Cooling devices

Abstract

A cooling device is disclosed which includes a cabinet (1) and an ice maker (3). The ice maker (3) is installed inside the cabinet (1). The ice maker (3) includes a water supply assembly (35), an ice making assembly (31), and a buffer assembly (34). The water supply assembly (35) is installed inside the cabinet (1). The water supply assembly (35) includes a water reservoir, a first drive unit (36) connected to the water reservoir, and a first group of pipes connected to the first drive unit (36), the first drive unit (36) being configured to transport water from the water reservoir into the first group of pipes. The ice making assembly (31) is connected to the first group of pipes and is configured to form ice blocks from the fluid transported from the first group of pipes. The buffer assembly (34) is connected between the first group of pipes and an ice tray (320), and the buffer assembly (34) includes a buffer body (341) and a flow limiting member (343).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application with the application number 202311357242.1, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 18, 2023, and all of its content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the technical field of electrical equipment, particularly to cooling devices.

Background Art

[0003] In addition to the typical function of preserving food with long-term freshness, refrigerators are provided with various additional functions. For example, when the user wants to drink cold beverages or cook food, ice is often required. Therefore, many commercially available refrigerators have an ice maker with an ice-making function.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a cooling device, which includes a cabinet and an ice-making device installed in the cabinet. The ice-making device is installed in the cabinet and includes a water storage part, a first driving part connected to the water storage part, and a first pipe group connected to the first driving part. A water supply assembly configured such that the first driving part transports water in the water storage part into the first pipe group, an ice-making assembly connected to the first pipe group and configured to make the fluid transported from the first pipe group into ice cubes, and a buffer assembly connected between the first pipe group and the ice-making tray. The buffer assembly includes a buffer body with a buffer chamber formed inside and a flow limiting member connected to the output end of the buffer body and connected to the ice-making tray through a second pipe group. Due to the action of the first driving part, the fluid is output from the water storage part, enters the buffer chamber through the first pipe group, and the fluid in the buffer chamber is transported into the ice-making assembly through the flow limiting member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of a cooling device according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is another configuration diagram of a cooling device according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ice-making apparatus according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of an ice-making apparatus according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a water storage tank according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a water storage tank cover according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] This is another configuration diagram of a water storage tank cover according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a support member according to several embodiments. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a buffer assembly according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a buffer assembly according to several embodiments. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the fluid flow paths within a water supply assembly and a buffer assembly according to several embodiments. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing some of the configurations of an ice-making assembly according to several embodiments. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is an exploded view. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ice tray according to several embodiments. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a support base according to several embodiments. [Figure 16] This is a top view of a support base according to several embodiments. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the second pivot part within the connection part according to several embodiments. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the inverted state of an ice tray according to several embodiments. [Figure 20] This is another configuration diagram of the second pivot part within the connection part according to several embodiments. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of support shelves inside the refrigerator compartment according to several embodiments. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is an exploded view. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator compartment according to several embodiments. [Figure 24] This is an enlarged view of part A of circle in Figure 23. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the second connection part and the first connection part are separated according to several embodiments. [Figure 26] This is an enlarged view of the circle B portion in Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first connection part according to several embodiments. [Figure 28] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection state of the first and second connection parts according to several embodiments. [Figure 29] This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of the first and second connection points according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] The following describes, with reference to the attached drawings, several embodiments of this disclosure clearly and completely, but it is clear that the embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. Any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are all within the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Unless otherwise specified, throughout the specification and the claims, the term "comprise", as well as other forms such as the third-person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", shall be construed in an open and inclusive sense, that is, in the sense of "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 a particular feature, configuration, material, or property related to this embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described particular features, configurations, materials, or properties may be arbitrarily and appropriately included in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0008] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are for merely illustrative purposes and are not to be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance, nor are they to implicitly specify the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined by the terms "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality" means two or more.

[0009] In describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivative expressions may be used. The term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally molded connection, and may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The term "coupled" indicates, for example, the direct physical contact or electrical contact of two or more components. Also, the term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may mean that two or more components cooperate or interact with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this specification.

[0010] "A and / or B" includes three combinations: only A, only B, and the combination of A and B.

[0011] The expressions "apply to ~" or "configured to ~" in this specification mean open and inclusive expressions, and do not exclude devices that apply to the execution of additional tasks or steps, or devices configured to execute additional tasks or steps.

[0012] Also, the expression "based on ~" means openness and inclusiveness because a process, step, calculation, or other operation "based on" one or more described conditions or values may actually be based on additional conditions or values other than the described values.

[0013] In related technologies, ice makers in refrigerators often use a continuous water supply system, meaning that after the ice-making box completes ice-making once, the water supply system refills the ice-making box, facilitating the box to make ice again. The quality of the ice largely depends on the operational stability of the water supply system. If the amount of water supplied by the water supply system fluctuates due to reasons such as voltage fluctuations or the flow rate of the pump itself, the water injected into the ice-making box will not meet the design requirements, causing abnormal phenomena such as uneven ice size, splashing, ice sticking together, or inability to de-freeze. In severe cases, the ice maker may stop working, resulting in low product stability and increased inspection frequency.

[0014] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a cooling device comprising a cabinet, a door, and a cooling system, wherein at least one cooling chamber is formed within the cabinet, and the cooling chamber is opened and closed by a door to accommodate the loading and unloading of articles. The cooling system uses a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, etc., to perform a cooling cycle that includes processes such as compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation related to the cooling device, thereby cooling the articles inside the cabinet.

