Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator, which comprises a refrigerator body, a door body, an ice maker, an ice storage box, an ice discharge mechanism and an ice stirring mechanism. The door body is hinged to the refrigerator body. The ice maker is mounted to the refrigerator body or the door body. The ice storage box can store ice cubes prepared by the ice maker. The ice discharge mechanism is arranged in the ice storage box, and the ice discharge mechanism comprises a plurality of blades, which can rotate relative to the ice storage box. The ice stirring mechanism is arranged in the ice storage box, and comprises an ice stirring member, which can rotate relative to the ice storage box, the direction of rotation of the ice stirring member being the same as the direction of rotation of the plurality of blades.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202311459074.7 filed on November 03, 2023; and claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202323186426.4 filed on November 23, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] At present, in order to meet the ice demand of users, refrigerators usually include an ice maker for making ice. The refrigerator also includes an ice storage box for storing ice cubes separated from the ice maker.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator that can solve the technical problem in related arts of poor separation effect of ice cubes that stick to each other.

[0006] The refrigerator comprises a housing, a door, an ice maker, an ice storage box, an ice dispensing mechanism, and an ice stirring mechanism. The door is hinged to the housing. The ice maker is installed on the housing or the door.

[0007] The ice storage box can store ice cubes prepared by the ice maker. The ice discharging mechanism is arranged in the ice storage box, and the ice discharging mechanism includes a plurality of blades, and the plurality of blades are rotatable relative to the ice storage box.

[0008] The ice stirring mechanism is arranged in the ice storage box and includes an ice stirring member. The ice stirring member is rotatable relative to the ice storage box, and the rotation direction of the ice stirring member is the same as the rotation direction of the plurality of blades.

[0009] In some embodiments of the refrigerator disclosed herein, when the first drive member is in operation, the transmission assembly can drive the multiple first blades and the ice-stirring member to rotate synchronously and in the same direction. When the ice-stirring member rotates in a direction approaching the multiple first blades, the force applied by the multiple first blades to the mutually adhered ice cubes between the ice-stirring member and the multiple first blades is opposite in direction to the force applied by the ice-stirring member to the mutually adhered ice cubes. This can increase the separation force between the mutually adhered ice cubes, thereby allowing the mutually adhered ice cubes to separate from each other and enhancing the separation effect of the mutually adhered ice cubes. In addition, the first drive member can simultaneously provide a rotational driving force for the multiple first blades and the ice-stirring member, thereby reducing the driving cost and driving control difficulty of the ice-dispensing mechanism and the ice-stirring mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the motion relationship between an ice stirring element and a first blade in the related art;

[0011] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG3 is a structural diagram of the ice storage box in FIG2 ;

[0013] FIG4 is an exploded view of the ice storage box in FIG3 ;

[0014] FIG5 is a structural diagram of the ice storage box in FIG3 ;

[0015] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the first blade and the ice stirring element in FIG5 rotating counterclockwise;

[0016] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the first blade and the ice stirring element in FIG5 rotating clockwise;

[0017] FIG8 is an exploded view of the ice storage box in FIG5 ;

[0018] FIG9 is a structural diagram of the ice storage box in FIG3 from another perspective;

[0019] FIG10 is an exploded view of the ice storage box in FIG9 ;

[0020] FIG11 is another structural diagram of the ice storage box in FIG3 ;

[0021] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG11;

[0022] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the ice dispensing mechanism outputting crushed ice cubes;

[0023] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the ice dispensing mechanism outputting complete ice cubes;

[0024] FIG15 is another exploded view of an ice storage box according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of an ice storage box according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG17 is a structural diagram of a second connecting member according to some embodiments;

[0027] FIG18 is a structural diagram of a first connecting member according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 19 is another structural diagram of the first connecting member according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0030] 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 to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with 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. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0031] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0032] When describing some embodiments, the word "connected" and its derivatives may be used. The term "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, "connected" can mean fixed, removable, or integrated; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this document.

[0033] “At least one of A, B and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B or C” and both include the following combinations of A, B and C: A only, B only, C only, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B and C.

[0034] The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0035] As used herein, "about," "substantially," or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0036] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0037] Typically, a refrigerator includes an ice maker. The ice dispensing mechanism of the ice maker includes a plurality of first blades that are rotatable relative to an ice storage bin and connected to a first gear. The ice stirring mechanism includes an ice stirring element that is rotatable relative to the ice storage bin and connected to a second gear that meshes with the first gear. The refrigerator also includes a drive element connected to the plurality of first blades. When the drive element rotates the plurality of first blades in a first direction, the plurality of first blades rotate the first gear, which in turn rotates the second gear and the ice stirring element in a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. However, this results in poor separation of stuck ice cubes.

[0038] For example, referring to Figure 1, when the driving member drives the plurality of first blades 100' to rotate in a first direction A (e.g., clockwise), the plurality of first blades 100', via the meshing first and second gears, drive the ice-stirring member 200' to rotate in a second direction B (e.g., counterclockwise). Second direction B is opposite to first direction A. Because the rotation direction of the first blades 100' is opposite to that of the ice-stirring member 200', when the ice-stirring member 200' rotates toward the first blades 100', the first force F1 exerted by the first blades 100' on the ice cubes stuck between the ice-stirring member 200' and the first blades 100' is in the same direction as the second force F2 exerted by the ice-stirring member 200' on the stuck ice cubes. This results in a weak separation force between the stuck ice cubes, resulting in poor separation of the stuck ice cubes.

[0039] In order to solve the above problems, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator 1, by setting the rotation direction of the ice-stirring member to be the same as the rotation direction of the first blade. In this way, when the ice-stirring member rotates in the direction close to the first blade, for the ice cubes that are stuck to each other between the ice-stirring member and the first blade, the direction of the force applied by the first blade to the ice cubes that are stuck to each other is opposite to the direction of the force applied by the ice-stirring member to the ice cubes that are stuck to each other. In this way, the separation force between the ice cubes that are stuck to each other can be increased, which facilitates the separation of the ice cubes that are stuck to each other, thereby enhancing the separation effect of the ice cubes that are stuck to each other.

[0040] 2 , the refrigerator 1 includes a housing 100 and at least one refrigeration chamber 110. The at least one refrigeration chamber 110 is disposed in the housing 100 and has an access opening.

[0041] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , the at least one refrigerating chamber 110 includes a plurality of refrigerating chambers 110 , and the plurality of refrigerating chambers 110 may include refrigerating chambers or freezing chambers.

[0042] 2 , the refrigerator 1 may further include at least one door 200. The door 200 is hinged to the cabinet 100, and the door 200 can rotate relative to the cabinet 100 and can open or close the access opening.

[0043] In some embodiments, the at least one door body 200 includes a plurality of door bodies 200. One door body 200 may be provided for each refrigeration chamber 110, or one door body 200 may be provided for each of the plurality of refrigeration chambers 110.

[0044] 2 , the refrigerator 1 may further include an ice maker 300 . The ice maker 300 may be installed in the housing 100 or the door 200 and may make ice. For example, the ice maker 300 may be disposed in the refrigeration chamber 110 and connected to the housing 100 .

[0045] 2 , the refrigerator 1 may further include an ice bank 400 configured to store ice cubes separated from the ice maker 300. The ice bank 400 may also be configured to store ice cubes prepared by the ice maker 300. The ice bank 400 may be disposed below the ice maker 300.

