An ice maker and a refrigerator including the same
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HISENSE RONSHEN GUANGDONG REFRIGERATOR
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN117847874B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an ice maker and a refrigerator including the ice maker. Background Technology
[0002] As a household appliance, the refrigerator is mainly used for long-term storage of food or other items. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people have put forward higher requirements for the ease of use of refrigerators.
[0003] To meet people's needs for consuming beverages and food at different temperatures, refrigerators are usually equipped with ice makers that produce standard-compliant ice blocks after being supplied with water through a water supply device.
[0004] Because water pressure varies from country to country and region to region, and changes in users' domestic water consumption can also cause water pressure fluctuations, the water intake of ice makers becomes uncontrollable, resulting in ice cubes of varying sizes. Excess water may also overflow into the ice tray and freeze the already made ice cubes.
[0005] Chinese patent “Water Injection System, Ice Maker and Refrigerator (Patent No. CN109724340A)” provides a water injection system, ice maker and refrigerator. The water injection system includes a water storage section and a water demand section, as well as a metering section, a water valve, a retaining element and a triggering element. The metering section is connected to the water storage section through a water inlet and to the water demand section through multiple water outlets. This structure solves the problem of water pressure change. However, the metering section requires the user to observe and control the water volume to reach the specified liquid level, which is very inconvenient for the user. In addition, it cannot make ice continuously and has low efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ice maker.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an ice maker, comprising:
[0008] The first water storage tank has a first water storage cavity, a water inlet and a mounting hole, wherein the water inlet is used to connect the water supply device and the first water storage cavity;
[0009] The second water tank is connected below the first water tank and defines a second water storage chamber. The second water storage chamber has a water outlet and a water outlet valve for opening and closing the water outlet.
[0010] A valve assembly, including a valve body and a valve core disposed within the valve body;
[0011] The valve body is disposed in the first water storage cavity, the valve body defines a receiving cavity, and the valve body has a first flow passage for connecting the first water storage cavity and the receiving cavity;
[0012] The bottom of the valve core extends through the mounting hole, and a float ball is provided at the bottom of the valve core located in the second water storage chamber. The valve core has a second flow passage for connecting the receiving chamber and the second water storage chamber. The valve core is configured to slide vertically to achieve a closed state and an open state.
[0013] When the valve core is in the closed state, the valve core closes the first flow passage; when the valve core is in the open state, the valve core opens the first flow passage, and the outlet valve is closed.
[0014] A controller configured to close the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the open state, and not to open the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the closed state.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core includes a piston rod, a first piston, and a second piston;
[0016] The piston rod is vertically disposed within the valve body and slidably passes through the mounting hole; the float is disposed at the bottom of the piston rod.
[0017] The first piston and the second piston are connected to the piston rod from top to bottom, and divide the receiving cavity from top to bottom into a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber.
[0018] The upper part of the valve body is provided with a third flow passage, which is located above the first flow passage and is used to connect the first water storage chamber and the first chamber.
[0019] The piston rod has a second flow passage, which connects the second chamber and the second water storage chamber.
[0020] The valve body is provided with a fourth flow passage located below the first flow passage, the fourth flow passage being used to connect the first water storage chamber and the third chamber;
[0021] When the valve core is in the closed state, the second piston closes the first flow passage; when the valve core is in the open state, the second piston opens the first flow passage, and the first flow passage connects the first water storage chamber and the second chamber.
[0022] In some embodiments of this application, a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring are also included;
[0023] The first sealing ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the first piston and fits against the inner wall of the first chamber;
[0024] The second sealing ring is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second piston and is fitted against the inner wall of the valve body;
[0025] The second sealing ring is provided in at least two locations, with the two sealing rings respectively located near the top of the second piston and near the bottom of the second piston.
[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-sectional area of the first chamber along the horizontal direction is denoted as A, and the cross-sectional area of the third chamber excluding the piston rod along the horizontal direction is denoted as B, where A and B are equal.
