Ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice machines, in particular to an ice machine with controllable ice outlet opening and closing, which comprises an outer shell, an ice making groove, an ice storage groove, an ice making mechanism and an ice outlet mechanism, the ice storage groove is provided with an ice outlet shell on one side, the ice outlet shell is provided with an ice outlet for ice block falling; the inside of the ice outlet shell is provided with an ice outlet baffle for blocking the ice outlet at a position close to the ice storage groove, the ice outlet baffle is arranged in the vertical direction, and the ice outlet baffle is movably connected with the ice outlet shell; the ice outlet shell is provided with an electromagnetic valve assembly for controlling ice outlet on the top side outer wall, and the electromagnetic valve assembly is electrically connected with the ice making mechanism and the ice outlet mechanism. The application has the effect of improving the problem that ice blocks slide due to the random timing of the user moving away the ice container for the automatic ice outlet mechanism of the ice machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of ice makers, and in particular to an ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a device that converts liquid water into solid ice through a refrigeration system. Ice makers utilize the phase change cycle of the refrigerant to transfer heat, and the specific process typically includes four stages: compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. An ice maker usually includes an ice-making system (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator), a water supply system, a control system, and ice storage and discharging components (ice storage tank, ice discharging chute, ice pushing mechanism). The ice-making system uses the refrigerant to absorb heat in the evaporator, causing water to freeze. The control system coordinates the operation of each component, and the ice storage and discharging components are responsible for transporting the formed ice blocks from the ice storage tank to the ice outlet, completing the entire ice-making-ice-discharging closed loop.

[0003] In related technologies, to achieve efficient ice dispensing, mechanical or electric automatic ice dispensing mechanisms use motors to drive ice-pushing plates, rotating blades, and other actuators, or utilize gravity in conjunction with a sliding track structure, to directionally push the ice blocks accumulated in the ice storage tank to the ice dispensing outlet. Users simply place an ice-receiving container at the outlet to complete the ice dispensing operation. Compared to manually shoveling ice, this method improves ice dispensing efficiency and cleanliness, becoming the mainstream configuration for both household and commercial ice makers.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, when a user completes the ice-collecting operation and removes the ice container, the timing of removal is random (e.g., the user may delay removal due to temporary matters or be eager to use the ice quickly). The remaining ice in the ice outlet is easily affected by the residual thrust of the ice-pushing mechanism, causing it to continue sliding downwards or even fall completely off the container the instant it detaches. This results in some ice not being collected by the container and scattering outside the equipment. This not only causes direct waste of ice but may also accelerate melting due to exposure to the open environment, affecting the quality of the ice. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the problem of ice slipping due to the random timing of the user removing the ice container in the automatic ice dispensing mechanism of the ice maker, this application provides an ice maker with controllable ice dispensing port opening and closing.

[0006] The ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An ice maker with a controllable ice outlet opening and closing includes an outer shell, an ice-making tank and an ice storage tank disposed within the outer shell, an ice-making mechanism disposed within the ice-making tank, and an ice-discharging mechanism disposed within the ice storage tank. The ice-making tank and the ice storage tank are arranged adjacent to each other and are interconnected. The ice storage tank has an ice-discharging shell on one side, which extends out of the outer shell and has an ice outlet on its bottom side for ice blocks to fall. The ice outlet shell has an ice outlet baffle located near the ice storage tank to block the ice outlet. The ice outlet baffle is arranged vertically and is movably connected to the ice outlet shell. The ice-dispensing housing has a solenoid valve assembly on its top outer wall for controlling ice dispensing. The solenoid valve assembly is electrically connected to both the ice-making mechanism and the ice-dispensing mechanism.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice-discharging baffle inside the ice-discharging housing is movably connected to the ice-discharging housing. Combined with the control function of the solenoid valve assembly, precise opening and closing control of the ice outlet is achieved. The solenoid valve assembly electrically controls the ice-making mechanism and the ice-discharging mechanism. When the user finishes taking ice (the solenoid lock is de-energized), the valve core moves downwards, causing the valve core to lock the ice-discharging baffle, thereby closing the ice outlet. This prevents residual ice from continuing to slide downwards or fall off due to the residual thrust of the ice-pushing mechanism, effectively reducing the situation where ice scatters outside the equipment. The ice baffle inside the ice-discharging housing can block excess ice during the movement of ice, allowing only a portion of ice to enter the ice-discharging baffle area through the opening. This avoids the problem of excessive ice accumulation causing pushing and blocking, and ensures the smoothness of the ice discharging process.

