Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration, and provides a refrigerator which comprises an ice outlet assembly, the ice outlet assembly comprises an ice hopper, the ice hopper communicates with an ice making assembly, and the ice hopper is provided with a first ice outlet; the mounting box is connected with the ice hopper, the mounting box is provided with a second ice outlet, and the second ice outlet is communicated with the first ice outlet; the ice door structure is located in the mounting box, the ice door structure is rotationally connected with the mounting box, and the ice door structure rotates relative to the mounting box so as to open or close the second ice outlet; the ice outlet piece is located in the mounting box and connected with the mounting box, the ice outlet piece is arranged on the peripheral side of the ice door structure in a surrounding mode, a third ice outlet is formed in the bottom of the ice outlet piece, and the top wall, facing the side of the ice hopper, of the ice outlet piece abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box; and the heating wire is arranged on the ice door structure. According to the refrigerator, the cost of the ice outlet assembly is low.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration. In particular, the present application relates to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, users have increasing demands for various functions of refrigerators, such as setting an ice-making system on the door body of the refrigerator to automatically make ice cubes for users to use.

[0003] In the related art, a refrigerator includes a door body and an ice-making system arranged on the door body. The ice-making system includes an ice-making assembly and an ice-out assembly. The ice-out assembly includes an ice bucket, a mounting box, an ice door structure, and a water receiving box. The ice bucket is located at the bottom of the ice-making assembly and is in communication with the ice-making assembly. The bottom of the ice bucket is connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure is located in the mounting box and is connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure rotates relative to the mounting box to open or close the ice-out port of the ice bucket. The water receiving box is connected to the mounting box, and the water receiving box is embedded on the front side of the door body. The water receiving box is in communication with the mounting box. The ice door structure includes an ice door box, a heat insulation piece, a sealing piece, and a heating film. The heat insulation piece is located in the area enclosed by the sealing piece and the ice door box. The heating film is arranged on the inner wall of the ice door box on the side facing the heat insulation piece.

[0004] However, the cost of the ice-out assembly is high, and the energy consumption is high. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0005] The present application provides a refrigerator, and the cost of the ice-out assembly is low, and the energy consumption is low.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical scheme:

[0007] The present application provides a refrigerator, which comprises:

[0008] A cabinet, the cabinet is provided with a refrigeration compartment;

[0009] A door body, the door body is rotatably connected to the cabinet to open or close the refrigeration compartment;

[0010] An ice-making system, the ice-making system comprises:

[0011] An ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly is arranged in the refrigeration compartment or on the door body;

[0012] An ice-out assembly, the ice-out assembly is arranged on the door body, and the ice-out assembly comprises:

[0013] An ice bucket, the ice bucket is in communication with the ice-making assembly, and the ice bucket is provided with a first ice-out port;

[0014] A mounting box, the mounting box is connected to the ice bucket, the first ice-out port is located at one end of the ice bucket facing the mounting box, the mounting box is provided with a first inner cavity and a second ice-out port in communication with the first inner cavity, and the second ice-out port is opposite to and in communication with the first ice-out port.

[0015] The ice outlet part is located in the second inner cavity, and a third ice outlet is arranged at the bottom of the ice outlet part. A fourth ice outlet is arranged on the side wall of the ice outlet part facing the ice bucket. The fourth ice outlet and the third ice outlet are in communication with the second inner cavity. The side wall of the ice outlet part facing the ice bucket abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box. The fourth ice outlet is opposite to the second ice outlet.

[0016] The ice door structure is located in the second inner cavity and is rotationally connected to the mounting box. The ice door structure rotates relative to the mounting box to open or close the second ice outlet. When the ice door structure opens the second ice outlet, the ice blocks in the ice making assembly move to the outside of the ice outlet part through the ice bucket, the first ice outlet, the second ice outlet, the fourth ice outlet, the second inner cavity and the third ice outlet.

[0017] The heating wire is arranged on the ice door structure.

[0018] In this way, the heating wire is used instead of the heating film, so that the cost can be reduced. The side wall of the ice outlet part facing the ice bucket abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box. The top of the ice outlet part cooperates with the mounting box to form a relatively closed space. The heat of the heating wire is not easily transmitted to the outside of the ice outlet part, which is beneficial to improve the heat transfer effect and reduce the energy consumption.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first end surface is located in the orthogonal projection of the side wall of the ice outlet part facing the ice bucket onto the first end surface plane. The first end surface is the end surface of the ice bucket facing the mounting box.

[0020] In this way, the heat generated by the heating wire is mostly enclosed in the inside of the ice outlet part. The ice bucket transmits cold to the mounting box through the first end surface. The first end surface is located in the area surrounded by the ice outlet part, which is beneficial to transfer the heat to the position with lower temperature in the mounting box.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heating wire is embedded on the ice door structure.

[0022] In this way, the heating wire has less influence on the thickness of the ice door structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heating wire is arranged in a single coil.

[0024] In this way, the cost of the heating wire is relatively low.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heating wire is a nichrome wire.

