Refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a refrigeration apparatus, comprising a cabinet and an ice-making device. The ice-making device is mounted in the cabinet. The ice-making device comprises a water supply assembly, an ice-making assembly, and a buffer assembly. The water supply assembly is mounted in the cabinet. The water supply assembly comprises a water storage part, a first driving part connected to the water storage part and a first pipe assembly connected to the first driving part. The first driving part is configured to deliver water from the water storage part into the first pipe assembly. The ice-making assembly is connected to the first pipe assembly and is configured to make the fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly into ice cubes. The buffer assembly is connected between the first pipe assembly and the ice-making tray. The buffer assembly comprises a buffer body and a flow restrictor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of China Patent Application No. 202311357242.1, filed on October 18, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical appliance technology, and in particular, to a refrigeration apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] In addition to its typical function of preserving food for long-term storage, refrigerators have been endowed with various additional functions. For example, when users wish to drink cold beverages or cook food, ice cubes are often needed. Therefore, most refrigerators on the market are equipped with ice makers having ice-making functions.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a cabinet; and an ice-making device mounted in the cabinet, wherein the ice-making device comprises: a water supply assembly mounted in the cabinet, including a water storage part, a first driving part connected to the water storage part, and a first pipe assembly connected to the first driving part, the first driving part being configured to deliver water from the water storage part into the first pipe assembly; an ice-making assembly connected to the first pipe assembly, and configured to make the fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly into ice cubes; a buffer assembly connected between the first pipe assembly and the ice-making tray, the buffer assembly comprising: a buffer body, wherein a buffer cavity is formed inside the buffer body, and the buffer body is connected to a downstream end of the first pipe assembly; a flow restrictor connected to an output end of the buffer body, the flow restrictor being connected to the ice-making tray via a second pipe assembly; wherein, under the action of the first driving part, fluid is output from the water storage part, passes through the first pipe assembly and enters into the buffer cavity, and the fluid in the buffer cavity passes through the flow restrictor and is delivered to the ice-making assembly .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 2 is another structural diagram of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an ice-making device according to some embodiments; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an ice-making device according to some embodiments; FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a water storage tank according to some embodiments; FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a water storage tank cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 7 is another structural diagram of a water storage tank cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a support member according to some embodiments; FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a buffer assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of fluid in the water supply assembly and the buffer assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of a part of an ice-making assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 13 is an exploded view of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a structural diagram of an ice-making tray according to some embodiments; FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of a support base according to some embodiments; FIG. 16 is a top view of a support base according to some embodiments; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a structural diagram of a second pivot part within a connection part according to some embodiments; FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making tray in a flipping state according to some embodiments; FIG. 20 is another structural diagram of a second pivot part within a connection part according to some embodiments; FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the installed state of a support shelf in a fresh food compartment according to some embodiments; FIG. 22 is an exploded view of FIG. 21; FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a fresh food compartment according to some embodiments; FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of area A in FIG. 23; FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a second connection part and a first connection part detached according to some embodiments; FIG. 26 is a partial enlarged view of area B in FIG. 25; FIG. 27 is a structural diagram of a first connection part according to some embodiments; FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the first connection part and the second connection part in a connected state according to some embodiments; FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the first connection part and the second connection part in a disconnected state according to some embodiments. Reference Numbers:

[0006] 1: cabinet; 2: fresh food compartment; 21: support shelf; 211: first connection part; 212: movable contact; 213: mounting part; 214: second partition plate; 215: connection recess; 216: first sealing part; 22: first support part; 23: second connection part; 231: stationary contact; 232: elastic member; 233: first partition plate; 234: second sealing part; 24: lighting member; 3: ice-making device; 31: ice-making assembly; 310: support base; 311: support horizontal part; 312: support vertical part; 313: third connection part; 314: second protrusion; 32: second pipe assembly; 320: ice-making tray; 321: ice-making chamber; 322: second pivot part; 3221: positioning part; 3222: middle segment; 3223: connection end; 3224: first protrusion; 33: second support part; 331: support horizontal frame; 332: support frame; 3321: auxiliary support frame; 34: buffer assembly; 341: buffer body; 342: transition part; 343: flow restrictor; 344: base plate; 35: water supply assembly; 351: water storage tank; 3511: water storage cavity; 3512: water collection recess; 352: water storage tank cover; 3521: guide part; 3522: first delivery pipe; 3523: second delivery pipe; 3524: water inlet; 353: inlet cover; 36: first driving part; 361: water pump member; 362: drive motor; 363: first pipe segment; 364: second pipe segment; 3101: second driving part; 3102: ice-detecting rod; 3103: temperature-sensing member; 4: fresh food door body; 5: freezer door body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Below, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments provided in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising" are interpreted as open and inclusive, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics related to the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

[0009] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0010] When describing some embodiments, the terms "couple" and "connect" and their derivatives may be used. The term "connect" should be understood broadly. For example, "connect" may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The term "couple" may indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. The term "couple" or "communicatively coupled" may also mean that two or more components are not in direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this text.

[0011] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0012] The use of "suitable for" or "configured to" in this text means open and inclusive language, which does not exclude devices that are suitable for or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0013] Additionally, the use of "based on" means openness and inclusiveness, as a process, step, calculation, or other action "based on" one or more stated conditions or values may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values beyond those stated.