[0008] Furthermore, the solenoid valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve core, a push column integrally connected to the bottom end of the valve core, and a button located on the top of the valve body. The button is electrically connected to the valve core. The ice outlet baffle is provided with an abutment block on the side away from the ice storage tank for cooperating with the push column. The abutting block has a first abutting surface on the side away from the ice outlet baffle for abutting against the outer peripheral wall of the push column, and a second abutting surface on the upper side for sliding engagement with the bottom of the push column.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the button is electrically connected to the valve core, enabling direct electrical control of the solenoid valve assembly by the user (button triggers the opening command). When the user places the ice container, pressing the button energizes the valve core, pushing the column upwards along the first contact surface and pushing the contact block, providing space for the ice outlet baffle to open. The ice block is then driven by the ice outlet mechanism and falls smoothly from the ice outlet. When ice removal is finished, the button resets, the valve core is de-energized, the column falls back and slides along the second contact surface, thereby pushing the ice outlet baffle to close. After closing, the column abuts against the first contact surface, thus locking the ice outlet baffle. The electrical control linkage method shortens the delay of traditional mechanical transmission and improves the response efficiency of opening and closing the ice outlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the ice dispensing mechanism includes an ice guide rod for transferring ice blocks from the ice storage tank to the ice dispensing shell, and a first driving component for driving the ice guide rod. The ice guide rod is arranged inclined upwards in the ice storage tank from the side away from the ice outlet to the side closer to the ice outlet, and the ice storage tank has an ice guide slope at the bottom that matches the inclination angle of the ice guide rod.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice guide rod is inclined upwards from the side of the ice storage tank away from the ice outlet to the side closer to the ice outlet. Combined with the matching ice guide ramp at the bottom of the ice storage tank, the ice blocks move smoothly along the inclined direction of the ice guide rod under the synergistic action of gravity and the first driving component. This avoids the problems of jamming and blockage caused by vertical stacking or tortuous paths, significantly improving the conveying efficiency of ice blocks from the ice storage tank to the ice outlet. The inclined angle of the ice guide rod and the ice guide ramp are consistent, ensuring that the ice blocks are only subjected to the unidirectional thrust and gravity component provided by the driving component along the ramp during movement. This avoids the collision, crushing and breaking of ice blocks caused by traditional vertical pushing or sudden path changes, helping to maintain the original shape and size of the ice blocks and improving the quality of use.

[0012] Furthermore, the ice outlet housing includes a lower housing for fixed connection with the ice storage tank and an upper housing installed on the upper part of the lower housing. The first driving component is installed on the upper housing and drives the ice guide rod to rotate axially.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the lower shell is fixedly connected to the ice storage tank to provide a stable basic frame for the ice dispensing mechanism. The upper shell is installed on the upper part of the lower shell as an independent module. Only the upper shell needs to be removed to expose the first drive component and the ice guide rod. There is no need to disassemble the ice dispensing shell as a whole or affect the structure of the ice storage tank. This simplifies the installation of the ice guide rod and the assembly process of the drive component, and reduces the difficulty of later maintenance or replacement of the drive component.

