Ice basket assembly and ice maker

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice basket assembly and ice maker relates to ice making technical field, wherein, ice basket assembly includes mounting piece, ice basket, elastic part and trigger piece. The mounting piece forms and has the installation space. The ice basket is installed in the installation space. With the first position and second position of along gravity direction distribution, the first position is higher than the second position. Elastic part is connected with mounting piece and ice basket, and elastic part is used for pushing ice basket from the second position to the first position. Trigger piece is used for coupling with the ice basket in the second position. The utility model provides technical scheme can improve the reliability of ice maker full ice detection.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Ice makers require ice baskets to store the manufactured ice. However, to prevent overfilling and overflow, it's necessary to detect whether the basket is full. Current technologies use infrared transmitters and receivers to detect ice surface height, but this method is susceptible to false alarms due to water droplets or mist. Another approach involves placing a temperature sensor above the basket; when ice comes into contact with the sensor, the system detects a low temperature and determines the basket is full. However, the random distribution of ice can also lead to false detections. False detections can cause ice to overflow, resulting in waste or damage to the ice maker. Therefore, a more reliable ice detection solution is needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an ice basket assembly and an ice maker, which aims to improve the reliability of the ice maker's full ice detection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an ice basket assembly comprising a mounting component, an ice basket, an elastic element, and a trigger element. The mounting component forms an installation space. The ice basket is installed within the installation space and has a first position and a second position distributed along the direction of gravity; the first position is higher than the second position. The elastic element is connected to both the mounting component and the ice basket; the elastic element is used to push the ice basket from the second position to the first position. The trigger element is used to couple with the ice basket located at the second position.

[0005] In some embodiments, the ice basket is rotatably connected to the mounting member; the ice basket is configured to rotate relative to the mounting member to move between the first position and the second position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the mounting component forms a water storage tank, and the mounting space and the water storage space are distributed along the direction of gravity within the water storage tank; the mounting space is above the water storage space.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first arcuate wall is formed on the ice basket, and a second arcuate wall is formed on the mounting member; the first arcuate wall and the second arcuate wall cooperate to allow the ice basket to be hung on the mounting member; the axial directions of the first arcuate wall and the second arcuate wall are horizontal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a spring; one end of the spring is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end is connected to the mounting element; the springs are distributed horizontally; and / or The elastic element includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end is connected to the mounting component; the axial direction of the spring is along the direction of gravity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a spring; the mounting member has an abutment wall formed in the water storage tank, extending horizontally; one end of the spring is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end abuts against the upper side of the abutment wall in the direction of gravity; the springs are distributed horizontally; when the ice basket is in the second position, the ice basket abuts against the abutment wall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the trigger includes a micro switch; the mounting member has a mounting portion that protrudes into the water tank to form a space outside the water tank; the micro switch is disposed within the space; the trigger head of the micro switch extends into the water tank and is pressed against by the ice basket in the second position; and / or The trigger includes a magnetic sensor disposed outside the water storage tank; the ice basket assembly also includes a magnetic component disposed on the ice basket; the magnetic component is used to couple with the magnetic sensor when the ice basket is in the second position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the trigger includes a microswitch disposed outside the water tank, the trigger head of the microswitch extending into the water tank; the ice basket has abutting ribs formed thereon, the abutting ribs being distributed in a horizontal direction; when the ice basket is in the second position, the abutting ribs press against the trigger head at the bottom in the direction of gravity.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first receiving platform is formed on the mounting member, the normal direction of the surface of the first receiving platform is along the direction of gravity; a second receiving platform is formed on the ice basket, the normal direction of the surface of the second receiving platform is along the direction of gravity; when the ice basket is in the second position, the surface of the first receiving platform abuts against the surface of the second receiving platform.

[0013] This utility model also proposes an ice maker, including the ice basket assembly described above.

[0014] In this invention, the elastic element is connected to both the mounting component and the ice basket, thus generating a relative force between them. Specifically, this force pushes the ice basket from the second position to the first position. The first position is higher than the second position, indicating that the elastic element can lift the ice basket. As the ice content in the ice basket gradually increases, the weight of the ice gradually overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element, causing the ice basket to move towards the second position. When the ice basket finally reaches the second position, sufficient ice mass has been stored. At this point, the trigger element couples with the ice basket, meaning the ice basket triggers the trigger element, which generates a signal. The ice maker can then use this signal to determine if the ice is full.

