Evaporator assembly for uniformly distributing flowing water in ice making and ice making machine thereof

Abstract

The evaporator assembly comprises a water distribution pipe, an evaporator, a rear shell base and a flow distribution cover, the evaporator is communicated with a refrigerating system, and a plurality of ice cube trays for storing and cooling the flowing water flow to generate ice cubes are distributed in an array mode; the water distribution pipe is used for circularly draining water into the ice cube tray and enabling the water to flow down layer by layer; the rear shell base is supported and sealed on the rear side of the back of the evaporator, and the flow dividing cover is sealed on the front side of the evaporator in a buckled mode and used for distributing water flow and enabling the water flow to flow down in a waterfall mode in front of the ice forming molds in the arrayed ice cube trays and is in butt joint with the rear shell base to form a closed cavity integrally wrapping a refrigeration source of the whole evaporator. Through the shunting channel and the flow guide component on the shunting cover, water flow uniformly and orderly flows through each layer of ice cube trays, the crystallization speed and the refrigeration efficiency of ice cubes are effectively improved, and the quality of the manufactured ice cubes is uniform and consistent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of ice makers, and more particularly to an evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution during ice making and an ice maker thereof. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration device that cools water through an evaporator assembly and then cools it through a compressor refrigeration system to produce ice. In existing ice makers, water is circulated through a top water pipe into the ice tray of the evaporator assembly and flows down layer by layer. The circulating water continuously condenses into ice in the ice tray.

[0003] When draining water through the distribution pipe, multiple outlets are located on the side of the pipe. Due to the low density of openings at the bottom of the distribution pipe, the water flow is not easily evenly distributed, resulting in low ice-making efficiency. Furthermore, during use, water enters from one side of the distribution pipe and flows out sequentially from multiple outlets. Since the water flows from one end of the pipe to the other, the water pressure near the inlet is higher than that at the far end, leading to uneven water flow. This also results in a small contact area between the water and the evaporator components, affecting the ice crystallization speed and cooling efficiency. In addition, the water flow becomes turbulent when passing through each ice tray, causing cross-flow and resulting in inconsistent ice quality, varying thickness, and non-uniform ice shape.

[0004] To address the above technical problems, patent publication number "CN 115790026 A" discloses a patent technology entitled "Evaporator Ice Grid Cover and Ice Maker." This technology involves a cover that is detachably connected to the evaporator and adheres to the outer surface of the evaporator. The cover has a grid corresponding to the ice grid of the evaporator, and the grid has flow-guiding structures on both sides along its longitudinal direction. While this technical solution can divert and guide the water discharged from the water pipe, avoiding the problems of water flow dispersion, crossing, and turbulence, the presence of groove-shaped flow-guiding structures in the middle of the grid on both sides along its longitudinal direction can cause water flow to... When water flows through the grid, it converges and does not disperse. Furthermore, during ice formation, the water flow is insufficient at the top two corners of the grid, resulting in gaps at the top corners of the ice blocks and making them incomplete. Moreover, the grid cannot effectively buffer and divert the initial water flow from the pipes, preventing a waterfall-like flow across the entire ice grid, meaning the water flow surface does not fully contact the evaporator. Additionally, the individual vertical diversion structure results in excessively large intervals between ice grids, hindering the effective utilization of the evaporator's cold source and reducing ice-making efficiency. Therefore, new technologies are urgently needed to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an evaporator assembly and ice maker for uniform water distribution in ice making. Through the diversion channel and the guide component, the water flows evenly and orderly through each ice grid in a waterfall shape, which effectively improves the ice crystallization speed and refrigeration efficiency, and produces ice of uniform quality.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making includes: The drainage pipe is used to circulate drainage into the ice tray and allow it to flow down layer by layer. An evaporator, connected to a refrigeration system, and arrayed with multiple ice-making grids that store and cool the flowing water to form ice blocks; The rear housing supports and seals the back of the evaporator. The distribution hood, with its cover sealed to the front of the evaporator, is used to distribute water flow and allow water to flow down in a waterfall-like manner from the front of the ice forming mold in the array of ice grids. It also connects with the rear shell to form a closed cavity that encloses the entire evaporator cooling source. The water distribution pipe is installed on the top side of the distribution hood along the direction of the ice grid array and is evenly arranged axially with water distribution holes that are respectively opposite to each row of ice grids and used for circulating drainage. The diversion hood consists of an integrally formed side limiting plate, a diversion buffer groove, multiple flow guide ports, and flow guide ribs; The diversion buffer groove is axially supported on the lower side of the water distribution pipe and corresponds to each water distribution hole on the water distribution pipe; The two side limiting plates protrude from the two sides of the diversion cover and extend from both ends of the water distribution pipe to guide the water flow through all ice-making grids and prevent overflow. Multiple flow guides are arrayed and correspond to each ice-making grid on the evaporator, for water to flow into each ice-making grid and for ice blocks to be exported after freezing. The guide ribs are respectively protruding and set at the adjacent partition rib plate or side edge of each guide port and located on the upper side of the water inlet side, for isolating and diverting the water from the adjacent ice grid and diverting the water flow into each ice grid of the next level.

