WO2023070539A1

WO2023070539A1 - Ice storage box, ice maker and refrigeration apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023070539A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/127495
Authority: WO
Inventors: 刘赞喜
Original assignee: 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司; 合肥华凌股份有限公司; 美的集团股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-10-29
Filing date: 2021-10-29
Publication date: 2023-05-04

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigeration apparatuses, in particular to an ice storage box, an ice maker and a refrigeration apparatus. The ice storage box comprises an ice storage box body and a buffer member, wherein the ice storage box body is provided with a first outlet; and the buffer member is located downstream of the first outlet, and the buffer member is lower than the first outlet. In the ice storage box of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the buffer member is located downstream of the first outlet, such that an ice cube that is moved out via the first outlet falls onto the buffer member, and then falls into an ice output channel downstream of the buffer member along the buffer member; and in this process, the buffer member absorbs the gravitational potential energy of the ice cube, such that the gravitational potential energy of the ice cube decreases to reduce an impact force caused by the ice cube on a wall surface of the ice output channel, thereby reducing the noise of ice outputting.

Description

Ice storage box, ice machine and refrigeration equipment

technical field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, in particular to an ice storage box, an ice maker and refrigeration equipment.

Background technique

The ice machine includes an ice making assembly and an ice storage box. The ice storage box includes the ice storage box body. The ice pushing assembly is installed in the ice storage box body. The ice cubes made by the ice making assembly fall into the ice storage box body, and the ice pushing assembly The ice cubes are pushed out from the ice outlet of the ice storage box body, and under the action of gravity, the ice cubes fall into the ice outlet channel, and are transported to the target position along the ice outlet channel. When the ice cubes fall into the ice outlet channel, the ice cubes collide with the wall of the ice outlet channel, and the impact sound is louder, resulting in loud ice outlet noise, which affects user experience.

Contents of the invention

The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. For this reason, the present disclosure proposes an ice storage box, in which a buffer is provided at the first outlet of the ice storage box body. experience.

The present disclosure also proposes an ice maker.

The disclosure also proposes a refrigeration device.

The ice storage box according to the embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes:

The body of the ice storage box is provided with a first outlet;

The buffer member is located downstream of the first outlet and has a height lower than that of the first outlet.

The ice storage box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ice storage box body and a buffer member, the ice storage box body is configured with a first outlet, the buffer member is located downstream of the first outlet, and the ice cubes removed from the first outlet first fall on the buffer On the part, the buffer part absorbs the gravitational potential energy of the ice cubes, and then the ice cubes fall into the ice outlet channel along the buffer part, and the gravity potential energy of the ice cubes decreases to reduce the impact force of the ice cubes on the wall of the ice outlet channel, thereby reducing the ice outlet noise . The ice storage box of this embodiment is designed to reduce the falling potential energy of the ice cubes, thereby reducing the falling noise of the ice cubes and improving user experience.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising an ice crushing assembly comprising a housing, the outlet of the housing comprises a first area adapted to remove whole ice and a second area adapted to remove crushed ice, The buffer element is located in the first area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice crushing assembly further includes a fixed ice blade fixed to the housing and a movable ice blade that rotates relative to the fixed ice blade, the fixed ice blade is located in the second area, the The first outlet is located above the fixed skates.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable ice blade rotates in a first direction to transport ice cubes and drive the buffer member to move, the movable ice blade rotates in a second direction to cooperate with the fixed ice blade to crush ice, the The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable ice blade rotates in the first direction to drive ice cubes into the first area, and is adapted to apply pressure to the ice cubes in the first area to drive the buffer The buffer member moves, and the buffer member moves to move the ice cubes out of the first area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is mounted on the housing.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is adapted to switch between a first state and a second state, and in the first state, the buffer member is adapted to receive the ice cubes removed from the first outlet, In the second state, the buffer is adapted to dislodge received ice cubes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is configured with a mounting portion and a receiving portion adapted to receive the ice cube, and the receiving portion is connected to the mounting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion is inclined downward along the installation portion in a direction away from the installation portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion includes a recessed area and a reinforced area arched relative to the recessed area, and the reinforced area is located at an end of the recessed area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reinforced area includes at least one of a first reinforced area and a second reinforced area, and the first reinforced area is located at the first end where the receiving portion is connected to the installation portion, so The second reinforcement area is located at the second end of the receiving portion away from the installation portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion is configured with a receiving surface, and a side of the reinforcement region away from the receiving surface is configured with a reinforcing rib.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one side of the mounting portion is configured with a limiting portion, and the limiting portion extends in a direction away from the receiving surface of the receiving portion and protrudes relative to the receiving portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is configured with a support portion connected to the mounting portion, and the support portion and the mounting portion define a first groove portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection between the installation part and the receiving part is smoothly transitioned.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the installation part is greater than or equal to the thickness of the receiving part.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is an elastic structure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer member is an integrally formed structure.

