Ice making equipment and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

This disclosure provides an ice-making apparatus and a refrigeration device. The ice-making apparatus is located in a freezer compartment and includes a device body, an electrical integrated module disposed in the device body, and a quick-connect connector. The electrical integrated module includes a water pump control module and an ice-making motor and water pump control module. The quick-connect connector protrudes at least partially from the device body for connection to the housing of the refrigeration device. By incorporating the electrical integrated module, the ice-making apparatus of this disclosure integrates the ice-making motor control module and the water pump control module, and connects the electrical integrated module to the refrigeration device via the quick-connect connector, without occupying additional space in the refrigeration device, thus improving the modularity of the ice-making apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to an ice-making apparatus and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of refrigeration technology, refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators and freezers have become increasingly common. Users have more diverse needs for the functions of refrigeration equipment. Currently, some refrigeration equipment is equipped with ice-making devices to meet users' ice-making needs. Taking refrigerators as an example, refrigerators can have corresponding ice-making devices installed in the refrigerator door or inside the refrigerator body to achieve the ice-making function.

[0003] However, in traditional ice-making devices, the various electrical modules used for ice making are located on the main control board of the refrigeration equipment, which reduces the modularity of the ice-making device and makes it occupy a large volume. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides an ice-making apparatus and a refrigeration device to solve related technical problems.

[0005] This disclosure provides an ice-making device, which is located in a freezer chamber. The ice-making device includes: a device body and an electrical integrated module disposed in the device body; the electrical integrated module includes a water pump control module, an ice-making motor control module and a quick-connect connector; the water pump control module and the ice-making motor control module are electrically connected to the quick-connect connector; the quick-connect connector protrudes at least partially from the device body for connection with the housing of a refrigeration device.

[0006] Furthermore, the quick-connect connector includes a power interface and a communication interface.

[0007] Furthermore, the ice-making device also includes an ice-making motor and a water pump, which are electrically connected to the electrical integrated module.

[0008] Furthermore, the ice-making device also includes a water pipe assembled to the outlet end of the water pump; the ice-making device also includes a water pipe heater disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe, and the electrical integrated module also includes a water pipe heater control module.

[0009] Furthermore, the ice-making device also includes a water tank assembled to the water inlet of the water pump; the ice-making device also includes a water tank heater disposed on the outer wall of the water tank, and the electrical integrated module also includes a water tank heater control module.

[0010] Furthermore, the water tank is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor; the water tank temperature sensor is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the ice-making motor is rotatably connected to an ice-making box; in the height direction of the ice-making device, the ice-making box has an opening on one side; and an ice storage box is provided below the ice-making box.

[0012] Furthermore, the ice maker is equipped with an ice-making temperature sensor; the ice-making temperature sensor is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the ice-making box is provided with an abutment on the side opposite to the ice-making motor; the device body is provided with a blocking member on the rotation path of the ice-making box;

[0014] When the opening faces the ice storage box, the abutment abuts against the blocking member, causing the ice box to deform.

[0015] Furthermore, in the horizontal direction, the water pump is located on one side of the ice-making motor; in the vertical direction, the quick-connect connector is located on one side of the ice-making motor.

[0016] This disclosure also provides a refrigeration device, including: a housing and the ice-making device described above, wherein the housing is provided with an interface, and the quick-connect connector is electrically connected to the interface.

[0017] By setting up an electrical integration module, the ice-making device of this disclosure integrates the ice-making motor control module and the water pump control module, and connects the electrical integration module to the refrigeration equipment through a quick-connect connector, without occupying the remaining space of the refrigeration equipment, thereby improving the modularity of the ice-making device.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical integrated module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a right-side schematic view of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a left-side schematic view of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a rear view schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference numerals: Device body - 10; Rotating part - 11; Blocking part - 12; Electrical integration module - 20; Water pump control module - 201; Ice-making motor control module - 202; Water pipe heater control module - 203; Water tank heater control module - 204; Ice-making motor - 21; Water pump - 22; Water inlet - 221; Water outlet - 222; Water inlet connector - 223; Water outlet connector - 224; Water pipe heater - 23; Water tank heater - 24; Quick-connect connector - 30; Water pipe - 40; Water tank - 50; Clearance space - 500; Water tank temperature sensor - 51; Cover - 52; Ice-making box - 60; Opening - 61; Ice-making temperature sensor - 62; Abutment part - 63; Ice storage box - 70; Ice storage space - 700; Ice probe rod - 80. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0029] If this disclosure uses terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure are used only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In traditional ice-making devices, the various electrical modules used for ice making are housed on the main control board of the refrigeration equipment, reducing the modularity of the ice-making device. This disclosure provides an ice-making device and refrigeration equipment to solve the related technical problems.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this disclosure provides an ice-making device, which is located in a freezer chamber and includes a device body 10, an electrical integrated module 20, a water pipe 40, a water tank 50, an ice-making box 60, an ice storage box 70, and an ice probe 80.

