Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator (10), comprising a housing (100), an ice-making device (200), and an ice storage bin (300). The ice storage bin (300) is provided with an ice inlet (310), an ice outlet (320), and a storage cavity (330). The storage cavity (330) comprises a first cavity (331) and a second cavity (332). The refrigerator (10) further comprises an agitating device (600) and a cutting device (500) located in the first cavity (331). The cutting device (500) is connected to a driving device (400). The agitating device (600) comprises: a first agitating member (610), located in the first cavity (331) and connected to the cutting device (500), and a second agitating member (620), having one part located in the first cavity (331) and connected to the cutting device (500), and the other part located in the second cavity (332), the second agitating member (620) is configured to reciprocate relative to the cutting device (500) in a second direction under the drive of the cutting device (500).

Description

refrigerator

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2025101476992, filed on February 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology. More specifically, it relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0004] With the continuous development of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people have increasingly higher requirements for quality of life. To meet these demands, the functions of household appliances are constantly expanding, such as adding ice makers to refrigerators. This ice maker includes an ice-making device and an ice-crushing device. The ice-making device produces ice and stores it in the refrigerator for users to use.

[0005] In related technologies, if ice blocks are in contact with components inside a refrigerator for an extended period, the ice blocks will freeze to those components. Therefore, a structure is typically installed inside the refrigerator to agitate the ice blocks, allowing them to move within the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of this application may provide a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to this application can have a good ice-stirring effect.

[0007] This application provides a refrigerator, including:

[0008] case;

[0009] An ice-making device, located within the housing, is configured to produce ice.

[0010] A refrigerator, located within the housing; the refrigerator has:

[0011] The ice inlet is configured to receive ice blocks from the ice-making device.

[0012] The ice outlet is configured to output ice blocks;

[0013] A storage cavity is configured to store ice blocks; the ice inlet, the storage cavity, and the ice outlet are arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the direction of gravity Z; wherein, the storage cavity includes:

[0014] The first cavity is located close to the ice outlet relative to the ice inlet and is connected to the ice inlet and the ice outlet;

[0015] The second cavity is located outside the first cavity in the first direction and is disposed between the ice inlet and the first cavity and connects the ice inlet and the first cavity. The first direction intersects the gravity direction. The second cavity is configured to guide a portion of the ice block to the first cavity.

[0016] A driving device, wherein the fixed end of the driving device is located inside the housing, and the output end of the driving device passes through the storage refrigerator located inside the storage cavity; a cutting device, located inside the first cavity, and connected to the driving device; and

[0017] A stirring device, comprising:

[0018] A first stirring element is located in the first cavity and connected to the cutting device. The first stirring element rotates about an axis extending along a second direction, which intersects the gravity direction and the first direction, respectively.

[0019] A second stirring element, a portion of which is located within the first cavity and connected to the cutting device, and another portion of which is located within the second cavity, is configured to reciprocate relative to the cutting device along the second direction under the drive of the cutting device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only for some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1D are schematic diagrams of the structure of a refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator storage refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a partial structural diagram of the refrigerator storage compartment provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the storage cavity of a refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a refrigerator storage refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the cutting device and stirring device of the refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator with the stirring device in the first position according to some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator with the stirring device in the second position according to some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second gear of the refrigerator drive device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conversion component of the stirring device of the refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 is an exploded structural diagram of a partial structure of a refrigerator storage refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the driving device of a refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, implementation methods and advantages of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that includes a series of components is not limited to including those components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0037] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In related technologies, an ice storage box is disclosed, comprising a box body and an ice storage cavity disposed within the box body. An ice-stirring component is connected to the box body, and this component moves under the drive of a drive shaft. A moving blade is connected to the drive shaft. The ice-stirring component moves synchronously with the drive shaft, meaning it moves synchronously with the moving blade. This allows the ice-stirring component to agitate the ice blocks within the ice storage cavity, causing them to fall within the rotation range of the moving blade. The ice blocks are then discharged from the ice storage box under the influence of the moving blade, thus enabling a stable discharge of ice blocks and solving the problem of ice blocks freezing inside the ice storage cavity and failing to discharge.

[0041] However, if ice cubes remain in contact with the ice storage box inside the freezer for an extended period, they will freeze to the inner wall of the box. Because there is a gap between the ice shovel and the side of the box, if the ice cubes are small, the shovel may not be able to reach them, causing the ice to stick to the inner wall of the box. Therefore, such a shovel will not be effective at stirring.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 may include a housing 100, an ice-making device 200, and a storage refrigerator 300. The refrigerator 10 according to this application has a better stirring effect on ice.

[0043] The housing 100 can provide an enclosed space and protect the components inside the housing 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, housing 100 may include box 110, which may be configured to form a cooling chamber having an access port 101.

[0045] In some embodiments, housing 100 may include a door 120 hinged to housing 110. Door 120 is configured to open or close access opening 101 to facilitate a user to, for example, retrieve or place ice or food items.

[0046] An ice-making device 200 may be located within the housing 100, and the ice-making device 200 is configured to produce ice.

[0047] It should be noted that the ice maker 200 is installed on the cabinet 110, as shown in Figures 1A and 1C; the ice maker 200 can also be installed on the door 120, as shown in Figures 1B and 1D. The position of the ice maker 200 on the refrigerator is not limited to these, and its position can be flexibly adjusted according to needs.

[0048] The refrigerator 300 is located inside the housing 100 and can be configured to receive and store ice produced by the ice-making device 200.

[0049] It should be noted that the refrigerator 300 can be installed on the cabinet 110, as shown in Figures 1A and 1D; the refrigerator 300 can also be installed on the door 120, as shown in Figures 1B and 1C. The position of the refrigerator 300 on the refrigerator is not limited to these, and the position of the refrigerator 300 on the refrigerator can be flexibly adjusted according to needs.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 300 has a storage cavity 330 configured to store ice. Ice is indicated by the symbol A in Figure 2.

[0051] The refrigerator 300 also has an ice inlet 310 that connects to the storage cavity 330. The ice inlet 310 can connect to the output port of the ice maker 200. Ice blocks from the ice maker 200 can pass through the ice inlet 310 and be stored in the storage cavity 330.

[0052] The refrigerator 300 also has an ice outlet 320 that connects to the storage cavity 330. Ice blocks in the storage cavity 330 can be removed from the storage cavity 330 through the ice outlet 320.

[0053] Understandably, to facilitate the storage and dispensing of ice, the ice inlet 310 and the ice outlet 320 can be located on opposite sides of the storage cavity 330, such as on opposite sides in the Z-direction of gravity. For example, in the direction of gravity, the ice inlet 310 is located above the storage cavity 330, and the ice outlet 320 is located below the storage cavity 330. In this way, under the influence of gravity, ice can move into the storage cavity 330 through the ice inlet 310 without additional power, and can move out of the storage cavity 330 through the ice outlet 320.

