Switch device and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice making, and provides a switch device and an ice maker, the ice maker comprises the switch device, the switch device comprises a door body, a transmission assembly and a driving mechanism, the door body is configured to be rotatable, the door body is provided with a closed area used for closing an ice storage area, the transmission assembly comprises a first transmission piece and a second transmission piece, the first transmission part is in transmission connection with the door body, one of the first transmission part and the second transmission part is provided with a transmission part, the other one is provided with a transmission groove, the transmission part is inserted into the transmission groove and is in transmission connection with the transmission groove, and the output end of the driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the second transmission part; and the transmission positions of the transmission part and the transmission groove are separated from the closed area of the door body. The driving mechanism drives the second transmission part to move, and the door body is driven to be closed and opened through cooperation of the transmission groove and the transmission part, so that gaps existing when the ice storage area is closed by the door body are avoided, the ice storage environment of the ice storage area is guaranteed, and energy consumption of the ice maker is prevented from being increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular to a switching device and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, ice makers are equipped with a dedicated door for the ice storage area, which is operated by a drive mechanism to open and close the ice storage area. However, when the drive mechanism rotates the door to the closed position, a gap remains between the closed area of ​​the door and the ice storage area. This gap causes cold air to leak from the ice storage area, affecting the ice storage environment and consequently increasing the energy consumption of the ice maker, thus significantly raising the operating cost. 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 a switching device that helps ensure the ice storage environment in the ice storage area and avoids increased energy consumption of the ice maker.

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

[0005] The switching device according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0006] The door is configured to be rotatable and has an enclosed area for closing the ice storage area;

[0007] The transmission assembly includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component. The first transmission component is connected to the door body in a transmission manner. One of the first transmission component and the second transmission component is provided with a transmission part, and the other is provided with a transmission groove. The transmission part is inserted into and connected to the transmission groove in a transmission manner.

[0008] A drive mechanism is located on one side of the door body, and the output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the second transmission component.

[0009] The transmission part and the transmission groove are arranged separately from the closed area of ​​the door body.

[0010] According to the switching device of this utility model embodiment, through the above-described structure, the driving mechanism drives the second transmission member to move, and through the cooperation of the transmission groove and the transmission part, drives the door to close and open. The mating points of the transmission parts and transmission grooves on both the first and second transmission members, used for transmission connection, are arranged separately from the closed area of ​​the door, avoiding the closed area of ​​the door. This helps to prevent gaps when the door closes the ice storage area, prevents cold air leakage from the ice storage area, helps to ensure the ice storage environment of the ice storage area, and avoids increased energy consumption of the ice maker.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission positions of the transmission part and the transmission groove are offset from the orthographic projections of the closed area of ​​the door body.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the transmission groove is greater than the width of the transmission part.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission groove is straight or arc-shaped.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission member and the door body are configured as an integral structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second transmission member includes a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm that are inclined at an angle to each other. The first transmission arm is connected to the second transmission arm, the transmission groove is formed in the first transmission arm, and the second transmission arm is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the door body is provided with a limiting structure, which is used to limit the relative position of the second transmission member and the door body in the width direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting structure is a limiting boss connected to the door body, and one side of the limiting boss in the width direction abuts against the second transmission member.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the door body includes:

[0019] Door leaf;

[0020] Mounting shaft, which is connected to the door leaf;

[0021] The first transmission component is located on either the door leaf or the mounting shaft.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting shaft is provided with a first positioning protrusion and a second positioning protrusion, the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion are spaced apart, and the door leaf is disposed between the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion.

[0023] An ice maker according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the switching device described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the switching device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the switching device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the switching device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100. Door body; 110. Door leaf; 111. Enclosed area; 120. Mounting shaft; 121. First positioning protrusion; 122. Second positioning protrusion; 200. First transmission component; 210. Transmission part; 300. Second transmission component; 310. First transmission arm; 311. Transmission groove; 320. Second transmission arm; 321. Mounting hole; 400. Drive mechanism; 500. Limiting structure. Detailed Implementation

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] In related technologies, when the drive mechanism 400 rotates the door 100 to the closed state, the drive structure of the drive mechanism 400 interferes with the closed area 111 of the door 100, resulting in a gap between the closed area 111 of the door 100 and the ice storage area. This gap causes cold air to leak from the ice storage area, affecting the ice storage environment of the ice storage area, which in turn increases the energy consumption of the ice maker and significantly increases the operating cost.

