Ice storage box assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ice storage box assembly and refrigerator, it is related to refrigeration equipment technical field, wherein, the ice storage box assembly is used for refrigerator, refrigerator has ice maker, ice storage box assembly includes ice storage box body and cover plate assembly, ice storage box body is used to receive and store ice block, ice storage box body is movably arranged in refrigerator and is arranged below ice maker;Cover plate assembly includes cover and flap, cover is configured to be openable and closeable with ice storage box body connection;Cover is provided with avoidance mouth, flap is rotatably arranged in avoidance mouth, and it has switchable closing state and open state. The utility model provides technical scheme, and flap covers avoidance mouth in closing state, flap covers avoidance mouth in non-ice making state (closing state), and closed space is formed by cooperating cover, solve the problem that ice block is easily adsorbed peculiar smell, breed bacteria;In open state (open avoidance mouth), ice block generated by ice maker falls into ice storage box body through avoidance mouth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to an ice storage box assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, refrigerators use an ice maker to produce ice cubes, which are then stored in designated ice storage trays. When the ice is running low, it can be remade as needed to meet the user's ice requirements. However, these ice storage trays are typically exposed in the open space of the freezer compartment, often mixed with meat and seafood, leading to the ice absorbing odors and becoming susceptible to bacterial contamination. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an ice storage box assembly and a refrigerator to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an ice storage box assembly, comprising: An ice storage box body, used to receive and store ice cubes, is movably disposed in the refrigerator and below the ice-making device; and A cover assembly includes a cover body and a flap, the cover body being configured to be openably connected to the ice storage box body; the cover body has a clearance opening, and the flap is rotatably disposed within the clearance opening, having a switchable closed state and an open state; wherein, in the closed state, the flap covers the clearance opening to isolate the ice storage box body from the outside; in the open state, the flap flips to open the clearance opening, allowing ice cubes from the ice-making device to enter the ice storage box body.

[0005] In one embodiment, the ice storage box assembly further includes a drive mechanism disposed on the cover or the ice storage box body, the drive mechanism being used to control the flap to switch between a first position and a second position.

[0006] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a motor, which is disposed on the cover, and the drive shaft of the motor is connected to the flap in a transmission manner.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cover is provided with a mounting groove, and the motor is disposed in the mounting groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cover assembly further includes a baffle connected to the cover body and covering the mounting groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cover plate has a guide slope that is inclined toward the periphery of the clearance opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, one end of the cover is hinged to the ice storage box body, and the other end can be opened and closed relative to the ice storage box body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flap is connected to the cover via a pivot and is located in the middle of the clearance opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ice storage box assembly further includes an ice quantity detector for detecting the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cover is provided with a rotating part, and the ice storage box body is provided with a mounting part, wherein the rotating part is rotatably connected to the mounting part.

[0014] In one embodiment, one of the rotating part and the mounting part is configured as a pivot hole, and the other is configured as a positioning boss with a rotating shaft.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ice storage box assembly further includes a freezer drawer, the ice storage box body is placed inside the freezer drawer, the refrigerator has a refrigerator cabinet, and the freezer drawer is slidably installed inside the refrigerator cabinet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the freezer drawer is provided with a partition wall that divides the freezer drawer into an ice storage area for mounting the ice storage box body and at least one storage area.

[0017] In one embodiment, the width of the freezer drawer is the same as the width of the refrigerator cabinet.

[0018] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, including a refrigerator cabinet and an ice storage box assembly as described above; the ice making device is installed in the refrigerator cabinet, and the ice storage box body is movably disposed in the refrigerator and below the ice making device.