The ice maker according to the embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes an ice making assembly and the ice storage box as described above, and the inlet of the ice storage box body is adapted to communicate with the second outlet of the ice making assembly.

The refrigerating equipment according to the embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a cabinet body and the above-mentioned ice storage box, and the ice storage box is installed on the cabinet body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet body includes a cabinet body and a door body suitable for opening and closing relative to the cabinet body, the cabinet body is provided with the ice storage box, and the door body is provided with The ice outlet channel communicated with the first outlet.

The above one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure have at least one of the following technical effects:

Furthermore, the ice maker according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has the above-mentioned ice storage box, which helps to reduce ice discharge noise of the ice maker and improve user experience.

Furthermore, the refrigerating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has the above-mentioned ice storage box, which helps to reduce the noise of ice production of the refrigerating device and improves user experience.

Additional aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

Description of drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the following will briefly introduce the drawings that need to be used in the descriptions of the embodiments or related technologies. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only For some disclosed embodiments, those skilled in the art can also obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative work.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the disassembled state of the ice storage box body and crushed ice assembly of the ice storage box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the ice storage box body of the ice storage box, the ice crushing parts and the buffer parts of the ice crushing assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure; the shell of the ice crushing assembly is not shown in the figure;

Fig. 3 is a side structural schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the ice storage box body of the ice storage box, the ice crushing parts and the buffer parts of the ice crushing assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the crushed ice assembly and the buffer member of the ice storage box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Wherein, Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 illustrate that the buffer member is in the first state.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a buffer member of an ice storage box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the body of the ice storage box of the ice storage box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is a side structural schematic view of the ice storage box body of the ice storage box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a refrigeration device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure; the cross-sectional position shows the positional relationship between the ice storage box body, the crushed ice assembly, and the ice outlet channel;

Fig. 10 is a partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of part A in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a door-open state of a refrigeration device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Reference signs:

100: ice storage box body; 110: first outlet; 120: ice pushing assembly; 121: ice pushing rod; 122: roller; 130: inlet;

200: ice outlet channel;

300: cushioning part; 310: installation part; 311: first groove part; 312: second groove part; 320: receiving part; 321: depression area; 322: reinforcement area; 3221: first reinforcement area; 3222: second Reinforcement area; 323: reinforcement rib; 3231: first reinforcement rib; 3232: second reinforcement rib; 324: receiving surface; 330: limit part; 340: support part;

400: crushed ice assembly; 410: first area; 420: second area; 430: shell; 431: shell body; 4311: second installation slot; 432: cushion; 440: fixed skate; 450: moving skate ;451: ice crushing part; 452: protruding part; 460: mounting base; 461: first shaft; 470: second shaft;

500: ice making assembly; 600: end cover; 700: ice outlet funnel; 800: ice cubes;

900: cabinet body; 910: cabinet body; 920: door body; 921: ice discharge push plate.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The following examples are used to illustrate the present disclosure, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom" , "inner", "outer" and other indicated orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying the referred device or positional relationship. Elements must have certain orientations, be constructed and operate in certain orientations, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the disclosed embodiments. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, Or integrated connection; it can be mechanical connection or electrical connection; it can be direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediary. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure in specific situations.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified and limited, the first feature may be in direct contact with the first feature or the first feature and the second feature pass through the middle of the second feature. Media indirect contact. Moreover, "above", "above" and "above" the first feature on the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. "Below", "beneath" and "beneath" the first feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is less horizontally than the second feature.

In the description of this specification, descriptions referring to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific examples", or "some examples" mean that specific features described in connection with the embodiment or example , structure, material or feature is included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this specification without conflicting with each other.

The embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 , provides an ice storage box, including: an ice storage box body 100 and a buffer member 300, and the ice storage box body 100 is configured with a structure suitable for discharging ice cubes 800 the first outlet 110; the buffer member 300 is located downstream of the first outlet 110, and the height of the buffer member 300 is lower than the first outlet 110.

In the related art, the ice cubes in the ice storage box body are moved out through the first outlet, and the ice cubes moved out of the first outlet fall into the ice outlet channel and are transported to the target position through the ice outlet channel. When the ice cubes fall into the ice outlet channel, the ice cubes will hit the wall surface of the ice outlet channel, and the impact sound is louder, resulting in a louder ice outlet noise.

