Ice making device and water dispenser

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses an ice making device and a water dispenser. The ice making device comprises a frame body, an ice making structure, a conveying structure and a blocking piece. The frame body comprises a shell and an ice outlet part. An ice storage cavity is arranged in the shell. The ice outlet part is provided with an ice outlet channel. The ice storage cavity and the outside of the shell are connected through the ice outlet channel. The ice making structure is suitable for making ice cubes. The conveying structure is arranged in the ice storage cavity and is suitable for conveying the ice cubes in the ice storage cavity to the outside of the shell. The blocking piece is connected to the shell and is located on the path of the ice cubes moving towards the ice outlet channel. The blocking piece has a first position state and a second position state. When the blocking piece is in the first position state, it can hinder the ice cubes from entering the ice outlet channel. When the blocking piece is in the second position state, it gives way to the ice cubes entering the ice outlet channel. The ice making device is used to solve the problem that the ice cubes in the prior art are prone to overflowing and melting due to the accumulation of the ice cubes in the ice outlet part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water dispenser technology, and more particularly to an ice-making device and a water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] An ice-making device is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator with a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. Ice-making devices are widely used in household, commercial, and industrial fields. For example, ice-making devices can be used in water dispensers, combining the functions of ice making and water dispensing, providing ice cubes to users who need ice water, and increasing the functionality of the water dispenser.

[0003] The ice-making device includes an ice-making structure and a transport structure. The ice-making structure is used to make ice blocks, while the transport structure is responsible for outputting the finished ice blocks from the ice outlet of the ice-making device. Users can catch the ice blocks at the ice outlet for use.

[0004] However, in related technologies, ice blocks usually accumulate inside the ice-making device. When there is a large accumulation of ice blocks, the ice blocks tend to be close to the ice outlet. The ice outlet is the part of the ice-making device that comes into contact with the external environment and has a strong heat exchange with the external environment. Therefore, the ice blocks that are relatively close to the ice outlet are easy to melt at the external temperature. In addition, if there are too many ice blocks close to the ice outlet, it will also cause the ice blocks to overflow from the ice outlet, resulting in a waste of resources. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides an ice-making device and a water dispenser to solve the problem in the prior art where ice blocks accumulate at the ice outlet, causing the ice blocks to easily overflow and melt.

[0006] To achieve one or more of the above objectives or other objectives, the first aspect of this application proposes an ice-making device, including a frame body, an ice-making structure, a transport structure, and a blocking member. The frame body includes a shell and an ice outlet. An ice storage cavity is provided inside the shell. The ice outlet is connected to one end of the shell and has an ice outlet channel. The ice storage cavity and the outside of the shell are connected through the ice outlet channel. The ice-making structure is disposed in the shell and is adapted to make ice blocks and temporarily store the made ice blocks in the ice storage cavity. The transport structure is disposed in the ice storage cavity and is adapted to transport the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity to the ice outlet channel and output them to the outside of the shell through the ice outlet channel. The blocking member is connected to the shell and is located on the path of the ice blocks moving toward the ice outlet channel. The blocking member has a first position state and a second position state. In the free state, the blocking member is in the first position state and can prevent the ice blocks from entering the ice outlet channel. When the ice blocks move toward the ice outlet channel and a predetermined pressure is applied to the blocking member, the blocking member can change from the first position state to the second position state to make way for the ice blocks to enter the ice outlet channel.

[0007] Preferably, one end of the shell is provided with an opening that connects to the ice storage chamber, the ice outlet is connected to the shell near the opening, the ice outlet channel is connected to the ice storage chamber through the opening, and the baffle is connected to the shell near the opening.

[0008] Preferably, the barrier includes a connecting portion and a barrier portion, the connecting portion and the barrier portion are connected, the connecting portion is connected to the housing, and when the barrier is in the first position state, the barrier portion extends to cover at least part of the opening to restrict ice blocks in the ice storage cavity from entering the ice outlet channel.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting part is fixedly connected to the housing, the connecting part and the blocking part are integrally formed, and the blocking part is made of elastic material.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting part and the blocking part are integrally formed, the connecting part is rotatably connected to the housing, and a torsion spring is provided at the connection position between the blocking part and the housing. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the blocking part, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the blocking part, and the other end abuts against the housing. In the free state, the torsion spring provides elastic force to force the blocking part to be in a first position. When the transport structure transports ice blocks toward the ice outlet channel, the ice blocks squeeze the blocking part, forcing the torsion spring to twist, thereby causing the blocking part to rotate relative to the housing to a second position.