[0014] Furthermore, the ice guide rod includes an inclined shaft connected to the first drive component, lifting blades arranged circumferentially outside the shaft, and an installation end plate located at the end of the shaft away from the first drive component and used to cooperate with the inner wall of the ice storage tank. The lifting blades are arranged spirally outside the shaft to lift ice blocks into the ice outlet shell.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, spiral lifting blades are circumferentially arranged outside the shaft. The rotation of the shaft gradually lifts and pushes the ice blocks in the ice storage tank along the inclined direction of the shaft into the ice outlet shell. The continuous spiral pushing avoids the problems of ice block accumulation or flow fluctuation caused by traditional intermittent pushing, ensuring the stability and continuity of the ice outlet process.

[0016] Furthermore, the helix angle of the lifting blade is less than or equal to 90°.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, when the helix angle (the angle between the blade and the shaft axis) is ≤90°, the pushing force of the blade on the ice block and the component of the ice block's own weight along the inclined plane are reasonably matched. If the helix angle is too large (close to 90°), the ice block is prone to sliding down due to the dominant component of gravity, leading to conveying jams or even blockages; if the helix angle is too small (far less than 90°), a larger driving torque is required to overcome the component of gravity, increasing energy consumption. The helix angle design of ≤90° brings the two into balance, allowing the ice block to be smoothly and continuously lifted along the shaft under the push of the helical blades, avoiding conveying interruptions or instability caused by an unreasonable helix angle.

[0018] Furthermore, the ice-discharging baffle has a first oblong hole at the middle position for cooperating with the shaft.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the elongated structure of the oblong hole allows for fine-tuning of the shaft along its length during installation, facilitating precise positioning of the shaft to match components such as the ice guide ramp and lifting blades. During the operation of the ice maker, the ice guide rod is subjected to the torque of the first drive component and the reaction force of the ice blocks pushing, which may cause slight axial or radial displacement of the shaft. The oblong hole provides a certain amount of movement space for the shaft, buffering the rigid impact of such displacement on the connection between the shaft and the ice outlet baffle, avoiding shaft jamming or bearing wear caused by forced limiting, and ensuring the smooth rotation of the ice guide rod.

[0020] Furthermore, an ice baffle is provided inside the ice storage tank near the ice outlet shell, and the ice baffle has a second waist-shaped hole at the middle position that cooperates with the lifting blade.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice baffle is positioned near the ice outlet shell of the ice storage tank, physically blocking the ice blocks lifted by the ice guide rod. The cooperation between the second oblong hole and the lifting blades allows the blades to move only slightly along the length of the oblong hole, thus limiting the amount of ice blocks that can enter the ice outlet shell at one time. The limited delivery mechanism avoids the problem of blockage at the ice outlet caused by excessive accumulation of ice blocks, ensuring that the ice blocks can fall into the ice receiving container in an orderly and smooth manner through the ice outlet.

