Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ice maker, the ice maker comprises a shell assembly and an inner container, the shell assembly comprises a plurality of packaging plates, and the plurality of packaging plates comprise a front shell and two side plates; the inner container is provided with a storage space, the inner container is provided with a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, the first surface and the third surface are located on the two opposite sides of the inner container, and the second surface is connected between the first surface and the third surface; the front shell is installed on the second surface, and the two side plates are installed on the first surface and the third surface respectively. The front shell comprises a front shell body and a plurality of front shell connecting parts, the plurality of front shell connecting parts are distributed on two opposite sides of the front shell body and are connected with the front shell body, the plurality of front shell connecting parts respectively extend and are overlapped on the first surface and the third surface, and the two side plates respectively cover the first surface, the third surface and the plurality of front shell connecting parts. Under the arrangement of the embodiment, the ice maker displays that most of the surface observed by a user is not provided with a connecting structure, so that most of the outer surface of the ice maker is relatively clean and tidy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, there are more and more types of refrigeration equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers. Considering the heat preservation effect, such equipment generally includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The outer shell is basically a prefabricated shell, which is formed by assembling at least two shells.

[0003] The multiple housings are connected by screws, pins and other accessories. The fit between the multiple housings is low and the coverage of the parts is low. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an ice maker, which includes a shell assembly and an inner liner. The shell assembly includes multiple encapsulation plates, each including a front shell and two side plates. The inner liner has a storage space and has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The first and third surfaces are located on opposite sides of the inner liner, and the second surface is connected between the first and third surfaces. The front shell is mounted on the second surface, and the two side plates are respectively mounted on the first and third surfaces. The front shell includes a front shell body and multiple front shell connecting portions. The multiple front shell connecting portions are distributed on opposite sides of the front shell body and connected to the front shell body. The multiple front shell connecting portions extend and overlap the first and third surfaces, and the two side plates respectively cover the first and third surfaces and the multiple front shell connecting portions.

[0005] In some optional embodiments, the inner liner is provided with multiple locking parts, which are distributed on the first surface and the third surface, and each locking part corresponds to a multiple front shell connecting parts; when the front shell is installed on the second surface, each front shell connecting part is fitted to a locking part; the ice maker also includes multiple front shell fixing parts, which correspond to multiple front shell connecting parts, and the front shell fixing parts pass through a corresponding front shell connecting part and are locked to a corresponding locking part.

[0006] In some optional embodiments, each locking part protrudes relative to the first or third surface, and each locking part has a retaining surface on the side away from the second surface; the front shell connecting part includes an extension and a buckle, the extension is connected to the front shell body and protrudes relative to the front shell body, and the buckle is connected to the end of the extension away from the front shell body. When the front shell is installed on the second surface, the extension fits against a corresponding locking part, and the buckle is held in place by the retaining surface.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, the front shell further includes a perimeter edge connected to the outer periphery of the front shell body and extending toward the inner liner. A plurality of front shell connecting portions are sequentially and spaced apart from the side of the perimeter edge away from the front shell body. Each side plate includes a side plate body and a plug-in portion, with the plug-in portion sequentially and spaced apart from the side plate body. The side plate body is provided with a receiving space. When the front shell and the two side plates are installed in the inner liner, the perimeter edge is arranged around the outer periphery of the first surface and at least part of its structure is spaced apart from the first surface and the third surface. The plug-in portion is embedded between the perimeter edge and the inner liner, and each front shell connecting portion is embedded in the receiving space.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the inner liner further has a fourth surface, which is connected to one side of the second surface and is located between the first surface and the third surface; the side panel includes a side panel body and a plurality of first side panel connecting portions, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other and are connected to the side panel body. The side panel body covers the corresponding first or third surface, and the first side panel connecting portions are connected to the fourth surface; the plurality of encapsulation plates further include a top shell, which is connected to the inner liner and covers the fourth surface and the plurality of first side panel connecting portions.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the side panel further includes a plurality of first limiting parts, which are sequentially and spaced apart on the side of the side panel body near the fourth surface. Each first limiting part is provided with a first limiting slot. The top shell includes a top shell body and a plurality of top shell connecting buckles, which are sequentially and spaced apart on the top shell body. When the top shell is connected to the inner liner, the plurality of top shell connecting buckles correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first limiting parts, and each top shell connecting buckle is embedded in a corresponding first limiting slot.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the inner liner also has a fifth surface opposite to the second surface; the side panel includes a side panel body and a plurality of second side panel connecting portions, the plurality of second side panel connecting portions being sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body, the side panel body covering the corresponding first or third surface, and the second side panel connecting portions being connected to the fifth surface; the plurality of encapsulation plates also include a rear shell, the rear shell being connected to the inner liner, the rear shell covering the fifth surface and the plurality of second side panel connecting portions.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the side panel further includes a plurality of second limiting parts, which are sequentially and spaced apart on the side of the side panel body near the fifth surface. Each second limiting part is provided with a second limiting slot. The rear shell includes a rear shell body and a plurality of rear shell connecting buckles, which are sequentially and spaced apart on the rear shell body. When the rear shell is connected to the inner liner, the plurality of rear shell connecting buckles correspond one-to-one with the plurality of second limiting parts, and each rear shell connecting buckle is embedded in a corresponding second limiting slot.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the inner liner also has a sixth surface, which is connected to one side of the second surface and located between the first and third surfaces; the multiple encapsulation plates also include a base plate, which is connected to the inner liner and covers the sixth surface; the front shell also includes a front shell stack, which is connected to the front shell body on the side near the sixth surface and stacked on the side of the base plate away from the inner liner; the side plate includes a side plate body and a side plate stack, which is connected to the side plate body on the side near the sixth surface and stacked on the side of the base plate away from the inner liner.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the inner liner includes a first storage section, a second storage section, and a support column. The first storage section is mounted on the bottom plate, and the second storage section is connected to the side of the first storage section away from the bottom plate. The two ends of the support column are respectively connected to the second storage section and the bottom plate.