[0011] Preferably, the transport structure includes a spiral assembly and a first driving member. The first driving member is connected to the ice outlet. The spiral assembly includes a screw and blades spirally wound on the screw. One end of the screw is connected to the output end of the first driving member, and the other end extends away from the ice outlet and is rotatably connected to the housing. The first driving member is adapted to drive the screw to rotate. The ice outlet includes an ice outlet shell and a cover plate. The ice outlet shell is connected to the housing, and the cover plate is connected to the ice outlet shell. The cover plate and the ice outlet shell enclose an ice outlet channel. The first driving member is connected to the cover plate.

[0012] Preferably, the ice outlet section further includes an ice outlet door, which is rotatably disposed in the ice outlet section and located within the ice outlet channel. The ice outlet door is configured to have a first position suitable for blocking the ice outlet channel and a second position suitable for opening the ice outlet channel.

[0013] Preferably, the ice-making structure includes an ice-making component and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber includes a chamber body with a receiving slot suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component includes a heat exchanger and an ice-making head connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is suitable for connecting to an external refrigeration device to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head. The ice-making head is suitable for being inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving slot to freeze the ice-making water.

[0014] Preferably, the ice-making device further includes a transfer chamber located below the ice-making chamber. A transfer trough is provided at one end of the transfer chamber facing the ice-making chamber, and one end of the transfer trough is connected to the ice storage cavity. The ice-making structure also includes a second driving member. One end of the ice-making chamber is rotatably connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the output end of the second driving member. An ice-moving member is also provided at the end of the ice-making chamber facing the transfer chamber. The second driving member is adapted to drive the ice-making chamber to rotate back and forth so as to flip the ice blocks inside into the transfer chamber, and to transfer the ice blocks from the position where the transfer trough and the ice storage cavity are connected to the ice storage cavity through the ice-moving member.

[0015] Preferably, a reflux chamber is also provided inside the shell, and the reflux chamber is located below the transfer compartment.

[0016] The second aspect of this application provides a water dispenser, including a housing, a water storage tank, a cold water tank, a refrigeration device, and the aforementioned ice-making device. The water storage tank is suitable for providing room temperature water, and the refrigeration device is suitable for providing a cooling temperature to the ice-making device.

[0017] Implementing the embodiments of this application will have the following beneficial effects: The ice-making device of this application has a baffle in the path of the ice blocks moving towards the ice outlet channel. In the free state, the baffle is in the first position. When there are many ice blocks in the ice storage chamber and they are piled up towards the ice outlet channel, the baffle obstructs the direction of ice block accumulation, preventing the ice blocks from continuing to move towards the ice outlet. Only when the transport structure operates and drives the ice blocks towards the ice outlet channel, the ice blocks transported by the transport structure squeeze the baffle, causing it to change from the first position to the second position, thus allowing the ice blocks to smoothly enter the ice outlet channel. In this way, the baffle not only prevents the ice blocks from approaching the ice outlet, avoiding the temperature of the ice outlet from affecting the ice blocks and causing them to melt, but also prevents excessive accumulation of ice blocks, avoiding the risk of ice blocks overflowing from the ice outlet due to excessive accumulation. In addition, under the transport of the transport structure, the baffle does not affect the transport of the ice blocks from the ice outlet channel to the external environment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] in: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water dispenser provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a second ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a third ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the barrier provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a fourth ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Ice-making device; 10. Frame body; 11. Shell; 111. Ice storage chamber; 112. Return chamber; 113. Through port; 114. Limiting component; 12. Ice outlet; 121. Ice outlet channel; 122. Ice outlet door; 123. Ice outlet shell; 124. Cover plate; 125. Third drive component; 13. End cap; 20. Ice-making structure; 21. Ice-making assembly; 211. Heat exchanger; 212. Ice-making head; 22. Ice chamber; 221. Bin body; 2211. Receiving trough; 222. Ice transfer component; 23. Second drive component; 30. Transport structure; 31. Spiral assembly; 311. Screw; 312. Blade; 32. First drive component; 40. Barrier component; 41. Connecting part; 42. Barrier part; 421. Clearance notch; 50. Transfer bin; 51. Transfer trough; 200. Box body; 300. Water storage tank; 400. Cold water tank; 500. Refrigeration unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] As can be seen from the background technology described above, ice-making devices have wide applications in many fields. Existing ice makers generally include an ice-making structure, a water tank, and a refrigeration system. This refrigeration system includes a compressor and condenser connected by refrigerant piping. The water tank supplies water to the ice-making structure. The ice-making structure includes an evaporator and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber holds the ice-making water, and the evaporator cools the water to a predetermined temperature and freezes it into ice. The ice-making device also includes a transport structure. The ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure are stored in a cavity. When ice blocks are needed, the transport structure transports the stored ice blocks to the outside.

