Evaporator for ice making and method for manufacturing evaporator for ice making

Abstract

Provided is an evaporator for ice making. An evaporator for ice making according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an evaporator body having a body space extending in one direction and allowing a refrigerant to flow; a main body space partition wall extending in the same direction as the main body space so as to divide the main body space into a first main body space and a second main body space; an ice-making member which is formed by extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the main body space and has a heat exchange space through which a fluid can flow with the main body space; a heat exchange space partition wall extending in the same direction as the ice-making member so as to divide the heat exchange space into a first heat exchange space through which a fluid can flow with the first body space and a second heat exchange space through which a fluid can flow with the second body space; a refrigerant inflow flow path connected to the first body space so as to flow a refrigerant into the first body space; and an outflow flow path connected to the second body space so as to flow the refrigerant flowing through the second body space to the outside, the evaporator body being provided with a rotation space in which the refrigerant flows from the first body space to the second body space, a dividing member is provided between the main body space and the rotation space, the dividing member dividing the main body space and the rotation space, and the dividing member has: a first hole connecting the first main body space and the rotation space so that fluid can flow therethrough, and a second hole connecting the second main body space and the rotation space so that fluid can flow therethrough; and a second hole that connects the second body space and the rotation space so that fluid can flow therethrough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaporator for making ice and a method for manufacturing the evaporator for making ice, and more particularly to an evaporator for making ice by circulating a refrigerant therein and a method for manufacturing the evaporator for making ice. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an ice maker is a device for cooling water to a temperature below 0°C (i.e., freezing point), producing ice, and supplying ice to a user. Such an ice maker may be applicable to a refrigerator requiring ice, a water purifier having an ice maker, etc. Generally, such an ice maker has an evaporation pipe for flowing a refrigerant and an ice-making evaporator composed of an ice-making part cooled by the refrigerant.

[0003] Examples of ice machines may include an immersion type ice machine which immerses an ice making part in water and produces ice on the ice making part; a spray type ice machine which sprays water into the ice making part and produces ice in an ice mold; or a flow type ice machine which flows water to an outer peripheral surface of the ice making part and produces ice in the ice making part.

[0004] A conventional ice-making machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020-0020309 of COWAY Co., Ltd. In this ice-making evaporator, the refrigerant flows in the internal space of the evaporator body and the impregnated component to make ice, and the heating component arranged in the internal space heats the refrigerant to separate the ice cubes.

[0005] However, this ice-making evaporator does not have a structure in which the refrigerant circulates in the internal space of the impregnated member. Therefore, the contact time between the refrigerant and the impregnated member is not long, and there is a problem that the cooling capacity of the refrigerant cannot be fully exerted.

[0006] Furthermore, in such an ice-making evaporator, when there are a plurality of immersed parts, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant is not evenly distributed among the plurality of immersed parts, and there is a problem that the size of ice blocks produced varies depending on the position of the ice-making parts.

[0007] In addition, in this ice-making evaporator, an additional heating component is provided inside the evaporator body, the types of components are many, and the shapes of the components and the arrangement and connection structures between the components are complicated, thus consuming a lot of costs.

[0008] A conventional ice-making evaporator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0003525 of COWAY Co., Ltd. In this ice-making evaporator, the internal space of the evaporation tube and the immersion member is divided by a dividing member, the refrigerant circulates in the divided internal space to make ice, and an additionally provided heating member heats the refrigerant to separate ice cubes.

[0009] However, this ice-making evaporator is not structured to confirm whether the internal spaces of the evaporating tube and the immersion part divided by the dividing part are fluid-isolated. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing into the evaporating tube directly flows out to the outside of the evaporator without circulating in the immersion part, thereby causing a problem in that it is impossible to prevent the manufacture of defective products with reduced ice-making performance.

[0010] Furthermore, in this ice-making evaporator, the evaporating tube is formed of a plurality of parts, and the components for dividing the interior of the evaporating tube and the components for dividing the interior of the immersion part are provided as one part. In order to separate the ice cubes, an additional heating part needs to be provided. Therefore, the shapes of the components and the connection relationships between the components are complicated, which leads to the problem of consuming a lot of costs.

[0011] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022-0034571

[0012] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0003525 Summary of the invention

[0013] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator for ice making, wherein the internal space of the evaporator body and the ice-making component is divided into a plurality of spaces, and the refrigerant circulates in the plurality of divided spaces and can cool the ice-making component, thereby extending the contact time between the refrigerant and the ice-making component and fully utilizing the cooling capacity of the refrigerant.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator for ice making, wherein the internal space of a plurality of ice-making components is divided into a plurality of spaces, and the refrigerant flows through the divided internal spaces of the ice-making components in sequence and can cool the plurality of ice-making components, thereby allowing the cooling capacity of the refrigerant to be evenly distributed to the plurality of ice-making components, and each ice-making component can form ice cubes of uniform size.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator for ice making, in which it is possible to confirm whether the internal spaces of the evaporator body and the ice making component are fluidically isolated from each other by the partition wall, and to prevent the production of defective products with reduced ice making performance.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator for ice making, wherein the partition component that divides the evaporator body and the interior of the ice making space is provided by multiple components, and the provided components can be assembled and combined in sequence, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience and assemblability between components.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator for ice making, which does not include an additional heating component, and the shapes of the components forming the evaporator for ice making and the connection structures between the components are simple, thereby increasing the manufacturing convenience and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator, wherein it is possible to confirm whether the internal space of the ice-making evaporator is partitioned, thereby preventing the manufacture of defective products with reduced ice-making performance.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an evaporator for ice making, wherein no additional heating components are included, the shapes of the components and the connecting structures between the components are simple, and the assembly and connecting processes are performed sequentially, thereby increasing the manufacturing convenience and reducing the manufacturing costs.

[0021] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0022] Means used to solve problems

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ice-making evaporator is provided, which includes: an evaporator body having a body space extending in one direction so that a refrigerant flows; a body space partition wall extending in the same direction as the body space so as to divide the body space into a first body space and a second body space; an ice-making component extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the body space and having a heat exchange space capable of fluid circulation with the body space; a heat exchange space partition wall extending in the same direction as the ice-making component so as to divide the heat exchange space into a first heat exchange space capable of fluid circulation with the first body space and a second heat exchange space capable of fluid circulation with the second body space; refrigerant flows into the evaporator body; A flow path connected to the first body space so as to allow the refrigerant to flow into the first body space; and an outflow flow path connected to the second body space so as to allow the refrigerant flowing through the second body space to flow out to the outside. A rotating space is provided in the evaporator body, and the rotating space is used to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first body space to the second body space. A dividing component is provided between the body space and the rotating space, and the dividing component is used to divide the body space and the rotating space, and the dividing component has: a first hole, which connects the first body space and the rotating space in a manner that allows fluid to flow; and a second hole, which connects the second body space and the rotating space in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

[0024] At this time, the above-mentioned dividing component may include: a main body portion, which divides the above-mentioned main body space and the above-mentioned rotating space and is formed with the above-mentioned first hole and the second hole; and an extension portion, which extends from the periphery of the above-mentioned main body portion toward the above-mentioned rotating space, and the outer side surface contacts the inner wall of the above-mentioned evaporator body.

[0025] At this time, a coupling hole capable of fluid communication with the body space is formed in the evaporator body, and the ice-making component can be coupled to the coupling hole.

[0026] At this time, the ice-making component includes: a cylindrical ice-making portion; and a bottom portion, which is arranged at one end of the ice-making portion and is used to close one end of the heat exchange space, and the bottom portion can be formed by protruding toward the outside.

[0027] At this time, the ice-making component may be formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the body space.

