Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, and provides an ice maker which comprises an ice storage box and at least one full ice sensor module, and the ice storage box is provided with an ice storage cavity and an ice inlet communicated with the ice storage cavity; the full ice sensor module is arranged on the side wall of the ice storage box and located on the peripheral side of the ice inlet. The full-ice sensor module is arranged on the side wall of the ice storage box and is adjacent to the ice inlet, so that the sensor can directly detect the height of an ice layer, the accumulation height of ice blocks in the ice storage cavity is monitored in real time through the full-ice sensor module, and when the ice blocks in the ice storage box reach a certain amount, the sensor can send out a signal in time, so that the ice blocks in the ice storage box can be detected. And the ice maker is notified to stop making ice, so that the situation that new ice blocks continue to be generated and block the ice inlet is avoided, the smoothness of the ice making process is ensured, and internal components of the ice maker are protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers are common refrigeration appliances that use an evaporator and a refrigerant to quickly cool liquid water to produce ice cubes, which can then be stored in an inner container.

[0003] Existing ice makers cannot detect the exact fullness of the ice storage box. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes an ice maker that enables convenient real-time monitoring of the ice storage box's fullness, preventing blockage or damage to the ice-making components when the ice is full.

[0005] An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0006] An ice storage box, the ice storage box having an ice storage cavity and an ice inlet communicating with the ice storage cavity;

[0007] At least one full ice sensor module is provided on the side wall of the ice storage box and located around the ice inlet.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the full ice sensor module includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe, which are respectively disposed on two opposite side walls of the ice storage cavity.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the installation height of the full ice sensor module is greater than the height of the lower edge of the ice inlet.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice inlet is opened along the length direction of the ice storage box, and the transmitting probe and the receiving probe are respectively disposed on two side walls along the length direction of the ice storage box.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice storage box includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall and the fourth side wall surround to form the ice storage box, the ice inlet is opened on the first side wall, the transmitting probe is disposed on the second side wall and the receiving probe is disposed on the fourth side wall.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ice outlet is provided on the second side wall, and the ice outlet is connected to the ice storage cavity.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice storage cavity away from the ice outlet is recessed downward to form an ice outlet auger mounting position, and the ice outlet auger mounting position is inclined upward toward the ice outlet.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are multiple full ice sensor modules, and the multiple full ice sensor modules are arranged at intervals along the height direction or horizontal direction of the ice storage cavity.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes an ice receiving box, which is disposed on the periphery of the ice storage box. The ice receiving box has an ice receiving cavity, and the ice receiving cavity is connected to the ice storage cavity through the ice inlet.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice receiving box and the ice storage box are integrally formed.

[0017] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0018] This application places the full ice sensor module on the side wall of the ice storage box, adjacent to the ice inlet. This allows the sensor to directly detect the ice level. By monitoring the accumulation of ice in the ice storage chamber in real time, the sensor sends a signal when a certain amount of ice is reached, notifying the ice maker to stop ice making. This prevents new ice from forming and clogging the ice inlet, ensuring a smooth ice-making process and protecting the internal components of the ice maker. This real-time monitoring and response mechanism ensures the ice maker operates only when needed, reducing unnecessary ice-making cycles, saving energy, and extending the ice maker's lifespan.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the ice receiving box and the ice storage box provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10. Ice maker;

[0027] 100. Cabinet;

[0028] 200, Ice storage box; 210, Ice storage cavity; 220, First side wall; 221, Ice inlet; 230, Second side wall; 231, Ice outlet; 240, Third side wall; 250, Fourth side wall; 260, Ice outlet auger installation position;

[0029] 300. Full ice sensor module; 310. Transmitting probe; 320. Receiving probe;

[0030] 400, connect to the ice box; 410, connect to the ice cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0036] Ice makers are common refrigeration appliances that use an evaporator and a refrigerant to quickly cool liquid water to produce ice. The ice can then be stored in an inner container to maintain a low temperature for a long time.

[0037] Existing ice makers cannot detect the exact fullness of the ice storage box.