[0022] Understandably, the ice-making process within an ice-making device involves an ice-making structure producing ice blocks, which are then stored within a cavity. A transport structure then moves the ice blocks to the external environment. The ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure tend to accumulate within the device, facilitating rapid ice dispensing. However, the dispensing area is in direct contact with the external environment, meaning its temperature is close to the ambient temperature. Ice blocks within the cavity easily accumulate near the dispensing area. For example, if a large quantity of ice is produced, it may accumulate near the dispensing area. Alternatively, when transporting ice blocks via the transport structure, the ice blocks are directed towards the dispensing area. If the transport structure is closed once a user has obtained enough ice, the transport of ice blocks to the dispensing area is halted, further contributing to ice accumulation there. Ice blocks accumulated at the dispensing area are easily affected by the external temperature, causing them to melt. Furthermore, a large accumulation at this area can lead to overflow when no ice is needed, resulting in resource waste.

[0023] The ice-making device of this application, by improving the traditional structure, can form a structure at the ice outlet to block the ice block from continuing to move towards the ice outlet. This not only prevents the ice block from moving towards the ice outlet and avoids the risk of ice block overflowing from the ice outlet due to excessive accumulation, but also isolates the ice block from the external environment, thus isolating it from the temperature of the external environment and making the ice block less likely to melt.

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

[0025] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides an ice-making device 100 and a water dispenser using the ice-making device 100. The water dispenser of this application can produce ice cubes inside the dispenser by incorporating the ice-making device 100, and then transport the produced ice cubes out of the dispenser through an internal structure to meet the need for ice. It is understood that the water dispenser of this application, based on improvements to the ice-making device 100, also possesses the effects brought about by these improvements, as detailed in the following description of the ice-making device 100.

[0026] The water dispenser of this application mainly includes a housing 200, a water storage tank 300, a refrigeration unit 500, and an ice-making unit 100. The water storage tank 300 is suitable for providing room temperature water to the cold water tank 400, and the refrigeration unit 500 is suitable for providing a cooling temperature to the ice-making unit 100. The housing 200 serves as the frame structure of the water dispenser, acting as a mounting carrier for other structures within the dispenser and protecting them. One end of the housing 200 has a water outlet (not shown in the figure). The water storage tank 300 can be connected to the water outlet via a room temperature water pipe, allowing drinking water from the storage tank 300 to flow directly from the outlet, providing room temperature water for the user. It should be noted that the water dispenser of this application may also include a heating structure (not shown in the figure). One end of the heating structure can be connected to the water storage tank 300 through a water pipe, and the other end of the heating structure can be connected to the water outlet through a water pipe, so that the drinking water in the water storage tank 300 is heated by the heating structure and flows out from the water outlet to provide hot water for the user to drink.

[0027] It is worth mentioning that the water storage tank 300 can be directly connected to the ice-making device 100 via a water pipe to transport room temperature water to the ice-making device 100. The refrigeration device 500 is connected to the ice-making device 100 and is suitable for providing the conditions required for ice making, that is, cooling the ice-making device 100 during ice making. In this way, the water in the water storage tank 300 can be made into ice cubes.

[0028] In addition, a cold water tank 400 can be installed in the water dispenser. Specifically, one end of the cold water tank 400 is connected to the water storage tank 300 through a water pipe, and the other end of the cold water tank 400 is connected to the water outlet through a water pipe. A refrigeration device 500 is connected to the cold water tank 400 to cool the water in the cold water tank 400. In this way, the drinking water in the water storage tank 300 is cooled down by the refrigeration device 500 and flows out from the water outlet to provide cold water for users to drink.

[0029] Furthermore, the ice-making structure 20 can be directly connected to the cold water tank 400 and the refrigeration unit 500. This allows the cold water tank 400 to provide cold water to the ice-making structure 20, and the refrigeration unit 500 to provide energy to the ice-making structure 20, enabling it to turn the water from the cold water tank 400 into ice cubes. By including the cold water tank 400, a pre-cooling structure can be added, providing pre-cooled water to the ice-making unit 100, thus accelerating its ice-making efficiency. As can be seen from the above, this water dispenser can provide three water dispensing modes: room temperature water, hot water, and cold water, and can also provide ice cubes, allowing users to choose the water they need.

