Ice maker and sterilizing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an ice maker which comprises an ice making assembly, a disinfection assembly and a control assembly, the ice making assembly comprises a water tank, an evaporator, an ice bucket and a waterway network, the ice bucket comprises a nozzle arranged at the top of the ice bucket, the waterway network comprises a water inlet passage, and the water inlet passage comprises a water inlet trunk, a first water inlet branch and a second water inlet branch, the disinfection assembly comprises an ozone generator suitable for generating ozone and a venturi jet device, the ozone is conveyed to the venturi jet device and is mixed and dissolved with high-speed water flow to form a disinfectant, the control assembly comprises a first reversing solenoid valve and a second reversing solenoid valve, and the two ends of the venturi jet device are connected into a water inlet trunk in parallel through the first reversing solenoid valve; and the water inlet trunk is communicated with the first water inlet branch and the second water inlet branch through a second reversing electromagnetic valve. According to the invention, the disinfection assembly is connected in parallel to the water inlet trunk through the first reversing solenoid valve, and the water flow direction can be controlled, so that the ice maker can be switched between a disinfection mode and an ice making mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of ice making machines, and in particular relates to an ice making machine and a disinfection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Ice machines are a common device used in beverage production. Especially in commercial operations, the various components of ice machines and their water systems may become a breeding ground for microbial growth, leading to deterioration of water quality and health risks. In order to solve this problem, it is usually necessary to regularly dismantle the machine for cleaning and disinfection. Traditional cleaning and disinfection methods require disassembly of machine parts and require professional personnel to operate. The cleaning process takes at least 30 minutes and is inefficient. At the same time, disassembly and cleaning may introduce new sources of pollution and increase the risk of secondary pollution. Frequent disassembly is more likely to cause equipment damage and increase maintenance costs. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice maker to meet the needs of users.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ice making machine, comprising

[0005] An ice making assembly comprises a water tank, an evaporator, an ice bucket and a water network, wherein the ice bucket comprises a nozzle arranged on the top thereof, the water network comprises a water inlet passage, the water inlet passage comprises a water inlet trunk suitable for introducing water flow, a first water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the water tank and a second water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the nozzle,

[0006] The disinfection assembly includes an ozone generator suitable for generating ozone and a venturi ejector suitable for forming a high-speed water flow, wherein the ozone is delivered to the venturi ejector and mixed and dissolved with the high-speed water flow to form a disinfectant.

[0007] The control component includes a first reversing solenoid valve and a second reversing solenoid valve, wherein both ends of the Venturi ejector are connected in parallel to the water inlet trunk through the first reversing solenoid valve, and the water inlet trunk is connected to the first water inlet branch and the second water inlet branch through the second reversing solenoid valve.

[0008] Preferably, the concentration of ozone in the disinfectant is 0.5 mg / L to 10 mg / L.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the Venturi ejector includes a Venturi structure, or the Venturi ejector includes a plurality of Venturi structures connected in series. This design can continuously increase the flow rate and reduce the pressure, further improving the dissolution rate of ozone. The Venturi structure includes a gradually contracting water inlet section, a throat, and a gradually expanding water outlet section arranged in sequence. The ends of the water inlet section and the water outlet section are respectively connected to the water inlet trunk through the first reversing solenoid valve. At least one of the Venturi structures includes an air inlet pipe, which is suitable for connecting the ozone generator and the throat.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the water inlet main circuit includes a water inlet solenoid valve, a pressure reducing valve device, a water pump and the second reversing solenoid valve which are arranged in sequence, and the Venturi ejector is connected in parallel between the water pump and the second reversing solenoid valve.

[0011] Preferably, the ice bucket comprises a symmetry axis arranged along the gravity direction, and the nozzle is suitable for rotating 360° around the symmetry axis.

[0012] As a preference, the waterway network includes a drainage waterway, which is suitable for guiding the discharge of disinfectant and water, including

[0013] A water tank drainage passage, comprising a drainage trunk suitable for leading out the water flow in the water tank, an ice-making branch suitable for communicating with the evaporator and a first drainage branch suitable for communicating with a waste water box, wherein the first drainage branch comprises a drainage solenoid valve;

[0014] The ice bucket drainage passage is adapted to connect the ice bucket and the waste water box.

[0015] Preferably, the water tank drainage passage includes a four-way head, the main drainage channel, the ice-making branch, the first drainage branch and the air pump are respectively connected to the four-way head, the water flow in the water tank and the evaporator falls back to the four-way head under the action of gravity and flows into the first drainage branch, and the air pump is suitable for conveying pressurized gas to cause the first drainage branch to be completely emptied.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment: it also includes a direct drinking component, which includes

[0017] a water outlet, which is arranged on the ice bucket,

[0018] The third water inlet branch has one end connected to the second reversing solenoid valve and the other end connected to the water outlet.