[0014] This application provides an ice maker, which includes a shell assembly and an inner liner. The inner liner has a storage space for storing ice cubes or water or beverages used to make ice cubes. The inner liner has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The first and third surfaces are located on opposite sides of the inner liner, and the second surface is connected between the first and second surfaces. The shell assembly includes multiple encapsulation plates, each including a front shell and two side plates. The front shell is mounted on the second surface, and the two side plates are respectively connected to the first and third surfaces. In this embodiment, the front shell includes a front shell body and multiple front shell connecting portions. The multiple front shell connecting portions are distributed on opposite sides of the front shell body and connected to the front shell body. The front shell connecting portions extend toward the inner liner relative to the front shell body. When the front shell is mounted on the second surface, the multiple front shell connecting portions are stacked on the first and third surfaces respectively. Subsequently, the two side plates are respectively mounted on the first and third surfaces, and the two side plates can respectively cover the first and third surfaces.

[0015] In this embodiment, with the front shell connected to the inner liner, the front shell body of the front shell is connected to the second surface of the inner liner, defining the front of the ice maker. Multiple front shell connecting portions of the front shell are stacked on the first and third surfaces, thus the front of the ice maker is largely free of connecting structures. Two side plates are respectively mounted on the first and third surfaces, covering both surfaces and defining the left and right surfaces of the ice maker. In this embodiment, the two side plates also cover the front shell connecting portions stacked on the first and third surfaces, so the left and right surfaces of the ice maker are largely free of connecting structures. With this configuration, the front shell and two side plates of the outer casing assembly are respectively mounted to the inner liner and define the front and left / right side surfaces of the ice maker. The two side plates are respectively positioned on both sides of the front shell and cover the front shell connecting portions used to connect the front shell to the inner liner, ensuring that most surfaces of the ice maker visible to the user are free of connecting structures, resulting in a cleaner overall appearance and improved aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded view of the ice maker from a first-person perspective.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded view of the ice maker from a second-person perspective.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the front shell of the outer casing assembly of the ice maker.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the inner liner of the ice maker.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the front shell connection and the inner liner locking part of the ice maker.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the side panel of the ice maker.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the fifth surface of the rear shell and inner liner of the ice maker.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the base plate and the sixth surface of the inner liner of the ice maker.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the two storage sections and the support section of the inner liner of the ice maker.

