Ice maker

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an ice maker. In one embodiment, the ice maker comprises an outer shell and a drawer type ice storage container; a second accommodating cavity is formed in the outer shell; the drawer type ice storage container is configured to be pulled out or pushed back from the second containing cavity in the preset direction; a first containing cavity is formed in the position, above the second containing cavity, of the outer shell; an ice making mechanism is arranged in the first accommodating cavity; the ice making mechanism is used for taking water from a water source, freezing the water into ice, and enabling the ice to fall into the drawer type ice storage container and be stored by the drawer type ice storage container; and the outer shell or the drawer type ice storage container is also used for receiving and storing ice water in the drawer type ice storage container. In this way, a user can conveniently take out the drawer type ice storage container and use ice water and ice at the same time, and on the other hand, the drawer type ice storage container can be conveniently pulled out and can be thoroughly cleaned conveniently; the ice making function of the water purifying and drinking machine can be maintained, the ice block quality reduction caused by the accumulation of water scales and impurities is avoided, and the stable ice making efficiency is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of ice making. More specifically, it relates to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the demand for instant ice water and purified drinking water in homes, offices, and other places, various instant ice-making countertop water purifiers have emerged. However, existing instant ice-making countertop water purifiers have some inconveniences in their design, especially in terms of cleaning and maintaining the water tank.

[0003] Currently, most instant ice-making countertop water purifiers have a built-in water tank design, meaning the tank is installed inside the machine and cannot be easily removed for cleaning. While this design saves space, because the tank cannot be removed for cleaning, users often find it difficult to thoroughly clean the inside of the tank. This can easily lead to the accumulation of dirt, algae, or bacteria, affecting water quality and potentially impacting the user's health.

[0004] Long-term accumulation of limescale, bacteria, and dirt not only affects the performance of the water purifier, but may also affect the ice-making function, reduce the quality of the ice, or even cause machine malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an ice maker that facilitates the cleaning of the water tank, thereby solving at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This disclosure provides an ice maker, including:

[0008] The outer casing and the drawer-type ice storage container;

[0009] The outer shell forms a second cavity; the drawer-type ice storage container is configured to be pulled out or pushed back from the second cavity in a preset direction;

[0010] The outer shell has a first cavity formed above the second cavity; an ice-making mechanism is provided in the first cavity.

[0011] The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into a drawer-type ice storage container and be stored in the drawer-type ice storage container.

[0012] The outer shell or the drawer-type ice storage container is also used to receive and store ice water flowing out of the drawer-type ice storage container.

[0013] Furthermore, the drawer-type ice storage container includes an ice water tank with an open top and a first ice storage box with an open top and detachably installed in the ice water tank from the top opening of the ice water tank.

[0014] The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let the ice fall into the first ice storage box and be stored in the first ice storage box.

[0015] The bottom of the first ice storage box is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the first ice storage box can flow into the ice water tank through the water permeable holes.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the first ice storage box are provided with an outer rim;

[0017] The ice water tank is provided with a receiving groove that matches the outer eaves;

[0018] The first ice storage box is configured to be inserted into the opening of the ice water tank and the outer edge engages with the receiving slot so that the first ice storage box is installed in the ice water tank.

[0019] Furthermore, at least one detection through hole is provided on the first ice storage box;

[0020] The ice water tank is provided with an auxiliary through hole corresponding to the detection through hole.

[0021] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the inner wall of the ice water tank on the side intersecting with the first direction;

[0022] The first ice storage box is provided with a snap-fit ​​assembly that mates with the slot, including:

[0023] Two buckles are positioned opposite each other on the first ice storage box, one on the side near the slot and the other on the side away from the slot. The buckles are used to engage with the slot to lock the first ice storage box and the ice water tank together.

[0024] Furthermore, the ice maker has a first water outlet on the lower part of the outer casing away from the side where the ice storage container is pulled out;

[0025] The ice water tank is provided with a second water outlet at the lower part away from the ice storage container extraction side for cooperating with the first water outlet;

[0026] The second outlet is configured such that the ice water tank is pushed into the second cavity, and the second outlet is connected to the first outlet.

