Refrigeration appliance and method of assembling a refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigeration equipment and an assembling method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration. The refrigeration equipment comprises a box, an ice-making refrigeration system and an ice maker. The box forms a chamber and comprises a heat preservation layer. The ice-making refrigeration system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a refrigeration evaporator, a first throttling part and a flow bypass branch. The ice maker is installed in the chamber and comprises a casing, an ice-making evaporator, and an inlet connected to the ice-making refrigeration system through the first throttling part or the flow bypass branch and an outlet connected in series to the refrigeration evaporator. A pipeline between the outlet of the ice-making evaporator and the inlet of the compressor comprises a gas return pipe. After the ice-making evaporator, the gas return pipe, the first throttling part and the flow bypass branch are fixedly arranged in the box through the heat preservation layer, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the casing. The structure significantly improves ice removal efficiency, improves ice quality in an all-round way, and prolongs the service life of the ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular relates to a refrigeration device and a method for assembling the refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, most existing ice makers adopt a de-icing solution by directly attaching heating wires above the ice evaporator. However, this de-icing method has many drawbacks: First, the heat conduction efficiency is low. The heating wires can only locally heat the upper part of the ice evaporator, causing the refrigerant in the upper part to vaporize, but the liquid refrigerant in the lower part flows slowly, thus prolonging the de-icing time (usually about 1 hour). Second, in order to ensure food safety, the ice evaporator is usually made of food-grade stainless steel. However, stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity, which further reduces the heating efficiency. This means that the heater needs to reach a high temperature (e.g., 200°C) to achieve de-icing. This not only consumes a lot of energy, but also easily causes the ice to partially melt, affecting the quality of the ice. In addition, high-temperature heating may also accelerate the aging of the equipment and reduce the service life of the ice maker. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a refrigeration device and an assembly method for the refrigeration device, which significantly improves de-icing efficiency, comprehensively enhances ice-forming quality, and extends the service life of the ice maker.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a refrigeration device, comprising: a housing, an ice-making refrigeration system, and an ice maker, wherein the housing forms a compartment and includes an insulation layer; the ice-making refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerated evaporator, a first throttling section, and a flow branch; and the ice maker is installed in the compartment and includes: chassis; An ice-making evaporator has its inlet connected to the ice-making refrigeration system through the first throttling section or the flow branch, and its outlet connected in series with the refrigeration evaporator. An ice-making container is installed in the housing, and the ice-making portion of the ice-making evaporator is adapted to extend into the ice-making container; An ice storage container is installed in the housing and located below the ice-making evaporator; A water tank is installed in the housing, located below the ice storage container, and forms a water circulation path with the ice-making container; wherein, the pipe between the outlet of the ice-making evaporator and the inlet of the compressor includes a return gas pipe, and after the ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section and the flow branch are fixedly installed in the housing through the insulation layer, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the housing.

[0005] According to the refrigeration equipment of this application, by setting up the aforementioned flow branch, on the one hand, the flow branch bypasses the first throttling section, allowing a large amount of unthrottled hot refrigerant to flow into the ice-making evaporator, achieving efficient ice production and de-icing, significantly shortening the de-icing time, and significantly improving the de-icing efficiency; at the same time, it significantly improves the situation where ice blocks partially melt due to prolonged local heating, thereby comprehensively improving the ice quality; and it reduces the aging effects and safety hazards caused by localized extremely high temperatures due to the use of heating elements, extending the service life of the ice maker. On the other hand, combined with the above-mentioned assembly process design of pre-integrating the ice-making evaporator, return pipe, first throttling section, and flow branch into one unit, then fixing it to the housing through the insulation layer, and finally assembling it with the casing, there is no need to complete cumbersome pipe connection operations in a confined space, thereby greatly reducing the difficulty of pipe connection operations, and thus shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the ice-making and refrigeration system further includes: The second throttling section and the refrigeration evaporator are connected. The inlet of the refrigeration evaporator is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration evaporator and the outlet of the second throttling section. The second throttling section is connected in parallel to the series path formed by the first throttling section, the ice-making evaporator and the refrigeration evaporator. After the ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section, the second throttling section and the flow branch are fixedly installed in the housing through the insulation layer, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the casing.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the return pipe, the first throttling section, the second throttling section, and the flow branch are all at least partially embedded in the insulation layer.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, after the ice-making container is installed in the housing, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the housing.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the inlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator is welded to the first throttling section and the flow branch, and the outlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator is welded to the return gas pipe.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door body. The door body is closably installed on the open side of the cabinet body to form the compartment. The cabinet body may include an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner is disposed inside the outer shell. The insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The inner liner is provided with a first perforation and a second perforation. A first throttling part passes through the inner liner through the first perforation, and a first sealing element is provided between the first throttling part and the first perforation. A flow-through branch passes through the inner liner through the second perforation, and a second sealing element is provided between the flow-through branch and the second perforation.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door body. The door body is closably installed on the open side of the cabinet body to form the compartment. The cabinet body may include an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner is disposed inside the outer shell. The insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The inner liner is provided with a third perforation. The return air pipe passes through the inner liner through the third perforation. A third sealing element is provided between the return air pipe and the third perforation.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the ice maker further includes: A water guide channel is installed on the housing, located above the ice storage container and to the side of the ice making container in the direction of rotation. The housing is provided with an ice-removing port for taking out and putting in the ice storage container, and the water guide channel is provided with a water outlet in the area away from the ice-removing port. A water-blocking plate is provided with a downward protrusion at the lower edge of the water outlet.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the water-blocking plate is inclined from top to bottom toward the ice-making container.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the water guide channel includes: The first water guide plate is connected to the housing on one side; A water-blocking flange is connected to the other side of the first water guide plate and is bent upwards; wherein, a first notch is formed between the water-blocking flange and the housing, the first notch is the outlet of the water guide groove, and the water-blocking plate is connected to the first water guide plate and is bent downwards relative to the first water guide plate.

[0015] Secondly, this application also provides an assembly method for a refrigeration device as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the housing includes a cabinet and a door, the door being closably installed on the open side of the cabinet to form the compartment, the cabinet including an outer shell and an inner liner, the inner liner being disposed within the outer shell, and the insulation layer being formed between the outer shell and the inner liner; the assembly method includes: The ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section, and the flow branch are assembled into an integrated pipeline structure. The integrated piping structure passes through the inner liner, and the outer shell is installed outside the inner liner, so that the ice evaporator is arranged in the compartment, and the return gas pipe, the first throttling section and the flow branch are at least partially arranged in the foaming cavity between the outer shell and the inner liner; Foamed insulation material is injected into the foaming cavity, and after the foamed insulation material solidifies, the insulation layer is formed. The integrated pipeline structure is fixedly installed in the box through the insulation layer. The ice-making evaporator is assembled inside the housing of the ice maker.

[0016] According to the assembly method of the refrigeration equipment of this application, by pre-integrating the ice evaporator, return gas pipe, first throttling section and flow branch into one unit, and then fixing it to the cabinet through the insulation layer, and finally assembling it with the casing, the assembly process design eliminates the need to complete cumbersome pipe connection operations in a small space, thereby greatly reducing the difficulty of pipe connection operations, shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a second cross-sectional view of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is the third cross-sectional view of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is the fourth cross-sectional view of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the ice storage container provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the ice storage container provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the ice storage container provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the system structure of the refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram of the system structure of the refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram of the system structure of the refrigeration equipment provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice-making evaporator, the first throttling section, the flow branch, and the return gas pipe provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner liner, ice-making evaporator, first throttling section, flow branch, and return pipe provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure label: 10 ice makers; Casing 100, ice outlet 103; Water barrier plate 170; Water guide channel 180, water outlet 1801, first water guide plate 181, water-blocking flange 182; Ice evaporator 200, distribution unit 210, ice column 220; Ice container 300, overflow outlet 303; Ice storage container 400, partition 410, first plate 411, second plate 412, ice storage cavity 401, water outlet 402, water passage cavity 404, drain outlet 405, drainage space 406, heat insulation space 407, protrusion 430, first section 451, second section 452. Water tank 500; Ice-making and refrigeration system 800, first control valve 801, second control valve 802, third control valve 803, compressor 810, condenser 820, first throttling section 830, refrigerated evaporator 840, overflow branch 850, second throttling section 860, freezing evaporator 870, filter device 880, return gas pipe 890; Inner liner 20, first perforation 21, second perforation 22, third perforation 23. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0021] This application discloses a refrigeration device.