[0038] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The ice maker provided by the present invention will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0039] In the embodiments of the utility model, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 3 The ice maker 10 includes an ice storage box 200 and at least one full ice sensor module 300. The ice storage box 200 has an ice storage cavity 210 and an ice inlet 221 communicating with the ice storage cavity 210. The full ice sensor module 300 is disposed on the side wall of the ice storage box 200 and is located around the ice inlet 221.

[0040] The ice maker 10 may include a cabinet 100 and an ice-making component, both of which are located inside the cabinet 100.

[0041] The cabinet 100 serves as the outer shell of the ice maker 10, preventing external dust, moisture, and foreign objects from entering the interior of the ice maker 10 and protecting key components such as the internal ice-making components, ice storage box 200, and circuitry from damage.

[0042] The ice-making component is the ice-making functional part of the ice maker 10, responsible for converting water into ice cubes. The ice-making component may include key parts such as a refrigeration system, ice molds, and a water circulation system, which work together to complete the ice-making process. A high-efficiency ice-making component can quickly produce a large amount of ice to meet the user's actual needs, while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

[0043] The ice storage box 200 is a component in the ice maker 10 used to store ice cubes, and has sufficient capacity to hold newly generated ice cubes. The ice storage box 200 has an ice storage cavity 210, which is used to store the made ice cubes, keep the ice cubes at a low temperature, prevent the ice cubes from melting, and ensure the availability of the ice cubes.

[0044] Ice inlet 221 is the connecting channel between the ice-making component and the ice storage chamber 210. Newly made ice blocks enter the ice storage chamber 210 through ice inlet 221 to achieve ice storage.

[0045] The full ice sensor module 300 is attached to the side wall of the ice storage box 200 and located around the ice inlet 221, enabling real-time monitoring of changes in ice layer height. This ensures that the sensor can accurately capture the state of ice accumulation.

[0046] When the ice cubes reach the full ice level, the full ice sensor module 300 sends a signal to the ice maker 10 to stop making ice. This prevents excessive ice from clogging the ice inlet 221 or damaging the internal components of the ice maker 10. By precisely controlling the ice-making process, the full ice sensor module 300 ensures that the ice maker 10 only operates when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and waste.

[0047] This application places the full ice sensor module 300 on the side wall of the ice storage box 200, adjacent to the ice inlet 221. This allows the sensor to directly detect the ice layer height. The full ice sensor module 300 monitors the accumulation height of ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 210 in real time. When the ice block in the ice storage box 200 reaches a certain amount, the sensor can promptly send a signal to notify the ice maker 10 to stop ice making. This prevents new ice blocks from being generated and clogging the ice inlet 221, ensuring a smooth ice-making process and protecting the internal components of the ice maker 10. Thus, the real-time monitoring and response mechanism ensures that the ice maker 10 only operates when needed, reducing unnecessary ice-making cycles, saving energy, and extending the service life of the ice maker 10.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the full ice sensor module 300 includes a transmitting probe 310 and a receiving probe 320, which are respectively disposed on two opposite side walls of the ice storage cavity 210.

[0049] Understandably, the transmitting probe 310 is responsible for emitting a detection signal, which can be a light signal, an ultrasonic signal, or other types of non-contact detection signal. The receiving probe 320 is used to receive the signal from the transmitting probe 310 and determine the accumulation of ice based on changes in the signal.

[0050] The transmitting probe 310 and the receiving probe 320 are located on opposite sides of the ice storage cavity 210, forming a stable detection area. When ice accumulates in this area, it will block or change the signal emitted by the transmitting probe 310. The receiving probe 320 can accurately capture this change, thereby achieving precise detection of the ice accumulation height.

[0051] The transmitting and receiving probes 320 can monitor the ice accumulation in real time and send a signal when the ice reaches full capacity. The instant feedback mechanism ensures that the ice maker 10 can stop the ice-making process in time to prevent ice from continuing to form and clogging the ice inlet 221.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the installation height of the full ice sensor module 300 is greater than the height of the lower edge of the ice inlet 221.

