WO2021208672A1 - 用于接收可互换模具组件的制冰组件 - Google Patents

用于接收可互换模具组件的制冰组件 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021208672A1
WO2021208672A1 PCT/CN2021/082069 CN2021082069W WO2021208672A1 WO 2021208672 A1 WO2021208672 A1 WO 2021208672A1 CN 2021082069 W CN2021082069 W CN 2021082069W WO 2021208672 A1 WO2021208672 A1 WO 2021208672A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mold
assembly
housing
ice
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/082069
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
约瑟夫 米切尔艾伦
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to AU2021256018A priority Critical patent/AU2021256018B2/en
Priority to CN202180026234.1A priority patent/CN115427745B/zh
Priority to EP21788383.4A priority patent/EP4137762A4/en
Publication of WO2021208672A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021208672A1/zh

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/02—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice
    • F25C5/04—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws
    • F25C5/06—Apparatus for disintegrating, removing or harvesting ice without the use of saws by deforming bodies with which the ice is in contact, e.g. using inflatable members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • F25C1/243—Moulds made of plastics e.g. silicone
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
    • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/08—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice for different type of ice
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25C2500/02—Geometry problems

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to refrigerating appliances, and more particularly to an ice maker used for refrigerating appliances.
  • Refrigeration appliances generally include a box that defines one or more refrigerated compartments for receiving food for storage.
  • one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the box to allow selective access to the food stored in the refrigerated compartment.
  • the refrigerating appliance usually includes an ice making assembly installed in an ice box on a door or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in the storage box and can be accessed from the inside of the freezer compartment, or can be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on the front of the refrigerating door.
  • a conventional twist tray ice maker includes a partitioned plastic mold that physically deforms to break the bond formed between the ice and the tray.
  • these ice machines require additional space to fully rotate and twist the tray.
  • ice cubes often break during the twisting process. When this happens, a part of the ice cubes may remain in the tray, thereby causing overfilling during the next filling process.
  • the traditional ice making assembly provides only one style of ice cubes.
  • a refrigeration appliance with an ice maker with improved versatility will be desired. More particularly, an ice making assembly for refrigeration appliances that is compact, efficient, reliable and capable of forming more than one type of ice cubes will be particularly beneficial.
  • an ice maker for refrigeration appliances may include: an ice making assembly that defines a receiving chamber and is in fluid communication with the air duct; and a mold assembly that is removably mounted to the ice making assembly.
  • the mold assembly may include: a frame configured to be received in the receiving chamber of the ice making assembly; a heat exchanger mounted to the frame and defining a mold support surface; and a flexible mold provided on the mold support surface And supported by the heat exchanger.
  • the flexible mold may be thermally connected to the heat exchanger, and may define a cavity configured to receive liquid.
  • a refrigerating appliance which may include: a box body defining a refrigerating compartment; a door body rotatably mounted to the box body and configured to open And closing the refrigerating compartment; an ice box, which is arranged in one of the box body and the door; and an ice maker, which is arranged in the ice making chamber.
  • the ice making machine may include: an ice making assembly that defines a receiving chamber and is in fluid communication with the air duct; and a mold assembly that can be inserted into the ice making assembly.
  • the mold assembly may include: a frame configured to be in the receiving chamber; a heat exchanger mounted to the frame and defining a mold support surface; and a flexible mold provided on the mold support surface and exchanged by heat ⁇ Support.
  • the flexible mold may be thermally connected to the heat exchanger, and may define a cavity configured to receive liquid.
  • a mold assembly configured to be inserted into an ice maker.
  • the mold assembly may include: a frame; a heat exchanger attached to the frame and defining a mold support surface; a flexible mold thermally connected to the mold support surface, the flexible mold defining a cavity configured to receive liquid; at least A lifter, the at least one lifter is configured to contact the flexible mold and deform the flexible mold; and a partition plate attached to the frame.
  • Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of Fig. 1, wherein the door of the food preservation compartment is shown in an open position.
  • FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an ice box and an ice making assembly for use with the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 provides still another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 provides a side view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 provides a partial side view of the driving mechanism, lifting assembly, and pushing assembly of the exemplary ice making assembly of Fig. 3, wherein the lifting assembly is in a lowered position and the pushing assembly is in a retracted position.
  • Fig. 9 provides a partial side view of the driving mechanism, lifting assembly, and pushing assembly of Fig. 8 with the lifting mechanism in a raised position.
  • Fig. 10 provides a side view of the driving mechanism, lifting assembly, and pushing assembly of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 11 provides another side view of the driving mechanism, the lifting assembly and the pushing assembly of Fig. 8, wherein the pushing assembly is in an extended position.
  • Figure 12 provides a partial side view of the driving mechanism, lifting assembly, and pushing assembly of Figure 8, wherein the lifting mechanism is in a raised position and the pushing assembly is in an extended position.
  • FIG. 13 provides another perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 provides another perspective view of an ice making assembly including a housing and a mold assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • Figure 15 provides a partial side view of the latch of the housing and the exemplary mold assembly of Figure 14 in an inserted position.
  • Figure 16 provides a partial perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of Figure 14 with the latch in a retracted position.
  • Figure 17 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of Figure 14 with the mold assembly removed from the housing.
  • Figure 18 provides a rear view of the mold assembly of Figure 14 removed from the housing.
  • Figure 19 provides a partial perspective view of the mold assembly of Figure 14 removed from the housing.
  • Figure 20 provides a partial perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of Figure 14 with the pushing assembly removed.
  • Figure 21 provides a partial perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of Figure 14 with the pushing assembly and mold assembly removed.
  • Figure 22 provides a perspective view of the exemplary ice making assembly of Figure 14 with an optional mold assembly in a removed position.
  • Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a box 102 that extends along the vertical direction V between the top 104 and the bottom 106, extends along the lateral direction L between the first side 108 and the second side 110, and extends along the transverse direction T. It extends between the front side 112 and the rear side 114.
  • Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T are perpendicular to each other.
  • the box 102 defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving food for storage.
  • the box body 102 defines a food preservation compartment 122 arranged at or adjacent to the top 104 of the box body 102 and a freezing compartment 124 arranged at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the box body 102.
  • the refrigerating appliance 100 is generally called a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as overhead refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or single-door refrigeration appliances. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit any specific refrigerator compartment configuration in any respect.
  • the refrigerating door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the box 102 to selectively enter the fresh food compartment 122.
  • a freezing door 130 is arranged below the refrigerating door 128 to selectively enter the freezing compartment 124.
  • the freezer door body 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably installed in the freezer compartment 124.
  • the refrigerating door body 128 and the freezing door body 130 are shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that other chamber and door configurations are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the refrigerating appliance 100 shown when the refrigerating door 128 is in an open position.
  • the storage part may include a box 134 and a shelf 136. Each of these storage parts is used to receive food (for example, beverages and/or solid food), and can assist in sorting such food.
  • the box 134 may be installed on the refrigerating door 128 or may be slid into the accommodating space in the food preservation compartment 122.
  • the storage components shown are for illustrative purposes only, and other storage components may be used, and other storage components may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 is generally used to dispense liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the distribution assembly 140 and its various components may be at least partially disposed in a distributor recess 142 defined on one of the refrigerating door bodies 128.
  • the dispenser recess 142 is defined on the front side 112 of the refrigerating appliance 100, so that the user can operate the dispenser assembly 140 without opening the refrigerating door 128.
  • the dispenser recess 142 is provided at a predetermined height, which is convenient for the user to take ice and enables the user to take ice without bending over.
  • the dispenser recess 142 is provided at a position close to the level of the user's chest.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 that includes a discharge port 146 for discharging ice from the dispensing assembly 140.
  • An actuation mechanism 148 shown as a paddle is installed under the discharge port 146 in order to operate the ice or water dispenser 144.
  • any suitable actuation mechanism may be used to operate the ice dispenser 144.
  • the ice dispenser 144 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle.
  • the discharge port 146 and the actuation mechanism 148 are external parts of the ice dispenser 144 and are installed in the dispenser recess 142.
  • the refrigerating door 128 can define an ice box 150 (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) accommodating an ice maker and an ice storage box 152, which are configured to Ice is supplied to the dispenser recess 142.
  • the ice box 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for accommodating an ice making assembly, a storage mechanism, and a distribution mechanism.
  • the control panel 160 is provided to control the operation mode.
  • the control panel 160 includes one or more selection inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touch screen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired operation mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.
  • the input 162 can be used to specify a filling volume or a method of operating the dispensing assembly 140.
  • the input 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164.
  • the signal generated in the controller 164 operates the refrigeration appliance 100 and the distribution assembly 140 in response to the selector input 162.
  • a display 166 such as an indicator light or a screen may be provided on the control panel 160.
  • the display 166 may communicate with the controller 164 and may display information in response to a signal from the controller 164.
  • processing device may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element.
  • the processing device may be programmed to operate the refrigeration appliance 100 and the distribution assembly 140.
  • the processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (e.g., permanent storage media).
  • the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • the storage element can store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by the processing device.
  • the instructions may be software or any set of instructions and/or data, and the software or any set of instructions and/or data, when executed by the processing device, causes the processing device to perform operations.
  • the ice making assembly 200 is installed on the ice box 150 in the ice making chamber 154, and is used to receive the water flow from the water supply nozzle 202 (for example, see FIG. 3).
  • the ice making assembly 200 is generally used to freeze water to form ice cubes 204, which can be stored in the ice storage box 152 and distributed through the distributing assembly 140 through the discharge port 146.
  • the ice making assembly 200 described herein is only to explain various aspects of the present invention.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may be changed and modified while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may alternatively be provided in the freezing compartment 124 of the refrigerating appliance 100, and may have any other suitable configuration.