[0019] This invention features a movable ice storage box body positioned below the ice maker in the refrigerator, allowing users to easily pull out or push the entire ice storage box in as needed, adapting to different refrigerator interior layouts. The rotatable flap design allows for both closed and open states (covering the clearance opening in the closed state, and opening the clearance opening in the open state). In the non-ice-making state (closed state), the flap covers the clearance opening, forming a sealed space with the lid, preventing odors and bacteria from entering the refrigerator and solving the problem of ice cubes easily absorbing odors and breeding bacteria, ensuring ice cube cleanliness. In the open state (open clearance opening), ice cubes generated by the ice maker fall into the ice storage box body through the clearance opening, avoiding the need for manual ice cube transfer required in traditional ice storage boxes, achieving automated "ice making-ice storage" connection. The lid and ice storage box body are closable, facilitating the direct removal of whole ice cubes or deep cleaning when taking large amounts of ice or cleaning, adapting to different usage scenarios. This design effectively blocks odors and bacteria from entering the refrigerator by selectively opening and closing the flap, while also making it easy for users to retrieve ice through the openable lid. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ice storage box assembly provided by this utility model in a refrigerator cabinet according to an embodiment; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment in which an ice storage box assembly is placed in a freezer drawer; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view; Figure 4 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an ice storage box assembly; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an ice storage box assembly in the open state; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of one embodiment when the lid is open relative to the ice storage box body; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Refrigerator cabinet; 20. Ice maker; 30. Ice storage box body; 31. Mounting part; 40. Cover assembly; 41. Cover; 411. Clearance opening; 412. Mounting groove; 413. Guide slope; 414. Rotating part; 42. Flip plate; 43. Baffle; 50. Freezer drawer; 51. Divider wall; 52a. Ice storage area; 52b. Storage area; 60. Drive mechanism; 61. Motor.

[0023] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0027] Traditionally, refrigerators use an ice maker to produce ice cubes, which are then stored in designated ice storage trays. When the ice is running low, it can be remade as needed to meet the user's ice requirements. However, these ice storage trays are typically exposed in the open space of the freezer compartment, often mixed with meat and seafood, leading to the ice absorbing odors and becoming susceptible to bacterial contamination.

[0028] This invention proposes an ice storage box assembly to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this utility model, the ice storage box assembly is used in a refrigerator. The refrigerator has an ice-making device 20. The ice storage box assembly includes an ice storage box body 30 and a cover assembly 40. The ice storage box body 30 is movably disposed in the refrigerator and below the ice-making device 20. The ice storage box has an ice-making position corresponding to the ice outlet of the ice-making device 20 and an ice-removing position away from the ice storage box. The ice storage box body 30 is used to receive and store ice cubes. When in the ice-making position, ice cubes falling from the ice outlet can fall into the ice storage box body 30.

[0030] The refrigerator has a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. The freezer compartment is located below the fresh food compartment. The ice storage box assembly and ice maker 20 are installed in the freezer compartment. Figure 1 The cabinet is for the freezer compartment, and the refrigeration unit is installed inside the cabinet.

[0031] Reference Figures 2 to 7 The cover assembly 40 includes a cover body 41 and a flap 42, as shown in the figure. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cover 41 is configured to be closably connected to the ice storage box body 30; in one embodiment, one end of the cover 41 is hinged to the ice storage box body 30; in another embodiment, the cover 41 is separately disposed from the ice storage box body 30. The cover 41 is closable from the ice storage box body 30, so that the cover 41 has a closed state covering the ice storage box and an open state exposing the ice storage box.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The cover 41 has a clearance opening 411, and a flap 42 is rotatably disposed within the clearance opening 411, having a switchable closed state and an open state; wherein, in the closed state, the flap 42 covers the clearance opening 411 to isolate the ice storage box body 30 from the outside; see reference Figure 5 When in the open state, the flap 42 flips to open the clearance opening 411, allowing ice from the ice-making device 20 to enter the ice storage box body 30.

[0033] Alternatively, the cover 41 is provided with a clearance opening 411, and the flap 42 is rotatably disposed in the clearance opening 411, having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the flap 42 covers the clearance opening 411; in the second position, the flap 42 flips open the clearance opening 411.

