Ice maker and multi-functional water purifier

Abstract

This application provides an ice maker and a multi-functional water purifier, relating to the field of household appliance technology. The ice maker includes a main body, inside which are disposed a liquid storage chamber, an ice-making chamber, and an ice-storage chamber. At least one of the ice-making chamber and the ice-storage chamber is provided with a guide hole, which is configured to guide liquid into the liquid storage chamber. In the above-mentioned ice maker and multi-functional water purifier, based on the design of the guide hole, such as a first guide hole or a second guide hole, if residual water is generated during the ice-making process, or if the ice is not removed for use in time, the ice may melt, thus generating melted water, or if unused water is generated in the ice-making chamber or the ice-storage chamber due to other circumstances, the water can flow back to the liquid storage chamber along the first guide hole of the ice-making chamber or the second guide hole of the ice-storage chamber, preventing water accumulation in the ice-making chamber or the ice-storage chamber.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on August 6, 2024, application number 202421892918.7, entitled "Multifunctional Water Purifier and Functional Water Machine", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to ice makers and multi-functional water purifiers. Background Technology

[0004] With the advancement of technology, multi-functional water purifiers have gradually become essential household appliances. Existing multi-functional water purifiers can provide users with purified drinking water. To meet diverse user needs, the market offers various types of machines with purification and additional functions, such as tea purifiers, tea brewing purifiers, ice water purifiers, and coffee purifiers.

[0005] For ice water purifiers, which include an ice maker, the purified drinking water can be used directly to make ice. After ice is made, the ice cubes can be removed via a built-in ice-removal module. However, existing ice water purifiers' ice makers tend to accumulate water during the ice-making and ice-storage process. This water may be leftover water from ice making or water from melting ice. If this water is not drained promptly, it can affect the normal operation of the ice maker. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ice maker and a multi-functional water purifier to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0007] This application provides an ice maker, the ice maker comprising:

[0008] The main body has a liquid storage chamber, an ice-making chamber and an ice storage chamber inside. At least one of the ice-making chamber and the ice storage chamber is provided with a flow guide hole, which is configured to guide liquid into the liquid storage chamber.

[0009] A liquid level detection device, wherein the liquid storage chamber includes a liquid storage space and a liquid dissolving space that are connected to each other, and the liquid level detection device is configured to detect the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage space.

[0010] In one embodiment, the liquid storage chamber is connected to the ice-making chamber, the ice-making chamber is connected to the ice storage chamber, and the main body has an outlet that connects to the ice storage chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the liquid level detection device includes a first detection unit, and the liquid level detection device is disposed in the liquid storage space of the liquid storage cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first detection unit is configured to detect the highest liquid level of the liquid storage volume.

[0013] In one embodiment, the liquid-forming space is located above the liquid-storing space; and / or,

[0014] The liquid storage space and the liquid-forming space are separated from each other by a partition layer, and the first detection unit is located on the partition layer between the liquid storage space and the liquid-forming space; and / or,

[0015] The liquid level detection device further includes a second detection unit, the height of which in the liquid storage space is less than the height of which in the liquid storage space is greater than that of which in the liquid storage space is greater than that of which in the liquid storage space. The second detection unit is configured to detect the lowest liquid level of the liquid storage volume.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is configured as a water level detection electrode; or...

[0017] At least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is configured as a reed switch, and the liquid level detection device further includes at least one float, at least one of the floats being movably assembled in the reed switch.

[0018] In one embodiment, the volume of the liquid-melting space is greater than or equal to 30% of the volume of the ice-making chamber; or...

[0019] The volume of the liquid-melting space is greater than or equal to 30% of the volume of the ice storage chamber; or...

[0020] The ice-making chamber has a first maximum ice-storage volume, and the volume of the melting space is greater than or equal to 30% of the first maximum ice-storage volume; and / or,

[0021] The ice storage chamber has a second maximum ice storage volume, and the volume of the liquid melting space is greater than or equal to 30% of the second maximum ice storage volume.

[0022] In one embodiment, the volume of the liquid-melting space is greater than or equal to the volume of the ice-making chamber; or...

[0023] The volume of the liquid-melting space is greater than or equal to the volume of the ice-storage chamber; or...

[0024] The volume of the liquid-cooling space is greater than or equal to the first maximum ice storage volume; or...

[0025] The volume of the liquid storage space is greater than or equal to the second maximum ice storage volume.

[0026] In one embodiment, the volume of the liquid-melting space is less than or equal to the sum of the volumes of the ice-making chamber and the ice-storing chamber; or...

[0027] The volume of the liquid storage space is less than or equal to the sum of the first maximum ice storage volume and the second maximum ice storage volume.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one of the ice-making chamber and the ice-storing chamber is located above the liquid storage chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, the guide hole in the ice-making chamber is located at the lowest position inside the ice-making chamber; and / or,

[0030] The guide hole in the ice storage cavity is located at the lowest point inside the ice storage cavity.

[0031] In one embodiment, an ice-making module is provided in the ice-making chamber; and / or,

[0032] The ice storage chamber is equipped with an ice extraction module; and / or,

[0033] At least one of the ice-making chamber and the ice-storage chamber is provided with at least one photoelectric sensor, which is configured to detect ice storage data of at least one of the ice-making chamber and the ice-storage chamber.

[0034] In one embodiment, the ice-making module includes an ice-making device, a liquid-holding vessel, and an ice-pushing element. The liquid-holding vessel has a liquid-holding tank configured to hold liquid from the liquid storage chamber. The ice-making device is configured to generate ice blocks using the liquid in the liquid-holding tank. The ice-pushing element is configured to transfer the ice blocks generated by the ice-making device to the ice storage chamber; and / or,

[0035] The ice-retrieving module includes a driving element, a transmission assembly, and an ice-retrieving element. The driving element is drivenly connected to the ice-retrieving element through the transmission assembly. The driving element is configured to apply a driving force toward the transmission assembly along a first direction. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit the driving force toward the ice-retrieving element along a second direction. The driving force is configured to drive the ice-retrieving element to rotate on a fixed axis. At least a portion of the ice-retrieving element is configured as a helical structure for rotating and propelling the target body along the ice-moving trajectory. The first direction and the second direction are configured to face different directions.

[0036] And / or,

[0037] At least one of the ice-making module and the ice-retrieving module is connected to a controller, the controller is data-connected to the photoelectric sensor, and the controller is configured to control at least one of the ice-making module and the ice-retrieving module according to the ice storage data.

[0038] In one embodiment, the liquid-holding container is movably mounted in the ice-making chamber to shield or avoid the gravitational ice-falling direction of the ice-making device; the ice-pushing element is connected to the liquid-holding container and is configured to move synchronously with the liquid-holding container, thereby transferring the ice blocks generated by the ice-making device into the ice-storage chamber; and / or

[0039] The ice-collecting element is configured as at least one of a helical coil and a helical blade; and / or,

[0040] The transmission assembly is configured as a gear set; and / or,

[0041] The driving element is elastically connected to the transmission assembly; and / or,

[0042] There is a steering angle between the first direction and the second direction, and the angle of the steering angle is between 92° and 120°.

[0043] In one embodiment, the liquid-holding vessel is rotatably mounted in the ice-making chamber, the liquid-holding vessel is configured to rotate around the ice-making device, and the ice-pushing element is hinged to the liquid-holding vessel and configured to move synchronously with the liquid-holding vessel, thereby pushing ice blocks falling from the ice-making device into the ice-making chamber toward the ice-storage chamber; and / or

[0044] The transmission assembly includes at least an input gear and an output gear, the input gear and the output gear being directly or indirectly driven to mesh; the driving element is drivenly connected to the input gear and configured to drive the input gear to rotate along a first axis that extends along a first direction; the input gear is configured to directly or indirectly drive the output gear to rotate along a second axis that extends along a second direction.

[0045] And / or, the drive element is elastically connected to the input gear.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the liquid-holding container blocks the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device, the liquid-holding container is located below the ice-making device, and at least a portion of the structure of the ice-making device is located in the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding container; and / or,

[0047] The ice-making module further includes an identification sensor configured to identify the state information of the liquid-containing container, the state information including whether the liquid-containing container is blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device; the control device is configured to control the ice-making device based on the state information; and / or,

[0048] At least one of the input gear and the output gear is configured as a bevel gear; and / or,

[0049] The drive element is configured as a manual knob, which is mounted on the main body for fixed-axis rotation; and / or...

[0050] The drive element is elastically connected to the input gear via an elastic element.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom region of the ice storage cavity is configured as an inclined bottom surface.

[0052] In one embodiment, the outlet of the ice storage cavity is located at the highest point of the inclined bottom surface; and / or,

[0053] The entire bottom area of ​​the ice storage cavity is configured as an inclined bottom surface; and / or

[0054] The inclined bottom surface of the ice storage cavity is configured to be inclined along a straight trajectory, and the ice moving trajectory is configured as a straight trajectory, which is parallel to the inclined bottom surface.

[0055] In one embodiment, the main body includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being fitted inside the second housing, the liquid storage chamber, the ice-making chamber, and the ice storage chamber being located in the first housing, and at least a portion of the gap between the first housing and the second housing being filled with insulating foam; and / or,

[0056] The main body is provided with an outlet stop, which is movably connected to the main body and used to open or close the outlet of the ice storage cavity; and / or,

[0057] The top of the main body is provided with a body window, which connects the ice-making chamber and the ice-storing chamber. The body window is provided with a window cover.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the ice-making chamber and the ice-storing chamber are located in the upper housing, and the liquid-storing chamber is located in the lower housing, wherein the upper housing is disposed above the lower housing, and the upper housing seals the liquid-storing chamber of the lower housing; and / or,

[0059] The top of the main body is provided with a cover plate groove and an extended recess communicating with the cover plate groove. The window cover plate is disposed in the cover plate groove, and the extended recess is exposed outside the window cover plate.

[0060] And / or, the body window is provided with an exterior cover, the exterior cover being located on the outside of the window cover.

[0061] In one embodiment, the ice maker includes:

[0062] A liquid extraction assembly, comprising an extraction pipeline, an extraction valve, and an extraction pump, wherein the extraction pipeline is configured to connect the liquid storage chamber to a compatible water purifier, the extraction valve is disposed on the extraction pipeline for opening or blocking the extraction pipeline, and the extraction pump is disposed on the extraction pipeline for driving liquid along the extraction pipeline into the liquid storage chamber of the main body; and / or,

[0063] The liquid supply assembly includes a liquid supply pipeline, a liquid supply valve, and a liquid supply pump. The liquid supply pipeline connects the liquid storage chamber and the ice-making chamber. The liquid supply valve is located on the liquid supply pipeline and is used to open or close the liquid supply pipeline. The liquid supply pump is located on the liquid supply pipeline and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to enter the ice-making chamber along the liquid supply pipeline.

[0064] This application provides a multi-functional water purifier, the multi-functional water purifier comprising:

[0065] The water purifier is equipped with a filtration module and an expansion function module, the expansion function module including a main electrical connection element;

[0066] The ice maker is provided with an auxiliary docking module, which includes an auxiliary electrical docking element. The ice maker is detachably assembled to the water purifier. When the ice maker and the water purifier are assembled and cooperated, the auxiliary electrical docking element is docked and cooperated with the main electrical docking element.

[0067] One of the main electrical connection element and the auxiliary electrical connection element includes: at least two first male connectors and at least one second male connector, wherein the second male connector includes a first number of male conductive parts, and any one of the male conductive parts is insulated from any other male conductive part, and the first number is greater than or equal to two.

[0068] Another correspondence between the main electromechanical connection element and the auxiliary electromechanical connection element includes: at least two first female connectors and at least one second female connector, wherein the first female connector is adapted to and connected to the first male connector, and the second female connector is adapted to and connected to the second male connector; wherein the second female connector includes the first number of female conductive parts, and any one of the female conductive parts is insulated from any other female conductive part, and the female conductive parts are connected one-to-one with the male conductive parts to form a conductive path.

[0069] In one embodiment, from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector, two adjacent male conductive parts are nested together, and an insulating part is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts.

[0070] In one embodiment, along the axial direction of the second male connector, at least one end of the inner male conductive portion is exposed to the outer male conductive portion, so that each of the male conductive portions in the second male connector is adapted to connect to the corresponding female conductive portion.

[0071] In one embodiment, in two adjacent public conductive portions, a receiving space is provided in the outer public conductive portion, the receiving space being used to receive the inner public conductive portion, and the insulating portion provided between the two adjacent public conductive portions;

[0072] Furthermore, the peripheral wall of the male conductive part located on the outer side is provided with a connection port, and the insulating part is provided with a clearance port. From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector, the orthographic projection of the clearance port is located within the orthographic projection of the connection port.

[0073] In one embodiment, the insulating portion is an insulating coating applied to the outer surface of the inner male conductive portion and / or to the inner surface of the outer male conductive portion; or,

[0074] The insulating part is constructed as a cylindrical body, and the insulating part is sleeved on the male conductive part located on the inner side.

[0075] In one embodiment, a plurality of male conductive parts are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence along the circumference of the second male connector, and an insulating part is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts.

[0076] In one embodiment, the insulating portion is an insulating coating, and in at least one of the adjacent male conductive portions, the insulating coating is applied to the surface of at least one of the male conductive portions used for bonding; or...

[0077] The insulating part is constructed as a layer, and at least a portion of the insulating part is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts.

[0078] In one embodiment, a plurality of female conductive parts are arranged sequentially around the second female connector to form a docking space, the docking space being used to accommodate the second male connector, wherein adjacent female conductive parts are spaced apart.

[0079] In one embodiment, the female conductive portion includes a conductive segment and a joining segment, the conductive segment and the joining segment being disposed adjacent to each other along the extending direction of the female conductive portion, and the joining segment being elastically deformable and adapted to engage with the male conductive portion.

[0080] In one embodiment, at least two of the mating segments of the female conductive parts are staggered along the axial direction of the second female connector; or, the mating segments of each female conductive part are flush.

[0081] In one embodiment, the main electromechanical docking element further includes a main connector mounting base, and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element further includes an auxiliary connector mounting base. One of the main connector mounting base and the auxiliary connector mounting base is provided with a docking groove, and the other of the main connector mounting base and the auxiliary connector mounting base is correspondingly provided with a docking protrusion. The docking protrusion is adapted to extend into the docking groove for docking and engagement, and the interior of the docking protrusion forms an arrangement space.

[0082] One of the mating groove and the arrangement space is used to arrange the first female connector and the second female connector, and the other of the mating groove and the arrangement space is correspondingly used to arrange the first male connector and the second male connector.

[0083] In one embodiment, the mating protrusion is provided with at least one waterproof component, the waterproof component being correspondingly disposed with a connector disposed within the arrangement space, and at least one connector being located below its corresponding waterproof component.

[0084] In one embodiment, the waterproof component is an openable waterproof silicone sheet.

[0085] In one embodiment, the water purifier is provided with a water outlet.

[0086] In one embodiment, the extended functional module further includes a host water circuit docking element;

[0087] The auxiliary unit docking module also includes an auxiliary unit water circuit docking element, which docks with the main unit water circuit docking element to connect the water circuit system of the water purifier with the water circuit system of the ice maker.

