Ice making apparatus and refrigerator

Abstract

The present application discloses an ice making apparatus and a refrigerator. The ice making apparatus comprises a bearing mechanism, an ice making mechanism and a heating mechanism; the bearing mechanism is mounted on a refrigerator; the ice making mechanism is mounted on the bearing mechanism and comprises an ice mold; and the heating mechanism is arranged on the side of the bearing mechanism close to the ice mold and is used for heating the ice mold. The ice making apparatus and the refrigerator provided in the present application would not affect the takeout of the ice mold from the bearing mechanism, providing convenience for detachably mounting the ice mold on the bearing mechanism.

Description

Ice makers and refrigerators

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on March 26, 2024, with application number 202410353449.X, titled “Ice-making device and refrigerator”, filed on March 26, 2024, with application number 202420598736.2, titled “Ice-making device and refrigerator”, and filed on March 26, 2024, with application number 202410353695.5, titled “Ice-making device and refrigerator”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an ice-making device and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0003] Refrigerators utilize a refrigeration system to maintain a low temperature inside, which not only preserves food but also allows for ice production through an ice-making device, greatly facilitating users' ice needs. To facilitate ice removal, a heating mechanism is incorporated into the ice-making device to heat the ice within the ice mold, causing the portion of ice in contact with the mold to slightly melt and separate from the mold. Conventional refrigerator ice-making devices have heating mechanisms incorporated into the mold, making it difficult to remove the mold. Furthermore, the heating mechanism is incorporated into the mold, but the temperature control device is not. The temperature control device senses temperature through heat conduction, resulting in a lag in temperature sensing and hindering control of the heating and ice-removing process.

[0004] The reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that it could reasonably be expected that the person skilled in the art would understand, consider relevant and / or combine with other prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator to solve at least some of the problems in the related art.

[0006] The present application provides an ice-making device, comprising:

[0007] A carrying mechanism, assembled in the refrigerator;

[0008] an ice-making mechanism assembled on the supporting mechanism and comprising an ice mold; and

[0009] The heating mechanism is arranged on a side of the carrying mechanism close to the ice mold and is used for heating the ice mold.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism is detachably assembled to the supporting mechanism through the ice mold. The ice-making device also includes a driving mechanism, which is assembled to the supporting mechanism and is used to allow the ice in the ice mold to enter the ice storage mechanism. The driving mechanism is detachably driven and connected to the ice-making mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism and the supporting mechanism are connected by a snap connection, a plug connection or a magnetic connection.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism moves relative to the supporting mechanism in a first direction so that the ice-making mechanism is engaged with the supporting mechanism; the supporting mechanism includes a base, and the ice mold includes a support seat, and the base and the support seat are engaged by at least two pairs of clamping members; the two pairs of clamping members are respectively provided on both sides of the base and the support seat in a second direction and extend along the first direction, and the at least two pairs of clamping members restrict the movement of the ice mold relative to the supporting mechanism in the second and third directions;

[0013] Wherein, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction; wherein, among the at least two pairs of clamping parts, one of the clamping parts is a convex strip and the other clamping part is a groove, and the convex strip and the groove are arranged correspondingly.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the chassis and the support seat are positioned and connected by at least one pair of positioning members. After the ice mold is assembled on the supporting mechanism, the at least one pair of positioning members restricts the ice mold from moving in a first direction relative to the supporting mechanism.

[0015] Among them, one of the pair of positioning members is a pit and the other positioning member is an elastic protrusion. During the connection between the chassis and the support seat, the elastic protrusion retracts. After the chassis and the support seat are connected, the elastic protrusion resets and abuts against the pit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the support seat includes a bottom plate extending along the first direction and support plates extending along the first direction on both sides of the bottom plate, both ends of the two support plates are provided with the convex strips, and the chassis is provided with grooves corresponding to the convex strips; and / or

[0017] The support seat includes a base plate extending along the first direction and support plates extending along the first direction on both sides of the base plate. A pit is provided at the bottom of the base plate, and the chassis is provided with an elastic protrusion. During the clamping process of the chassis and the support seat, the elastic protrusion retracts to the chassis. After the chassis and the support seat are clamped, the elastic protrusion is reset to abut against the pit.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism is provided with a position detection component, and the supporting mechanism is provided with a position sensing component. When the ice-making mechanism is not assembled to the supporting mechanism, the position sensing component cannot sense the position detection component; when the ice-making mechanism is assembled to the supporting mechanism, the position sensing component senses the position monitoring component to determine that the ice-making mechanism is assembled to the supporting mechanism; wherein, the position detection component is a magnet, and the position sensing component is a Hall sensor.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism further includes an ice rake rotatably provided on the ice mold, and the ice-making mechanism is further provided with an ice peeler on the side wall of the ice mold, the ice peeler extending from the side wall of the ice mold in a direction covering the ice mold; an ice-making groove is provided in the ice mold, the ice rake is provided with an ice-raking portion corresponding to the ice-making groove, and the ice peeler is provided with an ice-peeling port corresponding to the ice-making groove, the driving mechanism is detachably connected to the ice rake, driving the ice rake to rotate around the axis of the ice rake, driving the ice-raking portion to rotate in the ice-making groove and passing through the ice-peeling port, so that the ice cubes in the ice-making groove are separated from the ice mold from the ice-peeling port and enter the ice storage mechanism.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, the driving mechanism includes a motor and a sleeve drivingly connected to the motor, the sleeve is provided with a fixing hole and a key slot provided on the circumferential side of the fixing hole and connected to the fixing hole; a convex key is provided on the circumferential side of the ice rake, the ice rake is passed through the fixing hole and the convex key is engaged with the key slot, the motor drives the sleeve to rotate and drives the ice rake to rotate, and then drives the ice rake part to rotate in the ice making trough and pass through the ice peeling port, so that the ice cubes in the ice making trough are separated from the ice mold from the ice peeling port and enter the ice storage mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, the shaft sleeve faces one side of the ice rake, and the distance between the end face of the fixing hole and the ice rake increases from close to the key slot to away from the key slot, and a slope is formed on the end face of the fixing hole from away from the key slot to close to the key slot, so that the ice rake rotates under the action of gravity and the convex key is automatically engaged with the key slot.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, the supporting mechanism includes a chassis, the heating mechanism is arranged on the chassis, and the chassis is connected to the ice mold for heat exchange and is used to heat the ice mold; wherein, when the ice-making mechanism is arranged on the supporting mechanism, the ice mold is located above the chassis and in contact with the chassis.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the heating mechanism includes a heating wire and heating terminals provided at both ends of the heating wire, the heating wire is provided inside the chassis and extends along the length direction of the chassis, and the heating terminals are provided outside the chassis; wherein, the heating wire is U-shaped, and the two heating terminals are located on the same side of the chassis.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, the heating mechanism is integrally formed with the chassis, and the heating mechanism is connected to the chassis for heat exchange; or

[0025] The heating mechanism is assembled on the chassis, wherein a placement groove corresponding to the heating mechanism is opened in the chassis, the heating mechanism is assembled in the placement groove, and the heating mechanism is connected to the chassis for heat exchange.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, the supporting mechanism includes a backboard, the ice-making mechanism includes an ice peeler, and the ice-making device also includes a water retaining mechanism; the water retaining mechanism includes a first water retaining assembly and a second water retaining assembly, the first water retaining assembly is arranged between the ice mold and the ice peeler, and the first water retaining assembly is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing out from between the ice mold and the ice peeler; the second water retaining assembly is arranged between the ice mold and the backboard, and the second water retaining assembly is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing out from between the ice mold and the backboard.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, the top wall of the ice mold close to the ice peeler extends toward the ice peeler to form a first extension portion, and the first water retaining assembly is arranged between the first extension portion and the ice peeler; the top wall of the ice mold close to the back plate extends toward the back plate to form a second extension portion, and the second water retaining assembly is arranged between the second extension portion and the back plate.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present application, the supporting mechanism includes a chassis, and the ice-making device includes an ice detection mechanism and an anti-freeze mechanism. The ice detection mechanism is driven and connected to the driving mechanism, and the ice detection mechanism is arranged near the side wall of the chassis; the anti-freeze mechanism is arranged on the chassis and is located between the chassis and the ice detection mechanism, and is used to isolate the ice detection mechanism so that a distance is maintained between the ice detection mechanism and the chassis.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present application, the ice-making mechanism further includes an ice rake rotatably arranged on the ice mold, the ice rake rotates in the ice mold in the direction of turning over the ice so that the ice in the ice mold breaks away from the ice mold and enters the ice storage mechanism, the ice-making mechanism further includes an ice detection mechanism, including an ice detection part, the ice detection part is arranged close to the carrying mechanism, the ice detection part rotates to detect whether the ice storage mechanism is full of ice, and the ice-making mechanism further includes a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism includes a motor, a main gear connected to the motor, and an ice detection part gear connected to the main gear, the main gear rotates to drive the ice rake to rotate, and the main gear drives the ice rake to rotate in the direction of turning over the ice by a preset angle, the ice rake moves from the initial position of the ice rake to the second position of the ice rake, and the ice detection part gear drives the ice detection part to lift along the lifting direction of the ice detection part to detect whether it is full of ice;

[0030] When the ice detecting part is fully lifted, the main gear drives the ice rake to continue to rotate in the direction of turning over the ice from the second position of the ice rake so that the ice in the ice mold breaks away from the ice mold and enters the ice storage mechanism. The main gear drives the ice detecting part gear to drive the ice detecting part to fall back to the initial position of the ice detecting part.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present application, when the ice detection part is blocked and not fully lifted, the main gear drives the ice rake to rotate in the opposite direction of the ice turning direction from the second position of the ice rake to the initial position of the ice rake, and the main gear drives the ice detection part gear to drive the ice detection part to fall and return to the initial position of the ice detection part; or the main gear stops driving the ice rake and the ice detection part gear, so that the ice detection part remains in an incompletely lifted state, waiting for the ice cubes in the ice storage mechanism to become less, and the ice detection part continues to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detection part until the ice detection part is fully lifted.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present application, an ice raking portion is provided on the circumference of the ice rake along the length direction of the ice rake, and the ice raking portion is arranged on the ice rake toward the same side. When the ice rake is in the initial position and when the ice rake is in the second position, the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold is an acute angle, and when the ice rake is in the initial position, the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold is greater than the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold when the ice rake is in the second position.

[0033] The present application provides a refrigerator, comprising the ice-making device, wherein the ice-making device is assembled in the refrigerator.

[0034] The ice-making device and refrigerator provided in the present application arrange the heating mechanism on the supporting mechanism rather than on the ice mold, so that the heating mechanism and the ice mold are separated, thereby preventing the heating mechanism from affecting the disassembly of the ice mold.

[0035] The ice-making mechanism is detachably assembled on the supporting mechanism through the ice mold, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the ice-making mechanism and further facilitates the cleaning and clearing of the ice mold in the ice-making device.

[0036] By detachably driving the driving mechanism and the ice-making mechanism, the ice-making mechanism and the driving mechanism can be separated when the ice mold needs to be disassembled, thereby preventing the driving mechanism from affecting the disassembly of the ice mold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG2 is a half-section view of the refrigerator shown in FIG1 taken along line AA;

[0039] FIG3 is a refrigeration principle diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG1 ;

[0040] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG1 integrated with an ice-making device;

[0041] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided in one embodiment;

[0042] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making mechanism in the ice-making device shown in FIG5 ;

[0043] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a supporting mechanism and a driving mechanism in the ice-making device shown in FIG5 ;

[0044] FIG8 is a structural schematic diagram of the ice-making mechanism in the ice-making device shown in FIG6 from another perspective;

[0045] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a shaft sleeve of a first embodiment of a driving mechanism in the ice-making device shown in FIG7 ;

[0046] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the heating mechanism in the ice-making device shown in FIG5 ;

[0047] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of an embodiment of the heating device shown in FIG10 ;

[0048] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided in another embodiment;

[0049] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided in yet another embodiment;

[0050] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided in yet another embodiment;

[0051] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a driving mechanism in the ice-making device of the present application;

[0052] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a driving mechanism in the ice-making device of the present application;

[0053] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth gear and the fifth gear in the ice-making device shown in FIG16 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0055] The present application provides an ice-making device and a refrigerator. The ice-making device and the refrigerator of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features of the following embodiments and implementations may be combined with each other unless they conflict.