  • the ice making assembly 200 includes an elastic mold 210 that defines a mold cavity 212.
  • the elastic mold 210 is disposed under the water supply nozzle 202 for receiving the gravity-assisted water flow from the water supply nozzle 202.
  • the elastic mold 210 may be made of any suitable elastic material that can be deformed to release the ice cubes 204 after formation.
  • the elastic mold 210 is formed of silicone or another suitable hydrophobic, food-grade, and elastic material.
  • the elastic mold 210 defines two mold cavities 212, each of which is shaped and oriented to form individual ice cubes 204.
  • the water supply nozzle 202 is used to refill the elastic mold 210 to a level above the partition wall (not shown) in the elastic mold 210 so that water overflows into the two mold cavities 212 uniformly.
  • the water supply nozzle 202 may have a dedicated discharge nozzle disposed above each mold cavity 212.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may be scaled to form any suitable number of ice cubes 204 by increasing the number of cavities 212 defined by the elastic mold 210, for example.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may further include a heat exchanger 220 which is thermally connected to the elastic mold 210 for freezing the water in the mold cavity 212 to form one or more ice cubes 204.
  • the heat exchanger 220 may be formed of any suitable thermally conductive material, and may be disposed in direct contact with the elastic mold 210.
  • the heat exchanger 220 is made of aluminum and is disposed directly under the elastic mold 210.
  • the heat exchanger 220 may define a cubic recess 222 configured to receive the elastic mold 210 and shape or define the bottom of the ice cube 204.
  • the heat exchanger 220 is in direct contact with the elastic mold 210 over most of the surface area of the ice cube 204, for example, to promote rapid freezing of the water stored in the mold cavity 212.
  • the heat exchanger 220 may contact the elastic mold 210 over an area larger than approximately half of the surface area of the ice cube 204. It should be understood that, as used herein, approximate terms such as “approximately”, “substantially” or “approximately” mean within a ten percent error.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include an air inlet duct 224 disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger 220 and in fluid communication with a cold air source (for example, a cooling air flow 226 exemplified).
  • a cold air source for example, a cooling air flow 226 exemplified.
  • the air inlet channel 224 passes through the heat exchanger 220 from the rear end 228 of the ice making assembly 200 (for example, to the right along the lateral direction L as shown in FIG. 8) toward the front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200 (
  • the cooling air flow 226 is provided to the left in the lateral direction L as shown in FIG. 8, that is, the side where the ice cubes 204 are discharged into the ice bank 152).
  • the air inlet duct 224 generally receives the cooling air flow 226 from the sealing system of the refrigeration appliance 100 and guides it to pass and/or pass through the heat exchanger 220 to cool the heat exchanger 220. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 220 defines a plurality of heat exchange fins 232 extending substantially parallel to the cooling air flow 226. At this point, the heat exchange fins 232 extend downward from the top of the heat exchanger 220 along a plane defined by the vertical direction V on the lateral direction L (for example, when the ice making assembly 200 is installed in the refrigerating appliance 100) .
  • the ice making assembly 200 further includes a lifting mechanism 240 that is disposed under the elastic mold 210 and is generally used to facilitate the ejection of ice cubes 204 from the cavity 212.
  • the lifting mechanism 240 can move between a lowered position (for example, as shown in FIG. 8) and a raised position (for example, as shown in FIG. 9).
  • the lifting mechanism 240 includes a lifting arm 242 that extends substantially along the vertical direction V and passes through a lifting channel 244 defined in the heat exchanger 220. In this way, the lifting channel 244 can guide the lifting mechanism 240 as it slides along the vertical direction V.
  • the lifting mechanism 240 includes a lifting protrusion 246 extending from the top of the lifting arm 242 toward the rear end 228 of the ice making assembly 200.
  • the lifting protrusion 246 generally defines the contour of the bottom of the ice cube 204 and is arranged flush within the lifting recess 248 defined by the heat exchanger 220 when the lifting mechanism 240 is in the lowered position. In this way, the heat exchanger 220 and the lifting protrusion 246 define a smooth bottom surface of the ice cube 204. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the lifting protrusion 246 generally curves downward and away from the lifting arm 242 to define a smooth depression on the bottom of the ice cube 204.
  • the heat exchanger 220 may also define a hole for receiving a temperature sensor 250 that is used to determine when ice cubes 204 are formed so that the ejection process can be performed.
  • the temperature sensor 250 may be in operative communication with the controller 164, which may monitor the temperature of the heat exchanger 220 and the time the water has been in the cavity 212 to predict when the ice cube 204 is completely freeze.
  • temperature sensor can refer to any suitable type of temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, thermistor, or resistance temperature detector.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include any other suitable number, type, and location of temperature sensors.
  • the ice making assembly 200 further includes a pushing assembly 260, which is arranged above the elastic mold 210, and is usually used to push the ice cube 204 out of the mold cavity 212 and push it into the mold cavity 212 after it is formed.
  • the pushing assembly 260 can be in a retracted position (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10) and an extended position along the horizontal direction (ie, as defined by the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T). (For example, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12) between movement.
  • the pushing assembly 260 remains in the retracted position while adding water to the elastic mold 210.
  • the pushing assembly 260 moves horizontally from the retracted position to the extended position, that is, moves toward the front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200.
  • the pushing component pushes the ice cube 204 away from the lifting mechanism 240, pushes out the elastic mold 210, and pushes it to the top of the heat exchanger 220, where the ice cube can fall into the ice storage box 152.
  • dispensing ice cubes 204 from the top of the ice making assembly 200 allows for a taller ice storage bin 152, thereby allowing a larger ice storage capacity relative to an ice maker that dispenses ice from the bottom of the ice maker.
  • the water supply nozzle 202 is provided above the elastic mold 210 for providing water flow into the elastic mold 210.
  • the water supply nozzle 202 is disposed above the pushing assembly 260 so that the pushing assembly 260 can move between the retracted position and the extended position without contacting the water supply nozzle 202.
  • the water supply nozzle 202 may be coupled to a mechanical actuator that lowers the water supply nozzle 202 close to the elastic mold 210 while the pushing assembly 260 is in the retracted position. In this way, the total height or profile of the ice making assembly 200 can be further reduced, thereby maximizing the ice storage capacity and minimizing wasted space.
  • the pushing assembly 260 generally includes vertically extending side arms 262 for driving the upper convex frame 264 provided above the top of the elastic mold 210.
  • the upper convex frame 264 extends around the elastic mold 210 to prevent splashing of water in the elastic mold 210. This is particularly important when the ice making assembly 200 is installed on the refrigerating door 128, because the movement of the refrigerating door 128 may cause the water in the cavity 212 to shake.
  • the upper convex frame 264 is also designed to facilitate proper discharge of the ice cubes 204.
  • the pushing assembly 260 defines a forward flange 266, which approaches the ice making assembly 200 along the vertical V above the mold cavity 212 when the pushing assembly 260 is in the retracted position.
  • the front end 230 extends. In this way, as the lifting mechanism 240 moves toward the raised position, the front end of the ice cube 204 contacts the forward flange 266, so that the lifting mechanism 240 (for example, the lifting protrusion 246) and the forward flange 266 cause the ice cube 204 to rotate (for example, , As shown in Figure 9 counterclockwise).
  • the upper convex frame 264 may have an open end close to the front end 230 of the ice making assembly 200.
  • the forward flange 266 is not required to facilitate the rotation and/or ejection of the ice cube 204.
  • the pushing assembly 260 can also define an angled pushing surface 268 close to the rear end 228 of the ice making assembly 200.
  • the angled push surface 268 is used to engage the ice cube while the ice cube 204 is pivoting upward and as the pushing assembly 260 moves toward the extended position to cause the ice cube 204 to rotate further.
  • the angled pushing surface may extend at an angle 270 with respect to the vertical direction V. According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle 270 is less than about 10 degrees, but according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable angle for pushing the ice cube to rotate 180 degrees may be used.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include a driving mechanism 276 that is operatively coupled to the lifting mechanism 240 and the pushing assembly 260 to selectively raise the lifting mechanism 240 and slide and push during operation Component 260 in order to discharge ice cubes 204.
  • the drive mechanism 276 includes a drive motor 278.
  • “motor” can refer to any suitable drive motor and/or transmission assembly for rotating system component 200.
  • the motor 178 may be a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor.
  • the motor 178 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of AC motor.
  • the motor 178 may include any suitable transmission components, clutch mechanisms, or other components.
  • the motor 178 may be mechanically coupled to the rotating cam 280.
  • the lifting mechanism 240 or more specifically the lifting arm 242, may ride on the rotating cam 280 so that as the motor 278 rotates the cam 280, the profile of the rotating cam 280 causes the lifting mechanism 240 to move between the lowered position and the raised position.
  • the lifting mechanism 240 may include a roller 282 installed to the lower end of the lifting arm 242 for providing a low friction interface between the lifting mechanism 240 and the rotating cam 280.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include a plurality of lifting mechanisms 240, each lifting mechanism 240 is disposed under one ice cube 204 in the elastic mold 210, or is configured as A separate part of the elastic mold 210 is raised.
  • the rotating cam 280 is mounted on a camshaft 284 that is mechanically coupled with the motor 278. As the motor 278 rotates the camshaft 284, the rotating cam 280 can move the lifting arm 242 along the vertical direction V at the same time. In this way, each of the plurality of rotating cams 280 is used to drive a corresponding one of the lifting mechanism 240.
  • the roller shaft 286 may extend between the rollers 282 of the adjacent lifting mechanism 240 to maintain an appropriate distance between the adjacent rollers 282 and keep them engaged on the top of the rotating cam 280.
  • the drive mechanism 276 may also include a yoke 290 mechanically coupled to the motor 278 to drive the pushing assembly 260.
