Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice making, and discloses an ice maker which comprises a shell assembly, a door assembly, an ice storage basket and a sensing assembly. The shell assembly is provided with an ice storage chamber and a window communicated with the ice storage chamber; the door assembly is movably connected to the shell assembly and can move relative to the shell assembly to open or close the window. The ice storage basket is detachably connected to the door assembly and moves along with the movement of the door assembly; the sensing assembly comprises a sensed piece and a sensing piece; the sensed part is fixedly arranged in the ice storage basket, the sensing part is fixedly arranged in the ice storage chamber, and the position of the sensing part corresponds to the position of the sensed part when the window is closed by the door assembly. The sensed part is arranged in the ice storage basket, when the ice storage basket forgets to return or the returned ice storage basket does not correspond to the previous position, the sensed part does not correspond to the sensing part, other execution parts of the ice maker stop running, and no ice blocks are produced; and when the sensed piece corresponds to the sensing piece, the normal operation of the ice maker is not influenced. Therefore, the use experience of the ice maker can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ice making, and particularly relates to an ice maker. BACKGROUND

[0002] The ice maker is a refrigeration mechanical equipment based on the principle of thermodynamics. The ice blocks prepared by the ice maker fall and are stored in the ice storage basket, and the user can take the ice blocks by dismounting the ice storage basket from the ice maker. However, in the related art, the ice storage basket dismounted from the ice maker is not installed in place in the case that the ice storage basket is forgotten to be returned to the original position or the ice storage basket after being returned to the original position does not correspond to the original position, and the ice maker still does not stop making ice blocks, so that the ice storage basket does not collect or only collects part of the ice blocks, which affects the use experience of the ice maker. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide an ice maker, which aims to improve the case that the ice storage basket is forgotten to be returned to the original position or the ice storage basket after being returned to the original position does not correspond to the original position.

[0004] According to some aspects of the present application, an ice maker is provided, which comprises: a shell assembly, which is provided with an ice storage chamber and a window communicating with the ice storage chamber;

[0005] a door assembly, which is movably connected to the shell assembly and can move relative to the shell assembly to open or close the window;

[0006] an ice storage basket, which is detachably connected to the door assembly and moves with the movement of the door assembly; and

[0007] a sensing assembly, which comprises a sensed part and a sensing part; the sensed part is fixedly arranged on the ice storage basket, and the sensing part is fixedly arranged in the ice storage chamber, and the position of the sensing part corresponds to the position of the sensed part when the door assembly closes the window.

[0008] In some embodiments, the shell assembly comprises a body shell and a front protective shell; the body shell defines the ice storage chamber and an ice outlet communicating with the ice storage chamber; the front protective shell is connected to the body shell and covers the ice outlet, and the front protective shell is provided with the window, which at least partially corresponds to the ice outlet.

[0009] The ice maker comprises a sealing box; the sealing box is fixedly arranged on the front protective shell and located above the sensed part, and the sensing part is accommodated in the sealing box.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ice maker comprises a male connector and a female connector; the female connector is electrically connected to the sensing part in the sealing box, and the male connector is inserted and fixed to the female connector, and the male connector is electrically connected to the controller of the ice maker through a connection wire harness.

[0011] Part of the connection wire harness extends out of the sealing box through the sealing box, and the connection wire harness is sealingly connected to the sealing box.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ice maker comprises a light emitting device, which is accommodated in the sealed box and electrically connected to the inductor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sealed box comprises a sealed shell and a sealing plug; the sealed shell defines an installation cavity and a side opening communicating with the installation cavity, and the sealing plug is plugged at the opening to seal the installation cavity.

[0014] The sealing plug is provided with a gap, and a portion of the wire harness passes through the gap and is in interference fit with the sealing plug.

[0015] In some embodiments, the side wall of the sealed shell opposite to the opening is provided with an insertion rib; the side wall of the sealed shell adjacent to the opening extends outward to form a fixing portion, and the fixing portion is provided with an assembly hole.

[0016] The front protective shell is provided with an insertion slot corresponding to the position of the insertion rib, and is provided with a nut column corresponding to the position of the assembly hole.

[0017] The insertion rib is inserted into the insertion slot, and the threaded fastener is screwed and fixed to the nut column through the assembly hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the door assembly comprises a door outer shell and a door inner shell; the door outer shell is rotatably connected to the front protective shell; and the door inner shell is oppositely arranged with the door outer shell.