[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the first piston is disposed at the top of the piston rod and has a mounting groove extending toward the top of the valve body, the opening of the mounting groove facing the inner top wall of the valve body;
[0028] It also includes a spring, the first end of which abuts against the inner top wall of the valve body, and the second end of which extends into the mounting groove and abuts against the first piston. The spring is configured to apply a vertically downward elastic force to the piston rod.
[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the first flow passage is a capillary tube, the first flow passage has a first port and a second port, the first port is connected to the receiving cavity, and the second port faces upward and is used to connect to the first water storage cavity.
[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the third flow passage is a flow hole, and the ice maker further includes a flow limiting plate. The flow limiting plate has a through flow limiting hole and is hinged to the outside of the valve body. The flow limiting plate can reach a first position and a second position.
[0031] When the flow limiting plate reaches the first position, the flow limiting plate covers the third flow passage, and the flow limiting hole connects the third flow passage and the first water storage chamber;
[0032] When the flow limiting plate reaches the second position, the flow limiting plate opens the third flow passage.
[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the first flow passage is configured as a plurality of first flow passages, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the valve body.
[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the piston rod is hollow, and the second flow passage includes a first through hole and a second through hole that are radially through the piston rod. The first through hole is located between the first piston and the second piston, and the second through hole is located below the first water tank and inside the second water storage cavity.
[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the float component includes a connecting rod and two floats, wherein the connecting rod is disposed between the two floats and connects the two;
[0036] The outer wall of the connecting rod is provided with a hinge shaft, the hinge shaft protrudes radially along the connecting rod, the bottom of the piston rod has a hinge hole, and the hinge shaft is inserted into the hinge hole so that the connecting rod and the piston rod are hinged together.
[0037] or,
[0038] The outer wall of the connecting rod has a hinge hole that extends radially along the connecting rod. The bottom of the piston rod has a hinge shaft that is inserted into the hinge hole so that the connecting rod is hinged to the piston rod.
[0039] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator comprising a water supply device, a controller, and the ice maker described above, wherein the water supply device is connected to the water inlet, the water outlet valve is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to open and close the water outlet valve.
[0040] This invention provides an ice maker, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:
[0041] The ice maker provided by this invention includes a first water tank, a second water tank, a valve assembly, and a controller. The first water tank has a first water storage chamber, a water inlet, and a mounting hole. The water inlet connects to a water supply device and the first water storage chamber. The second water tank is connected below the first water tank and defines a second water storage chamber. The second water storage chamber has a water outlet and a valve for opening and closing the water outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve core disposed within the valve body. The valve body is disposed within the first water storage chamber and defines a receiving cavity. The valve body has a first flow passage for connecting the first water storage chamber and the receiving cavity. The valve core has a mounting hole at its bottom and a float located in the second water storage chamber. The valve core has a second flow passage for connecting the receiving chamber and the second water storage chamber. The valve core is configured to slide vertically to achieve a closed state and an open state. When the valve core is in the closed state, the valve core closes the first flow passage. When the valve core is in the open state, the valve core opens the first flow passage, and the outlet valve is closed. The controller is configured to close the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the open state and not open the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the closed state. Based on the above structure, the first water tank is used for water supply and isolation from the influence of water pressure. When the first water tank fills the second water tank through the first flow passage, the buoyancy of the fixed-size float causes the valve core to rise to a predetermined position and close the first flow passage. At this time, the water volume in the second water tank is fixed, which means that the amount of water injected into the ice grid by the ice maker is controllable, thereby preventing water overflow or inconsistent ice size and solving the problem of water pressure variation in different areas. Secondly, due to the structure of the valve core and the control of the controller, the outlet valve is kept closed before the valve core reaches the open state, thereby preventing accidental addition of water to the second water tank and further ensuring the consistency of water volume each time. In addition, the fixed water volume can be achieved through the structure of the valve core, eliminating the need for manual control of the water volume and enabling continuous automatic ice making with high efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker when the valve core is in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker when the valve core is in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of region A when the middle current limiter is in the first position;
[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of region A when the middle flow limiter is in the second position;
[0048] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of region A when the middle current limiter is in the first position;
