Ice crushing assembly with cover turning mechanism and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice breaking assembly with flip mechanism and ice maker, the ice breaking assembly with flip mechanism comprises: a housing, the housing is provided with an ice breaking cavity, a rotating groove and a plurality of stoppers, the ice breaking cavity is provided with an ice inlet, the rotating groove is arranged at one side of the ice inlet, at least one end of the rotating groove is provided with a stopper, and the stopper is arranged at the other end of the rotating groove; a loading opening is formed between the stopping piece and the opening edge of the rotating groove; a rotating part is arranged on one side of the turning cover, the rotating part is detachably installed in the rotating groove through the installing opening, and the turning cover can rotate to the position where the ice inlet is closed and the position where the ice inlet is opened through the rotating part relative to the rotating groove. Compared with the prior art, the ice crushing assembly with the flip cover mechanism has the advantages that due to the detachable flip cover design, the rotating groove can be conveniently cleaned, liquid is prevented from being accumulated in the rotating groove, the cleanliness is high, the safety and sanitation problems are avoided, the structure is simple, and disassembly and assembly are convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice crushing technology, specifically to an ice crushing component and an ice maker with a flip-top mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increasing demand for quality of life, the need for home ice makers is growing. Moreover, due to their high price and large space requirements, home ice makers are often combined with water dispensers to create ice makers that integrate ice making, water purification, and hot water functions, which are becoming increasingly popular. To further meet user needs, ice makers have also added ice-crushing functions, using an ice-crushing component to crush ice and produce a crushed ice output.

[0003] Ice crushing components are usually designed with a flip cover to prevent ice from splashing out during crushing. However, since the flip cover is usually not removable, liquid can easily accumulate at the point where the flip cover and the outer shell of the ice crushing component rotate. Long-term accumulation of liquid can easily lead to hygiene problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art and to provide an ice crushing component and an ice maker with a flip-top mechanism.

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model provides an ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The outer shell is provided with an ice crushing chamber, a rotating groove and several stop members. The ice crushing chamber has an ice inlet. The rotating groove is located on one side of the ice inlet. At least one end of the rotating groove is provided with the stop member. An inlet is formed between the stop member and the opening edge of the rotating groove.

[0007] The flip cover has a rotating part on one side, which is detachably installed in the rotating groove. The flip cover can be rotated relative to the rotating groove to a position to close the ice inlet and a position to open the ice inlet. When the flip cover is rotated to the position to close the ice inlet, the stop member prevents the rotating part from disengaging from the rotating groove.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the stop member has an arc-shaped stop portion formed on the side facing the rotating groove, the arc-shaped stop portion extending around the rotation axis of the rotating part, and when the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet, the arc-shaped stop portion and the rotating part are engaged in a limiting fit.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the stop member is provided with a flip support portion, and when the flip cover is rotated to the position where the ice inlet is opened, the flip support portion abuts against the flip cover.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the flip cover is provided with at least one limiting engagement part, and when the flip cover is rotated to the position where the ice inlet is opened, the limiting engagement part abuts against the flip support part.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, at least one end of the rotating part is formed with a limiting shaft portion, the diameter of which is greater than the width of the loading inlet.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the outer shell is provided with a locking groove, the locking groove and the rotating groove are respectively located on opposite sides of the ice crushing chamber, and the flip cover is provided with a locking fastener. When the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet, the locking fastener engages with the locking groove.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, a reset elastic element is provided between the flip cover and the locking fastener.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the flip cover is provided with a movable cavity, and a first movable opening and a second movable opening are provided on one side of the movable cavity. The locking fastener is provided with a locking buckle and an operating part. The locking fastener is movably disposed in the movable cavity. The locking buckle extends from the first movable opening to the outside of the movable cavity. The operating part is disposed at the second movable opening. The locking buckle engages with the locking buckle groove.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the outer casing is provided with a position detection component, which cooperates with the flip cover detection when the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet.

[0016] Another embodiment of this utility model provides an ice maker, including: an ice crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism as described above.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the ice crushing component with a flip-top mechanism of this utility model has a detachable flip-top design, which makes it easy to clean the rotating groove, avoids liquid accumulation in the rotating groove, has a high degree of cleanliness, avoids safety and hygiene problems, and has a simple structure and is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0018] To provide a clearer understanding of this invention, the specific embodiments of this invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-crushing component with a flip-top mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention when the flip-top opens the ice inlet.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flip cover structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the flip cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10. Outer shell; 11. Ice crushing chamber; 111. Ice inlet; 12. Rotating groove; 13. Stop; 131. Arc-shaped stop; 132. Flip support; 14. Locking buckle groove; 15. Position detection component; 20. Flip cover; 21. Rotating part; 211. Limiting shaft; 22. Limiting mating part; 23. Locking buckle; 231. Locking buckle; 232. Operating part; 24. Reset elastic element; 25. Movable cavity; 251. First movable opening; 252. Second movable opening. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "a number" means one or more. In addition, unless otherwise stated, 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 indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a 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 the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some alternative implementations," or "some optional embodiments," 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 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.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 4 One embodiment of the present invention provides an ice crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism, comprising: a shell 10 and a flip-top 20.

