 210 and a water inlet pipe 230, one end of the water inlet pipe 230 is arranged through the shell 500, and the other end of the water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the water tank 210; an ice making chamber 110 is provided inside the ice mold 100, and the ice mold 100 is provided with a water injection portion 130, which is connected to the ice making chamber 110. The ice mold 100 is suitable for entering and exiting the shell 500 through the opening 560. When entering the shell 500, the water injection portion 130 is connected to the end of the water inlet pipe 230 located in the shell 500, and when leaving the shell 500, the water injection portion 130 is separated from the end of the water inlet pipe 230 located in the shell 500.

[0058] In the ice making machine of the present invention, the ice mold 100 is arranged in the housing 500, and the housing 500 is provided with an opening 560 facing horizontally. The ice mold 100 can be placed into or taken out of the housing 500 through the opening 560. That is, the ice mold 100 can be pulled out of the housing 500 horizontally through the opening 560, or can be pushed into the housing 500 horizontally through the opening 560, forming a pull-out ice mold 100. The water supply device 200 consists of a water tank 210 and a water inlet pipe 230. The water tank 210 and the housing 500 are relatively independent. One end of the water inlet pipe 230 passes through the housing 500 and enters the interior of the housing 500. The other end of the water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the water tank 210. That is, the housing 500 and the water tank 210 form a fixed integral body through the water inlet pipe 230. The ice mold 100 is provided with an ice-making chamber 110 and a water injection portion 130 connected to the ice-making chamber 110. When the ice mold 100 is placed into the housing 500, the water injection portion 130 is connected to the end of the water inlet pipe 230. When the ice mold 100 is removed from the housing 500, the water injection portion 130 is disconnected from the end of the water inlet pipe 230.

[0059] The water tank 210 fills the water injection portion 130 of the ice mold 100 with water through the water inlet pipe 230. The water in the water injection portion 130 flows into the ice making chamber 110 to make ice. After ice making is complete, the ice mold 100 is removed from the opening 560 of the housing 500. During this time, the water injection portion 130 is removed from the water inlet pipe 230. The water inlet pipe 230 remains fixed on the housing 500. The ice mold 100 is opened to remove the ice. The ice mold 100 is then placed into the housing 500 through the opening 560. During this time, the water injection portion 130 remains connected to the water inlet pipe 230. This achieves both ice making and manual ice removal.

[0060] The ice maker of the present invention secures the water supply device 200 relative to the housing 500 by positioning the water inlet pipe 230 relative to the housing 500. This, combined with the design of the opening 560 of the housing 500 and the connection between the ice mold 100, the housing 500, and the water inlet pipe 230, allows only the position of the ice mold 100 to change during ice making and ice removal. Furthermore, the removable connection between the water injection portion 130 and the water inlet pipe 230 ensures both water supply for ice making and convenient ice removal. The ice maker has a simple and integrated structure, enabling convenient manual removal of ice cubes without the need for a heating component or fan.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold 100 is provided with a drainage portion 120, and the water supply device 200 further includes a return pipe 220. One end of the return pipe 220 is passed through the shell 500, and the other end of the return pipe 220 is connected to the water tank 210. When the ice mold 100 enters the shell 500, the drainage portion 120 is connected to the end of the return pipe 220 located inside the shell 500. When the ice mold 100 leaves the shell 500, the drainage portion 120 is separated from the end of the return pipe 220 located inside the shell 500.

[0062] In this embodiment, the water supply device 200 is composed of a water tank 210, a water inlet pipe 230 and a return pipe 220. The water tank 210 is arranged independently of the housing 500. One end of the return pipe 220 passes through the housing 500 and enters the interior of the housing 500. The other end of the return pipe 220 is connected to the water tank 210. That is, the housing 500 forms a fixed whole with the water tank 210 through the water inlet pipe 230 and the return pipe 220. The ice mold 100 is provided with an ice-making chamber 110 and a water injection portion 130 and a drainage portion 120 connected to the ice-making chamber 110. When the ice mold 100 is placed in the housing 500, the drainage portion 120 is connected to the end of the return pipe 220. When the ice mold 100 is removed from the interior of the housing 500, the drainage portion 120 is disconnected from the end of the drainage pipe.

[0063] The drain portion 120 of the ice mold 100 drains water to the water tank 210 through the return pipe 220. Water overflowing from the ice making chamber 110 flows through the drain portion 120 into the drain pipe and then into the water tank 210. After ice making is complete, the ice mold 100 is removed from the opening 560 of the housing 500. During this time, the drain portion 120 is removed from the drain pipe, which remains fixed on the housing 500. The ice mold 100 is opened to remove the ice. The ice mold 100 is then placed into the housing 500 through the opening 560, while the drain portion 120 remains connected to the return pipe 220. This allows both ice making and manual ice removal.

[0064] The ice maker of the present invention secures the water supply device 200 relative to the housing 500 by positioning the water inlet pipe 230 relative to the housing 500. This, combined with the design of the opening 560 of the housing 500 and the connection between the ice mold 100, the housing 500, the water inlet pipe 230, and the return pipe 220, ensures that only the position of the ice mold 100 changes during ice making and ice removal. Furthermore, the removable connection between the water injection portion 130 and the water inlet pipe 230, and the removable connection between the return pipe 220 and the drain portion 120, ensures both water supply and drainage for ice making and convenient ice removal. The ice maker has a simple and integrated structure, allowing for convenient manual removal of ice cubes without the need for a heating component or fan.

