Slush ice machine

Abstract

A slush ice machine comprising a housing (10), a cooling device, a mixing device, a control unit, and a detachably mounted container (1) on the housing, wherein the cooling device comprises a compressor, an evaporator (201), a condenser, and a throttle device, further comprising an evaporator mounting tube (2), wherein the evaporator rests against the inner wall of the evaporator mounting tube and the container is placed over the evaporator mounting tube, the mixing device comprises a stirring motor, a rotating shaft, and a stirring impeller (4), characterized in that the shaft head end of the rotating shaft passes through the evaporator mounting tube and is connected to the stirring impeller on the drive side, the stirring impeller is placed over the outer wall of the evaporator mounting tube, a shaft bearing (7) for supporting the rotating shaft is provided on the evaporator mounting tube, the shaft bearing comprises a mounting washer (71), a shaft seal (72), and a base (73),wherein the base is located on the inside of the evaporator mounting tube and the mounting disc with the shaft seal is detachably attached to the base on the outside of the evaporator mounting tube.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration technology, in particular a slush ice machine. State of the art

[0002] A slushie machine is a device for producing low-temperature, semi-frozen fruit juice drinks and is divided into household and commercial models. A typical home slushie machine generally consists of a housing, a cooling unit, a storage container, and a mixing system. The storage container has a filling opening and a dispensing opening, and an agitator is located inside the container. During operation, the evaporator cools the drink, causing it to cool and freeze in the container. Simultaneously, the movement of the agitator prevents a solid ice structure from forming, allowing the drink to gradually take on a slush-like consistency. The rotating shaft protrudes from the cylindrical evaporator housing and is connected to the agitator. Therefore, the bearing assembly requires sealing elements to prevent leakage.Currently, the sealing ring of the rotating shaft in existing slush ice machines is not removable, meaning it cannot be replaced after aging. Object of the invention

[0003] The present utility model has the technical objective of providing a slush ice machine which has the advantages of easy cleaning of the container and an easily replaceable sealing element of the rotating shaft in order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0004] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, the present utility model provides the following technical solution: A slush ice machine comprising a housing, a cooling device, a mixing device, a control unit, and a container detachably attached to the housing. The cooling device comprises a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator mounting tube, wherein the evaporator rests against the inner wall of the evaporator mounting tube and the container is fitted over the outside of the evaporator mounting tube. The mixing device comprises a stirring motor, a rotating shaft, and a stirring impeller, wherein the shaft end of the rotating shaft extends through the evaporator mounting tube and is connected to the stirring impeller for drive, and the stirring impeller is arranged above the outer wall of the evaporator mounting tube.A shaft bearing is provided on the evaporator mounting tube to support the rotating shaft, wherein the shaft bearing comprises a mounting disc, a shaft seal and a base, the base is arranged on the inside of the evaporator mounting tube and the mounting disc and the shaft seal are removable and fixed to the base on the outside of the evaporator mounting tube.

[0005] When not in use, the reservoir can be removed from the housing for cleaning. Since the mounting washer and shaft seal are installed on the outside of the evaporator mounting tube, if the shaft seal becomes worn or damaged, it can be removed and replaced after the reservoir is detached, thus preventing slush leakage due to a faulty seal.

[0006] Furthermore, the present disclosure shows that the front wall of the container has an outwardly projecting chamber in the area near the outlet opening. The front end of the agitator blade rests close to the main plate of the projection chamber, and the slush is directed backwards towards the rear of the container by means of an inclined upper side wall, thus preventing the slush from accumulating at the front end of the container and freezing into lumps, thereby making the slush finer.

[0007] Furthermore, the shaft seal is provided with a shaft sleeve, whereby the shaft sleeve protrudes through the central hole of the mounting disc and the rotating shaft is guided through the shaft sleeve, thus improving the sealing effect.

[0008] Furthermore, a rotary locking connection is provided between the first mounting ring of the container mounting seat and the second mounting ring of the container's equipment plate, making positional assembly, disassembly, and cleaning of the container extremely convenient.