[0026] In this way, the nichrome wire has a large resistance value, high power and high heat generation, so that the heating time can be shortened and the power consumption is low.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the ice gate structure closes the third ice outlet, the heating wire is arranged on the circumferential side of the second ice outlet, and a projection of the heating wire towards the plane of the first end surface of the ice bucket is at least partially located in the first end surface of the ice bucket.

[0028] In this way, the ice bucket transmits cold energy to the mounting box through the first end surface, the projection of the heating wire towards the plane of the first end surface of the ice bucket is at least partially located in the first end surface of the ice bucket, the heating wire is close to the cold source position, and heat transmission is facilitated.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ice gate structure comprises:

[0030] An ice gate box, which is rotationally connected to the mounting box, and is provided with a first mounting cavity;

[0031] A sealing element, which is arranged on the ice gate box, and abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box when the ice gate structure closes the second ice outlet;

[0032] A heat insulation element, which is located in the first mounting cavity.

[0033] In this way, the sealing element is used to improve the sealing performance of the second ice outlet, the heat insulation element is used to reduce the cold and heat exchange between the ice gate structure and the internal environment of the ice bucket, improve the temperature of the outer surface of the ice gate box, and thus reduce condensation.

[0034] In some embodiments, the heating wire is located on the side of the second end surface facing the sealing element, and the heating wire has a spacing from the second end surface.

[0035] The second end surface is the inner bottom surface of the first mounting cavity.

[0036] Compared with the heating wire arranged on the second end surface, in the present embodiment, the heating wire has a spacing from the second end surface and is closer to the ice bucket. That is, the heating wire is close to the cold source position where condensation is generated in heat transmission. In this way, the heat transmission effect is improved, the heating time of the heating wire can be shorter, and thus the energy consumption is reduced.

[0037] In some embodiments, the heating wire is arranged on the ice gate box, and the heating wire is arranged on the end of the ice gate box facing the sealing element and abuts against the sealing element.

[0038] In this way, the heating wire is close to the cold source position where condensation is generated in heat transmission. The heat transmission effect is improved, the heating time of the heating wire can be shorter, and thus the energy consumption is reduced.

[0039] In some embodiments, the top of the ice gate box is provided with a second mounting cavity, the second mounting cavity is open on the side facing the sealing element, and part of the heating wire is arranged in the second mounting cavity, and the remaining part of the heating wire is located outside the second mounting cavity through the opening of the second mounting cavity.

[0040] This helps to ensure close contact between the heating wire and the sealing member.

[0041] In some embodiments, the heating wire is disposed on the sealing member, and the heating wire is disposed at an end of the sealing member away from the heat insulating member. When the ice door structure closes the second ice outlet, the heating wire abuts against the inner wall of the installation box.

[0042] In this way, the inner wall of the installation box becomes the cold source location where condensation is generated by heat transfer. The contact between the heating wire and the inner wall of the installation box facilitates the better transfer of heat to the cold source location, ensuring the effectiveness of removing condensation. In addition, the heating time can be shortened and the power consumption is reduced.

[0043] In some embodiments, the heating wire is integrally formed with the sealing member.

[0044] In this way, the assembly steps can be reduced and the overall assembly efficiency can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0048] Figure 3 An exploded view of an ice discharge assembly in the related art;

[0049] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the ice bucket, ice door structure and ice discharge piece in the related art;

[0051] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an ice gate structure in the related art;

[0052] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another ice gate structure in the related art;

[0053] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 9Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 10 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 11 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 12 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 13 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 14 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 13 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 15 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 16 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 15 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 17 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 18 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 17 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 19 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 20 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 21 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 22 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 21 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 23 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 21 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 24 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application; Figure 21 Another structural schematic view of a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 25 Another sectional view of the ice door structure, the ice bucket, the mounting box and the heating wire structure in the refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 26 For Figure 25 The local enlarged view at F in the middle;

[0072] Figure 27 The structure schematic diagram of the ice door box and the heating wire in the refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0073] Explanation of reference signs:

[0074] 10-ice bucket; 20-mounting box; 30-ice door structure; 31-ice door box; 32-heat insulation member; 33-sealing member; 34-heating film, 35-driving motor; 36-rotating shaft; 40-water receiving box; 50-ice discharging member; 60-switch; 70-bracket;

[0075] 100-box body;

[0076] 200-door body;

[0077] 300-ice making assembly;

[0078] 400-ice discharging assembly; 410-ice bucket; 411-first ice discharging port; 412-first end surface; 420-mounting box; 421-second ice discharging port; 422-mounting cavity; 430-mounting bracket; 440-ice door structure; 441-ice door box; 4411-second mounting cavity; 4412-first mounting cavity; 4413-second end surface; 442-sealing member; 443-heat insulation member; 450-ice discharging member; 451-third ice discharging port; 460-heating wire; 470-control panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application. The embodiments below and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0080] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the ice discharging assembly in the related art, Figure 2 The sectional view of the ice discharging assembly in the related art. Figure 3 The exploded view of the ice discharging assembly in the related art.

