Pipeline quick connection assembly, ice making equipment and ice making control method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of pipeline connecting devices, and discloses a pipeline quick connecting assembly, ice making equipment and an ice making control method. The pipeline quick connecting assembly comprises a collecting pipe, a sealing piece, a quick socket and a plurality of opening and closing pieces; the collecting pipe is provided with a first end and a second end, and the first end is used for communicating with a first pipeline; the sealing piece is provided with a telescopic layer, and the outer periphery of the telescopic layer is hermetically connected with the second end; the inner periphery of the telescopic layer extends to form a coating layer, and the part, located in the collecting pipe, of the coating layer forms a double-layer structure; the quick socket is provided with a jack, and the opening and closing sheet is rotatably connected to one end of the jack. The opening and closing sheet is inserted into the double-layer structure, and the covering layer covers the opening and closing sheet; an inserting channel is formed in the inner circumference of the coating layer, and a clamping opening is formed in one end of the inserting channel; an elastic piece is connected between the opening and closing piece and the quick socket, and the clamping opening is used for clamping and fixing the second pipeline. By means of the mode, the convenience of connection between the pipelines can be improved, and the pipeline connecting device can be compatible with pipelines of different specifications.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of pipe connecting devices, in particular to a pipe quick connecting assembly, an ice making device and an ice making control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] For some devices that need to drain liquid, such as ice makers, water dispensers and the like, the flow of water between different areas needs to be realized through the connection of pipes.

[0003] Taking an ice maker as an example, in order to connect tap water or other water supply devices to the ice maker, a water pipe with the same specification as the water inlet of the ice maker needs to be used to realize sealing assembly between the water pipe and the water inlet of the ice maker through sleeve connection or threaded connection. Such a mode makes the user not only need to prepare a matching water pipe in advance, but also need to spend a lot of time and effort to operate. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a pipe quick connecting assembly, an ice making device and an ice making control method, which can not only improve the convenience of connection between pipes, but also be compatible with pipes of different specifications.

[0005] According to an aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a pipe quick connecting assembly is provided, comprising: a flow collecting pipe, a sealing element, a quick socket and a plurality of opening and closing pieces; the flow collecting pipe has opposite first and second ends, the first end being used for fixing and communicating with a first pipe; the sealing element is made of a flexible material, the sealing element has an expansion layer, the expansion layer is annular and can expand and contract radially, and the outer periphery of the expansion layer is sealingly connected with the second end; the inner periphery of the expansion layer extends to form a cladding layer, the cladding layer first extends from the inner periphery of the expansion layer to the inside of the flow collecting pipe, and then extends to the outside of the second end after being bent through the inner periphery of the expansion layer, so that the part of the cladding layer inside the flow collecting pipe forms a double-layer structure; the quick socket is provided with a socket hole, the plurality of opening and closing pieces are rotationally connected to the edge of one end of the socket hole, and the plurality of opening and closing pieces are arranged along the circumference of the socket hole; one end of the plurality of opening and closing pieces away from the quick socket is inserted into the double-layer structure, the cladding layer covers the inner side surface of the plurality of opening and closing pieces, and the end of the cladding layer extending is fixedly connected with the quick socket; the inner periphery of the cladding layer forms a plug-in channel communicating the socket hole and the internal space of the flow collecting pipe, and one end of the plug-in channel away from the socket hole is a clamping opening; an elastic element is connected between each opening and closing piece and the quick socket, the elastic element is used for providing a rotational elastic force to the opening and closing piece to reduce the area of the clamping opening, and the clamping opening is used for clamping and fixing the second pipe inserted from the socket hole.

[0006] In an optional manner, the inner wall of the second end is provided with an annular limiting groove, and the outer periphery of the expansion layer is sealingly arranged in the limiting groove; and / or at least part of the expansion layer is in a wave shape or a zigzag shape.

[0007] In an alternative mode, the quick socket comprises a first seat body and a second seat body, the first seat body is provided with a first through hole, the second seat body is provided with a second through hole, the first seat body is connected with the second seat body, the first through hole and the second through hole are communicated to form a socket; the first seat body is arranged between the second seat body and the manifold, the opening and closing sheet is rotatably connected to the edge of the first through hole away from the second through hole; the end of the extension of the cladding layer is clamped and fixed between the first seat body and the second seat body.

[0008] In an alternative mode, the edge of the first through hole away from the second through hole is provided with an annular protrusion, the end of the extension of the cladding layer is formed with an annular recess, the recess is buckled on the protrusion, the second seat body is pressed on the side of the recess away from the protrusion, and the second seat body is fixedly connected with the first seat body.

[0009] In an alternative mode, the cladding layer is a hollow circular truncated cone, the inner wall of the opening and closing sheet is orthogonally projected on the axis of the insertion channel to form an arc matched with the cladding layer.

