Ice making device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ice making device and refrigerator, ice making device includes shell assembly and ice mould. Ice mould includes main ice grid and auxiliary ice grid. Main ice grid and auxiliary ice grid are spaced apart along the width direction of ice mould. Ice mould is rotationally connected to shell assembly, and ice mould has inclined state. When ice mould is in inclined state, auxiliary ice grid is located below compared to main ice grid, to enable the liquid in main ice grid to flow to auxiliary ice grid. The ice making device can reduce or avoid the possibility that ice mould cannot be normally deiced, improve the use experience of user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrical technology, and in particular to an ice-making device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and economy and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have gradually become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives. Refrigerators use refrigeration to keep their interior at a low temperature, which can not only preserve food, but also make ice by setting up an ice-making device, which greatly facilitates users' demand for ice.

[0003] In related technologies, ice is made by injecting liquid into an ice-making device. However, there is a problem of abnormal liquid volume during the injection process. When the liquid volume is too large, it will cause water to overflow, which will prevent the ice mold from being properly removed from the ice. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator, which can reduce or avoid the possibility that ice molds cannot be properly removed, thereby improving the user experience.

[0005] Specifically, this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an ice-making apparatus is provided, comprising a housing assembly and an ice mold. The ice mold includes a main ice tray and an auxiliary ice tray. The main ice tray and the auxiliary ice tray are spaced apart along the width direction of the ice mold. The ice mold is rotatably connected to the housing assembly, and the ice mold is in an inclined state. When the ice mold is in the inclined state, the auxiliary ice tray is located below the main ice tray, so that liquid in the main ice tray can flow to the auxiliary ice tray.

[0007] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0008] When this ice-making device is working, liquid is injected into an ice mold to produce ice cubes. During the injection process, liquid is injected into the main ice tray. After injection, the ice mold is rotatably connected to the housing assembly, and the main and auxiliary ice trays are spaced apart along the width of the ice mold. This allows the ice mold to rotate relative to the housing assembly, tilting it so that the auxiliary ice tray is below the main ice tray. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid in the main ice tray flows to the auxiliary ice tray. This ensures that if the ice-making device injects too much liquid, the tilted ice mold can transfer some of the liquid from the main ice tray to the auxiliary ice tray, thus ensuring that the liquid level in the main ice tray meets the target requirements. This reduces or eliminates the possibility of the ice mold failing to thaw properly, improving the user experience.

[0009] The technical solution disclosed herein will be further explained below.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ice mold is also provided with a flow channel, through which the main ice tray is connected to the auxiliary ice tray. When the ice mold is tilted, the liquid in the main ice tray can flow to the auxiliary ice tray through the flow channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ice mold further includes a flow-blocking element. The flow-blocking element is disposed between the main ice tray and the auxiliary ice tray. The ice mold also has a horizontal state, and when the ice mold is in the horizontal state, the flow-blocking element is used to restrict the flow of liquid in the main ice tray to the auxiliary ice tray.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flow obstruction element is provided with a flow guide groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flow channels include multiple channels, which are spaced apart on the flow-blocking element along the length of the ice mold.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ice mold includes a first mold body and a second mold body connected to the first mold body. Multiple main ice grids are provided, spaced apart along the length and width directions of the ice mold on the first mold body. Auxiliary ice grids are provided on the second mold body.

[0015] In one embodiment, there are two auxiliary ice trays, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice mold on the second mold body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second mold body includes a first chamfer and a second chamfer disposed opposite to each other, and the auxiliary ice tray is located between the first chamfer and the second chamfer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ice mold includes a first ice mold and a second ice mold, wherein the volume of the main ice compartment of the first ice mold is smaller than the volume of the main ice compartment of the second ice mold. The ice-making device further includes a first liquid injection module and a second liquid injection module disposed on the housing assembly. The first liquid injection module is connected to the first ice mold to inject liquid into the first ice mold. The second liquid injection module is connected to the second ice mold to inject liquid into the second ice mold.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a body, a door, and an ice-making device as described in any of the above embodiments. The door is rotatably connected to the body to open or close the body. The ice-making device is disposed on one of the body and the door.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The refrigerator uses the aforementioned ice-making device, which can reduce or avoid the possibility that the ice mold cannot be properly removed, thus improving the user experience and consequently enhancing the user's overall experience with the refrigerator.

[0021] 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 disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of this disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain this disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the ice-making device in the refrigerator.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the ice-making device in the refrigerator.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the ice mold in the ice-making device.

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the ice mold in the ice-making device.

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the ice mold in the ice-making device.