[0014] In related technologies, ice makers in refrigerators mostly use a continuous water supply method. That is, after the ice-making box completes one ice-making cycle, the water supply system injects water into the ice-making box to facilitate the ice-making box to perform another ice-making cycle. The quality of the ice cubes largely depends on the stability of the water supply system. When the water supply system experiences fluctuations in water injection volume due to voltage fluctuations or the flow rate of the water pump itself, etc., the amount of water injected into the ice-making box may not meet the design requirements, which can lead to abnormal phenomena such as uneven ice cube sizes, splashing, connected ice cubes, or failure to release ice. In severe cases, the ice maker may stop working, resulting in poor product stability and high maintenance frequency.

[0015] A refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a door body, and a refrigeration system. At least one refrigeration compartment is formed in the cabinet, and the refrigeration compartment can be opened and closed via the door body to meet the requirements of storing and retrieving items. The refrigeration system performs a refrigeration cycle involving processes such as compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, respectively, thereby refrigerating items inside the cabinet.

[0016] Specifically, low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, where it is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas by the compressor, and the compressed refrigerant gas is discharged. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process. The expansion valve is configured to expand the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant formed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant. The evaporator is configured to evaporate the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and return the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator can refrigerate items inside the cabinet by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 2 is another structural diagram of a refrigeration apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an ice-making device according to some embodiments.

[0018] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the refrigeration apparatus involved in the present disclosure is specifically a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet 1. The refrigeration compartments inside the cabinet 1 include a fresh food compartment 2 and a freezer compartment. The front sides (the side closer to the user operation side) of the fresh food compartment 2 and the freezer compartment are respectively provided with ports for introducing food.

[0019] In some embodiments, a fresh food door body 4 and a freezer door body 5 are respectively provided at the front ports of the fresh food compartment 2 and the freezer compartment. The fresh food door body 4 and the freezer door body 5 are hingedly connected to the cabinet 1 and configured to open or close the fresh food compartment 2 and the freezer compartment. The fresh food compartment 2 is configured to preserve food at a first temperature; the freezer compartment is configured to preserve food at a second temperature; wherein the first temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature; the first temperature is usually above 0 degrees Celsius.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fresh food door body 4 and the freezer door body 5 are integrated into one unit.

[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, an ice-making device 3 is provided in the freezer compartment and configured to make ice cubes. The ice-making device 3 includes a water supply assembly 35, an ice-making assembly 31, and a buffer assembly 34. Here, the water supply assembly 35 is connected to an external water supply pipe and is configured to store fluid delivered from the water supply pipe and quantitatively deliver it to the ice-making assembly 31 as needed, for ice-making in the ice-making assembly 31.

[0022] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 3 may also be provided in the fresh food compartment.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the path of fluid in the water supply assembly and the buffer assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, the water supply assembly 35 is mounted in an environment inside the cabinet 1 where the temperature range is above 0 degrees Celsius. The water supply assembly 35 includes a water storage part (also referred to as a water supply member), a first driving part 36 (also referred to as a water supply driving member), and a first pipe assembly. Here, the water storage part is configured to store water, and the first driving part 36 is configured to output water from the water storage part through the first pipe assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly 34 is connected between the water supply assembly 35 and the ice-making assembly 31. It should be noted that the buffer assembly 34 is configured to temporarily store fluid output from the water supply assembly 35 and to restrict the flow of water input to the ice-making assembly 31, thereby reducing the instantaneous flow rate of the water.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 31 is connected to the first pipe assembly via the buffer assembly 34. After being buffered by the buffer assembly 34, the water is continuously output to the ice-making assembly 31 at a lower instantaneous flow rate for making ice cubes.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a buffer assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer assembly according to some embodiments.

[0028] In some embodiments, referring to FIGs. 9 and 10, the buffer assembly 34 includes a buffer body 341 and a flow restrictor 343. A buffer cavity is formed inside the buffer body 341, and the upper part of the buffer cavity is communicated with the downstream end of the first pipe assembly. The flow restrictor 343 is connected to the output end of the buffer body 341 and is configured to restrict the flow of the fluid delivered from the buffer body 341 to the ice-making assembly 31. The flow restrictor 343 is connected to an ice-making tray 320 via a second pipe assembly 32.

[0029] In some embodiments, the downstream segment of the second pipe assembly 32 passes through the insulation layer of the cabinet 1 and is connected to top of the ice-making tray 320. A heating member is provided outside the downstream segment of the second pipe assembly 32 and is configured to heat the second pipe assembly 32 to prevent residual water inside from freezing in the channel, which would affect fluid delivery.

[0030] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9, the flow restrictor 343 is specifically a pipe with an inner diameter smaller than that of the first pipe assembly, or it may be a valve member provided at the output end of the buffer body 341. The flow restrictor 343 is configured to ensure that the stored fluid in the buffer cavity is delivered to the ice-making assembly 31 at a lower instantaneous flow rate. Here, the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid output from the first driving part 36 into the first pipe assembly is defined as V1, and the instantaneous flow rate in the second pipe assembly 32 after being restricted by the flow restrictor 343 is defined as V2.

[0031] The first driving part 36 injects water into the buffer assembly 34 continuously or intermittently. The specific number of water supply and the duration of each water supply for intermittent water injection can be determined based on user's requirements and the performance of the first driving part 36. Under the action of the flow restrictor 343, the instantaneous flow rate V1 flowing through the first pipe assembly is greater than the instantaneous flow rate V2 flowing through the second pipe assembly 32. The instantaneous flow rate through the first pipe assembly may fluctuate since the first driving part 36 is affected by external factors such as voltage fluctuations during the water supply process, therefore, the instantaneous flow rate V1 of the first pipe assembly in some embodiments of the present disclosure is the average instantaneous flow rate V1 of the first pipe assembly over the water supply duration T1.