[0046] 3 , the top of the ice bank 400 may be provided with a first opening 410, through which ice cubes separated by the ice maker 300 can enter the ice bank 400. The bottom of the ice bank 400 may be provided with a second opening 420, through which the ice cubes in the ice bank 400 can be discharged. The ice bank 400 may be connected to the inner wall of the refrigeration chamber 110. For example, the ice bank 400 may be fixedly connected to the inner wall of the refrigerator body 100. The ice bank 400 may also be detachably connected to the side wall of the refrigerator body 100, allowing the user to remove the ice bank 400 from the refrigerator 1 for cleaning or other operations.

[0047] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3 , the ice bank 400 may include a first wall 430 and a second wall 440 . The first wall 430 and the second wall 440 are disposed opposite each other. The first wall 430 and the second wall 440 are arranged along the thickness direction of the ice bank 400 (e.g., the front-to-back direction in FIG3 ).

[0048] The ice bank 400 may further include two opposite third walls 450 . The two third walls 450 are respectively located on both sides of the first wall 430 and the second wall 440 along the length direction of the ice bank 400 (eg, the left-right direction in FIG. 3 ).

[0049] The ice storage box 400 may further include a receiving chamber 460 . The two third walls 450 , the first wall 430 , and the second wall 440 enclose the receiving chamber 460 . The receiving chamber 460 can store ice cubes and may have a first opening 410 and a second opening 420 .

[0050] In some embodiments, the ice storage box 400 may be a split piece to facilitate installation of other components in the ice storage box 400 .

[0051] 4 and 5 , the ice bank 400 may further include a first housing 470 . The first housing 470 may include a second wall 440 ; and two first sub-walls 471 connected to the left and right sides of the second wall 440 .

[0052] The ice bank 400 may further include a second housing 480 . The second housing 480 may include a first wall 430 , and the second housing 480 may further include two second sub-walls 481 connected to the left and right sides of the first wall 430 .

[0053] The second sub-wall 481 is connected to the first sub-wall 471 to form the third wall 450. The second sub-wall 481 is connected to the second wall 440 to fix the first shell 470 and the second shell 480 together.

[0054] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the ice bank 400 may further include a third housing 490. The third housing 490 may include a first baffle 491 (e.g., a front baffle); the third housing 490 may also include two second baffles 492 (e.g., side baffles), which are connected to the left and right sides of the first baffle 491. The first baffle 491 may be located on the side of the first wall 430 away from the second wall 440, and the first baffle 491 may partially cover the first wall 430. The two second baffles 492 are respectively located on the sides of the two first sub-walls 471 away from each other and are connected to the corresponding first sub-walls 471. The third housing 490 may cover at least portions of the first housing 470 and the second housing 480, thereby improving the aesthetics of the ice bank 400.

[0055] 4 and 5 , the ice bank 400 further includes two guide surfaces 451. The two third walls 450 may be provided with guide surfaces 451, respectively.

[0056] For example, the two first sub-walls 471 may each be provided with a guide surface 451. The two guide surfaces 451 are inclined relative to the centerline L of the ice bank 400 so that ice cubes on the guide surfaces 451 can slide along the guide surfaces 451 toward the second opening 420 under the action of gravity, thereby allowing the ice cubes to be discharged from the second opening 420 and preventing the ice cubes from becoming stuck in the ice bank 400. The inclination of the two guide surfaces 451 may be the same or different.

[0057] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the refrigerator 1 may further include an ice dispensing mechanism 500. The ice dispensing mechanism 500 is disposed within the ice storage bin 400. The ice dispensing mechanism 500 is configured to dispense ice cubes from the ice storage bin 400. For example, the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may include a plurality of first blades 510 (e.g., blades) that are rotatable relative to the ice storage bin 400. The rotation of the plurality of first blades 510 causes the ice cubes to be dispensed from the ice storage bin 400.

[0058] 4 and 5 , the refrigerator 1 may further include an ice stirring mechanism 600. The ice stirring mechanism 600 is disposed in the ice storage box 400. The ice stirring mechanism 600 is used to stir the ice cubes in the ice storage box 400 to prevent the ice cubes from sticking to each other when the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage box 400 for a long time.

[0059] For example, the ice stirring mechanism 600 may include an ice stirring member 610 rotatable relative to the ice storage box 400 . The ice stirring member 610 rotates to stir the ice cubes. The rotation direction of the ice stirring member 610 is the same as the rotation direction of the plurality of first blades 510 .

[0060] For example, as shown in Fig. 6 , the ice stirring element 610 and the plurality of first blades 510 rotate in a counterclockwise direction, or as shown in Fig. 7 , the ice stirring element 610 and the plurality of first blades 510 rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0061] Since the rotation direction of the ice-stirring member 610 is the same as that of the multiple first blades 510, when the ice-stirring member 610 rotates toward the direction close to the multiple first blades 510, for the ice cubes that are stuck together between the ice-stirring member 610 and the multiple first blades 510, the first force F1 applied by the multiple first blades 510 to the ice cubes that are stuck together is opposite to the direction of the second force F2 applied by the ice-stirring member 610 to the ice cubes that are stuck together. In this way, the separation force between the ice cubes that are stuck together can be increased, so that the ice cubes that are stuck together can be separated from each other, thereby enhancing the separation effect of the ice cubes that are stuck together.

[0062] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 may further include a third drive member. The third drive member may be connected to the plurality of first blades 510 to drive the plurality of first blades 510 to rotate relative to the ice storage box 400. The refrigerator 1 may further include a fourth drive member. The fourth drive member may be connected to the ice stirring member 610 to drive the ice stirring member 610 to rotate relative to the ice storage box 400. The third drive member and the fourth drive member may be synchronously controlled to provide rotational driving force in the same direction to the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610, thereby causing the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate in the same direction. For example, the third drive member and the fourth drive member may each be a motor. It is understood that the third drive member and the fourth drive member may also be other drive members capable of providing rotational driving force.

[0063] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 1 may further include a first drive member (e.g., a drive member). The first drive member is connected to the plurality of first blades 510 or the ice stirring member 610. For example, the first drive member may be a motor. It is understood that the first drive member may also be other drive members capable of providing rotational driving force.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first driving member includes an output shaft connected to the rotating shaft 520 , and the output shaft can drive the rotating shaft 520 to rotate relative to the ice storage box 400 to deliver ice cubes from the ice storage box 400, thereby enabling the ice dispensing mechanism 500 to perform the ice dispensing function.

[0065] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the refrigerator 1 may further include a transmission assembly 700 that connects the first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610. The transmission assembly 700 is configured to rotate the first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610 relative to the ice bank 400 in the same direction when the first driving member drives the first blades 510 or the ice stirring member 610 to rotate relative to the ice bank 400.

[0066] For example, the first driving member is connected to the plurality of first blades 510 , and the transmission assembly 700 can drive the ice stirring member 610 to rotate along the predetermined direction when the first driving member drives the plurality of blades 510 to rotate relative to the ice storage box 400 along the predetermined direction.

[0067] For another example, the first driving member is connected to the ice stirring member 610 , and the transmission assembly 700 can drive the plurality of first blades 510 to rotate along the predetermined direction when the first driving member drives the ice stirring member 610 to rotate along the predetermined direction relative to the ice storage box 400 .