[0028] At this time, the main body space partition wall and the heat exchange space partition wall are arranged side by side on the same plane.

[0029] At this time, the above-mentioned ice-making evaporator also includes a guide wall combined with the above-mentioned main body space partition wall. The above-mentioned guide wall may include a first main body space side guide portion, which is arranged in the above-mentioned first main body space and is used to guide the refrigerant flowing from one end of the above-mentioned first main body space to the other end to flow through the above-mentioned first heat exchange space.

[0030] At this time, the guide wall and the main body space partition wall may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0031] At this time, the guide wall may include a second body space side guide portion, which is disposed in the second body space and is used to guide the refrigerant flowing from one end to the other end of the second body space to flow through the second heat exchange space.

[0032] At this time, the guide wall may include a first heat exchange space side guide portion, which is disposed in the heat exchange space and is used to divide the first heat exchange space into a first flow space and a second flow space.

[0033] At this time, the first heat exchange space side guide portion may be formed to extend along the heat exchange space to guide the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange space toward an extending direction of the ice making member.

[0034] At this time, a flow hole may be defined in the first heat exchange space side guide portion, which connects the first flow space and the second flow space in a manner that fluid can flow.

[0035] At this time, the flow hole may be disposed toward an end side of the ice-making component.

[0036] At this time, a guide wall combining groove for combining the guide wall is formed on the side of the extension direction of the main body space partition wall, and a main body space partition wall combining groove corresponding to the guide wall combining groove can be formed on the main body space side end of the guide wall.

[0037] At this time, the heat exchange space partition wall may be combined with the guide wall.

[0038] At this time, a guide wall coupling groove for coupling the guide wall is formed at the main space side end of the heat exchange space partition wall, and a heat exchange space partition wall coupling groove corresponding to the guide wall coupling groove is formed at the other direction end of the guide wall.

[0039] At this time, the first body space and the second body space extend side by side with each other, and the rotation space may be located at one end of the body space.

[0040] At this time, the ice-making evaporator may further include a hot gas inflow passage connected to the first body space to flow the heated gas into the first body space.

[0041] At this time, a plurality of ice-making components are provided, and the plurality of ice-making components may be arranged along an extension direction of the main body space.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an evaporator for ice making is provided, which may include the following steps: providing an evaporator assembly, which has a first inspection object space and a second inspection object space divided from each other, and a rotating space, one side of the rotating space and the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space are connected to each other in a manner that fluid can flow, and the other side of the rotating space is open to the outside; checking whether the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space are fluidically isolated from each other; and closing the other open side of the rotating space based on the result of checking whether the above isolation is achieved.

[0043] At this time, the step of providing the above-mentioned evaporator assembly may include the following steps: providing an evaporator body having a main body space; providing an ice-making component having a heat exchange space; arranging the above-mentioned evaporator body and the above-mentioned ice-making component adjacent to each other so that the above-mentioned main body space and the above-mentioned heat exchange space can be fluid-circulated, and dividing the above-mentioned main body space and the above-mentioned heat exchange space to form the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space; and forming the evaporator assembly by combining the above-mentioned evaporator body and the above-mentioned ice-making component.

[0044] At this time, the steps of forming the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space may include the following steps: a main body space partition wall that divides the above-mentioned main body space into a first main body space and a second main body space is arranged in the above-mentioned main body space; a heat exchange space partition wall is arranged on one side of the above-mentioned main body space partition wall, and the above-mentioned heat exchange space partition wall can divide the above-mentioned heat exchange space into a first heat exchange space and a second heat exchange space; the above-mentioned ice-making component is arranged adjacent to the above-mentioned evaporator body to arrange the above-mentioned heat exchange space partition wall in the above-mentioned heat exchange space; and the above-mentioned first main body space and the above-mentioned first heat exchange space are connected in a manner that allows fluid to flow to form the first inspection object space, and the above-mentioned second main body space and the above-mentioned second heat exchange space are connected in a manner that allows fluid to flow to form the second inspection object space.

[0045] At this time, the steps of forming the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space may include the following steps: providing a guide wall, which is used to guide the fluid flowing through the above-mentioned main body space to the above-mentioned heat exchange space; assembling the above-mentioned guide wall in the above-mentioned main body space partition wall; and assembling the above-mentioned heat exchange space partition wall in the above-mentioned guide wall.

[0046] At this time, the step of checking whether the above-mentioned isolation may include the following steps: configuring a dividing component between the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space and the above-mentioned rotating space, the above-mentioned dividing component is formed with: a first hole, which connects the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the above-mentioned rotating space in a manner that allows fluid circulation; and a second hole, which connects the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the above-mentioned rotating space in a manner that allows fluid circulation; isolating the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the above-mentioned rotating space from the fluid by closing the above-mentioned first hole; confirming the characteristics of the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space; and confirming whether the above-mentioned first inspection object space and the second inspection object space are fluidically isolated based on the above-mentioned confirmation result.

[0047] At this time, the step of confirming the characteristics of the inspection object space may include the steps of: injecting a predetermined amount of fluid into the first inspection object space; and confirming the state of the injected fluid.

[0048] At this time, in the step of confirming the state of the injected fluid, it is confirmed whether the fluid injected into the first inspection object space leaks into the second inspection object space.

[0049] Effects of the Invention

[0050] In the ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall divides the internal space of the evaporator body and the ice-making component into multiple spaces, so that the refrigerant circulates in the multiple divided spaces and can cool the ice-making component. Therefore, the contact time between the refrigerant and the ice-making component can be extended, and the cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be fully utilized.

[0051] In the ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall divides the internal space of the multiple ice-making components into multiple spaces, and the refrigerant flows through the divided internal spaces of the ice-making components in sequence and can cool the multiple ice-making components. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the multiple ice-making components, and each ice-making component can form ice cubes of uniform size.

[0052] In the ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the partitioning component can be used to confirm whether the internal spaces of the evaporator body and the ice-making component are fluidly isolated from each other by the partition wall, thereby preventing the evaporator from having reduced ice-making performance, that is, preventing the production of defective products.

[0053] In the ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall can be separated into a main body space partition wall inserted to divide the internal space of the evaporator main body and a heat exchange space partition wall to divide the internal space of the ice-making component for post-assembly, thereby increasing manufacturing convenience and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0054] In the ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the internal partition component that divides the evaporator body and the ice-making space is composed of an additionally provided body space partition wall, a heat exchange space partition wall and a guide wall. A plurality of corresponding coupling grooves are formed on the body space partition wall, the heat exchange space partition wall and the guide wall so that they can be assembled and coupled in sequence, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience and the assemblability between components.

[0055] The ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention does not include an additional heating component, and the shapes of the components and the connecting structures between the components are simple, thereby increasing the manufacturing convenience and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0056] In the method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the partitioning member can be used to confirm whether the internal space of the ice-making evaporator is partitioned, thereby preventing the evaporator from having reduced ice-making performance, that is, preventing defective products from being manufactured.

[0057] In the manufacturing method of the ice-making evaporator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the provided component shapes and the connection structures between the components are simple, and the components are connected through a sequential assembly process, thereby increasing the manufacturing convenience and improving the assembly performance between the components.

[0058] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through this specification and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper side.

[0060] Figure 3 The figure is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom side.

[0061] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the partially enlarged view, the main body of the evaporator body and one side of the ice-making component are shown by dotted lines so that the inside can be observed, and thus the perspective structure is shown by solid lines.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper side. At this time, the main body of the evaporator body and the ice-making component are shown by dotted lines, and the perspective structure is shown by solid lines.

[0063] Figure 6 For Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the structure shown by the solid line in FIG.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of an evaporator for ice making according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the partially enlarged view shows a cross section where the partition cover is located and a cross section where the partition member is located.

