Ice making device and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice-making drinking water, and provides an ice-making device and an ice-making machine. The ice making device comprises an ice storage tank and an ice outlet box, the ice storage tank is provided with a first ice outlet channel, the ice outlet box is provided with a second ice outlet channel which is integrally arranged, the second ice outlet channel is communicated with the first ice outlet channel, the second ice outlet channel is provided with an ice outlet hole, and the ice outlet hole is provided with an ice baffle. According to the ice making device provided by the utility model, the second ice outlet channel and the ice outlet box are integrally arranged, so that the number of parts at the ice outlet hole is reduced, the mounting holes among the parts at the ice outlet hole are reduced, and the probability that ice block cold air at the ice outlet hole overflows from the mounting holes is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making and drinking water technology, and in particular to ice-making devices and ice makers. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, traditional drinking water equipment only has the function of heating or cooling water. Therefore, adding an ice-making device to the drinking water equipment creates an ice maker. However, the ice-making device has many gaps at the ice outlet, which easily causes cold air to escape from the ice outlet and allows outside air to enter the ice storage tank, causing the ice to melt and reducing the ice-making efficiency of the device. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes an ice-making device that reduces the probability of cold air overflowing from the ice outlet.

[0004] This utility model also proposes an ice maker.

[0005] This utility model proposes an ice-making device, including...

[0006] An ice storage tank having a first ice outlet channel;

[0007] The ice dispensing box has an integrally formed second ice dispensing channel, which is connected to the first ice dispensing channel. The second ice dispensing channel has an ice dispensing hole, and the ice dispensing hole is provided with an ice baffle.

[0008] According to the ice-making device proposed in this utility model, by integrating the second ice outlet channel and the ice outlet box, the number of components at the ice outlet hole is reduced, thereby reducing the installation gaps between the components at the ice outlet hole and reducing the probability of cold air from the ice at the ice outlet hole overflowing from the installation gaps.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water tank is also included. The edge of the first ice outlet channel extends downward to form a water guide groove. The water guide groove forms a gap with the wall of the water tank. The bottom wall of the second ice outlet channel extends downward to form a water guide section. The water guide section is inserted into the gap to form a water guide channel between the water guide section and the water guide groove.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water guiding channel is provided with a plurality of barrier ribs, and the plurality of barrier ribs divide the water guiding channel into a plurality of water guiding sections.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice dispensing box includes an upper box body and a lower box body. The upper box body has an integrally formed second ice dispensing channel. The water guide section has an installation groove on the side facing away from the second ice dispensing channel. The side wall of the water tank and the side wall of the lower box body are both fixed in the installation groove.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice baffle is rotatably connected to the upper box body, and when the ice baffle closes the ice outlet hole, the ice baffle abuts against the end face of the second ice outlet channel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making device further includes an ice-dispensing mechanism, which includes an ice-dispensing motor. The upper box is provided with a positioning groove, and the ice-dispensing motor is disposed in the positioning groove.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice dispensing mechanism further includes an ice stirring component, which is connected to the ice dispensing motor and is disposed in the ice storage tank; and / or, the ice stirring component is an auger.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the auger has a centrally symmetrical structure.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice dispensing box is provided with an inclined slide, and the slide is connected to the ice dispensing hole.

[0017] This utility model also proposes an ice maker, comprising:

[0018] Organism;

[0019] The ice-making device described above is located inside the machine body;

[0020] A water storage tank, wherein the water storage tank is located inside the machine body;

[0021] A water outlet device is provided on the machine body, and the water outlet device is connected to the water storage tank.

[0022] The ice maker proposed according to this utility model, since it includes the ice-making device described above, also has the beneficial effects of the ice-making device described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of section B.