[0068] In this way, when the ice-mixing member 610 rotates toward the direction approaching the multiple first blades 510, for the ice cubes that are stuck together between the ice-mixing member 610 and the multiple first blades 510, the first force F1 applied by the multiple first blades 510 to the ice cubes that are stuck together is opposite to the direction of the second force F2 applied by the ice-mixing member 610 to the ice cubes that are stuck together, which can increase the separation force between the ice cubes that are stuck together, thereby allowing the ice cubes that are stuck together to be separated from each other, thereby enhancing the separation effect of the ice cubes that are stuck together.

[0069] Furthermore, when the first drive member is in operation, the transmission assembly 700 can drive the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate synchronously and in the same direction. Thus, the first drive member can simultaneously provide rotational driving force to the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610, thereby reducing the driving cost and difficulty of driving control of the ice dispensing mechanism 500 and the ice stirring mechanism 600.

[0070] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the transmission assembly 700 may include a first gear 710 connected to the plurality of first blades 510. The transmission assembly 700 may also include a second gear 720 connected to the ice stirring element 610. The transmission assembly 700 may also include a third gear 730 rotatably connected to the ice bank 400, and the third gear 730 meshes with the first gear 710 and the second gear 720. When the plurality of first blades 510 rotate, the plurality of first blades 510 may drive the first gear 710 to rotate in the same direction, the first gear 710 may drive the third gear 730 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the third gear 730 may drive the second gear 720 and the ice stirring element 610 to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the third gear 730, thereby causing the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring element 610 to rotate in the same direction.

[0071] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 700 may also include a first synchronous wheel connected to the plurality of first blades 510. The transmission assembly 700 may also include a second synchronous wheel connected to the ice stirring element 610. The transmission assembly 700 may also include a synchronous belt that surrounds and connects the first and second synchronous wheels. For example, when one of the first and second synchronous wheels rotates, the synchronous belt rotates to rotate the other of the first and second synchronous wheels.

[0072] For example, the outer circumferential side surfaces of the first and second synchronous wheels can each be a flat first surface. The inner side surface of the synchronous belt can be a flat second surface capable of contacting the first surface. The synchronous belt can be connected to the first and second synchronous wheels via the contacting second and first surfaces. Alternatively, the outer circumferential side surfaces of the first and second synchronous wheels can be provided with first synchronous teeth, and the inner side surface of the synchronous belt can be provided with second synchronous teeth capable of meshing with the first synchronous teeth. The synchronous belt can be connected to the first and second synchronous wheels via the meshing second synchronous teeth and first synchronous teeth. When the plurality of first blades 510 rotate, the plurality of first blades 510 can drive the first synchronous wheel to rotate in the same direction, the first synchronous wheel can drive the synchronous belt to move in the same direction around the first synchronous wheel, and the synchronous belt can drive the second synchronous wheel and the ice stirring element 610 to rotate in the same direction, thereby causing the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring element 610 to rotate in the same direction.

[0073] Alternatively, the transmission assembly 700 may further include a first sprocket connected to the plurality of first blades 510. The transmission assembly 700 may further include a second sprocket connected to the ice stirring member 610. The transmission assembly 700 may further include a chain. The chain surrounds the first sprocket and the sprocket and engages with the first sprocket and the second sprocket. When the plurality of first blades 510 rotate, the plurality of first blades 510 can drive the first sprocket to rotate in the same direction, the first sprocket can drive the chain to move in the same direction around the first sprocket, and the chain drives the second sprocket and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate in the same direction, thereby causing the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate in the same direction.

[0074] It is understandable that the transmission assembly 700 may also be other structures that can enable the plurality of first blades 510 and the ice stirring element 610 to rotate in the same direction.

[0075] The following description will be made by taking the transmission assembly 700 including the first gear 710 , the second gear 720 and the third gear 730 as an example.

[0076] 4, 8, and 10, the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may further include a rotating shaft 520. A first end of the rotating shaft 520 is rotatably connected to the first wall 430, a second end of the rotating shaft 520 is rotatably connected to the second wall 440, and the rotating shaft 520 is connected to the first driving member. A plurality of first blades 510 and a first gear 710 are respectively sleeved on the rotating shaft 520. For example, the plurality of first blades 510 and the first gear 710 are respectively connected to the rotating shaft 520 and are respectively disposed radially outward of the rotating shaft 520.

[0077] When the first driving member is in operation, the first driving member can drive the rotating shaft 520 to rotate, and the rotating shaft 520 can drive the multiple first blades 510 and the first gear 710 to rotate synchronously, thereby improving the rotational stability and coaxiality of the multiple first blades 510 and the first gear 710. Here, coaxiality can refer to the degree of deviation between the rotation axis of the first blade 510 and the rotation axis of the first gear 710. The lower the coaxiality, the greater the deviation between the rotation axis of the first blade 510 and the rotation axis of the first gear 710; the higher the coaxiality, the smaller the deviation between the rotation axis of the first blade 510 and the rotation axis of the first gear 710.

[0078] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 11 and 12 , the ice storage box 400 further includes a first support portion 431 (rotational recessed portion). A portion of the first wall 430 is recessed away from the second wall 440 to form the first support portion 431. Referring to Figures 10 and 12 , the ice dispensing mechanism 500 further includes a first sleeve 521 that can be sleeved onto the first end of the rotating shaft 520. For example, the first sleeve 521 is connected to the first end of the rotating shaft 520 and is located radially outward of the rotating shaft 520.

[0079] For example, the inner side of the first sleeve 521 may have at least one third abutment, and the outer side (e.g., circumferential sidewall) of the rotating shaft 520 may be provided with at least one first abutment. When the first sleeve 521 is mounted on the rotating shaft 520, the third abutment abuts against the first abutment, allowing the first sleeve 521 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate synchronously through the abutment of the third and first abutments. The first sleeve 521 may be inserted into the first support portion 431 and rotate within the first support portion 431. The first end of the rotating shaft 520 is rotatably connected to the first wall 430 via the first sleeve 521, which can reduce wear on the rotating shaft 520 during rotation and extend the service life of the rotating shaft 520. In addition, the large contact area between the first sleeve 521 and the first support portion 431 allows the first support portion 431 to provide stable support for the first sleeve 521 and the rotating shaft 520, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the rotating shaft 520.

[0080] It should be noted that the first abutting portion and the third abutting portion may be planar in shape.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9, 10, and 12, the second wall 440 may be provided with a first hole 441. The ice storage box 400 also includes a first connecting tube 442, which may be inserted into the first hole 441. For example, the first connecting tube 442 may be integrally formed with the second wall 440 using a process such as injection molding, stamping, or casting. This reduces the difficulty of manufacturing and assembling the second wall 440 and the first connecting tube 442, and improves the strength of the connection between the first connecting tube 442 and the second wall 440. The first portion of the first connecting tube 442 is located on the side of the first hole 441 away from the first wall 430, while the second portion of the first connecting tube 442 is located on the side of the first hole 441 closer to the first wall 430. The outer wall of the first connecting tube 442 may be provided with an opening 443. For example, the opening 443 may be provided on the outer wall of the first portion of the first connecting tube 442.

[0082] Referring to Figures 10 and 12 , the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may further include a second sleeve 522 that may be sleeved onto the second end of the rotating shaft 520. For example, the second sleeve 522 may be connected to the second end of the rotating shaft 520 and located radially outward of the rotating shaft 520. For example, at least one fourth abutment portion may be provided on the inner side of the second sleeve 522. It should be noted that the fourth abutment portion may be planar.