  • the yoke wheel 290 may rotate together with the camshaft 284, and may include a drive pin 292 that is disposed radially outside of the yoke wheel 290 and extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis (for example, axial direction) of the motor 278 .
  • the side arm 262 of the push assembly 260 may define a drive slot 294 that is configured to receive a drive pin 292 during operation.
  • each drive slot 294 is defined such that when the drive pin 292 reaches the end 296 of the drive slot 294, the drive pin 292 moves the pushing assembly 260 in the horizontal direction. It is worth noting that, according to the exemplary embodiment, this occurs when the lifting mechanism 240 is in a raised position.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include a position sensor 298 for determining the zero position of the yoke 290.
  • the position sensor 298 includes a magnet 300 provided on the yoke wheel 290 and a Hall effect sensor 302 installed at a fixed position on the ice making assembly 200.
  • the Hall effect sensor 302 can detect the approach of the magnet 300, and the controller 164 can determine that the yoke 290 is at a zero position (or some other known position).
  • any other suitable sensor or method for detecting the position of the yoke wheel 290 or the driving mechanism 276 may be used.
  • a motion sensor, a camera system, an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, or a simple mechanical contact switch may be used.
  • the motor 278 may start to rotate after the ice cube 204 is completely frozen and ready to be acquired. At this point, the motor 278 rotates the rotating cam 280 (and/or the camshaft 284) approximately 90 degrees to move the lifting mechanism 240 from the lowered position to the raised position. In this way, the lifting protrusion 246 pushes the elastic mold 210 upward, thereby deforming the elastic mold 210 and releasing the ice cube 204. The ice cube 204 continues to be pushed upwards until the front edge of the ice cube 204 contacts the forward flange 266 so that the lifting protrusion 246 rotates the rear end of the ice cube 204 upward.
  • the yoke wheel 290 rotates with the camshaft 284 so that the drive pin 292 rotates in the drive slot 294 without moving the pushing assembly 260 until the yoke wheel 290 reaches 90 ° position (for example, as shown in Figure 10).
  • the lifting mechanism 240 is maintained in the raised position, and the pushing assembly 260 moves toward the extended position.
  • the angled pushing surface 268 engages the convex end of the ice cubes 204 to push them out of the elastic mold 210 and rotate the ice cubes 204 approximately 180 degrees before dropping them into the ice bank 152.
  • the pushing assembly 260 When the motor 278 rotates 180 degrees, the pushing assembly 260 is in the fully extended position, and the ice cubes 204 will fall into the ice storage box 152 under the action of gravity. As the motor 278 rotates through 180 degrees, the drive pin 292 begins to pull the pusher assembly 260 back toward the retracted position, for example, via engagement with the drive slot 294. At the same time, the profile of the rotating cam 280 is configured to start lowering the lifting mechanism 240. When the motor 278 rotates back to the zero position, as indicated for example by the position sensor 298, the pushing assembly 260 can be fully retracted, the lifting mechanism 240 can be fully lowered, and the elastic mold 210 can be ready to supply fresh water. At this time, the water supply nozzle 202 can provide fresh water flow into the mold cavity 212, and the process can be repeated.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include: a housing 310 that defines a receiving chamber 350 in fluid communication with the air inlet duct 224; and a removable mold assembly 400 that may Inserted into the receiving room 350.
  • the housing 310 may include a first side wall 320 and a second side wall 330 opposite to the first side wall 320.
  • the first side wall 320 and the second side wall 330 may extend from the front 230 of the ice making assembly 200 toward the rear 228 of the ice making assembly 200 (for example, in the lateral direction L).
  • the first forward tab 324 may protrude from the front surface 322 of the first side wall 320 in the forward direction (for example, in the lateral direction L).
  • the second forward tab 334 may protrude from the front surface 332 of the second side wall 330 in the forward direction (for example, in the lateral direction L).
  • the first forward tab 324 may be located near the vertical midpoint of the front surface 322 of the first side wall 320.
  • the second forward tab 334 may be located near the vertical midpoint of the front surface 332 of the second side wall 330.
  • the first side wall 320 and the second side wall 330 may be connected to each other by a front wall 340 (for example, opposite to the air inlet duct 224) at the front 230 of the ice making assembly 200.
  • the front wall 340 may extend substantially in the vertical direction V and the lateral direction T.
  • the front wall 340 may be located at or near the bottom 312 of the housing 310.
  • the front wall 340 may include one or more guiding features or protrusions.
  • the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370 may protrude from the front surface 342 of the front wall 340.
  • the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370 may each extend upward (for example, in the vertical direction V) from the bottom edge 346 of the front wall 340, and may extend to a predetermined distance above the front surface 342 of the front wall 340.
  • the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370 may extend upward by an equal distance.
  • the top surface 362 of the first protrusion 360 and the top surface 372 of the second protrusion 370 may be disposed below the top edge of the front wall 340. Further, the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370 may be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction T.
  • the ice making assembly 200 may include one or more retention features for securing the removable mold assembly 400 in the receiving chamber 350.
  • the one or more retention features may be guided by one or more guide features or protrusions provided on the front wall 340.
  • the latch 380 may be attached to the front wall 340 of the housing 310 and may hold the removable mold assembly 400 in the receiving chamber 350 of the housing 310.
  • the latch 380 may be configured to move in the vertical direction V along the front surface 342 of the front wall 340.
  • the latch 380 may be located between the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370 and may be guided in the vertical direction V by the first protrusion 360 and the second protrusion 370.
  • the latch 380 may be biased in the vertical direction V by a spring 384 or an elastic member.
  • the spring 384 may be provided under the latch 380.
  • the spring 384 may be attached to the bottom 312 of the housing 310.
  • the spring 384 may be any suitable spring capable of biasing the latch 380 in an upward direction (e.g., vertical V).
  • the spring 384 is a leaf spring. It should be understood that other retention features are possible and within the scope of the invention, for example, rotary latches, mechanical fasteners, magnets, etc.
  • the shape of the removable mold assembly 400 may be substantially rectangular.
  • the removable mold assembly 400 may include a frame 410, a heat exchanger 220, an elastic or flexible mold 210, and a lifting mechanism 240 including a lifting arm 242, a lifting protrusion 246, and a roller shaft 286.
  • the frame 410 may include a mold frame 450 and a partition 460.
  • the frame 410 may define a front panel 412, a rear panel 422, a first side panel 424, and a second side panel 428.
  • the mold frame 450 may support the heat exchanger 220.
  • the heat exchanger 220 is located between the first side panel 424 and the second side panel 428 of the frame 410.
  • the heat exchanger 220 may include a mold support surface 432 in contact with the flexible mold 210.
  • the mold supporting surface 432 may include a cubic recess 222.
  • the mold support surface 432 may support the flexible mold 210 and provide direct contact for heat exchange.
  • the partition 460 may include a first plate 434 that generally defines a portion of the front panel 412 of the frame 410.
  • the first plate 434 may extend substantially in the vertical direction V and the lateral direction T.
  • the rear surface 416 of the front panel 412 may contact the front surface 426 of the first side panel 424 and the front surface 430 of the second side panel 428 of the frame 410.
  • the length of the first plate 434 in the transverse direction T may be longer than the distance between the first side panel 424 and the second side panel 428 of the frame 410. In other words, the length l p of the partition 460 in the transverse direction T is greater than the length l m of the mold frame 450 in the transverse direction T.
  • the partition 460 may further include a second plate 436 that is substantially in the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T It extends above and perpendicular to the first plate 434.
  • the second plate 436 may extend rearward from the top of the first plate 434 (e.g., in the lateral direction L).
  • the heat exchanger 220 may be provided on the top of the second plate 436. As described above, the heat exchanger 220 may define a plurality of heat exchange fins 232 that extend substantially parallel to the cooling air flow 226 from the air inlet duct 224.
  • the rear panel 422 may extend in the lateral direction T and the vertical direction V, and may connect the first side panel 424 and the second side panel 428 to each other at the rear of the frame 410.
  • the rear panel 422 may be provided at or near the top of the frame 410 to allow the cooling air flow 226 to pass through the heat exchange fins 232 of the heat exchanger 220.
  • the back panel 422 may include alignment features for aligning the removable mold assembly 400 within the receiving chamber 350.
  • the alignment feature may be a rear tab 438 that protrudes rearward from the rear panel 422 (e.g., in the lateral direction L). It should be understood that the alignment feature may have any design capable of guiding the removable mold into the receiving chamber 350.
  • the rear tab 438 may be provided at or near the center of the rear panel 422 in the transverse direction T.
  • the rear tab 438 may be provided at or near the center of the rear panel 422 in the vertical V direction.
  • the rear tab 438 may have a slit 446 formed therein at the center thereof.
  • the slit 446 extends from the rear edge 440 of the rear tab 438 in the lateral direction L toward the rear panel 422.
  • the rear tab 438 is formed as a pair of rear tabs 438 spaced apart in the transverse direction T to form a gap between the pair of rear tabs 438.
  • the rear tabs 438 are parallel to each other in the transverse direction T.
  • the flexible mold 210 may include a mold bottom 214 and a mold side 216. At least a part of the mold bottom 214 may contact the mold support surface 432. For example, the outer surface of the mold bottom 214 (for example, relative to the mold cavity 212) mainly rests on the mold support surface 432.
  • the mold side portion 216 may extend in the vertical direction V from the mold bottom 214. In one embodiment, the mold side 216 is cylindrical. In another embodiment, the mold side portion 216 includes a plurality of mold sides 216 that form a closed cross-section in the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T. In one example, the plurality of mold sides 216 includes four mold sides 216 that form a square cross-section. It can be seen that the mold bottom 214 and the mold side 216 can form a mold cavity 212. Further, any suitable number of mold sides 216 may be used to form mold cavities 212 of various shapes.