[0028] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the ice-making device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point C.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice storage tank of the box provided in this invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 110. Ice storage tank; 111. Narrowing section; 1111. First inclined surface; 112. Ice storage section; 1121. Second inclined surface; 1122. Straight surface; 113. Ice outlet; 114. Water outlet; 115. Water guide channel; 117. Barrier rib; 118. Infrared probe; 119. First ice outlet channel;

[0034] 120. Ice dispensing mechanism; 121. Ice dispensing motor; 122. Ice stirring component; 1221. Shock absorption component;

[0035] 130. Water tank; 131. Normal temperature water zone; 132. Cold water zone; 134. Baffle; 1341. Overflow groove; 135. Ice collection tank;

[0036] 140. Ice box outlet; 141. Upper box body; 142. Lower box body; 143. Second ice outlet channel; 1431. Water guide section; 1432. Installation groove; 144. Slide; 145. Outlet; 146. Water guide channel. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the ice-making device includes a water tank 130 and an ice dispenser 140. The water tank 130 has a room temperature water zone 131 and a cold water zone 132, which are connected. Specifically, in this embodiment, the water tank 130 has a partition 134, through which water overflows to the cold water zone 132 via an overflow groove 1341 at the top of the partition 134. The water tank 130 also has an ice-making mechanism, an ice receiving trough 135, and an ice storage tank 110. The ice-making mechanism, the ice receiving trough 135, and the ice storage tank 110 are all located above the cold water zone 132. The cold water zone 132 provides a low-temperature environment for the ice-making mechanism, the ice receiving trough 135, and the ice storage tank 110, so as to make and store ice.

[0043] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 6 The water tank 130 contains a box body, which is integrally formed with an ice-receiving groove 135, an ice-storage groove 110, and an ice inlet connecting the two. This integral design simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of parts and assembly gaps, and improves overall stability and durability. Of course, in some embodiments, the water tank 130 may also contain a separate, adjacent first shell and a second shell, with the first shell forming the ice-receiving groove 135 and the second shell forming the ice-storage groove 110; this is not limited here. Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the ice inlet is located along the length of the box body.

[0044] Understandably, the ice inlet is opened along the length of the box to ensure that the newly made ice blocks can be evenly distributed throughout the ice storage tank 110, avoiding local accumulation.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 7This utility model provides an ice-making device that can be used in an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice-making system, which incorporates the ice-making device, enabling the ice maker to produce and dispense ice. Thus, an ice maker with both ice-making and ice-dispensing functions can instantly provide users with frozen beverages. Of course, the ice-making device of this application can also be used in refrigerators or other ice-making equipment; the specific application scenario is not limited. Furthermore, integrating ice-making functionality into an ice maker can save costs and space, making it suitable for scenarios requiring both drinking water and ice-making functions simultaneously.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ice storage tank 110 has a first ice outlet channel 119, and the ice outlet box 140 has an integrally formed second ice outlet channel 143. The second ice outlet channel 143 communicates with the first ice outlet channel 119 and has an ice outlet hole 113, on which an ice baffle plate 150 is provided. By integrating the second ice outlet channel 143 with the ice outlet box 140, the number of components is reduced, and the installation gaps between the components at the ice outlet hole 113 are also reduced. This reduces the probability of cold air from the ice at the ice outlet hole 113 escaping from the installation gaps, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0047] According to the ice-making device provided by this utility model, by integrating the second ice outlet channel 143 and the ice outlet box 140, the number of components at the ice outlet hole 113 is reduced, thereby reducing the installation gaps between the components at the ice outlet hole 113 and reducing the probability of cold air from the ice at the ice outlet hole 113 overflowing from the installation gaps, thus improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, in some embodiments of this invention, the first ice outlet channel 119 has a constricted section 111 and an ice storage section 112 connected together. The ice storage section 112 of the ice storage tank 110 can store excess ice. When ice is pushed to the constricted section 111, the constricted section 111 allows only a fixed number of ice blocks to pass through, preventing multiple ice blocks from blocking the ice outlet hole 113. The constricted section 111 design allows the ice storage tank 110 to control the number of ice blocks passing through the ice outlet hole 113, preventing excessive ice blocks from being output simultaneously, which could cause blockage or malfunction of the ice-making device. This ensures that the user obtains the required number of ice blocks while avoiding machine overload. By limiting the number of ice blocks at the ice outlet hole 113, the constricted section 111 helps prevent ice blocks from getting stuck or blocking the ice outlet hole 113. This not only maintains the normal operation of the equipment but also reduces the need for maintenance and repair. In addition, the width of the constriction section 111 gradually narrows, so that the ice blocks have enough space to be properly arranged or adjusted before reaching the ice outlet 113, thereby preventing blockage at the ice outlet 113, reducing the probability of equipment downtime caused by ice blocks getting stuck, and improving the continuous operating efficiency of the equipment.