[0009] Furthermore, a sealing structure is provided between the first and second mounting rings, as well as between the first mounting ring and the evaporator mounting tube, to ensure that no slush escapes. A condensate collection element is located below the container to collect the condensate caused by the low temperature of the slush and by air condensation on the outer wall of the container, with the condensate being drained away through the water inlet.

[0010] Furthermore, a filling funnel and a splash guard are provided in the recess of the upper wall of the container. The orientation of the splash guard corresponds to the mixing direction, thus preventing slush from splashing out of the recess. The handle of the outlet valve switch comprises two components, simplifying the switch structure, which benefits production and reduces costs. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the slush ice machine of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slush ice machine. Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the evaporator mounting tube. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the shaft bearing. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container and handle. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the in Fig. 5 containers shown. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the container's twist-lock connection. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the handle. Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the handle. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the structure of the container mounting seat. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the container. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation of the structure of the condensate collection part. Fig. Figure 13 is a longitudinal section view of the slush ice machine. Fig. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the area of ​​the sealing connection between the container and the container mounting seat. Description of preferred embodiments

[0011] The specific embodiment of the present utility model is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Referring to the in Fig. 1 to Fig. In the illustrations shown, the slush machine comprises a housing 10, a cooling device, a mixing device, a control unit, and a container 1, the container being detachably mounted on the housing. The cooling device includes a compressor, an evaporator 201, a condenser, and a throttle device. The mixing device includes an agitator motor, a rotating shaft, and an agitator blade 4. The housing is divided into an upper and a lower cavity. The compressor and condenser are located in the lower cavity 101 of the housing (not shown), while the agitator motor and the motor cooling fan are located in the upper cavity 102 of the housing. The container 1 is located above the lower cavity 101, with its rear end positioned near the upper cavity 102.Ventilation grilles are arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the rear wall 103 of the housing. These grilles interact with the ventilation openings 104 of the housing's side plates, forming a cooling channel system for the compressor, condenser, and agitator motor. The slush machine also includes an evaporator mounting tube 2, against the inner wall of which the evaporator rests, while the container is fitted over the evaporator mounting tube. The shaft end of the rotating shaft penetrates the evaporator mounting tube and is connected to the agitator impeller. The agitator impeller is fitted over the outer surface of the evaporator mounting tube. A shaft bearing 7 is arranged on the evaporator mounting tube to support the rotating shaft.The shaft bearing comprises a mounting washer 71, a shaft seal 72 and a base 73, wherein the base is arranged on the inside of the evaporator mounting tube, and the mounting washer and the shaft seal are detachably fixed to the base on the outside of the evaporator mounting tube.

[0013] The front wall of the container 1 projects outwards at the bottom, forming a projection chamber 12. A discharge opening is provided on the main plate of the projection chamber, on which a discharge valve switch 3 is arranged; the front end of the agitator impeller 4 lies close to the main plate of the projection chamber; the upper side wall of the projection chamber has an inclination 121. A first through-opening 711 is provided in the mounting disc, a second through-opening is provided in the shaft seal, and a mounting post is arranged in the base, in which a third mounting opening 731 is formed. A fastening element penetrates the first through-opening, the second through-opening, and the third mounting opening, thereby firmly connecting the mounting disc, the shaft seal, and the base to one another.The shaft seal 72 comprises a plate part 721 and a shaft sleeve 722, the shaft sleeve penetrating the central hole of the mounting disc. The mounting disc and the base are made of plastic, and screws can be used as fasteners. An oil seal receiving chamber 734 is provided in the base, in which an oil seal 74 is arranged. One side of the rotating shaft of the mixing device is driven by the motor, while the other side passes through the shaft hole of the oil seal, as well as through the shaft seal and the mounting disc, emerges from the front portion of the evaporator mounting tube, and is connected to the impeller to drive its rotation. As it rotates, the impeller scrapes the slush-like medium adhering to the surface of the evaporator mounting tube and simultaneously conveys the slush-like medium toward the outlet opening of the container.The inner wall of the cylinder wall of the evaporator mounting tube 2 is in close contact with the evaporator, which lowers the temperature of the cylinder wall, thus cooling the medium in the container via the cylinder wall. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a sleeve 25 is arranged in the evaporator mounting tube 2, with one end of the sleeve 25 attached to the base 73. After the base 73 and the sleeve 25 are mounted, the inner cylinder of the evaporator mounting tube 2 is filled with foam, forming a foam layer 23. Since the sleeve is a hollow tube, the rotating shaft can pass through the sleeve 25 and penetrate the entire evaporator mounting tube 2.