[0065] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The evaporator is a three-dimensional view showing a portion of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention cut so that a first body space and a first heat exchange space can be seen.

[0066] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The evaporator is a perspective view showing a portion of the ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention cut so that the second body space and the second heat exchange space can be seen.

[0067] Fig.12 The figure is used to explain the process of confirming whether the internal space divided by the evaporator body and the ice-making component is fluid-isolated by using the partition component of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig.13 The present invention is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.14 The present invention is a flowchart of the steps of providing an evaporator assembly in a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig.15 The present invention is a flowchart that subdivides the steps of forming an inspection object space in a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig.16 The present invention is a flowchart of the steps of checking whether the inspection object space of the ice-making evaporator is isolated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig.17 A flowchart showing the steps of confirming the characteristics of the inspection target space of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The terms and words used in this specification and claims are not limited to the conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to explain his invention in the best way.

[0074] In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "including" or "having" are used to illustrate the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, rather than excluding the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or their combinations in advance.

[0075] When a component is mentioned to be located in the "front", "rear", "above" or "below" of another component, unless there are special cases, it includes not only the case where it is arranged in the "front", "rear", "above" or "below" of another component in contact with the other component, but also the case where other components are arranged therebetween. Furthermore, when a component is mentioned to be "connected to" another component, unless there are special cases, it includes not only the case where it is directly connected but also the case where it is indirectly connected.

[0076] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper side. Figure 3 The figure is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom side.

[0077] Below, with Figure 1More specifically, the positive direction of the z-axis is defined as the rear direction, the negative direction of the z-axis is defined as the front direction, the positive direction of the y-axis is defined as the upper direction, and the negative direction of the y-axis is defined as the lower direction.

[0078] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The ice-making evaporator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an ice-making evaporator in which cold refrigerant circulates inside to cool external water to make ice, and may include an evaporator body 100 and a plurality of ice-making components 200 .

[0079] An internal space in which a refrigerant can flow is provided inside the evaporator body 100, and a plurality of ice-making components 200 are provided on one side of the evaporator body 100. The plurality of ice-making components 200 are structures for forming ice cubes, and at least a portion thereof can be immersed in water.

[0080] The internal spaces of the evaporator body 100 and the ice making part 200 are separated by a partition member 300 (see Figure 4 ) is divided into a plurality of spaces. The cold refrigerant flowing into the evaporator body 100 flows through the divided internal spaces in sequence and is then discharged to the outside of the evaporator body 100.

[0081] In the process that the refrigerant sequentially flows through the divided internal space, the plurality of ice-making members 200 are cooled, and ice cubes are formed at the portions where the ice-making members 200 are immersed.

[0082] Hereinafter, the structure of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to different drawings.

[0083] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the partially enlarged view, the main body of the evaporator body and one side of the ice-making component are shown by dotted lines so that the inside can be observed, and thus the perspective structure is shown by solid lines. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper side. At this time, the main body of the evaporator body and the ice-making component are shown by dotted lines, and the perspective structure is shown by solid lines. Figure 6 For Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the structure shown by the solid line in FIG. Figure 7 This is a transverse cross-sectional view of an evaporator for ice making according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the partially enlarged view shows a cross section where the partition cover is located and a cross section where the partition member is located. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The evaporator is a three-dimensional view showing a portion of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention cut so that a first body space and a first heat exchange space can be seen. Fig.10 and Fig.11The evaporator is a perspective view showing a portion of the ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention cut so that the second body space and the second heat exchange space can be seen.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As mentioned above, the ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator body 100. The evaporator body 100 may be composed of a body portion 110 extending in one direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the main body 110 extends along the front and rear sides, but is not limited thereto. At least a portion of the main body 110 may be bent to fit into the inner space of a water purifier or an ice maker in which the ice-making evaporator is disposed.

[0086] The first opening 113 and the second opening 115 may be formed at both ends of the body 110, and a body space A for connecting the first opening 113 and the second opening 115 may be formed inside the body 110. In other words, in this embodiment, the body 110 may have a hollow tube shape.

[0087] The body space A is a space for the refrigerant to flow, and may be formed along the extension direction of the body portion 110. At this time, the body portion 110 may be made of a material with a low heat transfer coefficient, thereby minimizing the transfer of external heat to the refrigerant flowing through the body space A.

[0088] The first and second closing covers 120 and 130 are respectively connected to the two ends of the body space A, in other words, to the first and second openings 113 and 115. The first and second closing covers 120 and 130 are structures that block the openings 113 and 115 of the body 110 to isolate the body space A from external fluid.

[0089] At this time, in the present disclosure, two spaces are fluidically isolated from each other, which means that the two spaces are separated in a manner that the two spaces do not directly flow fluidly with each other. Of course, the two spaces isolated from each other can also flow fluidly through other spaces used to connect them.

[0090] The closing covers 120 and 130 are made of a material with certain flexibility, such as rubber, to be inserted and combined with the openings 113 and 115 of the main body 110, or are made of a material such as metal and combined with the main body 110 through a welding process.

[0091] The first closing cover 120 may be provided with a refrigerant inflow pipe 122 , a hot gas inflow pipe 124 , and a discharge pipe 126 .

[0092] The refrigerant inflow pipe 122 is a component for forming a flow path for the refrigerant to flow into the main body space A of the main body 110. The hot gas inflow pipe 124 is a component for forming a flow path for the heated hot gas to flow into the main body space A of the main body 110. And, the discharge pipe 126 is a component for forming a flow path for the refrigerant or hot gas flowing through the main body space A to flow out to the outside.

[0093] In addition, the hot gas inlet pipe 124 may not be additionally provided. For example, in the case where a heater for increasing the temperature of the ice making part 200 is additionally provided in order to smoothly separate the manufactured ice cubes from the ice making part 200, the hot gas inlet pipe 124 may not be additionally provided.

[0094] In this embodiment, one end of the refrigerant inlet pipe 122 and the hot gas inlet pipe 124 is located in the first body space A1 described later, and one end of the discharge pipe 126 is located in the second body space A2 described later. This will be described together with the first body space A1 and the second body space A2.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the second closing cover 130 may be formed of a plurality of parts. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second closing cover 130 may be formed of an outer second closing cover 132 and an inner second closing cover 134. As described above, the outer second closing cover 132 is combined with the second opening 115 of the body 110, and the inner second closing cover 134 is combined with the second opening 115 toward the inner side of the body 110 at a predetermined distance.

[0096] The space between the outer second sealing cover 132 and the inner second sealing cover 134 is fluidically isolated from the body space A. Therefore, by adjusting the distance between the outer second sealing cover 132 and the inner second sealing cover 134 , the interval in which the refrigerant can flow in the inner space of the body 110 can be limited.

[0097] At this time, in this embodiment, the partition member 150 can be arranged at a position slightly separated from the second closing cover 130 toward the inner side of the main body 110, and the partition cover 140 can be arranged at a position slightly separated from the first closing cover 120 toward the inner side of the main body 110. The specific shapes and functions of the partition cover 140 and the partition member 150 will be described together with the partition member 300.

[0098] In addition, refer again Figure 4 A coupling hole 111 communicating with the main body space A is formed on the side of the main body 110 in the extending direction. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the coupling hole 111 is open toward the lower side of the main body 110 .

[0099] More than one coupling hole 111 may be provided. Alternatively, a plurality of coupling holes 111 may be provided corresponding to a plurality of ice-making components 200 to be respectively coupled with the ice-making components 200 described later. In this embodiment, corresponding to the case where the plurality of ice-making components 200 is five, the plurality of coupling holes 111 may be formed by five.

