Water receiving assembly, ice making structure, ice making device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and provides a water receiving assembly, an ice making structure, an ice making device and a refrigerator, the water receiving assembly comprises a water receiving lower cover which is rotatably arranged, and the water receiving lower cover at least has an ice making state in which a closed cavity is formed with an ice making module and an ice pouring state in which the closed cavity is opened to facilitate pouring of ice cubes. According to the embodiment of the invention, balance between sealed ice making and ice block pouring can be realized, and the running water ice making capacity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a water receiving component, an ice-making structure, an ice-making device, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators typically use a frost-free cooling system to make ice. By placing an ice tray filled with water in a suitable location within the refrigerator, and allowing cold air to continuously circulate through the tray for a period of time, ice cubes will form in the tray.

[0003] A small number of refrigerators can also make ice using a running water method. Sealed ice making and the ability to pour out ice are the basic requirements for large-volume running water ice making. The former requires the ability to make ice in a sealed or nearly sealed environment, while the latter requires the ability to pour out the finished ice.

[0004] Currently, refrigerators using continuous water ice making cannot achieve a balance between sealed ice making and pouring ice, often exhibiting a deficiency in one of the two aspects, resulting in poor continuous water ice making capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a water receiving component, an ice-making structure, an ice-making device, and a refrigerator, which can achieve a balance between sealed ice making and pouring ice blocks, thereby improving the water-based ice-making capacity.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a water-receiving assembly, comprising:

[0007] The water-receiving cover is rotatably configured, and the water-receiving cover has at least an ice-making state in which it forms a sealed cavity with the ice-making module, and an ice-pouring state in which the sealed cavity is opened to facilitate the pouring of ice.

[0008] According to the water receiving component described in the first aspect of this application, the water receiving component is based on the rotation of the water receiving cover. The water receiving component can switch between ice making state and ice pouring state, so that the ice making process can be completed in a closed cavity. After the ice making is completed, the closed cavity can be opened to pour out the ice, thereby improving the water flow ice making capacity of the ice making structure.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the underwater cover is configured as a second semi-enclosed structure.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second semi-enclosing structure includes:

[0011] Second arc plate;

[0012] And a pair of second end plates, which are connected to the two ends of the second arc-shaped plate.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the second arc-shaped plate is inclined from high to low.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the water-receiving cover has a water outlet at the lower end corresponding to the position of the second arc-shaped plate.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the outlet is disposed on the second end plate, and the outlet is located at one end of the second end plate that abuts against the second arc-shaped plate.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the water inlet cover includes an outlet communicating with the water outlet and connected to a water recycling system.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the water receiving assembly further includes:

[0018] A rotating assembly, wherein the water inlet cover is connected to the rotating assembly and is capable of rotating around the ice-making module under the drive of the rotating assembly.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the rotating assembly includes:

[0020] Drive motor;

[0021] And a rotating bracket, which is connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the underwater cover is connected to the rotating bracket.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the rotating support includes:

[0023] Shaft;

[0024] The rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, the connecting bracket is connected to the rotating shaft, and the water inlet cover is connected to the connecting bracket.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the connecting bracket includes a pair of rotating arms, which are respectively connected to both sides of the rotating shaft and extend in a direction away from each other.

[0026] A second aspect of this application provides an ice-making structure, comprising:

[0027] An ice-making module is used to form ice blocks;

[0028] And a water receiving assembly, including a rotatably configured water receiving lower cover, the water receiving lower cover having at least an ice-making state that forms a sealed cavity with the ice-making module and an ice-pouring state that opens the sealed cavity.

[0029] According to the ice-making structure described in the second aspect of this application, the ice-making structure uses flowing water to make ice, which can improve the transparency of the ice.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the ice-making module includes a mounting cover with a first semi-enclosed structure, and the water-receiving cover is configured as a second semi-enclosed structure, the inner diameter of the water-receiving cover being larger than the inner diameter of the mounting cover.

[0031] A third aspect of this application provides an ice-making apparatus, comprising:

[0032] A water recycling system, comprising a collector, the outer wall of which is provided with an arc-shaped groove, the tail of which is connected to a water receiving component, the water receiving component being located inside the collector;

[0033] And an ice-making structure, wherein the water-receiving lower cover of the ice-making structure is provided with an outlet, the outlet being able to move along the arc-shaped groove and connect to the water-receiving component.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the lead-out abuts against the arcuate groove.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the lead-out element is made of an elastic material.

[0036] The fourth aspect of this application provides a refrigerator including the ice-making device described above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making apparatus with its housing removed, according to an embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an ice-making structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an ice-making module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0043] Figure 6An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an ice-forming tray according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an outer frame according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0046] Figure 9 This illustrates a structural schematic diagram of an outer frame from another angle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a water distribution pipe according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a housing provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an installation top cover according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0050] Figure 13 An integrated design diagram of an ice-making component and a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0051] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a water-receiving assembly provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0052] Figure label:

[0053] 100 - Shell; 101 - Upper space; 102 - Lower space; 110 - First mounting platform;

[0054] 200-Ice-making structure; 210-Ice-making module; 220-Water receiving assembly; 211-Ice-forming assembly; 212-Refrigeration assembly; 213-Water distribution pipe; 214-Mounting top cover; 215-First de-icing assembly; 211a-Ice-forming chamber; 211b-Bottom wall; 211c-Side wall; 221-Water receiving bottom cover; 222-Rotating assembly;

[0055] 211c1 - First sidewall; 211c2 - Second sidewall; 211c3 - Third sidewall; 211c4 - Fourth sidewall; 211c11 - Guide surface; 211c12 - Water channel;

[0056] 2111-Ice forming tray; 2112-Outer frame; 2121-Refrigeration pipe; 2131-Water distribution hole; 2132-Water inlet; 2141-First connecting part; 2142-Second mounting platform; 2143-First arc-shaped plate; 2144-First end plate; 2151-Heating wire; 2211-Second arc-shaped plate; 2212-Second end plate; 2213-Water outlet; 2214-Lead-out part; 2221-Drive motor ; 2222-Rotating bracket; 2112a-Support frame; 2112b-Second connecting part; 2121a-Refrigerant inlet; 2121b-Refrigerant outlet; 2121c-Straight pipe part; 2121d-Bend part; 2143a-First arc-shaped surrounding cavity; 2144a-Water pipe through hole; 2211a-Second arc-shaped surrounding cavity; 2222a-Rotating shaft; 2222b-Connecting bracket; 2222b1-Rotating arm;

[0057] 300 - Water supply system; 310 - Water supply tank; 320 - Circulating water tank; 330 - First water pipe; 340 - First water pump; 350 - Second water pipe; 360 - Second water pump;

[0058] 400 - Water recycling system; 410 - Collector; 411 - Arc-shaped groove; 412 - Water receiving part;

[0059] 500 - Ice recycling structure; 510 - Ice recycling bin;

[0060] 10-Ice-making device;

[0061] 20-Refrigeration system; 21-Compressor; 22-Condenser; 23-Evaporator; 24-Capillary tube; 23a-Evaporator coil. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] Refrigerators, as common household appliances, are often used to preserve food, storing a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, soy products, and dairy products. With the development of refrigerators, some refrigerators also have ice-making functions. These refrigerators can be equipped with ice-making devices, which can be installed as independent systems inside the refrigerator.