In this embodiment, a buffer member 300 is provided at the first outlet 110 of the ice storage box body 100 , and the ice cubes 800 removed from the first outlet 110 fall on the buffer member 300 under the action of gravity, and the buffer member 300 absorbs the ice cubes 800 Part of the gravitational potential energy acts as a buffer for the ice cube 800 . After being buffered by the buffer member 300, the ice cube 800 falls into the ice outlet channel 200 downstream of the buffer member 300. The impact force on the wall is reduced, so that the noise generated by the impact is reduced, and it can also solve the problem that the ice cube 800 hits the wall of the ice outlet channel 200 and is broken. The integrity of the ice cube 800 is maintained. The ice storage box of this embodiment is designed to reduce the falling potential energy of the ice cubes 800, thereby reducing the noise of the ice cubes 800 falling and improving user experience.

Among them, the downstream of the first outlet 110 can be understood as, after the ice cube 800 moves out of the first outlet 110, the ice cube 800 falls before the wall of the ice outlet channel 200, and the moving path of the ice cube 800 is like the crushed ice in the following embodiments Housing 430 of assembly 400 .

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, the ice storage box is installed in the refrigerator as an example for illustration. The ice storage box body 100 is located in the cabinet body 910, and the ice outlet channel 200 is restricted in the door body 920, and the ice outlet channel 200 is located in the storage box. Below the ice box body 100, so that the ice cubes 800 fall by gravity, a buffer member 300 is arranged outside the first outlet 110 of the ice storage box body 100, and it is necessary to ensure that the ice cubes 800 removed from the first outlet 110 can fall on the buffer member 300, the ice cube 800 buffered by the buffer member 300 falls into the ice outlet channel 200, and the falling impact force of the ice cube 800 is buffered by the buffer member 300, and the impact force of the ice cube 800 on the wall of the ice outlet channel 200 is reduced. Small, the noise generated by the impact is reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of noise reduction.

It can be understood that, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , the ice storage box further includes an ice crushing assembly 400 located at the first outlet 110 , and the ice crushing assembly 400 includes a housing 430 so that the ice cubes removed from the first outlet 110 enter Inside the casing 430 of the crushed ice assembly 400 . The outlet of the housing 430 is configured with a first area 410 suitable for discharging whole ice and a second area 420 suitable for discharging crushed ice. The buffer member 300 is located in the first area 410, that is, the buffer member 300 is used to receive whole ice. It helps to reduce the noise of the whole ice hitting the wall of the ice outlet channel 200, and also helps to reduce the breaking of the whole ice and maintain the integrity of the whole ice.

The volume of the whole ice is relatively large. If the whole ice falls directly into the ice outlet channel 200, the impact force of the whole ice on the wall of the ice outlet channel 200 is relatively large, and it is easy to generate a large noise, and the whole ice is easy to be smashed, affecting the ice. Integrity of block 800 . After the buffer member 300 is set in the first area 410, the buffer member 300 can buffer the whole ice discharged from the ice crushing assembly 400, and the buffer member 300 absorbs the gravitational potential energy of the whole ice, which helps to reduce the whole ice falling into the ice outlet channel 200 The noise also helps to maintain the integrity of the ice cube 800.

Certainly, the buffer member can also be arranged in the second area to receive crushed ice. Generally, there is no need to set a buffer in the second area, the volume and weight of the crushed ice are small, the impact force of the crushed ice on the wall of the ice outlet passage is small, and the noise of hitting the wall is also small.

The crushed ice assembly 400 has the function of outputting whole ice and crushed ice, which makes the function of the ice storage box more comprehensive. The ice crushing method of the ice crushing assembly 400 can be selected according to actual needs, which is not limited here.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the buffer member 300 is installed on the housing 430 in a simple installation manner, and is convenient for receiving the ice cubes 800 removed from the ice crushing assembly 400 .

The housing 430 defines a first installation slot for installing the installation portion 310 of the buffer member 300 , and the installation portion 310 is plugged into the first installation slot. The installation method is simple and convenient for processing.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 430 includes a housing body 431 and a padding member 432, the housing body 431 limits the installation space, the components of the ice crushing assembly 400 for crushing ice are located in the housing body 431, and the padding piece 432 is suitable for Since the pad is arranged between the shell body 431 and the ice storage box body 100 , the pad protection piece 432 can absorb shock and reduce noise, and also reduce wear between the shell body 431 and the ice storage box body 100 . The casing 430 can be fixed to the ice storage box body 100 by clamping, fastening or bonding.

It can be understood that, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the ice crushing assembly 400 also includes a fixed ice blade 440 fixed to the housing 430 and a movable ice blade 450 that rotates relative to the fixed ice blade 440 , and the movable ice blade 450 cooperates with the fixed ice blade 440 , the crushing effect on ice cube 800 is better.

3 to 4, the two ends of the fixed ice blade 440 are respectively connected to the first shaft 461 and the second shaft 470, and the first shaft 461 is fixed to the second installation groove 4311 of the casing 430 through the mounting seat 460 Inside, the second installation groove 4311 is located at the lower side of the housing 430 , the second shaft 470 is fixed to the rotating shaft of the ice pushing assembly 120 , and the ice fixing blade 440 and the second shaft 470 rotate relatively.