[0100] In this embodiment, five coupling holes 111 may be arranged in a row along the extension direction of the main body 110. At this time, the intervals between the plurality of coupling holes 111 may be appropriately adjusted according to the shape of the space in which the ice-making evaporator is arranged.

[0101] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As mentioned above, the plurality of coupling holes 111 can be respectively coupled to the ice-making component 200. The ice-making component 200 is a component for forming ice cubes in the ice-making evaporator, and can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity and harmless to the human body.

[0102] The ice-making part 200 may be composed of a cylindrical ice-making part 210 extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the body part 110 and a bottom 220 for closing one end of the ice-making part 210. In this embodiment, the ice-making part 210 extends perpendicularly to the body part 110. Thus, a heat exchange space C extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the ice-making part 210 may be formed inside the ice-making part 200.

[0103] The heat exchange space C is a space where the refrigerant flows through the main body space A of the main body 110. One end of the heat exchange space C is isolated from the external fluid by the bottom 220, and the other end of the heat exchange space C is connected to the main body space A in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

[0104] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of ice-making components 200 is exemplified as being formed by five ice-making components 200 , but the number of ice-making components 200 is not particularly limited, and more than one ice-making component may be provided.

[0105] In addition, the ice-making evaporator 1 of this embodiment can be applied to an immersion-type ice-making machine in which the ice-making component 200 is immersed in water to form ice cubes, but is not limited to this. Without damaging the scope of the concept of the present invention, it can be transformed to be applicable to an ice-making machine that forms ice cubes in other ways.

[0106] For example, in another embodiment, the shape of the ice making part 200 can be deformed to be suitable for a flow-type ice maker or a spray-type ice maker. More specifically, in another embodiment, an ice making groove recessed in a manner corresponding to the shape of ice cubes can be formed on the outer side of the ice making part 200, thereby being suitable for a spray-type ice maker that generates ice cubes by spraying water into the ice making groove.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the ice-making component 200 and the evaporator body 100 are provided as separate components and can be combined with each other. Therefore, the body 110 of the evaporator body 100 and the ice-making component 200 can be made of different materials. However, it is not limited to this. The body 110 and the ice-making component 200 are manufactured by a forging process or a molding process, and thus, they can also be provided as one component.

[0108] In addition, refer to Figures 4 to 7 The ice-making evaporator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a partition component 300 disposed inside the evaporator body 100 and the ice-making component 200 .

[0109] The partition member 300 is a structure for dividing the aforementioned main body space A and heat exchange space C, and forcing the refrigerant to circulate and flow in the divided main body space A and heat exchange space C. At this time, the partition member 300 can be made of a material with low heat transfer coefficient to minimize heat exchange between the refrigerants flowing through the divided spaces.

[0110] The partition member 300 may include a body space partition wall 310. Alternatively, the partition member 300 may include a heat exchange space partition wall 320. Alternatively, the partition member 300 may include a guide wall 330.

[0111] In this embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the body space partition wall 310 is disposed in the body space A and formed in parallel along the extension direction of the body portion 110 . Thus, the body space partition wall 310 divides the body space A into a first body space A1 and a second body space A2 formed in parallel with the extension direction of the body portion 110 .

[0112] At this time, the first body space A1 and the second body space A2 are formed symmetrically with each other around the body space partition wall 310. In addition, the body space partition wall 310 may be configured to cross the coupling hole 111 along the diameter direction.

[0113] Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the first body space A1 cannot directly flow into the second body space A2 by crossing the body space partition wall 310 , and is forced to flow along the extending direction of the first body space A1 .

[0114] Similarly, the refrigerant flowing through the second body space A2 cannot flow into the first body space A1 by crossing the body space partition wall 310 , and is forced to flow along the extending direction of the second body space A2 .

[0115] A first guide wall coupling groove 311 that can be coupled to a guide wall 330 described later may be formed on the side of the body space partition wall 310 in the extension direction. At this time, a plurality of first guide wall coupling grooves 311 are provided corresponding to the number of ice making components 200, and the plurality of first guide wall coupling grooves 311 may be arranged side by side along the extension direction.

[0116] Reference Figures 5 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, a partition cover 140 may be provided at the rear end of the first closing cover 120 side end of the body space partition wall 310. The partition cover 140 is a structure that prevents the refrigerant flowing through the first body space A1 (or the second body space A2) from circling the front end of the body space partition wall 310 and flowing into the second body space A2 (or the first body space A1).

[0117] The partition cover 140 divides the specified space between the first closing cover 120 and the body space partition wall 310 and the body space A, and closes the rear end side of the first body space A1. Thus, the rear end side of the first body space A1 and the rear end side of the second body space A2 can be fluidically isolated from each other by the partition cover 140.

[0118] An inlet pipe through hole 143 is formed in the portion of the partition cover 140 facing the first body space A1. The inlet pipe through hole 143 is connected to the aforementioned refrigerant inlet pipe 122 and hot gas inlet pipe 124. A discharge hole 141 is formed in the portion of the partition cover 140 facing the second body space A2 and is connected to the rear end side of the second body space A2.

[0119] In this embodiment, the ends of the refrigerant inflow pipe 122 and the hot gas inflow pipe 124 are located at the front side of the partition cover 140 , and the end of the discharge pipe 126 is located at the rear side of the partition cover 140 .

[0120] Thus, the refrigerant or hot gas flowing out of the refrigerant inflow pipe 122 or the hot gas inflow pipe 124 is blocked by the partition cover 140 and cannot flow to the rear, and is forced to flow forward along the first body space A1. In addition, the refrigerant or hot gas flowing from the second body space A2 to the discharge hole 141 is blocked by the partition cover 140 and cannot flow into the first body space A1, and is forced to flow into the discharge pipe 126.

[0121] In addition, refer to Figures 4 to 7 On one side of the main body space A inside the main body 110, in the illustrated embodiment, a rotation space B is provided on the front end side of the main body space A, and a dividing component 150 may be provided between the main body space A and the rotation space B.

[0122] The partitioning member 150 is a structure for confirming whether the internal spaces of the evaporator body 100 and the ice making part 200 are fluidically isolated from each other by the partitioning member 300. The partitioning member 150 can be combined with the inner wall of the body part 110 by welding or the like. Fig.12 Explain together.

[0123] The dividing member 150 may include a main body 152 that divides the main body space A and the rotation space B. The main body 152 is formed with: a first hole 153a that connects the first main body space A1 and the rotation space B in a manner that allows fluid to flow; and a second hole 153b that connects the second main body space A2 and the rotation space B in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

[0124] Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the first body space A1 flows into the rotation space B through the first hole 153a, and then flows into the second body space A2 through the second hole 153b.

[0125] An extension portion 154 may be provided around the main body portion 152 of the partition member 150 . The extension portion 154 extends from the main body portion 152 toward the rotation space B, and the outer side surface contacts the inner wall of the main body portion 110 .

[0126] Thus, when the extension portion 154 is pressed inward by the inner wall of the main body 110 , it is elastically deformed, so that the partition member 150 is easily inserted into the inner side of the main body 110 .

[0127] In addition, when the dividing component 150 is combined with the main body 110 through a welding process, the molten welding metal can easily penetrate between the outer side surface of the extension part 154 and the inner wall of the main body 110 through the capillary phenomenon, thereby making the dividing component 150 and the main body 110 strongly combined with each other.

[0128] In addition, the partition member 150 does not necessarily include the aforementioned extension portion 154. For example, if the bonding force between the main body portion 152 and the body portion 110 can be sufficiently ensured, the partition member 150 can also be formed by only the plate-shaped main body portion 152.