[0032] For the instantaneous flow rate V2 in the second pipe assembly 32, the opening size of the flow restrictor 343 can be designed to ensure that the second pipe assembly 32 can stably supply water to the ice-making assembly 31 during the intermittent operation of the first driving part 36 or when the instantaneous water flow of the first driving part 36 fluctuates due to other factors.

[0033] In some embodiments, the buffer body 341 is configured to control and interfere with the speed and stability of the fluid delivered to the ice-making assembly 31. When the water supply assembly 35 is working, excess fluid is temporarily stored in the buffer body 341; when the water supply assembly 35 stops working, the flow restrictor continues to supply water to the ice-making assembly 31 steadily and continuously, thereby overcoming the abnormalities in the water path caused by unstable water flow in related technologies.

[0034] In some embodiments, a communication part is provided above the buffer body 341 and is configured to receive water supply from the water pump, such as an opening structure provided above the buffer body 341. The communication part can also be communicated with the outside, thereby effectively avoiding the siphon phenomenon of the fluid. The lower part of the communication part is connected to the pipeline, and its lower opening is restricted to a restricted inner diameter, which simplifies water path control by limiting the water flow speed.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bottom of the buffer cavity is formed with a gradually converging extension segment, which may be funnel-shaped to ensure that all water in the buffer cavity is discharged.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an ice-making device according to some embodiments; FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a water storage tank according to some embodiments; FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a water storage tank cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 7 is another structural diagram of a water storage tank cover according to some embodiments.

[0037] In some embodiments, referring to FIGs. 4 to 7, the water storage part in the water supply assembly 35 includes a water storage tank 351 and a water storage tank cover 352. The water storage tank 351 has an open top, and the water storage tank cover 352 covers the top of the water storage part. The water storage tank cover 352 is provided with a water inlet 3524 that can be connected to a water supply pipe.

[0038] In some embodiments, an inlet cover 353 is detachably connected to the top of the water inlet 3524, allowing users to detach it for manually filling water into the water storage tank 351.

[0039] In some embodiments, a water storage cavity 3511 is formed inside the water storage tank 351, and a water collection recess 3512 extending downward is formed at the bottom of the water storage cavity 3511. The first driving part 36 is connected inside the water collection recess to ensure that all water in the water storage tank 351 is discharged.

[0040] In some embodiments, referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, to prevent splashing during water injection into the water storage tank 351, a guide part 3521 extending toward the buffer cavity is formed on the lower surface of the water storage tank cover 352. A gradually converging guide channel is formed inside the guide part 3521. Since the guide channel is communicated with the water storage cavity 3511, the fluid output from the first pipeline is delivered to the water storage cavity 3511 through the guide channel. Here, the guide channel guides and buffers the water flow, thereby reducing water splashing from the water inlet 3524.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first driving part 36 is a split-type water pump, consisting of two parts: a water pump member 361 and a drive motor 362. It should be noted that the water pump member 361 is mounted inside the water box, and the drive motor 362 is mounted outside the water box. Through magnetic field action, the water pump member 361 and the drive motor 362 can operate together.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of fluid in the water supply assembly and the buffer assembly according to some embodiments.

[0043] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, the first driving part 36 connected to the water storage cavity 3511 includes a drive motor 362 and a water pump member 361 connected to the drive motor 362. The drive motor 362 is located outside the water storage tank 351, and the water pump member 361 extends into the water storage cavity 3511. In some embodiments, the drive motor 362 may also be located inside the water storage tank 351.

[0044] In some embodiments, continuing to refer to FIGs. 6 and 7, the water storage tank cover 352 is also formed with a first delivery pipe 3522 extending into the buffer cavity and a second delivery pipe 3523 extending outside the water storage part. The first delivery pipe 3522 and the second delivery pipe 3523 are communicated with each other.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first delivery pipe 3522, the second delivery pipe 3523, and the water storage tank cover 352 are integrally formed, improving assembly efficiency and helping to ensure the sealing of the connection between the first pipe assembly and the water storage part.

[0046] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11, the first pipe assembly includes a first pipe segment 363 and a second pipe segment 364. The first pipe segment 363 is configured to be connected between the water outlet port of the water pump member 361 and the first delivery pipe 3522. One end of the second pipe segment 364 is connected to the second delivery pipe 3523, and the other end of the second pipe segment 364 extends to top of the communication part or partially extends into the communication part.

[0047] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8, the water supply assembly 35 is connected inside the cabinet 1 via a second support part 33. The second support part 33 includes a support frame 332 and a support horizontal frame 331 extending outward along the bottom of the support frame 332.

[0048] The bottom of the water storage part is connected to the support horizontal frame 331. The support horizontal frame 331 is a support plate structure with patterns formed thereon to facilitate positioning of the bottom of the water storage part and enhance its support strength.

[0049] The support frame 332 is enclosed by support plates on its periphery, and the drive motor 362 is fixed inside the support frame 332, providing protection for the drive motor 362.