[0019] The side of the door outer shell facing the ice storage chamber is provided with a first hook, and the side of the ice storage basket facing the door outer shell is provided with a second hook, and the second hook is lapped on the first hook.

[0020] The inductor is fixedly arranged on the side of the second hook away from the opening of the ice storage basket.

[0021] The door assembly comprises two limiting portions; the door outer shell is rotatably connected to the front protective shell; the door inner shell is oppositely arranged with the door outer shell; the two limiting portions are connected to the side of the door inner shell facing the ice storage chamber, and the two limiting portions are respectively arranged at the two ends of the second hook in the width direction to limit the position of the ice storage basket.

[0022] In some embodiments, the front protective shell is provided with a window rim, the window rim is connected to the periphery of the window and extends into the ice storage chamber; and the top of the window rim is provided with a through hole.

[0023] The top surface of the limiting portion is inwardly recessed to form a limiting slot.

[0024] The ice maker includes a door latch assembly; the door latch assembly includes a top rod and a spring; the top rod includes a head, a guide part, and two latching parts; one end of the head forms an abutment surface, which extends into the window through a through hole; latching parts are connected to adjacent sides of the abutment surface, both latching parts partially passing through the through hole, and the parts of the two latching parts not passing through the through hole are fastened to the top of the window sill; the guide part is connected to the head, and the other end of the guide part passes through a limiting bracket spaced apart from the top of the window sill; the spring is sleeved on the guide part and abuts against the head and the limiting bracket respectively;

[0025] When the door assembly closes the window, the contact surface abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting groove under the elastic action of the spring.

[0026] In some embodiments, the edge of the limiting groove away from the inner shell of the door is rounded; and / or, at least one edge of the abutment surface is rounded.

[0027] The ice maker described in this application places the sensing element on an ice storage basket. When the ice storage basket is not returned to its original position or the returned position does not correspond to its previous position, the sensing element is not aligned with the sensing element, and other operating components of the ice maker stop operating, ceasing ice production. When the sensing element aligns with the sensing element, the normal operation of the ice maker is not affected. Therefore, the user experience of the ice maker is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to actual scale.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice maker provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the ice maker's structure.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an ice maker without its top protective shell.

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of the area obtained after sectioning along line AA;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point a.

[0034] Figure 6 forFigure 1 A magnified view of the area obtained after sectioning along line BB;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly of the middle door component and ice storage basket of the ice maker onto the front protective shell.

[0036] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the sensor and sealing box in an ice maker.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 1. Housing assembly; 1b. Installation space; 102. Fuselage; 102a. Ice storage chamber; 102b. Ice outlet; 103. Protective shell; 1031. Front protective shell; 1031a. Window; 10311. Window sill;

[0039] 2. Door assembly; 201. Door outer shell; 2011. First hook; 202. Door inner shell; 203. Water receiving plate; 204. Limiting part;

[0040] 3. Ice storage basket; 301. Second hook;

[0041] 4. Door latch assembly; 401. Top rod; 4011. Head; 4012. Guide part; 4013. Snap-on part; 402. Spring;

[0042] 5. Sensing component; 501. Sensed element; 502. Sensing element;

[0043] 9. Sealed box; 901. Sealed shell; 9011. Insert; 9012. Fixing part; 902. Sealing plug; 902a. Gap;

[0044] 10. Connecting wire harness;

[0045] 1101. Light-emitting devices. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 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, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] It should be noted that when a component / part is said to be "fixed to" another component / part, it can be directly on the other component / part or there may be an intermediate component / part. When a component / part is considered to be "connected to" another component / part, it can be directly connected to the other component / part or there may be an intermediate component / part present; also, when a component / part is considered to be "connected to" another component / part, it can be integrally formed or assembled with the other component / part. When a component / part is considered to be "set on" another component / part, it can be directly set on the other component / part or there may be an intermediate component / part present.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] The technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 8 One embodiment of this application provides an ice maker, including: a housing assembly 1, a door assembly 2, an ice storage basket 3, a controller, and a sensing assembly 5.

[0051] The housing assembly 1 is the main component of the entire ice maker. It internally defines an independent installation space 1b and an ice storage chamber 102a, as well as a window 1031a that communicates with the ice storage chamber 102a.

[0052] The door assembly 2 is movably connected to the housing assembly 1 and is movable relative to the ice maker to open or close the window 1031a.