[0027] Reference numerals: 100, Ice maker; 10, Outer shell assembly; 11, Front shell; 111, Front shell body; 112, Front shell connecting part; 1121, Extension part; 1122, Buckle; 113, Front shell stacking part; 114, Edge trim; 12, Side panel; 121, Side panel body; 122, First side panel connecting part; 123, First limiting part; 1231, First limiting slot; 124, Second side panel connecting part; 125, Second limiting part; 1251, Second limiting slot; 126, Side panel stacking part; 127, Insertion part; 1 28. Accommodation space; 13. Top shell; 131. Top shell body; 132. Top shell connecting buckle; 14. Rear shell; 141. Rear shell body; 142. Rear shell connecting buckle; 15. Bottom plate; 16. Accommodation space; 20. Inner liner; 21. First surface; 22. Second surface; 23. Third surface; 24. Fourth surface; 25. Fifth surface; 26. Sixth surface; 27. Storage space; 28. Locking part; 281. Holding surface; 291. First storage part; 292. Second storage part; 40. Crossbeam; 50. Support column. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] Please see Figure 1This application provides an ice maker 100 for preparing ice cubes. The ice maker 100 may include a housing assembly 10, which serves as the main structure and external appearance of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the housing assembly 10 is provided with a receiving space 16, which serves to provide space for the ice-making process and to accommodate various components of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the ice maker 100 may also include a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, etc. (not shown in the figure), which are sequentially connected and end-to-end to form a circulating path. Refrigerant (such as Freon) flows in the circulation path. The low-temperature refrigerant is pumped into the evaporator after being compressed by the compressor. The evaporator can exchange heat with the liquid water to absorb the heat of the liquid water. The evaporator lowers the temperature of the liquid water until the liquid water freezes into ice, so as to realize the function of making ice cubes. Then the refrigerant flows to the condenser and exchanges heat with the external environment of the ice maker 100 to release the absorbed heat. Then it flows back to the compressor to start the next cycle.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the ice maker 100 may further include an inner liner 20, which is disposed within the accommodating space 16. The inner liner 20 has a storage space 27 for storing ice cubes or water or beverages used to make ice cubes. In this embodiment, the outer shell assembly 10 includes multiple encapsulation plates connected to the inner liner 20 to protect it. In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, and a third surface 23. The first surface 21 and the third surface 23 are located on opposite sides of the inner liner 20, and the second surface 22 is connected between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. In this embodiment, the multiple encapsulation plates include a front shell 11 and two side plates 12. The front shell 11 is mounted on the second surface 22, and the two side plates 12 are respectively connected to the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, with the outer shell assembly 10 connected to the inner liner 20, in the application environment where the ice maker 100 is in use, the front shell 11 is the front of the ice maker 100, and the user generally operates the ice maker 100 while facing the front shell 11. Based on this setting, the surfaces of the two side panels 12 mounted on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23 can be understood as the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100. Therefore, when the user uses the ice maker 100, the surfaces most frequently observed to be on the ice maker 100 include the front, left, and right surfaces.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the front shell 11 includes a front shell body 111 and a plurality of front shell connecting portions 112. The plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 are distributed on opposite sides of the front shell body 111 and connected to the front shell body 111. The front shell connecting portions 112 extend relative to the front shell body 111 toward the back of the ice maker 100 (opposite to the front). When the front shell 11 is mounted on the second surface 22, the plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 are respectively stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Subsequently, two side plates 12 are respectively mounted on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, and the two side plates 12 can respectively cover the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, when the side plate 12 mounted on the first surface 21 covers the first surface 21, it can also cover the plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 stacked on the first surface 21; when the side plate 12 mounted on the third surface 23 covers the third surface 23, it can also cover the plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 stacked on the third surface 23.

[0032] In summary, in this embodiment, when the front shell 11 is connected to the inner liner 20, the front shell body 111 of the front shell 11 is connected to the second surface 22 of the inner liner 20. The front shell body 111 defines the front of the ice maker 100. Multiple front shell connecting portions 112 of the front shell 11 are respectively stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Therefore, there are essentially no connecting structures on the front of the ice maker 100. Two side plates 12 are respectively mounted on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, covering the first surface 21 and the third surface 23 and defining the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the two side plates 12 also respectively cover the front shell connecting portions 112 stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Therefore, there are essentially no connecting structures on the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the front shell 11 and two side plates 12 of the outer shell assembly 10 are respectively installed on the inner liner 20 and define the front and left and right side surfaces of the ice maker 100. The two side plates 12 are respectively disposed on both sides of the front shell 11 and cover the front shell connecting part 112 of the front shell 11 for connecting the inner liner 20, so that most of the surface of the ice maker 100 that is visible to the user has no connecting structure, making most of the outer surface of the ice maker 100 relatively clean and improving the overall appearance of the ice maker 100.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 is provided with a plurality of locking portions 28, which are respectively disposed on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Each locking portion 28 corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of front shell connecting portions 112. When the front shell 11 is connected to the inner liner 20 and covers the second surface 22, each front shell connecting portion 112 is abutted against a corresponding locking portion 28. In this embodiment, each front shell connecting portion 112 at least partially covers and connects to a locking portion 28. In this embodiment, the connection method between the front shell connecting portion 112 and the locking portion 28 can be varied; for example, the front shell connecting portion 112 and the locking portion 28 can be fitted together or snapped together. The specific connection method is determined according to the structure of the front shell connecting portion 112 and the locking portion 28.

