Refrigerator

Abstract

The present application relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, an ice making mechanism, and an ice discharge mechanism. The ice discharge mechanism comprises an ice discharge passage and a sealing cover assembly. The ice discharge passage is arranged in the refrigerator body, and comprises an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice making mechanism, and ice cubes in the ice making mechanism can be moved from the ice inlet into the ice discharge passage and discharged from the ice outlet. The sealing cover assembly is configured to cover the ice outlet. The sealing cover assembly comprises a cover body and a bracket. The cover body has a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other. The first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and is in elastic contact with the ice outlet. The second surface is provided with an abutting portion. The bracket is movably arranged on the refrigerator body. The bracket comprises a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from each other. The third surface is movably connected to the second surface. When the bracket moves toward the ice outlet, the third surface can abut against the abutting portion and push the cover body to close the ice outlet.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2025102435491, filed on February 28, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0004] Refrigerators are widely used in homes, businesses, and industries. They have an ice-making function that can quickly produce ice. A refrigerator may include an ice-making unit that uses internal energy to freeze water into ice cubes, which are then discharged through an ice outlet. The design and sealing performance of the ice outlet directly affect the efficiency of the ice-making unit and the quality of the ice produced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various embodiments of this application, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator according to this application can improve the sealing effect of the ice outlet.

[0006] In one aspect, this application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0007] Box;

[0008] An ice-making mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to produce ice blocks; and

[0009] An ice dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to dispense ice blocks produced by the ice-making mechanism, the ice dispensing mechanism comprising:

[0010] An ice outlet pipe, disposed within the housing, includes an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice-making mechanism and configured to allow ice blocks from the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice outlet pipe. The ice outlet is configured to allow the ice blocks to pass through and be discharged.

[0011] A sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet, the sealing cap assembly comprising:

[0012] A cover having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and elastically contact the ice outlet, and the second surface being provided with an abutment portion; and

[0013] A support is movably mounted on the housing. The support includes a third surface and a fourth surface arranged opposite to each other. The third surface is movably connected to the second surface. When the support moves toward the ice outlet, the third surface can abut against the abutment part and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0014] In this application, since the first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and the first surface is in elastic contact with the ice outlet, and the third surface of the bracket is movably connected to the second surface of the cover, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet, thereby driving the cover to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet, the bracket is moved closer to the ice outlet, thereby causing the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0015] In this application, since the abutment part is located on the second surface, the power applied to the cover by the bracket will be transmitted to the abutment part through the third surface, and then from the abutment part to the first surface. If there is a gap between the first surface and the ice outlet, for example, the gap may be located at a first position on the first surface, and the second position is where the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface intersects with the edge of the first surface. In this process, the third surface abuts against the abutment part during the application of power by the bracket to the cover. During this process, the cover will rotate towards the ice outlet with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position. At the same time, the cover will tilt, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the cover to the ice outlet, thus completely sealing the ice outlet. That is to say, the ice outlet is effectively sealed, and problems such as ice melting, ice sticking, and water leakage caused by poor sealing between the cover and the ice outlet are avoided.

[0016] In another aspect, this application also provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0017] Box;

[0018] An ice-making mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to produce ice blocks; and

[0019] An ice dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to dispense ice blocks produced by the ice-making mechanism, the ice dispensing mechanism comprising:

[0020] An ice outlet pipe is disposed within the housing. The ice outlet pipe includes an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice-making mechanism. The ice inlet is configured to allow ice blocks in the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice outlet pipe. The ice outlet is configured to allow the ice blocks to pass through and be discharged.

[0021] A sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet, the sealing cap assembly comprising:

[0022] A cover having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and to be in elastic contact with the ice outlet;

[0023] A support is movably mounted on the housing. The support includes a third surface and a fourth surface arranged opposite to each other. An abutment is provided on the third surface. The third surface is movably connected to the second surface. When the support moves toward the ice outlet, the abutment can abut against the second surface and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0024] In this application, since the first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and the first surface is in elastic contact with the ice outlet, and the third surface of the bracket is movably connected to the second surface of the cover, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet, thereby driving the cover to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet, the bracket is moved closer to the ice outlet, thereby causing the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0025] In this application, since the abutment part is located on the third surface, the power applied by the bracket to the cover is transmitted to the second surface through the abutment part, and then to the first surface. When there is a gap between the first surface and the ice outlet, for example, the gap may be located at a first position on the first surface, and the second position is where the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface intersects with the edge of the first surface. Then, during the process of the bracket applying power to the cover and the abutment part transmitting power to the cover, the cover will rotate close to the ice outlet with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the ice outlet and making the cover completely seal the ice outlet. That is to say, the ice outlet is effectively sealed, thus avoiding problems such as ice melting, ice sticking, and water leakage caused by poor sealing between the cover and the ice outlet.

[0026] On the other hand, this application also provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0027] Box;

[0028] An ice-making mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to produce ice blocks; and

[0029] An ice dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to dispense ice blocks produced by the ice-making mechanism, the ice dispensing mechanism comprising:

[0030] An ice outlet pipe, disposed within the housing, includes an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice-making mechanism and configured to allow ice blocks from the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice outlet pipe. The ice outlet is configured to allow the ice blocks to pass through and be discharged.

[0031] A sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet, the sealing cap assembly comprising:

[0032] A cover having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and elastically contact the ice outlet; and

[0033] A bracket is movably mounted on the housing. The bracket includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other, and the third surface is movably connected to the second surface.

[0034] One of the second surface and the third surface is provided with an abutment portion. When the bracket moves toward the ice outlet, the other of the second surface and the third surface can abut against the abutment portion and push the cover to close the ice outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an ice dispensing mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application, wherein the ice outlet is in an open state.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an ice dispensing mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application, wherein the ice outlet is in a closed state.

[0039] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ice-discharging mechanism in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a sealing cap assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover without an abutment portion provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket with an abutment portion provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 9 is an assembly diagram of a sealing cap assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9.

