Ice maker

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of ice making, and discloses an ice maker, comprising: a water receiving box assembly, a bottom of which is communicated with a first pipeline; a filtering structure, having a first water inlet end and a filtered water outlet end, the first water inlet end being communicated with the first pipeline; and a filtered water outlet pipeline, connected with the filtered water outlet end, and used for providing ice making water. The first pipeline is arranged in communication with the bottom of the water receiving box assembly, so that the water in the water receiving box assembly flows downward into the first pipeline and does not remain in the water receiving box assembly, thus the user does not need to take out the water receiving box assembly and pour out the water, the operation of the user is reduced, and the experience of the user can be improved. In addition, the water in the water receiving box assembly flows along the first pipeline to the filtering structure, flows from the filtered water outlet end to the filtered water outlet pipeline after being filtered by the filtering structure, and can provide ice making water for ice making, so that the water in the water receiving box assembly can be reused, and water waste is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, and more specifically to ice makers. Background Technology

[0002] The water collection box of an ice maker is used to collect the water that flows out during the ice-making process. When the water collection box is full, the user needs to remove the water collection box and empty the water. The user often gets wet during the process of removing the water collection box, which reduces the user experience. Moreover, emptying the water will waste water. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an ice maker to solve the problem that pouring out water from the water collection box reduces the user experience and wastes water.

[0004] This invention provides an ice maker, comprising:

[0005] The water receiving box assembly has a first pipe connected to its bottom;

[0006] The filter structure has a first water inlet and a filtered water outlet, wherein the first water inlet is connected to the first pipeline.

[0007] A filtered water outlet pipe is connected to the filtered water outlet end, and the filtered water outlet pipe is used to provide water for ice making.

[0008] Beneficial effects: The water collection box assembly is used to collect water flowing down during the ice-making process. A first pipe is connected to the bottom of the assembly, allowing water to flow downwards into this pipe, preventing it from accumulating inside the assembly. This eliminates the need for users to remove the assembly and empty the water, reducing user effort and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of a filtration structure with an inlet and outlet allows water from the collection box to flow along the first pipe into the filtration structure. After filtration, the water flows out through the outlet pipe, providing water for ice making. This allows for water reuse, preventing waste.

[0009] Therefore, this ice maker eliminates the need for users to remove the water collection box and empty the water, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. It also allows for the reuse of water in the collection box, avoiding water waste.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the ice maker further includes a detection component and a main board. The detection component is capable of detecting whether there is water in the filter structure or the filtered water outlet pipe. The filtered water outlet pipe is connected to a water pump, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the ice-making water pipe through a second pipe. The main board is communicatively connected to the detection component and the water pump. The main board is used to activate the water pump when the detection component detects the presence of water, so that the filtered water outlet pipe is connected to the second pipe.

[0011] Beneficial effects: Water in the water collection box assembly flows along the first pipe into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet to the filter outlet pipe. By setting a detection component, when the detection component detects water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe, the main board controls the water pump to work. The filter outlet pipe is connected to the second pipe. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe, the water pump, and the second pipe to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water collection box assembly can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the filtered water outlet pipeline includes a horizontally arranged water storage section, and the detection component is located in the water storage section.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Water in the water collection box assembly flows along the first pipe into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet to the filter outlet pipe, where water is stored. The detection component can detect whether there is water in the storage section. When the detection component detects water in the storage section, the main board controls the water pump to work, and the filter outlet pipe is connected to the second pipe. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe, the water pump, and the second pipe to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water collection box assembly can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the filtered water outlet pipeline includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section connected to both sides of the water storage section, wherein the first pipe section is connected to the filtered water outlet end and the second pipe section is connected to the water pump.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Water in the water collection box assembly flows along the first pipe into the filter structure. After being filtered, it flows from the filter outlet to the first pipe section, and then into the storage section where water is stored. The detection component can detect whether there is water in the storage section. When the detection component detects water in the storage section, the main board controls the water pump to work. The second pipe section is connected to the second pipe. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe, the water pump, and the second pipe to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water collection box assembly can be reused, avoiding water waste. The design of the first pipe section ensures that the storage section is in a horizontal state.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, the second conduit and / or the second pipe segment is a flexible hose.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The second pipe is made of flexible tubing, which facilitates connection between the second pipe and the water pump and the ice-making water inlet pipe, and also saves on the length of the second pipe. The second pipe section is made of flexible tubing, which facilitates connection with the water pump.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the water pump includes a first inlet and a second inlet, the first inlet being connected to the filtered water outlet pipeline, and the second inlet being connected to the inlet pipeline.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The water pump has a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet is connected to the filter outlet pipe. When the detection component detects water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe, the main board controls the water pump to work, connecting the first inlet and the second inlet, thus connecting the filter outlet pipe and the second pipe. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe, the water pump, and the second pipe to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water collection box assembly can be reused, avoiding water waste. When there is no water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe, the second inlet is connected to the second pipe. The water in the inlet pipe flows through the water pump and then through the second pipe to the ice-making water pipe for ice making.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the ice maker includes an inner liner, the bottom of which is connected to a third pipe, and the filter structure further includes a second water inlet, the third pipe being connected to the second water inlet.