[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of region B in the middle;
[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker when the valve core is in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker when the valve core is in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker when the valve core is in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker when the valve core is in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker when the valve core is in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] In the diagram: 1. First water tank; 11. First water storage chamber; 12. Inlet; 13. Mounting hole; 2. Second water tank; 21. Second water storage chamber; 22. Outlet; 23. Outlet valve; 24. Pressure relief port; 31. Valve body; 311. First chamber; 312. Second chamber; 313. Third chamber; 314. First flow passage; 315. Third flow passage; 316. Fourth flow passage; 32. Valve core; 321. Second flow passage; 321a. First through hole; 321b. Second through hole; 322. Piston rod; 323. First piston; 323a. Mounting groove; 324. Second piston; 33. Float; 331. Float body; 332. Connecting rod; 4. First sealing ring; 5. Second sealing ring; 6. Spring; 7. Flow limiting plate; 71. Flow limiting hole; 8. Ice tray. Detailed Implementation
[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0057] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. That is, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0058] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0059] like Figure 1-13 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator, which includes a compressor, a condenser, an anti-condensation tube, a capillary tube, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator, a water supply device, and an ice maker. The ice maker includes a first water storage tank 1, a second water storage tank 2, a valve assembly, a controller, and an ice grid 8. The water supply device is connected to the water inlet 12 of the first water storage tank 1 and is used to supply water to the first water storage tank 1.
[0060] The working process of a refrigeration system includes compression, condensation, throttling, and evaporation. The compression process is as follows: When the refrigerator power cord is plugged in and the thermostat contacts are closed, the compressor starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The condensation process is as follows: The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, and its temperature continuously decreases until it is gradually cooled into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The temperature at this point is no longer decreasing and is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the condensation process. The throttling process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated liquid refrigerant is filtered through a dryer to remove moisture and impurities before flowing into a capillary tube, where it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, turning the refrigerant into room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: The room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only lowers the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator passes through a gas-liquid separator and returns to the compressor, repeating the above process to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration. During the refrigeration process, the cold energy is transferred to the ice tray 8, causing the water injected into the ice tray 8 through the first water tank 1 to freeze into ice cubes, thus meeting people's needs for making beverages at different temperatures.
[0061] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first water storage tank 1 has a first water storage cavity 11, a water inlet 12, and a mounting hole 13. The water inlet 12 connects the water supply device and the first water storage cavity 11. The first water storage cavity 11 is used to store water, and its shape is not limited; it can be square, round, or other shapes. The mounting hole 13 is located at the bottom of the first water storage tank 1 and extends through the first water storage cavity 11 for the piston rod 322 to pass through. The bottom of the first water storage tank 1 has a drain outlet to facilitate emptying and cleaning. Specifically, a water level sensor is installed inside the first water storage tank. The water supply device, the water level sensor, and the controller are electrically connected to detect the water level in the first water storage tank. Based on the water level detected by the water level sensor, the water supply device replenishes water to the first water storage tank 1 through the water inlet 12, so that the water in the first water storage tank is always maintained at a predetermined water level.
[0062] See Figure 1The second water storage tank 2 is connected below the first water storage tank 1. Specifically, the second water storage tank 2 can be integrally formed into the bottom of the first water storage tank 1, or it can be installed at the bottom of the first water storage tank 1 by means of threaded connection, plug-in, snap-fit, etc., defining a second water storage cavity 21 for storing a predetermined capacity of ice-making water. Preferably, the connection between the second water storage tank 2 and the first water storage tank 1, or near the top of the second water storage tank 2, has a pressure relief port 24. The pressure relief port 24 connects the second water storage cavity 21 to the external environment, so that the pressure inside the second water storage tank 2 is balanced with atmospheric pressure, avoiding affecting water injection. Preferably, the pressure relief port 24 is located within the bottom range of the first water storage tank 1, that is, the bottom projection of the first water storage tank 1 covers the second water storage tank 2 and the pressure relief port 24, so as to prevent external impurities from entering the second water storage tank 2 through the pressure relief port 24. The second water storage cavity 21 has a water outlet 22 and a water outlet valve 23 for opening and closing the water outlet 22. The ice tray 8 is usually located below the water outlet 22. When the water outlet valve 23 is opened, the water in the second water storage chamber 21 can fall into the ice tray 8 through the water outlet 22 to complete the water filling.