[0050] In some embodiments, referring to FIGs. 4, 8 to 10, the support plate at the top of the support frame 332 is an auxiliary support frame 3321 provided at an angle. The auxiliary support frame 3321 is provided with connection holes. A base plate 344 (such as a support plate) is connected to the bottom of the buffer body 341, and fixing holes are formed around periphery of the base plate 344. The bottom of the buffer body 341 passes through the connection holes and is fixed to the auxiliary support frame 3321 via the base plate 344. For example, the connection holes may be circular, square, or diamond shape. A circular design can facilitate faster flow velocity.

[0051] In some embodiments, the refrigeration apparatus includes a cabinet 1. An ice-making device 3 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The ice-making device 3 includes a water supply assembly 35, an ice-making assembly 31, and a buffer assembly 34. The water supply assembly 35 includes a water storage part, a first driving part 36, and a first pipe assembly. The first driving part 36 is configured to deliver water from the water storage part into the first pipe assembly. The ice-making assembly 31 is connected to the first pipe assembly and is configured to make the fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly into ice cubes. The buffer assembly 34 is connected between the first pipe assembly and the ice-making tray 320. The buffer assembly 34 is configured to temporarily store fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly and to reduce the instantaneous flow rate of fluid flowing into the ice-making tray 320.

[0052] Different from the above various embodiments, the structure of the buffer assembly 34 in the refrigeration apparatus of this embodiment may be a structure of a buffer body 341 that is overall funnel-shaped, or may be a cylinder structure with other shapes, with a funnel-shaped buffer cavity formed inside. The buffer cavity inside the buffer body 341 can buffer the fluid flowing into from the first pipe assembly.

[0053] A switch valve is formed at the bottom of the buffer body 341, and the opening degree of the switch valve is adjustable, and configured to adjust the magnitude of the instantaneous flow rate output from the buffer body 341 to the ice-making assembly 31. In some embodiments, the switch valve is a hole with a relatively small inner cross-section, configured to restrict the flow of the water inside the buffer body 341.

[0054] Under the action of the first driving part 36, fluid is output from the water storage part and delivered to the ice-making assembly 31 through the buffer assembly 34. The total water supply amount Q in one water supply cycle satisfies Formula 1: Q = V 1 × T 1 = V 2 × T 2

[0055] It should be noted that V1 is the instantaneous flow rate of fluid flowing into the buffer assembly 34; V2 is the instantaneous flow rate of fluid output from the buffer assembly 34; T1 is the operating duration of the first driving part 36, and T2 is the duration of one water supply cycle. That is, one water supply cycle T2 is the total duration of fluid delivery during one ice-making process of the ice-making assembly 31, or it can be understood as: the total duration of water being delivered from the second pipe assembly 32 to the ice-making assembly 31 in a single pass.

[0056] Referring to FIGs. 12 and 13, in other embodiments, the ice-making assembly 31 includes a support base 310, an ice-making tray 320, a second driving part 3101 (also referred to as an ice-making driving member), an ice storage member, an ice-detecting rod 3102, and a temperature-sensing member 3103.

[0057] The support base 310 is configured to connect the entire ice-making device to the freezer compartment. The support base 310 specifically includes a support horizontal part 311 and a support vertical part 312 formed on the support horizontal part 311 and extending downward. The support horizontal part 311 is configured to be connected to the top of the freezer compartment, and the ice-making tray 320 is connected to the support vertical part 312. The support horizontal part 311 and the support vertical part 312 may be detachably connected structures or integrally formed. The support horizontal part 311 and the support vertical part 312 are respectively provided with multiple reinforcing rib structures arranged longitudinally and transversely to improve the support strength of the support base 310.

[0058] The ice-making tray 320 is configured to form ice cubes. A plurality of ice-making chambers 321 with upward openings are formed on the ice-making tray 320. The ice-making chambers 321 are dispersed on the ice-making tray 320 in an array manner. A first pivot part is formed at a first end of the ice-making tray 320, and a second pivot part 322 is formed at a second end of the ice-making tray 320. Under the rotating action of the first pivot part and the second pivot part 322, the ice-making tray 320 flips, pouring the ice cubes in the ice-making chambers 321.

[0059] An ice storage member is also provided directly below the ice-making tray 320. The ice storage member is formed with an ice storage groove with an upward opening direction. When the ice-making tray 320 flips, the ice cubes in the ice-making chambers 321 will fall into the ice storage groove.

[0060] Continuing to refer to FIG. 13, the flipping of the ice-making tray 320 is driven by the second driving part 3101. The top of the second driving part 3101 is fixedly connected below the support horizontal part 311. A drive motor is provided inside the second driving part 3101. The drive motor is connected to the first pivot part through a transmission system, and drives the ice-making tray 320 and the second pivot part 322 to rotate by driving the first pivot part to rotate.

[0061] The first pivot part and the second pivot part 322 are located at opposite ends of the ice-making tray 320, respectively, and rotate synchronously with the ice-making tray 320. The first pivot part and the second pivot part 322 are respectively shafts extending outward from the ends of the ice-making tray 320. The first pivot part and the second pivot part 322 may be integrally formed with the ice-making tray 320, resulting in strong connection stability and high processing efficiency. Of course, the first pivot part and the second pivot part 322 may also be manufactured independently and assembled.

[0062] The support vertical part 312 has a certain thickness. Along the thickness direction of the support vertical part 312, the support vertical part 312 includes a first end surface close to the ice-making tray 320 and a second end surface away from the ice-making tray 320. A third connection part 313 is formed on the support vertical part 312. The third connection part 313 is a through hole structure or blind hole structure formed on the first end surface and extending toward the second end surface.

