Ice maker assembly and refrigerator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522226459.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-21
AI Technical Summary
[0002]现有技术中,冰箱的制冰机组件只能制作出单一品味的冰块,无法满足用户的多种用冰需求,降低了用户的使用体验
[0006]根据本实用新型实施例的制冰机组件,通过分隔板的设置,便于储水箱的进水腔室储存不同种类的待制冰的液体,通过泵水腔室可选择地与两个子腔室中的至少一个连通或断开,可以实现不同种类的冰块的制取,从而满足用户的多种用冰需求,提高制冰机组件制冰的灵活性,提升用户的使用体验。
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Figure CN224872692U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to an ice maker component and a refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] In existing technology, the ice maker component of a refrigerator can only produce ice of a single flavor, which cannot meet the diverse ice needs of users and reduces the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide an ice maker component that can meet various ice-using needs of users.
[0004] The second objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator that includes the ice maker assembly described in the above embodiments.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an ice maker assembly includes an ice maker and a water storage box. The ice maker includes an ice-making box and a tilting mechanism. The ice-making box and the tilting mechanism are connected, and the tilting mechanism is used to drive the ice-making box to rotate. The water storage box includes a water inlet chamber and a water pumping chamber. The water pumping chamber is respectively connected to the water inlet chamber and the ice-making box. The water storage box further includes a partition plate that divides the water inlet chamber into at least two sub-chambers. The water pumping chamber can be selectively connected to or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers.
[0006] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker assembly, through the setting of the partition plate, facilitates the storage of different types of liquids to be made into ice in the water inlet chamber of the water storage tank. The pump chamber can be selectively connected or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers, thereby enabling the production of different types of ice cubes, thus meeting the user's various ice needs, improving the ice-making flexibility of the ice maker assembly, and enhancing the user's experience.
[0007] In some embodiments, a communication port is formed between the pump chamber and the inlet chamber, and the communication port is respectively connected to the two sub-chambers. A movable plate is disposed at the communication port, so that at least one of the two sub-chambers is connected to or disconnected from the pump chamber at the communication port.
[0008] This allows for flexible movement of the movable plate, enabling at least one of the two sub-chambers to connect with the pump water chamber through a corresponding connecting port, thereby meeting various ice-using needs of users.
[0009] In some embodiments, the ice maker assembly further includes: a plurality of movable plates, each of which is disposed in one of the two sub-chambers, the movable plates selectively connecting or disconnecting the pump chamber and the corresponding sub-chamber.
[0010] This allows users to selectively move the movable plate, thereby connecting the corresponding sub-chamber with the pump water chamber, meeting various ice-using needs of users, and improving the flexibility and reliability of the ice maker components in producing different types of ice.
[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of movable plates slide in conjunction with the partition plate to open and close the communication port.
[0012] This effectively improves the operating efficiency of the moving plate while reducing its operational difficulty. Furthermore, opening the corresponding connection port on the moving plate facilitates the selection of the appropriate sub-chamber to connect with the pump water chamber according to actual needs. Closing the corresponding connection port on the moving plate improves the sealing between the corresponding sub-chamber and the pump water chamber, thereby enhancing the reliability of the ice maker components.
[0013] In some embodiments, the movable plate includes: a first movable part and a second movable part, the first movable part being guided and engaged with the partition plate; the second movable part being disposed on the side of the first movable part away from the partition plate, and the second movable part and the communication port being disposed opposite to each other along the movement direction of the movable plate, so as to open and close the corresponding communication port.
[0014] This improves the stability and reliability of the first moving part's movement, makes it easier for the second moving part to follow the first moving part's movement, and facilitates the opening and closing of the corresponding communication ports, as well as the flexible adjustment of the communication state between the corresponding sub-chamber and the pump chamber.
[0015] In some embodiments, the water storage box includes a box body and a handle, the handle being disposed at one end of the box body, and the handle and the box body defining an accommodating space; at least a portion of the end of the first movable part away from the second movable part is located within the accommodating space.
[0016] This makes it easier for users to install or replace the water storage box, improving the ease of operation of the ice maker components. At the same time, it provides space for at least a portion of the first moving part away from the second moving part, facilitating user operation and improving operational efficiency.
