Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, and provides an ice maker which comprises an ice receiving box and an ice storage box, and the ice receiving box is provided with an ice receiving cavity; the ice storage box and the ice receiving box are integrally formed, the ice storage box is arranged on one side of the ice receiving box, the ice storage box is provided with an ice storage cavity, the side wall, connected with the ice receiving box, of the ice storage box is provided with a communication opening, and the ice receiving box is communicated with the ice storage cavity through the communication opening. The ice receiving box and the ice storage box are integrally formed, only one-time alignment installation is needed during installation, assembly alignment between the ice receiving box and the ice storage box is simplified, and the installation efficiency is improved.

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. The ice can then be stored in an inner container to maintain a low temperature for a long time.

[0003] In the relevant technical field, the existing ice receiving box and ice storage box are separate assembly structures, which are complex and require separate alignment before installation on the ice maker. The installation steps are complicated and not conducive to assembly. 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 simplifies the assembly and alignment between the ice receiving box and the ice storage box, thereby improving installation efficiency.

[0005] The ice maker according to this utility model includes:

[0006] An ice receiving box, wherein the ice receiving box has an ice receiving cavity;

[0007] An ice storage box is integrally formed with the ice receiving box. The ice storage box is located on one side of the ice receiving box. The ice storage box has an ice storage cavity. A communication port is provided on the side wall of the ice storage box connected to the ice receiving box. The ice receiving cavity and the ice storage cavity are connected through the communication port.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice storage box and the ice receiving box are arranged side by side along the length direction.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ice outlet is provided on the end wall of one end of the ice storage box along the length direction, and the ice outlet is connected to the ice storage cavity.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice receiving box is provided with a plurality of first water filtering holes, and the plurality of first water filtering holes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the ice receiving box.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice storage box is provided with a plurality of second water filter holes, and the plurality of second water filter holes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the ice storage box.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter hole is an elongated hole, which extends along the length direction of the ice storage box.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the top of the ice receiving box is provided with a first opening, and the top of the ice storage box is provided with a second opening, the first opening and the second opening being connected through the connecting port.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker further includes a cabinet, a first folding portion is provided on the outer periphery of the first opening, and a second folding portion is provided on the outer periphery of the second opening, the first folding portion and the second folding portion being used to cooperate with the cabinet for installation.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer side wall of the ice receiving box and the ice storage box connected to each other, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs are spaced apart along the length direction.

[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 simplifies the assembly and alignment of the ice receiving box and the ice storage box by molding them into one piece, requiring only one alignment during installation and improving installation efficiency.

[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 an embodiment of an ice maker provided by this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the top part of the ice maker (not shown).

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Connect the ice box and the ice storage box in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3The middle section connects to the ice box and the ice storage box, while the other side connects to the ice box and the ice storage box.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10. Ice maker;

[0027] 100. Server rack;

[0028] 200, Ice box connection; 210, Ice cavity connection; 220, First water filter hole; 230, First opening; 240, First folding section;

[0029] 300, Ice storage box; 310, Ice storage cavity; 320, Ice outlet; 330, Ice outlet auger mounting position; 340, Second water filter hole; 350, Second opening; 360, Second folding part;

[0030] 400, Connecting Port;

[0031] 500. Reinforcing ribs. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In the relevant technical field, the existing ice receiving box and ice storage box are separate assembly structures, which are complex and require separate alignment before installation on the ice maker. The installation steps are complicated and not conducive to assembly.

[0039] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The ice maker 10 provided in this utility model embodiment will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0040] In the embodiments of the utility model, reference is made to... Figures 1 to 3 The ice maker 10 includes an ice receiving box 200 and an ice storage box 300. The ice receiving box 200 has an ice receiving cavity 210. The ice storage box 300 is integrally formed with the ice receiving box 200 and is located on one side of the ice receiving box 200. The ice storage box 300 has an ice storage cavity 310. A connecting port 400 is provided on the side wall of the ice storage box 300 connected to the ice receiving box 200. The ice receiving cavity 210 and the ice storage cavity 310 are connected through the connecting port 400.

[0041] The ice receiving box 200 has an ice receiving cavity 210, 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 210 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.

[0042] The ice storage box 300 and the ice receiving box 200 are integrally molded. The integral molding design simplifies the assembly process between the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300, reduces the number of parts and assembly gaps, and improves the overall stability and durability.

[0043] Placing the ice storage box 300 on the side of the ice receiving box 200 saves space and makes the overall structure of the ice maker 10 more compact.