[0034] Specifically, the flap 42 is rotatably disposed within the clearance opening 411, having a closed state (covering the clearance opening 411 in the first position, sealing the ice storage box) and an open state (flipping open the clearance opening 411 in the second position, allowing ice to be taken out); when the ice storage box body 30 is in the ice-making position, ice blocks fall onto the flap 42, and the flap 42 switches from the first position to the second position so that the ice blocks can fall into the ice storage box body 30.

[0035] It should be noted that the flap 42 is normally closed to isolate the ice storage box 30 from the outside world and prevent odors and bacteria from entering the refrigerator.

[0036] The flap 42 is flipped by the drive mechanism 60 to close the avoidance opening 411 (physically blocking pollutants) or open the avoidance opening 411, such as by various drive forms such as motor 61 / electromagnetic / hydraulic; or by mechanical solutions such as manual levers.

[0037] Of course, the flap 42 can also rotate around the axis in the second position due to the impact of the falling ice, opening the passage 411; horizontally cover the passage 411 in the first position; and the flap 42 can be automatically restored to the first position after the ice passes through by the reset component; the ice storage box body 30 has two working positions relative to the ice making device 20. In the ice making position, the passage 411 is aligned with the ice outlet of the ice making device 20, and the flap 42 is in a triggerable state; refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 At the ice-retrieving position, the cover 41 can be opened to remove the ice from the ice storage box body 30.

[0038] The technical solution of this utility model aims to solve the contradiction between the convenience of ice retrieval and the airtightness of traditional ice storage boxes. The ice storage box body 30 is movably installed in the refrigerator and located below the ice making device 20, making it convenient for users to pull out or push the ice storage box as a whole according to their needs, adapting to different internal space layouts of refrigerators. The flip plate 42 is designed to rotate and has a closed state and an open state (covering the avoidance opening 411 in the closed state, and opening the avoidance opening 411 in the open state). When the flip plate 42 is not in the ice making state (closed state), it covers the avoidance opening 411 and forms a closed space with the cover 41, blocking the intrusion of odors and bacteria in the refrigerator, solving the problem that ice cubes easily absorb odors and breed bacteria, and ensuring the cleanliness of ice cubes. When the flip plate 42 is in the open state (avoidance opening 411), the ice cubes generated by the ice making device 20 fall into the ice storage box body 30 through the avoidance opening 411, avoiding the need for manual transfer of ice cubes in traditional ice storage boxes, and realizing the automatic connection of "ice making-ice storage". The lid 41 is closable and connectable to the ice storage box body 30, allowing for easy access to whole blocks of ice or deep cleaning when taking out large amounts of ice or cleaning, adapting to different usage scenarios. This design effectively blocks odors and bacteria from entering the refrigerator through the selective opening and closing of the flap 42, while also facilitating ice removal for the user through the closable lid 41.

[0039] To enable the flip panel 42 to automatically switch between closed and open states, thus improving operation convenience, intelligent functionality, and structural reliability, and enhancing the compatibility of the ice storage box assembly with high-end refrigerators. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ice storage box assembly also includes a drive mechanism 60, which is located on the cover 41 or the ice storage box body 30. The drive mechanism 60 is used to control the flap 42 to switch between a first position and a second position. In this way, the flap 42 can be controlled to open and close by the drive mechanism 60 (such as a motor 61, an electromagnetic component, or a mechanical linkage structure), which is in line with the trend of automation / intelligent design of refrigerators (for example, the flap 42 can be opened automatically to guide ice in conjunction with the ice making completion signal, or it can be opened automatically when ice is taken out by user buttons or sensors).

[0040] The drive mechanism 60 can precisely control the rotation angle and stopping position of the flap 42 through program or mechanical limit. For example, during the ice-making stage, the drive mechanism 60 drives the flap 42 to stably maintain the second position, ensuring that all the ice cubes fall into the ice storage box; during the ice storage stage, it automatically resets to the first position, and mechanical force ensures a tight fit between the sealing plate and the clearance opening 411. Of course, it is also possible that after the ice cubes fall onto the flap 42, the drive mechanism 60 drives the flap 42 to maintain the second position, so that all the ice cubes fall into the ice storage box.

