Ice cube tray assembly, ice maker and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice grid assembly, ice maker and refrigerator relates to ice making technical field. Specifically including ice making grid, temperature sensor, heat preservation support, fastener and fixed bolster, ice making grid has multiple ice making chamber, temperature sensor links to each other with ice making grid, and is placed between two adjacent ice making chamber, and heat preservation support has the containing groove of containing part temperature sensor, temperature sensor is fixed on heat preservation support through fastener, fixed bolster is connected in ice making grid, and temperature sensor and heat preservation support are placed between fixed bolster and ice making grid, and fixed bolster has the sunken groove of avoiding fastener. Adopt single fastener and bind and fix temperature sensor and heat preservation support, and fixed bolster and heat preservation support realize fixed connection. In the process of twisting ice, effectively prevent the problem that the temperature sensing probe falls off caused by the loose tie, and then influence ice making efficiency and measurement accuracy, also reduce the use of ice grid assembly both ends tie.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular to an ice tray assembly, an ice maker, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, after the ice tray assembly has been fully made, the ice blocks in the ice-making chamber are poured out by flipping it over to produce more ice. However, the temperature sensor assembly installed on the ice tray assembly is used to monitor the temperature status of the ice tray assembly. During the process of pouring the ice blocks, the temperature sensor assembly flips and shakes simultaneously, which makes it easy for the temperature sensor assembly to fall into the ice blocks, affecting the monitoring of the ice tray assembly and also contaminating the ice blocks below. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide an ice tray assembly, an ice maker, and a refrigerator, aiming to optimize the structure of the ice tray assembly, improve the fixing strength of the temperature sensor, and reduce the risk of the temperature sensor falling off.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an ice tray assembly, comprising: Ice tray with multiple ice-making chambers; A temperature sensor is placed between two adjacent ice-making chambers; The heat-insulating bracket has a receiving groove for accommodating part of the temperature sensor; Fasteners are used to fix the temperature sensor to the insulation bracket; A fixed bracket is connected to the ice tray, the temperature sensor and the insulation bracket are placed between the fixed bracket and the ice tray, and the fixed bracket has a recess to avoid the fastener.

[0005] Furthermore, the fixed support includes a frame and connecting parts located on both sides of the frame, the connecting parts being connected to the ice grid, and the sink being disposed on the frame.

[0006] Furthermore, hooks are provided on both sides of the frame, and the hooks are placed at the ends of the sink trough.

[0007] Furthermore, the ice tray is provided with a hanging ear, and the connecting part is provided with a hook, which is attached to the hanging ear.

[0008] Furthermore, the sink is a through channel, the connecting part is disposed at both ends of the sink and folded away from the temperature sensor, and the hook is disposed on the two sides of the two connecting parts that are far apart.

[0009] Furthermore, the frame body has a flange on its edge, which fits against the side of the insulation bracket.

[0010] Furthermore, the frame is provided with flanges on both sides along the first direction and on both sides of the second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The heat insulation bracket is provided with protrusions on both sides along the first direction or on both sides along the second direction, and the flange is in contact with the outer side of the protrusion.

[0011] Furthermore, the fastener is disposed in the middle of the temperature sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the fastener includes a cable tie that surrounds the periphery of the temperature sensor and the insulation bracket to secure the temperature sensor to the insulation bracket. The bottom wall of the settling tank is provided with a clearance hole for avoiding the end of the cable tie.

[0013] This application also discloses an ice maker, including an ice-making frame and the aforementioned ice tray assembly, wherein the ice tray assembly is placed within the ice-making frame.

[0014] This application also discloses a refrigerator, including the ice maker described above.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following advantages: In the ice tray assembly provided in this application, a portion of the temperature sensor is housed within the receiving groove of the insulation bracket. The temperature sensor is then connected to the insulation bracket via fasteners. The insulation bracket insulates the temperature sensor, reducing external influences and improving the accuracy of temperature detection on the ice tray. A fixed bracket, partially encasing the insulation bracket, connects to the ice tray to further secure the temperature sensor and the insulation bracket, ensuring a tighter fit. This design effectively prevents the temperature sensor probe from detaching during ice twisting, thus avoiding issues that could affect ice-making efficiency and measurement accuracy. Furthermore, this design eliminates the need for cable ties at both ends of the ice tray assembly, reducing the number of tightening points, minimizing the use of cable ties, and optimizing the overall structure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the ice tray assembly of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the ice tray assembly of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the ice tray assembly and ice-making frame of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the fixed bracket of this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Ice tray assembly; 11. Fastener; 12. Temperature sensor; 13. Insulation bracket; 131. Receiving groove; 1311. Extension groove; 132. Boss; 14. Fixing bracket; 141. Frame; 142. Flanged edge; 143. Connecting part; 1431. Hook; 144. Sink; 1441. Clearance hole; 2. Ice tray; 21. Hanging lug; 3. Ice making frame; 31. Ice tray cavity; 32. Drive cavity; 33. Limiting bracket; 4. Ice turning motor; 5. Ice probe rod. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on this utility model.