[0129] A structure similar to the extension portion 154 of the partition member 150 may also be provided in other structures inserted into the inner side of the main body 110. For example, a structure similar to the extension portion 154 of the partition member 150 may be provided around the aforementioned partition cover 140 and around the inner second closing cover 134.

[0130] However, in this case, as described with reference to the extension portion 154 of the partition member 150 , the partition cover 140 and the inner second closing cover 134 do not necessarily have to include a structure corresponding to the extension portion 154 of the partition member 150 .

[0131] In addition, refer to Figures 5 to 7 The heat exchange space partition wall 320 may be disposed in contact with the side portion of the main body space partition wall 310 in the extending direction. The heat exchange space partition wall 320 may be disposed side by side with the main body space partition wall 310 on a plane on which the main body space partition wall 310 is disposed, and in the illustrated embodiment, on a plane extending along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0132] The heat exchange space partition wall 320 is a structure for partitioning the heat exchange space C of the ice making part 200, and may be provided in plurality corresponding to the number of ice making parts 200. The heat exchange space partition wall 320 is disposed in the heat exchange space C and may extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the ice making part 200.

[0133] Thus, the heat exchange space C can be divided into a first heat exchange space C1 and a second heat exchange space C2 which are fluidically isolated from each other. At this time, the first heat exchange space C1 and the first body space A1 are connected in a manner that allows fluid circulation, and the second heat exchange space C2 and the second body space A2 are connected in a manner that allows fluid circulation.

[0134] A second guide wall coupling groove 321 to which the guide wall 330 described later can be coupled can be formed at the end of the body space A side of the heat exchange space partition wall 320. At this time, the first guide wall coupling groove 311 and the second guide wall coupling groove 321 can be arranged facing each other. Thus, the flat guide wall 330 described later can be coupled to the first guide wall coupling groove 311 and the second guide wall coupling groove 321 at the same time.

[0135] Reference Figures 6 to 10 The guide wall 330 may be combined with the main body space partition wall 310 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320. At this time, the guide wall 330 may be arranged vertically with respect to the main body space partition wall 310 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320.

[0136] The guide wall 330 may include body space side guide portions 332a and 332b. The body space side guide portions 332a and 332b are structures for guiding the refrigerant flowing through the body spaces A1 and A2 to the heat exchange spaces C1 and C2.

[0137] The body space side guides 332a and 332b may include a first body space side guide 332a and a second body space side guide 332b. The first body space side guide 332a is disposed in the first body space A1 to guide the refrigerant flowing through the first body space A1 to the first heat exchange space C1. The second body space side guide 332b is disposed in the second body space A2 to guide the refrigerant flowing through the second body space A2 to the second heat exchange space C2.

[0138] In addition, a first partition wall coupling groove 331 a corresponding to and coupled with the first guide wall coupling groove 311 of the aforementioned body space partition wall 310 is formed on the upper side of the body space side guide parts 332 a and 332 b.

[0139] In addition, heat exchange space side guides 334a and 334b ​​may be provided on one side of the body space side guides 332a and 332b, in the lower side in the illustrated embodiment. The heat exchange space side guides 334a and 334b ​​are structures for guiding the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange space C.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The heat exchange space side guide portions 334a and 334b ​​may include a first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a disposed in the first heat exchange space C1 to divide the first heat exchange space C1 into a first flow space C1a and a second flow space C1b.

[0141] The first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a may extend along the extending direction from the first body space side guide portion 332a to the ice making member 200, that is, the lower direction in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a may guide the refrigerant to flow in the up-down direction.

[0142] At this time, the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a may be formed to be smaller than the length of the first heat exchange space C1. In other words, the end of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a may be slightly spaced apart from the bottom 220 of the ice making part 200 toward the upper side. Thus, the first flow hole 335a may be formed between the end of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a and the bottom 220.

[0143] The first flow hole 335a as described above connects the lower end of the first flow space C1a and the lower end of the second flow space C1b in a manner that fluid can flow between them. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow space C1a reaches the end side of the ice-making component 200 and then flows into the second flow space C1b. Therefore, the ice-making component 200 can be cooled as a whole in the up-down direction by the refrigerant flowing through the first flow space C1a.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, the first flow hole 335a is formed between the end of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a and the bottom 220 of the ice making component 200, but the first flow hole 335a can also be formed through the end of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a.

[0145] Reference Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig.11, a second heat exchange space side guide portion 334b ​​may be provided on one side of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a. At this time, the second heat exchange space side guide portion 334b ​​may be formed symmetrically with the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a with the heat exchange space partition wall 320 as the center, and therefore, the detailed structure of the second heat exchange space side guide portion 334b ​​may be replaced by the description of the first heat exchange space side guide portion 334a described above.

[0146] In addition, refer to Figure 6 The second partition wall coupling groove 331b may be formed in the heat exchange space side guide parts 334a and 334b. Such second partition wall coupling groove 331b may be open toward the lower side. Thus, the second partition wall coupling groove 331b may be correspondingly coupled with the second guide wall coupling groove 321 of the heat exchange space partition wall 320 described above.

[0147] Therefore, the body space partition wall 310, the guide wall 330, and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 can be sequentially combined (or assembled) in the following manner.

[0148] The first guide wall coupling groove 311 of the body space partition wall 310 and the first partition wall coupling groove 331a of the guide wall 330 are coupled to each other in correspondence, so that the body space partition wall 310 is coupled to the guide wall 330 (hereinafter, the first process). In addition, the second partition wall coupling groove 331b of the guide wall 330 and the second guide wall coupling groove 321 of the heat exchange space partition wall 320 are coupled to each other in correspondence, so that the guide wall 330 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 are coupled to each other (or assembled) (hereinafter, the second process). At this time, the order of the above-mentioned first process and the above-mentioned second process is not particularly limited.

[0149] As described above, in this embodiment, the main body space partition wall 310 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 can be formed as separate components and then combined (or assembled), thereby simplifying the shape of the components constituting the partition member 300, thereby saving manufacturing costs.

[0150] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the guide wall 330 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 can be connected through the coupling hole 111 of the body part 110 (see Figure 4 ) are sequentially combined in the main body space partition wall 310 arranged inside the main body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience and assemblability of the ice-making evaporator 1.

[0151] Hereinafter, the process of the refrigerant flowing through the interior of the ice-making evaporator of this embodiment will be described.

[0152] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7In the ice-making evaporator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, cold refrigerant can flow into the first body space A1 from the refrigerant inflow pipe 122. The inflowing refrigerant flows forward along the extension direction of the first body space A1.

[0153] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The refrigerant flowing through the first body space A1 flows out to the first flow space C1a of the first heat exchange space C1 through the first body space side guide portion 332a.

[0154] The refrigerant flowing into the first flow-through space C1a is guided to the lower end of the first flow-through space C1a by the first heat exchange space-side guide portion 334a, and cools the right rear portion of the ice-making member 200 as a whole.

[0155] The refrigerant reaching the lower end of the first flow space C1a passes through the first flow hole 335a and flows out to the lower end of the second flow space C1b. The refrigerant flowing into the lower end of the second flow space C1b is guided to the upper end of the second flow space C1b through the first heat exchange space side guide 334a, and cools the right front portion of the ice making part 200 as a whole.

[0156] According to the above process, the refrigerant flows through the plurality of first heat exchange spaces C1 in sequence while flowing from the front end to the rear end of the first body space A1, so that the right side of the plurality of ice-making components 200 can be cooled as a whole by the refrigerant.

[0157] Reference Figure 7 The refrigerant reaching the rear end of the first body space A1 passes through the first hole 153a and flows out to the rotation space B. The refrigerant flowing into the rotation space B passes through the second hole 153b and flows out to the rear end of the second body space A2.