[0049] The ice storage section 112 has a first inclined surface 1111 on its bottom wall and a second inclined surface 1121 on its bottom wall. The first inclined surface 1111 and the second inclined surface 1121 are connected. The first inclined surface 1111 gradually increases in height from the ice storage section 112 to the ice outlet 113. This gradually increasing height helps guide ice blocks smoothly through the ice storage section 111, reducing blockage caused by dense accumulation of ice blocks near the ice outlet 113. The slope of the first inclined surface 1111 is less than that of the second inclined surface 1121, ensuring that the height of the ice outlet 113 is greater than the maximum size of the ice block. This ensures that even the largest ice blocks can pass through the ice outlet 113, preventing them from getting stuck. Furthermore, because the slope of the second inclined surface 1121 is relatively larger, the bottom space of the ice storage section 112 is larger, allowing for the storage of more ice blocks. This increases the ice storage capacity of the ice storage tank 110, avoiding the need to frequently start the ice-making device to make ice, making it especially suitable for high-consumption environments or peak periods, such as convenience stores and restaurants.

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments of this invention, the width of the ice storage section 112 is greater than or equal to the width of the constriction section 111. If the width of the ice storage section 112 is greater than or equal to the constriction section 111, this means that the ice storage section 112 can accommodate more ice. Furthermore, the wider ice storage section 112 provides sufficient space for the ice to be better distributed and its position adjusted as it moves towards the constriction section 111. This helps prevent ice from accumulating and clogging at the constriction section 111 or the ice outlet 113, improving ice dispensing efficiency and reliability. In the spacious ice storage section 112, the ice has more space to disperse, reducing the adhesion between ice blocks.

[0051] The height of the ice outlet 113 is 28mm-32mm. For example, in this embodiment of the invention, the height of the ice outlet 113 is 32mm, which is greater than the maximum height of the ice block. This reduces the possibility of the ice block getting stuck due to its size during the ice dispensing process. This not only speeds up the ice dispensing process but also reduces the risk of equipment malfunction, allowing users to continuously obtain the required ice blocks without worrying about delays or interruptions in the ice dispensing process, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, because the ice block is less likely to get stuck at the ice outlet 113, it reduces impact and wear on mechanical parts, thereby extending the service life of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice-making device further includes an ice-discharging mechanism 120, which includes an ice-stirring component 122 installed inside the ice storage tank 110. During rotation, the ice-stirring component 122 keeps the ice blocks separate, preventing them from sticking together into large chunks during storage. This ensures that the ice blocks maintain an appropriate size and shape when passing through the ice outlet 113, preventing blockage. By reducing the probability of ice blocks getting stuck in the ice outlet 113, the use of the ice-stirring component 122 reduces the mechanical stress on the entire ice-making and ice-discharging system, thereby extending the overall service life of the equipment. The movement of the ice-stirring component 122 promotes the flow and distribution of cold air in the ice storage tank 110, helping the ice blocks cool evenly and improving the overall quality of the ice blocks. Furthermore, the movement of the ice-stirring component 122 helps push ice blocks near the bottom of the ice storage tank 110 towards the ice outlet 113, thus improving the speed and efficiency of ice discharging.

[0053] The gap between the ice churning component 122 and the bottom surface of the ice storage tank 110 is smaller than the radius of the ice block. This prevents the ice block from getting stuck in the gap between the ice churning component 122 and the bottom surface of the ice storage tank 110.

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice-stirring component 122 is an auger. The auger can continuously stir the ice blocks in the ice storage tank 110, preventing the ice blocks from sticking together and forming blocky ice. Through the continuous operation of the auger, not only are the ice blocks effectively stirred, but the circulation of cold air is also improved, which helps to evenly distribute the cold air in the ice storage tank 110, ensuring that all the ice blocks are fully frozen and improving ice-making efficiency.