[0083] When the second sleeve 522 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 520, the fourth abutting portion abuts against the first abutting portion. The second sleeve 522 and the rotating shaft 520 can rotate synchronously through the abutting fourth abutting portion and the first abutting portion. The second sleeve 522 can be inserted into the first connecting cylinder 442 and can rotate relative to the first connecting cylinder 442. The second end of the rotating shaft 520 is rotatably connected to the second wall 440 through the second sleeve 522, which can reduce the wear of the rotating shaft 520 during rotation and extend the service life of the rotating shaft 520. In addition, the contact area between the second sleeve 522 and the second connecting cylinder 446 is large, and the second connecting cylinder 446 can provide stable support for the second sleeve 522, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the rotating shaft 520.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the first gear 710 can be located within the first connecting cylinder 442 and sleeved onto the second end of the rotating shaft 520. For example, the first gear 710 is connected to the second end of the rotating shaft 520 and is located radially outward of the rotating shaft 520. The first gear 710 is connected to the side of the second sleeve 522 facing away from the first wall 430, with at least a portion of the first gear 710 exposed through the opening 443. When the rotating shaft 520 rotates, the second sleeve 522 drives the first gear 710 to rotate. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first gear 710 can be exposed through the opening 443 to mesh with the third gear 730. The first connecting cylinder 442 can cover the remaining portion of the first gear 710 to protect it, thereby extending the service life of the transmission assembly 700.

[0085] 10 and 12 , in some embodiments, the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may further include a first connector 530 and a second connector 540. The first driving member and the rotating shaft 520 may be detachably connected to the first connector 530 and the second connector 540, allowing the user to remove the ice storage box 400 from the refrigerator 1 for cleaning or other operations.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first connecting member 530 may be provided with a third hole 531 , and the first connecting member 530 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 520 through the third hole 531 .

[0087] For example, at least one second abutting portion may be provided on the inner side of the third hole 531, and the at least one second abutting portion is arranged opposite to the at least one first abutting portion. When the first connecting member 530 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 520, the second abutting portion abuts against the first abutting portion. For example, the first connecting member 530 is connected to the rotating shaft 520 through the third hole 531, and the first connecting member 530 is located radially outward from the rotating shaft 520. In this way, the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 can rotate synchronously through the abutting second abutting portion and the first abutting portion, thereby improving the synchronization of rotation between the rotating shaft 520 and the output shaft. It should be noted that the second abutting portion may be planar.

[0088] 10 , the first connector 530 includes a first connector body; the first connector 530 also includes a first connecting portion 532 (e.g., a first protrusion); and the first connector 530 also includes a second connecting portion 533 (e.g., a second protrusion). The first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533 may be located on a side of the first connector body away from the first wall 430 and extend toward a side away from the plurality of first blades 510. A gap may be provided between the first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533.

[0089] The second connecting member 540 is disposed on a side of the first connecting member body away from the plurality of first blades 510. The second connecting member 540 is connected to the first driving member.

[0090] For example, the first driving member can be fixedly installed in the housing 100. The second connecting member 540 can be fixedly connected to the output end of the first driving member. Referring to Figure 10, the second connecting member 540 includes a second connecting member body; the second connecting member 540 also includes at least one third connecting portion 541 (e.g., a third protrusion). The third connecting portion 541 can be provided on a side of the second connecting member body close to the first connecting member body and extend toward the first connecting member body. The third connecting portion 541 is inserted between the first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533.

[0091] When installing the ice bank 400, the gap between the first and second connecting portions 532, 533 can be aligned with the third connecting portion 541. The ice bank 400 can then be pushed so that the third connecting portion 541 is inserted between the first and second connecting portions 532, 533. When the first driving member is in operation, it drives the second connecting member 540 to rotate. The second connecting member 540 pushes the first or second connecting portion 532, 533 via the third connecting portion 541, thereby driving the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate. When removing the ice bank 400, the third connecting portion 541 can be pulled out from between the first and second connecting portions 532, 533, separating the first and second connecting portions 530, allowing the ice bank 400 to be removed from the refrigerator 1.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 532 and the second connection portion 533 may be formed with two relative intervals, and the two intervals may be respectively located on both sides of the center line of the first connection member 530. The at least one third connection portion 541 includes two third connection portions 541, and the two third connection portions 541 may be arranged relative to the center line of the first connection member 530. The two third connection portions 541 may be respectively inserted into the two intervals. When the first driving member is working, the first connection portion 532 and the second connection portion 533 can be pushed simultaneously by the two third connection portions 541 to prevent the direction of the rotational driving force applied by the second connection member 540 to the first connection member 530 from being deflected, making it difficult for the rotating shaft 520 to rotate, thereby improving the reliability of the rotation of the rotating shaft 520.

[0093] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 12 , the second sleeve 522 includes a second sleeve body; the second sleeve 522 also includes a first receiving portion 523 (receiving recess). A portion of the second sleeve 522 is recessed toward the plurality of first blades 510 to form the first receiving portion 523. The first gear 710 is provided with a fourth hole 711, which is connected to the first receiving portion 523. The first connector 530 is located within the connected fourth hole 711 and the first receiving portion 523, and the first connector 530 can be accommodated within the second sleeve 522 and the first gear 710. For example, the first portion of the first connector 530 is located within the fourth hole 711, and the second portion of the first connector 530 is located within the first receiving portion 523.

[0094] In this way, when the ice storage box 400 is installed in the refrigerator 1, the first connecting member 530 can be prevented from occupying the space outside the ice storage box 400, thereby reducing the gap between the ice storage box 400 and the cabinet 100 or the door 200, thereby improving the space utilization and aesthetics of the refrigerator 1.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first gear 710 and the second sleeve 522 can be integrally formed. For example, the fourth hole 711 and the first receiving portion 523 can be formed through the same hole processing step. This configuration can improve the processing difficulty of the first gear 710 and the second sleeve 522 and enhance the connection strength between the first gear 710 and the second sleeve 522.

[0096] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 12 , the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may further include a second support portion 550 (e.g., an elastic member). The second support portion 550 is located within the interconnected fourth hole 711 and the first accommodating portion 523. For example, a first portion of the second support portion 550 is located within the fourth hole 711, and a second portion of the second support portion 550 is located within the first accommodating portion 523. A first end of the second support portion 550 abuts against the second shaft sleeve 522, and a second end of the second support portion 550 abuts against the first connecting member 530. For example, the second support portion 550 may be a compression spring or an elastic member such as a rubber block that provides a restoring force.

[0097] When the ice bank 400 is installed, if the gap between the first connection portion 532 and the second connection portion 533 is not aligned with the third connection portion 541, the third connection portion 541 abuts against the first connection portion 532 or the second connection portion 533. The third connection portion 541 applies a thrust to the first connector 530, compressing the second support portion 550. The compressed second support portion 550 applies a restoring force to the first connector 530, causing the first connection portion 532 or the second connection portion 533 to abut against the third connection portion 541.

[0098] When the first driving member is in operation, it can drive the second connecting member 540 to rotate, and the third connecting portion 541 can slide along the surface of the first connecting portion 532 or the second connecting portion 533 until the third connecting portion 541 slides into the gap between the first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533, thereby pushing the first connecting portion 532 or the second connecting portion 533, causing the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate. Therefore, during the installation of the ice bank 400, even if the user does not align the third connecting portion 541 with the gap between the first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533, the first driving member can still drive the rotating shaft 520 to rotate via the second connecting member 540 and the first connecting member 530, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the ice bank 400.