[0017] In some embodiments, the ice maker assembly further includes: a mounting structure disposed between the partition plate and the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber, the mounting structure cooperating with the partition plate, at least a portion of the mounting structure being located on both sides in the thickness direction of the partition plate, and at least one groove being formed on the side of the mounting structure away from the partition plate, and at least a portion of the movable plate cooperating within the groove.
[0018] This improves the sealing between the first and second sub-chambers, facilitates the installation of the movable plate, provides guidance for the movement of the movable plate in the first direction, enhances the stability and reliability of the movable plate's movement, improves the efficiency of opening and closing the connection port, and enhances the reliability of the ice maker components.
[0019] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the inlet chamber extends horizontally downward toward the pump chamber from one end adjacent to the pump chamber.
[0020] This facilitates a stable flow of the liquid to be made into ice from the inlet chamber to the pump chamber, maintaining a stable inlet pressure, effectively reducing liquid residue in the inlet chamber, preventing bacterial growth, and ensuring clean and hygienic ice use.
[0021] In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom wall of the pump chamber and the top wall of the water storage box is greater than or equal to the distance between at least a portion of the bottom wall of the inlet chamber adjacent to the pump chamber and the top wall of the water storage box.
[0022] This allows the liquid in the inlet chamber to actively converge to the bottom of the pump chamber, ensuring the normal operation of the pump. At the same time, a certain water level difference can be formed at the bottom of the pump chamber, which can provide a stable pumping pressure and reduce liquid residue in the pump chamber.
[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the refrigerator includes: a cabinet, an ice maker assembly, and a connecting assembly. The ice maker assembly is disposed in the cabinet and is the ice maker assembly described in any one of the above embodiments. The connecting assembly is used for the water storage box to supply water to the ice maker.
[0024] This allows for the production of different types of ice, thus meeting various ice-using needs of users, improving the practicality of the refrigerator, enhancing the user experience, reducing liquid residue in the water inlet and pump chambers, preventing bacterial growth, ensuring clean and hygienic ice use, and improving the reliability of the refrigerator.
[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of a water storage box according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water storage box according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water storage box according to an embodiment of the present utility model from another perspective; Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the movable plate and mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0027] Figure label: 10. Water storage box; 101. Box body; 102. Handle; 11. Water inlet chamber; 12. First sub-chamber; 13. Second sub-chamber; 14. Pump chamber; 15. Divider plate; 16. Fixing plate; 17. Connecting port; 18. Water pump; 20. Movable plate; 21. First movable part; 22. Second movable part; 30. Installation structure; 31. Slide groove; 32. Connecting components; A. First direction; B. Second direction; C. Third direction. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Figures 1-4 The ice maker assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes an ice maker and a water storage box 10.
[0029] Specifically, the ice maker includes an ice-making container and a tilting mechanism, which are connected to each other. The tilting mechanism drives the ice-making container to rotate. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water storage box 10 includes a water inlet chamber 11 and a water pumping chamber 14, which are connected to the water inlet chamber 11 and the ice maker respectively. The water storage box 10 also includes a partition plate 15, which divides the water inlet chamber 11 into at least two sub-chambers. The water pumping chamber 14 can be selectively connected to or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers.
[0030] In this application, the water storage box 10 includes a fixing plate 16, which divides the interior of the water storage box 10 into sections along... Figure 2 The water inlet chamber 11 and the pump chamber 14 are spaced apart along the first direction A. The partition plate 15 divides the water inlet chamber 11 into sections along the first direction A. Figure 2The system includes two sub-chambers spaced apart in the second direction (B). These two sub-chambers are designated as a first sub-chamber 12 and a second sub-chamber 13. Each sub-chamber stores a different type of liquid to be made into ice. The user can choose to connect or disconnect at least one of the sub-chambers from the pump chamber 14 according to their needs. For example, the pump chamber 14 is connected to the first sub-chamber 12 but disconnected from the second sub-chamber 13. The liquid to be made into ice in the first sub-chamber 12 flows into the pump chamber 14 and eventually into the ice-making container. After a period of ice-making, a flipping mechanism drives the ice-making container to rotate, completing the de-icing process. Once the liquid to be made into ice in the first sub-chamber 12 has been completely formed into ice, the pump chamber 14 connects to the second sub-chamber 13 but disconnects from the first sub-chamber 12. The liquid to be made into ice in the second sub-chamber 13 flows into the pump chamber 14, completing the ice-making process using the same steps described above. Optionally, the pump chamber 14 can be simultaneously connected to the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13 to produce mixed-flavor ice cubes. Optionally, when the ice maker is not required to operate, the pump chamber 14 can be simultaneously disconnected from the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13.