[0022] The refrigeration equipment in this application embodiment can be understood as a broad refrigeration storage device, including but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, display cases, beverage cabinets, wine cabinets, refrigerated display cases, cosmetic storage cabinets, and refrigerated vending machines. The refrigeration equipment has various structural forms, such as vertical, horizontal, small wall-mounted, or vehicle-mounted types.

[0023] The refrigeration equipment includes a cabinet, which may include a cabinet and a door. The cabinet can form a compartment for storage, and the door is installed on the open side of the cabinet to close the compartment.

[0024] The cabinet may include an outer shell, an inner liner, and an insulation layer. The cabinet may be made of plastic, metal, or glass.

[0025] The inner liner may be disposed within the outer shell, and the inner liner may include at least one of a shell, a plate, a panel, or a gasket for forming a compartment. The inner liner may be integrally formed from a single shell, or it may be assembled from multiple plates. Alternatively, at least one of the shell and the plate may form the main structure of the inner liner, and the panel or gasket may be installed on the inner wall of the main structure of the inner liner to form a multi-layered plate structure, or the main structure of the inner liner may have a notch, and the panel or gasket may seal the notch.

[0026] The insulation layer can insulate the interior and exterior of the room, reducing the influence of the external environment on the interior temperature and maintaining it at a set suitable temperature. In some embodiments, the insulation layer may include a foamed insulation layer; in some embodiments, the insulation layer may include a vacuum insulation panel; in some embodiments, the insulation layer may include both a foamed insulation layer and a vacuum insulation panel.

[0027] The foamed insulation layer can be formed between the outer shell and the inner liner through a foaming process. For example, it can be formed by injecting polyurethane foam mixed with polyurethane and foaming agent between the inner liner and the outer shell and allowing it to foam. The vacuum insulation panel can include a core material and an outer skin material that contains the core material and seals the interior to a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure.

[0028] The insulation layer is not limited to the aforementioned foamed insulation layer and vacuum insulation panel layer, but may also include various other materials used for thermal insulation.

[0029] The room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. The room can be designed to be open on at least one side to facilitate the access of items.

[0030] A refrigeration unit may contain one or more compartments. When a refrigeration unit comprises two or more compartments, each compartment may serve a different purpose and maintain a different temperature. Therefore, the compartments can be separated from each other by partitions containing insulation.

[0031] The compartments can be configured to maintain different temperature ranges depending on their purpose, and may include refrigerator compartments, freezer compartments, or variable temperature compartments, differentiated by purpose and / or temperature range. Refrigeration compartments maintain temperatures suitable for refrigerated storage, while freezer compartments maintain temperatures suitable for frozen storage. "Refrigeration" can refer to cooling items to a low temperature that prevents freezing, for example, a refrigerator compartment can maintain a temperature between 0°C and 10°C, or between 0°C and 5°C. "Freezing" can refer to cooling items to a frozen state or maintaining a frozen state, for example, a freezer compartment can maintain a temperature between -20°C and -1°C, or between -40°C and -1°C (e.g., a dual-compressor system / dual-refrigerant design can achieve even lower cooling temperatures), or between -60°C and -1°C (e.g., a dual-compressor system / dual-refrigerant design can achieve even lower cooling temperatures). Variable temperature compartments can be selected by the user or automatically switched to be used as refrigerator or freezer compartments.

[0032] Of course, the different compartments of the room may have other names, including but not limited to vegetable room, fresh food room, cooling room, ice making room, etc., which are essentially different zones of cold storage room, freezer room or variable temperature room. The terms cold storage room, freezer room, variable temperature room, etc. used below should be understood to cover all rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0033] In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit may include at least one door for opening and closing the open side of a compartment. A door may be configured to open and close one or more compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the cabinet. The door may be hinged to the cabinet, or the door may be integrated with a drawer.

[0034] The door can be configured to seal the compartment when closed, and the door can also include an insulation layer to insulate the compartment when the door is closed.

[0035] In some embodiments, the door may include an outer door panel forming the front of the door, an inner door liner forming the back of the door and facing the compartment, and a door insulation layer disposed between the outer door panel and the inner door liner.

[0036] The inner edge of the door lining may be fitted with a door seal that fits snugly against the cabinet when the door is closed, thus sealing the compartment. The inner door panel may include a door shelf that protrudes into the compartment for storing items such as beverages, medicines, or other items.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer door panel may also be provided with a display screen, an exterior panel, etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment does not have high insulation requirements, such as display cases and beverage cabinets. The door of the refrigeration equipment may include a transparent panel, such as a glass panel or an acrylic panel. Of course, the door may also be designed as a multi-layered transparent panel, and in some embodiments, a vacuum may be drawn between the multi-layered transparent panels to improve insulation performance.

[0039] Refrigeration equipment can be classified into French door type, double door type, bottom-mounted freezer type, top-mounted freezer type, or single-door refrigeration equipment according to the layout of the doors and compartments.

[0040] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment may include a refrigeration system for supplying cold air to a room.

[0041] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The refrigeration system may also include a semiconductor refrigerator, such as a thermoelectric element, which can utilize the Peltier effect to heat and cool the compartment.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cabinet may form a compressor compartment, in which the compressor and condenser may be located, and the compressor compartment and the compartment may be separated and insulated from each other.

[0043] The following is for reference. Figures 1-13 This application describes a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment includes: a housing, an ice-making refrigeration system 800, and an ice maker 10.

[0045] The box forms a compartment, and the structural form of the box can be referred to the description of the above embodiment.

[0046] The ice maker 10 is installed in the compartment, and the ice maker 10 can be installed in the cold storage compartment.

[0047] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the ice maker 10 includes: a housing 100, an ice evaporator 200, an ice container 300, an ice storage container 400, and a water tank 500.

[0048] The ice evaporator 200 is installed on the housing 100, and the installation method includes but is not limited to welding, snap-fit ​​and threaded connection; the ice container 300 is used to hold the liquid to be made into ice. The ice container 300 is installed on the housing 100 in a flip-up manner. Flip-up means that the ice container 300 can rotate around the flip axis at a certain angle. The maximum rotation range can be 85°-360°.

[0049] The ice-making section of the ice-making evaporator 200 is adapted to extend into the ice-making container 300. When the ice-making evaporator 200 is cooled to a suitable temperature, the liquid to be made into ice in the ice-making container 300 can freeze and adhere to the ice-making section of the ice-making evaporator 200.

[0050] The ice storage container 400 is located below the ice evaporator 200, which can be directly below or diagonally below; the ice storage container 400 forms an ice storage cavity 401 that is suitable for being arranged opposite to the ice making part, and the ice in the ice evaporator 200 can fall into the ice storage cavity 401.

[0051] The ice storage container 400 is removably installed on the housing 100. The housing 100 is provided with an ice dispensing port 103 for taking out and putting in the ice storage container 400. When the ice storage container 400 is pulled out at least partially from the ice dispensing port 103, it is convenient to take out ice.

[0052] Water tank 500 is installed on housing 100, and water circulation is formed between water tank 500 and ice container 300. Water tank 500 is located below ice storage container 400, so that water (melting water or other water) in ice storage container 400 can flow into water tank 500.

[0053] The ice maker 10 can be installed as an independent ice-making module capable of generating and storing ice within the refrigeration equipment compartment.

[0054] For example, the ice maker 10 of this application is installed inside the refrigerator compartment of a refrigeration system. For instance, the ice maker 10 can be installed on the inner liner 20 of the refrigerator compartment. Alternatively, the ice maker 10 can be installed on the door.

[0055] Among them, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the housing 100 serves as the supporting structure and external enclosure frame of the ice maker 10. The interior of the housing 100 can form an installation space for accommodating the ice evaporator 200, ice container 300, ice storage container 400, water tank 500, electrical components, and water circuit components, so that the ice maker 10 can be assembled and maintained as a complete module.

[0056] The ice storage container 400 can be pulled out and installed on the housing 100 along the front and rear direction of the refrigeration equipment via a guide rail structure. The ice storage container 400 can define an ice storage cavity 401, which is used to receive ice blocks that fall off from the ice-making part of the ice-making evaporator 200.

[0057] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the bottom of the ice storage container 400 is lower than the ice-making evaporator 200 in the height direction, so that at least a portion of the ice-making part of the ice-making evaporator 200 can be immersed in the liquid in the ice storage container 400. The ice storage container 400 can be located directly below the ice-making evaporator 200, or it can be at least partially offset from the ice-making evaporator 200. The specific relative positional relationship should not affect the normal ice storage function, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0058] Water tank 500 is used to store water for ice making. Water tank 500 can also be used to collect water from melting ice. Water tank 500 can be pulled out and installed on the casing 100 along the front and rear direction of the refrigeration equipment via a guide rail structure for storing water for ice making.