[0053] The ice storage basket 3 is detachably connected to the door assembly 2 and can move with the door assembly 2. The ice storage basket 3 is used to store shaped ice blocks.

[0054] The controller is configured to operate the ice maker based on user input to the ice maker (such as its user interface), input from various sensors located within the ice maker, and / or other suitable input.

[0055] The sensing component 5 is electrically connected to the controller. The sensing component 5 is configured so that when the door component 2 closes the window 1031a, the ice storage basket 3 moves to the predetermined position and triggers the sensor, sending a trigger signal to the controller.

[0056] For housing assembly 1, please refer toFigure 4 See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the housing assembly 1 includes a base (not shown), a fuselage housing 102, and a plurality of protective shells 103. The fuselage housing 102 is fixed to the base, and the plurality of protective shells 103 are respectively connected to different sides of the fuselage housing 102 to cover the fuselage housing 102 therein. The base, the fuselage housing 102, and the plurality of protective shells 103 together enclose the aforementioned mounting space 1b. Optionally, the outer side wall of the fuselage housing 102 is provided with a plurality of threaded holes and / or a plurality of snap fasteners, and each protective shell 103 is fixed to the outer side wall of the fuselage housing 102 by means of, but not limited to, threads and / or snap fasteners.

[0057] The fuselage housing 102 defines the aforementioned ice storage chamber 102a and the ice outlet 102b connected to the ice storage chamber 102a. The ice outlet 102b is located on the front side of the fuselage housing 102.

[0058] The multiple protective shells 103 include a front protective shell 1031. The front protective shell 1031 is connected to the front side of the fuselage shell 102 and covers the ice outlet 102b. The window 1031a of the front protective shell 1031 corresponds at least partially to the ice outlet 102b, through which the ice blocks can be taken out.

[0059] In order to delay the loss of temperature in the ice storage chamber 102a, in some embodiments, the housing 102 has a groove for fitting around the bottom periphery of the ice outlet 102b and the periphery of the two sides adjacent to the bottom periphery.

[0060] Please combine Figure 2 See also Figure 3 The front protective shell 1031 is provided with a window sill 10311, which is connected to the periphery of the window 1031a and extends into the ice storage chamber 102a. The side of the window sill 10311 facing the ice storage chamber 102a is provided with an inset. The number and position of the insets correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the inset slots. Each inset fits into each inset slot to seal the gap 902a between the front protective shell 1031 and the body shell 102. As a result, the cold air in the ice storage chamber 102a is not easy to escape from the gap 902a between the front protective shell 1031 and the body shell 102, which slows down the loss of temperature in the ice storage chamber 102a and makes the ice blocks produced not easy to melt in a short time.

[0061] In some embodiments, the housing assembly 1 (including the main body housing 102 and the front protective shell 1031) is made of plastic material. Plastic material not only has sufficient structural strength and rigidity, but is also lightweight, which can greatly reduce the weight of the entire ice maker.

[0062] Of course, the material used to make the housing assembly 1 is not limited to this, as long as it can meet the requirements for supporting and installing the other cooperating components of the ice maker. For example, in some embodiments, the housing assembly 1 is made of stainless steel, which ensures that it has sufficient structural strength and rigidity.

[0063] For door component 2, such as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the door assembly 2 includes a door outer shell 201, a door inner shell 202, and a water receiving plate 203.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the door housing 201 is movably connected to the front protective housing 1031. Optionally, the bottom of the door housing 201 is provided with a pivot (not shown), and the front protective housing 1031 is provided with a retaining seat (not shown) at a position corresponding to the pivot. The retaining seat has a rotating hole that matches the shape of the pivot, and the pivot can be movably inserted into the rotating hole to realize the movable connection between the door assembly 2 and the housing assembly 1. Compared with traditional drawer-type or side-opening methods, the flip-type opening and closing method is more suitable for operation in confined spaces, which can improve the flexibility of the ice maker.