[0030] For example, the refrigeration device 500 of this application may include an internal refrigeration pipe, a condenser, a compressor pump, and a cooling fan. The internal refrigeration pipe is installed inside the cold water tank 400. One end of the internal refrigeration pipe is connected to the condenser through a pipe, the condenser is connected to the compressor pump through a pipe, and the compressor pump is connected to the other end of the internal refrigeration pipe through a pipe. The internal refrigeration pipe contains a condensing medium. Specifically, the condensing medium circulates between the internal refrigeration pipe, the pipe, and the compressor pump. The condensing medium processed by the compressor pump flows back to the internal refrigeration pipe inside the cold water tank 400 to ensure that the cold water tank 400 can continuously maintain a low temperature.

[0031] See Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making device 100 of this application, serving as an ice-making apparatus for a water dispenser, includes a frame body 10, an ice-making structure 20, a transport structure 30, and a baffle 40. The frame body 10 is the main structure of the ice-making device 100, serving as a mounting carrier for the remaining structures of the ice-making device 100, supporting and protecting them. The frame body 10 includes a housing 11 and an ice-discharging section 12. The interior of the housing 11 is suitable for manufacturing and storing ice cubes; for example, the housing 11 of this application has an ice storage cavity 111 for storing the manufactured ice cubes. The ice outlet 12 is connected to one end of the shell 11. An ice outlet channel 121 is provided inside the ice outlet 12. One end of the ice outlet channel 121 is connected to the ice storage cavity 111, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, the ice storage cavity 111 and the outside of the shell 11 can be connected through the ice outlet channel 121, and the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 can be discharged to the external environment through the ice outlet channel 121.

[0032] An ice-making structure 20 is disposed on the shell 11. The ice-making structure 20 is suitable for making ice blocks. The ice blocks made by the ice-making structure 20 can be transferred to the ice storage chamber 111 for storage.

[0033] The transport structure 30 is disposed in the ice storage cavity 111. The transport structure 30 is adapted to transport the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111 to the ice outlet channel 121 and output them to the outside of the shell 11 through the ice outlet channel 121.

[0034] The baffle 40 is connected to the housing 11 and is located on the path of the ice block moving towards the ice outlet channel 121. When the transport structure 30 transports the ice block towards the ice outlet channel 121, the ice block can come into contact with the baffle 40, and the baffle 40 can temporarily block the ice block from entering the ice outlet channel 121. It should be noted that the baffle 40 of this application has a first position state and a second position state. The first position state of the baffle 40 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown, the second position state of the blocking component 40 can be seen in [reference needed]. Figure 4As shown. In a free state without any structural obstruction, the barrier 40 is in the first position. At this time, at least a portion of the structure of the barrier 40 blocks the path of the ice block into the ice outlet channel 121, thus preventing the ice block from entering the ice outlet channel 121. When the transport structure 30 continuously transports ice blocks, causing the ice blocks to press against the barrier 40, the ice blocks move towards the ice outlet channel 121 and exert pressure on the barrier 40. When the pressure exerted by the ice blocks reaches a predetermined value, the barrier 40 can change from the first position to the second position. When the barrier 40 is in the second position, the position of the portion of the structure that blocks the ice blocks is deflected, thereby making way for the ice blocks to enter the ice outlet channel 121, allowing the ice blocks to enter the ice outlet channel 121 smoothly.

[0035] It is worth mentioning that the predetermined pressure in this application refers to the force exerted by the ice blocks on the barrier 40 when the ice blocks are freely stacked, but less than the force exerted by the transport structure 30 on the barrier 40 when transporting the ice blocks.