[0059] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the water tank 500 is lower than the ice storage container 400 in the height direction. The water tank 500 can be located directly below the ice storage container 400, or it can be at least partially offset from the ice storage container 400. The specific relative position relationship is based on not affecting the normal discharge of ice melt water and the water circulation function. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0060] As an example, the ice maker 10 may also include structures such as electrical components and water circuit components. The water tank 500 can supply water to the ice container 300 through the water circuit components. The ice container 300 can be flipped under the drive of the electrical components, so that the water in the ice container 300 that has not frozen into ice blocks flows back to the water tank 500.

[0061] At least a portion of the ice-making section of the ice-making evaporator 200 extends into the ice-making container 300 and comes into direct contact with the liquid (such as water) inside the ice-making container 300, causing the water surrounding the ice-making section to freeze after being cooled, so as to form an ice block that is fitted outside the ice-making section. Since the ice-making section is located in the central area of ​​the ice block structure, the produced ice block is a hollow structure with a central groove.

[0062] The specific shape of the ice block may include, but is not limited to, hollow cylinder, hollow cube, hollow prism, hollow sphere, or hollow hemisphere, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0063] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the ice evaporator 200 may include a distribution member 210 and a plurality of ice-making columns 220. The ice-making columns 220 may be welded to the distribution member 210. The ice-making part of the ice evaporator 200 includes the ice-making columns 220. The ice-making columns 220 and the ice storage cavity 401 of the ice storage container 400 are arranged vertically opposite each other. The ice storage container 300, which is flipped, can selectively separate the ice storage cavity 401 and the plurality of ice-making columns 220. The ice storage container 300 can be flipped to not separate the ice storage cavity 401 and the plurality of ice-making columns 220, so that when the ice on the ice-making columns 220 falls off, it can fall into the ice storage cavity 401.

[0064] Both the distributor 210 and the ice-making column 220 have interconnected channels for the medium to pass through. The distributor 210 is connected to the ice-making and refrigeration system 800, so that the medium of the ice-making and refrigeration system 800 can flow through the channels of the distributor 210 and the ice-making column 220.

[0065] like Figures 2-5 As shown, in the ice-making state, at least a portion of the multiple ice-making columns 220 extend into the ice-making container 300 to generate ice; in the de-icing state, the ice-making container 300 is flipped to be offset from the multiple ice-making columns 220, that is, flipped to the side of the multiple ice-making columns 220, so that there is no longer an ice-making container 300 between the ice storage cavity 401 and the multiple ice-making columns 220, so that the ice generated on the ice-making columns 220 falls into the ice storage cavity 401.

[0066] The distribution component 210 is used to distribute the refrigerant of the future homemade ice refrigeration system 800 to multiple ice-making columns 220. The distribution component 210 can be, but is not limited to, a distribution plate or a distribution pipe, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0067] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the ice-making column 220 can be designed as a cylinder, and multiple ice-making columns 220 can form multiple ice blocks, so that the ice blocks formed on the multiple ice-making columns 220 are hollow cylinders. Here, "multiple ice-making columns 220" means two or more.

[0068] The ice-making function can be achieved in the following ways: Figures 2-5 As shown, when the ice maker 10 is in the ice-making state, the opening of the ice container 300 faces upward, and a portion of each ice column 220 of the ice evaporator 200 can be immersed below the liquid surface in the ice container 300. The refrigerant flowing through the ice evaporator 200 evaporates and absorbs heat, causing the surface temperature of the ice evaporator 200 to drop sharply, which in turn causes the water around the ice column 220 to freeze quickly and eventually condense and adhere to each ice column 220 to form ice blocks. In some embodiments, during ice making, the water tank 500 continuously supplies water to the ice-making container 300 through the water circuit assembly. When the water level rises above the maximum capacity of the ice-making container 300, the remaining water overflows from the ice-making container 300 and falls back into the water tank 500 under gravity. In other words, throughout the ice-making process, the water tank 500 continuously supplies water to the ice-making container 300, without stopping even when the ice-making container 300 reaches its maximum water level. This ensures that the water in the ice-making container 300 remains in circulation, which reduces the formation of air bubbles in the ice. Of course, the water circuit assembly can also stop supplying water to the ice-making container 300 during ice making.

[0069] The de-icing function is achieved as follows: electrical components drive the ice-making container 300 to rotate. During rotation, the controller of the refrigeration equipment controls the rotational speed of the tilting shaft of the ice-making container 300 to maintain smooth rotation as much as possible. By driving the ice-making container 300 to tilt, the unfrozen water inside the ice-making container 300 is returned to the water tank 500. When the ice maker 10 is in the de-icing state, the opening of the ice-making container 300 faces to the side, and the ice-making container 300 does not obstruct the space below the ice-making column 220. The ice layer adhering between the ice cube and the corresponding ice-making column 220 melts into a water film when heated, greatly reducing the adhesion. Thus, the ice cube originally attached to the ice-making column 220 can be peeled off by its own gravity and fall into the ice storage chamber 401 of the ice storage container 400 below. The user can open the chamber at any time to take out the ice cube in the ice storage chamber 401.

[0070] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the ice-making refrigeration system 800 includes a compressor 810, a condenser 820, a first throttling section 830, and a flow branch 850. The inlet of the ice-making evaporator 200 is connected to the ice-making refrigeration system 800 through the first throttling section 830 or the flow branch 850, and the outlet of the ice-making evaporator 200 is connected in series to the refrigeration evaporator 840.

[0071] In actual implementation, such as Figures 9-11As shown, in ice-making mode, the flow branch 850 is disconnected, and the first throttling section 830 is open. The inlet of the ice-making evaporator 200 is connected to the ice-making refrigeration system 800 through the first throttling section 830. In de-icing mode, the flow branch 850 is open, and the first throttling section 830 is disconnected. The inlet of the ice-making evaporator 200 is connected to the ice-making refrigeration system 800 through the flow branch 850. The flow branch 850 acts as a bypass pipe, and its flow resistance is much lower than that of the first throttling section 830. When hot refrigerant enters the flow branch 850, because it bypasses the first throttling section 830, no throttling and cooling effect occurs. Instead, it enters the ice-making evaporator 200 directly at a higher temperature. The hot refrigerant de-icing is achieved by flowing through the ice-making evaporator 200.

[0072] It should be noted that during installation, the ice evaporator 200 requires multiple connection operations within the limited space of the housing to connect to the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the overflow branch 850 of the ice refrigeration system 800. This makes assembly extremely difficult and seriously affects production efficiency.

[0073] Based on this, such as Figures 1-5 As shown and Figures 9-13 As shown, the pipe between the outlet of the ice evaporator 200 and the inlet of the compressor 810 includes a return pipe 890. After the ice evaporator 200, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 are fixedly installed in the housing through the insulation layer, the ice evaporator 200 is installed in the casing 100.

[0074] In actual operation, when relevant personnel assemble the refrigeration equipment, before the insulation layer of the cabinet is foamed, the ice evaporator 200, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 are first integrated into one unit to form an integrated pipeline structure. Then, this integrated pipeline structure is passed through the inner liner 20 of the cabinet, so that the ice evaporator 200 is located in the compartment, and most of the structure of the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 is located between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell of the cabinet. After that, foamed insulation material is injected between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell. After the insulation material cures, an insulation layer is formed between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell. This insulation layer can not only realize the insulation function of the cabinet, but also firmly fix the integrated pipeline structure to the cabinet, realizing the relative fixation of the integrated pipeline structure and the cabinet. Finally, the ice evaporator 200 is assembled with the housing 100 of the ice maker. In this way, the ice evaporator 200, the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 are pre-assembled into one unit, eliminating the need to complete cumbersome pipe connection work in a confined space, greatly reducing the difficulty of pipe connection operation, and thus significantly improving production efficiency.

[0075] The assembly method of the ice-making evaporator 200 with the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 may include, but is not limited to, welding, compression fitting or flange connection, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0076] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the aforementioned overflow branch 850, achieves several advantages. Firstly, by bypassing the first throttling section 830, the overflow branch 850 allows a large amount of unthrottled hot refrigerant to flow into the ice-making evaporator 200, resulting in highly efficient ice production and significantly shortening the ice production time and improving ice production efficiency. Simultaneously, it significantly improves the situation where ice partially melts due to prolonged localized heating, thereby comprehensively improving ice quality. Furthermore, it reduces the aging effects and safety hazards caused by localized extremely high temperatures resulting from the use of heating elements, extending the service life of the ice maker. Secondly, combined with the aforementioned assembly process design that pre-integrates the ice-making evaporator 200 with the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the overflow branch 850, then fixes it to the housing through an insulation layer, and finally assembles it with the casing 100, the cumbersome pipe-connecting operations are eliminated in a confined space, greatly reducing the difficulty of pipe-connecting operations, thereby shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figures 9-11 As shown, the ice-making and refrigeration system 800 also includes a second throttling section 860 and a freezer evaporator 870.