[0015] Specifically, a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas, and then discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, releasing heat to the surrounding environment through the condensation process. The expansion valve is configured to expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid phase refrigerant formed by condensation in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid phase refrigerant. The evaporator is configured to evaporate the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve and return the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator can cool items inside the cabinet by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation.

[0016] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a cooling device according to several embodiments, Figure 2 is another configuration diagram of a cooling device according to several embodiments, and Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to several embodiments.

[0017] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cooling device according to the disclosure is specifically a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 1, and the cooling chamber within the cabinet 1 includes a refrigerator compartment 2 and a freezer compartment, and ports for introducing food are provided on the front of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the freezer compartment (the side closer to the user's operating side).

[0018] In some embodiments, a refrigerator door body 4 and a freezer door body 5 are installed at the front ports of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the freezer compartment, respectively, and the refrigerator door body 4 and the freezer door body 5 are hinged to the cabinet 1, respectively, and are configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment 2 and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator compartment 2 is configured to store food at a first temperature, and the freezer compartment is configured to store food at a second temperature, with the first temperature being at or above the second temperature, and the first temperature being typically 0°C or higher.

[0019] In some embodiments, the refrigerator door body 4 and the freezer door body 5 are integrated into one unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, an ice-making device 3 is installed in the freezer chamber and configured to produce ice. 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 is connected to an external water supply pipe and is configured to store fluid transported from the water supply pipe and transport it quantitatively to the ice-making assembly 31 as needed, supplying water for ice making in the ice-making assembly 31.

[0021] In some embodiments, an ice-making device 3 may be installed inside the refrigerator compartment.

[0022] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the fluid pathways within a water supply assembly and a buffer assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11, the water supply assembly 35 is installed in a cabinet 1 in an environment with a temperature range of 0 degrees or higher. The water supply assembly 35 includes a water reservoir (also called a water supply member), a first drive unit 36 ​​(also called a water supply drive member), and a first group of pipes. The water reservoir is configured to store water, and the first drive unit 36 ​​is configured to output the water from the water reservoir through the first group of pipes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly 34 is connected between the water supply assembly 35 and the ice-making assembly 31, and the buffer assembly 34 is configured to temporarily store the fluid output from the water supply assembly 35 and to limit the water flow input to the ice-making assembly 31, thereby reducing the instantaneous flow rate of the water.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 31 is connected to a first group of pipes via a buffer assembly 34, and the water buffered in the buffer assembly 34 is continuously output to the ice-making assembly 31 at a smaller instantaneous flow rate and used to produce ice.

[0026] Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of a buffer assembly according to several embodiments, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer assembly according to several embodiments.

[0027] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the buffer assembly 34 includes a buffer body 341 and a flow limiting member 343, wherein a buffer chamber is formed within the buffer body 341, and the upper part of the buffer chamber communicates with the downstream end of the first pipe group. The flow limiting member 343 is connected to the output end of the buffer body 341 and is configured to limit the flow of fluid transported from the buffer body 341 to the ice-making assembly 31, and the flow limiting member 343 is connected to the ice tray 320 via the second pipe group 32.

[0028] In some embodiments, the downstream section of the second pipe group 32 passes through the insulation layer of the cabinet 1 and connects above the ice tray 320. A heating element is installed on the outside of the downstream section of the second pipe group 32 and is configured to heat the second pipe group 32 to prevent residual water inside from freezing in the passage and affecting fluid transport.

[0029] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9, the flow limiting member 343 may specifically be a pipe with an inner diameter smaller than that of the first pipe group, or it may be a valve member installed at the output end of the buffer body 341. The flow limiting member 343 is configured to ensure that the fluid stored in the buffer chamber is transported into the ice-making assembly 31 at a low instantaneous flow rate. The instantaneous flow rate of the fluid output from the first drive unit 36 ​​and entering the first pipe group is defined as V1, and the instantaneous flow rate in the second pipe group 32 after throttling by the flow limiting member 343 is defined as V2.

[0030] The first drive unit 36 ​​continuously or intermittently supplies water into the buffer assembly 34, and the specific number of intermittent water supply cycles and the duration of each supply cycle can be determined based on the user's needs and the performance of the first drive unit 36. Furthermore, due to the action of the flow rate limiting member 343, the instantaneous flow rate V1 flowing through the first pipe group is greater than the instantaneous flow rate V2 flowing through the second pipe group 32. Since the first drive unit 36 ​​is affected by external factors such as voltage fluctuations during the water supply process, the instantaneous flow rate flowing through the first pipe group may fluctuate. Therefore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the instantaneous flow rate V1 of the first pipe group is the average instantaneous flow rate V1 of the first pipe group within the water supply time T1.

[0031] The opening size of the flow limiting member 343 is designed to correspond to the instantaneous flow rate V2 in the second pipe group 32, ensuring that the second pipe group 32 can stably supply water to the ice-making assembly 31 even when the first drive unit 36 ​​operates intermittently or when the instantaneous water flow rate of the first drive unit 36 ​​fluctuates due to other factors.