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator shown in one embodiment; Figure 2 is a half-section view of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1 taken along line AA; and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration principle of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the refrigerator 1 provided by this application includes a cabinet device 80, a compressor 86, a condenser 87, an evaporator 88, and an expansion valve 89. The cabinet device 80 includes a cabinet assembly 81, a freezer compartment 83, a refrigerator compartment 84, and a door assembly 82. The freezer compartment 83 and the refrigerator compartment 84 are respectively disposed within the cabinet assembly 81.

[0057] The door assembly 82 includes a first door 82a and a second door 82b. The first door 82a is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 81 to open or close the freezer compartment 83. The second door 82b is rotatably connected to the cabinet assembly 81 to open or close the freezer compartment 83. The compressor 86, condenser 87, evaporator 88, and expansion valve 89 are respectively disposed in the cabinet assembly 81, with at least a portion of the evaporator 88 disposed within the freezer compartment 83.

[0058] As shown in FIG3 , when refrigerator 1 is in operation, compressor 86 outputs high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to condenser 87, where it is condensed into medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant then undergoes expansion and throttling by expansion valve 89, further reducing its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant then flows out of expansion valve 89 as a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to evaporator 88. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates within evaporator 88 into gaseous refrigerant.

[0059] At least a portion of the evaporator 88 is disposed within the freezer compartment 83, allowing the refrigerant to absorb a large amount of heat from the freezer compartment 83 during evaporation, thereby lowering the temperature within the freezer compartment 83 and facilitating the use of the freezer compartment 83 to freeze items and achieve refrigeration in the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator 88 is fed back into the compressor 86 to form a refrigerant circuit. In this manner, the refrigerant continuously circulates within the refrigerant circuit to maintain a refrigerated environment in the freezer compartment 83 (e.g., less than -1°C).

[0060] As shown in FIG2 , an air duct 85 is provided between the refrigerated compartment 84 and the frozen compartment 83 , so as to facilitate the delivery of part of the cold air from the frozen compartment 83 to the refrigerated compartment 84 through the air duct 85 , so as to reduce or maintain the low temperature environment of the refrigerated compartment 84 (for example, 2° C. to 8° C.).

[0061] As shown in FIG2 , in some embodiments, the freezer compartment 83 is disposed below the refrigerator compartment 84 along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 further includes a first fan (not labeled) disposed within the cabinet assembly 81. The air inlet or outlet of the first fan is connected to the air duct 85 to transport a portion of the cold air from the freezer compartment 83 to the refrigerator compartment 84.

[0062] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the freezing chamber 83 is covered with an insulation layer (not shown) to separate the evaporator 88 from the compressor 86 and the condenser 87. The refrigerator 1 also includes an air-cooling heat dissipation assembly (not shown) provided in the cabinet assembly 81, which can at least dissipate heat from the condenser 87.

[0063] In some embodiments, the box assembly 81 further includes a fresh-keeping compartment disposed in the box assembly 81 . Along the height direction of the refrigerator 1 , the fresh-keeping compartment is disposed between the refrigeration compartment 84 and the freezing compartment 83 .

[0064] To meet users' needs for ice cubes, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the refrigerator shown in Figure 1 integrated with an ice-making device 10. In some embodiments, refrigerator 1 further includes ice-making device 10 for making ice cubes. Ice-making device 10 is assembled within freezer compartment 83 of refrigerator 1. Ice-making device 10 utilizes the cold air within freezer compartment 83 to make ice cubes for users. The installation of ice-making device 10 within refrigerator 1 enables refrigerator 1 to not only freeze, refrigerate, and preserve food, but also make ice cubes, meeting user needs and enhancing the competitiveness of refrigerator 1.

[0065] In some optional embodiments, the ice-making device 10 is assembled inside the first door 82a of the refrigerator 1. This arrangement allows full utilization of the space inside the first door 82a, conserving space within the freezer compartment 83. An ice storage mechanism 60 is also provided inside the first door 82a of the refrigerator 1. The ice storage mechanism 60 is positioned below the ice-making device 10 along the height (Z-axis) of the refrigerator 1. This allows the ice storage mechanism 60 to receive ice cubes produced by the ice-making device 10.

[0066] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device 10 provided in one embodiment, FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making mechanism 30 in the ice-making device 10 shown in FIG5 ; FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the supporting mechanism 20 and the driving mechanism 40 in the ice-making device 10 shown in FIG5 .

[0067] As shown in Figures 5-7, the ice-making device 10 includes a supporting mechanism 20, an ice-making mechanism 30 and a driving mechanism 40. In some embodiments, the ice-making device 10 further includes a heating mechanism 50. The supporting mechanism 20 is assembled in the refrigerator. In some embodiments, the supporting mechanism 20 is assembled on the inner side of the first door 82a of the refrigerator 1. Specifically, the supporting mechanism 20 includes a chassis 21 and a back plate 22 connected to the chassis 21. The back plate 22 of the supporting mechanism 20 is provided with a fixing structure, and the fixing structure can be installed on the inner side of the door of the storage compartment. For example, the back plate 22 of the supporting mechanism 20 is provided with a hanging hole 221 or a hanging hook 222, or both a hanging hole 221 and a hanging hook 222. A hanging column is provided at a corresponding position on the inner side of the first door 82a in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The supporting mechanism 20 is assembled in the refrigerator 1 through the hanging column provided on the inner side of the first door 82a.

[0068] The ice-making mechanism 30 includes an ice mold 31, which is detachably assembled to the support mechanism 20 via the ice mold 31. In this embodiment, the ice mold 31 is detachably assembled to the base 21 of the support mechanism 20. This detachable assembly of the ice-making mechanism 30 from the support mechanism 20 facilitates removal of the ice-making mechanism 30 from the support mechanism 20, thereby facilitating cleaning of the ice mold 31. This solves the problem of the inability to remove the ice mold 31 in cast aluminum ice-making machines in the related art, resulting in inconvenient cleaning of the ice mold 31.

[0069] The drive mechanism 40 is assembled to the support mechanism 20 and is used to move ice in the ice mold 31 into the ice storage mechanism 60. The drive mechanism 40 is detachably connected to the ice-making mechanism 30. This detachable connection facilitates separation of the drive mechanism 40 from the ice-making mechanism 30 when the ice-making mechanism 30 needs to be removed, thereby preventing the drive mechanism 40 from interfering with the removal of the ice mold 31.

[0070] The heating mechanism 50 is located on the side of the support mechanism 20 near the ice mold 31 and is used to heat the ice mold 31. Heating the ice mold 31 by the heating mechanism 50 facilitates the deicing process by slightly melting the ice at the bottom of the ice mold 31 and separating it from the ice mold 31. Furthermore, it facilitates the melting of the ice between the ice mold 31 and the support mechanism 20, preventing the ice mold 31 from freezing to the support mechanism 20 and facilitating its removal. Furthermore, by placing the heating mechanism 50 on the support mechanism 20 rather than on the ice mold 31, the heating mechanism 50 and the ice mold 31 are separated, preventing the heating mechanism 50 from interfering with the removal of the ice mold 31.

[0071] In this embodiment, the supporting mechanism 20 is provided to facilitate the assembly of the ice-making mechanism 30 to the refrigerator 1. By assembling the heating mechanism 50 on the side of the supporting mechanism 20 close to the ice mold 31, the ice mold 31 can be heated. Moreover, when the ice mold 31 is detachably assembled to the supporting mechanism 20, since the heating mechanism 50 is provided on the supporting mechanism 20 instead of on the ice mold 31, it does not affect the removal of the ice mold 31 from the supporting mechanism 20, thereby facilitating the detachable assembly of the ice mold 31 on the supporting mechanism 20.

[0072] 5 and 6 , the ice-making mechanism 30 further includes an ice rake 32 rotatably mounted on the ice mold 31. Furthermore, the ice-making mechanism 30 further includes an ice peeler 33 mounted on a sidewall of the ice mold 31. The ice peeler 33 is located on a side of the ice mold 31 that is relatively far from the back panel 22 and extends in a direction covering the ice mold 31. Specifically, the ice peeler 33 extends from the sidewall of the ice mold 31 in a direction covering the ice mold 31. An ice making groove 311 is provided in the ice mold 31, the ice rake 32 is provided with an ice raking portion 321 corresponding to the ice making groove 311, and the ice peeler 33 is provided with an ice peeling opening 331 corresponding to the ice making groove 311. The driving mechanism 40 is detachably connected to the ice rake 32, driving the ice rake 32 to rotate along the axis of the ice rake 32. The ice rake 32 rotates in the direction of turning over the ice in the ice mold 31, driving the ice raking portion 321 to rotate in the ice making groove 311 and pass through the ice peeling opening 331, so that the ice cubes in the ice making groove 311 are separated from the ice mold 31 through the ice peeling opening 331 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60.

[0073] In some embodiments, multiple ice-raking units 321 are arranged along the length of the ice rake 32, facing the same side of the ice rake 32. The ice-raking units 321 correspond to the ice-making grooves 311 within the ice mold 31, corresponding in position, size, shape, and number. Due to the placement of the ice-peeling opening 331 of the ice-making mechanism 30, ice turning occurs clockwise. Specifically, driven by the ice rake 32, the ice-raking units 321 rotate clockwise, extending into the ice-making grooves 311. This forces the ice cubes within the ice-making grooves 311 to rotate clockwise toward the ice-peeling opening 331 of the ice peeler 33, where they then separate from the ice mold 31 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60.

[0074] The ice-making mechanism 30 is disposed on the supporting mechanism 20. The supporting mechanism 20 and the ice mold 31 of the ice-making mechanism 30 can be integrally formed, that is, the supporting mechanism 20 and the ice mold 31 of the ice-making mechanism 30 are integrally formed, or the supporting mechanism 20 and the ice-making mechanism 30 are fixedly connected. The supporting mechanism 20 and the ice mold 31 of the ice-making mechanism 30 can also be detachably connected to facilitate cleaning of the ice mold 31. For example, the ice mold 31 of the ice-making mechanism 30 is snap-fitted, plug-fitted, or magnetically connected to the chassis 21 of the supporting mechanism 20. When the ice-making mechanism 30 is detachably disposed on the supporting mechanism 20, the driving mechanism 40 is detachably driven and connected to the ice rake 32, so that the fixed connection between the driving mechanism 40 and the ice rake 32 does not affect the disassembly of the ice rake 32, thereby affecting the disassembly of the entire ice-making mechanism 30.

[0075] Referring to Figure 7 , the back plate 22 of the support mechanism 20 is equipped with adjustment ribs 223 corresponding to the ice-making groove 311. The adjustment ribs 223 extend along the length of the back plate 22 and are located on either side of the ice-making groove 311. The adjustment ribs 223 straighten and guide the ice cubes upward as the ice-raking unit 321 drives them upward from the ice-making groove 311, preventing them from tilting left or right and escaping from the ice-raking unit 321, preventing them from reaching the ice-stripping opening 331 and preventing them from being removed.