[0015] It is evident that detecting whether the ice is full relies on detecting the quality of the ice, and is not affected by water droplets or mist, nor by the randomness of ice accumulation. Moreover, being a mechanical structure, it has higher reliability in detecting full ice conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the ice basket assembly provided by this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the implementation method of the ice basket assembly; Figure 3 for Figure 2 The implementation method of the ice basket assembly: when the ice basket is in the first position, along... Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the AA direction; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point C in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 2 The implementation method of the ice basket assembly: when the ice basket is in the second position, along... Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the AA direction; Figure 6 for Figure 2 The implementation method of the ice hockey basket component follows Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the middle BB direction; Figure 7 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the implementation method of the ice hockey basket assembly; Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice maker provided by this utility model; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the implementation method of the ice maker after removing the top cover.

[0018] Explanation of icon numbers: Ice maker 100; outer casing 110; top cover 120; ice shovel 130; ice trough 140; ice pouring trough 150; Ice basket component 10; Mounting component 11; water storage tank 111; second arc-shaped wall 112; abutment wall 113; mounting part 114; first receiving platform 115; installation space 11a; water storage space 11b; setting space 11c; Ice basket 12; First arc-shaped wall 121; Abutting rib 122; Second receiving platform 123; Elastic element 13; Spring 131; Trigger 14; Micro switch 141; Trigger head 1411; Ice cube E.

[0019] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the implementation methods and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0023] This utility model proposes an ice basket assembly.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The ice basket assembly 10 proposed in this utility model includes a mounting member 11, an ice basket 12, an elastic member 13, and a trigger member 14. The mounting member 11 forms an installation space 11a. The ice basket 12 is installed within the installation space 11a and has a first position and a second position distributed along the direction of gravity; the first position is higher than the second position. The elastic member 13 is connected to both the mounting member 11 and the ice basket 12; the elastic member 13 is used to push the ice basket 12 from the second position to the first position. The trigger member 14 is used to couple with the ice basket 12 in the second position.

[0025] Mounting component 11 is a component that provides a mounting base for the ice basket 12. Mounting component 11 can be a bracket or housing, etc. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the mounting component 11 is the inner liner of the ice maker. The inner liner is the inner shell of the component that provides the cold insulation function. Outside the cold insulation space formed by the inner liner (including the cavity of the ice pouring groove 150, the mounting space 11a and the water storage space 11b mentioned below, all of which belong to the cold insulation space), foam material can be provided for cold insulation. In addition to the foam material, a shell can be added to protect the foam material.

[0026] Of course, in other embodiments, the ice basket assembly 10 may not be used in an ice maker; in one example, the ice basket assembly 10 may be used in a refrigerator with an ice-making function. In other embodiments, the mounting member 11 may not be the inner liner. In one example, the mounting member 11 is a bracket disposed in the storage space of the refrigerator; in yet another example, the mounting member 11 is a rigid connector fixedly connected to the outer casing of the ice maker, which also extends into the inner liner to provide a mounting base for the ice basket 12.

[0027] It is evident that the mounting component 11 forming the installation space 11a does not necessarily require the mounting component 11 itself to enclose the installation space 11a. It is sufficient that the mounting component 11 can install the ice basket 12 into a preset space, which can be the inner liner of an ice maker or the storage space of a refrigerator, etc. However, it should be noted that the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of this application refers to the installation space 11a enclosed by the mounting component 11.

[0028] Ice basket 12 is a storage element used to store ice cubes. It can be in the shape of a slot, or it can be an open slot (i.e.,...). Figures 1-3 The ice basket 12 can be in the shape shown, or it can be a closed trough; when it is a closed trough, an openable lid is required for storing ice. Through holes can be provided on the side walls and / or bottom walls of the ice basket 12 to drain water produced by melting ice.

[0029] The ice basket 12 has a first position and a second position, so the ice basket 12 can move in the installation space 11a; the first position is higher than the second position, which means that when the mounting part 11 is in a preset posture and the ice basket 12 is in the first position, the effect of gravity on the ice basket 12 makes the ice basket 12 tend to move towards the second position.

[0030] The aforementioned preset pose refers to the position and orientation of the mounting component 11 when the equipment to which the ice basket assembly 10 is applied is operating normally. In this application, when defining the relationship between the component and the direction of gravity or the horizontal direction, it refers to the relationship between the component and the direction of gravity or the horizontal direction when the equipment is in normal operating condition.