  • the mold bottom 214 may include stress relief features 218.
  • the stress relief feature 218 may be formed at or near the center of the bottom 214 of the mold.
  • the stress relief feature 218 is an inverted cup formed into the bottom 214 of the mold.
  • the center portion of the mold bottom 214 may be raised in the vertical direction V relative to the surrounding portion of the mold bottom 214.
  • the stress relief feature 218 may resemble a dome shape at or near the center of the mold bottom 214.
  • the stress relief feature 218 may have any suitable shape such that the central portion of the mold bottom 214 is raised in the vertical V relative to the surrounding portion of the mold bottom 214.
  • the lift protrusion 246 contacts the strain relief feature 218.
  • the top of the lifting protrusion 246 resembles a dome shape that is complementary to the shape of the strain relief feature 218.
  • the top of the lifting protrusion 246 is planar with respect to the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T.
  • the plane of the top surface of the lifting protrusion 246 is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.
  • the stress relief feature may form a gap or dimple at the center of the stress relief feature 218 between the bottom of the mold 214 and the top surface of the lifting protrusion 246.
  • the mold bottom 214 may be deformed in the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T to stretch across the top surface of the lifting protrusion 246 (for example, the gap or the dimple may collapse) . Therefore, the stress on the flexible mold 210 can be reduced, which in turn reduces material fatigue and failure and prolongs the life of the flexible mold 210.
  • the air duct 224 may be provided at the rear of the housing 310 (for example, in the lateral direction L).
  • the air duct 224 may define a first outlet 470 and a second outlet 472.
  • the first outlet 470 may communicate with the heat exchanger 220 and allow cooling air to pass between the heat exchange fins 232 of the heat exchanger 220.
  • the second outlet 472 may be disposed above the first outlet 470 in the vertical direction V, and may communicate with the flexible mold 210.
  • the cooling air 226 can flow through the flexible mold 210 from the second outlet 472 to quickly cool the liquid stored in the mold cavity 212.
  • the first outlet 470 and the second outlet 472 may be separated by a first face 474.
  • the first surface 474 may include a curved portion 476 and a flat portion 478.
  • the flat portion 478 may extend in the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T.
  • the bent portion 476 may be bent upward (for example, in the vertical direction V) from the flat portion 478, and a second outlet 472 may be formed therein.
  • the air duct 224 may include guiding features for guiding or fixing the removable mold within the receiving chamber 350.
  • the guide feature may be complementary to the alignment feature provided on the rear panel 422 so that the alignment feature and the guide feature are mechanically engaged with each other.
  • the guiding feature is a T-shaped track 480 extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., in a lateral direction L).
  • the T-shaped track 480 may be provided at or near the center of the first surface 474 of the air duct 224 in the transverse direction T.
  • the base 482 of the T-shaped rail 480 may protrude in the vertical direction V from the flat portion 478 of the first surface 474.
  • a pair of arms 484 may protrude from the top of the base 482 in the transverse direction T.
  • the rear tab 438 can be received between the pair of arms 484 and the flat portion 478 of the first face 474.
  • the base 482 of the T-shaped rail 480 may be received in the gap formed between the pair of rear tabs 438.
  • the mold assembly 400 may be removably received in the receiving chamber 350 of the housing 310.
  • the latch 380 may be displaced downward (for example, in the vertical direction V).
  • the mold assembly 400 may be fully inserted so that the rear surface 416 of the front panel 412 contacts the front surface 322 of the first side wall 320 and the front surface 332 of the second side wall 330.
  • the latch 380 may be biased upward (eg, in a vertical direction) until the rear surface 382 of the latch 380 contacts the front surface 414 of the front panel 412 of the mold assembly 400. In this way, the mold assembly 400 is fixed in the receiving chamber 350 of the housing 310 to facilitate the ice making operation.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates an example when the mold assembly 400 is completely inserted into the receiving chamber 350.
  • the bottom surface 420 of the front panel 412 may contact the top surface 362 of the first protrusion 360 and the top surface 372 of the second protrusion 370.
  • the top surface 418 of the front panel 412 may contact the bottom surface 326 of the first forward tab 324 and the bottom surface 336 of the second forward tab 334.
  • the rear tab 438 can be interlocked with the T-shaped track 480.
  • the base 482 of the T-shaped rail 480 may be inserted into the slit 446 formed in the rear protrusion 438.
  • the upper surface 442 of the rear tab 438 can contact the lower surface 486 of the pair of arms 484 of the T-shaped rail 480.
  • the bottom surface 444 of the rear tab 438 may contact the flat portion 478 of the first surface 474.