[0053] Understandably, by installing the sensor above the lower edge of the ice inlet 221 in this embodiment, it is ensured that the sensor can detect and stop ice making in a timely manner when the ice volume is close to full, preventing new ice from being generated and clogging the ice inlet 221. Installing the sensor at a higher position allows for more accurate detection of the ice height, avoiding misjudgments caused by localized accumulation or uneven distribution of ice. Simultaneously, installing the sensor above the lower edge of the ice inlet 221 fully utilizes the space of the ice storage chamber 210, preventing improper sensor installation from affecting ice storage and retrieval. It also prevents the ice maker 10 from prematurely stopping or restarting due to a small amount of ice or ice chips accidentally triggering the sensor.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice inlet 221 is opened along the length direction of the ice storage box 200, and the transmitting probe 310 and the receiving probe 320 are respectively disposed on two side walls along the length direction of the ice storage box 200.

[0055] Understandably, the ice inlet 221 is opened along the length of the ice storage box 200 to ensure that the newly made ice blocks can be evenly distributed throughout the ice storage box 200 and avoid local accumulation.

[0056] The transmitting probe 310 and the receiving probe 320 are respectively set on the two side walls along the length of the ice storage box 200. By setting the transmitting probe 310 and the receiving probe 320 along the length of the ice storage box 200, the height of the ice block can be detected more comprehensively, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the detection.

[0057] This embodiment achieves comprehensive monitoring of ice accumulation by respectively positioning the transmitting probe 310 and the receiving probe 320 on the two side walls of the ice storage box 200. Regardless of where the ice accumulates within the ice storage cavity 210, it can be detected by the sensors in a timely manner. This also reduces detection errors caused by the shape, size, or uneven distribution of the ice. Because the sensors can cover a wider area, they can more accurately capture changes in ice accumulation.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice storage box 200 includes a first side wall 220, a second side wall 230, a third side wall 240 and a fourth side wall 250. The first side wall 220, the second side wall 230, the third side wall 240 and the fourth side wall 250 surround to form the ice storage box 200. The ice inlet 221 is opened on the first side wall 220, the transmitting probe 310 is disposed on the second side wall 230 and the receiving probe 320 is disposed on the fourth side wall 250.

[0059] Understandably, the ice storage box 200 is enclosed by four side walls, forming a stable ice storage space that helps maintain the shape and integrity of the ice.

[0060] The design of the ice inlet 221 ensures that the newly made ice can be evenly distributed throughout the ice storage box 200, and also helps to control the flow and accumulation of ice within the ice storage box 200.

[0061] The transmitting probe 310 and receiving probe 320 of the sensor module are located on different side walls (second side wall 230 and fourth side wall 250), which helps to achieve comprehensive monitoring of ice accumulation and ensures that ice can be detected in a timely manner when it accumulates on either side, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of full ice detection. At the same time, by rationally arranging the ice inlet 221 and the sensor module, the space inside the ice storage box 200 can be utilized more effectively. This ensures that a certain amount of ice is stored in the ice storage box 200 before it accumulates to the sensor, thereby improving ice storage efficiency.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ice outlet 231 is provided on the second side wall 230, and the ice outlet 231 is connected to the ice storage cavity 210.

[0063] Understandably, the ice outlet 231 is located on the side wall of the ice storage box 200, allowing users to directly retrieve ice from this outlet without complicated operations, providing a quick and convenient way to obtain ice. The location of the ice outlet 231 helps to better allocate the internal space of the ice storage box 200, making ice storage more compact and reducing space waste.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice storage cavity 210 away from the ice outlet 231 is recessed downward to form an ice outlet auger mounting position 260, which is inclined upward toward the ice outlet 231.

[0065] Understandably, the ice-discharging auger mounting position 260 is located at the bottom of the ice storage cavity 210, away from the ice outlet 231, and is formed by a downward indentation for installing the ice-discharging auger. The ice-discharging auger mounting position 260 is angled upwards towards the ice outlet 231, which helps the ice blocks slide smoothly towards the ice outlet 231 when pushed by the auger, reducing the accumulation of ice blocks within the ice storage cavity 210. The downward indentation of the ice-discharging auger mounting position 260 provides sufficient installation space for the ice-discharging auger and also improves the ice storage capacity of the ice storage cavity 210. Furthermore, the downward indentation at the bottom of the ice storage cavity 210, away from the ice outlet 231, forming the ice-discharging auger mounting position 260, prevents a large accumulation of ice blocks at the ice outlet 231, reducing the impact of the ice outlet 231 on the ice blocks.

