Ice outlet mechanism of ice maker and ice maker thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ice outlet mechanism of an ice maker and the ice maker thereof, a fixed plate is arranged at the periphery of the lower part of an ice outlet in a surrounding manner, and a shielding cavity is formed in the fixed plate; flap valves are symmetrically hinged to the left side and the right side of the fixing plate, each flap valve comprises a shielding plate and a balancing weight which are integrally formed, and the shielding plates and the balancing weights are located on the two sides of the hinged ends; the shielding plates on the two sides extend into the shielding cavity, the balancing weight is located on the outer side of the fixing plate, and the weight of the balancing weight is larger than that of the shielding plates. When the ice blocks do not slide off, the balancing weights on the two sides rotate along the hinged ends to drive the shielding plates on the two sides to cover the ice outlet, and flanges abutting against the upper ends of the shielding plates are arranged on the inner wall of the fixing plate. When the ice blocks fall, the gravity of the ice blocks acts on the shielding plate, the sum of the gravity of the ice blocks and the weight of the shielding plate is larger than the weight of the balancing weight, and the shielding plate overturns outwards along the hinged end to open the ice outlet. According to the scheme, the two flap valves are arranged at the ice outlet, the ice outlet of the ice outlet mechanism can be automatically opened and closed through the lever principle, dust and the like are prevented from entering, and sanitation and convenience are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice maker technology, and in particular to an ice dispensing mechanism for an ice maker and the ice maker thereof. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that uses a refrigeration system to cool water through an evaporator to produce ice. It employs a refrigeration system with water as the carrier, and produces ice by passing the water through a device when powered on. Depending on the evaporator's principle and production method, the shape of the ice produced varies. Ice makers are generally classified by ice shape, such as granular ice machines, flake ice machines, plate ice machines, tube ice machines, and shell ice machines. Currently, most ice makers in the industry lack sealed ice dispensing mechanisms, or require manual disassembly to seal them, making them prone to dust and bacteria entry.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent CN119509098A discloses an ice maker, which includes a body, an ice-making component, and a support plate. The ice-making component is located in the body; the support plate is located in the body and below the ice-making component, supporting the ice-making component. An overflow groove is recessed on the upper surface of the support plate, and overflow holes are formed in the groove walls. The ice maker of this invention makes ice within the body through the ice-making component and stores the ice blocks, discharging them when needed. By placing the support plate below the ice-making component, when condensation occurs during ice-making, the condensate flows to the support plate and collects in the overflow groove. Alternatively, when the ice-making component uses a water tank for ice making, overflow water due to level control failure also flows to the overflow groove and is discharged to a designated area through the overflow holes, thus preventing overflow water from contacting live parts and causing damage.

[0004] In the above solution, the ice dispensing mechanism of the ice maker is not sealed, making it easy for dust and bacteria to enter, which is unhygienic and unsafe, and greatly affects the user experience.

[0005] In addition, existing ice makers lack sterilization devices in their ice compartments, which affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above problems, the first objective of this utility model is to provide an ice dispensing mechanism for an ice maker, which has two flap doors at the ice outlet. Through the lever principle, the ice outlet of the ice dispensing mechanism can be automatically opened and closed to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering, making it more hygienic and convenient. The second objective of this utility model is to provide an ice maker with the above-mentioned ice dispensing mechanism.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An ice dispensing mechanism for an ice maker includes an ice storage box, an ice dispensing screw, and an ice dispensing motor. The ice dispensing motor drives the ice dispensing screw to rotate, and the rotation of the ice dispensing screw can rotate and carry the ice blocks at the bottom of the ice storage box to the ice dispensing port to slide down. The mechanism is characterized in that: a fixed plate is provided around the lower periphery of the ice dispensing port, and a shielding cavity is formed within the fixed plate; flap gates are symmetrically hinged on the left and right sides of the fixed plate, and each flap gate includes an integrally formed shielding plate and a counterweight, with the shielding plate and counterweight located on both sides of the hinged end.

[0009] The two side baffles extend into the baffle cavity, and the counterweight is located outside the fixed plate and its weight is greater than that of the baffle.

[0010] When the ice block does not slide off, the counterweights on both sides rotate along the hinge end, causing the two side baffles to cover the ice outlet. The inner wall of the fixed plate is provided with a baffle that abuts against the upper end of the baffle.

[0011] When the ice block falls, its weight acts on the baffle plate. The weight of the ice block plus the weight of the baffle plate is greater than the weight of the counterweight block, and the baffle plate flips outward along the hinge end to open the ice outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the outer wall of the fixing plate is provided with connecting plates at the front and back, and the connecting plates are provided with mounting holes. The hinge end is a connecting post protruding outward from both sides of the flap, and the connecting post is fitted into the mounting hole and located between the cover plate and the counterweight.