[0041] Specifically, the drive mechanism 60 is integrated into the lid 41 or the ice storage box body 30, without occupying additional internal space in the refrigerator. This avoids problems such as loosening of the lid 41 and wear of seals that may occur when manually flipping the flap 42, thus extending the service life of the components. For example, the drive mechanism 60 uses a built-in motor 61 and gear set to drive the flap 42 to rotate through a transmission shaft, resulting in a compact structure and high transmission efficiency.

[0042] Specifically, the drive mechanism 60 includes a motor 61, which is mounted on the cover 41. The drive shaft of the motor 61 is connected to the flip plate 42 via a transmission connection. The drive mechanism 60 is a motor 61, mounted on the cover 41, with its drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to the flip plate 42 via transmission (e.g., through gears, connecting rods, etc.). Compared to electromagnetic or mechanical linkage, the motor 61 drive allows for stepless adjustment of the flip plate 42 in the first / second position (e.g., controlling the flip angle and speed) through forward and reverse rotation, avoiding the jamming issues of mechanical triggering or insufficient force of electromagnetic drive, and accommodating the smooth drop of ice cubes of different sizes. Furthermore, the transmission connection directly reduces energy loss and improves the switching response speed of the flip plate 42.

[0043] Furthermore, the motor 61 is located on the cover 41 rather than the ice storage box body 30, which avoids moving the motor 61 and wiring when the ice storage box is pulled out, reducing the risk of wiring wear. It also reduces the weight of the ice storage box body 30, making it easier for users to take it out and put it in. The motor 61 can receive electrical signals (such as the "ice full signal" from the ice maker 20 and the user's "ice removal command") through the refrigerator's main control board, realizing automated and scenario-based control of the flip panel 42 (such as automatic delayed closing and multiple opening angles), improving the overall intelligence level of the refrigerator.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Furthermore, to improve aesthetics, the cover 41 is provided with a mounting groove 412, within which the motor 61 is housed. The motor 61 is installed by embedding and fixing itself within the mounting groove 412 (not exposed). The mounting groove 412 design integrates the motor 61 "embedded" inside the cover 41, avoiding problems such as ice accumulation, scratching the user, or interference with the refrigerator's inner wall caused by the motor 61 protruding from the cover 41 surface. This is especially suitable for layouts in narrow spaces inside the refrigerator. The mounting groove 412 secures the motor 61 with clips, screws, or interference fits. Compared to external bracket fixation, this reduces vibration and noise from the motor 61 during the switching of the flap 42, and also prevents transmission failure due to loosening after long-term use.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Furthermore, the cover assembly 40 also includes a baffle 43, which is connected to the cover body 41 and covers the mounting groove 412. The baffle 43 keeps the surface of the cover body 41 flat, without gaps or depressions caused by the opening of the mounting groove 412, and prevents ice chips and stains from remaining in the groove. When cleaning, the user only needs to wipe the surface of the baffle 43.

[0046] The baffle 43 is connected to the cover 41 (e.g., by snap-fit ​​or welding) and completely covers the opening of the mounting groove 412 (i.e., the motor 61 is completely enclosed within the cavity formed by the mounting groove 412 and the baffle 43). In this design, the baffle 43 is fixed to the cover 41 with screws. Furthermore, covering the mounting groove 412 prevents users' fingers or foreign objects from accidentally touching the rotating parts of the motor 61 (e.g., gears, drive shafts), reducing safety hazards. At the same time, a unified appearance for the baffle 43 (e.g., the same material and color as the cover 41) enhances the overall aesthetics of the ice storage box assembly.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Furthermore, to increase storage space, a freezer drawer 50 is added as a supporting structure for the ice storage box body 30. The ice storage box assembly also includes the freezer drawer 50; the ice storage box body 30 is placed inside the freezer drawer 50; see reference. Figure 1 The freezer drawer 50 can be slidably installed inside the refrigerator cabinet 10 (or can be pulled out by connecting it to the refrigerator cabinet via a slide rail).

