ICE MAKER AND REFRIGERATOR

Description

This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310349811.1, filed on Apr. 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application refers to the field of refrigeration devices, and more particularly to an ice maker and a refrigerator incorporating the same.

BACKGROUND

In traditional refrigerators equipped with ice makers, the ice maker is typically installed in the freezer compartment and relies on air cooling or direct cooling to produce ice. This method results in ice formation from the outside inward, with residual air in the air unable to be expelled, leading to ice cubes with bubbles, poor quality, and lack of transparency. To address this, a method has been proposed to maintain a circulating flow of water in the ice tray, this method involves setting up a circulating pump within the ice tray to drive the water to circulate, since the circulating pump can only cause the water in the entire ice tray to flow and cannot ensure stable water flow around each ice making column, some ice cubes formed on the ice making columns still contain bubbles, resulting in poor ice making performance of the ice maker.

Any prior art mentioned in this specification does not imply an acknowledgment or suggestion that the prior art constitutes part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that it can reasonably be expected to be understood, considered relevant, and/or combined with other prior art by a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

An object of the present application is to provide an ice maker with improved ice making performance.

In order to achieve the above objects of the invention, the present application provides an ice maker, comprising:

• • a water storage box;
  • an ice tray, the ice tray is formed with an ice making cavity, and the ice tray is pivotable relative to the water storage box to switch between an ice making position and an ejection position;
  • a refrigeration device, comprising a plurality of ice making columns; at least a portion of the ice making columns extends into the ice making cavity, when the ice tray is in the ice making position;
  • a liquid delivery assembly, comprising a liquid delivery tube connecting the water storage box and the ice tray;
  • wherein the liquid delivery tube comprises a plurality of surge outlets exposed to the ice making cavity, the number of the surge outlet being the same as the number of the ice making columns, and each the surge outlet is oriented towards each the ice making column, when in the ice making position.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein centerlines of the plurality of the surge outlets are mutually parallel, and the centerline of each the surge outlet is collinear with an axis of each the ice making column.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, the ice tray comprises an ice making opening for exposing the ice making cavity, and the liquid delivery tube comprises a surge section forming the surge outlet, the surge section being disposed opposite to the ice making opening.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the ice tray comprises a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the periphery of the bottom wall and the side wall defines the ice making opening, and the surge section is fixedly connected to the bottom wall.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the water storage box comprises an installation cavity and a water storage cavity communicating with the installation cavity, the liquid delivery assembly comprises a liquid delivery pump disposed on the liquid delivery tube, the ice tray is located above the water storage cavity, and the ice making opening is exposed to the installation cavity.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the ice tray comprises a positioning slot formed on the bottom wall and matching with the surge section, and the ice maker comprises a fixing member connecting the ice tray, the surge section being disposed in the positioning slot and abutting against the fixing member.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the ice maker comprises an ice storage box connected to the water storage box, the ice storage box having an ice storage opening exposed to the installation cavity, the ice tray is pivotally connected to the water storage box, the ejection position has a draining state and an ice release state corresponding to different orientation of the ice making opening, and in the ice release state, the ice making columns are exposed to the installation cavity and located directly above the ice storage opening.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the ice maker comprises a water barrier cooperating with the ice tray, the water barrier comprises a water barrier plate and a connecting plates connected to both sides of the water barrier plate, the water barrier switching between a water guiding state and an avoidance state based on the rotation of the ice tray, and in the water guiding state, the water barrier plate is located between the ice tray and the ice storage box and covers at least a portion of the ice storage opening.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the ice maker comprises a movable part connected to the ice tray and a first limiting part and a second limiting part connected to the water storage box, and the first limiting part and the second limiting part is cooperates with the movable part, the movable part abutting against the first limiting part in the ice making position, and the movable part abutting against the second limiting part in the ice release state.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the refrigeration device is activated no earlier than the liquid output time of the surge outlet when in the ice making position.

As a further improvement of the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the refrigeration device is activated when the ice making cavity is filled with liquid in the ice making position.

In order to achieve the above objects of the invention, the present application provides a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator comprises the ice maker as described in any of the above embodiments.