[0081] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, the ice outlet assembly includes an ice bucket 10, a mounting box 20, an ice door structure 30, a water receiving box 40 and an ice outlet part 50. The ice bucket 10 is located at the bottom of the ice making assembly and communicates with the ice making assembly. The bottom of the ice bucket 10 is connected with the mounting box 20. The ice door structure 30 is located in the mounting box 20 and is connected with the mounting box 20 through a support 70. The ice door structure 30 rotates relative to the mounting box 20 to open or close the ice outlet of the ice bucket 10. The ice outlet part 50 is arranged at the bottom of the mounting box 20. The water receiving box 40 is connected with the mounting box 20, and the water receiving box 40 is embedded on the front side of the door body. The water receiving box 40 communicates with the ice outlet part 50.

[0082] The switch 60 is arranged on the water receiving box 40 and is electrically connected with the driving motor 35.

[0083] When the user takes ice, the switch 60 is pressed by the ice taking container. The driving motor 35 drives the rotating shaft 36 to drive the ice door structure 30 to rotate relative to the support 70 to open the ice outlet. The ice making assembly pushes the ice block into the ice bucket 10. The ice block passes through the ice bucket 10, the mounting box 20 and the ice outlet part 50 and falls into the ice taking container of the user. When the ice taking container leaves the switch 60, the ice making assembly no longer pushes out the ice block. The driving motor drives the ice door structure 30 to rotate to close the ice outlet. The above process is the complete working process of the ice outlet system. It can be seen that the ice door structure 30 is a door between the inside and the outside of the refrigerator. When it is opened, the ice block is allowed to be taken out of the refrigerator. When it is closed, the heat exchange between the inside and the outside of the refrigerator is prevented, and the condensation near the ice outlet is also removed.

[0084] Condensation is one of the functions of the ice making system. If the condensation is not removed in time, it will greatly affect the user's experience.

[0085] Figure 4 To Figure 2 is a local enlarged view of A in FIG. 6. Figure 5 is a structural schematic view of an ice bucket, an ice door structure and an ice outlet part in the related art, Figure 6 is a sectional view of the ice door structure in the related art.

[0086] To remove the condensation water, the causes of the condensation water need to be understood. There are two causes of the condensation water at the ice outlet:

[0087] 1. Cold and heat exchange. The ice door structure 30 directly connects the inside and the outside environment. For example, when the environment temperature is 25℃ and the humidity is 70%, the temperature in the ice bucket 10 is -19℃. The inner surface temperature of the ice door structure 30 is only -3.6℃. The cold is transferred from the inner surface of the ice door structure 30 to the outer surface of the ice door structure 30. Although the outer surface is in the environment of 25℃, the temperature of the outer surface is only 16℃, which is lower than the dew point temperature, and the condensation is generated. Referring to Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the position of the condensation generated by the cold and heat exchange is mainly the outer surface shown by H.

[0088] 2. Heat conduction. The ice bucket 10 is located in the refrigerator interior -18℃ below the environment, the entire component also reaches -18℃ below. The installation box 20 is partially in contact with the ice bucket 10, so that the partial temperature of the installation box 20 is less than the dew point temperature, and condensation is generated. Referring to Figure 4 , the heat conduction generates condensation at the position mainly shown by the wall surface G.

[0089] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the inventor found that the condensation water is generated from the outer surface of the ice door structure 30 and the inner wall surface G of the installation box 20, first converges to the lower edge of the ice door structure 30, and then drops onto the ice outlet part 50 at the bottom of the installation box 20. The water droplets drop onto the switch 60 through the ice outlet part 50, and finally drop into the water receiving box 40 through the switch 60 to form water accumulation waiting for wiping or evaporation. Since the water contains impurities, water stains will be left in the path and the water receiving groove of the water receiving box 40, which greatly affects the user's experience, and seriously breeds bacteria.

[0090] In the related art, the ice door structure 30 includes an ice door box 31, a heat insulation part 32, a sealing part 33, and a heating film 34. The rotating shaft 36 is connected with the driving motor 35, the rotating shaft 36 is rotationally connected with the support 70, the ice door box 31 is connected with the rotating shaft 36, the heat insulation part 32 is located in the area surrounded by the sealing part 33 and the ice door box 31, and the heating film 34 is arranged on the inner wall of the ice door box 31 on the side facing the heat insulation part 32. The ice outlet assembly solves the condensation problem by using the heating film 34 and the heat insulation part 32. The driving motor 35 drives the rotating shaft 36 to drive the ice door structure 30 to rotate relative to the support 70 to open or close the ice outlet.

[0091] Specifically, the heating film 34 is a 0.01mm thick film formed by printing with nickel-chromium alloy powder. The heating film 34 is coiled and attached to an insulating tape with adhesive material, and is pasted in the ice door box 31. This kind of film heater has a complex processing technology and high cost of parts.

[0092] Moreover, in the process of use, due to the small resistance value of the heating film 34, the power is small under the condition of the same current, and the heat quantity is small. Although the condensation on the surface of the ice door structure 30 can be removed in the process of use, the working time is long and the power consumption is large.