[0027] Furthermore, the drawer-type ice storage container includes a second ice storage box with an opening at the top;

[0028] The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let the ice fall into the second ice storage box and be stored in the second ice storage box.

[0029] The outer shell has a third cavity formed below the second cavity;

[0030] The bottom of the second ice storage box is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the second ice storage box can flow into the third cavity through the water permeable holes.

[0031] Furthermore, the drawer-type ice storage container is provided with at least one detection through hole for detecting whether the second ice storage box is full of ice.

[0032] Furthermore, the outer shell or the drawer-type ice storage container is also configured as a container for storing water as a water source for the ice maker, so that the ice-making mechanism can draw water from the water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into the drawer-type ice storage container and be stored in the drawer-type ice storage container.

[0033] Furthermore, the ice maker is also equipped with a water outlet;

[0034] The ice maker has a first water outlet on the lower part of the outer casing away from the side where the ice storage container is pulled out;

[0035] The first water outlet is connected to the third cavity.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0037] This invention provides an ice maker that not only allows users to easily remove the drawer-type ice storage container, enabling them to use ice water and ice simultaneously, but also allows the drawer-type ice storage container to be easily pulled out for thorough cleaning. A clean drawer-type ice storage container also helps maintain the ice-making function of the water purifier, preventing the accumulation of scale and impurities from causing a decline in ice quality and ensuring stable ice-making efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the first state of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0040] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the second state of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the third state of the ice maker according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0042] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice-making mechanism according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making assembly according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 6A schematic diagram of the controller control structure according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the water outlet of an ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from a first perspective.

[0046] Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the water outlet of an ice maker according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown from a second perspective.

[0047] Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice water tank according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the first state of an ice maker according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0049] Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the second state of the ice maker according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0050] Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer casing according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To more clearly illustrate this disclosure, the following description, in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, provides further insight. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0052] The first embodiment of this utility model provides an ice maker, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0053] The outer casing 1 and the drawer-type ice storage container 2;

[0054] The outer shell 1 has a second cavity 12; the drawer-type ice storage container 2 is configured to be pulled out or pushed back from the second cavity 12 in a preset direction.

[0055] The outer shell 1 has a first cavity 11 formed above the second cavity 12; an ice-making mechanism 3 is provided in the first cavity 11.

[0056] Ice-making mechanism 3 is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into the drawer-type ice storage container 2 and be stored in the drawer-type ice storage container 2.

[0057] The outer shell 1 or the drawer-type ice storage container 2 is also used to receive and store ice water from the drawer-type ice storage container 2.

[0058] This invention not only makes it convenient for users to take out the drawer-type ice storage container 2, allowing them to use ice water and ice simultaneously, but also allows the drawer-type ice storage container to be easily pulled out for thorough cleaning. A clean drawer-type ice storage container also helps maintain the ice-making function of the water purifier, preventing the accumulation of scale and impurities from causing a decline in ice quality and ensuring stable ice-making efficiency.

[0059] The drawer-type ice storage container 2 can be easily pulled out or pushed back in a preset direction, allowing users to quickly disassemble and clean it without tools, solving the problem of traditional built-in water tanks being difficult to clean thoroughly. Furthermore, the detachable design of the ice storage container from the outer shell 1 ensures that the inner walls, bottom, and corners of the container can be directly cleaned, effectively preventing the long-term accumulation of scale, algae, and bacteria. Users can regularly clean the ice storage container to ensure the hygiene of the ice and avoid odors or cloudy ice caused by accumulated dirt.

[0060] The outer shell 1 contains a first cavity 11 (for placing the ice-making mechanism 3) and a second cavity 12 (for placing the drawer-type ice storage container 2). The ice-making mechanism 3 is located at the top, and the ice blocks automatically fall into the ice storage container below, making full use of the vertical space.