[0022] Furthermore, the ice-making mechanism is located inside the ice-making tank, and the ice-making mechanism includes an evaporator, an ice-making box for cooperating with the evaporator, and an ice-scraping plate disposed in the ice-making box for transferring ice blocks into the ice storage tank. The ice-making box is rotatably connected to the ice-making tank. The ice-making tank is provided with a second driving component for flipping the ice-making box. The ice scraper is located at the upper edge of the ice-making box near the ice storage tank.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotating connection of the ice-making box and the flipping action of the second driving component realize the demolding and transfer of ice blocks. After the evaporator finishes making ice, the second driving component drives the ice-making box to flip inside the ice-making tank. The ice blocks inside the ice-making box naturally fall off due to gravity and into the ice-making tank. At the same time, the ice scraper moves synchronously with the flipping of the ice-making box, scraping the ice blocks from the ice-making tank into the ice storage tank, avoiding the ice blocks from adhering to the surface of the ice-making box or evaporator, significantly improving the ice removal efficiency and the integrity of ice block collection.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The ice dispensing baffle and solenoid valve assembly work together to achieve precise opening and closing control of the ice dispensing port. When the user places the ice-receiving container, pressing the button on the solenoid valve assembly triggers the valve core to be energized, pushing the column upward along the first contact surface, releasing the contact block and allowing the ice dispensing baffle to be pushed open by the rising ice. The ice falls smoothly from the ice dispensing port into the container under the action of the ice dispensing mechanism. When the ice dispensing is finished, the button resets, de-energizing the valve core, pushing the column back and sliding along the second contact surface, pushing the contact block and causing the ice dispensing baffle to close. The column finally locks the ice dispensing baffle at the first contact surface, blocking the ice dispensing port. This solves the problem of residual ice sliding down due to the residual thrust of the ice pushing mechanism caused by the random timing of the user removing the container, effectively reducing the situation of ice scattering outside the equipment and improving the integrity of ice dispensing. At the same time, after the ice dispensing port is closed, the ice is isolated from the external environment, avoiding risks such as dust adhesion and meltwater contamination. It is especially suitable for scenarios with high requirements for ice hygiene and quality, such as catering and medical care, ensuring the safety and quality stability of ice. 2. The optimization of the spiral blade structure of the ice guide rod, the matching of the ice guide slope, and the spiral lift angle of the lifting blades enables efficient and stable transport of ice blocks from the ice storage tank to the ice outlet shell. The ice guide rod is inclined upwards, with the angle consistent with the ice guide slope at the bottom of the ice storage tank. Combined with the continuous pushing of the spiral lifting blades, the ice blocks move smoothly along the slope under the synergistic effect of gravity and the drive components, avoiding the jamming and blockage problems caused by traditional vertical pushing or sudden path changes, thus improving the smoothness of ice dispensing. 3. The design of the first oblong hole in the ice outlet baffle and the second oblong hole in the ice baffle plate provides fine-tuning space for the shaft and lifting blades. This buffers axial / radial displacement caused by vibration or thermal expansion and contraction during equipment operation, preventing component wear or jamming caused by rigid impacts, and ensuring smooth rotation of the guide rod and stable control of the ice outlet flow. The rotating connection of the ice-making box and the flipping setting of the second drive component automate the demolding and transfer of ice blocks. The synchronous movement of the ice scraper plate prevents ice block adhesion, improves ice removal efficiency and collection integrity, and enhances the overall reliability and practicality of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an ice maker with a controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker (without a housing) with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker (without a housing) with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 4 This is a front view of the ice-dispensing mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first waist-shaped hole and the second waist-shaped hole of the ice baffle in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the solenoid valve assembly and ice outlet baffle in the closed state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the solenoid valve assembly and ice outlet baffle in the open state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Outer shell; 2. Ice-making tank; 3. Ice storage tank; 31. Ice guide ramp; 32. Ice baffle; 321. Second oblong hole; 4. Ice outlet shell; 41. Lower shell; 411. Ice outlet; 42. Upper shell; 421. Ice outlet baffle; 4211. First oblong hole; 4212. Abutting block; 42121. First abutting surface; 42122. Second abutting surface; 5. Ice-making mechanism; 51. Evaporator; 52. Ice-making box; 53. Ice scraper; 54. Second drive component; 6. Ice outlet mechanism; 61. Ice guide rod; 611. Shaft; 612. Lifting blade; 613. Mounting end plate; 62. First drive component; 7. Solenoid valve assembly; 71. Valve body; 72. Valve core; 73. Push column; 74. Button. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-7 The present application will be further described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0034] This application discloses an ice maker with a controllable ice outlet opening and closing mechanism. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing includes an outer shell 1, an ice-making tank 2, an ice storage tank 3, an ice-discharging shell 4, an ice-making mechanism 5, and an ice-discharging mechanism 6. The ice-making tank 2 and the ice storage tank 3 are located inside the outer shell 1, arranged adjacent to each other and interconnected. The ice-discharging shell 4 is fixedly connected to one side of the ice storage tank 3 and extends out of the outer shell 1 for discharging ice. The ice-discharging shell 4 includes a lower shell 41 for fixed connection with the ice storage tank 3 and an upper shell 42 snapped and fixed to the upper part of the lower shell 41. The lower shell 41 has an ice outlet 411 on its bottom side for ice blocks to fall through.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The ice-making mechanism 5 includes an evaporator 51, an ice-making box 52, and an ice-scraping plate 53. The ice-making box 52 cooperates with the evaporator 51, and the ice-scraping plate 53 is used to transfer ice blocks into the ice storage tank 3. The ice-making box 52 is located inside the ice storage tank 2 and is rotatably connected to the ice storage tank 2. The ice storage tank 2 is provided with a second driving component 54 on the outside for flipping the ice-making box 52. The ice-scraping plate 53 is hinged to the upper edge of the ice-making box 52 near the side of the ice storage tank 3.