[0088] In one embodiment, the extended function module is retractably installed on the water purifier; when the extended function module is separated from the auxiliary docking module and in a retracted state, at least the main electrical docking element and the main water circuit docking element of the extended function module are located inside the water purifier; when the extended function module is in a docking state, at least the main electrical docking element and the main water circuit docking element of the extended function module are located outside the water purifier; or...

[0089] When the extended function module is in the docking state, at least the main electrical docking element and the main water circuit docking element in the extended function module are exposed and installed on the water purifier for docking with the auxiliary docking module.

[0090] In one embodiment, the water purifier is provided with a receiving cavity, and when the extended function module is in the storage state, the extended function module is stored in the receiving cavity.

[0091] In one embodiment, the extension direction of the main electrical connector is parallel to the docking direction of the ice maker, the extension direction of the main electrical connector is parallel to the bottom surface of the water purifier, and the movement direction of the main water circuit connector is parallel to the bottom surface, for lateral insertion into the ice maker; or,

[0092] When the extended function module is in the docking state, at least the main electrical docking element and the main water circuit docking element in the extended function module are exposed and installed on the water purifier for docking with the auxiliary docking module.

[0093] In one embodiment, the water purifier is provided with a receiving cavity, and when the extended function module is in the storage state, the extended function module is stored in the receiving cavity.

[0094] In one embodiment, it further includes a raw water tank, which is detachably installed in the water purifier.

[0095] In one embodiment, the water purifier further includes a water tank, and the main unit water circuit connection element is in fluid communication with the water tank.

[0096] In one embodiment, it further includes: at least one display unit, wherein the water purifier and / or the ice maker is provided with the display unit;

[0097] The display unit is used to operate and control the water purifier and / or the ice maker, and / or the display unit is used to display data information of the water purifier and / or the ice maker.

[0098] In the aforementioned ice maker and multi-functional water purifier, based on the design of the guide hole (first guide hole or second guide hole), if residual water is generated during the ice-making process, or if the ice is not removed for use in time, the ice may melt, resulting in melted water. Alternatively, if unused water is generated in the ice-making chamber or ice-storage chamber due to other circumstances, the water can flow back to the storage chamber along the first guide hole of the ice-making chamber or the second guide hole of the ice-storage chamber, thus preventing water accumulation in the ice-making chamber or ice-storage chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a multifunctional water purifier provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0100] Figure 2 For example Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the ice maker in the multi-functional water purifier.

[0101] Figure 3 For example Figure 2 The diagram shows the opening window cover and exterior cover of the ice maker.

[0102] Figure 4 For example Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the internal structure of an ice maker.

[0103] Figure 5 For example Figure 2 The image shows a longitudinal plan sectional view of the ice maker.

[0104] Figure 6 For example Figure 5 The diagram shows a first enlarged partial view of the ice maker.

[0105] Figure 7 For example Figure 5 The second enlarged schematic diagram of the ice maker shown.

[0106] Figure 8 For example Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the ice maker.

[0107] Figure 9 For example Figure 8 The ice maker shown is a first-person perspective sectional view.

[0108] Figure 10 For example Figure 8 The ice maker shown is a second-angle perspective sectional view.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid dispensing component and liquid supply component of a multifunctional water purifier provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0110] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a water purifier according to an embodiment of this application.

[0111] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of this application.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extended functional module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0113] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary docking module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0114] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a main electrical connection element and an auxiliary electrical connection element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0115] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electromechanical connection element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0116] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first female connector and a second female connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0117] Figure 19 This is an assembly diagram of the second male connector and the second female connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0118] Figure 20 This is an assembly diagram of the second male connector and the second female connector according to another embodiment of this application.

[0119] Figure 21 This is an assembly diagram of the second male connector and the second female connector according to yet another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0120] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0121] See Figure 1As shown, this application provides a multi-functional water purifier, which includes an ice maker 100, a water purifier 200, and a raw water tank 300. The raw water tank 300 is used to hold unpurified water such as tap water. The water in the raw water tank 300 can be supplied to the water purifier 200. After being filtered by the filter element assembly of the water purifier 200, the supplied water is stored in the purified water tank of the water purifier 200. The purified water can be supplied to the ice maker 100 through the purified water tank as the water source for making ice cubes C. Therefore, the ice maker 100, the water purifier 200, and the raw water tank 300 can be connected in a compatible manner, including water and electrical circuits. Those skilled in the art can choose the required method to assemble the ice maker 100, the water purifier 200, and the raw water tank 300 according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0122] See Figures 2 to 11 As shown, regarding the ice maker 100, the ice maker 100 may include a main body 1000. The main body 1000 internally comprises a liquid storage chamber 1100, an ice-making chamber 1200, and an ice storage chamber 1300. The liquid storage chamber 1100 communicates with the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice-making chamber 1200 communicates with the ice storage chamber 1300. The main body 1000 has a discharge port 1302 communicating with the ice storage chamber 1300. The liquid storage chamber 1100 receives purified water from the water purifier 200 and stores the purified water for supplying to the ice-making chamber 1200 for ice-making operations. (See reference...) Figure 4 As shown, an ice-making module 1210 is installed inside the ice-making chamber 1200. After the ice-making chamber 1200 uses water from the liquid storage chamber 1100 to make ice cube C, the ice cube C will be transferred from the ice-making chamber 1200 to the ice storage chamber 1300. Users can take out the ice cube C from the ice storage chamber 1300 for use as needed.

[0123] See Figure 5 As shown, when ice cubes C are present in the ice storage cavity 1300, the ice cubes C can be retrieved using the ice-retrieving module 1310 in the ice maker 100. This involves moving the ice cubes C from the ice storage cavity 1300 towards the outlet 1302, allowing the required quantity of ice cubes C to be retrieved from the outlet 1302 for the user to use. The ice-retrieving module 1310 is located in the main body 1000. The ice-retrieving module 1310 can be implemented using several different mechanical or electrical control structures, such as manual control, motor control, telescopic mechanisms, linkage mechanisms, lead screw mechanisms, etc. Those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate method according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0124] At least one of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300 may be provided with at least one flow guide hole, configured to guide liquid into the liquid storage chamber 1100. The flow guide hole in the ice-making chamber 1200 may be referred to as the first flow guide hole 1201, and the flow guide hole in the ice-storage chamber 1300 may be referred to as the second flow guide hole 1301. (See reference) Figures 8 to 10As shown, in one embodiment, the ice-making chamber 1200 has at least one first flow guide hole 1201, which is configured to connect the liquid storage chamber 1100 and the ice-making chamber 1200. The ice storage chamber 1300 has at least one second flow guide hole 1301, which is configured to connect the liquid storage chamber 1100 and the ice storage chamber 1300.

[0125] Based on the design of the guide holes (first guide hole 1201 or second guide hole 1301), if residual water is generated during the ice-making process, or if ice block C is not removed for use in time, ice block C may melt, resulting in melted water. Alternatively, if unused water is generated in the ice-making chamber 1200 or ice-storage chamber 1300 due to other circumstances, the water can flow back to the liquid storage chamber 1100 along the first guide hole 1201 of the ice-making chamber 1200 or the second guide hole 1301 of the ice-storage chamber 1300, thus preventing water accumulation in the ice-making chamber 1200 or ice-storage chamber 1300.

[0126] To illustrate some situations, for example, the ice-making module 1210 in the ice-making chamber 1200 may not completely use the purified water 1101 supplied in real time from the liquid storage chamber 1100 during the ice-making process. Therefore, some water may remain in the ice-making module 1210 during ice making. Or, after the ice-making module 1210 makes ice, if the ice block C is not transferred to the ice storage chamber 1300 in time due to equipment failure or other factors, the ice block C may also melt in the ice-making chamber 1200, producing melted water. In such cases, once water accumulates in the ice-making chamber 1200, it can flow back to the liquid storage chamber 1100 through the first guide hole 1201 of the ice-making chamber 1200 to avoid water accumulation in the ice-making chamber 1200.

[0127] Similarly, if ice block C in the ice storage chamber 1300 cannot be removed in time due to lack of timely removal, equipment failure, or other factors, the water from the melting of ice block C can flow back to the liquid storage chamber 1100 along the second guide hole 1301. In summary, the design of the first guide hole 1201 or the second guide hole 1301 ensures that no water will accumulate in the ice making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300 after the ice block C melts.

[0128] After the ice C in the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300 melts, the melted water can actively flow back to the liquid storage chamber 1100 due to gravity. For example, in one embodiment, the liquid storage chamber 1100 is located below the ice-making chamber 1200, and at least one first guide hole 1201 is located at the lowest position inside the ice-making chamber 1200. The liquid storage chamber 1100 is located below the ice storage chamber 1300, and at least one second guide hole 1301 is located at the lowest position inside the ice storage chamber 1300. Alternatively, the melted water can also be passively guided back to the liquid storage chamber 1100 by a water pump or other device, which is not limited here. Moreover, the liquid storage chamber 1100 can also be designed with a drain hole. When not in use for a long time, the separately provided drain hole can easily drain the residual water in the liquid storage chamber 1100 and other places, preventing hygiene problems such as bacterial growth.

[0129] See Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the ice maker 100 may also include a liquid level detection device 2000. If the liquid storage chamber 1100 is defined to include a connected liquid storage space 1110 and a melting space 1120, then the liquid level detection device 2000 can be configured to be located in the liquid storage space 1110 of the liquid storage chamber 1100, rather than in the melting space 1120 of the liquid storage chamber 1100. This allows the liquid level detection device 2000 to be configured to detect the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage space 1110. Regarding the division of the liquid storage space 1110 and the melting space 1120 in the liquid storage chamber 1100, the liquid storage space 1110 and the melting space 1120 can be clearly separated by a physical partition structure. For example, the liquid storage space 1110 and the melting space 1120 can be separated in the liquid storage chamber 1100 by a partition plate or similar component, making the liquid storage space 1110 and the melting space 1120 two interconnected chambers. Alternatively, the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid transformation space 1120 may each be a part of the liquid storage cavity 1100, and are not clearly separated by a physical partition structure. For example, the liquid transformation space 1120 is located above the liquid storage space 1110, and thus the liquid storage cavity 1100 is divided into the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid transformation space 1120 in the upper and lower spatial positions.

[0130] See Figure 8 As shown, the division of the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid transformation space 1120 in the liquid storage cavity 1100 complements the liquid level detection device 2000. That is, when the liquid level detection device 2000 is set in the liquid storage cavity 1100, the horizontal plane where a certain device position of the liquid level detection device 2000 is located (assuming that the multi-functional purifier is placed horizontally) can be used as a virtual dividing layer 1102 to divide the liquid storage cavity 1100 into the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid transformation space 1120. This virtual dividing layer 1102 does not exist, but based on the existence of the liquid level detection device 2000, the division state of the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid transformation space 1120 in the liquid storage cavity 1100 can be determined.

[0131] For example, a certain position of the aforementioned liquid level detection device 2000 can be its highest liquid level detection position. When detecting the liquid volume in the storage chamber 1100 based on its highest liquid level detection position, the detected volume is the maximum liquid volume in the storage chamber 1100. Therefore, the liquid level detection device 2000 determines the virtual horizontal plane dividing the storage space 1110 and the liquid-forming space 1120 based on its highest liquid level detection position. The division of the storage space 1110 and the liquid-forming space 1120 within the storage chamber 1100 also conversely determines that the liquid level detection device 2000 is located in the storage space 1110 of the storage chamber 1100, rather than in the liquid-forming space 1120. Thus, it can be seen that in situations such as... Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the division of the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid dissolving space 1120 in the liquid storage chamber 1100 complements the liquid level detection device 2000.

[0132] The liquid level detection device 2000 may include a first detection unit, which may be located at the highest liquid level detection position of the liquid level detection device 2000, so that the first detection unit can be configured to detect the highest liquid level, i.e., the maximum liquid level. When the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid dissolving space 1120 are separated from each other by the partition layer 1102, the first detection unit may be located within the partition layer 1102 between the liquid storage space 1110 and the liquid dissolving space 1120. In addition, the liquid level detection device 2000 may also include a second detection unit, the height of which in the liquid storage space 1110 is less than the height of which in the liquid storage space 1110 is. For example, the second detection unit may be located at the lowest liquid level detection position of the liquid level detection device 2000, so that the second detection unit can be configured to detect the lowest liquid level, i.e., the minimum liquid level.

[0133] The first and second detection units can be used in various ways to detect the maximum and minimum liquid storage volumes. For example, at least one of the first and second detection units can be configured as a water level detection electrode. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second detection units can also be configured as a reed switch.

[0134] When configured as a reed switch, the liquid level detection device 2000 also includes a limiting rod 2100 and at least one float 2200 cooperating with the limiting rod 2100. The first and second detection parts configured as a reed switch correspond to different heights of the limiting rod 2100. The reed switch can be disposed inside or outside the limiting rod 2100 within the liquid storage cavity, or in other locations within the ice maker. The float 2200 is movably mounted on the limiting rod 2100. The float 2200 can float on the water surface and moves up and down along the limiting rod 2100 as the water level changes. During this up-and-down movement, the float 2200 can be detected by different reed switches at different water level heights.

[0135] For example, in one embodiment, both the first and second detection units can be configured as water level detection electrodes, using water level detection electrodes at different heights to detect the highest and lowest liquid levels. Alternatively, both the first and second detection units can be configured as reed switches, with the float 2200 movably mounted to the limiting rod 2100. The float 2200 floats up and down with the water level, allowing it to be detected by the reed switch at different water levels, thereby detecting the highest and lowest liquid levels.

[0136] The limiting rod 2100 may be equipped with a stop to restrict the movement range of the float 2200 on the limiting rod 2100. Furthermore, there may be two floats 2200, each used to cooperate with reed switches at different heights, and each float 2200's movement range on the limiting rod 2100 may be limited. Alternatively, one of the first and second detection units may employ a water level detection electrode, while the other may use a combination of a float 2200 and a reed switch. Those skilled in the art can choose a suitable combination according to actual needs, or use other water level detection mechanisms or devices; no limitation is made here.

[0137] Based on the design of the guide holes (first guide hole 1201 or second guide hole 1301), water can flow back to the storage chamber 1100 along the first guide hole 1201 of the ice-making chamber 1200 or the second guide hole 1301 of the ice storage chamber 1300. Therefore, this portion of water flowing back to the storage chamber 1100 can be stored using the melting space 1120. It should be noted that the storage chamber 1100 needs to receive purified water 1101 from the purifier. If the storage chamber 1100 is full, it can no longer receive water flowing back from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300. To address the issue of receiving returned water, the liquid storage chamber 1100 is divided into a liquid storage space 1110 and a liquid melting space 1120. The liquid storage space 1110 is primarily used to receive and store purified water 1101 from the purifier, while the liquid melting space 1120 is primarily used to receive and store water returned from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300. Therefore, even if the liquid storage space 1110 reaches its maximum storage capacity, it does not affect the liquid storage chamber 1100 from receiving water returned from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300; that is, the liquid melting space 1120 is used to receive water returned from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300.