[0063] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 The valve assembly includes a valve body 31 and a valve core 32 disposed within the valve body 31.
[0064] The valve body 31 is disposed within the first water storage cavity 11. Specifically, the valve body 31 can be integrally formed within the first water storage cavity 11. Of course, the valve body 31 can also be installed within the first water storage cavity 11 by means of threaded connection, plug-in connection, etc. The valve body 31 defines a receiving cavity and has a first flow passage 314 for connecting the first water storage cavity 11 and the receiving cavity.
[0065] The bottom of the valve core 32 extends through the mounting hole 13, and a float 33 is provided at the bottom of the valve core 32 within the second water storage chamber 21. That is, at least a portion of the valve core 32 is located within the valve body 31, and the other portion extends through the mounting hole 13 and is located within the second water storage chamber 21. The valve core 32 has a second flow passage 321 for connecting the receiving chamber and the second water storage chamber 21.
[0066] The valve core 32 is configured to slide vertically within the valve body 31 to achieve a closed state and an open state. When the valve core 32 is in the closed state, it closes the first flow passage 314; when the valve core 32 is in the open state, it opens the first flow passage 314. It should be understood that the height of the valve core 32 in the closed state is greater than the height of the valve core 32 in the open state.
[0067] The controller is configured to close the outlet valve 23 before the valve core 32 reaches the open state, and not open the outlet valve 23 before the valve core 32 reaches the closed state. Specifically, a position sensor can be installed in the second water storage chamber 21 to detect the vertical position of the piston rod 322 or the float 33. When the valve core 32 descends to the open state, that is, when the piston rod 322 descends to the first predetermined position, the controller controls the outlet valve 23 to close. When the valve core 32 reaches the closed state, that is, when the piston rod 322 rises to the second predetermined position, the controller is configured to control the outlet valve 23 to open; otherwise, the outlet valve 23 will not be opened. Of course, a time delay can also be set for the opening and closing of the water outlet valve 23. After the second water storage chamber 21 has been filled with water for a first predetermined time (which can be measured by a water filling test), it is considered that the water filling has been completed. At this time, the controller closes the water outlet valve 23. After the second predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that the ice-making water in the second water storage chamber 21 has been replenished. At this time, the controller can control the opening of the water outlet valve 23. If the second predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller cannot control the opening of the water outlet valve 23 to prevent user misoperation from causing errors in the water storage in the second water storage chamber.
[0068] Based on the above structure, the first water tank 1 is used for water supply and isolation from the influence of water pressure. When the first water tank 1 injects water into the second water tank 2 through the first flow passage 314, the buoyancy of the fixed-size float causes the valve core 32 to rise to a predetermined position and close the first flow passage 314. At this time, the water volume of the second water tank 2 is fixed, determined only by the stroke and rising time of the valve core. That is, the amount of water injected into the ice grid 8 by the ice maker is controllable, thereby preventing water overflow or inconsistent ice size and solving the problem of water pressure variation in different areas. Secondly, due to the structural design of the valve core 32 and the control of the controller, the outlet valve 23 is kept closed before the valve core 32 reaches the open state, thereby preventing accidental addition of water to the second water tank 2 and further ensuring the consistency of the water volume injected each time. In addition, the fixed water volume can be achieved through the structural design of the valve core 32, eliminating the need for manual control of the water volume and enabling continuous automatic ice making with high efficiency.
[0069] Optionally, as shown in 4, in this embodiment, the valve core 32 includes a piston rod 322, a first piston 323, and a second piston 324.
[0070] The piston rod 322 is vertically disposed within the valve body 31 and slidably passes through the mounting hole 13. That is, a portion of the piston rod 322 is located within the valve body 31, while the other portion extends out of the mounting hole 13 and is located within the second water storage chamber 21. The float ball 33 is disposed at the bottom of the piston rod 322. It should be understood that a seal is also provided between the piston rod 322 and the mounting hole 13 to prevent water from flowing into the second water storage chamber 21 through the gap between them.