[0010] In an alternative mode, the opening and closing sheet is at least three, and the at least three opening and closing sheets are uniformly and spacedly arranged along the circumference of the socket.

[0011] In an alternative mode, the quick socket is provided with a first hooking hole, the outer side of the opening and closing sheet is provided with a second hooking hole, the elastic member is a torsion spring, and the two ends of the torsion spring are respectively inserted into the first hooking hole and the second hooking hole.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a kind of ice making equipment is provided, including ice making bin, first pipeline and the pipeline quick connection component in any one of the above, first pipeline is communicated between pipeline quick connection component and ice making bin, and pipeline quick connection component is used to insert and fix second pipeline communicated with water source.

[0013] In an alternative mode, the ice making equipment further includes a water tank, the first pipeline is communicated between the pipeline quick connection component and the water tank, and the water tank is further communicated to the ice making bin through a third pipeline; the third pipeline is provided with a water pump; the first pipeline is provided with a solenoid valve, or the first pipeline is provided with a solenoid valve and a flowmeter.

[0014] In an alternative mode, the first pipeline is provided with a filter and / or a pressure stabilizing valve.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for controlling ice making is provided, which is applied to the ice making device, and a sensor is arranged in the water tank to detect the amount of water stored in the water tank. The method comprises the following steps: in response to an ice making instruction, detecting whether the amount of water in the water tank reaches a preset amount of water by the sensor; if yes, controlling the water pump to start to draw the water in the water tank into the ice making bin; if no, performing the following steps: controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make the water from the water source and having pressure flow into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; when the sensor detects that the amount of water in the water tank reaches the preset amount of water, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to draw the water in the water tank into the ice making bin; or, controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make the water from the water source and having pressure flow into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; when the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches a preset amount of water injection, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to draw the water in the water tank into the ice making bin; or, calculating a water amount difference between the preset amount of water and the amount of water in the current water tank; controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make the water from the water source and having pressure flow into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; when the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches the water amount difference, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to draw the water in the water tank into the ice making bin.

[0016] The pipeline quick connection assembly provided by the embodiments of the present application can be connected quickly by the following steps: first, fixing the first end of the manifold to the first pipeline in communication; then, inserting the second pipeline into the socket, and applying a large pushing force to the second pipeline to push the opening and closing piece to rotate and expand outward against the elastic force of the elastic member, so that the expansion layer of the sealing member shrinks under the pushing of the opening and closing piece, the area of the clamping opening increases, and the second pipeline can be smoothly inserted into the manifold to form communication with the first pipeline. After the second pipeline is inserted into the manifold, the opening and closing piece is clamped and fixed to the second pipeline by the covering layer of the sealing member under the elastic force of the elastic member, thereby realizing quick connection of the second pipeline.

[0017] Since the opening and closing piece can rotate and expand to different degrees according to different specifications of the inserted second pipeline, and the expansion layer and the covering layer can also deform to different degrees according to different specifications of the inserted second pipeline, different specifications of the second pipeline can be compatible.

[0018] The above description is only a summary of the technical solutions of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented according to the content of the description, and in order to make the above and other purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference made to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting in Figure 1 An application scenario of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 2 An exploded structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 3 An exploded structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 4 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 5 An assembly structure of the quick socket and the opening and closing sheet in the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 6 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 7 An application scenario of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 8 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 9 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 10 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 11 Figure 12 A cross-sectional structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 13 An exploded structure of the pipe quick connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 14 A perspective structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 15 A cross-sectional structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 16 An internal structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 17 An internal structure of an ice-making device according to another embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure; Figure 18 ​A flowchart of an ice-making control method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0020] The reference signs in the detailed description of the embodiments are as follows: 10, ice maker; 50, quick connection assembly of pipeline; 61, first pipeline; 62, second pipeline; 63, third pipeline; 70, ice bin; 80, water tank; 91, water pump; 92, electromagnetic valve; 93, flow meter; 94, filter; 95, pressure stabilizing valve; 100, collecting pipe; 110, first end; 120, second end; 121, limiting groove; 200, sealing member; 210, stretch layer; 220, cladding layer; 221, double-layer structure; 222, end; 2221, recessed part; 223, plug-in channel; 224, clamping opening; 300, quick socket; 301, first seat body; 302, second seat body; 310, insertion hole; 311, first through hole; 312, second through hole; 313, protrusion; 320, first hooking hole; 330, rotation connecting seat; 331, first connecting hole; 400, opening and closing piece; 410, elastic member; 411, torsion spring; 420, second hooking hole; 430, second connecting hole; 440, bolt. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0021] The embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and therefore only serve as examples, and cannot limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of the present application and the above description of drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] Reference to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in another embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily referring to a particular preceding or following embodiment. It is appreciated that one or more of the features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one implementation of the application.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the application, the term "and / or" is merely an association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A existing, A and B existing, and B existing. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects are a "or" relationship.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of the application, the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "a plurality of groups" refers to two or more groups (including two groups), and "a plurality of pieces" refers to two or more pieces (including two pieces).