[0031] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker assembly, through the setting of the partition plate 15, facilitates the storage of different types of liquids to be made into ice in the water inlet chamber 11 of the water storage tank. The pump chamber 14 can be selectively connected to or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers, thereby enabling the production of different types of ice cubes, thus meeting the user's various ice needs, improving the ice-making flexibility of the ice maker assembly, and enhancing the user's experience.
[0032] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, a connecting port 17 is formed between the pump chamber 14 and the inlet chamber 11. The connecting port 17 is connected to the two sub-chambers respectively. The movable plate 20 is located at the connecting port 17, so that at least one of the two sub-chambers is connected to or disconnected from the pump chamber 14 at the connecting port 17.
[0033] In this embodiment, the communication port 17 is provided along the fixing plate 16. Figure 3The third party in the ice maker assembly is located on the side adjacent to the bottom of the water storage box 10, and the connecting port 17 is connected to the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13 respectively. The ice maker assembly includes a movable plate 20, which is movably disposed at the connecting port 17. The user can selectively move the movable plate 20. For example, the user moves the movable plate 20 to the connecting port 17 corresponding to the first sub-chamber 12, so that the first sub-chamber 12 is disconnected from the pumping chamber 14, and the second sub-chamber 13 is connected to the pumping chamber 14 through the corresponding connecting port 17. Alternatively, the user moves the movable plate 20 to the connecting port 17 corresponding to the second sub-chamber 13, so that the second sub-chamber 13 is disconnected from the pumping chamber 14, and the first sub-chamber 12 is connected to the pumping chamber 14 through the corresponding connecting port 17. Alternatively, the user moves the movable plate 20 so that the pumping chamber 14 is simultaneously connected to or disconnected from the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13.
[0034] Therefore, by setting the movable plate 20, it is easy to move the movable plate 20 flexibly, and at least one of the two sub-chambers can be connected or disconnected from the pump water chamber 14 through the corresponding communication port 17 according to actual needs, thereby meeting the user's various ice needs and improving the flexibility and reliability of the ice maker components in producing different types of ice.
[0035] Optionally, the ice maker assembly also includes a drive unit connected to the movable plate 20. The drive unit is used to drive the movable plate 20 to move between the two sub-chambers, thereby facilitating the connection between the pump chamber 14 and the corresponding sub-chambers according to actual needs, improving the automation level of the ice maker assembly and reducing labor costs.
[0036] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ice maker assembly also includes: multiple movable plates 20, which are respectively disposed in two sub-chambers. The movable plates 20 can selectively connect or disconnect the pump water chamber 14 and the corresponding sub-chamber.
[0037] In this embodiment, the ice maker assembly includes two movable plates 20, which are respectively located in the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13. The two movable plates 20 can independently open and close the corresponding communication ports 17. Moving the corresponding movable plate 20 can connect the corresponding sub-chamber to the water pumping chamber 14. For example, the user can move the movable plate 20 inside the first sub-chamber 12, so that the first sub-chamber 12 is connected to the pumping chamber 14 through the corresponding connecting port 17. At this time, the second sub-chamber 13 is not connected to the pumping chamber 14. Optionally, the user can move the movable plate 20 inside the second sub-chamber 13, so that the second sub-chamber 13 is connected to the pumping chamber 14 through the corresponding connecting port 17. At this time, the first sub-chamber 12 is not connected to the pumping chamber 14. Optionally, both movable plates 20 can simultaneously open the corresponding connecting ports 17, so that the pumping chamber 14 is simultaneously connected to the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13. Optionally, both movable plates 20 can simultaneously close the corresponding connecting ports 17, so that the pumping chamber 14 is simultaneously disconnected from the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13.
[0038] Therefore, by having multiple movable plates 20 respectively located in the two sub-chambers, users can selectively move the movable plates 20, thereby connecting the corresponding sub-chambers with the water pump chamber 14, meeting various ice-using needs of users, and improving the flexibility and reliability of the ice maker components in producing different types of ice.
[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, multiple movable plates 20 are slidably engaged with partition plates 15 to open and close the communication port 17.
