Anti-overflow ice basket support and ice maker

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of ice maker technology and discloses an anti-overflow ice basket bracket and an ice maker. The anti-overflow ice basket bracket is installed on the door panel of the ice maker. The bottom of the door panel is rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening of the ice maker. The door panel can rotate around its lower rotation axis to open or close the opening. The anti-overflow ice basket bracket includes a bracket body and a mounting part. The longitudinal section of the bracket body is arc-shaped and coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower end of the door panel. The bracket body is used to mount the ice basket body. The mounting part is connected to the end of the bracket body near the door panel and is used to install on the inner end wall of the door panel. When the door panel is in the open state, the top of the mounting part is not lower than the bottom of the end of the bracket body furthest from the mounting part. This anti-overflow ice basket bracket can prevent water from flowing out from the connection between the ice basket bracket and the door when water is added, preventing water from overflowing and polluting the surrounding working environment, thus improving ease of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice maker technology, and in particular to an anti-overflow ice basket bracket and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Existing small ice makers consist of a water tank, ice basket, ice basket support, evaporator, and other components. The ice basket support, located between the ice basket and the water tank, forms two structures: one for storing water and the other for holding ice blocks. This design is used in current drawer-type ice makers. The ice basket support is connected to a door, and the ice basket can be placed on the support. Water can only be added to the tank after the door is opened and the ice basket is removed. Because the small ice maker itself is small, the water inlet is also small, making water addition difficult. Furthermore, the door further complicates the process. Secondly, the steps on both sides of the ice basket support are small, making it easy for water to overflow during addition. Water can also flow to the connection between the ice basket support and the door, potentially overflowing the surface of the ice basket support. Finally, when the ice in the ice basket melts, if the ice maker door is not closed, the melted and condensed water can flow onto the ice basket support, eventually overflowing it.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new type of overflow-proof ice basket bracket and ice maker to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to provide an anti-overflow ice basket bracket that prevents water from flowing out from the connection between the ice basket bracket and the door when filling with water, thus preventing water from overflowing and polluting the surrounding working environment and improving ease of use.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The overflow-proof ice basket bracket is installed on the door panel of the ice maker. The bottom of the door panel is rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening of the ice maker. The door panel can rotate around its lower rotation axis to open or close the opening. Optionally, the overflow-proof ice basket bracket includes a bracket body and a mounting part. The longitudinal section of the bracket body is an arc shape coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower end of the door panel. The bracket body is used to install the ice basket body. The mounting part is connected to the end of the bracket body near the door panel and is used to install on the inner end wall of the door panel. When the door panel is in the open state, the top of the mounting part is not lower than the bottom of the end of the bracket body away from the mounting part.

[0007] Optionally, the mounting part near the door panel may have a mounting protrusion on one end and a mounting groove on the inner side of the door panel, and the mounting protrusion may be inserted into the mounting groove.

[0008] Optionally, the door panel includes an outer panel and a door panel bracket. The bottom of the door panel bracket is rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening. The door panel bracket is provided with the mounting groove. The door panel bracket is connected to a connector. The connector passes through the mounting groove and is fixedly connected to the mounting protrusion.

[0009] Optionally, the door panel bracket further includes a sealing part, which is disposed at the top of the port of the mounting groove and abuts against the end of the mounting part near the door panel.

[0010] Optionally, the sealing portion includes a plurality of sealing protrusions that protrude toward the mounting portion.

[0011] Optionally, a seal is provided between two adjacent sealing protrusions.

[0012] Optionally, the above-mentioned sealing element is an elastic element.

[0013] Optionally, a snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided at the bottom of the end of the bracket body away from the mounting portion, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion can abut against the bottom of the opening.