[0046] Figure 11 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 10. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, such terms may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they may refer to an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (whose specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0052] Refrigerators are widely used in homes, businesses, and industries. They feature an ice-making function that allows for the rapid production of ice. Typically, a refrigerator includes an ice-making unit that freezes water into ice using a refrigeration system and discharges the ice through an ice outlet. The design and sealing performance of this outlet directly affect the efficiency and quality of the ice-making unit.

[0053] In practical applications, the sealing cap assembly typically covers the ice outlet, and the precision of the fit between the ice outlet and the sealing cap assembly directly affects the storage quality or effectiveness of the ice. For example, due to tolerance deviations during the manufacturing and assembly of refrigerators, the seal between the ice outlet and the sealing cap assembly may be poor, leading to problems such as melting and sticking of ice inside the refrigerator.

[0054] This application provides a refrigerator that improves the sealing effect of the ice outlet, enhances the storage quality of ice, and prevents ice from melting or sticking together inside the refrigerator.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, this application embodiment provides a refrigerator 100, which includes a cabinet 110.

[0056] The enclosure 110 can be a two-door enclosure 110 or a three-door enclosure 110, etc.

[0057] By setting up the cabinet 110, on the one hand, the internal structure of the refrigerator 100 can be concealed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the refrigerator 100; on the other hand, the components installed in the refrigerator 100 can be protected, thereby extending the service life of the refrigerator 100.

[0058] In some possible embodiments, the refrigerator 100 may also include an ice-making mechanism 130. The ice-making mechanism 130 is disposed within the cabinet 110 and configured to produce ice cubes.

[0059] For example, the ice-making mechanism 130 may include a water tank, a water pump, and an ice-making mold. The water tank may be configured to store water for ice making, the water pump may be configured to pump water from the water tank into the ice-making mold, and the ice-making mold may be configured to hold the water and freeze it into ice blocks. The structure of the ice-making mechanism 130 is only schematically shown and is not limited to that shown in the figures, and may be changed according to actual conditions, as long as it can achieve the ice-making function.

[0060] In this application, ice can be quickly prepared by setting an ice-making mechanism 130 inside the cabinet 110, so that the refrigerator 100 can make ice.

[0061] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator 100 may also include an ice dispensing mechanism 120, wherein the ice dispensing mechanism 120 is disposed within the cabinet 110 and configured to dispense ice blocks made by the ice-making mechanism 130.

[0062] By providing an ice-discharging mechanism 120 within the housing 110, ice blocks in the ice-making mechanism 130 can be discharged. This prevents ice block accumulation from affecting subsequent ice-making efficiency. Furthermore, because the ice blocks can be promptly removed, the time they are exposed to ambient temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius is reduced, preventing the surface of the ice blocks from melting due to temperature fluctuations. Consequently, it prevents the melted water at the ice outlet from refreezing and causing two or more ice blocks to stick together when the temperature is low. Note that Figure 2 only schematically shows the location of the ice-making mechanism 130, but the actual structure of the ice-making mechanism 130 is not limited to that shown in Figure 2 and can be varied according to actual conditions.

[0063] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the ice dispensing mechanism 120 may include an ice dispensing pipe 121. The ice dispensing pipe 121 may be disposed within the housing 110. The ice dispensing pipe 121 may include an ice inlet 1211 and an ice outlet 1212. The ice inlet 1211 is connected to the ice-making mechanism 130, and ice blocks in the ice-making mechanism 130 can be moved from the ice inlet 1211 into the ice dispensing pipe 121 and discharged from the ice outlet 1212.

[0064] Since the ice outlet pipe 121 includes an ice inlet 1211 and an ice outlet 1212, and the ice inlet 1211 is connected to the ice-making mechanism 130, the ice blocks prepared in the ice-making mechanism 130 can be moved into the ice outlet pipe 121 through the ice inlet 1211, and the ice blocks moved into the ice outlet pipe 121 can be discharged through the ice outlet 1212. Thus, users can directly take ice at the ice outlet 1212 without having to take ice directly from the ice-making mechanism 130, making the operation safe and convenient.

[0065] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the housing 110 may also be provided with an ice-retrieving chamber 111 and an ice-retrieving port 112 communicating with the ice-retrieving chamber 111. The ice-retrieving port 112 is connected to the ice-retrieving chamber 111, thereby allowing the ice discharged from the ice-retrieving port 112 to first move into the ice-retrieving chamber 111, and then the user can pick up the ice blocks in the ice-retrieving chamber 111 through the ice-retrieving port 112, thus effectively ensuring the separation and transportation of ice blocks.

[0066] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the ice dispensing mechanism 120 may also include a sealing cap assembly 122 configured to cover the ice outlet 1212.

[0067] Therefore, by setting the sealing cover assembly 122, the ice outlet pipe 121 can be completely isolated from the external environment, thereby ensuring the storage effect of ice blocks in the ice outlet pipe 121.

[0068] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the sealing cap assembly 122 may include a cap body 1221. The cap body 1221 may have a first surface 12211 and a second surface 12212 facing away from each other. The first surface 12211 may be configured to cover the ice outlet 1212 and resiliently contact the ice outlet 1212. The second surface 12212 may be provided with an abutment portion 12213.

[0069] The first surface 12211 and the second surface 12212 may be perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cover 1221.

[0070] It should be noted that the elastic contact between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 can refer to the following situations: the first surface 12211 can be made of elastic material such as rubber or silicone. When the first surface 12211 comes into contact with the ice outlet 1212, the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 are in elastic contact. Alternatively, the part of the first surface 12211 that contacts the ice outlet 1212 is made of elastic material to achieve elastic contact with the ice outlet 1212.

[0071] For example, the cover 1221 may include a body, a heat insulation material disposed within the body, and a flexible material layer covering the sidewalls and first surface 12211 of the cover 1221. Thus, the flexible material layer can seal the ice outlet 1212 when in close contact with the ice outlet 1212, and the heat insulation material can reduce the transfer of heat through the cover 1221 to the ice outlet pipe 121.