[0099] In some embodiments, the plurality of first blades 510 can be respectively sleeved on the rotating shaft 520 and abutted against the first sleeve 521 and the second sleeve 522. The first sleeve 521 and the second sleeve 522 can limit the plurality of first blades 510. A gap can be provided between two adjacent blades 510 in the plurality of first blades 510. For example, referring to Figures 10 and 12, the ice dispensing mechanism 500 can further include at least one sleeve 511. A sleeve 511 can be provided between two adjacent first blades 510, and the two adjacent first blades 510 can respectively abut against the sleeve 511. When the rotating shaft 520 drives the first blades 510 to rotate, the first blades 510 can push the ice cubes, causing the ice cubes to be discharged from the second opening 420 of the ice storage bin 400.

[0100] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 10, a first blade 510 may include multiple sub-blades 512, each of which extends radially relative to the rotation axis 520. Each sub-blade 512 may have a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged opposite each other along the extension direction of the sub-blade 512. The first side edge has a first extruded portion 513. For example, the first extruded portion 513 may be a first tooth-shaped structure. The second side edge may have a smooth surface.

[0101] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 , the ice dispensing mechanism 500 may further include at least one second blade 560 (e.g., a fixed blade). The second blade 560 may be positioned between two adjacent first blades 510. One end of the second blade 560 may be connected to the third wall 450 of the ice storage bin 400, and the second end of the second blade 560 may be sleeved within the sleeve 511. An ice-crushing space 562 is formed between the side of the second blade 560 facing away from the second opening 420 and the first side edge of the first blade 510. The second blade 560 includes a second blade body and a second pressing portion 561. For example, the second pressing portion 561 may be a second tooth-shaped structure. The second pressing portion 561 is positioned on the side of the second blade body facing away from the second opening 420.

[0102] In some embodiments, an ice stirring mechanism 600 may be provided above the ice dispensing mechanism 500. The ice stirring member 610 may be a straight or bent rod-shaped structure, or a blade structure.

[0103] In some embodiments, the ice stirring element 610 can be connected to a second gear 720, which is rotatably connected to the ice bank 400. Rotation of the second gear 720 can drive the ice stirring element 610 to rotate relative to the ice bank 400. For example, as shown in FIG10 , the second wall 440 of the ice bank 400 can be provided with a second hole 444. The second wall 440 includes a first mating portion 445 (e.g., an annular protrusion). The first mating portion 445 is provided on a side of the second hole 444 away from the first wall 430 and extends away from the first wall 430. The first mating portion 445 is connected to the edge of the second hole 444. The first mating portion 445 is connected to the edge of the second hole 444, and the shape of the first mating portion 445 matches the shape of the second hole 444.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10 , the second gear 720 includes a second mating portion 721 (e.g., an annular recess). A portion of the second gear 720 is recessed away from the first wall 430 to form the second mating portion 721. The shape of the second mating portion 721 is substantially the same as (e.g., compatible with) the shape of the first mating portion 445. The second gear 720 is sleeved on the first mating portion 445 via the second mating portion 721, and the second gear 720 is rotatable relative to the first mating portion 445. For example, the second gear 720 is connected to the first mating portion 445 via the second mating portion 721, and the second gear 720 is located radially outward of the first mating portion 721. The ice stirring element 610 is connected to the side of the second gear 720 where the second mating portion 721 is located. When the second gear 720 rotates relative to the first mating portion 445, it drives the ice stirring element 610 to rotate relative to the ice storage bin 400, thereby stirring the ice cubes.

[0105] In the related art, the first blade and the ice-stirring element are connected by a meshing first gear and a second gear, and the ice-stirring element is connected to the second gear. If the ice-stirring element is to be able to stir ice cubes far away from the first blade, it is necessary to set the ice-stirring element in an edge area close to the second gear to increase the rotation range of the ice-stirring element. However, if the ice-stirring element is close to the edge area of ​​the second gear, during the rotation of the ice-stirring element, the minimum distance between the ice-stirring element and the first blade will be too small, causing the ice cubes to be crushed too much and even producing fragments. Alternatively, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the second gear on the basis of avoiding reducing the minimum distance between the ice-stirring element and the first blade to increase the rotation range of the ice-stirring element. However, if the diameter of the second gear is increased, it is necessary to increase the driving force provided to the second gear, thereby increasing the cost.

[0106] Compared to related art, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice-stirring element 610 is connected to the second gear 720, and a third gear 730 is disposed between the second gear 720 and the first gear 710. By adjusting the position and size of the third gear 730, the position of the second gear 720 and the ice-stirring element 610 can be adjusted. This ensures that during the rotation of the ice-stirring element 610, the maximum and minimum distances between the ice-stirring element 610 and the first blade 510 are appropriately maintained, allowing the ice-stirring element 610 to stir ice cubes that are far from the first blade 510. Furthermore, this avoids reducing the minimum distance between the ice-stirring element 610 and the first blade 510, preventing excessive crushing of ice cubes. Furthermore, it avoids increasing the diameter of the second gear 720, reducing costs.

[0107] In some embodiments, the ice-stirring mechanism 600 may further include a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the first wall 430 and the second wall 440. The ice-stirring member 610 is connected to the rotating shaft, and the second gear 720 is sleeved on the rotating shaft. Compared to this approach, connecting the ice-stirring member 610 to the second gear 720 rotatably connected to the ice bank 400 avoids the need for an additional rotating shaft, simplifies the mechanical structure of the ice-stirring mechanism 600, and reduces its size. This reduces the space occupied by the ice-stirring mechanism 600 within the ice bank 400, thereby improving space utilization within the ice bank 400.

[0108] In some embodiments, the third gear 730 can be rotatably connected to the second wall 440 of the ice bank 400 and mesh with the first gear 710 and the second gear 720, respectively. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , the ice bank 400 can further include a second connecting cylinder 446. The second connecting cylinder 446 is disposed on a side of the second wall 440 away from the first wall 430. The third gear 730 can be sleeved within the second connecting cylinder 446 and rotatable relative to the second connecting cylinder 446. For example, the third gear 730 can be connected to the second connecting cylinder 446 and located radially outward of the second connecting cylinder 446. This arrangement allows the third gear 730 to be positioned outside the ice bank 400, preventing it from occupying space within the ice bank 400, thereby improving space utilization within the ice bank 400.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 12 , the refrigerator 1 may further include a protective cover 800 . The protective cover 800 is disposed on a side of the second wall 440 away from the first wall 430 and is connected to the second wall 440 . The protective cover 800 can cover the second gear 720 and the third gear 730 to protect them, thereby extending the service life of the transmission assembly 700 . Furthermore, the protective cover 800 can also position the second gear 720 and the third gear 730 to prevent them from disengaging from the second wall 440 of the ice bank 400 , thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the second gear 720 and the third gear 730 and the second wall 440 .

[0110] For example, referring to FIG12 , the protective cover 800 includes a protective cover body; the protective cover 800 also includes a fixing portion 810 (e.g., a fixing protrusion). The fixing portion 810 (e.g., a fixing protrusion) can be provided on one side of the protective cover body facing the second wall 440. The fixing portion 810 is inserted into the second gear 720, and the second gear 720 can rotate on the fixing portion 810, thereby improving the stability of the second gear 720 during rotation.

[0111] The working process of the ice dispensing mechanism 500 and the ice stirring mechanism 600 will be described below with reference to FIG. 12 and in combination with FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 .