[0076] The back plate 22 of the support mechanism 20 is provided with a water inlet 224 corresponding to the ice mold 31. The bottom of the water inlet 224 is arranged toward the ice mold 31, and water is injected into the ice mold 31 through the water inlet 224. The ice-making mechanism 30 utilizes the cold air in the freezing chamber 83 to freeze the water injected into the ice mold 31 into ice cubes. The water injection can be manual or automatic, and this application does not limit this.

[0077] The ice making mechanism 30 is detachably assembled to the supporting mechanism 20 through the ice mold 31. There are multiple ways of detachable assembly. The ice mold 31 and the supporting mechanism 20 are connected by a snap connection, plug connection or magnetic connection.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG5 , the ice-making mechanism 30 is detachably connected to the support mechanism 20 using a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, the ice-making mechanism 30 moves relative to the support mechanism 20 in a first direction, i.e., the x-direction shown in the figure, to snap-fit ​​the ice-making mechanism 30 to the support mechanism 20. It will be appreciated that the ice-making mechanism 30 snaps into engagement with the support mechanism 20 by moving toward the support mechanism 20 relative to the support mechanism 20 in the first direction. The ice-making mechanism 30 snaps into engagement with the support mechanism 20 by moving away from the support mechanism 20 relative to the support mechanism 20 in the first direction, thereby releasing the snap-fit ​​connection between the ice-making mechanism 30 and the support mechanism 20 and allowing the ice-making mechanism 30 to be removed from the support mechanism 20.

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making mechanism 30 in the ice-making device 10 shown in Figure 6 from another perspective, with reference also to Figures 1 and 7-8. The support mechanism 20 includes a chassis 21, and the ice mold 31 includes a support base 34. The chassis 21 and the support base 34 are provided with at least two pairs of clamping members 35, which connect the chassis 21 and the support base 34. The two pairs of clamping members 35 are respectively provided on either side of the chassis 21 and the support base 34 in the second direction (y direction) and extend along the first direction (x direction). The at least two pairs of clamping members 35 restrict the movement of the ice mold 31 relative to the support mechanism 20 in the second direction (y direction) and the third direction (z direction).

[0080] Among them, the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction) are perpendicular in the plane formed by the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (y direction), and the third direction (z direction) is perpendicular to the plane formed by the first direction (x direction) and the second direction (x direction).

[0081] The first direction (x-direction) is the direction in which the ice-making mechanism 30 moves relative to the supporting mechanism 20 when assembling or disassembling the ice-making mechanism 30. This first direction can be either the length direction of the ice mold 31 or the width direction of the ice mold 31. When the first direction is the length direction of the ice mold 31, the second direction is the width direction of the ice mold 31. When the first direction is the width direction of the ice mold 31, the second direction is the length direction of the ice mold 31. Considering that the supporting mechanism 20 is assembled on the refrigerator door, the length of the refrigerator door is generally greater than the thickness of the refrigerator door. It is preferable to use the length direction of the ice mold 31 as the first direction and the width direction of the ice mold 31 as the second direction. The third direction is the height direction of the ice mold 31, which is the same as the height direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0082] In the at least two pairs of clips 35, one clip 35 is a ridge 351, and the other clip 35 is a groove 352, with the ridge 351 and the groove 352 being provided in correspondence. The groove 352 can be provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and the ridge 351 corresponding to the groove 352 can be provided on the support seat 34 of the ice mold 31. Alternatively, the ridge 351 can be provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and the groove 352 corresponding to the ridge 351 can be provided on the support seat 34 of the ice mold 31. This application is not limited to this. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7-8, the groove 352 is provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and the ridge 351 is provided on the support seat 34 of the ice mold 31.

[0083] As shown in Figures 7-8, in some embodiments, four pairs of clips 35 are provided between the chassis 21 and the support seat 34, wherein two pairs of clips 35 are respectively provided at the two ends of the chassis 21 and the support seat 34 in the length direction, and the other two pairs of clips 35 are respectively provided at the two ends of the chassis 21 and the support seat 34 in the width direction. Such a setting can improve the firmness of the clipping between the chassis 21 and the support seat 34, and further limit the movement of the ice mold 31 relative to the supporting mechanism 20 along the width direction of the ice mold 31 and the height direction of the ice mold 31.

[0084] In order to facilitate the insertion of the protrusion 351 into the groove 352, when the ice-making mechanism 30 is inserted into the supporting mechanism 20, a guide arc 353 is provided at one end of the groove 352 that first contacts the ice-making mechanism 30. That is, the opening of the end of the groove 352 provided with the guide arc 353 is slightly expanded outward, which facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 351 into the groove 352, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembly.

[0085] In some embodiments, the chassis 21 and the support base 34 are provided with at least one pair of positioning members 36. The chassis 21 and the support base 34 are positioned and connected by the at least one pair of positioning members 36. After the ice mold 31 is assembled to the support mechanism 20, the at least one pair of positioning members 36 restricts the movement of the ice mold 31 in a first direction relative to the support mechanism 20. In addition to the at least two pairs of clamping members 35 restricting the movement of the ice mold 31 in the second and third directions relative to the support mechanism 20, the provision of at least one pair of positioning members 36 restricts the movement of the ice mold 31 in the first direction relative to the support mechanism 20, thereby preventing the ice mold 31 from moving relative to the support mechanism 20 and confining the ice mold 31 within the support mechanism 20.

[0086] One of the pair of positioning members 36 is a recess 361, and the other is an elastic protrusion 362. During the engagement of the chassis 21 and the support base 34, the elastic protrusion 362 retracts. After the engagement of the chassis 21 and the support base 34, the elastic protrusion 362 returns to abut against the recess 361. Using this positioning arrangement of recess 361 and elastic protrusion 362, only when the ice mold 31 is engaged with the support mechanism 20 can the elastic protrusion 362 of the pair of positioning members 36 align with the recess 361 and return to abut against the recess 361, thereby achieving the desired positioning. Therefore, this positioning arrangement of recess 361 and elastic protrusion 362 not only limits the movement of the ice mold 31 relative to the support mechanism 20 in the first direction, but also allows verification of the engagement of the ice mold 31 with the support mechanism 20.

[0087] Regarding the arrangement of the pair of positioning members 36, either a recess 361 can be provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and a resilient protrusion 362 corresponding to the recess 361 can be provided on the support seat 34. Alternatively, the resilient protrusion 362 can be provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and a recess 361 corresponding to the resilient protrusion 362 can be provided on the support seat 34 of the ice mold 31. Considering that the resilient protrusion 362 needs to be recessed and then reset, the location where the resilient protrusion 362 is mounted needs to have a certain thickness. Therefore, in some embodiments, the resilient protrusion 362 is provided on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20, and the recess 361 is provided on the support seat 34 of the ice mold 31.

[0088] In some embodiments, a through hole is defined in the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20. A spring clip is secured near the through hole on the side of the chassis 21 facing away from the ice mold 31. The free end of the spring clip is connected to an elastic protrusion 362. Leveraging the elasticity of the spring clip, when no force is applied to the top of the elastic protrusion 362, the spring clip is in a normal state, with the elastic protrusion 362 protruding from the support mechanism 20. When a downward force is applied to the top of the elastic protrusion 362, the free end of the spring clip bends downward, causing the elastic protrusion 362 to retract into the support mechanism 20. To ensure that the elastic protrusion 362 retracts during the engagement between the chassis 21 and the support seat 34 without affecting the engagement between the chassis 21 and the support seat 34, the elastic protrusion 362 is preferably spherical.

[0089] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, to facilitate the placement of the engaging member 35 and the positioning member 36, the support base 34 includes a base plate 341 extending in a first direction and support plates 342 extending in the first direction on either side of the base plate 341. Both ends of the support plates 342 are provided with ridges 351, and the chassis 21 of the supporting mechanism 20 is provided with grooves 352 corresponding to the ridges 351. A recess 361 is provided at the bottom of the base plate 341, and an elastic protrusion 362 is provided on the chassis 21 of the supporting mechanism 20 corresponding to the recess 361. During the engaging process between the chassis 21 and the support base 34, the elastic protrusion 362 retracts into the chassis 21. After the engaging process between the chassis 21 and the support base 34, the elastic protrusion 362 returns to abut against the recess 361.

[0090] In some embodiments, the ice-making mechanism 30 is provided with a position detection component 37, and the supporting mechanism 20 is provided with a position sensing component 38. When the ice-making mechanism 30 is not assembled to the supporting mechanism 20, the position sensing component 38 cannot sense the position detection component 37. When the ice-making mechanism 30 is assembled to the supporting mechanism 20, the position sensing component 38 senses the position monitoring component and determines that the ice-making mechanism 30 is assembled to the supporting mechanism 20. The position detection component 37 is a magnet, and the position sensing component 38 is a Hall effect sensor. The position detection component 37 is provided in the ice mold 31 of the ice-making mechanism 30. By providing the position detection component 37 and the position sensing component 38, it is possible to monitor whether the ice mold 31 is properly removed and installed, thereby preventing water from being injected into the ice mold 31 when the ice mold 31 is removed.

[0091] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaft sleeve 41 of the drive mechanism 40 in the ice-making device 10 shown in FIG7 . Referring to FIG7-9 , the drive mechanism 40 includes a motor (not shown) and a shaft sleeve 41 connected to the motor. The shaft sleeve 41 has a fixing hole 411 and a keyway 412 disposed around the fixing hole 411 and connected to the fixing hole 411. A key 413 is disposed around the ice rake 32. The ice rake 32 passes through the fixing hole 411, and the key 413 engages with the keyway 412. When ice removal is required, the motor drives the shaft sleeve 41 to rotate, driving the ice rake 32. This in turn drives the ice rake portion 321 to rotate within the ice trough 311 and through the ice peeling opening 331, causing the ice cubes in the ice trough 311 to escape from the ice mold 31 through the ice peeling opening 331 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60. With this arrangement, when the ice mold 31 needs to be removed, the ice rake 32 can be disengaged from the fixing hole 411 of the sleeve 41, and the key 413 of the ice rake 32 can also be disengaged from the key slot 412 of the sleeve 41. When the ice mold 31 needs to be assembled on the support mechanism 20, the ice mold 31 can be inserted into the fixing hole 411 and the key 413 can be engaged with the key slot 412. This allows for automatic ice removal using the drive mechanism 40 and the ice rake 32 without affecting the removal of the ice mold 31.

[0092] On the side of the shaft sleeve 41 facing the ice rake 32, the distance between the end surface of the fixing hole 411 and the ice rake 32 increases from closer to the key slot 412 to farther away from the key slot 412. A slope is formed on the end surface of the fixing hole 411, away from the key slot 412 and closer to the key slot 412. This allows the ice rake 32 to rotate under the action of gravity, causing the protruding key 413 to automatically engage with the key slot 412. This arrangement eliminates the need to consider the orientation of the protruding key 413 on the ice rake 32 when assembling the ice-making mechanism 30 to the support mechanism 20. When the ice rake 32 is inserted into the fixing hole 411, the ice rake 32 rotates due to the slope, causing the protruding key 413 on the ice rake 32 to fall into the key slot 412, completing the engagement between the ice rake 32 and the fixing hole 411. This facilitates the detachable drive connection between the ice rake 32 and the drive mechanism 40, and facilitates assembly and disassembly of the ice rake 32 and the ice mold 31. The rotation of the shaft sleeve 41 drives the ice rake 32 to rotate, thereby causing the ice in the ice mold 31 to separate from the ice mold 31 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60 .

[0093] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the heating mechanism 50 in the ice-making device 10 shown in Figure 5. The heating mechanism 50 is located on the side of the support mechanism 20 near the ice mold 31 and is used to heat the ice mold 31. The heating mechanism 50 heats the ice mold 31, melting the ice at the bottom of the ice mold 31. As the ice in the ice mold 31 separates from the ice trough 311, the ice rake 32 rotates, driving the ice rake portion 321 to rotate within the ice trough 311, passing through the ice peeling opening 331, causing the ice cubes to separate from the ice mold 31 and enter the ice storage mechanism.

