ICE MAKER AND ICE MAKING METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Applications No. 202321959972.4 and 202310914680.7, filed on Jul. 25, 2023, and Chinese Patent Applications No. 202421761489.X, 202421761715.4, 202421759599.2, 202410992248.4, and 202410992249.9, filed on Jul. 23, 2024. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present application relates to the technical field of ice-making, and in particular to an ice maker and an ice making method.

BACKGROUND

[0003]During an ice-making process, water needs to be injected into an ice-making mold, and the mold is then cooled so that the water in the mold freezes into ice. After the water freezes into ice, the ice-making mold is opened. Existing ice-making molds have a problem of a relatively low degree of automation during the mold opening process.

SUMMARY

[0004]The main objective of the present application is to provide an ice maker and an ice making method, aiming to solve a problem that existing ice makers have a relatively low degree of automation during mold opening.

[0005]To achieve the above objectives, the ice maker provided in the present application includes: a rack; an upper ice mold and a lower ice mold; a refrigeration unit; a water supply unit; and a drive unit. The upper ice mold and the lower ice mold are relatively movable and are joinable or separable by a drive unit; the upper ice mold has at least one upper mold cavity, the lower ice mold has at least one lower mold cavity; and the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold are joined to form an ice-making cavity for freezing.

[0006]The drive unit includes a motor and a lifting mechanism, and the motor is configured to drive the lifting mechanism to move the lower ice mold up and down, so as to achieve assembly or separation of the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold.

[0007]The refrigeration unit includes an evaporator tube wound on the upper ice mold.

[0008]The water supply unit includes a spray head and a water supply pipe, the water supply pipe is configured to supply water to the spray head, and the spray head is mounted on the lower ice mold and a nozzle of the spray head communicates with the ice-making cavity.

[0009]The ice maker further includes an ice-melting unit and an ice-falling unit.

[0010]The ice-melting unit includes a heating device arranged on the lower ice mold and configured to heat a wall surface of the lower mold cavity.

[0011]The ice-falling unit includes an ice-guiding mechanism and a driven mechanism, the driven mechanism is drivenly connected to the lower ice mold, and the lower ice mold is configured to slide downward and simultaneously drive the ice-guiding mechanism to rotate and flip into a space between the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold and located below the upper mold cavity.

[0012]In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism is a vertically arranged screw device, including a screw, a guide post arranged parallel to the screw, and a screw seat mounted on the screw; an end of the screw is connected to a transmission wheel and is in transmission connection with the motor; and the lower ice mold is connected to the screw seat and fitted on the guide post.

[0013]In an embodiment, the motor is connected to a drive wheel; the lifting mechanism includes two transmission wheels arranged on opposite sides of the rack; the two transmission wheels and the drive wheel of the motor are arranged at a top of the rack; a transmission belt is fitted between the drive wheel and the two transmission wheels, such that the drive wheel is configured to drive the two transmission wheels to rotate synchronously; and two sides of the lower ice mold are connected to the lifting mechanism.

[0014]In an embodiment, the ice-guiding mechanism is rotatably connected to the rack by a rotating shaft; and the driven mechanism includes a gear rack configured to move up and down along with the lower ice mold and a gear connected to an end of the rotating shaft of the ice-guiding mechanism, the gear rack is configured to drive the gear to rotate so as to cause the ice-guiding mechanism to rotate inward into the rack between the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold.

[0015]In an embodiment, the ice-guiding mechanism includes an upper ice guiding plate and a lower ice guiding plate; a rotating shaft is provided at a top end of the upper ice guiding plate, the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to an upper portion of one side of the rack and is connected to the gear; a hinge shaft is provided at a bottom end of the lower ice guiding plate, and the hinge shaft is rotatably connected to a lower portion of another side of the rack; and the lower ice guiding plate has a gravity arm extending toward the lower ice mold, and an inner side surface of the lower ice guiding plate abuts against the lower ice mold.

[0016]In an embodiment, the water supply unit further includes a water return mechanism; and the water return mechanism includes a water return box, a water return channel, and a water outlet channel, and the water return box is provided at a bottom of the lower ice mold and connected to the ice-making cavity through the water return channel.

[0017]In an embodiment, the heating device is a heating plate fitted to a bottom of the lower ice mold; the bottom of the lower ice mold is provided with a through hole penetrating the lower mold cavity; the heating plate is provided with a water-passing seat sealed and inserted into the through hole, and a top surface of the water-passing seat is smoothly engaged with a wall surface of the lower mold cavity; the water-passing seat is provided with a water inlet channel and a water return channel; and the nozzle of the spray head is inserted into the water inlet channel to communicate with the ice-making cavity.

[0018]In an embodiment, the water return box is fitted and covered below the water-passing seat; and the water supply pipe passes through a bottom wall of the water return box and is connected to the spray head.

[0019]In an embodiment, the nozzle has a spiral water outlet.

[0020]In an embodiment, a top of the upper mold cavity is provided with one or more vent holes.

[0046]In an embodiment, the heating member includes a flexible body covering a back side of a wall of the second mold cavity and a heating body embedded in the flexible body.

[0064]In an embodiment, the second water inlet channel includes a converging section and a plurality of branch sections connected to each other; the plurality of branch sections communicate with the mold cavity; and the converging section gradually expands from a connection with the branch section toward a water inlet of the second water inlet channel.

[0084]In an embodiment, the second mold is provided with a second flow channel for flow of a thawing medium.

[0087]In an embodiment, a cavity wall of the second mold cavity has an equal thickness or an approximately equal thickness, and the ice maker further includes a heating member covering a back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity.

[0094]In an embodiment, the drive assembly includes a worm gear, a worm gear sleeve, a drive motor, and a guide rod; the worm gear is mounted on the rack; the worm gear sleeve is movably mounted on the worm gear and fixedly connected to the second mold; the drive motor is drivingly connected to the worm gear; the second mold is slidably fitted with the guide rod; the guide rod is fixedly mounted on the rack; and the drive assembly further includes a timing belt and a plurality of timing pulleys, the plurality of timing pulleys are mounted on output ends of the worm gear and the drive motor, and the timing belt connects the plurality of timing pulleys.

[0101]According to the technical solution of the present application, the drive assembly drives the second mold to turn over. When ice making is required, the drive assembly drives the second mold to turn over so that the second mold moves to the first position. At this time, the second mold and the first mold are combined, and the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity together form an ice-making cavity. Water is injected into the ice-making cavity, and the mold assembly is then cooled so that a temperature of the water in the ice-making cavity is reduced, thereby freezing the water into ice. After the ice making is completed, the drive assembly drives the second mold to turn over so that the second mold moves to the second position. At this time, the mold assembly is opened, and the ice is then detached from the first mold cavity or the second mold cavity. In the present application, by driving the second mold to turn over through the drive assembly so as to realize combination and opening of the mold assembly, a degree of automation during mold opening in the ice-making process of the ice maker can be effectively improved, thereby solving the technical problem existing in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102]In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or in the prior art, the drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. It should be apparent that the drawings in the following description merely illustrate some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to the structures shown in these drawings without creative efforts.

[0103]FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of the present application.

[0104]FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of upper and lower ice molds of the present application.

[0105]FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a driving unit of the present application

[0106]FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of an ice guiding mechanism of an ice falling unit of the present application in a retracted state.

[0107]FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of the ice guiding mechanism of the ice falling unit of the present application in a turned-down state.

[0108]FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a preparation state for ice making of the present application.

[0109]FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an ice falling step of the present application

[0110]FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a water inlet seat of a heating device of the present application.

[0111]FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of a spray head of the present application

[0112]FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of an ice maker including an ice guiding structure according to an embodiment of the present application, where the ice guiding structure in FIG. 10 is in a non-ice-guiding state.

[0113]FIG. 11 is a schematic structural view of the ice guiding structure of the ice maker in FIG. 10 in an ice-guiding state.

[0114]FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of a mold assembly and a drive assembly of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0115]FIG. 13 is an exploded schematic view of FIG. 12.

[0116]FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of the mold assembly in FIG. 12 after ice making is completed.

[0117]FIG. 15 is a schematic structural view of the mold assembly of the ice maker according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0118]FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of the mold assembly of the ice maker according to yet another embodiment of the present application, where FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which a first mold and a second mold are in a closed state.

[0119]FIG. 17 is a schematic structural view of the mold assembly of the ice maker according to still another embodiment of the present application, where FIG. 17 shows an ice releasing process in which the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body and then turned over to a second position.

[0120]FIG. 18 is a sectional schematic view of the second mold in FIG. 17.

[0121]FIG. 19 is a schematic structural view of a spray assembly of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0122]FIG. 20 is a schematic structural view of the mounting base and the spiral flow guiding blade in FIG. 19.

[0123]FIG. 21 is a schematic structural view of the spray assembly of the ice maker according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0124]FIG. 22 is a schematic structural view of the spiral nozzle in FIG. 21.

[0125]FIG. 23 is a schematic structural view of a guide member in the mold assembly of FIG. 17 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0126]FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of structures of the guide member, the push rod, the spray assembly, and the ejector in FIG. 18.

[0127]FIG. 25 is a schematic structural view of the driving member in FIG. 17.

[0128]FIG. 26 is a schematic structural view showing a copper tube embedded in the first mold, where FIG. 26 illustrates an ice releasing process in which the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body and then turned over to the second position.

[0129]FIG. 27 is a sectional schematic view of the copper tube embedded in the first mold in FIG. 26.

[0130]FIG. 28 is a schematic structural view showing a copper tube embedded in the first mold and the ice maker including a driving member and a driving member, where FIG. 28 illustrates an ice releasing process in which the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body and then turned over to the second position.

[0131]FIG. 29 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a first embodiment of the present application, where the ice maker in FIG. 29 includes an ice guiding structure and the ice guiding structure is in a non-ice-guiding state.

[0132]FIG. 30 is a schematic view of another state of the ice maker in FIG. 29, where the ice maker in FIG. 30 includes an ice guiding structure and the ice guiding structure is in an ice-guiding state.

[0133]FIG. 31 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a second embodiment of the present application, where the first mold and the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 31 are in a mold-opening state, the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body, the ice body is located in the first mold, and the ice maker includes a heating member.

[0134]FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 31.

[0135]FIG. 33 is an enlarged view showing an assembly position of the spray assembly and the second mold in FIG. 32.

[0136]FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the spray assembly, the second mold, and the heating member of the ice maker in FIG. 31.

[0137]FIG. 35 is a schematic structural view of the mounting base and the spiral flow guiding blade in FIG. 34.

[0138]FIG. 36 is a schematic structural view of the spiral nozzle of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0139]FIG. 37 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a third embodiment of the present application, where the first mold and the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 37 are in a mold-opening state, the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body, the ice body is located in the first mold, and the ice maker includes a driving member and an ejector.

[0140]FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 37.

[0141]FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the spray assembly, the ejector, and the driving member in FIG. 37.

[0142]FIG. 40 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a fourth embodiment of the present application, where the first mold and the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 40 are in a mold-opening state, the second mold is first defrosted from the ice body, the ice body is located in the first mold, the ice maker includes a heating member, and a copper tube is arranged in the first mold.

[0143]FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 40.

[0144]FIG. 42 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a fourth embodiment of the present application, where ice-making cavities are provided on both sides of the first mold cover, one ice-making cavity is in a mold-opening state and another ice-making cavity is in a non-mold-opening state.

[0145]FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 42.

[0146]FIG. 44 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, where ice-making cavities are provided on both sides of the first mold cover and both ice-making cavities are in a non-mold-opening state, and the ice maker includes a heating member.

[0147]FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 44.

[0148]FIG. 46 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to a sixth embodiment of the present application, where ice-making cavities are provided on both sides of the first mold cover and both ice-making cavities are in a non-mold-opening state, and the ice maker includes a driving member and an ejector.

[0149]FIG. 47 is a sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 46.

[0150]FIG. 48 is another sectional view of the ice maker in FIG. 46.

[0151]FIG. 49 is a schematic structural view of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application, where the ice guiding structure is in an ice-guiding state.

[0152]FIG. 50 is a sectional schematic view of the ice maker in FIG. 49, where the mold and the second mold are in a combined state and the ice maker is in an ice-making state.

[0153]FIG. 51 is a schematic structural view of the mold assembly of the ice maker FIG. 50.

[0154]FIG. 52 is an exploded schematic view of FIG. 51.

[0155]FIG. 53 is a schematic view showing the first mold and the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 49 in a combined state.

[0156]FIG. 54 is a schematic structural view of the spray assembly and the second mold in FIG. 53.

[0157]FIG. 55 is a schematic structural view of the spray assembly in FIG. 54.

[0158]FIG. 56 is a schematic structural view of the spray assembly and the second mold of the ice maker according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0159]FIG. 57 is a schematic structural view of the spiral nozzle in FIG. 56.

[0160]FIG. 58 is a schematic structural view of an embodiment in which the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 49 is located at the first position, where the first mold and the second mold are in a combined state and the ice guiding structure is in a non-ice-guiding state.

[0161]FIG. 59 is a sectional view of FIG. 58.

[0162]FIG. 60 is a schematic structural view of an embodiment in which the second mold of the ice maker in FIG. 49 is located at the second position, where the first mold and the second mold are in an opened state and the ice guiding structure is in an ice-guiding state.

[0163]FIG. 61 is a sectional view of FIG. 60.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0201]The implementation of the objectives of the present application, as well as the functional features and advantages thereof, will be further described below in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0202]The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0203]It should be noted that, if directional indications (such as upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, etc.) are involved in the embodiments of the present application, such directional indications are only used to explain relative positional relationships, movement conditions, etc., between components under a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will change accordingly.