[0112] When crushing ice, when the ice bank 400 is installed in the refrigerator 1, the third connecting portion 541 is inserted between the first connecting portion 532 and the second connecting portion 533. The first driving member operates to provide a rotational driving force, which drives the second connecting member 540 to rotate. The second connecting member 540 drives the rotating shaft 520, the first gear 710, and the plurality of first blades 510 to rotate in a first direction, which can be the counterclockwise direction shown in Figure 13. The first gear 710 drives the second gear 720 and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate in the first direction via the third gear 730.

[0113] When the ice stirring member 610 approaches the first blade 510, for the ice cubes stuck together between the ice stirring member 610 and the first blade 510, the first force F1 applied by the first blade 510 to the ice cubes stuck together is opposite in direction to the second force F2 applied by the ice stirring member 610 to the ice cubes stuck together, thereby separating the ice cubes stuck together into independent ice cubes.

[0114] The first side of first blade 510 pushes the ice, forcing it into ice crushing space 562. As first blade 510 continues to rotate, ice crushing space 562 shrinks, causing the ice in ice crushing space 562 to come into contact with first pressing portion 513 and second pressing portion 561. Pressure from first pressing portion 513 and second pressing portion 561 causes the ice to be crushed, forming crushed ice. As first blade 510 continues to rotate, the crushed ice is discharged from second opening 420.

[0115] When complete ice cubes are needed, the first driving member operates to provide a reverse rotational driving force. This reverse rotational driving force drives the second connecting member 540 to rotate in the reverse direction. The second connecting member 540 drives the rotating shaft 520, the first gear 710, and the first blade 510 to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second direction may be the clockwise direction shown in FIG14. The first gear 710 drives the second gear 720 and the ice stirring member 610 to rotate in the second direction via the third gear 730.

[0116] When the ice stirring element 610 approaches the first blade 510, the first blade 510 applies a first force F1 to the ice cubes stuck together between the ice stirring element 610 and the first blade 510. This force F1 is in the opposite direction of the force F2 applied by the ice stirring element 610 to the ice cubes stuck together, thereby separating the stuck ice cubes into independent ice cubes. The second side of the first blade 510 pushes the ice cubes, allowing the intact ice cubes to be discharged from the second opening 420.

[0117] The above mainly uses the example that the first connector 530 includes a first connector body and a first connecting portion 532, and the first connecting portion 532 is arranged on the side of the first connector body away from the multiple blades 510 and extends toward the side away from the multiple blades 510. Of course, in some embodiments, the first connector 530 can also be other structures.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 15, 16, and 18, the first connector 530 includes at least one first connecting portion 532. At least a portion of the first connector 530 is recessed toward the rotating shaft 520 to form at least one first connecting portion 532. The first connecting portion 532 is configured to receive the third connecting portion 541. When the output shaft rotates, the third connecting portion 541 inserted into the first connecting portion 532 drives the first connector 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate.

[0119] 16 and 19 , the second connector 540 includes a second connector body and at least one third connector portion 541. The at least one third connector portion 541 is disposed on a side of the second connector body facing the first connector body and extends toward the first connector 530. The at least one third connector portion 541 is disposed corresponding to the at least one first connector portion 532. Each of the at least one third connector portions 541 is disposed within a corresponding one of the at least one first connector portions 532. The at least one third connector portion 541 is capable of abutting against a sidewall of the at least one first connector portion 532 when the output shaft rotates.

[0120] In some embodiments of the refrigerator 1 disclosed herein, a third connecting portion 541 is provided on a second connecting member 540 connected to an output shaft, and a first connecting portion 532 is provided on a first connecting member 530 connected to a rotating shaft 520. The third connecting portion 541 is inserted into the first connecting portion 532 to drive the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate. Because the sidewall of the first connecting portion 532 is part of the structure of the first connecting member 530, when the third connecting portion 541 applies a thrust to the sidewall of the first connecting portion 532 to rotate the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520, the sidewall of the first connecting portion 532 is prevented from separating from the first connecting member 530, thereby improving the structural reliability of the first connecting member 530 and thus the functional reliability of the ice dispensing mechanism 500.

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 18 , the first connecting portion 532 includes a first sidewall 716; the first connecting portion 532 also includes a second sidewall 712. At least one sidewall of the first connecting portion 532 includes either the first sidewall 716 or the second sidewall 712. When the output shaft rotates in a first direction, the third connecting portion 541 can abut against and push the first sidewall 716, thereby driving the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate in the first direction. When the output shaft rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the third connecting portion 541 can abut against and push the second sidewall 712, thereby driving the first connecting member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate in the second direction.

[0122] Because the first side wall 716 and the second side wall 712 are both formed on the first connector 530, when the third connector 541 applies a thrust to the first side wall 716 and the second side wall 712, the first side wall 716 and the second side wall 712 are prevented from being separated from the first connector 530. This eliminates the need for additional reinforcement members to increase the connection strength, thereby improving the structural reliability of the first connector 530 and the functional reliability of the ice dispensing mechanism 500.

[0123] Furthermore, when the second connector 540 and the first connector 530 are assembled, as shown in Figures 16 to 18 , the third connector 541 can be aligned with the first connector 532. The ice bank 400 can then be pushed, causing the ice bank 400 to drive the rotating shaft 520 and the first connector 530 toward the second connector 540, thereby allowing the first connector 532 to fit over the third connector 541. When the first driving member is in operation, the rotating shaft 520 can drive the first connector 530 to rotate, which in turn drives the second connector 540 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate, enabling the ice dispensing mechanism 500 to dispense ice. When the first driving member is in operation, the second connector 540 drives the first connector 530 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft 520 to rotate, enabling the ice dispensing mechanism 500 to dispense ice.

[0124] In addition, a pulling force can be applied to the ice storage box 400, so that the ice storage box 400 drives the rotating shaft 520 and the first connecting member 530 to move away from the second connecting member 540, so that the first connecting portion 532 and the third connecting portion 541 can be separated from each other, so that the ice storage box 400 can be removed from the box body 100 or the door body 200 for maintenance operations such as cleaning, thereby improving the convenience of maintaining the ice storage box 400 and the ice dispensing mechanism 500.

[0125] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 to 18 , the at least one third connection portion 541 includes two third connection portions 541, which can be disposed on either side of the axis of the rotating shaft 520. The at least one first connection portion 532 includes two first connection portions 532, which are respectively inserted into the two third connection portions 541. With this arrangement, the second connection member 540 can apply a rotational driving force to the first connection member 530 on either side of the axis of the rotating shaft 520, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the first connection member 530 and the rotating shaft 520.

[0126] In some embodiments, the second connector 540 may include a sub-connector 611 that extends radially along the rotational shaft 520 and is connected to the rotational shaft 520. For example, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the sub-connector 611 may be provided with a sixth hole 612. The second connector 540 may also include a fourth connecting portion 613 (e.g., a bolt). The sixth hole 612 may be provided for the fourth connecting portion 613 connected to the output shaft to pass through, thereby connecting the first connecting cylinder 442 to the output shaft. At least one end of the sub-connector 611 extending radially along the rotational shaft 520 corresponds to the at least one first connecting portion 532, and at least one end of the sub-connector 611 extending radially along the rotational shaft 520 may be bent toward the rotational shaft 520 to form at least one third connecting portion 541.