[0032] In some embodiments, the buffer body 341 is configured to control and interfere with the speed and stability of the fluid transported into the ice-making assembly 31. When the water supply assembly 35 is operating, excess fluid is temporarily stored in the buffer body 341, and when the water supply assembly 35 stops operating, the flow limiting member continues to supply water to the ice-making assembly 31 continuously and stably, thereby overcoming the abnormalities caused by water flow instability in the water channels in the related technology.

[0033] In some embodiments, a communication section is provided above the buffer body 341 to receive water from a pump, for example, an opening structure provided above the buffer body 341. The communication section may also communicate with the outside, effectively avoiding the flow siphon effect, and its lower part is connected to piping, and its lower opening is limited to a flow-limiting inner diameter, thereby limiting the water flow velocity and simplifying water channel control.

[0034] In some embodiments, a gradually narrowing extension section is formed at the bottom of the buffer chamber, and the extension section may be funnel-shaped to ensure that all the water in the buffer chamber is drained.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an ice-making apparatus according to several embodiments, Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of a water storage tank according to several embodiments, Figure 6 is a configuration diagram of a water storage tank cover according to several embodiments, and Figure 7 is another configuration diagram of a water storage tank cover according to several embodiments.

[0036] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 to 7, the water storage section of the water supply assembly 35 includes a water storage tank 351 and a water storage tank cover 352. The top of the water storage tank 351 is open, and the water storage tank cover 352 covers the top of the water storage section. The water storage tank cover 352 is provided with a water inlet 3524 that can be connected to a water supply pipe.

[0037] In some embodiments, an inlet cap 353 is detachably connected above the water inlet 3524 to facilitate the user removing it to manually fill the water tank 351.

[0038] In some embodiments, a water storage chamber 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 chamber 3511. The first drive unit 36 ​​is connected to the water collection recess to ensure that all the water in the water storage tank 351 is discharged.

[0039] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 7, a guide section 3521 extending toward the buffer chamber is formed on the lower surface of the water storage tank cover 352 to prevent water from splashing during the process of filling the water storage tank 351, and a guide channel that gradually narrows is formed within the guide section 3521. Since the guide channel is in communication with the water storage chamber 3511, the fluid output from the first pipe is transported into the water storage chamber 3511 by passing through the guide channel. The guide channel serves to guide and buffer the water flow, reducing the amount of water that sprays out from the water storage inlet 3524.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first drive unit 36 ​​is a split-type pump consisting of two parts: a pump member 361 and a drive motor 362. The pump member 361 is installed inside the water box, and the drive motor 362 is installed outside the water box. The pump member 361 and the drive motor 362 can be operated together by the action of a magnetic field.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the fluid flow paths within a water supply assembly and a buffer assembly according to several embodiments.

[0042] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11, the first drive unit 36 ​​connected to the water storage chamber 3511 includes a drive motor 362 and a pump member 361 connected to the drive motor 362. The drive motor 362 is located outside the water storage tank 3511, and the pump member 361 extends into the water storage chamber 3511. In some embodiments, the drive motor 362 may be located inside the water storage tank 3511.

[0043] In some embodiments, referring again to Figures 6 and 7, the water storage tank cover 352 is further formed with a first transport pipe 3522 extending into the buffer chamber and a second transport pipe 3523 extending outside the water storage section, and the first transport pipe 3522 and the second transport pipe 3523 are in communication with each other.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first transport pipe 3522, the second transport pipe 3523, and the water storage tank cover 352 are integrally molded, which is advantageous for improving assembly efficiency and ensuring airtightness of the connection between the first pipe group and the water storage section.

[0045] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 11, the first pipe group includes a first pipe section 363 and a second pipe section 364, the first pipe section 363 being configured to connect between the outlet port of the pump member 361 and the first transport pipe 3522, one end of the second pipe section 364 being connected to the second transport pipe 3523 and the other end extending above the connecting section or partially extending within the connecting section.

[0046] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 8, the water supply assembly 35 is connected to the cabinet 1 via a second support section 33, the second support section 33 including a support frame 332 and a support cross frame 331 extending outward along the bottom of the support frame 332.

[0047] The bottom of the reservoir is connected to a support cross frame 331, which is a support plate structure with a profile formed to facilitate the positioning of the bottom of the reservoir and to increase support strength.

[0048] The periphery of the support frame 332 is surrounded by support plates, and the drive motor 362 is fixed within the support frame 332, providing protection to the drive motor 362.

[0049] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4, 8 to 10, the upper support plate of the support frame 332 is an angled support auxiliary frame 3321, the support auxiliary frame 3321 is provided with connection holes, and a bottom plate 344 (e.g., a support plate) is connected to the bottom of the buffer body 341, fixing holes are formed on the periphery of the bottom plate 344, and the bottom of the buffer body 341 passes through the connection holes and is fixed onto the support auxiliary frame 3321 via the bottom plate 344. For example, the connection holes may be circular, square, or rhombic. A circular design can easily increase the flow velocity.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cooling device includes a cabinet 1, in which an ice maker 3 is installed, and the ice maker 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 reservoir, a first drive unit 36, and a first pipe group, the first drive unit 36 ​​being configured to transport water from the water reservoir into the first pipe group. The ice making assembly 31 is connected to the first pipe group and is configured to form ice blocks from the fluid transported from the first pipe group, and the buffer assembly 34 is connected between the first pipe group and an ice tray 320, the buffer assembly 34 being configured to temporarily store the fluid transported from the first pipe group and to mitigate the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid into the ice tray 320.