[0071] The first piston 323 and the second piston 324 are connected to the piston rod 322 from top to bottom. Specifically, the first piston 323 is located at the top of the piston rod 322, and the second piston 324 is located near the bottom of the piston rod 322. The outer peripheral walls of the first piston 323 and the second piston 324 are both fitted to the inner peripheral wall of the valve body 31, and the receiving cavity is divided from top to bottom into a first chamber 311, a second chamber 312, and a third chamber 313. The first chamber 311, the second chamber 312, and the third chamber 313 are separated from each other and are not connected through the gap between the first piston 323 and the valve body 31 or the gap between the second piston 324 and the valve body 31.
[0072] A third flow passage 315 is provided on the upper part of the valve body 31. The third flow passage 315 is located above the first flow passage 314 and is used to connect the first water storage chamber 11 and the first chamber 311. Water from the first water storage tank 1 can enter the first chamber 311 through the third flow passage 315, thereby keeping the pressure in the first chamber 311 and the pressure in the first water storage chamber 11 balanced.
[0073] The piston rod 322 has a second flow passage 321, which connects the second chamber 312 and the second water storage chamber 21, so that water in the second chamber 312 can flow into the second water storage chamber 21 through the second flow passage 321.
[0074] See Figure 8 The valve body 31 is provided with a fourth flow passage 316 located below the first flow passage 314. The fourth flow passage 316 is used to connect the first water storage chamber 11 and the third chamber 313, so that the pressure in the third chamber 313 and the pressure in the first water storage chamber 11 are kept in balance. The first chamber 311 and the third chamber 313 serve to balance the pressure within the valve body 31 and provide buffering and damping. This prevents the piston rod 322 from descending too quickly or too difficult to descend due to excessively high or low pressure in the third chamber 313. When the piston rod 322 descends and forces water from the third chamber 313 into the first chamber 311 through the fourth flow passage 316, the third chamber 313 provides some resistance to the piston rod 322. The flow rate of water flowing into the first chamber 311 also affects the descent of the piston rod 322 to some extent, resulting in a slower descent. Consequently, the second piston 324 will not open the first flow passage 314 before all the water in the second water storage chamber 21 flows out and is injected into the ice tray 8.
[0075] When the valve core 32 is in the closed state, the second piston 324 is at least partially opposite to the first flow passage 314, so that the second piston 324 covers the first flow passage 314 to close the first flow passage 314; when the valve core 32 is in the open state, the second piston 324 is lower than the first flow passage 314 in the vertical direction and no longer covers the first flow passage 314, thereby opening the first flow passage 314. The first flow passage 314 connects the first water storage chamber 11 and the second chamber 312. At this time, the water in the first water storage tank 1 flows into the second chamber 312 through the first flow passage 314 and flows into the second water storage chamber 21 through the second flow passage 321 of the piston rod 322.
[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the ice maker further includes a first sealing ring 4 and a second sealing ring 5. The first sealing ring 4 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the first piston 323 and fits against the inner wall of the first chamber 311. The second sealing ring 5 is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the second piston 324 and fits against the inner wall of the valve body 31. Preferably, at least two second sealing rings 5 are provided, with the two sealing rings respectively located near the top of the second piston 324 and near the bottom of the second piston 324. In this way, the first chamber 311, the second chamber 312, and the third chamber 313 can be better isolated, preventing leakage between the three chambers.
[0077] Optionally, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first chamber 311 along the horizontal direction is denoted as A, and the cross-sectional area of the third chamber 313 excluding the piston rod 322 along the horizontal direction is denoted as B, where A and B are equal. This ensures that the pressure in the first chamber 311 and the third chamber 313 remains balanced.
[0078] Optionally, considering that relying solely on the gravity of the piston rod 322 to compress the water in the third chamber 313 might cause the piston rod 322 to descend too slowly, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a first piston 323 is disposed at the top of the piston rod 322, and has a mounting groove 323a extending toward the top of the valve body 31. The opening of the mounting groove 323a faces the inner top wall of the valve body 31. The ice maker also includes a spring 6. The first end of the spring 6 abuts against the inner top wall of the valve body 31, and the second end of the spring 6 extends into the mounting groove 323a and abuts against the first piston 323. The spring 6 is configured to apply a vertically downward elastic force to the piston rod 322. Based on this, the speed at which the piston rod 322 descends can be made more suitable by the elastic force of the spring 6 and the weight of the piston rod 322 itself.