[0034] In this embodiment, the front shell connecting portion 112 and the locking portion 28 are fixedly connected by external accessories. In this embodiment, the ice maker 100 also includes front shell fixing members (not shown in the figure), with multiple front shell fixing members corresponding one-to-one with multiple front shell connecting portions 112. In this embodiment, the front shell connecting portion 112 is generally a flat, sheet-like structure, and the locking portion 28 is a block-like structure. Each front shell fixing member passes through a corresponding front shell connecting portion 112 and is locked to a corresponding locking portion 28. In this embodiment, the front shell fixing member includes at least one of screws and pins. In other embodiments, each front shell connecting portion 112 may be equipped with two front shell fixing members to improve the connection stability between the front shell 11 and the inner liner 20. In this embodiment, the number of locking portions 28 on the first surface 21 is the same as the number of locking portions 28 on the third surface 23. Correspondingly, the number of front shell connecting portions 112 connected to the opposite sides of the front shell body 111 is also the same, so that the connection stability between the opposite sides of the front shell 11 and the inner liner 20 is approximately the same, so that the structural stability of the front shell 11 is high.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 and 6In this embodiment, each locking part 28 protrudes relative to its location on the first surface 21 or the third surface 23, forming a protrusion-like structure. In this embodiment, each locking part 28 has a retaining surface 281 on the side facing away from the second surface 22. Correspondingly, each front shell connecting part 112 includes an extension 1121 and a latch 1122. The extension 1121 is connected to the front shell body 111 and extends relative to the front shell body 111, while the latch 1122 is connected to the end of the extension 1121 away from the front shell body 111. In this embodiment, the extension 1121 is generally the main structure of the front shell connecting part 112. The extension 1121 has a flat, sheet-like structure and fits (covers) a corresponding locking part 28. The front shell fastener passes through the extension 1121 and is locked to the locking part 28. In this embodiment, the snap fastener 1122 can engage with the retaining surface 281. The retaining surface 281 is shaped to fit the snap fastener 1122; for example, the retaining surface 281 may include a plane, a curved surface, or a groove structure for fitting with the snap fastener 1122. When the front shell 11 is mounted on the second surface 22, the snap fastener 1122 on each front shell connecting part 112 can engage with the retaining surface 281 of a corresponding locking part 28, thereby achieving the connection between the front shell connecting part 112 and the locking part 28, and the connection between the front shell 11 and the second surface 22 without using a front shell fastener. In this embodiment, without the assistance of a front shell fastener, the front shell 11 and the inner liner 20 can be pre-installed through the front shell connecting part 112 and the locking part 28, facilitating assembly.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the front shell 11 further includes a perimeter 114, which is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the front shell body 111. The perimeter 114 extends toward the inner liner 20 relative to the front shell body 111. A plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 are sequentially and spaced apart from the side of the perimeter 114 away from the front shell body 111, so as to make the structure of the front shell 11 more three-dimensional and improve the structural strength of the front shell 11. In this embodiment, when the front shell 11 is installed on the inner liner 20, the front shell body 111 covers the second surface 22, and the perimeter 114 is arranged around the outer periphery of the second surface 22. The perimeter 114 and the front shell body 111 define a certain internal space for the front shell 11. At least one side of the inner liner 20 with the second surface 22 is at least partially embedded in the internal space of the front shell 11. At least a portion of the structure of the perimeter 114 surrounds this side of the inner liner 20, and at least a portion of the structure of the perimeter 114 is spaced apart from the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, respectively.

[0037] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 7Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the side panel 12 includes a side panel body 121 and insertion portions 127, with the insertion portions 127 sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body 121. In this embodiment, multiple insertion portions 127 are located on the side of the side panel body 121 near the front shell 11 (or the second surface 22). In this embodiment, the side panel body 121 has a three-dimensional structure, and the side panel 12 is generally plate-shaped. The edge structure of the side panel 12 is bent towards the inner liner 20 relative to the central structure of the side panel 12, so that the outer peripheral edge of the side panel 12 forms a stepped structure. The bent portion and the central structure of the side panel 12 together define the receiving space 128 of the side panel 12. In this embodiment, multiple insertion portions 127 are connected to the edge of the bent portion of the side panel 12 and extend towards the front shell 11 relative to the side panel body 121.

