Cup pushing structure of ice maker and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration, and provides a cup push structure of an ice maker and refrigeration equipment, the cup push structure of the ice maker comprises a shell, a cup push and a microswitch, and the shell is provided with an ice outlet and a pressing opening; one end of the cup pusher is connected with the shell, the other end of the cup pusher movably penetrates through the pressing opening, and the cup pusher is suitable for elastic deformation under external force pressing so as to move in the pressing opening; the microswitch is connected to the shell, the cup push moves in the pressing opening so as to press the microswitch, and the microswitch is suitable for controlling opening and closing of the ice outlet. One end of the cup pusher is connected with the shell and elastically deforms when pressed by external force, so that the microswitch is pressed, and when the cup pusher is released, the cup pusher elastically resets to the initial position, so that the microswitch is released from being pressed. Therefore, the cup push can automatically reset, other reset structures are not needed, the structure is simple, and the water and ice outlet structure controlled by the cup push can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to the cup push structure and refrigeration equipment of an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] With the use of ice makers, users no longer need to manually break ice cubes from ice boxes like in a regular refrigerator. Ice cubes automatically fall out by pressing the corresponding mechanism on the ice maker. In related technologies, water and ice are typically dispensed by pressing a cup pusher on the ice maker; however, this cup pusher-based dispensing mechanism is relatively complex. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this invention proposes a cup-pushing structure for an ice maker, aiming to simplify the cup-pushing structure.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a refrigeration device.

[0005] The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:

[0006] The housing is provided with an ice outlet and a pressing port;

[0007] A cup pusher, one end of which is connected to the housing and the other end is movably inserted through the pressing port. The cup pusher is adapted to elastically deform under external pressure so as to move within the pressing port.

[0008] A micro switch is connected to the housing, and the cup pusher is movable at the pressing port to press the micro switch. The micro switch is adapted to control the opening and closing of the ice outlet.

[0009] According to the embodiment of this utility model, the cup push structure of the ice maker controls the dispensing of ice cubes or ice water through the ice outlet of the housing for user use. The cup push can function as a push switch, triggering a micro switch to control the opening and closing of the ice outlet. One end of the cup push is connected to the housing and undergoes elastic deformation when pressed by external force, thereby pressing the micro switch. When the cup push is released, it elastically returns to its initial position, releasing the pressure on the micro switch. Thus, the cup push automatically resets, eliminating the need for other reset structures. This simple structure effectively achieves the function of controlling water and ice dispensing with the cup push.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cup pusher includes:

[0011] A push section is movably disposed through the press port, with one side of the push section exposed outside the housing, and the push section is adapted to press the micro switch;

[0012] The cantilever section has one end connected to the pressing section and the other end connected to the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the micro switch is located at one end of the push section adjacent to the cantilever section.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a positioning post corresponding to the pressing port, the positioning post extends from one side wall of the pressing port toward the other side wall, and the micro switch is connected to the positioning post.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with at least two of the positioning posts.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a fixing buckle corresponding to the pressing port, and the micro switch is fastened in the fixing buckle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cup pusher is provided with a limiting hook, which is adapted to abut against the inner side of the housing when the cup pusher moves toward the outer side of the housing.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side of the housing is provided with an installation edge surrounding the pressing port, and the limiting hook abuts against the installation edge.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing port is located adjacent to the ice outlet, the housing is provided with a cup holder, the cup holder is located opposite to the ice outlet, the cup holder is used to place a container, and the distance between the pressing port and the top surface of the cup holder is greater than 90mm.

[0020] The refrigeration device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a body and a cup pusher structure of the ice maker described above, wherein the cup pusher structure of the ice maker is disposed on the body.

[0021] The refrigeration device according to the embodiment of the present utility model includes the cup push structure of the ice maker described above, and therefore has all the technical effects of the cup push structure of the ice maker described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0022] 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

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cup pusher structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the present invention from the outside.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cup pusher structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cup pusher structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cup pusher structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Housing; 11. Ice outlet; 12. Pressing port; 13. Cup holder; 16. Mounting edge; 18. Positioning post; 19. Fixing buckle; 2. Cup pusher; 21. Pushing section; 211. Limit hook; 22. Cantilever section; 3. Micro switch. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that uses a refrigeration system to cool water through an evaporator to produce ice. It employs a refrigeration system, using water as a carrier, and produces ice when powered on and passing through a device. Existing ice makers typically use a cup pusher to collect the ice or ice water dispensed from the ice maker's outlet. However, current cup pushers rely on springs or other elastic return mechanisms to reset, making the next press for ice dispensing more complex and inconvenient to install.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, the cup-pushing structure of the ice maker proposed in this application is described below.