[0021] Beneficial effects: When the ice in the inner tank melts into water, the water enters the filter structure through the third pipe and the second water inlet, preventing it from remaining inside the inner tank. Therefore, users no longer need to use a bucket to collect the water, reducing user effort and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the filter structure, with its second water inlet and outlet, allows water from the inner tank to flow through the third pipe into the filter structure. After filtration, the water flows from the outlet to the outlet pipe, providing water for ice making. This allows for the reuse of water in the collection box assembly, avoiding water waste.

[0022] Therefore, this ice maker eliminates the need for users to use buckets to collect water from the inner tank, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. It also allows for the reuse of water in the inner tank, avoiding water waste.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, the third conduit is a flexible hose.

[0024] Beneficial effect: The third pipe is a flexible hose, which facilitates the connection of the third pipe to the inner tank and the second water inlet of the filter structure.

[0025] In one optional embodiment, the ice maker includes a side plate, and the filter structure includes a filter cavity integrally formed with the side plate and a filter element disposed in the filter cavity. The filter cavity has a first water inlet end, a second water inlet end and a filter outlet end.

[0026] Beneficial effects: By setting a filter cavity in the side plate, it is convenient to install the filter element. On the other hand, the water filtered by the filter element falls into the filter cavity, which can store the filtered water.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, the opening of the filter cavity is located on the side plate, the filter element is connected to a connecting plate, after the filter element is installed in the filter cavity, the connecting plate blocks the opening, and the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the side plate.

[0028] Beneficial effects: The connecting plate facilitates the fixing of the filter element in the filter chamber and ensures that the filter element is sealed in the filter chamber.

[0029] In one alternative embodiment, the opening is provided with an edge around its perimeter, the edge being lower than the surface of the side plate, the connecting plate being fixedly connected to the edge, and the connecting plate being flush with the surface of the side plate.

[0030] Beneficial effects: By setting an edge around the opening, with the edge lower than the surface of the side plate, and fixing the connecting plate to the outside of the edge, the connecting plate is flush with the surface of the side plate, resulting in a neat and beautiful appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0036] Figure 5This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the filter element;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Enlarged view at point D;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Enlarged view at point E in the middle;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point F in the middle.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Water receiving box assembly; 2. First pipeline; 3. Filter chamber; 301. First water inlet; 302. Second water inlet; 303. Filter outlet; 4. Filter element; 5. Connecting plate; 501. First screw hole; 6. Filter outlet pipeline; 601. First pipe section; 602. Water storage section; 603. Second pipe section; 7. Water pump; 701. First water inlet; 702. Second water inlet; 703. Water outlet; 8. Detection assembly; 9. Main board; 10. Second pipeline; 11. Inner tank; 12. Third pipeline; 13. Side plate; 1301. Second screw hole; 1302. Edge; 14. Screw; 15. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0045] The water collection box of an ice maker is used to collect the water that flows out during the ice-making process. When the water collection box is full, the user needs to remove the water collection box and empty the water. The user often gets wet during the process of removing the water collection box, which reduces the user experience. Moreover, emptying the water will waste water.