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of the application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the application.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of the application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms "mounting", "connection", "connection", "fixing", and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the application, a pipe quick connection assembly is provided, and the specific embodiments are described in detail with reference to Figure 1 and 2 , Figure 1 The application scenario of the pipe quick connection assembly provided by the embodiments of the application is shown in Figure 2An exploded view of the quick-connect pipe assembly is shown. As shown, the quick-connect pipe assembly 50 includes: a manifold 100, a seal 200, a quick-connect socket 300, and multiple opening / closing tabs 400.

[0030] The manifold 100 has a first end 110 and a second end 120, with the first end 110 used to fix and communicate with the first pipe 61. Taking an ice maker as an example, the quick-connect assembly 50 can be installed on the housing of the ice maker, and the first pipe 61 can be a pipe installed inside the ice maker to lead water to the water tank of the ice maker. During product manufacturing, the first pipe 61 and the first end 110 can be assembled, fixed, and interconnected by means of heat fusion, bonding, sleeve connection, threaded connection, etc. Since the first pipe 61 and the manifold 100 do not require post-assembly by the user, they will not affect the user's use.

[0031] The seal 200 is made of a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber. The seal 200 has a stretchable layer 210, which is annular and can stretch and deform radially. Of course, the radial direction of the stretchable layer 210 is also the radial direction of the manifold 100.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the stretchable layer 210 in its extended state is shown. At least a portion of the stretchable layer 210 can be wavy as shown in the figure, when subjected to an outward radial force ( Figure 3 When the direction indicated by the middle arrow is reached, the expansion layer 210 contracts and deforms, reducing or completely filling the gaps between each wave, presenting... Figure 4 The state shown is as described. Of course, the wavy part on the stretchable layer 210 can also be replaced with a sawtooth shape, and its change state during stretching is consistent with the wavy shape. By setting at least a portion of the stretchable layer 210 to be wavy or sawtooth, the stretchable layer 210 can fold and stretch when subjected to radial force, thereby generating a greater degree of deformation.

[0033] Of course, in some other implementations, the stretchable layer 210 can also be a planar structure, which can stretch and deform by utilizing its own elastic deformation capability when subjected to radial force.

[0034] The outer periphery of the expansion layer 210 is sealed to the second end 120. Please refer to the following for details. Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the quick-connect pipe assembly 50 shown shows that the inner wall of the second end 120 can be provided with an annular limiting groove 121, and the outer periphery of the expansion layer 210 is sealed and locked in the limiting groove 121, thereby realizing the sealed connection between the expansion layer 210 and the second end 120.

[0035] In the specific assembly, the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 can be compressed radially inwardly to make the telescopic layer 210 smaller and be able to be normally put into the opening of the second end 120, after being put in, the telescopic layer 210 is released to make its outer periphery extend outwardly, at this time, the position of the telescopic layer 210 is adjusted to make the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 align with the limiting groove 121, then force is applied to the telescopic layer 210 to make it extrude into the limiting groove 121 to complete the assembly of the two.

[0036] By setting the annular limiting groove 121 on the inner wall of the second end 120 and clamping the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 into the limiting groove 121, not only the assembly connection between the collecting pipe 100 and the sealing element 200 is more stable, but also a larger contact area is formed between the telescopic layer 210 and the inner wall of the second end 120 to ensure the sealing performance.

[0037] Further, the thickness of the telescopic layer 210 can be slightly larger than the width of the limiting groove 121 to ensure that the telescopic layer 210 is clamped into the limiting groove 121 to form an interference fit with the limiting groove 121 to ensure good sealing performance. The "thickness of the telescopic layer 210" and "width of the limiting groove 121" mentioned here are the dimensions of them in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrows respectively. Figure 5

[0038] In order to ensure stability, on the basis of clamping the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 into the limiting groove 121, glue can also be filled between the two to make them firmly connected to prevent the liquid in the collecting pipe 100 from washing out the telescopic layer 210 from the limiting groove 121.

[0039] In addition, in other embodiments, the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 can also be directly bonded and fixed on the end face or inner wall of the second end 120 by using sealing glue, or the outer periphery of the telescopic layer 210 can also be tightly fixed on the end face of the second end 120 by using an annular pressing sheet. These assembly forms can all ensure that the telescopic layer 210 seals the second end 120.

[0040] Please combine Figures 2 to 5 The inner periphery of the telescopic layer 210 extends to form a cladding layer 220, the cladding layer 220 first extends from the inner periphery of the telescopic layer 210 to the inside of the collecting pipe 100, and then extends to the outside of the second end 120 through the inner periphery of the telescopic layer 210 after being bent. Such an extension manner makes the part of the cladding layer 220 located in the collecting pipe 100 form a double-layer structure 221.