Compared to related technologies, in the embodiments of the present application, the ice maker introduces water from the water storage box into the surge outlet, and continuously sprays the water towards multiple ice making columns through the surge outlet, this ensures that the water in the ice tray remains in motion during the ice making process, and guarantees stable water flow around each ice making column, thereby preventing the formation of bubbles in the ice cubes on the ice making columns and improving the ice making performance of the ice maker.

The terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprised,” “comprising,” “comprise,” and “comprising” are used herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and they do not exclude the presence of other features, components, elements, or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ice maker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional view at A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional view at B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cross-sectional view at B-B in FIG. 1, where FIG. 5a shows the ice making position, FIG. 5b shows the draining state, and FIG. 5c shows the ice release state;

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of the cooperation between the ice tray and the water barrier in FIG. 1, with the water storage box omitted, and FIG. 6a shows the ice making position, FIG. 6b shows the draining state, and FIG. 6c shows the ice release state;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The following detailed description of the present application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by ordinary skilled persons based on these embodiments are within the scope of protection of the present application.

It should be understood that terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “outer,” and “inner,” which describe spatial relative positions, are used for the purpose of facilitating the description of the relationship between one unit or feature and another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The terms describing spatial relative positions are intended to comprise different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the drawings.

In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, the terms “installation,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary skilled persons in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood based on the specific circumstances.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a preferred embodiment of the present application provides an ice maker, which is preferably used to produce transparent bullet-shaped ice.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an ice maker comprises a water storage box 10, an ice tray 20, a refrigeration device 30, and a liquid delivery assembly 40. In this embodiment, the water storage box 10 is used to store water required for ice making and provides the water to the ice tray 20 through the liquid delivery assembly 40, the refrigeration device 30 provides the cooling required for ice making.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the ice tray 20 is formed with an ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, the ice making cavity 21 is used to hold water for ice making.

Further, the ice tray 20 is pivotable relative to the water storage box 10 to switch between an ice making position and an ejection position. In this embodiment, the ice tray 20 and the water storage box 10 can rotate relative to each other. The ice tray 20 in FIG. 3 is in the ice making position.

Specifically, the refrigeration device 30 has a plurality of ice making columns 31, in the ice making position, at least a portion of the ice making columns 31 extends into the ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, each ice making column 31 extends into the ice making cavity 21 and contacts with the water in the ice making cavity 21. At this time, the cooling generated by the refrigeration device 30 is transferred to each ice making column 31, which in turn continuously transfers the cooling to the water in the ice making cavity 21, causing the water in the ice tray 20 to cool and freeze, the water eventually freezing onto each ice making column 31. Multiple ice making columns 31 can simultaneously form multiple ice cubes. Since the multiple ice making columns 31 are columnar in structure, the ice cubes formed on the multiple ice making columns 31 are bullet-shaped.

Specifically, the liquid delivery assembly 40 comprises a liquid delivery tube 41 connecting the water storage box 10 and the ice tray 20. In this embodiment, the liquid delivery assembly 40 uses the liquid delivery tube 41 to connect the water storage box 10 and the ice tray 20, thereby transporting water from the water storage box 10 to the ice tray 20, compared to the method of supplying water from an external water source, this method can pre-cool the water injected into the ice tray 20.

Further, the liquid delivery tube 41 comprise a plurality of surge outlet 41b exposed within the ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, water in the liquid delivery tube 41 continuously flows into the ice making cavity 21 through the surge outlet 41b. During the continuous spraying of the surge outlet 41b, the water in the ice making cavity 21 is disturbed, creating a water flow surge in the ice making cavity 21, which accelerates the release of air bubbles from the water, resulting in ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31 that are bubble-free and more transparent.

Moreover, the water flow into the ice making cavity 21 through multiple surge outlets 41b, thereby accelerating the water injection speed into the ice making cavity 21, and increasing the water flow speed in the ice making cavity 21.

Additionally, the multiple surge outlets 41b are evenly distributed throughout the ice making cavity 21, ensuring water flow disturbances present in all areas of the ice making cavity 21, air bubbles in the water throughout the entire ice tray 20 can be expelled. Furthermore, the multiple surge outlets 41b are evenly arranged on the surge section 41a, ensuring that the water discharge speed at each surge outlet 41b is the same, resulting in uniform water flow surge throughout the ice making cavity 21 and reducing the mutual influence between the water surge generated by the surge outlet 41b.