[0072] Furthermore, an abutment portion 12213 is provided on the second surface 12212, and the abutment portion 12213 can be located at any position on the second surface 12212. For example, the abutment portion 12213 can be provided near the edge of the second surface 12212 and at any location on the second surface 12212, or the abutment portion 12213 can be provided near the geometric center of the second surface 12212. The cross-sectional area of ​​the abutment portion 12213 can be much smaller than the area of ​​the second surface 12212.

[0073] Since the first surface 12211 is in elastic contact with the ice outlet 1212, the sealing performance between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 can be improved.

[0074] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG5, the sealing cap assembly 122 may further include a bracket 1222, which is movably disposed on the housing 110. The bracket 1222 may include a third surface 12221 and a fourth surface 12222 disposed opposite to each other. The third surface 12221 is movably connected to the second surface 12212, and when the bracket 1222 moves toward the ice outlet 1212, the third surface 12221 can abut against the abutment portion 12213 and push the cap 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212.

[0075] Among them, the third surface 12221 and the fourth surface 12222 are parallel or nearly parallel to the first surface 12211.

[0076] It should be noted that the active connection between the third surface 12221 and the second surface 12212 means that the third surface 12221 and the second surface 12212 are connected, and the third surface 12221 can move relative to the second surface 12212 within a certain range.

[0077] Furthermore, an abutment portion 12213 may be provided on the second surface 12212, and the abutment portion 12213 may be located at any position on the second surface 12212. For example, the abutment portion 12213 may be located near the edge of the second surface 12212 and at any point on the second surface 12212, or the abutment portion 12213 may be located near the geometric center of the second surface 12212. Moreover, the cross-sectional area of ​​the abutment portion 12213 may be much smaller than the area of ​​the second surface 12212.

[0078] Since the third surface 12221 is movably connected to the second surface 12212, and the abutting part 12213 is provided on the second surface 12212, when the bracket 1222 moves close to the ice outlet 1212, the third surface 12221 and the abutting part 12213 on the second surface 12212 can abut. As the support 1222 continues to move closer to the ice outlet 1212, it can push the first surface 12211 of the cover 1221 to cover the ice outlet 1212. If there is a gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, for example, the gap is located at a first position of the first surface 12211, and the second position is the intersection of the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface 12211 with the edge of the first surface 12211. Then, during the process of the support 1222 applying power to the cover 1221, the cover 1221 will rotate closer to the ice outlet 1212 with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the ice outlet 1212, and thus making the cover 1221 completely seal the ice outlet 1212.

[0079] In this application, since the third surface 12221 is movably connected to the second surface 12212, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet 1212, thereby driving the cover 1221 to open the ice outlet 1212. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 can be moved closer to the ice outlet 1212, so that the third surface 12221 abuts against the abutment part 12213. When the bracket 1222 continues to move toward the ice outlet 1212, the third surface 12221 pushes the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212 through the abutment part 12213. Since the third surface 12221 and the second surface 12212 are connected by the abutment portion 12213, when there is a partial gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, when the support 1222 applies power to the cover 1221, the portion of the cover 1221 corresponding to the gap can continue to move closer to the ice outlet 1212. That is to say, the cover 1221 will tilt so that the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 are completely sealed.

[0080] If the third surface 12221 of the bracket is in direct contact with the second surface 12212 of the cover, that is, the third surface 12221 and the second surface 12212 are in direct surface contact, then when there is a local gap between the first surface 12211 of the cover and the ice outlet 1212, the obstruction caused by the interference fit between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 may not be eliminated even if a force is applied directly to the cover 1221 near the ice outlet 1212.

[0081] However, in this application, the second surface 12212 may be provided with an abutment portion 12213, and the second surface 12212 is movably connected to the third surface 12221. When the bracket 1222 moves toward the ice outlet 1212, it can push the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212. During this process, since the third surface 12221 abuts against the abutment portion 12213, if there is a partial gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, the cover 1221 can tilt under the push of the bracket 1222, so that the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 are completely interference-fitted to seal the ice outlet 1212, thereby avoiding problems such as ice melting, ice sticking and water leakage caused by the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 not being sealed properly.

[0082] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG6, the sealing cap assembly 122 may include a cap body 1221, which may have a first surface 12211 and a second surface 12212 facing away from each other. The first surface 12211 is configured to cover the ice outlet 1212 and is in elastic contact with the ice outlet 1212.

[0083] The first surface 12211 and the second surface 12212 are configured in the same way as in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0084] As in the above embodiment, the first surface 12211 is in elastic contact with the ice outlet 1212.

[0085] Since the first surface 12211 is in elastic contact with the ice outlet 1212, the sealing between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 can be improved.

[0086] In some other possible examples, referring to Figure 7, the sealing assembly may also include a bracket 1222. The bracket 1222 is movably disposed on the housing 110. The bracket 1222 may include a third surface 12221 and a fourth surface 12222 disposed opposite to each other. An abutment portion 12213 may be provided on the third surface 12221, which is movably connected to the second surface 12212. When the bracket 1222 moves toward the ice outlet 1212, the abutment portion 12213 can abut against the second surface 12212 and push the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212.

[0087] The third surface 12221 and the fourth surface 12222 are configured the same as in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0088] Furthermore, the active connection between the third surface 12221 and the second surface 12212 is similar to that described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] Since the third surface 12221 is movably connected to the second surface 12212, and the abutting part 12213 is provided on the third surface 12221, when the bracket 1222 moves close to the ice outlet 1212, the abutting part 12213 on the third surface 12221 will abut against the second surface 12212. As the support 1222 continues to move closer to the ice outlet 1212, it can push the first surface 12211 of the cover 1221 to cover the ice outlet 1212. If there is a partial gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, and the gap is located at the first position of the first surface 12211, and the second position is the intersection of the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface 12211 with the edge of the first surface 12211, then, during the process of the support 1222 applying power to the cover 1221, the cover 1221 will rotate towards the ice outlet 1212 with the second position as the origin, thereby realizing adaptive adjustment of the ice outlet 1212, and thus making the cover 1221 completely seal the ice outlet 1212.