[0032] An electrical integration module 20 is disposed on the device body 10. The electrical integration module 20 includes a water pump control module 201, an ice-making motor control module 202, and a quick-connect connector 30. The water pump control module 201 and the ice-making motor control module 202 are electrically connected to the quick-connect connector 30. The quick-connect connector 30 protrudes at least partially from the device body 10 for connection to the housing of the refrigeration equipment.

[0033] By setting up the electrical integration module 20, the ice-making device of this disclosure integrates the water pump control module 201 and the ice-making motor control module 202, and connects the electrical integration module 20 to the refrigeration equipment through the quick-connect connector 30, without occupying the remaining space of the refrigeration equipment, thereby improving the modularity of the ice-making device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the quick-connect connector 30 includes a power interface 31 and a communication interface 32. The ice-making device can simultaneously achieve power supply and communication with the refrigeration equipment through the power interface 31 and the communication interface 32 of the quick-connect connector 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes an ice-making motor 21 and a water pump 22. The ice-making motor 21 and the water pump 22 are electrically connected to the electrical integration module 20. By incorporating the ice-making motor 21 and the water pump, automated ice making is achieved, reducing manual intervention and improving the operating efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the water pump 22 is disposed on one side of the ice-making motor 21 in the horizontal direction X. In the vertical direction H, the quick-connect connector 30 is disposed on one side of the ice-making motor 21. The volume of the ice-making motor 21 is utilized in both the horizontal direction X and the vertical direction H, avoiding the need for components to occupy space in a single direction and improving the integration of the ice-making device.

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a water pipe heater 23. The water pipe heater 23 is disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe 40. The electrical integration module 20 also includes a water pipe heater control module 203. The water pipe heater 23 surrounds the outer side of the water pipe 40. By providing the water pipe heater 23 to heat the water pipe 40, it is possible to prevent the liquid from freezing inside the water pipe 40 and causing blockage, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0038] Please refer to the following: Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a water tank heater 24. The water tank heater 24 is disposed on the outer wall of the water tank 50. The electrical integration module 20 also includes a water tank heater control module 204. The water tank heater 24 is attached to the outer surface of the water tank 50. By providing the water tank heater 24 to heat the water tank 50, the temperature is kept above the freezing point of the liquid, preventing the liquid from freezing inside the water tank 50 and improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice-making device.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the water pump 22 includes an inlet end 221 and an outlet end 222. The inlet end 221 is equipped with an inlet connector 223. The outlet end 222 is equipped with an outlet connector 224. The water pipe 40 is connected to the outlet connector 224. When the ice-making device is operating, the user first adds liquid to the water tank 50. The water pump 22 draws out the liquid from the water tank 50 and transports it to the ice-making box 60 through the water pipe 40. Since the amount of water pumped by the water pump 22 per unit time is fixed, the ice-making device can control the amount of water pumped by controlling the operating time of the water pump 22.

[0040] In one embodiment, the water tank 50 has a clearance space 500 on one side. The water inlet 221 faces the clearance space 500. The water inlet connector 223, which is installed to the water inlet 221, extends at least partially into the clearance space 500 and is assembled with the water tank 50. By providing the clearance space 500 and accommodating the water inlet connector 223 within the clearance space 500, the space occupied by the ice-making device is reduced.

[0041] In one embodiment, please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the water tank 50 is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor 51. The water tank temperature sensor 51 is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector 30. The water tank temperature sensor 51 can monitor the liquid temperature inside the water tank 50. When the temperature inside the water tank 50 reaches the liquid's freezing point, the water tank heater 24 starts to operate to prevent the liquid inside the water tank 50 from freezing. By setting the water tank temperature sensor 51, the water tank heater 24 only operates when needed, reducing the power consumption of the ice-making device.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the ice-making motor 21 is rotatably connected to the ice-making container 60. Correspondingly, the main body 10 of the device is provided with a rotating part 11. Both ends of the ice-making container 60 are rotatably connected to the ice-making motor 21 and the rotating part 11, respectively. In the height direction H of the ice-making device, the ice-making container 60 has an opening 61 on one side. An ice storage box 70 is provided below the ice-making container 60. An ice storage space 700 is provided inside the ice storage box 70.

[0043] During ice making, the opening 61 faces upwards to receive the liquid transported by the water pipe 40. Once ice making is complete, the ice-making motor 21 rotates the ice-making container 60 so that the opening 61 faces the ice storage container 70, and the ice cubes fall into the ice storage space 700. The ice-making container 60 can be an ice tray, capable of making multiple ice cubes simultaneously.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ice-making motor 21 of this disclosure is used to flip the ice-making container 60, which utilizes the low temperature of the refrigeration equipment of this application to freeze the liquid. By rotatably connecting the ice-making motor 21 to the ice-making container 60 and providing an ice storage box 70, the user can directly take out the ice cubes in the ice storage box 70, further improving the operational convenience of the ice-making device. In other embodiments, the refrigeration equipment may have its own refrigeration system, and the ice-making motor 21 is used to drive the refrigerant flow for refrigeration circulation. The specific application of the ice-making motor 21 is not limited.