[0061] Ice making, ice storage, and ice water storage functions are integrated into a single device, reducing the need for additional accessories and making it suitable for scenarios with limited space.

[0062] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drawer-type ice storage container 2 includes an ice water tank 21 with an open top and a first ice storage box 22 with an open top and detachably installed from the top opening of the ice water tank 21.

[0063] Ice-making mechanism 3 is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into the first ice storage box 22 and be stored by the first ice storage box 22.

[0064] The bottom of the first ice storage box 22 is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the first ice storage box 22 can flow into the ice water tank 21 through the water permeable holes.

[0065] In this invention, the permeable holes allow water to drain quickly after the ice melts, preventing water accumulation in the ice water tank 21 from accelerating the melting of the ice. At the same time, the permeable hole design facilitates cleaning of the first ice storage box 22, reducing the accumulation of dirt and odors.

[0066] An outer rim 221 is provided on the opposite outer side of the first ice storage box 22, which is parallel to the preset direction;

[0067] The ice water tank 21 is provided with a receiving groove 211 that matches the outer edge 221;

[0068] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the outer eaves 221 can be provided only on the opposite outer side parallel to the preset direction, or the outer eaves can be provided circumferentially along the outer side of the chilled water tank 21 (e.g., Figure 3 (221) can be used as long as it can be matched with the receiving groove 211, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0069] This invention allows users to easily insert or remove the first ice storage box 22 into the ice water tank 21 by aligning the outer edge 221 of the first ice storage box 22 with the receiving groove 211 at the top opening of the ice water tank 21. Compared to traditional designs that require complex disassembly, this simplifies the installation and disassembly process of the first ice storage box 22, making cleaning, maintenance, and replacement more convenient.

[0070] The first ice storage box 22 is configured to be inserted into the opening of the ice water tank 21 and the outer edge 221 cooperates with the receiving groove 211 so that the first ice storage box 22 is installed in the ice water tank 21.

[0071] At least one detection through hole 222 is provided on the first ice storage box 22;

[0072] An auxiliary through hole 212 corresponding to the detection through hole 222 is provided on the ice water tank 21 so as to detect the ice storage status of the ice storage box 22 through the auxiliary through hole 212 and the detection through hole 222.

[0073] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, an ultrasonic level sensor can be used for detection. The ultrasonic sensor is installed outside the ice water tank 21. The ultrasonic sensor works by using the principle that the ultrasonic signal emitted by the sensor is reflected and refracted when it encounters an obstacle (such as ice). The internal structure of the ice box is monitored sequentially through the auxiliary through-hole 212 and the detection through-hole 222. When the ice rises to the position corresponding to the sensor, the ultrasonic signal is reflected back. The sensor receives the signal, processes it, and then determines whether the ice box is full of ice.

[0074] This method of detection does not require direct contact with the medium, and has the advantages of high reliability, no pollution, and stable performance.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, this embodiment uses an optical sensor for detection, utilizing the propagation characteristics of light in a medium to detect objects. When light encounters ice, it undergoes refraction or reflection.

[0076] An optical sensor is installed on the outside of the ice water tank 21. Light is emitted into the ice box through the auxiliary through-hole 212 and the detection through-hole 222, and the reflected light is received. Based on the refraction or reflection of the light, it can be determined whether the ice box is full.

[0077] Specifically, when the detection through-holes 222 are positioned opposite each other at both ends of the first ice storage box 22, a photoelectric sensor with a transmitter and a receiver can be used.

[0078] The transmitter and receiver of the photoelectric sensor are respectively set outside the ice water tank 21 and close to two oppositely arranged detection through holes 222. The transmitter emits a laser to the receiver. After the ice is full, the laser is blocked to detect the ice storage in the ice box.