[0094] By arranging the heating mechanism 50 on the side of the carrying mechanism 20 close to the ice mold 31, it is possible to facilitate the removal of ice from the ice mold 31. Moreover, when the ice mold 31 is detachably assembled on the carrying mechanism 20, since the heating mechanism 50 is arranged on the carrying mechanism 20 instead of on the ice mold 31, it does not affect the removal of the ice mold 31 from the carrying mechanism 20, thereby providing convenience for the detachable assembly of the ice mold 31 on the carrying mechanism 20.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10, the support mechanism 20 includes a chassis 21 located at the bottom of the support mechanism 20. The ice-making mechanism 30 is located above the chassis 21. A heating mechanism 50 is disposed on the chassis 21 of the support mechanism 20 and is heat-exchangeably connected to the ice mold 31 for heating the ice mold 31. When the ice-making mechanism 30 is assembled to the support mechanism 20, the ice mold 31 is located above and in contact with the chassis 21. Placing the heating mechanism 50 on the chassis 21 allows for better heating of the ice mold 31 and also allows for full utilization of the space within the chassis 21.

[0096] The heating mechanism 50 includes a heating wire 51 and heating terminals 52 located at both ends of the heating wire 51. The heating wire 51 is located inside the chassis 21 and extends along the length of the chassis 21. The heating terminals 52 are located outside the chassis 21. When the heating terminals 52 at both ends of the heating wire 51 are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a power source, the heating wire 51 generates heat. The heating wire 51 transfers the heat to the chassis 21, and then, through the chassis 21, transfers the heat to the ice mold 31 in contact with the chassis 21, thereby heating the ice mold 31. The heating wire 51 extends along the length of the chassis 21, ensuring that the heat generated by the heating wire 51 is evenly distributed along the length of the chassis 21, thereby uniformly heating different portions of the ice mold 31 along the length.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the heating wire 51 is U-shaped, so that the two heating terminals 52 can be located on the same side of the chassis 21 , which facilitates setting the power supply on the same side of the chassis 21 .

[0098] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the mechanism of one embodiment of the heating device shown in Figure 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the heating mechanism 50 is assembled to the chassis 21. The chassis 21 has a corresponding placement slot 55, and the heating mechanism 50 is assembled in the placement slot 55. The heating mechanism 50 is connected to the chassis 21 for heat exchange. This arrangement facilitates replacement of the heating component in the event of a failure.

[0099] In other embodiments, the heating mechanism 50 is integrally formed with the base 21, and the heating mechanism 50 is in heat exchange connection with the base 21. The integral design can improve the heat exchange quality between the heating mechanism 50 and the base 21, making it easier for the heating mechanism 50 to transfer heat to the base 21, and then to the ice mold 31 through the base 21.

[0100] In order to better control the degree of heating of the ice mold 31, as shown in Figure 5, the chassis 21 is provided with a temperature sensor 53, which is inserted into the chassis 21 and is used to collect the temperature of the chassis 21. By inserting the temperature sensor 53 into the chassis 21, compared with the related art of attaching the temperature sensor 53 to the surface of the heated object, the heat conduction distance is shorter and it can better represent the temperature of the heated object. In order to more accurately sense the temperature in the chassis 21, the temperature sensor 53 can be inserted into the chassis 21, and the temperature sensing head of the temperature sensor 53 can be located at the center of the chassis 21, that is, the position that best represents the temperature of the chassis 21. When the heating mechanism 50 is U-shaped, the temperature sensing head of the temperature sensor 53 is located at the center of the U-shaped heating mechanism 50.

[0101] In this embodiment, the ice-making device 10 further includes a thermal protector 54. One end of the thermal protector 54 is connected to the heating mechanism 50, and the other end is connected to a power source. When the temperature of the base plate 21 exceeds a preset temperature, the thermal protector 54 disconnects the heating mechanism 50 from the power source, thereby protecting the heating mechanism 50 from overheating. This protects the heating mechanism 50 from overheating, thereby preventing the heating mechanism 50 from overheating and causing excessive melting of the ice in the ice mold 31, resulting in incomplete ice cubes. Furthermore, during ice removal, excess water in the ice mold 31 could cause the water to flow out of the ice mold 31, forming ice outside the ice mold 31 and causing problems for the user.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8 , the bottom of base plate 341 is flat and fits in contact with chassis 21, while the top of base plate 341 fits in contact with the outer surface of ice mold 31. Support plate 342 has a flat bottom and fits in contact with chassis 21, while the top of support plate 342 fits in contact with the outer surface of ice mold 31. Base plate 341 and support plate 342 are thermally conductively connected. In this embodiment, the position where support plate 342 fits in contact with the outer surface of ice mold 31 is higher than the position where base plate 341 fits in contact with the outer surface of ice mold 31. This arrangement increases the contact area between ice mold 31 and chassis 21, improving the heating effect.

[0103] Please refer to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making device 10 according to another embodiment; Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making device 10 according to yet another embodiment. Compared with the ice-making device 10 according to the embodiment of Figure 5, the ice-making device 10 according to the embodiments of Figures 12 and 13 further includes a water retaining mechanism 70.

[0104] As shown in Figures 12-13, the water retaining mechanism 70 includes a first water retaining assembly 71 and a second water retaining assembly 72. The first water retaining assembly 71 is disposed between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33 to prevent water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33. The second water retaining assembly 72 is disposed between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22 to prevent water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22.

[0105] By providing a water retaining mechanism 70, which includes a first water retaining assembly 71 and a second water retaining assembly 72, and positioning the first water retaining assembly 71 between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33, the first water retaining assembly 71 can prevent water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33. By positioning the second water retaining assembly 72 between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22, the second water retaining assembly 72 can prevent water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22. The ice-making device 10 provided in this embodiment can solve the problem of water in the ice mold 31 escaping from the ice mold 31, flowing out of the ice mold 31, and then freezing outside the ice mold 31, thereby improving the user experience.

[0106] As shown in Figures 12-13, the top wall of the ice mold 31 on the side near the ice peeler 33 extends toward the ice peeler 33 to form a first extension portion 73, and the first water retaining assembly 71 is disposed between the first extension portion 73 and the ice peeler 33. The top wall of the ice mold 31 on the side near the back plate 22 extends toward the back plate 22 to form a second extension portion 74, and the second water retaining assembly 72 is disposed between the second extension portion 74 and the back plate 22.

[0107] The top wall of the ice mold 31 on the side near the ice peeler 33 extends toward the ice peeler 33 to form the first extension portion 73, and the top wall of the ice mold 31 on the side near the back plate 22 extends toward the back plate 22 to form the second extension portion 74. This configuration expands the area of ​​the top of the ice mold 31, thereby absorbing some of the water flowing out of the top of the ice mold 31 and preventing the water flowing out of the top of the ice mold 31 from flowing directly downward from the ice mold 31 due to the small area of ​​the top of the ice mold 31. Furthermore, the provision of the first extension portion 73 and the second extension portion 74 provides space for the installation of the first water retaining assembly 71 and the second water retaining assembly 72, thereby increasing the contact area between the first water retaining assembly 71 and the first extension portion 73 and the contact area between the second water retaining assembly 72 and the second extension portion 74, thereby enhancing the stability of the installation of the first water retaining assembly 71 and the second water retaining assembly 72 and improving the water retaining effect.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in Figures 12-13, the first water retaining assembly 71 includes a first water retaining rib 711. The first water retaining rib 711 is located on the ice peeler 33 and extends from the ice peeler 33 to the first extension portion 73. The ice peeler 33 comprises two parts: one portion extends downward from the sidewall of the ice mold 31, and the other portion extends from the sidewall of the ice mold 31 toward the ice mold 31. The two portions of the ice peeler 33 can be integrally formed. The first water retaining rib 711 is located at the portion of the ice peeler 33 that extends from the sidewall of the ice mold 31 toward the ice mold 31. The first water retaining rib 711 extends from the ice peeler 33 to the first extension portion 73, forming a water barrier. Water flowing out of the ice mold 31 is blocked by the first water retaining rib 711 between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33 as it flows toward the ice peeler 33.

[0109] The first water retaining assembly 71 further includes a second water retaining rib 712 . The second water retaining rib 712 is disposed on the first extension portion 73 and extends from the first extension portion 73 toward the ice peeler 33 . The first water retaining rib 711 and the second water retaining rib 712 overlap each other, and the second water retaining rib 712 is closer to the ice peeler 33 than the first water retaining rib 711 .

[0110] The second water retaining rib 712 further blocks some of the water that flows out from the junction of the first water retaining rib 711 and the first extension 73. Because the ice peeler 33 and ice mold 31 can be integrally formed or assembled, an assembled connection is typically used for ease of manufacturing and transportation. When the ice peeler 33 and ice mold 31 are assembled, a gap exists when the first water retaining rib 711 extending downward from the ice peeler 33 abuts the first extension 73 of the ice mold 31, allowing a small amount of water to pass through.

[0111] By providing the second water retaining rib 712, positioning it on the first extension portion 73 of the ice mold 31, extending upward from the first extension portion 73, and positioning it between the first water retaining rib 711 and the ice peeler 33, water flowing out of the gap between the first water retaining rib 711 and the first extension portion 73 can be blocked again, causing the water to be retained between the first water retaining rib 711 and the second water retaining rib 712. Furthermore, because the second water retaining rib 712 is located on the first extension portion 73, it can be tightly connected to the first extension portion 73, preventing water retained between the first water retaining rib 711 and the second water retaining rib 712 from flowing out through the second water retaining rib 712.

[0112] Because the amount of water flowing out of the gap between the first water retaining rib 711 and the first extension portion 73 is small, and enters the gap between the first water retaining rib 711 and the second water retaining rib 712 from the bottom of the first water retaining rib 711, the height of the second water retaining rib 712 extending upward does not need to be too high, and the second water retaining rib 712 and the first extension portion 73 are tightly connected to prevent water from flowing between the second water retaining rib 712 and the first extension portion 73.

[0113] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the second water retaining assembly 72 includes a first water retaining groove 721 provided on the side of the back plate 22 close to the ice mold 31, the first water retaining groove 721 is opened toward the ice mold 31, and the second extension portion 74 is inserted into the first water retaining groove 721, and the second extension portion 74 overlaps the first water retaining groove 721 up and down.

[0114] The first water retaining groove 721 can be formed by placing two plate-like objects on the side of the back plate 22 near the ice mold 31: a first plate-like object 722 and a second plate-like object 723. The first plate-like object 722 is located at the top of the first water retaining groove 721, while the second plate-like object 723 is located at the bottom of the first water retaining groove 721. The bottom of the first plate-like object 722 forms the top of the first water retaining groove 721, while the top of the second plate-like object 723 forms the bottom of the first water retaining groove 721. The sidewalls of the back plate 22 near the ice mold 31 form the sidewalls of the first water retaining groove 721. The opening of the first water retaining groove 721 is positioned toward the ice mold 31, facilitating insertion of the second extension 74 of the ice mold 31 into the first water retaining groove 721. The second extension 74 overlaps the first water retaining groove 721 from top to bottom, forming a water barrier. Water flowing out of the ice mold 31 is blocked by the second water retaining assembly 72 positioned between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22 as it flows toward the back plate 22.