[0046] In the relevant technology, the ice that falls into the inner liner 11 after melting needs to be collected in a separate bucket, which is a cumbersome process that reduces the user experience and wastes water.

[0047] The following is combined Figures 1 to 10 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice maker is provided, including a water receiving box assembly 1, a filter structure, and a filtered water outlet pipe 6.

[0049] Among them, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the water receiving box assembly 1 is connected to the first pipe 2; the filter structure has a first water inlet 301 and a filter outlet 303, the first water inlet 301 is connected to the first pipe 2; the filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the filter outlet 303, and the filter outlet pipe 6 is used to provide water for ice making.

[0050] In this embodiment, the water collection box assembly 1 is used to collect water flowing down during the ice-making process. By connecting a first pipe 2 to the bottom of the water collection box assembly 1, the water in the assembly flows downwards into the first pipe 2 and does not remain inside the assembly. Therefore, the user does not need to remove the assembly and empty the water, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. Furthermore, by incorporating a filter structure with a first inlet 301 and a filter outlet 303, the water in the collection box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 into the filter structure. After filtration, the water flows from the filter outlet 303 into the filter outlet pipe 6, providing water for ice making. Therefore, the water in the collection box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0051] Therefore, this ice maker eliminates the need for users to remove the water collection box assembly 1 and empty the water, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. It also allows for the reuse of water in the water collection box assembly 1, avoiding water waste.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the ice maker also includes a detection component 8 and a main board 9. The detection component 8 can detect whether there is water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6. The filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to a water pump 7. The outlet 703 of the water pump 7 is connected to the ice-making water pipe through the second pipe 10. The main board 9 is communicatively connected to the detection component 8 and the water pump 7. The main board 9 is used to make the water pump 7 work so that the filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10 when the detection component 8 detects water.

[0053] In this embodiment, water in the water receiving box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet 303 to the filter outlet pipe 6. By setting a detection component 8, when the detection component 8 detects that there is water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows to the ice-making water pipe after passing through the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10, and is used for ice making. The water in the water receiving box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the filtered water outlet pipe 6 includes a horizontally arranged water storage section 602, and the detection component 8 is located in the water storage section 602.

[0055] In this embodiment, water in the water receiving box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet 303 to the filter outlet pipe 6, where water is stored in the water storage section 602. The detection component 8 can detect whether there is water in the water storage section 602. When the detection component 8 detects that there is water in the water storage section 602, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10 to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water receiving box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, the detection component 8 may include an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, which are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the water storage section 602. When the infrared transmitter emits an infrared signal, the intensity of the infrared signal received by the infrared transmitter is different depending on whether there is water in the water storage section 602 or not, so as to determine whether there is water in the water storage section 602.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the detection component 8 may include an ultrasonic transmitter and a receiver, both of which are disposed on the upper side of the water storage section 602. The ultrasonic transmitter emits ultrasonic waves downwards, and the ultrasonic waves are received by the receiver after being reflected by the water surface or the side wall of the water storage section 602. The presence and quantity of water in the water storage section 602 can be determined based on the time difference between the time the ultrasonic wave received by the receiver and the time difference between the time the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter and the time difference between the time the receiver receives the ultrasonic wave and the time difference between the time the receiver emits the ultrasonic wave ....

[0058] In one embodiment not shown in the figure, the detection component 8 can be located in the filter structure. Water in the water receiving box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet 303 to the filter outlet pipe 6. The detection component 8 can detect whether there is water in the filter structure. When the detection component 8 detects that there is water in the filter structure, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows to the ice-making water pipe after passing through the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10. It is used for ice making and can reuse the water in the water receiving box assembly 1, avoiding water waste.