[0019] A flow meter is connected in series to the water inlet trunk line and is suitable for selectively controlling the quantitative water discharge from the water outlet.

[0020] Preferably, at least one of the third water inlet branch, the first drainage branch and the ice bucket drainage passage is connected in series with an ozone detector, the ozone detector is suitable for detecting the residual ozone concentration, and the control component is suitable for adjusting the flushing time according to the residual ozone concentration.

[0021] Preferably, the control component also includes a liquid level sensor and a water leakage protection device suitable for monitoring the water level of the water tank, the liquid level sensor includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level, and the water tank includes a high water level mark, a low water level mark and an overflow pipe suitable for connecting to the water leakage protection device.

[0022] When the float drops to the low water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve opens and the water pump starts; when the float rises to the high water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops; when the water leakage protection device detects overflow, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops. This design increases the safety and reliability of the equipment and reduces the risk of equipment operation.

[0023] Preferably, a one-way valve suitable for limiting high-speed water flow entering the ozone generator is connected in series between the ozone generator and the air inlet pipe, and a one-way valve suitable for limiting water flow entering the air pump is connected in series between the air pump and the four-way head.

[0024] A method for disinfecting an ice maker as described above comprises the following steps:

[0025] (1) draining drinking water and ice-melting water from the ice bucket, the evaporator, and the water tank;

[0026] (2) turning on the ozone generator and the venturi ejector to form disinfectant, part of the disinfectant is injected into the water tank through the first water inlet branch, and then injected into the evaporator through the ice making trunk line, and part of the disinfectant is sprayed into the ice bucket through the second water inlet branch and the nozzle;

[0027] (3) Keep the ice bucket, evaporator, water tank, and water inlet filled with disinfectant for 5 to 10 minutes and then empty them;

[0028] (4) Turn off the ozone generator and the venturi ejector, and use drinking water to continuously flush the ice bucket, the evaporator, and the water tank through the water network for 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0030] (1) The disinfection component is connected in parallel to the water inlet main line through the first reversing solenoid valve and the water flow direction can be controlled, so that the ice maker can switch between the disinfection and ice making modes to achieve multi-functional integration. In addition, by setting a venturi ejector to generate a high-speed water flow and improve the dissolution rate of ozone, the disinfectant can be made efficiently and mixed evenly.

[0031] (2) The second reversing solenoid valve is used to disinfect different components including the water tank, evaporator, drain valve, waste water box, etc., thereby improving the disinfection efficiency and ensuring the comprehensiveness of the disinfection.

[0032] (3) It is easy to operate and has a high degree of automation, which reduces manual operation and the risk of secondary failures caused by disassembly. In addition, the disinfection process only takes 10 to 20 minutes, which greatly saves time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water path of an ice maker provided by the present invention.

[0034] In the figure, a water tank 1, an evaporator 2, an ice bucket 3, a nozzle 4, an ozone generator 5, a venturi ejector 6, a water outlet nozzle 7, an ice outlet nozzle 8, a water inlet solenoid valve 9, a pressure reducing valve device 10, a water pump 11, a flow meter 12, a water receiving tray 13, a first reversing solenoid valve 14, a second reversing solenoid valve 15, a drain solenoid valve 16, a one-way valve 17, a four-way head 18, a five-way head 19, a liquid level sensor 20, a water leakage protection device 21, a waste water box 22, and an air pump 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention due to unnecessary details, only structures and / or processing steps closely related to the scheme of the present invention are shown in the drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0037] In addition, it should be noted that the terms "comprises", "includes" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, an ice maker includes an ice making component suitable for making ice, a disinfection component suitable for providing disinfectant, a direct drinking component suitable for providing direct drinking water, and a control component suitable for switching the working states of the above components. The ice making component includes a water tank 1, an evaporator 2, an ice bucket 3, and a water network. The ice bucket 3 includes a symmetry axis arranged along the gravity direction and a nozzle 4 suitable for rotating 360° around the symmetry axis. The nozzle 4 is arranged on the top of the ice bucket 3. The disinfection component includes an ozone generator 5 suitable for generating ozone and a venturi ejector 6 suitable for forming a high-speed water flow. The ozone is transported to the venturi ejector 6 and mixed and dissolved with the high-speed water flow to form a disinfectant. The direct drinking component includes a water outlet 7 arranged on the ice bucket 3 and a flowmeter 12 suitable for selectively controlling the quantitative water outlet of the water outlet 7. The control component includes a first reversing solenoid valve 14, a second reversing solenoid valve 15, and a drain solenoid valve 16. The water network includes a water inlet passage and a drain passage. The water inlet passage includes a water inlet trunk suitable for introducing water source, a first water inlet branch, a second water inlet branch and a third water inlet branch led out from the water inlet trunk through a second reversing solenoid valve 15, the first water inlet branch is suitable for connecting to the water tank 1, the second water inlet branch is suitable for connecting to the nozzle 4, and the third water inlet branch is suitable for connecting to the water outlet 7. The water inlet trunk is connected in series with a water inlet solenoid valve 9, a pressure reducing valve device 10, a water pump 11, a flow meter 12 and a second reversing solenoid valve 15 in sequence, and both ends of the venturi ejector 6 are connected in parallel between the water pump 11 and the second reversing solenoid valve 15 through a first reversing solenoid valve 14. A one-way valve 17 suitable for limiting high-speed water flow entering the ozone generator 5 is connected in series between the ozone generator 5 and the air inlet pipe.