[0063] Specifically, referring to FIGs. 13 to 15, the second pivot part 322 is rotatably connected to the third connection part 313 via a connection end 3223. A first protrusion 3224 is formed on the outer wall of the second pivot part 322, and a second protrusion 314 is formed on the inner wall of the third connection part 313.

[0064] Referring to FIGs. 16 to 20, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a gentle segment and a shaking segment are formed along the periphery direction on the outer wall of the connection end 3223. A plurality of first protrusions 3224 are provided along the periphery direction on the shaking segment. The ice-making tray 320 is flipped under the action of the second driving part 3101. During the flipping process of the ice-making tray 320, the second protrusion 314 sequentially passes through the gentle segment and the shaking segment.

[0065] The relative dimensions of the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 satisfy the following condition: the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 will collide and interfere with each other to a certain extent during the rotation of the ice-making tray 320. However, since the overlapping area between the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 is small, it will not cause the ice-making tray 320 to be stopped by the second protrusion 314.

[0066] The structures of both the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 are designed as raised structures with smooth surfaces, so that after the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 come into contact and collide, the first protrusion 3224 can pass the second protrusion 314 more smoothly as the second pivot part 322 rotates, thereby preventing the ice-making tray 320 from suffering excessive resistance from the second protrusion 314.

[0067] The relative position of the shaking segment and the ice-making tray 320 satisfies: when the ice-making tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the second protrusion 314 passes through the shaking segment, causing the ice-making tray 320 to shake during the rotation process, facilitating the release of ice cubes from the ice-making chambers 321.

[0068] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a connection end 3223 is formed on the second pivot part 322. A gentle zone and a shaking zone are formed along the periphery direction on the inner wall of the third connection part 313. A plurality of second protrusions 314 are formed along the periphery direction in the shaking zone. The first protrusion 3224 is located on the connection end 3223. The ice-making tray 320 is flipped under the action of the second driving part 3101. During the flipping process of the ice-making tray 320, the first protrusion 3224 sequentially passes through the gentle zone and the shaking zone.

[0069] The relative position of the shaking zone and the ice-making tray 320 satisfies: specifically referring to FIG. 20, when the ice-making tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the first protrusion 3224 passes through the shaking zone. The first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 interfere with each other, causing the ice-making tray 320 to shake at a certain frequency. The shaking helps loosen the ice cubes from the ice tray, thereby achieving a better ice release effect.

[0070] In some embodiments, the shaking segment and the shaking zone may coexist or only one of them may exist.

[0071] Referring again to FIGs. 13, 14, and 17, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, to ensure a stable connection between the first pivot part and the third connection part 313, the second pivot part 322 is sequentially divided into a positioning part 3221, a middle segment 3222, and a connection end 3223 along the direction away from the ice-making tray 320. Inside the third connection part 313, a middle zone with a length a is formed between the second protrusion 314 and the first end surface. The length of the middle segment 3222 is equal to the length. In the connected state, the middle segment 3222 also extends into the third connection part 313 and engages with the third connection part 313 for rotation. The sizes of the positioning part 3221, the middle segment 3222, and the connection end 3223 gradually decrease.

[0072] Specifically, the size of the middle segment 3222 is adapted to the aperture of the third connection part 313. The maximum size of the first protrusion 3224 is slightly smaller than the aperture of the third connection part 313, ensuring that when the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 contact, they interfere with each other to a certain extent, meeting the shaking condition.

[0073] The middle segment 3222 can improve the connection stability between the second pivot part 322 and the support vertical part 312, avoiding loosening during rotation, and it seals the opening of the third connection part 313 to prevent foreign objects from entering.

[0074] To improve the wear resistance at the interference point, wear-resistant materials such as POM can be used locally at the positions of the first pivot part and the third connection part 313, resulting in better mechanical performance and more reliable structure. In some embodiments, the first pivot part and the third connection part 313 are made of different materials, which can increase the friction life.

[0075] The outer diameter size of the positioning part 3221 is larger than that of the third connection part 313. In the connected state, the positioning part 3221 is located outside the third connection part 313, and the end of the positioning part 3221 is in contact with the first end surface of the support vertical part 312, configured to position the depth to which the second pivot part 322 extends into the third connection part 313.

[0076] Since the ice-making tray 320 shakes during the contact process between the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314, it helps loosen the ice cubes in the various ice-forming chambers of the ice-making tray 320. As the ice-making tray 320 flips, the ice cubes can be more thoroughly shaken off from the ice-making tray 320. In this process, components such as the ice-making tray 320 do not deform, and ice release is achieved only through shaking, which helps improve the service life of the refrigeration apparatus and reduces the frequency of ice-making tray 320 replacement and maintenance.

[0077] In some embodiments, referring again to FIGs. 12 and 13, the ice-making device further includes a control system. Here, the ice-detecting rod 3102 and the temperature-sensing member 3103 are coupled to the control system, respectively. The control system is configured to read data from the ice-detecting rod 3102 and the temperature-sensing member 3103, thereby controlling the operation of the ice-making device.

[0078] The ice-detecting rod 3102 is disposed on one side of the second driving part 3101 and can be driven by the second driving part 3101 to rotate, to detect whether there are ice cubes in the ice storage member. When the ice-detecting rod 3102 detects that the ice inventory in the ice storage member is above a preset value, the control system controls the ice-making device not to make ice. When the ice-detecting rod 3102 detects that the ice inventory in the ice storage member is below the preset value, the control system controls the ice-making device to start making ice.