Further, the number of surge outlet 41b is the same as the number of ice making columns 31. In this embodiment, the number of surge outlet 41b is equal to the number of the ice making columns 31, ensuring that all bubbles in the water in the ice tray 20 are expelled when multiple ice making columns 31 are simultaneously making ice. The axes of each ice making column 31 are mutually parallel.

Further, referring to FIG. 4, in the ice making position, each surge outlet 41b is oriented towards each ice making column 31. In this embodiment, the surge outlet 41b and the ice making columns 31 are one-to-one corresponding, with the water flow discharged from each surge outlet 41b directed towards each ice making column 31, disturbing the water around each ice making column 31 and causing bubbles in the water around the ice making columns 31 to be expelled, resulting in ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31 that are bubble-free and more transparent.

The ice maker introduces water from the water storage box 10 into the surge outlet 41b, continuously spraying the water towards multiple ice making columns 31 through the multiple surge outlet 41b, ensuring that the water in the ice tray 20 remains in motion during the ice making process and guaranteeing stable water flow around each ice making column 31, thereby preventing the formation of bubbles in the ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31, and improving the ice making performance of the ice maker.

Further, the centerlines of the multiple surge outlets 41b are mutually parallel. In this embodiment, the water sprays from each surge outlet 41b in the ice making cavity 21 are parallel, reducing the mutual influence between the water sprays from the multiple surge outlets 41b.

Further, the centerline of each surge outlet 41b is collinear with the axis of each ice making column 31. In this embodiment, each surge outlet 41b is disposed opposite to each ice making column 31, and the centerline of the surge outlet 41b is collinear with the axis of the corresponding ice making column 31. Therefore, each surge outlet 41b is directly aligned with each ice making column 31. Each surge outlet 41b discharges a water flow directly towards each ice making column 31, impacting each ice making column 31, disturbing the water around each ice making column 31, accelerating the release of bubbles from the water around the ice making columns 31, resulting in ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31 that are bubble-free and more transparent.

Of course, in some embodiments, the centerline of each surge outlet 41b may also be set at an angle to the centerline of the corresponding ice making column 31, or they may be parallel but not collinear.

Further, the ice tray 20 has an ice making opening 22 to exposing the ice making cavity 21. In this embodiment, the ice tray 20 is opened. The ice tray 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is in the ice making position, with the ice making opening 22 located at the top of the ice tray 20 at this time.

Further, the liquid delivery tube 41 has a surge section 41a forming the surge outlet 41b. In this embodiment, the surge section 41a is located inside the ice making cavity 21. The surge section 41a is fixedly connected to the ice tray 20, keeping the surge section 41a relatively stationary with the ice tray 20, allowing the surge section 41a to rotate relative to the water storage box 10.

Further, the surge section 41a is disposed opposite to the ice making opening 22. In this embodiment, the surge outlet 41b create a water flow surge around the surge section 41a, disturbing the water around the surge section 41a and accelerating the release of bubbles from the water around the surge section 41a. Since the surge section 41a is opposite to the ice making opening 22, the bubbles released from the water around the surge section 41a are directly discharged from the ice making opening 22, accelerating the removal of bubbles from the ice making cavity 21 and reducing the bubbles in the formed ice cubes, making the ice cubes more transparent.

Specifically, the ice tray 20 has a bottom wall 23 and a side wall 24 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 23, the side wall defines the ice making opening 22, the surge section 41a is fixedly connected to the bottom wall 23. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the bottom wall 23 is located at the bottom of the ice tray 20, and the ice making opening 22 is located at the top of the ice tray 20, since the surge section 41a is fixed to the bottom wall 23, the ice making opening 22 is vertically opposite to the surge section 41a at this time. Therefore, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, during the liquid delivery tube 41 supply water into the ice tray 20 through the surge section 41a, the water flow enter into the ice tray 20 from the bottom of the ice tray 20 and gradually filling the entire ice making cavity 21, and then overflowing from the ice making opening 22 at the top of the ice tray 20, creating a flowing water in the ice tray 20, resulting in ice cubes that are more transparent and bubble-free.