[0048] The freezer drawer 50 serves as the "outer carrier" of the ice storage box body 30, preventing the ice storage box body 30 from directly contacting the refrigerator cabinet 10 and reducing frictional wear during pulling. Simultaneously, the sliding rail design of the freezer drawer 50 (such as damping rails) makes the loading and unloading of the ice storage box body 30 smoother (especially when full of ice), preventing ice from scattering due to manual handling. For example, when a user needs to retrieve a large amount of ice, they can pull out the entire freezer drawer 50 directly without needing to remove the ice storage box body 30 separately, improving operational efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, the freezer drawer 50 separates the ice storage function from other freezing storage functions (such as the ability to place ice boxes and other frozen foods in the drawer at the same time). By pulling the drawer out as a whole, users can avoid frequently opening and closing the doors of different areas, thus reducing the leakage of cold air.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 Specifically, the freezer drawer 50 is equipped with a partition wall 51, which divides the interior of the freezer drawer 50 into an ice storage area 52a for the installation of the ice storage box body 30 and at least one storage area 52b. The partition wall 51 divides the internal space of the freezer drawer 50 into an ice storage area 52a (for the installation of the ice storage box body 30) and at least one storage area 52b (for storing other frozen items). The ice storage area 52a and the storage area 52b are physically isolated to prevent ice from directly contacting other frozen foods (such as meat and seafood), prevent cross-contamination of odors (such as preventing ice from absorbing fishy smells), and further improve the cleanliness of the ice. The partition design fixes the installation position of the ice storage box body 30, prevents the ice storage box body 30 from shaking inside the drawer when it is pulled out, and ensures that the flap 42 is precisely aligned with the clearance 411 of the ice making device 20. Storage area 52b can be designed with multiple layers or multiple compartments to meet users' needs for classifying and storing small frozen items (such as ice cream and frozen dumplings), avoiding the limitation of traditional ice storage boxes that can only store ice, and making the freezer drawer 50 "multi-purpose".

[0051] Specifically, the width of the freezer drawer 50 is the same as the width of the refrigerator cabinet 10. This means the drawer horizontally fills the entire interior space of the refrigerator. This equal-width design fully utilizes the horizontal space of the refrigerator cabinet 10, allowing the ice storage area 52a to accommodate a larger ice storage box body 30 (increasing ice storage capacity compared to a narrow drawer), making it particularly suitable for refrigerator models with large-capacity ice-making needs. The equal-width design also ensures more even stress distribution on the drawer (symmetrical load distribution on the slide rails), preventing deformation from long-term use; simultaneously, the front of the drawer is flush with the refrigerator door frame, improving the overall neatness of the refrigerator's appearance (avoiding the blank space on both sides caused by a narrow drawer).

[0052] In this embodiment, both the partition wall 51 and the equal width design are adopted. For example, the freezer drawer 50 of equal width is divided into a left ice storage area 52a (where the ice storage box body 30 is placed) and a right storage area 52b (where multiple shelves are used to store frozen food) by the partition wall 51. This not only meets the demand for large-scale ice storage, but also realizes the refined management of frozen items and improves the user experience.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 Furthermore, the cover 41 has a guide slope 413 inclined towards the periphery of the clearance opening 411. The guide slope 413 is oriented towards the periphery of the clearance opening 411 of the cover assembly 40 (i.e., the area where ice blocks fall when the flap 42 is opened). The guide slope 413 guides the ice blocks to naturally gather towards the clearance opening 411 by means of the tilt angle (typically 5°-45°). For example, when the flap 42 is opened, the slope can "guide" the ice blocks at the edge of the ice storage box to the clearance opening 411, reducing the amount of residual ice blocks. The guide slope 413 is designed so that the ice blocks slide down by gravity when the ice is taken out; at the same time, it reduces the ice blocks from breaking due to compression, improving the integrity of the ice blocks.