[0078] The inlet of the freezer evaporator 870 is connected to the outlet of the refrigerator evaporator 840 and the outlet of the second throttling section 860. The second throttling section 860 is connected in parallel to the series path formed by the first throttling section 830, the ice evaporator 200 and the refrigerator evaporator 840. After the ice evaporator 200, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860 and the flow branch 850 are fixed in the cabinet through the heat insulation layer, the ice evaporator 200 is installed in the casing 100.

[0079] In actual operation, when relevant personnel assemble the refrigeration equipment, before the insulation layer of the cabinet is foamed, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 are fixedly installed on the inlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200, the return gas pipe 890 is fixedly installed on the outlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200, and the second throttling section 860 is fixedly installed on the return gas pipe 890. This integrates the ice evaporator 200 with the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860, and the flow branch 850 into a single integrated piping structure. This integrated piping structure is then passed through the inner liner 20 of the cabinet. The ice evaporator 200 is located in the chamber, while most of the structure of the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860, and the flow branch 850 is located between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell. Then, thermal insulation foam material is injected between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell. After the thermal insulation material cures, a thermal insulation layer is formed between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell. This thermal insulation layer not only realizes the thermal insulation function of the chamber, but also firmly fixes the integrated pipeline structure to the chamber, realizing the relative fixation of the integrated pipeline structure and the chamber. Finally, the ice evaporator 200 is assembled with the ice maker's casing 100.

[0080] In this way, the second throttling section 860 is also incorporated into the pre-integrated piping structure, eliminating the need to separately connect the second throttling section 860 to other piping in a confined space, further reducing the difficulty of connecting the pipes and thus further improving production efficiency.

[0081] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment incorporates the second throttling section 860 into the integrated piping structure of the ice evaporator 200, return pipe 890, first throttling section 830, and flow branch 850, thereby achieving pre-assembly of more pipes. It eliminates the need to separately connect the second throttling section 860 to other pipes in a confined space, thus further reducing the difficulty of pipe connection operations, lowering the complexity of overall assembly, further shortening the production cycle, and further improving production efficiency.

[0082] In some embodiments, such as Figures 9-13 As shown, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860, and the flow branch 850 are all at least partially embedded in the insulation layer.

[0083] In other words, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860, and the flow branch 850 are all partially or entirely embedded in the insulation layer.

[0084] Understandably, on the one hand, the portion of the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, the second throttling section 860, and the overflow branch 850 with the pre-embedded insulation layer is firmly fixed by the insulation layer, further improving the fixed reliability of the integrated pipeline structure and the housing, and significantly reducing the risk of the integrated pipeline structure loosening during the installation of the ice evaporator 200 on the housing 100 of the ice maker 10; on the other hand, the wrapping effect of the insulation layer on the pre-embedded pipeline can effectively reduce the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the pipeline and the outside, reduce the energy loss of the refrigerant during the transportation process, thereby improving the energy efficiency ratio of the ice-making refrigeration system 800.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-5 and Figures 9-11 As shown, after the ice container 300 is installed in the housing 100, the ice evaporator 200 is installed in the housing 100.

[0086] like Figures 1-5 As shown, on the housing 100 of the ice maker 10, the mounting point of the ice evaporator 200 is located above the mounting point of the ice container 300. Due to this mounting position relationship, if the ice evaporator 200 is installed first, it will block the mounting position of the ice container 300, making it difficult to align the ice container 300 with the mounting interface and to tighten the bolts smoothly, thus increasing the assembly difficulty.

[0087] Based on this, such as Figures 1-5 and Figures 9-11 As shown, this application sets up an ice container 300 to be installed and fixed in a preset mounting position on the housing 100 before the ice evaporator 200 is installed on the housing 100. This avoids obstruction of the ice evaporator 200, and allows relevant operators to easily complete the assembly of the ice container 300, thereby significantly reducing the overall assembly difficulty of the ice maker and improving assembly efficiency.

[0088] In addition, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the ice storage container 400 and water tank 500 in the ice maker are usually designed to be retractable, and their assembly order can be flexibly adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, the ice storage container 400 and water tank 500 can be installed together with the ice making container 300 in advance, and then the ice evaporator 200 can be installed. For example, in other embodiments, the ice storage container 400 and water tank 500 can be pushed into the corresponding installation position of the housing 100 after the ice making container 300 and the ice evaporator 200 are installed.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the inlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200 is welded to the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850, and the outlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200 is welded to the return gas pipe 890.

[0090] The reliability of the connection between the ice-making evaporator 200 and the first throttling section 830, the overflow branch 850, and the return pipe 890 directly affects the sealing performance and operational stability of the refrigeration system. Compared to compression fittings and threaded connections, welding connections allow the piping to form an integrated structure with the inlet and outlet pipes of the ice-making evaporator 200, resulting in higher connection strength, improved overall rigidity of the integrated piping structure, and superior sealing performance. Furthermore, operators can perform welding operations in an open space, facilitating precise pipe connection and control of welding quality.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door body. The door body is installed on the open side of the cabinet body in an openable and closable manner, thereby sealing the cabinet body to form a compartment. The cabinet body may include an outer shell and an inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is disposed inside the outer shell. An insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is provided with a first perforation 21 and a second perforation 22. A first throttling part 830 passes through the inner liner 20 through the first perforation 21, and a first sealing element is provided between the first throttling part 830 and the first perforation 21. A flow branch 850 passes through the inner liner 20 through the second perforation 22, and a second sealing element is provided between the flow branch 850 and the second perforation 22.

[0092] Since the main body of the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 is located in the foaming cavity between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 need to pass through the wall of the inner liner 20 to enter the compartment and be fixedly connected to the inlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200 in the compartment.

[0093] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, a first perforation 21 and a second perforation 22 are provided on the inner liner 20 to provide passages for the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850, respectively. A first sealing element is provided between the first throttling section 830 and the first perforation 21, and a second sealing element is provided between the flow branch 850 and the second perforation 22.

[0094] The first sealing element may be, but is not limited to, a sealing plug, a sealing gasket, or a sealing adhesive layer, and the second sealing element may be, but is not limited to, a sealing plug, a sealing gasket, or a sealing adhesive layer. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0095] The gap between the first throttling section 830 and the first perforation 21 is filled by the elastic deformation of the first seal, and the gap between the flow branch 850 and the second perforation 22 is filled by the elastic deformation of the second seal, thus achieving a seal. In this case, the first and second seals can prevent the foam material from overflowing and external moisture from entering, effectively protecting the insulation layer and the embedded pipes, thereby extending the service life of the refrigeration equipment.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door body. The door body is installed on the open side of the cabinet body in an openable and closable manner, thereby sealing the cabinet body to form a compartment. The cabinet body may include an outer shell and an inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is located inside the outer shell. An insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is provided with a third perforation 23. The return air pipe 890 passes through the inner liner 20 through the third perforation 23, and a third sealing element is provided between the return air pipe 890 and the third perforation 23.

[0097] Since the main body of the return air pipe 890 is located in the foaming cavity between the inner liner 20 and the outer shell, the return air pipe 890 needs to pass through the wall of the inner liner 20 to enter the compartment and be fixedly connected to the outlet pipe of the ice evaporator 200 in the compartment.

[0098] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, a third perforation 23 is made on the inner liner 20 to provide a passage for the return air pipe 890 to pass through, and a third sealing element is provided between the return air pipe 890 and the third perforation 23.

[0099] The third sealing element may be, but is not limited to, a sealing plug, a sealing gasket, or a sealing adhesive layer, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0100] The gap between the return gas pipe 890 and the third perforation 23 is filled by the elastic deformation of the third seal to achieve a seal. In this case, the third seal can further prevent the foam material from overflowing and the ingress of external moisture, effectively protecting the insulation layer and the pipes embedded therein, thereby further extending the service life of the refrigeration equipment.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the ice-making and refrigeration system 800 also includes: a first control valve 801.

[0102] The four valve ports of the first control valve 801 are respectively connected to the outlet of the condenser 820, the inlet of the overflow branch 850, the inlet of the first throttling section 830, and the inlet of the second throttling section 860.