[0055] Or, such as Figure 4 As shown, the auger is arranged parallel to the second inclined surface 1121, and the minimum vertical distance between the auger and the second inclined surface 1121 is 4-5 mm. For example, in this embodiment, the minimum vertical distance between the auger and the second inclined surface 1121 is 4.6 mm. This ensures that the ice block will not be squeezed or damaged by the auger during movement, and also ensures that the ice block will not get stuck between the auger and the inclined surface, reducing friction and collision between the auger and the ice block, maintaining smoother and more stable operation of the auger, thereby extending the service life of the equipment. In addition, the auger is designed to be easy to install and disassemble, and maintains a certain distance from the second inclined surface 1121, which not only facilitates daily maintenance and inspection, but also makes it more convenient to clean ice residue or ice scale when needed.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this invention, the auger has a centrally symmetrical structure. This ensures that the auger can be correctly installed and operate from any direction during installation, reducing directional issues and improving installation efficiency. Furthermore, the centrally symmetrical structure helps maintain the auger's balance during operation, reducing vibration and improving overall stability and durability, thus preventing wear caused by uneven rotation. Of course, in other embodiments of this invention, the auger can also have an axisymmetric structure.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of the utility model, shock absorbers 1221 are fitted at both ends of the ice churning component 122. The shock absorbers 1221 absorb and reduce vibrations generated by the ice churning component 122 during operation. By reducing these vibrations, mechanical wear on the equipment can be reduced, extending its service life. Furthermore, reducing vibration helps prevent machine components from loosening, ensuring the long-term stability of the equipment. The shock absorbers 1221 not only protect other components of the equipment from vibration but also reduce the mechanical impact on the ice churning component 122 itself. Reducing the direct impact of vibration on the ice churning component 122 slows its wear rate and maintains its long-term functionality.

[0058] In some embodiments of this utility model, the shock absorber 1221 can be a component with shock absorption effect, such as a rubber sleeve.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this invention, the ice-making device further includes a water tank 130, which is located below the ice storage tank 110. A water guide channel 115 extends from the edge of the first ice outlet channel 119 toward the water tank 130. If the melted water from the ice is not drained in time, it may partially refreeze around the ice outlet hole 113, causing ice to stick or get stuck in the outlet hole 113, affecting the normal operation of the equipment and the quality of the ice output. By automatically guiding the melted water into the water tank 130, the accumulated water from the melted ice can be prevented from refreezing at the ice outlet hole 113, avoiding the phenomenon of ice sticking or getting stuck in the outlet hole 113. Furthermore, by allowing the accumulated water from the melting ice at the outlet hole 113 to flow into the water tank 130 through the water guide channel 115, it helps to collect and reuse these water resources, for example, for ice making or other purposes.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of the utility model, the water guiding channel 115 is provided with multiple baffle ribs 117, which divide the water guiding channel 115 into multiple water guiding sections. When ice blocks are near the ice outlet 113, some ice blocks can easily slide into the water guiding channel 115. Therefore, the baffle ribs 117 can prevent ice blocks from sliding into the water guiding channel 115, preventing ice blockage or clogging of the ice outlet 113. Thus, the presence of the baffle ribs 117 ensures that ice blocks remain near the ice outlet 113, thereby maintaining the unobstructed flow of the ice outlet 113 and ensuring the stability of ice production from the ice-making device. In addition, since the water guiding channel 115 is divided into multiple sections, even if one section is partially blocked due to the accidental entry of small particles or fragments, the other sections can still maintain smooth water flow.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the utility model, the bottom wall of the second ice outlet channel 143 extends downward to form a water guiding section 1431. A gap is formed between the water guiding groove 115 and the wall of the water tank 130, and the water guiding section 1431 is inserted into the gap to form a water guiding channel 146 between the water guiding section 1431 and the water guiding groove 115. In this way, the water from the melting ice at the ice outlet channel can be effectively separated and guided into the water tank 130 through the water guiding channel 146, preventing the melted water from repeatedly solidifying in the ice outlet channel, causing the ice to stick together and affecting the ice outlet efficiency.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice dispensing box 140 includes an upper box body 141 and a lower box body 142. The upper box body 141 has an integrally formed second ice dispensing channel 143. This integration of the second ice dispensing channel 143 and the upper box body 141 reduces the number of parts, lowers the complexity of equipment assembly, and enhances the durability of the ice-making device. A mounting groove 1432 is provided on the side of the water guide section 1431 facing away from the second ice dispensing channel 143. The side walls of the water tank 130 and the lower box body 142 are both fixed within the mounting groove 1432. The mounting groove 1432 further simplifies the overall structure of the ice dispensing device, allowing the side walls of the water tank 130 and the lower box body 142 to be stably fixed, increasing equipment stability, reducing vibration and noise during operation, and facilitating future maintenance or replacement work.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice baffle 150 is rotatably connected to the upper housing 141. When the ice baffle 150 closes the ice outlet 113, the ice baffle 150 abuts against the end face of the second ice outlet channel 143. This allows the ice baffle 150 to effectively seal the ice outlet 113, preventing the loss of cold air and the entry of outside air, thereby maintaining the low-temperature environment within the ice storage tank 110 and improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom wall of the ice storage tank 110 is provided with multiple water outlet holes 114, which are connected to the water tank 130. This allows water accumulated in the ice storage tank 110 to flow into the water tank 130 through the water outlet holes 114. When the water inside the ice storage tank 110 is drained in a timely manner, it prevents the water from refreezing or causing the ice blocks to stick together. This ensures the quality of the ice blocks and prevents them from being affected by water accumulation during transport. When the water in the ice storage tank 110 is automatically drained through the water outlet holes 114, the need for manual cleaning is reduced, thereby lowering the complexity and time cost of maintenance.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom wall of the ice storage section 112 also has a flat surface 1122, and the second inclined surface 1121 is connected to the flat surface 1122 to increase the distance between the ice storage section 112 and the horizontal plane of the water tank 130. In this way, when ice is placed in the ice storage section 112, it can prevent the ice from contacting the water in the water tank 130 through the water outlet 114, or prevent the bottom wall of the ice storage section 112 from directly contacting the water in the water tank 130, thereby preventing the temperature of the ice storage section 112 from rising and the ice from melting.