[0079] Optionally, such as Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the first flow passage 314 is a capillary tube, having a first port and a second port. The first port is connected to the receiving cavity, specifically, to the second chamber 312. The second port faces upward and is used to connect to the first water storage chamber 11. Preferably, multiple first flow passages 314 are provided, evenly distributed along the circumference of the valve body 31. This allows water in the first water storage chamber 11 to be evenly injected into the second chamber 312.
[0080] Optionally, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the third flow passage 315 is a flow passage hole, and the ice maker also includes a flow limiting plate 7. The flow limiting plate 7 has a through flow limiting hole 71. The flow limiting plate 7 is hinged to the outside of the valve body 31, and the flow limiting plate 7 can reach the first position and the second position.
[0081] When the flow limiting plate 7 reaches the first position, the flow limiting plate 7 covers the third flow passage 315, and the flow limiting hole 71 connects the third flow passage 315 and the first water storage chamber 11. At this time, the amount of water flowing into the first chamber 311 is small and the flow area is small, which makes the piston rod 322 descend more slowly.
[0082] When the flow restrictor 7 reaches the second position, it opens the third flow passage 315, resulting in a larger flow area. Therefore, when the piston rod 322 rises, it can squeeze the water in the first chamber 311, causing the flow restrictor 7 to rotate away from the third flow passage 315, thereby opening the third flow passage 315 and quickly squeezing out the water from the first chamber 311, ensuring a smoother rise of the piston rod 322.
[0083] It should be understood that the descent speed of the piston rod 322 can be adjusted by changing the size of the flow area of the flow restrictor 71, the third flow passage 315 and the fourth flow passage 316, thereby ensuring that the second piston 324 will not open the first flow passage 314 before the water filling process from the second water storage chamber 21 to the ice grid 8 is completed.
[0084] In another embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the bottom of the flow restrictor 7 has a limiting ring. The flow restrictor 7 can be installed at the third flow passage 315 through the limiting ring and can slide along the axial direction of the third flow passage 315 to achieve the first position and the second position mentioned above.
[0085] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the piston rod 322 is hollow, and the second flow passage 321 includes a first through hole 321a and a second through hole 321b that are radially through the piston rod 322. The first through hole 321a is located between the first piston 323 and the second piston 324, and the second through hole 321b is located below the first water tank 1 and inside the second water storage cavity 21. Preferably, there are at least two or more first through holes 321a, which are arranged axially along the piston rod 322, thereby increasing the speed at which water is injected into the second water storage cavity 21.
[0086] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the float component 33 includes a connecting rod 332 and two floats 331, with the connecting rod 332 disposed between the two floats 331 and connecting the two.
[0087] The connecting rod 332 has a hinge shaft on its outer wall, which protrudes radially from the connecting rod 332. The piston rod 322 has a hinge hole at its bottom, and the hinge shaft is inserted into the hinge hole to hinge the connecting rod 332 to the piston rod 322. In other embodiments, the connecting rod 332 has a hinge hole on its outer wall, which extends radially from the connecting rod 332. The piston rod 322 has a hinge shaft at its bottom, which is inserted into the hinge hole to hinge the connecting rod 332 to the piston rod 322.
[0088] It should be understood that the first flow passage 314, the second flow passage 321, the third flow passage 315 and the fourth flow passage 316 can all be perforated, grooved or tubular structures.
[0089] Below, we will combine Figure 9-13 The control logic and working process of the ice maker are explained in detail:
[0090] See Figure 9 When the controller opens the water outlet valve 23, water injection begins. Water in the second water storage chamber 21 is injected into the ice grid 8 through the water outlet 22. At this time, the valve core 32 is in the closed state, and the second piston 324 closes the first flow passage 314.