[0040] Please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the cup push structure of the ice maker includes a housing 1, a cup pusher 2, and a micro switch 3. The housing 1 is provided with an ice outlet 11 and a pressing port 12. One end of the cup pusher 2 is connected to the housing 1, and the other end is movably inserted through the pressing port 12. The cup pusher 2 is adapted to elastically deform under external pressure so as to move in the pressing port 12. The micro switch 3 is connected to the housing 1. The cup pusher 2 moves in the pressing port 12 to press the micro switch 3. The micro switch 3 is adapted to control the opening and closing of the ice outlet 11.

[0041] According to the ice maker of this utility model embodiment, the cup push structure controls the dispensing of ice cubes or ice water through the ice outlet 11 of the housing 1 for user use. The cup push 2 can act as a push switch, triggering a micro switch 3 to control the opening and closing of the ice outlet 11. One end of the cup push 2 is connected to the housing 1. When pressed by an external force, it undergoes elastic deformation, thereby pressing the micro switch 3. When the cup push 2 is released, it elastically returns to its initial state, thus releasing the pressure on the micro switch 3. In this way, the cup push 2 can automatically reset, eliminating the need for other reset structures. The structure is simple and can achieve the structure of controlling water and ice dispensing with the cup push 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing 1 can be the front shell or outer shell of an ice maker, including an outer side and an inner side. The ice outlet 11 and the pressing port 12 are both connected to the outer side and the inner side. The inner side is used to install internal components and store ice or water, etc. The cup pusher 2 can be partially exposed on the outer side for easy pressing by the user. For example, part of the cup pusher 2 is located on the outer side of the housing 1, and the other part is connected to the inner side of the housing 1 to prevent the cup pusher 2 from disengaging from the pressing port 12. Optionally, the ice outlet 11 and the pressing port 12 are arranged adjacent to each other so that when the user aligns the cup with the ice outlet 11 to receive ice, the outer wall of the cup can abut against the pressing cup pusher 2, making operation convenient.

[0043] Understandably, the cup pusher 2 is elongated to facilitate good deformation stroke, making it easier for the user to press. For example, if the fixed end of the cup pusher 2 is connected and fixed to the housing 1, then the other end of the cup pusher 2 is the movable end. When the cup pusher 2 is deformed by external force, the movable end moves relative to the fixed end. The cup pusher 2 can extend vertically or horizontally, depending on the actual installation space of the ice maker. For example, if the cup pusher 2 extends vertically, then the lower end of the cup pusher 2 serves as the fixed end, used for fixed connection to the housing 1, and the upper end of the cup pusher 2 serves as the movable end, corresponding to the pressing port 12 for easy pressing by the user. Of course, the upper end of the cup pusher 2 can also be the fixed end, and the lower end the movable end; this is not limited here.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cup pusher 2 includes a pushing section 21 and a cantilever section 22. The pushing section 21 is movably inserted through the pressing port 12, and one side of the pushing section 21 is exposed outside the housing 1. The pushing section 21 is suitable for pressing the micro switch 3. One end of the cantilever section 22 is connected to the pushing section 21, and the other end of the cantilever section 22 is connected to the housing 1.

[0045] For example, the push section 21 is used for user pressing, and the connection between the cantilever section 22 and the push section 21 is a bent structure, which can better realize the deformation of the cup push 2. Optionally, the thickness of the connection between the cantilever section 22 and the push section 21 is thinner, or the thickness of the cantilever section 22 is thinner than the thickness of the push section 21, so as to facilitate deformation and thus press the micro switch 3. The size of the push section 21 is adapted to the size of the pressing port 12 so that the push section 21 can be movably inserted through the pressing port 12. Optionally, part of the push section 21 is located on the outside of the housing 1, that is, on the outside of the pressing port 12, while the cantilever section 22 is connected to the inside of the housing 1, and the cantilever section 22 abuts against the inside of the housing 1 to prevent the cup push 2 from going too far beyond the outside of the pressing port 12 when resetting. Meanwhile, the edge of the pressing section 21 may have a protruding locking protrusion, which is used to abut against the outer wall of the housing 1. When the pressing section 21 presses the micro switch 3, the pressing section 21 moves inward toward the pressing port 12. When it moves a certain distance, the locking protrusion abuts against the outer wall of the housing 1 to limit the cup push 2 from continuing to deform, thereby preventing the cup push 2 from deforming too much and damaging the micro switch 3. Optionally, the pressing section 21 and the cantilever section 22 can be an integrally formed structure to reduce installation steps and improve connection stability. Of course, they can also be connected by welding, bonding, snap-fitting, or threaded connection, etc., which is not limited here.