[0036] The ice-making device 100 of this application is provided with a baffle 40 on the path of the ice block moving toward the ice outlet channel 121. In the free state, the baffle 40 is in the first position. When there are a lot of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 111 and they are piled up toward the ice outlet channel 121, the baffle 40 obstructs the direction of the ice block accumulation and can prevent the ice blocks from continuing to move toward the ice outlet section 12. Only when the transport structure 30 works to drive the ice blocks to move toward the ice outlet channel 121, the ice blocks transported by the transport structure 30 squeeze the baffle 40, causing it to change from the first position to the second position, so that the ice blocks can smoothly enter the ice outlet channel 121. In this way, the baffle 40 can not only prevent ice from approaching the ice outlet 12 and avoid the temperature of the ice outlet 12 from affecting the ice and causing it to melt, but also prevent excessive accumulation of ice, thus avoiding the risk of ice overflowing from the ice outlet 12 due to excessive accumulation. In addition, under the transportation of the transport structure 30, the baffle 40 will not affect the transportation of ice from the ice outlet channel 121 to the external environment.

[0037] For example, the frame body 10 of this application also includes an end cap 13. An opening is formed at the top of the housing 11. The end cap 13 can be detachably connected to the top of the housing 11 by means of a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure or screws to cover the opening of the ice storage cavity 111.

[0038] In some feasible implementations, the ice outlet 12 is connected to the outer wall of the housing 11. The outer wall of the housing 11 and the end where the ice outlet 12 connects are provided with an opening 113 that connects to the ice storage cavity 111, allowing the ice storage cavity 111 to communicate with the external environment. The ice outlet 12 is connected to the housing 11 near the opening 113, and the ice outlet channel 121 connects to the ice storage cavity 111 through the opening 113. Thus, ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111 can enter the ice outlet channel 121 from the opening 113. The opening 113 serves as the necessary path for ice blocks to enter the ice outlet channel 121 from the ice storage cavity 111. In this application, a baffle 40 is connected to the housing 11 near the opening 113, and a portion of the baffle 40 extends into the opening 113, thereby achieving the function of blocking ice blocks.

[0039] See also Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the barrier 40 includes a connecting part 41 and a barrier part 42, which are connected to each other. The connecting part 41 and the barrier part 42 can be separate parts. In this case, the barrier part 42 and the connecting part 41 can be detachably connected together by a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure or screws, or the connecting part 41 and the barrier part 42 can be integrally formed. This application does not make any special limitations, and the integral forming of the connecting part 41 and the barrier part 42 is used as an example for explanation.

[0040] It should be noted that the baffle 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 11, and its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction in which the ice blocks move toward the ice outlet channel 121. A torsion spring can also be provided at the connection position between the baffle 40 and the housing 11. The torsion spring is sleeved on the axis of rotation of the baffle 40, with one end of the torsion spring abutting against the baffle 40 and the other end abutting against the housing 11. In the free state, under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the baffle 40 is forced to be in the first position. When the transport structure 30 transports ice blocks toward the ice outlet channel 121, the pressure of the ice blocks can force the torsion spring to twist, thereby causing the baffle 40 to rotate relative to the housing 11 and make way for the ice blocks, so that the baffle 40 is in the second position.

[0041] It should also be noted that the baffle 40 can also be fixedly connected to the housing 11. In this embodiment, the baffle 42 is made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber. The connecting part 41 is connected to the housing 11 by screws or other structures. The baffle 42 extends to at least the covered portion of the opening 113 to restrict the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111 from entering the ice outlet channel 121. Since the baffle 42 is made of an elastic material, the elastic force can be set to be greater than the force exerted by the ice blocks on the baffle 42 when the ice blocks are freely stacked, but less than the force exerted by the ice blocks on the baffle 42 when the transport structure 30 transports the ice blocks. In this way, the baffle 42 will not deform in the free state and can be used to prevent the ice blocks from stacking towards the ice outlet channel 121. When the transport structure 30 transports the ice blocks, the elastic baffle 42 deforms under the pressure of the ice blocks to make way for the ice blocks, allowing the ice blocks to enter the ice outlet channel 121.

[0042] Whether the blocking member 40 is rotatably mounted on the housing 11 or whether the blocking part 42 of the blocking member 40 is made of an elastic material needs to be determined according to the actual situation. This application does not make specific limitations.