[0103] In other words, the first control valve 801 controls the on / off connection between the condenser 820 and the flow branch 850, the first throttling section 830, and the second throttling section 860. Thus, the switching between ice-making, compartment cooling, de-icing, and defrosting modes can be achieved by the operation of a single first control valve 801.

[0104] It should be noted that, as Figure 9As shown, a filter device 880 is provided between the inlet of the first control valve 801 and the outlet of the condenser 820. The filter device 880 can filter the refrigerant upstream of the first control valve 801, intercepting contaminants in the refrigerant, thereby significantly reducing the risk of blockage of the first control valve 801.

[0105] In this case, such as Figure 9 As shown, in ice-making mode, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - condenser 820 - filter device 880 - first control valve 801 - first throttling section 830 - ice-making evaporator 200 - refrigeration evaporator 840 - freezing evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0106] In the de-icing state, such as Figure 9 As shown, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - condenser 820 - filter device 880 - first control valve 801 - flow branch 850 - ice evaporator 200 - refrigerator evaporator 840 - freezer evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0107] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the aforementioned second throttling section 860, refrigerated evaporator 870, and first control valve 801, enables a single valve to control the switching of compartment refrigeration, ice making, ice removal, and defrosting functions. This greatly simplifies the piping system, reduces the number of welding points and connectors in the piping, and makes the system layout more compact and neat. It not only improves the internal space utilization of the refrigeration equipment but also reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage due to excessive welding points. This achieves a high degree of system integration and structural simplification. At the same time, during production and assembly, relevant operators only need to assemble one valve body and its related interfaces, rather than multiple scattered valves and pipes, thereby significantly simplifying the assembly process and shortening the assembly time.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the ice-making and refrigeration system 800 also includes a second control valve 802 and a third control valve 803.

[0109] The second control valve 802 is used to control the opening and closing of the overflow branch 850; the three valve ports of the third control valve 803 are respectively connected to the outlet of the condenser 820 of the ice-making and refrigeration system 800, the inlet of the first throttling section 830 and the inlet of the second throttling section 860.

[0110] In other words, the third control valve 803 controls the on / off connection between the condenser 820 and the first throttling section 830 and the second throttling section 860. Thus, the operation of the second control valve 802 can switch between de-icing modes, while the operation of the third control valve 803 can switch between ice-making and compartment cooling modes.

[0111] As an example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the second control valve 802 can be installed on the overflow branch 850.

[0112] As an example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second control valve 802 can also be installed at the inlet of the overflow branch 850.

[0113] It should be noted that, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a filter device 880 is provided between the inlet of the third control valve 803 and the outlet of the condenser 820. The filter device 880 can filter the refrigerant upstream of the third control valve 803, intercepting contaminants in the refrigerant, thereby significantly reducing the risk of blockage of the third control valve 803.

[0114] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the configuration of the second control valve 802, the second throttling section 860, the refrigeration evaporator 870, and the third control valve 803, achieves the switching of the de-icing function controlled by the second control valve 802, and the switching of the compartment refrigeration and ice-making functions controlled by the third control valve 803. This reduces the complexity of system debugging and maintenance, thereby achieving functional modularity and control specificity. Furthermore, if one of the second control valve 802 and the third control valve 803 fails, it will not affect the operation of the corresponding function of the other, thus achieving fault isolation and improving the fault tolerance and reliability of the entire refrigeration equipment.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the inlet of the overcurrent branch 850 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 810.

[0116] In other words, such as Figure 10 As shown, the overflow branch 850 is connected in parallel with the series path consisting of the condenser 820, the filter device 880 and the first throttling section 830.

[0117] In this case, such as Figure 10 As shown, in ice-making mode, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - condenser 820 - filter device 880 - third control valve 803 - first throttling section 830 - ice-making evaporator 200 - refrigerator evaporator 840 - freezer evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0118] In the de-icing state, such as Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - flow branch 850 (second control valve 802) - ice evaporator 200 - refrigeration evaporator 840 - freezing evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0119] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment has a structural design in which the ice-making evaporator 200 can be selectively connected to the outlet of the compressor 810 through the second control valve 802 and the overflow branch 850. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant leaving the compressor 810 to be directly sent into the ice-making evaporator 200 through the overflow branch 850, thereby maximizing the de-icing temperature, improving the de-icing efficiency as much as possible, and shortening the de-icing cycle.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the inlet of the overflow branch 850 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 820.

[0121] In other words, such as Figure 11 As shown, the series path consisting of the overflow branch 850, the filter device 880, and the first throttling section 830 is connected in parallel.

[0122] In this case, such as Figure 11 As shown, in ice-making mode, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - condenser 820 - filter device 880 - third control valve 803 - first throttling section 830 - ice-making evaporator 200 - refrigerator evaporator 840 - freezer evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0123] In the de-icing state, such as Figure 11 As shown, the refrigerant flow path is: compressor 810 - condenser 820 - second control valve 802 - flow branch 850 - ice evaporator 200 - refrigerator evaporator 840 - freezer evaporator 870 - compressor 810.

[0124] Understandably, because the flow direction of the compressor 810 outlet frequently and abruptly switches from the condenser 820 to the overflow branch 850, a large amount of refrigerant accumulates in the condenser 820 and its upstream pipeline. Due to the lack of driving force, this refrigerant remains on the condenser 820 side, resulting in insufficient refrigerant flow actually participating in the de-icing cycle in a short period of time, and slow pressure build-up, thus affecting the start-up speed and initial effect of de-icing.

[0125] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the structural design of the ice-making evaporator 200 selectively connected to the outlet of the condenser 820 via the second control valve 802 and the overflow branch 850, allows the condenser 820 to incorporate de-icing and defrosting cycles. This enables the refrigerant accumulated in the condenser 820 to be pushed out, ensuring sufficient heat transfer during de-icing and defrosting. This shortens the time required for the compressor 810 to establish a pressure difference, accelerates the start-up speed of de-icing and defrosting, and thus comprehensively optimizes the de-icing and defrosting effects.

[0126] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is inclined downward from at least one end near the ice outlet 103 to the other end away from the ice outlet 103, and a drain outlet 402 is provided in the area of ​​the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 away from the ice outlet 103.

[0127] In other words, with the ice outlet 103 facing the front of the refrigeration equipment, the bottom wall of the ice storage chamber 401 is at least partially inclined downward from the front end to the rear end.

[0128] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is inclined downwards from one end near the ice outlet 103 to the other end away from the ice outlet 103, that is, a portion of the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is inclined downwards from the front end to the rear end. The end near the ice outlet 103 can be the front side of the refrigeration equipment, that is, the side facing the door.

[0129] In other embodiments, the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is inclined downward from one end near the ice outlet 103 to the other end away from the ice outlet 103, that is, the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is inclined downward from the front end to the rear end.

[0130] The tilt angle can be adaptively designed according to the actual drainage situation and ice storage capacity requirements, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0131] In actual operation, during the ice removal process, the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 can effectively guide the melting water of the ice to flow quickly to the drain 402 located at the rear by using its own tilting trend, thereby reducing the long-term retention of the melting water of the ice in the ice storage cavity 401, so as to avoid further aggravating the melting phenomenon of the ice and reducing the occurrence of ice sticking.

[0132] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, by setting the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 to be inclined downward from at least part of one end near the ice outlet 103 to the other end away from the ice outlet 103, combined with the design of the drain outlet 402, can use gravity to guide the melted ice water to flow quickly to the drain outlet 402, shortening the residence time of the melted ice water in the ice storage cavity 401, reducing the situation where the ice melts faster due to long-term immersion in the melted water, and reducing the adhesion of ice blocks, thereby optimizing the quality of the ice blocks.

[0133] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the bottom wall of the ice storage chamber 401 includes a first section 451 and a second section 452. The first section 451 is located on the side of the second section 452 that is close to the ice outlet 103. The second section 452 is inclined downward from one end close to the ice outlet 103 to the other end away from the ice outlet 103. The drain outlet 402 is located in the area of ​​the second section 452 away from the ice outlet 103.

[0134] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom wall of the ice storage chamber 401 can be formed by a first section 451 and a second section 452 that are bent and connected. With the ice outlet 103 facing the front of the refrigeration equipment, the first section 451 is located in front of the second section 452. The first section 451 is set horizontally, and the second section 452 is set downward from front to back. The drain outlet 402 is set in the rear area of ​​the second section 452. The lengths of the first section 451 and the second section 452 can be adaptively designed according to the actual drainage situation and ice storage capacity requirements.

[0135] Understandably, with Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, if the existing tilt angle of the second segment 452 remains unchanged, the first segment 451 continues to tilt and extend along the tilt trend of the second segment 452 at the same tilt angle, so that the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 is tilted as a whole. In this case, compared with the ice storage capacity above the horizontally set first segment 451 in this application, the ice storage capacity above the first segment 451 is significantly reduced.