[0115] When water flows out of the ice mold 31 and moves toward the back plate 22, it first contacts the first plate-like object 722 located at the upper position of the two plate-like objects, flows downward along the first plate-like object 722 to the second extension portion 74, and is blocked by the second extension portion 74 and cannot flow further downward. Even if a small amount of water flows through the gap where the second extension portion 74 abuts the first plate-like object 722 and flows between the second plate-like object 723 located at the lower position of the two plate-like objects and the second extension portion 74, it will be blocked by the abutment between the second plate-like object 723 and the first extension portion 73 and cannot flow further downward, thereby preventing the water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the first water retaining assembly 71 is the same as the first water retaining assembly 71 shown in Figure 12. The second water retaining assembly 72 includes a second water retaining groove 724 provided in the second extension portion 74 and a water retaining plate 725 inserted into the second water retaining groove 724, the opening of the second water retaining groove 724 being arranged facing away from the chassis 21, and the water retaining plate 725 and the second water retaining groove 724 being overlapped in an upper and lower manner.

[0117] A second water retaining groove 724 is provided in the second extension portion 74. The opening of the second water retaining groove 724 is disposed away from the bottom plate 341, that is, the opening of the second water retaining groove 724 is disposed upward. A water retaining plate 725 is inserted into the second water retaining groove 724. The water retaining plate 725 and the second water retaining groove 724 overlap vertically to form a water barrier. Water flowing out of the ice mold 31 is blocked by the first extension portion 73 disposed between the ice mold 31 and the ice peeler 33 as it flows toward the ice peeler 33.

[0118] When water flows out of the ice mold 31 and moves toward the back plate 22, it first contacts the water retaining plate 725, flows downward along the water retaining plate 725, and is blocked by the left side wall of the second water retaining groove 724 and the abutment of the water retaining plate 725, and cannot continue to flow downward. Even if a small amount of water flows into the second water retaining groove 724 through the gap at the abutment of the left side wall of the second water retaining groove 724 and the water retaining plate 725, it will be blocked by the right side wall of the second water retaining groove 724 and the abutment of the water retaining plate 725, and cannot continue to flow downward, thereby preventing the water in the ice mold 31 from flowing out from between the ice mold 31 and the back plate 22.

[0119] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, a water retaining plate 725 is slidably connected to the back panel 22. The water retaining plate 725 is connected to the back panel 22 and can move along the height of the back panel 22. Under its own weight, the water retaining plate 725 drops into the second water retaining groove 724, overlapping the second water retaining groove 724 vertically. This arrangement facilitates the removal of the ice mold 31 during its removable assembly to the support mechanism 20 without affecting its operation. When the ice mold 31 is assembled to the support mechanism 20, the water retaining plate 725 drops into the second water retaining groove 724 under its own weight, overlapping the second water retaining groove 724 vertically, forming a water barrier. When disassembling or assembling the ice mold 31, push the water retaining plate 725 upward to make it slide upward along the height direction of the back plate 22, so that the water retaining plate 725 is separated from the second water retaining groove 724 of the ice mold 31, thereby preventing the water retaining plate 725 from pressing on the second water retaining groove 724 of the ice mold 31 and affecting the disassembly and assembly of the ice mold 31.

[0120] In order to enable the water baffle 725 to be slidably connected to the back plate 22, in one embodiment, a slotted hole 726 can be used to connect the water baffle 725 and the back plate 22. The length direction of the slotted hole 726 is vertical, so that the water baffle 725 can move up and down along the back plate 22 in the slotted hole 726. It is understood that there are many ways to slidably connect the water baffle 725 and the back plate 22, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in FIG13 , the second water retaining groove 724 is a curved groove, and the overlap between the water retaining plate 725 and the second water retaining groove 724 is a curved surface, so that the curved groove overlaps the water retaining plate 725. This arrangement increases the contact length between the water retaining plate 725 and the second water retaining groove 724, thereby enhancing the sealing effect. In addition, the opening of the curved groove expands upward and outward, facilitating the upward movement of the water retaining plate 725, thereby facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the ice mold 31.

[0122] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device 10 according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG14 , the ice-making device 10 includes a support mechanism 20 assembled to a refrigerator, an ice-making mechanism 30 assembled to the support mechanism 20, and a drive mechanism 40. In some embodiments, the ice-making device 10 further includes an ice-detecting mechanism 90, which is drivably connected to the drive mechanism 40. The ice-making device 10 also includes an antifreeze mechanism 11 disposed between the chassis 21 and the ice-detecting mechanism 90.

[0123] The support mechanism 20 includes a chassis 21 located at the bottom of the support mechanism 20. An ice-making mechanism 30 is assembled to the support mechanism 20 and located above the chassis 21. The ice-making mechanism 30 is used to produce ice cubes. A drive mechanism 40 is assembled to the support mechanism 20 and is drivingly connected to the ice-making mechanism 30 to transfer ice from the ice-making mechanism 30 to the ice storage mechanism 60.

[0124] The provision of a support mechanism 20, which includes a chassis 21, facilitates assembly of the ice-making mechanism 30 and the drive mechanism 40 within the refrigerator via the support mechanism 20, thereby improving the convenience of installing the support mechanism 20 and the drive mechanism within the refrigerator. An ice storage mechanism 60 is assembled within the refrigerator and located below the chassis 21. Ice storage mechanism 60 is used to store ice cubes prepared by the ice-making mechanism 30.

[0125] The ice detection mechanism 90 is drivably connected to the drive mechanism 40. The ice detection mechanism 90 is disposed near the side wall of the chassis 21 and extends along the length of the chassis 21. Driven by the drive mechanism 40, the ice detection mechanism 90 can rotate into the ice storage mechanism 60 to detect whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice. Specifically, the drive mechanism 40 drives the ice detection mechanism 90 to rotate toward the ice storage mechanism 60. When the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice, the ice detection mechanism 90 is blocked by the ice and cannot be lifted further. When the ice storage mechanism 60 is not full of ice, the ice detection mechanism 90 is not blocked by ice during rotation. Whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice is determined by whether the rotation of the ice detection mechanism 90 is blocked by ice.

[0126] The antifreeze mechanism 11 is provided on the chassis 21 and is located between the chassis 21 and the ice detection mechanism 90. The antifreeze mechanism 11 is used to isolate the ice detection mechanism 90 so as to maintain a distance between the ice detection mechanism 90 and the chassis 21. When water flows out of the ice-making mechanism 30, it will flow downward along the chassis 21. When the ice detection mechanism 90 is not in the ice detection state, it is arranged close to the side wall of the chassis 21 and extends along the length direction of the chassis 21. The water flowing downward along the chassis 21 will flow to the ice detection mechanism 90. When the entire ice-making device 10 is in a low-temperature environment, the water between the ice detection mechanism 90 and the side wall of the chassis 21 will freeze, freezing the ice detection mechanism 90 to the side wall of the chassis 21. When ice detection is required, the ice detection mechanism 90 cannot be rotated for ice detection, and it is impossible to determine whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice. The ice-making device 10 provided in this embodiment can isolate the ice-detecting mechanism 90 by providing an antifreeze mechanism 11 between the chassis 21 and the ice-detecting mechanism 90, thereby maintaining a distance between the ice-detecting mechanism 90 and the chassis 21, thereby preventing the ice-detecting mechanism 90 from freezing on the side wall of the chassis 21 due to contact with water and exposure to a low-temperature environment.

[0127] By providing a support mechanism 20, which includes a chassis 21, the ice-making mechanism 30, the drive mechanism 40, and the ice detection mechanism 90 can be assembled within the refrigerator. The ice-making mechanism 30 is used to prepare ice cubes, and the ice storage mechanism 60 is used to store the ice cubes prepared by the ice-making mechanism 30. The drive mechanism 40 is used to drive the ice-making mechanism 30, transferring ice from the ice-making mechanism 30 to the ice storage mechanism 60. The ice detection mechanism 90 is located near the side wall of the chassis 21 and extends along the length of the chassis 21. The drive mechanism 40 also drives the ice detection mechanism 90. Driven by the drive mechanism 40, the ice detection mechanism 90 rotates into the ice storage mechanism 60 to detect whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice.

[0128] The antifreeze mechanism 11 in this embodiment is disposed on the chassis 21 and is located between the chassis 21 and the ice detection mechanism 90. It is used to isolate the ice detection mechanism 90 and maintain a distance between the ice detection mechanism 90 and the chassis 21. The antifreeze mechanism 11 prevents the ice detection mechanism 90 from freezing and becoming unable to rotate to detect ice due to the low temperature inside the refrigerator when water flows out of the ice-making mechanism 30 and into the ice detection mechanism 90. This prevents the refrigerator from being able to detect whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the antifreeze mechanism 11 is a support rod, mounted on the chassis 21 and located between the chassis 21 and the ice detection mechanism 90. The antifreeze mechanism 11 is configured as a support rod because its rod-like structure is simple, easy to manufacture and install, and effectively supports the ice detection mechanism 90. Furthermore, the rod-like structure effectively diverts water, allowing water flowing down the sidewalls of the chassis 21 to flow down the left and right sides of the support rod. Because the support rod has a certain thickness, water does not flow through the side of the support rod that abuts the ice detection mechanism 90. This prevents water from forming on the surface of the ice detection mechanism 90 and freezing it to objects in contact with it, thus preventing the ice detection mechanism from being unable to move and detect ice due to frozen water. It should be understood that the antifreeze mechanism 11 can be cylindrical, block-shaped, prismatic, or any other shape, and this is not intended to be limiting in this application.

[0130] In the embodiment shown in FIG14 , the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21 but does not extend to the top of the chassis 21. This arrangement allows water flowing out of the ice-making device 10 to first flow downward along the sidewalls of the chassis 21. When the water is flowing downward along the sidewalls of the chassis 21 and has flowed a certain distance along the sidewalls of the chassis 21, it will then contact the antifreeze mechanism 11. This prevents water from splashing onto the side of the antifreeze mechanism 11 that contacts the ice detection mechanism 90 due to rapid or uneven flow or sudden changes in flow direction. And if the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21 to the top of the chassis 21, when there is water on the top of the chassis 21, part of the water on the top of the chassis 21 will flow from the plane flush with the top of the chassis 21 and the antifreeze mechanism 11 to the top of the antifreeze mechanism 11 during the process of flowing downward from the top of the chassis 21, and then flow downward along the antifreeze mechanism 11. At this time, there will be water on the contact surface between the antifreeze mechanism 11 and the ice detection mechanism 90, causing the ice detection mechanism 90 to freeze on the antifreeze mechanism 11.

[0131] In this embodiment, the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21, and the length of the upward extension is greater than half the thickness of the bottom plate 341. Although extending the antifreeze mechanism 11 upward to the top of the chassis 21 poses a risk of freezing the ice detection mechanism 90, before the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward but not to the top of the chassis 21, the longer the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21, the better, and should be at least greater than half the thickness of the bottom plate 341. The longer the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21, the sooner water flowing from the top of the chassis 21 comes into contact with the antifreeze mechanism 11, and is then diverted after passing through the antifreeze mechanism 11. Because the ice detection device is generally arranged at a bottom position close to the side wall of the chassis 21, when the antifreeze mechanism 11 extends upward from the bottom of the chassis 21 for a long length, the top of the antifreeze mechanism 11, where it contacts the water for diversion, is farther away from the ice detection device, which can prevent the splashes generated when the water is diverted from splashing onto the ice detection device, thereby preventing the ice detection mechanism 90 from being frozen.

[0132] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, a water diversion trough (not shown) is provided on the side of the antifreeze mechanism 11 near the ice detection mechanism 90. The water diversion trough is located in the middle of the antifreeze mechanism 11. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the antifreeze mechanism 11 is a support rod. By providing a water diversion trough in the middle of the support rod, extending in the direction of the base's height, water flowing downward along the base's sidewalls, as it passes through the support rod, can partially flow downward from the left side of the support rod, partially flow downward from the right side of the support rod, and still further, particularly water flowing directly above the support rod, can flow downward through the water diversion trough within the support rod. The provision of the water diversion trough divides the water flowing toward the support rod into three flow paths, allowing most of the water to be directed away through the water diversion trough. Compared to a support rod without a water diversion trough, this reduces the impact of water on the support rod during diversion, avoids splashing during diversion, and better prevents the ice detection mechanism 90 from freezing.