[0138] Based on the amount of water that the liquid-melting space 1120 needs to receive from the return flow, the volume of the liquid-melting space 1120 can be set as needed, rather than arbitrarily. Since the main purpose of the liquid-melting space 1120 is to receive water returning from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300, the volume of the liquid-melting space 1120 can be specifically designed based on the volume of the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300.

[0139] For example, if residual water is generated during the ice-making process, or if ice block C is not removed and used in time, ice block C may melt, resulting in melted water. This water may only be a portion of the water in the ice-making cavity 1200 or the ice-storage cavity 1300. Therefore, the volume of the melting liquid space 1120 can be set with reference to a portion of the volume of the ice-making cavity 1200 or the ice-storage cavity 1300.

[0140] In one embodiment, the volume of the melting liquid space 1120 can be defined as being greater than or equal to 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc., of the volume of the ice-making cavity 1200, according to proportions such as 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc. Alternatively, the volume of the melting liquid space 1120 can be defined as being greater than or equal to 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc., of the volume of the ice-storage cavity 1300, etc. Furthermore, the volume of the melting liquid space 1120 can be defined as being greater than or equal to the volume of the ice-making cavity 1200, or the volume of the ice-storage cavity 1300. At this point, the volume of the liquid melting space 1120 is based solely on the volume of the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300 as a single reference, indicating that the liquid melting space 1120 can be designed only to receive water returning from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300.

[0141] In addition, the volume of the melting space 1120 can also be based on the sum of the volumes of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300, indicating that the melting space 1120 can be designed to have sufficient space to receive water flowing back from both the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300. For example, the volume of the melting space 1120 is less than or equal to the sum of the volumes of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300. In one embodiment, the volume of the melting space 1120 can be set to 50% to 80% of the sum of the volumes of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300. When the backflowing water reaches a certain volume in the melting space 1120, the water in the melting space 1120 can also flow back towards the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300 through the guide holes (first guide hole 1201 or second guide hole 1301).

[0142] As mentioned earlier, the water flowing back into the melting space 1120 can be the water from the melting of ice block C. Since ice block C has a fixed shape when it is in the ice-making cavity 1200 or the ice-storage cavity 1300, there will definitely be gaps between several ice blocks C in the ice-making cavity 1200 or the ice-storage cavity 1300. The space occupied by these gaps will not produce melting water, so these gap spaces can be eliminated. Therefore, the volume of the melting space 1120 can also be calculated and designed based on the maximum ice storage volume of ice block C in the ice-making cavity 1200 and the ice-storage cavity 1300.

[0143] Based on the above calculation theory, the ice-making cavity 1200 can be limited to a first maximum ice-storing volume according to proportions of 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%, respectively, and the volume of the melting space 1120 can be greater than or equal to 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% of the first maximum ice-storing volume. Alternatively, the ice-storing cavity 1300 can be limited to a second maximum ice-storing volume, and the volume of the melting space 1120 can be greater than or equal to 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% of the second maximum ice-storing volume.

[0144] It is even possible to limit the volume of the melting space 1120 to be greater than or equal to the first maximum ice storage volume. Alternatively, the volume of the melting space 1120 may be greater than or equal to the second maximum ice storage volume. In this case, the volume of the melting space 1120 is based solely on the maximum ice storage volume of the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300, indicating that the melting space 1120 can be designed solely to receive water returning from the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300. Alternatively, the volume of the melting space 1120 may also be based on the sum of the maximum ice storage volumes of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice storage chamber 1300, indicating that the melting space 1120 can be designed to have sufficient space to receive water returning from both the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice storage chamber 1300. For example, the volume of the melting space 1120 may be less than or equal to the sum of the first and second maximum ice storage volumes. Those skilled in the art can design according to actual needs, and no limitations are imposed here.

[0145] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at least one of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300 is equipped with at least one photoelectric sensor 3000. The photoelectric sensor 3000 is configured to detect ice storage data in at least one of the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300. For example, the photoelectric sensor 3000 can be installed in the ice-making chamber 1200 to detect ice storage data, and the photoelectric sensor 3000 can also be installed in the ice-storage chamber 1300 to detect ice storage data. This ice storage data is the amount of ice block C stored (which can be represented by height). The photoelectric sensor can be a through-beam sensor, such as a through-beam infrared sensor, etc., and is not limited here.

[0146] Since the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300 are connected, the ice blocks C produced in the ice-making chamber 1200 will be transferred from the ice-making chamber 1200 to the ice-storage chamber 1300. Therefore, the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300 can be equipped with a shared photoelectric sensor 3000. The photoelectric sensor 3000 can detect the amount of ice blocks C produced in the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice-storage chamber 1300 in real time. When the amount of ice blocks C detected reaches the preset set amount, the photoelectric sensor 3000 can make a judgment, such as issuing a prompt signal, indicating that the current amount of ice blocks C has reached the set amount.

[0147] At least one of the ice-making module 1210 and the ice-retrieving module 1310 can be connected to a controller, which is data-connected to the photoelectric sensor 3000. Therefore, based on the ice storage data obtained from the photoelectric sensor 3000, the controller can be configured to control at least one of the ice-making module 1210 and the ice-retrieving module 1310 according to the ice storage data. For example, when the ice storage data indicates that the ice block C storage has reached a preset storage level, the controller can actively control the ice-making module 1210 to stop making ice, or control the ice-retrieving module 1310 to immediately retrieve ice, preventing the ice block C storage from reaching the maximum ice storage volume in the ice-making chamber 1200 and the ice storage chamber 1300, thus avoiding damage to the equipment and ensuring safe operation.

[0148] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-making module 1210 may include an ice-making device 1211, a liquid-holding vessel 1212, and an ice-pushing element 1213. The liquid-holding vessel 1212 has a liquid-holding tank configured to hold liquid from the liquid storage chamber 1100. The ice-making device 1211 is configured to generate ice blocks C using the liquid in the liquid-holding tank. The ice-pushing element 1213 is configured to transfer the ice blocks C generated by the ice-making device 1211 to the ice storage chamber 1300.

[0149] In the embodiment of the ice-making module 1210 described above, the water in the ice-making cavity 1200 mainly comes from the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding vessel 1212. Water generated during the ice-making process, or water from the melting of ice cube C when it is not removed for use in time, also mainly comes from the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding vessel 1212, with the capacity of the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding vessel 1212 as the upper limit. Therefore, the spatial volume of the melting space 1120 can also be changed from the spatial volume of the ice-making cavity 1200 to the capacity of the liquid-holding tank.

[0150] For example, the volume of the melting space 1120 can be defined as greater than or equal to 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc., of the capacity of the liquid holding tank, using proportions such as 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc. It can even be defined as greater than or equal to the capacity of the liquid holding tank. Alternatively, the volume of the melting space 1120 can be less than or equal to the sum of the capacity of the liquid holding tank and the volume of the ice storage cavity 1300. In one embodiment, the volume of the melting space 1120 can be set to 50% to 80% of the sum of the capacity of the liquid holding tank and the volume of the ice storage cavity 1300.

[0151] Based on its fixed shape, ice cubes C will inevitably have gaps within the ice-making chamber 1200 or the ice-storage chamber 1300. These gaps do not generate melting water and can therefore be eliminated. Thus, the capacity of the liquid-holding tank can be limited to the aforementioned first maximum ice-storage volume. Those skilled in the art can design according to actual needs, and no limitations are imposed here.

[0152] Continue reading Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the liquid container 1212 is movably assembled in the ice-making cavity 1200. The movable assembly can be in various ways such as moving, rotating, or swinging, which is not limited here. Therefore, based on the movable assembly of the liquid container 1212 relative to the ice-making cavity 1200, when the spatial position of the liquid container 1212 in the ice-making cavity 1200 changes, it can block or avoid the direction of gravity-induced ice falling of the ice-making device 1211 based on the different spatial positions.

[0153] It should be noted that after the ice-making device 1211 produces ice cube C using water, the ice cube C will fall due to gravity and leave the ice-making device 1211, allowing the ice-making device 1211 to continue producing the next batch of ice cube C after producing one batch. Therefore, the aforementioned direction of gravity-induced ice falling refers to the direction in which the ice cube C falls, that is, the downward direction of the ice-making device 1211. When the liquid container 1212 blocks the direction of gravity-induced ice falling of the ice-making device 1211, the liquid container 1212 is located below the ice-making device 1211. At this time, the ice-making device 1211 can use the water in the liquid container to make ice cube C. For example, when the liquid container 1212 is located below the ice-making device 1211, at least a part of the device structure of the ice-making device 1211 is located in the liquid container 1212, and can contact the water in the liquid container to cool the water in the liquid container to make ice.

[0154] When the ice-making device 1211 finishes producing a batch of ice blocks C, the liquid-holding container 1212 can be moved to change its spatial position, changing from blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211 to avoiding the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211. At this time, the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding container 1212 is not located below the ice-making device 1211, and the ice blocks C produced by the ice-making device 1211 can fall under gravity, thus leaving the ice-making device 1211 and falling into the ice-making cavity 1200, that is, as... Figure 8 Below the liquid container 1212. When making the next batch of ice cubes C, the liquid container 1212 can be moved back to its original position below the ice-making device 1211. This reciprocating operation can continuously produce batches of ice cubes C.

[0155] The ice-pushing element 1213 is connected to the liquid-holding container 1212 and is configured to move synchronously with the liquid-holding container 1212. Therefore, when the liquid-holding container 1212 moves to block the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, the ice-pushing element 1213 will be in one spatial position; when the liquid-holding container 1212 moves to avoid the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, the ice-pushing element 1213 will be in another spatial position. With the reciprocating motion of the liquid-holding container 1212, the ice-pushing element 1213 will also reciprocate between these two different spatial positions. This reciprocating motion allows the ice-pushing element 1213 to generate a pushing force on the ice block C during its movement, thereby transferring the ice block C generated by the ice-making device 1211 into the ice storage cavity 1300.

[0156] In one embodiment, the liquid container 1212 is rotatably mounted in the ice-making chamber 1200, and the liquid container 1212 can be configured to rotate around the ice-making device 1211. For example, when the liquid container 1212 blocks the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, the liquid container 1212 is located below the ice-making device 1211, at which time the ice-making device 1211 can use the water in the liquid container to make ice cubes C.

[0157] When the ice-making device 1211 finishes producing a batch of ice blocks C, the liquid-holding container 1212 can be moved and repositioned, rotating to any position such as the left, right, or above the ice-making device 1211. This changes its position from obstructing the direction of the ice blocks falling due to gravity from the ice-making device 1211 to avoiding it. At this time, the liquid-holding container 1212 is not located below the ice-making device 1211, and the ice blocks C produced by the ice-making device 1211 can fall under gravity, leaving the ice-making device 1211 and falling into the ice-making cavity 1200. Figure 8 Below the liquid container 1212. When making the next batch of ice cubes C, the liquid container 1212 can continue to rotate back, located below the ice-making device 1211. The reciprocating operation can continuously produce batches of ice cubes C.

[0158] The ice-pushing element 1213 is hinged to the liquid-holding container 1212. Therefore, when the liquid-holding container 1212 moves to block the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, the ice-pushing element 1213 will be in a spatial position, such as... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the liquid container 1212 moves to avoid the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, and the ice-pushing element 1213 will be in another spatial position. With the reciprocating motion of the liquid container 1212, the ice-pushing element 1213 will also reciprocate between two different spatial positions. This reciprocating motion can be referenced as follows: Figure 8 As shown in the left and right directions. Therefore, the ice-pushing element 1213 is controlled in the direction shown in the figure. Figure 8 When the left and right directions are moved back and forth as shown, the ice pushing element 1213 can generate a pushing force on the ice block C during the movement, thereby pushing the ice block C that has fallen into the ice making cavity 1200 from the homemade ice device 1211 toward the ice storage cavity 1300.

[0159] In addition, the ice-making module 1210 may also include an identification sensor 1214, which is configured to identify the state information of the liquid container 1212, including whether the liquid container 1212 is blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211. Since the liquid container 1212 is in the ice-making state when it blocks the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, the state of the liquid container 1212 blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211 can be defined as the ice-making state. Conversely, when the liquid container 1212 is not blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211, it is not in the ice-making state of the ice-making device 1211, and therefore the state of the liquid container 1212 not blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device 1211 can be defined as the ice-falling state.

[0160] Therefore, the controller can be configured to control the ice-making device 1211 according to the status information (ice-making state or ice-falling state), start the ice-making device 1211 when it is in the ice-making state, and stop the ice-making device 1211 when it is in the ice-falling state, so as to flexibly start and stop the ice-making device 1211 and avoid energy waste.

[0161] In one embodiment of this application, the ice-retrieving module 1310 may include a driving element 1311, a transmission assembly 1312, and an ice-retrieving element 1313. The driving element 1311 is drivenly connected to the ice-retrieving element 1313 through the transmission assembly 1312. That is, the driving force provided by the driving element 1311 is not directly transmitted to the ice-retrieving element 1313, but is indirectly transmitted to the ice-retrieving element 1313 after passing through the transmission assembly 1312. In this case, in addition to the basic function of transmitting driving force, the transmission assembly 1312 also functions to redirect the driving force of the driving element 1311, so that the driving force applied by the driving element 1311 in the first direction A can be redirected and transmitted through the transmission assembly 1312 and then applied to the ice-retrieving element 1313 in the second direction B, thereby realizing the redirection of the driving force transmission.

[0162] See Figure 5 As shown, for example, the drive element 1311 is configured to apply a driving force toward the transmission assembly 1312 along a first direction A, the transmission assembly 1312 is configured to transmit the driving force toward the ice-collecting element 1313 along a second direction B, the driving force is configured to drive the ice-collecting element 1313 to rotate about a fixed axis, and the first direction A and the second direction B are configured to face different directions, thereby achieving the direction of the driving force transmission. See also Figure 5 The directions indicated by the two dashed lines shown have a turning angle between the first direction A and the second direction B. The turning angle can be between 92° and 120°. For example, the turning angle can be set to 92°, 96°, 98°, 102°, 106°, 110°, 112°, 116°, 110°, 120°, etc., and is not limited here.

[0163] As can be seen from the above, the driving force applied by the driving element 1311 towards the first direction A can be applied to the ice-retrieving element 1313 towards the second direction B by the transmission assembly 1312, causing the driving force to be redirected from the first direction A to the second direction B under the action of the transmission assembly 1312. Therefore, when the driving element 1311 and the ice-retrieving element 1313 are assembled and designed on the ice maker 100 (mainly in the main body 1000), although the driving element 1311 and the ice-retrieving element 1313 need to coordinate with each other, they can also choose their respective optimal directions or positions based on their design requirements. The optimal design direction or position of the driving element 1311 will not be abandoned to accommodate the design requirements of the ice-retrieving element 1313, nor will the optimal design direction or position of the ice-retrieving element 1313 be abandoned to accommodate the design requirements of the driving element 1311.