[0065] The ice mold 100 includes a water inlet 130 and a water outlet 120. A water tank 210 is connected to the water inlet 130 via a water inlet pipe 230, allowing water to flow into the ice-making chamber 110. When the ice-making chamber 110 is full, water overflows from the water outlet 120. During the ice-making process, water continuously flows into and out of the ice-making chamber 110. This creates a layer of ice and flowing water within the ice-making chamber 110, which helps and accelerates the precipitation of bubbles in the water, further ensuring the production of transparent ice. The water tank 210 is connected to the water outlet 120 via a return pipe 220, allowing water overflowing from the ice-making chamber 110 to flow back into the water tank 210. This creates a circulating water path between the water supply device 200 and the ice mold 100 during the ice-making process.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present utility model, the water supply device 200 also includes a water supply pipe 250, a water level sensor 260 and a control valve 270. The water supply pipe 250 is connected to the water tank 210; the water level sensor 260 is arranged in the water tank 210; the control valve 270 is arranged in the water supply pipe 250, and the control valve 270 is suitable for controlling the water supply pipe 250 to inject water into the water tank 210 according to the water level in the water tank 210 detected by the water level sensor 260.

[0067] In this embodiment, the water supply device 200 is composed of a water tank 210, a water inlet pipe 230, a return pipe 220, a water supply pipe 250, a water level sensor 260 and a control valve 270. The water source can supply water to the water tank 210 through the water supply pipe 250. The water level sensor 260 is suitable for detecting the real-time water level in the water tank 210. When the water level in the water tank 210 is lower than the first set water level, the water level sensor 260 triggers the control valve 270, and the control valve 270 opens to control the water supply pipe 250 to start injecting water into the water tank 210. When the water level in the water tank 210 is higher than the second set water level, the water level sensor 260 triggers the control valve 270, and the control valve 270 closes to control the water supply pipe 250 to stop injecting water into the water tank 210.

[0068] In the embodiment, the water level sensor 260 can also be a float sensor. In view of the convenience of continuous ice making, the water supply pipe 250 and the control valve 270 are introduced on the water tank 210, and the water level sensor 260 is installed inside the water tank 210, when the water in the water tank 210 gradually decreases to a certain extent as the ice is made, the control valve 270 is triggered to open the quantitative water supply through the water level sensor 260 sensing, so as to realize the automatic water supply of the ice maker.

[0069] The bottom of the water tank 210 is provided with a water pump 240, one end of the water inlet pipe 230 communicates with the water pump 240 at the bottom after entering the water tank 210, and the water pump 240 provides power for the water inlet pipe 230 to inject water into the ice mold 100. The water pump 240 continuously works, and the whole water supply device 200 and the ice mold 100 form a circulating water route inside.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the water injection part 130 includes a first water injection channel 131 and a second water injection channel 132, the first water injection channel 131 extends from the surface of the ice mold 100 to the inside of the ice mold 100 along the horizontal direction, and the end of the water inlet pipe 230 located in the shell 500 is detachably connected with the first water injection channel 131. The second water injection channel 132 communicates with the first water injection channel 131 and extends to the ice making cavity 110 at a set angle, and the set angle is an angle with an acute angle included angle with the horizontal direction.

[0071] In the embodiment, the water injection part 130 of the ice mold 100 is mainly composed of the first water injection channel 131 and the second water injection channel 132, the first water injection channel 131 extends from the surface of the ice mold 100 to the position of the ice making cavity 110 inside the ice mold 100, and the extension direction is the horizontal direction, the second water injection channel 132 is communicated at the extension end of the first water injection channel 131, the second water injection channel 132 extends from the end of the first water injection channel 131 to the ice making cavity 110 and communicates with the ice making cavity 110, and gradually inclines downward in the extension process, forming an inclined structure with a set angle of an acute angle included angle with the horizontal direction.

[0072] Through the communication of the first water injection channel 131 and the second water injection channel 132, the water injection part 130 of the ice mold 100 is structured as a water channel passing through the ice mold 100. During ice making, the water pump 240 continuously pumps the water in the water tank 210 to the first water injection channel 131 of the ice mold 100, and the water flows through the first water injection channel 131 and then passes through the second water injection channel 132 with a set angle of inclination, and is injected into the ice making cavity 110 at a certain inclination angle, the water flow enters the ice making cavity 110 in the form of oblique downward injection, which can generate water flow rotation in the ice making cavity 110, and is beneficial to promote the gas in the water to precipitate, so that the transparency of the made ice is better.

[0073] In the embodiment, the set angle can be selected at about 15°.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet pipe 230 includes a first pipe interface 231 and a tube body 232, the shell 500 is provided with a first mounting hole 540, the first end of the first pipe interface 231 is arranged in the first mounting hole 540, and the second end of the first pipe interface 231 is interference fit with the first water injection channel 131; one end of the tube body 232 is inserted into the first end of the first pipe interface 231, and the other end of the tube body 232 is connected to the water tank 210.