[0093] Moreover, since the condensation generated by heat exchange at H can be improved by the heat insulation part 32, the condensation generated by heat conduction at G can only be removed by radiation on the surface of the ice door structure 30. Therefore, the heating film 34 has poor heat transfer effect at G, and needs a long heating time and large energy consumption.

[0094] Moreover, referring to Figure 5As shown, since the ice outlet 50 does not surround the ice gate structure 30 near the top and the position of the mounting box G, that is, the ice gate structure 30 is in a relatively open environment, part of the heat generated by the heating film 34 in the ice gate structure 30 will be transmitted outward through the space on the top of the ice outlet 50 to the inside of the mounting box 20, so the heating film 34 needs to work for a long time, and the energy consumption is large.

[0095] Figure 7 A sectional view of another ice gate structure in the related art.

[0096] Referring to Figure 7 As shown, in order to overcome the problem of reducing the cost of the heater, the heater is produced by using a metal wire, the heater is directly and repeatedly wound and attached on the insulating tape with adhesive material, and is attached in the ice gate box 31. Such a heater is produced by using a metal wire drawing process, and the processing technology is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0097] The metal wire can be a nichrome wire. In the use process, compared with the thin film heater, the nichrome wire has a large resistance value, and in the case of the same current, the heat generated is large, and the energization time required to remove the condensation on the surface of the ice gate in the use process is short.

[0098] However, the disadvantages of this scheme are obvious. The diameter of the nichrome wire heater (not shown in the figure) is 2.2 mm, and the overall thickness of the heater reaches 3 mm due to the heat-conducting material. Considering the assembly and other factors, the thickness h of the ice gate structure 30 is increased by more than 5 mm compared with the thin film heater, which increases the volume of the ice gate structure 30. At the same time, the condensation generated by heat conduction is removed by radiation on the surface of the ice gate structure 30, which is far away, and the heating time is long, and the energy consumption is large. Moreover, the ice gate structure is in a relatively open environment, and most of the heat generated by the heater is lost to the outside of the refrigerator, causing energy waste.

[0099] In order to solve the above technical problems, in the technical scheme of the present application, a heating wire is used instead of a heating film to reduce the cost.

[0100] By changing the setting position of the heating wire, compared with the heating film, the heating wire is close to the cold source position where condensation is generated by heat transfer, which improves the heat transfer effect, and the heating time of the heating wire can be shorter to reduce the energy consumption.

[0101] Further, the heating wire can be arranged on the mounting box to be close to the cold source position where condensation is generated by heat transfer to improve the heat transfer effect. Moreover, the thickness of the ice gate structure can be reduced.

[0102] By cooperating the top wall of the ice outlet with the mounting box to form a relatively closed environment, heat loss is reduced, and the utilization rate of heating is improved.

[0103] The content of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can have a clearer and more detailed understanding of the content of the present application.

[0104] Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in Figure 9 A structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in Figure 9 A structural schematic diagram of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in

[0105] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 The present application provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 100, and the cabinet 100 is provided with a refrigeration compartment.

[0106] It should be noted that the number of refrigeration compartments can be at least one. The refrigeration compartments can include at least one of a refrigeration compartment and a freezing compartment.

[0107] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a door body 200.

[0108] The door body 200 is rotationally connected to the cabinet 100 to open or close the refrigeration compartment.

[0109] It should be noted that the number of door bodies 200 can be at least one. The door bodies 200 can include at least one of a freezing door and a refrigeration door.

[0110] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an ice making system.

[0111] In some embodiments, the ice making system includes an ice making assembly 300, and the ice making assembly 300 is arranged in the refrigeration compartment or on the door body 200.

[0112] In some embodiments, the ice making system includes an ice outlet assembly 400, and the ice outlet assembly 400 is arranged on the door body 200.

[0113] Referring to Figure 8 In some embodiments, the ice making system is arranged on the freezing door, and the ice making assembly 300 and the ice outlet assembly 400 are installed on the freezing door. When the user takes ice without opening the door, the ice cubes can enter the user's cup through the ice outlet assembly 400 on the door.

[0114] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the ice making system is arranged on the refrigeration door, and the ice making assembly 300 and the ice outlet assembly 400 are installed in a separate compartment on the refrigeration door to make and store ice. When the user takes ice without opening the door, the ice cubes can enter the user's cup through the ice outlet assembly 400 on the door.

[0115] In some embodiments, the ice making assembly 300 is installed in a separate sealed space of the refrigeration compartment, and the ice outlet assembly 400 is arranged on the door body 200, so that the user can take ice without opening the door body 200.

[0116] Figure 11 A structural schematic diagram of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator is provided for embodiments of the present application, Figure 12 A structural schematic diagram of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator is provided for embodiments of the present application, Figure 11 An exploded view of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator, Figure 13 An exploded view of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator, Figure 11 A sectional view of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator, Figure 14 A sectional view of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator, Figure 13 A sectional view of an ice outlet assembly in a refrigerator,

[0117] Referring to Figures 11 to 14 As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the ice outlet assembly 400 includes an ice bucket 410.

[0118] The ice bucket 410 is located below the ice making assembly 300.