[0037] The following is combined Figures 1-3 The present invention describes a switching device and an ice maker according to embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that, in embodiments of the present invention, the ice maker includes the aforementioned switching device, which is installed in the ice storage area of ​​the ice maker to open and close the ice storage area. Of course, in some embodiments, the aforementioned switching device may also be installed on other machines, such as vending machines or turnstiles, and this is not limited thereto.

[0038] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the invention, the switching device includes a door body 100, a transmission assembly, and a drive mechanism 400. The door body 100 is configured to be rotatable. Specifically, the door body 100 is rotatably mounted on the ice storage area of ​​the ice maker. This can be understood as the ice storage area having an ice outlet, and the door body 100 having a closed area 111 for closing the ice outlet of the ice storage area. It should be noted that the closed area 111 is provided along the width direction of the door body 100.

[0039] The transmission assembly includes a first transmission member 200 and a second transmission member 300. The first transmission member 200 is driveably connected to the door body 100. One of the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 300 is provided with a transmission part 210, and the other is provided with a transmission groove 311. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first transmission member 200 is provided with a transmission part 210, and the second transmission member 300 is provided with a transmission groove 311. The transmission part 210 and the transmission groove 311 are inserted into and drively connected. The drive mechanism 400 is located on one side of the door body 100, and the output end of the drive mechanism 400 is drively connected to the second transmission member 300. The transmission parts 210 and 311 are arranged separately from the closed area 111 of the door body 100. Of course, in some embodiments, the first transmission member 200 may also be provided with a transmission groove 311, and the second transmission member 300 may also be provided with a transmission part 210. This is not limited here.

[0040] According to the switching device of this utility model embodiment, through the above structure, the drive mechanism 400 drives the second transmission member 300 to move, and through the cooperation of the transmission groove 311 and the transmission part 210, drives the door 100 to close and open. The cooperation of the transmission part 210 and the transmission groove 311 on the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 300 is separated from the closed area 111 of the door 100, avoiding the closed area 111 of the door 100, preventing the leakage of cold air in the ice storage area, thereby helping to avoid gaps in the door 100 when closing the ice storage area, which helps to ensure the ice storage environment in the ice storage area and avoids increasing the energy consumption of the ice maker.

[0041] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, according to one version of the present invention, the transmission parts 210 and 311 are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the orthographic projection of the closed area 111 of the door body 100. This can be understood as follows: the staggered arrangement is specifically configured such that both the transmission parts 210 and 311 are located on one side of the door body 100, and are staggered in orthographic projection from the closed area 111 of the door body 100, achieving independent spatial arrangement and improving the reliability of the transmission.

[0042] Of course, in some embodiments, the door 100 may also be provided with a sealing partition to separate the transmission part 210 and the transmission groove 311, preventing cold air in the ice storage area from leaking to the outside through the transmission part and the transmission groove 311. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 300 are located on one side of the middle of the door 100, similar to a handle structure. However, the transmission part 210 and the transmission groove 310 on the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 300 are not connected to the other side of the door 100, i.e., the side closer to the interior of the ice storage area, thus also preventing cold air leakage from the ice storage area.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the output end of the drive mechanism 400 drives the second transmission member 300 to rotate, thereby the first transmission member 200 drives the door 100 to rotate through the cooperation of the transmission groove 311 and the transmission part 210. Specifically, the drive mechanism 400 can be a stepper motor, servo motor, etc. The drive mechanism 400 is provided with mounting lugs on opposite sides, and the mounting lugs are provided with mounting through holes so that the drive mechanism 400 can be fixedly installed in the ice storage area of ​​the ice maker by passing bolts or the like through the mounting through holes.

[0044] It should also be noted that the transmission groove 311 is located on the second transmission member 300, while the transmission part 210 is located on the first transmission member 200. This can simplify the structural design of the door body 100, reduce production costs, avoid affecting the closed area 111 of the door body 100, and ensure the integrity and sealing performance of the door body 100.