[0032] The outer casing 10 is provided with an ice crushing chamber 11, a rotating groove 12 and several stop members 13. The ice crushing chamber 11 has an ice inlet 111. The rotating groove 12 is provided on one side of the ice inlet 111. At least one end of the rotating groove 12 is provided with a stop member 13. An inlet is formed between the stop member 13 and the opening edge of the rotating groove 12.

[0033] A rotating part 21 is provided on one side of the flip cover 20. The rotating part 21 is detachably installed in the rotating groove 12. The flip cover 20 can be rotated relative to the rotating groove 12 via the rotating part 21 to the position of closing the ice inlet 111 and opening the ice inlet 111. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet 111, the stop member 13 restricts the rotating part 21 from disengaging from the rotating groove 12.

[0034] The flip cover 20 can be flipped relative to the rotating groove 12 via the rotating part 21, covering the ice inlet 111 and preventing ice fragments from splashing out of the ice-crushing chamber 11 during ice crushing. When installing the rotating part 21, at least a portion of it enters the rotating groove 12 through the loading port. The rotating part 21 of the flip cover 20 can be detachably installed into the rotating groove 12 through the loading port, or removed from the rotating groove 12 through the loading port, thus achieving a detachable design for the flip cover 20 and facilitating cleaning of the rotating groove 12. The stop 13 prevents the flip cover 20 from popping out when it covers the ice inlet 111.

[0035] In addition, since the rotating part 21 can be restricted by the stop member 13 and the rotating groove 12, the rotating part 21 does not need to penetrate into the housing 10. The rotating groove 12 and the stop member 13 can be features formed on the outside of the housing 10, thereby preventing liquid from entering the interior of the housing 10 from the rotating groove 12, thus improving the sealing performance.

[0036] In this embodiment, the outer casing 10 is provided with two stop members 13, which are located at both ends of the rotating groove 12. The two ends of the rotating part 21 are restricted by the two stop members 13. Of course, in other embodiments, only one stop member 13 may be provided, and a hole is provided at the other end of the rotating groove 12. One end of the rotating part 21 first extends into the hole, and the other end of the rotating part 21 is then inserted into the rotating groove 12 from the loading port.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments, the stop member 13 has an arc-shaped stop portion 131 on the side facing the rotating groove 12. The arc-shaped stop portion 131 extends around the rotation axis of the rotating part 21. When the flip cover 20 rotates to the position of closing the ice inlet 111, the arc-shaped stop portion 131 engages with the rotating part 21 in a limiting fit. The arc-shaped stop portion 131 can guide the rotation of the rotating part 21, allowing the rotating part 21 to rotate smoothly within the rotating groove 12, avoiding the arc-shaped stop portion 131 from obstructing the rotating part 21, and is more suitable for stopping the rotating part 21, thus improving the stability under force.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments, the stop member 13 is provided with a flip support 132. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position where the ice inlet 111 is opened, the flip support 132 abuts against the flip cover 20. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position where the ice inlet 111 is opened, the flip cover 20 is supported in the open state, which helps to maintain the position of the flip cover 20.

[0039] In order to facilitate the flip support part 132 to support the flip cover 20, in some optional embodiments, the flip cover 20 is provided with at least one limiting engagement part 22. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position where the ice inlet 111 is opened, the limiting engagement part 22 abuts against the flip support part 132, and the flip support part 132 is supported on the flip support part 132 through the limiting engagement part 22, so as to facilitate stable support of the flip cover 20.

[0040] Please see Figure 5 In some alternative embodiments, at least one end of the rotating part 21 is formed with a limiting shaft 211. The diameter of the limiting shaft 211 is larger than the width of the loading inlet, thereby making it easier to restrict the rotating part 21 from disengaging from the loading inlet and the rotating part 21 passes through the loading inlet by utilizing the elasticity of the outer shell 10 and the elasticity of the rotating part 21.