[0030] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0031] 10. Refrigerator; 100. Ice maker; 110. Shell assembly; 111. Shell body; 112. Motor; 120. Ice mold; 121. Main ice tray; 122. Auxiliary ice tray; 123. First ice mold; 124. Second ice mold; 125. Flow guide channel; 126. Flow obstruction component; 127. First mold body; 128. Second mold body; 1281. First chamfer; 1282. Second chamfer; 130. First liquid injection module; 140. Second liquid injection module; 150. Ice storage box; 200. Cabinet body; 300. Cabinet door. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application 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.

[0033] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, height, 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 attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] With the development of society and economy and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have gradually become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives. Refrigerators use refrigeration to keep their interior at a low temperature, which can not only preserve food, but also make ice by setting up an ice-making device, which greatly facilitates users' demand for ice.

[0035] In related technologies, ice is made by injecting liquid into an ice-making device. However, there is a problem of abnormal liquid volume during the injection process. When the liquid volume is too large, it will cause water to overflow, which will prevent the ice mold from being properly removed from the ice.

[0036] Refrigerators, as devices for preserving food and making ice, are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience. However, with a wide variety of refrigerator types and brands available, consumers have many choices. Therefore, how to win over consumers and enhance product competitiveness has become an increasingly important issue for refrigerator manufacturers.

[0037] Based on this, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an ice-making device 100 and a refrigerator 10 are provided. The ice-making device 100 can reduce or avoid the possibility that the ice mold 120 cannot be properly thawed, thereby improving the user experience.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a refrigerator 10 is provided, comprising a cabinet 200, a door 300, and an ice-making device 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The door 300 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 200 to open or close the cabinet 200. The ice-making device 100 is disposed on one of the cabinet 200 and the door 300. Thus, by disposing of the ice-making device 100 on one of the cabinet 200 and the door 300, the low-temperature environment inside the refrigerator 10 is used to cool the ice-making device 100, thereby turning the liquid inside the ice-making device 100 into ice cubes, thus realizing the ice-making function of the ice-making device 100.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, an ice-making apparatus 100 is provided, comprising a housing assembly 110 and an ice mold 120. The ice mold 120 includes a main ice tray 121 and an auxiliary ice tray 122. The main ice tray 121 and the auxiliary ice tray 122 are spaced apart along the width direction of the ice mold 120. The ice mold 120 is rotatably connected to the housing assembly 110 and is in an inclined state. When the ice mold 120 is in the inclined state, the auxiliary ice tray 122 is located below the main ice tray 121, so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 can flow to the auxiliary ice tray 122.

[0040] Thus, when the ice-making device 100 is operating, ice is produced by injecting liquid into the ice mold 120. During the liquid injection process, liquid is injected into the main ice tray 121. After the liquid injection is completed, the ice mold 120 is rotatably connected to the housing assembly 110, and the main ice tray 121 and the auxiliary ice tray 122 are spaced apart along the width direction of the ice mold 120, so that the ice mold 120 rotates relative to the housing assembly 110, causing the ice mold 120 to be in an inclined state. At this time, the auxiliary ice tray 122 is located below the main ice tray 121, so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 can flow to the auxiliary ice tray 122 under the action of gravity. If the amount of liquid injected into the ice-making device 100 is too much, the liquid will overflow from the ice trays and connect with each ice tray. As a result, after the ice-making device 100 has finished making ice, the ice blocks between the main ice trays 121 will be connected to each other, making it difficult to remove the ice and resulting in a poor appearance of the removed ice blocks. Therefore, when the amount of liquid injected into the ice-making device 100 is too much, the ice mold 120 is tilted to transfer some of the liquid in the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122, so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 meets the target requirements, reducing or avoiding the possibility that the ice mold 120 cannot be properly de-iced, and improving the user experience.

[0041] It should be noted that when the ice mold 120 is tilted, the tilt angle of the ice mold 120 can be set according to the requirements, as long as the liquid in the main ice tray 121 can meet the target liquid level after the liquid flows from the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122 when the ice mold 120 is tilted.

[0042] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing assembly 110 includes a housing body 111 and a motor 112 fixed to the housing body 111. The ice mold 120 is connected to the motor 112 in a driving connection so that the ice making device 100 drives the ice mold 120 to be in an inclined state through the motor 112.