[0064] The aforementioned refrigerators with ice-making functions typically use air cooling to make ice. For example, cold air can be introduced into the ice-making device, and ice can be formed in the device by exchanging heat with the water stored in the device.

[0065] The aforementioned ice-making device is typically equipped with an ice-forming tray. Water stored in the ice-making device can be directed to the ice-forming tray. When the ice-forming tray is full of water, cold air continuously acts on the ice-forming tray for a period of time, and ice blocks will form in the ice-forming tray.

[0066] The principle behind air-cooled ice making lies in the heat exchange between cold air and water. During this process, the cold air needs to continuously contact the water surface, resulting in a large contact area and slow cold transfer. After the water freezes, the ice blocks on the surface further hinder the transfer of cold, slowing down the ice-making process. Cold air can also enter the water, easily forming air bubbles in the ice, reducing its transparency and appearance. Furthermore, uneven distribution or turbulence of the cold air within the refrigerator further reduces transparency. Additionally, the constant interaction between water and the cold air circulating throughout the refrigerator can introduce unpleasant odors, affecting the ice's edibility.

[0067] Based on the above-mentioned situation and problems, this application provides an ice-making device that can be applied to refrigerators or other processing machines, such as ice makers. This ice-making device employs a novel ice-making method, effectively isolating or substantially isolating the influence of cold air on water, thereby solving the problems caused by the aforementioned air-cooled ice-making process.

[0068] In this embodiment of the application, the ice-making device can contact cool the flowing water to form ice. The water is in a continuous flow process, and contact cooling can provide a heat exchange method with higher heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the ice-making device can isolate or substantially isolate the influence of cold air on the water. Therefore, the ice-making device can improve the ice-making speed, improve the transparency of the ice, and prevent cross-contamination of air and odors with the refrigeration or freezing room.

[0069] Currently, refrigerators using water-flow ice making cannot achieve a balance between sealed ice making and ice pouring. They often exhibit deficiencies or inadequacies in one of these aspects. For example, when the sealing effect is good, it is difficult to pour out ice blocks smoothly, and when ice blocks can be poured out smoothly, it is difficult to make ice in a sealed environment. The refrigerator's water-flow ice making capability is poor.

[0070] In response, the ice-making device of this application has been rationally designed in terms of structure, which can achieve a balance between sealed ice making and pouring ice blocks, thereby improving the refrigerator's water-flow ice-making capacity.

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making apparatus with its housing removed, according to an embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ice-making device 10 in this embodiment may include a housing 100, an ice-making structure 200, a water supply system 300, a water recycling system 400, and an ice block recycling structure 500. The housing 100 is the surrounding structure of the ice-making device 10. The ice-making structure 200 and the ice block recycling structure 500 may be disposed within the housing 100. The water supply system 300 and the water recycling system 400 may be connected to the housing 100. The former is used to supply water to the ice-making structure 200, and the latter is used to recycle the water remaining after ice making.

[0073] The housing 100 can be placed as an independent structure inside the refrigerator, or it can be formed within the internal structure of the refrigerator. For example, the housing 100 can be integrated into the inner wall of the refrigerator.

[0074] The shell 100 can be designed with a rectangular structure, for example, a cuboid structure, with its internal space designed in two layers. For instance, the ice-making structure 200 can be located in the upper space 101 of the shell 100, and the ice-collecting structure 500 can be located in the lower space 102 of the shell 100. As mentioned above, the function of the ice-collecting structure 500 is to collect the ice from the ice-making structure 200. Therefore, the shell 100 with its two-layer structure allows for a reasonable arrangement of the positions of the ice-making structure 200 and the ice-collecting structure 500 within the shell 100, enabling the ice to fall directly into the ice-collecting structure 500 under the influence of gravity.

[0075] It is understood that the shell 100 can form two separate spaces inside to form the aforementioned upper space 101 and lower space 102 respectively. A partition (not shown in the figure) or other structure can be provided between the two spaces. In order to enable the ice to fall into the ice recycling structure 500, the partition can be provided with through holes for the ice to pass through.

[0076] Understandably, in order to reduce the impact of cold air on water, the housing 100 can adopt a sealed or relatively sealed structure. The housing 100 can form an independent area in the refrigerator that is separated from other areas in the refrigerator. The cold air circulation in the refrigerator cannot or rarely affects this independent area, which can prevent cross-contamination of air and odors with the refrigerator or freezer compartments, thereby improving the effect of eliminating odors in ice.

[0077] In the above-mentioned upper and lower layered structure type of housing 100, the upper space 101 or the lower space 102 may be provided with a structure that can absorb cold air or a sealing structure at certain structural joints, such as at the joint between the water supply system 300 or the water recycling system 400 and the housing 100. The structure that can absorb cold air may be honeycomb foam, etc., and the sealing structure may be a sealing ring made of silicone or rubber, etc.

[0078] In the above description, it can be based on Figure 1 The coordinate system shown is used to understand the description of each direction or orientation. In this system, the positive X direction is the width direction of the shell 100, the positive Y direction is the thickness direction of the shell 100, and the positive Z direction is the height direction of the shell 100. The above-mentioned layered design refers to the shell 100 being layered in the height direction.

[0079] Furthermore, it will be appreciated in conjunction with the following embodiments that the width direction defines the left and right sides of the housing 100, wherein the right side is the same as the positive X direction; the thickness direction defines the front and rear of the housing 100, wherein the front side is the same as the positive Y direction; and the height direction defines the upper and lower sides of the housing 100, wherein the upper side is the same as the positive Z direction.

[0080] The ice-making structure 200 in this embodiment is the structure for forming ice blocks in the ice-making device 10. Water can flow through the ice-making structure 200 and form contact cooling with it. To allow water to flow through the ice-making structure 200, the ice-making structure 200 can receive water from the water supply system 300 at the top, allowing the water to flow from top to bottom by its own weight. The following embodiments of this application mainly describe the ice-making structure 200 in a top-to-bottom flow manner. It is understood that in other embodiments, water can also flow through the ice-making structure 200 in a left-to-right or right-to-left direction.

[0081] The water supply system 300 can deliver water to the ice-making structure 200. This system 300 may include a water supply tank 310, which can be located outside the housing 100. Sterilized and disinfected water can be stored in the water supply tank 310. Water in the water supply tank 310 can be directly delivered to the ice-making structure 200, or it can be delivered to the ice-making structure 200 after passing through a circulation structure (such as the circulating water tank 320 described below). This circulation structure allows for water reuse. It is understood that when the water supply system 300 is equipped with the water supply tank 310 and the circulation structure, the water supply tank 310, the ice-making structure 200, and the circulating water tank 320 can form a water supply circulation system. The water supply tank 310 can supply water to the ice-making structure 200, and the circulating water tank 320 can deliver water to the water supply tank 310 to achieve water reuse after ice making. This saves water beyond meeting the water requirements for ice making.

[0082] Of course, in other embodiments, the water supply system 300 may not have a water supply tank 310 outside the housing 100, but instead a circulating water tank 320 inside the housing 100. The circulating water tank 320 can transport water to the ice-making structure 200. When the water volume in the circulating structure is insufficient due to the gradual formation of ice, the circulating water tank 320 can be replenished. For example, the circulating water tank 320 can be pulled out of the housing 100 for water replenishment, or water can be injected into the circulating structure through an injection device outside the housing 100, or a water replenishment tank can be set outside the housing 100, which can transport water to the circulating water tank 320.