[0204]In addition, if descriptions such as “first”, “second”, etc., are involved in the embodiments of the present application, such descriptions are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, if “and/or” or “and/or” appears throughout the text, the meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking “A and/or B” as an example, it includes a solution in which A is satisfied, or B is satisfied, or both A and B are satisfied. In addition, the technical solutions of the various embodiments may be combined with each other, but such combinations must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions results in conflicts or cannot be implemented, such a combination shall be deemed not to exist and shall not fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0205]During ice making, an ice-making mold needs to be injected with water, and then the mold is cooled so that the water in the mold is frozen into ice. After the water is frozen into ice, the ice-making mold is opened. The existing ice-making molds have a problem of relatively low automation during the mold opening process.

[0206]At the same time, during the ice-making process of the existing ice-making molds, there is also a problem that energy transfer is relatively slow. When the energy transfer is slow, the time required to freeze water into ice during the ice-making process is relatively long, and after the ice-making is completed, the time required for demolding the ice is also relatively long.

[0207]Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, an ice maker includes a rack 1, an upper ice mold 2, a lower ice mold 3, a refrigeration unit 4, a water supply unit 5, a drive unit 6, an ice-melting unit 8, and an ice-falling unit 9.

[0208]The rack 1 has a gantry structure, and the upper ice mold 2, the lower ice mold 3, and the ice-falling unit 9 are arranged within the gantry structure.

[0209]The drive unit 6 includes a motor 61 and a lifting mechanism 62. The motor 61 drives the lifting mechanism 62 so as to drive the lower ice mold 3 to slide up and down, thereby achieving movable assembly with or separation from the upper ice mold 2.

[0210]The upper ice mold 2 has at least one upper mold cavity 21, and the lower ice mold 3 has at least one lower mold cavity 31. The upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3 are assembled so that the upper mold cavity 21 and the lower mold cavity 31 are docked to form an ice-making cavity 7 for ice freezing. The upper mold cavity 21 and the lower mold cavity 31 may each be provided with four cavities uniformly distributed in a square arrangement on the upper mold cavity 21 and the lower mold cavity 31, and structures of the ice-making cavities 7 formed by assembly of each upper mold cavity 21 and each lower mold cavity 31 are identical.

[0211]The refrigeration unit 4 includes an evaporator tube 41. The evaporator tube 41 is wound around the upper ice mold 2 and can be used to cool the upper ice mold 2 for refrigeration. At the same time, the refrigeration unit 4 can also operate in reverse to realize heating for heating the ice on the upper ice mold. The above belongs to the prior art and will not be described in detail herein. In an embodiment, the evaporator tube 41 is designed in a return shape, and an air inlet and a return air port of the evaporator tube 41 are cleverly arranged on the same side. On one hand, this design increases a contact area between the evaporator tube 41 and the upper ice mold 2, thereby greatly improving refrigeration efficiency of the evaporator. On the other hand, uniformity of the refrigeration effect is greatly improved, so that refrigeration and heating temperatures of each ice-making cavity 7 are uniform. Therefore, weights of ice balls produced by each ice-making cavity 7 are substantially consistent.

[0212]The water supply unit 5 and the ice-melting unit 8 are arranged on the lower ice mold 3.

[0213]The water supply unit 5 includes a spray head 51, a water supply pipe 52, and a water return mechanism. The spray head 51 is mounted on the lower ice mold 3, and a nozzle 511 of the spray head 51 communicates with the ice-making cavity 7. The water supply pipe 52 communicates with a water source in a water tank component (not shown in the figure) to supply water to the spray head 51, and the nozzle 511 can spray water flow into the ice-making cavity 7 for ice making. The water return mechanism 53 includes a water return box 54, a water return channel 55, and a water outlet channel 56. One or more water return channels 55 are provided. The water return box 54 is arranged at a bottom of the lower ice mold 3 and communicates with the ice-making cavity 7 through the water return channel 55. During ice making, a portion of water that fails to quickly freeze in the ice-making cavity 7 flows back through the water return channel 55 into the water return box 54 for collection, and then flows back through the water outlet channel 56 into the water tank component (not shown in the figure) for recycling, thereby effectively saving water resources. Since water may leak between a joint gap between the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold when water is sprayed into the ice-making cavity 7, a water receiving groove is arranged around the lower ice mold for receiving water leaking from the joint gap. As shown in FIG. 9, in order to further enhance the ice-making effect, the nozzle 511 has a spiral water outlet. Under guidance of the spiral water outlet, multi-angle spraying can be realized within the ice-making cavity 7, thereby enabling relatively uniform spraying in the ice-making cavity 7, so that an ice layer can be formed relatively uniformly on the ice-making cavity 7. Further, one or more vent holes 22 are provided at a top of the upper mold cavity 21. When water flow is sprayed onto a cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 7 and condenses into ice, during the condensation process, air between the water flow and the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 7 can be discharged through the vent holes 22, thereby facilitating discharge of the air so that ice blocks are condensed more compactly and transparently, and surfaces thereof are smooth without unevenness.

[0214]The ice-melting unit 8 includes a heating device 81 arranged on the lower ice mold 3. The heating device 81 is configured to heat a wall surface of the lower mold cavity 31. In an embodiment, the heating device 81 is a PTC heating plate fitted to a bottom of the lower ice mold 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom of the lower ice mold 3 is provided with a through hole penetrating the lower mold cavity 31. The heating plate is provided with a water-passing seat 82 which is sealingly inserted into the through hole, and a top surface of the water-passing seat 82 is smoothly engaged with a wall surface of the lower mold cavity 31. The water-passing seat 82 is provided with a water inlet channel 57 and the water return channel 55. The nozzle 511 of the spray head 51 is inserted into the water inlet channel 57 to communicate with the ice-making cavity 7. By means of arrangement and installation of the heating device 81, communication between the water supply unit 5 and the ice-making cavity 7 is simultaneously realized, thereby integrating the ice-melting unit 8 and the water supply unit 5 located on the lower ice mold 3 so that a structure on the lower ice mold 3 becomes more compact. The water return box 54 is fitted and covered below the water-passing seat 82. The water supply pipe 52 passes through a bottom wall of the water return box 54 and is connected to the spray head 51. In addition, the heating device 81 can also be used to dry and perform high-temperature sterilization on the water return box 54 and the water supply pipe 52, thereby preventing breeding of bacteria and scale.

[0215]The lifting mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is a vertically arranged screw device, including a screw 63, a guide post 63 arranged parallel to the screw 63, and a screw seat 65 mounted on the screw 63. An end of the screw 63 is connected with a transmission wheel 66 and is in transmission connection with the motor 61. The lower ice mold 3 is connected to the screw seat 65 and sleeved on the guide post 63. The screw device has stable and precise transmission, which is beneficial for controlling precise engagement and rapid separation between the lower ice mold 3 and the upper ice mold 2. In order to make lifting movement of the lower ice mold 3 more stable, two lifting mechanisms 62 are arranged on opposite sides of the rack 1, and two sides of the lower ice mold 3 are connected with the lifting mechanisms 62. The motor 61 is mounted on a side portion of the rack 1 and is connected with a drive wheel 67. The transmission wheels 66 of the two lifting mechanisms 62 and the drive wheel 67 of the motor 61 are arranged on a top of the rack 1. A transmission belt 68 is sleeved between the drive wheel 67 and the two transmission wheels 66, so that the drive wheel 67 drives the two transmission wheels 66 to rotate synchronously. In the present embodiment, the drive wheel 67 and the two transmission wheels 66 are sleeved on the same transmission belt 68, and the transmission belt is tensioned into an isosceles triangle.

[0216]The ice-falling unit 9 includes an ice-guiding mechanism 91 and a driven mechanism 92. The driven mechanism 92 is drivingly connected with the lower ice mold 3. When the lower ice mold 3 slides downward, the driven mechanism 92 simultaneously drives the ice-guiding mechanism 91 to rotate and flip into a space between the upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3 and located below the upper mold cavity 21, so as to receive ice blocks falling from the upper mold cavity 21. The ice-guiding mechanism 91 includes an upper ice guiding plate 93 and a lower ice guiding plate 94. A rotating shaft 95 is provided at a top end of the upper ice guiding plate 93 and is rotatably connected to an upper portion of one side of the rack 1, and the rotating shaft 95 is connected to the gear 97. A hinge shaft 98 is provided at a bottom end of the lower ice guiding plate 94 and is rotatably connected to a lower portion of another side of the rack 1. The lower ice guiding plate 94 extends toward the lower ice mold 3 with a gravity arm 99, and under an offset effect of a center of gravity of the gravity arm 99, an inner side surface of the lower ice guiding plate 94 continuously abuts against the lower ice mold 3. The driven mechanism 92 includes a gear rack 96 that moves up and down along with the lower ice mold 3 and a gear 97 connected to an end of the rotating shaft 95 of the ice-guiding mechanism 91. The gear rack 96 drives the gear 97 to rotate so that the upper ice guiding plate 93 rotates toward an interior of the rack 1 to a position between the upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3. Meanwhile, a center of gravity of the lower ice guiding plate 94 is biased toward the lower ice mold 3. When the lower ice mold 3 descends, the lower ice guiding plate 94 rotates downward by leaning against the lower ice mold 3 and turns into the space between the upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3, and is joined with an end of the upper ice guiding plate 93 to form a sloped ice guiding plate. An ice basket is placed at an end of the ice guiding plate, and ice blocks falling from the upper ice mold 2 fall onto the ice guiding plate and slide down along the slope to fall into the ice basket. When the lower ice mold 3 rises again, the gear rack 96 drives the gear 97 to drive the upper ice guiding plate 93 to flip out of the space between the upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3 and return to an upright state. At the same time, the lower ice mold 3 also lifts the lower ice guiding plate 94 upward to leave the space between the upper ice mold 2 and the lower ice mold 3, so that the upper ice mold and the lower ice mold can be engaged again.

[0225]In the present application, the lower mold is separated from and assembled with the upper mold through the structurally simple sliding lifting mechanism 62, which can effectively simplify an internal structure of an existing ice maker, and the lifting movement requires no excessively large reserved movement space, thereby solving a problem of a large overall size of the whole machine, enabling the ice maker to be reduced in size and occupy less space, and making the ice maker more suitable for household use.

[0226]In addition, in the above ice making method, rapid ice-release is achieved by means of heat energy. By sequentially slightly heating the lower ice mold 3 and the upper ice mold 2, the ice blocks can be released from respective mold cavities, and the ice blocks released are received by the ice-falling unit 9 and guided to a designated position for storage and use. The ice-release method is efficient and simple, can effectively avoid damage to the ice blocks, and can save water resources, without requiring a large amount of water as in previous water-immersion ice-release solutions.

[0227]The present application provides an ice maker.

[0232]The technical solution of the present application adopts the drive assembly 300a to drive the second mold 220a to flip. When ice making is required, the drive assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to flip so that the second mold 220a is located at the first position. At this time, the second mold 220a is combined with the first mold 210a, and the first mold cavity 213a and the second mold cavity 223a form the ice-making cavity 230a. Water is injected into the ice-making cavity 230a, and then the mold assembly 200a is cooled so that a temperature of water in the ice-making cavity 230a is reduced and the water is frozen into ice. After ice making is completed, the drive assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to flip so that the second mold 220a moves to the second position. At this time the mold assembly 200a is opened, and the ice is detached from the first mold cavity 213a or the second mold cavity 223a. In the present application, the drive assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to flip so as to realize combination and opening of the mold assembly 200a, which can effectively improve automation of mold opening during an ice-making process of the ice maker, thereby solving technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0233]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the second mold 220a and the first mold 210a are hinged through a rotating shaft 10a. The first mold 210a is provided with a first through hole 215a for the rotating shaft 10a to pass through, and the second mold 220a is provided with a second through hole 226a for the rotating shaft 10a to pass through. Further, the second mold 220a includes a cover body 216a, and the first through hole 215a is formed in the cover body 216a, where the cover body 216a is fixed on the rack 100a.

[0234]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the drive assembly 300a includes a driving component, and the driving component is drivingly connected with the second mold 220a. Further, the driving component is configured as a drive motor 330a. The drive motor 330a is drivingly connected with the second mold 220a so that the second mold 220a flips around the rotating shaft 10a. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10a is drivingly connected with the second mold 220a. Specifically, the rotating shaft 10a is key-connected with the second through hole 226a in the second mold 220a or fixedly arranged, and the rotating shaft 10a is in clearance fit with the first through hole 215a in the first mold 210a. When the drive motor 330a drives the rotating shaft 10a to rotate, the rotating shaft 10a can drive the second mold 220a to flip.

[0235]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the drive assembly 300a further includes a first spring 350a and a connecting arm 360a. The connecting arm 360a is fixedly arranged, specifically, the connecting arm 360a is fixed on the rack 100a. One end of the first spring 350a is connected to the connecting arm 360a, and the other end is connected to a side of the second mold 220a away from the rotating shaft 10a. In this way, during an ice-release process, the drive assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to flip to the second position, and the first spring 350a is stretched through the connecting arm 360a. At this time, the first spring 350a is deformed under a tensile force. After ice-release is completed, when the second mold 220a and the first mold 210a need to be combined, a restoring force of the first spring 350a can cause the second mold 220a to rotate around the rotating shaft 10a and combine with the first mold 210a. In this way, the drive assembly 300a does not need to drive the second mold 220a to combine with the first mold 210a, and the second mold 220a and the first mold 210a can be combined under the action of the first spring 350a.

[0236]However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second mold 220a can also be hinged with the rack 100a through the rotating shaft 10a.