[0119] The ice bucket 410 is in communication with the ice making assembly 300. The ice bucket 410 is used to receive ice blocks in the ice making assembly 300.

[0120] The ice bucket 410 is provided with a first ice outlet 411. The first ice outlet 411 is located at the tail of the ice bucket 410. The first ice outlet 411 is located at one end of the ice bucket 410 facing the mounting box 420.

[0121] In some embodiments, the ice outlet assembly 400 includes a mounting box 420.

[0122] The mounting box 420 is connected with the ice bucket 410. For example, the mounting box 420 is connected with the ice bucket 410 through fasteners.

[0123] In some embodiments, the mounting box 420 is provided with a second ice outlet 421, and the second ice outlet 421 is in communication with the first ice outlet 411. The second ice outlet 421 is opposite to the first ice outlet 411.

[0124] The mounting box 420 is provided with a first inner cavity, and the first inner cavity of the mounting box 420 is in communication with the second ice outlet 421.

[0125] In some embodiments, the ice outlet assembly 400 includes a mounting bracket 430.

[0126] The mounting bracket 430 is located in the mounting box 420, and the mounting bracket 430 is connected with the mounting box 420.

[0127] In some embodiments, the ice outlet assembly 400 includes an ice door structure 440. The ice door structure 440 is located in the mounting box 420.

[0128] In some embodiments, the ice gate structure 440 is rotatably connected with the mounting box 420, and the ice gate structure 440 rotates relative to the mounting box 420 to open or close the second ice outlet 421.

[0129] Specifically, the ice gate structure 440 is rotatably connected with the mounting bracket 430, and the ice gate structure 440 rotates relative to the mounting bracket 430 to open or close the second ice outlet 421.

[0130] When the ice gate structure 440 opens the second ice outlet 421, the ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300 move through the ice bucket 410, the first ice outlet 411, the second ice outlet 421, and then fall into the first inner cavity.

[0131] In some embodiments, the ice outlet assembly 400 comprises an ice outlet piece 450. The ice outlet piece 450 can guide the moving direction of the ice cubes, thereby facilitating the ice cubes to move to the ice taking container of the user.

[0132] In some embodiments, the ice outlet piece 450 is located in the mounting box 420, and the ice outlet piece 450 is located in the first inner cavity.

[0133] In some embodiments, the ice outlet piece 450 is provided with a second inner cavity, and the bottom of the ice outlet piece 450 is provided with a third ice outlet 451. The third ice outlet 451 is in communication with the second inner cavity.

[0134] The side wall of the ice outlet piece 450 on the side facing the ice bucket 410 is provided with a fourth ice outlet in communication with the second inner cavity. The fourth ice outlet is opposite to the second ice outlet.

[0135] The side wall of the ice outlet piece 450 on the side facing the ice bucket 410 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box 420. It should be noted that there can be no gap between the side wall of the ice outlet piece 450 on the side facing the ice bucket 410 and the inner wall of the mounting box 420, or there can be a small gap due to processing and assembly errors.

[0136] In this way, the ice outlet piece 450 and the mounting box 420 cooperate to form a better closed environment. It should be noted that except for the third ice outlet 451 at the bottom of the ice outlet piece 450, the rest is closed.

[0137] The ice outlet piece 450 is arranged around the circumferential side of the ice gate structure 440.

[0138] The ice gate structure 440 is located in the inner cavity of the ice outlet piece 450.

[0139] When the ice gate structure 440 opens the second ice outlet 421, the ice cubes in the ice making assembly 300 move through the ice bucket 410, the first ice outlet 411, the second ice outlet 421, the fourth ice outlet, the second inner cavity, and the third ice outlet 451 to the outside of the ice outlet piece 450, and finally fall into the ice taking container of the user.

[0140] In some embodiments, the top wall of the ice dispensing member 450 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box 420. In some embodiments, the ice dispensing assembly 400 includes a heating wire 460.

[0141] The heating wire 460 is disposed on the mounting box 420 . The second ice outlet 421 is located within the area surrounded by the heating wire 460 . The heating wire 460 is wound around the circumference of the second ice outlet 421 .

[0142] It is understood that using heating wire 460 instead of a heating film reduces costs. Furthermore, heating wire 460 is positioned at a cold source where condensation occurs due to heat transfer. This position of heating wire 460 improves heat transfer efficiency, shortens the heating time of heating wire 460, and reduces energy consumption.

[0143] In some embodiments, ice dispensing assembly 400 includes a control panel 470 .

[0144] The control panel 470 is connected to the mounting bracket 430 and to the mounting box 420 .

[0145] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the installation box, ice bucket and heating wire in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 for Figure 15 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation box, ice bucket and heating wire in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 for Figure 17 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle.

[0146] See also Figures 15 to 18 As shown, in some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is disposed on the inner wall of the mounting box 420. It is understood that the heating wire 460 is disposed on the inner wall of the mounting box 420 and is closer to the ice gate structure 440, which is beneficial for transferring heat to the outer surface of the ice gate structure 440.