[0007] Preferably, the diversion buffer groove corresponds to each water distribution hole on the water distribution pipe and is recessed to form an arc-shaped groove.

[0008] Preferably, a "I"-shaped diversion rib is provided between adjacent arc-shaped grooves to isolate and divert water between adjacent water distribution holes. The end of each "I"-shaped diversion rib is folded at 90° and extended to connect to a pointed diversion rib for isolating and diverting water between adjacent ice trays and facilitating the water to flow into each row of ice trays in a waterfall-like manner from the guide port. Vertical ribs are also provided on both sides of the pointed diversion rib to prevent the downward flow of water from converging into a narrow flow.

[0009] Preferably, the upper edge of the guide port of each side limiting plate adjacent to the arc-shaped groove is also provided with inclined guide ribs to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice-making grids.

[0010] Preferably, the guide rib is a "V" shaped guide rib, with the lower end of the "V" shaped guide rib bifurcerated at the dividing rib plate between the upper and lower adjacent guide ports and pointing to each row of ice-making trays on both sides respectively; the vertical rib plate at the upper end of the "V" shaped guide rib is located at the dividing rib plate below the left and right adjacent guide ports, and the upper edge of the guide port of each side limit plate is also provided with an inclined inflow rib to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice-making trays.

[0011] Preferably, the flow divider covers the front side of the evaporator, and the rear end of the outer circumferential edge of the flow divider is fixedly connected to the rear shell seat by a snap fastener.

[0012] Preferably, a slot structure is provided on the rear side of the diverter, and a buckle structure that cooperates with the slot structure is provided on the outer edge of the front end of the rear shell.

[0013] Preferably, both the diffuser and the rear housing are integrally molded from silicone or plastic material that insulates against heat conduction.

[0014] Preferably, the rear side of the diversion hood is further provided with a plurality of positioning pins that are installed in the gaps between adjacent ice trays on the evaporator, and the gaps between adjacent ice trays are provided with positioning grooves that cooperate with each positioning pin respectively.

[0015] Preferably, the guide port on the diversion hood that cooperates with each ice-making grid is provided with annular contraction ports that gradually narrow from large to small in the circumferential direction, which facilitates the introduction of water flow and the exit of ice blocks.

[0016] Preferably, the lower side of the diversion hood, the evaporator and the rear shell seat cover after assembly is also provided with an inclined ice skating grid for ice-water separation when ice blocks are formed and discharged from the ice grid, and a water receiving box for receiving the filtered ice water is installed on the lower side of the ice skating grid.

[0017] Preferably, the evaporator is integrally die-cast from an evaporating copper tube and an ice-making grid made of aluminum alloy, and the evaporating copper tube is embedded in the corresponding side of the inner cavity of each ice-making grid.

[0018] An ice maker includes a housing, wherein the ice-making section of the housing is equipped with an evaporator assembly as described above for uniform water distribution during ice making.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are: To address the problems of uneven water flow distribution, easy cross-flow, uneven water flow causing differences in ice shape, and insufficient contact between water flow and evaporator affecting ice crystallization speed and refrigeration efficiency in existing ice makers, this invention employs a flow divider cover and a rear shell seat that are interlocked and connected to each other on the front and rear sides of the evaporator. The closed cavity formed by the connection between the flow divider cover and the rear shell seat can effectively enclose the entire evaporator's refrigeration source, prevent cold energy loss, and improve the evaporator's refrigeration efficiency.