[0075] In this embodiment, the water inlet pipe 230 of the water supply device 200 consists of a first pipe interface 231 and a pipe body 232. A first mounting hole 540 is provided in the housing 500. The first pipe interface 231 is designed in two sections, comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is inserted into the first mounting hole 540, while the second end is removably connected to the first water inlet channel 131. During insertion, an interference fit is provided to prevent water leakage from the connection. One end of the pipe body 232 is inserted into the first end, also providing an interference fit to prevent water leakage from the connection. The other end of the pipe body 232 extends into the water tank 210 and communicates with the water pump 240 in the water tank 210. This plug-in fit meets the structural connection requirements for the ice mold 100 to enter and exit the housing 500 horizontally through the opening 560 of the housing 500. This facilitates the removable connection between the water inlet pipe 230 and the ice mold 100, while effectively ensuring water-free ice making and retrieval.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first pipe port 231 is fixed to the housing 500. After the ice mold 100 enters the housing 500, the end of the first water injection channel 131 approaches the second end until the second end is inserted into the first water injection channel 131. In other embodiments, the second end of the first pipe port 231 may be fixed to the end of the first water injection channel 131 of the ice mold 100, and the tube body 232 may be directly fixed to the first mounting hole 540 of the housing 500. After the ice mold 100 enters the housing 500, the first end of the first pipe port 231 approaches the tube body 232 until the first end is inserted into the tube body 232.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drainage portion 120 includes a drainage groove 122, a drainage port 121 and a second pipe interface 123. The drainage groove 122 is arranged at the top edge of the ice mold 100; the drainage port 121 is arranged at the highest position of the ice-making chamber 110, and the water in the ice-making chamber 110 overflows from the drainage port 121 and converges into the drainage groove 122; the second pipe interface 123 is arranged in the drainage groove 122, and the shell 500 is provided with a second mounting hole 550, and the return pipe 220 is inserted into the second mounting hole 550, and the second pipe interface 123 and the return pipe 220 are plugged in by interference fit.

[0078] In this embodiment, the bottom of the ice mold 100 is the part concentrated on the lower surface of the ice mold 100, the top of the ice mold 100 is the part concentrated on the upper surface of the ice mold 100, the drainage part 120 of the top of the ice mold 100 is composed of a drainage port 121, a drainage groove 122 and a second pipe interface 123, the drainage port 121 vertically penetrates to the top surface of the ice mold 100 from the highest position of the ice making cavity 110, the drainage groove 122 is a groove concave on the edge of the top surface of the ice mold 100, and the second pipe interface 123 is also designed in two sections, which are the first section and the second section of the second pipe interface 123, that is, the first section is connected to the edge of the ice mold 100, corresponds to the position of the drainage groove 122 and extends into the drainage groove 122, and the second section extends out of the ice mold 100. The second mounting hole 550 is arranged on the shell 500, the return water pipe 220 is inserted into the second mounting hole 550, and the interference fit is used to avoid water leakage at the connection. The second section is detachably inserted into the return water pipe 220, and the interference fit is also used to avoid water leakage at the connection. The plug-in fit meets the connection requirements of the structure relationship that the ice mold 100 horizontally enters and exits the shell 500 through the opening 560 of the shell 500, and conveniently and quickly realizes the detachable connection of the return water pipe 220 and the ice mold 100, while effectively ensuring that there is no water leakage during ice making and ice taking.

[0079] Water is injected into the ice making cavity 110 through the water injection part 130, and after the water in the ice making cavity 110 accumulates to the highest position of the ice making cavity 110, it will overflow into the drainage port 121. The overflowing water flows on the top surface of the ice mold 100 and flows into the concave drainage groove 122, flows into the second pipe interface 123 through the drainage groove 122, and the second end of the second pipe interface 123 communicates with the return water pipe 220 to flow out of the ice mold 100 and flow back to the water tank 210.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second pipe interface 123 is fixed on the ice mold 100, and after the ice mold 100 enters the shell 500, the second section of the second pipe interface 123 is close to the second mounting hole 550, and then the second section is inserted into the return water pipe 220 in the second mounting hole 550. In other embodiments, the second section of the second pipe interface 123 can be fixed on the end of the return water pipe 220 in the second mounting hole 550 of the shell 500, and after the ice mold 100 enters the shell 500, the second section of the second pipe interface 123 is close to the ice mold 100, and then the first section is inserted into the drainage groove 122.

[0081] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the drainage part 120 is in an exposed state on the surface of the ice mold 100, and in other embodiments, the drainage part 120 can also be in a non-exposed state arranged inside the ice mold 100, that is, the top of the ice mold 100 has a certain thickness, and the drainage port 121 and the drainage groove 122 are in the form of internal perforation within the top.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, multiple ice molds 100 are disposed within a housing 500. The ice molds 100 are independent of one another, and the water inlet pipes 230 and return pipes 220 are disposed one-to-one with each ice mold 100. In this embodiment, the ice molds 100 are independently disposed within the housing 500. The ice molds 100 are arranged along the length of the housing 500, which is perpendicular to the direction of the opening 560. A first mounting hole 540 and a second mounting hole 550 are provided on the side of the housing 500 opposite the opening 560, corresponding to each ice mold 100. Each ice mold 100 has its own independent water inlet pipe 230 and return pipe 220 connected thereto. The second mounting hole 550 is located above the first mounting hole 540, meaning that the horizontal extension of the water inlet pipe 230 is located below the return pipe 220.