[0040] In this embodiment, the movable plate 20 extends along the first direction A, and the movable plate 20 can slide with the partition plate 15 along the first direction A. The end of the movable plate 20 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 along the first direction A is detachably engaged with the corresponding connecting port 17. For example, the end of the movable plate 20 in the first sub-chamber 12 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 along the first direction A can be engaged with the corresponding connecting port 17, at which time the corresponding connecting port 17 is in a closed state. When the end of the movable plate 20 in the second sub-chamber 13 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 along the first direction A is separated from the corresponding connecting port 17, the corresponding connecting port 17 is in an open state, thereby connecting the second sub-chamber 13 with the pump chamber 14.
[0041] Therefore, by using multiple movable plates 20 to slide and cooperate with the partition plate 15 to open and close the connection port 17, the operating efficiency of the movable plates 20 can be effectively improved, while reducing the operating difficulty of the movable plates 20. At the same time, when the movable plates 20 open the corresponding connection port 17, it is convenient to select the corresponding sub-chamber to connect with the pump water chamber 14 according to actual needs. When the movable plates 20 close the corresponding connection port 17, the sealing between the corresponding sub-chamber and the pump water chamber 14 can be improved, thereby improving the reliability of the ice maker components.
[0042] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the movable plate 20 includes: a first movable part 21 and a second movable part 22. The first movable part 21 is guided and engaged with the partition plate 15. The second movable part 22 is disposed on the side of the first movable part 21 away from the partition plate 15. The second movable part 22 and the connecting port 17 are arranged opposite to each other along the movement direction of the movable plate 20 to open and close the corresponding connecting port 17.
[0043] The first movable part 21 extends along the first direction A. The partition plate 15 has a guide groove formed on one side of the water storage box 10 near the bottom along the third direction C. The guide groove extends along the first direction A, and the first movable part 21 is disposed in the guide groove. The first movable part 21 forms a guiding engagement with the guide groove of the partition plate 15 along the first direction A. That is, the first movable part 21 can move along the first direction A toward the corresponding connection port 17 and move away from the corresponding connection port 17. The second movable part 22 is disposed on the side of the first movable part 21 away from the partition plate 15 along the second direction B. The second movable part 22 is disposed at one end of the first movable part 21 near the corresponding connection port 17 along the first direction A. The second movable part 22 and the corresponding connection port 17 are opposite each other along the first direction A. The first moving part 21 drives the second moving part 22 to move along the first direction A toward the corresponding connecting port 17 until the second moving part 22 and the corresponding connecting port 17 are engaged. At this time, the corresponding connecting port 17 is closed, and the corresponding sub-chamber and the pumping chamber 14 are in a non-connected state. The first moving part 21 drives the second moving part 22 to move along the first direction A toward a direction away from the corresponding connecting port 17, so that the second moving part 22 and the corresponding connecting port 17 are separated. At this time, the corresponding connecting port 17 is opened, and the corresponding sub-chamber and the pumping chamber 14 are in a connected state.
[0044] Therefore, the first moving part 21 is guided and cooperated with the partition plate 15 to facilitate the smooth movement of the first moving part 21, which can improve the stability and reliability of the movement of the first moving part 21. The second moving part 22 is provided to facilitate the movement of the second moving part 22 following the first moving part 21, thereby facilitating the opening and closing of the corresponding communication port 17 and facilitating the flexible adjustment of the communication state between the corresponding sub-chamber and the pump water chamber 14.
[0045] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the water storage box 10 includes a box body 101 and a handle 102. The handle 102 is located at one end of the box body 101, and the handle 102 and the box body 101 define an accommodating space. At least a portion of the end of the first moving part 21 away from the second moving part 22 is located within the accommodating space.
[0046] The housing 101 has an inlet chamber 11 and a pump chamber 14. A handle 102 is provided at the end of the housing 101 away from the pump chamber 14 along the first direction A. The handle 102 facilitates the user to install or replace the water storage box 10. The handle 102 and the housing 101 together define the receiving space. At least a portion of the end of the first moving part 21 away from the second moving part 22 along the first direction A is located in the receiving space. The end of the first moving part 21 away from the second moving part 22 can move along the first direction A toward the handle 102 and toward the direction away from the handle 102.