[0045] In one embodiment, the ice container 60 is equipped with an ice-making temperature sensor 62. The ice-making temperature sensor 62 is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector 30. The ice-making temperature sensor 62 can monitor the temperature of the ice container 60. When the temperature reaches zero degrees Celsius or below, it indicates that the ice has been frozen. At this time, the ice-making motor 21 can start working, causing the ice container 60 to flip, allowing the ice to fall into the ice storage space 700. By setting the ice-making temperature sensor 62, the ice-making device can monitor the ice-making status, preventing the ice-making motor 21 from flipping before the ice is frozen, thus improving the reliability of the ice-making device.

[0046] In one embodiment, the ice-making container 60 has an abutment 63 on the side facing away from the ice-making motor 21. The device body 10 has a blocking member 12 on the rotation path of the ice-making container 60. When the opening 61 faces the ice storage container 70, the abutment 63 abuts against the blocking member 12, causing the ice-making container 60 to deform. By setting the abutment 63 and the blocking member 12, and utilizing the deformation of the ice-making container 60 to peel off the ice, no additional peeling mechanism is required, resulting in a simple structure and low cost.

[0047] After ice making is complete, the ice maker 60 is driven to rotate by the ice-making motor 21. When the ice maker 60 rotates until the opening 61 faces the ice storage box 70, the abutment 63 abuts against the blocking member 12, and the ice-making motor 21 continues to output power. At this time, because the blocking member 12 is blocked, the ice maker 60 deforms and twists. Under this deformation and twisting, the ice cubes are peeled off and fall into the ice storage box 70.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the ice probe 80 is assembled to the ice-making motor 21 and is used to detect the height of ice blocks stored in the ice storage space 700. When the ice probe 80 detects that there are too many ice blocks in the ice storage space 700, the ice-making device can prevent the water pump 22 from starting or prevent the ice-making motor 21 from rotating, thus preventing ice blocks from overflowing and further improving the ice-making reliability of the ice-making device.

[0049] This disclosure also provides a refrigeration device, which includes a housing (not shown in the figure) and the aforementioned ice-making device. The housing is provided with an interface, and a quick-connect connector 30 is electrically connected to the interface. The ice-making device is powered and communicates with the refrigeration device through the quick-connect connector 30. Due to the increased modularity of the ice-making device, redundant parts in the refrigeration device are reduced, thus lowering the manufacturing cost. The refrigeration device disclosed herein can be a refrigerator, freezer, etc., and the specific type is not limited.

[0050] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or complemented by each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An ice making device, characterized by, The ice-making device is located in the freezer compartment and includes: a device body and an electrical integrated module disposed in the device body; the electrical integrated module includes a water pump control module, an ice-making motor control module and a quick-connect connector; the water pump control module and the ice-making motor control module are electrically connected to the quick-connect connector; the quick-connect connector protrudes at least partially from the device body and is used to connect to the housing of the refrigeration equipment.

2. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein, The quick-connect connector includes a power interface and a communication interface.

3. The ice making device of claim 1, wherein, The ice-making device also includes an ice-making motor and a water pump, which are electrically connected to the electrical integrated module.

4. The ice making device according to claim 3, wherein, The ice-making device further includes a water pipe assembled to the outlet end of the water pump; the ice-making device further includes a water pipe heater disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe, and the electrical integrated module further includes a water pipe heater control module.

5. The ice making device according to claim 3, wherein, The ice-making device further includes a water tank assembled to the inlet end of the water pump; the ice-making device further includes a water tank heater disposed on the outer wall of the water tank, and the electrical integrated module further includes a water tank heater control module.

6. The ice making device according to claim 5, wherein, The water tank is equipped with a water tank temperature sensor; the water tank temperature sensor is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector.

7. The ice making device according to claim 3, wherein The ice-making motor is rotatably connected to an ice-making box; in the height direction of the ice-making device, the ice-making box has an opening on one side; and an ice storage box is provided below the ice-making box.

8. The ice making device according to claim 7, wherein, The ice maker is equipped with an ice-making temperature sensor; the ice-making temperature sensor is electrically connected to the quick-connect connector.

9. The ice making device of claim 7, wherein, The ice-making box has an abutment on the side opposite to the ice-making motor; the device body has a blocking component on the rotation path of the ice-making box. When the opening faces the ice storage box, the abutment abuts against the blocking member, causing the ice box to deform.

10. The ice making device according to claim 3, wherein In the horizontal direction, the water pump is located on one side of the ice-making motor; in the vertical direction, the quick-connect connector is located on one side of the ice-making motor.

11. A refrigeration appliance characterized by, include: The housing and the ice-making device as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the housing is provided with an interface, and the quick-connect connector is electrically connected to the interface.

Images