[0158] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The refrigerant flowing into the second body space A2 flows out to the first flow space C2a of the second heat exchange space C2 through the second body space side guide portion 332b.

[0159] The refrigerant flowing into the first flow-through space C2a is guided to the lower end portion of the first flow-through space C2a by the second heat exchange space-side guide portion 334b, and cools the left front portion of the ice-making member 200 as a whole.

[0160] The refrigerant reaching the lower end of the first flow space C2a passes through the second flow hole 335b and flows out to the lower end of the second flow space C2b. The refrigerant flowing into the lower end of the second flow space C2b is guided to the upper end of the second flow space C2b through the second heat exchange space side guide 334b, and cools the left rear portion of the ice making part 200 as a whole.

[0161] According to the above process, the refrigerant flows through the plurality of second heat exchange spaces C2 in sequence while flowing from the rear end to the front end of the second body space A2. Thus, the left side portions of the plurality of ice-making components 200 can be cooled as a whole by the refrigerant.

[0162] As described above, in this embodiment, the refrigerant can cool the ice-making component 200 by circulating through the divided spaces A1 , A2 , C1 , and C2 inside the evaporator body 100 and the ice-making component 200 .

[0163] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the contact time between the refrigerant and the ice-making member 200 can be prolonged, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be maximized, and ice cubes can be effectively manufactured.

[0164] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be equally distributed to the plurality of ice-making parts 200, thereby the plurality of ice-making parts 200 can be uniformly cooled and each ice-making part 200 can form ice cubes of uniform size.

[0165] The functions of the partitioning components according to an embodiment of the present invention are described below with reference to different drawings.

[0166] Fig.12 The figure is used to explain the process of confirming whether the internal space divided by the evaporator body and the ice-making component is fluid-isolated by using the partition component of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Reference Fig.12 In the ice-making evaporator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second opening 115 of the main body 110 is not provided with a second closing cover 130 (refer to Figure 4 ), one side of the rotation space B may be in a state open to the outside. Hereinafter, the aforementioned state is defined as the inspection preparation state.

[0168] In the inspection preparation state, the inspection member 2 can be inserted into the inner side of the body 110 through the opened second opening 115. The inspection member 2 is a member for inspecting whether the divided internal spaces of the ice-making evaporator 1 are fluidically isolated from each other, and can be provided separately from the ice-making evaporator 1.

[0169] The inspection member 2 may include a first inspection cover 2a corresponding to the shape of the first hole 153a and a second inspection cover 2b corresponding to the shape of the second hole 153b. The first inspection cover 2a may be inserted into the first hole 153a to close the first hole 153a, and the second inspection cover 2b may be inserted into the second hole 153b to close the second hole 153b.

[0170] Hereinafter, the state in which the first hole 153a and the second hole 153b are closed by the inspection component 2 is defined as the inspection ready state. Furthermore, the space formed by connecting the first main body space A1 and the first heat exchange space C1 is defined as the first inspection object space A1, C1, and the space formed by connecting the second main body space A2 and the second heat exchange space C2 is defined as the second inspection object space A2, C2.

[0171] In the inspection ready state, the first body space A1 and the rotating space B are fluidly isolated from each other, and the second body space A2 and the rotating space B are fluidly isolated from each other by the inspection component 2. Therefore, if the partition component 300 is not defective, the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2 are fluidly isolated from each other.

[0172] At this time, in order to confirm whether the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2 are completely fluidically isolated by the partition member 300, the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 may be confirmed.

[0173] In this embodiment, in order to confirm the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2, a predetermined fluid is injected into the first inspection object space A1, C1 through the refrigerant inflow pipe 122 or the hot gas inflow pipe 124, and the physical state of the injected fluid is confirmed. At this time, the predetermined fluid may be high-pressure compressed air.

[0174] In this embodiment, in order to confirm the physical state of the injected fluid, it is confirmed whether the injected fluid leaks from the first inspection object space A1, C1 to the second inspection object space A2, C2. At this time, whether the fluid leaks can be confirmed by confirming whether it is discharged through the discharge pipe 126.

[0175] If no fluid flows out through the discharge pipe 126 , it can be determined that the first inspection object space A1 , C1 and the second inspection object space A2 , C2 are completely fluidically isolated by the partition member 300 , and if the fluid flows out through the discharge pipe 126 , it can be determined that there is a defect in the partition member 300 .

[0176] In the ice-making evaporator 1 with a defect in the partition member 300, the refrigerant flowing into the inside may directly leak into the space connected to the discharge pipe 126 and be discharged to the outside. Therefore, such an ice-making evaporator 1 cannot fully exert the cooling capacity of the refrigerant, and in severe cases, ice cubes cannot be made.

[0177] As described above, the ice-making evaporator 1 determined to have a defect in the partition member 300 is discarded, or after the defective portion is repaired, it is preferable to recheck whether it is isolated according to the above process.

[0178] As described above, according to the ice-making evaporator 1 of the present embodiment, the partitioning member 150 can prevent the ice-making evaporator from having a reduced ice-making performance, that is, from being produced as a defective product.

[0179] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to different drawings.

[0180] Fig.13 The present invention is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 The present invention is a flowchart of the steps of providing an evaporator assembly in a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 The present invention is a flowchart that subdivides the steps of forming an inspection object space in a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 The present invention is a flowchart of the steps of checking whether the inspection object space of the ice-making evaporator is isolated according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17 A flowchart showing the steps of confirming the characteristics of the inspection target space of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] In order to help understand the invention, in this disclosure, the manufacturing method of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention is described. Figures 1 to 12 The process of making ice using an evaporator is illustrated.

[0182] Reference Fig.13 as well as Figure 4 , Figure 5 In a method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, an evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300 is provided, the interior of which is divided into a first inspection object space A1, C1 and a second inspection object space A2, C2 (S100).

[0183] At this time, a rotating space B is provided on one side of the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space A1, C1, A2, C2. The rotating space B is a part of the internal space of the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, one side of the rotating space B and the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space A1, C1, A2, C2 are connected in a manner that fluid can flow, and the other side of the rotating space B is open to the outside.

[0184] Reference Fig.14 as well as Figure 4 In the step (S100) of providing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, the evaporator body 100 having the body space A therein is provided (S110), and the ice-making component 200 having the heat exchange space C therein is provided (S120). At this time, the order of the step (S110) of providing the evaporator body 100 and the step (S120) of providing the ice-making component 200 can be changed to each other.

[0185] In the step (S110) of providing the evaporator body 100, a tubular body portion 110 may be provided, the two ends of which are open and the open ends are connected to the internal space A. At this time, in the step (S110) of providing the evaporator body 100, the side portion of the body portion 110 in the extension direction is processed to be flat by a forging process, and a plurality of first coupling holes 111 may be formed in the flat side portion.

[0186] In the step (S100) of providing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, after the evaporator body 100 and the ice-making component 200 are provided (S110, S120), inspection spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 are formed inside the evaporator body 100 and the ice-making component 200 (S130).

[0187] Reference Fig.15 as well as Figures 4 to 6 In the step (S130) of forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2, a body space partition wall 310 (S131) ​​may be disposed inside the body portion 110 of the evaporator body 100. The body space partition wall 310 divides the body space A inside the body portion 110 into a first body space A1 and a second body space A2.

[0188] In this embodiment, the main body space partition wall 310 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 are provided as separate components, and the width of the main body space partition wall 310 in the up and down directions is less than or equal to the diameter of the openings 113 and 115 of the main body 110. Therefore, the main body space partition wall 310 is inserted through the openings 113 and 115 to be configured inside the main body 110.