[0127] In this way, the third connecting portion 541 and the sub-connector 611 can be integrally formed, thereby increasing the connection strength between the third connecting portion 541 and the sub-connector 611, thereby preventing the third connecting portion 541 and the sub-connector 611 from separating from each other, thereby improving the structural reliability of the second connecting member 540. In addition, by bending the end of the sub-connector 611 to form the third connecting portion 541, the difficulty of manufacturing the second connecting member 540 is reduced.

[0128] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 18 , the first connecting portion 532 further includes a third sidewall 713, which is connected to the first sidewall 716 and the second sidewall 712, respectively. The third sidewall 713 is located farther from the axis of the first connecting member 530 than the first sidewall 716 and the second sidewall 712. The first connecting member 530 further includes a blocking portion 714. The blocking portion 714 is formed between the third sidewall 713 and the circumferential sidewall of the second connecting member 540. The blocking portion 714 is used to block the third connecting portion 541, thereby preventing it from being dislodged from the first connecting portion 532. This improves the connection reliability between the first connecting member 530 and the second connecting member 540, thereby improving the functional reliability of the ice dispenser structure 500.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first connector 530 further includes a second accommodating portion 722. A portion of the first connector 530 is recessed toward the side away from the second connector 540 to form the second accommodating portion 722. A third hole 531 is provided on the bottom wall of the second accommodating portion 722 facing the second connector 540. The third hole 531 is connected to the rotating shaft 520 and is located radially outward of the rotating shaft 520. The portion of the rotating shaft 520 located outside the third hole 531 and facing the second connector 540 is located within the second accommodating portion 722. This arrangement prevents interference between the rotating shaft 520 and the second connector 540, thereby increasing the depth of the third connector 541 inserted into the first connector 532 and increasing the contact area between the second connector 540 and the first connector 530, thereby improving the efficiency of transmitting the rotational driving force between the second connector 540 and the first connector 530.

[0130] Referring to Figure 16, the second sleeve 522 includes a first receiving portion 523. A portion of the second sleeve 522 is recessed toward the plurality of first blades 510 to form the first receiving portion 523. The first receiving portion 523 faces the first connector 530. A fifth hole 552 may be provided on the bottom wall of the first receiving portion 523 facing the first connector 530. The fifth hole 552 is sleeved onto the rotating shaft 520. The first connector 530 is located within the first receiving portion 523 and is rotatable relative to the sidewall of the first receiving portion 523.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first end of the second supporting portion 550 may abut against the bottom wall of the connecting recess, and the second end of the second supporting portion 550 may abut against the first connecting member 530 .

[0132] During installation of the ice storage bin 400, if the first connection portion 532 is misaligned with the third connection portion 541, the end surface of the first connection member 530 abuts against the third connection portion 541. The third connection portion 541 applies a thrust to the first connection member 530, compressing the second support portion 550. The compressed second support portion 550 applies a restoring force to the first connection member 530, causing the end surface of the first connection member 530 to abut against the third connection portion 541. When the first driving member is in operation, the output shaft drives the second connection member 540 to rotate, and the third connection portion 541 slides on the end surface of the first connection member 530 until it slides into the first connection portion 532, thereby pushing the first side wall 716 or the second side wall 712, causing the first connection member 530 and the rotating shaft 520 to rotate.

[0133] Therefore, during the installation of the ice bank 400, even if the user does not align the first connection portion 532 with the third connection portion 541, the first driving member can still drive the rotating shaft 520 to rotate through the second connection member 540 and the first connection member 530, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the ice bank 400.

[0134] For example, when the second support portion 550 is a compression spring, the compression spring is connected to the rotating shaft 520 and is located radially outward from the rotating shaft 520. The first accommodating portion 523 further includes a first positioning portion 553 (e.g., a positioning recess). A portion of the bottom wall of the first accommodating portion 523 is recessed away from the second connecting member 540 to form the first positioning portion 553. The first positioning portion 553 is annular, and the first end of the compression spring is disposed in the first positioning portion 553. The first positioning portion 553 can position the compression spring to prevent it from deflecting.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first connector 530 further includes a second positioning portion 731 (e.g., a positioning protrusion). The second positioning portion 731 is disposed on a side of the first connector body facing the first accommodating portion 523. A portion of the first connector 530 protrudes away from the second connector 540 to form the second positioning portion 731. The second positioning portion 731 is disposed (e.g., inserted) at the second end of the compression spring. The second positioning portion 731 can position the compression spring to prevent deflection of the compression spring.

[0136] It should be noted that any one of the technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure can, to a certain extent, solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve certain disclosure purposes; multiple technical disclosures can also be combined into an overall solution to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve certain disclosure purposes; some of the technical disclosures can also be selected to be combined into an overall solution, while adopting related technologies and inferior solutions, but the inferior trend can be compensated by the means disclosed in this technology, and the above-mentioned one or more technical problems can be solved to a certain extent as a whole and certain disclosure purposes can be achieved; each technical disclosure combined into a complete technical solution constitutes an organic and inseparable overall solution, which solves technical problems as a whole and achieves certain disclosure purposes.