[0065] Please combine Figure 5 See also Figure 2 The door outer shell 201 serves as the connection structure for the ice storage basket 3, which is detachably connected to the side of the door outer shell 201 facing the inner door shell 202. Optionally, the side of the door outer shell 201 facing the ice storage chamber 102a is provided with a first hook 2011, the cross-sectional shape of which is approximately L-shaped. The side of the ice storage basket 3 facing the door outer shell 201 is provided with a second hook 301, the cross-sectional shape of which is approximately inverted U-shaped. The second hook 301 overlaps with the first hook 2011, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the ice storage basket 3 in the vertical direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, both the first hook 2011 and the second hook 301 have a certain width. This structural arrangement increases the connection area between the first hook 2011 and the second hook 301, making them less prone to breakage due to insufficient strength caused by local stress concentration, thus enhancing the stability of the connection between the ice storage basket 3 and the door assembly 2. Optionally, the width of the second hook 301 is greater than the width of the first hook 2011. In this way, the second hook 301 is hidden by the first hook 2011, improving the integration of the basket and door assembly 2 combined structure.

[0067] Furthermore, a reinforcing rib (not shown) is connected at the junction of the first hook 2011 and the side of the door shell 201 facing the inner door shell 202, thereby improving the structural strength of the first hook 2011.

[0068] Furthermore, the second hook 301 is provided with a limiting rib (not shown) on the side facing the first hook 2011. When the second hook 301 overlaps the first hook 2011, the limiting rib abuts against the first hook 2011, which can reduce the phenomenon of loosening in the front-to-back direction when the ice storage basket 3 is subjected to the gravity of ice blocks, etc.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner shell 202 and the outer shell 201 are positioned opposite each other, and a hollow cavity is defined between the outer shell 201 and the inner shell 202. This hollow cavity hinders heat transfer, reduces the influence of external ambient temperature on the internal temperature of the cavity, reduces the workload of the compressor, and improves the energy efficiency of the ice maker. Optionally, the outer shell 201 has a generally outward-expanding cover structure, and a recessed step is provided on the periphery of the side of the outer shell 201 facing the ice storage chamber 102a. The shape of the inner shell 202 matches the inner contour shape formed by the recessed step. A protruding step, adapted to the recessed step, is provided on the periphery of the inner shell 202. The protruding step can be glued to the recessed step, thus embedding the inner shell 202 into the outer shell 201, so that the outer shell 201 and the inner shell 202 are positioned opposite each other.

[0070] The inner shell 202 is the mounting and fixing structure for the water receiving plate 203. Part of the water receiving plate 203 passes through the window 1031a and is installed on the side of the inner shell 202 away from the outer shell 201. The water receiving plate 203 can support the ice storage basket 3.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, to limit the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left-right direction, in some embodiments, the door assembly 2 includes two limiting portions 204. Both limiting portions 204 are connected to the side surface of the inner door shell 202 facing the ice storage chamber 102a, and are respectively disposed at both ends of the second hook 301 along its width direction to limit the position of the ice storage basket 3. When the second hook 301 overlaps the first hook 2011, the two limiting portions 204 are respectively located on both sides of the second hook 301 along its width direction, jointly blocking the movement of the second hook 301 in the left-right direction, thereby limiting the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left-right direction. Optionally, both limiting portions 204 are integrally formed on the surface of the inner door shell 202 facing the ice storage chamber 102a. The inner door shell 202 and the two limiting portions 204 are integrally formed, which can reduce the number of individual components and improve the assembly efficiency of the ice maker.

[0072] It is understood that the construction of the limiting part 204 is not specifically limited in the various embodiments of this application. For example, in some other embodiments, the limiting part 204 is a boss, a protrusion, a ridge, or a protrusion, as long as it can satisfy the function of limiting the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left and right directions.

[0073] Meanwhile, the limiting part 204 does not only restrict the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left and right directions. For example, in some embodiments, while limiting the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left and right directions, the limiting part 204 can also cooperate with the door latch assembly 4 of the ice maker to restrict the relative rotation of the door assembly 2.

[0074] In some embodiments, the top surface of any limiting portion 204 is recessed inward to form a limiting groove, which is used to accommodate the top rod 401 of the door latch assembly 4, which will be described in detail below.

[0075] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ice maker includes a door latch assembly 4, which includes a push rod 401 and a spring 402. The push rod 401 is generally inverted T-shaped and includes a head 4011, a guide portion 4012, and two latching portions 4013. One end of the head 4011 has an abutment surface, the shape of which matches the cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove. The abutment surface extends into the window 1031a through a through hole in the top of the window sill 10311. The latching portions 4013 are connected to the two sides of the head 4011 adjacent to the abutment surface. Both latching portions 4013 partially pass through the through hole in the top of the window sill 10311, and the portions of the two latching portions 4013 that do not pass through the through hole are engaged with the top surface of the window sill 10311 facing away from the window 1031a. The guide portion 4012 is connected to one end of the head 4011 away from the abutment surface, and the other end of the guide portion 4012 passes through a limiting bracket spaced apart from the top of the window sill 10311. A spring 402 is sleeved on the guide portion 4012 and abuts against both the head and the limiting bracket. When the door assembly 2 closes the window 1031a, the abutment surface abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting groove under the elastic action of the spring 402.