[0045] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the invention, the width of the transmission groove 311 is greater than the width of the transmission part 210, making the transmission groove 311 an elongated groove. With this structure, the elongated groove, due to its longer contact surface, can provide a stable transmission connection and reduce displacement of the transmission part 210 caused by vibration or impact. The elongated groove design also makes the installation and disassembly of the transmission part 210 more convenient, and provides a more spacious operating area.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the transmission groove 311 is straight. The drive mechanism 400 drives the second transmission component 300 to rotate, and the transmission part 210 moves along the straight transmission groove 311. At the same time, the door body 100 rotates relative to it, realizing the opening or closing of the door. The design and processing of the straight transmission groove 311 are relatively simple, requiring no complex machine tools or processing technology, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. Installation and replacement are also more convenient, and maintenance is simpler.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transmission groove 311 is arc-shaped. By making the transmission groove 311 an arc-shaped structure, it is beneficial for the door body 100 to have a surge in contact with the transmission part 210 and the transmission groove 311 during rotation.

[0048] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the invention, the first transmission component 200 and the door body 100 are configured as an integral structure. This configuration results in a compact structure, reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall design, lowers assembly complexity, helps reduce production and maintenance costs, and reduces potential failure points such as loose or worn connectors, thereby improving the reliability of the switching device.

[0049] Of course, in some embodiments, the first transmission component 200 can also be detachably connected to the door body 100 by means of bolts, snap-fit, etc., which is not limited here.

[0050] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the first transmission member 200 is a transmission plate connected to the side away from the closed area 111 of the door body 100. The transmission plate protrudes from the closed area 111 of the door body 100 and is perpendicular to the closed area 111 of the door body 100. The transmission part 210 is a transmission protrusion connected to the transmission plate. There is a gap between the transmission protrusion and the side wall of the closed area 111 of the door body 100, and the center line of the transmission protrusion is perpendicular to the side of the transmission plate, making full use of space and improving the reliability of transmission and structural stability.

[0051] It is also understood that in some embodiments, the first transmission member 200 may be a stud, and the transmission part 210 may be the head of the stud, which is not limited here.

[0052] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment of the invention, the second transmission member 300 includes a first transmission arm 310 and a second transmission arm 320 that are inclined at an angle to each other. The first transmission arm 310 is connected to the second transmission arm 320, and a transmission groove 311 is formed in the first transmission arm 310. The second transmission arm 320 is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 400. This structure allows the transmission groove 311 of the second transmission member 300 and the rotation center of the second transmission member 300 to be arranged separately, avoiding structural overlap and making inspection and maintenance easier.

[0053] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first transmission arm 310 and the second transmission arm 320, which are inclined at each other, can be understood as having an included angle between them. This can be interpreted as the second transmission member 300 being a bent crank, allowing the drive mechanism 400 to better drive the door body 100 to rotate via the first transmission arm 310 and the second transmission arm 320, and also facilitating the use of the length of the second transmission member 300 to fully utilize space. Of course, in some embodiments, the second transmission member 300 can also be a straight plate, which is not limited here.

[0054] Understandably, referring to Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the second transmission arm 320 is provided with a mounting hole 321, and the output end of the drive mechanism 400, i.e. the output shaft, is inserted into the mounting hole 321 and is linked together. The structure is simple and easy to disassemble and maintain.

[0055] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the door body 100 is provided with a limiting structure 500, which is used to limit the relative position of the second transmission member 300 and the door body 100 in the width direction.

[0056] The above structure ensures proper alignment between the second transmission component 300 and the door body 100, preventing transmission problems or damage caused by misalignment, and improving the overall stability of the switching device. It also makes the installation of the door body 100 and the second transmission component 300 easier, reducing the adjustment and calibration time during installation.

[0057] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment of the present invention, the limiting structure 500 is a limiting boss connected to the door body 100, and one side of the limiting boss in the width direction abuts against the second transmission member 300. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the limiting boss is located on the inner side of the closed area 111 of the door body 100 and protrudes outward.

[0058] With the above settings, a limiting boss is used as the limiting structure 500 to restrict the movement of the second transmission component 300 relative to the door body 100 in the width direction. The limiting boss has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and has a low cost, thereby improving the performance and reliability of the entire switching device.