[0054] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the storage cavity 330 may include a first cavity 331. The first cavity 331 is located near the ice outlet 320 relative to the ice inlet 310. The first cavity 331 connects the ice inlet 310 and the ice outlet 320. That is, ice blocks can be moved into the first cavity 331 through the ice inlet 310 and then moved out through the ice outlet 320 after passing through the first cavity 331.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the refrigerator 10 may also include a cutting device 500. The cutting device 500 may be located within the first cavity 331.

[0056] It is understood that the cutting device 500 cuts according to user needs. For example, if the user needs whole ice, the cutting device 500 may not need to cut the ice; if the user has no special needs, the cutting device 500 can be configured to cut the ice moved into the first cavity 331.

[0057] According to this application, placing the cutting device 500 inside the first cavity 331 ensures that the ice block can be processed quickly after being moved into the first cavity 331. This arrangement helps to achieve rapid processing of the ice block along its flow path, thereby improving ice dispensing efficiency.

[0058] According to this application, by placing the cutting device 500 directly inside the first cavity 331, the movement distance of the ice block between different processing stages can be reduced, thereby increasing the processing speed.

[0059] It should be noted that in Figures 2, 4, 5 to 10, the third direction Z is parallel to the direction of gravity, the second direction Y intersects the direction of gravity Z and is parallel to the width direction of the storage cavity 330 in the XY plane, and the first direction X intersects the direction of gravity Z and is parallel to the length direction of the storage cavity 330 in the XY plane.

[0060] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the storage cavity 330 may further include a second cavity 332. The second cavity 332 may be located outside the first cavity 331 in the first direction X, that is, the second cavity 332 is located beside the first cavity 331. By placing the second cavity 332 beside the first cavity 331, functional partitioning can be achieved within a limited space.

[0061] The second cavity 332 can connect the ice inlet 310 and the first cavity 331 and is disposed between the ice inlet 310 and the first cavity 331. The second cavity 332 can be configured to guide a portion of the ice block to the first cavity 331.

[0062] With the above setup, after the ice cubes are moved into the storage refrigerator 300, they can first be moved into the second cavity 332 for initial storage and stirring, and then guided to the first cavity 331 for cutting and output as needed.

[0063] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 may further include a drive unit 400. The fixed end of the drive unit 400 is located inside the housing 100 and outside the refrigerator compartment 300. The output end 401 of the drive unit 400 passes through the refrigerator compartment 300 and is located inside the storage cavity 330. Placing the fixed end of the drive unit 400 inside the housing 100 can provide stable support and reduce vibration and noise.

[0064] The drive unit 400 can be connected to the cutting device 500. That is, the drive unit 400 can drive the cutting device 500 to work.

[0065] According to some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator 10 may further include a stirring device 600. The stirring device 600 is located within the storage cavity 330 and may be configured to stir ice cubes. The stirring device 600 may include a first stirring element 610 and a second stirring element 620.

[0066] As an optional implementation, the first stirring component 610 may include a first connecting section 611 and a first working section 612.

[0067] Referring to FIG6, in some embodiments, the first connecting segment 611 is connected to the driving device 400, and the first working segment 612 is connected to the first connecting segment 611.

[0068] Understandably, the above structural design enables the first stirring component 610 to work in conjunction with the cutting device 500 to effectively cut and stir materials such as ice, thereby improving the stirring quality.

[0069] In some examples, the first agitator 610 is positioned above the second agitator 620 in the direction of gravity Z. For example, the first connecting segment 611 of the first 610 may be positioned above the second agitator 620 in the direction of gravity Z.

[0070] The above arrangement allows the first agitator 610 to perform preliminary agitation on materials such as ice before the second agitator 620, laying the foundation for subsequent fine agitation. At the same time, it makes more reasonable use of the space in the storage chamber 330 and improves the compactness of the equipment layout.

[0071] In some embodiments, the maximum distance that the second stirring member 620 can move along the second direction Y may be less than the length of the first connecting segment 611.

[0072] This ensures that the second stirring component 620 will not interfere with the first stirring component 610 during movement, guaranteeing smooth stirring. At the same time, the length of the first connecting section 611 provides sufficient space, allowing the second stirring component 620 to move flexibly within a limited range, improving stirring flexibility and efficiency.

[0073] By using two agitators, the ice can be stirred more thoroughly and effectively. The first agitator 610 and the second agitator 620 can each handle the ice in different areas, ensuring that the ice is evenly distributed and moved throughout the storage chamber 330.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first stirring member 610 is located in the first cavity 331, a portion of the second stirring member 620 is located in the first cavity 331, and another portion of the second stirring member 620 is located in the second cavity 332.

[0075] That is, the second stirring element 620 can span both the first cavity 331 and the second cavity 332. This arrangement allows the second stirring element 620 to transfer ice between the two cavities, ensuring that the ice can be smoothly moved from the second cavity 332 into the first cavity 331 for cutting.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first stirring element 610 is connected to the cutting device 500. That is, the first stirring element 610 rotates and agitates under the drive of the cutting device 500, which helps to guide the ice cubes to the cutting device 500, thereby improving cutting efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments, the portion of the second stirring member 620 located in the first cavity 331 is connected to the drive device 400. By extending a portion of the second stirring member 620 into the first cavity 331, the second stirring member 620 can assist the first stirring member 610 in guiding the ice cubes to the cutting device 500, thereby improving overall stirring and transfer efficiency. Through its connection with the cutting device 500, the second stirring member 620 can move synchronously with the cutting device 500, thereby ensuring coordination between the stirring and cutting processes and improving the efficiency and continuity of ice cube processing.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first stirring member 610 can rotate about an axis extending along a second direction Y. By rotating about the axis in the second direction Y, the first stirring member 610 can effectively agitate the ice blocks in the first cavity 331, which helps to move the ice blocks from the edge of the cavity to the central area, ensuring that the ice blocks can be smoothly moved into the working range of the cutting device 500.

[0079] The second direction Y intersects the gravity direction Z and the first direction X, respectively. By intersecting with the gravity direction Z and the first direction X, the stirring device can stir the ice in the storage cavity 330 in all directions, thereby ensuring effective stirring and transfer of the ice. In this application, by causing the first stirring member 610 to rotate around the second direction Y and the second stirring member 620 to move in the second direction Y, the stirring device 600 can have stirring motion components in the third direction Z and in the first direction X and the second direction Y, which are perpendicular to the third direction Z (i.e., the gravity direction). Thus, as the ice moves along the third direction due to gravity, the stirring device 600 can stir the ice in all directions, ensuring effective stirring and transfer of the ice.

[0080] The second stirring element 620 is configured to reciprocate relative to the cutting device 500 along the second direction Y under the drive of the cutting device 500, so that another part of the second stirring element 620 contacts a portion of the ice block located in the second cavity 332. That is, the second stirring element 620 moves synchronously with the cutting device 500, so that the second stirring element 620 can effectively stir and transfer in the second direction Y.