[0076] To facilitate the reader's understanding of the latching mechanism of the door latch component 4 in this application, the following explanation will focus on the linkage process of the door latch component 4 when the door component 2 opens or closes the window 1031a. The details are as follows:

[0077] When the ice storage room 102a is opened by flipping the door assembly 2 outward, the window 1031a is opened, and the limiting part 204 disengages from the top rod 401. The head 4011 of the top rod 401 extends into the window 1031a under the elastic action of the spring 402, and remains in the extended state under the limiting action of the two latches 4013.

[0078] The door assembly 2 is flipped inside the ice storage chamber 102a, closing the window 1031a. The limiting part 204 moves to the position of the head 4011 of the top rod 401, pressing the head 4011 of the top rod 401. The head 4011 of the top rod 401 is forced to move upward and compress the spring 402. The elastic force applied by the spring 402 causes the contact surface to make close contact with the limiting groove. The friction between the top rod 401 and the limiting part 204 is large, which restricts the relative rotation of the door assembly 2.

[0079] The advantages of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: Firstly, the limiting part 204 not only restricts the relative displacement of the ice storage basket 3 in the left and right directions, but also cooperates with the door latch assembly 4 of the ice maker to restrict the relative rotation of the door assembly 2, thus reducing the number of individual parts and thereby reducing the volume occupied by the ice maker; Secondly, the installation method of the door latch assembly 4 is simple. The spring 402 is placed between the top of the window sill 10311 and the limiting bracket. First, the two latching parts 4013 are pressed, and then the two latching parts 4013 together with the head 4011 are installed. After passing through the through hole at the top of the window sill 10311, the two latches 4013 are released so that the two latches 4013 abut against the top of the window sill 10311 away from the surface of the window 1031a, thus fixing the top rod 401 and the spring 402, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the ice maker; thirdly, due to the presence of the spring 402 in the door latch assembly 4, the damping force of the door assembly 2 changes when opening and closing the window 1031a, and the user feels a smoother and more stable operating experience when opening and closing the door, thereby improving the user experience of the ice maker.

[0080] To reduce obstruction between the limiting part 204 and the head 4011 of the push rod 401, and to make their engagement smoother, in some embodiments, the edge of the limiting groove away from the inner shell 202 is rounded. And / or, at least one edge of the abutment surface is rounded.

[0081] In some embodiments, the ice maker includes an ice-making and ice-removing mechanism (not shown), a water supply assembly (not shown), and a refrigeration cycle assembly (not shown).

[0082] An ice maker and ice-shoveling mechanism are located at the top of the ice storage chamber 102a and configured to tilt towards the window 1031a to scoop out the produced ice. Exemplarily, the ice-making and ice-shoveling mechanism includes a water container and an ice-shoveling plate. Both the water container and the ice-shoveling plate are located within the ice storage chamber 102a. The support shaft of the water container is connected in sequence to the output shaft of a motor via a drive shaft, a connecting rod, and an eccentric component. The motor is fixed to the housing assembly 1 and located within the mounting space 1b. The ice-shoveling plate is hinged to the side of the water container facing the window 1031a.

[0083] The water supply assembly includes a water tank, a circulation pump, and circulation piping. The water tank is adjacent to one side of the housing assembly 1 and connected to the bottom of the ice storage chamber 102a. The circulation pump is electrically connected to the controller and is connected to the bottom of the ice storage chamber 102a and the water container via the circulation piping.

[0084] The ice-making cycle assembly includes a compressor, a condenser, a dryer filter, an evaporator, and a return gas connection pipe. The compressor and condenser are located within installation space 1b and are both fixed to the base. The compressor is electrically connected to the controller, and the condenser is connected to the compressor. The evaporator is fixedly connected to housing assembly 1 and located above the water tank. Multiple ice-making tubes of the evaporator are inserted side-by-side into the water tank. The evaporator is connected to the condenser through the dryer filter and also to the compressor through the return gas connection pipe.