[0038] In actual assembly scenarios, the front shell 11 and the two side panels 12 are respectively mounted on the inner liner 20. At least a portion of the perimeter 114 of the front shell 11 is spaced apart from the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. The insertion portion 127 of the side panel 12 is embedded between the perimeter 114 and the inner liner 20 to increase the stability of the connection between the side panel 12 and the inner liner 20. Specifically, the insertion portion 127 of the side panel 12 mounted on the first surface 21 is embedded between the perimeter 114 and the first surface 21, and the insertion portion 127 of the side panel 12 mounted on the third surface 23 is embedded between the perimeter 114 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 127 of the side panel 12 is staggered from the front shell connecting portion 112 of the front shell 11, so that the insertion portion 127 can be embedded between the inner liner 20 and the surrounding edge 114, and the connecting portion of the front shell 11 is embedded into the receiving space 128 of the side panel 12. The front shell connecting portion 112 is located between the inner liner 20 and the side panel 12 and is covered by the side panel 12. In this embodiment, at least one front shell connecting portion 112 is located between two adjacent insertion portions 127, so that the degree of interlocking at the connection between the front shell 11 and the side panel 12 is high, reducing the gaps on the front and left and right side surfaces of the ice maker 100 and improving the sealing degree of the receiving space 16. In this embodiment, the front shell 11 and the side plate 12 are interlocked, similar to a mortise and tenon structure, which improves the stability of the connection between the front shell 11 and the side plate 12, improves the correlation between the multiple encapsulation plates of the shell assembly 10, and improves the overall integrity of the shell assembly 10.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 also has a fourth surface 24, which is connected to the second surface 22, located between the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, the ice maker 100 is mounted on a horizontal application platform, and the fourth surface 24 is located on the top side of the inner liner 20, generally serving as the upper surface of the inner liner 20. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the side panel 12 includes a side panel body 121 and a first side panel connecting portion 122. The side panel body 121 is mounted on and covers the corresponding first surface 21 or third surface 23. Multiple first side panel connecting portions 122 are sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body 121, and are also connected to the fourth surface 24. In this embodiment, the first side panel connecting portion 122 is located on the side of the side panel body 121 closest to the fourth surface 24. In this embodiment, the first side panel connecting portion 122 has a flat, sheet-like structure, is stacked on the fourth surface 24, and is detachably fixed to the fourth surface 24 using external fittings (such as screws, pins, etc.). In other embodiments, a portion of the first side panel connecting portion 122 may be embedded in the inner liner 20, or a portion of the inner liner 20 may pass through the first side panel connecting portion 122.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the multiple encapsulation plates also include a top shell 13, which is mounted on and covers the fourth surface 24. See also... Figure 7 The first side panel connecting portion 122 is located between the top shell 13 and the fourth surface 24 to conceal the first side panel connecting portion 122. In this embodiment, the top shell 13 defines the top surface of the ice maker 100, and the top shell 13 covers the first side panel connecting portion 122 so that the top surface of the ice maker 100 has no connecting structure, resulting in a clean appearance of the ice maker 100. When the user operates the ice maker 100, the surface of the ice maker 100 that can be observed from the user's perspective basically includes the top surface, the front surface, and the left and right surfaces. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, there are no connecting structures on the top surface, the front surface, and the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100, resulting in a better overall appearance of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the ice maker 100 also includes a fixed crossbeam 40, which is fixedly connected (by screws or welding, etc.) to the fourth surface 24. The top shell 13 is disposed on the fourth surface 24 and connected to the fixed crossbeam 40, for example, by external accessories such as screws or pins.

[0041] Please see Figure 7In this embodiment, the side plate 12 further includes a plurality of first limiting portions 123, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the side of the side plate body 121 near the fourth surface 24. Each first limiting portion 123 is provided with a first limiting slot 1231. Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The top shell 13 includes a top shell body 131 and a plurality of top shell connecting buckles 132, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the top shell body 131. A plurality of first limiting parts 123 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of top shell connecting buckles 132. When the top shell 13 is connected to the inner liner 20, each top shell connecting buckle 132 is embedded in a corresponding first limiting slot 1231 to connect the top shell 13 and the side plate 12, thereby improving the overall stability of the outer shell assembly 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first limiting part 123 extends toward the inner liner 20 relative to the side plate body 121. In the horizontal direction, the first limiting groove is spaced apart from the side surface of the side plate 12 facing away from the inner liner 20. In this embodiment, the top shell connecting buckle 132 is connected to the side of the top shell body 131 facing the inner liner 20, and the top shell connecting buckle 132 is spaced apart from the edge structure of the top shell body 131. In this embodiment, multiple top shell connecting buckles 132 and multiple first limiting parts 123 are all located in the accommodating space 16 and are paired and connected within the accommodating space 16, avoiding the connection structure from being exposed at the joint between the top shell 13 and the side plate 12, making the ice maker 100 look neat. In this embodiment, each side plate 12 has a plurality of first limiting portions 123 corresponding to a plurality of first side plate connecting portions 122. Each first limiting portion 123 is connected to a corresponding first side plate connecting portion 122. In this embodiment, the structural strength of the first limiting portion 123 and the first side plate connecting portion 122 is improved, so that the first limiting portion 123 has sufficient strength to withstand the compression of the top shell connecting buckle 132, so that the top shell connecting buckle 132 can be embedded in the first limiting slot 1231, and the first limiting portion 123 is prevented from deforming under the compression of the top shell connecting buckle 132.