[0041] Please further combine Figure 6 ​The connection structure between the fast socket 300 and the opening / closing piece 400 is shown in the figure. The fast socket 300 has a socket 310, and multiple opening / closing pieces 400 are rotatably connected to the edge of one end of the socket 310. The multiple opening / closing pieces 400 are arranged around the circumference of the socket 310.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple hinged tabs 400 are inserted into the double-layer structure 221 at one end opposite to the quick-connect socket 300. A covering layer 220 covers the inner surface of the multiple hinged tabs 400, and the extended end 222 of the covering layer 220 is fixedly connected to the quick-connect socket 300 to ensure that the covering layer 220 encloses and seals the space from the socket 310 to the manifold 100. The inner circumference of the covering layer 220 forms a plug-in channel 223 that connects the socket 310 and the internal space of the manifold 100. The end of the plug-in channel 223 opposite to the socket 310 is a clamping opening 224.

[0043] Please refer to it again. Figure 2 and Figure 6 and further combine Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure of the quick-connect pipe assembly 50 shown in the figure shows that each opening / closing piece 400 is connected to the quick-connect socket 300 by an elastic element 410. The elastic element 410 is used to provide a rotational elastic force to the opening / closing piece 400 to reduce the area of ​​the clamping opening 224, specifically to provide a rotational elastic force to the opening / closing piece 400 to reduce the area of ​​the clamping opening 224. Figure 7 The elastic force that rotates in the direction indicated by the middle arrow.

[0044] like Figure 1 Stereoscopic perspective and Figure 8 In the usage scenario shown from the mid-section perspective, the second pipe 62 (i.e., the external pipe) is inserted into the socket 310 and passes through the insertion channel 223 and the clamping port 224 in sequence before entering the manifold 100, thereby connecting the first pipe 61 and the second pipe 62.

[0045] During assembly, the hinge 400 can be rotatably mounted on the quick-connect socket 300 first, and the elastic element 410 can be connected between the two. Next, the covering layer 220 is inserted between the multiple hinge 400s, while the ends of the multiple hinge 400s facing away from the quick-connect socket 300 extend into the double-layer structure 221, forming... Figure 9 As shown, after insertion, the end 222 of the covering layer 220 is fixedly connected to the quick-connect socket 300. For example, the connection and fixation of the end 222 of the covering layer 220 to the quick-connect socket 300 can be achieved by means of bonding, heat fusion, or clamping. After fixation, it is in the form of... Figure 10 The state shown is as indicated. Finally, the seal 200 is assembled and connected to the manifold 100, presenting the desired state. Figure 7 As shown, the assembly of the quick-connect pipe assembly 50 is complete.

[0046] In the production of the ice maker, the pipe quick connection assembly 50 can be installed through the shell, and the first pipe 61 in the ice maker is assembled and fixed with the first end 110 and communicates. When it is needed to connect the tap water or other water supply equipment to the ice maker, the second pipe 62 (specifically, the tap water pipe or the water outlet pipe of other water supply equipment) is inserted into the insertion channel 223 from the insertion hole 310, and when the second pipe 62 abuts against the cladding layer 220 at the clamping opening 224, a larger pushing force is applied to the second pipe 62 to push the opening and closing sheet 400 to rotate outwardly to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 410, and the stretchable layer 210 is shrunk under the pushing of the opening and closing sheet 400, the area of the clamping opening 224 is increased, and the second pipe 62 smoothly passes through the clamping opening 224 and enters the inside of the manifold 100.

[0047] After the second pipe 62 is inserted into the inside of the manifold 100, the opening and closing sheet 400 always has a tendency to reduce the area of the clamping opening 224 under the elastic force of the elastic member 410, which makes the second pipe 62 be tightly clamped and fixed by the cladding layer 220 at the clamping opening 224, and the cladding layer 220 and the outer wall of the second pipe 62 are effectively sealed.

[0048] Based on the above description of the process of inserting the second pipe 62, please further refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the cross-sectional structures of inserting two different specifications (that is, different pipe diameters) of the second pipe 62 are shown in the figures, as shown in Figure 11 , when the second pipe 62 with a smaller pipe diameter is inserted, the opening and closing sheet 400 rotates and expands to a relatively small extent, and the area of the clamping opening 224 is relatively small, and when the second pipe 62 with a larger pipe diameter is inserted, the opening and closing sheet 400 rotates and expands to a relatively large extent, and the area of the clamping opening 224 is relatively large. No matter how large the pipe diameter of the second pipe 62 is, as long as it is within the range of the variable area of the clamping opening 224, it can be inserted into the manifold 100 and be clamped and fixed by the opening and closing sheet 400 and be sealed by the cladding layer 220, thereby realizing compatible adaptation with different specifications of the second pipe 62.