[0013] Preferably, the counterweight and the baffle are connected by a downward arc segment. When the counterweights on both sides rotate along the connecting column and cause the baffles on both sides to cover the ice outlet, the lower end of the connecting column is higher than the upper end of the baffle.

[0014] Preferably, the fixed plate has through holes on both sides, and the shielding plate extends into the shielding cavity along the through holes. The lower end of the shielding plate near the connecting column is provided with a baffle. When the counterweights on both sides rotate along the connecting column and drive the shielding plates on both sides to cover the ice outlet, the baffle covers the through hole and its lower end abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate.

[0015] Preferably, the counterweight is configured in the shape of a right trapezoid. When the ice block falls, the shield flips downward at a certain angle, and the counterweight flips upward so that its acute end abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate.

[0016] Preferably, the counterweight has reinforcing ribs on its sidewalls, with the reinforcing ribs extending to the acute-angled ends.

[0017] An ice maker, comprising the ice dispensing mechanism of any one of the above-mentioned ice makers.

[0018] Preferably, the device also includes a housing, a top cover mounted on the housing, an ice tray motor, a first micro switch and a second micro switch, an ice tray and an evaporator disposed inside the ice storage box, wherein an infrared sensor is provided on the inner wall of the ice storage box.

[0019] Preferably, a UV sterilization module is installed on the inner wall of the top cover of the ice storage box.

[0020] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] ① Two flap doors are installed at the ice outlet. Using the lever principle, when no ice is falling, the weight of the outer counterweight is greater than the weight of the inner baffle, and the baffle can close the ice outlet. When ice is falling, the weight of the ice and the baffle is greater than the weight of the counterweight, so the baffle can flip down to open the ice outlet. This allows the ice outlet of the ice dispensing mechanism to open and close automatically, preventing dust and other contaminants from entering, making it more hygienic and convenient.

[0022] ② The flap gate has a simple structure and does not require additional electrical components. It only uses the flap gate itself to counterweight the two sides, which can effectively reduce costs.

[0023] ③ The counterweight is configured as a right trapezoid, with its acute angle end used for upper limit of the flapping gate. A baffle is set on the cover for lower limit of the flapping gate. While fully opening the ice outlet to allow the ice to fall smoothly, it improves the stability of the flapping gate opening and closing and enhances the user experience.

[0024] ④ In addition, the ice maker's ice storage box is equipped with a UV sterilization module, which can effectively prevent bacterial growth and improve hygiene and safety.

[0025] In addition, an infrared sensor is installed to detect the ice level, which can automatically stop and start ice making, preventing the ice maker from being in ice-making mode all the time, effectively reducing power consumption and improving user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ice maker.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a flap door on the ice dispensing mechanism of an ice maker.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the flap door closing the ice outlet of an ice maker's ice dispensing mechanism.

[0029] Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ice outlet opening on the flap door of an ice maker's ice dispensing mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0033] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Example 1:

[0035] like Figures 1-4An ice dispensing mechanism for an ice maker is shown, comprising an ice storage box 1, an ice dispensing screw 2, and an ice dispensing motor 3. The ice dispensing motor 3 drives the ice dispensing screw 2 to rotate, and the rotation of the ice dispensing screw 2 can rotate and carry the ice blocks at the bottom of the ice storage box 1 out to the ice dispensing port 100 to slide down. A fixing plate 4 is provided around the lower periphery of the ice dispensing port 100, and a shielding cavity 5 is formed inside the fixing plate 4. Flap doors 6 are symmetrically hinged on the left and right sides of the fixing plate 4. The flap doors 6 include an integrally formed shielding plate 7 and a counterweight 8, and the shielding plate 7 and the counterweight 8 are located on both sides of the hinge end.

[0036] The two side shields 7 extend into the shielding cavity 5, and the counterweight 8 is located outside the fixed plate 4 and the weight of the counterweight 8 is greater than the weight of the shield 7.

[0037] When the ice block does not slide off, the counterweights 8 on both sides rotate along the hinge end to drive the two side baffles 7 to cover the ice outlet 100. The inner wall of the fixed plate 4 is provided with a baffle 9 that abuts against the upper end of the baffle 7.

[0038] When the ice block falls, its weight acts on the baffle plate 7. The weight of the ice block plus the weight of the baffle plate 7 is greater than the weight of the counterweight 8. The baffle plate 7 flips outward along the hinge end to open the ice outlet 100.