[0051] Unlike the embodiments described above, the structure of the buffer assembly 34 of the cooling device in this embodiment may be a funnel-shaped buffer body 341 structure overall, or a cylindrical structure of another shape with a funnel-shaped buffer chamber formed inside, and the buffer chamber in the buffer body 341 can buffer the fluid flowing in from the first group of pipes.

[0052] A shut-off valve is formed at the bottom of the buffer body 341, and the opening of the shut-off valve is adjustable, configured to adjust the instantaneous flow rate output from the buffer body 341 to the ice-making assembly 31. In some embodiments, the shut-off valve has a relatively small inner cross-section and is configured to restrict the flow of water inside the buffer body 341.

[0053] Through the action of the first drive unit 36, the fluid is output from the water reservoir and transported into the ice-making assembly 31 via the buffer assembly 34, and the total amount of water supplied in one water supply cycle Q satisfies equation 1. Q=V1×T1=V2×T2 Equation 1 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 time of the first drive unit 36, and T2 is the time of one water supply cycle. In other words, one water supply cycle T2 is the total time of fluid transport during the process in which the ice-making assembly 31 makes ice once, and can also be understood as the total time that the water flow is transported in a single cycle from the second pipe group 32 to the ice-making assembly 31.

[0054] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in some other embodiments, the ice-making assembly 31 includes a support base 310, an ice tray 320, a second drive unit 3101 (also called an ice-making drive member), an ice storage member, an ice detection rod 3102, and a temperature sensing member 3103.

[0055] The support base 310 is configured to connect the entire ice-making device to the freezer chamber, and specifically includes a support horizontal section 311 and a support vertical section 312 formed on the support horizontal section 311 and extending downward. The support horizontal section 311 is configured to connect to the upper part of the freezer chamber, and the ice tray 320 is connected to the support vertical section 312. The support horizontal section 311 and the support vertical section 312 may have a detachable connection structure or may be integrally plastically formed. Multiple reinforcing rib structures are provided on the support horizontal section 311 and the support vertical section 312 in the vertical and horizontal directions to improve the support strength of the support base 310.

[0056] The ice tray 320 is configured to form ice, and has a plurality of upward-opening ice-making chambers 321, which are arranged in an array-like manner on the ice tray 320. A first pivot is formed at the first end of the ice tray 320, and a second pivot is formed at the second end of the ice tray 320. The rotational action of the first pivot and the second pivot 322 causes the ice tray 320 to invert, thereby discharging all the ice from the ice-making chambers 321.

[0057] An ice storage member is provided directly below the ice tray 320. The ice storage member has an ice storage tank with an opening facing upwards, and when the ice tray 320 is inverted, the ice in the ice-making chamber 321 falls into the ice storage tank.

[0058] Continuing to refer to Figure 13, the inversion of the ice tray 320 is driven by the second drive unit 3101, the upper part of the second drive unit 3101 is fixedly connected below the support horizontal unit 311, a drive motor is provided inside the second drive unit 3101, the drive motor is connected to the first pivot unit via a transmission system, and by driving the rotation of the first pivot unit, the ice tray 320 and the second pivot unit 322 are rotated.

[0059] The first and second pivot parts 322 are located at opposite ends of the ice tray 320 and rotate in sync with the ice tray 320. The first and second pivot parts 322 are shafts that extend outward from the ends of the ice tray 320, and the first and second pivot parts 322 may be integrally molded with the ice tray 320, resulting in strong connection stability and high manufacturing efficiency. Of course, the first and second pivot parts 322 may be manufactured independently of the ice tray 320 and then assembled and attached.

[0060] The support vertical portion 312 has a constant thickness, and along the thickness direction of the support vertical portion 312, it includes a first end face that is close to the ice tray 320 and a second end face that is farther from the ice tray 320. A third connecting portion 313 is formed in the support vertical portion 312, and the third connecting portion 313 is a through hole or blind hole structure formed on the first end face and extending in the direction of the second end face.

[0061] Specifically, referring to Figures 13 to 15, the second pivot portion 322 is rotatably connected to the third connecting portion 313 via a connecting end 3223, a first protrusion 3224 is formed on the outer wall of the second pivot portion 322, and a second protrusion 314 is formed on the inner wall of the third connecting portion 313.

[0062] Referring to Figures 16 to 20, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the outer wall of the connecting end 3223 has a relaxation section and a swinging section formed along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of first protrusions 3224 are provided along the circumferential direction on the swinging section, the ice tray 320 is inverted by the action of the second drive unit 3101, and in the process of the ice tray 320 inverting, the second protrusions 314 pass through the relaxation section and the swinging section in sequence.

[0063] The relative dimensions of the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 satisfy the following conditions. Although a certain degree of collision and interference occurs between the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 during the rotation of the ice tray 320, the overlap between the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 is small, so the ice tray 320 is not stopped by the second protrusion 314.

[0064] The structures of the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 are both designed as protruding structures with smooth surfaces. After the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 come into contact and collide, the first protrusion 3224 can pass through the second protrusion 314 more smoothly as the second pivot 322 rotates, preventing the ice tray 320 from experiencing excessive resistance from the second protrusion 314.

[0065] The relative position of the oscillating section and the ice tray 320 satisfies the condition that after the ice tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the second protrusion 314 passes through the oscillating section, causing the ice tray 320 to oscillate during rotation, making it easier for ice to fall out of the ice-making chamber 321.