[0189] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the shape of the components forming the present ice-making evaporator 1 is simple and the manufacturing process is simple, so the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0190] In the step (S130) of forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2, after configuring the main body space partition wall 310 (S131), the guide wall 330 is assembled on the main body space partition wall 310 through the first combining hole 111 (S132), and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 is assembled on the guide wall 330 (S133).

[0191] In the steps (S132, S133) of assembling the main space partition wall 310, the guide wall 330 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320, as described above, the first process of assembling the guide wall 330 on the main space partition wall 310 by correspondingly combining the first partition wall combining groove 331a with the first guide wall combining groove 311 and the second process of assembling the heat exchange space partition wall 320 on the guide wall 330 by correspondingly combining the second guide wall combining groove 321 with the second partition wall combining groove 331b can be performed in sequence.

[0192] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the guide wall 330 and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 can be easily assembled to the main body space partition wall 310 arranged inside the main body 110 through the first coupling hole 111 of the main body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience and assemblability of the ice-making evaporator 1.

[0193] Reference Fig.15 as well as Figure 5 In the step (S130) of forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2, after the main body space partition wall 310, the guide wall 330, and the heat exchange space partition wall 320 are assembled with each other (S132, S133), the ice-making component 200 is arranged on the side of the evaporator body 100 so as to set the heat exchange space partition wall 320 in the heat exchange space C of the ice-making component 200 (S134).

[0194] Thereafter, in the step of forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 (S130), the relative positions of the ice making component 200 and the evaporator body 100 are adjusted so that the heat exchange space partition wall 320 divides the heat exchange space C into the first heat exchange space C1 and the second heat exchange space C2 (S135).

[0195] In addition, in the step of forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 (S130), the first main body space A1 and the first heat exchange space C1 are connected in a manner that allows fluid to flow to form the first inspection object spaces A1 and C1, and the second main body space A2 and the second heat exchange space C2 are connected in a manner that allows fluid to flow to form the second inspection object spaces A2 and C2 (S136).

[0196] Through the above steps, inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 can be formed (S130).

[0197] Refer to it again Fig.14 as well as Figure 4 , Figure 5 In the step (S100) of providing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, after forming the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 (S130), the evaporator body 100, the ice-making component 200 and the partition component 300 are combined (S140).

[0198] At this time, in the step (S140) of combining the evaporator body 100, the ice-making component 200 and the partition component 300, after configuring the partition cover 140 inside the main body 110 through the first opening 113, the first closing cover 120 provided with the refrigerant inlet pipe 122, the hot gas inlet pipe 124 and the exhaust pipe 126 can be set at one end of the main body 110.

[0199] In addition, in the step ( S140 ) of combining the evaporator body 100 , the ice-making component 200 , and the partition component 300 , a partition component 150 may be disposed between the body spaces A1 and A2 and the rotation space B through the second opening 115 of the body portion 110 .

[0200] Thereafter, in the step (S140) of combining the evaporator body 100, the ice-making part 200 and the partition part 300, the evaporator body 100, the ice-making part 200, the partition part 300, the first closing cover 120, the partition cover 140 and the partition part 150 may be combined with each other.

[0201] At this time, the step of combining the evaporator body 100, the ice making part 200, the partition part 300, the first closing cover 120, the partition cover 140 and the dividing part 150 can be performed by one of a laser welding process, a brazing welding process using welding powder or welding slurry, and a high-frequency welding process.

[0202] In this embodiment, the evaporator assemblies 100, 200, and 300 are composed of multiple components, and the edges of the combined components include straight lines and curves. Therefore, the steps of combining the evaporator body 100, the ice-making component 200, the partition component 300, the first closing cover 120, the partition cover 140, and the dividing component 150 can be performed by a brazing welding process that can combine components with curved shapes at one time.

[0203] At this time, the aforementioned step of configuring the partitioning component 150 inside the main body 110 and the step of combining the partitioning component 150 and the main body 110 may not be performed in the step (S100) of providing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300 as described above, but may also be performed separately in the later-described step (S200) of checking whether the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 are isolated.

[0204] Through the above steps, the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300 can be provided (S100).

[0205] In addition, refer again Fig.13 In a manufacturing method of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, after providing an evaporator assembly (S100), it is checked whether the inspection object space is isolated (S200). At this time, confirming whether the two spaces are isolated means checking whether the two spaces are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0206] Reference Fig.16 as well as Fig.12 In the step (S200) of checking whether the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 are isolated, the inspection component 2 is inserted through the second opening 115 of the open main body 110, thereby closing the first hole 153a and the second hole 153b of the partition component 150 arranged inside the main body 110 (S210, S220).

[0207] At this time, as described above, the step (S210) of configuring the partitioning member 150 may be performed in the step (S140) of combining the evaporator body 100, the ice making member 200 and the partitioning member 300 (see Fig.14 ) steps first.

[0208] Then, in the step of checking whether the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 are isolated (S200), the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 can be confirmed (S230). At this time, the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 that become the confirmation objects can be the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 that are isolated in the previous step (S130) (refer to Fig.14 ) formed in the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2.

[0209] Reference Fig.17 as well as Fig.12 According to this embodiment, in the step of confirming the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 (S230), a specified fluid, for example, compressed air (S231) is injected into the first inspection object space A1, C1 and one of the second inspection object spaces A2, C2, and the state of the injected fluid is confirmed (S232).

[0210] In this embodiment, in the step of confirming the state of the injected fluid (S232), it can be confirmed whether the injected fluid has leaked into the other of the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2.

[0211] Refer to it again Fig.16 as well as Fig.12 In the step of checking whether they are isolated (S200), after confirming the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 (S230), it is determined whether the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2 are isolated from each other based on the confirmed characteristics (S240). At this time, the step of determining whether they are isolated (S240) can be performed according to the previous and Fig.12 The described scheme is executed and its detailed description will be omitted.

[0212] In addition, in the present embodiment, the characteristic confirmed in the step (S230) of confirming the characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 is whether the fluid injected into the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 has leaked, but this is merely an example, and the confirmed characteristics of the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, C2 are not limited to this.

[0213] For example, the characteristic confirmed in the step ( S230 ) of confirming the characteristics of the inspection target spaces A1 , C1 , A2 , C2 may also be a pressure change or a temperature change of a fluid injected into one of the inspection target spaces A1 , C1 , A2 , C2 .

[0214] Through the above steps, it can be checked whether the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 are isolated (S200).

[0215] Reference Fig.13 as well as Figure 5 , Fig.12 In a manufacturing method of an ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, after checking whether the inspection object spaces A1, C1, A2, and C2 are isolated (S200), the open second opening 115 of the evaporator assembly 100, 200, and 300 is closed using the second closing cover 130 (S300) based on the result obtained in the isolation inspection step (S200).

[0216] At this time, in the step (S300) of sealing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, if the result obtained in the step (S200) of checking whether they are isolated includes information that the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2 are not completely isolated from each other, a step of determining that the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300 is defective and discarding or repairing it can be further performed.

[0217] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the ice-making evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the ice-making evaporator from having an incompletely divided internal space and thus having reduced ice-making performance, that is, manufacturing a defective product.

[0218] In addition, in the step (S300) of sealing the evaporator assembly 100, 200, 300, when the result obtained in the step (S200) of checking whether they are isolated includes information that the first inspection object space A1, C1 and the second inspection object space A2, C2 are completely isolated from each other, an inner second closing cover 130 is arranged inside the main body 110, an outer second closing cover 130 is set at the end of the main body 110, and the inner and outer second closing covers 130 are combined with the main body 110.