[0081] It should be noted that the reciprocating motion ensures that the ice cubes are fully agitated under the action of the stirring element, reducing the adhesion and retention of ice cubes in the cavity. At the same time, it helps to guide the ice cubes from the second cavity 332 to the first cavity 331, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the ice cubes.

[0082] Understandably, there are several possibilities for how the second stirring component 620 moves under the drive of the cutting device 500.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cutting device 500 can rotate, and the connection portion between the second stirring member 620 and the cutting device 500 can convert rotation into movement, thereby enabling the movement of the second stirring member 620. That is, the second stirring member 620 first converts the rotation provided by the cutting device 500 into movement, and moves along the second direction Y.

[0084] In some embodiments, the cutting device 500 can rotate and move, and the second stirring member 620 can be connected to the output end of the driving device 400. Thus, the cutting device 500 rotates and moves simultaneously, thereby driving the second stirring member 620 to move, thereby enabling the second stirring member 620 to move along the second direction Y.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cutting device 500 is capable of rotational motion, and the second stirring member 620 is indirectly connected to the cutting device 500, such as via a connector. The connector can be configured to convert rotation into movement. The connector can be, for example, a lead screw drive structure, a cam structure, a gear and rack structure, a crank-slider structure, and an eccentric wheel structure.

[0086] It is understandable that the way the second stirring element 620 moves under the drive of the cutting device 500 is not limited to the example described above.

[0087] The following explanation will take the method in which the second stirring element 620 first converts the rotation provided by the cutting device 500 into movement, and then moves along the second direction Y as an example.

[0088] As an alternative implementation, the first cavity 331 includes multiple regions. Different regions are configured to mount different devices.

[0089] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first cavity 331 may include a stirring region 3311 and a cutting region 3312. In the gravity direction Z, the stirring region 3311 may be positioned above the cutting region 3312. By sequentially arranging the stirring region 3311 and the cutting region 3312 in the gravity direction Z, the flow of ice cubes can be facilitated by gravity. For example, after the ice cubes are sufficiently agitated in the stirring region 3311, they can smoothly move into the cutting region 3312 under the influence of gravity, which helps reduce energy consumption and mechanical complexity during the transfer process.

[0090] The first agitator 610 may be located in the agitation zone 3311. Placing the first agitator 610 in the agitation zone 3311 ensures that the ice cubes are fully agitated and dispersed before being moved into the cutting zone 3312, which helps to prevent the ice cubes from sticking together and clogging, and improves the efficiency of the subsequent cutting process.

[0091] The cutting zone 3312 is connected to the stirring zone 3311. The cutting zone 3312 is closer to the ice outlet 320 than the stirring zone 3311. The cutting device 500 may include a cutting blade 510. The cutting blade 510 may be located in the cutting zone 3312. This arrangement ensures that the ice block can be discharged through the ice outlet 320 immediately after being cut, reducing the residence time of the ice block after cutting and helping to improve processing efficiency and ice discharge speed.

[0092] Referring to FIG6, in some embodiments, the second stirring member 620 includes a second connecting section 621 and a second working section 622.

[0093] Specifically, the second connecting section 621 is movably connected to the cutting device 500. The second connecting section 621 is configured to be movable relative to the cutting device 500. Through this movable connection, the second connecting section 621 can transmit the motion (such as rotational or reciprocating motion) of the cutting device 500 to the second stirring member 620. This connection method allows the second stirring member 620 to move synchronously under the drive of the cutting device 500, thereby achieving effective agitation and transfer of ice.

[0094] The second working section 622 is connected to the second connecting section 621. That is, the second working section 622 can receive motion from the second connecting section 621 and convert the motion into agitation and transmission of the ice, so as to ensure effective transmission of motion and uniform agitation of the ice.

[0095] The second working section 622 is positioned relative to the second connecting section 621 close to the housing 100. This allows the second working section 622 to be relatively close to the inner wall of the refrigerator 300, ensuring that it can effectively agitate the ice near the housing 100. It is understood that this arrangement helps reduce ice residue on the inner wall of the refrigerator 300, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the refrigerator 300.

[0096] The second working section 622 is configured to move synchronously with the second connecting section 621 as it reciprocates relative to the drive device 400 in the second direction Y. This allows the second working section 622 to effectively agitate the ice within the second cavity 332, ensuring that the ice does not stick or remain within the cavity. For example, the second working section 622 can contact the ice within the second cavity 332 and effectively agitate it, preventing the ice from sticking or remaining within the second cavity 332.

[0097] It should be noted that the reciprocating motion enables the second working section 622 to stir the ice in a larger space, that is, to increase the range of stirring and make the ice more evenly distributed.

[0098] In this way, the moving second working section 622 can contact the ice block in the second cavity 332, so that the ice block is moved from the second cavity 332 into the cutting area 3312 under the action of gravity.

[0099] Understandably, in the above process, the ice cubes move in and out solely by gravity, reducing additional mechanical energy consumption. Through effective agitation, the ice cubes can smoothly move from the second cavity 332 into the cutting area 3312 of the first cavity 331, ready for further processing.

[0100] It should be noted that gravity simplifies the ice transfer process, reducing reliance on complex mechanical systems. The stirring mechanism ensures the ice moves smoothly under gravity, preventing potential blockages during transfer.

[0101] The stirring device 600 is configured to contact the ice blocks in the second chamber 332 via the second stirring element 620, causing the ice blocks to move into the first chamber 331, thereby ensuring that the ice blocks can be smoothly moved from the initially stored second chamber 332 into the first chamber 331 for cutting and output. Through effective stirring and transfer, the fluidity of the ice blocks and the processing efficiency can be improved.

[0102] In this application, ice blocks can be moved into the storage cavity 330 via the ice inlet 310. A portion of the ice blocks can be temporarily stored in, for example, the second cavity 332, and can be stirred by the second stirring member 620 to guide it to the cutting area 3312 of the first cavity 331, where it is cut by the cutting device 500, and finally discharged from the storage cavity 330 through the ice outlet 320. Another portion of the ice blocks can be moved into the stirring area 3311 of the first cavity 331 and stirred by the first stirring member 610, and then moved into the cutting area 3312 of the first cavity 331 under the action of gravity and cut by the cutting device 500, and finally discharged from the storage cavity 330 through the ice outlet 320.

[0103] With the above configuration, ice cubes can be evenly distributed and move smoothly throughout the storage cavity 330. The second stirring member 620 ensures that the ice cubes can be effectively guided to the cutting area 3312, reducing the residence time of the ice cubes between different processing stages. Referring to FIG3, as an optional embodiment, the refrigerator 300 may include a main board 340 and a side board 350. The main board 340 is connected to the side board 350 to enclose and form the storage cavity 330 configured for storing and processing ice cubes.

[0104] It is understandable that there can be multiple ways to connect the motherboard 340 and the side panel 350.

[0105] For example, there is one main board 340 and multiple side panels 350, which are connected sequentially. The multiple side panels 350 can form a side panel assembly, with the main board 340 connected to both ends of the side panel assembly. The side panel assembly and the main board 340 together form a storage cavity 330.