[0090] In this application, when it is necessary to seal the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 can be moved toward the ice outlet 1212. First, the abutment portion 12213 on the third surface 12221 abuts against the second surface 12212. As the bracket 1222 continues to move toward the ice outlet 1212, the abutment portion 12213 can push the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212. When there is a partial gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, when the bracket 1222 applies force to the cover 1221, the corresponding gap portion of the cover 1221 can continue to move closer to the ice outlet 1212. That is to say, the cover 1221 will tilt, thereby completely sealing the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212.

[0091] In this application, since the third surface 12221 is provided with an abutment portion 12213, and the second surface 12212 is movably connected to the third surface 12221, when the bracket 1222 moves toward the ice outlet 1212, it can push the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212. During this process, since the abutment portion 12213 of the third surface 12221 abuts against the second surface 12212, if there is a partial gap between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212, the cover 1221 can tilt under the push of the bracket 1222, so that the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 are completely interference-fitted to seal the ice outlet 1212, thereby avoiding problems such as ice melting, ice sticking and water leakage caused by the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 not being sealed properly.

[0092] Based on the above embodiments, when the second surface 12212 is provided with an abutment portion 12213, the abutment portion 12213 abuts against the third surface 12221; when the third surface 12221 is provided with an abutment portion 12213, the abutment portion 12213 abuts against the second surface 12212. Regardless of whether the abutment portion 12213 abuts against the second surface 12212 or the third surface 12221, the contact between the abutment portion 12213 and the second surface 12212 or the third surface 12221 can be surface contact, line contact, or point contact. The following mainly uses the point contact between the abutment portion 12213 and the third surface 12221 as an example for explanation.

[0093] In some possible embodiments, the abutment portion 12213 makes point contact with the third surface 12221.

[0094] It should be noted that the point contact between the abutting part 12213 and the third surface 12221 means that the area of ​​contact between the abutting part 12213 and the third surface 12221 is a very small point, rather than a surface or line, and the radius of curvature of the contact surface between the abutting part 12213 and the third surface 12221 is significantly different from the radius of curvature of the third surface 12221.

[0095] Since the contact portion 12213 and the third surface 12221 are in point contact, when the bracket 1222 applies power to the cover 1221 to close the ice outlet 1212, the second surface 12212, i.e., the cover 1221, is allowed to swing freely within a certain range, thus realizing multi-degree-of-freedom movement of the cover. This allows the cover 1221 to self-adjust and improve the sealing effect of the ice outlet 1212. In this application, by making the contact portion 12213 and the third surface 12221 in point contact, on the one hand, multi-degree-of-freedom movement of the cover 1221 is allowed, thereby improving the flexibility of the cover 1221's movement; on the other hand, the structure of the sealing cover assembly 122 is simple and easy to implement; and furthermore, the cover 1221 can have a certain amount of room for movement within a 360° range, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the cover 1221 on the ice outlet 1212.

[0096] The point contact between the abutment portion 12213 and the third surface 12221 can be achieved in various ways. In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG5, the surface of the abutment portion 12213 used for abutment can be a part of a spherical surface. Here, a part of the spherical surface refers to the surface of a curved body formed by cutting a sphere with a plane, whose radius of curvature is the same as that of the complete sphere. Since the surface of the abutment portion 12213 is a part of a spherical surface, the abutment portion 12213 can disperse contact stress, thereby reducing local stress concentration and extending the service life of the abutment portion 12213.

[0097] In some other embodiments, the surface of the abutment portion 12213 may be a conical surface, and the top of the conical surface contacts the third surface 12221.

[0098] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG5, the abutment portion 12213 may be located at the geometric center of the second surface 12212.

[0099] The geometric center of the second surface 12212 refers to the position of the very center of the second surface 12212. For example, when the second surface 12212 is a square, its geometric center is the corner point of the two diagonals. When the second surface 12212 is a circle, its geometric center is the position of the center of the circle.

[0100] Since the edge of the first surface 12211 abuts against the edge of the ice outlet 1212 to achieve an interference fit between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 and seal the ice outlet 1212, when the abutment part 12213 is located at the edge of the second surface 12212, the force applied by the bracket 1222 to the cover 1221 can be transmitted to the cover 1221 through the abutment part 12213 located at the geometric center of the second surface 12212, compared to when the abutment part 12213 is located at the edge of the second surface 12212. This ensures that the cover 1221 moves closer to the ice outlet 1212. After the cover 1221 is engaged with the ice outlet 1212, if there is a gap between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212, force can be applied to the cover 1221, causing the cover 1221 to tilt to eliminate the gap between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212, thereby completely sealing the ice outlet 1212. In some other embodiments of this application, the abutment portion 12213 may also be located between the geometric center and the edge of the second surface 12212.

[0101] By placing the contact portion 12213 at the geometric center of the second surface 12212, the fitting effect between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 can be improved, and the sealing effect between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 can also be improved.

[0102] Furthermore, the support 1222 can be a structure with linear motion or a structure with rotational motion. The following examples mainly focus on the support 1222 being a structure with rotational motion.

[0103] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG8, the bracket 1222 may include a rotating shaft 1222a and a connecting plate 1222b connected to each other, the rotating shaft 1222a being rotatably connected to the housing 110, and the third surface 12221 being located on the connecting plate 1222b.

[0104] Since the rotating shaft 1222a is rotatably connected to the housing 110, and the third surface 12221 is located on the connecting plate 1222b, the bracket 1222 is rotatably mounted. The rotatably mounted bracket 1222 can reduce the frictional loss of the bracket 1222, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the drive motor 1223 that drives the bracket 1222 to rotate.

[0105] Furthermore, the connecting plate 1222b is connected to the pivot 1222a, allowing for flexible control of the pressure exerted by the connecting plate 1222b on the cover 1221 by rotating the pivot angle. Additionally, since the third surface 12221 can abut against the abutment portion 12213 provided on the second surface 12212, if manufacturing tolerances cause a poor seal between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212, the point contact between the abutment portion 12213 and the third surface 12221 can adaptively shift slightly, thereby ensuring that the cover 1221 completely seals the ice outlet 1212.