[0085] To facilitate readers' understanding of the ice-making principle of the ice maker involved in this application, the ice-making and ice-removal process of the ice maker is described below.

[0086] First, the circulation pump receives a command from the controller and turns on, continuously pumping the ice-making water in the water tank to the water container until it overflows and stops supplying water.

[0087] Simultaneously, or after the water tank overflows, the compressor receives a command from the controller to activate, and the refrigerant is output from the compressor's exhaust port and enters the condenser. The refrigerant is condensed in the condenser and then enters the dryer filter to be dried. The dried refrigerant enters the evaporator to cool the evaporator, which in turn cools the water in the water tank through multiple ice-making tubes. As time progresses and the refrigeration cycle continues, the water in the water tank is gradually cooled and eventually freezes into ice.

[0088] In the above refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator returns to the compressor through the corresponding pipeline. After ice making is complete, the refrigerant stops working in the evaporator.

[0089] Secondly, the motor receives the instruction from the controller and is turned on. The motor drives the transmission shaft, connecting rod, and eccentric component to rotate the water box toward the window 1031a. The ice scraper plate descends as the water box rotates. The water in the water box is poured into the bottom of the ice storage chamber 102a, which is convenient for subsequent circulation pump to use. The ice blocks are slightly heated and melted so that they fall onto the ice scraper plate under the action of gravity.

[0090] Furthermore, as the motor reverses, the water box flips back to its original position, the ice scraper lifts up to scrape out the ice, and the ice rolls down and collects in the ice storage basket 3.

[0091] Finally, the door assembly 2 is flipped outwards towards the ice storage chamber 102a, and the window 1031a is opened. The ice storage basket 3 is flipped outwards along with the door assembly 2 and exposed to the outside environment. The ice storage basket 3 is lifted and removed in a direction away from the first hook 2011 to remove the ice stored in the ice storage basket 3.

[0092] For sensing component 5, such as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensing component 5 includes a sensed element 501 and a sensing element 502. The sensed element 501 is fixed to the ice storage basket 3, and the sensing element 502 is fixed inside the ice storage chamber 102a. Optionally, the sensed element 501 is fixed to the side of the second hook 301 opposite to the opening of the ice storage basket 3, the sensing element 502 is electrically connected to the controller, the sensing element 502 is fixed to the front protective shell 1031 and located directly above the sensed element 501, and the position of the sensing element 502 corresponds to the position of the sensed element 501 when the door component 2 closes the window 1031a. Exemplarily, the sensed element 501 includes, but is not limited to, magnets such as neodymium iron boron magnets and AlNiCo magnets. The sensing element 502 is a Hall sensor, which is electrically connected to the controller. Since the Hall sensor works by sensing changes in the magnetic field, it does not need to be in direct contact with the magnet, thereby reducing wear from mechanical contact and improving the reliability of the sensing component 5. In addition, the Hall sensor has high detection accuracy and can reliably switch on and off when it accurately detects the approach and departure of the magnet, further enhancing the user experience of the ice maker.

[0093] Of course, the specific construction of the sensing component 5 is not limited to this. For example, in some other embodiments, the sensing component 5 is a transmission-type photoelectric proximity switch, the sensing element 502 is a receiver, and the sensed element 501 is a transmitter. When the sensed element 501 does not correspond to the sensing element 502, the light beam emitted by the transmitter is blocked, the receiver detects the interruption of the light signal and outputs a signal, and the other actuators of the ice maker stop operating and no longer produce ice.

[0094] Please combine Figure 5 See also Figure 8 In some embodiments, the ice maker includes a sealed box 9. The sealed box 9 is fixed to the front protective shell 1031 and located directly above the sensed element 501, and the sensed element 502 is housed within the sealed box 9. The sensed element 502 is isolated from the external environment by the sealed box 9, which adds an extra protective design to the sensed element 502, thereby further improving the stability of the sensed element 502 during long-term use.

[0095] Optionally, the sensor 502 is electrically connected to the controller via a male-female connector. Specifically, both the female connector and the sensor 502 are housed within a sealed enclosure 9, and both are integrated onto the same circuit board. Within the sealed enclosure 9, the male connector is inserted and fixed to the female connector. The male connector is electrically connected to the controller via a connecting harness 10, and a portion of the connecting harness 10 extends out of the sealed enclosure 9, with the connecting harness 10 and the sealed enclosure 9 forming a sealed connection.