[0036] The rotational connection of the ice-making box 52 and the flipping action of the second drive component 54 enable the demolding and transfer of ice cubes. After the evaporator 51 finishes making ice, the second drive component 54 drives the ice-making box 52 to flip inside the ice-making tank 2. The ice cubes inside the ice-making box 52 naturally fall off due to gravity and into the ice-making tank 2. At the same time, the ice scraper 53 moves synchronously with the flipping of the ice-making box 52 to scrape the ice cubes from the ice-making tank 2 into the ice storage tank 3, preventing the ice cubes from sticking to the surface of the ice-making box 52 or the evaporator 51.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ice discharging mechanism 6 includes an ice guide rod 61 and a first driving component 62. In this embodiment, both the first driving component 62 and the second driving component 54 are preferably stepper motors. The first driving component 62 is used to drive the ice guide rod 61, so that the ice guide rod 61 can transfer the ice blocks in the ice storage tank 3 into the ice discharging shell 4.

[0038] The ice guide rod 61 is arranged inclined upwards within the ice storage tank 3 from the side away from the ice outlet 411 to the side closer to the ice outlet 411. The ice storage tank 3 has an ice guide ramp 31 at the bottom that matches the inclination angle of the ice guide rod 61. The first drive component 62 is mounted on the upper housing 42 of the ice outlet housing 4 to drive the ice guide rod 61 to rotate axially.

[0039] The ice guide rod 61 includes a shaft 611, lifting blades 612, and a mounting end plate 613. The shaft 611 is inclined and connected to a first drive component 62, which drives the shaft 611 to rotate axially. The lifting blades 612 are circumferentially arranged outside the shaft 611 and are spirally arranged outside the shaft 611. The spiral angle of the lifting blades 612 is less than or equal to 90°, thereby lifting the ice block into the ice outlet shell 4. The mounting end plate 613 is coaxially arranged and fixedly connected to the end of the shaft 611 away from the first drive component 62 for mating with the inner wall of the ice storage tank 3.

[0040] Reference Figure 5 An ice baffle 32 is fixedly connected inside the ice storage tank 3 near the ice outlet shell 4. The ice baffle 32 has a second oblong hole 321 at its center, which cooperates with the lifting blade 612 and allows ice blocks to pass through. The ice baffle 32 physically obstructs the ice blocks lifted by the ice guide rod 61. The cooperation between the second oblong hole 321 and the lifting blade 612 allows the blade to move only slightly along the length of the oblong hole, thus limiting the amount of ice blocks that can enter the ice outlet shell 4 at a time. This limited-quantity delivery mechanism prevents blockage of the ice outlet 411 due to excessive ice accumulation, ensuring that ice blocks can fall into the ice receiving container in an orderly and smooth manner through the ice outlet 411.

[0041] Inside the ice outlet housing 4, near the ice storage tank 3, there is an ice outlet baffle 421 for blocking the ice outlet 411. The ice outlet baffle 421 is rotatably connected to the ice outlet housing 4. The ice outlet baffle 421 has a first waist-shaped hole 4211 at the middle position for cooperating with the shaft 611.