[0040] In this embodiment, the concentration of ozone in the disinfectant is 5 mg / L.

[0041] In this embodiment, the venturi ejector 6 includes a venturi structure, which includes a gradually contracting water inlet section, a throat and a gradually expanding water outlet section, and an air inlet pipe suitable for connecting the ozone generator 5 and the throat. The ends of the water inlet section and the water outlet section are respectively connected to the water inlet main through the first reversing solenoid valve 14. The throat forms a low-pressure or negative-pressure environment, which is convenient for inhaling ozone and helps to improve the dissolution rate of ozone in water. The high-speed water flow generated by the venturi ejector 6 to impact the inner wall of the ice maker can also play a cleaning role. The venturi ejector 6 includes a plurality of venturi structures connected in series. This design can continuously increase the flow rate and reduce the pressure, further improving the dissolution rate of ozone.

[0042] In this embodiment, the drainage passage is suitable for guiding the discharge of disinfectant and water, including a water tank drainage passage, an ice bucket drainage passage, a condensed water drainage passage and an ice outlet nozzle drainage passage. The water tank drainage passage includes a drainage trunk suitable for leading out the water flow in the water tank 1, an ice-making branch led out of the drainage trunk through a four-way head 18, a first drainage branch and an air-charging branch. The ice-making branch is suitable for connecting to the evaporator 2, the first drainage branch is suitable for connecting to the waste water box 22, the first drainage branch is connected in series with a drainage solenoid valve 16, and the air-charging branch is connected in series with an air pump 23 and a one-way valve 17 suitable for limiting the water flow from entering the air pump 23. The water flow in the water tank 1 and the evaporator 2 falls back to the four-way head 18 under the action of gravity and flows into the first drainage branch. The air pump 23 is suitable for delivering pressurized gas to cause the first drainage branch to be completely emptied.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first drainage branch, the ice bucket drainage passage, the ice outlet nozzle drainage passage and the condensed water drainage passage are connected to the waste water box 22 through the five-way head 19, the other end of the ice bucket drainage passage is connected to the ice bucket 3, the other end of the ice outlet nozzle 8 drainage passage is connected to the ice outlet nozzle 8, and the ice outlet nozzle 8 is arranged on the outer wall of the ice bucket 3, and the other end of the condensed water drainage passage is connected to the water receiving tray 13 suitable for collecting condensed water of the evaporator 2, and the ice outlet nozzle 8 drainage passage and the condensed water drainage passage are respectively connected in series with a one-way valve 17.

[0044] In some other embodiments, an ozone detector is connected in series in the third water inlet branch, the first drainage branch and the ice bucket drainage passage respectively, the ozone detector is suitable for detecting the residual ozone concentration, and the control component is suitable for adjusting the flushing time according to the residual ozone concentration.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control component also includes a liquid level sensor 20 and a water leakage protection device 21 suitable for monitoring the water level of the water tank 1. The liquid level sensor 20 includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level. The water tank 1 includes a high water level mark, a low water level mark and an overflow pipe suitable for connecting to the water leakage protection device 21. When the float drops to the low water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve 9 is opened and the water pump 11 is turned on. When the float rises to the high water level mark, it is considered that the water tank 1 and the evaporator 2 are filled with drinking water or disinfectant, the water inlet solenoid valve 9 is closed, and the water pump 11 is turned off; when the water leakage protection device 21 detects overflow, the water inlet solenoid valve 9 is closed and the water pump 11 is turned off.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] A method for disinfecting an ice maker in Embodiment 1 comprises the following steps:

[0048] (1) Open the drain solenoid valve 16 to drain the drinking water and ice-melting water in the ice bucket 3, evaporator 2, water tank 1 and water network.

[0049] (2) Close the drain solenoid valve 16, turn on the ozone generator 5 and the venturi ejector 6 to form disinfectant, part of which is injected into the water tank 1 through the first water inlet branch, and then injected into the evaporator 2 through the ice making main line, part of which is sprayed into the ice bucket 3 through the second water inlet branch and the nozzle 4, and part of which is injected into the third water inlet branch. Keep the ice bucket 3, the evaporator 2, the water tank 1 and the water inlet passage full of disinfectant for 6 minutes before draining.