[0049] After the second pipe 62 is inserted into the insertion channel 223, it will first contact the cladding layer 220 before reaching the clamping opening 224, and at this time, a larger pushing force is applied to the second pipe 62 to generate an interaction force between the second pipe 62 and the cladding layer 220. In order to avoid the displacement of the cladding layer 220 towards the manifold 100 due to the action force of the second pipe 62, thereby causing the cladding layer 220 to slip off, the application further proposes an embodiment.

[0050] Specifically, please refer to Figures 2 to 5 again, and further combine Figure 13The bottom perspective view of the pipe quick connector assembly 50 is shown. The quick socket 300 includes a first seat body 301 and a second seat body 302. The first seat body 301 is provided with a first through hole 311, and the second seat body 302 is provided with a second through hole 312. The first seat body 301 is connected to the second seat body 302, and the first through hole 311 and the second through hole 312 are in communication to form a socket 310. The first seat body 301 is arranged between the second seat body 302 and the manifold 100, and the hinge leaf 400 is rotatably connected to the edge of the first through hole 311 away from the second through hole 312. The end 222 of the cladding layer 220 is clamped and fixed between the first seat body 301 and the second seat body 302.

[0051] By clamping and fixing the end 222 of the cladding layer 220 by the first seat body 301 and the second seat body 302, it can better ensure that the cladding layer 220 is not easily displaced when subjected to the force of the inserted second pipe 62, and ensure that the cladding layer 220 can provide reliable sealing around the second pipe 62.

[0052] Further, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the edge of the first through hole 311 towards the second through hole 312 is provided with an annular protrusion 313, and the end 222 of the cladding layer 220 is formed with an annular recess 2221, which is buckled on the protrusion 313. The second seat body 302 is pressed on the side of the recess 2221 away from the protrusion 313, and the second seat body 302 and the first seat body 301 can be fixedly connected to each other by opening threaded holes and inserting threaded fasteners as shown in Figure 13 , of course, they can also be assembled and fixed by clamping and other means.

[0053] By providing a protrusion 313 on the edge of the first through hole 311 and a recess 2221 on the end of the cladding layer 220 which is buckled on the protrusion 313, and by the second seat body 302 pressing and fixing the recess 2221 on the protrusion 313, the recess 2221 and the protrusion 313 are limited and positioned along the radial direction of the first through hole 311, so that the cladding layer 220 is more difficult to displace when subjected to the force of the second pipe 62.

[0054] For the commonly used second pipe 62 with a circular cross section, in order to better clamp and seal the second pipe 62 at the clamping opening 224 of the hinge leaf 400 and the cladding layer 220, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the cladding layer 220 is in the shape of a hollow circular truncated cone, and the inner wall of the hinge leaf 400 is in the axial direction of the insertion channel 223. Figure 3The orthographic projection in the up-down direction is arc-shaped, which is adapted to the cladding layer 220. In this way, the cladding layer 220 can be tightly clamped on the outer wall of the second pipeline 62 under the action of the opening and closing sheet 400, so as to seal the outer periphery of the second pipeline 62.

[0055] The opening and closing sheet 400 can be provided as at least three, and the at least three opening and closing sheets 400 are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the insertion hole 310. In this way, not only can the plurality of opening and closing sheets 400 better rotate and expand when subjected to the action of the inserted second pipeline 62, thereby providing an insertion space for the second pipeline 62, but also the cladding layer 220 can be pressed tightly on the outer wall of the second pipeline 62 at at least three positions along the circumference of the second pipeline 62 after the second pipeline 62 of different specifications is inserted in place, so as to ensure reliable sealing of the outer periphery of the second pipeline 62.

[0056] In Figure 2 In the specific embodiment shown, four opening and closing sheets 400 are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the insertion hole 310, so as to ensure that they can better clamp and fix the second pipeline 62 and seal it. Of course, this does not constitute a limitation on the specific number of opening and closing sheets 400. In other embodiments, the opening and closing sheet 400 can also be provided only in two, and of course more can also be provided.

[0057] In order to realize convenient assembly between the elastic member 410 and the quick socket 300 and the opening and closing sheet 400, as Figure 6 shown in some embodiments, the first hooking hole 320 is provided on the quick socket 300, the second hooking hole 420 is provided on the outer side of the opening and closing sheet 400, the elastic member 410 is a torsion spring 411, and the two ends of the torsion spring 411 are respectively inserted into the first hooking hole 320 and the second hooking hole 420. In this way, the torsion spring 411 is conveniently and assembledly connected with the quick socket 300 and the opening and closing sheet 400, so that the torsion spring 411 can stably provide the opening and closing sheet 400 with a clamping force for clamping the second pipeline 62.

[0058] Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic member 410 can also be an elastic block or a compression spring, which is connected between the outer sides of the quick socket 300 and the opening and closing sheet 400 in a compressed state, so that the elastic block or the compression spring can provide the opening and closing sheet 400 with a clamping force for clamping the second pipeline 62.