[0039] In the above technical solution, two flap doors are installed at the ice outlet. Utilizing the lever principle, when no ice is falling, the weight of the outer counterweight is greater than the weight of the inner shield, allowing the shield to close the ice outlet. When ice is falling, the weight of the ice and the shield exceeds the weight of the counterweight, causing the shield to flip downwards and open the ice outlet. This enables the ice outlet of the ice dispensing mechanism to open and close automatically, preventing dust and other contaminants from entering, making it more hygienic and convenient. Furthermore, the flap door structure is simple, requiring no additional electrical components; the counterweights on both sides are provided solely by the flap doors themselves, effectively reducing costs. Here, the stop acts as a limit, preventing the shield from further flipping.

[0040] Furthermore, the outer wall of the fixing plate 4 is provided with connecting plates 10 on the front and back, and the connecting plates 10 are provided with mounting holes 11. The hinge end is a connecting post 12 protruding outward on both sides of the flap 6. The connecting post 12 is engaged in the mounting hole 11 and located between the cover plate 7 and the counterweight 8. In this technical solution, the connecting posts on both sides of the flap are engaged in the mounting hole, and the counterweight and cover plate on both sides are flipped through the lever principle. The structure is stable and not easy to detach.

[0041] Furthermore, the counterweight 8 and the cover plate 7 are connected by a downward arc segment 13. When the counterweights 8 on both sides rotate along the connecting column 12 to drive the cover plates 7 on both sides to cover the ice outlet 100, the lower end of the connecting column 12 is higher than the upper end of the cover plate 7. In this technical solution, the counterweight and the cover plate are connected by an arc segment, and the position of the hinge end is set higher than the position of the closed ice outlet of the cover plate. This ensures that the cover plate can effectively abut against the edge to cover the ice outlet.

[0042] Furthermore, through holes 14 are provided on both sides of the fixed plate 4. The baffle 7 extends into the shielding cavity 5 along the through holes 14. A baffle 15 extends downward from the lower end of the baffle 7 near the connecting column 12. When the counterweights 8 on both sides rotate along the connecting column 12, causing the baffles 7 on both sides to cover the ice outlet 100, the baffle 15 covers the through hole 14 and its lower end abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate 4. In this technical solution, the baffle provides a further limiting effect when covering the ice outlet, increases the structural strength of the flap gate, and at the same time, blocks the through hole, prevents dust from entering the shielding cavity, and is also more aesthetically pleasing.

[0043] Furthermore, the counterweight 8 is configured in the shape of a right-angled trapezoid. When the ice block falls, the cover plate 7 flips downward at a certain angle, and the counterweight 8 flips upward so that its acute-angled end 16 abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate 4. In this technical solution, the counterweight is configured in the shape of a right-angled trapezoid, with its acute-angled end abutting against the upper limit of the side wall of the fixed plate, fully opening the ice outlet. After the ice block has fallen, the counterweight can quickly flip to drive the cover plate to cover the ice outlet.

[0044] Furthermore, a reinforcing rib 17 is constructed on the side wall of the counterweight 8, extending to the acute angle end 16. In this technical solution, the reinforcing rib improves the structural strength of the counterweight and also acts as a buffer when the acute angle end contacts the fixing plate. Example 2:

[0045] like Figures 1-4 An ice maker, including an ice dispensing mechanism as described in Embodiment 1.

[0046] Furthermore, the ice maker also includes a housing 18, a top cover 19 mounted on the housing 18, an ice tray motor 20, a first micro switch 21 and a second micro switch 22, an ice tray 23 and an evaporator 24 disposed within the ice storage box 1, and an infrared sensor 25 disposed on the inner wall of the ice storage box 1. A UV sterilization module 26 is installed on the inner wall of the top cover 19 inside the ice storage box 1. In this technical solution, the UV sterilization module inside the ice storage box of the ice maker can effectively prevent bacterial growth and improve hygiene and safety.

[0047] In addition, an infrared sensor is installed to detect when the ice is full, which can automatically stop and start ice making, effectively reducing power consumption and improving user experience.

[0048] The working principle of the above scheme is as follows:

[0049] When making ice, the ice tray motor is powered on, and the ice tray flips until it touches the second micro switch, at which point the power is cut off, and water is poured in to start making ice. After the ice is made, the ice tray flips in the opposite direction until it touches the first micro switch, at which point the power is cut off, and the ice is removed into the ice storage box. This cycle of ice making continues until the infrared sensor detects that the ice is full, at which point ice making stops. When the ice melts or is removed, and the infrared sensor no longer detects that the ice is full, ice making will automatically restart.

[0050] The UV sterilization module is activated periodically to sterilize the ice storage box.