[0106] For example, there are multiple motherboards 340 and multiple side panels 350, with each side panel 350 connected between two adjacent motherboards 340. The multiple motherboards 340 and multiple side panels 350 together form a storage cavity 330.

[0107] In some embodiments of this application, there is one motherboard 340 and multiple side panels 350.

[0108] It should be noted that the main board 340 and the side plate 350 form a storage cavity 330, which can have an ice inlet 310 and an ice outlet 320. That is, the top and bottom of the storage cavity 330 are not closed, but open.

[0109] By setting up the main board 340 and the side plate 350, the refrigerator 300 can effectively accommodate and protect the ice-making and processing devices inside the refrigerator 300.

[0110] Referring to Figure 7, the main board 340 may have a connecting hole 341, and the output end 401 of the drive device 400 may pass through the connecting hole 341. The cutting blade 510 of the cutting device 500 may be connected to the output end.

[0111] The connecting hole 341 allows the output end 401 of the drive device 400 to be directly inserted into the refrigerator 300 for connection with the cutting device 500. By allowing the output end to pass through the connecting hole 341, the drive device 400 can fit tightly with the cutting device 500, and the transmission path is shorter. Furthermore, the direct connection between the output end 401 of the drive device 400 and the cutting blade 510 ensures that the cutting blade 510 receives sufficient power for ice cutting, improving cutting efficiency and accuracy while reducing transmission losses.

[0112] The side panel 350 is connected to the outside of the main board 340 along the first direction X, and the side panel 350 and the main board 340 together form a storage cavity. By connecting the side panel 350 and the main board 340 along the first direction X, the internal components of the refrigerator 300 can be effectively supported and protected.

[0113] The surface extension direction of the side plate 350 intersects the gravity direction Z, the first direction X, and the second direction Y. For example, the extension direction of the line connecting the top and bottom of one surface of the side plate 350 in the gravity direction intersects the gravity direction Z, the first direction X, and the second direction Y. By intersecting with multiple directions, the side plate 350 can provide multi-angle support and guidance, preventing ice blocks from getting stuck or shifting, and ensuring that the side plate 350 can effectively guide the movement of ice blocks.

[0114] For example, when both the first direction X and the second direction Y are horizontal, the side plate 350 can be tilted relative to the XY plane, so that the side plate 350 can provide better guidance for the ice block.

[0115] Specifically, the side plate 350 is configured to guide the ice block under gravity, allowing it to move from the second cavity 332 into the first cavity 331. By utilizing gravity and the guiding design of the side plate 350, the ice block can naturally move from one cavity to another. This simplifies the ice block transfer process, reduces reliance on complex mechanical systems, and improves the efficiency of ice block handling.

[0116] Referring to FIG6, as an optional embodiment, the drive device 400 may include a drive motor 410, a drive gear 420, a first gear 430, and a second gear 440. Note that the drive motor 410, drive gear 420, first gear 430, and second gear 440 in FIG6 are in a disassembled state to better illustrate the positions of the first gear 430 and drive gear 420 within the housing 100.

[0117] The drive motor 410 has an output end 411 and a fixed end 412. The drive motor 410 is a power source. The output end 411 of the drive motor 410 is configured to transmit power, and the fixed end 412 is configured to stabilize the position of the motor.

[0118] The drive gear 420 is connected to the output terminal 411 of the drive motor 410. By directly connecting the drive gear 420 to the output terminal 411 of the drive motor 410, the drive gear 420 can immediately respond to changes in the motor's output.

[0119] The drive gear 420 is connected to the cutting blade 510 of the cutting device 500. By directly connecting the cutting blade 510 and the drive gear 420, energy loss during power transmission can be reduced, ensuring the efficient operation of the cutting device 500.

[0120] The drive gear 420 can be configured to rotate under the drive of the drive motor 410 to drive the cutter 510 to cut ice. Through the rotation of the drive gear 420, the cutter 510 can perform a cutting operation at a stable speed and torque.

[0121] The first gear 430 is rotatably mounted within the housing 100 and meshes with the drive gear 420. The first gear 430 can be configured to be driven to rotate by the drive gear 420. By directly connecting the first gear 430 to the drive gear 420, the first gear 430 can quickly respond to changes in the movement of the drive gear 420, providing stable power output.

[0122] The second gear 440 is at least connected to the drive gear 420 in a transmission connection. The second gear 440 can also be configured to be driven by the first gear 430, ensuring that the second gear 440 can indirectly receive power from the first gear 430, thus achieving coordinated operation of multi-stage transmission. Through the aforementioned power transmission process, power can be effectively distributed to different mixing components.

[0123] It is understandable that the transmission connection between the second gear 440 and the drive gear 420 can be realized as direct meshing between the second gear 440 and the drive gear 420, or it can be indirectly connected between the second gear 440 and the drive gear 420 through other structures.

[0124] The axes of the drive gear 420, the first gear 430, and the second gear 440 are all set along the second direction Y.

[0125] By unifying the direction of the axis extension, mechanical design can be simplified, ensuring efficient meshing and power transmission between gears, reducing design complexity and potential alignment problems, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the transmission. This design strategy optimizes space utilization and the precision of mechanical transmission.

[0126] The first agitator 610 is connected to the first gear 430, and the second agitator 620 is connected to the second gear 440. By directly connecting the agitators and gears, synchronous operation of the agitators and efficient power transmission can be ensured.

[0127] Referring to Figure 6, as an optional embodiment, the stirring device 600 may further include a switching element 630 and a resetting element 640. The switching element 630 is configured to switch power. The resetting element 640 is configured to reset the switching element 630 to its initial position.

[0128] Specifically, the conversion element 630 can be located between the second stirring element 620 and the second gear 440. By placing the conversion element 630 between the gear and the stirring element, the efficiency and effect of power transmission can be optimized.

[0129] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the conversion member 630 can be configured to move from a first position to a second position along the second direction Y as the second gear 440 rotates. As can be seen from the above, the conversion member 630 will adjust its position when the gear rotates to realize the dynamic movement of the stirring member, that is, the conversion member 630 can complete the conversion between rotation and movement.

[0130] There is an interval between the first position and the second position. That is, the conversion element 630 performs effective power conversion and position adjustment during the movement, ensuring that the conversion element 630 can switch between the first position and the second position, thereby realizing movement.

[0131] It should be noted that the first position and the second position are spaced apart along the second direction Y so that the conversion member 630 can move in the second direction Y.

[0132] The reset element 640 can be connected to either the converter 630 or the second gear 440. By connecting the reset element 640 to either the converter 630 or the second gear 440, it can be ensured that the reset element 640 can apply force at the appropriate time to push the converter 630 back to its initial position.

[0133] In one example, the reset member 640 is configured to move the converter 630 to the first position along the second direction Y when the converter 630 moves to the second position. That is, the reset member 640 is configured to bring the converter 630 back to the first position along the second direction Y after the converter 630 reaches the second position.

[0134] With the above settings, the conversion component 630 can be automatically reset after each operation cycle, ready for the next operation, which can improve the continuity and operating efficiency of the stirring device 600.