[0079] The temperature-sensing member 3103 is disposed at the bottom of the ice-making tray 320 and is configured to detect the temperature of the ice-making tray 320. When the temperature-sensing member 3103 detects that the temperature at the bottom of the ice-making tray 320 drops to a preset temperature, it indicates that ice cubes have formed in the ice-making tray 320. A signal indicating completion of ice-making can be sent to the control system, which then controls the second driving part 3101 to drive the ice-making box to flip and shake off the ice cubes.

[0080] Referring to FIGs. 21 to 27, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, a lighting member 24 is provided in the fresh food compartment 2 of the refrigerator, configured to provide brightness when users store or retrieve items, thereby facilitating user to store or retrieve items.

[0081] In some embodiments, to avoid the lighting member 24 being directly disposed on the side wall or rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2 and thereby affecting the fresh food space, the present disclosure places the lighting member 24 at the rear or top of the support shelf 21.

[0082] For traditional shelf lighting, due to the power cord connections, the support shelf 21 cannot be arbitrarily moved, resulting in inconvenience for cleaning the fresh food compartment 2 of the refrigerator. The present disclosure sets the lighting member 24 to be wirelessly connected. When the support shelf 21 is in the connected state, the lighting member 24 is powered on, when the support shelf 21 is removed, the lighting member 24 is powered off, facilitating installation, removal, cleaning, and maintenance.

[0083] Specifically, referring to FIGs. 21 and 22, first support parts 22 are respectively formed on the two side walls of the fresh food compartment 2. The opposite first support parts 22 are at the same height. The first support parts 22 are constructed to arrange along the depth direction of the fresh food compartment 2.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first support parts 22 are specifically an upper support part and a lower support part provided along the height direction of the side walls of the fresh food compartment 2. A support recess is formed between the upper support part and the lower support part. Both sides of the support shelf 21 are respectively inserted into the corresponding support recesses on both sides.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lighting member 24 connected to the support shelf 21 is connected to a power supply via a power supply assembly. This power supply assembly satisfies: when the support shelf 21 is in the installed state, the lighting member 24 is connected to the power supply assembly, and the lighting assembly can provide illumination for the fresh food compartment 2; when the support shelf 21 is in the non-installed state, the lighting member 24 is disconnected from the power supply assembly.

[0086] Referring to FIGs. 25 and 26, the lighting member 24 is an LED light board. A mounting part 213 is formed on the rear wall of the support shelf 21. The mounting part 213 is a mounting slot, and the lighting member 24 is connected inside the mounting slot. The shape of the mounting slot can be elongated. The opening of the mounting part 213 faces the rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2, preventing liquids such as condensate water in the fresh food compartment 2 from affecting the lighting member 24. The material of the support shelf 21 is transparent, facilitating the light from the lighting member 24 to penetrate.

[0087] In some embodiments, multiple lighting members 24 can be provided, arranged at intervals within the mounting slot. The colors of the lighting members 24 can also be set to various types, such as white or yellow. Under the control of a controller, the multiple lighting members 24 can rhythmically emit various colors, creating ambient lighting effects and thereby enhancing user experience.

[0088] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly specifically includes a second connection part 23 and a first connection part 211 (also referred to as a male connection part) that can be disconnected or connected according to the installed state of the support shelf 21. When the support shelf 21 is in the installed state, the second connection part (also referred to as a female connection part) 23 and the first connection part 211 are in a connected state, and the circuit in the power supply assembly is in a closed state, and the lighting member 24 can illuminate the fresh food compartment 2 of the refrigerator according to user's operational needs. When the support shelf 21 is in the non-installed state, that is, when the support shelf 21 is removed from the fresh food compartment 2, the second connection part 23 and the first connection part 211 are in a disconnected state, the circuit in the power supply assembly is in an open state, and the lighting member 24 is always powered off.

[0089] For example, referring to FIGs. 24 to 27, the second connection part 23 is formed on the rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2. The second connection part 23 is connected to the power supply via a circuit. The first connection part 211 is located at the rear side of the support shelf 21. The first connection part 211 is electrically connected to the lighting member 24. The position of the first connection part 211 is adapted to that of the second connection part 23. The first connection part 211 connects or disconnects with the second connection part 23 as the support shelf 21 moves, facilitating powering on or off the lighting member 24.

[0090] A switch member is provided on the circuit between the second connection part 23 and the power supply. This switch member is signal-connected to the control system. The open / close state of the fresh food door body 4 is also signal-connected to the control system. When the support shelf 21 is in the installed state, and the second connection part 23 and the first connection part 211 are connected, and in case that the lighting member 24 is connected to the power supply, when the fresh food door body 4 is opened, the control system controls the switch member to close, and the lighting member 24 is powered on; when the fresh food door body 4 is closed, the control system controls the switch member to open, and the lighting member 24 is powered off. Specifically, at least one stationary contact 231 is formed on the second connection part 23. At least one movable contact 212 extending toward the rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2 is formed on the first connection part 211. In the installed state, the movable contact 212 is in contact connection with the corresponding stationary contact 231.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, two stationary contacts 231 are provided on the second connection part 23. The stationary contacts 231 are separated by a first partition plate 233. Correspondingly, two movable contacts 212 separated by a second partition plate 214 are also provided on the first connection part 211.