The blades of the ice blades 440 face upward, and the whole ice removed from the first outlet 110 falls on the ice blades 440 under the action of gravity, and the ice cubes 800 are broken by the impact force. A plurality of fixed ice blades 440 are arranged side by side on the mounting base 460 to break the ice cubes 800 quickly and fully. The blade of the fixed skate 440 is a toothed structure.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable ice blade 450 is fixedly connected to the second shaft 470 , and the movable ice blade 450 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the ice pushing assembly 120 .

It can be understood that, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the ice crushing assembly 400 includes a fixed ice blade 440 fixed to the housing 430 and a movable ice blade 450 rotating relative to the fixed ice blade 440 , the fixed ice blade 440 is located in the second area 420 , The outer side of the first outlet 110 is divided into two parts, one part is provided with a fixed ice knife 440 to break the whole ice into crushed ice, and the other part is provided with a buffer member 300 for receiving whole ice, and the whole ice falling into the buffer member 300 passes through the buffer member 300 falls into the ice outlet channel 200 after absorbing the gravitational potential energy.

It can be understood that the ice crushing assembly 400 includes a fixed ice blade 440 fixed to the housing 430 and a movable ice blade 450 that rotates relative to the fixed ice blade 440 , the first outlet 110 is located above the fixed ice blade 440 , and the first outlet 110 is connected to the second ice blade 440 . The area 420 is connected and located above the second area 420. The ice cubes 800 removed from the first outlet 110 first fall on the area where the ice blade 440 is located, so that the ice cubes will not directly move out from the first area 410 where the buffer member 300 is located, ensuring The crushed ice assembly 400 has the dual function of removing whole ice and crushed ice.

When the ice is finished through the first area 410, the ice cubes 800 from the first outlet 110 first fall into the area where the ice blades 440 are located, and then the ice cubes in the area where the ice blades 440 are located are transported to the top of the housing 430 by the moving ice blades 450, and then Under the action of gravity, the ice cube 800 falls onto the buffer member 300, and the buffer member 300 can slow down the falling potential energy of the ice cube 800, thereby reducing the impact noise of the ice cube 800.

2, the first area 410 and the second area 420 divide the outlet of the housing 430 into two parts, the buffer member 300 is located in the first area 410, and extends along the housing 430 toward the ice blade 440. The member 300 is suitable for switching between the first state and the second state. In the second state, an ice outlet gap is formed between the buffer member 300 and the fixed ice blade 440 .

The ice gap refers to the gap through which the whole ice can pass. In the first state, it is not limited that the buffer member 300 and the skate blade 440 need to be closed. As shown in FIG. , to avoid mutual interference between the buffer member 300 and the fixed ice blade 440, but generally the whole ice cannot pass through the installation gap.

It can be understood that the moving ice blade 450 is suitable for driving the buffer member 300 to switch from the first state to the second state. The moving ice blade 450 has dual functions of breaking ice and driving the buffer 300 to switch states. The buffer member 300 does not need to be additionally provided with other components, which helps to simplify the structure of the ice storage box.

It can be understood that the movable ice blade 450 rotates in the first direction to drive the buffer member 300 to move (that is, switches from the first state to the second state), and the movable ice blade 450 rotates in the second direction to crush ice. The two directions are opposite. That is, when the moving ice blade 450 drives the buffer member 300 to switch the state, the rotating direction of the moving ice blade 450 is opposite to the rotating direction when crushing ice.

When the moving ice blade 450 crushes ice, the ice breaking part 451 of the moving ice blade 450 contacts the ice cube 800 to crush the ice. At this time, the moving ice blade 450 does not contact the buffer member 300, so as to avoid the rotational resistance of the buffer member 300 and ensure that the moving ice blade 450 is in contact with the buffer member 300. The fixed ice blade 440 cooperates with smooth ice crushing. The side of the movable ice blade 450 facing away from the ice crushing part 451 is configured with a protruding part 452, and the protruding part 452 plays the role of pulling ice. Referring to the curved arrow in FIG. 4 , it shows the rotation direction of the moving ice blade 450 when the moving ice blade 450 drives the buffer member 300 to switch states.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed ice blades 440 and the movable ice blades 450 are spaced apart, and the movable ice blades 450 and the fixed ice blades 440 cooperate to fully break the ice cubes 800 and prevent the ice cubes 800 from being jammed on the fixed ice blades 440 .