[0046] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the micro switch 3 is located at one end of the push section 21 adjacent to the cantilever section 22.

[0047] Understandably, the cantilever section 22 is fixedly connected to the housing 1, and the pressing section 21 can move relative to the pressing port 12 to press the micro switch 3. Thus, when the cup pusher 2 is deformed by pressing the pressing section 21, the end of the pressing section 21 away from the cantilever section 22 has a longer travel, while the end of the pressing section 21 adjacent to the cantilever section 22 has a shorter travel, which is suitable for triggering the micro switch 3. Placing the micro switch 3 at the end of the pressing section 21 adjacent to the cantilever section 22 helps to reduce the force and triggering travel of the cup pusher 2, making it easier to trigger the micro switch 3 and less likely to damage it due to excessive pressing. Optionally, in order to reduce the force and triggering travel of the cup pusher 2, the micro switch 3 can also be placed at the 1 / 2 position in the length direction of the cup pusher 2, that is, at the middle position in the length direction of the cup pusher 2.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, according to one embodiment of this utility model, the housing 1 is provided with a positioning post 18 corresponding to the pressing port 12. The positioning post 18 extends from one side wall of the pressing port 12 towards the other side wall, and the micro switch 3 is connected and fixed to the positioning post 18. It can be understood that, to facilitate the installation of the micro switch 3, a suspension platform extends from the inner side of the housing 1 towards the pressing port 12. The suspension platform has a protruding positioning post 18, which can pass through the positioning hole on the micro switch 3 to achieve the installation and positioning of the micro switch 3. During installation, the micro switch 3 is installed from the side, so that the positioning post 18 passes through the positioning hole of the micro switch 3. That is to say, the micro switch 3 is hung at the positioning post 18, making installation convenient.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 is provided with at least two positioning posts 18. In one embodiment, the two positioning posts 18 are spaced apart to improve the installation stability of the micro switch 3. For example, the two positioning posts 18 extend in parallel directions to facilitate the installation of the micro switch 3. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple positioning posts 18 may be provided, which is not limited here. It can be understood that the positioning posts 18 extend into the pressing port 12 so that the micro switch 3 can be installed in a relatively central position corresponding to the pressing port 12. When the cup pusher 2 presses the micro switch 3, it is less likely to only press the edge of the micro switch 3 spring, and the micro switch 3 is triggered more stably.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the housing 1 is provided with a fixing buckle 19 corresponding to the pressing port 12, and the micro switch 3 is fastened into the fixing buckle 19. Exemplarily, the fixing buckle 19 includes two oppositely arranged latches, forming a latching space between the two latches. The micro switch 3 can be fastened into the latching space without the need for other installation tools, facilitating installation. In one embodiment, the positioning post 18 is located between the two latches, i.e., within the latching space. That is, while the micro switch 3 is fastened into the fixing buckle 19, the positioning post 18 passes through the positioning hole on the micro switch 3 to achieve dual installation positioning of the micro switch 3, further improving installation stability.