[0031] The first and second positions are distributed along the direction of gravity, meaning that in the first position, the center of gravity (or center of mass) of the ice basket 12 is higher in the direction of gravity than in the second position. By eliminating the influence of devices that drive the ice basket 12 (e.g., removing the elastic element 13; if a motor drives the ice basket 12, also remove the motor and other driving components, but do not eliminate the effect of the guiding structure, such as the effect of the first and second arc-shaped walls described below), and allowing the ice basket 12 to move under gravity, if it can be observed that the ice basket 12 can move from one position to another, then the previous position can be the first position, and the subsequent position can be the second position.

[0032] The elastic element 13 can be connected to the mounting part 11 and the ice basket 12 in various ways. For example, the elastic element 13 can be connected to the ice basket 12 by snap-fit, adhesive, fastening, or overlapping, and it can also be connected to the mounting part 11 by snap-fit, adhesive, fastening, or overlapping. The connection between the elastic element 13 and the two parts only needs to ensure that the elastic element 13 can be supported by the mounting part 11 to push the ice basket 12 from the second position to the first position.

[0033] The elastic element 13 can be a separate component from the ice basket 12, such as a spring or leaf spring as described below. Alternatively, the elastic element 13 can be an integral part of the ice basket 12; for example, a leaf spring-shaped elastic portion can be formed at the bottom of the ice basket 12, producing a similar function to a leaf spring. The ice basket 12 can also be fixedly connected to the mounting member 11 (e.g., the first and second arc-shaped walls are fixedly connected below). When ice enters the ice basket 12, it compresses and deforms the ice basket 12; the deformed portion of the ice basket 12 (if the first and second arc-shaped walls are fixedly connected, this portion refers to the part of the ice basket 12 near the first arc-shaped wall) is the elastic element 13.

[0034] Since the first position is higher than the second position, when there is no ice in the ice basket 12, the ice basket 12 can be in the first position under the pushing action of the elastic member 13; when the ice in the ice basket 12 gradually increases, the total mass of the ice basket 12 and the ice increases, which can overcome the pushing force of the elastic member 13, thus sinking and gradually moving towards the second position.

[0035] When the ice basket 12 moves to the second position, it triggers the trigger element 14, thus coupling with it. The specific coupling method depends on the type of trigger element 14. In one example, the trigger element 14 is a photoelectric gate switch, in which case a light-blocking plate can be installed on the ice basket 12. When the ice basket 12 moves to the second position, the light-blocking plate enters the photoelectric gate switch to trigger it. See also the example below (i.e., an example where the trigger element 14 is a microswitch or a magnetic sensor).

[0036] As can be seen, for detecting a full ice layer, the weight of the ice block is sufficient to move the ice basket 12 to the second position, at which point the trigger 14 will send a signal, informing the device that the ice is full. Because the ice basket 12 is coupled to the trigger 14, it is not affected by water mist (water mist scatters infrared light, making infrared sensing prone to false alarms of a full ice layer), nor is it susceptible to false alarms due to the uncertainty of ice accumulation, resulting in higher reliability in detecting a full ice layer.

[0037] It should be noted that when the user takes ice from the ice basket 12, the weight of the ice in the ice basket 12 decreases, and the ice basket 12 will move away from the second position and move towards the first position under the pushing action of the elastic element 13.

[0038] When the device to which the ice basket assembly 10 is applied is operating normally, it is not necessarily necessary to wait until the user has used up all the ice in the ice basket 12 before ice making begins. In one example, ice making can begin again when the user has taken a large amount of ice, enough to weaken the weight of the ice in the ice basket 12, making it insufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 13, and the ice is pushed away from the second position by the elastic element 13 a sufficient distance, at which point the trigger element 14 is no longer triggered. In another example, other detection elements can be set, requiring the ice basket 13 to be moved away from the second position sufficiently before the detection element is triggered, and ice making can then begin after the detection element is triggered.

[0039] If ice is not made, the ice in the ice basket 12 will be gradually used up, and the gravity on the ice basket 12 will gradually decrease. Then, under the pushing action of the elastic element 13, the ice basket 12 will gradually move from the second position to the first position, thereby restoring the initial position and ready to carry out subsequent work.