[0083] All or part of the above-described variations of the water supply system 300 will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0084] The water recycling system 400 can recycle the water remaining after ice making. The water recycling system 400 can be connected to the water supply system 300, especially to the aforementioned water supply circulation system. The water recycling system 400 is equipped with a collector 410 that can collect water flowing out of the ice making structure 200 and a power structure that allows water to flow in the water supply circulation system. The collector 410 can collect the water after ice making and transport it to the water supply system 300, for example, to the aforementioned circulating water tank 320 or water supply tank 310. The power structure can be, for example, the first water pump 340 in the following embodiment.

[0085] Of course, in other embodiments, the water recycling system 400 can also be set up separately. For example, the water recycling system 400 can be configured with a container that can collect water. When the water in the container reaches a specified capacity, the container can be removed from the ice-making device 10 and the water poured out, and then put back into the ice-making device 10 for continued use.

[0086] The ice recycling structure 500 can be equipped with an ice recycling bin 510, which can be located at the bottom of the housing 100. Ice blocks formed in the ice-making structure 200 can fall into the ice recycling bin 510.

[0087] In some embodiments, to prevent ice cubes from being damaged when falling into the ice cube recycling bin 510, a cushioning structure can be provided in the ice cube recycling bin 510. The cushioning structure can be a soft pad or a structure with a certain degree of elasticity.

[0088] In some embodiments, a channel structure can be provided between the ice-making structure 200 and the ice cube recycling bin 510. This channel structure can be inclined so that ice cubes can slowly enter the ice cube recycling bin 510 along the channel structure, and it can also buffer the ice cubes. This channel structure can be connected to the housing 100, the ice-making structure 200, or the ice cube recycling bin 510.

[0089] Understandably, to facilitate the removal of ice, the ice collection box 510 can be installed entirely within the housing 100 via a pull-out mechanism. When ice needs to be removed, the ice collection box 510 can simply be pulled out of the housing 100. To ensure that the ice collection box 510 can be smoothly pulled out or pushed into the housing 100, guide rails can be provided at the bottom or other locations of the housing 100, allowing the ice collection box 510 to move along these guide rails.

[0090] In addition, a door opening and closing mechanism can be installed in the ice recycling bin 510. This door opening and closing mechanism is an electrically controllable structure and is designed with an ice dispensing button on the refrigerator. By pressing the ice dispensing button, the door opening and closing mechanism can be opened, so that ice can be discharged from the door opening and closing mechanism.

[0091] Understandably, to prevent excessive ice from being output at once, a screening structure for sorting ice can be installed in the ice recycling bin 510. This screening structure can, for example, move up and down within the ice recycling bin 510. The screening structure has a screening platform, which can be a flat structure, but is more suitable for a structure with a recessed area. Its size can be designed according to actual needs. By setting the number of times or the duration of the lifting and lowering motion of the screening structure, the required amount of ice can be left on the screening platform during the movement of the screening structure. Then, by controlling the opening and closing of the door structure, the restriction of the door structure on the ice on the screening platform is released, and the required amount of ice can be output from the ice recycling bin 510.

[0092] In some embodiments, multiple screening structures can be provided in the ice recycling bin 510, so that different screening structures can be controlled to move according to usage needs, thereby obtaining the required amount of ice according to the user's current needs.

[0093] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an ice-making structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making structure provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 3 to 4The ice-making structure 200 includes an ice-making module 210 and a water-receiving component 220. The ice-making module 210 is used to form ice blocks, and the water-receiving component 220 is used to receive the water remaining after ice making. That is, water flows continuously through the ice-making structure 200, some of which can form ice blocks, while the excess water will flow out of the ice-making structure 200 and be received by the water-receiving component 220.

[0095] The ice-making structure 200 in this embodiment uses flowing water to make ice, which can improve the transparency of the ice.

[0096] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an ice-making module according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 6 An exploded schematic diagram of an ice-making module provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0097] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The ice-making module 210 includes an ice-forming component 211 and a refrigeration component 212.

[0098] The ice-forming component 211 is the site for ice formation, and the ice-forming component 211 has an ice-forming cavity 211a and a water flow channel that can pass through the ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0099] Understandably, after the water is delivered to the ice-making module 210, the water can be transported along the water flow channel. During the transport process, the water will pass through the ice-forming cavity 211a. During this process, some water will remain in the ice-forming cavity 211a, or due to factors such as flow rate and flow volume, some water will slowly pass through the ice-forming cavity 211a. This part of the water can gradually become ice under the action of the refrigeration component 212.

[0100] The structure of the ice-forming cavity 211a in this embodiment determines the structure of the ice block. It can be understood that ice blocks with different structures can be formed by setting different shapes of ice-forming cavities 211a.

[0101] The refrigeration component 212 can be designed to partially extend into the ice-forming chamber 211a, or it can be connected to the ice-making component. The function of the refrigeration component 212 is to provide cooling to the ice-forming component 211, giving it a lower temperature. This allows the water flowing through the ice-forming chamber 211a to come into contact with the lower-temperature ice-forming component 211, thus forming the contact cooling described above. The cooling energy of the ice-forming component 211 can be transferred to the water flow, causing the water to turn into ice.

[0102] In this embodiment, when water flows through the ice-forming chamber 211a along the water flow channel, the refrigeration component 212 can continuously provide cooling to the ice-forming component 211. During the flow of water, the water directly contacts the ice-forming component 211, causing the water to form ice blocks in the ice-forming chamber 211a. The ice block forming process can isolate the interference of cold air. The ice block forming depends on the continuous flow of water. Therefore, the ice-making module 210 can improve the ice-making speed, increase the transparency of the ice blocks, and eliminate the odor of the ice blocks.

[0103] In some embodiments, the ice-forming cavity includes a peripheral wall for water flow, the peripheral wall forming a water flow channel, i.e., water can flow along the surface of the peripheral wall.

[0104] In some embodiments, in the ice-making module 210, at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the ice-forming cavity 211a can be configured to reduce the flow rate of the water along a first extending direction of the water flow channel.

[0105] It should be noted that the peripheral wall here refers to the structural part of the solid structure in the ice-forming component 211 that is adjacent to the ice-forming cavity 211a (for example, the peripheral wall can be formed by the ice-forming plate 2111 in the following embodiment). When water flows through the ice-forming cavity 211a, the flow rate of the water can be reduced based on the setting of the peripheral wall, thereby facilitating the refrigeration component 212 to provide cooling to the water with reduced flow rate to form ice.

[0106] The structural design based on the perimeter wall can reduce the flow velocity of water, making it easier for the water to remain in the ice-forming cavity 211a, or make it easier for the water to form more sufficient contact with the ice-forming component 211, which is beneficial for the formation of ice blocks in the ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0107] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The peripheral wall includes a bottom wall 211b and a side wall 211c. Water can flow along the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c. The water can slowly freeze on the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c. It is understood that in some specific embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom wall 211b and / or the side wall 211c is configured to reduce the flow rate of the water to increase the freezing rate.