[0044] The ice storage box 300 has an ice storage cavity 310, which is an area for storing ice. It is used to store ice from the ice receiving box 200, and the ice can be transferred to the ice storage cavity 310 through the connecting port 400. The design of the ice storage cavity 310 needs to take into account the storage capacity and retrieval method of the ice to ensure that the ice can be stored for a long time and is convenient to use.

[0045] The connecting port 400 is a connecting channel between the ice receiving cavity 210 and the ice storage cavity 310. It allows ice to be smoothly transferred from the ice receiving cavity 210 to the ice storage cavity 310 after ice making is completed. The design of the connecting port 400 needs to take into account the size, shape, and flowability of the ice to ensure that the ice can pass through smoothly.

[0046] The ice receiving cavity 210 and the ice storage cavity 310 are connected by a connecting port 400, forming a continuous space. This ensures that ice blocks can smoothly slide from the ice receiving cavity 210 into the ice storage cavity 310 after ice making. This not only improves the efficiency of ice block transfer but also reduces ice block loss during the transfer process.

[0047] This application simplifies the assembly and alignment of the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300 by molding them into one piece, requiring only one alignment during installation, thus improving installation efficiency.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice storage box 300 and the ice receiving box 200 are arranged side by side along the length direction.

[0049] It is understandable that this embodiment, by arranging the ice storage box 300 and the ice receiving box 200 side by side along the length direction, makes the overall device layout more compact and space utilization more efficient. This not only saves lateral space but also makes the ice transfer path more direct. At the same time, the lengths of the ice storage box 300 and the ice receiving box 200 should be approximately the same to ensure overall structural balance after side-by-side arrangement. The width of the ice storage box 300 can be determined according to the required amount of ice to ensure sufficient storage capacity.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, an ice outlet 320 is provided on the end wall of one end along the length direction of the ice storage box 300, and the ice outlet 320 is connected to the ice storage cavity 310.

[0051] Understandably, by designing the ice outlet 320 on the end wall of the ice storage box 300 along its length, the exposed area and time of the ice in the ice storage cavity 310 can be minimized, thereby reducing the risk of ice melting. This also optimizes the internal layout of the ice maker 10 and improves space utilization.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice storage cavity 310 away from the ice outlet 320 is recessed downward to form an ice outlet auger mounting position 330, which is inclined upward toward the ice outlet 320.

[0053] Understandably, the ice-discharging auger mounting position 330 is located at the bottom of the ice storage cavity 310, away from the ice outlet 320, and is formed by a downward indentation for installing the ice-discharging auger. The ice-discharging auger mounting position 330 is angled upwards towards the ice outlet 320, which helps the ice blocks slide smoothly towards the ice outlet 320 when pushed by the auger, reducing the accumulation of ice blocks within the ice storage cavity 310. The downward indentation of the ice-discharging auger mounting position 330 provides sufficient installation space for the ice-discharging auger and also improves the ice storage capacity of the ice storage cavity 310. Furthermore, the downward indentation at the bottom of the ice storage cavity 310, away from the ice outlet 320, to form the ice-discharging auger mounting position 330, prevents a large accumulation of ice blocks at the ice outlet 320, reducing the impact of the ice outlet 320 on the ice blocks.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice receiving box 200 is provided with a plurality of first water filtering holes 220, and the plurality of first water filtering holes 220 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the ice receiving box 200.

[0055] Understandably, the first water filter hole 220 is located at the bottom of the ice receiving box 200 to drain any remaining unfrozen water in the ice-making box or water generated from the melting of ice in the ice receiving cavity 210. Multiple first water filter holes 220 are spaced apart along the length of the ice receiving box 200 to ensure even drainage and prevent water accumulation. The number of first water filter holes 220 should be sufficient to ensure rapid drainage, reducing the contact time between ice and melted water, thereby improving the quality of the ice.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the ice storage box 300 is provided with a plurality of second water filter holes 340, and the plurality of second water filter holes 340 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the ice storage box 300.

[0057] Understandably, the second filter holes 340 are primarily used to drain melted water from the ice storage box 300, preventing the ice from melting faster due to water accumulation and maintaining a proper storage environment. The multiple second filter holes 340, spaced apart along the length, ensure that melted water drains evenly from the entire bottom of the ice storage box 300, avoiding localized water accumulation. Thus, by effectively draining melted water through the second filter holes 340 in the ice storage box 300, the contact between the ice and melted water is reduced, thereby maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of the ice. Furthermore, reducing the contact between the ice and melted water helps extend the storage time of the ice and slows down the melting process.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter hole 340 is an elongated hole that extends along the length of the ice storage box 300.