[0092] A connection recess 215 with a size adapted to the second connection part 23 is formed on the first connection part 211. The second connection part 23 is detachably connected inside the connection recess 215. The connection recess 215 is specifically a recess structure with an opening facing the rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2. The second connection part 23 is inserted into the connection recess 215, which can avoid damage to the connection caused by liquids formed in the fresh food compartment 2, thereby improving connection safety and providing a waterproof effect.

[0093] An elastic member 232 is configured between the stationary contact 231 and the second connection part 23. During the connection process of the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23, as the connection deepens, the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231 come into contact, and the elastic member 232 is compressed. The elastic member 232 can improve the tightness of the connection between the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231, preventing misalignment or separation of the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231, which would affect the power supply to the lighting member 24.

[0094] To further improve the tightness of the connection between the second connection part 23 and the first connection part 211, a second sealing part 234 is formed on the outer wall of the second connection part 23. A first sealing part 216 (also referred to as a sealing groove) adapted to the position of the second sealing part 234 is formed on the inner wall of the connection recess 215. The second sealing part 234 is a sealing ring structure provided around the periphery of the second connection part 23. The first sealing part 216 is an annular groove provided annularly inside the connection recess 215. During the connection process of the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23, the second sealing part 234 on the second connection part 23 is engaged into the first sealing part 216 on the first connection part 211, further improving the sealing effect and preventing the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231 from contacting external water.

[0095] Below, the specific disconnected state of the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23 is described in detail:

[0096] Referring to FIGs. 28 and 29, when the support shelf 21 is removed from the fresh food compartment 2, the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23 are disconnected. Specifically, the movable contact 212 on the first connection part gradually moves away from the stationary contact 231 on the second connection part 23 until the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231 are completely separated. At this time, the power supply circuit between the lighting member 24 and the power supply is completely disconnected.

[0097] After cleaning or maintenance of the support shelf 21 is completed, it is installed in the fresh food compartment 2, specifically, both ends of the support shelf 21 extend along the support recesses on the two first support parts 22 provided on the side walls of the fresh food compartment 2 toward the rear end of the fresh food compartment 2. As the support shelf 21 moves inward, the movable contact 212 on the support shelf 21 gradually approaches the stationary contact 231 located on the rear wall of the fresh food compartment 2. When the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231 begin to contact, the support shelf 21 is not fully installed in position. As the support shelf 21 continues to move inward, the elastic member 232 at the other end of the stationary contact 231 is compressed by a certain distance. Under its own elastic force, the elastic member 232 can enable stable contact between the movable contact 212 and the stationary contact 231.

[0098] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a refrigeration apparatus in which the ice-making tray 320 can shake during the process of rotating and dropping ice cubes by the ice-making tray 320 into the ice storage member.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13, the second pivot part 322 fluctuates to a certain extent during rotation within the third connection part 313, causing the entire ice-making tray 320 to shake during its flipping process. As the shaking proceeds, the ice cubes in the various ice-making chambers 321 on the ice-making tray 320 become loose from the ice-making chambers, allowing the ice cubes to separate more thoroughly from the ice-making chambers, thereby reducing situations where adhesion between the ice cubes and the ice-making chambers occurs, and ice cubes cannot fall off completely.

[0100] The two ends of the ice-making tray 320 are provided with a first pivot part and a second pivot part 322, respectively. The second driving part 3101 drives the entire ice-making tray 320 to rotate through the first pivot part, pouring the ice cubes in the ice-making chambers 321. A third connection part 313 is formed on the support vertical part 312. The third connection part 313 is a through hole structure or blind hole structure, and the second pivot part 322 is inserted into the third connection part 313.

[0101] To cause the ice-making tray 320 to rotate during rotation, a structure, also referred to as an interference structure, is provided on the second pivot part 322 and / or the third connection part 313, which is configured to interfere with the rotation of the second pivot part to a certain extent. This interference structure needs to ensure that it does not stop the rotation of the second pivot part while it interferes with the rotation of the second pivot part to a certain extent and enables the second pivot part to vibrate during its rotation.

[0102] A first protrusion 3224 is formed on the second pivot part 322, and a second protrusion 314 is formed on the inner wall of the third connection part 313. The structures of both the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 are designed as raised structures with smooth surfaces, so that after the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 come into contact and collide, the first protrusion 3224 can pass the second protrusion 314 more smoothly as the second pivot part 322 rotates, thereby preventing the ice-making tray 320 from suffering excessive resistance from the second protrusion 314.

[0103] The relative position of the shaking segment and the ice-making tray 320 satisfies: when the ice-making tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the second protrusion 314 interacts with the first protrusion 3224, causing the ice-making tray 320 to shake during the rotation process, facilitating the release of ice cubes from the ice-making chambers 321.

[0104] The ice-making device further includes an ice-detecting rod 3102, a temperature-sensing member 3103, and a control system. The ice-detecting rod 3102 and the temperature-sensing member 3103 are signal-connected to the control system. The ice-detecting rod 3102 is connected to the second driving part 3101. The temperature-sensing member 3103 is disposed at the bottom of the ice-making tray 320.

[0105] When the temperature-sensing member 3103 detects that the temperature at the bottom of the ice-making tray 320 drops to a preset temperature, the control system controls the second driving part 3101 to control the ice-making tray to flip and shake off the ice cubes.