[0164] See Figure 5As shown, for example, in the design of the ice maker 100, the ice-dispensing element 1313 needs to be designed horizontally so that ice cube C is dispensed from the side of the ice maker 100, which is more in line with the user's operating habits and provides a better experience. If the drive element 1311 is also designed on the side of the ice maker 100, the position of the drive element 1311 will be too low, causing the user to bend over to operate, resulting in a poor user experience. However, due to the presence of the transmission assembly 1312, the drive element 1311 can be placed on top of the ice maker 100, without having to accommodate the design of the ice-dispensing element 1313 and be located on the side of the ice maker 100. The design on top of the ice maker 100 conforms to the user's operating habits, eliminating the need to bend over to operate, and providing a better user experience.

[0165] In addition, the first direction A and the second direction B mentioned above can be indicated as any two directions on the ice maker 100. Then, according to the structural design characteristics of different types of ice makers 100, the combination direction and angle of the first direction A and the second direction B can be specifically constructed to achieve the optimal design of the ice maker 100.

[0166] When the driving force is transmitted from the driving element 1311 to the ice-retrieving element 1313, the ice-retrieving element 1313 can perform a predetermined ice-retrieving action under the action of the driving force, such as pushing the ice block C to retrieve ice, or clamping the ice block C to retrieve ice. The ice-retrieving action of the ice-retrieving element 1313 can be determined based on the structural design of the ice-retrieving element 1313 and the power drive of the driving element 1311, etc., and is not limited here.

[0167] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the ice-collecting element 1313 may be configured as a spiral structure. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion or the entire structure of the ice-collecting element 1313 may be configured as a spiral coil and a spiral blade, etc. Based on the spiral shape design, the ice block C can be accommodated in the spiral space. Therefore, when the ice-collecting element 1313 rotates on a fixed axis, the ice-collecting element 1313 can push the ice block C to move based on the spiral design. Since the spiral structure can be based on a central axis (e.g., Figure 5 The B(X) axis shown rotates on a fixed axis. Therefore, during the rotation on the fixed axis, the spiral structure can be used to rotate and propel the ice block C (i.e. the target body) along the ice-moving trajectory.

[0168] The ice-moving trajectory is a virtual trajectory, representing the path of ice block C moving towards the outlet 1302 under the driving action of the ice-retrieving module 1310. The ice-moving trajectory depends on both the structural design of the ice-retrieving module 1310 and the bottom structure design of the ice storage cavity 1300. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom area of ​​the ice storage cavity 1300 can be configured as an inclined bottom surface 1304, wherein the entire bottom area of ​​the ice storage cavity 1300 can be configured as an inclined bottom surface 1304. This inclined bottom surface 1304 can be inclined along a straight line or along a designed curve.

[0169] In one embodiment, the inclined bottom surface 1304 of the ice storage cavity 1300 is configured to be inclined along a straight trajectory, and the ice moving trajectory is configured as a straight trajectory parallel to the inclined bottom surface 1304, so that the ice moving trajectory matches the inclined bottom surface 1304 of the ice storage cavity 1300 and moves along a straight line toward the outlet 1302. (See also...) Figure 5 The B(X) axis shown is in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the ice-moving trajectory can coincide with the B(X) axis. Moreover, the outlet 1302 can be located at any position in the ice storage cavity 1300, such as a position in the central region of the ice storage cavity 1300, or the outlet 1302 of the ice storage cavity 1300 can be located at the highest position of the inclined bottom surface 1304. Those skilled in the art can design it according to actual needs, and there are no limitations here.

[0170] As a steering component for transmitting driving force, the transmission assembly 1312 can be selected from various mechanisms. For example, the transmission assembly 1312 can be configured as a gear set, which may include two or more gears. For instance, in one embodiment, the transmission assembly 1312 includes at least an input gear 1312a and an output gear 1312b, with the input gear 1312a and output gear 1312b directly meshing. In this case, the transmission assembly 1312 may only include the input gear 1312a and output gear 1312b. Alternatively, the input gear 1312a and output gear 1312b may also indirectly mesh via at least one intermediate gear. In this case, the transmission assembly 1312 may include the input gear 1312a, the output gear 1312b, and at least one intermediate gear located between them.

[0171] Furthermore, at least one of the input gear 1312a and the output gear 1312b can be configured as a bevel gear. For example, when either the input gear 1312a or the output gear 1312b is configured as a bevel gear, the gear taper of the input gear 1312a can be used to achieve a certain angle of steering of the driving force transmission. If both the input gear 1312a and the output gear 1312b are configured as bevel gears, the gear tapers of the input gear 1312a and the output gear 1312b can also cooperate to achieve a certain angle of steering of the driving force transmission. The gear taper of the bevel gear can be specifically designed according to the steering angle of the driving force transmission. Those skilled in the art can design it according to their needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0172] Based on the aforementioned transmission assembly 1312, the drive element 1311 can be drivenly connected to the input gear 1312a. The drive element 1311 can be configured to drive the input gear 1312a to rotate along a first axis, which is defined as extending along a first direction A. The first axis can be referenced... Figure 5 The input gear 1312a can be configured to directly drive the output gear 1312b to rotate along the second axis, or the input gear 1312a can be configured to indirectly drive the output gear 1312b to rotate along the second axis via at least one intermediate gear. The second axis is defined as extending along a second direction B. The second axis can be referenced... Figure 5 The B(X) axis in the diagram.

[0173] The drive element 1311 can be electrically driven by a motor or other device, or it can be a manual knob mounted on the main body 1000 for fixed-axis rotation. In one embodiment, when the drive element 1311 is a manual knob, it can be elastically connected to the transmission assembly 1312. For example, the drive element 1311 is elastically connected to the input gear 1312a of the transmission assembly 1312. When the drive element 1311 is manually controlled to apply a driving force to the transmission assembly 1312, based on the elastic connection design between the drive element 1311 and the transmission assembly 1312, a reverse elastic force can be applied to the user's hand. This reverse elastic force can generate a rotational feel when rotating the drive element 1311.

[0174] In one embodiment, the drive element 1311 can be elastically connected to the input gear 1312a via the elastic element 1312c, for example, see [reference]. Figure 6As shown, the elastic element 1312c can be a knob spring, which is mounted between the manual knob and the input gear 1312a. Furthermore, the drive element 1311 can also be equipped with a knob gear ring 1312d, which is mounted on the input gear 1312a. The drive element 1311 can contact the knob gear ring 1312d of the input gear 1312a through the elastic element 1312c, so that the manual knob does not directly contact the knob gear ring 1312d of the input gear 1312a, but rather through the knob spring, and thus is assembled relative to the input gear 1312a.

[0175] In addition, the elastic element 1312c can also be a spring, a snap-lock, or other components with elastic functions, and can be used in conjunction with other auxiliary components to achieve elastic connection between the drive element 1311 and the input gear 1312a. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0176] The manual knob may be equipped with an indicator sticker or other indicator design to show the relationship between the rotation direction of the manual knob and the movement of the ice-collecting element 1313. For example, rotating the manual knob clockwise will cause the input gear 1312a to rotate. The manual knob and the input gear 1312a can be fixedly connected by means of snap-fit, thread, or adhesive. For example, the manual knob may have a polygonal protrusion, and the input gear 1312a may have a polygonal groove, such as a triangle, quadrilateral, or pentagon. The polygonal protrusion of the manual knob and the polygonal groove of the input gear 1312a can be fitted together and plugged in. After fitting together, they can also be fixed with threads to ensure that the manual knob and the input gear 1312a rotate synchronously.

[0177] Similarly, the ice-collecting element 1313 can be provided with polygonal protrusions, and the output gear 1312b can be provided with polygonal grooves. The polygonal protrusions of the ice-collecting element 1313 and the polygonal grooves of the output gear 1312b are adapted and plugged into each other. After the two are adapted and plugged in, they can also be fixed by threads to ensure that the ice-collecting element 1313 and the output gear 1312b rotate synchronously. The output gear 1312b can be a screw gear, and the bevel teeth of the screw gear can mesh with the bevel teeth of the input gear 1312a. Moreover, if the manual knob is limited to collecting ice when rotated clockwise, the manual knob can also be rotated counterclockwise. When an ice cube C is stuck, rotating the manual knob counterclockwise will cause the ice-collecting element 1313 to rotate in the opposite direction, thus resolving the problem of the ice cube C being stuck.

[0178] Continue reading Figure 8As shown, the main body 1000 includes a first housing 1010 and a second housing 1020. The first housing 1010 is assembled inside the second housing 1020, and the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020 constitute the main structure of the main body 1000. The liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice storage chamber 1300 are located in the first housing 1010. At least a portion of the gap between the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020 is filled with thermal insulation foam. The thermal insulation foam can surround the exterior of at least one of the liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice storage chamber 1300, providing sufficient thermal insulation for at least one of the liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice storage chamber 1300. For example, based on the distribution or arrangement of the liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice storage chamber 1300 inside the main body 1000, the thermal insulation foam can be set around at least one of the liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, or the ice storage chamber 1300 according to the thermal insulation requirements. Furthermore, the thickness of the thermal insulation foam around any one of the three chambers can be adjusted according to the thermal insulation requirements of the liquid storage chamber 1100, the ice-making chamber 1200, and the ice storage chamber 1300, etc., without any limitation.

[0179] By using a filling and insulation foaming method, parts can be saved, and the insulation foaming can be filled more fully when dealing with complex structures. In addition, an outer shell 1030 can be provided on the outside of the first housing 1010 and the second housing 1020. The outer shell 1030 can be used for structural protection, exterior design, etc. Those skilled in the art can set the structural design and material design of the main body 1000 according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0180] Regarding the structural design of the liquid storage chamber 1100, ice-making chamber 1200, and ice storage chamber 1300 in the first housing 1010, in one embodiment, the first housing 1010 may include an upper housing and a lower housing, with the upper housing disposed on top of the lower housing. In this case, the ice-making chamber 1200 and ice storage chamber 1300 may be disposed in the upper housing, while the liquid storage chamber 1100 may be disposed in the lower housing, so that when the upper housing and the lower housing are connected, the opening of the liquid storage chamber 1100 in the lower housing can be sealed. Alternatively, after the upper housing and the lower housing are assembled and connected, when the upper housing seals the opening of the liquid storage chamber 1100 in the lower housing, the space of the liquid storage chamber 1100 in the lower housing can also communicate with a portion of the internal space of the upper housing, thereby utilizing a portion of the internal space of the upper housing to store purified water 1101.

[0181] The upper and lower shells can be assembled together by various methods such as bonding, threaded connection, and snap-fit, and can also be sealed as needed. For example, in order to allow the liquid storage chamber 1100 to also utilize a portion of the internal space of the upper shell, the upper and lower shells can be sealed together, so that the upper shell can seal the opening of the liquid storage chamber 1100 of the lower shell, forming a sealed through space together with the liquid storage chamber 1100 and a portion of the internal space of the upper shell. Therefore, when the purified water 1101 in the liquid storage chamber 1100 of the lower shell is full, the purified water 1101 can also be stored in a portion of the internal space of the upper shell.

[0182] Furthermore, when the liquid storage chamber 1100 and part of the internal space of the upper shell together form a sealed through space, if the purified water in the liquid storage chamber 1100 is full, it can also flow back to the ice making chamber 1200 or the ice storage chamber 1300 along the guide hole, and then flow out from the outlet 1302 of the ice storage chamber 1300, so as to prevent the purified water in the liquid storage chamber 1100 from overflowing and entering the interior of the ice maker, causing damage to related electrical components, and ensuring the safe use of the machine.

[0183] Continue reading Figure 7 As shown, the main body 1000 is provided with an outlet stop 1303. The outlet stop 1303 is movably connected to the main body 1000. The movement can be spatial movement or rotation. Therefore, when the outlet stop 1303 moves, it can be used to open or close the outlet 1302 of the ice storage cavity 1300. For example, the outlet stop 1303 can be a baffle. One end of the outlet stop 1303 is rotatably mounted relative to the main body 1000 via a component such as a pivot. By rotating on the main body 1000, the outlet 1302 can be blocked to close it, or the outlet 1302 can be opened by avoiding it. The outlet stop 1303 can be made of rubber, plastic, or other materials. When ice cube C is transferred to the outlet 1302, the ice cube C touches the outlet stop 1303, causing the outlet stop 1303 to rotate and open the outlet 1302, allowing the ice cube C to fall out of the outlet 1302 and be removed.

[0184] Continue reading Figures 2 to 4As shown, a body window 1011 can be provided on the top of the main body 1000. The body window 1011 is a common window for the ice-making cavity 1200 and the ice-storing cavity 1300. That is, the body window 1011 connects the ice-making cavity 1200 and the ice-storing cavity 1300 at the same time. Therefore, a window cover plate 1012 is provided on the body window 1011 so that the ice-making cavity 1200 and the ice-storing cavity 1300 can be covered at the same time. In one embodiment, the top surface of the main body 1000 is provided with a cover plate groove 1013 and an extension recess 1014 communicating with the cover plate groove 1013. The window cover 1012 is disposed in the cover plate groove 1013, so that the window cover 1012 can be flush with the top surface of the main body 1000 after being embedded in the cover plate groove 1013. The extension recess 1014 is exposed outside the window cover 1012. At this time, the extension recess 1014 communicating with the cover plate groove 1013 can be used as a handle, so that fingers can be inserted into the extension recess 1014 to open the window cover 1012.

[0185] The main body window 1011 can also be equipped with an exterior cover 1015, which is located outside the window cover 1012. The exterior cover 1015 can be picked up directly by hand without the need for tools. Both the inner and outer surfaces of the exterior cover 1015 have no structural design, making it easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing when opened. After opening the exterior cover 1015, the window cover 1012 is directly visible. Opening and picking up the exterior cover 1015 and the window cover 1012 facilitates cleaning of the internal ice-making chamber 1200 and ice storage chamber 1300, and allows for easy cleaning of the ice-making module 1210 and ice-retrieving module 1310 when not in use.

[0186] See Figure 11 As shown, the ice maker 100 may further include a liquid dispensing assembly 4000, which is used to dispense water from the purified water tank of the water purifier 200 and then transport the dispensed water to the liquid storage chamber 1100 of the ice maker 100. The liquid dispensing assembly 4000 may include a liquid dispensing pipe 4100, a liquid dispensing valve 4200, and a liquid dispensing pump 4300. The liquid dispensing pipe 4100 is configured to connect the liquid storage chamber 1100 and the cooperating water purifier 200. The liquid dispensing valve 4200 is disposed in the liquid dispensing pipe 4100 and is used to open or close the liquid dispensing pipe 4100. The liquid dispensing pump 4300 is disposed in the liquid dispensing pipe 4100 and is used to drive liquid along the liquid dispensing pipe 4100 into the liquid storage chamber 1100 of the main body 1000.

[0187] If the purified water 1101 in the storage chamber 1100 does not reach the predetermined high water level, the dispensing pump 4300 can continue to operate, continuously pumping water from the purified water tank of the water purifier 200 into the storage chamber 1100 of the ice maker 100. The dispensing valve 4200 can be any valve body capable of controlling the on / off state of the pipeline, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the dispensing pipeline 4100 as needed. For example, a solenoid valve can be used. Therefore, the dispensing valve 4200 can, by blocking the water flow between the purified water tank and the storage chamber as needed, prevent unexpected water flow between the purified water tank and the storage chamber after water dispensing is completed.