[0014] A vessel mounting seat 5 is provided on the housing. The vessel mounting seat comprises a mounting plate 54 and a first mounting ring recessed in the mounting plate. The evaporator mounting tube penetrates the first mounting ring. An equipment plate of the vessel 15 is provided at one end of the vessel, the equipment plate of the vessel 15 being formed with the vessel body by ultrasonic welding. A second mounting ring 150 is recessed in the equipment plate of the vessel. The first mounting ring and the second mounting ring are connected to each other via a rotary locking connection between their ring walls. The first mounting ring comprises an annular opening 51 and an annular base 53, with a sealing channel 52 formed between the annular opening and the annular base. The vessel sealing ring 6 encompasses two opposite sides of the annular opening. A positioning block 56 is provided at the annular base 53.The second mounting ring 150 has a container groove 156. The container groove is L-shaped and comprises an interconnected first groove opening and a second groove. The positioning block 56 enters the second groove through the opening of the first groove, thereby creating a snap-fit ​​connection. The positioning block 56 has a positioning projection. Corresponding to this positioning projection, a recess is provided in the second groove. Manual force is required to mount the container. Once the snap-fit ​​connection is fully engaged, the positioning projection engages in the recess. Removing the container from the housing also requires force to release the positioning projection from the recess so that it can exit the second groove. The container sealing ring 6 comprises an inner sealing ring 61 and an outer seal 62.The inner sealing ring 61 is clamped between the first mounting ring and the evaporator mounting tube, while the outer seal 62 is clamped between the first and second mounting rings. The outer seal 62 is L-shaped. A flange 622 is provided at one end of the L-shaped seal, which rests against the outer wall of the evaporator mounting tube 2. A mounting head 621 is formed at the other end of the L-shaped seal, with one end of the mounting head being inserted into the sealing channel 52 and the other end engaging in the gap formed by the second mounting ring 150 and the ring base 53.

[0015] A condensate collection element 105 is provided on the housing. The condensate collection element is equipped with a water inlet 107, which serves to direct the condensate forming on the outer wall of the container to a collection tray located inside the housing or to discharge it from the housing to the outside. A material retention rib 17 is provided on the inner wall of the container, which serves to prevent the material in the container from rising up the container wall when the agitator blade rotates. A support projection 106 is provided on the side wall of the housing connected to the condensate collection element. A third groove 108 with an upper opening is formed on the front wall of the housing connected to the condensate collection element. A container hook 13 and an arc-shaped rib 14 are provided on the outer wall of the container.The container hook engages with the third groove in a snap-fit ​​connection, and the curved rib 14 is supported on the support projection 106. The container hook 13 is L-shaped and has a locking plate 131. During container assembly, the second mounting ring 150 is placed towards the evaporator mounting tube until it approaches the container mounting seat 5. In this position, the container hook 13 is positioned above the opening of the third groove 108. The container is held by hand so that the container hook 13 enters through the opening of the L-shaped third groove and, upon reaching its final position, is rotated into its snap-fit ​​position. A fourth hook 55 is provided on the mounting plate 54, and an equipment plate hook 155 is provided on the equipment plate of the container 15.Both the fourth hook 55 and the equipment plate hook 155 each have an L-shaped hook plate, with the fourth hook 55 being structurally identical to the container hook 13 and also featuring a locking plate. Therefore, when the container is mounted on the container mounting seat 5 by means of a rotary locking connection, the fourth hook 55 and the equipment plate hook 155 interlock to form a limiting structure, thus bringing the container into its final rotational position.