[0079] This invention enables a more accurate determination of whether an ice box is full of ice through the detection through-hole 222 and the auxiliary through-hole 212. Compared to traditional external detection methods, such as estimating the amount of ice by observing the exterior of the ice box or measuring its weight, the design of the detection through-hole 222 provides more direct and reliable information on whether the ice box is full. The design of the detection through-hole 222 and the auxiliary through-hole 212 is compatible with various sensors, making it highly versatile. Combined with various sensors, it can achieve automated detection. Therefore, this invention improves detection efficiency and reduces errors and inconvenience caused by manual intervention.

[0080] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a handle 24 is provided on the ice water tank 21 near the side where the ice storage container is pulled out; a water inlet 25 is provided on the side of the ice water tank 21 away from the side where the ice storage container is pulled out.

[0081] A slot 213 is provided on the inner wall of the side of the ice water tank 21 that intersects with the first direction;

[0082] The first ice storage box 22 is provided with a latch 2231 component 223 that cooperates with the slot 213, including:

[0083] Two buckles 2231 are respectively located on the side of the first ice storage box 22 near the slot 213 and the side away from the slot 213. The buckles 2231 are used to snap into the slot 213 to lock the first ice storage box 22 and the ice water tank 21.

[0084] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the slot 213 and the buckle 2231 assembly 223 ensures that the connection between the first ice storage box 22 and the ice water tank 21 is both stable and flexible. For example, when it is necessary to disassemble or reinstall the first ice storage box 22, one of the two buckles 2231 can be conveniently selected for connection.

[0085] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ice-making mechanism 3 includes controllers 31 and 32, an ice-making component 32, and a flipping mechanism 33;

[0086] The ice-making assembly 32 includes an evaporator column 321, a compressor 322, a condenser 323, and an ice-removing valve 324; it should be noted that in this embodiment, the ice-removing valve 324 is a solenoid valve.

[0087] The input end of compressor 322 is connected to the output end of evaporator column 321. The first input end of evaporator column 321 is connected to the output end of condenser 323. The input end of condenser 323 is connected to the output end of compressor 322. The output end of compressor 322 is connected to one end of de-icing valve 324. The other end of de-icing valve 324 is connected to the second input end of evaporator column 321.

[0088] The tilting mechanism 33 includes a motor 331 and an ice-making water tank 332; the evaporator column 321 is installed inside the ice-making water tank 332;

[0089] The ice-making water tank 332 is rotatably connected to the first cavity; the evaporator column 321 is installed inside the ice-making water tank 332 and is fixedly connected to the first cavity.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the controller 31 controls the motor 331 to drive the ice-making water tank 332 to rotate around the evaporator column 321 to the first position, so that the ice-making water tank 332 receives water drawn from the water source by the water pump. It controls the de-icing valve 324 to disconnect the output end of the compressor 322 from the second input end of the evaporator column 321. It also controls the compressor 322 to compress the refrigerant from the evaporator column 321 and output the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 323. It controls the condenser 323 to release heat to the refrigerant by condensation and output it to the evaporator column 321, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the water in the ice-making water tank 332, so that the water in the ice-making water tank 332 freezes into ice on the outer surface of the evaporator column 321. The refrigerant after heat exchange is then output to the compressor 322.

[0091] The controller 31 is also used to control the closing of the de-icing valve 324, so that the output end of the compressor 322 is connected to the second input end of the evaporator column 321. The compressor 322 compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from the evaporator column 321 to obtain a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, which is then output to the evaporator column 321, causing the ice condensed on the surface of the evaporator column 321 to melt and form a water film. The controller motor 331 drives the ice-making water tank 332 to rotate around the evaporator column 321 to the second position. By rotating, the water in the ice-making water tank 332 is poured out, and under the action of gravity, the ice blocks on the evaporator column 321 fall into the drawer-type ice storage container 2. Among them, the evaporator column 31, as the core component of ice making, uses the evaporation process of refrigerant in the evaporator to absorb heat, so that the water is quickly cooled and frozen into ice. The design of the evaporator column 31 optimizes the flow and distribution of refrigerant, ensuring that the ice-making process is uniform and efficient.

[0092] In this embodiment, the water pump steadily draws water from the ice water tank 21 through its inlet end and outputs it to the ice-making water tank through the outlet end of the water pump.