[0043] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 120 includes a first ice mold 123 and a second ice mold 124. The volume of the main ice compartment 121 of the first ice mold 123 is smaller than the volume of the main ice compartment 121 of the second ice mold 124. The ice-making device 100 also includes a first liquid injection module 130 and a second liquid injection module 140 disposed on the housing assembly 110. The first liquid injection module 130 is connected to the first ice mold 123 to inject liquid into the first ice mold 123. The second liquid injection module 140 is connected to the second ice mold 124 to inject liquid into the second ice mold 124. Thus, in this ice-making device 100, the main ice compartments 121 of the first ice mold 123 and the second ice mold 124 have different volumes, allowing ice blocks of different sizes to be produced during ice making to meet different needs. Because the main ice compartments 121 have different volumes, the volumes of the first ice mold 123 and the second ice mold 124 are also different, resulting in different liquid injection volumes. That is, the liquid injection volume of the first liquid injection module 130, which is connected to the first ice mold 123, and the second liquid injection module 140, which is connected to the second ice mold 124, is different when the ice-making device 100 makes ice. During the assembly process of the ice-making device 100, there is a possibility that the first liquid injection module 130 and the second liquid injection module 140 are installed in reverse, which may cause liquid to overflow from one of the ice molds 120 in the first ice mold 123 and the second ice mold 124. Therefore, by switching the ice mold 120 to a tilted state, part of the liquid in the main ice tray 121 is transferred to the auxiliary ice tray 122, so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 meets the target requirements, reducing or avoiding the possibility that the ice mold 120 cannot be properly thawed, and improving the user experience.

[0044] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 120 is further provided with a flow channel 125, through which the main ice tray 121 is connected to the auxiliary ice tray 122. When the ice mold 120 is in an inclined state, the liquid in the main ice tray 121 can flow to the auxiliary ice tray 122 through the flow channel 125. Thus, by providing the flow channel 125 on the ice mold 120, and connecting the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122 through the flow channel 125, after the ice-making device 100 has finished filling with liquid, the ice mold 120 is tilted, allowing the liquid in the main ice tray 121 to flow to the auxiliary ice tray 122 through the flow channel 125. The provision of the flow channel 125 can increase the speed at which the liquid flows from the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122 when the ice mold 120 is in an inclined state, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the ice-making device 100.

[0045] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 120 further includes a flow-blocking member 126. The flow-blocking member 126 is disposed between the main ice tray 121 and the auxiliary ice tray 122. The ice mold 120 also has a horizontal state. When the ice mold 120 is in a horizontal state, the flow-blocking member 126 is used to restrict the flow of liquid in the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122. Thus, by providing the flow-blocking member 126 between the main ice tray 121 and the auxiliary ice tray 122, when the ice-making device 100 is filling liquid, that is, when the ice mold 120 is in a horizontal state, the flow-blocking member 126 can restrict the flow of liquid in the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122, thereby preventing liquid from flowing through the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122 during the filling of the ice-making device 100. This would prevent excessive liquid from flowing into the auxiliary ice tray 122, resulting in insufficient liquid in the main ice tray 121 and reducing the quality of the ice produced by the ice-making device 100. Furthermore, it ensures that when the ice mold 120 is tilted, there is space in the auxiliary ice tray 122 to accommodate the liquid flowing out of the main ice tray 121, thus ensuring the reliability of the ice-making device 100.

[0046] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 120 is integrally formed to create the main ice tray 121, the auxiliary ice tray 122, the flow-blocking component 126, and the flow-guiding channel 125. This reduces the assembly steps of the ice mold 120 and improves its manufacturing efficiency.

[0047] It should be noted that there are various ways to implement the one-piece molding process of Ice Mold 120, including but not limited to injection molding, extrusion molding, stamping, etc.

[0048] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, in some embodiments, the flow-blocking member 126 is provided with a flow-guiding groove 125. Thus, by providing the flow-guiding groove 125 on the flow-blocking member 126, when the ice mold 120 is in a horizontal state, the flow-blocking member 126 can restrict the flow of liquid in the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122. When the ice mold 120 is in an inclined state, the liquid in the main ice tray 121 can flow to the auxiliary ice tray 122 through the flow-guiding groove 125. Providing the flow-guiding groove 125 on the flow-blocking member 126 helps to make the overall structure of the ice mold 120 more compact and facilitates the processing of the flow-guiding groove 125.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the flow channels 125 include multiple channels, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice mold 120 on the flow-blocking member 126. Thus, by spaced apart multiple flow channels 125 on the flow-blocking member 126 along the length of the ice mold 120, when the ice mold 120 is tilted, the liquid in the main ice tray 121 flows to the auxiliary ice tray 122 through the multiple flow channels 125, increasing the rate at which the liquid flows from the main ice tray 121 to the auxiliary ice tray 122, thereby improving the working efficiency of the ice-making device 100.

[0050] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice mold 120 includes a first mold body 127 and a second mold body 128 connected to the first mold body 127. Multiple main ice trays 121 are provided, spaced apart along the length and width directions of the ice mold 120 on the first mold body 127. Auxiliary ice trays 122 are provided on the second mold body 128. Thus, by spaced apart along the length and width directions of the ice mold 120 on the first mold body 127, the efficiency of liquid injection into each main ice tray 121 can be improved during the liquid injection process of the ice-making device 100, and the amount of liquid injected between each main ice tray 121 can be guaranteed, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the ice produced by the ice-making device 100. By placing the auxiliary ice tray 122 on the second mold body 128, during the ice-making process, the ice mold 120 is tilted so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 flows to the auxiliary ice tray 122. Then, the ice mold 120 is switched to a horizontal position to cool the ice-making device 100 and produce ice cubes. After ice making is complete, using the auxiliary ice tray on the second mold body 128 improves the efficiency of ice cube release from the auxiliary ice tray 122, thereby enhancing the user experience of the ice-making device 100.