[0083] In this embodiment, when ice is needed, the water inlet pipe 230 can independently inject water into its corresponding ice mold 100, and the water return pipe 220 can also independently return water to its corresponding ice mold 100. When ice making is complete and ice is needed, a single ice mold 100 can be removed from the housing 500 without affecting the other ice molds 100 and the status of the water inlet pipe 230 and water return pipe 220. The water inlet pipe 230 and water return pipe 220 of the ice mold 100 to be removed are separated from the ice mold 100, and the ice mold 100 can be removed from the housing 500 for manual ice retrieval. This saves space in the housing 500 and the water supply device 200, simplifies the device structure, protects the water inlet portion 130, 130 and water outlet portion 120, 120 at the top of the ice mold 100 from external contamination, and facilitates ice making and retrieval operations.

[0084] In this embodiment, by providing a drainage portion 120 and a water injection portion 130 at the top of each ice mold 100, all ice molds 100 are arranged in parallel. Water is injected into each ice-making cavity 110 through its corresponding water injection portion 130. Water overflowing from each ice-making cavity 110 flows out through its corresponding drainage portion 120 without interfering with each other, enabling independent operation of water injection, freezing, and drainage in each ice mold 100 during the ice-making process. The ice-making machine of this utility model can pull out one ice mold 100 at a time, producing up to three transparent ice balls at a time. Of course, any unused ice can be stored in the ice-making cavity 110 of another ice mold 100 without affecting ice-making in the remaining ice molds 100.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold 100 is provided with a handle 154 on the side facing the opening 560. In this embodiment, the handle 154 is provided on the ice mold 100 and extends toward the opening 560 of the housing 500. To remove ice, the handle 154 can be manually grasped and moved horizontally toward the outside of the housing 500 to pull the ice mold 100 out of the housing 500. The handle 154 can be constructed on the surface of the ice mold 100 and integrally formed therewith.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes a cover plate 600 and a cooling device 300. The cover plate 600 is arranged to cover the opening 560. The cover plate 600 is movably connected to the shell 500 and forms an accommodating space with the shell 500. The ice mold 100 is arranged in the accommodating space. The ice mold 100 is provided with a handle 154 on a side facing the cover plate 600. The cooling device 300 is arranged in the accommodating space. The top surface of the cooling device 300 is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the ice mold 100 so that the ice mold 100 can enter and exit the accommodating space through the opening 560.

[0087] In this embodiment, the cover plate 600 is disposed on the opening 560 of the housing 500 and is movably connected to the housing 500. When the cover plate 600 is disposed over the opening 560, the cover plate 600 and the housing 500 together enclose a storage space. When the cover plate 600 is removed from the opening 560, the opening 560 is opened, and the ice mold 100 can be removed from or placed into the storage space. A handle 154 is provided on the surface of the ice mold 100 corresponding to the location of the cover plate 600, making it easy to grasp the handle 154 to push or pull the ice mold 100 into or out of the opening 560.

[0088] The ice mold 100 and the cooling device 300 are both placed in the accommodating space, and the ice mold 100 is arranged on the cooling device 300. The bottom surface of the ice mold 100 contacts the top surface of the cooling device 300. The cooling device 300 provides the ice mold 100 with cooling energy during ice making, and conducts the cooling energy to the ice-making cavity 110 of the ice mold 100, so that the cooling energy is gradually conducted upward. The ice-making cavity 110 forms a temperature gradient with the temperature gradually increasing from bottom to top, so that the water tends to freeze layer by layer from bottom to top, further improving the transparency of the ice.

[0089] The ice mold 100 can be pulled out of the shell 500 horizontally through the opening 560, or can be pushed into the shell 500 horizontally through the opening 560 to form a pull-out ice mold 100, and the ice mold 100 can slide on the cooling device 300. Under the condition of the drawer-type entry and exit of the ice mold 100 and the shell 500, the cooling device 300 can also ensure normal ice making and cooling for the ice mold 100. The relatively independent settings of the ice mold 100 and the cooling device 300 do not hinder their respective functions, and can realize the convenience of independent modular design, which is convenient for quick removal and cleaning of the ice mold 100, and quick manual ice removal by pulling out, giving users the best ice making experience.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the ice mold 100 is provided with one of the groove 311 and the protrusion 161, and the top surface of the cooling device 300 is provided with the other of the groove 311 and the protrusion 161. The protrusion 161 is embedded in the groove 311 and can slide along the groove 311. The groove 311 extends in the direction of the opening 560. In this embodiment, a sliding connection component is provided between the bottom of the ice mold 100 and the top surface of the cooling device 300 with which they slide. The sliding connection component can be a groove 311 and a protrusion 161. The protrusion 161 is embedded in the groove 311. When the ice mold 100 slides on the cooling device 300, relative movement occurs between the protrusion 161 and the groove 311, ensuring that cooling is always transferred between the ice mold 100 and the cooling device 300.