[0093] The flipping mechanism is fixed inside the first cavity 11 and supports the evaporator column 31.

[0094] When ice forms on the evaporator column 31 and reaches a certain thickness, the flipping mechanism can automatically flip it so that the ice falls into the first ice storage box 22, thereby enabling stable ice making through the ice making mechanism 3.

[0095] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the ice maker has a first water outlet 14 on the lower part of the outer shell away from the extraction side of the ice storage container 2;

[0096] In one possible implementation, as a preferred embodiment, the outer shell or drawer-type ice storage container is also configured as a container for storing water as a water source for the ice maker, such that the ice-making mechanism draws water from the water source, freezes the water into ice, and the ice falls into and is stored in the drawer-type ice storage container.

[0097] It should be noted that the ice maker in this embodiment can not only be used as an ice-making device on its own, but also as an ice-making unit of a water purifier. The water source for the ice maker can be pure water prepared by the water purifier, or it can be pure water prepared by the water purifier and ice water in the ice water tank 21. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0098] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first outlet 14 can be set not only at a low position such as near the bottom of the second cavity 12 (in order to ensure that the ice water can flow out smoothly through the outlet), but also at a position above the second cavity 12. An ice water pump can be set to pump the ice water in the ice water tank 21 to the first outlet 14. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0099] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 9As shown, the first outlet 14 is connected to the drawer-type ice storage container 2 to discharge the ice water in the drawer-type ice storage container 2 out of the first outlet 14. In a specific embodiment, since the ice water tank 21 is mainly used to hold ice water, in order to ensure that the ice water can be discharged smoothly, this embodiment provides a second outlet 214 on the lower part of the ice water tank 21 away from the side where it is pulled out, which cooperates with the first outlet 14 on the outer shell 1. The second outlet 214 is configured such that when the ice water tank 21 is pushed into the second cavity 12, the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 214 are connected. At this time, the ice water in the ice water tank 21 is discharged from the ice maker through the second outlet 214 and the first outlet 14 in sequence. It should be noted that check valves (not shown in the figure) are respectively provided on the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 214 to prevent water leakage in the ice water tank 21 when the ice water tank 21 is pulled out. In addition, after the ice water tank 21 is pushed into the second cavity 12, the second outlet 214 is inserted into the first outlet 14, the check valve is opened, and the ice water in the ice water tank 21 can flow out from the first outlet 14.

[0100] In one possible implementation, a water outlet valve is also provided in the second water outlet 214 to block the second water outlet so as to prevent the second water outlet 214 from leaking water when the drawer-type ice storage container 2 is pulled out; when the user needs ice water, he / she can open the water outlet valve to obtain ice water through the second water outlet 214 and the second first water outlet 14.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the bottom of the second cavity 12 is provided with a drain hole 143 to drain water leaking from the drawerless ice storage container 2 or the ice making mechanism 3, so as to prevent water falling into the bottom of the second cavity 12 from being left for a long time and breeding bacteria.

[0102] In this embodiment, the ice maker not only has the ability to make ice, but also the ability to make ice water. By connecting the ice water tank 21 with the first water outlet 14, ice water can flow out of the ice maker through the ice water tank 21 and the water outlet, thus realizing the preparation of ice water.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the first water outlet 14 may also be equipped with a faucet or a water valve. In one possible implementation, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a fixing groove 15 is provided at the bottom of the groove of the second cavity 12;

[0104] The bottom of the box is provided with a locking block 215 that cooperates with the fixing groove 15 so that the ice water tank 21 pushed back into the receiving groove 211 is locked into the second cavity 12.

[0105] This utility model uses the cooperation between the locking block 215 and the fixing groove 15 to ensure that the ice water tank 21 can be firmly locked in the receiving groove 211 after being pushed back, thus preventing the ice water tank 21 from shaking or shifting.