[0059] In one specific embodiment, the detection component 8 may include an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, which are respectively disposed on the left and right sides or the front and back sides of the filter structure. When the infrared transmitter emits an infrared signal, the intensity of the infrared signal received by the infrared transmitter is different depending on whether there is water in the filter structure or not, so as to determine whether there is water in the filter structure.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the detection component 8 may include a photoelectric switch disposed in the filter structure.

[0061] In another embodiment not shown in the figure, the detection component 8 may be located at other locations in the filtered water outlet pipe 6.

[0062] In one embodiment, the filtered water outlet pipe 6 includes a first pipe section 601 and a second pipe section 603 connected to both sides of the water storage section 602. The first pipe section 601 is connected to the filtered water outlet end 303, and the second pipe section 603 is connected to the water pump 7.

[0063] In this embodiment, water in the water receiving box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 into the filter structure. After being filtered by the filter structure, it flows from the filter outlet 303 to the first pipe section 601, and then flows into the water storage section 602 where water is stored. The detection component 8 can detect whether there is water in the water storage section 602. When the detection component 8 detects that there is water in the water storage section 602, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The second pipe section 603 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10 to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water receiving box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste. The setting of the first pipe section 601 ensures that the water storage section 602 is in a horizontal state.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first pipe section 601 includes a vertical section and an arc-shaped section. The arc-shaped section is connected to the water storage section 602. The arc-shaped section ensures smooth water flow.

[0065] In one embodiment, the detection component 8 can also be located outside the first pipe segment 601. For example, the detection component 8 may include an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the first pipe segment 601. When the infrared transmitter emits an infrared signal, the intensity of the infrared signal received by the infrared transmitter is different depending on whether water flows through the first pipe segment 601 or not. This can be used to determine whether water flows through the first pipe segment 601. When water flows through the first pipe segment 601, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The second pipe segment 603 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows to the ice-making water pipe after passing through the filtered water outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10. It is used for ice making and can reuse the water in the water receiving box component 1, thus avoiding water waste.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second conduit 10 and / or the second conduit segment 603 is a flexible hose.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second pipe 10 is a flexible hose to facilitate connection between the second pipe 10 and the water pump 7 and the ice-making water inlet pipe, and to save the length of the second pipe 10. The second pipe segment 603 is a flexible hose to facilitate connection with the water pump 7.

[0068] In one specific embodiment, both the second pipe 10 and the second pipe segment 603 are flexible hoses.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the second conduit 10 is a flexible hose and the second conduit segment 603 is a rigid pipe.

[0070] In another alternative embodiment, the second conduit 10 is a rigid conduit and the second conduit segment 603 is a flexible conduit.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the water pump 7 includes a first inlet 701 and a second inlet 702. The first inlet 701 is connected to the filtered water outlet pipe 6, and the second inlet 702 is connected to the inlet pipe.

[0072] In this embodiment, the water pump 7 is provided with a first inlet 701 and a second inlet 702. The first inlet 701 is connected to the filter outlet pipe 6. When the detection component 8 detects water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work, and the first inlet 701 and the second inlet 702 are connected, so that the filter outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows to the ice-making water pipe after passing through the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7 and the second pipe 10, and is used for ice making. The water in the water receiving box component 1 can be reused to avoid water waste. When there is no water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6, the second inlet 702 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water in the inlet pipe flows to the ice-making water pipe through the second pipe 10 after passing through the water pump 7, and is used for ice making.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the second pipe 10 is connected to the water storage tank. Water in the second pipe 10 enters the water storage tank. The water in the water storage tank is drawn by the water pump 7 and flows through the circulating water pipe connected to the water pump 7 to the water distribution tank at the top of the evaporator. It flows out from the outlet in front of the water distribution tank and flows down through the ice grid. Part of the water that comes into contact with the ice grid freezes into ice, and the other part returns to the water storage tank for circulating ice making.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the ice maker includes a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, a dryer, an electronic expansion valve, and an evaporator. The condenser is equipped with a condenser fan. During operation, the compressor compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas then dissipates heat through the condenser, becoming a high-pressure liquid. Next, the high-pressure liquid is filtered by the dryer and, through the throttling action of the electronic expansion valve, enters the evaporator as a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid. In the evaporator, the high-pressure liquid rapidly evaporates, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and converting water into ice. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure gas re-enters the compressor, and the cycle repeats.