[0136] Based on this, the first section 451 on the front side is set to be horizontal, while the second section 452 on the rear side is set to be inclined. This preserves sufficient ice storage space at the front and ensures a sufficient tilt angle to facilitate rapid drainage of melting ice water. Compared to the overall inclined structure, this maximizes the preservation of effective ice storage space at the front of the ice storage container 400 without affecting the drainage effect at the rear, thus achieving structural optimization.

[0137] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, by setting the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 to be composed of a horizontal first section 451 and an inclined second section 452, not only ensures that the bottom wall of the ice storage cavity 401 has a sufficient slope to effectively guide the melting water of the ice to the drain outlet 402, but also avoids excessive encroachment on the front area of ​​the ice storage cavity 401 due to the overall inclination, thereby optimizing the drainage function while taking into account the ice storage capacity of the ice storage container 400.

[0138] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5-7As shown, the ice storage container 400 also forms a water passage cavity 404, and the ice making container 300 has an overflow port 303 on the side adjacent to the opening. The bottom of the water passage cavity 404 has a drain port 405. The overflow port 303 is configured to always be vertically opposite to the water passage cavity 404 during the flipping process of the ice making container 300.

[0139] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 5-7 As shown, the internal space of the ice storage container 400 can be divided into a relatively independent ice storage chamber 401 and a water passage chamber 404. Multiple ice-making columns 220 are vertically opposite to the ice storage chamber 401 of the ice storage container 400, and the multiple ice-making columns 220 and the water passage chamber 404 of the ice storage container 400 are staggered. The ice storage chamber 401 is used to receive ice blocks that fall off from the ice evaporator 200, while the water passage chamber 404 is used to receive water flowing out of the overflow port 303 of the ice storage container 300, and discharge this water into the water tank 500 through the bottom drain port 405.

[0140] The water passage cavity 404 can be distributed on at least one side of the ice storage cavity 401 along the front-back direction and left-right direction of the refrigeration equipment, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0141] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the ice container 300 has overflow ports 303 on both sides adjacent to the opening.

[0142] As an example, the ice container 300 has an overflow port 303 on one of its sides adjacent to the opening.

[0143] One or more overflow ports 303 may be provided on one side of the ice container 300. "Multiple" means two or more. The shape of the overflow port 303 may be, but is not limited to, rectangular, waist-shaped, semi-circular or irregular shape. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0144] In actual operation, during the ice-making process, the water tank 500 continuously supplies water to the ice-making container 300 through the water circuit assembly. When the water level rises to exceed the maximum capacity of the ice-making container 300, the excess water will overflow from the overflow port 303 of the ice-making container 300. The overflow port 303 is directly opposite the water passage cavity 404 of the ice storage container 400 below. The overflowing water falls into the water passage cavity 404 and then flows back to the water tank 500 through the drain port 405 at the bottom of the water passage cavity 404.

[0145] During the process of the ice container 300 being overturned and drained, the unfrozen water inside the ice container 300 will be discharged from the overflow port 303 under the action of gravity. Since the overflow port 303 is always aligned with the water passage cavity 404 below during the entire overturning process, the water discharged from the overflow port 303 during the overturning process also falls into the water passage cavity 404 and flows back to the water tank 500 through the drain port 405 at the bottom of the water passage cavity 404.

[0146] In related technologies, when ice makers drain water to remove ice, the water discharged from the ice-making container usually falls directly into the ice storage container below and mixes with the ice, failing to achieve effective ice-water separation. This results in poor ice quality and makes it difficult for users to remove ice. Furthermore, the drainage process easily generates significant splashing, which may splash onto the inner wall of the machine casing or other components, potentially leading to bacterial growth, odors, or electrical hazards over time.

[0147] Understandably, this application divides the ice storage container 400 into an ice storage chamber 401 and a water passage chamber 404. Throughout the entire ice-making and de-icing cycle, the water in the ice-making container 300 always flows into the water passage chamber 404, while the ice blocks fall into the ice storage chamber 401, achieving ice-water separation. Simultaneously, the water discharged from the ice-making container 300 first falls into the water passage chamber 404, which has a certain depth, and after buffering, flows out from the bottom drain outlet 405. Compared to falling directly into the water tank, this design makes the water flow into the water tank 500 more stable, significantly reducing the splash height.

[0148] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the aforementioned separated ice storage chamber 401 and water passage chamber 404, allows the produced ice blocks to fall into the ice storage chamber 401 for storage, while the water overflowing during the ice-making process and the water discharged during the de-icing process are guided to the water passage chamber 404, realizing ice-water separation, thereby improving the quality of ice formation and the convenience of ice removal, and thus optimizing the user's user experience. At the same time, the water passage chamber 404 acts as a buffer for the water flow, allowing the water to flow out smoothly from the drain port 405 at the bottom of the water passage chamber 404 and fall into the water tank 500, greatly reducing the water flow speed and splash height, thereby effectively alleviating problems such as bacterial growth, odor, and moisture in other components caused by splashing water, and thus greatly improving the long-term hygiene and reliability of the ice maker 10.

[0149] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ice storage container 400 includes a partition 410 disposed between the ice storage cavity 401 and the water passage cavity 404, with the water passage cavity 404 located on the side of the ice storage cavity 401 away from the ice outlet 103.

[0150] The separator 410 can be integrally formed with the ice storage container 400 or designed separately; this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0151] In actual implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, users can pull out or push in the ice storage container 400 through the ice outlet 103 to retrieve ice and clean the container. With the ice outlet 103 facing the front of the refrigeration equipment, the water passage cavity 404 is located behind the ice storage cavity 401. When the user pulls out the ice storage container 400 to retrieve ice, only the ice storage cavity 401 needs to be exposed, while the water passage cavity 404 is basically hidden inside the casing 100. The user will not see any small amount of ice or water that may remain in the water passage cavity 404. At the same time, when ice gets stuck when the ice storage container 400 is pulled out, the stuck ice can roll over the separator 410 into the rear water passage cavity 404 instead of falling directly into the water tank 500 below. The user will not see any residual ice when pulling out the water tank 500, further optimizing the user experience.

[0152] In related technologies, when ice is stuck, if the user pulls hard on the ice storage container, some ice will fall into the water tank. This may cause the user to see floating ice in the water tank, leading the user to mistakenly believe that the water tank is frozen. Or, the ice may fall inaccurately when it is being removed, which seriously affects the user experience and the user's judgment of the equipment quality.

[0153] The refrigeration device provided in this application embodiment, by setting the water passage cavity 404 on the side of the ice storage cavity 401 away from the ice outlet 103, when the user pulls out the ice storage container 400 through the ice outlet 103 to take out ice, only the ice storage cavity 401 can be seen, while the water passage cavity 404 is hidden inside the casing 100, so that the residual ice or water in the water passage cavity 404 is hidden from the user's sight. At the same time, the stuck ice will roll into the hidden water passage cavity 404 instead of falling directly into the water tank 500, avoiding the situation where the user pulls out the water tank 500 and sees the residual ice inside. Thus, it takes into account both functional practicality and cleanliness, thereby maximizing the user's visual perception and experience.

[0154] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the top height of the divider 410 is lower than the top height of the side wall on the ice storage container 400 that connects to the divider 410.

[0155] The height difference between the top of the separator 410 and the top of the side wall of the ice storage container 400 connected to the separator 410 is sufficient to allow the ice block to be completely released from the clamping state. Specifically, it can be adapted to the height of the ice block, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0156] For example, in some embodiments, the height difference between the top of the divider 410 and the top of the side wall of the ice storage container 400 that connects to the divider 410 can be half the height of the ice block.

[0157] For example, in other embodiments, the height difference between the top of the divider 410 and the top of the side wall of the ice storage container 400 that connects to the divider 410 can also be 2 / 3 of the ice block height.

[0158] In actual operation, when the ice in the ice storage container 400 accumulates too high, a narrow gap forms between the upper edge of the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401 and the top wall of the ice extraction port 103 as the user pulls the ice storage container 400 outward. Some ice blocks slide to the top of the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401, causing them to get stuck in this narrow gap and be squeezed from both sides. That is, the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401 pushes forward, and the top wall of the ice extraction port 103 presses backward, preventing the ice storage container 400 from moving outward further. When the top height of the separator 410 is lower than the top height of the side wall of the ice storage container 400 connected to the separator 410, the reduced height of the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401 allows the stuck ice blocks to fall vertically. Once ice jamming occurs, the user can slightly shake the ice storage container 400, causing the stuck ice blocks to undergo slight displacement due to the vibration, thus allowing them to smoothly pass over the separator 410 and roll into the water passage cavity 404. Once the stuck ice block enters the water-falling cavity, there is no longer any hard interference between the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401 and the top wall of the ice extraction port 103, and the ice storage container 400 can be easily extracted.