[0043] Please see Figure 8In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 also has a fifth surface 25, which is opposite to the second surface 22. As mentioned above, the fifth surface 25 is the rear surface of the inner liner 20, located between the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, and connected to the fourth surface 24. In this embodiment, the side panel 12 includes a side panel body 121 and a second side panel connecting portion 124. The side panel body 121 is mounted on and covers the corresponding first surface 21 or third surface 23. A plurality of second side panel connecting portions 124 are sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body 121, and a plurality of first side panel connecting portions 122 are connected to the fifth surface 25. In this embodiment, the second side panel connecting portions 124 are located on the side of the side panel body 121 closest to the fifth surface 25. In this embodiment, the second side panel connecting portion 124 has a flat, sheet-like structure. The second side panel connecting portion 124 is stacked on the fifth surface 25, and the second side panel connecting portion 124 and the fifth surface 25 are detachably fixedly connected by external accessories (such as screws, pins, etc.). In some other embodiments, a portion of the structure of the second side panel connecting portion 124 may be embedded in the inner liner 20, or a portion of the structure of the inner liner 20 may pass through the second side panel connecting portion 124.

[0044] In this embodiment, the multiple encapsulation plates also include a rear shell 14. The rear shell 14 is mounted on the fifth surface 25 and covers the fifth surface 25 and multiple second side plate connecting portions 124. The second side plate connecting portions 124 are located between the rear shell 14 and the fifth surface 25 to conceal the second side plate connecting portions 124. In this embodiment, the rear shell 14 defines the back of the ice maker 100. The rear shell 14 covers the second side plate connecting portions 124 so that there are no connecting structures on the back of the ice maker 100, resulting in a clean appearance for the ice maker 100. As can be seen from the foregoing, under the configuration of this embodiment, there are no connecting structures on the top, front, back, and left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100, resulting in a better overall appearance for the ice maker 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the side panel 12 further includes a plurality of second limiting portions 125, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the side of the side panel body 121 near the fifth surface 25. Each second limiting portion 125 is provided with a second limiting slot 1251. Correspondingly, the rear shell 14 includes a rear shell body 141 and a plurality of rear shell connecting buckles 142, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the rear shell body 141. The plurality of second limiting portions 125 and the plurality of rear shell connecting buckles 142 correspond one-to-one. When the rear shell 14 is connected to the inner liner 20, each rear shell connecting buckle 142 is embedded in a corresponding second limiting slot 1251 to connect the rear shell 14 and the side panel 12, thereby improving the overall stability of the outer shell assembly 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second limiting part 125 extends toward the inner liner 20 relative to the side plate body 121. In the horizontal direction, the second limiting groove is spaced apart from the side surface of the side plate 12 facing away from the inner liner 20. In this embodiment, the rear shell connecting buckle 142 is connected to the side of the rear shell body 141 facing the inner liner 20, and the rear shell connecting buckle 142 is spaced apart from the edge structure of the rear shell body 141. In this embodiment, multiple rear shell connecting buckles 142 and multiple second limiting parts 125 are all located in the accommodating space 16 and are paired and connected within the accommodating space 16, avoiding the connection structure from being exposed at the joint between the rear shell 14 and the side plate 12, making the ice maker 100 look neat. In this embodiment, each side plate 12 has a plurality of second limiting portions 125 corresponding to a plurality of second side plate connecting portions 124. Each second limiting portion 125 is connected to a corresponding second side plate connecting portion 124. In this embodiment, the structural strength of the second limiting portion 125 and the second side plate connecting portion 124 is improved, so that the second limiting portion 125 has sufficient strength to withstand the compression of the rear shell connecting buckle 142, so that the rear shell connecting buckle 142 can be embedded in the second limiting slot 1251, and the second limiting portion 125 is prevented from deforming under the compression of the rear shell connecting buckle 142.