It can be understood that the movable ice blade 450 rotates along the first direction to drive the ice cubes into the top of the buffer member 300, and is suitable for applying pressure to the ice cubes above the buffer member 300 to drive the buffer member 300 to move (that is, to drive the buffer member 300 to move). 300 switches from the first state to the second state), the buffer member 300 moves to move ice cubes out of the first area 410 . The rotation of the movable ice blade 450 can transport the ice cube 800 from the first outlet 110 to the top of the buffer member 300, and the movable ice blade 450 continues to rotate to compress the ice cube 800 downward, and transmit the pressing force to the buffer member 300 through the ice cube 800, so as to The buffer member 300 is switched from the first state to the second state, and then the ice cube 800 is moved out from the first area 410 . It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the upper end of the ice storage box body 100 is provided with an inlet 130 , the side of the ice storage box body 100 is provided with a first outlet 110 , and the ice storage box body 100 is provided with an ice pusher. Assembly 120 , the ice pushing assembly 120 includes an ice pushing rod 121 and a roller 122 , the ice pushing rod 121 and the roller 122 cooperate to transport the ice cubes 800 entering the ice storage box body 100 through the inlet 130 to the first outlet 110 .

It can be understood that the buffer member 300 is suitable for switching between the first state and the second state. Referring to FIGS. Block 800 , in the second state (not shown in the figure), the buffer member 300 is suitable for removing the received ice block 800 .

The purpose of buffering and transporting the ice cubes 800 is achieved by switching the state of the buffer member 300 so as to move the ice cubes 800 into the ice outlet channel 200 . The operation method is simple, and only the buffer member 300 needs to be added, and the structure of the ice storage box is simple.

The manner in which the buffer member 300 switches between the first state and the second state may be as follows:

First, when the buffer member 300 is in the first state, the ice cube 800 falls on the buffer member 300, the buffer member 300 is elastically deformed by the impact of the ice cube 800, the buffer member 300 switches to the second state, the first outlet 110 and The ice outlet channel 200 is connected, so that the ice cubes 800 buffered by the buffer member 300 enter the ice outlet channel 200; when the impact force is released, the buffer member 300 resets and returns to the first state;

The second type, different from the first type, is that the buffer member 300 is impacted by the ice cube 800, and elastically deforms under the action of other external forces (such as the above-mentioned moving ice blade 450 provides driving power), that is, the gravity of the ice cube 800 is insufficient. To deform the buffer member 300; when the external force is released, the buffer member 300 can be reset and returned to the first state;

The third type, different from the first type, is that after being impacted by the ice cubes 800, the buffer member 300 is adjusted in position under the action of an external force, so that the ice cubes on the buffer member 300 fall into the ice outlet channel 200, wherein, The way of position adjustment can be movement adjustment, rotation adjustment or a combination of both. The buffer member 300 can return to the first state under the action of external force.

There are various ways to adjust the buffer member 300 between the two states, and other ways to adjust the buffer member 300 are also available.

Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , it is illustrated that the buffer member 300 is in the first state. In the first state, the first outlet 110 and the ice outlet channel 200 can also be in a communication state, but the size of the communication part may not be able to allow the ice cubes 800 to pass through. Therefore, the state adjustment of the buffer member 300 can meet the needs of transporting the ice cubes 800. To the demand of the ice outlet channel 200.

It should be noted that the buffer member 300 does not necessarily need to switch between the two states. The buffer member 300 can also be configured with a slope structure inclined downward. The piece 300 guides the ice cubes 800 into the ice outlet channel 200, and the structure of the slope is simple.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the buffer member 300 is configured with a mounting portion 310 and a receiving portion 320 suitable for receiving ice cubes 800 , and the receiving portion 320 is connected to the mounting portion 310 . The buffer member 300 is fixedly installed through the installation part 310 , and the receiving part 320 plays a role of receiving and buffering the ice cube 800 , and the ice cube 800 can be moved out of the buffer member 300 along the receiving part 320 .

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the installation part 310 can be installed on the ice bank body 100 , or other fixed parts outside the ice bank body 100 , such as the housing 430 of the ice crushing assembly 400 in the following embodiments. The installation method of the installation part 310 can be inserted, clamped, screwed or glued. Referring to FIG. 4 , the installation part 310 is inserted into the first installation groove of the housing 430 . The installation part 310 and the receiving part 320 can be an integral structure or a detachable structure. The integral structure has a simple structure and good stability, and the detachable structure is convenient for disassembly and assembly, which can be selected according to needs.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the receiving portion 320 is inclined downward along the installation portion 310 away from the installation portion 310, and the downward inclination of the receiving portion 320 helps the ice cube 800 to slide down. 800 can be moved out of the receiving portion 320 smoothly.