[0066] In some embodiments, there are multiple full ice sensor modules 300, which are arranged at intervals along the height or horizontal direction of the ice storage cavity 210.

[0067] Understandably, multiple ice-filling sensor modules 300 are configured within the ice storage cavity 210. These modules can be arranged at intervals along the height (vertical) or horizontal direction of the ice storage cavity 210. Each ice-filling sensor module 300 has the capability to monitor the degree of ice accumulation within the ice storage cavity 210.

[0068] This embodiment utilizes multiple sensor modules operating simultaneously, covering a larger area within the ice storage cavity 210 and thus more accurately reflecting the ice conditions within it. This helps avoid misjudgments caused by the failure or error of a single sensor. The sensor modules can be arranged at intervals along the vertical or horizontal direction, meaning the position and number of sensors can be adjusted according to actual needs to accommodate ice storage cavities 210 of different sizes and shapes, as well as different types of ice. Real-time monitoring by multiple sensor modules allows for timely detection of ice accumulation within the ice storage cavity 210. When ice accumulates to a certain level, the ice dispensing mechanism can be activated or the ice-making operation can be stopped in a timely manner, thus avoiding problems of too much or too little ice. The simultaneous operation of multiple sensor modules improves the reliability of the entire system. Even if one or more sensors fail, the other sensors can continue to operate, ensuring the normal operation of the system.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker 10 further includes an ice receiving box 400, which is disposed around the ice storage box 200. The ice receiving box 400 has an ice receiving cavity 410, which is connected to the ice storage cavity 210 through an ice inlet 221.

[0070] Understandably, the ice receiving box 400 has an ice receiving cavity 410, which is used to receive ice cubes falling from the ice-making mold. Located below the ice-making mold, it ensures that the ice cubes can fall smoothly into it. The ice receiving cavity 410 needs to have sufficient capacity to hold a certain number of ice cubes, and its shape and size should match the shape of the ice cubes in the ice-making mold to reduce breakage of the ice cubes during the fall. The ice receiving cavity 410 and the ice storage cavity 210 are connected by an ice inlet 221, allowing the ice cubes in the ice receiving cavity 410 to be transferred to the ice storage cavity 210 for storage. Placing the ice storage box 200 on one side of the ice receiving box 400 saves space, making the overall structure of the ice maker 10 more compact.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ice receiving box 400 and the ice storage box 200 are integrally formed.

[0072] It is understood that in this embodiment, the ice storage box 200 and the ice receiving box 400 are integrally molded. The integral molding design simplifies the assembly process between the ice receiving box 400 and the ice storage box 200, reduces the number of parts and assembly gaps, and improves the overall stability and durability.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used 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 should understand 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 should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice storage box, the ice storage box having an ice storage cavity and an ice inlet communicating with the ice storage cavity; At least one full ice sensor module is provided on the side wall of the ice storage box and located around the ice inlet.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The full ice sensor module includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe, which are respectively located on two opposite side walls of the ice storage cavity.

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installation height of the full ice sensor module is greater than the height of the lower edge of the ice inlet.

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice inlet is opened along the length of the ice storage box, and the transmitting probe and the receiving probe are respectively located on two side walls along the length of the ice storage box.

5. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice storage box includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall enclose the ice storage box. The ice inlet is located on the first sidewall, the transmitting probe is located on the second sidewall, and the receiving probe is located on the fourth sidewall.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, An ice outlet is provided on the second side wall, and the ice outlet is connected to the ice storage cavity.

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice storage cavity, away from the ice outlet, is recessed downward to form an ice outlet auger mounting position, which is inclined upward toward the ice outlet.

8. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, There are multiple full ice sensor modules, which are arranged at intervals along the height or horizontal direction of the ice storage cavity.

9. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes an ice receiving box, which is located around the ice storage box. The ice receiving box has an ice receiving cavity, which is connected to the ice storage cavity through the ice inlet.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ice receiving box and the ice storage box are integrally formed.

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