[0066] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice dispensing mechanism 120 further includes an ice dispensing motor 121, which is connected to the ice stirring component 122. This allows the ice stirring component 122 to effectively rotate or perform other forms of movement using the motor's power, thereby ensuring that the ice blocks in the ice storage tank 110 are evenly distributed, preventing the ice blocks from sticking together, and ensuring that each ice block is cooled evenly, thus improving the quality and efficiency of ice making. The ice dispensing motor 121 ensures that the ice stirring component 122 can operate continuously. Continuous stirring not only maintains the quality of the ice blocks but also prevents the formation of large ice blocks, which could potentially clog the ice dispensing hole 113 and affect ice making efficiency.

[0067] The upper housing 141 is provided with a positioning groove (not shown in the figure), and the ice-dispensing motor 121 is located in the positioning groove. The positioning groove provides stable support for the ice-dispensing motor 121, reduces the vibration generated by the ice-dispensing motor 121 during operation, reduces noise, and improves the overall operational stability of the device. In addition, integrating the ice-dispensing motor 121 into the design of the upper housing 141 not only saves space but also increases the overall aesthetics and compactness, making the entire ice-making device more in line with the minimalist style of modern home appliances.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice dispensing box 140 has an inclined slide 144 inside, which communicates with the ice dispensing hole 113. Thus, after ice blocks fall from the ice dispensing hole 113 into the ice dispensing box 140, they enter the slide 144 and slide out of the ice dispensing box 140 under their own weight. In other embodiments of this utility model, the outlet 145 of the ice dispensing box 140 is a constricted opening, with the slide 144 communicating with the constricted opening. The constricted opening helps control the quantity and speed of the ice blocks, preventing excessive or too rapid simultaneous output of ice blocks, thereby avoiding blockage or excessive consumption of ice blocks at the outlet 145 of the ice dispensing box 140. By designing the ice dispensing box 140 with the slide 144 and controlled outlet 145, users can obtain ice blocks more safely and conveniently, avoiding splashing or unnecessary scattering of excess ice blocks, thus increasing the safety of the equipment during use.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this utility model, the ice storage tank 110 is equipped with two infrared probes 118, which are respectively installed on the walls at both ends of the ice storage tank 110 to detect whether the ice storage tank 110 is full of ice. Using a pair of infrared probes 118 can more accurately sense the amount of ice in the ice storage tank 110. The infrared probe 118 can detect whether the infrared light emitted by itself is received by the infrared probe 118 on the opposite side, thereby determining whether there is ice blocking the infrared signal line.

[0070] When the ice storage tank 110 reaches full ice, the infrared sensor 118 transmits the information to the ice-making equipment's control system, automatically stopping the ice-making process. This helps prevent energy waste caused by over-ice production, while maintaining the normal operation of the equipment and avoiding mechanical damage due to overloading. Users no longer need to constantly monitor the ice level in the ice storage tank 110, as the infrared sensor 118 automates the monitoring, further enhancing user convenience and equipment safety, reducing the frequency of manual checks and potential problems caused by missed checks.