[0106] For detailed details, reference can be made to the above various embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and certain elements of the embodiments can be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a cabinet; and an ice-making device mounted in the cabinet, wherein, the ice-making device comprises: a water supply assembly mounted in the cabinet, comprising a water storage part, a first driving part connected to the water storage part, and a first pipe assembly connected to the first driving part, the first driving part being configured to deliver water from the water storage part into the first pipe assembly; an ice-making assembly connected to the first pipe assembly, and configured to make fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly into ice cubes; a buffer assembly connected between the first pipe assembly and the ice-making tray, the buffer assembly comprising: a buffer body, wherein a buffer cavity is formed inside the buffer body, and the buffer body is connected to a downstream end of the first pipe assembly; a flow restrictor connected to an output end of the buffer body, wherein the flow restrictor is connected to the ice-making tray via a second pipe assembly; wherein, under the action of the first driving part, fluid is output from the water storage part, passes through the first pipe assembly and enters into the buffer cavity, and the fluid in the buffer cavity passes through the flow restrictor and is delivered to the ice-making assembly.

2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a communication part is provided above the buffer body, the communication part being configured to communicate the buffer cavity with outside; a bottom of the buffer cavity is formed with a gradually converging extension segment, and the flow restrictor is a water outlet pipe formed at the output end of the buffer body.

3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water storage part comprises: a water storage tank; a water storage tank cover covering the water storage tank; wherein a water storage cavity is formed inside the water storage tank, a lower surface of the water storage tank cover is formed with a guide part extending toward the buffer cavity, the guide part is formed with a gradually converging guide channel, and the guide channel is communicated with the water storage cavity.

4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first driving part comprises: a drive motor; and a water pump member connected to the drive motor, the water pump member extending into the water storage cavity; wherein, the water storage tank cover is further formed with a first delivery pipe extending into the buffer cavity and a second delivery pipe extending outside the water storage part, the first delivery pipe and the second delivery pipe are communicated with each other, the first pipe assembly comprises a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment, the first pipe segment is connected between a water outlet port of the water pump member and the first delivery pipe, one end of the second pipe segment is connected to the second delivery pipe, and the other end of the second pipe segment extends to top of the communication part or partially extends into the communication part.

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a support member, the support member comprising: a support frame; and a support horizontal frame extending outward along a bottom of the support frame; wherein, a bottom of the water storage part is connected to the support horizontal frame, the drive motor is fixed inside the support frame, an auxiliary support frame is provided on the support frame at an angle, and the buffer body is connected to the auxiliary support frame.

6. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ice-making assembly comprises: a support base connected inside the cabinet, wherein a support horizontal part is formed on the support base and a support vertical part is formed on the support base; an ice-making tray, wherein a plurality of ice-making chambers with upward openings are formed on the ice-making tray; a first end of the ice-making tray is formed with a first pivot part, and a second end of the ice-making tray is formed with a second pivot part; a second driving part connected to the support base, wherein the second driving part is connected to the first pivot part; an ice storage member, wherein the ice storage member is disposed below the ice-making tray; an ice-detecting rod, wherein the ice-detecting rod is disposed on one side of the second driving part and is drivable by the second driving part to rotate, so as to detect whether ice is present in the ice storage member; a temperature-sensing member disposed at a bottom of the ice-making tray and configured to detect a temperature of the ice-making tray.

7. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, a connection part is formed on the support vertical part, the second pivot part is rotatably connected to the connection part, a first protrusion is formed on an outer wall of the second pivot part, a second protrusion is formed on an inner wall of the connection part, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured such that the ice-making tray can shake during relative rotation between the second pivot part and the connection part.

8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, a connection end is formed on the second pivot part, a gentle segment and a shaking segment are formed along a periphery direction on an outer wall of the connection end, a plurality of first protrusions are provided along the periphery direction on the shaking segment, the ice-making tray is flipped under the action of the second driving part, and during the flipping process of the ice-making tray, the second protrusion sequentially passes through the gentle segment and the shaking segment; or the support vertical part comprises a gentle zone and a shaking zone, a plurality of second protrusions are formed along the periphery direction in the shaking zone, the first protrusion is located on the connection end, and during the flipping process of the ice-making tray, the first protrusion sequentially passes through the gentle zone and the shaking zone.

9. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a positioning part is formed at an end of the second pivot part close to the ice-making tray, an outer diameter size of the positioning part is larger than that of the connection part, and in a connected state, the positioning part is located outside the connection part and is configured to position a depth to which the second pivot part extends into the connection part.

10. A refrigeration apparatus, comprising: a cabinet; and an ice-making device mounted in the cabinet, wherein, the ice-making device comprises: a water supply assembly mounted in the cabinet, comprising a water storage part, a first driving part connected to the water storage part, and a first pipe assembly connected to the first driving part, the first driving part is configured to deliver water from the water storage part into the first pipe assembly; an ice-making assembly connected to the first pipe assembly, configured to make the fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly into ice cubes; a buffer assembly connected between the first pipe assembly and the ice-making tray, the buffer assembly is configured to temporarily store fluid delivered from the first pipe assembly and to reduce an instantaneous flow rate of fluid flowing into the ice-making tray; under the action of the first driving part, fluid is output from the water storage part, passes through the buffer assembly and is delivered to the ice-making assembly, and a total water supply amount Q in one water supply cycle satisfies: Q = V 1 × T 1 = V 2 × T 2 , wherein, V1 is an instantaneous flow rate of fluid flowing into the buffer assembly; V2 is an instantaneous flow rate of fluid output from the buffer assembly; T1 is an operating duration of the first driving part, and T2 is a duration of one water supply cycle.

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