[0014] Optionally, the angle α between the tangent of the bracket body at one end near the door panel and the bottom of the door panel is no greater than 90°.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide an ice maker that includes an ice basket support as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] The overflow-proof ice basket bracket of this utility model includes a bracket body and a mounting part. The longitudinal section of the bracket body is arc-shaped and coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower end of the door panel. As the door panel rotates, the bracket body always rotates around the bottom of the opening of the ice maker. When the door panel is open, the mounting part is provided at one end of the bracket body near the door panel. The top of the mounting part is not lower than the end of the bracket body away from the door panel, thereby preventing water from flowing out from the top of the mounting part when filling, or from overflowing from the top of the mounting part after the ice melts. After filling, the door panel is closed, and the water can flow into the ice maker from the end of the bracket body away from the door panel along the arc-shaped bracket body, avoiding water residue. Thus, the water in the ice maker is strictly confined within the arc-shaped groove of the bracket body and flows to the far end with a larger capacity. Users do not need to be extremely careful when adding water, greatly reducing the difficulty of operation and improving the user experience. Furthermore, this overflow-proof ice basket bracket prevents water from flowing into critical internal components or seeping out and contaminating the work surface, enhancing product safety and reliability. Its compact structure makes it ideal for small ice makers with limited space, maximizing functionality within a confined volume. The overflow-proof ice basket bracket also prevents water from leaking out from the connection between the bracket and the door during filling, avoiding spillage and contamination of the surrounding work environment, thus improving ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the ice maker provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ice maker with its opening closed, provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ice maker with its opening in the open state, provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 1. Door panel; 10. Opening; 11. Outer panel; 12. Door panel bracket; 121. Mounting groove; 122. Sealing part; 123. Sealing protrusion; 124. Sealing element; 13. Connecting element; 2. Waterproof ice basket bracket; 21. Bracket body; 221. Mounting protrusion; 22. Mounting part; 23. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 24. Side water baffle; 3. Ice basket body. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment first provides an ice maker. The ice maker uses a door panel 1 to close the opening 10. When in use, the door panel 1 needs to be rotated so that the lower end of the door panel 1 is rotatably connected to the bottom port of the opening 10, thereby disconnecting the top end of the door panel 1 from the top port of the opening 10. At this time, water can be injected into the ice basket of the ice maker, and the water flow can enter the inner cavity of the ice maker.

[0029] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 is installed on the door panel 1 of the ice maker. The bottom of the door panel 1 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening 10 of the ice maker. The door panel 1 can rotate around its lower rotation axis to open or close the opening 10. Optionally, the overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 includes a bracket body 21 and a mounting part 22. The longitudinal section of the bracket body 21 is an arc shape coaxial with the lower rotation axis of the door panel 1. The bracket body 21 is used to install the ice basket body 3. The mounting part 22 is connected to the end of the bracket body 21 near the door panel 1. The mounting part 22 is used to install on the inner end wall of the door panel 1. When the door panel 1 is in the open state of the opening 10, the top of the mounting part 22 is not lower than the bottom of the end of the bracket body 21 away from the mounting part 22.

[0030] The overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 in this embodiment includes a bracket body 21 and a mounting part 22. The longitudinal section of the bracket body 21 is arc-shaped and coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower end of the door panel 1. When the door panel 1 rotates, the bracket body 21 always rotates around the bottom of the port of the ice maker's opening 10. When the door panel 1 is open, the mounting part 22 is provided at one end of the bracket body 21 near the door panel 1. The top of the mounting part 22 is not lower than the end of the bracket body 21 away from the door panel 1, thereby preventing water from flowing out from the top of the mounting part 22 when water is added, or from overflowing from the top of the mounting part 22 after the ice melts. After water is added, the door panel 1 is closed, and water can flow into the interior of the ice maker from the end of the bracket body 21 away from the door panel 1 along the arc-shaped bracket body 21, avoiding water residue. Thus, the water in the ice maker is strictly confined within the arc-shaped groove of the bracket body 21 and flows to the far end with a larger capacity. Users do not need to be extremely careful when adding water, greatly reducing the difficulty of operation and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 prevents water from flowing into critical internal components or seeping out and contaminating the work surface, enhancing product safety and reliability. Its compact structure makes it ideal for small ice makers with limited space, maximizing functionality within a confined volume. The overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 also prevents water from leaking out from the connection between the ice basket bracket and the door during filling, avoiding water spillage and contamination of the surrounding work environment, thus improving ease of use.

[0031] Furthermore, the top of the mounting portion 22 is higher than the bottom of the end of the bracket body 21 away from the mounting portion 22 by a dimension H, and H is not less than 3mm.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a snap-fit ​​protrusion 23 is provided at the bottom of the end of the bracket body 21 away from the mounting part 22. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 23 can abut against the bottom of the port of the opening 10. When the door panel 1 is opened, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 23 abuts against the bottom of the opening 10 of the ice maker, providing a clear physical limit and support point for the entire door panel 1, effectively preventing excessive inward tilting and shaking of the door panel 1 due to load or external force; moreover, when the door panel 1 is opened to add water or take ice, the interaction between the snap-fit ​​protrusion 23 and the edge of the opening 10 can prevent the distal end of the bracket body 21 from excessively sagging or shifting, ensuring that it always maintains the designed arc-shaped posture.