The receiving portion 320 is inclined downward, and can be inclined along a straight line or along a curve, that is, the upward receiving surface 324 of the receiving portion 320 can be an inclined plane or an inclined curved surface. The receiving portion 320 is inclined downward. It may be that the extending trend of the receiving portion 320 is downwardly inclined, but it does not rule out that a part of the receiving portion 320 has an upward protrusion. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the receiving surface 324 of the receiving portion 320 is a curved surface, the overall trend of the receiving surface 324 is downwardly inclined, and the end of the receiving surface 324 has an arched portion.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the receiving portion 320 includes a recessed area 321 and a reinforced area 322 arched relative to the recessed area 321 , and the reinforced area 322 is located at an end of the recessed area 321 . The recessed area 321 is mainly used to accept the ice cube 800, and the reinforced area 322 strengthens the overall structure of the receiving portion 320 to ensure the bearing capacity and service life of the receiving portion 320.

The concave area 321 is a curved concave structure, which has a better receiving effect on the ice cube 800 and can alleviate the rebound of the ice cube 800 . One or both ends of the recessed area 321 have a reinforced area 322, which can be selected according to actual conditions.

It can be understood that the smooth transition between the recessed area 321 and the reinforced area 322 can alleviate the problem of stress concentration, make the structure of the receiving portion 320 more stable, and help increase the service life.

It can be understood that the reinforcement area 322 includes at least one of a first reinforcement area 3221 and a second reinforcement area 3222, the first reinforcement area 3221 is located at the first end where the receiving portion 320 is connected to the installation portion 310, and the second reinforcement area 3222 is located at The receiving portion 320 is away from the second end of the installation portion 310 . That is, at least one end of the recessed area 321 is provided with a reinforcing structure to improve the structural strength and stability of the buffer member 300 , thereby increasing the service life.

A first reinforcement zone 3221 is provided at the first end where the receiving portion 320 is connected to the mounting portion 310, which can strengthen the connecting portion between the receiving portion 320 and the mounting portion 310 to avoid breakage of the connecting portion; The second end is provided with a second reinforcement area 3222 , and the second reinforcement area 3222 cooperates with the recessed area 321 to enhance the bearing capacity and stability of the receiving portion 320 .

4 and 5, the reinforced area 322 includes a first reinforced area 3221 and a second reinforced area 3222, and the two ends of the recessed area 321 are respectively reinforced by the first reinforced area 3221 and the second reinforced area 3222 to enhance the cushioning. The structural strength and bearing capacity of the buffer member 300 help to increase the service life of the buffer member 300.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the receiving part 320 is configured with a receiving surface 324, the surface of the receiving part 320 facing upwards is the receiving surface 324, and the side of the reinforcement area 322 away from the receiving surface 324 is configured with a reinforcing rib 323 , the reinforcing rib 323 further strengthens the structure of the reinforcing area 322 , and further improves the structural strength of the receiving portion 320 .

When the reinforced area 322 includes a first reinforced area 3221, a first reinforced rib 3231 is provided in the first reinforced area 3221; when the reinforced area 322 includes a second reinforced area 3222, a second reinforced rib 3232 is provided in the second reinforced area 3222; refer to the figure 4 and 5, the reinforced area 322 includes a first reinforced area 3221 and a second reinforced area 3222, the first reinforced area 3221 is provided with a first reinforced rib 3231, and the second reinforced area 3222 is provided with a second reinforced rib 3232.

It can be understood that at least one side of the mounting portion 310 is configured with a limiting portion 330 , and the limiting portion 330 extends away from the receiving surface 324 of the receiving portion 320 and protrudes downward relative to the receiving portion 320 . The limiting part 330 plays a role of limiting and supporting the buffering part 300. The limiting part 330 limits the movement range of the buffering part 300 by abutting against the surface of the fixed structure on which it is installed, so that the buffering part 300 can be kept in a preferred position. stress state.

When the receiving surface 324 is under pressure, the buffer member 300 is switched from the first state to the second state, and the stopper 330 moves toward the surface of the fixed structure on which the buffer member 300 is installed (such as the shell 430 of the above-mentioned ice crushing assembly 400 ). surface) until the limiting part 330 abuts against the surface of the fixed structure, and the range of movement of the buffer member 300 reaches the maximum. At this time, the limiting part 330 plays the role of limiting and supporting, which helps to optimize the stress of the buffer member 300 , thereby helping to increase the life of the buffer member 300 .

4 and 5, one side of the installation part 310 is configured with a limiting part 330, the limiting part 330 is located on the side of the buffer 300 facing the first outlet 110, the ice cube 800 moves out from the first outlet 110, and the buffer 300 300 on the side facing the first outlet 110 has more ice cubes 800 and is under a greater force. Therefore, the buffer member 300 is limited and supported on the side facing the first outlet 110 to keep the buffer member 300 at a better pressure. power state. The other side of the installation part 310 (the side away from the first outlet 110) may not be provided with a limiting part, then only on the side where the limiting part is configured, a sharp point appears at the connection between the limiting part 330 and the receiving part 320, and the stress Concentration is less.