[0040] The elastic element 13 also provides cushioning and noise reduction, preventing ice cubes from breaking and making excessive noise when they are put into the ice basket 12. When ice cubes fall into the ice basket 12, they can also cause the ice basket 12 to vibrate. The ice basket 12 can maintain a vibrating state for a period of time with the support of the elastic element 13, so that the ice cubes can naturally tend to be piled up horizontally (ice cubes are not liquid, so they may be piled up like sand or stones into a dune shape), so as to make fuller use of the ice-holding space in the ice basket 12.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the ice basket 12 is rotatably connected to the mounting member 11; the ice basket 12 is used to rotate relative to the mounting member 11 to move between a first position and a second position.

[0042] The ice basket 12 can be rotatably connected to the rotating parts through hinges or other components, or through a shaft hole fit, or through the fit of the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 as described below.

[0043] The rotating connection structure can simultaneously serve as a guide and a limiter; the ice basket 12 can rotate between the first and second positions along a preset trajectory under the constraint of the rotating connection structure, which serves as the guide function; the ice basket 12 can be supported by the rotating structure, which serves as the limiter function. It can be seen that the rotating connection makes the ice basket assembly 10 simple in structure and more reliable.

[0044] Furthermore, since the ice basket 12 moves by rotating between the first and second positions, the positional relationship between the ice blocks inside the ice basket 12 and the horizontal direction can be changed. If the angle between the overall surface of the ice blocks and the horizontal direction is small in the early stage of the accumulation, the angle between the overall surface of the ice blocks and the horizontal direction will increase after the ice blocks accumulate further and the ice basket 12 rotates. This angle may exceed the angle of repose, causing the ice blocks to collapse and making the overall surface of the ice blocks more horizontal, which is beneficial for making full use of the space of the ice basket 12.

[0045] To illustrate the rotational relationships more clearly, please refer to an example. Figure 3 and Figure 5 ;exist Figure 3 In the shown state, ice basket 12 is in the first position. Figure 5 In the state shown, ice basket 12 is in the second position.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the mounting component 11 forms a water storage tank 111, and the water storage tank 111 has an installation space 11a and a water storage space 11b distributed along the direction of gravity; the installation space 11a is above the water storage space 11b.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise specified, "trough" refers to the tank body, and the water storage tank 111 refers to the tank body. The cavity formed by the water storage tank 111 contains the installation space 11a and the water storage space 11b.

[0048] The installation space 11a and the water storage space 11b cannot be considered to have an absolutely clear dividing line. The installation space 11a can be considered to be occupied by the water storage tank 111 and the ice storage space inside it; while the water storage space 11b is outside the installation space 11a and below the ice basket 12.

[0049] The ice basket 12 has a first position and a second position, meaning that the ice basket 12 will gradually descend during the process of filling it with ice. This is exactly in line with the downward trend of water in the water storage space 11b. Since the water used to make ice can come from the water in the water storage space 11b, as water is used to make ice, the water level gradually decreases. At the same time, the ice basket 12 fills with more ice and also gradually descends, making reasonable use of the space in the water storage tank 111 and improving the space utilization rate.

[0050] Specifically, in one example, drainage holes can be provided on the bottom and / or side walls of the ice basket 12, so that the initial water level can even be inside the ice basket 12. When some water is pumped out for ice making, the water level drops, naturally preventing it from flooding the ice basket 12, allowing it to store ice normally. This allows for further utilization of the space in the water storage space 11b.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6In some embodiments, a first arcuate wall 121 is formed on the ice basket 12, and a second arcuate wall 112 is formed on the mounting member 11; the first arcuate wall 121 and the second arcuate wall 112 cooperate to allow the ice basket 12 to be hung on the mounting member 11; the axial direction of the first arcuate wall 121 and the second arcuate wall 112 is along the horizontal direction.

[0052] The first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 both refer to walls with arc-shaped surface features, and do not necessarily need to be arc-shaped themselves. For an example, please refer to... Figure 6 It can be seen that the first arc-shaped wall 121 is arc-shaped, while the second arc-shaped wall 112 is basically semi-cylindrical. Figure 6 The middle section is a cross-section, so it is basically semi-circular. However, both the arc-shaped wall and the semi-cylindrical wall have arc surfaces, so they both meet the characteristic requirements of arc-shaped walls. In addition, the axial direction of the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 is the distribution direction of the axis of the surface arc feature.

[0053] In the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112, one has a concave surface and the other has a convex surface. The concave and convex surfaces can cooperate with each other to form a rotational connection between the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112.