[0075] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ice maker includes an inner liner 11, the bottom of which is connected to a third pipe 12. The filter structure also includes a second water inlet 302, and the third pipe 12 is connected to the second water inlet 302.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the ice in the inner liner 11 melts into water, the water can enter the filter structure through the third pipe 12 and the second water inlet 302 for filtration, and will not remain inside the inner liner 11. Therefore, the user does not need to use a bucket to collect the water from the inner liner 11, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. In addition, by setting up a filter structure with a second water inlet 302 and a filter outlet 303, the water in the inner liner 11 flows along the third pipe 12 into the filter structure, and after being filtered, flows from the filter outlet 303 to the filter outlet pipe 6, which can provide water for ice making. Therefore, the water in the water collection box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste.

[0077] Therefore, this ice maker eliminates the need for users to use buckets to collect water from the inner tank 11, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. It also allows for the reuse of water in the inner tank 11, avoiding water waste.

[0078] In one embodiment, the third conduit 12 is a flexible hose.

[0079] In this embodiment, the third pipe 12 is a flexible hose, which facilitates the connection of the third pipe 12 to the inner tank 11 and the second water inlet 302 of the filter structure.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the ice maker includes a side plate 13, and the filter structure includes a filter cavity integrally formed with the side plate 13 and a filter element 4 disposed in the filter cavity. The filter cavity has a first water inlet end 301, a second water inlet end 302 and a filter outlet end 303.

[0081] In this embodiment, by providing a filter cavity in the side plate 13, it is convenient to install the filter element 4. On the other hand, the water filtered by the filter element 4 falls into the filter cavity 3, which can store the filtered water.

[0082] In one specific embodiment, the detection component 8 can detect whether there is water in the filter chamber 3. When the detection component 8 detects that there is water in the filter chamber 3, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to work. The filtered water outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows to the ice-making water pipe after passing through the filtered water outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7 and the second pipe 10. It is used for ice making and can reuse the water in the water receiving box component 1 to avoid water waste.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, the detection component 8 may include an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver, which are respectively disposed on the left and right sides or the front and back sides of the filter cavity 3. When the infrared transmitter emits an infrared signal, the intensity of the infrared signal received by the infrared transmitter is different depending on whether there is water in the filter cavity 3 or not, so as to determine whether there is water in the filter cavity 3.

[0084] In one embodiment, the opening of the filter cavity is located on the side plate 13, and the filter element 4 is connected to the connecting plate 5. After the filter element 4 is installed into the filter cavity, the connecting plate 5 blocks the opening, and the connecting plate 5 is fixedly connected to the side plate 13.

[0085] In this embodiment, the connecting plate 5 facilitates fixing the filter element 4 in the filter chamber 3 and ensures that the filter element 4 is sealed in the filter chamber 3.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, the connecting plate 5 and the opening are sealed together by a sealing ring 15.

[0087] Specifically, during installation, the sealing ring 15 is placed over the filter element 4 and fitted to the connecting plate 5. Then, the filter element 4 is inserted into the filter chamber 3, so that the connecting plate 5 seals the opening and is connected to the side plate 13 by screws 14.

[0088] Specifically, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the four corners of the connecting plate 5 are provided with first screw holes 501, and the four sides of the opening are provided with second screw holes 1301. After the first screw holes 501 on the connecting plate 5 are aligned with the second screw holes 1301 around the opening, the screw 14 is passed through the first screw hole 501 and tightened into the second screw hole 1301.

[0089] In one embodiment, an edge 1302 is provided around the opening, the edge 1302 is lower than the surface of the side plate 13, the connecting plate 5 is fixedly connected to the edge 1302, and the connecting plate 5 is flush with the surface of the side plate 13.