[0108] The peripheral wall is designed to include a bottom wall 211b and a side wall 211c. A structure that can reduce the flow velocity of water can be provided on one or both of the bottom wall 211b and the side wall 211c.

[0109] by Figure 1 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the water flows from top to bottom through the ice-making module 210. The first extension direction of the water flow channel is vertical. The bottom wall 211b can be designed to extend from top to bottom in a vertical plane, and the side wall 211c can be designed to surround the bottom wall 211b.

[0110] In other embodiments, the bottom wall 211b may be inclined and the side wall 211c may be formed at one end of the bottom wall 211b. When the water flows along the bottom wall 211b and reaches the side wall 211c, the side wall 211c can block the water flow, thereby reducing the flow rate of the water.

[0111] In the following embodiments, the peripheral wall is described in detail mainly using the bottom wall 211b disposed in the vertical plane as an example, in which the water flows vertically through the ice-making module 210. It is understood that in other embodiments, for example when the water flows from left to right through the ice-making module 210, the peripheral wall may adopt other structures.

[0112] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second extending direction of the bottom wall 211b is parallel to the first extending direction, and at least a portion of the side wall 211c is set at an angle to the first extending direction.

[0113] The water can flow on the bottom wall 211b at a first speed. At this time, the direction of the water flow is vertical. The first speed is the fast stage of the water flow. When the water flows towards the side wall 211c, the direction of the water flow will form an angle with the vertical direction. The water flow enters the slow stage. The water can flow over the side wall 211c at a second speed. This second speed is less than the first speed, which makes the time for the water to pass over the side wall 211c longer. This is conducive to the formation of sufficient heat exchange between the water flow and the ice-forming component 211. The ice will gradually form on the side wall 211c. With the continuous flow of subsequent water, the ice will gradually form and fill the entire ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0114] Understandably, the size of the included angle can be varied in conjunction with different design factors. For example, when the water flow rate is large, the included angle α (refer to...) Figure 7 The angle can be increased accordingly; for example, the included angle can be close to a right angle. When the water flow rate is small, the included angle can be reduced accordingly.

[0115] In some specific embodiments, the included angle is an acute angle, which can reduce the flow velocity of the water while ensuring that the water flows smoothly through the sidewall 211c.

[0116] In some specific embodiments, an arc segment can be provided between the side wall 211c and the bottom wall 211b, which can improve the connection strength between the side wall 211c and the bottom wall 211b, and also reduce the flow resistance to water flow, making it easier for water to flow from the bottom wall 211b to the side wall 211c.

[0117] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The sidewall 211c includes a first sidewall 211c1 and a second sidewall 211c2, which are arranged alternately along a first extending direction. In some specific embodiments, the second sidewall 211c2 is arranged at an angle to the first extending direction.

[0118] The second sidewall 211c2 can block the water flow to a certain extent, thereby allowing the water flow to flow on the second sidewall 211c2 at a second speed.

[0119] The sidewall 211c also includes a third sidewall 211c3 and a fourth sidewall 211c4, which are connected between the first sidewall 211c1 and the second sidewall 211c2.

[0120] The embodiments of this application, based on the arrangement of the first sidewall 211c1, the second sidewall 211c2, the third sidewall 211c3, and the fourth sidewall 211c4, can form an ice-forming cavity 211a with a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure, thereby enabling the production of ice blocks with a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0121] Understandably, water can flow from the outside of the first sidewall 211c1 into the ice-forming cavity 211a. The water enters the ice-forming cavity 211a and flows along the bottom wall 211b at a first velocity. Then, the water flows at a second velocity along the second sidewall 211c2, thereby gradually forming ice on the second sidewall 211c2. Of course, when the second sidewall 211c2 is not angled, the water can also gradually form ice on the entire surface of the peripheral wall.

[0122] To facilitate the flow of water to the ice-forming cavity 211a, in some specific embodiments, the surface of the first sidewall 211c1 facing the first extending direction is configured as an inclined guide surface 211c11, with the lower end of the guide surface 211c11 facing the bottom wall 211b. When water flows into the water channel from the outside of the first sidewall 211c1, the guide surface 211c11 can guide the water flow to the ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0123] It is understood that a water passage channel (not shown in the figure) or a water passage hole or other structure can be formed between the first side wall 211c1 and the bottom wall 211b, so that water can flow into the ice-forming cavity 211a from these structures.

[0124] To achieve uniform water flow on the guide surface 211c11, micro-grooves can be provided on the guide surface 211c11, so that the water can flow along the grooves and towards the bottom wall 211b.

[0125] In other specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 8Alternatively, by controlling the water flow rate and combining it with the gravity flow characteristics of the water, the water can be made to flow through an ice cavity 211a. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 5 The lower end of the guide surface 211c11 is away from the bottom wall 211b. A water guide channel 211c12 can be provided on the first side wall 211c1. The water guide channel 211c12 can be designed as an outward expansion structure, that is, in the direction opposite to the Y direction, the diameter of the water guide channel 211c12 gradually increases. The water with a small flow rate flows along the water guide channel 211c12 to the rear side of the ice forming component 211 (the rear side can be understood according to the direction definition in the previous text). The water then enters the ice forming cavity 211a along the rear side. Then the water flows along the bottom wall 211b and the peripheral wall of the ice forming cavity 211a, so that the ice gradually forms on the bottom wall 211b and / or the peripheral wall. The above flow process is that the water flows along the surface of the peripheral wall.

[0126] In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211b includes a buffer structure for slowing down the flow rate of water.

[0127] The water flow can also be slowed down by setting a buffer structure on the bottom wall 211b. When the water flows on the bottom wall 211b and passes through the buffer structure, the speed of the water flow can be reduced.

[0128] In some specific embodiments, the buffer structure includes one or more of the following: recess, protrusion, and arc-shaped structure. For example, the buffer structure can be directly formed on the bottom wall 211b. For example, a recess can be formed at an appropriate position on the bottom wall 211b by cutting. The buffer structure can also be connected to the bottom wall 211b by a subsequent connection process. For example, a protrusion or arc-shaped structure can be connected to the bottom wall 211b by mechanical connection.

[0129] In some embodiments, the bottom wall 211b is formed with a temporary storage cavity that can be filled by water flow.

[0130] The temporary storage cavity can be a structure on the bottom wall 211b for retaining water flow. For example, the temporary storage cavity can be formed by a part of the above-mentioned pit, which has the function of retaining water flow. To form this part of the pit, the pit can be designed as a meandering structure, for example, a part of the pit is located in a vertical plane and the other part of the pit is located in a horizontal plane.

[0131] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 There are multiple ice-forming cavities 211a, which are arranged at intervals along the first extension direction, and the water flow channel runs through the multiple ice-forming cavities 211a.

[0132] Water can flow through multiple ice-forming chambers 211a in sequence, so that ice can be formed in each ice-forming chamber 211a, which can improve the efficiency of ice production.

[0133] Understandably, with Figure 1 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the speed of water flowing through each ice-forming cavity 211a is different. This is manifested in that the speed of water flowing through each ice-forming cavity 211a gradually decreases along the direction of water flow. Therefore, in actual ice formation, the ice blocks in each ice-forming cavity 211a gradually form from bottom to top, against the direction of water flow.