  • the camshaft 284 may be provided in the housing 310.
  • the bearing 488 may be attached to the housing 310 and may support the camshaft 284 within the housing 310.
  • the bearing 488 may be attached to the rear surface 344 of the front wall 340 and extend rearward (e.g., in the lateral direction L).
  • the bearing 488 may form an aperture 490 through which the camshaft 284 passes.
  • the orifice 490 can be opened in the transverse direction T.
  • the camshaft 284 can be fixed in the housing 310.
  • the flexible mold 210 may include one or more mold cavities 212.
  • the one or more mold cavities 212 may be mainly circular, and may have a circular bottom surface in contact with the mold support surface 432, as seen in FIG. 19.
  • the one or more mold cavities 212 may be predominantly square, and may have a flat bottom surface in contact with the mold support surface 432, as seen in FIG. 22. It should be understood that any number of molds having mold cavities 212 of any feasible three-dimensional shape may be provided. In this way, the user can remove the first removable mold assembly 400 having the mold cavity 212 of the first shape, and insert the second removable mold assembly 400 having the mold cavity 212 of the second shape. Thus, different shapes of ice can be produced according to the user's desire.
  • the lifting mechanism 240 may be connected to the housing 310 instead of the mold assembly 400.
  • the lifting arm 242, the lifting protrusion 246, and the roller shaft 286 may be separated from the removable mold assembly 400 and disposed in the housing 310.
  • One or more grooves may be formed in the heat exchanger 220, and when the mold assembly 400 is inserted into the receiving chamber 350 of the housing 310, the lifting arm 242 passes through the groove.
  • a removable mold composed of a flexible rubber mold, a heat exchanger, a frame, a lifting assembly, and a partition is removed from the ice making by pressing the latch. The removable mold is then removed by pulling out the removable mold.
  • a new mold with a different rubber cavity 212 shape is inserted into the ice maker.
  • the heat exchanger may be processed to define different cavities or shapes for receiving flexible rubber molds.
  • the spring pushes the latch back, which locks the module into the operating position.
  • the retention feature on the module prevents the module from moving when the ice maker is operating.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

一种用于制冷电器的制冰机包括：制冰组件，该制冰组件限定接收室，与风道流体连通；和模具组件，该模具组件可移除地安装到制冰组件。模具组件包括：框架，该框架接收于制冰组件的接收室内；热交换器，该热交换器安装到框架并限定模具支撑面；以及柔性模具，该柔性模具设置在模具支撑面上，由热交换器支撑，使得柔性模具与热交换器导热连接并限定被构造为接收液体的模腔。模具组件可由可选模具组件替换。

Description

用于接收可互换模具组件的制冰组件 技术领域
本发明总体涉及制冷电器，更具体地涉及用于制冷电器的制冰机。
背景技术
制冷电器通常包括箱体，该箱体限定用于接收食品以便储存的一个或多个制冷间室。通常，一个或多个门体可旋转地铰接到箱体，以允许选择性地接近在制冷间室中储存的食品。进一步地，制冷电器通常包括安装在一个门体上的冰盒内或冷冻室中的制冰组件。冰储存在储存盒中，并且可从冷冻室内部接近，或者可以通过限定在冷藏门体的前部上的分配器凹部排出。
然而，传统的制冰组件大、效率低、遇到各种性能相关的问题，并且仅产生一种形状或尺寸的冰块。例如，传统的扭转托盘制冰机包括被分隔的塑料模具，该塑料模具物理变形以破坏在冰与托盘之间形成的结合。然而，这些制冰机需要额外的空间来完全旋转和扭转托盘。另外，冰块在扭转过程期间经常会破裂。当这种情况发生时，一部分冰块可能留在托盘中，由此导致在下一填充过程期间的过度填充。进一步地，传统的制冰组件仅提供一种样式的冰块。
因此，将期望一种具有通用性提高的制冰机的制冷电器。更特别地，一种用于制冷电器的紧凑、高效、可靠并且能够形成多于一种类型的冰块的制冰组件将是特别有益的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在本发明的一个示例性方面，提供了一种用于制冷电器的制冰机。制冰机可以包括：制冰组件，该制冰组件限定接收室并与风道流体连通；和模具组件，该模具组件可移除地安装到制冰组件。模具组件可以包括：框架，该框架配置成接收于制冰组件的接收室内；热交换器，该热交换器安装到框架并限定模具支撑面；以及柔性模具，该柔性模具设置在模具支撑面上并由热交换器支撑。柔性模具可以与热交换器导热连接，并且可以限定被构造为接收液体的腔。
根据另一示例性实施方式，提供了一种制冷电器，该制冷电器可以包括：箱体，该箱体限定制冷间室；门体，该门体可旋转地安装到箱体并被构造为打开和关闭制冷间室；冰盒，该冰盒设置在箱体和门体中的一个中；以及制冰机，该制冰机设置在制冰室中。制冰机可以包括：制冰组件，该制冰组件限定接收室并与风道流体连通；和模具组件，该模具组件可插入到制冰组件中。模具组件可以包括：框架，该框架配置为在接收室中；热交换器，该热交换器安装到框架并限定模具支撑面；以及柔性模具，该柔性模具设置在模具支撑面上并由热交换器支撑。柔性模具可以与热交换器导热连接，并且可以限定被构造为接收液体的腔。
根据又一示例性实施方式，提供了一种被构造为插入制冰机中的模具组件。模具组件可以包括：框架；热交换器，该热交换器附接到框架并限定模具支撑面；柔性模具，该柔性模具与模具支撑面导热连接，柔性模具限定被构造为接收液体的腔；至少一个升降器，该至少一个升降器被构造为接触柔性模具并使柔性模具变形；以及隔板，该隔板附接到框架。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的立体图，其中食物保鲜室的门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的用于与图1的示例性制冷电器一起使用的冰盒和制冰组件的立体图。
图4提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图3的示例性制冰组件的立体图。
图5提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图3的示例性制冰组件的另一立体图。
图6提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图3的示例性制冰组件的再一立体图。
图7提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图3的示例性制冰组件的侧视图。
图8提供了图3的示例性制冰组件的驱动机构、升降组件以及推送组件的部分侧视图，其中升降组件处于降低位置，并且推送组件处于缩回位置。
图9提供了图8的驱动机构、升降组件以及推送组件的部分侧视图，其中升降机构处于升高位置。
图10提供了图8的驱动机构、升降组件以及推送组件的侧视图。
图11提供了图8的驱动机构、升降组件以及推送组件的另一侧视图，其中推送组件处于伸出位置。
图12提供了图8的驱动机构、升降组件以及推送组件的部分侧视图，其中升降机构处于升高位置且推送组件处于伸出位置。
图13提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图3的示例性制冰组件的另一立体图。
图14提供了根据示例性实施方式的包括壳体和模具组件的制冰组件的另一立体图。
图15提供了壳体的闩锁和处于插入位置的图14的示例性模具组件的部分侧视图。
图16提供了图14的示例性制冰组件的部分立体图，其中闩锁处于缩回位置。
图17提供了图14的示例性制冰组件的立体图，其中模具组件从壳体移除。
图18提供了从壳体移除的图14的模具组件的后视图。
图19提供了从壳体移除的图14的模具组件的部分立体图。
图20提供了图14的示例性制冰组件的部分立体图，其中推送组件被移除。
图21提供了图14的示例性制冰组件的部分立体图，其中推送组件和模具组件被移除。
图22提供了图14的示例性制冰组件的立体图，其中可选模具组件处于移除位置。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器100的立体图。制冷电器100包括箱体102，该箱体沿着竖向V在顶部104与底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向L在第一侧108与第二侧110之间延伸，并且沿着横向T在前侧112与后侧114之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L以及横向T中的每一个彼此互相垂直。
箱体102限定用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。特别地，箱体102限定设置在箱体102的顶部104处或与其相邻设置的食物保鲜室122和布置在箱体102的底部106处或与其相邻布置的冷冻室124。由此可见，制冷电器100通常被称为底置式冰箱。然而，认识到，本发明的益处适用于其他类型和样式的制冷电器，例如，顶置式制冷电器、对开门式制冷电器或单门制冷电器。因此，本文阐述的描述仅出于例示性目的，而无意于在任何方面限制任何特定的冰箱室构造。