[0050] (3) Turn off the ozone generator 5 and the venturi ejector 6, open the drainage solenoid valve 16, and use drinking water to continuously rinse the ice bucket 3, the evaporator 2, and the water tank through the water network for 110 minutes.

[0051] (4) After flushing, turn on the air pump and continue to inflate the first drainage branch for 5 minutes to ensure that it is completely emptied.

[0052] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solution of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, characterized in that: include An ice making assembly comprises a water tank, an evaporator, an ice bucket and a water network, wherein the ice bucket comprises a nozzle arranged on the top thereof, the water network comprises a water inlet passage, the water inlet passage comprises a water inlet trunk suitable for introducing water flow, a first water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the water tank and a second water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the nozzle, The disinfection assembly includes an ozone generator suitable for generating ozone and a venturi ejector suitable for forming a high-speed water flow, wherein the ozone is delivered to the venturi ejector and mixed and dissolved with the high-speed water flow to form a disinfectant. The control component includes a first reversing solenoid valve and a second reversing solenoid valve, wherein both ends of the Venturi ejector are connected in parallel to the water inlet trunk through the first reversing solenoid valve, and the water inlet trunk is connected to the first water inlet branch and the second water inlet branch through the second reversing solenoid valve.

2. An ice making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Venturi ejector includes a Venturi structure, or the Venturi ejector includes a plurality of Venturi structures connected in series, the Venturi structure includes a gradually contracting water inlet section, a throat and a gradually expanding water outlet section arranged in sequence, the ends of the water inlet section and the water outlet section are respectively connected to the water inlet main line through the first reversing solenoid valve, and at least one of the Venturi structures includes an air inlet pipe, which is suitable for connecting the ozone generator and the throat.

3. An ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water inlet trunk line includes a water inlet solenoid valve, a pressure reducing valve device, a water pump and the second reversing solenoid valve which are arranged in sequence, and the Venturi ejector is connected in parallel between the water pump and the second reversing solenoid valve.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice bucket comprises a symmetry axis arranged along the gravity direction, and the nozzle is suitable for rotating 360° around the symmetry axis.

5. An ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The waterway network includes a drainage waterway, which is suitable for guiding the disinfectant and water to be discharged, including A water tank drainage passage, comprising a drainage trunk suitable for leading out the water flow in the water tank, an ice-making branch suitable for communicating with the evaporator and a first drainage branch suitable for communicating with a waste water box, wherein the first drainage branch comprises a drainage solenoid valve; The ice bucket drainage passage is adapted to connect the ice bucket and the waste water box.

6. An ice making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The water tank drainage passage includes a four-way head, and the drainage main road, the ice-making branch, the first drainage branch and the air pump are respectively connected to the four-way head. The water flow in the water tank and the evaporator falls back to the four-way head under the action of gravity and flows into the first drainage branch. The air pump is suitable for conveying pressurized gas to cause the first drainage branch to be completely emptied.

7. The ice making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also included is a direct drinking component, which includes a water outlet, which is arranged on the ice bucket, The third water inlet branch has one end connected to the second reversing solenoid valve and the other end connected to the water outlet. A flow meter is connected in series to the water inlet trunk line and is suitable for selectively controlling the quantitative water discharge from the water outlet.

8. An ice making machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least one of the third water inlet branch, the first drainage branch and the ice bucket drainage passage is connected in series with an ozone detector, the ozone detector is suitable for detecting the residual ozone concentration, and the control component is suitable for adjusting the flushing time according to the residual ozone concentration.

9. The ice making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control assembly further includes a liquid level sensor and a water leakage protection device suitable for monitoring the water level of the water tank. The liquid level sensor includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level. The water tank includes a high water level mark, a low water level mark and an overflow pipe suitable for connecting to the water leakage protection device. When the float drops to the low water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve opens and the water pump starts; when the float rises to the high water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops; When the water leakage protection device detects water overflow, the water inlet solenoid valve is closed and the water pump is shut down.

10. A method for disinfecting an ice machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The steps include: (1) draining drinking water and ice-melting water from the ice bucket, the evaporator, and the water tank; (2) turning on the ozone generator and the venturi ejector to form disinfectant, part of the disinfectant is injected into the water tank through the first water inlet branch, and then injected into the evaporator through the ice making trunk line, and part of the disinfectant is sprayed into the ice bucket through the second water inlet branch and the nozzle; (3) Keep the ice bucket, evaporator, water tank, and water inlet filled with disinfectant for 5 to 10 minutes and then empty them; (4) Turn off the ozone generator and the venturi ejector, and use drinking water to continuously flush the ice bucket, the evaporator, and the water tank through the water network for 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

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