[0134] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The ice-forming component 211 includes multiple ice cavities 211a and multiple water flow channels that can correspondingly penetrate each ice cavity 211a. Each ice cavity 211a includes multiple ice-forming cavities 211a arranged at intervals along a first extending direction.

[0135] The design of this multi-component ice cavity 211a can further improve the efficiency of ice production.

[0136] In the above embodiments, multiple sets of water flow channels can be arranged at intervals, so that the water flow can be evenly distributed to each water flow channel.

[0137] To achieve a uniform distribution of water flow to each water flow channel, the embodiments of this application can configure the water supply system 300, for example, multiple sets of water supply systems 300 can be configured, with each set of water supply systems 300 corresponding to one water flow channel.

[0138] Of course, in some embodiments, only one water supply system 300 may be set up. By reasonably setting up the water supply system 300, the above-mentioned purpose of uniform water flow distribution can also be achieved. These reasonable settings can refer to the water distribution pipe 213 in the following embodiments.

[0139] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an ice-forming tray according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an outer frame according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 9 A structural schematic diagram of an outer frame provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown from another angle.

[0140] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5 to 9 The ice-forming component 211 includes an ice-forming plate 2111 and an outer frame 2112.

[0141] The ice-forming plate 2111 has an ice-forming cavity 211a. The ice-forming plate 2111 is set in the outer frame 2112, which can protect the ice-forming plate 2111. A water flow channel can pass through the ice-forming plate 2111.

[0142] It should be noted that the water flow channel passing through the ice-forming plate 2111 indicates that water can flow through the ice-forming plate 2111 from top to bottom. In conjunction with the above, it can be understood that when the ice-forming component 211 is provided with a water channel or water passage hole, the water flow channel can also pass through the outer frame 2112.

[0143] As described above, the water flow comes into contact with the ice-forming tray 2111, which has a low temperature under the action of the refrigeration component 212. The cold energy is transferred to the water flow through the ice-forming tray 2111, which can slowly form ice cubes. The outer frame 2112 can be made of a material with relatively good temperature retention. Enclosing the ice-forming tray 2111 with the outer frame 2112 can keep the temperature inside the ice-forming tray 2111 at a low level, which is beneficial to improving the ice forming speed.

[0144] The outer frame 2112 can be made of heat-insulating material to form a solid structure, or it can be designed as a hollow structure and filled with heat-insulating material inside.

[0145] Insulation materials can be selected from fiberglass, asbestos, rock wool, etc.

[0146] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a water distribution pipe provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0147] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 The ice-making module 210 also includes a water distribution pipe 213, which is installed on the outer frame 2112. The water distribution pipe 213 includes a water distribution hole 2131, through which water can enter the water flow channel.

[0148] Understandably, the water distribution pipe 213 can be connected to the water supply system 300, and water in the water supply system 300 can enter the water distribution pipe 213 and flow out from the water distribution hole 2131.

[0149] The number of water distribution holes 2131 can be set according to the number of water flow channels. The number of water distribution holes 2131 can be the same as the number of water flow channels. In this case, the water distribution holes 2131 and the water flow channels are set one-to-one. Alternatively, multiple water distribution holes 2131 can be set to correspond to one water flow channel. In this case, the number of water distribution holes 2131 is greater than the number of water flow channels.

[0150] To install the water distribution pipe 213, please refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 A support frame 2112a is formed by a protrusion on the outer frame 2112, and the water distribution pipe 213 is mounted on the support frame 2112a.

[0151] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The water distribution pipe 213 includes an inlet 2132 and multiple water distribution holes 2131 connected to the inlet 2132. The density of the water distribution holes 2131 gradually increases along the direction away from the inlet 2132.

[0152] The density here indicates that the distance between the water distribution holes 2131 gradually changes; an increasing density means that the distance between the water distribution holes 2131 gradually decreases. Taking a configuration of 5 water distribution holes 2131 as an example, along the direction away from the water inlet 2132, they are designated as the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth water distribution holes. It can be understood that the distance between the first and second water distribution holes is the largest, while the distance between the fourth and fifth water distribution holes is the smallest.

[0153] As described above, the inlet 2132 can be connected to the water supply system 300, through which water from the water supply system 300 enters the distribution pipe 213. It is understood that the closer to the inlet 2132, the greater the flow velocity and volume. By adjusting the density of the distribution holes 2131, the uneven flow caused by the different distances between each distribution hole 2131 and the inlet 2132 can be balanced, ultimately ensuring that the water flowing out of each distribution hole 2131 maintains the same output volume.

[0154] In some embodiments, the above balance can also be achieved by changing the aperture of each water distribution hole 2131. For example, the aperture of the water distribution hole 2131 gradually increases in the direction away from the water inlet 2132.

[0155] This application does not limit the specific structure of the ice tray 2111 and the outer frame 2112 in the embodiments. For example, in Figures 3 to 8 In the example shown, the ice-forming disk 2111 has a cuboid structure, the outer frame 2112 is also roughly a cuboid structure, and the ice-forming cavity 211a can be formed on the front side of the ice-forming disk 2111, combined with... Figure 1 In the coordinate system, the positive side can be understood as the back side of the ice plate 2111.

[0156] In some embodiments, two ice-forming trays 2111 may be provided in the outer frame 2112, and the two ice-forming trays 2111 may be installed in the outer frame 2112 in a back-to-back manner.

[0157] Setting two ice-forming trays 2111 back to back can make full use of the space of the ice-making device 10. For example, two ice-forming trays 2111 can be set in the upper space 101 of the housing 100, and the two ice-forming trays 2111 can make full use of the space of the housing 100 along the Y direction.

[0158] With the same ice production capacity, the two ice-forming trays 2111 can each share the ice production capacity equally. Compared with the method of a single ice-forming tray 2111, the space occupied by the ice-making module 210 in the ice-making structure 200 can be saved while obtaining the same amount of ice, thereby reducing the space occupied by the ice-making device 10 in the refrigerator.

[0159] In some specific embodiments, the two ice-forming plates 2111 may have the same structure. For example, the two ice-forming plates 2111 may have the same number and shape of ice-forming cavities 211a, and the ice-forming cavities 211a may be arranged in the same way.

[0160] In some other specific embodiments, the two ice-forming trays 2111 may have different structural forms. For example, the ice-forming cavities 211a in the two ice-forming trays 2111 may have different shapes, thereby the ice-making module 210 can produce ice blocks of different shapes.

[0161] As described above, the function of the ice recycling structure 500 is to collect the finished ice blocks through the ice recycling bin 510. It is understood that the number of ice recycling bins 510 can be designed differently. For example, in the embodiment with a single ice-forming tray 2111, one ice recycling bin 510 can be provided; in the embodiment with two ice-forming trays 2111, two ice recycling bins 510 can be provided to collect ice blocks of different shapes. Of course, in the embodiment with two ice-forming trays 2111, only one ice recycling bin 510 can be provided, thus eliminating the need to distinguish the shape of the ice blocks and allowing for the simultaneous collection of ice blocks of different shapes.

[0162] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The ice-making module 210 also includes a mounting cover 214, and the outer frame 2112 is connected to the mounting cover 214. The mounting cover 214 is mounted on the housing 100 of the ice-making device 10.