[0106] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG2, the sealing assembly may further include a drive motor 1223 and a transmission assembly 1224 connected to the drive motor 1223. The transmission assembly 1224 may also be connected to a rotating shaft 1222a, so that the power output by the drive motor 1223 is transmitted to the connecting plate 1222b through the rotating shaft 1222a, and then transmitted from the connecting plate 1222b to the cover 1221 through the abutment portion 12213.

[0107] Furthermore, the second surface 12212 and the third surface 12221 can be movably connected in the following ways: the second surface 12212 and the third surface 12221 are connected by a rope, or the second surface 12212 and the third surface 12221 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure. The following explanation mainly uses the example of the second surface 12212 and the third surface 12221 being movably connected by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0108] In some possible embodiments, referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, the bracket 1222 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 12223, and the second surface 12212 of the cover 1221 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​member 12214 that mates with the snap-fit ​​hole 12223. When the snap-fit ​​member 12214 mates with the snap-fit ​​hole 12223, the bracket 1222 can move relative to the second surface 12212 within a preset range.

[0109] In this application, the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221 are connected to each other through the engagement of the snap-fit ​​hole 12223 and the snap-fit ​​member 12214, and there is a certain amount of space between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221. Thus, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 can move within a preset range in a direction away from the ice outlet 1212 until the snap-fit ​​member 12214 abuts against the bracket 1222. Then, as the bracket 1222 continues to move in a direction away from the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 can drive the cover 1221 to move in the same direction away from the ice outlet 1212, thereby opening the ice outlet 1212. When it is necessary to close the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 can drive the cover 1221 to move closer to the ice outlet 1212 until the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 are press-fitted together, completely sealing the ice outlet 1212.

[0110] Thus, when the cover 1221 leaves the ice outlet 1212, the cover 1221 can be prevented from falling off by engaging with the snap fastener 12214 and the snap fastener through hole 12223.

[0111] In addition, by allowing the bracket 1222 to move within a preset range relative to the second surface 12212, the assembly precision between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the assembly and processing difficulty between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221.

[0112] In this application, the above-mentioned preset range is not specifically limited, and those skilled in the art can design it accordingly based on the cooperation between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221.

[0113] In some possible embodiments, the bracket 1222 can snap onto the cover 1221 and is movable relative to the cover 1221 within a certain range. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the snap-on member 12214 may include a connector 1221a and a snap-on element 1221b. The snap-on element 1221b may be connected to the connector 1221a and may protrude from the surface of the connector 1221a. In one example, the snap-on element 1221b and the connector 1221a may be integrally formed into a hook. One end of the connector 1221a is connected to the second surface 12212, and the other end is connected to the snap-on element 1221b. The connector 1221a may pass through the snap-on through hole 12223. The snap-on element 1221b may abut against the fourth surface 12222. The length of the connector 1221a may be greater than the sum of the height of the abutment portion 12213 and the thickness of the connecting plate 1222b.

[0114] In this context, the length of connector 1221a refers to the extension length of connector 1221a from the second surface 12212, and the height of abutment portion 12213 refers to the height of abutment portion 12213 protruding from the second surface 12212 along the thickness direction of cover 1221. Furthermore, as shown in FIG10, the length direction of connector 1221a, the height direction of abutment portion 12213, and the thickness direction of connecting plate 1222b all refer to the direction indicated by arrow X.

[0115] Since the connector 1221a passes through the snap-fit ​​hole 12223, the snap-fit ​​element 1221b can abut against the fourth surface 12222. The length of the connector 1221a is greater than the sum of the height of the abutment part 12213 and the thickness of the connecting plate 1222b. Therefore, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet 1212, the bracket 1222 rotates in a direction away from the ice outlet 1212, which first drives the connector 1221a and the snap-fit ​​element 1221b to move in a direction away from the ice outlet 1212. During this process, when the connector 1221a moves relative to the cover 1221 until the snap-fit ​​element 1221b abuts against the fourth surface 12222, as the bracket 1222 continues to move away from the ice outlet 1212, the force exerted by the bracket 1222 on the cover 1221 will be transmitted to the cover 1221 in sequence through the snap-fit ​​element 1221b and the connector 1221a, thereby driving the cover 1221 away from the ice outlet 1212 to open the ice outlet 1212.

[0116] After the cover 1221 leaves the ice outlet 1212, the connector 1221a passes through the snap-fit ​​hole 12223 and the snap-fit ​​element 1221b abuts against the fourth surface 12222. Therefore, the cover 1221 is prevented from detaching from the bracket 1222, so that the cover 1221 that has left the ice outlet 1212 is suspended on the bracket 1222. This simplifies the operation of the cover 1221 during the subsequent closing of the ice outlet 1212.

[0117] In some embodiments, referring to FIG11, the snap-fit ​​element 1221b may have a first inclined surface 1221c, and the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223 may have a second inclined surface 12224. When the bracket 1222 moves closer to the cover 1221, the first inclined surface 1221c of the snap-fit ​​element 1221b may contact the second inclined surface 12224 of the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223, thereby the snap-fit ​​element 1221b may gradually move into the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223 under the guidance of the second inclined surface 12224, until the snap-fit ​​element 1221b abuts against the first surface 12211, thereby completing the snap-fit ​​engagement between the snap-fit ​​member 12214 and the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223. This arrangement facilitates the snap-fit ​​between the snap-fit ​​member 12214 and the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223, reduces the noise generated during the snap-fit ​​process between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221, and improves the user experience.

[0118] In some possible embodiments, referring to FIG10, multiple snap-fit ​​connectors 12214 and snap-fit ​​through holes 12223 may be included. The multiple snap-fit ​​connectors 12214 are centrally symmetrical, and the abutment portion 12213 is located at a centrally symmetrical position of the multiple snap-fit ​​connectors 12214.