The limiting part 330 is configured with an abutting surface, and the abutting surface and the surface of the fixing structure to be abutted against are suitable for adhering to each other, so as to ensure the supporting stability of the limiting part 330 . When the buffer member 300 is fixed to the housing 430 of the ice crushing assembly 400 , the shape of the abutting surface is consistent with the shape of the inner wall of the housing 430 .

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the buffer member 300 is configured with a support portion 340 connected to the mounting portion 310 , and the support portion 340 and the mounting portion 310 define the first groove portion 311 . When the buffer member 300 is installed on the fixed structure, the support portion 340 abuts against the surface of the fixed structure. The supporting portion 340 provides supporting force for the buffer member 300 .

When the buffer member 300 is installed on the housing 430 of the ice crushing assembly 400 , the installation part 310 is plugged into the housing 430 , the support part 340 abuts against the surface of the housing 430 , and the support part 340 strengthens and supports the installation part 310 . When the buffer member 300 is switchable between the first state and the second state, in the second state, affected by the elastic deformation of the buffer member 300 , a part of the support portion 340 may be separated from the surface of the housing 430 .

5, the installation part 310 and the support part 340 limit the first groove part 311, on the side opposite to the first groove part 311, the installation part 310 limits the second groove part 312, and the housing 430 is provided with the second groove part 312. A groove part 311 is a protrusion matching the second groove part 312 , the installation part 310 is matched with the first installation groove opened in the housing 430 , and the installation part 310 is adapted to be inserted into the first installation groove.

It can be understood that the smooth transition of the connection between the installation part 310 and the receiving part 320 helps the installation part 310 and the receiving part 320 to bear force evenly and avoids stress concentration at the connection.

It can be understood that, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , the thickness of the mounting portion 310 is greater than that of the receiving portion 320 , which enhances the structural strength of the mounting portion 310 and prevents the mounting portion 310 from breaking under force.

When the buffer member 300 includes the limiting portion 330 , the thickness of the limiting portion 330 is also greater than the thickness of the receiving portion 320 to enhance the structural strength of the buffer member 300 . When the buffer member 300 includes a support portion 340 (see the following embodiments for specific structures), the thickness of the support portion 340 is also greater than that of the receiving portion 320 to enhance the structural strength of the buffer member 300 .

Combining the above, the receiving part 320 can be structurally strengthened by setting the reinforcing area 322 and the reinforcing rib 323, and the mounting part 310 can be structurally strengthened by thickening. Combining the two, the structural strength and structural stability of the buffer member 300 can be effectively enhanced.

Of course, the thickness of the installation part 310 can also be equal to the thickness of the receiving part 320, which is convenient for design and processing.

It can be understood that the buffer member 300 is an elastic structure, and the elastic structure is used to receive the ice cube 800, and the elastic structure can effectively absorb the gravitational potential energy of the ice cube 800, so that the ice cube 800 can be buffered.

The elastic structure is prone to elastic deformation. In combination with the above content, the buffer member 300 can be switched from the first state to the second state through elastic deformation. The structure is simple and the state adjustment is easy.

It can be understood that, as shown in FIG. 5 , the buffer member 300 is integrally formed, with strong integrity, simple structure and easy installation. At this time, the buffer member 300 may be an elastic structure, that is, the buffer member 300 is an elastic integrally formed structure, which has a simple structure and a good buffer effect.

An embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure provides an ice maker, including an ice making assembly 500 and the ice storage box in one or more embodiments above, the inlet 130 of the ice storage box body 100 is adapted to be connected with the ice making assembly 500 connected to the second exit. The ice storage box has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments, and the ice machine has the above beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the above content, which will not be repeated here.

The ice machine can be an independent device, or it can be a component integrated in a refrigerator, a freezer, or a water dispenser. The ice machine can be used in various ways, which can be selected according to actual needs.

The embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 , provides a refrigeration device, including a cabinet body 900 and the ice storage box in one or more embodiments above, and the ice storage box is installed in the cabinet body. 900. If the ice storage box has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments, then the refrigeration equipment has the above beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the above content, and details will not be repeated here.

The refrigeration equipment can be equipment with refrigeration functions such as refrigerators, freezers, and water dispensers. The refrigeration equipment has the function of making ice, and also has the functions of buffering ice cubes 800, sound absorption and noise reduction, and reducing the splash of ice cubes 800.

It can be understood that, referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 , the cabinet body 900 includes a cabinet body 910 and a door body 920 suitable for opening and closing relative to the cabinet body 910. The cabinet body 910 is provided with an ice storage box, and the door body 920 is set There is an ice outlet channel 200 communicating with the first outlet 110 . The ice storage box body 100 and the buffer member 300 are arranged in the cabinet body 910, which can make full use of the cooling capacity in the cabinet body 900, and the ice outlet channel 200 is arranged in the door body 920, which is convenient for users to take ice. Generally, the ice outlet channel 200 extends from the inner side of the door body 920 to the outer side of the door body 920, which is convenient for users to take ice from the outer side of the door body 920. The ice removal process does not need to open the door, reduces cooling loss, and is also convenient for users to operate.