[0163] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a housing provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an installation cover according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Please refer to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 To achieve the connection between the mounting cover 214 and the housing 100, the side wall 211c of the housing 100 extends into the housing 100 to form a first mounting platform 110, and the side wall 211c of the mounting cover 214 extends away from the mounting cover 214 to form a first connecting portion 2141, which can be connected to the first mounting platform 110.

[0164] To ensure a reliable connection, the first mounting platform 110 is configured to have a first mounting groove, and the first connecting part 2141 is configured to be a first protrusion that can be embedded into the first mounting groove. After the first protrusion is installed into the first mounting groove, the connection between the mounting cover 214 and the housing 100 can be achieved by fasteners such as screws.

[0165] To achieve the connection between the outer frame 2112 and the mounting cover 214, please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 The upper cover 214 is provided with a second mounting platform 2142, and the outer frame 2112 is provided with a second connecting part 2112b that can be connected to the second mounting platform 2142. A connection can be formed between the second mounting platform 2142 and the second connecting part 2112b by fasteners such as screws.

[0166] To ensure a reliable connection, the second mounting platform 2142 is provided with a second mounting groove, and the second connecting part 2112b is configured as a second protrusion that can be embedded in the second mounting groove. After the second protrusion is installed into the second mounting groove, the connection between the outer frame 2112 and the mounting cover 214 can be achieved by fasteners such as screws.

[0167] In conjunction with the foregoing, the ice-making process in this application can isolate or substantially isolate the interference of cold air. Therefore, the ice can be formed in a relatively enclosed space. In addition to the relevant settings for the shell 100 described above, the embodiments of this application can also achieve the above objectives by designing the specific shape of the mounting cover 214.

[0168] For example, in some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 12 The mounting cover 214 is configured as a first semi-enclosed structure that can surround the ice-making component from above.

[0169] The mounting cover 214 of the first semi-enclosed structure serves two purposes: firstly, it installs and fixes the ice-forming component 211; secondly, it partially encloses the ice-forming component 211. This first semi-enclosed structure, in conjunction with the second semi-enclosed structure in the following embodiments, can confine the ice-forming component 211 to a relatively sealed space, thereby isolating the ice-making process from cold air.

[0170] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 The first semi-enclosed structure includes a first arc-shaped plate 2143 and a pair of first end plates 2144, the first end plates 2144 being connected to both ends of the first arc-shaped plate 2143.

[0171] The first arc-shaped plate 2143 can form a first arc-shaped enclosing cavity 2143a, the ice-forming component 211 can be disposed in the first arc-shaped enclosing cavity 2143a, and the first end plate 2144 can close the first arc-shaped enclosing cavity 2143a at the end.

[0172] The aforementioned second mounting platform 2142 can be formed on the first arc-shaped plate 2143. For example, the second mounting platform 2142 can be formed by protruding into the first arc-shaped surrounding cavity 2143a at an appropriate position on the first arc-shaped plate 2143.

[0173] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration assembly 212 includes a refrigeration pipe 2121 for refrigerant flow, which is disposed at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0174] When the refrigerant flows in the refrigeration pipe 2121, it can provide sufficient cooling to the ice-forming component 211 through the outer wall of the refrigeration pipe 2121. When the flowing water forms sufficient contact with the refrigeration component 212, the refrigeration component 212 can drive the water to gradually form ice.

[0175] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration pipe 2121 includes a refrigerant inlet 2121a and a refrigerant outlet 2121b, and the refrigeration pipe 2121 has at least one bend 2121d formed in the direction from the refrigerant inlet 2121a to the refrigerant outlet 2121b.

[0176] The bend 2121d extends the travel of the refrigeration pipe 2121 in the ice-forming chamber 211a, increases the contact area between the refrigeration assembly 212 and the refrigeration pipe 2121, and extends the time for the refrigerant to pass through the ice-forming chamber 211a, thereby increasing the speed of ice formation.

[0177] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The refrigeration pipe 2121 includes a straight pipe section 2121c and a bent section 2121d. The end of the straight pipe section 2121c forms a refrigerant inlet 2121a, the bent section 2121d is connected to the straight pipe section 2121c, and the end of the bent section 2121d forms a refrigerant outlet 2121b.

[0178] It is understandable that the refrigerant can enter the refrigeration pipe 2121 from the refrigerant inlet 2121a. The refrigerant inlet 2121a, formed by the straight pipe section 2121c, allows the refrigerant to enter the ice-forming chamber 211a at a relatively fast speed, ensuring the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigeration pipe 2121 and thus improving heat exchange efficiency. The refrigerant outlet 2121b, formed by the bend section 2121d, extends the overall time for the refrigerant to pass through the ice-forming chamber 211a. In the above embodiment, the arrangement between the straight pipe section 2121c and the bend section 2121d achieves a balance between the refrigerant flow rate and the time it takes to flow through the ice-forming chamber 211a, ensuring the ice-forming effect of the ice-forming component 211 on the flowing water.

[0179] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly may be a separate piping system, wherein the refrigeration pipe 2121 may be connected to a device capable of providing refrigerant, and the circulation of refrigerant in the refrigeration pipe 2121 can continuously provide cooling to the water flow. In other embodiments, the ice-forming assembly 211 may also be integrated into the refrigerator's refrigeration system 20, with the refrigeration system 20 providing cooling to the ice-forming assembly 211.

[0180] Figure 13 An integrated design diagram of an ice-making component and a refrigeration system 20 according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0181] Please refer to Figure 13 The refrigerator's refrigeration system 20 may include necessary structures such as a compressor 21, a condenser 22, and an evaporator 23. The refrigerant can circulate between the compressor 21, the condenser 22, and the evaporator 23, thereby realizing the refrigeration function of the refrigeration system 20.

[0182] The evaporation coil 23a of the evaporator 23 is a component that absorbs heat in the evaporator 23. In a specific design, the evaporation coil 23a can be integrated into the bottom of the ice forming plate 2111. For example, it can be set at the bottom of the ice forming plate 2111 according to the structure and arrangement of the aforementioned refrigeration pipe 2121. The evaporation coil 23a can provide cooling for the water flowing through the ice forming plate 2111, so that ice blocks are gradually formed in the ice forming cavity 211a.

[0183] In addition, components such as capillary tubes 24 that can throttle and reduce pressure can be installed in the refrigeration system 20 to improve the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration system 20.

[0184] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The ice-making module 210 also includes a first de-icing component 215, which is used to heat the ice in the ice-forming cavity 211a to partially melt the ice, thereby causing the ice to detach from the ice-forming cavity 211a.

[0185] The first de-icing component 215 detaches the ice block from the ice-forming chamber 211a by heating. It can be understood that the first de-icing component 215 can be arranged around the ice-forming chamber 211a. When the first de-icing component 215 is working, it can cause the ice block to shrink by one ring, thereby allowing the ice block to detach from the ice-forming chamber 211a. The first de-icing component 215 can also act only on a localized area of ​​the ice block to complete the detachment.

[0186] For example, in some specific embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The first de-icing assembly 215 includes a heating wire 2151, which is disposed at the bottom of the ice-forming chamber 211a. Specifically, the heating wire 2151 can be wrapped around the outer periphery of the aforementioned refrigeration pipe 2121.