[0020] The diversion hood, with its side limiting plate, diversion buffer groove, multiple guide ports, and guide ribs on the front side of the evaporator, buffers the water flow discharged from the water distribution pipe and distributes it layer by layer, preventing water from flowing directly away along the vertical ribs without flowing into the ice-making grid. The water first flows through the diversion buffer groove, the "I"-shaped diversion ribs, and the pointed diversion ribs for buffering and diversion, and then enters the first row of ice-making grids evenly, where it is stored. After the water storage is completed, the overflowing water is controlled by the "V"-shaped guide ribs set on the lower side of the first row of ice-making grids, avoiding turbulence and crossflow, and is then guided to the second row of ice-making grids, and so on, flowing down layer by layer. This makes the water flow down in a waterfall-like manner from the front of the ice-forming mold in the array of ice-making grids, ensuring that the water flow surface can fully contact the evaporator area, effectively improving the crystallization speed and ice-making efficiency of the ice cubes. At the same time, it ensures that the water storage volume of each ice-making grid is uniform and the ice cubes produced are of consistent size.

[0021] Furthermore, in the "human" shaped guide rib structure, a small vertical rib on the upper side prevents water from flowing directly away along the vertical rib and into the ice-making grid. This structure makes the water flow more dispersed, and the water flows down in a waterfall-like manner, so that the ice blocks made will not have missing corners and will have a fuller shape. The vertical ribs that extend from the ends of the pointed diversion ribs on both sides can effectively prevent the water flow from converging, making the water flow more evenly distributed and preventing the downward flow of water from converging into a narrow flow.

[0022] In addition, the distribution shroud is made of silicone or plastic material that insulates against heat conduction. This prevents water from directly contacting the evaporator between two adjacent ice trays during the ice-making process, thus avoiding the water being absorbed by the evaporator and frozen into ice, preventing ice blocks from sticking together. Therefore, it ensures that each ice tray makes ice independently without interference, producing individual ice blocks that are convenient for users and optimize the user experience.

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow guidance structure on the ice-making tray in this invention; Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the assembled structure of the flow divider, evaporator and rear shell in this invention; Figure 7 This is a top view of the assembled structure of the flow divider, evaporator and rear shell in this invention; Figure 8 This is a side view of the assembled structure of the flow divider, evaporator and rear shell in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be reasonably determined in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0028] An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution during ice making is installed on the upper side of the ice-making section of the ice maker housing, such as... Figures 1 to 5As shown, the system includes a water distribution pipe 1, an evaporator 2, a rear housing 3, and a distribution hood 4. The evaporator 2 is connected to the refrigeration system and has multiple ice-making grids 5 arranged in an array to store and cool the flowing water into ice cubes. The water distribution pipe 1 is used to circulate water to the ice-making grids 5 of the evaporator 2, allowing it to flow down layer by layer. The evaporator is integrally die-cast from an evaporating copper pipe and an aluminum alloy ice-making grid, with the evaporating copper pipe embedded in the corresponding side of the inner cavity of each ice-making grid. The rear housing 3 supports and seals the back of the evaporator 2, and the distribution hood 4 is sealed to the front of the evaporator 2 to distribute the water flow and allow the water to freeze from the array of ice-making grids 5. The refrigeration source of the evaporator 2 is enclosed in a closed cavity that flows down in a waterfall-like manner from the front of the mold and connects with the rear shell 3. Multiple pins are also provided on the rear side of the distribution hood 4 to be installed in the gaps between adjacent ice grids 5 on the evaporator 2 (not shown in the figure). The gaps between adjacent ice grids 5 are provided with positioning grooves 6 that cooperate with each positioning pin. On the lower side of the distribution hood 4, the evaporator 2 and the rear shell 3 after the cover is assembled, there is also an inclined ice skating grid 7 for the separation of ice and water when the ice blocks in the ice grids 5 are formed and discharged. A water receiving box 8 for receiving the filtered ice water is installed on the lower side of the ice skating grid 7.