[0147] In other embodiments, the heating wire 460 is disposed on an outer wall of the mounting box 420 .

[0148] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the installation box in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0149] See also Figures 17 to 19 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the installation box 420 is provided with a receiving portion 422. The receiving portion 422 is communicated with the first inner cavity.

[0150] The accommodating portion 422 is disposed around the circumference of the second ice outlet 421. The second ice outlet is located within the area enclosed by the accommodating portion.

[0151] The accommodation portion 422 is arranged open towards one side of the ice gate structure 440, and the heating wire 460 is arranged at least partially in the accommodation portion 422.

[0152] When the ice gate structure 440 closes the second ice outlet 421, the ice gate structure 440 abuts against the heating wire 460. In this way, heat can be transferred to the outer surface of the ice gate structure 440.

[0153] In some embodiments, part of the heating wire 460 is located outside the accommodation portion 422 through the opening of the accommodation portion 422. In this way, the contact area between the ice gate structure 440 and the heating wire 460 is larger, which is conducive to transferring heat to the outer surface of the ice gate structure 440.

[0154] In some embodiments, the width of the accommodation portion 422 is the same as the wire diameter of the heating wire 460, so that the heating wire 460 is less difficult to install in the accommodation portion 422, and the heating wire 460 can be more firmly clamped in the accommodation portion 422.

[0155] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is covered with an aluminum foil or other heat-conducting components. In this way, by arranging the heat-conducting components, heat transfer is facilitated.

[0156] Figure 20 A structure diagram of an ice bin in a refrigerator is provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, Figure 18 and Figure 20 In some embodiments, the projection of the heating wire 460 towards the plane of the first end surface 412 of the ice bin 410 is at least partially located in the first end surface 412 of the ice bin 410. The first end surface 412 is the end surface of the ice bin 410 towards the mounting box 420.

[0158] It can be understood that the cold energy of the ice bin 410 is transferred to the ice bin 410 through the first end surface 412, and the greater the area of the projection of the heating wire 460 towards the plane of the first end surface 412 located in the first end surface 412, the more conducive to offsetting the cold energy of the ice bin 410, improving the effect of heat transfer, and reducing energy consumption.

[0159] In some embodiments, the projection of the heating wire 460 towards the plane of the first end surface 412 of the ice bin 410 is located in the first end surface 412 of the ice bin 410.

[0160] In some embodiments, in order to reduce costs, the heating wire 460 is arranged in a single turn. That is, the heating wire 460 is annular, and the sum of the central angles is not greater than 360°. It should be noted that the heating wire 460 can be a continuous annular shape, or the heating wire 460 can be arranged in multiple heating segments to form an annular shape.

[0161] In some embodiments, the side wall of the ice outlet 450 on the side facing the ice bin 410 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box 420. In this way, the top of the ice outlet 450 cooperates with the mounting box 420 to form a relatively closed environment, which is conducive to reducing heat loss.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first end surface 412 is located within the orthogonal projection of the side wall of the ice outlet 450 on the side facing the ice bin 410 onto the plane on which the first end surface 412 is located. In this way, the ice outlet 450 cooperates with the mounting box 420 to form a relatively large and closed environment, which is conducive to the heat of the heating wire being transmitted to the position of the mounting box 420 where condensation water is generated due to heat conduction, thereby improving the anti-condensation effect.

[0163] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is provided with at least two turns. In this way, the heating area of the heating wire 460 is relatively large.

[0164] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is a nichrome wire.

[0165] It can be understood that, since the nichrome wire has a large resistance value, high power and high heat generation, the heating time can be shortened and the power consumption is low.

[0166] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 can be a copper wire or an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy wire, etc.

[0167] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is connected to the controller of the refrigerator, and the heating wire 460 can be individually controlled by the controller.

[0168] In some embodiments, a heat-conducting member (not shown in the figure) is further included, and the heat-conducting member is arranged on the inner wall of the ice outlet 450.

[0169] It can be understood that, by arranging the heat-conducting member, the heat of the heating wire 460 can be more quickly transmitted to the outer surface of the ice door structure 440, thereby facilitating the reduction of condensation on the outer surface of the ice door structure 440.

[0170] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting member can be an aluminum member. For example, an aluminum foil. It can be understood that the aluminum member has a low cost and good heat-conducting effect.

[0171] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting member can be made of copper or other materials with a high heat-conducting coefficient.

[0172] In some embodiments, a heat-insulating member is further included, and the heat-insulating member is arranged on the outer wall of the ice outlet 450. It can be understood that the heat-insulating member is conducive to reducing the heat loss of the ice outlet 450 and reducing energy consumption.

[0173] For example, the heat-insulating member can be heat-insulating cotton or heat-insulating foam, etc.

[0174] In some embodiments, the ice door structure 440 includes an ice door box 441 .

[0175] The ice door box 441 is rotatably connected to the installation box 420 .

[0176] Specifically, the ice door box 441 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 430 .

[0177] The ice door box 441 is provided with a first installation cavity 4412 .

[0178] In some embodiments, the ice door structure 440 includes a sealing member 442 , which is used to improve the sealing performance of the second ice outlet 421 .