[0019] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an ice tray assembly 1 includes an ice tray 2, a temperature sensor 12, an insulation bracket 13, a fastener 11, and a fixing bracket 14. The ice tray 2 has multiple ice-making chambers, the temperature sensor 12 is placed between two adjacent ice-making chambers, and the insulation bracket 13 has a receiving groove 131 for accommodating part of the temperature sensor 12. The temperature sensor 12 is fixed to the insulation bracket 13 by the fastener 11. The fixing bracket 14 is connected to the ice tray 2, and the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13 are placed between the fixing bracket 14 and the ice tray 2. The fixing bracket 14 has a recessed groove 144 to avoid the fastener 11.

[0020] Specifically, one side of the ice tray 2 has multiple ice-making chambers, each used to generate ice blocks at sub-zero temperatures. When the ice tray 2 is flipped, the ice blocks in the ice-making chambers fall out due to the flipping action. The temperature sensor 12 is used to collect the real-time temperature of the ice tray 2, making it easy to determine whether the temperature of the ice-making chambers of the ice tray 2 meets the requirements for ice making. Preferably, the temperature sensor 12 is connected to the bottom of the ice tray 2 and inserted between two adjacent ice-making chambers. This not only hides the temperature sensor 12 but also increases the contact area between the temperature sensor 12 and the ice-making chamber, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature collection.

[0021] A receiving groove 131 is provided at the top of the insulation bracket 13 so that the temperature sensor 12 can be partially embedded in the receiving groove 131, which facilitates the pre-positioning of the temperature sensor 12. When it is necessary to fix the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13, it is only necessary to tighten it by wrapping it with fastener 11. In addition to the binding method of fastener 11, it can also be fixed in the receiving groove 131 by adhesive or plugging, which can be used as an alternative solution of this application.

[0022] The fixed bracket 14 is fixed to the ice tray 2, thereby fixing the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13 to the ice tray 2. One side of the fixed bracket 14 covers the outside of the insulation bracket 13, which serves to protect the insulation bracket 13 and also to limit the position of the insulation bracket 13. A groove 144 is provided on the fixed bracket 14, and the fastener 11 can pass through the end of the groove 144. The fastener 11 can tighten the temperature sensor 12 to the insulation bracket 13, which adds an extra tightening path and prevents the fastener 11 from contacting the fixed bracket 14, thus preventing the temperature of the fixed bracket 14 from being transferred to the temperature sensor 12 through the fastener 11, so as not to affect the measurement accuracy. It also prevents friction between the fixed bracket 14 and the fastener 11, which could cause the fastener 11 to loosen.

[0023] Furthermore, to improve their thermal insulation performance, both the thermal insulation bracket 13 and the fixed bracket 14 are made of thermal insulation materials, such as EPS material.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixed support 14 includes a frame 141 and connecting parts 143 located on both sides of the frame 141. The connecting parts 143 are connected to the ice tray 2, and the recess 144 is provided on the frame 141. The frame 141 serves as the main structure of the fixed support 14. Preferably, the frame 141 can be directly fixedly connected to the ice tray 2. The frame 141 is also connected to the insulation support 13, thereby confining the insulation support 13 below the ice tray 2. Preferably, the frame 141 is detachably connected to the ice tray 2 via the connecting parts 143. The connection method between the frame 141 and the ice tray 2 can be a fixed connection, such as adhesive, or a detachable connection, such as snap-fit ​​or plug-in.

[0025] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the ice tray 2 is provided with a hanging ear 21, and the connecting part 143 is provided with a hook 1431. The hook 1431 is hooked to the hanging ear 21. In this embodiment, the frame 141 and the heat preservation bracket 13 are interlocked and fixed. At the same time, hooks 1431 are provided on the connecting parts 143 on both sides of the frame 141. The hooks 1431 protrude outward. Preferably, the hooks 1431 and the frame 141 are integrally formed. When the hooks 1431 are fixed to the ice tray 2, the hooks 1431 can be directly hooked to the hanging ear 21 without the need to use cable ties to fix them. This also reduces the use of cable ties and lowers the cost.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the sink 144 is a through channel, the connecting part 143 is disposed at both ends of the sink 144 and folded in the direction away from the temperature sensor 12, and the hook 1431 is disposed on the two sides of the two connecting parts 143 that are far apart. The connecting part 143 can be folded upward or downward at the end of the sink 144. Specifically, the connecting part 143 can be formed by bending the end of the plate. The hook 1431 is provided on the connecting part 143 at both ends of the sink 144. Preferably, the hook 1431 is on the downward bent connecting part 143 at the end of the sink 144 to prevent the upward bent connecting part 143 from contacting or blocking part of the sink 144, so as to avoid interference with the fastener 11. The hook 1431 is on the downward bent connecting part 143 at the end of the sink 144, while the temperature sensor 12 is located at the upper end of the sink 144, so that the two are set opposite to each other to avoid interference between the hook 1431 and the fastener 11, and also to prevent the fastener 11 from contacting the hook 1431, so as to avoid the measurement error of the temperature sensor 12 caused by the temperature transmission of the fastener 11.