[0043] See Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some feasible implementations, the transport structure 30 includes a spiral assembly 31 and a first drive member 32. The first drive member 32 is adapted to drive the spiral assembly 31 to rotate, and when the spiral assembly 31 rotates, it can move the ice block toward the ice outlet 12. Specifically, the spiral assembly 31 includes a screw 311 and blades 312 spirally wound on the screw 311. One end of the screw 311 is connected to the output end of the first drive member 32, and the other end extends away from the first drive member 32 and is rotatably connected to the housing 11. It should be noted that in order to smoothly transport the ice block in the ice storage cavity 111 to the ice outlet channel 121 through the opening 113, one end of the screw 311 in this application passes through the opening 113, and the blades 312 are wound on that end. In this way, when the screw 311 rotates, it can smoothly transport the ice block to the position of the opening 113. More specifically, the first driving member 32 of this application is connected to the outer wall of the ice outlet section 12. The first driving member 32 can be a drive motor, whose output shaft passes through the outer wall of the ice outlet section 12 and extends into the ice outlet channel 121. It is also adapted to be coaxially connected with the end of the screw 311 that passes through the through-hole 113, so that the first driving member 32 drives the screw 311 to rotate. At this time, the end of the screw 311 away from its connection with the first driving member 32 extends in the direction away from the ice outlet section 12. That is, with the cooperation of the spiral assembly 31 and the first driving member 32, the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111 can be moved in the direction toward the ice outlet section 12.

[0044] It should be noted that, since the baffle 40 is also located in the opening 113, when the screw 311 and blade 312 pass through the opening 113, they will inevitably pass through the baffle 40. To ensure that the baffle 42 blocks the ice without obstructing the screw 311 and blade 312 from passing through the opening 113, the baffle 42 is also provided with a clearance notch 421, through which the screw 311 and its blade 312 can pass. It is worth mentioning that when the screw 311 and its blade 312 pass through the clearance notch 421, the distance between the screw 311 and its blade 312 and the side wall of the clearance notch 421 is less than the size of the ice block, to prevent the ice block from entering the ice outlet channel 121 through this gap.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ice outlet 12 can be integrally formed with the housing 11 or separately formed from the housing 11. This application describes the ice outlet 12 and the housing 11 separately as an example. In this case, the ice outlet 12 can be detachably connected to the housing 11 by means of a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure, or screws. In this application, the ice outlet 12 includes an ice outlet shell 123 and a cover plate 124. The ice outlet shell 123 is detachably connected to the housing 11. The ice outlet shell 123 is provided with a channel penetrating its interior. Both ends of the channel are open in the extending direction, and the top of the ice outlet shell 123 is provided with an opening that communicates with the channel. The cover plate 124 is connected to the ice outlet shell 123 by screws, and the cover plate 124 covers the opening of the ice outlet shell 123. When the cover plate 124 is connected to the ice outlet shell 123, it can cover the opening at the top of the ice outlet shell 123 and form an ice outlet channel 121 with the ice outlet shell 123. The first drive unit 32 is connected to the outer wall of the cover plate 124, and the output shaft of the first drive unit 32 passes through the cover plate 124 and extends into the ice outlet channel 121.

[0046] See also Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice outlet section 12 further includes an ice outlet door 122. The ice outlet door 122 is used to close the ice outlet channel 121, thereby sealing the connection between the ice storage chamber 111 and the external environment. The ice outlet door 122 can prevent hot air from the external environment from entering the ice storage chamber 111, and can also prevent ice from the ice storage chamber 111 from overflowing from the ice outlet channel 121 into the external environment of the ice outlet section 12. In this application, the ice outlet door 122 is rotatably disposed in the ice outlet section 12 and located within the ice outlet channel 121. The ice outlet door 122 is configured to have a first position suitable for blocking the ice outlet channel 121 and a second position suitable for opening the ice outlet channel 121. The first position of the ice outlet door 122 is described in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown, see the second position of ice gate 122. Figure 4As shown. The ice outlet 12 is also equipped with a third driving component 125, which is a motor. The output shaft of the motor is coaxially fixedly connected to the ice outlet gate 122. The rotation axis of the ice outlet gate 122 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the screw 311. In the free state, the ice outlet gate 122 is in the first position. At this time, the ice outlet gate 122 closes the ice outlet channel 121, making it difficult for the ice in the ice storage chamber 111 to overflow from the ice outlet channel 121 into the external environment. When the ice outlet gate 122 is driven to rotate to the second position by the third driving component 125, the ice outlet channel 121 can be opened, and the ice can be transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the external environment.

[0047] The ice outlet gate 122 in this application can be used to block ice blocks from being output from the ice outlet channel 121 to the ice outlet section 12, and can also block external hot air from entering the ice storage chamber 111. The baffle 40 can directly form the first blocking structure for the ice blocks, so that when the ice blocks are freely stacked, they will not accumulate on the ice outlet gate 122, avoiding the risk of the ice blocks melting due to excessive temperature on the ice outlet gate 122, and avoiding the risk of the ice outlet gate 122 opening due to excessive accumulation of ice blocks.