[0106] This design improves the stability of the chilled water tank 21, especially in situations where it needs to withstand a certain weight or external force, ensuring that the chilled water tank 21 remains stable.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the locking block 215 is configured on the side near the outer casing 1 to smoothly connect the locking block 215 and the ramp at the bottom of the ice water tank 21 so that the ice water tank 21 is smoothly pushed into the receiving groove 211, and on the side away from the outer casing 1, it is configured as a protruding structure so that the locking block 215 of the ice water tank 21 pushed into the receiving groove 211 engages with the fixing groove 15 and locks the ice water tank 21 in the receiving groove 211.

[0108] In this embodiment, the slope design makes the contact surface between the locking block 215 and the outer shell 1 or the edge of the receiving groove 211 smoother during the process of pushing the chilled water tank 21 into the receiving groove 211, thereby reducing friction and resistance. This allows the user to push the chilled water tank 21 more easily; the smooth pushing process allows the chilled water tank 21 to quickly enter the receiving groove 211, improving overall operating efficiency. On the side away from the outer shell 1, the locking block 215 is configured as a protruding structure, which can accurately engage with the fixing groove 15 after the chilled water tank 21 is pushed into the receiving groove 211; the protruding structure provides additional locking force, ensuring the stability of the chilled water tank 21 in the receiving groove 211.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown in this embodiment, the outer shell 1 at the bottom of the second cavity 12 has a water-permeable hole for draining water that leaks into the ice water tank 21 or other parts of the ice maker, ensuring the cleanliness of the bottom of the ice maker 21 and preventing the growth of bacteria.

[0110] This utility model provides a second embodiment that is similar to the first embodiment. The ice maker solution is as follows:

[0111] The first embodiment of this utility model provides an ice maker, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0112] The outer casing 1 and the drawer-type ice storage container 2;

[0113] The outer shell 1 has a second cavity 12; the drawer-type ice storage container 2 is configured to be pulled out or pushed back from the second cavity 12 in a preset direction.

[0114] The outer shell 1 has a first cavity 11 formed above the second cavity 12; an ice-making mechanism 3 is provided in the first cavity 11.

[0115] Ice-making mechanism 3 is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into the drawer-type ice storage container 2 and be stored in the drawer-type ice storage container 2.

[0116] The outer shell 1 or the drawer-type ice storage container 2 is also used to receive and store ice water from the drawer-type ice storage container 2.

[0117] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the drawer-type ice storage container 2 in this embodiment includes a second ice storage box 23 with an opening at the top;

[0118] Ice-making mechanism 3 is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into the second ice storage box 23 and be stored by the second ice storage box 23.

[0119] The bottom wall of the outer shell 1 is provided with a third cavity 13 at the second cavity position for supporting the second ice storage box 23 and providing support for the pull-out track of the second ice storage box 23;

[0120] The bottom of the second ice storage box 23 is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the second ice storage box 23 can flow into the third cavity 13 through the water permeable holes.

[0121] In this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment which uses an ice water tank 21 to store ice water, this embodiment directly stores ice water in the third cavity 13 of the outer shell 1, resulting in a simpler structure. Furthermore, by placing the third cavity 13 at the location of the second cavity 12 of the outer shell 1, the internal space of the ice maker is fully utilized, making the overall structure more compact. Simultaneously, it achieves separate storage of ice and ice water, improving space utilization. The separate design of the second ice storage box 23 and the third cavity 13 allows users to remove the second ice storage box 23 separately for cleaning or maintenance. The third cavity 13, as an independent area, also facilitates the cleaning of accumulated ice water, enhancing the user experience. By promptly separating ice water and ice cubes, the contact time between ice cubes and liquid water is reduced, slowing down the melting rate of the ice cubes and extending the ice storage time, thus improving the efficiency of the ice maker. Finally, by providing multiple permeable holes at the bottom of the second ice storage box 23, ice water can quickly flow into the third cavity 13 through the permeable holes, preventing ice water accumulation in the second ice storage box 23, keeping the inside of the second ice storage box 23 dry, and extending its service life.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, in one possible implementation, the drawer-type ice storage container 2 has at least one detection through hole 222 for detecting whether the second ice storage box 23 is full of ice.