[0047] Please see Figure 9 In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 further has a sixth surface 26, which is located between the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, and is connected to the second surface 22. As mentioned above, the sixth surface 26 is the bottom surface of the inner liner 20, located between the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, and also between the second surface 22 and the fifth surface 25. In this embodiment, the multiple encapsulation plates also include a base plate 15, which is connected to the inner liner 20 and covers the sixth surface 26. In this embodiment, the base plate 15 serves as a support plate for the ice maker 100, defining the bottom surface of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the front shell 11 includes a front shell body 111 and a front shell stacking portion 113. The front shell stacking portion 113 is connected to the side of the front shell body 111 near the sixth surface 26, and is stacked on the side of the base plate 15 away from the inner liner 20. In this embodiment, the side panel 12 includes a side panel body 121 and a side panel stacking portion 126. The side panel stacking portion 126 is connected to the side of the side panel body 121 near the sixth surface 26, and is stacked on the side of the bottom plate 15 away from the inner liner 20. With this configuration, the front shell 11 and the side panel 12 can cover the edge structure of the bottom plate 15, making the front and bottom sides of the ice maker 100 more aesthetically pleasing. In some embodiments, the rear shell 14 includes a rear shell body 141 and a rear shell stacking portion (not shown in the figure). The rear shell stacking portion is connected to the side of the rear shell body 141 near the sixth surface 26, and is stacked on the side of the bottom plate 15 away from the inner liner 20.

[0048] Please see Figure 10 In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 includes a first storage section 291 and a second storage section 292, which are integrally formed and connected. In this embodiment, the first storage section 291 is mounted on the base plate 15 and has an internal space; the storage space 27 of the inner liner 20 includes at least the internal space of the first storage section 291. The second storage section 292 is connected to the side of the first storage section 291 away from the base plate 15, and is spaced apart from the base plate 15, generally located above the base plate 15. In this embodiment, the inner liner 20 also includes a support column 50, with both ends connected to the base plate 15 and the second storage section 292, respectively. Specifically, the support column 50 is mounted on the base plate 15, extends generally vertically, and the side of the support column 50 away from the base plate 15 is connected to and supports the second storage section 292, so that the inner liner 20 remains balanced relative to the base plate 15. In this embodiment, the number of support columns 50 can be multiple, for example, two, with the two support columns 50 respectively close to the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, the fifth surface 25 of the inner liner 20 may include the side of the support column 50 facing away from the first surface 21.

[0049] This embodiment provides an ice maker 100, which includes a shell assembly 10 and an inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 has a storage space 27 for storing ice cubes or water or beverages used to make ice cubes. The inner liner 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, and a third surface 23. The first surface 21 and the third surface 23 are located on opposite sides of the inner liner 20, and the second surface 22 is connected between the first surface 21 and the second surface 23. The shell assembly 10 includes multiple encapsulation plates, each including a front shell 11 and two side plates 12. The front shell 11 is mounted on the second surface 22, and the two side plates 12 are respectively connected to the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. In this embodiment, the front shell 11 includes a front shell body 111 and a plurality of front shell connecting portions 112. The plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 are distributed on opposite sides of the front shell body 111 and connected to the front shell body 111. The front shell connecting portions 112 extend toward the inner liner 20 relative to the front shell body 111. When the front shell 11 is mounted on the second surface 22, the plurality of front shell connecting portions 112 are respectively stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Subsequently, two side plates 12 are respectively mounted on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, and the two side plates 12 can respectively cover the first surface 21 and the third surface 23.

[0050] In this embodiment, with the front shell 11 connected to the inner liner 20, the front shell body 111 of the front shell 11 is connected to the second surface 22 of the inner liner 20. The front shell body 111 defines the front of the ice maker 100. Multiple front shell connecting portions 112 of the front shell 11 are respectively stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Therefore, there are essentially no connecting structures on the front of the ice maker 100. Two side plates 12 are respectively mounted on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23, covering the first surface 21 and the third surface 23 and defining the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the two side plates 12 also respectively cover the front shell connecting portions 112 stacked on the first surface 21 and the third surface 23. Therefore, there are essentially no connecting structures on the left and right surfaces of the ice maker 100. In this embodiment, the front shell 11 and two side plates 12 of the outer shell assembly 10 are respectively installed on the inner liner 20 and define the front and left and right side surfaces of the ice maker 100. The two side plates 12 are respectively disposed on both sides of the front shell 11 and cover the front shell connecting part 112 of the front shell 11 for connecting the inner liner 20, so that most of the surface of the ice maker 100 that is visible to the user has no connecting structure, making most of the outer surface of the ice maker 100 relatively clean and improving the overall appearance of the ice maker 100.