[0029] Both the diversion hood 4 and the rear shell 3 are integrally molded from silicone or plastic material to insulate against heat conduction. The diversion hood 4 covers the front side of the evaporator 2, and the rear end of the outer periphery of the diversion hood 4 is fixedly connected to the rear shell 3 by a snap fastener. A slot structure 9 is provided on the rear side of the diversion hood 4, and a snap fastener structure 10 is provided on the outer edge of the front end of the rear shell 3 to cooperate with the slot structure 9. The silicone or plastic diversion hood 4 can prevent the water flow between two adjacent ice trays 5 from directly contacting the evaporator 2 during the ice-making process, ensuring that each ice tray 5 makes ice independently without interference, and the ice blocks produced are individual ice blocks, which is convenient for users. It also prevents the ice blocks from being frozen into ice by the evaporator 2 and forming clumped together, thus optimizing the user experience. At the same time, the closed cavity formed by the diversion hood 4 and the rear shell 3 can effectively enclose the entire cooling source of the evaporator 2, prevent the loss of cold energy, and improve the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 2.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the water distribution pipe 1 is installed on the top side of the diversion hood 4 along the array direction of the ice-making grids 5 of the evaporator 2, and the water distribution holes 11 are evenly arranged along the axial direction and are respectively opposite to each row of ice-making grids 5 for circulating drainage; the diversion hood 4 is composed of an integrally formed side limiting plate 12, a diversion buffer groove 13, multiple guide ports 14 and guide ribs 15; the multiple guide ports 14 are arrayed and correspond to each ice-making grid 5 on the evaporator 2, for water to enter each ice-making grid 5 and for the ice blocks to be discharged after freezing. The guide ports 14 on the diversion hood 4 that cooperate with each ice-making grid 5 are respectively provided with gradually tapering circumferentially from large to small to facilitate water flow. The annular contraction opening 16 is used for flow introduction and ice block exit; the diversion buffer groove 13 is axially supported on the lower side of the water distribution pipe 1 and corresponds to each water distribution hole 11 on the water distribution pipe 1; two side limiting plates 12 protrude and are placed on both sides of the diversion cover 4 and extend from both ends of the water distribution pipe 1, for guiding the water flow through all ice grids 5 and preventing overflow; the guide ribs 15 protrude and are respectively set at the adjacent partition rib plate and side edge of each guide port 14 and are located on the upper side of the water inlet side, for isolating and diverting the flow from the adjacent ice grids 5 and preventing crossflow, and for diverting the water flow into each ice grid 5 of the next level.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the diversion buffer groove 13 corresponds to each water distribution hole 11 on the water distribution pipe 1 and is recessed to form an arc-shaped groove. A "I"-shaped diversion rib 130 is provided between adjacent arc-shaped grooves to isolate and divert water between adjacent water distribution holes 11. The end of each "I"-shaped diversion rib 130 is folded 90° and extended to connect to a pointed diversion rib 131 for isolating and diverting water between adjacent ice trays 5 and facilitating the water to flow into each row of ice trays 5 in a waterfall-like manner from the guide port 14. Vertical rib positions 1310 are also provided on both sides of the pointed diversion rib 131 to prevent the downward water flow from converging into a narrow water flow. An inclined guide rib 132 is also provided on the upper edge of the guide port 14 of each side limit plate 12 adjacent to the arc-shaped groove to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice trays 5.

[0032] In the specific structure corresponding to guide rib 15, such as Figures 1 to 8As shown, in this embodiment, the guide rib 15 is a "V"-shaped guide rib 15a. The lower end of the "V"-shaped guide rib 15a is forked at the dividing rib plate of the upper and lower adjacent guide ports 14 and points to each row of ice grids 5 on both sides. In the "V"-shaped guide rib structure, a small section of vertical rib on the upper side prevents water from flowing directly away along the vertical rib and into the ice grid. This structure makes the water flow more dispersed and the water flows down in a waterfall shape, so that the ice blocks made will not have missing corners and will have a fuller shape. The vertical rib plate at the upper end of the "V"-shaped guide rib 15 is located at the dividing rib plate on the lower side of the left and right adjacent guide ports 14. The upper edge of the guide port 14 of each side limit plate 12 is also provided with an inclined inflow rib 15b to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice grids 5.

[0033] In use, the water flow discharged from the water distribution pipe 1 is buffered and then distributed layer by layer. The water first flows through the buffer trough 13, the "I"-shaped diversion rib and the pointed diversion rib for buffering and diversion, and then enters the first row of ice-making grids 5 evenly. The water is stored in the first row of ice-making grids 5. After the water storage is completed, the overflowing water is guided to the second row of ice-making grids 5 under the control of the "human"-shaped diversion rib 15 set on the lower side of the first row of ice-making grids 5 to avoid turbulence and crossflow. This process is repeated layer by layer, so that the water flows down in a waterfall shape from the front of the ice forming mold in the array of ice-making grids 5. This allows the water flow surface to fully contact the area of ​​the evaporator 2, effectively improving the crystallization speed and ice-making efficiency of the ice.