[0048] See Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making structure 20 includes an ice-making component 21 and an ice-making chamber 22. The ice-making chamber 22 includes a chamber body 221, one end of which has a receiving groove 2211 suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component 21 includes a heat exchanger 211 and an ice-making head 212 connected to the heat exchanger 211. The heat exchanger 211 is suitable for connecting to an external refrigeration device 500 via a pipe to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head 212. The heat exchanger 211 is located above the ice-making chamber 22 and is supported by a pipe to fix its position relative to the ice-making chamber 22. The ice-making head 212 is suitable for being inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving groove 2211 to freeze the ice-making water. It should be noted that the heat exchanger 211 in this application can be an evaporator or a condenser. When the heat exchanger 211 is an evaporator or a condenser, it only refers to one commonly used heat exchange state and does not mean that it can only cool or heat. For a more detailed description of the ice-making structure 20, please refer to the description of the ice-making structure 20 in existing ice makers, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0049] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 21 and the ice storage cavity 111 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the screw 311. After the ice-making assembly 21 produces ice blocks in the ice-making chamber 22, the ice blocks are located in the receiving groove 2211. The receiving groove 2211 and the ice storage cavity 111 are two different storage spaces, so it is necessary to transfer the ice blocks in the receiving groove 2211 to the ice storage cavity 111. Based on this, the ice-making device 100 of this application also includes a transfer chamber 50, which is located below the ice-making chamber 22. A transfer groove 51 is provided at one end of the transfer chamber 50 facing the ice-making chamber 22, and one end of the transfer groove 51 can be connected to the ice storage cavity 111. The ice-making structure 20 also includes a second driving member 23, which is a drive motor. The second driving member 23 is connected to the outer wall of the housing 11. One end of the ice-making chamber 22 is rotatably connected to the housing 11. The rotation axis of the ice-making chamber 22 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ice outlet 122. The other end of the ice-making chamber 22 is connected to the output shaft of the second driving member 23. It can be understood that the second driving member 23 can drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate. In the free state, the opening of the receiving groove 2211 of the ice-making chamber 22 faces upward. When the second driving member 23 drives the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate, the opening of the receiving groove 2211 can be rotated to face the transfer groove 51 of the transfer chamber 50, so that the ice generated in the receiving groove 2211 can be poured into the transfer groove 51.

[0050] It should also be noted that the bottom of the ice-making chamber 22 facing away from the receiving groove 2211 is also provided with an ice-moving component 222. In the free state, the bottom of the ice-making chamber 22 faces the transfer groove 51, and the ice-moving component 222 is located in the transfer groove 51. The second driving component 23 is adapted to drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate back and forth so as to flip the ice blocks inside it into the transfer chamber 50, and transfer the ice blocks from the position where the transfer groove 51 and the ice storage cavity 111 are connected to the ice storage cavity 111 through the ice-moving component 222. Specifically, when the second driving member 23 drives the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate so that its receiving slot 2211 faces the transfer slot 51, the ice-moving member 222 is adapted to follow the ice-making chamber 22 to move in the transfer slot 51 in a direction away from the ice storage cavity 111 and the transfer slot 51. At this time, the ice in the receiving slot 2211 is poured into the transfer slot 51. The second driving member 23 can also drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the ice-moving member 222 returns to its original position in the opposite direction with the ice-making chamber 22. That is, the ice-moving member 222 moves in the direction of the ice storage cavity 111 and the transfer slot 51. At this time, when the ice-moving member 222 returns to its original position, it can push the ice in the transfer slot 51 in the path to the position where the transfer slot 51 and the ice storage cavity 111 are connected, and it can push the ice into the ice storage cavity 111 to realize the storage of ice.

[0051] For example, the housing 11 is also provided with a limiting member 114, which extends toward the heat exchanger 211, and at least a portion of the structure of the limiting member 114 can overlap the heat exchanger 211 to limit the movement of the heat exchanger 211 and make the position of the heat exchanger 211 relatively stable. In addition, the limiting member 114 is also located on the rotation path of the ice-making chamber 22, specifically on the path when the ice-making chamber 22 drives the ice-moving member 222 to rotate away from the ice storage chamber 111. Thus, when the ice-making chamber 22 rotates to the point where its receiving groove 2211 faces the transfer groove 51, the side wall of the ice-making chamber 22 can abut against the limiting member, thereby limiting the continued rotation of the ice-making chamber 22 by the limiting member.