[0237]However, the present design is also not limited thereto. In other embodiments, second mold 220a and the first mold 210a are connected through a connecting rod and a slider guide rail structure. Specifically, a guide rail in the connecting rod and slider guide rail structure is fixedly arranged, and can be fixed on the first mold 210a or can be fixed on the rack 100a. A connecting rod in the connecting rod and slider guide rail structure has one end hinged to a middle position of the second mold 220a and another end hinged to the first mold 210a or the rack 110a. A slider in the connecting rod and slider guide rail structure is slidably arranged on the guide rail in the structure, and the slider is further hinged with one end of the second mold 220a. A driving component in the drive assembly is drivingly connected with the slider in the structure to drive the slider to move along the guide rail of the structure. As the slider approaches or moves away from a hinged position between the connecting rod and the first mold 210a or the rack 110a, the second mold 220a can flip in two directions, so that when the second mold 220a flips in one direction, the second mold 220a can combine with the first mold 110a; and when the second mold 220a flips in another direction, the second mold 220a can be separated from the first mold 110a, so that the mold assembly 200a completes mold opening.

[0238]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the first mold 210a is provided with a first flow channel 214a through which a refrigerant flows, and the first flow channel 214a includes a plurality of annular flow channels 2141a sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the second mold 220a. Specifically, the plurality of annular flow channels 2141a are arranged around the first mold cavity 213a, that is, the first flow channel 214a is arranged around the first mold cavity 213a. In this embodiment, according to a temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the first flow channel 214a, the first mold 210a can have different effects. When the temperature of the refrigerant introduced is relatively low, the refrigerant causes water in the ice-making cavity 230a to freeze. When the temperature of the refrigerant introduced is relatively high, that is, a high-temperature refrigerant, the high-temperature refrigerant can thaw the ice body from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213a.

[0239]In this embodiment, since the first flow channel 214a includes the plurality of annular flow channels 2141a sequentially communicated in the direction distant from the second mold 220a, under the action of the plurality of annular flow channels 2141a, a relative contact area between the first flow channel 214a and the first mold cavity 213a can be increased. After the refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a, because the relative contact area between the first flow channel 214a and the first mold cavity 213a is increased, energy of the refrigerant can be transferred to the ice-making cavity 230a more quickly, so that the ice-making cavity 230a is rapidly cooled, thereby achieving a purpose of quickly freezing the water in the ice-making cavity 230a. Similarly, when the ice body needs to be thawed from the cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213a, a purpose of rapid thawing can also be achieved under the action of the first flow channel 214a.

[0240]In an embodiment, for any intermediate annular flow channel 2141a, a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141a and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141a closer to the second mold 220a (not shown) and a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141a and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141a distant from the second mold 220a are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the annular flow channel 2141a. That is, after the refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a, the refrigerant first enters an upper annular flow channel 2141a, then flows along the upper annular flow channel 2141a to a communication position, and then enters an intermediate annular flow channel 2141a through the communication position. The refrigerant then flows along the intermediate annular flow channel 2141a to another communication position, and then flows into a lower annular flow channel 2141a through a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141a and the lower annular flow channel 2141a. At this time, a flowing direction of the refrigerant in the upper annular flow channel 2141a is opposite to a flowing direction of the refrigerant in the lower annular flow channel 2141a. In this way, the refrigerant can be prevented from directly entering the intermediate annular flow channel 2141a and the lower annular flow channel 2141a from the upper annular flow channel 2141a, thereby increasing a circulation path of the refrigerant in the first flow channel 214a and further increasing the relative contact area between the refrigerant and the first mold cavity 213a.

[0241]In an embodiment, the first mold 210a can adopt the following structure. The f mold 210a includes a first mold body 211a and a first mold cover 212a. The first mold body 211a and the first mold cover 212a are mounted on the cover body 216a. The first mold cover 212a covers the first mold body 211a. The first mold cavity 213a is formed on a side of the first mold body 211a distant from the first mold cover 212a. The first flow channel 214a is formed between the first mold cover 212a and the first mold body 211a. Specifically, the first flow channel 214a is formed between the first mold cover 212a and the first mold body 211a so that the first flow channel 214a surrounds the first mold body 211a, thereby surrounding the first mold cavity 213a. The first flow channel 214a surrounds the first mold body 211a for one circle or multiple circles, thereby forming the first flow channel 214a surrounding the first mold cavity for one circle or multiple circles. In this embodiment, the first mold cover 212a is configured as a special-shaped cover. A groove structure (not shown) is formed in the first mold cover 212a. When the first mold cover 212a covers the first mold body 211a, the first flow channel 214a is formed outside the first mold body 211a, and the first flow channel 214a is located between the first mold cover 212a and the first mold body 211a. At the same time, when thickness of a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213a is uniform, energy in the first flow channel 214a surrounding the first mold body 211a can be uniformly transmitted through the first mold body 211a to the first mold cavity 213a, so that freezing of the ice-making cavity 230a is more uniform, or during a thawing process, thawing is more uniform, so that an ice body after thawing is more complete.

[0242]However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the fir mold 210a can adopt other structures. For example, the first mold 210a can include only the first mold body 211a. At this time, the first flow channel 214a is formed outside the first mold body 211a. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the first mold body 211a, and the first flow channel 214a is arranged in the pipeline, where the pipeline can surround the first mold body 211a for one circle or multiple circles.

[0243]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the first mold 210a is embedded with a copper tube 217a, and the copper tube 217a is used for circulation of a refrigerant. The first mold cavity 213a is formed on a side of the first mold body 210a distant from the copper tube 217a. By introducing refrigerants with different temperatures into the copper tube 217a, the copper tube 217a transfers energy of the refrigerant to the first mold 210a, and then to the first mold cavity 213a, thereby freezing water in the ice-making cavity 230a, or thawing an ice body from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213a.

[0244]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the second mold 220a is provided with a second flow channel 227a through which a thawing medium flows. When the temperature of the introduced refrigerant is relatively high, that is, a high-temperature refrigerant, the high-temperature refrigerant can thaw the ice body from a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a.

[0245]Further, when the second mold 220a is provided with the second flow channel 227a through which the thawing medium flows, the mold assembly 200a can adopt one of the following manners during an ice-releasing process. During the ice-releasing process, the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel 227a to thaw the formed ice body from the second mold 220a, then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position, and then a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a.

[0246]In an embodiment, during the ice-releasing process, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a, then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position, and then the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel 227a so that the ice body is thawed from the second mold 220a.

[0247]Or, during the ice-releasing process, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a and the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel 227a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a, and then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position.

[0248]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the second flow channel 227a includes a plurality of annular flow channels sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the first mold 210a. The plurality of annular flow channels in the second flow channel 227a have a structure similar to or the same as the plurality of annular flow channels in the first flow channel 214a.

[0249]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the second mold 220a includes a second mold body 221a and a second mold cover 222a. The second mold cover 222a covers the second mold body 221a. The second mold cavity 223a is formed on a side of the second mold body 221a distant from the second mold cover 222a. The second flow channel 227a is arranged between the second mold body 221a and the second mold cover 222a. In this embodiment, the second mold cover 222a is configured as a special-shaped cover. A groove structure (not shown) is formed in the second mold cover 222a. When the second mold cover 222a covers the second mold body 221a, the second flow channel 227a is formed outside the second mold body 221a, and the second flow channel 227a is located between the second mold cover 222a and the second mold body 221a.

[0250]However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second mold 220a can adopt other structures. For example, the second mold 220a can include only the second mold body 221a. At this time, the second flow channel 227a is formed outside the second mold body 221a. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the second mold body 221a, and the second flow channel 227a is arranged in the pipeline, where the pipeline can surround the second mold body 221a for one circle or multiple circles.

[0251]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 15, the second mold 220a is located below the first mold 210a.

[0252]The ice maker further includes a water storage tray 20a. The water storage tray 20a is mounted on the second mold 220a. The water storage tray 20a is configured to store a thawing medium so that the thawing medium immerses the second mold 220a. In this embodiment, the thawing medium can be a high-temperature refrigerant or high-temperature water. When the thawing medium is introduced into the water storage tray 20a, heat energy of the thawing medium is transferred to the second mold cavity 223a through the second mold 220a. Under the action of the heat energy, the ice body and an inner wall of the second mold cavity 223a are melted, thereby completing thawing.

[0253]Further, when the ice maker further includes the water storage tray 20a, the mold assembly 200a can adopt one of the following manners during an ice-releasing process. During the ice-releasing process, the thawing medium is introduced into the water storage tray 20a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the second mold 220a. Then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position. After that, a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a.

[0254]Or, during the ice-releasing process, a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a and the thawing medium is introduced into the water storage tray 20a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a, and then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position.

[0255]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a is arranged to have a uniform thickness or an approximately uniform thickness. The ice maker further includes a heating member 500a covering a back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a. In an embodiment, when the thickness of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a is uniform, energy in the heating member 500a covering the back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a can be uniformly transferred to the second mold cavity 223a through the second mold body 221a, so that freezing of the ice-making cavity 230a is more uniform, or during a thawing process, thawing is more uniform, thereby making an ice body after thawing more complete. In this embodiment, when the second mold 220a includes only the second mold body 221a, the back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a is an outer surface of the second mold body 221a. Further, when the ice body and the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a are thawed through the heating member 500a, the heating member 500a can be configured as a heating film. The heating member 500a generates heat and transfers heat to the second mold cavity 223a through the second mold body 221a, thereby melting and thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a.

[0256]Further, when the ice maker further includes the heating member 500a, the mold assembly 200a can adopt one of the following manners during an ice-releasing process. During the ice-releasing process, the heating member 500a generates heat so that the formed ice body is thawed from the second mold 220a, then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position, and then a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a.

[0257]Or, during the ice-releasing process, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a, then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position, and then the heating member 500a generates heat so that the ice body is thawed from the second mold 220a.

[0258]Or, during the ice-releasing process, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a and the heating member 500a generates heat so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a, and then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position.

[0259]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, the heating member 500a includes a flexible body 510a covering the back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a and a heating body (not shown) embedded in the flexible body 510a. In this embodiment, the heating body is heated, and heat generated by the heating body is transferred to the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a through the flexible body 510a and the second mold body 221a, thereby melting and thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a. In this embodiment, the heating body can be a heating wire.

[0260]In an embodiment, the flexible body 510a is configured as a silicone body capable of withstanding high temperature, and the silicone body is capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 150° C. In an embodiment, the flexible body 510 a can be configured as a foil-shaped or sheet-shaped metal body, as long as the flexible body 510a has certain bending flexibility and certain heat conduction capability.

[0261]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, the flexible body 510a includes a plurality of flexible flaps 511a sequentially arranged along a circumferential direction of the second mold 220a. The plurality of flexible flaps 511a jointly cover the back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a. When the second mold 220a includes only the second mold body 221a, the back side of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a is an outer surface of the second mold body 221a.

[0262]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the ice maker further includes an ejector 30a and a driving member 60a. The ejector 30a is movably mounted on the second mold 220a, and the ejector 30a is configured to movably extend into the second mold cavity 223a. The driving member is drivingly connected to the ejector 30a. In this embodiment, the driving member is configured as a push rod or an electric telescopic rod (not shown). During an ice-releasing process, the ejector separates the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223a in a pushing manner.

[0263]In an embodiment, when the ice maker further includes the ejector 30a and the driving member 60a, the mold assembly 200a can adopt the following manner during an ice-releasing process. During the ice-releasing process, a high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a. Then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate to the second position. After that, the driving member 60a drives the ejector so that the ejector ejects the ice body from the second mold 220a. Further, in this embodiment, referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 23 to FIG. 25, when the driving member 60a is configured as a push rod 61a, the driving member 60a further includes a mounting plate 62a. The mounting plate 62a is fixedly arranged, specifically the mounting plate 62a is fixed to the rack, and the push rod 61a is fixed on the mounting plate 62a, where the push rod 61a is located at the second position. Further, the ice maker further includes a guide member 50a configured to mount the ejector 30a. The guide member 50a is fixed to the second mold 220a. The guide member 50a includes a guide tube 51a, a push plate 52a, a first limiting structure 53a, and a second limiting structure 54a. The ejector 30a and the push plate 52a are both arranged in the guide tube 51a, and the ejector 30a and the push plate 52a are fixed together. A second spring 70a is arranged between the push plate 52a and the first limiting structure 53a. During ice releasing, the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to rotate close to the second position. When approaching the second position, the push rod 61a contacts the push plate 52a so as to push the push plate 52a. The push plate 52a compresses the second spring 70a and extends the ejector 30a out of the guide tube 51a so that the ejector 30a extends into the second mold cavity 223a. When the second mold 220a completely reaches the second position, a stroke of the ejector 30a extending into the second mold cavity 223a reaches a maximum. When the second mold 220a moves away from the second position, under a restoring force of the second spring 70a, the push plate 52a returns to an initial position, thereby driving the ejector 30a to retract into the guide tube 51a. The second limiting structure 54a is configured to limit the ejector 30a in the guide tube 51a so as to prevent the ejector 30a from disengaging from the guide tube 51a. Specifically, in the present application, the guide tube 51a covers at least a part of the second mold 220a. The first limiting structure 53a is configured as a part of the second mold 220a located in the guide tube 51a. Under an action of the first limiting structure 53a, the push plate 52a and the ejector 30a can be prevented from being pushed out of the guide tube 51a by the restoring force of the second spring 70a. In an embodiment, when the driving member is configured as an electric telescopic rod (not shown), the electric telescopic rod can be mounted on the rack 100a or mounted on the second mold 220a. When the second mold 220a moves to the second position, the electric telescopic rod pushes the ejector 30a so that the ejector 30a ejects the ice body from the second mold 220a. When the second mold 220a moves to the first position, the electric telescopic rod retracts the ejector 30a. During the ice-releasing process, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214a so that the formed ice body is thawed from the first mold 210a. Then the driving assembly 300a drives the second mold 220a to move to the second position. The driving member drives the ejector 30a so that the ejector 30a ejects the ice body from the second mold 220a.