The door body 920 is also provided with an ice outlet funnel 700 , the outlet end of the ice outlet channel 200 is provided with an ice outlet funnel 700 , and the ice cubes 800 are moved out of the door body 920 through the ice outlet funnel 700 .

It can be understood that the cabinet body 910 is provided with an ice making assembly 500, the inlet 130 of the ice storage box body 100 is adapted to communicate with the second outlet of the ice making assembly 500, and the ice making assembly 500 is arranged above the ice storage box body 100, It is convenient to utilize the cooling capacity in the cabinet body 900.

It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , the side of the ice bank body 100 facing the door body 920 is connected to the ice crushing assembly 400 , and an end cover 600 is provided on the outside of the ice crushing assembly 400 , and the end cover 600 covers the ice crushing assembly. The housing 430 of 400, the ice making assembly 500, and the space in the cabinet body 900 communicate with the ice making assembly 500 and the ice storage box body 100 through the end cover 600. The end cover 600 is provided to make the appearance and structure of the refrigerator simple.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 , an ice pushing plate 921 is provided outside the door body 920 , and a user can obtain ice cubes 800 by operating the ice pushing plate 921 .

The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present disclosure, but not to limit the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent replacements of the technical solutions of the present disclosure will not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and all should cover within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

An ice storage box, characterized in that it comprises:

The body of the ice storage box is provided with a first outlet;

The buffer member is arranged downstream of the first outlet and has a height lower than that of the first outlet.
The ice storage box according to claim 1, further comprising an ice crushing assembly located at the first outlet, the ice crushing assembly includes a housing, and the outlet of the housing includes an ice cube suitable for removing whole ice. A first area and a second area adapted to dislodge crushed ice, the damper being located in the first area.
The ice storage box according to claim 2, wherein the crushed ice assembly further comprises a fixed ice knife fixed to the housing and a movable ice knife that rotates relative to the fixed ice knife, and the fixed ice knife is located at the In the second area, the first outlet is located above the fixed ice blade.
The ice storage box according to claim 3, wherein the movable ice blade rotates in a first direction to drive the buffer member to move, and the movable ice blade rotates in a second direction to cooperate with the fixed ice blade to crush ice , the first direction is opposite to the second direction.
The ice storage box according to claim 4, characterized in that, the movable ice blade rotates along the first direction to drive ice cubes into the upper part of the buffer part, and is suitable for moving ice toward the buffer part. The block exerts pressure to drive the bumper in motion, the bumper moving to dislodge the ice block from the first area.
The ice storage box according to claim 2, wherein the buffer member is mounted on the housing.
The ice storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the buffer member is suitable for switching between a first state and a second state, and in the first state, the buffer member It is suitable for receiving the ice cubes removed from the first outlet, and in the second state, the buffer member is suitable for removing the received ice cubes.
The ice storage box according to claim 7, wherein the buffer member is configured with a mounting portion and a receiving portion suitable for receiving the ice cubes, and the receiving portion is connected to the mounting portion.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, wherein the receiving portion is inclined downward along the installation portion in a direction away from the installation portion.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, wherein the receiving portion comprises a concave area and a reinforced area arched relative to the concave area, and the reinforced area is located at an end of the concave area.
The ice storage box according to claim 10, wherein the reinforced area includes at least one of a first reinforced area and a second reinforced area, and the first reinforced area is located between the receiving portion and the mounting portion At the first end connected, the second reinforcement area is located at the second end of the receiving portion away from the installation portion.
The ice storage box according to claim 10, characterized in that, the receiving portion is configured with a receiving surface, and a side of the reinforced region away from the receiving surface is configured with a reinforcing rib.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, wherein at least one side of the installation part is configured with a limiting part, and the limiting part extends away from the receiving surface of the receiving part and is opposite to the The receiving part protrudes.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, wherein the buffer member is configured with a support portion connected to the installation portion, and the support portion and the installation portion define a first groove.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, characterized in that, the connection between the installation part and the receiving part has a smooth transition.
The ice storage box according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the installation part is greater than or equal to the thickness of the receiving part.
The ice storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the buffer member is an elastic structure.
An ice maker, characterized by comprising an ice making assembly and the ice storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the inlet of the ice storage box body is suitable for matching with the first ice storage box of the ice making assembly The two exits are connected.
A refrigeration device, characterized by comprising a cabinet body and the ice storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the ice storage box is installed on the cabinet body.
The refrigeration equipment according to claim 19, wherein the cabinet body includes a cabinet body and a door body suitable for opening and closing relative to the cabinet body, the cabinet body is provided with the ice storage box, so The door body is provided with an ice outlet channel communicating with the first outlet.