[0188] See Figure 11 As shown, the ice maker 100 may further include a liquid supply assembly 5000. The liquid supply assembly 5000 includes a liquid supply line 5100, a liquid supply valve 5200, and a liquid supply pump 5300. The liquid supply line 5100 connects the liquid storage chamber 1100 and the ice-making chamber 1200. The liquid supply valve 5200 is located in the liquid supply line 5100 and is used to selectively switch to, for example... Figure 11 The liquid supply line 5100 is connected to one of the two liquid outlets of the liquid supply valve 5200 or to the ice water outlet of the other of the two liquid outlets. The liquid supply pump 5300 is located between the liquid storage chamber 1100 and the liquid supply valve 5200 and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 1100 to enter the ice making chamber 1200 or the ice water outlet along the liquid supply line 5100.

[0189] The aforementioned liquid supply valve 5200 can be any valve body capable of controlling the on / off state of the pipeline, such as a solenoid valve. During ice making, the liquid supply pump 5300 drives water in the water storage chamber to flow into the ice-making chamber 1200, filling the liquid container 1212 with water. Upon initial startup, the liquid supply pump 5300 can start working and begin the ice-making process after the purified water 1101 in the liquid storage chamber 1100 reaches the predetermined high water level. If the purified water 1101 in the liquid storage chamber 1100 drops to the preset low water level, the liquid supply pump 5300 stops working. The liquid supply pump 5300 is also allowed to work and continue the ice-making process when the purified water 1101 in the liquid storage chamber 1100 is between the preset low and high water levels.

[0190] See Figures 12 to 16 As shown, the multifunctional water purifier according to this application includes a water purifier 200 and an ice maker 100, with the ice maker 100 detachably mounted to the water purifier 200. The water purifier 200 is equipped with a filter module and an expansion function module 400, the expansion function module 400 including a main electrical connection element 401. The ice maker 100 is equipped with an auxiliary connection module 500, the auxiliary connection module 500 including an auxiliary electrical connection element 501. When the ice maker 100 and the water purifier 200 are assembled and cooperate, the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 and the main electrical connection element 401 are engaged and cooperated.

[0191] Furthermore, one of the main electromechanical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical connection element 501 includes: at least two first male connectors 61 and at least one second male connector 62, wherein the second male connector 62 includes a first number of male conductive parts 621, and any one of the male conductive parts 621 is insulated from any other male conductive part 621, and the first number is greater than or equal to two. One of the main electromechanical connection elements 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical connection element 501 includes at least two first female connectors 71 and at least one second female connector 72. The first female connectors 71 are adapted to and connected to the first male connector 61, and the second female connectors 72 are adapted to and connected to the second male connector 62. Each second female connector 72 includes a first number of female conductive parts 721, and any one of these female conductive parts 721 is insulated from any other female conductive part 721. Each female conductive part 721 is connected to a male conductive part 621 in a one-to-one correspondence. It should be understood that the first number is greater than or equal to two, meaning it can be two, three, four, or five, etc.

[0192] For example, see Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the water purifier 200 is equipped with a filtration module. The filtration module is used to filter raw water to form purified water. The purified water produced by the filtration module can be directly supplied to users and / or supplied to the ice maker 100. For example, Figure 12 As shown, the water purifier 200 is equipped with a water outlet 201, through which users can collect purified water.

[0193] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, ice maker 100 is used as an example of an ice maker. However, this application is not limited to this; for example, ice maker 100 can also be a tea maker, tea brewer, or coffee machine. Water purifier 200 can directly supply purified water to ice maker 100, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually transfer the purified water produced by water purifier 200 to ice maker 100, improving the user experience. Furthermore, since there is no need for the user to manually transfer purified water from water purifier 200 to ice maker 100, the problem of water contamination during operation is avoided, ensuring the cleanliness of the water.

[0194] For example, combining Figure 1 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the extended function module 400 may include a main unit water circuit connection element 402, and the auxiliary unit connection module 500 may include an auxiliary unit water circuit connection element 502. When the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 are assembled, the main unit water circuit connection element 402 and the auxiliary unit water circuit connection element 502 are connected to each other, so that the water system in the water purifier 200 is connected to the water system in the ice maker 100. When the water system in the water purifier 200 and the water system in the ice maker 100 are in a connected state, liquid can flow between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. For example, purified water filtered by the filtration module is delivered to the ice maker 100, so that the water purifier 200 provides purified water to the ice maker 100.

[0195] Of course, since the water system in the water purifier 200 can be connected to the water system in the ice maker 100, water in the ice maker 100 can also flow back into the water purifier 200 for further filtration. For example, when purified water is stored in the ice maker 100 and has not been used for a long time, the purified water stored in the ice maker 100 can flow back into the water purifier 200 for further filtration.

[0196] See Figures 14 to 16 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main electromechanical docking element 401 includes at least two first female connectors 71 and one second female connector 72; the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 includes at least two first male connectors 61 and at least one second male connector 62. However, this application is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments of this application, if the main electromechanical docking element 401 includes at least two first male connectors 61 and at least one second male connector 62, then the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 includes at least two first female connectors 71 and at least one second female connector 72.

[0197] See Figure 16 As shown, when the main electromechanical connector 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical connector 501 are in a mating state, the first male connector 61 and the first female connector 71 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Alternatively, it can be understood that when the main electromechanical connector 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical connector 501 are in a mating state, one first male connector 61 establishes a conductive connection with only one first female connector 71, and one second male connector 62 establishes a conductive connection with only one second female connector 72.

[0198] Among them, such as Figures 15 to 17As shown, both the first male connector 61 and the first female connector 71 are single components, meaning that when the first male connector 61 is energized, only one conductive path can be formed within it. Similarly, when the first female connector 71 is energized, only one conductive path can be formed within it. Therefore, when the main electromechanical docking element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 are docked, only one conductive path can be formed between the first male connector 61 and the first female connector 71 that form the connection.

[0199] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the attached electromechanical docking element 501 has five first male connectors 61. And in conjunction with... Figure 16 As shown, the main electrical connector 401 can correspondingly have five first female connectors 71. When the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 are in a mating state, the five first female connectors 71 and the five first male connectors 61 are connected one-to-one, so that at least five conductive paths are formed between the mating main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501.

[0200] Among the five conductive paths formed by connecting five first female connectors 71 and five first male connectors 61, one conductive path can be connected between the neutral wire of the water purifier 200 and the neutral wire of the ice maker 100, and another conductive path can be connected between the live wire of the water purifier 200 and the live wire of the ice maker 100, thus enabling an electrical connection between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100.

[0201] For example, in some embodiments of this application, taking the water purifier 200 as an example of being connected to a power source (such as mains power), the electrical energy output from the power source can be transmitted to the ice maker 100 through the water purifier 200, achieving the effect that both the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 are powered. During the use of the multi-functional water purifier, it also avoids the need for users to use conductive wires to connect the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 to the power source separately; only the water purifier 200 needs to be connected to the power source, improving the user experience. Furthermore, this reduces the number of conductive wires, lowering production costs.

[0202] Because the entire multi-functional water purifier only requires a single conductive wire to connect to the power source, it can be used in a wider range of environments (e.g., environments with only one usable socket). It is also worth noting that among the five conductive paths formed by the connection of five first female connectors 71 and five first male connectors 61, one of these conductive paths can be connected between the ground wire of the water purifier 200 and the ground wire of the ice maker 100, thus protecting the multi-functional water purifier.

[0203] It should be further explained that the first male connector 61 is a component integrally formed from a conductive material (such as copper, silver, aluminum, etc.), making it a single-piece structure. Therefore, the cross-section of the first male connector 61 (the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the first male connector 61) is the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path formed by the first male connector 61. This results in a larger cross-sectional area of ​​the conductive path of the first male connector 61, reducing contact resistance and Joule heat loss. Similarly, the first female connector 71 is also like this.

[0204] In some embodiments of this application, when the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 are mated together, five first male connectors 61 and five first female connectors are connected to form five conductive paths capable of transmitting large currents. Three of these conductive paths are configured as the neutral, live, and ground wires between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100, respectively. The remaining two conductive paths can also be used for electrical signal transmission between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. Since the current required for transmitting electrical signals is smaller than that for transmitting electrical energy, the remaining two conductive paths are also capable of transmitting electrical signals.

[0205] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments of this application, the number of first male connectors 61 is five, and the number of first female connectors 71 is five, thus forming five conductive paths between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 that meet the requirements for transmitting high current. However, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments of this application, the number of first male connectors 61 and first female connectors 71 may be only two, thus forming two conductive paths between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 that meet the requirements for transmitting high current. These two conductive paths are respectively configured as the neutral wire and the live wire between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100, ensuring that one of the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 supplies power to the other.

[0206] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the electromechanical docking element 501 includes six male connectors, which include five first male connectors 61 and one second male connector 62. Correspondingly, the main electromechanical docking element 401 may also be provided with six female connectors, which include five first female connectors 71 and one second female connector 72.

[0207] And combined Figure 16 and Figure 18As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the second male connector 62 includes two male conductive parts 621, and these two male conductive parts 621 are insulated from each other. The second female connector 72 may include two female conductive parts 721, and these two female conductive parts 721 are insulated from each other. Thus, when the main electromechanical docking element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 are in a docking state, the two male conductive parts 621 of the second male connector 62 are connected one-to-one with the two female conductive parts 721 of the second female connector 72, so that a second female connector 72 and a first male connector 61 form two conductive paths when connected.

[0208] For example, the second female connector 72 and the second male connector 62 can be used as a low-voltage (such as outputting 5V, 12V, or 24V electrical energy) conductive structure between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. Specifically, for the two conductive paths formed by the second female connector 72 and the first male connector 61, one conductive path serves as the positive (+) transmission path, and the other conductive path serves as the negative (-) or ground (GND) transmission path.

[0209] Furthermore, the second female connector 72 and the second male connector 62 can also be used as conductive structures for electrical signal transmission between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. For example, for the two conductive paths formed by the second female connector 72 and the first male connector 61, one conductive path serves as a signal output path, and the other conductive path serves as a signal receiving path, thereby achieving the effect of electrical signal transmission between the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. In this way, the working state of the ice maker 100 can be controlled by the water purifier 200, and the water purifier 200 can obtain the status information of the ice maker 100. Of course, it is also possible to control the working state of the water purifier 200 and obtain the status information of the water purifier 200 through the ice maker 100.

[0210] Therefore, in this application, when the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 are assembled and cooperated, the conductive path formed by the first male connector 61 and the first female connector 71 meets the requirements for the transmission of large current (and can also meet the requirements for the transmission of small current), and the conductive path formed by the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 meets the requirements for the transmission of small current.

[0211] It should be noted that, for reference Figure 16As shown, in some embodiments of this application, each second female connector 72 has two female conductive parts 721, and each second male connector 62 has two male conductive parts 621, thus forming two conductive paths when a second female connector 72 and a first male connector 61 are connected. However, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments of this application, the number of female conductive parts 721 in each second female connector 72 can be specifically set according to actual needs, and the number of male conductive parts 621 in each second male connector 62 can also be specifically set according to actual needs.

[0212] Combination Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main electromechanical docking element 401 includes five first female connectors 71 and one second female connector 72, and the second female connector 72 has two female conductive parts 721; and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 is correspondingly provided with five first male connectors 61 and one second male connector 62, and the second male connector 62 has two male conductive parts 621.

[0213] When the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 are mated, seven conductive paths are formed between them. That is, even when both the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 have only six connectors, seven conductive paths are formed between them. In other words, the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 is greater than the number of groups formed by the connectors in the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501. It should be understood that, for example, a first male connector 61 and a first female connector 71 may form a group, and a second male connector and a second female connector 72 may form a group.

[0214] Therefore, by setting one of the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 to have a second male connector 62, and the other of the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 to have a second female connector 72, the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 is greater than the number of connectors in the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 respectively. Therefore, when the number of connectors that can be set in the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 is fixed, the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 can meet the usage requirements of the multi-functional water purifier. It should be further noted that the above-mentioned connectors are a collective term for the first female connector 71, the second female connector 72, the first male connector 61, and the second male connector 62. That is, the connector is used to refer to the first female connector 71, the second female connector 72, the first male connector 61, and the second male connector 62.

[0215] It should be understood that since the ice maker 100 can be a device with different functions such as an ice maker, tea maker, tea brewer, or coffee maker, the number of conductive paths required by the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 with different functions may not be the same.

[0216] Since the second male connector 62 has at least two male conductive parts 621 and the second female connector 72 has at least two female conductive parts 721, at least two conductive paths are formed between a single set of second male connectors 62 and second female connectors 72. Of course, as the number of male conductive parts 621 in the second male connector 62 and the number of female conductive parts 721 in the second female connector 72 increases, more conductive paths can be formed between a single set of second male connectors 62 and second female connectors 72. Furthermore, as the number of sets of second male connectors 62 and second female connectors 72 increases, the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 also increases.

[0217] Based on this, by providing a limited number of connectors in the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501, compatibility between the water purifier 200 and ice makers 100 of different functional types can be ensured, allowing the water purifier 200 to be used with different ice makers 100. It should be noted that the different ice makers 100 can be devices with different functional types, such as ice makers, tea makers, tea brewers, or coffee machines, or they can be different versions of the same functional type of device. Furthermore, it is worth noting that due to the high compatibility of the water purifier 200, the number of ice makers 100 included in a multi-functional water purifier can be multiple, and the functional types of these multiple ice makers 100 can be different.

[0218] It should be further noted that in some cases, the dimensions of the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 are limited, allowing only a certain number of connectors. Because the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 is greater than the number of groups formed by the connectors within them, the electrical connection density is significantly increased within a limited space. This allows the same water purifier 200 to be compatible with ice makers 100 of different functions or versions. This structure effectively enhances equipment compatibility, expands the application scenarios of multi-functional water purifiers, and allows users to flexibly choose the ice maker 100 according to their needs, while ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical connections, meeting diverse usage scenarios, and significantly improving the user experience.

[0219] In summary, according to the multi-functional water purifier of this application, since one of the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 includes at least two first male connectors 61 and at least one second male connector 62, the second male connector 62 includes a first number of male conductive parts 621, and any one of the male conductive parts 621 is insulated from any other male conductive part 621, and the first number is greater than or equal to two. The other of the main electrical connection element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connection element 501 includes at least two first female connectors 71 and at least one second female connector 72, the first female connector 71 is adapted to and connected to the first male connector 61, and the second female connector 72 is adapted to and connected to the second male connector 62. The second female connector 72 includes a first number of female conductive parts 721, and any one of the female conductive parts 721 is insulated from any other female conductive part 721, and the female conductive parts 721 are connected to the male conductive parts 621 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0220] This results in a greater number of conductive paths between the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 than the number of groups formed by the connectors in the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501. Therefore, when the number of connectors that can be set in the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 is fixed, the number of conductive paths formed between the main electrical connector 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector 501 can meet the usage requirements of both the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100. Furthermore, this ensures that the water purifier 200 is compatible with different ice makers 100 (such as those with different functions or versions), thus increasing the applicable usage scenarios for the multi-functional water purifier, meeting different user needs, and improving the user experience.