[0091] In this embodiment, a protrusion 161 is provided at the bottom of the ice mold 100, and the extension direction of the cooling device 300 is the length direction of the shell 500. Since the opening 560 is oriented perpendicular to the length direction of the shell 500, the direction in which the ice mold 100 enters and exits the shell 500 is also perpendicular to the extension direction of the cooling device 300. When there are multiple ice molds 100, the corresponding slide grooves 311 on the cooling device 300 are also multiple and parallel to each other. The slide grooves 311 are through grooves to ensure that the independent pulling and pulling path of each ice mold 100 is guided.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold 100 is provided with an insulation layer 170 on the side facing the cover plate 600. In this embodiment, the insulation layer 170 is provided on the side of the ice mold 100 opposite the cover plate 600. Through the insulation between the ice mold 100 and the cover plate 600, the ice mold 100 is kept warm at this location, isolating the temperature of the ice mold 100 from the outside temperature, and thereby maintaining a temperature gradient from bottom to top within the ice-making chamber 110.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 500 includes a base 510, a panel 520, and a first insulation board 530. The panel 520 surrounds the edge of the base 510, forming an opening 560. The first insulation board 530 is disposed on the side of the accommodating space formed by the panel 520. In this embodiment, the housing 500 is primarily composed of the base 510, the panel 520, and the first insulation board 530. The panel 520 surrounds the base 510 along its edge. The cooling device 300 and the ice mold 100 are disposed vertically within the housing 500. After surrounding the base 510, a certain distance is formed between the front and rear ends of the panel 520, forming the opening 560 structure.

[0094] In order to further ensure the ambient temperature of the internal space of the shell 500 and improve the insulation effect of the shell 500, a first insulation board 530 is set on the inner side surface of the enclosure 520. In order to prevent the shell ice-making chamber 110 from being affected and ice forming, the first insulation board 530 is set on the side of the portion of the enclosure 520 on the shell 500 where the opening 560 is not provided. The first insulation board 530 can insulate the internal environment of the accommodating space.

[0095] In this embodiment, a vent hole 511 is further provided on the base 510, and the vent hole 511 is arranged corresponding to the position of the cooling device 300. Cold air can contact the cooling device 300 through the vent hole 511, and exchange heat with the cooling column 320 and the cooling plate 310 of the cooling device 300, thereby providing cooling for the ice mold 100.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate 600 includes a plate body 610 and a second insulation plate 620. The plate body 610 covers the opening 560 and is rotatably connected to the base 510. The second insulation plate 620 is disposed on the side of the plate body 610 that forms the accommodating space. In this embodiment, the cover plate 600 primarily comprises the plate body 610 and the second insulation plate 620. The plate body 610 is disposed at the opening 560 corresponding to the housing 500. The second insulation plate 620 is disposed on the surface of the plate body 610 facing the housing 500. Consequently, the first insulation plate 530 serves as the insulation plate inside the housing 500, while the second insulation plate 620 serves as the insulation plate inside the cover. In other words, a complete insulation plate surrounds the accommodating space, thereby insulating the space within the ice mold 100 and isolating it from the external temperature.

[0097] In this embodiment, the lower end of the plate 610 is rotatably connected to the edge of the base 510. When the plate 610 rotates downward, the opening 560 opens, and when the plate 610 rotates upward, the opening 560 closes. The first mounting hole 540 and the second mounting hole 550 are both provided on the enclosure 520. Both the first insulation board 530 and the second insulation board 620 can be made of foam.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold 100 includes a silicone mold 150, which includes a plurality of mold petals 151 and a folding portion 152. The plurality of mold petals 151 enclose an ice-making cavity 110, and adjacent mold petals 151 are connected by the folding portion 152. The folding portion 152 is suitable for switching between an expanded state and a closed state. In the expanded state, the mold petals 151 are dispersed and the ice-making cavity 110 is opened. In the closed state, the mold petals 151 are aggregated, the ice-making cavity 110 is closed, and the ice-making cavity 110 is connected to the water inlet pipe 230.

[0099] In the embodiment, the main body of the ice mold 100 is composed of a silica gel mold 150, which has a certain flexible deformation capacity and can be bent within a certain range and restored to its original shape. The silica gel mold 150 also has a certain plasticity to ensure that its main body shape remains unchanged. The silica gel mold 150 is composed of a mold lobe part 151 and a folding part 152. The mold lobe parts 151 are independently arranged and sequentially arranged along the circumference. The folding part 152 connects adjacent mold lobe parts 151. Each mold lobe part 151 has a recess 1511. The recesses 1511 of all mold lobe parts 151 combine to form an ice-making cavity 110 inside the silica gel mold 150. The recesses 1511 extend out of the connecting surfaces on both sides. The connecting surfaces between adjacent mold lobe parts 151 are connected by the folding part 152. The two connecting surfaces have a sealing effect after being combined to ensure the sealing of the ice-making cavity 110.

[0100] When the ice mold 100 is making ice, the folding part 152 is in a folded state, the mold lobe parts 151 are aggregated together, and the recesses 1511 are combined to form an ice cavity inside the silica gel mold 150, achieving the effect of closing the ice-making cavity 110. Then water is injected into the ice-making cavity 110 to make ice. After the ice is made, the mold lobe parts 151 can be manually separated, i.e., the mold lobe parts 151 are bent away from the ice-making cavity 110, thereby driving the folding part 152 to unfold. The mold lobe parts 151 are dispersed outward, the recesses 1511 that make up the ice-making cavity 110 are separated from each other, the mold lobe parts 151 are separated from the ice, the ice-making cavity 110 is opened, and the ice can be taken out, thereby completing the manual ice removal.