[0090] In this embodiment, by providing an edge 1302 around the opening, with the edge 1302 being lower than the surface of the side plate 13, and fixing the connecting plate 5 to the outside of the edge 1302, the connecting plate 5 is flush with the surface of the side plate 13, resulting in a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0091] It should be noted that the fact that the edge 1302 is lower than the surface of the side plate 13 means that the edge 1302 is recessed inward relative to the side plate 13 and does not protrude from the surface of the side plate 13.

[0092] In this embodiment of the ice maker, water from the inlet pipe flows through the water pump 7 and then through the second pipe 10 to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water from the melting ice flows through the third pipe 12 on the lower side of the inner tank 11 into the filter structure for filtration and purification. Water from the water collection box assembly 1 flows along the first pipe 2 to the filter structure for filtration and purification. When the detection component 8 detects water in the filter structure or the filtered water outlet pipe 6, the main board 9 controls the water pump 7 to operate. The filtered water outlet pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 10. The water filtered by the filter structure flows through the filtered water outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7, and the second pipe 10 to the ice-making water pipe for ice making. The water in the water collection box assembly 1 can be reused, avoiding water waste. Users do not need to remove the water collection box assembly 1 and empty the water, reducing user operations and improving the user experience. Users also do not need to fill the inner tank 11 with water.

[0093] When the detection component 8 detects water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6, the water pump 7 prioritizes drawing water from the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe. When there is no water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe 6, water for ice making is supplied through the inlet pipe.

[0094] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: A water receiving box assembly (1) has a first pipe (2) connected to its bottom; The filter structure has a first water inlet (301) and a filtered water outlet (303), wherein the first water inlet (301) is connected to the first pipeline (2); The filtered water outlet pipe (6) is connected to the filtered water outlet end (303), and the filtered water outlet pipe (6) is used to provide water for ice making; The ice maker includes an inner liner (11), the bottom of which is connected to a third pipe (12). The filter structure also includes a second water inlet (302), and the third pipe (12) is connected to the second water inlet (302). The ice maker includes a side plate (13), and the filter structure includes a filter cavity integrally formed with the side plate (13) and a filter element (4) disposed in the filter cavity. The filter cavity has a first water inlet (301), a second water inlet (302) and a filter outlet (303). The opening of the filter cavity is disposed on the side plate (13). The filter element (4) is connected to a connecting plate (5). After the filter element (4) is installed in the filter cavity, the connecting plate (5) blocks the opening. The connecting plate (5) is fixedly connected to the side plate (13) by screws (14).

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a detection component (8) and a main board (9). The detection component (8) can detect whether there is water in the filter structure or the filter outlet pipe (6). The filter outlet pipe (6) is connected to a water pump (7). The outlet (703) of the water pump (7) is connected to the ice-making water pipe through a second pipe (10). The main board (9) is communicatively connected to the detection component (8) and the water pump (7). The main board (9) is used to make the water pump (7) work so that the filter outlet pipe (6) is connected to the second pipe (10) when the detection component (8) detects water.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filtered water outlet pipeline (6) includes a horizontally arranged water storage section (602), and the detection component (8) is located in the water storage section (602).

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filtered water outlet pipeline (6) includes a first pipe section (601) and a second pipe section (603) connected to both sides of the water storage section (602). The first pipe section (601) is connected to the filtered water outlet end (303), and the second pipe section (603) is connected to the water pump (7).

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second conduit (10) and / or the second conduit segment (603) is a flexible hose.

6. The ice maker according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The water pump (7) includes a first inlet (701) and a second inlet (702). The first inlet (701) is connected to the filtered water outlet pipe (6), and the second inlet (702) is connected to the water inlet pipe.

7. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The third pipeline (12) is a flexible hose.

8. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The opening is surrounded by an edge (1302), which is lower than the surface of the side plate (13). The connecting plate (5) is fixedly connected to the edge (1302), and the connecting plate (5) is flush with the surface of the side plate (13).

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