[0135] Referring to FIG9, in an optional embodiment, the second gear 440 includes a gear body 441 and a pusher 442. The gear body 441 is configured for power transmission, and the pusher 442 is configured to convert the rotation of the gear body 441 into movement.

[0136] The gear body 441 meshes with the first gear 430 to ensure efficient power transmission between the gear body 441 and the first gear 430.

[0137] The gear body 441 has a first guide hole 443. The pusher 442 is located in the first guide hole 443 and is connected to the gear body 441. That is, the pusher 442 can maintain synchronous movement when the gear body 441 rotates, so as to effectively transmit rotational motion.

[0138] By placing the pusher 442 inside the guide hole, the stability and accuracy of the movement path of the pusher 442 can be ensured.

[0139] The pushing part 442 has two opposite ends that are spaced apart in the second direction Y. By setting the interval, a distance difference can be ensured between the opposite ends of the pushing part 442.

[0140] The two ends of the pushing part 442 can also be located at different positions along the circumference of the first guide hole 443. By setting the two ends of the pushing part 442 at different positions in the circumference, the two ends of the pushing part 442 can provide a distance difference while rotating as the pushing part 442 rotates.

[0141] The pusher 442 is configured to rotate synchronously with the gear body 441 when it rotates, and push the conversion member 630 to move from the first position to the second position along the second direction Y.

[0142] Understandably, since the pushing part 442 is located within the first guide hole 443 of the gear body 441 and connected to the gear body 441, when the gear body 441 rotates, the pushing part 442 will rotate synchronously with the rotation of the gear body 441. As the pushing part 442 rotates, its two ends provide a distance difference while rotating. The rotation of the pushing part 442, through the distance difference between its two ends, converts the rotational motion into linear motion along the second direction Y, thereby pushing the conversion member 630 to move. Under the action of the pushing part 442, the conversion member 630 moves from the first position to the second position along the second direction Y.

[0143] As an optional implementation, the gear body 441 and the pusher 442 are integrated into one piece.

[0144] Understandably, firstly, the integrated design simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, and lowers assembly complexity and cost. Secondly, the integrated design improves the overall structural strength and rigidity, reducing deformation and wear during operation. Furthermore, the integrated design ensures the synchronization and precision of movement between the gear body 441 and the drive unit 442, reducing movement deviations caused by connection errors.

[0145] Referring to Figure 9, as an optional embodiment, the pushing part 442 can be a protrusion, one side of which is curved, and the two ends of the curved surface are spaced apart in the second direction Y. When the gear body 441 rotates, the protrusion rotates synchronously, and the curved surface abuts against the moving part 631.

[0146] It should be noted that, in order to ensure that the conversion component 630 only moves under the push of the pusher 442, a structure is also required to restrict the rotation of the conversion component 630.

[0147] Referring to Figure 3, as an optional embodiment, the refrigerator 300 also includes a protective plate 360. The protective plate 360 ​​can prevent external objects or ice from damaging the output shaft of the drive device 400, and can also be used to limit the rotation of the moving part 631 with the push part 442.

[0148] The protective plate 360 ​​is located on the side of the stirring device 600 facing the storage cavity 330, and is configured to protect the stirring device 600. The protective plate 360 ​​can effectively isolate the stirring device 600 from the ice or other items in the storage cavity 330, preventing the ice or other items in the storage cavity 330 from being impacted or disturbed during the stirring process.

[0149] It is understandable that the stirring device 600 protected by the protection plate 360 ​​refers to the connection part of the stirring component, such as the connection part between the first stirring component 610 and the driving device 400, so as to ensure the normal rotation of the first stirring component 610.

[0150] Referring to Figure 10, the conversion member 630 includes a moving part 631 and a guide part 632. The moving part 631 is configured to move along a guide hole, and the guide part 632 is configured to guide the movement direction of the moving part 631 to ensure the stability and accuracy of the movement.

[0151] In one example, the moving part 631 is located within the first guide hole 443, and the side of the moving part 631 facing the protective plate 360 ​​abuts against the pushing part 442. The rotation of the pushing part 442 converts the rotational motion into linear motion along the second direction Y through the distance difference between its two ends, thereby pushing the moving part 631 to move along the first guide hole 443.

[0152] The guide part 632 is fixedly connected to the side of the moving part 631 away from the second gear 440 to ensure the stability and accuracy of the moving part 631 during movement.

[0153] Through the above-described configuration, the guide portion 632 can reduce the swaying and offset of the moving portion 631 during movement, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the motion. By fixing the guide portion 632 and the moving portion 631 together, the guide portion 632 and the moving portion 631 can form a whole, enhancing the strength of the overall structure and reducing deformation and wear during movement.

[0154] Referring to FIG3, in some embodiments, the protective plate 360 ​​has a second guide hole 361 through which the guide portion 632 passes. The guide portion 632 may be located within the second guide hole 361, which is configured to restrict the movement portion 631 from rotating with the push portion 442.

[0155] Through the above-described configuration, the second guide hole 361 provides a clear movement path for the guide part 632, ensuring that the guide part 632 moves in a predetermined direction during movement and avoiding movement errors caused by an unclear movement path. By providing the second guide hole 361, the connection between the protective plate 360 ​​and the guide part 632 is more stable, reducing structural deformation or wear caused by unstable connection. The design of the second guide hole 361 restricts the rotation of the moving part 631, ensuring its linear movement and avoiding movement errors caused by rotation. By restricting the rotation of the moving part 631, the accuracy and stability of its movement can be ensured, improving the movement precision of the stirring device 600.

[0156] As an optional implementation, the moving part 631 and the guide part 632 are integrated into one piece.

[0157] The above-mentioned design eliminates the risk of connection point failures and adapts to the long-term, high-frequency operation of the refrigerator 10. Furthermore, it reduces energy loss and motion deviation, ensuring that the second stirring component 620 can accurately clean ice adhering to the inner wall. Finally, the one-piece molding process reduces the number of parts and assembly complexity, meeting the needs of large-scale production of home appliances.

[0158] Referring to Figure 11, as an optional embodiment, the reset member 640 may include a spring sleeved on the guide portion 632. That is, the spring is sleeved axially along the guide portion 632 and coaxial with the movement direction of the moving portion 631. In this way, compared to the additional space required for conventional lateral installation, the arrangement according to this application can reduce the installation space.

[0159] The first end of the spring is fixedly connected to the protective plate 360, and the second end is fixedly connected to the moving part 631 of the conversion member 630. This ensures the stability and reliability of the spring during movement. Through the fixed connection, the spring can accurately transmit the restoring force to the conversion member 630, ensuring that the conversion member 630 can move accurately along the second direction Y.

[0160] The spring can be configured to move the converter 630 to the first position along the second direction Y when the converter 630 moves to the second position. That is, when the converter 630 moves to the second position, the spring is stretched or compressed, storing energy. When the external force disappears, the spring releases the stored energy, moving the converter 630 back to the first position along the second direction Y. This configuration ensures that the converter 630 can quickly return to its initial position when needed, improving automation and reliability.