[0264]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 25, the ejector 30 a can be configured as t mounting base 410a in the spray assembly 400a. The push plate 52a in the guide member 50a is provided with an avoidance hole through which the second water inlet channel 420a passes. Meanwhile, the second mold 220a is provided with a mounting hole 224a for mounting the mounting base 410a, and the mounting hole 224a includes a limiting step 2241a. The second limiting structure 54a is configured as the limiting step 2241a. During an ice-releasing process, the push rod 61a pushes the push plate 52a, the push plate 52a compresses the spring 70a, and the mounting base 410a is pushed out from the mounting hole 224a so that the mounting base 410a extends into the second mold cavity 223a to eject the ice body from the second mold cavity 223a. After the ice releasing is completed, the second mold 220a moves away from the second position, and under the restoring force of the spring 70a, the push plate 52a and the mounting base 410a return to their original positions. At this time, the mounting base 410a enters the mounting hole 224a, and under the action of the limiting step 2241a, the mounting base 410a is limited in the mounting hole 224a.

[0265]In an embodiment, the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a adopt a material with relatively good thermal conductivity, and can preferably be made of aluminum. Under the action of the material with relatively good thermal conductivity, energy of the refrigerant, the high-temperature refrigerant, the heating member 500a, or the thawing medium can be conveniently conducted to the mold cavity.

[0266]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 19, and FIG. 21, the ice maker further includes a spray assembly 400a. The spray assembly 400a includes a mounting base 410a provided with a water inlet channel 420a and a spraying hole 430a, and a flow guiding member 440a mounted in the spraying hole 430a. The mounting base 410a is mounted on the second mold 220a. The water inlet channel 420a is configured for water input. The flow guiding member 440a is configured to disperse water sprayed from the spraying hole 430a. In this embodiment, the flow guiding member 440a is configured as a spiral nozzle 441a or a spiral flow guiding blade 442a. The second mold 220a is provided with the mounting hole 224a for mounting the mounting base 410a, and the mounting base 410a is fixed in the mounting hole 224a. When the spray assembly 400a sprays water toward the ice-making cavity 230a, water enters through the water inlet channel 420a and is then sprayed toward the ice-making cavity 230a through the spraying hole 430a. Because the flow guiding member 440a is arranged in the water inlet channel 420a, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430a is dispersed. In this way, water can be sprayed from multiple angles, which facilitates relatively uniform spraying in the ice-making cavity 230a so that an ice layer is relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230a.

[0267]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, when the flow guiding member 440a is configured as the spiral nozzle 441a, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430a toward the ice-making cavity 230a is dispersed.

[0268]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, when the flow guiding member 440a is configured as the spiral flow guiding blade 442a mounted in the spraying hole 430a, a fluid spiral generation cavity 460a is formed between the spiral flow guiding blade 442a and the spraying hole 430a. A conical structure 450a is formed between the fluid spiral generation cavity 460a and the spraying hole 430a. The spiral flow guiding blade 442a includes a dividing portion 4421a and two flow guiding portions 4422a. The two flow guiding portions 4422a are mounted on the dividing portion 4421a. The flow guiding portions 4422a are spiral. The dividing portion 4421a divides water in the water inlet channel 420a into two parts. The two parts of water respectively move spirally along the two flow guiding portions 4422a and enter the fluid spiral generation cavity 460a to generate spiral flow. Under the action of the conical structure 450a, the spirally moving water can flow more smoothly to the spraying hole 430a. At this time, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430a is dispersed, thereby achieving multi-angle spraying, which facilitates relatively uniform spraying in the ice-making cavity 230a so that an ice layer is relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230a.

[0269]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, the first mold 210a is further provided with an exhaust hole 260a. The second mold 220a is arranged below the first mold 210a. During an ice-making process, when the spray assembly 400a sprays water toward a cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230a, under the action of the refrigerant the cavity wall cools the water flow so that the water flow can condense on the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230a. During the condensation process, air between the water flow and the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230a can be discharged through the exhaust hole 260a, thereby facilitating discharge of air in the ice-making cavity 230a.

[0270]In an embodiment, the second mold 220a is further provided with a return hole 225a. The second mold 220a is arranged below the first mold 210a. The return hole 225a can be formed in the second mold 220a. Through the return hole 225a, water in the ice-making cavity 230a that has not been condensed can be collected, thereby preventing the uncondensed water from accumulating in the second mold cavity 223a for a long time and subsequently freezing, which may cause blockage of the spraying hole 430a.

[0271]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, the return hole 225a can be arranged in the mounting base 410a mounted on the second mold 220a. Specifically, the return hole 225a is formed in the mounting base 410a, and one end thereof communicates with the second mold cavity 223a, while the other end communicates with an exterior of the second mold 220a. In this embodiment, when the second mold 220a is arranged below the first mold 210a, water sprayed by the spray assembly 400a mounted on the second mold 220a toward the ice-making cavity 230a is sprayed upward. After being sprayed, a portion of water that does not condense in the ice-making cavity 230a flows downward under the action of gravity and can enter the return hole 225a. Further, to facilitate use of the return hole 225a, the return hole 225a is arranged at a relatively lower position in the second mold cavity 223a, thereby facilitating collection of uncondensed water by the return hole 225a. Further, when the return hole 225a is integrated in the mounting base 410a of the spray assembly 400a, the mounting process of the present application can be simplified. After the spray assembly 400a is mounted on the second mold 220a, the return hole 225a is also mounted. In the present application, the return hole 225a communicates with a water return box, and water entering the return hole 225a flows into the water return box.

[0272]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 18, the above ejection tube can be shared with the mounting base 410a, that is, the ejection tube is movably mounted in the mounting hole 224a. At this time, the driving member is drivingly connected with the mounting base 410a, and the driving member drives the mounting base 410a so that the mounting base 410a ejects the ice body from the second mold cavity 223a.

[0273]In an embodiment, the ice maker further includes an ice guiding structure 600a. The ice guiding structure 600a includes an ice guiding plate. The ice guiding plate is arranged below the mold assembly 200a and is configured to guide the ice body out of the ice maker.

[0274]In an embodiment, the ice guiding plate can be a single plate or composed of parts. When the ice guiding plate is composed of two parts, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the ice guiding plate includes a first ice guiding plate 610a and a second ice guiding plate 620a. At this time, the ice guiding structure 600a further includes a driving structure 630a. The driving structure 630a includes a first swing arm 631a and a second swing arm 632a. The first swing arm 631a and the second swing arm 632a are both rotatably connected with the rack 100a. The first ice guiding plate 610a is fixed to the first swing arm 631a, and the second ice guiding plate 620a is fixed to the second swing arm 632a. A torsion spring 633a is arranged between the first ice guiding plate 610a and the rack 100a and between the second ice guiding plate 620a and the rack 100a. Under the action of the torsion spring 633a, the first ice guiding plate 610a and the second ice guiding plate 620a are both located outside the mold assembly 200a. Further, the driving structure 630a further includes a driving plate 634a, a transmission member 635a, and a linear driving structure 636a. The linear driving structure 636a drives the driving plate 634a to move linearly. The first swing arm 631a is arranged below the second swing arm 632a. When the linear driving structure 636a drives the driving plate 634a to move downward, the driving plate 634a presses the first swing arm 631a so that the first swing arm 631a swings, thereby driving the first ice guiding plate 610a to rotate so that the first ice guiding plate 610a is located below the mold assembly 200a (see FIG. 11). Further, the transmission member 635a includes a transmission gear 6351a, a driving tooth 6352a arranged on the driving plate 634a, and a third swing arm 6353a. The transmission gear 6351a and the third swing arm 6353a are both mounted on the rack 100a. The third swing arm 6353a is engaged with the transmission gear 6351a. That is, the third swing arm 6353a is provided with a driven gear 6354a matched with the transmission gear 6351a. Specifically, when the transmission gear 6351a rotates, the third swing arm 6353a swings under the action of the driven gear 6354a. The third swing arm 6353a is drivingly connected with the second swing arm 632a. When the third swing arm 6353a swings, the third swing arm 6353a drives the second swing arm 632a to swing, and the swinging of the second swing arm 632a further drives the second ice guiding plate 620a to rotate so that the second ice guiding plate 620a is located below the mold assembly 200a. In this embodiment, when the linear driving structure 636a drives the driving plate 634a to move downward (see FIG. 11), the driving tooth 6352a on the driving plate 634a engages with the transmission gear 6351a. As the driving plate 634a continues to move toward the second position, the transmission gear 6351a rotates. During rotation of the transmission gear 6351a, the third swing arm 6353a is driven to swing, so that the third swing arm 6353a drives the second swing arm 632a to swing, thereby rotating the second ice guiding plate 620a so that the second ice guiding plate 620a is located between the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a. When the linear driving structure 636a drives the driving plate 634a to move upward (see FIG. 10), the driving tooth 6352a drives the transmission gear 6351a to rotate so that the third swing arm 6353a returns to an initial position. At this time, the second ice guiding plate 620a returns to an initial state under the action of the torsion spring 633a and is located outside the mold assembly 200a. Meanwhile, the driving plate 634a no longer presses the first swing arm 631a, and the first ice guiding plate 610a also returns to an initial state under the action of the torsion spring 633a and is located outside the mold assembly 200a.

[0275]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, the first mold 210a, the second mold 220a, the spray assembly 400a, the first flow channel 214a, and the second flow channel 227a, or the heating member 500a, or the ejector 30a are configured in multiple groups and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The ice maker further includes a first medium pipeline group 700a and a water pipeline group 800a. The first medium pipeline group 700a is configured to introduce refrigerant into the plurality of first flow channels 214a. The water pipeline group 800a is configured to introduce water into the plurality of spraying assemblies 400a. In this embodiment, by providing multiple groups of the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a, the ice maker of the present application can form multiple ice-making cavities 230a during a single ice-making process. That is, multiple ice bodies can be formed at one time, thereby effectively improving ice-making efficiency of the ice maker. Further, by introducing refrigerant into the plurality of first flow channels 214a through the first medium pipeline group 700a, efficiency of introducing refrigerant into the plurality of first flow channels 214a can be improved. Similarly, the water pipeline group 800a introduces water into the plurality of water inlet channels 420a of the plurality of spraying assemblies 400a, thereby improving efficiency of introducing water into the plurality of water inlet channels 420a. Further, the plurality of return holes 225a in the plurality of spraying assemblies 400a can communicate with a single pipeline to return water to a return box.

[0276]In an embodiment, when the second mold 220a is provided with the second flow channel 227a, the present application can further include a second medium pipeline group (not shown), and the second medium pipeline group introduces a heating medium into the plurality of second flow channels 227a.

[0277]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, when the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a are configured in multiple groups, specifically, when the first mold 210a includes the first mold body 211a and the first mold cover 212a, the first mold covers 212a of the plurality of first molds 210a are integrally formed, and the first mold bodies 211a of the plurality of first molds 210a are integrally formed. When the second mold 220a includes the second mold body 221a and the second mold cover 222a, the second mold covers 222a of the plurality of second molds 220a are integrally formed, and the second mold bodies 221a of the plurality of second molds 220a are integrally formed. In this way, production and manufacturing of the first mold 210a and the second mold 220a can be facilitated, and the driving assembly 300a can conveniently drive the plurality of second molds 220a to move synchronously.

[0278]In an embodiment, when the thawing medium is configured as the heating member 500a, the plurality of heating members 500a are connected with each other.

[0279]The present application further provides an ice maker.

[0284]The technical solution of the present application adopts the driving assembly 300b to drive the second mold 220b to move in a straight line, where the driving assembly 300b is configured as a linear driving assembly 300b. When ice making is required, the driving assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move laterally to the first position. At this time, the second mold 220b is combined with the first mold 210b, and the first mold cavity 213b and the second mold cavity 223b form the ice-making cavity 230b. Water is injected into the ice-making cavity 230b, and then the mold assembly 200b is cooled so that a temperature of water in the ice-making cavity 230b decreases and the water freezes into ice. After ice making is completed, the driving assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position so that the mold assembly 200b is opened, and the ice can then be removed from the first mold cavity 213b or the second mold cavity 223b. In the present application. by driving the second mold 220b to move through the driving assembly 300b so as to combine and open the mold assembly 200b, an automation degree of mold opening during an ice-making process of the ice maker can be effectively improved, thereby solving technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0285]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, the ice maker further includes a spray assembly 400b. The spray assembly 400b includes a mounting base 410b provided with a first water inlet channel 420b and a spraying hole 430b, and a flow guiding member 440b mounted in the spraying hole 430b. The mounting base 410b is mounted on the second mold 220b. The first water inlet channel 420b is configured for water input. The flow guiding member 440b is configured to disperse water sprayed from the spraying hole 430b. In this embodiment, the second mold 220b is provided with a mounting hole 224b for mounting the mounting base 410b, and the mounting base 410b is fixed in the mounting hole 224b. When the spray assembly 400b sprays water toward the ice-making cavity 230b, water enters through the first water inlet channel 420b and is then sprayed toward the ice-making cavity 230b through the spraying hole 430b. Because the flow guiding member 440b is arranged in the first water inlet channel 420b, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430b is dispersed, thereby achieving multi-angle spraying, which facilitates relatively uniform spraying in the ice-making cavity 230b so that an ice layer is relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230b. In this embodiment, during the ice-making process, the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form the ice-making cavity, and water is injected into the ice-making cavity through the first water inlet channel.