[0066] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a connecting end 3223 is formed on the second pivot portion 322, a relaxation region and an oscillating region are formed on the inner wall of the third connecting portion 313 along the circumferential direction, a plurality of second protrusions 314 are formed within the oscillating region along the circumferential direction, the first protrusion 3224 is located on the connecting end 3223, the ice tray 320 is inverted by the action of the second drive unit 3101, and in the process of the ice tray 320 inverting, the first protrusion 3224 passes sequentially through the relaxation region and the oscillating region.

[0067] Referring specifically to Figure 20, the relative position of the oscillating region and the ice tray 320 is such that after the ice tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the first protrusion 3224 passes through the oscillating region, and the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 interfere with each other. At this time, the ice tray 320 also oscillates at a certain frequency, and the oscillating causes the ice to loosen from the ice cell, thereby achieving a better de-icing effect.

[0068] In some embodiments, the oscillation section and the oscillation region may exist simultaneously, or only one of them may exist.

[0069] Referring again to Figures 13, 14, and 17, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to ensure connection stability between the first pivot and the third connector 313, the second pivot 322 is divided sequentially along the direction away from the ice tray 320 into a positioning portion 3221, an intermediate segment 3222, and a connecting end 3223. Within the third connector 313, an intermediate region is formed between the second protrusion 314 and the first end face, with a length of the intermediate region being a, and the length of the intermediate segment 3222 is equal to length a, and in the connected state, the intermediate segment 3222 also extends into the third connector 313 and rotates in cooperation with the third connector 313. The sizes of the positioning portion 3221, the intermediate segment 3222, and the connecting end 3223 gradually decrease.

[0070] Specifically, the size of the intermediate segment 3222 matches the hole diameter of the third connecting portion 313, the maximum size of the first protrusion 3224 is slightly smaller than the hole diameter of the third connecting portion 313, and when the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 come into contact, a certain degree of interference occurs between them, thus satisfying the oscillation conditions.

[0071] The intermediate segment 3222 improves the connection stability between the second pivot portion 322 and the support vertical portion 312, prevents loosening during the rotation process, and seals the opening of the third connection portion 313, preventing foreign matter from entering.

[0072] To improve the wear resistance of the interfering parts, wear-resistant materials, such as POM, can be locally used at the locations of the first pivot and the third connection 313, thereby improving mechanical performance and making the structure more reliable. In some embodiments, the first pivot and the third connection 313 are made of different materials, which can extend the friction life.

[0073] The outer diameter of the positioning portion 3221 is larger than that of the third connecting portion 313. In the connected state, the positioning portion 3221 is located outside the third connecting portion 313, and the end of the positioning portion 3221 is in contact with the first end face of the support vertical portion 312, and is configured to position the depth to which the second pivot portion 322 extends into the third connecting portion 313.

[0074] During the contact process between the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314, the ice tray 320 oscillates, which is advantageous for loosening the ice in each ice-forming chamber within the ice tray 320. As the ice tray 320 inverts, the ice can be shaken off more thoroughly from the ice-making tray 320. In this process, the components of the ice tray 320 do not deform, and de-icing is achieved solely by oscillating, which is advantageous for improving the service life of the cooling device and reducing the frequency of replacement and maintenance of the ice tray 320.

[0075] In some embodiments, referring again to Figures 12 and 13, the ice maker further includes a control system, where the ice detection rod 3102 and the temperature sensing member 3103 are coupled to the control system, and the control system is configured to read data from the ice detection rod 3102 and the temperature sensing member 3103 and thereby control the operation of the ice maker.

[0076] The ice detection rod 3102 is installed on one side of the second drive unit 3101 and rotates when driven by the second drive unit 3101, and can detect whether or not there is ice in the ice storage member. When the ice detection rod 3102 detects that the amount of ice in the ice storage member is above a predetermined value, the control system controls the ice making device to stop ice making. When the ice detection rod 3102 detects that the amount of ice in the ice storage member is below a predetermined value, the control system controls the ice making device to start ice making.

[0077] The temperature sensing member 3103 is installed at the bottom of the ice tray 320 and is configured to detect the temperature of the ice tray 320. When the temperature sensing member 3103 detects that the temperature at the bottom of the ice tray 320 has dropped to a predetermined temperature, it indicates that ice has formed in the ice tray 320 and can send a signal to the control system indicating that ice making is complete. The control system then controls the second drive unit 3101 to invert the ice making box and shake out the ice.

[0078] Referring to Figures 21 to 27, in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a lighting member 24 is installed in the refrigerator compartment 2 of the refrigerator and is configured to provide brightness when the user takes items out or puts items in, and to make it easier for the user to take items out or put items in.

[0079] In some embodiments, the lighting member 24 is installed directly on the side or rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2, and in order to avoid affecting the refrigerated space, the present disclosure installs the lighting member 24 on the rear side or top of the support shelf 21.

[0080] Conventional shelf lighting made cleaning the refrigerator compartment 2 of the refrigerator inconvenient because the support shelf 21 could not be freely moved due to the power wiring. This disclosure installs the lighting component 24 with wireless connection, so that when the support shelf 21 is connected, the lighting component 24 is energized, and when the support shelf 21 is removed, the lighting component 24 is de-energized, making installation, removal, cleaning, and inspection easy.