[0091] During the water injection process, the piston rod 322 begins to slowly descend under its own weight and the elastic force of the spring 6. The pressure in the first chamber 311 decreases, and the water in the first water storage chamber 11 begins to flow from the flow limiting hole 71 through the third flow passage 315 into the first chamber 311. The pressure in the third chamber 313 increases, and the water in the third chamber 313 flows out from the fourth flow passage 316 into the first water storage chamber 11. At this time, the valve core 32 is in the closed state.
[0092] See Figure 10When the water filling is complete, the controller closes the outlet valve 23. At this time, the water volume in the second water storage chamber 21 is zero, the piston rod 322 is still slowly descending, and the valve core 32 is in the closed state.
[0093] See Figure 11 After the piston rod 322 descends a certain distance, the second piston 324 opens the first flow passage 314, and the water in the first water storage chamber 11 enters the second chamber 312 through the first flow passage 314, and flows into the second water storage chamber 21 through the first through hole 321a and the second through hole 321b. At this time, the piston rod 322 is still descending slowly. As the piston rod 322 descends and the amount of water in the second chamber 312 increases, water enters through two or more first through holes 321a at the same time, thereby accelerating the water intake speed of the second water storage chamber 21.
[0094] See Figure 12 When the float 33 comes into contact with the rising water in the second water storage chamber 21, the buoyancy generated pushes the piston rod 322 upward, increasing the pressure in the first chamber 311 and thus pushing the flow limiting plate 7 to the second position. The water in the first chamber 311 flows out quickly from the third flow passage 315, thus not increasing the resistance to the rise of the piston rod 322.
[0095] See Figure 13 When the piston rod 322 rises to a predetermined distance, the second piston 324 closes the first flow passage 314, the valve core 32 reaches the closed state, the water in the first water storage chamber 11 no longer flows into the second chamber 312, and the remaining water in the second chamber 312 continues to be injected into the second water storage chamber 21 through the first through hole 321a near the lower part until the water in the second chamber 312 is drained, and the water storage in the second water storage chamber 21 is completed.
[0096] In summary, the present invention provides an ice maker, which mainly consists of a first water storage tank 1, a second water storage tank 2, and a valve assembly. The first water storage tank 1 has a first water storage cavity 11, a water inlet 12, and a mounting hole 13. The water inlet 12 is used to connect the water supply device and the first water storage cavity 11. The second water storage tank 2 is connected below the first water storage tank 1 and defines a second water storage cavity 21. The second water storage cavity 21 has a water outlet 22 and a water outlet valve 23 for opening and closing the water outlet 22. The valve assembly includes a valve body 31 and a valve core 32 disposed within the valve body 31. The valve body 31 is disposed within the first water storage cavity 11 and defines a receiving cavity. The valve body 31 has a first flow passage 314 for connecting the first water storage cavity. The valve core 32 has a mounting hole 13 extending through its bottom, and a float 33 located within the second water storage chamber 21 is provided at the bottom of the valve core 32. The valve core 32 has a second flow passage 321 for connecting the receiving chamber and the second water storage chamber 21. The valve core 32 is configured to slide vertically to achieve a closed state and an open state. When the valve core 32 is in the closed state, the valve core 32 closes the first flow passage 314; when the valve core 32 is in the open state, the valve core 32 opens the first flow passage 314, and the water outlet valve 23 is closed. The controller is configured to close the water outlet valve 23 before the valve core 32 reaches the open state, and not open the water outlet valve 23 before the valve core 32 reaches the closed state. Compared with the prior art, this ice maker has the following advantages:
[0097] 1. The amount of water injected into the ice grid of the ice maker is controllable, thus preventing water overflow or inconsistent ice size and solving the problem of water pressure variation in different regions; secondly, due to the structure of the valve core and the control of the controller, the outlet valve is kept closed before the valve core reaches the open state, thus preventing water from being accidentally added to the second water tank, thereby further ensuring the consistency of water volume each time.
[0098] 2. The water injection volume can be fixed through the structure of the valve core, eliminating the need for manual control of the water injection volume. It can make ice continuously and automatically with high efficiency.