[0047] Therefore, the handle 102 facilitates the installation or replacement of the water storage box 10 by the user, improving the convenience of operating the ice maker components. At the same time, it provides a space for at least part of the end of the first moving part 21 away from the second moving part 22, making it convenient for the user to move the end of the first moving part 21 away from the second moving part 22 according to actual needs, so that the corresponding sub-chamber and the pump water chamber 14 are in a connected state, which facilitates user operation and improves operating efficiency.
[0048] Optionally, the water storage box 10 also includes a cover, which is located on the top of the box 101 along a third direction C. The cover has a water inlet, which is connected to two sub-chambers. Different types of liquids to be made into ice can enter the corresponding sub-chambers through the water inlets. According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the ice maker assembly also includes: a mounting structure 30, which is disposed between the partition plate 15 and the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11. The mounting structure 30 cooperates with the partition plate 15. At least a portion of the mounting structure 30 is located on both sides of the partition plate 15 in the thickness direction. At least one groove 31 is formed on the side of the mounting structure 30 away from the partition plate 15. At least a portion of the moving plate 20 is fitted in the groove 31.
[0049] The mounting structure 30 is adapted to mount the movable plate 20. The mounting structure 30 is disposed between the partition plate 15 and the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 along the third direction C, or the mounting structure 30 is disposed at one end of the partition plate 15 adjacent to the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 along the third direction C. At least a portion of the mounting structure 30 is disposed on both sides of the partition plate 15 along the second direction B. The side of the mounting structure 30 away from the partition plate 15 along the second direction B is located in the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13, respectively. A groove 31 is formed on the side of the mounting structure 30 away from the partition plate 15 along the second direction B. The first moving part 21 of the movable plate 20 in the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13 respectively fits into the corresponding groove 31.
[0050] Therefore, by installing the mounting structure 30 between the partition plate 15 and the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11, the sealing between the first sub-chamber 12 and the second sub-chamber 13 can be improved. At the same time, at least a portion of the movable plate 20 is fitted into the groove 31 of the mounting structure 30, which facilitates the installation of the movable plate 20 and provides guidance for the movement of the movable plate 20 in the first direction A, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the movable plate 20, improving the efficiency of opening and closing the connecting port 17, and improving the reliability of the ice maker components.
[0051] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 11 extends horizontally downward toward the pump chamber 14 at one end.
[0052] The bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 extends at one end adjacent to the pump chamber 14 along the third direction C toward the direction away from the top wall of the water storage box 10 and along the first direction A toward the pump chamber 14. That is, in the third direction C, the height of the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 is lower than the height of the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 away from the pump chamber 14.
[0053] Therefore, by designing the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11 to extend horizontally downward toward the pump water chamber 14 at one end, it is convenient for the liquid to be made into ice in the water inlet chamber 11 to flow stably into the pump water chamber 14, maintain a stable water inlet pressure, avoid the liquid in the water inlet chamber 11 from forming local stagnant water due to insufficient water flow, effectively reduce the liquid residue in the water inlet chamber 11, prevent bacterial growth, ensure clean and hygienic ice use, and improve the reliability of the ice maker components.
[0054] Optionally, the ice maker assembly further includes a water pump 18, which is disposed within the water pumping chamber 14 and adjacent to the bottom wall of the water pumping chamber 14. The water pump 18 is adapted to draw liquid from the water pumping chamber 14. The water pump 18 may be a magnetic pump.
[0055] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the distance between the bottom wall of the pump chamber 14 and the top wall of the water storage box 10 is greater than or equal to the distance between at least a portion of the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 11 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 and the top wall of the water storage box 10.
[0056] In this application, on the third-party direction C, the bottom wall of the end of the inlet chamber 11 adjacent to the pump chamber 14 is higher than the bottom wall of the pump chamber 14. That is, the bottom wall of the pump chamber 14 is designed to be recessed, so that when the liquid in the inlet chamber 11 flows into the pump chamber 14, it can flow fully into the pump chamber 14, reducing liquid loss and liquid residue during the flow process. Thus, through the recessed design of the pump chamber 14, the liquid in the inlet chamber 11 can actively converge to the bottom of the pump chamber 14, ensuring the normal operation of the water pump 18. At the same time, a certain water level difference can be formed at the bottom of the pump chamber 14, which can provide a stable pumping pressure for the water pump 18 and reduce liquid residue in the pump chamber 14.