[0187] The heating wire 2151 can heat the bottom wall 211b of the ice block, causing the bottom wall 211b of the ice block to melt. At this time, combined with the ice block forming process and the setting of the second side wall 211c2 described above, it can be seen that the part of the ice block near the second side wall 211c2 has a larger structure and heavier weight. The ice block as a whole presents a trapezoidal protrusion structure. When the bottom of the ice block melts, the ice block can fall naturally into the ice block recycling box 510 under its own gravity and guided by the second side wall 211c2.

[0188] In some embodiments, the ice-making module 210 may further include a second de-icing component, which is used to apply force to the ice block in the ice-forming chamber 211a so that the ice block can be detached from the ice-forming chamber 211a.

[0189] The second de-icing component can adopt a structure such as a push rod. After ice making is completed, the push rod acts on the back of the ice block, which can drive the ice block to detach from the ice forming chamber 211a.

[0190] In some embodiments, a water inlet is formed at one end of the ice-forming cavity 211a, which may include the guide surface 211c11, the water guide groove 211c12, etc. mentioned above. A water outlet is formed at the other end of the ice-forming cavity 211a, which may include the second sidewall 211c2, etc. mentioned above. A water collection groove is formed on the water outlet for collecting water flow. By setting the water collection groove, the forming speed of ice blocks can be improved.

[0191] The above embodiments provide a detailed description of the overall structure of the ice-making module 210. As can be seen from the above description, the ice-making module 210 achieves direct contact between the ice-forming component 211 and the water flow. The ice-forming component 211 can transfer cold energy to the water flow, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency. The water flow can enter the ice-forming cavity 211a from different positions through the guide surface 211c11, guide groove, etc. When the water flow passes through the bottom wall 211b and / or side wall 211c, sufficient interaction can be formed between the ice-forming component 211 and the water flow, thereby forming ice blocks in the ice-forming cavity 211a. In conjunction with the foregoing, during the gradual formation of ice blocks, the water flow continuously passes through the ice-making module 210. A portion of the water is utilized to form ice blocks, while most of the water flows through the ice-making module 210 to form the remaining water after ice making (hereinafter referred to as "residual water") as described above. The water receiving component 220, as another component of the ice-making structure 200, receives this portion of water.

[0192] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water receiving component 220 provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0193] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 14 The water receiving assembly 220 includes a rotatably configured water receiving lower cover 221. The water receiving lower cover 221 has at least an ice-making state that forms a closed cavity with the ice-making module 210 and an ice-pouring state that opens the closed cavity to facilitate the pouring of ice.

[0194] As described above, the ice-making module 210 is provided with an upper cover 214. When the upper cover 214 adopts a first semi-enclosed structure, the upper cover 214 can form a first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a. The ice-forming component 211 is located in the first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a. The water-receiving cover 221 can cooperate with the upper cover 214 to achieve full enclosedness of the ice-forming component 211.

[0195] In this embodiment, the water receiving component 220 is based on the rotation of the water receiving cover 221. The water receiving component 220 can switch between ice making state and ice pouring state, so that the ice making process can be completed in the sealed cavity. After the ice making is completed, the sealed cavity can be opened to pour out the ice, thereby improving the water flow ice making capacity of the ice making structure 200.

[0196] When pouring ice, the sealed chamber needs to be opened by flipping the water-receiving cover 221. One method is to pour the ice after ice making is complete and the water in the water-receiving cover 221 has drained. For example, during the period between ice making and de-icing (e.g., 30 seconds), the water-receiving cover 221 remains in the ice-making state, allowing residual water to flow out during this time. Then, the water-receiving cover 221 is flipped, and the ice falls into the ice collection tank 510. Alternatively, the ice can first fall into the water-receiving cover 221, and then the cover is flipped to finally drop the ice into the ice collection tank 510. To prevent damage to the ice, a buffer structure similar to that described above in the ice collection tank 510 can be provided on the water-receiving cover 221.

[0197] To accommodate the mounting cover 214 of the first semi-enclosed structure in the ice-making module 210, please refer to the following embodiments: Figure 1 , Figure 14 The underwater cover 221 is configured as a second semi-enclosed structure, which can form a second arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2211a. The second arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2211a and the aforementioned first arc-shaped enclosed cavity 2143a can form the aforementioned sealed cavity.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second semi-enclosed structure includes a second arcuate plate 2211 and a second end plate 2212, the second end plate 2212 being connected to both ends of the second arcuate plate 2211.

[0199] In order to enable the water-receiving cover 221 to flip smoothly, the inner diameter of the second semi-enclosed structure needs to be larger than the inner diameter of the first semi-enclosed structure, so that the water-receiving cover 221 can be flipped around the outer periphery of the mounting cover 214.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second arc-shaped plate 2211 is inclined from high to low, in conjunction with a reference. Figure 1 The left end of the second arc plate 2211 is higher than the right end, so that when the residual water flows into the second arc plate 2211, the residual water can be transported from left to right along the first arc plate 2143 to the subsequent position.

[0201] In some embodiments, the water inlet cover 221 is provided with a water outlet 2213 at the lower end corresponding to the position of the second arc-shaped plate 2211.

[0202] The outlet 2213 is located at the right end of the second arc-shaped plate 2211, and the remaining water can be transported to the subsequent position through the outlet 2213.

[0203] In some embodiments, the water outlet 2213 is disposed on the second end plate 2212, and the water outlet 2213 is located at one end of the second end plate 2212 that abuts against the second arc-shaped plate 2211.

[0204] It is understandable that a water outlet 2213 can be provided on the second end plate 2212 located on the right end, and the water outlet 2213 is located at the bottom of the second end plate 2212.

[0205] In some embodiments, the water inlet cover 221 includes an outlet 2214 communicating with the water outlet 2213 and connected to the water recycling system 400.

[0206] The outlet 2214 can guide the residual water into the water recycling system 400. As mentioned above, the water recycling system 400 can be connected to the water supply system 300, thereby realizing the reuse of the residual water.

[0207] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the foregoing description and reference Figure 1 The water recycling system 400 is provided with a collector 410. The outer wall of the collector 410 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 411. The tail of the arc-shaped groove 411 is connected to a water receiving component 412. The water receiving component 412 is located inside the collector 410. The lead-out component 2214 can move along the arc-shaped groove 411 and connect to the water receiving component 412.

[0208] As the water receiving cover 2211 flips, the movement trajectory of the outlet 2214 is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped groove 411 can accommodate the movement of the outlet 2214. During the process of the water receiving cover switching from the ice-pouring state to the ice-making state, the outlet 2214 can move along the arc-shaped groove 411. When the outlet 2214 moves to the tail of the arc-shaped groove 411, it can communicate with the water receiving part 412, thereby achieving the purpose of conveying the remaining water to the collector 410.

[0209] In the above process, the outlet 2214 can abut against the arc-shaped groove 411. The outlet 2214 can be made of an elastic material so that the outlet 2214 can form a tight fit with the arc-shaped groove 411, which can prevent residual water from leaking between the water receiving cover 221 and the collector 410.

[0210] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 13 The water receiving assembly 220 also includes a rotating assembly 222. The water receiving cover 221 is connected to the rotating assembly 222 and can rotate around the ice making module 210 under the drive of the rotating assembly 222.

[0211] The rotating component 222 can drive the underwater cover 221 to rotate, thereby enabling the underwater cover 221 to switch between ice-making and ice-pouring states.