Moreover, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, since the surge section 41a and the ice making opening 22 are vertically aligned, the water inlet and overflow outlet of the ice tray 20 are also vertically aligned, causing the flowing water in the ice tray 20 to flow vertically through the entire ice making cavity 21, covering the entire ice making cavity 21 with flowing water, accelerating the release of bubbles from the ice tray 20, resulting in ice cubes that are bubble-free and more transparent.

Additionally, fixing the surge section 41a to the bottom wall 23 can also prevent interference between the surge section 41a and the ice making columns 31 and the ice cubes on the ice making columns 31 during the rotation of the ice tray 20.

Specifically, the water storage box 10 has an installation cavity 11 and a water storage cavity 12 communicating with the installation cavity 11. In this embodiment, the installation cavity 11 and the water storage cavity 12 are arranged vertically and are interconnected.

Further, the liquid delivery assembly 40 also comprises a liquid delivery pump 42 disposed on the liquid delivery tube 41. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid delivery pump 42 draws water from the water storage cavity 12 into the ice making cavity 21 to meet the water needs for ice making.

In some embodiments, the liquid delivery pump 42 may also draw water from the ice making cavity 21 into the water storage cavity 12 to facilitate drainage of the ice making cavity 21. Alternatively, the liquid delivery pump 42 may be capable of drawing water from both the water storage cavity 12 into the ice making cavity 21 and drawing water from the ice making cavity 21 into the water storage cavity 12, achieving bidirectional communication.

Specifically, the ice tray 20 is located above the water storage cavity 12, and the ice making opening 22 is exposed to the installation cavity 11. In this embodiment, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the liquid delivery pump 42 continuously draws water from the water storage cavity 12 and injects the water into the ice making cavity 21, then the water in the ice tray 20 overflow through the ice making opening 22, since the ice making opening 22 is exposed to the installation cavity 11, the overflowing water from the ice tray 20 flows into the installation cavity 11 and eventually falls into the water storage cavity 12 below the ice tray 20, where the water can be continuously drawn by the liquid delivery pump 42, thereby achieving a water circulation between the ice making cavity 21 and the water storage cavity 12.

Specifically, continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the ice tray 20 also has a positioning slot 25 formed on the bottom wall 23 and matching with the surge section 41a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration device 30 further comprise a refrigerant tube 32 connected to the ice making columns 31. The refrigerant tube 32 connects the evaporator, condenser, and compressor to form a refrigeration circuit together. The refrigerant tube 32 is connected to the ice making columns 31, allowing refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit to flow into the ice making columns 31, to cool the ice making columns 31. Since the ice making columns 31 are evenly distributed in an array, it is preferable to set the refrigerant tube 32 in a “U” shape. Due to the surge outlet 41b is opposite to the ice making columns 31, it is also preferable to set the surge section 41a in a “U” shape matching the refrigerant tube 32, and to set the positioning slot 25 in a “U” shape matching the surge section 41a.

The “U” shaped structure of the surge section 41a allows the surge section 41a to cover the entire bottom of the ice making cavity 21. Multiple surge outlets 41b are evenly spaced along the water flow path inside the surge section 41a, ensuring that the water sprays from the surge outlet 41b are evenly distributed throughout the ice making cavity 21.

Further, the ice maker also comprises a fixing member 50 connected to the ice tray 20. In this embodiment, the fixing member 50 is fixed to the ice tray 20 and located at the edge of the positioning slot 25.

Specifically, the surge section 41a is set in the positioning slot 25 and abuts against the fixing member 50. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the ice tray 20 in the ice making position, at least a portion of the surge section 41a extends into the positioning slot 25, restricting the surge section 41a from shifting horizontally; the fixing member 50 abuts against the top of the surge section 41a, restricting the surge section 41a from shifting vertically, facilitating installation and disassembly.

Further, the ice maker also comprises an ice storage box 60 connected to the water storage box 10, the ice storage box 60 comprises an ice storage opening 61 exposed to the installation cavity 11. In this embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the top of the ice storage box 60 is open, the ice storage box 60 is slidably connected to the water storage box 10, and movable on the water storage box 10 by pushing and pulling, facilitating user access to the ice cubes.