[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the frame 141 has flanges 142 along its edge, which fit against the side of the insulation bracket 13. The insulation bracket 13 can be embedded in the frame 141. Multiple flanges 142 are also provided along the edge of the frame 141, and multiple bosses 132 are also provided along the edge of the insulation bracket 13. Both the bosses 132 and the flanges 142 are inclined. When the insulation bracket 13 is installed with the fixed bracket 14, the flanges 142 are inclined and fit against the surface of the bosses 132 to restrict the position of the insulation bracket 13.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in the above scheme, the frame 141 is provided with flanges 142 on both sides along the first direction and on both sides of the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The heat insulation bracket 13 has protrusions 132 on both sides of the first direction or on both sides of the second direction, and the flanges 142 are attached to the outer side of the protrusions 132.

[0029] Wherein, the first direction and the second direction are both horizontal and perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the first direction refers to the length direction of the frame 141 and the second direction refers to the width direction of the frame 141. A boss 132 is provided on the first and / or second directions of the insulation bracket 13. Preferably, two bosses 132 are provided on each side of the insulation bracket 13 in the first and / or second directions. The two bosses 132 are close to both ends of the temperature sensor 12. The bosses 132 preferably protrude from the side wall of the insulation bracket 13. A notch is defined between the two bosses 132 to avoid the fastener 11, preventing the fastener 11 from deviating from the end of the temperature sensor 12. It also reduces the circumference of the fastener 11 after binding, allowing the fastener 11 to fit better at the notch. As other embodiments of this application, there is no specific limitation on the number of bosses 132; their selection can be based on actual needs. The above is only one implementation method.

[0030] In the above embodiments, it is preferable that the heat preservation bracket 13 and the fixed bracket 14 are symmetrically arranged in both the first and second directions to maintain the regularity of the structure and facilitate installation and accommodation between two adjacent ice-making chambers.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the receiving groove 131 is formed in the middle of the insulation bracket 13, and an extension groove 1311 is provided at least one end of the receiving groove 131 along the length direction of the temperature sensor 12. Based on the receiving groove 131, an extension groove 1311 can be formed at one end along the length direction of the receiving groove 131. The extension groove 1311 can be used to embed the signal wire of the temperature sensor 12 to prevent the signal wire from being bent. The extension groove 1311 can be selectively formed according to the signal wire requirements of the temperature sensor 12.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the fastener 11 includes cable ties, ropes and similar products. In this application, cable ties are preferred for binding. The cable ties are wrapped around the periphery of the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13 to tighten the temperature sensor 12 onto the insulation bracket 13. The bottom wall of the sink 144 is provided with a clearance hole 1441 for avoiding the end of the cable tie.