[0119] Since the abutment portion 12213 is located at the center symmetrical position of multiple snap-fit ​​parts 12214 to form a multi-point fixing structure, when the bracket 1222 moves in a direction away from the ice outlet 1212 to drive the cover 1221 to open the ice outlet 1212, the force applied by the bracket 1222 to the cover 1221 can be evenly transmitted to the cover 1221.

[0120] The above structure can significantly improve the reliability of the connection between the cover 1221 and the bracket 1222.

[0121] Furthermore, the term "multiple" refers to two or more. For example, both the snap-fit ​​element 12214 and the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223 can include two, with the abutment portion 12213 located at the midpoint of the line connecting the two snap-fit ​​elements 12214. Alternatively, both the snap-fit ​​element 12214 and the snap-fit ​​through hole 12223 can include three, with the abutment portion 12213 located at a centrally symmetrical position among the three snap-fit ​​elements 12214.

[0122] In some possible embodiments, the height of the abutment portion 12213 is h. In some embodiments, h ≥ 0.5 mm, and / or h ≤ 2 mm.

[0123] The height of the aforementioned abutment portion 12213 is defined as the gap between the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221 when the third surface 12221 abuts against the abutment portion 12213.

[0124] For example, the height h of the abutment portion 12213 can be, but is not limited to, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, etc.

[0125] If the height h of the abutment portion 12213 is less than 0.5 mm, the deformation of the elastic contact between the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 may be difficult to adjust effectively and controllably. Therefore, the effect of the cover 1221 adaptively adjusting and sealing the ice outlet 1212 is minimal. If the height h of the abutment portion 12213 is greater than 2 mm, the gap between the connecting plate 1222b of the bracket 1222 and the cover 1221 will be too large, making it difficult to effectively control the shaking of the cover 1221. This makes it difficult for the cover 1221 to re-close the ice outlet 1212 after opening, increasing the difficulty of closing the cover 1221 to the ice outlet 1212.

[0126] In this application, by making the height of the contact portion 12213 within 0.5mm to 2mm, it is possible to ensure that the first surface 12211 and the ice outlet 1212 achieve a sealing effect through adaptive interference fit, and at the same time, it is possible to reduce the difficulty of the cover 1221 covering the ice outlet 1212.

[0127] In addition, when the height of the contact part 12213 is within 0.5mm to 2mm, the ice outlet 1212 can still be sealed even when there is a part or manufacturing error of 0.5mm to 2mm between the cover 1221 and the ice outlet 1212 during the adaptive adjustment process of the cover 1221.

[0128] In one aspect, this application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0129] Box;

[0130] An ice-making mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to produce ice blocks; and

[0131] An ice dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to dispense ice blocks produced by the ice-making mechanism, the ice dispensing mechanism comprising:

[0132] An ice outlet pipe is disposed within the housing. The ice outlet pipe includes an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice-making mechanism. The ice inlet is configured to allow ice blocks in the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice outlet pipe. The ice outlet is configured to allow the ice blocks to pass through and be discharged.

[0133] A sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet, the sealing cap assembly comprising:

[0134] The cover has a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other. The first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and elastically contact the ice outlet. The second surface is provided with an abutment portion.

[0135] A support is movably mounted on the housing. The support includes a third surface and a fourth surface arranged opposite to each other. The third surface is movably connected to the second surface. When the support moves toward the ice outlet, the third surface can abut against the abutment part and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0136] In this application, since the first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and the first surface is in elastic contact with the ice outlet, and the third surface of the bracket is movably connected to the second surface of the cover, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet, thereby driving the cover to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet, the bracket is moved closer to the ice outlet, thereby causing the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0137] Since the abutment is located on the second surface, the power applied to the cover by the bracket will be transmitted to the abutment through the third surface, and then from the abutment to the first surface. If there is a gap between the first surface and the ice outlet, for example, the gap may be located at a first position on the first surface, and the second position is where the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface intersects with the edge of the first surface. In this process, the third surface abuts against the abutment during the application of power by the bracket to the cover. During this process, the cover will rotate towards the ice outlet with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position. At the same time, the cover will tilt, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the cover to the ice outlet. This allows the cover and the ice outlet to be interference-fitted and completely seal the ice outlet, that is, to achieve an effective seal of the ice outlet and avoid problems such as ice melting, ice sticking, and water leakage caused by poor sealing between the cover and the ice outlet.

[0138] In another aspect, this application also provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet; an ice-making mechanism disposed within the cabinet and configured to produce ice cubes; and an ice-discharging mechanism. The ice-discharging mechanism is disposed within the cabinet and configured to discharge the ice cubes produced by the ice-making mechanism. The ice-discharging mechanism includes: an ice-discharging pipe disposed within the cabinet, the ice-discharging pipe including an ice inlet and an ice outlet, the ice inlet being connected to the ice-making mechanism, the ice inlet being configured to allow ice cubes from the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice-discharging pipe, and the ice outlet being configured to allow the ice cubes to pass through and be discharged; and a sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet. The sealing cap assembly includes: a cap having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and resiliently contact the ice outlet; and a bracket movably disposed on the cabinet. The bracket includes a third surface and a fourth surface arranged opposite to each other. An abutment is provided on the third surface. The third surface is movably connected to the second surface. When the bracket moves toward the ice outlet, the abutment can abut against the second surface and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0139] In this application, since the first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and the first surface is in elastic contact with the ice outlet, and the third surface of the bracket is movably connected to the second surface of the cover, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet, thereby driving the cover to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet, the bracket is moved closer to the ice outlet, thereby causing the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0140] Since the abutment is located on the third surface, the power applied by the bracket to the cover is transmitted to the second surface through the abutment, and then to the first surface. When there is a gap between the first surface and the ice outlet, for example, the gap may be located at a first position on the first surface, and the second position is where the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface intersects with the edge of the first surface. Then, during the process of the bracket applying power to the cover and the abutment transmitting power to the cover, the cover will rotate close to the ice outlet with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the ice outlet. This allows the cover and the ice outlet to be interference-fitted and completely seal the ice outlet, that is, the ice outlet is effectively sealed. This avoids problems such as ice melting, ice sticking, and water leakage caused by poor sealing between the cover and the ice outlet.