[0101] The structure design of the silica gel mold 150 can achieve the closure of the ice-making cavity 110 without external force and external structure cooperation. The opening of the ice-making cavity 110 and the ice removal can be achieved manually, which simplifies the structure of the ice mold 100, facilitates the ice removal operation, and improves the ice-making efficiency and the ice removal efficiency. Therefore, the ice mold 100 of the embodiment has a structure design of the mold lobe part 151 and the folding part 152, which not only realizes the generation of transparent ice with a specific shape, but also solves the problem of difficult ice removal of the traditional ice mold 100, bringing a good interactive experience.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice mold 100 further includes a base 160. The silicone mold 150 is provided with a mounting groove 153, which is correspondingly disposed below the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110. The base 160 is embedded in the mounting groove 153, and the bottom surface of the base 160 is provided with a protrusion 161. In this embodiment, the ice mold 100 is composed of the silicone mold 150 and the base 160. The silicone mold 150 serves as the upper mold, and the base 160 serves as the lower mold. The silicone mold 150 is positioned entirely outside and above the base 160. The base 153 is disposed at the bottom of the silicone mold 150, and the base 160 is embedded in the mounting groove 153. The lower base 160 serves as a support structure for the upper silicone mold 150. The ice-making chamber 110 is constructed within the silicone mold 150. The base 160 provides support and cooling for the ice-making chamber 110 below the ice-making chamber 110.

[0103] A cooling device 300 is provided at the bottom of the ice mold 100, that is, the bottom of the silicone mold 150 is the cooling device 300, and the bottom support 160 can be made of a metal material. The cooling performance of the metal material is higher than that of the silicone material, so the cooling device 300 transfers cold energy to the bottom support 160 and the silicone mold 150. Affected by the material, the temperature of the bottom support 160 is lower than that of the silicone mold 150. In this way, the ice mold 100 is designed to form a structure of cooling device 300 → bottom support 160 → silicone mold 150 with a temperature from low to high, that is, the temperature of the cooling device 300 is the lowest, the bottom support 160 is the second, and the temperature of the silicone mold 150 is the highest. The three form a certain temperature gradient environment from bottom to top.

[0104] In this embodiment, the base 160 and the silicone mold 150 can be assembled to form the ice mold 100, or the base 160 can be placed in the silicone mold during injection molding to form the ice mold 100. The base 160 has a protrusion 161 that slidably connects with the groove 311 of the cooling plate 310 of the cooling device 300.

[0105] In one embodiment, the ice-making chamber 110 is spherical in shape, and the top surface of the base 160 is provided with a spherical groove that mates with the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110. In this embodiment, the ice-making chamber 110 can produce spherical ice. To accommodate the spherical shape of the ice-making chamber 110, the spherical groove is provided on the top surface of the base 160. Specifically, the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110 is convex in a spherical shape, mates with the spherical groove on the top surface of the base 160, and the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110 enters the spherical groove. A semicircular silicone film with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm is installed at the junction between the silicone surrounding portion and the metal base 160. This effectively prevents the ice ball from adhering to the metal base 160, facilitating ice removal.

[0106] In this way, the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110 can be placed in a lower temperature environment, while the portion of the ice-making chamber 110 not in the spherical groove is placed in a higher temperature portion, thereby constructing an ice-making chamber 110 with a more distinct temperature gradient. The water at the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110 is placed in the lowest temperature environment, and therefore can freeze first, and then freeze directionally from bottom to top.

[0107] In one embodiment, the silicone mold 150 further includes a base 140, with two mold segments 151 formed by an upwardly extending protrusion 161 from the top surface of the base 140. In this embodiment, the bottoms of the mold segments 151 are connected together by the base 140. The base 140 forms the structural foundation for the bottom of the ice-making cavity 110, while the mold segments 151 extend upward and together enclose the middle and top of the ice-making cavity 110. The base 160, serving as the metal lower mold, is preferably made of stainless steel or aluminum. The base 160 must be less than the height of the hemisphere surrounding the base, otherwise ice will not form transparently.

[0108] The base 140 not only provides a secure and supportive foundation for the mold petals 151, but also assists in restoring the petals 151 from their bent, dispersed state to a converged state. Furthermore, the mounting groove 153 of the silicone mold 150 extends upward from the bottom surface of the base 140 to the bottom of the ice-making chamber 110. This means that the base 140 wraps around the outside of the base 160, securing the base 160.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device 300 includes a cooling plate 310 and cooling posts 320. The cooling plate 310 is mounted on a base 510, and a slide groove 311 is provided on the top surface of the cooling plate 310; the cooling posts 320 are provided on the bottom surface of the cooling plate 310. In this embodiment, the cooling device 300 includes a cooling plate 310 and a cooling component, which may be a fin or a cooling post 320. An ice mold 100 is provided on the top surface of the cooling plate 310, and a protrusion 161 is provided on the bottom surface of the base 160 of the ice mold 100. A slide groove 311 is provided on the top surface of the cooling plate 310 to achieve a sliding fit connection between the ice mold 100 and the cooling plate 310. The fin or cooling post 320 is provided on the bottom surface of the cooling plate 310 to increase the heat conduction area and the cooling efficiency. The cold plate 310 is generally a metal plate, and the thermal conductivity of the cold plate 310 must be greater than or equal to the base 160 of the ice mold 100 . Aluminum alloy or stainless steel can be selected.