[0159] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the structural design that the top height of the partition 410 is lower than the top height of the side wall of the ice storage container 400 connected to the partition 410, provides an escape channel for ice blocks stuck when pulled out. There is no need to pull or tilt the ice storage container 400 forcefully; a slight shake can solve the ice jamming problem, making operation less strenuous and significantly improving the user experience. At the same time, it reduces structural deformation or wear caused by forced pulling, thereby extending the service life of the casing 100 and the ice storage container 400.

[0160] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the separator 410 includes a first plate 411 and a second plate 412 connected together. The first plate 411 forms one side wall of the ice storage cavity 401, and the second plate 412 forms one side wall of the water passage cavity 404. A heat insulation space 407 is formed between the first plate 411 and the second plate 412.

[0161] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the first plate 411 and the second plate 412 are bent and connected to form an inverted V-shaped partition 410. The first plate 411 can form the rear wall of the ice storage cavity 401 and is used to contain the ice blocks inside the ice storage cavity 401. The second plate 412 can form the front wall of the water passage cavity 404. The first plate 411 and the second plate 412 can form an insulated space 407 with air as the heat insulation medium. This insulated space 407 can effectively reduce the heat transfer between the ice storage cavity 401 and the water passage cavity 404. On the one hand, it can slow down the melting rate of the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 401, extend the ice storage time, and ensure the quality of the ice blocks. On the other hand, it can reduce the risk of the water in the water passage cavity 404 freezing due to absorbing the cold energy of the ice storage cavity 401, so as to prevent the water from freezing and blocking the drain outlet 405 and ensuring the normal operation of the water circulation.

[0162] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the arrangement of the first plate 411 and the second plate 412, combined with the design of the heat insulation space 407, significantly increases the thermal resistance between the ice storage cavity 401 and the water passage cavity 404, greatly weakens the heat transfer between the ice storage cavity 401 and the water passage cavity 404 through the separator 410, helps to maintain a stable low temperature environment in the ice storage cavity 401, thereby effectively slowing down the melting rate of ice, maintaining a longer ice storage time and better ice quality, and effectively preventing the ice storage cavity 401 from overcooling the water passage cavity 404, thereby significantly reducing the risk of water freezing in the water passage cavity 404 or at the drain outlet 405, and maintaining the stability of the water circulation.

[0163] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the ice maker 10 also includes a water guide trough 180.

[0164] The water guide channel 180 is installed on the housing 100. The water guide channel 180 is located above the ice storage container 400 and to the side of the ice making container 300 in the direction of flipping. The water guide channel 180 has a water outlet 1801 in the area away from the ice taking port 103. A water blocking plate 170 is provided on the lower edge of the water outlet 1801.

[0165] The water channel 180 is used to guide water splashed out of the ice-making container 300 to the outlet 1801, so that it returns to the water tank 500 below through the outlet 1801. As an example, Figures 2-4 As shown, the water outlet 1801 is distributed on the water guide trough 180 in the area away from the ice extraction port 103. With the ice extraction port 103 facing the front of the refrigeration equipment, in other words, the water outlet 1801 of the water guide trough 180 is located in the rear area of ​​the water guide trough 180. In this way, the water guide trough 180 can concentrate and guide the received water flow to the rear water outlet 1801 for centralized discharge.

[0166] The outlet 1801 of the water guide trough 180 can be directly opposite the water passage 404 of the ice storage container 400 below. The overflowing water falls into the water passage 404 and then flows back to the water tank 500 through the drain 405 at the bottom of the water passage 404.

[0167] At the lower edge of the outlet 1801, the water guide trough 180 can be integrally formed or fixedly connected with a downward protruding water blocking plate 170. The water blocking plate 170 is used to provide a forced downward flow path for the water leaving the outlet 1801, so as to prevent the water from flowing to the outer bottom wall of the water guide trough 180.

[0168] The water guide channel 180 can be designed in various structural forms, including but not limited to U-shaped channels, V-shaped channels or irregular channels, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it.

[0169] The height of the water-blocking plate 170 can be adjusted according to the actual water flow size and flow speed, so that the water-blocking plate 170 can take into account both the water blocking effect and the miniaturization requirement. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0170] With the aforementioned water guide channel 180 and water baffle 170, the water flowing from the outlet 1801 flows along the water baffle 170 to the lower end, and under the action of gravity and surface tension, it detaches from the plate wall and drips directly into the water tank 500 below. This effectively blocks the path of water flowing along the outer bottom wall of the water guide channel 180 to the side wall of the casing 100 and then flowing forward. This significantly reduces the possibility of water from the water guide channel 180 overflowing into the room, thereby reducing odors and bacterial growth, and lowering the risk of component failure due to moisture. This optimizes the user experience and improves the reliability of the refrigeration equipment.

[0171] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the water guide channel 180 includes: a first water guide plate 181 and a water-blocking flange 182. One side of the first water guide plate 181 is connected to the housing 100; the water-blocking flange 182 is connected to the other side of the first water guide plate 181 and is bent upwards; wherein, a first notch 1821 is formed between the water-blocking flange 182 and the housing 100, the first notch 1821 is the water outlet 1801 of the water guide channel 180, and a water-blocking plate 170 is connected to the first water guide plate 181 and is bent downwards relative to the first water guide plate 181.

[0172] The first water guide plate 181 serves as the main load-bearing component of the water guide channel 180, used to receive and collect water flow. The first water guide plate 181 can be designed as a flat plate, an arc plate, or an inclined plate structure, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0173] The water-blocking flange 182 is connected to the edge of the first water guide plate 181 facing the movement path of the ice container 300. The water-blocking flange 182 can extend vertically or obliquely upward from the edge of the first water guide plate 181 to form a barrier, reducing the water flow from the side or splashing, so that the water flow is effectively constrained within the water guide channel 180.

[0174] The specific dimensions of the water-blocking flange 182 can be adjusted according to the flipping range and water volume of the ice-making container 300, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0175] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the water-blocking plate 170 is inclined towards the ice-making container 300 from top to bottom.

[0176] In other words, the water-blocking plate 170 is tilted from top to bottom toward the center area of ​​the housing 100.

[0177] In actual implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when water flows downward along the baffle plate 170, the inclined plate wall not only relies on gravity but also applies a guiding component towards the center of the casing 100 by changing the extension direction of the plate wall. This causes the water to concentrate in an area away from the side wall of the casing 100 and drip at the lower end of the baffle plate 170. Thus, for the water to cross the baffle plate 170, it must overcome gravity and move upward along the inclined plate surface, significantly increasing the path length and difficulty for the water to flow outward around the edge of the baffle plate 170.

[0178] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, through the structural design of the water-blocking plate 170 being inclined from top to bottom toward the ice-making container 300, causes the water flow to drip more concentratedly into the middle area inside the casing 100, greatly increasing the difficulty for the water flow to cross the water-blocking plate 170 and flow along the outer bottom wall of the water guide channel 180, further reducing the probability of water leakage into the compartment, further reducing the risk of water accumulation in the compartment, keeping the compartment clean and dry, and achieving a more reliable leak-proof effect.

[0179] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, the bottom of the water passage cavity 404 is decorated with concave and convex features.

[0180] The bottom of the water passage cavity 404 can have a regular concave-convex shape, such as a wave shape or a sawtooth shape, or the bottom of the water passage cavity 404 can have an irregular concave-convex shape. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0181] In this embodiment, such as Figures 6-8As shown, the bottom of the water passage cavity 404 can be in the form of a corrugated plate. The bottom wall of the water passage cavity 404 includes multiple protrusions 430 distributed along the width direction of the ice storage container 400 and protruding upwards. The multiple protrusions 430 can be integrally formed with the bottom wall. Multiple means two or more. A drainage space 406 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 430, providing a clear guiding channel for water flow, reducing the disorderly diffusion and long-term stagnation of water on the flat bottom wall, and guiding the rapid discharge of water. At the same time, in the event of ice jamming when the ice storage container 400 is pulled out or other abnormal situations, a few ice blocks may accidentally enter the water passage cavity 404. If the bottom is flat, the ice blocks may stay and directly block the drain outlet 405. However, the uneven bottom wall structure reduces the contact area between the bottom wall of the water passage cavity 404 and the ice blocks.