[0099] 3. The first and third chambers serve to balance the pressure within the valve body and provide buffering and damping. This prevents the piston rod from descending too quickly or too difficult to descend due to excessively high or low pressure in the third chamber. When the piston rod descends and forces water from the third chamber into the first chamber through the fourth flow passage, the third chamber provides some resistance to the piston rod. The flow rate of water flowing into the first chamber also affects the descent of the piston rod to some extent, resulting in a slower descent. Consequently, the second piston will not open the first flow passage before all the water in the second water storage chamber flows out and is injected into the ice tray.
[0100] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The first water storage tank has a first water storage cavity, a water inlet and a mounting hole, wherein the water inlet is used to connect the water supply device and the first water storage cavity; The second water tank is connected below the first water tank and defines a second water storage chamber. The second water storage chamber has a water outlet and a water outlet valve for opening and closing the water outlet. A valve assembly, including a valve body and a valve core disposed within the valve body; The valve body is disposed in the first water storage cavity, the valve body defines a receiving cavity, and the valve body has a first flow passage for connecting the first water storage cavity and the receiving cavity; The bottom of the valve core extends through the mounting hole, and a float ball is provided at the bottom of the valve core located in the second water storage chamber. The valve core has a second flow passage for connecting the receiving chamber and the second water storage chamber. The valve core is configured to slide vertically to achieve a closed state and an open state. When the valve core is in the closed state, the valve core closes the first flow passage; when the valve core is in the open state, the valve core opens the first flow passage. A controller configured to close the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the open state, and not to open the outlet valve before the valve core reaches the closed state.
2. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve core includes a piston rod, a first piston, and a second piston; The piston rod is vertically disposed within the valve body and slidably passes through the mounting hole; the float is disposed at the bottom of the piston rod. The first piston and the second piston are connected to the piston rod from top to bottom, and divide the receiving cavity from top to bottom into a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber. The upper part of the valve body is provided with a third flow passage, which is located above the first flow passage and is used to connect the first water storage chamber and the first chamber. The piston rod has a second flow passage, which connects the second chamber and the second water storage chamber. The valve body is provided with a fourth flow passage located below the first flow passage, the fourth flow passage being used to connect the first water storage chamber and the third chamber; When the valve core is in the closed state, the second piston closes the first flow passage; when the valve core is in the open state, the second piston opens the first flow passage, and the first flow passage connects the first water storage chamber and the second chamber.
3. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring; The first sealing ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral wall of the first piston and fits against the inner wall of the first chamber; The second sealing ring is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the second piston and is fitted against the inner wall of the valve body; The second sealing ring is provided in at least two locations, with the two sealing rings respectively located near the top of the second piston and near the bottom of the second piston.
4. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Let A be the cross-sectional area of the first chamber along the horizontal direction, and let B be the cross-sectional area of the third chamber excluding the piston rod along the horizontal direction. A and B are equal.
5. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first piston is disposed at the top of the piston rod and has a mounting groove extending toward the top of the valve body, the opening of the mounting groove facing the inner top wall of the valve body; It also includes a spring, the first end of which abuts against the inner top wall of the valve body, and the second end of which extends into the mounting groove and abuts against the first piston. The spring is configured to apply a vertically downward elastic force to the piston rod.
6. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first flow passage is a capillary tube, which has a first port and a second port. The first port is connected to the receiving cavity, and the second port faces upward and is used to connect to the first water storage cavity.
7. The ice maker as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first flow passage is configured as a plurality of parts, and the plurality of first flow passages are evenly distributed along the circumference of the valve body.
8. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The third flow passage is a flow hole, and the ice maker also includes a flow limiting plate. The flow limiting plate has a through flow limiting hole and is hinged to the outside of the valve body. The flow limiting plate can reach a first position and a second position. When the flow limiting plate reaches the first position, the flow limiting plate covers the third flow passage, and the flow limiting hole connects the third flow passage and the first water storage chamber; When the flow limiting plate reaches the second position, the flow limiting plate opens the third flow passage.
9. The ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The piston rod is hollow, and the second flow passage includes a first through hole and a second through hole that are radially through the piston rod. The first through hole is located between the first piston and the second piston, and the second through hole is located below the first water tank and inside the second water storage cavity.
10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes a water supply device and an ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the water supply device is connected to the water inlet.