[0081] Specifically, referring to Figures 21 and 22, first support parts 22 are formed on each of the two side walls of the refrigerator compartment 2, the height of the two opposing first support parts 22 is the same, and the first support parts 22 are configured to be installed along the depth direction of the refrigerator compartment 2.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first support portion 22 specifically consists of an upper support portion and a lower support portion installed along the height direction of the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 2, with a support recess formed between the upper support portion and the lower support portion, and both sides of the support shelf 21 are inserted into the corresponding support recesses on both sides.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a lighting member 24 connected to a support shelf 21 is connected to a power supply via a power supply assembly, the power supply assembly satisfying that when the support shelf 21 is installed, the lighting member 24 is connected to the power supply assembly and the lighting assembly can provide illumination to the refrigerator compartment 2, and when the support shelf 21 is not installed, the lighting member 24 is disconnected from the power supply assembly.

[0084] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, the lighting component 24 is an LED light panel, and a mounting portion 213 is formed on the rear wall of the support shelf 21. The mounting portion 213 is a mounting groove, and the lighting component 24 is connected to the mounting groove. The shape of the mounting groove may be elongated. The opening of the mounting portion 213 faces the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 to prevent liquids such as condensed water in the refrigerator compartment 2 from affecting the lighting component 24. The material of the support shelf 21 is transparent to facilitate the transmission of light from the lighting component 24.

[0085] In some embodiments, multiple lighting elements 24 may be installed and arranged at intervals within the mounting groove. The color of the lighting elements 24 can also be set to various colors such as white or yellow, and the multiple lighting elements 24 can, through the action of the controller, emit light in various colors rhythmically, forming an ambient lighting effect and improving the user experience.

[0086] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly includes a second connector 23 and a first connector 211 (also called a male connector) which are cut or connected depending on the mounting state of the support shelf 21. When the support shelf 21 is mounted, the second connector (also called a female connector) 23 and the first connector 211 are connected, the circuit in the power supply assembly is connected, and the lighting member 24 can illuminate the refrigerator compartment 2 of the refrigerator according to the user's needs. When the support shelf 21 is not mounted, i.e., when the support shelf 21 is removed from the refrigerator compartment 2, the second connector 23 and the first connector 211 are disconnected, the circuit in the power supply assembly is disconnected, and the lighting member 24 is always unpowered.

[0087] For example, referring to Figures 24 to 27, the second connection part 23 is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 and is connected to the power supply via a circuit, while the first connection part 211 is located on the rear side of the support shelf 21 and is connected to the lighting member 24 via a circuit. The positions of the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23 are compatible, and the first connection part 211 is connected to or disconnected from the second connection part 23 as the support shelf 21 moves, facilitating the power supply or de-energization of the lighting member 24.

[0088] A switch member is provided in the circuit between the second connection part 23 and the power supply, and this switch member is signal-connected to the control system, and the open / closed state of the refrigerator door body 4 is also signal-connected to the control system, and when the support shelf 21 is installed, the second connection part 23 and the first connection part 211 are connected, and when the lighting member 24 is connected to the power supply, when the refrigerator door body 4 is opened, the control system controls the switch member to turn on, the lighting member 24 is energized, and when the refrigerator door body 4 is closed, the control system controls the switch member to turn off, and the lighting member 24 is de-energized. Specifically, at least one fixed contact 231 is formed in the second connection part 23, and at least one movable contact 212 extending toward the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2 is formed in the first connection part 211, and when installed, the movable contact 212 is in contact with the corresponding fixed contact 231.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 23 is provided with two fixed contacts 231 separated from each other by a first partition plate 233, and correspondingly, the first connection portion 211 is also provided with two movable contacts 212 separated from each other by a second partition plate 214.

[0090] The first connecting portion 211 has a connecting recess 215 that fits the size of the second connecting portion 23, and the second connecting portion 23 is detachably connected to the connecting recess 215. Specifically, the connecting recess 215 is a groove structure with an opening facing the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the second connecting portion 23 is inserted into the connecting recess 215, preventing liquids formed in the refrigerator compartment 2 from damaging the connection, improving the safety of the connection and providing waterproofing.

[0091] An elastic member 232 is positioned between the fixed contact 231 and the second connecting portion 23. During the connection process between the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 23, as the connection deepens, the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231 come into contact, compressing the elastic member 232. The elastic member 232 improves the tightness of the connection between the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231, preventing misalignment or separation of the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231, and thus preventing any impact on the energization of the lighting member 24.

[0092] To further improve the tightness of the connection between the second connecting portion 23 and the first connecting portion 211, a second sealing portion 234 is formed on the outer wall of the second connecting portion 23, and a first sealing portion 216 (also called a sealing groove) is formed on the inner wall of the connecting recess 215, which is adapted to the position of the second sealing portion 234. The second sealing portion 234 is a sealing ring structure provided along the circumferential direction of the second connecting portion 23, and the first sealing portion 216 is an annular groove provided in an annular shape within the connecting recess 215. During the connection process between the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 23, the second sealing portion 234 on the second connecting portion 23 engages with the first sealing portion 216 on the first connecting portion 211, further improving the sealing effect and preventing the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231 from coming into contact with external water.

[0093] The specific connection and disconnection states of the first connection section 211 and the second connection section 23 will be described in detail below.