[0141] On the other hand, this application also provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet; an ice-making mechanism disposed within the cabinet and configured to produce ice cubes; and an ice-discharging mechanism disposed within the cabinet and configured to discharge ice cubes produced by the ice-making mechanism. The ice-discharging mechanism includes: an ice-discharging pipe disposed within the cabinet, the ice-discharging pipe including an ice inlet and an ice outlet, the ice inlet being connected to the ice-making mechanism, the ice inlet being configured to allow ice cubes from the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice-discharging pipe, and the ice outlet being configured to allow the ice cubes to pass through and be discharged; and a sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet. The sealing cap assembly includes: a cover having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and elastically contacting the ice outlet; and a bracket movably disposed on the cabinet, the bracket including a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from each other, the third surface being movably connected to the second surface. One of the second surface and the third surface is provided with an abutment portion. When the bracket moves toward the ice outlet, the other of the second surface and the third surface can abut against the abutment portion and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0142] In one possible embodiment, an abutment portion may be provided on the second surface.

[0143] In one possible embodiment, the third surface may be provided with an abutment portion.

[0144] In one possible embodiment, the abutting portion may make point contact with the third surface.

[0145] In this application, since the contact portion and the third surface are in point contact, when the support applies force to the cover to close the ice outlet, the second surface, i.e., the cover, is allowed to swing freely within a certain range, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the cover and ensuring a better sealing effect on the ice outlet. Thus, by making the contact portion and the third surface in point contact, on the one hand, the cover can be allowed to move with multiple degrees of freedom, thereby improving the flexibility of the cover's movement; on the other hand, the structure of the sealing cover assembly is simple and easy to implement; and furthermore, the cover can have a certain amount of movement within a 360° range, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the cover on the ice outlet.

[0146] In one possible embodiment, the surface of the abutment portion may be part of a spherical surface or a conical surface.

[0147] In this application, since the surface of the contact portion is part of a spherical surface or a conical surface, the contact portion can disperse contact stress, thereby reducing local stress concentration and extending the service life of the contact portion.

[0148] In one possible embodiment, the abutment portion may be located at the geometric center of the second surface.

[0149] In this application, since the edge of the first surface abuts against the edge of the ice outlet to achieve a seal between the cover and the ice outlet, when the abutting part is located at the geometric center of the second surface, the force applied to the cover by the support can be transmitted to the cover through the abutting part located at the geometric center, thus ensuring that the cover moves closer to the ice outlet. Furthermore, if there is a gap between the cover and the ice outlet after they are engaged, force can be applied to the cover, causing it to tilt to eliminate the gap, resulting in an interference fit that completely seals the ice outlet. Therefore, placing the abutting part at the geometric center of the second surface improves the fit between the cover and the ice outlet, and also enhances the sealing effect between them.

[0150] In one possible embodiment, the bracket may include a pivot and a connecting plate interconnected. The pivot is rotatably connected to the housing, and the third surface is located on the connecting plate.

[0151] In this application, since the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the housing and the third surface is located on the connecting plate, the bracket can be rotatably mounted. This rotatable mounting reduces frictional loss and thus lowers the energy consumption of the drive motor that rotates the bracket. Furthermore, the rotating shaft connecting to the connecting plate allows for flexible control of the pressure exerted by the connecting plate on the cover by adjusting the rotation angle. Additionally, for example, when the third surface abuts against the contact portion on the second surface, if the cover does not seal the ice outlet properly due to manufacturing tolerances, the point contact between the contact portion and the third surface can adaptively shift slightly, thereby ensuring a complete seal of the ice outlet.

[0152] In one possible embodiment, the bracket may engage with the cover and be movable relative to the cover.

[0153] In one possible embodiment, the bracket may be provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the second surface may be provided with a snap-fit ​​member that mates with the snap-fit ​​hole. When the snap-fit ​​member mates with the snap-fit ​​hole, the bracket may move within a preset range relative to the second surface.

[0154] In this application, the bracket and the cover are connected to each other through a snap-fit ​​hole and a snap-fit ​​element, and there is a certain amount of space for movement between the bracket and the cover. Therefore, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket can be moved within a preset range in a direction away from the ice outlet until the snap-fit ​​element abuts against the bracket. Then, as the bracket continues to move away from the ice outlet, it can move the cover in the same direction to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to close the ice outlet, the bracket can move the cover closer to the ice outlet until the cover and the ice outlet are press-fitted together to completely seal the ice outlet. After the cover leaves the ice outlet, the snap-fit ​​element engaging with the snap-fit ​​hole prevents the cover from falling off. Furthermore, by allowing the bracket to move within a preset range relative to the second surface, the assembly precision between the bracket and the cover can be reduced, thereby simplifying the assembly and manufacturing difficulties between the bracket and the cover.

[0155] In one possible embodiment, the snap-fit ​​component may include a connector and a snap-fit ​​element. One end of the connector may be connected to the second surface, and the other end may be connected to the snap-fit ​​element. The connector may pass through the snap-fit ​​through-hole of the snap-fit ​​element. The snap-fit ​​element may be connected to the connector and may abut against the fourth surface. The length of the connector may be greater than the sum of the height of the abutment portion and the thickness of the connecting plate.

[0156] In this application, since the connector passes through the snap-fit ​​hole, the snap-fit ​​element can abut against the fourth surface. The length of the connector is greater than the sum of the height of the abutment and the thickness of the connecting plate. Therefore, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket rotates away from the ice outlet, first driving the connector and snap-fit ​​element to move away from the ice outlet. During this process, when the connector moves relative to the cover until the snap-fit ​​element abuts against the fourth surface, as the bracket continues to move away from the ice outlet, the force applied by the bracket to the cover will be transmitted to the cover in sequence through the snap-fit ​​element and the connector, thereby driving the cover away from the ice outlet to open the ice outlet.