[0054] Specifically, the guide slope 413 can be integrally injection molded by the cover 41 (such as PP / ABS material), without the need for additional parts (such as guide plates or stirring mechanisms), optimizing the function without increasing costs, which is in line with the trend of lightweight design.

[0055] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 Furthermore, the flap 42 is connected to the cover 41 via a pivot, with the pivot located in the center of the clearance opening 411. The pivot's central location allows the flap 42 to flip to both sides (e.g., fold vertically or open horizontally). Compared to a single-sided pivot (where the flap 42 flips to one side), the clearance opening 411 has a larger opening area (especially suitable for scenarios with large ice blocks or multiple ice blocks falling simultaneously, preventing ice blocks from getting stuck at the edge of the clearance opening 411 due to a single-sided flap 42 opening). For example, when the ice-making device 20 releases multiple ice blocks, the central pivot flap 42 can fully open the clearance opening 411, allowing the ice blocks to fall vertically into the ice storage box, reducing collision and friction with the edge of the flap 42.

[0056] Moreover, the central pivot shaft ensures that the weight is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the flap 42, so the drive mechanism 60 does not need to overcome the torque of the unbalanced weight on one side, reducing gear meshing wear and the load on the motor 61, while also reducing vibration and noise when the flap 42 flips.

[0057] Moreover, the central flip design means that the flap 42 does not need to extend to the outside of the cover 41 when it is opened (if it is flipped to one side, it may protrude from the edge of the cover 41), avoiding interference with the inner wall of the refrigerator or other components, which is especially suitable for the internal layout of ultra-thin refrigerators.

[0058] Furthermore, the ice storage box assembly also includes an ice level detector to detect the amount of ice stored within the assembly. The ice level detector (such as an infrared sensor, weight sensor, or mechanical touch sensor) can monitor the height or weight of the ice in the ice storage box in real time and feed the signal back to the refrigerator's main control board: When the ice level is insufficient: the ice maker 20 is automatically triggered to start ice making, avoiding manual checking by the user; when the ice level is full: ice making stops and the user is prompted to take some ice, preventing ice from overflowing the ice storage box and causing ice buildup in the freezer compartment.

[0059] In addition, the ice volume data can be linked to the refrigerator display screen or mobile APP to achieve remote viewing (such as "knowing the ice volume at home in advance through the APP and remotely starting ice making before leaving get off work"), which is in line with the trend of smart homes; in some scenarios, it can also be linked to the drive mechanism 60 to achieve a fully automated process of "automatically opening the flip plate 42 to receive ice when the ice volume is insufficient".

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Furthermore, regarding the connection method between the lid 41 and the ice storage box body 30: The lid 41 is provided with a rotating part 414, and the ice storage box body 30 is provided with a mounting part 31. The rotating part 414 is rotatably connected to the mounting part 31. The rotating part 414 and the mounting part 31 form a rotatable connection (i.e., the lid 41 can rotate relative to the ice storage box body 30 around a certain axis). The rotatable connection allows the lid 41 to be flipped upwards (e.g., the opening angle is 0°-120°). Compared with the traditional "removable lid 41", users do not need to completely remove the lid 41 to take out ice or clean the inside of the ice storage box, avoiding the risk of loss or damage caused by frequent disassembly of the lid 41. For example, when there are few ice cubes in the ice storage box, the user can directly flip the lid 41 to scoop out the ice cubes.