[0212] In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 222 includes a drive motor 2221 and a rotating bracket 2222. The rotating bracket 2222 is connected to the output end of the drive motor 2221, and the underwater cover 221 is connected to the rotating bracket 2222.

[0213] The drive motor 2221 can be installed on the housing 100. The output shaft of the drive motor 2221 is connected to the rotating bracket 2222. The drive motor 2221 can drive the rotating bracket 2222 to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the underwater cover 221.

[0214] In some specific embodiments, the rotating bracket 2222 includes a rotating shaft 2222a and a connecting bracket 2222b. The rotating shaft 2222a can be rotatably mounted on the housing 100. For example, holes for the rotating shaft 2222a can be provided on opposite sides of the housing 100. Bearings and other components can be provided between the rotating shaft 2222a and the holes for the rotating shaft 2222a. The rotating shaft 2222a is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 2221, and the connecting bracket 2222b is connected to the rotating shaft 2222a. The underwater cover 221 is connected to the connecting bracket 2222b.

[0215] The connecting bracket 2222b serves as an intermediate component between the rotating shaft 2222a and the water-receiving cover 221. By reasonably setting the structure of the connecting bracket 2222b, the connection strength between the water-receiving cover 221 and the rotating shaft 2222a can be improved, and the rotational stability of the water-receiving cover 221 can be enhanced.

[0216] For example, in some embodiments, the connecting bracket 2222b includes a pair of rotating arms 2222b1, which are respectively connected to both sides of the rotating shaft 2222a and extend away from each other. Specifically, the rotating arms 2222b1 can be connected to the second end plate 2212. The separate arrangement of the rotating arms 2222b1 can increase the contact area between the rotating arms 2222b1 and the second end plate 2212, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0217] To better understand the various structural combinations of the ice-making device 10 in the embodiments of this application, the following will describe each structure in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description only shows some embodiments of each structure, and more embodiments can be found in the preceding text.

[0218] Shell 100: It adopts a layered structure, forming an upper space 101 on the top and a lower space 102 on the bottom.

[0219] Water supply system 300: Please refer to the above text for details. Figure 1The water supply system 300 is equipped with a circulating water tank 320, a first water pipe 330, a first water pump 340, a water supply tank 310, a second water pipe 350, and a second water pump 360. The first water pipe 330 connects the circulating water tank 320 and the distribution pipe 213. Water can enter the distribution pipe 213 under the action of the first water pump 340. When the water in the circulating water tank 320 is insufficient, the second water pump 360 can be started so that the water in the replenishment tank enters the circulating water tank 320 through the second water pipe 350.

[0220] Please refer to the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 12 The cover 214 is also provided with a water pipe through hole 2144a. The water pipe through hole 2144a can be set on the first end plate 2144. The first water pipe 330 can pass through the water pipe through hole and be connected to the branch water pipe 213.

[0221] Water recycling system 400: Please refer to the above description. Figure 1 The water recycling system 400 is equipped with a collector 410, which has a water receiving part 412 and an arc-shaped groove 411 formed on the outer wall of the collector 410.

[0222] Ice recycling structure 500: Please refer to the above description. Figure 1 The ice recycling structure 500 is equipped with an ice recycling box 510, which is located in the lower space 102.

[0223] Ice-making structure 200: The ice-making structure 200 includes an ice-making module 210 and a water-receiving component 220. The ice-making module 210 includes an ice-forming component 211, a cooling component 212, a water distribution pipe 213, a mounting cover 214, and a first de-icing component 215. The water-receiving component 220 includes a water-receiving lower cover 221 and a rotating component 222. The mounting cover 214 adopts a first semi-enclosed structure, and the water-receiving lower cover 221 adopts a second semi-enclosed structure. The two can form a sealed cavity. The water-receiving component 220 can receive residual water and transport it to the water recycling system 400.

[0224] The working process of the ice-making device 10 is as follows: The water supply system 300 delivers water to the water distribution pipe 213, which then feeds the water into the ice-forming chamber 211a along the water flow channel. The ice-forming component 211, under the action of the refrigeration component 212, continuously transfers cold energy to the water flow, gradually forming ice blocks in the ice-forming chamber 211a. Residual water generated during the ice-making process can be recycled back into the water supply system 300 through the water recycling system 400. Water can circulate between the water supply system 300, the water distribution pipe 213, the ice-forming component 211, and the water recycling system 400, achieving continuous water ice making. After ice making is complete, the refrigeration component 212 and the water supply system 300 are turned off, and the ice blocks can be poured into the ice block recycling box 510 by flipping the water collection cover 221.

[0225] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0226] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof used in the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0227] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the connection within two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0228] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A water-receiving assembly, characterized in that, include: The water-receiving cover is rotatably configured, and the water-receiving cover has at least an ice-making state in which it forms a sealed cavity with the ice-making module, and an ice-pouring state in which the sealed cavity is opened to facilitate the pouring of ice.

2. The water receiving assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet cover is configured as a second semi-enclosed structure.

3. The water receiving assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second semi-enclosed structure includes: Second arc plate; And a pair of second end plates, which are connected to the two ends of the second arc-shaped plate.

4. The water receiving assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second arc-shaped plate is inclined from high to low.

5. The water receiving assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water inlet cover has a water outlet at the lower end corresponding to the position of the second arc-shaped plate.

6. The water receiving assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water outlet is disposed on the second end plate, and the water outlet is located at one end of the second end plate that abuts against the second arc-shaped plate.

7. The water receiving assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water inlet cover includes an outlet component that communicates with the water outlet and is connected to a water recycling system.

8. The water receiving assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water receiving assembly also includes: A rotating assembly, wherein the water inlet cover is connected to the rotating assembly and is capable of rotating around the ice-making module under the drive of the rotating assembly.

9. The water receiving assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes: Drive motor; And a rotating bracket, which is connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the underwater cover is connected to the rotating bracket.

10. The water receiving assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rotating bracket includes: Shaft; The rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, the connecting bracket is connected to the rotating shaft, and the water inlet cover is connected to the connecting bracket.

11. The water receiving assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting bracket includes a pair of rotating arms, which are respectively connected to both sides of the rotating shaft and extend in a direction away from each other.

12. An ice-making structure, characterized in that, include: An ice-making module is used to form ice blocks; And a water receiving assembly, including a rotatably configured water receiving lower cover, the water receiving lower cover having at least an ice-making state that forms a sealed cavity with the ice-making module and an ice-pouring state that opens the sealed cavity.

13. The ice-making structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ice-making module includes a mounting cover with a first semi-enclosed structure, and a water-receiving cover with a second semi-enclosed structure, wherein the inner diameter of the water-receiving cover is larger than the inner diameter of the mounting cover.

14. An ice-making apparatus, characterized in that, include: A water recycling system, comprising a collector, the outer wall of which is provided with an arc-shaped groove, the tail of which is connected to a water receiving component, the water receiving component being located inside the collector; And the ice-making structure according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the water-receiving lower cover of the ice-making structure is provided with an outlet member, the outlet member being movable along the arc-shaped groove and connected to the water-receiving member.

15. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The lead-out member abuts against the arc-shaped groove.

16. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The ice-making apparatus includes any one of claims 14 to 15.

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