[0286]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 36, the flow guiding member 440b is configured as a spiral nozzle 441b or a spiral flow guiding blade 442b. When the flow guiding member 440b is configured as the spiral nozzle 441b, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430b toward the ice-making cavity 230b is dispersed.

[0287]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 33 and FIG. 35, when the flow guiding member 440b is configured as the spiral flow guiding blade 442b, a fluid spiral generation cavity 460b is formed between the spiral flow guiding blade 442b and the spraying hole 430b. A conical structure 450b is formed between the fluid spiral generation cavity 460b and the spraying hole 430b. The spiral flow guiding blade 442b includes a dividing portion 4421b and two flow guiding portions 4422b. The two flow guiding portions 4422b are mounted on the dividing portion 4421b. The flow guiding portions 4422b are spiral. The dividing portion 4421b divides water in the first water inlet channel 420b into two parts. The two parts of water respectively move spirally along the two flow guiding portions 4422b and enter the fluid spiral generation cavity 460b to generate spiral flow. Under the action of the conical structure 450b, the spirally moving water can flow more smoothly to the spraying hole 430b. At this time, water sprayed from the spraying hole 430b is dispersed, thereby achieving multi-angle spraying, which facilitates relatively uniform spraying in the ice-making cavity 230b so that an ice layer is relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230b.

[0288]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 31, the ice maker further includes a water injection pipe 40b. After the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b are closed, a second water inlet channel 240b is formed between the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b at an upper side. The water injection pipe 40b is configured to inject water into the closed first mold 210b and the second mold 220b through the second water inlet channel 240b. In this embodiment, water can be injected into the ice-making cavity 230b through the water injection pipe 40b, and then the water in the ice-making cavity 230b is cooled by refrigerant so that the water is frozen into an ice body.

[0289]In an embodiment, the second water inlet channel 240b includes a converging section 241b and a plurality of branching sections 242b connected to the converging section 241b (see FIG. 43). The branching sections 242b communicate with the mold cavities, that is, the branching sections 242b communicate with the ice-making cavities 230b. The converging section 241b gradually expands from a connection with the branching sections 242b toward a water inlet of the second water inlet channel 240b. In this way, an area of the water inlet of the second water inlet channel 240b is relatively large. When the water injection pipe 40b injects water into the second water inlet channel 240b, water can easily enter the second water inlet channel 240b and then enter the ice-making cavities 230b through the plurality of branching sections 242b. Meanwhile, by providing the plurality of branching sections 242b, water in the converging section 241b can enter the ice-making cavities 230b more quickly.

[0290]During the ice-making process, the water injection pipe 40b can be used together with the spray assembly 400b so that the ice maker of the present application includes two water injection structures during the ice-making process. When the two water injection structures operate simultaneously, a water injection time can be effectively shortened, a water injection efficiency can be improved, and thus an ice-making efficiency can be improved. Further, when the water injection pipe 40b and the spray assembly 400b are used together, the water injection pipe 40b can inject water first and then the spray assembly 400b injects water, or the spray assembly 400b injects water first and then the water injection pipe 40b injects water, or the spray assembly 400b and the water injection pipe 40b inject water simultaneously. In an embodiment, only the water injection pipe 40b injects water into the ice-making cavity 230b. In an embodiment, only the spray assembly 400b injects water into the ice-making cavity 230b.

[0291]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32 and FIG. 38, the first mold 210b is provided with a first flow channel 214b through which refrigerant flows. In this embodiment, according to a temperature of refrigerant introduced into the first flow channel 214b, the first mold 210b can achieve different effects. When the temperature of the introduced refrigerant is relatively low, the refrigerant freezes water in the ice-making cavity 230b. When the temperature of the introduced refrigerant is relatively high, the refrigerant can thaw the ice body from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213b.

[0292]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32 and FIG. 38, the first flow channel 214b includes a plurality of annular flow channels 2141b sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the second mold 220b. Specifically, the plurality of annular flow channels 2141b are arranged around the first mold cavity 213b, that is, the first flow channel 214b surrounds the first mold cavity 213b. Under the action of the plurality of annular flow channels 2141b, a relative contact area between the first flow channel 214b and the first mold cavity 213b can be increased. After refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b, because the relative contact area between the first flow channel 214b and the first mold cavity 213b is increased, energy of the refrigerant can be transferred to the ice-making cavity 230b more quickly, thereby enabling the ice-making cavity 230b to be rapidly cooled and achieving a purpose of quickly freezing water in the ice-making cavity 230b.

[0293]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32 and FIG. 38, for any intermediate annular flow channel 2141b, a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141b and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141b closer to the second mold 220b, and a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141b and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141b distant from the second mold 220b are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the annular flow channel 2141b. That is, after refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b, the refrigerant first enters an upper annular flow channel 2141b and then flows along the upper annular flow channel 2141b to a communication position. The refrigerant then enters an intermediate annular flow channel 2141b through the communication position, flows along the intermediate annular flow channel 2141b to another communication position, and then flows into a lower annular flow channel 2141b through a communication position between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141b and the lower annular flow channel 2141b. At this time, a flowing direction of the refrigerant in the upper annular flow channel 2141b is opposite to a flowing direction of the refrigerant in the lower annular flow channel 2141b. In this way, refrigerant is prevented from directly entering the intermediate annular flow channel 2141b and the lower annular flow channel 2141b from the upper annular flow channel 2141b, thereby increasing a circulation path of the refrigerant in the first flow channel 214b and further increasing a relative contact area between the refrigerant and the first mold cavity 213b.

[0294]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32 and FIG. 38, the first mold 210b adopts the following structure. The first mold 210b includes a first mold body 211b and a first mold cover 212b. The first mold cover 212b covers the first mold body 211b. The first mold cavity 213b is formed on a side of the first mold body 211b distant from the first mold cover 212b. The first flow channel 214b is formed between the first mold cover 212b and the first mold body 211b. Specifically, the first flow channel 214b is formed between the first mold cover 212b and the first mold body 211b so that the first flow channel 214b surrounds the first mold body 211b, thereby surrounding the first mold cavity 213b. The first flow channel 214b surrounds the first mold body 211b for one circle or multiple circles, thereby forming the first flow channel 214b surrounding the first mold cavity for one circle or multiple circles. In this embodiment, the first mold cover 212b is configured as a special-shaped cover. A groove structure (not shown) is formed in the first mold cover 212b. When the first mold cover 212b covers the first mold body 211b, the first flow channel 214b is formed outside the first mold body 211b, and the first flow channel 214b is located between the first mold cover 212b and the first mold body 211b. Meanwhile, when a thickness of a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213b is uniform, energy in the first flow channel 214b surrounding the first mold body 211b can be uniformly transferred through the first mold body 211b to the first mold cavity 213b, so that freezing of the ice-making cavity 230b is more uniform, or during a thawing process, thawing is more uniform, thereby making an ice body after thawing more complete.

[0295]However, the present design is also not limited thereto. In other embodiments, first mold 210b can adopt other structures. For example, the first mold 210b can include only the first mold body 211b. In this case, the first flow channel 214b is formed outside the first mold body 211b. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the first mold body 211b, and the first flow channel 214b is arranged in the pipeline. The pipeline can be arranged around the first mold body 211b for one circle or multiple circles.

[0296]In the present application, the ice makers shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 37 both adopt the above first mold 210b, where the first flow channel 214b includes a plurality of annular flow channels 2141b sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the second mold 220b. The structures of the first molds used are similar. The differences lie only in the numbers of the first mold body 211b, the first mold cavity 213b, and the first flow channel 214b, and in a length of the first mold cover.

[0297]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, the first mold 210b is embedded with a copper tube 217b. The copper tube 217b is configured for circulation of refrigerant. The first mold cavity 213b is formed on a side of the first mold body 210b distant from the copper tube 217b. By introducing refrigerant of different temperatures into the copper tube 217b, energy of the refrigerant is transferred to the first mold 210b through the copper tube 217b and further transferred to the first mold cavity 213b, thereby freezing water in the ice-making cavity 230b or thawing the ice body from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213b.

[0298]In an embodiment, the first mold 210b includes a first mold cover 212b and two first mold bodies 211b (an embodiment including only two first mold bodies 211b is not shown). The two first mold bodies 211b are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the first mold cover 212b. The first mold cover 212b covers at least part of the two first mold bodies 211b. The first mold cavities 213b are formed on sides of the first mold bodies 211b distant from the first mold cover 212b. The first mold cover 212b and the two first mold bodies 211b together enclose and form the first flow channel 214b (see FIG. 43 and FIG. 45). In this manner, the first mold cavities 213b in the two first mold bodies 211b can share one first flow channel 214b. That is, when refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b, energy of the refrigerant can be transferred through the two first mold bodies 211b to the two first mold cavities 213b. Specifically, during an ice-making process, after refrigerant flows into the first flow channel 214b, the refrigerant in the first flow channel 214b can cool the first mold cavities 213b in the two first mold bodies 211b, so that two ice-making cavities 230b formed by the two first mold bodies 211b and the two first molds 210b are cooled, thereby enabling water injected and/or sprayed into the ice-making cavities 230b to freeze into ice. In this way, the ice maker of the present application can produce multiple ice bodies in one ice-making cycle. In addition, allowing the two ice-making cavities 230b to share one first flow channel 214b can reduce manufacturing cost of the ice maker.

[0299]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 42, FIG. 44, and FIG. 46, the first flow channel 214b can adopt the following structure. The two first mold bodies 211b are arranged at intervals along a first direction. Further, the first direction is parallel to a moving direction of the second mold 220b. The first flow channel 214b includes multiple sections of flow channels 2141b arranged between the two first mold bodies 211b, and the multiple sections of flow channels 2141b are sequentially arranged along a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. For any middle section flow channel 2141b, two communication portions between the middle section flow channel 2141b and two adjacent flow channel sections 2141b are respectively located at opposite ends of the middle section flow channel 2141b along the first direction (see FIG. 48). The second molds 220b are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first mold bodies 211b, and the two second molds 220b are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the first mold 210b. Specifically, when refrigerant enters the first flow channel 214b, the refrigerant first enters an outer flow channel 2141b and then flows along the outer flow channel 2141b to a communication portion between the outer flow channel 2141b and a middle flow channel 2141b, enters the middle flow channel 2141b through the communication portion, and continues to flow along the middle flow channel 2141b until reaching a communication portion between the middle flow channel 2141b and another outer flow channel 2141b, and then enters the other outer flow channel 2141b through the communication portion. Since the two communication portions between any middle section flow channel 2141b and the two adjacent flow channel sections 2141b are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the middle section flow channel 2141b along the first direction, refrigerant in the first flow channel 214b flows in a winding manner (see FIG. 48). Under such flow mode, a contact area between the first flow channel 214b and the two first mold bodies 211b can be increased, thereby increasing a contact area between the first mold cavities 213b and the refrigerant, which facilitates improvement of energy transfer efficiency.

[0300]In an embodiment, when a plurality of first mold bodies 211b are arranged on the same side of the first mold cover 212b, a plurality of second molds 220b are also arranged on the same side of the first mold cover 212b (see FIG. 42 to FIG. 47). That is, a plurality of ice-making cavities 230b are arranged on the same side of the first mold cover 212b. When a plurality of ice-making cavities 230b are arranged on the first mold cover 212b, the above injection pipe 40b injects water into multiple second water inlet channels 240b, and the injection pipe 40b has a flow-dividing function. The first mold cover 212b is provided with a plurality of first flow channels 214b corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of first mold bodies 211b. Adjacent first flow channels 214b are separated by a partition plate 270b (see FIG. 48). In this manner, installation of the first mold 210b is facilitated, and cost of the first mold 210b can be reduced. The design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first mold cover 212b and the two first mold bodies 211b can enclose only one first flow channel 214b.

[0301]In an embodiment, one first flow channel 214b corresponds to the first mold bodies 211b symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the first mold cover 212b (see FIG. 47 and FIG. 48). Specifically, one first flow channel 214b corresponds to two first mold bodies 211b. The design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, one first flow channel 214b can correspond to four or more first mold bodies 211b. That is, the first mold cover 212b and a plurality of first mold bodies 211b together enclose and form one first flow channel 214b.

[0302]In an embodiment, when the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity are combined, the first mold cavity 213b and the second mold cavity 223b form the ice-making cavity 230b. Structures or sizes of the ice-making cavities arranged on two sides of the first mold cover are different. When the structures of the ice-making cavities arranged on the two sides of the first mold cover are different, one side can be an ice-making cavity having a quadrangular prism structure, such that the produced ice body has a quadrangular prism structure, and the other side can be an ice-making cavity having a spherical structure, such that the produced ice body has a spherical structure. When sizes of the ice-making cavities arranged on the two sides of the first mold cover are different, one side can be a spherical ice-making cavity having a larger structure, such that the produced spherical ice body is larger, and the other side can be a spherical ice-making cavity having a smaller structure, such that the produced spherical ice body is smaller.

[0303]In the present application, the ice makers shown in FIG. 42 to FIG. 48 all adopt the above first mold 210b, where the first mold cover 212b and the two first mold bodies 211b together enclose and form the first flow channel 214b. The structures of the first molds used are similar, and the differences lie only in numbers of the first mold bodies 211b, the first mold cavities 213b, and the first flow channels 214b, and in a length of the first mold cover. In the present application, when the two sides of the first mold cover 212b are both provided with second molds 220b, corresponding drive assemblies 300b can also be arranged in two groups (see FIG. 43, FIG. 45, and FIG. 47). When the drive assemblies 300b are arranged in two groups, during mold opening, according to structures and sizes of produced ice bodies, the ice-making cavities located on two sides of the first mold cover can be opened simultaneously or sequentially.