[0033] The cable tie, as the optimal product for binding the temperature sensor 12, is wrapped around the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13. Simultaneously, the cable tie is positioned between the two protrusions 132 in the first direction, reducing the required circumference of the cable tie while ensuring it is centered between the two protrusions 132, thus guaranteeing the cable tie is in the middle of the temperature sensor 12 and the insulation bracket 13. An clearance hole 1441 is also provided on the bottom wall of the recess 144. The clearance hole 1441 allows the insulation bracket 13 to be suspended at the location of the clearance hole 1441, facilitating the cable tie to wrap around and tighten the temperature sensor 12 onto the insulation bracket 13 through this suspended area.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this application also includes an ice-making frame 3 and an ice-turning motor 4. The ice-making frame 3 has an ice tray cavity 31 and a drive cavity 32. The ice-turning motor 4 is connected to the inner wall of the drive cavity 32. The ice tray 2 is placed in the ice tray cavity 31, with one end rotatably connected to the inner wall of the ice tray cavity 31 and the other end fixed to the output shaft of the ice-turning motor 4. The bottom end of the ice tray 2 is symmetrically provided with hanging ears 21, which are fastened to the aforementioned hooks 1431. The ice tray 2 is rotatably placed in the ice tray cavity 31 and is driven to rotate by the ice-turning motor 4. An ice-detecting rod 5 is rotatably connected to one side wall of the ice-turning motor 4. Below the ice-making frame 3 of this application is a drawer for storing ice. The ice-detecting rod 5 is a movable rod-shaped component. When the ice in the drawer accumulates to a certain height, the ice will contact the ice-detecting rod 5. The ice-detecting rod 5 is connected to a micro switch or other type of sensor. When the ice contacts and pushes the ice-detecting rod 5, it triggers the micro switch, thereby sending a signal. The control system determines whether the ice cube height in the drawer has reached the preset full load height based on the signal. If the full load height is reached, the ice tray assembly 1 will stop the ice-making process until the ice cubes are removed and the ice probe 5 resets.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, furthermore, the ice-turning motor 4 is installed on one side wall of the drive cavity 32 near the ice tray cavity 31 and is inserted and fixed to this side wall. The hanging ear 21 is preferably integrally formed with the ice tray 2. After the hook 1431 is attached to the hanging ear 21, the entire ice tray assembly 1 can be assembled at the bottom of the ice tray 2 without the need for separate cable ties, thus improving assembly efficiency. Figure 4 As shown, the two lugs 21 are located at the bottom of the two ice-making cells. When the hook 1431 is installed on the two lugs 21, the temperature sensor 12 is attached to the inclined surface between the two adjacent ice-making chambers, which improves the measurement accuracy of the temperature sensor 12.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in this application, a limiting bracket 33 is fitted at one end of the ice-making frame 3 near the drive cavity 32. The limiting bracket 33 partially extends into the drive cavity 32 and fits against one side wall of the ice-turning motor 4. Preferably, the limiting bracket 33 is inserted into the top of the drive cavity 32, and at least partially extends downward. When the limiting bracket 33 is fitted onto the ice-making frame 3, its extended portion rests against the side wall of the ice-turning motor 4 away from the ice grid cavity 31, thereby limiting both sides of the ice-turning motor 4 to prevent it from falling out of the drive cavity 32.

[0037] A refrigerator is equipped with the aforementioned ice tray assembly 1. The refrigerator is located in the refrigerator compartment and the ice tray assembly 1 can be installed independently. The ice tray assembly 1 is directly hooked and fixed to the hanging ear 21 via hook 1431, replacing the original cable tie fixing method. It does not require horizontal passing and tightening, thus improving the overall installation efficiency. When the ice tray assembly 1 is installed at the bottom of the ice making tray 2, the real-time temperature of the ice making tray 2 in the ice making unit is obtained through the temperature sensor 12.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ice tray assembly, characterized in that, include: Ice tray (2) has multiple ice-making chambers; Temperature sensor (12) is placed between two adjacent ice-making chambers; The heat preservation bracket (13) has a receiving groove (131) for accommodating part of the temperature sensor (12). Fastener (11), the temperature sensor (12) is fixed to the heat insulation bracket (13) by the fastener (11); A fixed bracket (14) is connected to the ice tray (2), the temperature sensor (12) and the heat preservation bracket (13) are placed between the fixed bracket (14) and the ice tray (2), and the fixed bracket (14) has a recess (144) to avoid the fastener (11).

2. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed support (14) includes a frame (141) and connecting parts (143) located on both sides of the frame (141). The connecting parts (143) are connected to the ice grid (2), and the sink (144) is provided on the frame (141).

3. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ice tray (2) is provided with a hanging ear (21), and the connecting part (143) is provided with a hook (1431), and the hook (1431) is connected to the hanging ear (21).

4. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sink (144) is a through slot, the connecting part (143) is located at both ends of the sink (144) and is folded away from the temperature sensor (12), and the hook (1431) is located on the two sides of the two connecting parts (143) that are far apart.

5. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The frame (141) has a flange (142) on its edge, and the flange (142) is attached to the side of the heat insulation bracket (13).

6. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The frame (141) is provided with flanges (142) on both sides along the first direction and on both sides of the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The heat insulation bracket (13) is provided with bosses (132) on both sides of the first direction or on both sides of the second direction, and the flange (142) is attached to the outer side of the bosses (132).

7. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener (11) is located in the middle of the temperature sensor (12).

8. The ice tray assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener (11) includes a cable tie that surrounds the periphery of the temperature sensor (12) and the insulation bracket (13) to secure the temperature sensor (12) to the insulation bracket (13). The bottom wall of the sink (144) is provided with a clearance hole (1441) for avoiding the end of the cable tie.

9. An ice maker, characterized in that, It includes an ice-making frame (3) and an ice tray assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the ice tray assembly being placed within the ice-making frame (3).

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Including the ice maker as described in claim 9.

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