[0061] Specifically, one of the rotating part 414 and the mounting part 31 is configured as a pivot hole, and the other is configured as a positioning boss with a rotating shaft. The rotating connection is achieved through a simple mechanical structure, which is suitable for the "lightweight design" requirements of ice storage boxes compared to complex connecting parts such as hinges; at the same time, the flip-open method does not require additional horizontal or vertical space (unlike drawer-type refrigerators which require front space), making it suitable for the internal layout of small-volume refrigerators.

[0062] In one embodiment, the rotating part 414 is a "pivot hole" and the mounting part 31 is a "positioning boss with a rotating shaft".

[0063] In one embodiment, the rotating part 414 is a "positioning boss with a rotating shaft", and the mounting part 31 is a "pivot hole". The pivot hole and the positioning boss can be integrally molded with the cover 41 / ice storage box body 30 through injection molding (such as PP / ABS material), eliminating the need for additional components such as hinges and bearings, reducing the number of parts, improving production efficiency, and lowering costs. The rotation method of the shaft hole mating has a low coefficient of friction, making it less prone to jamming during long-term use and extending its service life. In addition, the shaft hole connection adopts "plug-in assembly", allowing workers to assemble the cover 41 and the body by manually pressing or gently tapping, without the need for special tools, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0064] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, which includes a refrigerator cabinet 10 and the aforementioned ice storage box assembly. The specific structure of the ice storage box assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this refrigerator adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here. The refrigerator has a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment, with the freezer compartment located below the fresh food compartment. The ice storage box assembly and the ice maker 20 are installed in the freezer compartment, with the ice storage box assembly located below the ice maker 20. Gravity causes the ice from the ice maker 20 to fall into the ice storage box assembly.

[0065] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ice storage box assembly for a refrigerator, the refrigerator having an ice-making device, characterized in that, The ice storage box assembly includes: An ice storage box body, used to receive and store ice cubes, is movably disposed in the refrigerator and below the ice-making device; and A cover assembly includes a cover body and a flap, the cover body being configured to be openably connected to the ice storage box body; the cover body has a clearance opening, and the flap is rotatably disposed within the clearance opening, having a switchable closed state and an open state; wherein, in the closed state, the flap covers the clearance opening to isolate the ice storage box body from the outside; in the open state, the flap flips to open the clearance opening, allowing ice cubes from the ice-making device to enter the ice storage box body.

2. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice storage box assembly also includes a drive mechanism, which is disposed on the cover or the ice storage box body, and is used to control the flap to switch between a first position and a second position.

3. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a motor, which is located on the cover, and the drive shaft of the motor is connected to the flap in a transmission manner.

4. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cover is provided with a mounting groove, and the motor is located in the mounting groove.

5. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cover assembly also includes a baffle that is connected to the cover body and covers the mounting groove.

6. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate has a guide slope that is inclined toward the periphery of the clearance opening.

7. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the cover is hinged to the ice storage box body, and the other end can be opened and closed relative to the ice storage box body; And / or, the flap is connected to the cover via a pivot and is located in the middle of the clearance opening; And / or, the ice storage box assembly further includes an ice quantity detector for detecting the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box assembly.

8. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is provided with a rotating part, and the ice storage box body is provided with a mounting part. The rotating part and the mounting part are rotatably connected.

9. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, One of the rotating part and the mounting part is configured as a pivot hole, and the other is configured as a positioning boss with a rotating shaft.

10. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice storage box assembly also includes a freezer drawer, the ice storage box body is placed inside the freezer drawer, the refrigerator has a refrigerator cabinet, and the freezer drawer is slidably installed inside the refrigerator cabinet.

11. The ice storage box assembly as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The freezer drawer is equipped with a partition wall, which divides the freezer drawer into an ice storage area for the installation of the ice storage box body and at least one storage area. And / or, the width of the freezer drawer is the same as the width of the refrigerator cabinet.

12. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The refrigerator cabinet and the ice storage box assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; the ice making device is installed in the refrigerator cabinet, and the ice storage box body is movably disposed in the refrigerator and below the ice making device.

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