[0161] As an alternative implementation, the second gear 440 has a gear hole; the conversion element 630 is a rack or lead screw. The conversion element 630 meshes with the second gear 440 through the gear hole.

[0162] With the above configuration, the converter 630 can be precisely aligned and meshed with the second gear 440, ensuring efficient power transmission and synchronous movement. The gear hole allows the converter 630 to pass through and mesh with the second gear 440, forming a stable transmission connection.

[0163] The above connection method can improve transmission accuracy, enhance reliability, and reduce failures caused by loose or misaligned connections.

[0164] It should be noted that when the conversion element 630 is selected as a rack and pinion or a lead screw, different motion conversions can be achieved according to specific application requirements. For example, a rack and pinion can be used in applications requiring a large linear stroke, while a lead screw can be used in applications requiring high-precision linear motion.

[0165] The above settings provide high flexibility and adaptability, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

[0166] By meshing with the second gear 440 through the gear hole, or by the transmission connection between the gear hole and the second gear 440, the conversion element 630 can convert the rotational motion of the second gear 440 into linear motion or precise linear motion, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of transmission and enhancing stability and reliability.

[0167] As an alternative implementation, the drive gear 420 meshes with the first gear 430, and the drive gear 420 and the first gear 430 are located on the same side of the second gear 440. This arrangement makes power transmission more efficient and stable, while also resulting in a more compact structure.

[0168] In one example, referring to Figure 12, the reset member 640 may include a plurality of first limiting posts 641 and a plurality of second limiting posts 642. The plurality of first limiting posts 641 may be spaced apart on the tooth surface of the drive gear 420, and the plurality of second limiting posts 642 may be spaced apart on the tooth surface of the first gear 430. Any two adjacent first limiting posts 641 and any two adjacent second limiting posts 642 are matched with the tooth pitch of the second gear 440, enabling the second gear 440 to accurately engage with the limiting posts and achieve switching between forward and reverse rotation.

[0169] The first limiting post 641 and the second limiting post 642 are connected to the second gear 440 in sequence, so that the second gear 440 can rotate in the forward direction under the drive of the first limiting post 641 and rotate in the reverse direction under the drive of the second limiting post 642, so as to drive the conversion member 630 to reciprocate along the second direction Y.

[0170] As can be seen from the above, the first limiting post 641 and the second limiting post 642 are connected to the second gear 440 in sequence, so that the second gear 440 can contact the limiting post in sequence during rotation, thereby realizing forward and reverse rotation, and thus driving the conversion component 630 to reciprocate along the second direction Y.

[0171] With the above settings, the reciprocating movement of the conversion component 630 can be realized, thereby achieving automated stirring with the cooperation of the reset component 640.

[0172] Referring to FIG10, as an optional embodiment, the conversion member 630 has a mounting portion 633. The second stirring member 620 is located within the mounting portion 633, allowing the second stirring member 620 to move within the mounting portion 633 as needed, improving stirring flexibility and efficiency, and ensuring that materials such as ice are uniformly stirred.

[0173] The second agitator 620 is slidably disposed within the mounting portion 633. The mounting portion 633 provides stable support for the second agitator 620, preventing undesirable loosening or displacement during operation and ensuring stable mixing.

[0174] It should be noted that the sliding design of the second stirring component 620 allows it to adapt well to different stirring needs, thus effectively improving the stirring effect and the overall performance of the system.

[0175] It should be noted that the mounting part 633 can take different forms.

[0176] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 633 is a mounting hole. The second stirring member 620 passes through the mounting hole. The second stirring member 620 can slide relative to the conversion member 630 along the axial direction of the mounting hole.

[0177] With the above settings, the second stirring component 620 can be flexibly adjusted in position according to stirring requirements, improving the flexibility and efficiency of stirring, and ensuring uniform and thorough stirring.

[0178] In addition, the mounting hole provides a stable mounting position for the second agitator 620, preventing the second agitator 620 from undergoing undesirable displacement or loosening during the mixing process, and ensuring a stable and reliable mixing process.

[0179] In some other embodiments, the mounting portion 633 is a slot with an opening. The second agitator 620 moves into or out of the mounting portion 633 through the slot. With the above configuration, the installation and removal of the second agitator 620 are more convenient, facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0180] The second stirring element 620 is inserted into the slot through the opening, and the second stirring element 620 can slide relative to the conversion element 630 along the extension direction of the slot.

[0181] Understandably, the aforementioned sliding design allows the second agitator 620 to flexibly adjust its position according to agitation requirements, improving agitation flexibility and efficiency. Furthermore, the slotted structure allows the second agitator 620 to adapt well to different agitation conditions during the agitation process, ensuring uniformity and thoroughness of mixing.

[0182] In an embodiment of this application, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include: a shell; an ice-making device located within the shell, the ice-making device being configured to produce ice; and a storage refrigerator located within the shell. The storage refrigerator may have: an ice inlet configured to receive ice from the ice-making device; an ice outlet configured to output ice; and a storage cavity configured to store ice. The ice inlet, the storage cavity, and the ice outlet are arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the gravity direction Z. The storage cavity may include: a first cavity located relative to the ice inlet and close to the ice outlet, and communicating with the ice inlet and the ice outlet; and a second cavity located outside the first cavity in a first direction, and disposed between the ice inlet and the first cavity and communicating with the ice inlet and the first cavity, the first direction intersecting the gravity direction, the second cavity being configured to guide a portion of the ice to the first cavity. The refrigerator may further include: a drive device, the fixed end of which is located within the housing, and the output end of which passes through the refrigerator and is located within the storage cavity; a cutting device, located within the first cavity, connected to the drive device; and a stirring device. The stirring device may include: a first stirring member, located within the first cavity and connected to the cutting device, the first stirring member rotating about an axis extending along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the direction of gravity and the first direction respectively; and a second stirring member, a portion of which is located within the first cavity and connected to the cutting device, and another portion of which is located within the second cavity, the second stirring member being configured to reciprocate relative to the cutting device along the second direction under the drive of the cutting device.

[0183] In this application, by dividing the storage chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, and by arranging a cutting device and a first stirring element in the first chamber and a second stirring element in the second chamber, the ice blocks are effectively processed and the ice output efficiency is improved.

[0184] In this application, the second stirring element can contact the ice block located in the second cavity and reciprocate within the second cavity, reducing ice block residue on the inner wall of the refrigerator, ensuring the cleanliness of the refrigerator and the integrity of the ice block, and preventing the ice block from sticking together in the second cavity.

[0185] The first and second stirring components of this application are linked with the cutting device to ensure that the ice blocks can be effectively agitated and delivered to the working range of the cutting device, thereby ensuring that the ice blocks can be smoothly discharged from the refrigerator. Through reasonable layout and design, the first and second stirring components can process the ice blocks in different areas, improving the flexibility and efficiency of stirring, thus effectively improving the efficiency and continuity of ice block processing.