[0057] Optionally, the water pump 18 is disposed within the pumping chamber 14 adjacent to the bottom wall of the pumping chamber 14, with at least a portion of the water pump 18 disposed below the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 11, so that the water pump 18 can sufficiently pump the liquid out of the pumping chamber 14 and reduce liquid residue. Optionally, the water pump 18 is located along a third direction C between the bottom wall of the pumping chamber 14 and the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 11.
[0058] According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator includes: a cabinet, an ice maker assembly, and a connecting assembly 32. The ice maker assembly is disposed in the cabinet and is any one of the ice maker assemblies described above. The connecting assembly 32 is used for the water storage box 10 to supply water to the ice maker.
[0059] The water pump 18 is connected to the connecting assembly 32. Users can select the corresponding sub-chamber to connect with the pumping chamber 14 according to their actual needs. The water pump 18 in the pumping chamber 14 draws liquid and delivers it to the ice maker's ice-making box via the connecting assembly 32. After a period of ice-making, the flipping mechanism drives the ice-making box to rotate, completing the ice removal process. The water inlet chamber 11 is divided into at least two sub-chambers by the partition plate 15 within the ice maker assembly. These sub-chambers can store different types of liquids to be made into ice. The pumping chamber 14 can be selectively connected to or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers, enabling the production of different types of ice cubes. This satisfies various user needs for ice, improves the refrigerator's practicality, and enhances the user experience. The downward slope of the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber 11, the downward slope of the pumping chamber 14, and the proximity of the water pump 18 to the bottom wall of the pumping chamber 14 reduce liquid residue in the water inlet chamber 11 and the pumping chamber 14, preventing bacterial growth, ensuring clean and hygienic ice use, and improving the refrigerator's reliability.
[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0061] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more. In the description of this utility model, "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. In the description of this utility model, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.
[0062] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.
[0063] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An ice maker component, characterized in that, include: An ice maker, comprising an ice container and a tilting mechanism, wherein the ice container and the tilting mechanism are connected, and the tilting mechanism is used to drive the ice container to rotate; A water storage box, comprising a water inlet chamber and a water pumping chamber, wherein the water pumping chamber is connected to the water inlet chamber and the ice maker respectively; The water storage box further includes a partition plate that divides the water inlet chamber into at least two sub-chambers. The pump chamber can be selectively connected to or disconnected from at least one of the two sub-chambers.
2. The ice maker assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A communication port is formed between the pump chamber and the inlet chamber, and the communication port is connected to the two sub-chambers respectively. A movable plate is disposed at the communication port, so that at least one of the two sub-chambers is connected to or disconnected from the pump chamber at the communication port.
3. The ice maker assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple movable plates are respectively disposed in two sub-chambers, and the movable plates can selectively connect or disconnect the pump chamber and the corresponding sub-chamber.
4. The ice maker assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of movable plates slide in conjunction with the partition plate to open and close the communication port.
5. The ice maker assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable plate includes: A first movable part, which is guided and engaged with the partition plate; The second movable part is disposed on the side of the first movable part away from the partition plate. The second movable part and the communication port are disposed opposite to each other along the movement direction of the movable plate to open and close the corresponding communication port.
6. The ice maker assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water storage box includes a box body and a handle. The handle is located at one end of the box body, and the handle and the box body define an accommodating space. At least a portion of the end of the first movable part away from the second movable part is located within the receiving space.
7. The ice maker assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The mounting structure is disposed between the partition plate and the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber. The mounting structure cooperates with the partition plate. At least a portion of the mounting structure is located on both sides of the partition plate in the thickness direction. At least one groove is formed on the side of the mounting structure away from the partition plate, and at least a portion of the movable plate is fitted into the groove.
8. The ice maker assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the inlet chamber extends horizontally downward toward the pump chamber from one end adjacent to it.
9. The ice maker assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The distance between the bottom wall of the pump chamber and the top wall of the water storage box is greater than or equal to the distance between at least a portion of the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber adjacent to the pump chamber and the top wall of the water storage box.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Box; An ice maker assembly, wherein the ice maker assembly is disposed within the housing, and the ice maker assembly is the ice maker assembly according to any one of claims 1-9; A connecting component for supplying water from the water storage box to the ice maker.