[0221] Next, please refer to Figure 17 ,as well as Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the first thing to understand is: Figure 17 The attached electromechanical docking element 501 is provided with six male connectors, including three first male connectors 61 and three second male connectors 62. The three second male connectors 62 are second male connectors 62 of three different embodiments, each corresponding to a different embodiment. Figures 19 to 21 The three types of second male connectors 62 are shown.

[0222] See Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, two adjacent male conductive parts 621 are nested together, and an insulating part 622 is sandwiched between the two adjacent male conductive parts 621. The insulating part 622 is disposed between the two adjacent male conductive parts 621 to insulate the two adjacent male conductive parts 621, thereby preventing the two adjacent male conductive parts 621 from being electrically connected and ensuring that each male conductive part 621 in the second male connector 62 forms an independent conductive path.

[0223] For example, in combination Figure 17 ,as well as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main body of the second male connector 62 is cylindrical. Therefore, the direction from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62 can also be understood as the direction from the center of the second male connector 62 to its outer contour in the radial direction. However, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments of this application, the main body of the second male connector 62 is prism, such as a triangular prism, a square prism, or a pentagonal prism.

[0224] Combination Figure 17 ,as well as Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, in some embodiments of this application, in the direction from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, the innermost male conductive part 621 is constructed as a cylinder, and the outermost male conductive part 621 is constructed as a tube. This is achieved by layering adjacent male conductive parts 621 in the direction from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, so that multiple male conductive parts 621 constitute a second male connector 62 with a cylinder-like configuration. It should be noted that in some embodiments of this application, the innermost male conductive part 621 is constructed as a cylinder as an example. However, this application is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the innermost male conductive part 621 can also be constructed as a tube.

[0225] Combination Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, along the axial direction of the second male connector 62, at least one end of the male conductive part 621 located on the inner side is exposed to the male conductive part 621 located on the outer side, so that each male conductive part 621 in the second male connector 62 is adapted to be connected to the corresponding female conductive part 721, thereby realizing the formation of multiple conductive paths between a single set of second male connectors 62 and second female connectors 72.

[0226] For example, in combination Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the second male connector 62 includes two male conductive portions 621 and an insulating portion 622. The two male conductive portions 621 are a first male conductive portion 6211 and a second male conductive portion 6212, respectively. From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, the first male conductive portion 6211 is located inside the second male conductive portion 6212. Alternatively, the second male conductive portion 6212 can be understood as being sleeved on the first male conductive portion 6211, with an insulating portion 622 sandwiched between the first male conductive portion 6211 and the second male conductive portion 6212 to prevent electrical connection between them.

[0227] Since the first male conductive part 6211 is a solid structure, both ends of the first male conductive part 6211 are exposed in the second male conductive part 6212 along the axial direction of the second male connector 62. One of the exposed ends of the first male conductive part 6211 is used to contact and connect with one of the female conductive parts 721 in the second female connector 72, and the other exposed end of the first male conductive part 6211 is used to connect with the internal wiring of the ice maker 100. The other female conductive part 721 in the second female connector 72 is in contact and connected with the outer peripheral surface of the second male conductive part 6212. This achieves the effect of forming two conductive paths when the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 are connected and mated.

[0228] It is important to understand that, in combination Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary electromechanical connection element 501 includes a first male connector 61 and a second male connector 62 as an example. Therefore, one of the two ends of the first male conductive part 6211 exposed on the second male conductive part 6212 needs to be connected to the internal wiring of the ice maker 100. If the main electromechanical connection element 401 includes a first male connector 61 and a second male connector 62, then the other of the two ends of the first male conductive part 6211 exposed on the second male conductive part 6212 needs to be connected to the internal wiring of the water purifier 200.

[0229] It should be added that, Figure 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the first public conductive portion 6211 is constructed as a solid structure, but this application is not limited thereto. See also Figure 19 As shown, the first male conductive part 6211 can also be constructed as a cylindrical structure, so that only one end of the first male conductive part 6211 needs to be exposed to the second male conductive part 6212. That is, the end exposed to the second male conductive part 6212 is used to contact and connect with a female conductive part 721 in the second female connector 72, and the internal wiring of the ice maker 100 can extend into the interior of the first male conductive part 6211 to achieve the connection effect.

[0230] Therefore, as Figure 19 The second male connector 62 shown has at least one end of the male conductive part 621 located on the inner side exposed to the male conductive part 621 located on the outer side, so that the exposed part of the male conductive part 621 is used to contact and connect with the female conductive part 721, so that each of the layered male conductive parts 621 can be connected to the corresponding female conductive part 721 one by one, so that the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 form multiple conductive paths.

[0231] Furthermore, in this way, the contact positions of different groups of male conductive parts 621 and female conductive parts 721 are staggered along the axial direction of the second male connector 62. That is, the contact positions of multiple groups of male conductive parts 621 and female conductive parts 721 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the second male connector 62. This allows the second male connector 62 to be adapted to the female conductive parts 721 of different lengths in the second female connector 72.

[0232] Because the female conductive parts 721 of varying lengths exist in the second female connector 72, the initial contact time between each female conductive part 721 and its corresponding male conductive part 621 differs during the insertion and engagement of the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72. Therefore, when the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 complete the insertion action, all corresponding male conductive parts 621 and female conductive parts 721 establish a contact connection, ensuring that all conductive paths formed by the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 are connected. For example, based on the fact that all corresponding male conductive parts 621 and female conductive parts 721 establish a contact connection when the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 complete the insertion action, it is possible to determine whether the main electrical connection element 401 of the water purifier 200 and the auxiliary connection module 500 of the ice maker 100 have completed the insertion action based on whether all conductive paths formed by the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72 are connected.

[0233] Combination Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, in two adjacent male conductive portions 621, a receiving space 621a is provided in the outer male conductive portion 621. The receiving space 621a is used to receive the inner male conductive portion 621 and an insulating portion 622 disposed between the two adjacent male conductive portions 621. Furthermore, a connection port 621b is provided on the peripheral wall of the outer male conductive portion 621, and a clearance port 6220 is provided on the insulating portion 622. The orthographic projection of the clearance port 6220 lies within the orthographic projection of the connection port 621b in the direction from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62. This ensures that each male conductive portion 621 in the second male connector 62 is suitable for connection with the corresponding female conductive portion 721, thereby forming multiple conductive paths between a single set of second male connectors 62 and second female connectors 72.

[0234] For example, in combination Figure 20 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the second male connector 62 includes two male conductive portions 621 and an insulating portion 622. The two male conductive portions 621 are a first male conductive portion 6211 and a second male conductive portion 6212, respectively. From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, the first male conductive portion 6211 is located inside the second male conductive portion 6212. This can also be understood as the second male conductive portion 6212 being sleeved on the first male conductive portion 6211. An insulating portion 622 is also sandwiched between the first male conductive portion 6211 and the second male conductive portion 6212 to prevent electrical connection between the first male conductive portion 6211 and the second male conductive portion 6212.

[0235] The second male conductive part 6212 has a connection port 621b on its peripheral wall, and an insulating part 622 has a clearance opening 6220 in the direction from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, with the orthographic projection of the clearance opening 6220 completely coinciding with the orthographic projection of the connection port 621b. The clearance opening 6220 is used to expose the first male conductive part 6211 located inside the insulating part 622. Thus, during the insertion of the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72, the female conductive part 721 passes through the connection port 621b and the clearance opening 6220 in sequence to contact the first male conductive part 6211. This achieves the effect of contact connection between the first male conductive part 6211 and the corresponding female conductive part 721.

[0236] It should be further explained that during the insertion process of the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72, the female conductive part 721, which is used to contact the first male conductive part 6211, must first contact the outer surface of the second male conductive part 6212. When the female conductive part 721 moves to the connection port 621b, it moves from the outer edge to the inner core of the second male connector 62 to contact the first male conductive part 6211, thereby achieving the effect of contact connection between the female conductive part 721 and the first male conductive part 6211. Since there is a certain distance between the outer surface of the second male conductive part 6212 and the outer surface of the first male conductive part 6211 in the direction from the outer edge to the inner core of the second male connector 62, when the female conductive part 721 separates from the outer surface of the second male conductive part 6212, driven by the elastic force of the female conductive part 721 itself, it impacts and contacts the first male conductive part 6211, and emits an audible sound to prompt the user to complete the insertion. This also allows each female conductive part 721 in the second female connector 72 to have the same structure, reducing the production cost of the second female connector 72.

[0237] See Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating portion 622 is an insulating coating, which is applied to the outer surface of the inner male conductive portion 621 and / or to the inner surface of the outer male conductive portion 621. For example, the insulating coating is applied to the outer surface of the inner male conductive portion 621; or, the insulating coating is applied to the inner surface of the outer male conductive portion 621; or, both the outer surface of the inner male conductive portion 621 and the inner surface of the outer male conductive portion 621 are coated with an insulating coating. Thus, when two adjacent male conductive portions 621 are fitted together, the insulating coating is located between the two adjacent male conductive portions 621, thereby insulating the two adjacent male conductive portions 621 from each other.

[0238] Alternatively, in some other embodiments of this application, the insulating portion 622 is constructed as a cylindrical body. For example, the insulating portion 622 is made of an insulating material such as rubber, and the insulating portion 622 is constructed as a cylindrical body. During the production of the second male connector 62, the operator fits the insulating portion 622 onto the inner male conductive portion 621. Thus, when two adjacent male conductive portions 621 are fitted together, the insulating coating is located between the two adjacent male conductive portions 621, thereby insulating the two adjacent male conductive portions 621 from each other.

[0239] Combination Figure 17 and Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of male conductive portions 621 are arranged adjacent to each other along the circumference of the second male connector 62, and an insulating portion 622 is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive portions 621. The insulating portion 622 is disposed between two adjacent male conductive portions 621 to insulate the two adjacent male conductive portions 621, thereby preventing the two adjacent male conductive portions 621 from being electrically connected and ensuring that each male conductive portion 621 in the second male connector 62 forms an independent conductive path.

[0240] For example, in combination Figure 17 and Figure 21 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the second male connector 62 includes two male conductive parts 621 and an insulating part 622. The two male conductive parts 621 are a first male conductive part 6211 and a second male conductive part 6212, respectively. The insulating part 622 is sandwiched between the first male conductive part 6211 and the second male conductive part 6212, so that the first male conductive part 6211 and the second male conductive part 6212 are mutually insulated, thereby realizing that the second male connector 62 has two independent conductive paths. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second male connector 62 includes two male conductive parts 621 as an example, but this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments of this application, the second male connector 62 may have three, four, five, etc. The multiple male conductive parts 621 are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction of the second male connector 62, so that the orientation of each male conductive part 621 is different in the circumferential direction of the second male connector 62. For the second female connector 72 that is adapted to the second male connector 62, each female conductive part 721 in the second female connector 72 has the same structure, which reduces the production cost of the second female connector 72.

[0241] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 21 As shown, the insulating portion 622 is an insulating coating. In at least one of two adjacent male conductive portions 621, the insulating coating is applied to the surface of the male conductive portion 621 used for bonding. For example, as shown... Figure 21As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the first male conductive portion 6211 and the second male conductive portion 6212 are symmetrically arranged. An insulating coating is applied to the surface of the first male conductive portion 6211 facing the second male conductive portion 6212, and / or an insulating coating is applied to the surface of the second male conductive portion 6212 facing the first male conductive portion 6211. This achieves the effect of providing an insulating portion 622 between the first male conductive portion 6211 and the second male conductive portion 6212.

[0242] Alternatively, in another embodiment of this application, the insulating part 622 is an independent entity made of insulating material such as rubber, and the insulating part 622 is constructed as a layered component, with the insulating part 622 sandwiched between the first public conductive part 6211 and the second public conductive part 6212.

[0243] See Figures 18 to 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of female conductive parts 721 are arranged sequentially around the second female connector 72 to form a docking space 720, which is used to accommodate the second male connector 62. During the insertion and engagement of the main electromechanical docking element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501, the second male connector 62 extends into the docking space 720, so that a plurality of female conductive parts 721 are arranged around the second male connector 62 along the circumference of the second male connector 62, and each female conductive part 721 is connected to a corresponding male conductive part 621. It is worth noting that adjacent female conductive parts 721 are spaced apart to ensure that adjacent female conductive parts 721 are insulated from each other. This results in multiple independent conductive paths being formed when a second female connector 72 and a first male connector 61 are connected.

[0244] For example, see Figures 19 to 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the second female connector 72 has two female conductive portions 721, namely a first female conductive portion 7211 and a second female conductive portion 7212. The first female conductive portion 7211 and the second female conductive portion 7212 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart to form a mating space 720. When the second male connector 62 is connected to the second female connector 72, the first female conductive portion 7211 faces the first male conductive portion 6211 of the second male connector 62, and the first female conductive portion 7211 is in contact with the first male conductive portion 6211. The second female conductive portion 7212 faces the second male conductive portion 6212 of the second male connector 62, and the second female conductive portion 7212 is in contact with the second male conductive portion 6212. This achieves the effect that a second female connector 72 and a first male connector 61 form two independent conductive paths when connected.

[0245] See Figures 19 to 21As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the female conductive portion 721 includes a conductive segment 721a and a joining segment 721b. Along the extending direction of the female conductive portion 721, the conductive segment 721a and the joining segment 721b are disposed adjacent to each other, and the joining segment 721b is elastically deformable and is adapted to join with the male conductive portion 621.

[0246] It is important to understand that, since multiple female conductive parts 721 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the second female connector 72 to form a docking space 720, the port enclosed by the multiple mating segments 721b is the interface of the docking space 720, and the initial size of the interface of the docking space 720 is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the second male connector 62. Therefore, as the second male connector 62 extends into the docking space 720 from its interface, the second male connector 62 drives the elastically deformable mating segments 721b to move away from the second male connector 62, thereby expanding the interface of the docking space 720. Furthermore, because the mating segments 721b are elastically deformable, they are pressed tightly against the male conductive part 621 under the action of elastic force, improving the connection stability between the second male connector 62 and the second female connector 72.

[0247] See Figures 18 to 19 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, at least two female conductive portions 721's joining sections 721b are misaligned along the axial direction of the second female connector 72. Alternatively, see [reference needed]. Figures 20 to 21 As shown, in some other embodiments of this application, the joining sections 721b of each female conductive part 721 are flush. This allows the second female connector 72 with different configurations to be adapted to the second male connector 62 with different configurations, so that the female conductive part 721 of the second female connector 72 and the male conductive part 621 of the second male connector 62 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0248] Combination Figures 14 to 17 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main electromechanical docking element 401 further includes a main connector mounting base 4011, and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element 501 further includes an auxiliary connector mounting base 5011. One of the main connector mounting base 4011 and the auxiliary connector mounting base 5011 is provided with a docking groove 81, and the other of the main connector mounting base 4011 and the auxiliary connector mounting base 5011 is correspondingly provided with a docking protrusion 82. The docking protrusion 82 is adapted to extend into the docking groove 81 for docking and engagement, and an arrangement space 820 is formed inside the docking protrusion 82. One of the docking groove 81 and the arrangement space 820 is used to arrange the first female connector 71 and the second female connector 72, and the other of the docking groove 81 and the arrangement space 820 is correspondingly used to arrange the first male connector 61 and the second male connector 62.