[0133] In some embodiments, the ice detection mechanism 90 includes an ice detection portion 91 and a connection portion 92. One end of the connection portion 92 is drivably connected to the drive mechanism 40 for rotation under the drive of the drive mechanism 40. The other end of the connection portion 92 is connected to the ice detection portion 91. The ice detection portion 91 is disposed near the side wall of the chassis 21 and extends along the length of the chassis 21. Driven by the connection portion 92, the ice detection portion 91 rotates into the ice storage mechanism 60 to detect whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice. The anti-freeze mechanism 11 is disposed between the chassis 21 and the ice detection portion 91 to prevent the ice detection portion 91 from freezing on the side wall of the chassis 21.

[0134] The connecting portion 92 includes a first connecting portion 921, a second connecting portion 922 and a third connecting portion 923. The second connecting portion 922 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first connecting portion 921 and extends downward. The third connecting portion 923 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second connecting portion 922 and extends toward the chassis 21. The ice detecting portion 91 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the third connecting portion 923 and extends along the length direction of the chassis 21. The first connecting portion 921 is connected to the driving mechanism 40, and the third connecting portion 923 is connected to the ice detecting portion 91.

[0135] The second connecting portion 922 extends perpendicularly to the first connecting portion 921 and downward. This allows the ice detecting portion 91 to sweep a wider area when it rotates, improving the accuracy of ice detection by the ice detecting mechanism 90. The third connecting portion 923 extends perpendicularly to the second connecting portion 922 and toward the chassis 21. This allows the ice detecting portion 91 to be positioned closer to the chassis 21, preventing it from being struck by ice cubes transferred from the ice making mechanism 30 to the ice storage mechanism 60. The ice detecting portion 91 extends perpendicularly to the third connecting portion 923 and along the length of the chassis 21, extending the length of the ice detecting portion 91 and keeping it horizontal relative to the horizontal plane. This ensures that different parts of the ice detecting portion 91 sweep the same height during rotation, improving the accuracy of the ice detecting portion 91 in detecting whether the container is full of ice.

[0136] In some embodiments, there is at least one antifreeze mechanism 11. When there is only one antifreeze mechanism 11, it is positioned midway along the length of the ice detection mechanism 90. This midway position isolates the middle portion of the ice detection mechanism 90, ensuring that both ends of the ice detection mechanism 90 are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the chassis 21. In other embodiments, when there are multiple antifreeze mechanisms 11, they are spaced apart along the length of the ice detection mechanism 90. This increases the number of support points between the antifreeze mechanism 11 and the ice detection mechanism 90, thereby achieving stable isolation of the ice detection mechanism 90 and ensuring that the entire length of the ice detection mechanism 90 is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the chassis 21, thereby better preventing the ice detection mechanism 90 from freezing. In the embodiment shown in FIG14 , there are two antifreeze mechanisms 11, each positioned near each end of the ice detection mechanism 90. Because the ice detection mechanism 90 is generally not very long, providing two antifreeze mechanisms 11 can effectively isolate the ice detection mechanism 90.

[0137] In other embodiments, the ice detection mechanism 90 includes an ice detection portion 91 disposed adjacent to the support mechanism 20. The ice detection portion 91 rotates to detect whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice. In some embodiments, the ice detection portion 91 is rod-shaped. If the ice detection portion 91 is not blocked by ice during rotation, the ice storage mechanism 60 is not full. If the ice detection portion 91 is blocked by ice and cannot continue to rotate, the ice storage mechanism 60 is full. If the ice storage mechanism 60 is not full, the ice rake 32 can be driven clockwise within the ice making chute 311 to turn the ice, transferring the ice from the ice mold 31 to the ice storage mechanism 60. If the ice storage mechanism 60 is full, the ice storage mechanism 60 can no longer accommodate additional ice. In this case, the ice turning operation and ice making are discontinued, and the already made ice remains in the ice making chute 311. After a period of time, ice is checked again to determine whether the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 15, which is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of the drive mechanism 40 in the ice-making device 10 of the present application. As shown in Figure 15, the drive mechanism 40 includes a motor 45, a main gear 42 drivingly connected to the motor 45, and an ice detection gear 43 drivingly connected to the main gear 42. Specifically, the main gear 42 can be a multi-layer gear structure, one layer of the gears of the main gear 42 is drivingly connected to the motor 45, and a reduction gear set 44 is provided between the motor 45 and the main gear 42. The reduction gear set 44 is used to transfer the kinetic energy of the motor 45 to the main gear 42 and reduce the speed of the motor 45, thereby achieving the purpose of rationally arranging the positions of the main gear 42 and the motor 45.

[0139] The rotation of the main gear 42 drives the ice rake 32 to rotate. Specifically, an ice rake driving component 322 is provided at the center of the rotating shaft of the main gear 42. The ice rake driving component 322 drives the connected ice rake 32. The rotation of the main gear 42 drives the ice rake driving component 322 to rotate and then drives the ice rake 32 to rotate. The ice can be turned over by the rotation of the ice rake 32.

[0140] During the process of the main gear 42 driving the ice rake 32 to rotate in the direction of turning over the ice by a preset angle, that is, the direction of turning over the ice is clockwise, the ice rake 32 moves from the initial position of the ice rake 32 to the second position of the ice rake 32, and the ice detection part gear 43 drives the ice detection part 91 to lift along the lifting direction of the ice detection part 91 to detect whether it is full of ice.

[0141] There are two possible outcomes when detecting whether the ice is full. The first is that the ice detection unit 91 is fully raised, indicating that the ice storage mechanism 60 is not full of ice. The main gear 42 drives the ice rake 32 to continue rotating from its second position in the direction of turning the ice, causing the ice in the ice mold 31 to break free from the mold 31 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60. While the main gear 42 drives the ice rake 32 to continue rotating from its second position in the direction of turning the ice, the main gear 42 drives the ice detection unit gear 43, causing the ice detection unit 91 to drop back to its initial position, which is the position where the ice detection unit 91 is not raised.

[0142] The second result is that the ice detection unit 91 is not fully raised, indicating that its movement is obstructed by ice. At this point, the ice storage mechanism 60 is full of ice, and ice turning is not necessary. The first solution is to cause the main gear 42 to rotate the ice rake 32 in the direction opposite to the ice turning direction, from the second position of the ice rake 32 to the initial position of the ice rake 32. While the main gear 42 is rotating the ice rake 32 in the direction opposite to the ice turning direction, the main gear 42 drives the ice detection unit gear 43 to lower the ice detection unit 91 and return it to its initial position.

[0143] The second approach is to stop the main gear 42 from driving the ice rake 32 and the ice detection unit 91, causing the ice detection unit 91 to remain in its currently partially raised position. The main gear 42 also stops driving the ice rake 32, waiting for the ice in the ice storage mechanism 60 to decrease. The ice detection unit 91 is no longer blocked by ice and continues to rotate in the direction of its lifting until it is fully raised. This indicates that the ice storage mechanism 60 is not full of ice. The main gear 42 drives the ice rake 32 to continue rotating in the direction of ice flipping, causing the ice in the ice mold 31 to break free from the ice mold 31 and enter the ice storage mechanism 60. While the main gear 42 drives the ice rake 32 to continue rotating in the direction of ice flipping, the main gear 42 drives the ice detection unit gear 43, causing the main gear 42 to drive the ice detection unit gear 43 to drop back to its initial position, which is the position where the ice detection unit 91 is not raised.

[0144] In the ice-making device 10 of this embodiment, the driving mechanism 40 realizes ice turning by driving the ice rake 32 to move in the ice turning direction. The driving mechanism 40 realizes ice turning by driving the ice rake 32 to move in the ice turning direction and then drives the ice detecting part 91 to move. When it is detected that the ice is not full, the driving mechanism 40 continues to move in the ice turning direction to realize ice turning, and there is no need to return to the initial position before turning the ice. This arrangement reduces the rotation stroke of the driving mechanism 40, saves the time for turning the ice, and can improve the efficiency of turning the ice.

[0145] To facilitate detection of whether the ice detecting unit 91 is fully raised, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 40 further includes a position detection circuit board (not shown). The position detection circuit board is disposed within the drive mechanism 40 and is positioned adjacent to the outer cover of the drive mechanism 40, thereby conserving space within the drive mechanism 40. The main gear 42 is provided with a first position detection component 423. The first position detection component 423 rotates with the main gear 42. It will be understood that the first position detection component 423 rotates with the ice rake 32. The ice detecting unit gear 43 is provided with a second position detection component 431. The second position detection component 431 rotates with the ice detecting unit gear 43. Because the ice detecting unit gear 43 is drive-connected to the ice detecting unit 91, the second position detection component 431 can reflect the movement of the ice detecting unit 91.

[0146] The position detection circuit board is provided with a first position sensing component and a second position sensing component. The first position sensing component is used to sense the first position detection component 423 , and the second position sensing component is used to sense the second position detection component 431 .

[0147] When the ice rake 32 is in its initial position, the first position detection component 423 corresponds to the first position sensing component. When the ice detection unit 91 is fully raised, the second position detection component 431 corresponds to the second position sensing component, and the ice detection result is determined to be less than full of ice. When the ice detection unit 91 is blocked and not fully raised, the second position detection component 431 cannot rotate to the position corresponding to the second position sensing component, and the ice detection result is determined to be full of ice. In some embodiments, the first position detection component 423 and the second position detection component 431 are magnets, and the first position sensing component and the second position sensing component are Hall sensors.

[0148] Please refer to Figure 5, in which the ice rake 32 is in its initial position. At this time, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 in the ice rake 32 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 is an acute angle. Specifically, the angle range can be between 45 degrees and 75 degrees, preferably 60 degrees. With such a configuration, when the ice-making device 10 does not need to turn over the ice during the ice-making process, the ice rake portion 321 does not extend into the ice-making trough 311 and maintains a certain distance from the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31, thereby preventing water in the ice mold 31 from splashing onto the ice rake 32. In addition, setting the angle range to between 45 degrees and 75 degrees can also prevent the ice rake portion 321 from colliding with the bottom surface of the water injection mechanism where the water injection port 224 is located.

[0149] When the ice rake 32 is in the second position, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 is also acute. Furthermore, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 when the ice rake 32 is in the initial position is greater than the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 when the ice rake 32 is in the second position. It is understood that when the ice rake 32 is in the initial position and rotates clockwise to the second position, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 is reduced.

[0150] When the ice rake 32 is in the second position, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 is also acute. This prevents the ice rake portion 321 from extending into the ice trough 311 before it is needed to flip the ice. It maintains a certain distance from the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31, preventing water in the ice mold 31 from splashing onto the ice rake 32. Furthermore, when the ice rake 32 is in the second position, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 should not be too large. Such an angle would require the ice detection operation to be completed even with a relatively small rotation of the main gear 42, increasing the design complexity of the drive mechanism 40. In some embodiments, the angle between the ice rake portion 321 and the horizontal plane of the ice mold 31 when the ice rake 32 is in the second position is set to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

[0151] Referring to Figure 15 , the main gear 42 includes a circumferential portion comprising a first gear portion 421 and a second gear portion 422. A transmission assembly 110 is disposed between the main gear 42 and the ice detection gear 43. During rotation of the main gear 42 in the ice turning direction, the driving connection between the first gear portion 421 and the transmission assembly 110 switches to a driving connection between the second gear portion 422 and the transmission assembly 110, and finally switches to a driving connection between the first gear portion 421 and the transmission assembly 110. The first gear portion 421 and the second gear portion 422 are located circumferentially of the main gear 42, and the first gear portion 421 and the second gear portion 422 form the driving surface between the main gear 42 and the transmission assembly 110.