Specifically, the ice tray 20 is pivotally connected to the water storage box 10. In this embodiment, the ice tray 20 is pivotally connected to the water storage box 10 by protruding shafts at both ends of the water storage box 10, allowing the body of the ice tray 20 to rotate within the installation cavity 11. The liquid delivery tube 41 also comprises a connecting portion connecting the liquid delivery pump 42 and the surge section 41a, the connecting portion is preferably a flexible tube, facilitating the surge section 41a rotating together with the ice tray 20.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the ejection position has a draining state and an ice release state, which correspond to different orientations of the ice making opening 22. In this embodiment, during the rotation of the ice tray 20 relative to the water storage box 10, the ice tray 20 occupies different positions. wherein, the ice tray 20 in FIGS. 5a and 6a is in the ice making position, the ice tray 20 in FIGS. 5b and 5c and FIGS. 6b and 6c is in the ejection position. When the ice tray 20 is in the ejection position, the ice tray 20 has different states corresponding to different orientation of the ice making opening 22. wherein, the ice tray 20 in FIGS. 5b and 6b is in the draining state, the ice tray 20 in FIGS. 5c and 6c is in the ice release state.

Specifically, continuing to refer to FIG. 5, in the ice release state, the ice making columns 31 are exposed to the installation cavity 11 and located directly above the ice storage opening 61. In this embodiment, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice release state, heating the ice making columns 31 causes the ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31 to fall into the ice storage box 60 below for user use.

Specifically, the ice maker also comprises a first heating element 140 set on the side of the refrigerant tube 32 opposite to the ice making columns 31, and a second heating element 150 set in the water storage cavity 12 and located below the ice storage box 60. The refrigeration device 30 is fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, the ice making columns 31 is located in the installation cavity 11. When the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the ice making columns 31 are exposed to the ice making cavity 21. After ice making is completed, rotating the ice tray 20 to the ice release state, when the ice tray 20 in the ice release state, the ice making columns 31 exposes to the installation cavity 11, heating the ice making columns 31 by the first heating element 140, causing the ice cubes on the ice making columns 31 to release and fall directly into the ice storage box 60. During the ice making process of the ice maker, the second heating element 150 heats the water in the water storage cavity 12, preventing the water in the water storage cavity 12 from freezing and ensuring normal water pumping and supply by the liquid delivery pump 42.

In some embodiments, a semiconductor refrigeration device may be used to replace the refrigerant tube 32 or the entire refrigeration device 30, eliminating the need for the first heating element 140.

Further, the ice maker also comprises a water barrier 70 cooperating with the ice tray 20. In this embodiment, the water barrier 70 is provided to shield the liquid discharged from the ice making opening 22, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position or the draining state, preventing the liquid from flowing into the ice storage box 60.

Specifically, the water barrier 70 comprise a water barrier plate 71 and connecting plates 72 connected to both sides of the water barrier plate 71. In this embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the water barrier plate 71 is a flat plate structure, and the water barrier 70 is pivotally connected to the protruding shafts at both ends of the ice tray 20 via the connecting plates 72, enabling relative or joint rotation between the water barrier 70 and the ice tray 20.

Specifically, the water barrier 70 switches between a water guiding state and an avoidance state based on the rotation of the ice tray 20. In this embodiment, when the ice tray 20 rotates and drives the water barrier 70 to rotate, the water barrier 70 can be in different states. Wherein, the water barrier 70 in FIGS. 5a and 5b and FIGS. 6a and 6b is in the water guiding state, the water barrier 70 in FIGS. 5c and 6c is in the avoidance state.

Specifically, when the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, the water barrier plate 71 is located between the ice tray 20 and the ice storage box 60, and the water barrier plate 71 covers at least a portion of the ice storage opening 61 above. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position or the draining state. The water in the ice tray 20 flows out through the ice making opening 22 and lands on the water barrier plate 71, the water barrier plate 71 guides the water into the water storage cavity 12, preventing the water from directly falling into the ice storage box 60 and ensuring the normal storage of ice cubes in the ice storage box 60. As shown in FIG. 5c, when the water barrier 70 is in the avoidance state, the ice tray 20 is in the ice release state, and the ice making columns 31 are directly exposed above the ice storage opening 61. Heating the ice making columns 31, the ice cubes release from the ice making columns 31 and fall into the ice storage box 60. During the ice release process, the water barrier 70 does not interfere with the falling ice cubes.