[0186] In some embodiments of this application, in the direction of gravity, the first cavity may include: a stirring region, wherein the first stirring element is located in the stirring region; and a cutting region, communicating with the stirring region, wherein the cutting region is located near the ice outlet relative to the stirring region, and the cutting blade of the cutting device is located in the cutting region. The second stirring element may include: a second connecting section, movably connected to the cutting device; and a second working section, connected to the second connecting section and disposed near the housing relative to the second connecting section.

[0187] In some embodiments of this application, the second working segment may be configured to move synchronously with the second connecting segment as it reciprocates relative to the driving device along the second direction, so as to contact the ice block in the second cavity and cause the ice block to move from the second cavity into the cutting area under the action of gravity.

[0188] In some embodiments of this application, the stirring device is configured to move the ice block into the first cavity by contacting the ice block in the second cavity with the second stirring element.

[0189] By dividing the ice into zones along the direction of gravity, the ice cubes are thoroughly agitated in the stirring zone and then smoothly move into the cutting zone under gravity, reducing energy consumption and mechanical complexity during the transfer process. The first agitator in the stirring zone ensures the ice cubes are fully agitated and dispersed before entering the cutting zone, preventing sticking and blockage, and improving cutting efficiency. The cutting zone is located near the ice outlet, and the cutting blade of the cutting device is situated within this zone, ensuring that the ice cubes can be immediately discharged through the outlet after cutting, reducing the residence time of the ice cubes after cutting and improving processing efficiency and ice discharge speed.

[0190] The reciprocating motion enables the second working section to stir the ice blocks in a larger space, increasing the stirring range, making the ice blocks evenly distributed, and moving them from the second cavity into the cutting area under the action of gravity.

[0191] The stirring device contacts the ice blocks in the second chamber through the second stirring element, causing the ice blocks to move into the first chamber. This ensures that the ice blocks are smoothly moved from the initially stored second chamber into the first chamber for cutting and output, improving the fluidity and processing efficiency of the ice blocks.

[0192] With the above setup, the ice blocks are evenly distributed and move smoothly throughout the storage chamber, and the second stirring element ensures that the ice blocks are effectively guided to the cutting area, reducing the residence time of the ice blocks between different processing stages.

[0193] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator may include: a main board having a connecting hole, the output end of the driving device passing through the connecting hole, and the cutting blade of the cutting device connected to the output end; and a side plate connected to the outside of the main board along the first direction, the side plate and the main board together forming the storage cavity, the extension direction of the line connecting the two ends of one surface of the side plate intersects the gravity direction, the first direction, and the second direction, and the side plate is configured to guide the ice block from the second cavity into the first cavity under the action of gravity.

[0194] With the above configuration, the drive unit can be directly moved into the refrigerator compartment and work closely with the cutting device. The shorter transmission path ensures sufficient power to the cutting blade, improving cutting efficiency and precision while reducing transmission losses. The side plate's surface extension direction intersects with the direction of gravity, the first direction, and the second direction, thus providing multi-angle support and guidance to prevent ice blocks from getting stuck or shifting, and effectively guiding the movement of the ice blocks. The side plate is configured to guide the ice blocks from the second cavity into the first cavity under gravity, simplifying the ice block transfer process, reducing reliance on complex mechanical systems, and improving ice block handling efficiency.

[0195] In some embodiments of this application, the driving device may include: a drive motor having an output end and a fixed end; a drive gear connected to the output end of the drive motor, the drive gear being connected to the cutting blade of the cutting device, the drive gear being configured to rotate under the drive of the drive motor to drive the cutting blade to cut the ice block; a first gear rotatably mounted in the housing and meshing with the drive gear; and a second gear, at least drively connected to the drive gear, the second gear being configured to be driven to rotate by the first gear. The axes of the drive gear, the first gear, and the second gear may all be arranged along the second direction. The first stirring element is connected to the first gear, and the second stirring element is connected to the second gear.

[0196] With the above configuration, the axes of the drive gear, the first gear, and the second gear are all set along the second direction. Extending the axes in a unified direction simplifies the mechanical design, ensures efficient meshing and power transmission between the gears, reduces design complexity and potential alignment problems, and ensures the stability and reliability of the transmission. The first agitator is connected to the first gear, and the second agitator is connected to the second gear, thus allowing direct connection between the agitator and the gears, ensuring synchronous operation of the agitator and efficient power transmission.

[0197] In some embodiments of this application, the stirring device may further include: a switching member located between the second stirring member and the second gear, the switching member being configured to move from a first position to a second position along the second direction as the second gear rotates, wherein there is a gap between the first position and the second position; and a reset member connected to one of the switching member and the second gear, the reset member being configured to drive the switching member to move along the second direction to the first position when the switching member moves to the second position.

[0198] Through the above configuration, the conversion element optimizes the efficiency and effectiveness of power transmission. The conversion element is configured to move from a first position to a second position along a second direction as the second gear rotates, realizing the dynamic movement of the stirring element and completing the transition from rotation to movement. A reset element is connected to either the conversion element or the second gear and is configured to drive the conversion element to move back to the first position along the second direction when it moves to the second position. This ensures that the conversion element automatically resets after each operating cycle, improving the continuity and operational efficiency of the stirring device.

[0199] In some embodiments of this application, the second gear may include: a gear body meshing with the first gear, the gear body having a first guide hole; and a pushing portion located within the first guide hole and connected to the gear body, the pushing portion having two opposing ends spaced apart in the second direction, and the opposing ends of the pushing portion being located at different positions along the circumferential direction of the first guide hole. The pushing portion may be configured to rotate synchronously with the gear body when it rotates, and to push the conversion member to move from the first position to the second position along the second direction.

[0200] With the above arrangement, the two opposite ends of the pusher are spaced apart in the second direction and located at different positions along the circumference of the first guide hole. As the pusher rotates, the two ends provide a distance difference, converting the rotational motion into linear motion along the second direction, thereby pushing the conversion element from the first position to the second position. This design ensures the stability and accuracy of the pusher's movement path, improves the efficiency of power transmission, and enhances the performance of the stirring device.

[0201] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerator may further include a protective plate located on the side of the stirring device facing the storage cavity. The protective plate may be configured to protect the stirring device. The conversion member may include a movable part located within the first guide hole, the movable part abutting against the pushing part on the side facing the protective plate; and a guide part fixedly connected to the movable part on the side away from the second gear. The protective plate has a second guide hole through which the guide part passes. The guide part is located within the second guide hole to restrict the movable part from rotating with the pushing part.

[0202] With the above configuration, the pushing unit can convert rotational motion into linear motion along a second direction through the distance difference between its two ends, thereby driving the moving unit to move along the first guide hole. The guide part is fixedly connected to the side of the moving unit away from the second gear, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the moving unit during movement, reducing wobbling and deviation, and improving the precision and reliability of the movement. The second guide hole is configured to restrict the rotation of the moving unit with the pushing unit, ensuring that the guide part moves along a predetermined direction during movement, avoiding motion errors caused by unclear movement paths, and simultaneously restricting the rotation of the moving unit to ensure its linear movement, thereby improving the motion precision of the stirring device.