[0110] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator body 700 and an ice maker 800. The refrigerator body 700 includes a freezing chamber 720 and a refrigerating chamber 730. The ice maker 800 includes a shell 500, a cover plate 600, a water supply device 200 and an ice mold 100. The shell 500 has a horizontal opening 560. The cover plate 600 covers the opening 560. The cover plate 600 is movably connected to the shell 500 and encloses an accommodating space with the shell 500. The water supply device 200 includes a water tank 210 and a water inlet pipe 230. One end of the water inlet pipe 230 is passed through the shell 500, and the water inlet pipe 230 is connected to the water tank 210. The other end of the tube 230 is connected to the water tank 210. An ice-making chamber 110 is provided inside the ice mold 100. The ice mold 100 is provided with a water injection portion 130. The water injection portion 130 is connected to the ice-making chamber 110. The water injection portion 130 is detachably connected to one end of the water inlet pipe 230 located in the shell 500. The cooling device 300 is provided at the bottom of the ice mold 100, and the ice mold 100 is slidably connected to the cooling device 300 so that the ice mold 100 can enter and exit the refrigeration chamber 730 of the shell 500 through the opening 560. The cooling device 300 is connected to the freezing chamber 720, and the ice mold 100 is located in the refrigeration chamber 730 or the freezing chamber 720.

[0111] In the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, the cooling system provides cooling for the entire interior of the refrigerator. The freezing chamber 720 of the refrigerator can be used as a part of the cooling system. The cooling device 300 is connected to the interior of the freezing chamber 720. The cooling capacity of the freezing chamber 720 is transferred to the ice mold 100 through the cooling device 300. The temperature inside the freezing chamber 720 is relatively low, and the ice maker 800 can fully utilize the cooling capacity of the freezing chamber 720 when making ice. At least the top of the ice mold 100 is located in the refrigeration chamber 730. Therefore, as the height of the ice mold 100 changes from the bottom to the top, the cold energy concentrated at the bottom of the ice mold 100 by the cooling device 300 can form a gradually increasing temperature gradient change from bottom to top in the ice-making cavity 110 of the ice mold 100, thereby realizing directional ice formation from bottom to top in the ice-making cavity 110, and then realizing the effect of making ice and supplying cold energy to the ice mold 100 through the cold air system of the refrigerator after the ice maker 800 is integrated into the interior of the refrigerator. There is no need to set up a separate cold source, and the resources are maximized, making the device composition simpler and more integrated, saving cold energy.

[0112] In this embodiment, the ice mold 100 can be located within the foamed barrier 710 between the refrigeration chamber 730 and the freezer chamber 720. This maintains a temperature difference from bottom to top, while also saving space for the ice maker 800 within the refrigerator body 700. Furthermore, the water tank 210 and the upper end of the ice mold 100 are both placed within the refrigeration chamber 730, preventing the water from freezing. Ultimately, the ice mold 100 gradually forms transparent spherical ice, enabling a continuous ice-making cycle.

[0113] The refrigeration chamber 730 is controlled at a temperature of 2°C to 3°C. Higher temperatures increase ice-making time. The freezer chamber 720 can be controlled between -16°C and -24°C. The continuous circulation of refrigerator air accelerates ice-making. The pull-out ice removal system allows for quick ice retrieval and continuous ice-making. The ice mold 100 can produce three clear ice cubes at a time. Any unused ice can be stored in the ice mold 100 without affecting the continued ice-making process of the previously removed ice mold 100.

[0114] like Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker 800 further includes an insulation box 840, and the water supply device 200 is disposed within the insulation box 840. In this embodiment, when the ice maker 800 is located in the freezing chamber 720, that is, the housing 500, the ice mold 100, the cooling device 300, and the water supply device 200 are all located within the freezing chamber 720, to prevent the water passages within the water supply device 200 from freezing and affecting the water supply to the ice mold 100, the insulation box 840 is disposed outside the water supply device 200. This controls the ambient temperature of the water supply device 200 within a certain range, thereby ensuring that the water passages remain unobstructed and free of ice.

[0115] In this embodiment, the thermal insulation box 840 can be made of foam material.

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present invention, ice maker 800 further includes a heating element 810 disposed above ice mold 100 and adapted to heat the space surrounding drain portion 120. In this embodiment, when ice maker 800 is located in freezer chamber 720, i.e., housing 500, ice mold 100, cooling device 300, and water supply device 200 are all located within freezer chamber 720, heating element 810 is disposed above the top of ice mold 100 to prevent water in drain portion 120 of ice mold 100 from freezing, thereby affecting drainage of ice mold 100 and water circulation in ice-making chamber 110. Heating element 810 heats the space surrounding drain portion 120, thereby controlling the ambient temperature of drain portion 120 within a certain range, ensuring that the water flow remains unobstructed and free of ice.