Further, the ice tray 20 is provided with an overflow spout 26, the overflow spout 26 is located directly above the water barrier plate 71 in the water guiding state. In this embodiment, the overflow spout 26 ensures that the water in the ice tray 20 overflows from the overflow spout 26 when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, ensuring a stable and even water flow from the ice tray 20 to the water barrier plate 71, reducing the splashing of water on the water barrier plate 71 and preventing the overflow water from the ice tray 20 from falling into the ice storage box 60.

Preferably, one overflow spout 26 is set on the ice tray 20, the overflow spout 26 is located at the central position of the ice tray 20. The overflow spout 26 has a flat overflow plate, flat overflow plate is recessed at the edge of the ice making opening 22. When the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the overflow plate 26 and the water barrier plate 71 tilt towards the same side, smoothly and quickly guiding the overflow water from the ice tray 20 into the water storage cavity 12, accelerating the water circulation between the ice making cavity 21 and the water storage cavity 12.

Specifically, continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 6, the ice maker also comprises a first stopper 80 and a second stopper 90 connected to the ice tray 20, and the first stopper 80 and the second stopper 90 are configured to cooperate with the water barrier 70. In this embodiment, the connecting plates 72 are located between the first stopper 80 and the second stopper 90, and the rotation of the ice tray 20 drives the first stopper 80 and the second stopper 90 to rotate. When the first stopper 80 or the second stopper 90 abuts against the connecting plates 72, the water barrier 70 rotates jointly with the ice tray 20. Taking FIG. 6 as an example, when the ice tray 20 rotates counterclockwise, the first stopper 80 abuts against the connecting plates 72, the ice tray 20 drives the water barrier 70 to rotate in the same direction as the ice tray 20, i.e., counterclockwise. When the ice tray 20 rotates clockwise, the second stopper 90 abuts against the connecting plates 72, the ice tray 20 drives the water barrier 70 to rotate in the same direction as the ice tray 20, i.e., clockwise.

Specifically, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the connecting plates 72 abut against the first stopper 80. In this embodiment, the ice tray 20 is driven to rotate by a driving motor, so when the ice tray 20 stops rotating, the ice tray 20 can use the self-locking function of the driving motor to remain stationary. Therefore, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, and the ice tray 20 abut against the side of the connecting plates 72 via the first stopper 80. Since the ice tray 20 remains stationary, the water barrier 70 also remains stationary, preventing the water barrier 70 from being deflected by the water flow.

Specifically, when the ice tray 20 is in the ejection position, the connecting plates 72 abut against the second stopper 90. In this embodiment, when the ice tray 20 is in the ejection position, the ice tray 20 abut against the connecting plates 72 via the second stopper 90. the ice tray 20 drives the water barrier 70 to rotate jointly, thereby enabling the ice tray 20 to transition from the draining state to the ice release state, allowing the ice making columns 31 to smoothly release the ice.

Similarly, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice release state, the water barrier 70 is in the avoidance state, and the ice tray 20 abut against the side of the connecting plates 72 via the second stopper 90. Since the ice tray 20 remains stationary, the water barrier 70 also remains stationary, preventing the water barrier 70 from interfering with the ice release of the ice making columns 31.

Further, referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the ice maker also comprises a support member 100 connected to the water storage box 10 and cooperating with the water barrier 70. When the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, the support member 100 abuts against the water barrier 70, and when the water barrier 70 is in the avoidance state, the support member 100 disengages from the water barrier 70. In this embodiment, the support member 100 is fixed to the water storage box 10. When the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, the support member 100 provides a certain restraining force to the water barrier 70, preventing the water barrier 70 from being deflected by the water flow. When the water barrier 70 switches from the water guiding state to the avoidance state, the ice tray 20 can drive the water barrier 70 to disengage from the support member 100, during which the support member 100 does not affect the rotation of the water barrier 70 with the ice tray 20.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the support member 100 comprises a support ball 101 and a resilient member 102 abutting against the support ball 101. When the water barrier 70 is in the water guiding state, the resilient member 102 abuts against the side of the support ball 101 opposite to the water barrier 70, providing a certain resilient force to the support ball 101, allowing the support ball 101 to elastically abut against the water barrier 70, providing a restraining force to the water barrier 70 while not interfering with its rotation with the ice tray 20.