[0059] Understandably, elongated holes offer a larger drainage area compared to traditional round or square holes, allowing for the drainage of more water within the same timeframe, thus significantly improving drainage efficiency. In this embodiment, the elongated holes extend along the length of the ice storage box 300, which helps optimize the water flow path. When water accumulates inside the ice storage box 300, it can be quickly drained along the length of the elongated holes, preventing water accumulation and stagnation at the bottom of the ice storage box 300. Furthermore, the design of elongated holes makes them less prone to clogging by ice, dirt, and other debris compared to small round or square holes. Because of their larger opening area, even if small debris falls into the holes, it will not easily cause complete blockage, further enhancing the drainage capacity of the ice storage box.

[0060] Reference Figure 3According to one embodiment of the present invention, the top of the ice receiving box 200 is provided with a first opening 230, and the top of the ice storage box 300 is provided with a second opening 350. The first opening 230 and the second opening 350 are connected through a connecting port 400.

[0061] Understandably, the first opening 230 is located at the top of the ice receiving box 200. The first opening 230 is primarily used to install other ice-making components inside the ice receiving box 200 or to receive ice blocks produced by the ice-making components. When ice blocks are produced, they can fall into the ice receiving box 200 through this opening. The second opening 350 is located at the top of the ice storage box 300. The second opening 350 is primarily used to install the ice auger and to connect with the first opening 230 via the connecting port 400, thereby allowing ice blocks to be transferred from the ice receiving box 200 to the ice storage box 300. Through the cooperation of the first opening 230, the second opening 350, and the connecting port 400, ice blocks can be automatically transferred from the ice receiving box 200 to the ice storage box 300 under the push of the ice-shoveling mechanism, eliminating the need for manual handling. This simplifies the operation process and improves ice-making efficiency.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker 10 also includes a cabinet 100, a first folding part 240 is provided on the outer periphery of the first opening 230, and a second folding part 360 is provided on the outer periphery of the second opening 350. The first folding part 240 and the second folding part 360 are used to cooperate with the cabinet 100 for installation.

[0063] Understandably, the first folding part 240 is located on the outer periphery of the first opening 230 for installation with the cabinet 100, ensuring a tight connection between the ice container 200 and the cabinet 100. The second folding part 360 is located on the outer periphery of the second opening 350 for installation with the cabinet 100, ensuring a tight connection between the ice storage box 300 and the cabinet 100. Screw holes can be provided on the first and second folding parts, allowing connection to the cabinet 100 via screws, clips, or other fasteners, ensuring the position and stability of the ice maker 10 within the cabinet 100.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 500 are provided on the outer side wall of the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300 connected to each other, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs 500 are spaced apart along the length direction.

[0065] It is understood that in this embodiment, by providing multiple reinforcing ribs 500 on the outer side wall of the connection between the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300, the structural strength and stability of the transition connection between the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300 can be improved, preventing deformation or damage during use. Specifically, the two sides of the reinforcing ribs 500 that connect to the ice receiving box 200 and the ice storage box 300 are respectively conformally arranged to the ice receiving box 200 or the ice storage box 300.

[0066] 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 receiving box, wherein the ice receiving box has an ice receiving cavity; An ice storage box is integrally formed with the ice receiving box. The ice storage box is located on one side of the ice receiving box. The ice storage box has an ice storage cavity. A communication port is provided on the side wall of the ice storage box connected to the ice receiving box. The ice receiving cavity and the ice storage cavity are connected through the communication port.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice storage box and the ice receiving box are arranged side by side along the length direction.

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, An ice outlet is provided on one end wall along the length of the ice storage box, and the ice outlet is connected to the ice storage cavity.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, 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.

5. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice receiving box is provided with a plurality of first water filter holes, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the ice receiving box.

6. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice storage box is provided with a plurality of second water filter holes, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the ice storage box.

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second filter hole is an elongated hole that extends along the length of the ice storage box.

8. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The top of the ice receiving box has a first opening, and the top of the ice storage box has a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are connected through the connecting port.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a cabinet, with a first folding part on the outer periphery of the first opening and a second folding part on the outer periphery of the second opening, the first folding part and the second folding part being used to cooperate with the cabinet for installation.

10. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer side wall of the ice receiving box and the ice storage box that are connected to each other, and the multiple reinforcing ribs are spaced apart along the length direction.

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