[0042] The ice-dispensing housing 4 has a solenoid valve assembly 7 on its top side for controlling ice dispensing. The solenoid valve assembly 7 is electrically connected to both the ice-making mechanism 5 and the ice-dispensing mechanism 6. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The solenoid valve assembly 7 includes a valve body 71, a valve core 72, and a push column 73. The valve core 72 is slidably mounted inside the valve body 71, and the push column 73 is coaxially arranged and integrally connected to the bottom end of the valve core 72. A button 74 is provided on the top of the valve body 71, and the button 74 is electrically connected to the valve core 72.

[0043] An abutment block 4212 for cooperating with a push column 73 is integrally connected to the side of the ice discharge baffle 421 away from the ice storage tank 3. The abutment block 4212 has a first abutment surface 42121 for abutting against the outer peripheral wall of the push column 73 on the side away from the ice discharge baffle 421, and a second abutment surface 42122 on the upper side for slidingly cooperating with the bottom of the push column 73.

[0044] The ice outlet baffle 421, through the cooperation of the abutment block 4212 and the solenoid valve assembly 7, has a closed position and an open position, synchronously corresponding to the opening and closing of the ice outlet 411. When the ice outlet baffle 421 is in the closed position, it is set vertically. When ice is needed, the button is pressed, and the valve core 72 drives the push column 73 to move upward. At the same time, the first drive component 62 drives the ice guide rod 61 to rotate, and the ice moves along the ice guide rod 61. When the ice moves to the ice baffle 32, the excess ice is blocked by the ice baffle 32, and the appropriate amount of ice continues to pass through the second waist-shaped hole 321 of the ice baffle 32 and moves to the position of the ice outlet baffle 421. Due to the pushing of the ice, the ice outlet baffle 421 is pushed open by the front ice and enters the ice outlet housing 4, so that it can fall out from the ice outlet 411. After ice collection is completed, the solenoid valve assembly 7 is de-energized, and the valve core 72 drives the push column 73 to move downward. The push column 73 locks the abutment block 4212, thereby blocking the ice outlet 411 with the ice baffle 421 to prevent the ice from falling.

[0045] The implementation principle of an ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing in this application embodiment is as follows: During the ice-making stage, after the evaporator 51 completes ice making, the second driving component 54 drives the ice-making box 52 to rotate inside the ice-making tank 2. The ice blocks inside the ice-making box 52 fall to the bottom of the ice-making tank 2 due to gravity. At the same time, the ice scraper 53, which is hinged to the upper edge of the ice-making box 52, moves synchronously with the rotation, scraping the ice blocks from the ice-making tank 2 into the adjacent ice storage tank 3, thus completing the initial transfer of ice blocks from the evaporator 51 to the ice storage tank 3.

[0046] During the ice removal stage, the ice blocks in the ice storage tank 3 are continuously lifted along the inclined direction by the guide rod 61 (arranged at an angle to match the angle of the ice guide slope 31 at the bottom of the ice storage tank 3) through the spiral lifting blades 612. During the lifting process, the ice baffle 32 near the ice removal shell 4 of the ice storage tank 3 forms a physical barrier against the ice blocks through the second waist-shaped hole 321, allowing only a suitable amount of ice blocks to pass through the waist-shaped hole and enter the ice removal shell 4.

[0047] During the ice outlet 411 opening and closing control phase, after the user places the ice-receiving container, they press button 74 on the solenoid valve assembly 7. The valve core 72 is energized, causing the push column 73 to move upward, providing a basis for opening the ice outlet baffle 421. Ice blocks, pushed by the ice guide rod 61, reach the ice outlet baffle 421, push open the baffle, and finally fall into the container from the ice outlet 411. After the user removes the container, the solenoid valve assembly 7 is de-energized, the valve core 72 falls, and the push column 73 falls back. The push column 73 slides through the second abutment surface 42122 of the abutment block 4212 and then locks against the first abutment surface 42121. The ice outlet baffle 421 is locked in the closed state, preventing residual ice blocks in the ice storage tank 3 from continuing to slide down due to the residual thrust of the ice pushing mechanism.