[0051] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, according to one embodiment of this utility model, the cup pusher 2 is provided with a limiting hook 211, which is adapted to abut against the inner side of the housing 1 when the cup pusher 2 moves to the outside of the housing 1. It can be understood that after the cup pusher 2 is pressed by an external force to trigger the micro switch 3, it controls the ice outlet 11 to open. After ice is dispensed, the cup pusher 2 is released, and then the cup pusher 2 resets to move to the outside of the housing 1. To prevent the cup pusher 2 from over-resetting, thereby preventing warping and deformation of the cup pusher 2 and increasing the pressing play, after the cup pusher 2 resets to its initial position, the limiting hook 211 can abut against the inner side of the housing 1 to stop the cup pusher 2 from continuing to move to the outside of the housing 1. For example, it can be set so that when the limiting hook 211 abuts against the housing 1, the cup pusher 2 is just separated from the micro switch 3. In this way, pressing the cup pusher 2 can trigger the micro switch 3 in time, avoiding the cup pusher 2 pressing play, making the pressing of the cup pusher 2 more sensitive to ice dispensing.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side of the housing 1 is provided with an mounting edge 16 surrounding the pressing port 12, and the limiting hook 211 abuts against the mounting edge 16. It can be understood that the mounting edge 16 can be used to improve the installation stability of the cup pusher 2. The mounting edge 16 can be used to stop the cantilever section 22, and also to stop the abutment against the limiting hook 211, to ensure that the cup pusher 2 does not move excessively outwards from the housing 1, thereby avoiding any pressing play.

[0053] Please refer to the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 6 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing port 12 is disposed adjacent to the ice outlet 11, the housing 1 is provided with a cup holder 13, the cup holder 13 is disposed opposite to the ice outlet 11, the cup holder 13 is used to place the container, and the distance between the pressing port 12 and the top surface of the cup holder 13 is greater than 90mm.

[0054] For example, the ice outlet 11 is located above the cup holder 13. When an ice-receiving container, such as a cup or box, is placed on the cup holder 13, the ice dispensing from the outlet 11 falls directly into the container. Simultaneously, when the container is placed on the cup holder 13, the side wall of the container can also be used to press the cup pusher 2, eliminating the need for the user to press the pusher 2 with another hand, making operation convenient. To prevent short cups (generally less than 90mm) from easily triggering the microswitch 3 when placed on the cup holder 13, causing the cup rim to be too far from the ice outlet 11 and preventing ice from falling into the cup, the distance between the bottom of the pressing port 12 and the top surface of the cup holder 13 is no less than 90mm, for example, 102mm. At the same time, the fixed end of the pusher 2 is installed away from the ice outlet 11, requiring more force to press the bottom edge of the cup to trigger the microswitch 3. This encourages the user to press the pusher 2 (relatively less effort) with the cup rim close to the ice outlet 11, ensuring the ice falls concentratedly into the cup, preventing it from colliding and scattering outside the cup.

[0055] The refrigeration device according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a body and a cup-pushing structure of the ice maker described above, wherein the cup-pushing structure of the ice maker is disposed in the body. The refrigeration device may be an ice maker, or a refrigerator, freezer, etc. equipped with an ice maker, and is not limited thereto.

[0056] The refrigeration device according to the embodiment of the present utility model includes the cup push structure of the ice maker described above, and therefore has all the technical effects of the cup push structure of the ice maker described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] 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. A cup pusher structure for an ice maker, characterized in that, include: The housing is provided with an ice outlet and a pressing port; A cup pusher, one end of which is connected to the housing and the other end is movably inserted through the pressing port. The cup pusher is adapted to elastically deform under external pressure so as to move within the pressing port. A micro switch is connected to the housing, and the cup pusher is movable at the pressing port to press the micro switch. The micro switch is adapted to control the opening and closing of the ice outlet.

2. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup pusher includes: A push section is movably disposed through the press port, with one side of the push section exposed outside the housing, and the push section is adapted to press the micro switch; The cantilever section has one end connected to the pressing section and the other end connected to the housing.

3. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The micro switch is located at one end of the push section adjacent to the cantilever section.

4. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a positioning post corresponding to the pressing port. The positioning post extends from one side wall of the pressing port toward the other side wall, and the micro switch is connected to the positioning post.

5. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with at least two of the positioning posts.

6. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a fixing buckle corresponding to the pressing port, and the micro switch is fastened in the fixing buckle.

7. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup pusher is provided with a limiting hook, which is adapted to abut against the inner side of the housing when the cup is pushed to move outward of the housing.

8. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner side of the housing is provided with an installation edge surrounding the pressing port, and the limiting hook abuts against the installation edge.

9. The cup pusher structure of the ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The pressing port is located adjacent to the ice outlet, the housing is provided with a cup holder, the cup holder is located opposite to the ice outlet, the cup holder is used to place a container, and the distance between the pressing port and the top surface of the cup holder is greater than 90mm.

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a body and a cup-pushing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cup-pushing structure of the ice maker is disposed in the body.

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