[0051] When dispensing ice, the ice-dispensing motor is powered on, and its rotation drives the ice-dispensing screw to rotate. The rotating screw carries the ice from the bottom of the ice storage box to the ice outlet. The flap doors are hinged on both sides of the ice outlet. When the ice is not falling, the weight of the outer counterweight is greater than the weight of the inner baffle, allowing the baffle to close the ice outlet. The baffle abuts against the edge and against the outer wall of the fixed plate, preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the ice storage box through the ice outlet. When the ice falls, the weight of the ice and the baffle is greater than the weight of the counterweight, allowing the baffle to flip downwards and open the ice outlet. The acute end of the counterweight abuts against the outer wall of the fixed plate, opening the ice outlet to its maximum angle. At this time, the flap doors are open. After the ice falls, the baffle loses the weight of the ice and becomes less than the weight of the outer counterweight. The flap doors fall back, and the baffle closes the ice outlet again. When the ice dispensing stops, the ice dispensing motor rotates in the opposite direction a few times and then the power is cut off, causing the ice at the outlet to rotate back and preventing it from falling out automatically when it is not needed.

[0052] 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 the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker ice discharging mechanism, comprising an ice storage box (1), an ice discharging screw (2) and an ice discharging motor (3), the ice discharging motor (3) drives the ice discharging screw (2) to rotate, and the rotation of the ice discharging screw (2) can rotate the ice at the bottom of the ice storage box (1) to the ice discharging port (100) to slide off; characterized in that: The lower side of the ice outlet (100) is surrounded by a fixed plate (4), and a shielding cavity (5) is formed in the fixed plate (4); the left and right sides of the fixed plate (4) are symmetrically hingedly provided with flap doors (6), the flap door (6) comprises an integrated shielding plate (7) and a counterweight (8), and the shielding plate (7) and the counterweight (8) are located on the two sides of the hinged end; The two shielding plates (7) extend into the shielding cavity (5), and the counterweight (8) is located outside the fixed plate (4) and has a weight greater than that of the shielding plate (7); When the ice block does not slide, the two counterweights (8) rotate along the hinged end to drive the two shielding plates (7) to cover the ice outlet (100), and the inner wall of the fixed plate (4) is provided with a stop edge (9) abutting against the upper end of the shielding plate (7); When the ice block falls, the gravity of the ice block acts on the shielding plate (7), and the gravity of the ice block plus the weight of the shielding plate (7) is greater than the weight of the counterweight (8), so that the shielding plate (7) is flipped outward along the hinged end to open the ice outlet (100).

2. The ice maker ice-ejection mechanism of claim 1, wherein: One side of the outer wall of the fixed plate (4) is provided with a connecting plate (10) in front and back, the connecting plate (10) is provided with a mounting hole (11), the hinged end is a connecting column (12) outwardly protruding on both sides of the flap door (6), the connecting column (12) is clamped in the mounting hole (11) and located between the shielding plate (7) and the counterweight (8).

3. The ice maker ice-ejection mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The counterweight (8) and the shielding plate (7) are transitioned through a downward arc segment (13), and when the two counterweights (8) rotate along the connecting column (12) to drive the two shielding plates (7) to cover the ice outlet (100), the lower end of the connecting column (12) is higher than the upper end of the shielding plate (7).

4. The ice maker ice-ejection mechanism of claim 3, wherein: The two sides of the fixed plate (4) are provided with through holes (14), the shielding plate (7) extends into the shielding cavity (5) through the through holes (14), the shielding plate (7) is provided with a baffle (15) extending downward near the lower end of the connecting column (12), and when the two counterweights (8) rotate along the connecting column (12) to drive the two shielding plates (7) to cover the ice outlet (100), the baffle (15) covers the through hole (14) and the lower end abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate (4).

5. The ice maker ice-ejection mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The counterweight (8) is configured in a right-angled trapezoidal shape, when the ice block falls, the shielding plate (7) is flipped downward by a certain angle, and the counterweight (8) is flipped upward so that the acute end (16) abuts against the side wall of the fixed plate (4).

6. An ice maker ice discharge mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein: The side wall of the counterweight (8) is provided with a reinforcing rib (17) extending to the acute end (16).

7. An ice maker characterized by: The ice outlet mechanism of the ice maker comprises the ice outlet mechanism of any one of claims 1-6.

8. An ice maker as claimed in claim 7, wherein: Further comprising a shell (18), a top cover (19), an ice tray motor (20), a first micro switch (21) and a second micro switch (22) mounted on the shell (18), and an ice tray (23) and an evaporator (24) arranged in the ice storage box (1), and an infrared sensor (25) is arranged on the inner wall of the ice storage box (1).

9. An ice maker as claimed in claim 8, wherein: A UV sterilization module (26) is mounted on the inner wall of the top cover (19) in the ice storage box (1).

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