[0059] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the door body 100 includes a door leaf 110 and a mounting shaft 120, and the mounting shaft 120 is connected to the door leaf 110; wherein, the first transmission member 200 is disposed on one of the door leaf 110 and the mounting shaft 120.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the door leaf 110 is a plate, the enclosed area 111 is formed on the door leaf 110, the mounting shaft 120 is rotatably connected to the structure at the ice storage area of ​​the ice maker, and the first transmission member 200 is located on one side of the door leaf 110 and away from the enclosed area 111. Of course, in some embodiments, the first transmission member 200 may also be located on the mounting shaft 120, which is not limited here.

[0061] With the above structure, the first transmission component 200 is concentrated on the door leaf 110 or the mounting shaft 120, reducing unnecessary complex parts and bringing about structural simplification, cost reduction, maintenance convenience and performance improvement.

[0062] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the mounting shaft 120 is provided with a first positioning protrusion 121 and a second positioning protrusion 122, the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122 are spaced apart, and the door leaf 110 is located between the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122.

[0063] It can be understood that the door leaf 110 is clamped and arranged on the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122, restricting the movement of the door leaf 110 in the width direction and improving the overall stability and reliability of the door body 100. In this embodiment of the utility model, the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122 can both serve as pre-installed positioning structures. After the door leaf 110 is pre-installed and positioned, it can be connected to the mounting shaft 120 by welding, bolts, or other means, which is not limited here.

[0064] It should also be noted that, in this embodiment of the utility model, the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122 can be provided on the mounting shaft 120 by welding or integral injection molding, or the first positioning protrusion 121 and the second positioning protrusion 122 can be provided as positioning studs, snap-fit ​​blocks, etc., which are not limited here.

[0065] It is understood that in this embodiment of the utility model, the mounting shaft 120 and the door leaf 110 can be integrally connected. For example, the mounting shaft 120 and the door leaf 110 can be formed into a whole by welding or integral injection molding. It can be understood that the first transmission component 200 is provided on one side of the door leaf 110 by welding or integral injection molding. Of course, in some embodiments, the mounting shaft 120 and the door leaf 110 can also be separately connected. For example, the mounting shaft 120 and the door leaf 110 can be assembled into a whole by bolts, snap-fit, etc.

[0066] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present invention, when the door 100 is closed, the orthographic projections of the mounting shaft 120 and the second transmission component 300 on the horizontal plane are independent of each other, which helps to avoid the second transmission component 300 affecting the stability of the door 100 at the ice outlet in the closed ice storage area.

[0067] 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. A switching device, characterized in that, include: The door is configured to be rotatable and has an enclosed area for closing the ice storage area; The transmission assembly includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component. The first transmission component is throttle-connected to the door body. One of the first and second transmission components is provided with a transmission part, and the other is provided with a transmission groove. The transmission part is inserted into the transmission slot and is connected in a transmission manner; A drive mechanism is located on one side of the door body, and the output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the second transmission component. The transmission part and the transmission groove are arranged separately from the closed area of ​​the door body.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission positions of the transmission part and the transmission groove are offset from the orthographic projections of the closed area of ​​the door body.

3. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the transmission groove is greater than the width of the transmission part.

4. The switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission groove is either straight or arc-shaped.

5. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission component and the door body are configured as an integral structure.

6. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmission component includes a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm that are inclined at an angle to each other. The first transmission arm is connected to the second transmission arm, the transmission groove is formed in the first transmission arm, and the second transmission arm is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism.

7. The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The door body is provided with a limiting structure, which is used to limit the relative position of the second transmission member and the door body in the width direction.

8. The switching device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting structure is a limiting boss connected to the door body, and one side of the limiting boss in the width direction abuts against the second transmission member.

9. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door body includes: Door leaf; Mounting shaft, which is connected to the door leaf; The first transmission component is located on either the door leaf or the mounting shaft.

10. The switching device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting shaft is provided with a first positioning protrusion and a second positioning protrusion, which are spaced apart, and the door leaf is located between the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion.

11. An ice maker, characterized in that, Includes the switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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