[0051] It should be noted that there are multiple ways to connect the first mold body 127 and the second mold body 128, including integral molding and separate manufacturing, and then connecting them through screwing, riveting, bonding, etc.

[0052] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the first mold body 127 and the second mold body 128 are manufactured as a single piece. This reduces the assembly steps of the ice-making device 100 and improves the assembly efficiency of the ice-making device 100.

[0053] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the auxiliary ice trays 122 include two, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice mold 120 on the second mold body 128. Thus, during the ice-making process, the ice mold 120 is tilted so that the liquid in the main ice tray 121 flows to the auxiliary ice trays 122. By providing two auxiliary ice trays 122 and arranging them spaced apart along the length of the ice mold 120 on the second mold body 128, the capacity of the auxiliary ice trays 122 can be increased. Furthermore, having two auxiliary ice trays 122 allows for larger ice blocks made from them, which is beneficial for de-icing.

[0054] It should be noted that the length of the ice mold 120 is... Figure 5 As shown in the X direction, the width direction of the ice mold 120 is... Figure 5 Y direction shown.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the second mold body 128 includes a first chamfer 1281 and a second chamfer 1282 disposed opposite to each other, with the auxiliary ice tray 122 located between the first chamfer 1281 and the second chamfer 1282. Thus, by respectively providing the first chamfer 1281 and the second chamfer 1282 opposite to each other on the second mold body 128, and placing the auxiliary ice tray 122 between the first chamfer 1281 and the second chamfer 1282, on the one hand, the chamfers can further facilitate the de-icing of ice from the multiple auxiliary ice trays 122; on the other hand, by providing the first chamfer 1281 and the second chamfer 1282, the materials required for manufacturing the ice mold 120 can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the ice-making device 100.

[0056] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making device 100 further includes an ice storage box 150, which is disposed below the ice mold 120. Thus, after the ice-making device 100 completes ice making, the ice mold 120 is de-iced. By placing the ice storage box 150 below the ice mold 120 to store the ice, it is convenient for the user to retrieve the ice, thereby improving the user experience.

[0057] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application 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 application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: Housing assembly; as well as Ice mold, including the main ice tray and the auxiliary ice tray; The main ice tray and the auxiliary ice tray are spaced apart along the width of the ice mold; the ice mold is rotatably connected to the housing assembly, and the ice mold is tilted; when the ice mold is in the tilted state, the auxiliary ice tray is located below the main ice tray, so that the liquid in the main ice tray can flow to the auxiliary ice tray.

2. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice mold is also provided with a flow channel, and the main ice tray is connected to the auxiliary ice tray through the flow channel; when the ice mold is in the tilted state, the liquid in the main ice tray can flow to the auxiliary ice tray through the flow channel.

3. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice mold also includes a flow-blocking component; the flow-blocking component is disposed between the main ice tray and the auxiliary ice tray; the ice mold also has a horizontal state, and when the ice mold is in the horizontal state, the flow-blocking component is used to restrict the liquid in the main ice tray from flowing to the auxiliary ice tray.

4. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow-blocking component is provided with a flow-guiding groove.

5. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guide channel includes multiple channels, which are spaced apart on the flow obstruction component along the length direction of the ice mold.

6. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice mold includes a first mold body and a second mold body connected to the first mold body; the main ice grids include a plurality of them, and the plurality of main ice grids are respectively arranged at intervals along the length and width directions of the ice mold on the first mold body; the auxiliary ice grids are arranged on the second mold body.

7. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The auxiliary ice trays include two, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice mold on the second mold body.

8. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second mold body includes a first chamfer and a second chamfer that are disposed opposite to each other, and the auxiliary ice tray is located between the first chamfer and the second chamfer.

9. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The ice mold includes a first ice mold and a second ice mold, wherein the volume of the main ice compartment of the first ice mold is smaller than the volume of the main ice compartment of the second ice mold; the ice-making device further includes a first liquid injection module and a second liquid injection module disposed on the housing assembly, wherein the first liquid injection module is connected to the first ice mold to inject liquid into the first ice mold; and the second liquid injection module is connected to the second ice mold to inject liquid into the second ice mold.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a door, and an ice-making apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the door is rotatably connected to the housing to open or close the housing; and the ice-making apparatus is disposed on one of the housing and the door.

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