[0034] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes made in accordance with the shape, structure and principle of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making, characterized in that, include: The drainage pipe is used to circulate drainage into the ice tray and allow it to flow down layer by layer. An evaporator, connected to a refrigeration system, and arrayed with multiple ice-making grids that store and cool the flowing water to form ice blocks; The rear housing supports and seals the back of the evaporator. The distribution hood, with its cover sealed to the front of the evaporator, is used to distribute water flow and allow water to flow down in a waterfall-like manner from the front of the ice forming mold in the array of ice grids. It also connects with the rear shell to form a closed cavity that encloses the entire evaporator cooling source. The water distribution pipe is installed on the top side of the distribution hood along the direction of the ice grid array and is evenly arranged axially with water distribution holes that are respectively opposite to each row of ice grids and used for circulating drainage. The diversion hood consists of an integrally formed side limiting plate, a diversion buffer groove, multiple flow guide ports, and flow guide ribs; The diversion buffer groove is axially supported on the lower side of the water distribution pipe and corresponds to each water distribution hole on the water distribution pipe; The two side limiting plates protrude from the two sides of the diversion cover and extend from both ends of the water distribution pipe to guide the water flow through all ice-making grids and prevent overflow. Multiple flow guides are arrayed and correspond to each ice-making grid on the evaporator, for water to flow into each ice-making grid and for ice blocks to be exported after freezing. The guide ribs are respectively protruding and set at the adjacent partition rib plate or side edge of each guide port and located on the upper side of the water inlet side, for isolating and diverting the water from the adjacent ice grid and diverting the water flow into each ice grid of the next level.

2. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diversion buffer groove corresponds to each water distribution hole on the water distribution pipe and is recessed to form an arc-shaped groove.

3. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 2, characterized in that: Between adjacent arc-shaped grooves, there are "I"-shaped diversion ribs for isolating and diverting water between adjacent water distribution holes. The end of each "I"-shaped diversion rib is folded at 90° and extended to connect to a pointed diversion rib for isolating and diverting water between adjacent ice trays and facilitating the water to flow into each row of ice trays in a waterfall-like manner from the guide port. The ends of the pointed diversion ribs are also provided with vertical ribs on both sides to prevent the downward flow of water from converging into a narrow flow.

4. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper edge of the guide port of each side limiting plate adjacent to the arc-shaped groove is also provided with inclined guide ribs to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice grids.

5. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide ribs are "V" shaped guide ribs. The lower end of the "V" shaped guide ribs forks at the dividing ribs between the upper and lower adjacent guide ports and points to each row of ice-making trays on both sides. The vertical ribs at the upper end of the "V" shaped guide ribs are located at the dividing ribs below the left and right adjacent guide ports. Inclined inflow ribs are also provided on the upper edge of the guide port of each side limit plate to facilitate the flow of edge water into each row of ice-making trays.

6. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow divider covers the front side of the evaporator, and the rear end of the outer circumferential edge of the flow divider is fixedly connected to the rear shell seat by a snap fastener.

7. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 6, characterized in that: A slot structure is provided on the rear side of the diverter, and a buckle structure that cooperates with the slot structure is provided on the outer edge of the front end of the rear shell.

8. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both the diffuser and the rear housing are integrally molded from silicone or plastic material to insulate against heat conduction.

9. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear side of the diversion hood also has a plurality of protruding positioning posts that are installed in the gaps between adjacent ice trays on the evaporator. The gaps between adjacent ice trays are provided with positioning grooves that mate with each positioning post.

10. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diversion hood has a flow guide port that is circumferentially provided with annular contraction ports that gradually narrow from large to small to facilitate the introduction of water flow and the exit of ice blocks.

11. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower side of the diversion hood, the evaporator and the rear shell seat cover after assembly is also provided with an inclined ice skating grid for ice-water separation when ice blocks are formed and discharged from the ice grid. A water receiving box for receiving the filtered ice water is installed on the lower side of the ice skating grid.

12. An evaporator assembly for uniform water distribution in ice making according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporator is integrally die-cast from an evaporating copper tube and an aluminum alloy ice grid, and the evaporating copper tube is embedded in the corresponding side of the inner cavity of each ice grid.

13. An ice maker, comprising a housing, characterized in that, The ice-making section of the housing is equipped with an evaporator assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 for uniform water distribution during ice making.

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