[0117] In this embodiment, the heating component 810 can be a heater, a heating plate, a heating resistance wire, etc.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present invention, ice maker 800 further includes a temperature sensor 830, which is positioned above ice mold 100 and adapted to detect the temperature at the top of ice mold 100 to control the start and stop of heating element 810. In this embodiment, since ice maker 800 is placed within freezer compartment 720, the internal temperature of ice maker 800 gradually decreases over extended operation, affecting the temperature gradient between the top and the bottom, preventing the formation of ice from the bottom up. Therefore, heating element 810 is positioned above the top of ice mold 100. Temperature sensor 830 monitors the top temperature of ice mold 100, thereby controlling the start and stop of heating element 810. This ensures that the top temperature of ice mold 100 is consistently controlled between 1°C and 3°C, effectively maintaining a stable temperature near drainage portion 120 of ice mold 100.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present invention, ice maker 800 further includes a fan 820 located above ice mold 100 and adapted to drive air flow at the drain portion 120. In this embodiment, when ice maker 800 is located in freezer chamber 720, i.e., housing 500, ice mold 100, cooling device 300, and water supply device 200 are all located within freezer chamber 720, heating element 810 is positioned above drain portion 120 of ice mold 100, and fan 820 is continuously positioned above ice mold 100 within ice maker 800, driving air circulation above ice mold 100. This facilitates the precipitation of bubbles from the water surface at the upper end of ice-making cavity 110 of ice mold 100, resulting in transparent ice balls formed in ice mold 100.

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker 800 includes a top cover 400 , which is disposed on the top of the housing 500 . The heating component 810 , the temperature sensor 830 , and the fan 820 are all installed on the side of the top cover 400 facing the ice mold 100 . In this embodiment, the heating component 810, the temperature sensor 830 and the fan 820 are all fixed on the side of the top cover 400 facing the accommodating space. The top cover 400 is covered at the top opening jointly enclosed by the shell 500 and the cover plate 600, that is, the shell 500, the cover plate 600 and the top cover 400 jointly enclose an accommodating space for placing the ice mold 100. At the same time, the top cover 400 provides an installation position for the heating component 810, the fan 820 and the temperature sensor 830 arranged above the ice mold 100. Therefore, the top cover 400, the heating component 810, the fan 820 and the temperature sensor 830 can be integrated into one. When the top cover 400 is installed and connected to the shell 500, the heating component 810, the fan 820 and the temperature sensor 830 can be directly fixed in place at the same time, which is conducive to the structural integration and device simplification of the ice maker 800.

[0121] In this embodiment, a corresponding third insulation plate 410 can also be provided on the side of the top cover 400 facing the accommodating space, cooperating with the first insulation plate 530 and the second insulation plate 620 to maintain the temperature of the accommodating space. The top cover 400 extends into the insulation box 840, covering the upper opening of the insulation box 840, thereby further sealing the space of the water supply device 200. As a result, the top cover 400, the cover plate 600, the housing 500, and the insulation box 840 form a single housing that surrounds the ice mold 100, the cooling device 300, and the water supply device 200.

[0122] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and are intended to be encompassed by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, characterized in that: include: a housing having a horizontally oriented opening; a cover plate, the cover plate being arranged to cover the opening, the cover plate being movably connected to the shell and forming an accommodating space with the shell; An ice mold, the ice mold being arranged in the accommodating space, and the ice mold being provided with a handle on a side facing the cover plate; A cooling device is provided in the accommodating space, wherein the top surface of the cooling device is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the ice mold so that the ice mold can enter and exit the accommodating space through the opening.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom surface of the ice mold is provided with one of a slide groove and a protrusion, and the top surface of the cooling device is provided with the other of the slide groove and the protrusion. The protrusion is embedded in the slide groove and can slide along the slide groove. The slide groove extends along the direction of the opening.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The ice mold is provided with a heat-insulating layer on a side facing the cover plate.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 2, wherein: The housing comprises: base; A panel, the panel being arranged around the edge of the base and forming the opening; A first heat-insulating plate is provided on a side of the enclosure forming the accommodating space.

5. The ice making machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The cover plate comprises: a plate body, the plate body covering the opening, the plate body being rotatably connected to the base; A second heat-insulating plate is provided on a side of the plate body forming the accommodating space.

6. The ice making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that The ice mold includes a silicone mold, which includes a plurality of mold petals and a folding portion. The plurality of mold petals enclose an ice-making cavity. Adjacent mold petals are connected by the folding portion. The folding portion is suitable for switching between an expanded state and a closed state. In the expanded state, the mold petals are dispersed and the ice-making cavity is opened. In the closed state, the mold petals are aggregated and the ice-making cavity is closed. The ice-making cavity is connected to a water inlet pipe.

7. The ice making machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The ice mold further includes a base, the silicone mold is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is correspondingly arranged below the bottom of the ice making cavity, the base is embedded in the mounting groove, and the bottom surface of the base is provided with the protrusion.

8. The ice making machine according to claim 6, wherein: The cooling device comprises: A cooling plate, the cooling plate being mounted on the base, and the top surface of the cooling plate being provided with the sliding groove; The cooling column is arranged on the bottom surface of the cooling plate.

9. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein: The ice maker also includes a water supply device, which includes a water tank, a water inlet pipe and a water return pipe. One end of the water inlet pipe is provided through the shell and is detachably connected to the ice mold. The other end of the water inlet pipe is communicated with the water tank. One end of the water return pipe is provided through the shell and is detachably connected to the ice mold. The other end of the water return pipe is communicated with the water tank.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a refrigerator body and the ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ice maker is arranged in the refrigerator body.

Images