[0179] The sealing member 442 is covered on the ice door box 441 . When the ice door structure 440 closes the second ice outlet 421 , the sealing member 442 abuts against the inner wall of the installation box 420 .

[0180] Exemplarily, the material of the sealing member 442 may be rubber or silicone.

[0181] In some embodiments, the ice door structure 440 includes a heat insulator 443 located within the first mounting cavity 4412. The heat insulator 443 is used to reduce heat exchange between the ice door structure 440 and the interior of the ice bin 410, thereby increasing the temperature of the outer surface of the ice door box 441 and reducing condensation.

[0182] The inventors have found through experiments that by setting the heating wire 460 on the inner wall of the installation box 420 and arranging the ice discharge piece 450 to surround the ice door structure 440, the ice discharge piece 450 and the installation box 420 provide a relatively closed environment for the ice door structure 440, and the temperature of the inner cavity of the ice discharge piece 450 can be as high as 45°C. Compared with the ice door structure 440 using a heating film in the related art, the thickness of the thermal insulation piece 443 in the ice door structure 440 in this embodiment can be thinned, thereby reducing the volume of the ice door structure 440.

[0183] Figure 21 This is another cross-sectional view of the installation box, ice bucket, heating wire and ice door structure in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 for Figure 21 A partial enlarged view of point E in the middle. Figure 23 for Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the heating wire and ice gate structure.

[0184] See also Figures 21 to 23 As shown, in some embodiments, a heating wire 460 is provided on the ice gate structure 440. It can be understood that using the heating wire 460 instead of the heating film is less costly.

[0185] The heating wire 460 is arranged on the side of the second ice outlet 421 when the ice shutter structure 440 closes the second ice outlet 421. In this way, the heating wire 460 is close to the cold source position of the condensation generated by heat transfer, the heat transfer effect is improved, and the energy consumption is reduced.

[0186] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is embedded on the ice shutter structure 440. In this way, the influence of the heating wire 460 on the thickness of the ice shutter structure 440 is reduced.

[0187] Figure 24 For Figure 21 The structure schematic diagram of the ice shutter box.

[0188] Referring to Figures 21 to 23 In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is located on the side of the second end surface 4413 facing the sealing element 442, and the heating wire 460 has a spacing with the second end surface 4413. The second end surface 4413 is the inner bottom surface of the first mounting cavity 4412.

[0189] It can be understood that, compared with the heating wire 460 arranged on the second end surface 4413, the heating wire 460 in this embodiment has a spacing with the first end surface 412 and is closer to the ice bucket 410. That is, the heating wire 460 is close to the cold source position of the condensation generated by heat transfer. In this way, the heat transfer effect is improved, the heating time of the heating wire 460 can be shorter, and the energy consumption is reduced.

[0190] Referring to Figure 25 In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is arranged on the sealing element 442, and the heating wire 460 is arranged on the end of the sealing element 442 away from the heat insulation element 443. The heating wire 460 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box 420 when the ice shutter structure 440 closes the second ice outlet 421.

[0191] It can be understood that the inner wall of the mounting box 420 is the cold source position of the condensation generated by heat transfer. The heating wire 460 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting box 420, which is beneficial to the heat transfer to the cold source position, ensures the removal effect of the condensation, and shortens the heating time and reduces the power consumption.

[0192] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is integrally formed with the sealing element 442. In this way, the assembly steps can be reduced, and the overall assembly efficiency is improved.

[0193] In some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is arranged on the side of the second ice outlet 421 when the ice shutter structure 440 closes the second ice outlet 421. The orthogonal projection of the heating wire 460 toward the plane where the first end surface 412 of the ice bucket 410 is located is at least partially located in the first end surface 412 of the ice bucket 410. The first end surface 412 is the end surface of the ice bucket 410 facing the mounting box 420.

[0194] Figure 26 Another sectional view of the structure of the ice door box and the heating wire provided in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 25 Figure 27 An enlarged view of a portion at F, Figures 25 to 27 A structure schematic view of the ice door box and the heating wire provided in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0195] Referring to ​ As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the heating wire 460 is arranged on the ice door box 441, and the heating wire 460 is arranged on one end of the ice door box 441 facing the sealing member 442, and the heating wire 460 abuts against the sealing member 442.

[0196] It can be understood that, compared with the heating wire 460 arranged on the first end face 412, the heating wire 460 is close to the cold source position where condensation is generated by heat transfer. In this way, the effect of heat transfer is improved, and the heating time of the heating wire 460 can be shorter to reduce energy consumption.

[0197] In some embodiments, the top of the ice door box 441 is provided with a second mounting cavity 4411, and the second mounting cavity 4411 is open on one side facing the sealing member 442. The heating wire 460 is partially arranged in the second mounting cavity 4411, and the remaining part of the heating wire 460 is located outside the second mounting cavity 4411 through the opening of the second mounting cavity 4411. In this way, it is beneficial to ensure the close contact of the heating wire 460 with the sealing member 442.

[0198] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiment", "some embodiments", etc. mentioned in the specification mean that the described embodiments can include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such a feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments described explicitly or implicitly.