[0054] The ice basket 12 is attached to the mounting component 11, meaning that the positions of the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 are higher than the center of mass (or center of gravity) of the ice basket 12 in the direction of gravity, and the first arc-shaped wall 121 needs to be above the second arc-shaped wall 112. In this way, the ice basket 12 can naturally have a tendency to move from the first position to the second position under the action of gravity.

[0055] The first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 can be directly formed on the ice basket 12 and the mounting part 11, respectively, simplifying the rotational connection structure between the ice basket 12 and the mounting part 11. At the same time, since the first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 can be made of the same material as the ice basket 12 and the mounting part 11, theoretically the highest connection strength can be achieved (even if the strength of the separate rotational connection structure exceeds the strength of the material of the ice basket 12 and the mounting part 11 itself, it will not increase the connection strength, because when running outside the strength range, even if the connection structure is not damaged, the ice basket 12 or the mounting part 11 will be damaged, resulting in connection failure).

[0056] The first arc-shaped wall 121 and the second arc-shaped wall 112 can each have only one to simplify the structure, or they can each have two to improve stability. See the example below. Figure 2The implementation method has two first arc-shaped walls 121. It is understood that there are also two second arc-shaped walls 112 that cooperate with the two first arc-shaped walls 121. The two first arc-shaped walls 121 are arranged on both sides of the ice basket 12 in the horizontal direction to improve the stability of the rotational connection.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the elastic element 13 includes a spring 131; one end of the spring 131 is connected to the bottom of the ice basket 12, and the other end is connected to the mounting element 11; the spring 131 is distributed in a horizontal direction.

[0058] The spring 131 is a strip-shaped elastic element, and its length is not perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This allows for more flexible selection of the specific contact positions between the spring 131 and the bottom of the ice basket 12, as well as with the mounting component 11. For an example, please refer to... Figure 4 The abutment wall 113 is provided to support one end of the spring 131. Since the spring 131 extends in the horizontal direction, the abutment wall 113 can not extend excessively into the mounting part 11, thus avoiding encroaching on the space for water or ice storage. At the same time, the spring 131 can be connected to the middle position of the bottom of the ice basket 12, which can help the ice basket 12 support the weight of the ice and improve the overall strength.

[0059] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the ice basket 12 and the other end of which is connected to the mounting member 11; the axial direction of the spring is along the direction of gravity.

[0060] In one example, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 The abutment wall 113 can be used to connect to one end of the spring; the side of the ice basket 12 opposite to the abutment wall 113 can be connected to the other end of the spring. The spring can be in a compressed state to push the ice basket 12 toward the first position.

[0061] Since the spring has a certain volume after compression, a clearance groove can be provided on the mounting part 11 and / or the ice basket 12 to accommodate the compressed spring. The spring has a long service life and is not prone to fatigue, which can improve the service life of the ice basket assembly 10.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the elastic element 13 includes a spring 131; the mounting member 11 has an abutment wall 113 extending horizontally within the water storage tank 111; one end of the spring 131 is connected to the bottom of the ice basket 12, and the other end abuts against the upper side of the abutment wall 113 in the direction of gravity; the spring 131 is distributed horizontally; when the ice basket 12 is in the second position, the ice basket 12 abuts against the abutment wall 113.

[0063] It is evident that the abutment wall 113 serves two purposes: firstly, it overlaps with one end of the spring 131, providing support for the spring 131; secondly, it provides support for the ice basket 12 in the second position. One component serves two purposes, making the structure of the ice basket assembly 10 simpler and more reliable. Simultaneously, the ice basket 12 can be supported in at least two places: firstly, by the spring 131 supporting the bottom of the ice basket 12 (although the ice basket 12 is already in contact with the abutment wall 113, the spring 131 remains deformed and provides support); and secondly, by the abutment wall 113 supporting the bottom of the ice basket 12. This results in a larger supported area for the ice basket 12, preventing damage caused by excessive localized stress.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the trigger 14 includes a micro switch 141; the mounting member 11 has a mounting portion 114 that protrudes into the water tank 111 to form a setting space 11c outside the water tank 111; the micro switch 141 is disposed in the setting space 11c; the trigger head 1411 of the micro switch 141 extends into the water tank 111 and is pressed against by the ice basket 12 in the second position.