[0048] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing, characterized in that: The device includes an outer shell (1), an ice-making tank (2) and an ice storage tank (3) disposed within the outer shell (1), an ice-making mechanism (5) disposed in the ice-making tank (2), and an ice-discharging mechanism (6) disposed in the ice storage tank (3). The ice-making tank (2) and the ice storage tank (3) are arranged adjacent to each other and are interconnected. The ice storage tank (3) has an ice-discharging shell (4) on one side. The ice-discharging shell (4) extends out of the outer shell (1) and has an ice outlet (411) on the bottom side for ice blocks to fall. The ice outlet housing (4) has an ice outlet baffle (421) located near the ice storage tank (3) to block the ice outlet (411). The ice outlet baffle (421) is arranged in a vertical direction and is movably connected to the ice outlet housing (4). The ice-discharging housing (4) has a solenoid valve assembly (7) for controlling ice discharging on its top outer wall. The solenoid valve assembly (7) is electrically connected to both the ice-making mechanism (5) and the ice-discharging mechanism (6).

2. The ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solenoid valve assembly (7) includes a valve body (71), a valve core (72), a push column (73) integrally connected to the bottom end of the valve core (72), and a button (74) provided on the top of the valve body (71). The button (74) is electrically connected to the valve core (72). The ice outlet baffle (421) is provided with an abutment block (4212) for cooperating with the push column (73) on the side away from the ice storage tank (3). The abutment block (4212) has a first abutment surface (42121) on the side away from the ice outlet baffle (421) for abutting against the outer peripheral wall of the push column (73), and a second abutment surface (42122) on the upper side for sliding cooperation with the bottom of the push column (73).

3. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice discharging mechanism (6) includes an ice guide rod (61) for transferring ice blocks from the ice storage tank (3) to the ice discharging shell (4) and a first driving component (62) for driving the ice guide rod (61); The ice guide rod (61) is arranged at an angle upward in the ice storage tank (3) from the side away from the ice outlet (411) to the side close to the ice outlet (411), and the ice storage tank (3) has an ice guide slope (31) at the bottom that matches the angle of inclination of the ice guide rod (61).

4. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice outlet housing (4) includes a lower housing (41) for fixed connection with the ice storage tank (3) and an upper housing (42) installed on the upper part of the lower housing (41). The first driving component (62) is installed on the upper housing (42) and drives the ice guide rod (61) to rotate axially.

5. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ice guide rod (61) includes an inclined shaft (611) connected to the first drive component (62), lifting blades (612) arranged circumferentially outside the shaft (611), and an installation end plate (613) located at the end of the shaft (611) away from the first drive component (62) and used to cooperate with the inner wall of the ice storage tank (3). The lifting blades (612) are arranged in a spiral shape outside the shaft (611) to lift ice blocks into the ice outlet shell (4).

6. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The helix angle of the lifting blade (612) is less than or equal to 90°.

7. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ice-discharging baffle (421) has a first waist-shaped hole (4211) at the middle position for cooperating with the shaft (611).

8. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ice storage tank (3) has an ice baffle (32) located near the ice outlet shell (4) inside. The ice baffle (32) has a second waist-shaped hole (321) at the middle position that cooperates with the lifting blade (612).

9. An ice maker with controllable ice outlet opening and closing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making mechanism (5) is located inside the ice-making tank (2). The ice-making mechanism (5) includes an evaporator (51), an ice-making box (52) for cooperating with the evaporator (51), and an ice-scraping plate (53) disposed in the ice-making box (52) for transferring ice blocks into the ice storage tank (3). The ice box (52) is rotatably connected to the ice tank (2). The ice tank (2) is provided with a second driving component (54) for flipping the ice box (52). The ice scraper (53) is located at the upper edge of the ice box (52) near the ice storage tank (3).

Images