[0094] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the support shelf 21 is removed from the refrigerator compartment 2, the first connection part 211 and the second connection part 23 are disconnected. Specifically, the movable contact 212 of the first connection part gradually separates from the fixed contact 231 of the second connection part 23, until the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231 are completely separated. At this time, the power supply circuit between the lighting member 24 and the power supply is completely disconnected.

[0095] When the support shelf 21 is cleaned or inspected and installed in the refrigerator compartment 2, specifically, both ends of the support shelf 21 gradually extend to the rear end of the refrigerator compartment 2 along the support recesses on the two first support parts 22 installed on the side walls of the refrigerator compartment 2. As the support shelf 21 moves further in, the movable contact 212 of the support shelf 21 gradually approaches the fixed contact 231 located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment 2. When the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231 begin to make contact, the support shelf 21 is not yet fully installed. As the support shelf 21 continues to move further in, the elastic member 232 at the other end of the fixed contact 231 is compressed by a certain distance, and the elastic member 232 can stabilize the direct contact between the movable contact 212 and the fixed contact 231 through its own elastic action.

[0096] Some embodiments of this disclosure further propose a cooling device in which the ice tray 320 can oscillate during the process in which the ice tray 320 rotates and drops ice into the ice storage member.

[0097] Referring to Figure 13, as the second pivot 322 rotates within the third connecting part 313, a certain degree of oscillation occurs, causing the entire ice tray 320 to oscillate during the inversion process. As the oscillation progresses, loosening occurs between the ice in each ice chamber 321 on the ice tray 320 and the ice chamber, allowing the ice to separate more thoroughly from the ice chamber, reducing ice buildup in the ice chamber and decreasing the likelihood of incomplete ice removal.

[0098] A first pivot section and a second pivot section 322 are installed at both ends of the ice tray 320, and the second drive unit 3101 rotates the entire ice tray 320 via the first pivot section, discharging all the ice from the ice chamber 321. A third connecting section 313 is formed in the support vertical section 312, and the third connecting section 313 has a through hole or blind hole structure, and the second pivot section 322 is inserted into the third connecting section 313.

[0099] In order to generate oscillation when the ice tray 320 rotates, a structure is provided on the second pivot portion 322 and / or the third connecting portion 313 that is configured to interfere with the rotation of the second pivot portion to a certain extent, i.e., an interference structure. This interference structure must generate a certain degree of interference with the rotation of the second pivot portion, thereby generating oscillation in its rotation, while ensuring that it does not exert a stopping effect on the rotation.

[0100] A first protrusion 3224 is formed on the second pivot portion 322, and a second protrusion 314 is formed on the inner wall of the third connecting portion 313. The structures of the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 are both designed as protruding structures with smooth surfaces. After the first protrusion 3224 and the second protrusion 314 come into contact and collide, as the second pivot portion 322 rotates, the first protrusion 3224 can pass through the second protrusion 314 more smoothly, preventing the ice tray 320 from experiencing excessive resistance from the second protrusion 314.

[0101] The relative position of the oscillating section and the ice tray 320 satisfies the condition that after the ice tray 320 rotates downward by a certain angle, the second protrusion 314 and the first protrusion 3224 interact, causing the ice tray 320 to oscillate during rotation, making it easier for ice to fall out of the ice-making chamber 321.

[0102] The ice-making device further includes an ice detection rod 3102, a temperature sensing member 3103, and a control system. The ice detection rod 3102 and the temperature sensing member 3103 are signal-connected to the control system. The ice detection rod 3102 is connected to a second drive unit 3101, and the temperature sensing member 3103 is installed at the bottom of the ice tray 320.

[0103] When the temperature sensing element 3103 detects that the temperature at the bottom of the ice tray 320 has dropped to a predetermined temperature, the control system controls the second drive unit 3101 to invert the ice-making box and shake out the ice.

[0104] For further details, please refer to the examples described above; a detailed explanation will not be provided here.

[0105] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and that certain elements of the embodiments can be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Cabinet 2. Refrigerator compartment 21 Support shelf 211 First connection section 212 Movable contact 213 Mounting part 214 Second partition plate 215 Connection recess 216 First seal section 22 1st support part 23 Second connection section 231 Fixed contact 232 Elastic members 233 First partition plate 234 Second seal section 24 Lighting components 3. Ice maker 31 Ice-making assembly 310 Support base 311 Support horizontal part 312 Support vertical section 313 Third connection 314 Second protrusion 32. Second Section 320 Ice Tray 321 Ice maker 322 Second Axis Unit 3221 Positioning section 3222 Intermediate Segment 3223 Connection terminal 3224 First protrusion 33 Second support part 331 Support cross frame 332 Support Frame 3321 Support and Auxiliary Frame 34. Cushioning Assembly 341 Buffer body 342 Transition Section 343 Flow rate limiting member 344 Bottom plate 35 Water supply assembly 351 Water storage tank 3511 Water storage room 3512 Water collection recess 352 Water storage tank cover 3521 Guide Section 3522 1st transport pipe 3523 2nd transport pipe 3524 Reservoir Inlet 353 Entrance cap 36 First drive unit 361 Pump components 362 Drive motor 363 Section 1 364 Section 2 3101 Second drive unit 3102 Ice detection stick 3103 Temperature sensing component 4. Refrigerator door 5. Freezer door body