[0065] The mounting part 114 protrudes into the water storage tank 111, so when viewed from the outside of the water storage tank 111, the mounting part 114 appears to be recessed into the water storage tank 111, i.e., reference... Figure 7 As can be seen, the mounting part 114 is recessed into the water storage tank 111. In particular, the mounting part 114 can also share its top surface with the abutment wall 113 mentioned above (see reference). Figure 4 Since the mounting part 114 protrudes into the water storage tank 111, it has a larger moment of inertia when subjected to pressure from the spring 131 or the spring, and can better withstand the pressure without excessive deformation.

[0066] The micro switch 141 is disposed in the mounting space 11c. When the trigger head 1411 passes through the wall of the mounting part 114, the trigger head 1411 naturally extends into the water tank 111. The trigger head 1411 can be a waterproof pressing head, so that the micro switch 141 will not be damaged by the liquid in the water tank 111. The mounting part 114 provides the mounting space 11a for the micro switch 141 on the one hand, and provides protection for the micro switch 141 on the other hand. That is, when the ice basket 12 is pressed down with a pressure exceeding the expected pressure, the pressure is preferentially borne by the mounting part 114, and the trigger head 1411 will not be damaged.

[0067] Although the micro switch 141 can ultimately generate an electrical signal, it is triggered mechanically, which provides higher reliability.

[0068] In some embodiments, the trigger includes a magnetic sensor disposed outside the water tank 111; the ice basket assembly 10 also includes a magnetic element disposed on the ice basket 12; the magnetic element is used to couple with the magnetic sensor when the ice basket 12 is in the second position.

[0069] Magnetic sensors can be Hall sensors (Hall switches) or reed switches, etc. The magnetic component can be a permanent magnet. The magnetic component and the magnetic sensor are coupled to each other, that is, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic component acts on the magnetic sensor, triggering the magnetic sensor.

[0070] In one example, the magnetic sensor is a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor can detect at least the magnitude of the magnetic field. When the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall sensor is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it can be considered that the magnetic component is coupled to the magnetic sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor is a Hall switch. When the magnetic field strength reaches the threshold strength of the Hall switch, it can be considered that the magnetic component is coupled to the magnetic sensor. In yet another example, the magnetic sensor is a reed switch. When the reed switch is attracted by the magnetic field, it can be considered that the magnetic component is coupled to the magnetic sensor.

[0071] It is evident that the magnetic sensor, by coupling with a magnetic component through a magnetic field, can avoid passing through the tank body of the water storage tank 111, thus preventing leakage of the water storage tank 111.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the trigger 14 includes a micro switch 141 disposed outside the water storage tank 111, the trigger head 1411 of the micro switch 141 extending into the water storage tank 111; an abutting rib 122 is formed on the ice basket 12, the abutting rib 122 being distributed in the horizontal direction; when the ice basket 12 is in the second position, the abutting rib 122 presses against the trigger head 1411 at the bottom in the direction of gravity.

[0073] The abutting rib 122 can be integrally formed with the ice basket 12 or it can be a separate component, but it is fixed to the ice basket 12. The abutting rib 122 is distributed in a horizontal direction, which can refer to the length or width direction of the abutting rib 122. In this way, when the abutting rib 122 abuts against the trigger head 1411 at its bottom in the direction of gravity, the abutting rib 122 can have a larger moment of inertia of the cross section and is not easily damaged by pressure. At the same time, since the abutting rib 122 is a protruding part on the outer surface of the ice basket 12, it does not affect the body of the ice basket 12 and avoids damage to the body of the ice basket 12 during the interaction with the trigger head 1411.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, a first receiving platform 115 is formed on the mounting member 11, and the normal direction of the platform surface of the first receiving platform 115 is along the direction of gravity; a second receiving platform 123 is formed on the ice basket 12, and the normal direction of the platform surface of the second receiving platform 123 is along the direction of gravity; when the ice basket 12 is in the second position, the platform surface of the first receiving platform 115 abuts against the platform surface of the second receiving platform 123.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 6 It can be seen that in Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first receiving platform 115 is a protrusion protruding into the water storage tank 111, and the second receiving platform 123 is a protrusion protruding into the ice basket 12; however, in other embodiments, the first receiving platform 115 may be a protrusion protruding outward from the water storage tank 111, and the second receiving platform 123 may be a protrusion protruding outward from the ice basket 12.