[0071] Furthermore, installing infrared sensors 118 helps save energy, and the control system can react based on real-time detection results. Ice making stops immediately once the set capacity is reached, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption. Meanwhile, the maintenance of infrared sensors 118 is generally simple. When the ice storage tank 110 is detected to be full, the infrared sensors 118 can immediately send a signal to stop ice making, preventing further ice production and potential overflow of the ice storage tank 110, ensuring a balance between ice production and consumption, and reducing waste.

[0072] In some embodiments of this invention, the ice-making device further includes a driving component (not shown in the figure). An ice baffle 150 is provided at the ice outlet 113. The driving component is connected to the ice baffle 150 to drive the ice baffle 150 to switch between an open state and a closed state. The driving component can be an electric motor, a hydraulic device, or other suitable mechanical actuator. For example, in this embodiment, the driving component can be a solenoid valve, which can drive the ice baffle 150 to move. In an automated ice-making system, the driving component can be activated by an electronic control system to move the ice baffle 150 to the open or closed position as needed.

[0073] In the open state, the ice baffle 150 retracts, connecting the ice outlet 113 to the ice container 140, allowing ice to smoothly slide from the ice storage tank 110 through the ice outlet 113 into the ice container 140. This process allows users to easily obtain ice. In the closed state, the ice baffle 150 completely covers the ice outlet 113, preventing cold air from escaping and warm outside air from entering. This helps maintain a suitable cooling environment within the ice storage tank 110, preventing the ice from melting and also preventing dust and other impurities from entering the ice-making system.

[0074] The ice-making device equipped with an ice baffle 150 can be flexibly adjusted according to usage needs. For example, when ice is not needed, the ice baffle 150 can be kept closed to better maintain the refrigeration effect and hygiene of the ice trough. The ice baffle 150 is only opened when ice is needed, effectively controlling the use of ice and reducing the time ice is exposed to the external environment.

[0075] This utility model also provides an ice maker (not shown in the figure), including a body, the above-mentioned ice-making device, a water outlet pipe and a water outlet device. The ice-making device is located inside the body, the water storage tank is located inside the body, and the water outlet device is located in the body and is connected to the water storage tank.

[0076] The ice maker provided by this utility model includes the ice dispensing device described above, and therefore also has the beneficial effects of the ice dispensing device described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model 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 utility model do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present utility model and should be covered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: An ice storage tank having a first ice outlet channel; The ice dispensing box has an integrally formed second ice dispensing channel, which is connected to the first ice dispensing channel. The second ice dispensing channel has an ice dispensing hole, and the ice dispensing hole is provided with an ice baffle.

2. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water tank, the edge of the first ice outlet channel extends downward to form a water guide groove, the water guide groove forms a gap with the wall of the water tank, the bottom wall of the second ice outlet channel extends downward to form a water guide section, the water guide section is inserted into the gap to form a water guide channel between the water guide section and the water guide groove.

3. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water guiding channel is provided with multiple barrier ribs, which divide the water guiding channel into multiple water guiding sections.

4. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice dispensing box includes an upper box and a lower box. The upper box has an integrally formed second ice dispensing channel. The water guide section has an installation groove on the side facing away from the second ice dispensing channel. The side wall of the water tank and the side wall of the lower box are both fixed in the installation groove.

5. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ice baffle is rotatably connected to the upper housing. When the ice baffle closes the ice outlet, the ice baffle abuts against the end face of the second ice outlet channel.

6. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ice-making device also includes an ice-dispensing mechanism, which includes an ice-dispensing motor. The upper box is provided with a positioning groove, and the ice-dispensing motor is located in the positioning groove.

7. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice dispensing mechanism further includes an ice stirring component, which is connected to the ice dispensing motor and is located inside the ice storage tank; and / or, the ice stirring component is an auger.

8. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The auger is a centrally symmetric structure; and / or, the auger is an axisymmetric structure.

9. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice dispenser box has an inclined slide inside, and the slide is connected to the ice outlet.

10. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: Organism; The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the ice-making apparatus is disposed within the body of the machine; A water storage tank, wherein the water storage tank is located inside the machine body; A water outlet device is located inside the machine body and is connected to the water storage tank.

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