[0041] Please see Figure 6 In some optional embodiments, the outer shell 10 is provided with a locking groove 14, and the locking groove 14 and the rotating groove 12 are respectively located on opposite sides of the ice crushing chamber 11. The flip cover 20 is provided with a locking fastener 23. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet 111, the locking fastener 23 is engaged with the locking groove 14, thereby improving the stability of the flip cover 20 when the ice inlet 111 is closed. The locking groove 14 and the stop 13 are respectively located on both sides of the flip cover 20, making the limiting stability of the flip cover 20 higher.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, a reset elastic element 24 is provided between the flip cover 20 and the locking fastener 23. The reset elastic element 24 can help maintain the engagement between the locking fastener 23 and the locking slot 14. Moreover, after the locking fastener 23 is moved to disengage from the locking slot 14, the reset elastic element 24 can also drive the locking fastener 23 to reset, thus preventing the locking fastener 23 from shaking.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, the flip cover 20 is provided with a movable cavity 25, and a first movable opening 251 and a second movable opening are provided on one side of the movable cavity 25. The locking fastener 23 is provided with a locking buckle 231 and an operating part 232. The locking fastener 23 is movably disposed within the movable cavity 25, the locking buckle 231 extends from the first movable opening 251 to the outside of the movable cavity 25, and the operating part 232 is disposed at the second movable opening. The locking buckle 231 engages with the locking buckle groove 14. The movable cavity 25 allows the locking fastener 23 to move stably. The user can press the operating part 232 to move the locking fastener 23 into the movable cavity 25, causing the locking buckle 231 to move into the first movable opening 251 and disengage from the locking buckle groove 14. The operating part 232 may be disposed only within the second movable opening or may extend beyond the second movable opening.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, a position detection component 15 is provided on the outer casing 10. When the flip cover 20 is rotated to the position where the ice inlet 111 is closed, the position detection component 15 engages with the flip cover 20. The specific structure of the position detection component 15 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the position detection component 15 can be a proximity switch, an infrared sensor, etc. The principles of the position detection component 15, such as proximity switches and infrared sensors, are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The position detection component 15 is connected to the control system inside the ice maker. The position detection component 15 determines whether the flip cover 20 is accurately in the position where the ice inlet 111 is closed, and then proceeds with the subsequent ice crushing step. This avoids the situation where the flip cover 20 crushes ice when the ice inlet 111 is open, which would cause ice fragments to splash out from the ice inlet 111, thus improving the automation level of the ice maker.

[0045] The aforementioned ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism can be applied to an ice maker, which includes the ice-crushing assembly with the flip-top mechanism described above. In one embodiment, an ice-crushing structure is provided inside the ice-crushing chamber 11, and the ice-crushing mechanism rotates under the drive of a drive motor to crush ice.

[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism, characterized in that, include: The outer shell is provided with an ice crushing chamber, a rotating groove and several stop members. The ice crushing chamber has an ice inlet. The rotating groove is located on one side of the ice inlet. At least one end of the rotating groove is provided with the stop member. An inlet is formed between the stop member and the opening edge of the rotating groove. The flip cover has a rotating part on one side, which is detachably installed in the rotating groove. The flip cover can be rotated relative to the rotating groove to a position to close the ice inlet and a position to open the ice inlet. When the flip cover is rotated to the position to close the ice inlet, the stop member prevents the rotating part from disengaging from the rotating groove.

2. The ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stop member has an arc-shaped stop portion on the side facing the rotating groove. The arc-shaped stop portion extends around the rotation axis of the rotating part. When the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet, the arc-shaped stop portion and the rotating part are in a limiting engagement.

3. The ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stop member is provided with a flip support part. When the flip cover is rotated to the position where the ice inlet is opened, the flip support part abuts against the flip cover.

4. The ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flip cover is provided with at least one limiting engagement part. When the flip cover is rotated to the position where the ice inlet is opened, the limiting engagement part abuts against the flip support part.

5. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one end of the rotating part forms a limiting shaft portion, the diameter of which is greater than the width of the loading inlet.

6. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outer shell is provided with a locking groove, and the locking groove and the rotating groove are respectively located on opposite sides of the ice crushing chamber. The flip cover is provided with a locking fastener. When the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet, the locking fastener and the locking groove are engaged.

7. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: A reset elastic element is provided between the flip cover and the locking fastener.

8. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flip cover has a movable cavity, and a first movable opening and a second movable opening are provided on one side of the movable cavity. The locking fastener is provided with a locking buckle and an operating part. The locking fastener is movably disposed in the movable cavity. The locking buckle extends from the first movable opening to the outside of the movable cavity. The operating part is disposed at the second movable opening. The locking buckle engages with the locking buckle groove.

9. An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outer shell is provided with a position detection component. When the flip cover is rotated to the position of closing the ice inlet, the position detection component cooperates with the flip cover detection.

10. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice-crushing assembly with a flip-top mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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