[0199] Generally, the terms should be understood at least partly by the use in the context. For example, at least partly according to the context, the term "one or more" used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure or characteristic of singular meaning, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures or characteristics of plural meaning. Similarly, at least partly according to the context, terms such as "a" or "said" can be understood as conveying singular usage or conveying plural usage.

[0200] ​It should be readily understood that "on," "above," and "on top of" in the present application are to be interpreted in the broadest context possible so that "on" means not only "directly on" but also includes the meaning of "on" with intervening features or layers therebetween, and "above" or "on top of" includes not only the meaning of "above" or "on top of" but also the meaning of "above" or "on top of" without intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on).

[0201] In addition, spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0202] It should be noted that the brief description of terms in the present application is only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described next, and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application. Unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood in accordance with their ordinary and general meanings.

[0203] In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that contains a list of components without being limited to only those components that are clearly listed, but can include other components that are not clearly listed or inherent to such products or devices.

[0204] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", and the like are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0205] The terms "first", "second", are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more.

[0206] In the description of the application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connecting" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixedly connected, or can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically connected, or can be electrically connected; can be directly connected, or can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; can be internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0207] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacement for part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A box body (100), wherein the box body (100) is provided with a refrigeration compartment; A door body (200), the door body (200) is rotatably connected to the box body (100) to open or close the refrigeration compartment; An ice making system, comprising: An ice-making assembly (300), the ice-making assembly (300) being arranged in the refrigeration room or on the door (200); An ice discharging assembly (430), the ice discharging assembly (430) being arranged on the door body (200), the ice discharging assembly (430) comprising: an ice hopper (410), the ice hopper (410) being in communication with the ice-making assembly (300), and the ice hopper (410) being provided with a first ice outlet (411); an installation box (420), the installation box (420) being connected to the ice hopper (410), the first ice outlet (411) being located at one end of the ice hopper (410) facing the installation box (420), the installation box (420) being provided with a first inner cavity and a second ice outlet (421) communicating with the first inner cavity, the second ice outlet (421) being opposite to and communicating with the first ice outlet (411); an ice outlet member (450), the ice outlet member (450) being located in the first inner cavity, the ice outlet member (450) being provided with a second inner cavity, a third ice outlet (451) being provided at the bottom of the ice outlet member (450), a fourth ice outlet being provided on a side wall of the ice outlet member (450) facing the ice hopper (410), the fourth ice outlet and the third ice outlet (451) being communicated with the second inner cavity, the side wall of the ice outlet member (450) facing the ice hopper (410) being in contact with an inner wall of the installation box (420), and the fourth ice outlet being opposite to the second ice outlet (421); an ice door structure (440), the ice door structure (440) being located in the second inner cavity, the ice door structure (440) being rotatably connected to the installation box (420), and the ice door structure (440) being rotated relative to the installation box (420) to open or close the second ice outlet (421); when the ice door structure (440) opens the second ice outlet (421), ice cubes in the ice making assembly (300) are moved to the outside of the ice outlet (450) via the ice hopper (410), the first ice outlet (411), the second ice outlet (421), the fourth ice outlet, the second inner cavity, and the third ice outlet (451); A heating wire (460) is provided on the ice gate structure (440).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The first end surface (412) is located within the orthographic projection of the side wall of the ice discharging member (450) on the side facing the ice bucket (410) toward the plane where the first end surface (412) is located; The first end surface (412) is the end surface of the ice bucket (410) facing the installation box (420).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The heating wire (460) is embedded in the ice gate structure (440).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The heating wire (460) is arranged in a single coil.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The heating wire (460) is a nickel-chromium alloy wire.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that When the ice door structure (440) closes the third ice outlet, the orthographic projection of the heating wire (460) toward the plane where the first end surface (412) of the ice hopper (410) is located is at least partially located within the first end surface (412) of the ice hopper (410).

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ice gate structure (440) includes: An ice door box (441), the ice door box (441) is rotatably connected to the installation box (420), and the ice door box (441) is provided with a first installation cavity (4411); a sealing member (442), the sealing member (442) being covered on the ice door box (441); when the ice door structure (440) closes the second ice outlet (421), the sealing member (442) abuts against the inner wall of the installation box (420); A heat insulating member (443), wherein the heat insulating member (443) is located in the first installation cavity (4411).

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that The heating wire (460) is located on a side of the second end surface (4413) facing the sealing member (442), and a distance exists between the heating wire (460) and the second end surface (4413); The second end surface (4413) is the inner bottom surface of the first installation cavity (4411).

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that The heating wire (460) is arranged on the ice door box (441), and the heating wire (460) is arranged at one end of the ice door box (441) facing the sealing member (442), and the heating wire (460) abuts against the sealing member (442).

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that The heating wire (460) is arranged on the sealing member (442), and the heating wire (460) is arranged at one end of the sealing member (442) away from the heat insulating member (443); when the ice door structure (440) closes the second ice outlet (421), the heating wire (460) abuts against the inner wall of the installation box (420).

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