[0203] In some embodiments of this application, the reset member can be a spring, which can be sleeved on the guide portion. The first end of the spring can be fixedly connected to the protective plate, and the second end can be fixedly connected to the moving portion of the conversion member. The spring can be configured to drive the conversion member to move along the second direction to the first position when the conversion member moves to the second position.

[0204] With the above configuration, when the switching component moves to the second position, the spring is stretched or compressed to store energy. When the external force disappears, the spring releases the stored energy, causing the switching component to move back to the first position along the second direction. This configuration ensures that the switching component can quickly return to its initial position when needed, improving automation and reliability.

[0205] In some embodiments of this application, the conversion member may have a mounting portion, the second stirring member is located within the mounting portion, and the second stirring member is slidable within the mounting portion.

[0206] With the above-described configuration, the mounting section provides stable support for the second mixing component, preventing it from loosening or shifting during operation and ensuring stable mixing. The sliding design of the second mixing component allows it to adapt well to different mixing requirements, thus effectively improving the mixing effect and overall system performance.

[0207] In some embodiments of this application, the first stirring member may include: a first connecting section connected to the cutting device; and a first working section connected to the first connecting section. The first stirring member may be located above the second stirring member in the direction of gravity; along the second direction, the maximum distance the second stirring member can move may be less than the length of the first connecting section.

[0208] The above configuration allows the first agitator to work in conjunction with the cutting device, effectively cutting and agitating materials such as ice, thus improving the agitation quality. The first agitator is positioned above the second agitator in the direction of gravity, performing preliminary agitation on materials like ice before the second agitator, laying the foundation for subsequent fine agitation. This also makes better use of space, improving the equipment's compactness. Along the second direction, the maximum distance the second agitator can move is less than the length of the first connecting section, ensuring that the second agitator will not interfere with the first agitator during movement, guaranteeing smooth agitation. Simultaneously, the length of the first connecting section provides sufficient space for the second agitator to move flexibly within a defined range, improving agitation flexibility and efficiency.

[0209] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0210] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: case; An ice-making device, located within the housing, is configured to produce ice. A refrigerator is located inside the housing; The refrigerator has the following features: The ice inlet is configured to receive ice blocks from the ice-making device. The ice outlet is configured to output ice blocks; The storage chamber is configured to store ice. The ice inlet, the storage cavity, and the ice outlet are arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the direction of gravity; wherein, the storage cavity includes: The first cavity is located close to the ice outlet relative to the ice inlet and is connected to the ice inlet and the ice outlet; The second cavity is located outside the first cavity in the first direction and is disposed between the ice inlet and the first cavity and connects the ice inlet and the first cavity. The first direction intersects the gravity direction. The second cavity is configured to guide a portion of the ice block to the first cavity. A drive device, wherein the fixed end of the drive device is located inside the housing, and the output end of the drive device passes through the refrigerator located inside the storage cavity; A cutting device is located inside the first cavity, and the cutting device is connected to the driving device; A stirring device, comprising: A first stirring element is located in the first cavity and connected to the cutting device. The first stirring element rotates about an axis extending along a second direction, which intersects the direction of gravity and the first direction, respectively.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The stirring device further includes a second stirring element, a portion of which is located in the first cavity and connected to the cutting device, and another portion of which is located in the second cavity. The second stirring element is configured to reciprocate relative to the cutting device along the second direction under the drive of the cutting device.

3. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, In the direction of gravity, the first cavity includes: A stirring zone, wherein the first stirring element is located in the stirring zone; A cutting area is connected to the stirring area, and the cutting area is closer to the ice outlet than the stirring area. The cutting blade of the cutting device is located in the cutting area. The second stirring component includes: The second connecting section is movably connected to the cutting device; The second working section is connected to the second connecting section and is closer to the housing than the second connecting section; The second working section is configured to move synchronously with the second connecting section as it reciprocates relative to the driving device along the second direction, so as to contact the ice block in the second cavity and move the ice block from the second cavity into the cutting area under the action of gravity.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The refrigerator includes: The motherboard has a connecting hole, through which the output end of the drive device passes and is connected to the cutting blade of the cutting device. A side plate is connected to the outside of the main board along the first direction. The side plate and the main board together form the storage cavity. The extension direction of the line connecting the two ends of one surface of the side plate intersects the gravity direction, the first direction, and the second direction. The side plate is configured to guide the ice block from the second cavity into the first cavity under the action of gravity.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The driving device includes: A drive motor, having an output end and a fixed end; A drive gear is connected to the output end of the drive motor. The drive gear is connected to the cutting blade of the cutting device. The drive gear is configured to rotate under the drive of the drive motor to drive the cutting blade to cut the ice block. The first gear is rotatably mounted inside the housing and meshes with the drive gear; The second gear is at least connected to the drive gear in a transmission manner, and the second gear is configured to be driven to rotate by the first gear; Wherein, the axes of the drive gear, the first gear and the second gear are all arranged along the second direction; The first stirring element is connected to the first gear, and the second stirring element is connected to the second gear.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The stirring device also includes: A switching element is located between the second stirring element and the second gear. The switching element is configured to move from a first position to a second position along the second direction as the second gear rotates, and there is a gap between the first position and the second position. A reset member, connected to one of the switching member and the second gear, is configured to move the switching member to the first position along the second direction when the switching member moves to the second position.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The second gear includes: A gear body meshes with the first gear, and the gear body has a first guide hole; A pushing part is located in the first guide hole and connected to the gear body. The pushing part has two opposite ends that are spaced apart in the second direction, and the opposite ends of the pushing part are located at different positions along the circumferential direction of the first guide hole. The pushing part is configured to rotate synchronously with the gear body when it rotates, and to push the conversion member to move from the first position to the second position along the second direction.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The refrigerator also includes: A protective plate is located on the side of the stirring device facing the storage cavity, and the protective plate is configured to protect the stirring device; The conversion component includes: A movable part is located inside the first guide hole, and the side of the movable part facing the protective plate abuts against the pushing part; A guide portion is fixedly connected to the side of the moving portion away from the second gear; The protective plate has a second guide hole through which the guide part passes, and the guide part is located in the second guide hole to restrict the moving part from rotating with the pushing part.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The reset component is a spring, and the spring is sleeved on the guide portion; The first end of the spring is fixedly connected to the protective plate, and the second end is fixedly connected to the moving part of the conversion member. The spring is configured to drive the conversion member to move along the second direction to the first position when the conversion member moves to the second position.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein, The conversion component has a mounting portion, and the second stirring component is located within the mounting portion and is slidable within the mounting portion.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first stirring component includes: The first connecting segment is connected to the drive device; The first working segment is connected to the first connecting segment; Wherein, the first stirring member is located above the second stirring member in the direction of gravity; along the second direction, the maximum distance the second stirring member moves is less than the length of the first connecting segment.

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