[0152] The ice detecting portion gear 43 is provided with a first worm spring. When the ice detecting portion 91 is in the initial state, the first worm spring is in a force storage state. The force stored in the first worm spring is used to drive the ice detecting portion gear 43 to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91 to lift the ice detecting portion 91. The gear portion 1 421 is drivingly connected to the transmission assembly 110. The transmission assembly 110 is used to limit the rotation of the ice detecting portion gear 43 in the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91, thereby limiting the lifting of the ice detecting portion 91.

[0153] The main gear 42 rotates in the ice turning direction, so that the second gear portion 422 is driven and connected to the transmission assembly 110, and the restriction of the transmission assembly 110 on the rotation of the ice detecting portion gear 43 in the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91 is released. The ice detecting portion gear 43 rotates in the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91 under the action of the first worm spring, so that the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted for ice detection.

[0154] When it is detected that the ice is not full, the main gear 42 rotates in the ice turning direction, so that the gear part 1 421 is drivingly connected to the transmission assembly 110.

[0155] When the ice storage unit is detected to be full of ice, the first processing method is to rotate the main gear 42 in the direction opposite to the ice turning direction, so that the gear unit 421 is drivably connected to the transmission assembly 110. The second processing method is to stop the main gear 42, so that the ice detection unit 91 remains in its current partially raised state, and the ice rake 32 remains in its current state, waiting for the ice in the ice storage mechanism 60 to decrease and the ice detection unit 91 to be no longer blocked by ice. The ice detection unit 91 then continues to rotate in the direction of its raising until it is fully raised. A "not full ice" signal is then output, and the main gear 42 rotates in the direction of ice turning, so that the gear unit 421 is drivably connected to the transmission assembly 110.

[0156] When the gear part 421 is drivingly connected to the transmission assembly 110, the gear part 421 drives the ice detecting part gear 43 to rotate in the opposite direction of the lifting direction of the ice detecting part 91 through the transmission assembly 110, so that the ice detecting part 91 falls and returns to the initial position of the ice detecting part 91 and stores force in the first worm spring. The force stored in the first worm spring is used to drive the ice detecting part gear 43 to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detecting part 91, so that the ice detecting part 91 is lifted.

[0157] In the embodiment shown in FIG15 , the main gear 42 is a cam, gear portion 1 421 is a flange portion of the cam, and gear portion 2 422 is a recessed portion of the cam. The transmission assembly 110 includes a transmission rack 111 slidably disposed within the drive mechanism 40, with one end of the transmission rack 111 abutting the cam. In some embodiments, a rack rack is disposed below the transmission rack 111 and connected to the transmission assembly 110. A slideway is disposed on the rack rack, and a slider is disposed at the bottom of the transmission rack 111. The slider slides within the slideway, allowing the transmission rack 111 to slide within the drive mechanism 40. Two limiting slots 1112 are defined within the transmission rack 111, and two limiting rods 1113 extend upward from the rack rack. The limiting rods 1113 and limiting slots 1112 limit the sliding distance of the transmission rack 111, corresponding to the distance of the recessed portion of the cam.

[0158] The transmission assembly 110 further includes a first gear 112 and a second gear 113 . The first gear 112 is meshed with the transmission rack 111 and the second gear 113 , respectively. The second gear 113 is meshed with the first gear 112 and the ice detection gear 43 , respectively.

[0159] The process of ice inspection and turning is as follows:

[0160] When the gear part 1 421 contacts the transmission rack 111, the second gear 113 restricts the ice detecting part gear 43 from rotating in the direction of lifting the ice detecting part 91, thereby restricting the lifting of the ice detecting part 91. This state is the initial state of the ice detecting part 91.

[0161] The cam rotates in the direction of ice turning, causing gear section 2 422 to abut against transmission rack 111. Because gear section 2 422 is a recessed portion of main gear 42, relative to gear section 1 421, when gear section 2 422 abuts against transmission rack 111, transmission rack 111 can slide toward the cam. When transmission rack 111 slides toward the cam, it does not affect the counterclockwise rotation of first gear 112, nor does it affect the clockwise rotation of second gear 113, thereby preventing the counterclockwise rotation of ice detection gear 43. The counterclockwise direction is also the direction in which ice detection unit 91 is lifted. This removes the restriction imposed by second gear 113 on the rotation of ice detection gear 43 in the direction in which ice detection unit 91 is lifted. The ice detecting portion gear 43 rotates in the direction in which the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted under the action of the first worm spring, so that the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted for ice detection, and at the same time drives the second gear 113 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of the second gear 113 drives the first gear 112 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise rotation of the first gear 112 drives the transmission rack 111 to rotate toward the direction close to the main gear 42 and abut against the second gear portion 422.

[0162] When it is detected that the ice container is not full, the cam rotates in the ice turning direction, that is, rotates clockwise, so that the gear portion 421 abuts against the transmission rack 111.

[0163] When full ice is detected, the first processing method is: the cam rotates in the opposite direction of the ice turning direction, that is, counterclockwise, to return the ice rake 32 to the initial position of the ice rake 32, so that the gear part 421 abuts against the transmission rack 111.

[0164] The second processing method is: the cam stops rotating, so that the ice detecting portion 91 remains in an incompletely raised state, and waits for the ice cubes in the ice storage mechanism 60 to become less. The ice detecting portion 91 continues to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91 until the ice detecting portion 91 is fully raised, and outputs a not full ice signal. The cam rotates in the ice turning direction, so that the gear portion 421 abuts against the transmission rack 111.

[0165] When gear portion 1 421 abuts transmission rack 111, because gear portion 1 421 is a flange portion of main gear 42, relative to gear portion 2 422, gear portion 1 421 abuts transmission rack 111, causing transmission rack 111 to slide away from the cam. When transmission rack 111 slides away from main gear 42, the meshing relationship between transmission rack 111, first gear 112, and second gear 113 drives ice detection gear 43 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which ice detection portion 91 is lifted.

[0166] Specifically, the transmission rack 111 slides in a direction away from the main gear 42, driving the first gear 112 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the first gear 112 can drive the second gear 113 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the second gear 113 can drive the ice detection unit gear 43 to rotate in the clockwise direction, which is the opposite direction of the lifting direction of the ice detection unit 91, causing the ice detection unit 91 to fall back to its initial position. During this process, the first worm spring is charged, and the force stored in the first worm spring is used to drive the ice detection unit gear 43 to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detection unit 91, thereby lifting the ice detection unit 91 and facilitating the next round of ice detection operation.

[0167] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third embodiment of the drive mechanism 40 in the ice-making device 10 of the present application, and Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth and fifth gears in the ice-making device shown in Figure 16. The embodiment shown in Figure 16 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 15 in that the main gear 42 in the embodiment shown in Figure 16 is not a full gear, and the structure of the transmission assembly 110 in the embodiment shown in Figure 16 is different from that in the embodiment shown in Figure 15.

[0168] As shown in Figures 16-17, the main gear 42 is a non-full gear, with gear section 1 421 being the toothless portion of the non-full gear, and gear section 2 422 being the toothed portion of the non-full gear. The transmission assembly 110 includes a third gear 114, a fourth gear 115, and a fifth gear 116. The third gear 114 is meshed with gear section 2 422; the fourth gear 115 is meshed with the third gear 114. A second worm spring and an angle limiter 117 are provided below the fourth gear 115. The fifth gear 116 is located on top of the fourth gear 115. A direction limiter 118 is provided between the fourth and fifth gears 115, 116, for limiting the rotational direction of the fifth gear 116 relative to the fourth gear 115. The fifth gear 116 is meshed with the ice detection gear 43.

[0169] When gear 1 421 approaches third gear 114 relative to gear 2 422, gear 2 422 is not meshed with third gear 114, and fourth gear 115 restricts fifth gear 116 from rotating in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted. In other words, fourth gear 115 restricts fifth gear 116 from rotating clockwise. When fifth gear 116 cannot rotate clockwise, because fifth gear 116 is meshed with ice detecting portion gear 43, it blocks ice detecting portion gear 43 from rotating clockwise, i.e., it blocks ice detecting portion gear 43 from rotating in the direction in which the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted, thereby restricting the lifting of the ice detecting portion 91.

[0170] The non-full gear rotates clockwise in the ice-turning direction, causing gear section 2 422 to mesh with third gear 114, driving third gear 114 counterclockwise. This, in turn, drives fourth gear 115 clockwise via third gear 114, thereby accumulating force in the second worm spring. The clockwise rotation of fourth gear 115 releases the restriction on fifth gear 116's rotation direction, allowing fifth gear 116 to rotate in the opposite direction of the ice detection unit 91's lifting direction, i.e., clockwise. This, in turn, releases the restriction on ice detection unit gear 43's rotation in the direction of ice detection unit 91's lifting, allowing ice detection unit gear 43 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby lifting the ice detection unit 91 and detecting ice.

[0171] When it is detected that the wheel is not full of ice, the non-full gear rotates in the direction of turning over the ice, that is, rotates clockwise for turning over the ice, and the second gear portion 422 is no longer engaged with the third gear 114.

[0172] When the ice is full, the first response is to rotate the non-full gear in the opposite direction of the ice turning direction, that is, counterclockwise, to return the ice rake 32 to its initial position, and the second gear 422 and the third gear 114 are no longer engaged. The second response is to stop the non-full gear, keeping the ice detection unit 91 in a partially raised position, and wait for the ice in the ice storage mechanism 60 to decrease. The ice detection unit 91 then continues to rotate in the direction of its lifting until it is fully raised, and a "not full ice" signal is output. The non-full gear then rotates in the direction of ice turning direction, that is, clockwise, to turn the ice, and the second gear 422 and the third gear 114 are no longer engaged.

[0173] When the gear part 2 422 is no longer engaged with the third gear 114, the stored force in the second worm spring causes the fourth gear 115 to rotate counterclockwise and drives the fifth gear 116 to rotate counterclockwise. The fifth gear 116 drives the ice detection part gear 43 to rotate in the clockwise direction. The clockwise direction is the opposite direction of the lifting direction of the ice detection part 91, so that the ice detection part 91 falls and returns to the initial position of the ice detection part 91, and stores force in the first worm spring. The force stored in the first worm spring is used to drive the ice detection part gear 43 to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detection part 91 to lift the ice detection part 91 for the next round of ice detection.

[0174] To better limit the rotation angle of the fourth gear 115 and further limit the angle at which the ice detection unit 91 can be lifted, an angle limiter 117 includes a circular groove 1171 provided on the drive mechanism 40. The circular groove 1171 is provided with a limit plate 1172. A notch 1173 is provided at the bottom of the fourth gear 115. When the fourth gear 115 rotates until one end of the notch 1173 abuts the limit plate 1172, further rotation of the fourth gear 115 is restricted, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the fourth gear 115. When one end of the notch 1173 of the fourth gear 115 abuts the limit plate 1172, the second gear 422 is disengaged from the third gear 114.

[0175] The direction limiting member includes two slide grooves provided at the top of the fourth gear 115 and two sliders provided below the fifth gear 116. As shown in FIG17 , the two sliders are a first slider 1181 and a second slider 1182, and the two slide grooves are a first slide groove 1183 and a second slide groove 1184. The first slider 1181 is located in the first slide groove 1183, and the second slider 1182 is located in the second slide groove 1184. Both slide grooves include a first sidewall 1187.

[0176] When the fourth gear 115 is not rotating, the two sliders, facing the side that moves in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91, abut against the two chute grooves. These chute grooves are used to restrict the two sliders from rotating in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91. Specifically, the first slider 1181 abuts against the first side wall 1187 of the first chute groove 1183, and the second slider 1182 abuts against the first side wall 1187 of the second chute groove 1184. This restricts the first and second sliders 1181 and 1182 from rotating clockwise within the first and second chute grooves 1183 and 1184, thereby restricting the fifth gear 116 from rotating clockwise relative to the fourth gear 115.