[0137] Any technical disclosure in this disclosure, as well as the recombination of multiple technical disclosures, can form a complete technical solution and can solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve the purpose of disclosure. They all belong to the content of this disclosure and are the content that is directly and unambiguously determined based on the content of this disclosure.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and that certain elements of the embodiments may 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 refrigerator, comprising: Box; A door body, hinged to the box body; An ice maker, installed on the box or the door; An ice storage box capable of storing ice cubes prepared by the ice maker; An ice discharging mechanism is disposed in the ice storage box, the ice discharging mechanism comprises a plurality of blades, and the plurality of blades are rotatable relative to the ice storage box; as well as The ice stirring mechanism is arranged in the ice storage box, and the ice stirring mechanism comprises an ice stirring member, the ice stirring member is rotatable relative to the ice storage box, and the rotation direction of the ice stirring member is the same as the rotation direction of the plurality of blades.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a driving member and a transmission assembly, wherein: The refrigerator satisfies one of the following conditions: The driving member is connected to the plurality of blades, and the transmission assembly can: when the driving member drives the plurality of blades to rotate in a predetermined direction relative to the ice storage box, drive the ice stirring member to rotate in the predetermined direction; as well as The driving member is connected to the ice stirring member, and the transmission assembly can drive the plurality of blades to rotate along the predetermined direction when the driving member drives the ice stirring member to rotate relative to the ice storage box along the predetermined direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission assembly comprises: a first gear connected to the plurality of blades; A second gear connected to the ice stirring element; and The third gear is rotatably connected to the ice storage box and meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: The ice storage box comprises a first wall and a second wall opposite to each other, wherein the first wall and the second wall are arranged along a thickness direction of the ice storage box; The ice discharging mechanism further includes a rotating shaft, a first end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first wall, a second end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the second wall, and the rotating shaft is connected to the driving member; the plurality of blades and the first gear are respectively connected to the rotating shaft, and the plurality of blades and the first gear are respectively arranged on the radial outer side of the rotating shaft.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The ice storage box also includes a first support portion; the ice discharging mechanism also includes a first sleeve, the first sleeve is connected to the first end of the rotating shaft, and the first sleeve is located radially outside the rotating shaft, the first sleeve is arranged in the first support portion, and can rotate in the first support portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The second wall is provided with a first hole, the ice storage box further comprises a first connecting tube, the first connecting tube is connected to the first hole, a first portion of the first connecting tube is located on a side of the first hole away from the first wall, a second portion of the first connecting tube is located on a side of the first hole close to the first wall, and an opening is provided on an outer side wall of the first portion of the first connecting tube; The ice discharging mechanism further includes a second shaft sleeve, which is disposed in the first connecting tube and is rotatable relative to the first connecting tube, the second shaft sleeve is connected to the second end of the rotating shaft, and the second shaft sleeve is located radially outside the rotating shaft; The first gear is located in the first connecting cylinder, the first gear is connected to the second end of the rotating shaft, and the first gear is located radially outside the rotating shaft. The first gear is connected to a side of the second sleeve away from the first wall, and at least part of the first gear is exposed through the opening.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The ice storage box includes a first wall and a second wall opposite to each other, the first wall and the second wall are arranged along the thickness direction of the ice storage box; a second hole is provided on the second wall, the second wall includes a first matching portion, the first matching portion is provided on a side of the second hole away from the first wall, the first matching portion is connected to an edge of the second hole, and the shape of the first matching portion is adapted to the shape of the second hole; The second gear includes a second matching portion, the shape of the second matching portion is matched with the shape of the first matching portion, the second gear is connected to the first matching portion through the second matching portion, and the second gear is located radially outside the first matching portion, and the second gear is rotatable relative to the first matching portion; The ice stirring element is connected to a side of the second gear where the second matching portion is disposed.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The ice storage box comprises: First wall; a second wall, disposed opposite to the first wall and arranged along a thickness direction of the ice storage box; and A second connecting tube, disposed on a side of the second wall away from the first wall; Wherein, the third gear is connected to the second connecting tube, and the third gear is located radially outside the second connecting tube, and the third gear is rotatable relative to the second connecting tube.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: The transmission assembly satisfies one of the following conditions: The transmission assembly comprises: A first synchronous wheel connected to the plurality of blades; A second synchronous wheel connected to the ice stirring element; and a synchronous belt, which surrounds the first synchronous wheel and the second synchronous wheel and is connected to the first synchronous wheel and the second synchronous wheel; when one of the first synchronous wheel and the second synchronous wheel rotates, the synchronous belt rotates to rotate the other of the first synchronous wheel and the second synchronous wheel; and The transmission assembly comprises: A first sprocket connected to the plurality of blades; A second sprocket; connected to the ice stirring member; and A chain; surrounding the first sprocket and the second sprocket, and meshing with the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein: The ice discharging mechanism further comprises: A rotating shaft, rotatably connected to the ice storage box; A first connecting member, wherein a third hole is provided on the first connecting member, the first connecting member is connected to the rotating shaft through the third hole, and the first connecting member is located radially outside the rotating shaft, and the first connecting member includes: A first connecting member body; A first connecting portion is provided on a side of the first connecting member body away from the plurality of blades and extends toward a side away from the plurality of blades; a second connecting portion, which is disposed on a side of the first connecting member body away from the plurality of blades and extends toward the side away from the plurality of blades, with a gap between the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion; and A second connecting member is provided on a side of the first connecting member away from the plurality of blades, the second connecting member is connected to the driving member, and the second connecting member comprises: A second connector body; and The third connection portion is arranged on a side of the second connection member body close to the first connection member body and extends toward the first connection member body. The third connection portion is arranged between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The ice discharging mechanism further includes a second sleeve, and the second sleeve includes a first accommodation portion; The first gear is provided with a fourth hole, the fourth hole is connected to the first accommodating portion; the first part of the first connecting member is located in the fourth hole, and the second part of the first connecting member is located in the first accommodating portion; The ice discharging mechanism also includes a second support portion, a first portion of the second support portion is located in the fourth hole, a second portion of the second support portion is located in the first accommodating portion, a first end of the second support portion abuts against the second sleeve, and a second end of the second support portion abuts against the first connecting member.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a driving member, wherein the driving member satisfies one of the following conditions: the driving member is connected to the plurality of blades, and the driving member is connected to the ice stirring member; the driving member comprises an output shaft; wherein, The ice discharging mechanism further comprises: A rotating shaft, rotatably connected to the ice storage box; a first connecting member connected to the rotating shaft and comprising at least one first connecting portion, at least a portion of the first connecting member being recessed toward the rotating shaft to form the at least one first connecting portion; and A second connecting member is provided on a side of the first connecting member away from the plurality of blades, the second connecting member is connected to the output shaft, and comprises: A second connector body; and at least one third connection portion, which is disposed on a side of the second connection member body facing the first connection member body and extends toward the first connection member, and the at least one third connection portion is disposed correspondingly to the at least one first connection portion; Wherein, any one of the at least one third connection part is arranged in a corresponding one of the at least one first connection part; and the at least one third connection part can: abut against the side wall of the at least one first connection part when the output shaft rotates.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein: The first connecting portion comprises: a first side wall; and a second side wall, arranged opposite to the first side wall; Wherein, the third connecting portion can: when the output shaft rotates along the first direction, abut against the first side wall and push the first side wall; when the output shaft rotates along the second direction, abut against the second side wall and push the second side wall; the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein: The first connecting portion further includes a third side wall, the third side wall is connected to the first side wall and the second side wall respectively, and the third side wall is farther away from the axis of the first connecting member than the first side wall and the second side wall; The first connecting member further includes a blocking portion, which is formed between the third side wall and a circumferential side wall of the first connecting member and is capable of blocking the first connecting member.

15. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The at least one first connection portion includes two first connection portions, the at least one third connection portion includes two third connection portions, and the two third connection portions are respectively arranged on both sides of the axis of the rotating shaft.

16. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: The second connecting member further includes a sub-connecting member; the sub-connecting member is connected to the rotating shaft and extends along the radial direction of the rotating shaft; Among them, at least one end of the sub-connector along the radial direction of the rotating axis corresponds to the at least one first connecting portion, and the at least one end of the sub-connector along the radial direction of the rotating axis is bent toward the rotating axis to form the at least one third connecting portion.

17. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: The first connecting member further comprises: A first connecting member body; A second accommodating portion is provided on a side of the first connecting member body facing the second connecting member; the third hole of the first connecting member is provided on a bottom wall of the second accommodating portion facing the second connecting member; The rotating shaft is arranged in the third hole, and the part of the rotating shaft located outside the third hole and facing the second connecting member is located in the second accommodating portion.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 17, wherein: A first abutting portion is provided on the circumferential side of the rotating shaft; a second abutting portion is provided on the inner side of the fourth hole, the second abutting portion is provided corresponding to the first abutting portion, and the second abutting portion abuts against the first abutting portion.

19. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein: The ice discharging mechanism further comprises: A second sleeve, the second sleeve is rotatably connected to the ice storage box, the second sleeve includes a first accommodating portion, the first accommodating portion is provided with a fifth hole toward the bottom wall of the first connecting member, the fifth hole is connected to the rotating shaft, and the fifth hole is located at the The first connecting member is located in the first accommodating portion and is rotatable relative to the side wall of the first accommodating portion; and The second supporting portion is located in the first accommodating portion, the first end of the second supporting portion abuts against the bottom wall of the first accommodating portion facing the first connecting member, and the second end of the second supporting portion abuts against the first connecting member.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein The second supporting portion includes a compression spring, the compression spring is connected to the rotating shaft, and the compression spring is located radially outside the rotating shaft; The first accommodating portion further comprises a first positioning portion, and the first end of the compression spring is disposed in the first positioning portion; The first connector further comprises a first connector body and a second positioning portion, wherein the second positioning portion is disposed on a side of the first connector body facing the first accommodating portion, and the second positioning portion is disposed at the second end of the compression spring.

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