[0096] like Figure 8 and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the sealing box 9 includes a sealing housing 901 and a sealing plug 902. The sealing housing 901 is generally a hollow cuboid, defining an installation cavity inside, and has an opening on one side communicating with the installation cavity. The sealing plug 902 seals the opening to seal the installation cavity. The sealing plug 902 has a slit 902a for a portion of the connecting wire harness 10 to pass through, so that the portion of the connecting wire harness 10 can be press-fitted with the sealing plug 902. The advantage of this design is that, without sacrificing the sealing performance of the sealing box 9, it is easy to seal the connection structure of the male and female connectors within the installation cavity, thereby further improving the long-term stability of the sensing element 502.

[0097] Optionally, the sealing housing 901 has a rib 9011 on one side wall opposite to the opening, and the front protective housing 1031 has a slot corresponding to the rib 9011, into which the rib 9011 is inserted. The sealing housing 901 has a fixing part 9012 extending outward from one side wall adjacent to the opening, and the fixing part 9012 has an assembly hole. The front protective housing 1031 has a nut post corresponding to the assembly hole, and a threaded fastener passes through the assembly hole and is screwed to the nut post.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, considering the need to improve the long-term stability of other components in the ice maker, in some embodiments, the light-emitting device 1101 is also housed within the sealed box 9. The light-emitting device 1101 and the sensing element 502 are both integrated on the same circuit board, and the light-emitting device 1101 is also connected to the controller via a male-female connector. Exemplarily, the light-emitting device 1101 is an LED element. LED elements have high luminous efficiency, low power consumption, and low heat generation, so the heat generated during long-term operation has little impact on the sensing element 502. An additional advantage of the aforementioned technical solution is that the integration of the light-emitting device 1101 and the sensing element 502 onto the same circuit board further reduces the number of individual components on the ice maker, lowering the manufacturing cost of the ice maker.

[0099] Since the light-emitting device 1101 is housed within the sealed box 9, the sealed box 9 obstructs the light emitted by the light-emitting device 1101, resulting in a relatively dim brightness within the ice storage chamber 102a. This affects the user's ability to directly observe the quantity and quality of ice stored in the ice storage basket 3. Therefore, the sealed box 9 is translucent to allow the light emitted by the light-emitting device 1101 to pass through. For example, the sealed housing 901 and the sealing plug 902 are made of transparent material.

[0100] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 1101 can be linked with the sensing component 5 or other actuators in the ice maker to enhance the user experience.

[0101] For example, after the flip door assembly 2 opens window 1031a, the position of the sensed element 501 does not correspond to the position of the sensed element 502 as the door assembly 2 rotates, and at this time the sensed element 502 does not send a signal to the controller; when the time during which the sensed element 502 does not send a signal to the controller exceeds the set time period, the execution components such as the ice-making cycle assembly stop operating under the control of the controller, and the ice-making process stops; at the same time, when the position of the sensed element 501 does not correspond to the position of the sensed element 502 as the door assembly rotates, the light-emitting device illuminates the ice storage chamber under the control of the controller. After the flip door assembly 2 closes the window 1031a, the sensed element 501 corresponds to the position of the sensed element 502 as the door assembly 2 resets. When the time for which the sensed element 501 corresponds to the sensed element 502 exceeds a set time period, the execution components such as the ice-making cycle assembly resume operation under the control of the controller, and the ice-making process continues. At the same time, when the sensed element 501 corresponds to the position of the sensed element 502 as the door assembly 2 rotates, the light-emitting device 1101 is turned off under the control of the controller.

[0102] Alternatively, when the ice-making cycle assembly is in different stages of ice making, the controller can send different control signals to instruct the light-emitting device 1101 to switch its working state.

[0103] For example, when the ice maker is in standby mode, a signal can be transmitted to the controller, causing the light-emitting device 1101 to switch from lit to off, thereby effectively reducing the energy consumption of the ice maker. For example, different control signals can be transmitted to the controller when the ice-making cycle component is in different stages of ice making. When the controller receives the signal, it switches the operating state of the light-emitting device 1101. Specifically, the different stages of ice making in the ice maker are associated with the light emission color of the light-emitting device 1101. When the light-emitting device 1101 emits light green light, it indicates that the compressor is currently in operation; when the light-emitting device 1101 emits green light, it indicates that the ice maker is in the ice-making completion stage; when the light-emitting device 1101 emits light blue light, it indicates that the ice maker is in a continuous standby state. Of course, the light-emitting device 1101 can also be adaptively associated with the state of the ice maker according to actual usage needs; no specific limitation is made in the embodiments of this application.