[0219] At this time, at least one of the steps of combining the inner second closing cover 130 and the main body 110 and combining the outer second closing cover 130 and the main body 110 can be performed by a laser welding process, a brazing welding process using welding powder or welding slurry, and a high-frequency welding process.

[0220] At this time, in this embodiment, considering preventing damage to the welding part connected by the brazing welding process in the previous step and the inner second closing cover 130 being arranged inside the main body 110, the step of connecting the inner second closing cover 130 can be performed by a high-frequency welding process.

[0221] In addition, in this embodiment, considering that the combined portion of the body portion 110 and the outer second closing cover 130 is exposed to the outside, the step of combining the outer second closing cover 130 can be performed by laser welding.

[0222] Through the above steps, the opening 115 of the evaporator assembly 100 , 200 , 300 may be sealed ( S300 ).

[0223] As described above, according to the manufacturing method of an ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making evaporator can be manufactured. Figures 1 to 12 However, the manufacturing method of the ice-making evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention is in addition to Figures 1 to 12 In addition to the ice-making evaporator shown in FIG, the present invention can also be applied to the manufacture of other ice-making evaporators in which a plurality of spaces are divided by the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0224] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed in this specification. An ordinary technician who understands the concept of the present invention can easily propose another embodiment within the scope of the same concept by adding, changing, deleting, adding, etc. to components, and the embodiment is also included in the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. An evaporator for ice making, comprising: an evaporator body having a body space extending in a direction so that the refrigerant flows; A body space partition wall extending in the same direction as the body space to divide the body space into a first body space and a second body space; an ice-making component extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the main body space and having a heat exchange space capable of fluid communication with the main body space; a heat exchange space partition wall extending in the same direction as the ice making component to divide the heat exchange space into a first heat exchange space capable of fluid communication with the first body space and a second heat exchange space capable of fluid communication with the second body space; A refrigerant inflow passage connected to the first body space to flow the refrigerant into the first body space; as well as an outflow passage connected to the second body space to discharge the refrigerant flowing through the second body space to the outside, The evaporator body is provided with a rotating space, and the rotating space is used to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first body space to the second body space. A dividing component is arranged between the main body space and the rotating space, and the dividing component is used to divide the main body space and the rotating space, and the dividing component has: a first hole, which connects the first main body space and the rotating space in a manner that allows fluid to flow; and a second hole, which connects the second main body space and the rotating space in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

2. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The above-mentioned division components include: a main body portion, which divides the main body space and the rotation space and is formed with the first hole and the second hole; and The extension part is formed to extend from the periphery of the main body toward the rotation space, and the outer side surface of the extension part is in contact with the inner wall of the evaporator body.

3. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The evaporator body is provided with a coupling hole capable of communicating fluid with the body space. The ice-making component is combined with the combining hole.

4. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The above-mentioned ice-making components include: a cylindrical ice-making portion; and The bottom portion is disposed at one end of the ice making portion and is used to seal one end of the heat exchange space. The bottom is formed to protrude toward the outside.

5. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The ice-making component is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the main body space.

6. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The main body space partition wall and the heat exchange space partition wall are arranged side by side on the same plane.

7. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a guide wall combined with the above-mentioned main body space partition wall, The guide wall includes a first body space side guide portion, which is disposed in the first body space and is used to guide the refrigerant flowing from one end to the other end of the first body space to flow through the first heat exchange space.

8. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 7, wherein: The guide wall and the main body space partition wall are arranged perpendicular to each other.

9. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 7, wherein: The guide wall includes a second body space side guide portion, which is disposed in the second body space and is used to guide the refrigerant flowing from one end to the other end of the second body space to flow through the second heat exchange space.

10. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 7, wherein: The guide wall includes a first heat exchange space side guide portion, which is disposed in the heat exchange space and is used to divide the first heat exchange space into a first flow space and a second flow space.

11. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 10, wherein: The first heat exchange space side guide portion is formed to extend along the heat exchange space to guide the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange space toward an extending direction of the ice making component.

12. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 10, wherein: A flow hole is defined in the first heat exchange space side guide portion, which connects the first flow space and the second flow space in a manner that allows fluid to flow.

13. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 12, wherein: The flow hole is disposed in a direction offset to an end side of the ice making member.

14. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 7, wherein: A guide wall coupling groove for coupling the guide wall is formed on the side of the main body space partition wall in the extending direction. A main body space partition wall coupling groove corresponding to the guide wall coupling groove is formed at the main body space side end of the guide wall.

15. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 7, wherein: The heat exchange space partition wall is combined with the guide wall.

16. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 15, wherein: A guide wall coupling groove for coupling the guide wall is formed at the main body space side end of the heat exchange space partition wall. A heat exchange space partition wall coupling groove corresponding to the guide wall coupling groove is formed at the other end of the guide wall.

17. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The first body space and the second body space extend side by side with each other. The rotation space is located at one end of the main body space.

18. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The hot gas inflow passage is connected to the first body space to flow the heated gas into the first body space.

19. The ice-making evaporator according to claim 1, wherein: The ice-making components are provided in plurality. The plurality of ice-making components are arranged along an extending direction of the main body space.

20. A method for manufacturing an evaporator for ice making, comprising the following steps: An evaporator assembly is provided, which has a first inspection object space and a second inspection object space divided from each other, and a rotation space, one side of the rotation space is connected to the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space in a manner that fluid can flow, and the other side of the rotation space is open to the outside; checking whether the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space are fluidically isolated from each other; and Based on the result of checking whether the above isolation is achieved, the other open side of the above rotation space is closed.

21. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 20, wherein: The step of providing the above evaporator assembly comprises the following steps: Providing an evaporator body having a body space; Providing an ice-making component with a heat exchange space; The evaporator body and the ice-making component are disposed adjacent to each other so that the body space and the heat exchange space can be fluid-circulated, and the body space and the heat exchange space are divided to form the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space; and The evaporator assembly is formed by combining the evaporator body and the ice-making component.

22. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 21, wherein: The steps of forming the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space include the following steps: A main body space partition wall for dividing the main body space into a first main body space and a second main body space is disposed in the main body space; A heat exchange space partition wall is arranged on one side of the main body space partition wall, and the heat exchange space partition wall can divide the heat exchange space into a first heat exchange space and a second heat exchange space; The ice-making component is disposed adjacent to the evaporator body so that the heat exchange space partition wall is disposed in the heat exchange space; as well as The first main body space and the first heat exchange space are connected so that fluid can flow therethrough to form a first inspection object space, and the second main body space and the second heat exchange space are connected so that fluid can flow therethrough to form a second inspection object space.

23. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 22, wherein: The steps of forming the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space include the following steps: Providing a guide wall for guiding the fluid flowing through the body space to the heat exchange space; Assembling the guide wall in the main body space partition wall; and The heat exchange space partition wall is assembled in the guide wall.

24. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 20, wherein: The steps to check whether the above isolation is present include the following steps: The partition member is disposed between the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space and the rotation space, wherein the partition member is formed with: a first hole connecting the first inspection object space and the rotation space in a manner that allows fluid to flow; and a second hole connecting the first inspection object space and the rotation space in a manner that allows fluid to flow; The first inspection object space and the rotation space are fluidically isolated by closing the first hole; confirming the characteristics of the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space; and Based on the confirmation result, it is confirmed whether the first inspection object space and the second inspection object space are fluid-isolated.

25. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 24, wherein: The step of confirming the characteristics of the inspection object space includes the following steps: injecting a predetermined amount of fluid into the first inspection object space; and Confirm the state of the injected fluid.

26. The method for manufacturing an ice-making evaporator according to claim 25, wherein: In the step of confirming the state of the injected fluid, it is confirmed whether the fluid injected into the first inspection object space leaks into the second inspection object space.

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