[0051] In this application specification, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. The term "comprising" throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to"; "generally" means that those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem within a certain margin of error and basically achieve the technical effect.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inside", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this application 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 this application.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or merely surface contact. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] 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 this application. 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0056] 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 of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The outer shell assembly includes a plurality of encapsulation plates, each encapsulation plate including a front shell and two side plates; the inner liner has a storage space and has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the first surface and the third surface being located on opposite sides of the inner liner, and the second surface being connected between the first surface and the third surface; the front shell is mounted on the second surface, and the two side plates are respectively mounted on the first surface and the third surface; The front shell includes a front shell body and a plurality of front shell connecting parts. The plurality of front shell connecting parts are distributed on opposite sides of the front shell body and connected to the front shell body. The plurality of front shell connecting parts extend and overlap the first surface and the third surface, respectively. The two side plates cover the first surface, the third surface and the plurality of front shell connecting parts, respectively.

2. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner is provided with a plurality of locking parts, which are distributed on the first surface and the third surface, and each of the locking parts corresponds to a plurality of front shell connecting parts; when the front shell is installed on the second surface, each front shell connecting part is fitted to the locking part; The ice maker also includes a plurality of front shell fixing parts, which correspond to a plurality of front shell connecting parts. The front shell fixing parts are inserted through a corresponding front shell connecting part and locked to a corresponding locking part.

3. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the locking parts protrudes relative to the first surface or the third surface on which it is located, and each of the locking parts has a retaining surface on the side opposite to the second surface; The front shell connecting portion includes an extension and a buckle. The extension is connected to the front shell body and protrudes relative to the front shell body. The buckle is connected to the end of the extension away from the front shell body. When the front shell is mounted on the second surface, the extension fits into a corresponding locking portion, and the buckle is held in place by the holding surface.

4. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The front shell also includes a perimeter, which is connected to the outer periphery of the front shell body and extends toward the inner liner. A plurality of the front shell connecting parts are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the side of the perimeter away from the front shell body. Each of the side panels includes a side panel body and a plug-in portion, the plug-in portions being sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body, and the side panel body having a receiving space; With the front shell and the two side panels installed on the inner liner, the rim is arranged around the outer periphery of the first surface and at least partially spaced from the first surface and the third surface, the plug is embedded between the rim and the inner liner, and each front shell connecting part is embedded in the receiving space.

5. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner also has a fourth surface, which is connected to one side of the second surface and is located between the first surface and the third surface; The side panel includes a side panel body and a plurality of first side panel connecting parts, the plurality of first side panel connecting parts being sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body, the side panel body covering a corresponding first or third surface, and the first side panel connecting parts being connected to the fourth surface; The plurality of encapsulation plates also include a top shell connected to the inner liner, the top shell covering the fourth surface and the plurality of first side plate connections.

6. The ice maker as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The side panel also includes a plurality of first limiting parts, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the side panel body near the fourth surface. Each first limiting part is provided with a first limiting slot. The top shell includes a top shell body and a plurality of top shell connecting buckles, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the top shell body. When the top shell is connected to the inner liner, the plurality of top shell connecting buckles correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first limiting parts, and each top shell connecting buckle is embedded in a corresponding first limiting slot.

7. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner also has a fifth surface that is opposite to the second surface; The side panel includes a side panel body and a plurality of second side panel connecting parts, the plurality of second side panel connecting parts being sequentially and spaced apart from the side panel body, the side panel body covering the corresponding first or third surface, and the second side panel connecting parts being connected to the fifth surface; The plurality of encapsulation plates also include a rear shell connected to the inner liner, the rear shell covering the fifth surface and the plurality of second side plate connections.

8. The ice maker as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The side panel also includes a plurality of second limiting parts, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the side panel body near the fifth surface. Each second limiting part is provided with a second limiting slot. The rear shell includes a rear shell body and a plurality of rear shell connecting buckles, which are sequentially and spaced apart from each other on the rear shell body. When the rear shell is connected to the inner liner, the plurality of rear shell connecting buckles correspond one-to-one with the plurality of second limiting parts, and each rear shell connecting buckle is embedded in a corresponding second limiting slot.

9. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner also has a sixth surface, which is connected to one side of the second surface and located between the first surface and the third surface; The plurality of encapsulation plates also include a base plate connected to the inner liner and covering the sixth surface. The front shell also includes a front shell stacking portion connected to the front shell body on the side near the sixth surface. The front shell stacking portion is stacked on the side of the base plate opposite to the inner liner. The side plate includes a side plate body and a side plate stacking portion connected to the side plate body on the side near the sixth surface. The side plate stacking portion is stacked on the side of the base plate opposite to the inner liner.

10. The ice maker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The inner liner includes a first storage section, a second storage section, and a support column. The first storage section is mounted on the base plate, and the second storage section is connected to the side of the first storage section away from the base plate. The two ends of the support column are respectively connected to the second storage section and the base plate.

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