[0249] For example, in combination Figures 14 to 17 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the main connector mounting base 4011 is constructed with a mating protrusion 82, and the auxiliary connector mounting base 5011 has a mating groove 81. During the insertion and engagement of the main electrical connector element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector element 501, the main connector mounting base 4011 extends into the mating groove 81. The groove surface of the mating groove 81 abuts and limits the movement of the main connector mounting base 4011 and the auxiliary connector mounting base 5011, thereby making the connection and engagement of the main electrical connector element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector element 501 more stable, reducing the risk of separation between the main electrical connector element 401 and the auxiliary electrical connector element 501, and thus improving the connection stability of the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100.

[0250] Among them, such as Figure 16 As shown, the arrangement space 820 within the main connector mounting base 4011 is used to arrange the first female connector 71 and the second female connector 72, while the mating groove 81 is used to arrange the first male connector 61 and the second male connector 62. During the insertion and engagement of the main electromechanical mating element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical mating element 501, the female connectors located in the main connector mounting base 4011 simultaneously move into the mating groove 81. During this process, the male connectors located in the mating groove 81 extend into the arrangement space 820, so that the corresponding male connectors and female connectors are connected one-to-one.

[0251] Combination Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, at least one waterproof element 822 is provided on the mating protrusion 82. The waterproof element 822 is correspondingly disposed with a connector disposed in the arrangement space 820, and at least one connector is located below its corresponding waterproof element 822. For example, in one embodiment of this application, six female connectors (i.e., five first female connectors 71 and one second female connector 72) are arranged in the arrangement space 820, and six waterproof elements 822 are provided on the mating protrusion 82, with each female connector correspondingly disposed below each waterproof element 822.

[0252] It is important to understand that the waterproof component 822 is used to cover the connecting hole 821 formed on the mating protrusion 82. During the insertion and mating of the main electromechanical mating element 401 and the auxiliary electromechanical mating element 501, the male connector arranged in the mating groove 81 extends into the arrangement space 820 through the connecting hole 821 to mate with the female connector. By providing the waterproof component 822 to cover the connecting hole 821, the waterproof performance within the arrangement space 820 is improved.

[0253] In some embodiments, the waterproof component 822 is an openable waterproof silicone sheet. The waterproof silicone sheet has openings in the shape of a cross, a star, or other similar structures. During the docking process, the male connector squeezes through the openings of the waterproof silicone sheet, passes through, and docks with the female connector.

[0254] In some embodiments of this application, the extended function module 400 is retractably installed on the water purifier 200. When the ice maker 100 in the multi-functional water purifier is not needed, the ice maker 100 can be detached from the water purifier 200, allowing the water purifier 200 to operate independently. When the extended function module 400 is in its retracted state, the main electrical connection element 401 and the main water circuit connection element 402 in the extended function module 400 are located inside the water purifier 200. Preferably, the extended function module 400 is completely retracted inside the water purifier 200, which improves the overall aesthetics; secondly, it avoids bumps and knocks during transportation and use; and finally, it is dustproof and waterproof.

[0255] In some embodiments of this application, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 12 As shown, when the multi-functional water purifier is in multi-functional working mode, it can also be understood that the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 are in an assembled and coordinated state. At least the main electrical connection element 401 and the main water circuit connection element 402 of the extended function module 400 are located outside the water purifier 200.

[0256] Preferably, when the multi-functional water purifier is in multi-functional working mode, at least the main electrical connection element 401 and the main water circuit connection element 402 in the extended function module 400 are exposed on the water purifier 200 for the installation of the ice maker 100.

[0257] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the expansion function module 400 is mounted on the water purifier 200 and faces the ice maker 100. Specifically, the expansion function module 400 is located at the bottom left side of the water purifier 200. The ice maker 100 is inserted into and locked to the main electrical connection element 401 and the main water circuit connection element 402 in the expansion function module 400 from left to right. In this embodiment, it is worth noting that the expansion function module 400 is fixedly mounted on the water purifier 200. The extension direction of the main electrical connection element 401 is parallel to the connection direction of the ice maker 100, and the extension direction of the main electrical connection element 401 is parallel to the bottom surface of the water purifier 200. The movement direction of the main water circuit connection element 402 is parallel to the bottom surface, allowing for lateral insertion of the ice maker 100. Figures 1 to 13As shown in the embodiment, the ice maker 100 is connected to the water purifier 200 in the vertical direction. The extension direction of the main motor connection element 401 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the water purifier 200, and the movement direction of the main water circuit connection element 402 is perpendicular to the bottom surface. In this way, the problem of the ice maker 100 moving due to the vibration of the booster pump during the operation of the whole machine can be avoided.

[0258] For the storage of the extended function module 400, the water purifier 200 in this embodiment is provided with a receiving cavity 202, which can penetrate the side wall of the water purifier 200 to facilitate the switching of the relative position of the extended function module 400 between the standalone working mode and the multi-functional working mode.

[0259] To facilitate easy switching of the relative position of the expansion function module 400, in this embodiment, a slide rail is provided in the accommodating cavity 202, and a slide groove is provided on the expansion function module 400. The slide rail and the slide groove cooperate with each other to allow the expansion function module 400 to be slidably mounted on the water purifier 200. Of course, the installation positions of the slide rail and the slide groove can be replaced, with the main purpose of facilitating installation. Alternatively, a pull-out method using a wedge block and a groove, or a pull-out method using a cylinder to push and retract, can be used, with the main purpose of meeting the characteristics of low cost and small installation space occupation.

[0260] In some embodiments of this application, the water purifier 200 may further include a decorative cover, which closes onto the extended functional module 400 when the water purifier 200 is in stand-alone operating mode. In the method of housing the extended functional module 400 within the first receiving slot, due to the design requirements of the assembly space, the functional portion of the extended functional module 400 is still exposed to the air. For users with high cleanliness requirements, the introduction of the decorative cover allows for complete sealing of the functional portion of the extended functional module 400 after closing, thereby achieving a better cleanliness maintenance effect and providing users with a variety of operational needs.

[0261] In an embodiment where the extended function module 400 is fixedly mounted on the water purifier 200 and housed in the receiving cavity 202, the decorative cover can be inserted into the receiving cavity 202 to achieve the closing action of the extended function module 400.

[0262] See Figure 12 and Figure 14As shown, the expansion module 400 includes an expansion module housing 403, wherein the main electrical connection element 401 and the main water circuit connection element 402 are disposed on the expansion module housing 403. Specifically, the functional parts of the main electrical connection element 401 and the main electrical connection element 402 are both disposed on the upper surface of the expansion module housing 403. The purpose of this is that during the connection process between the selected ice maker 100 and the water purifier body, the connection action is vertically downward and conforms to the side wall of the water purifier 200. In this way, the connection action between the auxiliary connection module 500 and the expansion module 400 is completed simultaneously with the connection action, making the operation simple and the connection precise. The water purifier 200 also includes a purified water tank, and the main water circuit connection element 402 is in fluid communication with the purified water tank.

[0263] See Figure 1 As shown, the multi-functional water purifier may also include a raw water tank 300, which is detachably installed on the water purifier 200. Preferably, the raw water tank 300 is located on the side of the water purifier 200 away from the ice maker 100. The symmetrical arrangement of the raw water tank 300 and the ice maker 100 with respect to the water purifier 200 not only facilitates shorter operating distances for the components of the water purifier 200, but also conforms to a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0264] In some embodiments of this application, the multifunctional water purifier may also include a water tank, which is detachably installed on the water purifier 200 for easy replacement, disinfection, cleaning and other operations.

[0265] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the multi-functional water purifier may also include at least one display unit 9, and the water purifier 200 and / or ice maker 100 are provided with display units 9. The display unit 9 is used to operate and control the water purifier 200 and / or ice maker 100, and / or the display unit 9 is used to display data information of the water purifier 200 and / or ice maker 100.

[0266] Exemplary examples, in some embodiments, the multi-functional water purifier includes a display unit 9, wherein the display unit 9 is disposed in the water purifier 200 or the ice maker 100. For example, see... Figure 12 As shown, the display unit 9 is located in the water purifier 200. Users can control the water purifier 200 and the ice maker 100 through the display unit 9. The display unit 9 can also display data information of the water purifier 200 (such as the usage time of the filter module) and data information of the ice maker 100.

[0267] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the multi-functional water purifier includes two display units 9, one of which is disposed in the water purifier 200 and the other in the ice maker 100. Users can control the operation of the water purifier 200 and display its data information through the display unit 9 disposed in the water purifier 200; similarly, users can control the operation of the ice maker 100 and display its data information through the display unit 9 disposed in the ice maker 100.

[0268] This application also proposes a first water processor. See [link / reference] Figure 1 , Figures 12 to 16 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the first water processor includes a first body and a first docking module. The first docking module is assembled into the first body and includes a first electrical docking element. The first electrical docking element is configured to dock with a second electrical docking element in a second docking module of the second water processor, so that the first docking module is configured to be electrically connected to the second docking module. The first electrical docking element includes at least two first male connectors 61 and at least one second male connector 62. The first male connectors 61 are used to connect to the first female connectors 71 of the second electrical docking element, and the second male connectors 62 are used to connect to the second female connectors 72 of the second electrical docking element. The second male connectors 62 include a first number of male conductive parts 621, and any one of the male conductive parts 621 is insulated from any other male conductive part 621. The first number is greater than or equal to two. The first water processor is one of a water purifier 200 and an ice maker 100, and the second water processor is configured as the other of a water purifier 200 and an ice maker 100.

[0269] See Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, from the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, two adjacent male conductive parts 621 are nested together, and an insulating part 622 is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts 621.

[0270] See Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, along the axial direction of the second male connector 62, at least one end of the male conductive part 621 located on the inner side is exposed to the male conductive part 621 located on the outer side, so that each male conductive part 621 in the second male connector 62 is used to connect one-to-one with the female conductive part 721 of the second female connector 72.

[0271] See Figure 20As shown, in some embodiments of this application, in two adjacent male conductive portions 621, a receiving space 621a is provided in the outer male conductive portion 621. The receiving space 621a is used to receive the inner male conductive portion 621 and an insulating portion 622 provided between the two adjacent male conductive portions 621. Furthermore, a connection port 621b is provided on the peripheral wall of the outer male conductive portion 621, and a clearance port 6220 is provided on the insulating portion 622. From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector 62, the orthographic projection of the clearance port 6220 lies within the orthographic projection of the connection port 621b.

[0272] See 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating portion 622 is an insulating coating, which is applied to the outer surface of the inner male conductive portion 621 and / or to the inner surface of the outer male conductive portion 621. Alternatively, the insulating portion 622 is constructed as a cylindrical body, and the insulating portion 622 is sleeved on the inner male conductive portion 621.

[0273] See Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of male conductive parts 621 are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence along the circumference of the second male connector 62, and an insulating part 622 is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts 621.

[0274] See Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating portion 622 is an insulating coating, and in two adjacent male conductive portions 621, the insulating coating is applied to the surface of at least one male conductive portion 621 used for bonding. Alternatively, the insulating portion 622 is constructed as a layer, with at least a portion of the insulating portion 622 sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive portions 621.

[0275] See Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the first electrical docking element further includes a first electrical docking housing, in which a docking groove 81 is provided, or the first electrical docking housing is constructed as a docking protrusion 82, in which an arrangement space 820 is formed. The first male connector 61 and the second male connector 62 are arranged in the docking groove 81 or the arrangement space 820.

[0276] This application also proposes a second water processor. See [link / reference] Figure 1 , Figures 12 to 1 Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the second water processor includes a second body and a second docking module. The second docking module is assembled to the second body and includes a second electrical docking element configured to dock with a first electrical docking element in the first docking module of the first water processor, thereby configuring the second docking module for electrical connection with the first docking module.

[0277] The second electrical connection element includes at least two first female connectors 71 and at least one second female connector 72. The first female connectors 71 are used to connect with the first male connector 61 of the first electrical connection element, and the second female connectors 72 are used to connect with the second male connector 62 of the first electrical connection element. The second female connector 72 includes a first number of female conductive parts 721, and any one of the female conductive parts 721 is insulated from any other female conductive part 721. The first number is greater than or equal to two. The second water processor is one of a water purifier 200 and an ice maker 100, and the first water processor is configured as the other of a water purifier 200 and an ice maker 100.

[0278] See Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of female conductive parts 721 are arranged sequentially around the second female connector 72 to form a docking space 720, which is used to accommodate the second male connector 62.

[0279] See Figures 19 to 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the female conductive part 721 includes a conductive segment 721a and a joining segment 721b. Along the extending direction of the female conductive part 721, the conductive segment 721a and the joining segment 721b are disposed adjacent to each other, and the joining segment 721b is elastically deformable. The joining segment 721b is used to join with the male conductive part 621 of the second male connector 62.

[0280] See Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, at least two female conductive portions 721's joining sections 721b are misaligned along the axial direction of the second female connector 72. Alternatively, see [reference needed]. Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the joint segments 721b of each female conductive portion 721 are disposed flush.

[0281] See Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the second electrical docking element further includes a second electrical docking housing, in which a docking groove 81 is provided, or the second electrical docking housing is constructed as a docking protrusion 82, in which an arrangement space 820 is formed. The first female connector 71 and the second female connector 72 are arranged in the docking groove 81 or the arrangement space 820.

[0282] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0283] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice maker (100), characterized in that, The ice maker (100) includes: The main body (1000) has a liquid storage chamber (1100), an ice-making chamber (1200) and an ice storage chamber (1300) inside. At least one of the ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice storage chamber (1300) is provided with a flow guide hole, which is configured to guide liquid into the liquid storage chamber (1100). A liquid level detection device (2000) is provided, wherein the liquid storage chamber (1100) includes a liquid storage space (1110) and a liquid dissolving space (1120) that are in communication, and the liquid level detection device (2000) is configured to detect the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage space (1110).

2. The ice maker (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage chamber (1100) is connected to the ice-making chamber (1200), the ice-making chamber (1200) is connected to the ice storage chamber (1300), and the main body (1000) has an outlet (1302) connected to the ice storage chamber (1300). The liquid level detection device (2000) is disposed in the liquid storage space (1110) of the liquid storage chamber (1100).

3. The ice maker (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid level detection device (2000) includes a first detection unit configured to detect the highest liquid level of the liquid storage volume; The liquid-forming space (1120) is located above the liquid storage space (1110); and / or, The liquid storage space (1110) and the liquid-forming space (1120) are separated by a partition layer (1102), and the first detection unit is located at the partition layer (1102) between the liquid storage space (1110) and the liquid-forming space (1120); and / or, The liquid level detection device (2000) further includes a second detection unit, the height of which in the liquid storage space (1110) is less than ... At least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is configured as a water level detection electrode; or, At least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is configured as a reed switch, and the liquid level detection device (2000) further includes at least one float (2200), at least one of the floats (2200) being movably assembled in the reed switch; the volume of the liquid-making space (1120) is greater than or equal to 30% of the volume of the ice-making chamber (1200); or, The volume of the liquid-cooling space (1120) is greater than or equal to 30% of the volume of the ice storage cavity (1300); or, The ice-making chamber (1200) has a first maximum ice-storing volume, and the volume of the melting space (1120) is greater than or equal to 30% of the first maximum ice-storing volume; and / or, The ice storage chamber (1300) has a second maximum ice storage volume, and the volume of the liquid melting space (1120) is greater than or equal to 30% of the second maximum ice storage volume; The volume of the liquid-melting space (1120) is greater than or equal to the volume of the ice-making cavity (1200); or, The volume of the liquid-cooling space (1120) is greater than or equal to the volume of the ice storage cavity (1300); or, The volume of the liquid-cooling space (1120) is greater than or equal to the first maximum ice storage volume; or, The volume of the liquid-cooling space (1120) is greater than or equal to the second maximum ice storage volume; The volume of the liquid-melting space (1120) is less than or equal to the sum of the volume of the ice-making chamber (1200) and the volume of the ice-storing chamber (1300); or, The volume of the liquid storage space (1120) is less than or equal to the sum of the first maximum ice storage volume and the second maximum ice storage volume.