[0304]In an embodiment, the second mold 220b is provided with a second flow channel (not shown) configured for circulation of a thawing medium. During an ice release process, the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel to thaw the produced ice body from the second mold 220b. Subsequently, the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position, and high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel to thaw the ice body from the first mold 210b. Alternatively, during the ice release process, high-temperature refrigerant can be introduced into the first flow channel 214b to thaw the produced ice body from the first mold 210b, and then the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position, after which the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel to thaw the ice body from the second mold 220b. Alternatively, during the ice release process, high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b and the thawing medium is introduced into the second flow channel, such that the produced ice body is thawed from both the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b, and then the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position.

[0305]In this embodiment, the second flow channel includes multiple annular flow channels (not shown) sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the first mold 210b. The multiple annular flow channels of the second flow channel have structures similar to or identical with the multiple annular flow channels 2141b of the first flow channel 214b.

[0306]In this embodiment, the second mold 220b includes a second mold body 221b and a second mold cover 222b. The second mold cover 222b covers the second mold body 221b. The second mold cavity 223b is formed on a side of the second mold body 221b distant from the second mold cover 222b. The second flow channel is arranged between the second mold body 221b and the second mold cover 222b. In this embodiment, the second mold cover 222b is configured as a special-shaped cover, and a groove structure (not shown) is formed in the second mold cover 222b. When the second mold cover 222b covers the second mold body 221b, the second flow channel is formed outside the second mold body 221b, and the second flow channel is located between the second mold cover 222b and the second mold body 221b.

[0307]However, the present design is also not limited thereto. In other embodiments, second mold 220b can adopt other structures. For example, the second mold 220b can include only the second mold body 221b. In this case, the second flow channel is formed outside the second mold body 221b. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the second mold body 221b, and the second flow channel is arranged in the pipeline. The pipeline can be arranged around the second mold body 221b for one circle or multiple circles.

[0308]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32, FIG. 33, and FIG. 34, a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b has an equal thickness or an approximately equal thickness. The ice maker further includes a heating member 500b covering a back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b. When the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b has the same thickness, energy of the heating member 500b covering the back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b can be uniformly transferred through the second mold body 221b to the second mold cavity 223b, thereby enabling freezing of the ice-making cavity 230b to be more uniform, or enabling thawing during a thawing process to be more uniform, such that the thawed ice body is more complete. In this embodiment, when the second mold 220b includes only the second mold body 221b, the back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b is an outer surface of the second mold body 221b. Further, when thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b by using the heating member 500b, the heating member 500b can be configured as a heating film. Heat generated by the heating member 500b is transferred through the second mold body 221b to the second mold cavity 223b, thereby melting and thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223b. During an ice release process, the heating member 500b generates heat to thaw the produced ice body from the second mold 220b. Subsequently, the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position, and high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel to thaw the ice body from the first mold 210b. Alternatively, during the ice release process, high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b to thaw the produced ice body from the first mold 210b, and then the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position, after which the heating member 500b generates heat to thaw the ice body from the second mold 220b. Alternatively, during the ice release process, high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b and the heating member 500b generates heat, such that the produced ice body is thawed from both the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b, and then the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position.

[0309]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, the ice maker further includes an ejector 30b and a driving member 60b. The ejector 30b is movably installed on the second mold 220b, and the ejector 30b can movably extend into the second mold cavity 223b. The driving member cooperates with the ejector 30b to enable the ejector 30b to movably extend into the second mold cavity 223b. In this embodiment, the driving member is configured as an push rod 61b or an electric telescopic rod (not shown). When the driving member is configured as the push rod 61b, the push rod 61b is fixedly arranged on the rack 100b and is located at the second position of the second mold 220b. The ice maker further includes a guide member 50b configured for installation of the ejector 30b. The guide member 50b is fixedly arranged on the second mold 220b. The guide member 50b includes a guide tube 51b, a push plate 52b, a first limiting structure 53b, and a second limiting structure 54b. The ejector 30b and the push plate 52b are both arranged in the guide tube 51b, and the ejector 30b and the push plate 52b are fixedly connected. A second spring 70b is arranged between the push plate 52b and the first limiting structure 53b. During an ice release process, the second driving component 300b drives the second mold 220b to move close to the second position. When approaching the second position, the push rod 61b contacts the push plate 52b to push the push plate 52b. The push plate 52b compresses the second spring 70b and pushes the ejector 30b to extend out of the guide tube 51b, so that the ejector 30b extends into the second mold cavity 223b. When the second mold 220b completely reaches the second position, an extension stroke of the ejector 30b into the second mold cavity 223b reaches a maximum value. When the second mold 220b leaves the second position, under a restoring force of the second spring 70b, the push plate 52b returns to an initial position, thereby driving the ejector 30b to retract into the guide tube 51b. The second limiting structure 54b is configured to limit the ejector 30b in the guide tube 51b to prevent the ejector 30b from being detached from the guide tube 51b. Specifically, in the present application, the guide tube 51b covers at least part of the second mold 220b, and the first limiting structure 53b is configured as a portion of the second mold 220b located inside the guide tube 51b. Under an action of the first limiting structure 53b, the push plate 52b and the ejector 30b can be prevented from being pushed out of the guide tube 51b by the restoring force of the second spring 70b. When the driving member is configured as an electric telescopic rod (not shown), the electric telescopic rod can be installed on the rack 100b or on the second mold 220b. When the second mold 220b moves to the second position, the electric telescopic rod pushes the ejector 30b outward, so that the ejector 30b pushes the ice body away from the second mold 220b. When the second mold 220b moves to the first position, the electric telescopic rod retracts the ejector 30b. During the ice release process, high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214b to thaw the produced ice body from the first mold 210b. Subsequently, the drive assembly 300b drives the second mold 220b to move to the second position, and the driving member drives the ejector 30b, such that the ejector 30b pushes the ice body away from the second mold 220b.

[0310]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, the ejector 30b can be configured as the mounting base 410b in the spray assembly 400b. The push plate 52b in the guide member 50b is provided with an avoidance hole through which the first water inlet channel 420b passes. Meanwhile, the second mold 220b is provided with an installation hole 224b for installing the mounting base 410b, and the installation hole 224b includes a limiting step 2241b. The second limiting structure 54b is configured as the limiting step 2241b. During the ice release process, the push rod 61b pushes the push plate 52b, the push plate 52b compresses the second spring 70b, and the mounting base 410b is pushed out from the installation hole 224b, such that the mounting base 410b extends into the second mold cavity 223b to push the ice body out of the second mold cavity 223b. After the ice release is completed, the second mold 220b leaves the second position, and under a restoring force of the second spring 70b, the push plate 52b and the mounting base 410b return to their original positions. At this time, the mounting base 410b enters the installation hole 224b and is limited in the installation hole 224b under an action of the limiting step 2241b.

[0311]In an embodiment, after the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b are closed, a water return hole 250b is formed on a lower side between the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b. Under an action of the water return hole 250b, during the ice-making process, part of water not condensed in the ice-making cavity 230b flows downward under gravity and enters the water return hole 250b. Further, in order to facilitate use of the water return hole 250b, the water return hole 250b is arranged at a relatively lower position of the mold assembly 200b. In the present application, in order to collect water in the water return hole 250b, a collection box (not shown) can be arranged below the water return hole 250b.

[0312]In an embodiment, the mold assembly 200b is further provided with an air vent 260b (see FIG. 33, FIG. 35, and FIG. 41). In this embodiment, the air vent 260b can be arranged on the first mold 210b or the second mold 220b. During the ice-making process, when the spray assembly 400b sprays water onto a cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230b and/or when the injection pipe 40b injects water into the ice-making cavity 230b, the cavity wall cools the water flow under an action of refrigerant, such that the water flow can condense on the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230b. During the condensation process, air between the water flow and the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230b can be discharged through the air vent 260b, thereby facilitating discharge of air in the ice-making cavity 230b and improving quality of the produced ice body. Further, in this embodiment, the air vent 260b can also be arranged on the mounting base 410b of the spray assembly 400b.

[0313]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 32, the drive assembly 300b includes a worm 310b, a worm sleeve, a drive motor 330b, and a guide rod 340b. The worm 310b is mounted on the rack 100b. The worm sleeve is movably mounted on the worm 310b and is fixedly connected with the second mold 220b. The drive motor 330b is drivingly connected with the worm 310b. The second mold 220b is in sliding fit with the guide rod 340b, and the guide rod 340b is fixedly arranged on the rack 100b. Specifically, the drive motor 330b drives the worm 310b to rotate. At this time, the worm sleeve movably mounted on the worm 310b can move up and down along the worm 310b. When the worm sleeve moves up and down, the second mold 220b is driven to move linearly. When the second mold 220b moves linearly, the second mold 220b slides along the guide rod 340b, thereby achieving a purpose that the drive structure 630b drives the second mold 220b to move linearly. The drive assembly 300b further includes a timing belt 370b and a plurality of timing wheels 380b (see FIG. 45). The plurality of timing wheels 380b are mounted on the worm 310b and an output end of the drive motor 330b. Further, the output end of the drive motor 330b is connected with the timing wheel 380b through a differential mechanism. The timing belt 370b connects the plurality of timing wheels 380b. When the drive motor 330b rotates, the worm 310b can be driven to rotate through the timing wheels 380b and the timing belt 370b. Further, in this embodiment (see FIG. 45), two groups of the worms 310b and the worm sleeves are provided. The two worms 310b are respectively arranged on two sides of the second mold 220b, and the two worm sleeves are both fixedly connected with the second mold 220b. The drive motor 330b is drivingly connected with the two worms 310b through the timing belt 370b and the timing wheels 380b. Specifically, the two worms 310b and the output end of the drive motor 330b are each provided with the timing wheel 380b. The timing belt 370b connects three timing wheels 380b. When the output end of the drive motor 330b rotates, the two worms 310b can be driven to rotate simultaneously through the timing wheels 380b and the timing belt 370b, thereby driving the second mold 220b to move linearly.

[0314]In an embodiment, when the ice maker includes two groups of the drive assemblies 300b, the two groups of drive assemblies are symmetrically arranged (see FIG. 41, FIG. 43, and FIG. 45).

[0315]In an embodiment, the ice maker further includes an ice guiding structure 600b. Referring to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the ice guiding structure 600b includes an ice guiding plate arranged below the mold assembly 200b. The ice guiding plate is configured to guide ice bodies out of the ice maker.

[0316]In this embodiment, the ice guiding plate can be a single plate or can include portions.

[0317]Referring to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, when the ice guiding plate includes two portions, the ice guiding plate includes a first ice guiding plate 610b and a second ice guiding plate 620b. The ice guiding structure 600b further includes a driving structure 630b. The driving structure 630b includes a first swing arm 631b and a second swing arm 632b. The first swing arm 631b and the second swing arm 632b are both rotatably connected with the rack 100b. The first ice guiding plate 610b is fixedly connected with the first swing arm 631b, and the second ice guiding plate 620b is fixedly connected with the second swing arm 632b. Torsion springs 633b are arranged between the first ice guiding plate 610b and the rack 100b and between the second ice guiding plate 620b and the rack 100b. Under an action of the torsion springs 633b, the first ice guiding plate 610b and the second ice guiding plate 620b are both located outside the mold assembly 200b. Further, the driving structure 630b further includes a driving plate 634b, a transmission member 635b, and a linear driving structure 630b. The linear driving structure 630b drives the driving plate 634b to move linearly. The first swing arm 631b is arranged below the second swing arm 632b. When the linear driving structure 630b drives the driving plate 634b to move downward, the driving plate 634b presses the first swing arm 631b downward, such that the first swing arm 631b swings, thereby driving the first ice guiding plate 610b to rotate, so that the first ice guiding plate 610b is located below the mold assembly 200b. Further, the transmission member 635b includes a transmission gear 6351b, a driving tooth 6352b arranged on the driving plate 634b, and a third swing arm 6353b. The transmission gear 6351b and the third swing arm 6353b are both mounted on the rack 100b. The third swing arm 6353b meshes with the transmission gear 6351b. That is, the third swing arm 6353b is provided with a driven gear 6354b cooperating with the transmission gear 6351b. Specifically, when the transmission gear 6351b rotates, the third swing arm 6353b swings under an action of the driven gear 6354b. The third swing arm 6353b is drivingly connected with the second swing arm 632b. When the third swing arm 6353b swings, the third swing arm 6353b drives the second swing arm 632b to swing, thereby enabling the second ice guiding plate 620b to rotate, such that the second ice guiding plate 620b is located below the mold assembly 200b (see FIG. 30). In this embodiment, when the linear driving structure 630b drives the driving plate 634b to move downward (see FIG. 30), the driving tooth 6352b on the driving plate 634b meshes with the transmission gear 6351b. As the driving plate 634b continues to move toward the second position, the transmission gear 6351b rotates. During rotation of the transmission gear 6351b, the third swing arm 6353b swings, thereby enabling the third swing arm 6353b to drive the second swing arm 632b to swing, so as to rotate the second ice guiding plate 620b, such that the second ice guiding plate 620b is located between the first mold 210b and the second mold 220b. When the linear driving structure 630b drives the driving plate 634b to move upward (see FIG. 29), the driving tooth 6352b drives the transmission gear 6351b to rotate, thereby restoring the third swing arm 6353b to an initial position. At this time, the second ice guiding plate 620b returns to an initial state under an action of the torsion spring 633b and is located outside the mold assembly 200b. Meanwhile, the driving plate 634b does not press the first swing arm 631b downward, and the first ice guiding plate 610b also returns to an initial state under an action of the torsion spring 633b and is located outside the mold assembly 200b. Further, when the ice maker includes a collection box, when the linear driving structure 630b drives the driving plate 634b to move downward, the first ice guiding plate 610b and the second ice guiding plate 620b are located between the collection box and the mold assembly 200b.