[0016] The upper wall of the container is provided with a recess, the recess having an approximately square structure. A vertical wall 90 extends along the edge of the recess, forming a filling funnel 9. A lid (not shown) is provided at the upper end of the filling funnel. The wall 90 has a pair of inner walls 902 within the container. A splash guard 91 is arranged at the bottom of the filling funnel 9 in the area of ​​the recess. A first lateral edge of the splash guard is connected to the base 901 of the filling funnel. A second lateral edge of the splash guard extends diagonally downwards and is not connected to the wall 90. The left and right lateral edges of the splash guard are connected to the inner walls 902, forming a lateral filling opening 11 below the filling funnel.The second side edge is opposite the first side edge, with the direction of travel from the first side edge to the second side edge corresponding to the direction of rotation in which the stirring blade drives the material in the container.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a projection chamber 12 is arranged on the lower part of the front wall 1a of the container. The upper side wall 121 of the projection chamber 12 is inclined. A discharge opening is provided on the main surface 122 of the projection chamber 12, and a switch seat 16 is mounted on the main plate 122, on which the discharge valve switch 3 is mounted. During use, the discharge valve switch 3 can be actuated by tilting the tilting handle 31, thus opening the discharge opening. During operation of the slush machine, the beverage liquid is added to the container 1 via the filling opening and processed to a slush-like consistency under cooling and stirring, which is then dispensed through the discharge opening. The discharge valve switch comprises a handle and a sealing cover 8.The handle is divided on both sides from the hinge pivot hole 33 into a tilting handle 31 and a connecting wall 32; the hinge axis passes through the hinge pivot hole 33, thus mounting the handle on the switch seat 16. The sealing cover comprises the cover plate, the sealing pad 80, and the return torsion spring 84. The cover plate is divided on both sides from the cover plate hinge pivot hole 83 into a first side and a second side. The free end of the connecting wall 32 presses against the first side of the cover plate 82, and the sealing pad is mounted on the second side of the cover plate 81. The return torsion spring abuts both the second side of the cover plate 81 and the front wall of the container 122, thereby building up potential energy that causes the second side of the cover plate to close the outlet opening. See . Fig. 9: When the tilting handle 31 is pulled outwards, the connecting wall 32 exerts pressure on the first side of the cover plate 82, causing the cover plate to rotate and the sealing pad 80 to leave the outlet opening, thus opening the outlet opening. On the second side of the cover plate 81, a sealing pad seat 811 is arranged, on which the sealing pad 80 is mounted. See Fig. 9: The first side of the cover plate 82 curves outwards, and the connecting wall 32 has a flange on the contact surface with the first side of the cover plate, which facilitates the operation of the tilting handle.

[0018] The upper side wall 121 of the projection chamber 12 uses its own incline to guide any slush-like consistency not discharged through the outlet opening in time towards the rear of container 1b, thus preventing slush from accumulating and clumping above the front wall of container 1a. This reduces the pressure on the front wall of container 1a. Container 1 is convex at the top, and the rear end of container 1b is positioned opposite the front wall of container 1a. The projected area of ​​the front wall of container 1a is slightly smaller than the projected area of ​​the rear end of container 1b. The container tapers slightly from the rear end 1b to the front wall 1a, giving container 1 a shape that tapers towards the outlet opening. The agitator blade 4 is provided with a conveying head 41 opposite the base 42.When the evaporator is mounted on the container 1, the conveying head 41 of the agitator 4 enters the projection chamber 12 and is connected to the outlet opening. During operation of the slush machine, the agitator 4 rotates, and the conveying head 41 pumps the produced slush-like consistency out through the outlet opening.