[0157] In this application, when the cover leaves the ice outlet, the connector passes through the snap-fit ​​hole and the snap-fit ​​element abuts against the fourth surface, thus preventing the cover from detaching from the bracket. This allows the cover to hang on the bracket after leaving the ice outlet, simplifying the operation of closing the ice outlet.

[0158] In one possible embodiment, the bracket may be provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the second surface may be provided with a snap-fit ​​member that mates with the snap-fit ​​hole. Both the snap-fit ​​member and the snap-fit ​​hole may include multiple snap-fit ​​members, which may be centrally symmetrical. The abutment portion is located at a centrally symmetrical position among the multiple snap-fit ​​members, or is located at a centrally symmetrical position among the multiple snap-fit ​​members when the snap-fit ​​member engages with the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0159] In this application, since the abutment portion is located at the center-symmetrical position of multiple snap-fit ​​parts to form a multi-point fixing structure, when the bracket moves in a direction away from the ice outlet to drive the cover to open the ice outlet, the force applied by the bracket to the cover can be evenly transmitted to the cover. In this way, the reliability of the connection between the cover and the bracket can be significantly improved.

[0160] In one possible embodiment, the height of the abutment portion can be h, 0.5mm≤h and / or h≤2mm, where h can be, but is not limited to, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2mm, etc.

[0161] In this application, if the height of the abutment is less than 0.5mm, the deformation of the first surface in elastic contact with the ice outlet is difficult to adjust effectively. Therefore, the effect of the cover self-adjusting and sealing the ice outlet is minimal. If the height of the abutment is greater than 2mm, the gap between the connecting plate of the bracket and the cover will be too large, allowing the cover to shake freely. This makes it difficult to close the ice outlet again after the cover has been opened, thus increasing the difficulty of closing the ice outlet. By keeping the height of the abutment within 0.5mm to 2mm, both the self-adjusting sealing effect between the first surface and the ice outlet can be guaranteed, and the difficulty of closing the ice outlet can be reduced.

[0162] Compared with related technologies, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0163] Since the first surface is configured to cover the ice outlet and the first surface is in elastic contact with the ice outlet, and the third surface of the bracket is movably connected to the second surface of the cover, when it is necessary to open the ice outlet, the bracket only needs to be moved away from the ice outlet, thereby driving the cover to open the ice outlet. When it is necessary to seal the ice outlet, the bracket is moved closer to the ice outlet, thereby causing the cover to close the ice outlet.

[0164] Since the abutment is located on the second or third surface, the power applied to the cover by the bracket will be transmitted through the third surface to the abutment or through the abutment to the second surface, and then to the first surface. If there is a gap between the first surface and the ice outlet, for example, if the gap is located at a first position on the first surface, and the second position is where the line connecting the first position and the geometric center of the first surface intersects with the edge of the first surface, then, during the process of the bracket applying power to the cover through the abutment, the third or second surface will always be in contact with the abutment. During this process, the cover will rotate towards the ice outlet with the second position as the origin to eliminate the gap at the first position. At the same time, the cover will tilt, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of the cover to the ice outlet, thus making the cover and the ice outlet fit together tightly and completely seal the ice outlet. That is to say, the ice outlet is effectively sealed, and problems such as ice melting, ice sticking, and water leakage caused by poor sealing between the cover and the ice outlet are avoided.

[0165] Finally, 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 it. 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; and all such modifications or substitutions fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, include: Box; An ice-making mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to produce ice blocks; and An ice dispensing mechanism, disposed within the housing and configured to dispense ice blocks produced by the ice-making mechanism, the ice dispensing mechanism comprising: An ice outlet pipe, disposed within the housing, includes an ice inlet and an ice outlet. The ice inlet is connected to the ice-making mechanism and configured to allow ice blocks from the ice-making mechanism to pass through and enter the ice outlet pipe. The ice outlet is configured to allow the ice blocks to pass through and be discharged. A sealing cap assembly configured to cover the ice outlet, the sealing cap assembly comprising: A cover having a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being configured to cover the ice outlet and elastically contact the ice outlet; and A support frame, movably mounted on the housing, includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other, the third surface being movably connected to the second surface. One of the second surface and the third surface is provided with an abutment portion. When the bracket moves toward the ice outlet, the other of the second surface and the third surface can abut against the abutment portion and push the cover to close the ice outlet.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The second surface is provided with an abutment portion.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, An abutment portion is provided on the third surface.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The abutting part makes point contact with the third surface.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The surface of the abutting part used for abutting is part of a spherical surface or a conical surface.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The abutting portion is located at the geometric center of the second surface.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The bracket includes a rotating shaft and a connecting plate that are connected to each other. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the housing, and the third surface is located on the connecting plate.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The bracket engages with the cover and is movable relative to the cover.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The bracket is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the second surface is provided with a snap-fit ​​member that mates with the snap-fit ​​hole; when the snap-fit ​​member mates with the snap-fit ​​hole, the bracket can move within a preset range relative to the second surface.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The snap-fit ​​component includes: A connector, one end of which is connected to the second surface and the other end of which is connected to the snap-fit ​​element, the connector passing through the snap-fit ​​through hole; and A snap-fit ​​element, which is connected to the connector and is capable of abutting against the fourth surface. The length of the connector is greater than the sum of the height of the abutment and the thickness of the connecting plate.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10, wherein, The snap-fit ​​element has a first inclined surface, and the snap-fit ​​through hole has a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface can contact the second inclined surface and be guided by the second inclined surface to move into the snap-fit ​​through hole.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The bracket is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the second surface is provided with a snap-fit ​​element that mates with the snap-fit ​​hole. Both the snap-fit ​​component and the snap-fit ​​through hole include multiple components, and the multiple snap-fit ​​components are centrally symmetrical. The abutting portion is located at the centrally symmetrical position of the multiple snap-fit ​​components or is located at the centrally symmetrical position of the multiple snap-fit ​​components when the snap-fit ​​component is engaged with the snap-fit ​​through hole.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The height of the abutment portion is h, where 0.5mm ≤ h ≤ 2mm.

Images