[0177] When third gear 114 drives fourth gear 115 to rotate clockwise, the chute at the top of fourth gear 115 rotates in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of ice detecting unit 91. This causes first chute 1183 and second chute 1184 at the top of fourth gear 115 to rotate clockwise, releasing the contact between these chute and the two sliders in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of ice detecting unit 91. Driven by ice detecting unit gear 43, fifth gear 116 rotates in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of ice detecting unit 91. During this clockwise rotation of fifth gear 116, the two sliders, facing the side opposite to the lifting direction of ice detecting unit 91, re-engage with the two chute. Specifically, first slider 1181 abuts against first sidewall 1187 of first chute 1183, and second slider 1182 abuts against first sidewall 1187 of second chute 1184.

[0178] When the second worm spring drives the fourth gear 115 to move counterclockwise in the direction in which the ice detecting portion 91 is lifted, the two sliders, facing the side opposite to the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91, again abut the two chute grooves. Specifically, the first slider 1181 abuts the first side wall 1187 of the first chute groove 1183, and the second slider 1182 abuts the first side wall 1187 of the second chute groove 1184. The counterclockwise rotation of the fourth gear 115 drives the fifth gear 116 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby driving the ice detecting portion gear 43 to move clockwise in the direction opposite to the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion 91, causing the ice detecting portion 91 to fall back to its initial position.

[0179] In the ice-making device 10 and the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, in the ice-making device 10, the driving mechanism 40 realizes ice turning by driving the ice rake 32 to move in the ice turning direction. The driving mechanism 40 realizes ice turning by driving the ice rake 32 to move in the ice turning direction and then driving the ice detecting portion 91 to move. When it is detected that the ice is not full, the driving mechanism 40 continues to move in the ice turning direction to realize ice turning, and there is no need to return to the initial position before turning the ice. This arrangement reduces the rotation stroke of the driving mechanism 40, saves the time for turning the ice, and can improve the efficiency of turning the ice.

[0180] It should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation method can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0181] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ice making device, characterized in that: include: A carrying mechanism, assembled in the refrigerator; an ice-making mechanism, assembled on the carrying mechanism and comprising an ice mold; and The heating mechanism is arranged on a side of the carrying mechanism close to the ice mold and is used for heating the ice mold.

2. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: The ice-making mechanism is detachably assembled to the supporting mechanism through the ice mold. The ice-making device further comprises a driving mechanism, which is assembled to the supporting mechanism and is used to allow the ice in the ice mold to enter the ice storage mechanism. The driving mechanism is detachably connected to the ice-making mechanism.

3. The ice making device according to claim 2, wherein: The ice-making mechanism and the supporting mechanism are connected by a snap connection, a plug connection or a magnetic connection.

4. The ice making device according to claim 2, wherein: The ice-making mechanism moves in a first direction relative to the supporting mechanism so that the ice-making mechanism is engaged with the supporting mechanism; the supporting mechanism includes a chassis, the ice mold includes a support seat, and the chassis and the support seat are engaged with each other via at least two pairs of engaging members; The two pairs of clamping members are respectively provided on both sides of the chassis and the support seat in the second direction and extend along the first direction, and the at least two pairs of clamping members restrict the ice mold from moving relative to the supporting mechanism in the second direction and the third direction; Wherein, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction; wherein, among the at least two pairs of clamping parts, one of the clamping parts is a convex strip and the other clamping part is a groove, and the convex strip and the groove are arranged correspondingly.

5. The ice making device according to claim 4, characterized in that The chassis and the support seat are positioned and connected by at least one pair of positioning members. After the ice mold is assembled on the supporting mechanism, the at least one pair of positioning members restricts the ice mold from moving in a first direction relative to the supporting mechanism. Among them, one of the pair of positioning members is a pit and the other positioning member is an elastic protrusion. During the connection between the chassis and the support seat, the elastic protrusion retracts. After the chassis and the support seat are connected, the elastic protrusion resets and abuts against the pit.

6. The ice making device according to claim 5, characterized in that The support seat includes a bottom plate extending along the first direction and support plates extending along the first direction on both sides of the bottom plate, both ends of the two support plates are provided with the convex strips, and the bottom plate is provided with grooves corresponding to the convex strips; and / or The support seat includes a base plate extending along the first direction and support plates extending along the first direction on both sides of the base plate. A pit is provided at the bottom of the base plate, and the chassis is provided with an elastic protrusion. During the clamping process of the chassis and the support seat, the elastic protrusion retracts to the chassis. After the chassis and the support seat are clamped, the elastic protrusion is reset to abut against the pit.

7. The ice making device according to claim 2, wherein: The ice-making mechanism is provided with a position detection component, and the supporting mechanism is provided with a position sensing component. When the ice-making mechanism is not assembled to the supporting mechanism, the position sensing component cannot sense the position detection component; when the ice-making mechanism is assembled to the supporting mechanism, the position sensing component senses the position monitoring component and determines that the ice-making mechanism is assembled to the supporting mechanism; wherein, the position detection component is a magnet, and the position sensing component is a Hall sensor.

8. The ice making device according to claim 2, wherein: The ice-making mechanism also includes an ice rake rotatably arranged on the ice mold, and the ice-making mechanism also has an ice peeler arranged on the side wall of the ice mold, and the ice peeler extends from the side wall of the ice mold in a direction covering the ice mold; an ice-making groove is provided in the ice mold, the ice rake is provided with an ice-raking portion corresponding to the ice-making groove, and the ice peeler is provided with an ice-peeling port corresponding to the ice-making groove, and the driving mechanism is detachably connected to the ice rake, driving the ice rake to rotate around the axis of the ice rake, driving the ice-raking portion to rotate in the ice-making groove and pass through the ice-peeling port, so that the ice cubes in the ice-making groove are separated from the ice mold through the ice-peeling port and enter the ice storage mechanism.

9. The ice making device according to claim 8, characterized in that The driving mechanism includes a motor and a shaft sleeve driven by the motor, the shaft sleeve is provided with a fixing hole and a key slot provided on the circumferential side of the fixing hole and connected to the fixing hole; a convex key is provided on the circumferential side of the ice rake, the ice rake is passed through the fixing hole and the convex key is engaged with the key slot, the motor drives the shaft sleeve to rotate and drives the ice rake to rotate, and then drives the ice rake part to rotate in the ice making trough and pass through the ice peeling port, so that the ice cubes in the ice making trough are separated from the ice mold through the ice peeling port and enter the ice storage mechanism.

10. The ice-making device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The shaft sleeve faces the side of the ice rake, and the distance between the end face of the fixing hole and the ice rake increases from close to the key slot to away from the key slot. A slope is formed on the end face of the fixing hole from away from the key slot to close to the key slot, so that the ice rake rotates under the action of gravity and the convex key is automatically engaged with the key slot.

11. The ice making device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The supporting mechanism includes a chassis, the heating mechanism is arranged on the chassis, and the chassis is connected to the ice mold for heat exchange and is used to heat the ice mold; wherein, when the ice making mechanism is arranged on the supporting mechanism, the ice mold is located above the chassis and in contact with the chassis.

12. The ice-making device according to claim 11, wherein: The heating mechanism includes a heating wire and heating terminals arranged at both ends of the heating wire. The heating wire is arranged inside the chassis and extends along the length direction of the chassis. The heating terminals are arranged outside the chassis. The heating wire is U-shaped, and the two heating terminals are located on the same side of the chassis.

13. The ice-making device according to claim 11, wherein: The heating mechanism is integrally formed with the chassis, and the heating mechanism is connected to the chassis for heat exchange; or The heating mechanism is assembled on the chassis, wherein a placement groove corresponding to the heating mechanism is opened in the chassis, the heating mechanism is assembled in the placement groove, and the heating mechanism is connected to the chassis for heat exchange.

14. The ice-making device according to claim 2, wherein: The supporting mechanism includes a backboard, the ice-making mechanism includes an ice peeler, and the ice-making device also includes a water retaining mechanism; the water retaining mechanism includes a first water retaining assembly and a second water retaining assembly, the first water retaining assembly is arranged between the ice mold and the ice peeler, and the first water retaining assembly is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing out from between the ice mold and the ice peeler; the second water retaining assembly is arranged between the ice mold and the backboard, and the second water retaining assembly is used to prevent water in the ice mold from flowing out from between the ice mold and the backboard.

15. The ice-making device according to claim 14, wherein: The top wall of the ice mold on the side close to the ice peeler extends toward the ice peeler to form a first extension portion, and the first water retaining assembly is arranged between the first extension portion and the ice peeler; the top wall of the ice mold on the side close to the back plate extends toward the back plate to form a second extension portion, and the second water retaining assembly is arranged between the second extension portion and the back plate.

16. The ice-making device according to claim 2, wherein: The carrying mechanism includes a chassis, and the ice-making device includes an ice detection mechanism and an anti-freezing mechanism. The ice detection mechanism is driven and connected to the driving mechanism, and the ice detection mechanism is arranged close to the side wall of the chassis; the anti-freezing mechanism is arranged on the chassis and is located between the chassis and the ice detection mechanism, and is used to isolate the ice detection mechanism and keep a distance between the ice detection mechanism and the chassis.

17. The ice-making device according to claim 1, wherein: The ice-making mechanism further includes an ice rake rotatably arranged on the ice mold, the ice rake rotating in the ice mold in the direction of turning over the ice so that the ice in the ice mold breaks away from the ice mold and enters the ice storage mechanism, the ice-making mechanism further includes an ice detecting mechanism, including an ice detecting portion, the ice detecting portion being arranged close to the carrying mechanism, the ice detecting portion rotating to detect whether the ice storage mechanism is full of ice, the ice-making mechanism further includes a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism including a motor, a main gear connected to the motor, and an ice detecting portion gear connected to the main gear, the main gear rotating to drive the ice rake to rotate, and the main gear drives the ice rake to rotate in the direction of turning over the ice by a preset angle, during which the ice rake moves from the initial position of the ice rake to the second position of the ice rake, and the ice detecting portion gear drives the ice detecting portion to lift along the lifting direction of the ice detecting portion to detect whether the ice storage mechanism is full of ice; When the ice detecting part is fully lifted, the main gear drives the ice rake to continue to rotate in the direction of turning over the ice from the second position of the ice rake so that the ice in the ice mold breaks away from the ice mold and enters the ice storage mechanism. The main gear drives the ice detecting part gear to drive the ice detecting part to fall back to the initial position of the ice detecting part.

18. The ice-making device according to claim 17, wherein: When the ice detecting part is blocked and not fully lifted, the main gear drives the ice rake to rotate in the opposite direction of the ice turning direction from the second position of the ice rake to the initial position of the ice rake, and the main gear drives the ice detecting part gear to drive the ice detecting part to fall and return to the initial position of the ice detecting part; or the main gear stops driving the ice rake and the ice detecting part gear, so that the ice detecting part remains in an incompletely lifted state, waiting for the ice cubes in the ice storage mechanism to become less, and the ice detecting part continues to rotate in the lifting direction of the ice detecting part until the ice detecting part is fully lifted.

19. The ice-making device according to claim 17, wherein: The ice rake is provided with an ice raking portion along the circumference of the ice rake in the longitudinal direction of the ice rake, and the ice raking portion is arranged on the ice rake toward the same side. When the ice rake is in the initial position and the ice rake is in the second position, the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold is an acute angle, and when the ice rake is in the initial position, the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold is greater than the angle between the ice raking portion and the horizontal plane of the ice mold when the ice rake is in the second position.

20. A refrigerator, characterized in that: The invention comprises an ice-making device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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