[0033] In this embodiment, the support body 21 of the anti-overflow ice basket bracket 2 is also provided with side baffles 24 on both sides to prevent water from flowing out along both sides of the support body 21 when water is injected, so that water can only flow into the ice maker from the end of the support body 21 away from the door panel 1; at the same time, it can also limit the installation of the ice basket body 3 on the support body 21, making its installation more stable, which will not be described in detail here.

[0034] Optionally, the angle α between the tangent of the bracket body 21 near the door panel 1 and the bottom of the door panel 1 is no greater than 90°. In this embodiment, α is 90°. This angle limit ensures that the tangent direction of the bracket body 21 near the mounting end of the door panel 1 is horizontal or downward inclined when the door panel 1 is closed. Water on the surface of the bracket body 21 will only have a unique downward flow tendency towards the far end, that is, along the arc surface of the bracket body 21 away from the lower part of the door panel 1, that is, it will collect at the far end, thus avoiding water residue on the surface of the bracket body 21.

[0035] In this embodiment, the mounting portion 22 near the door panel 1 has a mounting protrusion 221 on one end and on the inner side of the door panel 1, and a mounting groove 121 on the other end. The mounting protrusion 221 is inserted into the mounting groove 121. This insertion and engagement structure of the mounting protrusion 221 and the mounting groove 121 brings substantial benefits in manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. The most direct effect is that it enables rapid and precise assembly of the overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing labor costs and time. At the same time, when cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of parts is required, users or maintenance personnel can easily remove the overflow-proof ice basket bracket 2 from the door panel 1 without professional tools. After cleaning and maintenance, it can be easily reinstalled in its original position, and each installation can automatically calibrate to the optimal position.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the door panel 1 includes an outer panel 11 and a door panel bracket 12. The bottom of the door panel bracket 12 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening 10. The door panel bracket 12 is provided with the mounting groove 121, and a connector 13 is connected to it. The connector 13 passes through the mounting groove 121 and is fixedly connected to the mounting protrusion 221. The door panel bracket 12 integrates load-bearing, rotation, and connection functions, while the outer panel 11 provides aesthetic functions such as appearance and tactile feel. This scientific functional zoning design allows the door panel 1 to withstand repeated pushing and pulling and heavy loads when the ice basket is fully loaded with ice, effectively preventing overall deformation due to long-term stress. This ensures that the door panel 1 and the opening 10 of the box remain tightly sealed for a long time, maintaining the insulation and water-proofing effects after the door is closed. The connector 13, passing through the mounting groove 121 for fastening, provides sufficient mechanical strength and connection reliability. This rigid connection can withstand vibrations and impacts during daily use, completely eliminating the possibility of the bracket loosening or shaking. At the same time, the use of connector 13 for insertion and fixation ensures that the mounting part 22 is installed on the door panel 1 in the only correct posture as designed, thus guaranteeing the consistency and reliability of product functions from a process perspective.

[0037] In this embodiment, the connector 13 is a screw, and the mounting protrusion 221 is provided with a corresponding threaded hole, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Furthermore, the aforementioned door panel bracket 12 also includes a sealing part 122, which is disposed at the top of the port of the aforementioned mounting groove 121 and abuts against the end of the aforementioned mounting part 22 near the aforementioned door panel 1. Even if the blocking effect of the mounting part 22 is perfectly effective, it is difficult to completely prevent a small amount of water from splashing onto the connection interface between the mounting part 22 and the door panel 1 in extreme scenarios (such as excessive water addition or violent shaking). The sealing part 122 provides a physical barrier at this point, and its abutment directly prevents liquid from seeping into the cavity inside the door panel 1 or the mounting groove 121 through the mounting joint surface. The sealing part 122, together with other anti-overflow measures, forms a perfect functional complement and backup, jointly constructing a multi-layered comprehensive waterproof system, greatly improving the robustness of the product design and its ability to cope with complex usage scenarios.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 122 includes a plurality of sealing protrusions 123 that protrude towards the mounting portion 22. These multiple independent sealing protrusions 123 form multiple parallel sealing surfaces, avoiding the problem of leakage points on a single sealing surface due to microscopic unevenness caused by material forming tolerances and assembly errors during actual manufacturing and assembly. The multiple sealing protrusions 123 ensure the integrity and reliability of the sealing effect, significantly reducing the stringent requirements on component machining precision and assembly processes, and achieving superior sealing performance at a controllable manufacturing cost.