[0019] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail in conjunction with the figures. For those skilled in the art, changes, modifications, replacements, and variations of these embodiments, which are made without deviating from the basic principle of the present utility model, remain within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

[1] A slush ice machine comprising a housing (10), a cooling device, a mixing device, a control unit and a detachably mounted container (1) on the housing, wherein the cooling device comprises a compressor, an evaporator (201), a condenser and a throttle device, furthermore an evaporator mounting tube (2), wherein the evaporator rests against the inner wall of the evaporator mounting tube and the container is placed over the evaporator mounting tube, the mixing device comprises a stirring motor, a rotating shaft and a stirring impeller (4), characterized by, that the shaft head end of the rotating shaft passes through the evaporator mounting tube and is connected to the agitator impeller on the drive side, the agitator impeller is fitted over the outer wall of the evaporator mounting tube, a shaft bearing (7) is provided on the evaporator mounting tube to support the rotating shaft, the shaft bearing comprises a mounting disc (71), a shaft seal (72) and a base (73), wherein the base is arranged on the inside of the evaporator mounting tube and the mounting disc with the shaft seal is detachably attached to the base on the outside of the evaporator mounting tube. [2] The slush ice machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that the front wall of the container (1) protrudes outwards in the lower area and forms a projection chamber (12), the main plate of the projection chamber has a discharge opening above which the discharge valve switch (3) is arranged; the front of the agitator impeller (4) comes close to the main plate of the projection chamber; the upper side wall of the projection chamber has an inclination (121). [3] The slush ice machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shaft seal (72) comprises a plate part (721) and a shaft sleeve (722), wherein the shaft sleeve penetrates the central hole of the mounting disc. [4] The slush ice machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that a container mounting seat (5) is provided on the housing, comprising a mounting plate (54) and a first mounting ring recessed therein, the container has a container equipment plate (15) on which a second mounting ring (150) is recessed, the first mounting ring being connected to the second mounting ring by a rotary locking connection between the ring walls. [5] The slush ice machine according to claim 4, characterized by, that the first mounting ring comprises an annular mouth (51) and an annular foot (53), a sealing channel (52) is provided between the annular mouth and the annular foot, the container sealing ring (6) encloses the two opposite sides of the annular mouth, the annular foot (53) has a positioning block (56), a container groove (156) is provided on the second mounting ring (150), the container groove comprising a connected first groove opening and second groove, and the positioning block enters from the first groove opening into the second groove to complete the locking. [6] The slush ice machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that a condensate collection part (105) is provided on the housing, which has a water pipe opening (107), wherein the water pipe opening directs the condensate on the outer wall of the container into a collection tray in the housing or to the outside, and the inner wall of the container is provided with material retention ribs (17) which prevent material from moving upwards on the container wall when the stirring paddle is rotated. [7] The slush ice machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that the upper wall of the container has a recess, at the edges of which a vertical support wall (90) is formed, which forms a filling funnel (9), a splash guard plate (91) is provided on the recess, wherein the first side edge of the splash guard plate is connected to the base of the filling funnel (901), the second side edge of the splash guard plate runs obliquely downwards and is not connected to the support wall (90), thereby creating a lateral filling opening (11) below the filling funnel, wherein the second side edge is opposite the first side edge and the course from the first to the second side edge corresponds to the direction of rotation of the agitator blade for the material movement in the container. [8] The slush ice machine according to claim 2, characterized by, that the outlet valve switch comprises a handle and a sealing protection cover (8), wherein the handle comprises a rocker handle (31) and a connecting wall (32) on each side of the hinge axis hole, and the sealing protection cover comprises a cover plate, a sealing pad (80) and a return torsion spring (84), wherein the free end of the connecting wall restrains the first side of the cover plate (82), the sealing pad is mounted on the second side (81) of the cover plate, and the return torsion spring contacts both the second side of the cover plate (81) and the front wall of the container (122), wherein the return torsion spring possesses a potential energy which causes the second side of the cover plate to close the outlet opening.

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