Claims

1. A cooling device, Cabinet and, Including an ice-making device installed inside the aforementioned cabinet, The ice-making apparatus is A water supply assembly is installed in the cabinet and includes a water storage unit, a first drive unit connected to the water storage unit, and a first pipe group connected to the first drive unit, wherein the first drive unit is configured to transport the water in the water storage unit into the first pipe group. An ice-making assembly connected to the first group of pipes and configured to form an ice block from the fluid transported from the first group of pipes, A buffer assembly connected between the first group of tubes and the ice tray, The aforementioned buffer assembly is A buffer chamber is formed inside, and a buffer body is connected to the downstream end of the first pipe group, It includes a flow rate limiting member connected to the output terminal of the buffer body and connected to the ice tray via a second group of pipes, A cooling device in which, by the action of the first drive unit, fluid is output from the water reservoir and enters the buffer chamber via the first group of pipes, and the fluid in the buffer chamber is transported into the ice-making assembly via the flow rate limiting member.

2. A communication section is provided above the buffer body, and the communication section is configured to connect the buffer chamber with the outside. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein a gradually narrowing extension section is formed at the bottom of the buffer chamber, and the flow rate limiting member is a water outlet pipe formed at the output end of the buffer body.

3. The aforementioned water storage section is Water storage tank and The water storage tank includes a water storage tank cover placed over the water storage tank, The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a water storage chamber is formed inside the water storage tank, a guide portion is formed on the lower surface of the water storage tank cover extending toward the buffer chamber, a guide channel that gradually narrows is formed in the guide portion, and the guide channel communicates with the water storage chamber.

4. The first drive unit is, The drive motor and Includes a pump member connected to the drive motor and extending into the water storage chamber, The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the water storage tank cover is further provided with a first transport pipe extending into the buffer chamber and a second transport pipe extending outside the water storage section, the first transport pipe and the second transport pipe are in communication with each other, the first group of pipes includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the first pipe section is connected between the water outlet port of the pump member and the first transport pipe section, one end of the second pipe section is connected to the second transport pipe, and the other end extends above the communication section or a portion of it extends within the communication section.

5. Further including a support member, The aforementioned support member is Support frame and The support includes a support cross frame that extends outward along the bottom of the support frame, The cooling device according to claim 4, wherein the bottom of the water reservoir is connected to the support cross frame, the drive motor is fixed within the support frame, an auxiliary support frame is further provided on the support frame at an angle, and the buffer body is connected to the auxiliary support frame.

6. The ice-making assembly is A support base connected inside the cabinet, wherein a horizontal support portion is formed on the support base and a vertical support portion is formed on the support base, An ice tray having multiple ice-making chambers that open upwards, with a first pivot part formed at the first end and a second pivot part formed at the second end, A second drive unit is connected to the support base and the first pivot portion, An ice storage member provided below the ice tray, An ice detection rod is installed on one side of the second drive unit and is rotatable when driven by the second drive unit, and detects whether or not there is ice in the ice storage member, A cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a temperature sensing member installed at the bottom of the ice tray and configured to detect the temperature of the ice tray.

7. The cooling device according to claim 6, wherein a connecting portion is formed in the vertical support portion, the second pivot portion is rotatably connected to the connecting portion, a first protrusion is formed on the outer wall of the second pivot portion, a second protrusion is formed on the inner wall of the connecting portion, and the first and second protrusions are configured such that the ice tray oscillates during the process in which the second pivot portion and the connecting portion rotate relative to each other.

8. A connecting end is formed on the second pivot portion, and a relaxation section and a swinging section are formed on the outer wall of the connecting end along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of first protrusions are provided along the circumferential direction on the swinging section, and the ice tray is inverted by the action of the second drive unit, and in the process of the ice tray inverting, the second protrusions pass sequentially through the relaxation section and the swinging section, or The cooling device according to claim 7, wherein the support vertical portion includes a relaxation region and an oscillation region, a plurality of second protrusions are formed in the oscillation region along the circumferential direction, the first protrusion is located on the connecting end, and in the process of the ice tray inverting, the first protrusion sequentially passes through the relaxation region and the oscillation region.

9. The cooling device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a positioning portion is formed at the end of the second pivot portion adjacent to the ice tray, the outer diameter of the positioning portion is larger than that of the connecting portion, and in the connected state, the positioning portion is located outside the connecting portion and is configured to position the depth to which the second pivot portion extends within the connecting portion.

10. A cooling device, Cabinet and, Including an ice-making device installed inside the aforementioned cabinet, The ice-making apparatus is A water supply assembly is installed in the cabinet and includes a water storage unit, a first drive unit connected to the water storage unit, and a first pipe group connected to the first drive unit, wherein the first drive unit is configured to transport the water in the water storage unit into the first pipe group. An ice-making assembly connected to the first group of pipes and configured to form an ice block from the fluid transported from the first group of pipes, The set includes a buffer assembly connected between the first group of pipes and the ice tray, configured to temporarily store the fluid transported from the first group of pipes and to mitigate the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid flowing into the ice tray, A cooling device in which, by the action of the first drive unit, fluid is output from the water storage unit and transported into the ice-making assembly via a buffer assembly, and the total amount of water supplied in one water supply cycle Q satisfies the following conditions. Q=V1×T1=V2×T2 V1 is the instantaneous flow rate of fluid flowing into the buffer assembly, V2 is the instantaneous flow rate of fluid output from the buffer assembly, T1 is the operating time of the first drive unit, and T2 is the time of one water supply cycle.

Images