[0059] Further, in order to facilitate the assembly operation of the opening and closing sheet 400 on the quick socket 300, as Figure 6 shown in some embodiments, a rotating connection seat 330 is provided on the quick socket 300, at least two opposite first connection holes 331 are formed in the rotating connection seat 330, and a second connection hole 430 is provided on the opening and closing sheet 400 (as Figure 2As shown in FIG. 4, the second connecting hole 430 is provided with a pin 440. When the quick connector assembly 50 is assembled on the first connecting hole 331, the two ends of the second connecting hole 430 are aligned with the two sides of the first connecting hole 331, and the pin 440 is sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole 331 on one side, the second connecting hole 430, and the first connecting hole 331 on the other side, the quick assembly of the opening and closing sheet 400 on the quick connector 300 can be achieved.

[0060] In order to prevent the pin 440 from being pulled out of the first connecting hole 331 due to the rotation of the opening and closing sheet 400, a head with an increased cross-sectional area can be provided at one end of the pin 440, and a thread can be provided at the other end. The pin 440 is sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole 331 on one side, the second connecting hole 430, and the first connecting hole 331 on the other side from the end provided with the thread, and then pulled out, and a nut is locked on the end to limit the two ends of the pin 440 by the nut and the head with an increased cross-sectional area, so that the pin 440 cannot be pulled out of the first connecting hole 331.

[0061] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an ice making device is provided. The device of the embodiments of the present application can be a separate ice maker, including a commercial ice maker, a household ice maker, a table top ice maker, and a table under ice maker; or can be a refrigerator, a water dispenser or other device containing an ice making module.

[0062] The following will be described taking an ice maker as an example. For details, please refer to Figures 14 to 16 , wherein Figure 14 , and Figure 15 show the three-dimensional structure and the cross-sectional structure of the ice maker, respectively, Figure 16 show the internal structure of the ice maker.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the ice maker 10 includes an ice making bin 70, a first pipe 61, and the pipe quick connector assembly 50 provided in any of the above embodiments. The first pipe 61 is connected between the pipe quick connector assembly 50 and the ice making bin 70, and the pipe quick connector assembly 50 is used for inserting and fixing the second pipe 62 connected to a water source.

[0064] As described above, the second pipe 62 can be a pipe connected to tap water, or a pipe connected to a water supply device. The ice maker 10 using the pipe quick connector assembly 50 provided in the above embodiments can not only realize the quick insertion and connection of the second pipe 62, but also be compatible with different specifications of the second pipe 62.

[0065] If the second pipe 62 is a tap water pipe, it has its own pressure, and if the second pipe 62 is a pipe connected to a water supply device, the water supply device can provide pressure. Therefore, when ice is needed, water will enter the ice making bin 70 under the action of pressure through the second pipe 62, the pipe quick connector assembly 50, and the first pipe 61, so that the evaporator can cool and freeze the water in the ice making bin 70.

[0066] In order to realize various modes of water taking and ice making, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the ice maker further comprises a water tank 80, the first pipeline 61 is connected between the pipeline quick connection assembly 50 and the water tank 80, and the water tank 80 is further connected to the ice making bin 70 through a third pipeline 63. The third pipeline 63 is provided with a water pump 91, and the first pipeline 61 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 92 and a flow meter 93.

[0067] The water tank 80 can be provided with a water inlet, and the user can directly pour water into the water tank 80 through a container. Of course, the tap water or water in the water supply device can also flow into the water tank 80 through the second pipeline 62, the pipeline quick connection assembly 50 and the first pipeline 61 in turn.

[0068] During ice making, if the water stored in the water tank 80 is sufficient for one-time ice making, the water pump 91 is started to pump the water stored in the water tank 80 into the ice making bin 70 for ice making. If the water stored in the water tank 80 is insufficient or no water is stored, the electromagnetic valve 92 is started to make the tap water or water in the water supply device with pressure enter the water tank 80 through the second pipeline 62, the pipeline quick connection assembly 50 and the first pipeline 61 in turn. During the process, the flow meter 93 measures the water flow entering the water tank 80, and when the preset or required flow is reached, the electromagnetic valve 92 is closed to block the water supply of the second pipeline 62 to the water tank 80. Then the water pump 91 pumps the water in the water tank 80 into the ice making bin 70 for ice making.

[0069] Further, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the first pipeline 61 can be further provided with a filter 94, which filters the water flowing from the second pipeline 62 into the water tank 80 to ensure that the subsequent water used for ice making is clean and sanitary.

[0070] In addition, for the case that the second pipeline 62 is a tap water pipeline, as shown in Figure 17 In some embodiments, the first pipeline 61 can be further provided with a pressure stabilizing valve 95 upstream of the electromagnetic valve 92. The pressure stabilizing valve 95 can pressurize or depressurize the water entering the water tank 80 from the first pipeline 61 according to the pressure of the tap water source, so as to ensure that the water pressure in the first pipeline 61 is stable, and avoid damaging the equipment such as the electromagnetic valve 92 in the pipeline.