冷藏门体128可旋转地铰接到箱体102的边缘，以便选择性地进入食物保鲜室122。另外，在冷藏门体128的下方布置冷冻门体130，以便选择性地进入冷冻室124。冷冻门体130联接至可滑动地安装在冷冻室124内的冷冻抽屉(未示出)。冷藏门体128和冷冻门体130在图1中被示出为处于关闭构造。本领域技术人员将理解，其它腔室和门体构造是可行的，并且在本发明的范围内。
图2提供了在冷藏门体128处于打开位置的情况下示出的制冷电器100的立体图。如图2所示，如本领域技术人员将理解的，各种储存部件被安装在食物保鲜室122内，以便于食品在其中的储存。特别地，储存部件可以包括盒134和搁架136。这些储存部件中的每一个用于接收食品(例如，饮料和/或固体食品)，并且可以辅助整理这种食品。如图所示，盒134可以安装在冷藏门体128上或者可以滑入食物保鲜室122中的容纳空间中。应当理解，所示的储存部件仅用于说明的目的，并且可以使用其它储存部件，并且其它储存部件可以具有不同的尺寸、形状 以及构造。
现在一般参见图1，将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的分配组件140。分配组件140通常用于分配液态水和/或冰。虽然在本文中示例并描述了示例性分配组件140，但应当理解，可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时对分配组件140进行各种变更和修改。
分配组件140及其各种部件可以至少部分地设置在限定于冷藏门体128中的一个上的分配器凹部142内。在这点上，分配器凹部142限定在制冷电器100的前侧112上，使得用户可以在不打开冷藏门体128的情况下操作分配组件140。另外，分配器凹部142设置在预定高度处，该预定高度方便用户取冰，并且使得用户能够在不需要弯腰的情况下取冰。在示例性实施方式中，分配器凹部142设置在接近用户的胸部水平的位置处。
分配组件140包括冰分配器144，该分配器包括用于从分配组件140排出冰的排放口146。被示出为拨片的致动机构148安装在排放口146下方，以便操作冰或水分配器144。在可选示例性实施方式中，可以使用任意合适的致动机构来操作冰分配器144。例如，冰分配器144可以包括传感器(诸如超声传感器)或按钮，而不是拨片。排放口146和致动机构148是冰分配器144的外部零件，并且安装在分配器凹部142中。
与之相比，在制冷电器100内部，冷藏门体128可以限定容纳制冰机和储冰盒152的冰盒150(图2和图3)，该制冰机和储冰盒被构造为将冰供应至分配器凹部142。在这点上，例如，冰盒150可以限定用于容纳制冰组件、储存机构以及分配机构的制冰室154。
设置控制面板160，以便控制操作模式。例如，控制面板160包括一个或多个选择输入162，诸如旋钮、按钮、触摸屏界面等，诸如水分配按钮和冰分配按钮，用于选择期望的操作模式，诸如碎冰或非碎冰。另外，输入162可以用于指定填充容积或操作分配组件140的方法。在这点上，输入162可以与处理装置或控制器164通信。在控制器164中生成的信号响应于选择器输入162操作制冷电器100和分配组件140。另外，可以在控制面板160上设置显示器166，诸如指示灯或屏幕。显示器166可以与控制器164通信，并且可以响应于来自控制器164的信号而显示信息。
如本文中使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”可以指一个或多个微处理器或半导体装置，并且不必限于单个元件。处理装置可以被编程为操作制冷电器100和分配组件140。处理装置可以包括一个或多个存储元件(例如，永久存储介质)或与其关联。在一些这种实施方式中，存储元件包括电可擦可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。通常，存储元件可以存储处理装置可访问的信息，包括可以由处理装置执行的指令。可选地，指令可以是软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合，该软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合在由处理装置执行时，使得处理装置执行操作。
现在一般参见图3至图13，将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的可以与制冷电器100一起使用的制冰组件200。如图示例，制冰组件200安装在制冰室154内的冰盒150上，并且用于接收来自供水嘴202(例如参见图3)的水流。这样，制冰组件200通常用于使水冻结以形成冰块204，这些冰块可以被储存在储冰盒152中并通过分配组件140借助排放口146分配。然而，应当理解，本文描述的制冰组件200仅以解释本发明的各个方面。可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时对制冰组件200进行变更和修改。例如，制冰组件200可以替代地设置在制冷电器100的冷冻室124内，并且可以具有任何其它合适的构造。
根据所示实施方式，制冰组件200包括限定模腔212的弹性模具210。通常，弹性模具210设置在供水嘴202下方，用于接收来自供水嘴202的重力辅助水流。弹性模具210可以由任何合适的弹性材料构成，该弹性材料可以变形以释放形成后的冰块204。例如，根据所示实施方式，弹性模具210由硅树脂或另一合适的疏水、食品级且弹性的材料形成。
根据所示实施方式，弹性模具210限定两个模腔212，各个模腔被成形并定向为用于形成单独的冰块204。在这点上，例如，供水嘴202用于将弹性模具210重新填充到弹性模具210内的分隔壁(未示出)以上的水平，使得水均匀地溢流到两个模腔212中。根据又一些实施方式，供水嘴202可以具有设置在各个模腔212上方的专用排放喷嘴。此外，应当理解，根据可选实施方式，制冰组件200可以例如通过增加由弹性模具210限定的模腔212的数量而缩放来形成任何合适数量的冰块204。
制冰组件200还可以包括热交换器220，该热交换器与弹性模具210导热连接，用于使模腔212内的水冻结，以形成一个或多个冰块204。通常，热交换器220可以由任何合适的导热材料形成，并且可以设置为与弹性模具210直接接触。具体地，根据所示实施方式，热交换器220由铝制成并且设置在弹性模具210正下方。此外，热交换器220可以限定立方体凹部222，该凹 部被构造为接收弹性模具210并成形或限定冰块204的底部。这样，热交换器220在冰块204的大部分表面积上与弹性模具210直接接触，例如，以促进储存在模腔212内的水的快速冻结。例如，热交换器220可以在大于冰块204的表面积的近似一半的面积上接触弹性模具210。应当理解，如本文使用的，近似的用语，诸如“近似”、“基本上”或“大约”是指在百分之十的误差度内。
另外，制冰组件200可以包括进风道224，该进风道设置为与热交换器220相邻并与冷空气源(例如，示例为冷却空气流226)流体连通。根据所示实施方式，进风道224从制冰组件200的后端228(例如，沿着如图8所示的侧向L向右)通过热交换器220朝向制冰组件200的前端230(例如，沿如图8所示的侧向L向左，即，冰块204被排放到储冰盒152中的一侧)提供冷却空气流226。
如图所示，进风道224通常从制冷电器100的密封系统接收冷却空气流226，并引导其越过和/或通过热交换器220以冷却热交换器220。更具体地，根据所示实施方式，热交换器220限定了基本上平行于冷却空气流226延伸的多个热交换翅片232。在这点上，热交换翅片232从热交换器220的顶部沿着由竖向V在侧向L上限定的平面向下延伸(例如，当制冰组件200安装在制冷电器100中时)。
如图8和图9中最佳示出的，制冰组件200还包括升降机构240，该升降机构设置在弹性模具210下方，并且通常用于促进冰块204从模腔212中排出。在这点上，升降机构240可在降低位置(例如，如图8所示)与升高位置(例如，如图9所示)之间运动。具体地，升降机构240包括升降臂242，该升降臂基本上沿着竖向V延伸并且穿过限定在热交换器220内的升降通道244。这样，升降通道244可以随着升降机构240沿着竖向V滑动而引导它。
另外，升降机构240包括从升降臂242的顶部朝向制冰组件200的后端228延伸的升降突出部246。如图所示，升降突出部246通常限定冰块204的底部的轮廓，并且当升降机构240处于降低位置时齐平地设置在由热交换器220限定的升降凹部248内。这样，热交换器220和升降突出部246限定冰块204的平滑底面。更具体地，根据所示实施方式，升降突出部246通常向下弯曲并远离升降臂242，以在冰块204的底部上限定平滑的凹陷。
现在具体参照图6，热交换器220还可以限定用于接收温度传感器250的孔，该温度传感器用于确定何时形成冰块204，使得可以执行排出过程。在这点上，例如，温度传感器250可以与控制器164可操作地通信，该控制器可以监测热交换器220的温度和水已经在模腔212中的时间，以预测冰块204何时完全冻结。如本文所用，“温度传感器”可以指任何合适类型的温度传感器。例如，温度传感器可以是热电偶、热敏电阻或电阻式温度检测器。另外，尽管本文示例了单个温度传感器250的示例性设置，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，制冰组件200可以包括任何其它合适数量、类型和位置的温度传感器。
现在具体参照图4以及图7至图13，制冰组件200还包括推送组件260，该推送组件设置在弹性模具210上方，通常用于在冰块204形成后将其推出模腔212并推入储冰盒152中。具体地，根据所示实施方式，推送组件260可沿着水平方向(即，如由侧向L和横向T限定)在缩回位置(例如，如图7至图10所示)与伸出位置(例如，如图11和图12所示)之间运动。
如下面详细描述的，在整个冻结过程中，并且随着升降机构240朝向升高位置移动，推送组件260在向弹性模具210加水的同时保持在缩回位置中。在冰块204处于升高位置之后，推送组件260从缩回位置水平移动到伸出位置，即，朝向制冰组件200的前端230移动。这样，推送组件将冰块204推离升降机构240，推出弹性模具210，并推到热交换器220的顶部上方，在该处冰块可以落入储冰盒152中。
值得注意的是，从制冰组件200的顶部分配冰块204允许较高的储冰盒152，由此允许相对于从制冰机的底部分配冰的制冰机的较大的储冰容量。根据所示实施方式，供水嘴202设置在弹性模具210上方，用于将水流提供到弹性模具210中。另外，供水嘴202设置在推送组件260上方，使得推送组件260可以在缩回位置与伸出位置之间移动而不接触供水嘴202。根据可选实施方式，供水嘴202可以联接到机械致动器，该机械致动器在推送组件260处于缩回位置的同时使供水嘴202下降接近弹性模具210。这样，可以进一步减小制冰组件200的总高度或轮廓，从而使储冰容量最大化并使浪费的空间最小化。
根据所示实施方式，推送组件260通常包括竖直延伸的侧臂262，这些侧臂用于驱动设置在弹性模具210顶部上方的上凸框264。具体地，上凸框264围绕弹性模具210延伸，防止弹性模具210内的水的飞溅。这在制冰组件200安装在冷藏门体128上时特别重要，因为冷藏门体128 的移动可能导致模腔212内的水的晃动。
上凸框264还被设计为便于冰块204的适当排出。具体地，根据所示实施方式，推送组件260限定了前向凸缘266，当推送组件260处于缩回位置时，该前向凸缘在模腔212上方沿着竖向V接近制冰组件200的前端230延伸。这样，随着升降机构240朝向升高位置移动，冰块204的前端接触前向凸缘266，使得升降机构240(例如，升降突出部246)和前向凸缘266导致冰块204旋转(例如，如图9所示的逆时针)。应当理解，根据可选实施方式，上凸框264可以具有靠近制冰组件200的前端230的开口端。在这点上，不需要前向凸缘266来促进冰块204的旋转和/或排出。
另外，如图8至图9以及图12最佳所示，推送组件260还可以限定接近制冰组件200的后端228的有角度推动面268。通常，有角度的推动面268用于在冰块204向上枢转的同时并且随着推送组件260朝向伸出位置移动以使冰块204进一步旋转时接合冰块。具体地，有角度的推动面可以相对于竖向V以角度270延伸。根据所示实施方式，角度270小于大约10度，但是根据可选实施方式，可以使用用于推动冰块旋转180度的任何其它合适的角度。