[0104] The ice maker involved in this application has a sensor 501 positioned on an ice storage basket 3. When the ice storage basket 3 is not returned to its original position or its position does not correspond to its previous position, the sensor 501 does not correspond to the sensor 502, and the other actuators of the ice maker stop operating, ceasing to produce ice. When the sensor 501 corresponds to the sensor 502, the normal operation of the ice maker is not affected. Therefore, the user experience of the ice maker is improved.

[0105] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is 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 a suitable manner in any one or at least two 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.

[0106] 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, "at least two" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0107] 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 housing assembly includes an ice storage chamber and a window communicating with the ice storage chamber; A door assembly, movably connected to the housing assembly, and capable of moving relative to the housing assembly to open or close the window; An ice storage basket is detachably connected to the door assembly and moves with the door assembly. as well as The sensing component includes a sensed element and a sensing element; the sensed element is fixed to the ice storage basket, the sensing element is fixed to the ice storage chamber, and the position of the sensing element corresponds to the position of the sensed element when the door assembly closes the window.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes a fuselage housing and a front protective shell; the fuselage housing defines the ice storage chamber and an ice outlet communicating with the ice storage chamber; the front protective shell is connected to the fuselage housing and covers the ice outlet, and the front protective shell has a window, the window at least partially corresponding to the ice outlet; The ice maker includes a sealed box; the sealed box is fixed to the front protective shell and located above the sensing element, and the sensing element is housed within the sealed box.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a male connector and a female connector; the female connector is electrically connected to the sensing element and is located inside the sealed box; the male connector is inserted and fixed to the female connector; and the male connector is electrically connected to the controller of the ice maker through a connecting wire harness. The connecting wire harness extends out of the sealing box through it, and the connecting wire harness is sealed to the sealing box.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a light-emitting device, which is housed within the sealed box and electrically connected to the sensing element.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing box includes a sealing shell and a sealing plug; the sealing shell defines an installation cavity and an opening on one side communicating with the installation cavity, and the sealing plug is placed at the opening to seal the installation cavity; The sealing plug has a slit, through which the connecting wire harness passes and is press-fitted with the sealing plug.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing housing has a rib on one side wall opposite to the opening; the sealing housing has a fixing part extending outward from one side wall adjacent to the opening, and the fixing part has an assembly hole. The front protective shell is provided with a slot at the position corresponding to the insertion bone, and the front protective shell is provided with a nut post at the position corresponding to the assembly hole; The insert is inserted into the slot, and the threaded fastener passes through the mounting hole and is screwed to the nut post.

7. The ice maker according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The door assembly includes a door outer shell and a door inner shell; the door outer shell is rotatably connected to the front protective shell; the door inner shell is disposed opposite to the door outer shell; The door shell is provided with a first hook on the side facing the ice storage chamber, and the ice storage basket is provided with a second hook on the side facing the door shell, with the second hook overlapping the first hook; The sensing element is fixed to the side of the second hook opposite to the opening of the ice storage basket.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The door assembly includes two limiting parts; both limiting parts are connected to the side of the inner shell of the door facing the ice storage chamber, and the two limiting parts are respectively disposed at both ends of the second hook along the width direction to limit the position of the ice storage basket.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front protective shell is provided with a window sill, which is connected to the periphery of the window and extends into the ice storage chamber; a through hole is provided at the top of the window sill. The top surface of the limiting part is recessed inward to form a limiting groove; The ice maker includes a door latch assembly; the door latch assembly includes a top rod and a spring; the top rod includes a head, a guide portion, and two latching portions; one end of the head forms an abutment surface, which extends into the window through the through hole; latching portions are connected to adjacent sides of the abutment surface, both latching portions partially pass through the through hole, and the portions of the two latching portions not passing through the through hole are fastened to the top of the window sill; the guide portion is connected to the head, and its other end passes through a limiting bracket spaced apart from the top of the window sill; the spring is sleeved on the guide portion and abuts against the head and the limiting bracket respectively; When the door assembly closes the window, the abutting surface abuts against the bottom wall of the limiting groove under the elastic action of the spring.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The edge of the limiting groove away from the inner shell of the door is rounded; and / or, at least one edge of the abutment surface is rounded.

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