[0052] In some embodiments, a reflux chamber 112 is also provided inside the housing 11. The reflux chamber 112 is located below the transfer chamber 50 and is adapted to collect condensate formed by the melting of ice in the transfer chamber 50 or by condensation on the outer wall of the transfer chamber 50.

[0053] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: The frame body includes a shell and an ice outlet. An ice storage cavity is provided inside the shell. The ice outlet is connected to one end of the shell and has an ice outlet channel. The ice storage cavity and the outside of the shell are connected through the ice outlet channel. An ice-making structure is disposed in the shell, the ice-making structure is adapted to make ice blocks, and the made ice blocks are temporarily stored in the ice storage cavity; A transport structure is provided in the ice storage cavity, and the transport structure is adapted to transport ice blocks in the ice storage cavity to the ice outlet channel and output them to the outside of the shell through the ice outlet channel; as well as A blocking component is connected to the housing and is located on the path of the ice block moving toward the ice outlet channel. The blocking component has a first position state and a second position state. In the free state, the blocking component is in the first position state and can prevent the ice block from entering the ice outlet channel. When the ice block moves toward the ice outlet channel and a predetermined pressure is applied to the blocking component, the blocking component can change from the first position state to the second position state to make way for the ice block to enter the ice outlet channel.

2. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the housing is provided with an opening that connects to the ice storage chamber. The ice outlet is connected to the housing near the opening. The ice outlet channel is connected to the ice storage chamber through the opening. The baffle is connected to the housing near the opening.

3. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The baffle includes a connecting part and a baffle part, the connecting part and the baffle part are connected, the connecting part is connected to the housing, and when the baffle is in the first position state, the baffle part extends to cover at least part of the opening to restrict ice blocks in the ice storage cavity from entering the ice outlet channel.

4. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting part is fixedly connected to the housing, and the connecting part and the blocking part are integrally formed. The blocking part is made of elastic material.

5. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting part and the blocking part are integrally formed. The connecting part is rotatably connected to the housing. A torsion spring is provided at the connection position between the blocking part and the housing. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the blocking part. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the blocking part, and the other end abuts against the housing. In the free state, the torsion spring provides elastic force to force the blocking part to be in the first position. When the transport structure transports ice blocks toward the ice outlet channel, the ice blocks squeeze the blocking part, forcing the torsion spring to twist, thereby causing the blocking part to rotate relative to the housing to the second position.

6. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transport structure includes a spiral assembly and a first driving member. The first driving member is connected to the ice outlet. The spiral assembly includes a screw and blades spirally wound on the screw. One end of the screw is connected to the output end of the first driving member, and the other end extends away from the ice outlet and is rotatably connected to the housing. The first driving member is adapted to drive the screw to rotate. The ice outlet includes an ice outlet shell and a cover plate. The ice outlet shell is connected to the housing, and the cover plate is connected to the ice outlet shell. The cover plate and the ice outlet shell enclose and form the ice outlet channel. The first driving member is connected to the cover plate.

7. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The ice outlet section further includes an ice outlet door, which is rotatably disposed in the ice outlet section and located within the ice outlet channel. The ice outlet door is configured to have a first position suitable for blocking the ice outlet channel and a second position suitable for opening the ice outlet channel.

8. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making structure includes an ice-making component and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber includes a chamber body with a receiving slot suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component includes a heat exchanger and an ice-making head connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is suitable for connecting to an external refrigeration device to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head. The ice-making head is suitable for being inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving slot to freeze the ice-making water.

9. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The ice-making device further includes a transfer chamber located below the ice-making chamber. A transfer trough is provided at one end of the transfer chamber facing the ice-making chamber, and one end of the transfer trough is connected to the ice storage cavity. The ice-making structure also includes a second driving member. One end of the ice-making chamber is rotatably connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the output end of the second driving member. An ice-moving member is also provided at the end of the ice-making chamber facing the transfer chamber. The second driving member is adapted to drive the ice-making chamber to rotate back and forth so as to flip the ice blocks inside into the transfer chamber, and to transfer the ice blocks from the position where the transfer trough and the ice storage cavity are connected to the ice storage cavity through the ice-moving member.

10. A water dispenser, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a water storage tank, a cold water tank, a refrigeration device, and an ice-making apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the water storage tank is adapted to provide room temperature water, and the refrigeration device is adapted to provide a cooling temperature for the ice-making apparatus.

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