[0123] This embodiment only uses the detection through-hole 222, which makes the structure simpler. Its method of detecting the full ice state is similar to that of the first embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0124] The ice maker has a first water outlet 14 on the lower part of the outer shell away from the ice storage container 2. The first water outlet 14 is connected to the third cavity 13 and is used to discharge the ice water in the third cavity 13 out of the first water outlet 14.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first water outlet 14 of the outer casing 1 is directly connected to the third cavity 13, allowing the ice water in the third cavity 13 to be directly discharged from the first water outlet 14. Similarly, in this embodiment, a faucet or water valve can be installed at the first water outlet 14 so that the user can obtain ice water through the faucet or water valve when needed. Alternatively, a plug can be installed for discharging residual ice water only.

[0126] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can be mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be internal connections between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0127] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0128] Obviously, the above embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples for clearly illustrating this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here. Any obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of this disclosure are still within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The outer casing and the drawer-type ice storage container; The outer shell has a second cavity; The drawer-type ice storage container is configured to be pulled out or pushed back from the second cavity in a preset direction; The outer shell has a first cavity formed above the second cavity; an ice-making mechanism is provided in the first cavity. The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let it fall into a drawer-type ice storage container and be stored in the drawer-type ice storage container. The outer shell or the drawer-type ice storage container is also used to receive and store ice water flowing out of the drawer-type ice storage container.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer-type ice storage container includes an ice water tank with an open top and a first ice storage box with an open top and detachably installed in the ice water tank from the top opening of the ice water tank. The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let the ice fall into the first ice storage box and be stored in the first ice storage box. The bottom of the first ice storage box is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the first ice storage box can flow into the ice water tank through the water permeable holes.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first ice storage box has an outer rim on at least one of its opposite outer surfaces that are parallel to the preset direction; The ice water tank is provided with a receiving groove that matches the outer eaves; The first ice storage box is configured to be inserted into the opening of the ice water tank, and the outer edge cooperates with the receiving groove so that the first ice storage box is installed in the ice water tank.

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first ice storage box has at least one detection through hole; The ice water tank is provided with an auxiliary through hole corresponding to the detection through hole.

5. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the inner wall of the ice water tank on the side intersecting with the first direction; The first ice storage box is provided with a snap-fit ​​assembly that mates with the slot, including: Two buckles are positioned opposite each other on the first ice storage box, one on the side near the slot and the other on the side away from the slot. The buckles are used to engage with the slot to lock the first ice storage box and the ice water tank together.

6. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice maker has a first water outlet on the lower part of the outer casing away from the side where the ice storage container is pulled out; The ice water tank is also provided with a second water outlet at the lower part away from the ice storage container extraction side for cooperating with the first water outlet; The second outlet is configured such that the ice water tank is pushed into the second cavity, and the second outlet is connected to the first outlet.

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer-type ice storage container includes a second ice storage box with an opening at the top. The ice-making mechanism is used to draw water from a water source, freeze the water into ice, and let the ice fall into the second ice storage box and be stored in the second ice storage box. The bottom wall of the outer shell is provided with a third cavity at the second cavity position for supporting the second ice storage box and providing support for the pull-out track of the second ice storage box; The bottom of the second ice storage box is provided with multiple water permeable holes so that the ice water in the second ice storage box can flow into the third cavity through the water permeable holes.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drawer-type ice storage container has at least one detection through hole for detecting whether the second ice storage box is full of ice.

9. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell or the drawer-type ice storage container is also configured as a container for storing water as a water source for the ice maker, so that the ice-making mechanism draws water from the water source, freezes the water into ice, and the ice falls into the drawer-type ice storage container and is stored therein.

10. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ice maker has a first water outlet on the lower part of the outer casing away from the side where the ice storage container is pulled out; The first water outlet is connected to the third cavity.

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