[0318]The present application provides an ice maker.

[0323]The first mold 210 is provided with a first flow channel 214 configured for circulation of refrigerant. The first flow channel 214 includes a plurality of annular flow channels 2141 sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the second mold 220. Specifically, the plurality of annular flow channels 2141 are arranged around the first mold cavity 213, that is, the first flow channel 214 surrounds the first mold cavity 213. In this embodiment, according to a temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the first flow channel 214, the first mold 210 can achieve different effects. When a temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the first flow channel 214 is relatively low, the refrigerant freezes water in the ice-making cavity 230. When the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the first flow channel 214 is relatively high, the refrigerant can thaw the ice body from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213.

[0324]In this embodiment, since the first flow channel 214 includes a plurality of annular flow channels 2141 sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the second mold 220 (see FIG. 53, FIG. 59, and FIG. 61), a contact area between the first flow channel 214 and the first mold cavity 213 can be increased under an action of the plurality of annular flow channels 2141. After refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214, due to the increased contact area between the first flow channel 214 and the first mold cavity 213, energy of the refrigerant can be transferred to the ice-making cavity 230 more quickly, thereby enabling the ice-making cavity 230 to cool rapidly and enabling water in the ice-making cavity 230 to freeze quickly.

[0325]In this embodiment, before ice making, the drive assembly 300 first drives the second mold 220 to move linearly, such that the second mold 220 moves to the first position. At this time, the second mold 220 and the first mold 210 are combined, and the first mold cavity 213 and the second mold cavity 223 form the ice-making cavity 230. After the ice-making cavity 230 is formed, water is injected into the ice-making cavity 230 and refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214. Alternatively, after the ice-making cavity 230 is formed, refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214 and then water is injected into the ice-making cavity 230. Under an action of the refrigerant, the mold assembly 200 is cooled, and cooling of the mold assembly 200 cools the water in the ice-making cavity 230, thereby freezing the water into ice. After a preset cooling time, the water in the ice-making cavity 230 freezes into ice. After the water in the ice-making cavity 230 is completely frozen into ice, the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move linearly, such that the second mold 220 moves to the second position. At this time, the second mold 220 and the first mold 210 are separated, and the formed ice is located in either the first mold cavity 213 or the second mold cavity 223. When the ice is located in the first mold cavity 213, the ice can be detached from the first mold cavity 213. When the ice is located in the second mold cavity 223, the ice can be detached from the second mold cavity 223. In this embodiment, the manner for detaching the ice from the first mold cavity 213 or the second mold cavity 223 is not limited. For example, the ice can be detached by directly pushing the ice out of the first mold cavity 213 or the second mold cavity 223. Alternatively, the ice can be detached by introducing refrigerant having a relatively high temperature to melt and separate the ice from a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 or a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223.

[0326]The technical solution of the present application adopts the drive assembly 300 to drive the second mold 220 to move linearly. The drive assembly 300 can be configured as the linear driving structure 630. When ice making is required, the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move linearly to the first position. At this time, the second mold 220 and the first mold 210 are combined, and the first mold cavity 213 and the second mold cavity 223 form the ice-making cavity 230. Water is injected into the ice-making cavity 230, and then the mold assembly 200 is cooled, so that a temperature of water in the ice-making cavity 230 decreases and the water freezes into ice. After ice making is completed, the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move to the second position, thereby opening the mold assembly 200, and the ice can then be detached from the first mold cavity 213 or the second mold cavity 223. In the present application, the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move so as to achieve combination and opening of the mold assembly 200, which can effectively improve an automation degree of mold opening during the ice-making process of the ice maker, thereby solving technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0327]In an embodiment, for any intermediate annular flow channel 2141, a communication portion between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141 and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141 close to the second mold 220 (not shown) and a communication portion between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141 and an adjacent annular flow channel 2141 distant from the second mold 220 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate annular flow channel 2141. That is, after refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214, the refrigerant first enters an upper annular flow channel 2141 and flows along the upper annular flow channel 2141 to the communication portion. The refrigerant then enters an intermediate annular flow channel 2141 through the communication portion and flows along the intermediate annular flow channel 2141 to another communication portion. The refrigerant then enters a lower annular flow channel 2141 through the communication portion between the intermediate annular flow channel 2141 and the lower annular flow channel 2141. In this case, a flow direction of the refrigerant in the upper annular flow channel 2141 is opposite to a flow direction of the refrigerant in the lower annular flow channel 2141. This configuration prevents the refrigerant from directly entering the intermediate annular flow channel 2141 and the lower annular flow channel 2141 from the upper annular flow channel 2141, thereby increasing a circulation path of the refrigerant in the first flow channel 214 and further increasing a contact area between the refrigerant and the first mold cavity 213.

[0328]In an embodiment, the first mold 210 can adopt the following structure. Referring to FIG. 51, FIG. 52, and FIG. 53, the first mold 210 includes a first mold body 211 and a first mold cover 212. The first mold cover 212 covers the first mold body 211. The first mold cavity 213 is formed on a side of the first mold body 211 distant from the first mold cover 212. The first flow channel 214 is formed between the first mold cover 212 and the first mold body 211. Specifically, the first flow channel 214 is formed between the first mold cover 212 and the first mold body 211 such that the first flow channel 214 surrounds the first mold body 211, thereby surrounding the first mold cavity 213. The first flow channel 214 surrounds the first mold body 211 for one circle or multiple circles, thereby enabling the first flow channel 214 to surround the first cavity for one circle or multiple circles. In this embodiment, the first mold cover 212 is configured as a special-shaped cover, and a groove structure (not shown) is formed in the first mold cover 212. When the first mold cover 212 covers the first mold body 211, the first flow channel 214 is formed outside the first mold body 211. At this time, the first flow channel 214 is located between the first mold cover 212 and the first mold body 211. When a thickness of a cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 is the same, energy in the first flow channel 214 surrounding the outside of the first mold body 211 can be uniformly transferred through the first mold body 211 to the first mold cavity 213, thereby enabling freezing of the ice-making cavity 230 to be more uniform, or enabling thawing during a thawing process to be more uniform, such that the thawed ice body is more complete.

[0329]In an embodiment, the design is not limited thereto. The first mold 210 can adopt other structures. For example, the first mold 210 can include only the first mold body 211. In this case, the first flow channel 214 is formed outside the first mold body 211. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the first mold body 211, and the first flow channel 214 is arranged in the pipeline. The pipeline can be arranged around the first mold body 211 for one circle or multiple circles.

[0330]In an embodiment, the second mold 220 is provided with a second flow channel (not shown) configured for circulation of a thawing medium. When a temperature of the refrigerant introduced is relatively high, the refrigerant can thaw the ice body from a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223.

[0331]In an embodiment, the second flow channel includes a plurality of annular flow channels (not shown) sequentially communicated in a direction distant from the first mold 210. The plurality of annular flow channels in the second flow channel have structures similar to or identical with the plurality of annular flow channels 2141 in the first flow channel 214.

[0332]In a first embodiment, referring to FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, the second mold 220 includes a second mold body 221 and a second mold cover 222. The second mold cover 222 covers the second mold body 221. The second mold cavity 223 is formed on a side of the second mold body 221 distant from the second mold cover 222. The second flow channel is arranged between the second mold body 221 and the second mold cover 222. In this embodiment, the second mold cover 222 is configured as a special-shaped cover, and a groove structure (not shown) is formed in the second mold cover 222. When the second mold cover 222 covers the second mold body 221, the second flow channel is formed outside the second mold body 221. At this time, the second flow channel is located between the second mold cover 222 and the second mold body 221.

[0333]However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second mold 220 can adopt other structures. For example, the second mold 220 can include only the second mold body 221. In this case, the second flow channel is formed outside the second mold body 221. Specifically, a pipeline (not shown) is fixed outside the second mold body 221, and the second flow channel is arranged in the pipeline. The pipeline can be arranged around the second mold body 221 for one circle or multiple circles.

[0334]In an embodiment, the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 has an equal thickness or an approximately equal thickness (see FIG. 59). When the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 has the same thickness, energy in the second flow channel surrounding the outside of the second mold body 221 can be uniformly transferred through the second mold body 221 to the second mold cavity 223, thereby enabling freezing of the ice-making cavity 230 to be more uniform, or enabling thawing during a thawing process to be more uniform, such that the thawed ice body is more complete. The ice maker further includes a heating member 500 covering a back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223. In this embodiment, when the second mold 220 includes only the second mold body 221, the back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 is an outer surface of the second mold body 221. Further, when thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 by using the heating member 500, the heating member 500 can be configured as a heating film. Heat generated by the heating member 500 is transferred through the second mold body 221 to the second mold cavity 223, thereby melting and thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223.

[0335]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 52, the heating member 500 can adopt the following structure. The heating member 500 includes a flexible body 510 covering a back surface of a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 and a heating body (not shown) embedded in the flexible body 510. In this embodiment, the heating body is heated such that heat generated by the heating body is transferred to the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 through the flexible body 510 and the second mold body 221, thereby melting and thawing the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223. In this embodiment, the heating body can be a heating wire.

[0336]In an embodiment, the flexible body 510 is configured as a silicone body capable of withstanding high temperatures, and the silicone body can withstand a temperature of at least about 150° C. The design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the flexible body 510 can be configured as a foil-shaped or sheet-shaped metal body, provided that the flexible body 510 has certain bending flexibility and certain heat conduction capability.

[0337]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 52, the flexible body 510 includes a plurality of flexible flaps 511 sequentially arranged along a circumferential direction of the second mold 220. The plurality of flexible flaps 511 collectively cover the back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223. When the second mold 220 includes only the second mold body 221, the back surface of the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 is an outer surface of the second mold body 221.

[0338]In an embodiment, the ice maker further includes an ejector (not shown) and a driving member (not shown). The ejector is movably installed on the second mold 220 and can movably extend into the second mold cavity 223. The driving member is drivingly connected with the ejector. After ice making is completed, the ejector can push the ice body to detach the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223. In this embodiment, the driving member can be configured as an electric telescopic rod, and the ejector can be configured as an ejector tube. The second mold body 221 is provided with an installation groove in which the ejector tube is arranged, and a sealing member is arranged between the ejector tube and the installation groove of the second mold body 221. During the ice-making process, the ejector tube is located in the installation groove. After ice making is completed, the electric telescopic rod pushes the ejector tube out of the installation groove, and the ejector tube pushes the ice body out of the second mold cavity 223, thereby enabling the ice body in the second mold cavity 223 to be detached from the cavity wall. In this embodiment, the driving member can also be configured as a cylinder assembly.

[0339]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 53 to FIG. 57, the ice maker further includes a spray assembly 400. The spray assembly 400 includes a mounting base 410 provided with a water inlet channel 420 and a spray hole 430, and a flow guiding member 440 installed at the spray hole 430. The mounting base 410 is installed on the second mold 220. The water inlet channel 420 is configured for water input, and the flow guiding member 440 is configured to enable water sprayed from the spray hole 430 to be dispersed. In this embodiment, the second mold 220 is provided with an installation hole 224 configured for installation of the mounting base 410, and the mounting base 410 is fixedly arranged in the installation hole 224. When the spray assembly 400 sprays water toward the ice-making cavity 230, water enters through the water inlet channel 420 and is then sprayed toward the ice-making cavity 230 through the spray hole 430. Since the water inlet channel 420 is provided with the flow guiding member 440, water sprayed from the spray hole 430 is dispersed, thereby enabling multi-angle water spraying, facilitating relatively uniform spraying inside the ice-making cavity 230, and enabling an ice layer to be relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230.

[0340]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 54, FIG. 55, and FIG. 56, a water return hole 225 can be arranged in the mounting base 410 installed on the second mold 220. Specifically, the water return hole 225 is formed in the mounting base 410, and one end of the water return hole 225 communicates with the second mold cavity 223, and another end communicates with an exterior of the second mold 220. In this embodiment, when the second mold 220 is arranged below the first mold 210, water sprayed by the spray assembly 400 installed in the second mold 220 toward the ice-making cavity 230 is sprayed upward. After spraying, part of the water that is not condensed in the ice-making cavity 230 flows downward under gravity and enters the water return hole 225. Further, in order to facilitate use of the water return hole 225, the water return hole 225 is arranged at a relatively lower position in the second mold cavity 223, thereby facilitating collection of uncondensed water by the water return hole 225. Further, by integrating the water return hole 225 into the mounting base 410 of the spray assembly 400, an installation process of the present application can be simplified. After the spray assembly 400 is installed on the second mold 220, the water return hole 225 is also installed. In the present application, the water return hole 225 communicates with a return water box, and water entering the water return hole 225 flows into the return water box.

[0341]In an embodiment, the flow guiding member 440 is configured as a spiral nozzle 441 (see FIG. 56 and FIG. 57) or a spiral flow guiding blade 442 (see FIG. 54 and FIG. 55). In this embodiment, when the flow guiding member 440 is configured as the spiral nozzle 441, water sprayed from the spray hole 430 toward the ice-making cavity 230 is dispersed.