再次一般参照图4至图12，制冰组件200可以包括驱动机构276，该驱动机构可操作地联接到升降机构240和推送组件260，以在操作期间选择性地升高升降机构240并滑动推送组件260，以便排出冰块204。具体地，根据所示实施方式，驱动机构276包括驱动马达278。如本文所用，“马达”可以指代用于旋转系统部件200的任意合适的驱动马达和/或传动组件。例如，马达178可以是无刷DC电动马达、步进马达或任意其他合适类型或构造的马达。可选地，例如，马达178可以是AC马达、感应马达、永磁同步马达或任意其他合适类型的AC马达。另外，马达178可以包括任意合适的传动组件、离合机构或其他部件。
如图8和图9中最佳示例的，马达178可以机械地联接到旋转凸轮280。升降机构240，或更具体地升降臂242，可以骑靠旋转凸轮280，使得随着马达278旋转凸轮280，旋转凸轮280的轮廓引起升降机构240在降低位置与升高位置之间移动。另外，根据示例性实施方式，升降机构240可以包括滚轮282，该滚轮282安装到升降臂242的下端，用于在升降机构240与旋转凸轮280之间提供低摩擦界面。
更具体地，如图4和图6中最佳示出的，制冰组件200可以包括多个升降机构240，各个升降机构240设置在弹性模具210内的一个冰块204下方，或者被构造为升高弹性模具210的单独部分。在这种实施方式中，旋转凸轮280安装在与马达278机械联接的凸轮轴284上。随着马达278旋转凸轮轴284，旋转凸轮280可以同时沿着竖向V移动升降臂242。这样，多个旋转凸轮280中的每一个用于驱动相应的一个升降机构240。另外，如图6所示，滚轮轴286可以在相邻升降机构240的滚轮282之间延伸，以保持相邻滚轮282之间的适当距离并保持它们接合在旋转凸轮280的顶部上。
仍然一般参照图4至图13，驱动机构276还可以包括机械地联接到马达278以便驱动推送组件260的轭轮290。具体地，轭轮290可以与凸轮轴284一起旋转，并且可以包括驱动销292，该驱动销设置在轭轮290的径向外部并且基本上平行于马达278的旋转轴线(例如，轴向)延伸。另外，推送组件260的侧臂262可以限定驱动狭槽294，该驱动狭槽被构造为在操作期间接收驱动销292。尽管本文描述和示例了单个轭轮290，但是应当理解，两个侧臂262都可以包括轭轮290和驱动狭槽294机构。
值得注意的是，各个驱动狭槽294的几何形状被限定为使得当驱动销292到达驱动狭槽294的端部296时，驱动销292使推送组件260沿着水平方向移动。值得注意的是，根据示例性实施方式，这在升降机构240处于升高位置时发生。为了向控制器164提供对轭轮290(更一般地，和驱动机构276)的位置的了解，制冰组件200可以包括用于确定轭轮290的零位置的位置传感器298。
例如，简要地参照图13，根据所示实施方式，位置传感器298包括设置在轭轮290上的磁体300和安装在制冰组件200上的固定位置处的霍尔效应传感器302。随着轭轮290朝向预定位置旋转，霍尔效应传感器302可以检测磁体300的接近，并且控制器164可以确定轭轮290处于零位置(或某一其它已知位置)。可选地，可以使用检测轭轮290或驱动机构276的位置的任意其它合适的传感器或方法。例如，根据可选实施方式，可以使用运动传感器、摄像系统、光学传感器、声学传感器或简单的机械接触开关。
根据本发明的示例性实施方式，马达278可以在冰块204完全冻结并准备获取之后开始旋转。在这点上，马达278使旋转凸轮280(和/或凸轮轴284)旋转近似90度，以使升降机构240 从降低位置移动到升高位置。这样，升降突出部246向上推动弹性模具210，从而使弹性模具210变形并释放冰块204。冰块204继续被向上推，直到冰块204的前缘接触前向凸缘266，使得升降突出部246使冰块204的后端向上旋转。
值得注意的是，如图7中最佳示出的，轭轮290与凸轮轴284一起旋转，使得驱动销292在驱动狭槽294内旋转，而不移动推送组件260，直到轭轮290到达90°位置(例如，如图10所示)为止。由此，随着马达278旋转经过90度，升降机构240保持在升高位置，而推送组件260朝向伸出位置移动。这样，有角度的推动面268接合冰块204的凸起端，以将它们推出弹性模具210，并在将它们落入储冰盒152之前将冰块204旋转近似180度。
当马达278旋转180度时，推送组件260处于完全伸出位置，冰块204将在重力作用下落入储冰盒152中。随着马达278旋转经过180度，驱动销292开始将推送组件260例如经由与驱动狭槽294接合而朝向缩回位置拉回。同时，旋转凸轮280的轮廓被构造为开始降低升降机构240。当马达278转回到零位置时，如例如由位置传感器298指示的，推送组件260可以完全缩回，升降机构240可以完全降低，并且弹性模具210可以准备好供应新鲜水。此时，供水嘴202可以将新鲜水流提供到模腔212中，并且可以重复该过程。
现在一般转到图14至图22，将描述制冰组件200的可选实施方式。由于本文所述的实施方式之间的相似性，同样的附图标记可以用于指代相同或类似的特征。还应当理解，特征可以在所述实施方式之间互换。根据另一实施方式，制冰组件200可以包括：壳体310，该壳体限定与进风道224流体连通的接收室350；和可移除的模具组件400，该可移除的模具组件可插入到接收室350中。壳体310可以包括第一侧壁320和与第一侧壁320相对的第二侧壁330。第一侧壁320和第二侧壁330可以从制冰组件200的前部230朝向制冰组件200的后部228(例如，沿侧向L)延伸。第一前向突片324可以在向前方向上(例如，在侧向L上)从第一侧壁320的前表面322突出。第二前向突片334可以在向前方向上(例如，在侧向L上)从第二侧壁330的前表面332突出。第一前向突片324可以位于第一侧壁320的前表面322的竖向中点附近。第二前向突片334可以位于第二侧壁330的前表面332的竖向中点附近。
第一侧壁320和第二侧壁330可以通过制冰组件200的前部230处的前壁340(例如，与进风道224相对)彼此连接。前壁340可以大体在竖向V和横向T上延伸。前壁340可以位于壳体310的底部312处或附近。前壁340可以包括一个或多个引导特征或突起。例如，根据所示实施方式，第一突起360和第二突起370可以从前壁340的前表面342突出。第一突起360和第二突起370可以各自从前壁340的底缘346向上(例如，在竖向V上)延伸，并且可以延伸到前壁340的前表面342上方的预定距离处。第一突起360和第二突起370可以向上延伸相等的距离。第一突起360的顶面362和第二突起370的顶面372可以设置在前壁340的顶缘下方。进一步地，第一突起360和第二突起370可以在横向T上彼此隔开。
制冰组件200可以包括用于将可移除的模具组件400固定在接收室350内的一个或多个保持特征。一个或多个保持特征可以由设置在前壁340上的一个或多个引导特征或突起引导。例如，闩锁380可以附接到壳体310的前壁340，并且可以将可移除模具组件400保持在壳体310的接收室350内。闩锁380可以被构造为沿着前壁340的前表面342在竖向V上移动。闩锁380可以位于第一突起360与第二突起370之间，并且可以由第一突起360和第二突起370在竖向V上引导。闩锁380可以由弹簧384或弹性构件沿竖向V偏置。弹簧384可以设置在闩锁380下方。弹簧384可以附接到壳体310的底部312。弹簧384可以是能够在向上方向(例如，竖向V)上偏置闩锁380的任意合适的弹簧。在一个示例中，弹簧384是片簧。应当理解，其它保持特征是可行的，并且在本发明的范围内，例如，旋转闩锁、机械紧固件、磁体等。
参照图17至图19，可移除模具组件400的形状可以是大体矩形的。可移除模具组件400可以包括框架410、热交换器220、弹性或柔性模具210、以及包括升降臂242、升降突出部246和滚轮轴286的升降机构240。框架410可以包括模具框架450和隔板460。框架410可以限定前面板412、后面板422、第一侧面板424和第二侧面板428。模具框架450可以支撑热交换器220。在一个示例中，热交换器220位于框架410的第一侧面板424与第二侧面板428之间。热交换器220可以包括与柔性模具210接触的模具支撑面432。模具支撑面432可以包括立方体凹部222。模具支撑面432可以支撑柔性模具210，并提供用于热交换的直接接触。
隔板460可以包括第一板434，该第一板通常限定框架410的前面板412的一部分。第一板434可以基本上在竖向V和横向T上延伸。前面板412的后表面416可以接触框架410的第一侧面板424的前表面426和第二侧面板428的前表面430。第一板434在横向T上的长度可以比框 架410的第一侧面板424与第二侧面板428之间的距离长。换言之，隔板460在横向T上的长度l p大于模具框架450在横向T上的长度l m，隔板460还可以包括第二板436，该第二板基本上在侧向L和横向T上并且垂直于第一板434延伸。第二板436可以从第一板434的顶部向后延伸(例如，在侧向L上)。热交换器220可以设置在第二板436的顶部上。如前所述，热交换器220可以限定多个热交换翅片232，这些热交换翅片基本上平行于来自进风道224的冷却空气流226延伸。
后面板422可以在横向T和竖向V上延伸，并且可以在框架410的后部处将第一侧面板424和第二侧面板428彼此连接。后面板422可以设置在框架410的顶部处或附近，以允许冷却空气流226穿过热交换器220的热交换翅片232。后面板422可以包括用于在接收室350内对齐可移除模具组件400的对齐特征。对齐特征可以是从后面板422向后(例如，在侧向L上)突出的后突片438。应当理解，对齐特征可以具有能够将可移除模具引导到接收室350中的任何设计。根据示例性实施方式，后突片438可以设置在后面板422在横向T上的中心处或附近。后突片438可以设置在后面板422在竖向V上的中心处或附近。后突片438可以具有在其中形成在其中心处的狭缝446。在一个实施方式中，狭缝446从后突片438的后边缘440沿侧向L朝向后面板422延伸。在另一实施方式中，后突片438形成为在横向T上隔开的一对后突片438，以在该对后突片438之间形成间隙。在该实施方式中，后突片438在横向T上彼此平行。
参照图19，柔性模具210可以包括模具底部214和模具侧部216。模具底部214的至少一部分可以接触模具支撑面432。例如，模具底部214的外表面(例如，相对于模腔212)主要搁置在模具支撑面432上。模具侧部216可以从模具底部214沿竖向V延伸。在一个实施方式中，模具侧部216是圆柱形的。在另一实施方式中，模具侧部216包括多个模具侧部216，这些模具侧部在侧向L和横向T上形成闭合的横截面。在一个示例中，多个模具侧部216包括形成正方形横截面的四个模具侧部216。由此可见，模具底部214和模具侧部216可以形成模腔212。进一步地，任何合适数量的模具侧部216可以用于形成各种形状的模腔212。
模具底部214可以包括应力消除特征218。应力消除特征结构218可以形成在模具底部214的中心处或附近。在一个示例中，应力消除特征218是形成到模具底部214中的倒置杯。换言之，模具底部214的中心部分可以相对于模具底部214的周围部分在竖向V上升高。应力消除特征218可以在模具底部214的中心处或附近类似于圆顶形状。然而，应当理解，应力消除特征218可具有任何合适的形状，使得模具底部214的中心部分相对于模具底部214的周围部分在竖向V上升高。
在一个示例中，升降突出部246接触应力消除特征218。换言之，升降突出部246的顶部类似于与应力消除特征218的形状互补的圆顶形状。在另一实施方式中，升降突出部246的顶部相对于侧向L和横向T是平面的。换言之，升降突出部246的顶面的平面垂直于竖向V。应力消除特征可以在模具底部214与升降突出部246的顶面之间在应力消除特征218的中心处形成间隙或凹窝。换言之，仅升降突出部246的顶面的外周环可以与模具底部214接触，并且间隙或凹窝可以设置在外周环内。当升降臂242沿竖向V移动以使柔性模具210变形时，模具底部214可沿侧向L和横向T变形以横跨升降突出部246的顶面伸展(例如，间隙或凹窝可坍塌)。因此，可以减小柔性模具210上的应力，这又减少材料疲劳和失效并延长柔性模具210的寿命。