[0071] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an ice making control method is also provided. The method is applied to the ice maker 10 provided by the above-mentioned embodiments. The water tank 80 of the ice maker 10 is provided with a sensor, which can be a liquid level sensor or a pressure sensor, etc., and is used to detect the amount of water stored in the water tank.

[0072] The ice-making control method can be executed by a controller integrated on the ice maker 10, or by a terminal device (such as a mobile phone, a computer, etc.) capable of communicating with the ice maker 10. Please refer to Figure 18 The ice-making control method comprises the following steps: Step 510: In response to an ice-making instruction, detecting whether the water amount in the water tank reaches a preset water amount by a sensor.

[0073] The ice-making instruction is issued by a user. For the scheme in which the controller and the buttons or the touch screen are integrated on the ice maker, the user can send the ice-making instruction to the controller by triggering the buttons or the touch screen. For the scheme in which the terminal device controls the ice maker 10, the user can click the ice-making option on the program of the terminal device to make the terminal device send the ice-making instruction to the ice maker. The ice-making instruction can also be issued according to the program setting.

[0074] The sensor is responsible for detecting whether the water amount in the water tank reaches the preset water amount, which is set in the program in advance, and the specific value is not limited, but it is ensured that the preset water amount is greater than or equal to the water amount required for one-time ice making. For example, the preset water amount can be the water amount required for one-time ice making, or the water amount when the water tank is full.

[0075] If the detection result of step 510 is yes, it indicates that the water in the water tank meets the demand for one-time ice making, so step 530 is executed: the water pump is controlled to start to draw the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin.

[0076] If the detection result of step 510 is no, it indicates that the water in the water tank does not meet the demand for one-time ice making, which can be that there is no water stored in the water tank, or that the water amount currently stored in the water tank is insufficient for one-time ice making. Therefore, the following steps 550a-570a are needed to be executed first to fill water into the water tank, so as to ensure that the water amount in the water tank meets the demand for at least one-time ice making, and then jump to the above step 530 to draw the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin for ice making.

[0077] Step 550a: The electromagnetic valve is controlled to open, so that the water from the water source and having pressure is injected into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; Step 570a: When the sensor detects that the water amount in the water tank reaches the preset water amount, the electromagnetic valve is controlled to close.

[0078] In the above step 570a, the closing of the electromagnetic valve is determined by the change of the water amount in the water tank after the water injection detected by the sensor. For this, in other embodiments, the closing of the electromagnetic valve can also be determined by the water amount injected detected by the flow meter, specifically, step 570a can also be replaced by the following step 570b.

[0079] Step 570b: When the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches the preset water injection amount, the solenoid valve is controlled to be closed.

[0080] The preset water injection amount is preset in the program, for example, the water tank is configured to have a capacity greater than or equal to twice the amount of water for ice making, the preset water amount and the preset water injection amount are both set to the amount of water for ice making. When step 510 detects that the amount of water in the water tank is less than the amount of water for ice making, step 550a is executed to inject water into the water tank. At the same time, the flow meter detects the amount of water passing through, which is the amount of water injected into the water tank. In step 570b, when the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches the amount of water for ice making, the solenoid valve is controlled to be closed. At this time, the amount of water stored in the water tank is the sum of the amount of water before water injection and the amount of water for ice making.

[0081] Because the amount of water before water injection is less than the amount of water for ice making, the sum of the two is less than the capacity of the water tank (greater than or equal to twice the amount of water for ice making). Based on this, even if the amount of water in the water tank is not monitored by the sensor during water injection, only the amount of water injected into the water tank is detected by the flow meter, it can be ensured that the water in the water tank will not overflow.

[0082] In addition to the above two methods, the difference between the preset water amount and the current water amount in the water tank can also be calculated, and the solenoid valve is controlled to be closed when the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches the difference, so that the amount of water in the water tank reaches the preset water amount. Specifically, when the detection result of step 510 is no, the following steps 540c-570c are executed to inject water first, and then jump to the above step 530.

[0083] Step 540c: Calculate the water amount difference between the preset water amount and the amount of water in the current water tank; Step 550c: Control the solenoid valve to be opened, so that the water from the water source and having pressure passes through the second pipe, the pipe quick connection assembly and the first pipe in turn to be injected into the water tank; Step 570c: When the flow meter detects that the amount of water injected reaches the above water amount difference, the solenoid valve is controlled to be closed.

[0084] For this scheme, the preset water amount is not limited to the amount of water for ice making. It can be set to the amount of water for ice making or the amount of water when the water tank is full. The specific setting is not limited.

[0085] Through the ice making control method provided by any of the above embodiments, automatic water supply control of the ice maker can be realized. Ice making no longer depends on manual water addition. Users only need to simply operate to start the ice making process and wait for the ice making to be completed. Therefore, the user experience can be greatly improved.