[0342]In this embodiment, when the flow guiding member 440 is configured as the spiral flow guiding blade 442 (see FIG. 55), a fluid spiral generation cavity 460 is formed between the spiral flow guiding blade 442 and the spray hole 430. A conical structure 450 is formed between the fluid spiral generation cavity 460 and the spray hole 430. The spiral flow guiding blade 442 includes a dividing portion 4421 and two flow guiding portions 4422. The two flow guiding portions 4422 are both installed on the dividing portion 4421. The flow guiding portions 4422 are spiral, and the dividing portion 4421 is configured to divide water in the water inlet channel 420 into two portions. The two portions of water respectively move spirally along the two flow guiding portions 4422 and enter the fluid spiral generation cavity 460 to generate spiral flow. Under an action of the conical structure 450, the spirally moving water can flow more effectively to the spray hole 430. Water sprayed from the spray hole 430 is dispersed, thereby enabling multi-angle water spraying, facilitating relatively uniform spraying inside the ice-making cavity 230, and enabling an ice layer to be relatively uniformly formed on the ice-making cavity 230.

[0343]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 52 and FIG. 53, the first mold 210 is further provided with an air vent 260, and the first mold 210 is arranged above the second mold 220. During the ice-making process, when the spray assembly 400 sprays water onto a cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230, the cavity wall cools the water flow under an action of refrigerant, such that the water flow condenses on the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230. During the condensation process, air between the water flow and the cavity wall of the ice-making cavity 230 can be discharged through the air vent 260, thereby facilitating discharge of air from the ice-making cavity 230.

[0344]In an embodiment, in order to collect uncondensed water or discharge gas in the ice-making cavity 230, the second mold 220 is further provided with a water return hole (not shown). When the second mold 220 includes the second mold body 221, the water return hole can be arranged on the second mold body 221.

[0345]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 50, FIG. 51, and FIG. 52, the drive assembly 300 includes a worm 310, a worm sleeve 320, a drive motor 330, and a guide rod 340. The worm 310 is mounted on the rack 100. The worm sleeve 320 is movably mounted on the worm 310 and is fixedly connected with the second mold 220. The drive motor 330 is drivingly connected with the worm 310. The second mold 220 is in sliding fit with the guide rod 340, and the guide rod 340 is fixedly arranged on the rack 100. Specifically, the drive motor 330 drives the worm 310 to rotate. At this time, the worm sleeve 320 movably mounted on the worm 310 moves up and down along the worm 310. When the worm sleeve 320 moves up and down, the second mold 220 is driven to move linearly. When the second mold 220 moves linearly, the second mold 220 slides along the guide rod 340, thereby achieving a purpose that the drive structure 630 drives the second mold 220 to move linearly. The drive assembly 300 further includes a timing belt 370 and a plurality of timing wheels 380 (see FIG. 50). The plurality of timing wheels 380 are mounted on the worm 310 and an output end of the drive motor 330. Further, the output end of the drive motor 330 is connected with the timing wheel 380 through a differential mechanism. The timing belt 370 connects the plurality of timing wheels 380. When the drive motor 330 rotates, the worm 310 can be driven to rotate through the timing wheels 380 and the timing belt 370. Further, in this embodiment, two groups of the worms 310 and the worm sleeves 320 are provided. The two worms 310 are respectively arranged on two sides of the second mold 220, and the two worm sleeves 320 are both fixedly connected with the second mold 220. The drive motor 330 is drivingly connected with the two worms 310 through the timing belt 370 and the timing wheels 380. Specifically, the two worms 310 and the output end of the drive motor 330 are each provided with a timing wheel 380. The timing belt 370 connects three timing wheels 380. When the output end of the drive motor 330 rotates, the two worms 310 can be driven to rotate simultaneously through the timing wheels 380 and the timing belt 370, thereby driving the second mold 220 to move linearly.

[0346]However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the drive assembly 300 may alternatively be configured as a cylinder assembly, an electric telescopic member, or the like.

[0347]Further, in the drawings of the present application, an embodiment in which the second mold 220 is arranged below the first mold 210 is illustrated. However, the present design is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second mold 220 may be arranged above the first mold 210. When the first mold 210 and the second mold 220 are distributed vertically, the second mold 220 moves along a vertical linear direction.

[0348]However, the present design is also not limited thereto. In other embodiments, first mold 210 and the second mold 220 may be arranged horizontally. In this case, the second mold 220 moves along a horizontal linear direction.

[0349]In an embodiment, when the first mold 210 and the second mold 220 are distributed vertically, referring to FIG. 58 to FIG. 61, the ice maker of the present application further includes an ice guiding structure 600. The ice guiding structure includes an ice guiding plate configured to guide ice out of the ice maker. Specifically, when the second mold 220 is arranged below the first mold 210, the ice body is first defrosted from a cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223 by using a defrosting medium. After the ice body is defrosted from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223, the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move to the second position. After the second mold 220 moves to the second position, the ice guiding structure 600 enters between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. After the ice guiding structure 600 is positioned between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220, a hot refrigerant is introduced into the first flow channel 214 to defrost the ice body from an inner wall of the first mold cavity 213. The defrosted ice body falls onto the ice guiding structure 600 located below the first mold 210, and the ice guiding structure 600 guides the ice body out. Similarly, when the second mold 220 is arranged above the first mold 210, a hot refrigerant is first introduced to defrost the ice body from the inner wall of the first mold cavity 213. The drive assembly 300 then drives the second mold cavity 223 together with the ice body to move to the second position. After the second mold 220 moves to the second position, the ice guiding plate enters between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. A defrosting medium then defrosts the ice body from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223. At this time, the ice body falls onto the ice guiding plate located below the second mold 220, and the ice guiding plate guides the ice body out. In this embodiment, the ice guiding plate is configured as an integral plate.

[0350]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 58 to FIG. 61, the ice guiding plate may adopt the following structure. Specifically, the ice guiding plate includes a first ice guiding plate 610 and a second ice guiding plate 620. The ice guiding structure 600 has a first state and a second state. When the ice-making cavity 230 performs ice making, the ice guiding structure 600 is in the first state. In the first state, the first ice guiding plate 610 and the second ice guiding plate 620 are respectively located at two sides of the mold assembly 200. When the second mold 220 is located at the second position, the ice guiding structure 600 is in the second state. In the second state, the first ice guiding plate 610 and the second ice guiding plate 620 are located between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. At this time, the first ice guiding plate 610 and the second ice guiding plate 620 form an inclined ice guiding structure 600. Further, the second ice guiding plate 620 is located above the first ice guiding plate 610. Meanwhile, when the second mold 220 moves from the first position to the second position, the ice guiding structure 600 gradually switches from the first state to the second state. At this time, the first ice guiding plate 610 and the second ice guiding plate 620 gradually incline from positions at two sides of the mold assembly 200 to positions between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. In this embodiment, the ice guiding structure 600 further includes a driving structure 630. The driving structure 630 includes a first swing arm 631 and a second swing arm 632. The first swing arm 631 and the second swing arm 632 are both rotatably connected with the rack 100. The first ice guiding plate 610 is fixedly connected with the first swing arm 631, and the second ice guiding plate 620 is fixedly connected with the second swing arm 632. Torsion springs 633 are arranged between the first ice guiding plate 610 and the rack 100 and between the second ice guiding plate 620 and the rack 100. Under an action of the torsion springs 633, the first ice guiding plate 610 and the second ice guiding plate 620 are both located outside the mold assembly 200, that is, the ice guiding structure 600 is in the first state. Further, the driving structure 630 further includes a driving plate 634 and a transmission member 635. Specifically, the driving plate 634 is fixedly connected with the second mold 220. The driving plate 634 is arranged outside the rack 100. The rack 100 is provided with a guide sliding groove 110. A portion of the driving plate 634 passes through the guide sliding groove 110 and is fixedly connected with the second mold 220. The driving plate 634 is fixedly connected with the second mold body 221 of the second mold 220. When the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move linearly, the driving plate 634 moves linearly together with the second mold 220. Further, the first swing arm 631 is arranged close to the second position of the second mold 220. When the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to the second position, the driving plate 634 presses the first swing arm 631 downward, so that the first swing arm 631 swings, thereby driving the first ice guiding plate 610 to turn over, such that the first ice guiding plate 610 is located between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. Further, the transmission member 635 includes a transmission gear 6351, a driving tooth 6352 arranged on the driving plate 634, and a third swing arm 6353. The transmission gear 6351 and the third swing arm 6353 are both mounted on the rack 100. The third swing arm 6353 is engaged with the transmission gear 6351. Specifically, a driven gear 6354 is arranged on the third swing arm 6353 and cooperates with the transmission gear 6351. When the transmission gear 6351 rotates, the third swing arm 6353 swings under an action of the driven gear 6354. The third swing arm 6353 is drivingly connected with the second swing arm 632. When the third swing arm 6353 swings, the third swing arm 6353 drives the second swing arm 632 to swing, and the swinging of the second swing arm 632 causes the second ice guiding plate 620 to turn over, such that the second ice guiding plate 620 is located between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. In this embodiment, when the driving plate 634 moves from the first position toward the second position together with the second mold 220, the driving tooth 6352 on the driving plate 634 engages with the transmission gear 6351. As the driving plate 634 continues to move toward the second position, the transmission gear 6351 rotates. During rotation of the transmission gear 6351, the third swing arm 6353 is driven to swing, thereby driving the second swing arm 632 to swing, so that the second ice guiding plate 620 turns over and is located between the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. When the driving plate 634 moves from the second position toward the first position together with the second mold 220, the driving tooth 6352 drives the transmission gear 6351 to rotate in a reverse direction, thereby restoring the third swing arm 6353 to an initial position. At this time, the second ice guiding plate 620 returns to the initial state under an action of the torsion spring 633, and is located outside the mold assembly 200. Meanwhile, the driving plate 634 does not press the first swing arm 631, and the first ice guiding plate 610 also returns to the initial state under an action of the torsion spring 633, thereby being located outside the mold assembly 200.

[0351]In an embodiment, when the first mold 210 and the second mold 220 are horizontally arranged (not shown), the ice maker of the present application may include an ice guiding structure 600. Specifically, the ice guiding structure 600 is arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. After ice making is completed and the ice body is defrosted from the cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 and the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223, the ice body falls onto the ice guiding structure 600 arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220, and is then guided out by the ice guiding structure 600. In this embodiment, since the ice guiding structure 600 is arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220, after ice making is completed and before the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move, the ice body may first be defrosted from the cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 or may first be defrosted from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223, which is not limited herein.

[0352]In an embodiment, when the first mold 210 and the second mold 220 are horizontally arranged, the ice maker of the present application may alternatively be provided with an ice storage box (not shown) instead of the ice guiding structure 600. Specifically, the ice storage box is arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. After ice making is completed and the ice body is defrosted from the cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 and the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223, the ice body falls into the ice storage box arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220. In this embodiment, since the ice storage box is arranged below the first mold 210 and the second mold 220, after ice making is completed and before the drive assembly 300 drives the second mold 220 to move, the ice body may first be defrosted from the cavity wall of the first mold cavity 213 or may first be defrosted from the cavity wall of the second mold cavity 223, which is not limited herein.

[0353]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 51, FIG. 52, and FIG. 53, the first mold 210, the second mold 220, the spray assembly 400, the first flow channel 214, and the second flow channel, or the heating member 500, or the ejector are provided in multiple groups and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The ice maker further includes a first medium supply pipe group 700 and a water supply pipe group 800. The first medium supply pipe group 700 is configured to introduce refrigerant into the plurality of first flow channels 214. The water supply pipe group 800 is configured to introduce water into the plurality of spray assemblies 400. In this embodiment, by providing multiple groups of the first molds 210 and the second molds 220, the ice maker of the present application can form multiple ice-making cavities 230 during a single ice-making process. In other words, multiple ice bodies can be formed at one time, thereby effectively improving ice-making efficiency of the ice maker. Further, refrigerant is introduced into the plurality of first flow channels 214 through the first medium supply pipe group 700, thereby improving efficiency of introducing refrigerant into the plurality of first flow channels 214. Similarly, the water supply pipe group 800 introduces water into the plurality of water inlet channels 420 of the plurality of spray assemblies 400, thereby improving efficiency of introducing water into the plurality of water inlet channels 420. Further, a plurality of water return holes 225 in the plurality of spray assemblies 400 may be connected to one pipeline and returned to a water return box.

[0354]In this embodiment, when the second mold 220 is provided with the second flow channel (not shown), the present application may further include a second medium supply pipe group (not shown), and the second medium supply pipe group introduces a hot medium into the plurality of second flow channels.

[0355]In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, when the first molds 210 and the second molds 220 are provided in multiple groups, specifically, when the first mold 210 includes the first mold body 211 and the first mold cover 212, the first mold covers 212 of the plurality of first molds 210 are integrally formed, and the first mold bodies 211 of the plurality of first molds 210 are integrally formed. When the second mold 220 includes the second mold body 221 and the second mold cover 222, the second mold covers 222 of the plurality of second molds 220 are integrally formed, and the second mold bodies 221 of the plurality of second molds 220 are integrally formed. When the second mold 220 includes a third mold body, the third mold bodies of the plurality of second molds 220 are integrally formed. In this way, manufacturing of the first molds 210 and the second molds 220 is facilitated. Meanwhile, the drive assembly 300 can conveniently drive the plurality of second molds 220 to move synchronously.

[0356]When the defrosting medium is configured as a heating member 500, multiple heating members 500 are connected together (see FIG. 52).

[0357]The above descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Any equivalent structural changes made based on the technical concept of the present application by using the contents of the description and the drawings of the present application, or any direct or indirect application thereof in other related technical fields, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.