Specifically, an installation slot 13 is provided on the water storage box 10 to accommodate the resilient member 102 and at least a portion of the support ball 101, the inner diameter of the opening end of the installation slot 13 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the support ball 101, thereby restricting the support ball 101 from disengaging from the installation slot 13. The installation slot 13 can be integrally formed with the water storage box 10 or can be formed by a separate installation part 170. When using a separate installation part 170 to form the installation slot 13, the installation part 170 needs to be fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the support member 100.

Further, continuing to refer to FIGS. 3 and 6, the ice maker also comprises a support slot 160 formed on the water barrier 70 and matching with the support ball 101. The support slot 160 is used to limit the movement range of the support ball 101, making the support member 100 more stably provide a restraining force to the water barrier 70, facilitating the rotation disengagement between the water barrier 70 and the support member 100.

Further, continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 6, the ice maker also comprises a movable part 110 connected to the ice tray 20 and a first limiting part 120 and a second limiting part 130 connected to the water storage box 10, the first limiting part 120 and the second limiting part 130 is cooperate with the movable part 110. In this embodiment, an internal spline is provided on the movable part 110, and an external spline is provided on the shaft-like protrusion at the end of the ice tray 20, achieving a transmission connection between the movable part 110 and the ice tray 20, i.e., the movable part 110 can rotate jointly with the ice tray 20.

The first limiting part 120 and the second limiting part 130 are fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, and the movable part 110 is located between the first limiting part 120 and the second limiting part 130. Taking FIG. 6 as an example, during the counterclockwise rotation of the ice tray 20, the movable part 110 rotates jointly with the ice tray 20 in the counterclockwise direction. When the movable part 110 contacts the first limiting part 120, the first limiting part 120 can control the driving motor to stop working, and the ice tray 20 also stops rotating. Similarly, during the clockwise rotation of the ice tray 20, the movable part 110 rotates jointly with the ice tray 20 in the clockwise direction. When the movable part 110 contacts the second limiting part 130, the second limiting part 130 can control the driving motor to stop working, and the ice tray 20 also stops rotating.

Therefore, the movable part 110, the first limiting part 120, and the second limiting part 130 can prevent excessive rotation of the ice tray 20 during the operation of the driving motor, thereby avoiding interference between the ice tray 20 and the refrigeration device 30, as well as interference between the water barrier 70 and the water storage box 10.

Specifically, in the ice making position, the movable part 110 abuts against the first limiting part 120, and in the ice release state, the movable part 110 abuts against the second limiting part 130. In this embodiment, the first limiting part 120 and the second limiting part 130 restrict the rotation range of the ice tray 20, the ice tray 20 can only rotate between the ice making position and the ice release position.

Further, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the activation time of the refrigeration device 30 is no earlier than the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b. In this embodiment, the activation time of the refrigeration device 30 is later than or equal to the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b. The activation time of the refrigeration device 30 refers to the startup time of the compressor, the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b refers to the time when the surge outlet 41b start injecting water into the ice making cavity 21.

In the ice making method where the activation time of the refrigeration device 30 is equal to the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b, when the liquid in the liquid delivery tube 41 enters the ice making cavity 21 through the surge outlet 41b or when the surge outlet 41b spray onto the ice making columns 31, the refrigeration device 30 is activated simultaneously for cooling. This continues until the ice making cavity 21 is filled with water and begins to overflow. The water flow formed by the surge outlet 41b continues to surge in the ice making cavity 21, disturbing the water around the ice making columns 31 and accelerating the release of bubbles from the water, resulting in ice cubes on the ice making columns 31 that are bubble-free and more transparent. This ice making method shortens the time required for ice making and saves the user's waiting time for ice.

In the ice making method where the activation time of the refrigeration device 30 is later than the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b, the refrigeration device 30 is activated for cooling after the liquid in the liquid delivery tube 41 has been injected into the ice making cavity 21 through the surge outlet 41b for a period of time. This continues until the ice making cavity 21 is filled with water and begins to overflow. The water flow formed by the surge outlet 41b continues to surge in the ice making cavity 21, disturbing the water around the ice making columns 31 and accelerating the release of bubbles from the water, resulting in ice cubes on the ice making columns 31 that are bubble-free and more transparent. This ice making method ensures that the ice cubes formed on the ice making columns 31 are smoother and meet the requirements, guaranteeing the forming effect of the ice cubes.