4. The ice maker (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice-storing chamber (1300) is located above the liquid storage chamber (1100); The guide hole in the ice-making cavity (1200) is located at the lowest position inside the ice-making cavity (1200); and / or, The guide hole provided in the ice storage cavity (1300) is located at the lowest position inside the ice storage cavity (1300).

5. The ice maker (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An ice-making module (1210) is provided in the ice-making chamber (1200); and / or, An ice-retrieving module (1310) is provided in the ice storage chamber (1300); and / or, At least one of the ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice-storage chamber (1300) is provided with at least one photoelectric sensor (3000), which is configured to detect ice storage data of at least one of the ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice-storage chamber (1300); The ice-making module (1210) includes an ice-making device (1211), a liquid-holding vessel (1212), and an ice-pushing element (1213). The liquid-holding vessel (1212) has a liquid-holding tank configured to hold liquid from the liquid storage chamber (1100). The ice-making device (1211) is configured to generate ice blocks (C) using the liquid in the liquid-holding tank. The ice-pushing element (1213) is configured to transfer the ice blocks (C) generated by the ice-making device (1211) to the ice storage chamber (1300); and / or, The ice-collecting module (1310) includes a driving element (1311), a transmission assembly (1312), and an ice-collecting element (1313). The driving element (1311) is drivenly connected to the ice-collecting element (1313) through the transmission assembly (1312). The driving element (1311) is configured to apply a driving force toward the transmission assembly (1312) along a first direction (A). The transmission assembly (1312) is configured to transmit the driving force toward the ice-collecting element (1313) along a second direction (B). The driving force is configured to drive the ice-collecting element (1313) to rotate around a fixed axis. At least a portion of the structure of the ice-collecting element (1313) is configured as a spiral structure for rotating and propelling the target body along the ice-moving trajectory. The first direction (A) and the second direction (B) are configured to face different directions. And / or, At least one of the ice-making module (1210) and the ice-retrieving module (1310) is connected to a control device, the control device being data-connected to the photoelectric sensor (3000), and the control device being configured to control at least one of the ice-making module (1210) and the ice-retrieving module (1310) according to the ice storage data; The liquid-holding vessel (1212) is movably mounted in the ice-making chamber (1200) to block or avoid the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device (1211). The ice-pushing element (1213) is connected to the liquid-holding vessel (1212) and is configured to move synchronously with the liquid-holding vessel (1212), thereby transferring the ice blocks (C) generated by the ice-making device (1211) to the ice storage chamber (1300); and / or, The ice-collecting element (1313) is configured as at least one of a helical coil and a helical blade; and / or, The transmission assembly (1312) is configured as a gear set; and / or, The driving element (1311) is elastically connected to the transmission assembly (1312); and / or, There is a steering angle between the first direction (A) and the second direction (B), and the angle of the steering angle is between 92° and 120°; The liquid-holding vessel (1212) is rotatably mounted in the ice-making chamber (1200). The liquid-holding vessel (1212) is configured to rotate around the ice-making device (1211). The ice-pushing element (1213) is hinged to the liquid-holding vessel (1212) and is configured to move synchronously with the liquid-holding vessel (1212), thereby pushing the ice blocks (C) falling from the ice-making device (1211) into the ice-making chamber (1200) toward the ice storage chamber (1300); and / or, The transmission assembly (1312) includes at least an input gear (1312a) and an output gear (1312b), the input gear (1312a) and the output gear (1312b) being directly or indirectly driven to mesh; the drive element (1311) is drivenly connected to the input gear (1312a) and configured to drive the input gear (1312a) to rotate about a first axis extending along a first direction (A); the input gear (1312a) is configured to directly or indirectly drive the output gear (1312b) to rotate about a second axis extending along a second direction (B); And / or, the drive element (1311) is elastically connected to the input gear (1312a); When the liquid-holding container (1212) blocks the direction of gravity-induced ice falling of the ice-making device (1211), the liquid-holding container (1212) is located below the ice-making device (1211), and at least a portion of the structure of the ice-making device (1211) is located in the liquid-holding tank of the liquid-holding container (1212); and / or, The ice-making module (1210) further includes an identification sensor (1214) configured to identify the status information of the liquid-holding container (1212), including whether the liquid-holding container (1212) is blocking the direction of gravity-induced ice falling from the ice-making device (1211). The control device is configured to control the ice-making device (1211) based on the status information; and / or, At least one of the input gear (1312a) and the output gear (1312b) is configured as a bevel gear; and / or, The drive element (1311) is configured as a manual knob, which is rotatably mounted on the main body (1000) on a fixed axis; and / or, The drive element (1311) is elastically connected to the input gear (1312a) via an elastic element (1312c); At least a portion of the bottom region of the ice storage cavity (1300) is configured as an inclined bottom surface (1304). The outlet (1302) of the ice storage cavity (1300) is located at the highest point of the inclined bottom surface (1304); and / or, The entire bottom region of the ice storage cavity (1300) is configured as an inclined bottom surface (1304); and / or, The inclined bottom surface (1304) of the ice storage cavity (1300) is configured to be inclined along a straight trajectory, and the ice moving trajectory is configured as a straight trajectory, which is parallel to the inclined bottom surface (1304).

6. The ice maker (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1000) includes a first housing (1010) and a second housing (1020), the first housing (1010) being assembled inside the second housing (1020), the liquid storage chamber (1100), the ice-making chamber (1200), and the ice storage chamber (1300) being located in the first housing (1010), and at least a portion of the gap between the first housing (1010) and the second housing (1020) being filled with insulating foam; and / or, The main body (1000) is provided with an outlet stop (1303), which is movably connected to the main body (1000) and is used to open or close the outlet (1302) of the ice storage chamber (1300); and / or, The main body (1000) has a body window (1011) on its top, which connects the ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice-storing chamber (1300). The body window (1011) is provided with a window cover plate (1012). The first housing (1010) includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The ice-making chamber (1200) and the ice-storing chamber (1300) are located in the upper housing, and the liquid-storing chamber (1100) is located in the lower housing. The upper housing is disposed above the lower housing, and the upper housing seals the liquid-storing chamber (1100) of the lower housing; and / or, The top of the main body (1000) is provided with a cover plate groove (1013) and an extension recess (1014) communicating with the cover plate groove (1013). The window cover plate (1012) is disposed in the cover plate groove (1013), and the extension recess (1014) is exposed outside the window cover plate (1012). And / or, the body window (1011) is provided with an exterior cover (1015), the exterior cover (1015) being located outside the window cover (1012).

7. The ice maker (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker (100) includes: A liquid extraction assembly (4000) includes a liquid extraction pipeline (4100), a liquid extraction valve (4200), and a liquid extraction pump (4300). The liquid extraction pipeline (4100) is configured to connect the liquid storage chamber (1100) and a cooperating water purifier (200). The liquid extraction valve (4200) is disposed in the liquid extraction pipeline (4100) and is used to open or close the liquid extraction pipeline (4100). The liquid extraction pump (4300) is disposed in the liquid extraction pipeline (4100) and is used to drive liquid along the liquid extraction pipeline (4100) into the liquid storage chamber (1100) of the main body (1000); and / or, The liquid supply assembly (5000) includes a liquid supply line (5100), a liquid supply valve (5200), and a liquid supply pump (5300). The liquid supply line (5100) connects the liquid storage chamber (1100) and the ice-making chamber (1200). The liquid supply valve (5200) is disposed in the liquid supply line (5100) and is used to open or close the liquid supply line (5100). The liquid supply pump (5300) is disposed in the liquid supply line (5100) and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid storage chamber (1100) to enter the ice-making chamber (1200) along the liquid supply line (5100).

8. A multifunctional water purifier, characterized in that, The multi-functional water purifier includes: A water purifier (200) is provided with a filtration module and an expansion function module (400), the expansion function module (400) including a main electrical connection element (401). The ice maker (100) as described in any one of claims 1-7 is provided with an auxiliary docking module (500), the auxiliary docking module (500) includes an auxiliary electrical docking element (501), the ice maker (100) is detachably assembled to the water purifier (200), and when the ice maker (100) and the water purifier (200) are assembled and cooperated, the auxiliary electrical docking element (501) is docked and cooperated with the main electrical docking element (401); One of the main electrical connection element (401) and the auxiliary electrical connection element (501) includes: at least two first male connectors (61) and at least one second male connector (62), the second male connector (62) including a first number of male conductive parts (621), and any one of the male conductive parts (621) is insulated from any other male conductive part (621), the first number being greater than or equal to two; Another correspondence between the main electrical connector (401) and the auxiliary electrical connector (501) includes: at least two first female connectors (71) and at least one second female connector (72), wherein the first female connector (71) is adapted to be connected to the first male connector (61), and the second female connector (72) is adapted to be connected to the second male connector (62); wherein the second female connector (72) includes the first number of female conductive parts (721), and any one of the female conductive parts (721) is insulated from any other female conductive part (721), and the female conductive parts (721) are connected one-to-one with the male conductive parts (621) to form a conductive path.

9. The multifunctional water purifier according to claim 8, characterized in that, From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector (62), two adjacent male conductive parts (621) are nested together, and an insulating part (622) is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts (621). Along the axial direction of the second male connector (62), at least one end of the male conductive part (621) located on the inner side is exposed to the male conductive part (621) located on the outer side, so that each of the male conductive parts (621) in the second male connector (62) is adapted to be connected to the corresponding female conductive part (721). In two adjacent male conductive parts (621), a receiving space (621a) is provided in the outer male conductive part (621), the receiving space (621a) is used to receive the inner male conductive part (621), and the insulating part (622) is provided between the two adjacent male conductive parts (621). Furthermore, the peripheral wall of the male conductive part (621) located on the outer side is provided with a connection port (621b), and the insulating part (622) is provided with a clearance port (6220). From the inner core to the outer edge of the second male connector (62), the orthographic projection of the clearance port (6220) is located within the orthographic projection of the connection port (621b). The insulating part (622) is an insulating coating, which is applied to the outer surface of the inner male conductive part (621) and / or to the inner surface of the outer male conductive part (621). Or, The insulating part (622) is constructed as a cylindrical body, and the insulating part (622) is sleeved on the male conductive part (621) located on the inner side. Along the circumference of the second male connector (62), a plurality of male conductive parts (621) are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence, and an insulating part (622) is sandwiched between two adjacent male conductive parts (621). The insulating portion (622) is an insulating coating, and in two adjacent male conductive portions (621), the insulating coating is applied to the surface of at least one of the male conductive portions (621) used for bonding; or, The insulating part (622) is constructed as a layered component, and at least a portion of the insulating part (622) is sandwiched between two adjacent public conductive parts (621); Along the circumference of the second female connector (72), a plurality of female conductive parts (721) are arranged in sequence to form a docking space (720), the docking space (720) is used to accommodate the second male connector (62), wherein two adjacent female conductive parts (721) are spaced apart; The female conductive part (721) includes a conductive segment (721a) and a joining segment (721b). Along the extending direction of the female conductive part (721), the conductive segment (721a) and the joining segment (721b) are disposed adjacent to each other, and the joining segment (721b) is elastically deformable and is adapted to join with the male conductive part (621). Along the axial direction of the second female connector (72), the joint segments (721b) of at least two of the female conductive parts (721) are staggered; or, the joint segments (721b) of each of the female conductive parts (721) are flush. The main electromechanical docking element (401) further includes a main connector mounting base (4011), and the auxiliary electromechanical docking element (501) further includes an auxiliary connector mounting base (5011). One of the main connector mounting base (4011) and the auxiliary connector mounting base (5011) is provided with a docking groove (81), and the other of the main connector mounting base (4011) and the auxiliary connector mounting base (5011) is correspondingly provided with a docking protrusion (82). The docking protrusion (82) is adapted to extend into the docking groove (81) for docking and engagement, and an arrangement space (820) is formed inside the docking protrusion (82). One of the mating groove (81) and the arrangement space (820) is used to arrange the first female connector (71) and the second female connector (72), and the other of the mating groove (81) and the arrangement space (820) is correspondingly used to arrange the first male connector (61) and the second male connector (62). At least one waterproof component (822) is provided on the docking protrusion (82), and the waterproof component (822) is correspondingly provided with a connector provided in the arrangement space (820), and at least one connector is located below its corresponding waterproof component (822); The waterproof component (822) is an openable waterproof silicone sheet; The water purifier (200) is equipped with a water outlet (201).

10. The multifunctional water purifier according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that, The extended function module (400) also includes a host water circuit docking element (402). The auxiliary unit docking module (500) also includes an auxiliary unit water circuit docking element (502), which docks with the main unit water circuit docking element (402) to connect the water circuit system of the water purifier (200) with the water circuit system of the ice maker (100). The extended function module (400) is retractably installed on the water purifier (200); when the extended function module (400) is separated from the auxiliary docking module (500) and the extended function module (400) is in the retracted state, at least the main electrical docking element (401) and the main water circuit docking element (402) in the extended function module (400) are located inside the water purifier (200); when the extended function module (400) is in the docking state, at least the main electrical docking element (401) and the main water circuit docking element (402) in the extended function module (400) are located outside the water purifier (200); Or, When the extended function module (400) is in the docking state, at least the main electrical docking element (401) and the main water circuit docking element (402) in the extended function module (400) are exposed and installed on the water purifier (200) for docking with the auxiliary docking module (500). The water purifier (200) is provided with a receiving cavity (202). When the expansion function module (400) is in the storage state, the expansion function module (400) is stored in the receiving cavity (202). The extension direction of the main electrical connector (401) is parallel to the docking direction of the ice maker (100), the extension direction of the main electrical connector (401) is parallel to the bottom surface of the water purifier (200), and the movement direction of the main water circuit connector (402) is parallel to the bottom surface, so as to allow the ice maker (100) to be plugged in laterally. It also includes: a raw water tank (300), which is detachably installed in the water purifier (200); The water purifier (200) further includes: a water tank, wherein the main unit water circuit connection element (402) is in fluid communication with the water tank; It also includes: at least one display unit (9), wherein the water purifier (200) and / or the ice maker (100) are provided with the display unit (9); The display unit (9) is used to operate and control the water purifier (200) and / or the ice maker (100), and / or the display unit (9) is used to display the data information of the water purifier (200) and / or the ice maker (100).

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