风道224可以设置在壳体310的后部(例如，在侧向L上)。风道224可限定第一出口470和第二出口472。第一出口470可与热交换器220连通，并且允许冷却空气在热交换器220的热交换翅片232之间通过。第二出口472可以沿竖向V设置在第一出口470上方，并且可以与柔性模具210连通。由此，冷却空气226可从第二出口472流过柔性模具210以快速冷却储存在模腔212中的液体。第一出口470和第二出口472可以由第一面474分隔。第一面474可以包括弯曲部分476和平坦部分478。平坦部分478可以在侧向L和横向T上延伸。弯曲部分476可以从平坦部分478向上(例如，在竖向V上)弯曲，并且其中可以形成有第二出口472。
风道224可以包括用于将可移除模具引导或固定在接收室350内的引导特征。引导特征可以与设置在后面板422上的对齐特征互补，使得对齐特征和引导特征彼此机械地接合。在示例性实施方式中，引导特征是沿着水平方向(例如，沿侧向L)延伸的T形轨道480。T形轨道480可以设置在风道224的第一表面474在横向T上的中心处或附近。T形轨道480的底座482可以从第一面474的平坦部分478沿竖向V突出。一对臂484可以沿横向T从底座482的顶部突出。由此，当模具组件400插入到接收腔中时，后突片438可被接受在一对臂484与第一面474的平坦部分478之间。在另一示例中，T形轨道480的底座482可以被接受到形成于该对后突片438 之间的间隙中。
参照图14至图16，模具组件400可以可移除地容纳在壳体310的接收室350内。为了将模具组件400插入到接收室350中，闩锁380可以向下位移(例如，沿竖向V)。模具组件400可完全插入，使得前面板412的后表面416接触第一侧壁320的前表面322和第二侧壁330的前表面332。当模具组件400完全插入到接收室350中时，闩锁380可向上(例如，沿竖向)偏置，直到闩锁380的后表面382接触模具组件400的前面板412的前表面414。这样，模具组件400固定在壳体310的接收室350内，以便于制冰操作。
图20示例了当模具组件400完全插入到接收室350中时的示例。参照图20，前面板412的底面420可以接触第一突起360的顶面362和第二突起370的顶面372。前面板412的顶面418可以接触第一前向突片324的底面326和第二前向突片334的底面336。后突片438可与T形轨道480互锁。换言之，T形轨道480的底座482可以插入到形成于后突片438中的狭缝446中。后突片438的上表面442可接触T形轨道480的一对臂484的下表面486。后突片438的底面444可接触第一面474的平坦部分478。由此，后突片438与T形轨道480之间的接触可防止模具组件400在竖向V上的移动。
如前所述，凸轮轴284可设置在壳体310内。轴承488可以附接到壳体310，并且可以将凸轮轴284支撑在壳体310内。轴承488可以附接到前壁340的后表面344并且向后延伸(例如，在侧向L上)。轴承488可以形成凸轮轴284穿过的孔口490。孔口490可以在横向T上打开。由此，凸轮轴284可以固定在壳体310内。
根据一个示例性实施方式，柔性模具210可以包括一个或多个模腔212。一个或多个模腔212可以主要是圆形的，并且可以具有与模具支撑面432接触的圆形底面，如图19中看到的。根据另一示例性实施方式，一个或多个模腔212可以主要是正方形的，并且可以具有与模具支撑面432接触的平坦底面，如图22中看到的。应当理解，可以设置具有任何可行的三维形状的模腔212的任何数量的模具。这样，用户可以移除具有第一形状的模腔212的第一可移除模具组件400，并插入具有第二形状的模腔212的第二可移除模具组件400。由此，可以根据用户的期望生产不同形状的冰。
进一步地，应当理解，升降机构240可连接到壳体310而不是模具组件400。比如，升降臂242、升降突出部246和滚轮轴286可与可移除模具组件400分离并设置在壳体310内。一个或多个凹槽可形成在热交换器220中，当模具组件400插入到壳体310的接收室350中时，升降臂242穿过该凹槽。
根据示例性实施方式，通过压下闩锁而从制冰移除由柔性橡胶模具、热交换器、框架、升降组件以及隔板构成的可移除模具。然后通过拉出可移除模具来移除可移除模具。为了改变冰的形状，将具有不同橡胶模腔212形状的新模具插入制冰机中。另外，或可选地，热交换器可以被加工为限定用于接收柔性橡胶模具的不同的模腔或形状。弹簧将闩锁推回，这将模块锁定到操作位置中。模块上的保持特征在制冰机操作时防止模块移动。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任何装置或系统并且执行所包含的任何方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种用于制冷电器的制冰机，该制冷电器限定竖向、侧向以及横向，其特征在于，所述制冰机包括：
    制冰组件，该制冰组件限定接收室，与风道流体连通；和
    模具组件，该模具组件可移除地安装到所述制冰组件，所述模具组件包括：
    框架，该框架接收于所述制冰组件的接收室内；
    热交换器，该热交换器安装到所述框架并限定模具支撑面；以及
    柔性模具，该柔性模具设置在所述模具支撑面上并由所述热交换器支撑，使得所述柔性模具与所述热交换器导热连接，并且限定被构造为接收液体的模腔。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述制冰组件包括：
    壳体，该壳体形成所述接收室；
    闩锁，该闩锁附接到所述壳体的前壁且被构造为将所述模具组件保持在所述壳体的所述接收室内；以及
    弹簧，该弹簧被构造为在所述竖向上偏置所述闩锁，并且其中，当所述模具组件被插入到所述壳体的接收室中时，所述闩锁的后表面接触所述框架的前表面。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述风道附接至所述壳体并且包括沿着水平方向延伸的T形轨道，并且其中，所述框架包括后突片，该后突片限定形成在其中的用于接收所述轨道的狭缝。
  4. 根据权利要求2所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述壳体包括：第一前向突片，该第一前向突片从所述壳体的第一侧壁沿所述侧向向前延伸；和第二前向突片，该第二前向突片从所述壳体的第二侧壁沿所述侧向向前延伸，并且其中，当所述模具组件插入到所述壳体的接收室中时，所述第一前向突片和所述第二前向突片中的每一个的底面接触所述框架的顶面。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述框架包括模具框架和隔板，其中，所述隔板在所述横向上的长度大于所述模具框架在所述横向上的长度，并且其中，当所述模具组件插入到所述壳体的所述接收室中时，所述闩锁的所述后表面接触所述隔板的前表面。
  6. 根据权利要求2所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述模具组件还包括多个升降器，这些升降器通过滚轮轴连接并设置在所述柔性模具和所述热交换器下方，所述多个升降器被构造为使所述柔性模具变形。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的制冰机，其特征在于，其还包括：
    凸轮轴，该凸轮轴设置在所述壳体中；
    至少一个凸轮凸角，该至少一个凸轮凸角设置在所述凸轮轴上并且被构造为驱动所述多个升降器；
    轭轮，该轭轮设置在所述凸轮轴上，以与所述凸轮轴同轴旋转，并且包括与所述轭轮的旋转轴线径向隔开并从所述轭轮轴向突出的销；
    马达，该马达被构造为驱动所述凸轮轴；以及
    轴承，该轴承附接到所述壳体并且被构造为支撑所述凸轮轴。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述柔性模具的底部是圆顶形的。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的制冰机，其特征在于，所述模具组件是多个不同的模具组件中的一个，各个模具组件具有不同形状的三维模腔，其中，所述多个不同的模具组件中的每一个接收于所述壳体的所述接收室内。
  10. 一种限定竖向、侧向以及横向的冰箱，其特征在于，所述冰箱包括：
    箱体，该箱体限定制冷间室；
    门体，该门体可旋转地安装到所述箱体并且被构造为打开和关闭所述制冷间室；
    冰盒，该冰盒设置在所述箱体或所述门体中的一个中，所述冰盒限定制冰室；以及
    制冰机，该制冰机设置在所述制冰室中，其中，所述制冰机包括：
    制冰组件，该制冰组件限定接收室，与风道流体连通；和
    模具组件，该模具组件可插入到所述制冰组件中，所述模具组件包括：
    框架，该框架被构造为接收于所述接收室中；
    热交换器，该热交换器安装到所述框架并限定模具支撑面；以及
    柔性模具，该柔性模具设置在所述模具支撑面上并由所述热交换器支撑，使得所述柔性模具与所述热交换器导热连接，并且限定被构造为接收液体的模腔。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述制冰组件包括：
    壳体，该壳体形成所述接收室；
    闩锁，该闩锁附接到所述壳体的前壁且被构造为将所述模具组件保持在所述壳体的接收室内；以及
    弹簧，该弹簧被构造为在所述竖向上偏置所述闩锁，并且其中，当所述模具组件被插入到所述壳体的所述接收室中时，所述闩锁的后表面接触所述隔板的前表面。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述柔性模具的底部是圆顶形的。
  13. 根据权利要求11所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述风道附接至所述壳体并且包括T形轨道，并且其中，所述框架包括后突片，该后突片限定形成在其中的用于接收所述轨道的狭缝。
  14. 根据权利要求11所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述壳体包括：第一前向突片，该第一前向突片从所述壳体的第一侧壁沿所述侧向向前延伸；和第二前向突片，该第二前向突片从所述壳体的第二侧壁沿所述侧向向前延伸，并且其中，当所述模具组件插入到所述壳体的所述接收室中时，所述第一前向突片和所述第二前向突片中的每一个的底面接触所述框架的顶面。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述框架包括模具框架和隔板，并且其中，所述隔板在所述横向上的长度大于所述模具框架在所述横向上的长度。
  16. 根据权利要求11所述的冰箱，其特征在于，所述模具组件还包括多个升降器，这些升降器通过滚轮轴连接并设置在所述柔性模具和所述热交换器下方，所述多个升降器被构造为使所述柔性模具变形。
  17. 根据权利要求16所述的冰箱，其特征在于，其还包括：
    凸轮轴，该凸轮轴设置在所述壳体中；
    至少一个凸轮凸角，该至少一个凸轮凸角设置在所述凸轮轴上并且被构造为驱动所述多个升降器；
    轭轮，该轭轮设置在所述凸轮轴上，以与所述凸轮轴同轴旋转，并且包括与所述轭轮的旋转轴线径向隔开并从所述轭轮轴向突出的销；
    马达，该马达被构造为驱动所述凸轮轴；以及
    轴承，该轴承附接到所述壳体并且被构造为支撑所述凸轮轴。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的冰箱，其特征在于，其还包括可移动地附接至所述制冰组件的推送组件，其中，所述推送组件包括凹槽，所述销容纳在所述凹槽中，使得随着所述凸轮轴旋转，所述推送组件在缩回位置与伸出位置之间摆动。
  19. 一种被构造为插入制冰机中的模具组件，其特征在于，所述模具组件包括：
    框架；热交换器，该热交换器附接到所述框架并限定模具支撑面；
    柔性模具，该柔性模具与所述模具支撑面到热连接，所述柔性模具限定被构造为接收液体的腔；至少一个升降器，该至少一个升降器被构造为接触所述柔性模具并使所述柔性模具变形；以及
    隔板，该隔板附接到所述框架。
  20. 根据权利要求19所述的模具组件，其特征在于，所述至少一个升降器包括由轴联结的一对升降器，并且其中，所述一对升降器设置在所述柔性模具下方并且竖直地穿过所述热交换器。
PCT/CN2021/082069 2020-04-13 2021-03-22 用于接收可互换模具组件的制冰组件 WO2021208672A1 (zh)

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