Specifically, when the ice tray 20 is in the ice making position, the refrigeration device 30 is activated when the ice making cavity 21 is filled with liquid. In this embodiment, in the ice making method where the activation time of the refrigeration device 30 is later than the liquid output time of the surge outlet 41b, it is preferred to activate the refrigeration device 30 for cooling when the ice making cavity 21 is filled with water and begins to overflow. That is, after the liquid in the liquid delivery tube 41 enters the ice making cavity 21 through the surge outlet 41b, the refrigeration device 30 is immediately activated for cooling when the ice making cavity 21 is filled with water and begins to overflow.

Taking FIGS. 5 and 6 as examples, when the ice maker starts making ice, the driving motor first controls the ice tray 20 to be in the ice making position. The liquid delivery pump 42 draws water from the water storage cavity 12 through the liquid delivery tube 41 and continuously transports the water to the ice making cavity 21. At this time, the ice making columns 31 are located in the ice making cavity 21, and when the ice making columns 31 contact with the water in the ice making cavity 21, ice cubes gradually form on the ice making columns 31. When the ice making cavity 21 is filled with water, the liquid delivery pump 42 continues to inject water into the ice making cavity 21, and the water in the ice making cavity 21 flows through the overflow spout 26 on the ice making opening 22 to the water barrier plate 71 below. the water is guided by the water barrier plate 71 and falls into the water storage cavity 12, and then the water is continuously input into the ice making cavity 21 by the liquid delivery pump 42, forming a water circulation between the ice making cavity 21 and the water storage cavity 12.

After the ice maker completes the ice making process, the liquid delivery pump 42 is turned off, and the driving motor controls the ice tray 20 to rotate clockwise, causing the ice tray 20 to transition from the ice making position to the draining state. During this process, the water in the ice making cavity 21 continuously flows out through the ice making opening 22 or the overflow spout 26 to the water barrier plate 71 below, the water is guided by the barrier plate 71, and fall into the water storage cavity 12. During this process, since the water barrier 70 abuts against the support member 100, the water barrier 70 does not deflect during the water guiding process.

After the ice tray 20 completes the draining process, the driving motor continues to drive the ice tray 20 to rotate. At this time, the second stopper 90 on the ice tray 20 drives the water barrier 70 to rotate clockwise, causing the water barrier 70 to disengage from the support member 100. During this process, the driving motor drives the ice tray 20 to transition from the draining state to the ice release state, and the ice tray 20 drives the water barrier 70 to transition from the water guiding state to the avoidance state. When the ice tray 20 is in the ice release state, the water barrier 70 is in the avoidance state, and at this time, the movable part 110 contacts the second limiting part 130, the second limiting part 130 controls the driving motor to stop rotating. At this time, the first heating element 140 starts working, causing the ice cubes on the ice making columns 31 to release and fall into the ice storage box 60.

After the ice maker completes the ice release process, the driving motor is controlled to drive the ice tray 20 to rotate counterclockwise, causing the ice tray 20 to transition from the ice release state to the ice making state. During this process, when the first stopper 80 abuts against the water barrier 70, the first stopper 80 drives the water barrier 70 to rotate counterclockwise, causing the water barrier 70 to engage with the support member 100. As the driving motor drives the ice tray 20 to rotate, when the movable part 110 contacts the first limiting part 120, the first limiting part 120 controls the driving motor to stop rotating. At this time, the ice tray 20 returns to the ice making position, and the support member 100 also abuts against the water barrier 70, thereby starting the next round of ice making, repeating this process.

According to another aspect of the present application, a refrigerator is also provided, which is equipped with the ice maker according to the present application, preferably set in the refrigerator's fresh food compartment.

It should be understood that although this specification describes various embodiments, it is not intended that each embodiment contain only a single independent technical solution. The manner in which the specification is written is merely for clarity, and those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole.

The technical solutions in the various embodiments can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific explanations of feasible embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application should be comprised within the scope of protection of the present application.