[0076] Regardless of the specific configuration, the normals to the surfaces of the first receiving platform 115 and the second receiving platform 123 are both along the direction of gravity. This ensures that when the ice basket 12 is in the second position, the first receiving platform 115 and the second receiving platform 123 abut against each other, allowing the mounting component 11 to support the ice basket 12. In the second position, the weight of the ice basket 12 and the ice is at its maximum. The placement of the receiving platforms allows for greater support of the ice basket 12, preventing damage due to excessive localized support forces.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 This utility model also proposes an ice maker 100, which includes the ice basket assembly 10 described above, and thus has the beneficial effects of all the embodiments of the ice basket assembly 10 described above.

[0078] Ice maker 100 is a machine that makes ice cubes. Please refer to [the documentation / reference]. Figure 8 It can be seen that the ice maker 100 can have a shell 110, and the shell 110 can have a top cover 120. Figure 9 In the state shown, Figure 8In the embodiment of the ice maker 100 shown, removing the top cover 120 reveals the ice basket 12 and the mounting component 11. In this embodiment, the mounting component 11 is the inner liner, and it forms a water storage tank 111 and an ice pouring tank 150 (see reference for further details). Figure 1 and Figure 3 An ice-making tank 140 can be set in the ice trough 150, and ice can be made in the ice-making tank 140. Figure 9 The ice block E formed is bullet-shaped. The finished ice block E can be scattered into the ice making tank 140. The ice making tank 140 rotates to pour the ice block E into the ice pouring tank 150, and then the ice block E is shoveled into the ice basket 12 by the ice shovel 130.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, the ice basket assembly 10 can be applied to the ice maker 100 in other ways. For example, the mounting part 11 can form only a water storage tank 111 and not an ice pouring tank 150; the ice making tank 140 is directly set above the ice basket 12, and the made ice is directly poured into the ice basket 12.

[0080] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ice basket assembly, characterized in that, include: The mounting components create an installation space; An ice basket is installed within the installation space and has a first position and a second position distributed along the direction of gravity. The first position is higher than the second position; The elastic element is connected to both the mounting component and the ice basket. The elastic element is used to push the ice basket from the second position to the first position; A trigger element for coupling with the ice basket in the second position.

2. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice basket is rotatably connected to the mounting component; the ice basket is used to rotate relative to the mounting component to move between the first position and the second position.

3. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting component forms a water storage tank, and the installation space and the water storage space are distributed in the water storage tank along the direction of gravity; the installation space is above the water storage space.

4. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A first arc-shaped wall is formed on the ice basket, and a second arc-shaped wall is formed on the mounting component; the first arc-shaped wall and the second arc-shaped wall cooperate to allow the ice basket to be hung on the mounting component; the axial directions of the first arc-shaped wall and the second arc-shaped wall are horizontal.

5. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a spring; one end of the spring is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end is connected to the mounting component; the springs are distributed horizontally; and / or The elastic element includes a spring, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end is connected to the mounting component; the axial direction of the spring is along the direction of gravity.

6. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a spring; the mounting member has an abutment wall extending horizontally within the water storage tank; one end of the spring is connected to the bottom of the ice basket, and the other end abuts against the upper side of the abutment wall in the direction of gravity. The reeds are distributed horizontally; when the ice basket is in the second position, the ice basket abuts against the abutting wall.

7. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The trigger includes a micro switch; the mounting member has a mounting portion that protrudes into the water tank to form a space outside the water tank; the micro switch is disposed within the space; the trigger head of the micro switch extends into the water tank and is pressed against by the ice basket in the second position; and / or The trigger includes a magnetic sensor disposed outside the water storage tank; the ice basket assembly also includes a magnetic component disposed on the ice basket; the magnetic component is used to couple with the magnetic sensor when the ice basket is in the second position.

8. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The trigger includes a micro switch disposed outside the water storage tank, the trigger head of the micro switch extending into the water storage tank; the ice basket has abutting ribs formed thereon, the abutting ribs being distributed in the horizontal direction; when the ice basket is in the second position, the abutting ribs press against the trigger head at the bottom in the direction of gravity.

9. The ice basket assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A first receiving platform is formed on the mounting component, and the normal direction of the surface of the first receiving platform is along the direction of gravity; a second receiving platform is formed on the ice basket, and the normal direction of the surface of the second receiving platform is along the direction of gravity; when the ice basket is in the second position, the surface of the first receiving platform abuts against the surface of the second receiving platform.

10. An ice maker, characterized in that, Includes the ice basket assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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