[0086] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate but not limit the technical solutions of the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments can be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced equivalently; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, each technical feature mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any manner.

Claims

1. A pipe quick coupling assembly, characterized by, The utility model relates to a pipe quick connector assembly, which comprises a manifold, a sealing element, a quick socket and a plurality of flaps. The manifold has opposite first and second ends, and the first end is used for being fixedly connected with a first pipe. The sealing element is made of a flexible material, and has a stretchable layer. The stretchable layer is annular and can be radially stretched and contracted. The outer periphery of the stretchable layer is sealingly connected with the second end. The inner periphery of the stretchable layer is provided with a cladding layer. The cladding layer is first extended from the inner periphery of the stretchable layer to the inside of the manifold, and then is bent to extend to the outside of the second end through the inner periphery of the stretchable layer. The part of the cladding layer inside the manifold forms a double-layer structure. The quick socket is provided with a socket hole. The plurality of flaps are rotatably connected to the edge of one end of the socket hole. The plurality of flaps are arranged along the circumference of the socket hole. The plurality of flaps are inserted into the double-layer structure.

3. The plumbing quick connect assembly of claim 1, wherein, The inner periphery of the cladding layer forms a plug-in channel connecting the socket hole and the inside of the manifold. The plug-in channel has a clamping opening at one end away from the socket. Each of the flaps is connected with the quick socket through an elastic element.

4. The pipe quick coupling assembly of claim 3, wherein, The elastic element provides a rotating elastic force to the flap to reduce the area of the clamping opening.

5. The pipe quick coupling assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, 2. The pipe quick connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein 6. The pipe quick coupling assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The inner wall of the second end is provided with an annular limiting groove.

7. The pipe quick coupling assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, At least part of the stretchable layer is wavy or zigzag. The quick socket comprises a first seat body and a second seat body. The first seat body is provided with a first through hole. The second seat body is provided with a second through hole. The first seat body and the second seat body are connected with each other. The first through hole and the second through hole are connected with each other to form the socket hole. The first seat body is arranged between the second seat body and the manifold. The flaps are rotatably connected to the edge of one end of the first through hole away from the second through hole. The end of the cladding layer is clamped and fixed between the first seat body and the second seat body. The edge of the first through hole toward the second through hole is provided with an annular protrusion. The end of the cladding layer is provided with an annular recess. The recess is buckled on the protrusion. The second seat body is pressed on the side of the recess away from the protrusion. The cladding layer is hollow and conical. The inner wall of the flap is projected on the axis of the plug-in channel. The flaps are at least three. The flaps are uniformly and evenly arranged along the circumference of the socket hole. The quick socket is provided with a first hooking hole. The flaps are provided with a second hooking hole. The elastic element is a torsion spring. The two ends of the torsion spring are respectively inserted into the first hooking hole and the second hooking hole.

8. An ice making apparatus characterized by, The ice-making bin, the first pipeline and the pipeline quick-connection assembly of any one of claims 1-7 are included, the first pipeline is communicated between the pipeline quick-connection assembly and the ice-making bin, and the pipeline quick-connection assembly is used for inserting and fixing the second pipeline communicated with a water source.

9. The ice making apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The ice-making device further comprises a water tank, the first pipeline is communicated between the pipeline quick-connection assembly and the water tank, and the water tank is further communicated to the ice-making bin through a third pipeline. The third pipeline is provided with a water pump. The first pipeline is provided with an electromagnetic valve, or the first pipeline is provided with an electromagnetic valve and a flow meter.

10. The ice making apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The first pipeline is provided with a filter and / or a pressure stabilizing valve.

11. An ice making control method, characterized by, The ice-making device of claim 9 or 10 is applied, and the water tank is provided with a sensor for detecting the amount of water stored in the water tank. The ice-making control method comprises: In response to an ice-making instruction, detecting whether the amount of water in the water tank reaches a preset water amount through the sensor; If yes, controlling the water pump to start to pump the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin; If no, performing the following steps: Controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make water from a water source and having pressure injected into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick-connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; When the sensor detects that the amount of water in the water tank reaches the preset water amount, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; Jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to pump the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin; Or; Controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make water from a water source and having pressure injected into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick-connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; When the flow meter detects that the injected water amount reaches a preset water injection amount, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; Jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to pump the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin; Or; Calculating a water amount difference between the preset water amount and the current amount of water in the water tank; Controlling the electromagnetic valve to open to make water from a water source and having pressure injected into the water tank through the second pipeline, the pipeline quick-connection assembly and the first pipeline in sequence; When the flow meter detects that the injected water amount reaches the water amount difference, controlling the electromagnetic valve to close; Jumping to the step of controlling the water pump to start to pump the water in the water tank into the ice-making bin.

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