[0040] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 A sealing element 124 is provided between two adjacent sealing protrusions 123. The sealing element 124 can further improve the sealing effect of the sealing part 122, seal the cavity between two adjacent sealing protrusions 123, form another sealing surface, and further improve the sealing effect.

[0041] Optionally, the aforementioned seal 124 is an elastic element. The elastic seal 124 provides excellent durability and cushioning effect. Good elasticity means that it can still rebound to its original shape after repeated pressure, ensuring the long-term stability of sealing performance. At the same time, the elastic seal 124 can also seal the cavity between two adjacent sealing protrusions 123 in an interference fit state, further improving the sealing performance.

[0042] In this embodiment, the sealing element 124 is a waterproof silicone gasket, which will not be described in detail here.

[0043] This embodiment also provides an ice maker, which includes an overflow-proof ice basket support 2 as described in any of the above embodiments. The ice maker uses the aforementioned overflow-proof ice basket support 2, thus achieving the beneficial effects described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here. Specifically, the water inside the ice maker is strictly confined within the arc-shaped groove of the support body 21 and flows towards the more distant end with a larger capacity. Users do not need to be extremely careful when adding water, greatly reducing operational difficulty and improving user experience. The overflow-proof ice basket support 2 also avoids the risk of water flowing into critical internal components or seeping out and contaminating the work surface, enhancing product safety and reliability. Simultaneously, its compact structure makes it ideal for small ice makers with limited space, maximizing functionality within a limited volume.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An anti-overflow ice basket bracket, installed on the door panel (1) of an ice maker, the bottom of the door panel (1) being rotatably connected to the bottom of the opening (10) of the ice maker, the door panel (1) being rotatable about its lower axis of rotation to open or close the opening (10) at the top of the door panel (1), characterized in that, The overflow-proof ice basket bracket (2) includes a bracket body (21) and a mounting part (22). The longitudinal section of the bracket body (21) is an arc shape coaxial with the rotation axis of the lower end of the door panel (1). The bracket body (21) is used to install the ice basket body (3). The mounting part (22) is connected to the end of the bracket body (21) near the door panel (1). The mounting part (22) is used to install on the inner end wall of the door panel (1). When the door panel (1) is in the state of opening the opening (10), the top of the mounting part (22) is not lower than the bottom of the end of the bracket body (21) away from the mounting part (22).

2. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 1, wherein, The mounting part (22) near the door panel (1) has a mounting protrusion (221) on one end and on the inner side of the door panel (1), and a mounting groove (121) on the other end. The mounting protrusion (221) is inserted into the mounting groove (121).

3. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 2, wherein, The door panel (1) includes an outer panel (11) and a door panel bracket (12). The bottom of the door panel bracket (12) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the port of the opening (10). The door panel bracket (12) is provided with the mounting groove (121). The door panel bracket (12) is connected with a connector (13). The connector (13) passes through the mounting groove (121) and is fixedly connected to the mounting protrusion (221).

4. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 3, wherein, The door panel bracket (12) also includes a sealing part (122), which is disposed at the top of the port of the mounting groove (121) and abuts against the end of the mounting part (22) near the door panel (1).

5. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 4, wherein, The sealing part (122) includes a plurality of sealing protrusions (123) that protrude toward the mounting part (22).

6. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 5, wherein, A seal (124) is provided between two adjacent sealing protrusions (123).

7. The anti-overflow ice basket support of claim 6, wherein, The sealing element (124) is an elastic element.

8. The anti-overflow ice basket holder according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The bottom of the bracket body (21) away from the mounting part (22) is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (23), which can abut against the bottom of the port of the opening (10).

9. The anti-overflow ice basket holder according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The angle α between the tangent of the bracket body (21) near the end of the door panel (1) and the bottom of the door panel (1) is no greater than 90°.

10. An ice maker characterized by, Includes the overflow-proof ice basket bracket (2) as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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