[0182] In this situation, the drainage space 406 can guide the water flow to more thoroughly flush, surround, and contact the ice blocks, significantly accelerating the melting speed of the ice blocks and allowing them to melt into water and flow away as quickly as possible. Furthermore, even if some unmelted ice blocks temporarily remain near the drain outlet 405, the uneven bottom of the water passage cavity 404 makes it difficult for the ice blocks to form a perfectly flush surface with the drain outlet 405, thus effectively avoiding the risk of the drain outlet 405 becoming blocked.

[0183] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment, by setting the bottom of the water passage 404 to be uneven, guides the water flow to quickly converge and discharge, accelerates the drainage speed, and thus improves the water circulation efficiency. At the same time, in the event of a small number of ice blocks accidentally entering the water passage 404 due to situations such as ice blockage caused by pulling out the ice storage container 400, the uneven bottom wall can not only accelerate the melting of the ice blocks, but also prevent the ice blocks from sticking to the bottom wall and blocking the drain outlet 405, thereby ensuring the stability of the water circulation.

[0184] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, at least a portion of the recessed area at the bottom of the water passage cavity 404 is provided with a drain outlet 405.

[0185] It is understandable that, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, the recessed area at the bottom of the water passage cavity 404 is the bottom of the drainage space 406 formed between two adjacent protrusions 430, and this position is the lowest point of the bottom wall of the water passage cavity 404. If the drain outlet 405 is located on the protrusion 430 or in a flat area that is not the lowest point, the recessed area may form a local puddle, causing the water to not be completely drained. When the drain outlet 405 is distributed in the recessed area, the drain outlet 405, in conjunction with the guiding effect of the inclined wall of the protrusion 430, can allow the water in the water passage cavity 404 to be discharged quickly and evenly, reducing water residue.

[0186] In some embodiments, each recessed area is provided with a drain outlet 405; in other words, each drainage space 406 has a drain outlet 405 at its bottom.

[0187] In some embodiments, depending on factors such as the size of the water passage cavity 404 and the strength requirements of the ice storage container 400, a drain outlet 405 may be selectively provided in a portion of the recessed area, that is, a drain outlet 405 may be provided at the bottom of a portion of the drainage space 406.

[0188] The refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment has a structural design in which at least part of the recessed area at the bottom of the water passage 404 is provided with a drain outlet 405, so that the water flow can naturally converge along the recessed area, reducing the dead corners of water accumulation in the water passage 404, further accelerating the drainage rate, and further improving the circulation efficiency.

[0189] This application also discloses an assembly method for a refrigeration device as described in any of the above schemes.

[0190] The cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door body. The door body is installed on the open side of the cabinet body to form a compartment. The cabinet body includes an outer shell and an inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is disposed inside the outer shell, and an insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner 20. The assembly method includes the following steps: The ice-making evaporator 200, the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 are assembled into an integrated pipeline structure. An integrated piping structure is passed through the inner liner 20, and the outer shell is installed outside the inner liner 20, so that the ice evaporator 200 is arranged in the compartment, and the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830 and the flow branch 850 are at least partially arranged in the foaming cavity between the outer shell and the inner liner 20. Foamed insulation material is injected into the foaming cavity. After the foamed insulation material cures, it forms an insulation layer. The integrated pipeline structure is fixed to the box through the insulation layer. The ice evaporator 200 is assembled inside the housing 100 of the ice maker 10.

[0191] In actual execution, the ice evaporator 200, the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 are first assembled into an integrated pipeline structure by welding. Then, the integrated pipeline structure is passed through the inner liner 20 from front to back, and the outer shell and the inner liner 20 are assembled to form a foaming cavity between the outer shell and the inner liner 20. At this time, the ice evaporator 200 is distributed in the chamber, while the return gas pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 pass through the inner liner 20 from back and are distributed in the foaming cavity. After that, foamed insulation material is filled into the foaming cavity. After the foamed insulation material is completely cured, an insulation layer is formed. The cured insulation layer fixes the integrated pipeline structure to the housing. Finally, the ice evaporator 200 is assembled with the housing 100 of the ice maker 10.

[0192] The assembly method of the refrigeration equipment provided in this application embodiment integrates the ice evaporator 200, the return pipe 890, the first throttling section 830, and the flow branch 850 into one unit, then fixes it to the housing through the insulation layer, and finally assembles it with the casing 100. This assembly process design eliminates the need to complete cumbersome pipe connection operations in a confined space, thereby greatly reducing the difficulty of pipe connection operations, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0193] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0194] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0195] In the description of this application, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0196] In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0197] In the description of this application, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features being in contact through another feature between them.

[0198] In the description of this application, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0199] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0200] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, include: The package includes a housing, an ice-making and refrigeration system, and an ice maker. The housing forms a compartment and includes an insulation layer. The ice-making and refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerated evaporator, a first throttling section, and a flow branch. The ice maker is installed in the compartment and includes: chassis; An ice-making evaporator has its inlet connected to the ice-making refrigeration system through the first throttling section or the flow branch, and its outlet connected in series with the refrigeration evaporator. An ice-making container is installed in the housing, and the ice-making portion of the ice-making evaporator is adapted to extend into the ice-making container; An ice storage container is installed in the housing and located below the ice-making evaporator; A water tank is installed in the housing, located below the ice storage container, and forms a water circulation path with the ice-making container; wherein, the pipe between the outlet of the ice-making evaporator and the inlet of the compressor includes a return gas pipe, and after the ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section and the flow branch are fixedly installed in the housing through the insulation layer, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the housing.

2. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making and refrigeration system also includes: The second throttling section and the refrigeration evaporator are connected. The inlet of the refrigeration evaporator is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration evaporator and the outlet of the second throttling section. The second throttling section is connected in parallel to the series path formed by the first throttling section, the ice-making evaporator and the refrigeration evaporator. After the ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section, the second throttling section and the flow branch are fixedly installed in the housing through the insulation layer, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the casing.

3. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The return pipe, the first throttling section, the second throttling section, and the flow branch are all at least partially embedded in the insulation layer.

4. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the ice-making container is installed in the housing, the ice-making evaporator is installed in the housing.

5. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator is welded to the first throttling section and the flow branch, and the outlet pipe of the ice-making evaporator is welded to the return gas pipe.

6. The refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The enclosure includes a cabinet and a door. The door is closable and installed on the open side of the cabinet to form the compartment. The cabinet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner is disposed inside the outer shell. The insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The inner liner has a first perforation and a second perforation. A first throttling section passes through the inner liner through the first perforation, and a first sealing element is provided between the first throttling section and the first perforation. A flow-through branch passes through the inner liner through the second perforation, and a second sealing element is provided between the flow-through branch and the second perforation.

7. The refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The enclosure includes a cabinet and a door. The door is closable and installed on the open side of the cabinet to form the compartment. The cabinet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner is disposed inside the outer shell. The insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The inner liner has a third perforation. The return air pipe passes through the inner liner through the third perforation, and a third sealing element is provided between the return air pipe and the third perforation.

8. The refrigeration equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes: A water guide channel is installed on the housing, located above the ice storage container and to the side of the ice making container in the direction of rotation. The housing is provided with an ice-removing port for taking out and putting in the ice storage container, and the water guide channel is provided with a water outlet in the area away from the ice-removing port. A water-blocking plate is provided with a downward protrusion at the lower edge of the water outlet.

9. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water-blocking plate is inclined from top to bottom toward the ice-making container.

10. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water guide channel includes: The first water guide plate is connected to the housing on one side; A water-blocking flange is connected to the other side of the first water guide plate and is bent upwards; wherein, a first notch is formed between the water-blocking flange and the housing, the first notch is the outlet of the water guide groove, and the water-blocking plate is connected to the first water guide plate and is bent downwards relative to the first water guide plate.

11. A method for assembling a refrigeration device as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The enclosure includes a cabinet and a door. The door is closable and installable on the open side of the cabinet to form the compartment. The cabinet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner is disposed inside the outer shell, and the insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The assembly method includes: The ice-making evaporator, the return gas pipe, the first throttling section, and the flow branch are assembled into an integrated pipeline structure. The integrated piping structure passes through the inner liner, and the outer shell is installed outside the inner liner, so that the ice evaporator is arranged in the compartment, and the return gas pipe, the first throttling section and the flow branch are at least partially arranged in the foaming cavity between the outer shell and the inner liner; Foamed insulation material is injected into the foaming cavity, and after the foamed insulation material solidifies, the insulation layer is formed. The integrated pipeline structure is fixedly installed in the box through the insulation layer. The ice-making evaporator is assembled inside the housing of the ice maker.

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