A cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice making device and a refrigeration equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and provides a micro-stirring ice-making device using a cold storage liquid. The device includes a cold storage tank with a cold storage chamber containing a cold storage liquid; an ice-making box with multiple ice trays; the ice-making box is placed in the cold storage chamber, with the ice trays immersed in the cold storage liquid; a stirrer is disposed in the cold storage chamber, generating a circulating flow of the cold storage liquid within the chamber; and a drive mechanism is connected to the stirrer and configured to drive the stirrer to rotate continuously. This invention, through the micro-stirring ice-making device using a cold storage liquid as a medium, achieves convective heat transfer between the ice trays and the cold storage tank, resulting in rapid cooling; simultaneous cooling of each ice tray, and good consistency in ice quality. The heat from the water in the ice trays is conducted through the contact between the ice trays and the cold storage liquid, forming a heat conduction direction from the center of the ice tray to the lower periphery. This allows air bubbles in the water to rise and dissipate, thus producing ice with high transparency. This invention also provides a refrigeration device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and particularly relates to a cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The current method of making ice usually involves manually adding water to an ice-making container, placing the entire container in a freezer, freezing it, and then removing the container to collect the ice.

[0003] Water solidifies by radiating heat outwards through contact with the ice cube tray. Therefore, the heat transfer during solidification occurs from the center of the water outwards and from the top to the bottom. This disordered solidification process results in air bubbles and even impurities within the ice, making it opaque and negatively impacting the user experience.

[0004] In conclusion, the existing technology obviously has inconveniences and defects in practical use, so it is necessary to improve it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention provides a micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid, which solves the technical problem of poor transparency in ice blocks produced by existing methods.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid, comprising: A cold storage box has a cold storage chamber, which is filled with cold storage liquid; An ice maker has multiple ice trays; the ice maker is placed in a cold storage chamber, and the ice trays are submerged in a cold storage liquid; A stirrer is disposed in the cold storage chamber; the stirrer is configured to generate a circulating flow of cold storage liquid within the cold storage chamber; A drive mechanism, which is connected to the stirrer, is configured to drive the stirrer to rotate continuously.

[0007] According to the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention, the depth to which the ice tray is immersed in the cold storage liquid is not less than 2 / 3 of the height of the ice tray.

[0008] According to the present invention, a plurality of heat exchange fins are fixed on the inner wall of the cold storage chamber.

[0009] According to the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention, the stirrer includes a stirring shaft horizontally arranged in the cold storage chamber, and a plurality of stirring blades are uniformly arranged around the stirring shaft; the stirring shaft is drivenly connected to the driving mechanism.

[0010] According to the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention, the stirring blade is in the shape of a slat and is fixed on the outer wall of the stirring shaft along the axial direction of the stirring shaft.

[0011] According to the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention, the cold storage tank has a transmission chamber disposed adjacent to the cold storage chamber, and the drive mechanism is installed in the transmission chamber; The drive mechanism includes a power storage shaft rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber; the power storage shaft is sleeved with a drive gear; the transmission chamber is also provided with a power storage spring; one end of the power storage spring is fixed to the inner wall of the transmission chamber, and the other end is fixed to the power storage shaft; the drive gear meshes with the transmission gear, and the transmission gear is connected to the stirring shaft.

[0012] According to the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention, the drive mechanism is also connected to the speed control mechanism. The speed control mechanism includes a resonant wheel, an escape fork, and an escape wheel that are rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber. The transmission chamber is also provided with a resonant mainspring. One end of the resonant mainspring is fixed to the inner wall of the transmission chamber, and the other end is fixed to the resonant wheel. The escape fork includes an escape shaft rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the transmission chamber; the escape shaft is fixedly connected to the upper fork foot, the lower fork foot, and the rocker arm; an eccentric shaft is provided on the resonant wheel; and a groove is provided on the rocker arm that slides in cooperation with the eccentric shaft. The resonant spring is configured to drive the resonant wheel to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations, thereby causing the escape fork to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations around the escape axis. The escape wheel is evenly surrounded by multiple ratchet teeth; the upper and lower forks can swing harmonicly with the escape fork and periodically alternately abut against the ratchet teeth of the escape wheel. The escape wheel is coaxially connected to the speed control gear, and the transmission gear is coaxially connected to the reduction gear; the reduction gear meshes with the speed control gear.

[0013] According to the present invention, the cold storage tank and the ice-making box are both made of metal; the cold storage liquid is a salt solution.

[0014] A refrigeration device has a storage chamber, wherein the storage chamber is equipped with the aforementioned cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device; the storage chamber is a freezing chamber or a variable temperature chamber.

[0015] According to the refrigeration device of the present invention, the refrigeration device is a refrigerator or freezer.

[0016] In summary, the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention uses cold storage liquid as a medium to achieve convective heat exchange between the ice grid and the cold storage tank, resulting in rapid cooling; all ice grids cool synchronously, leading to good consistency in ice quality. The heat of the water within the ice grid is conducted through the contact between the ice grid and the cold storage liquid, forming a heat conduction direction from the center of the ice grid to the lower periphery. This allows air bubbles in the water to rise and dissipate, thus producing ice with high transparency. The present invention also provides a refrigeration device incorporating the aforementioned cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making box of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirrer of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the B-axis; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism of the present invention from one view. In the diagram: 1-Ice maker, 11-Ice tray, 12-Water trough; 2-Cold storage box, 21-Pack, 22-Cold storage chamber, 23-Transmission chamber, 24-Fixing slot; 3-Stirring shaft, 31-Stirring blade; 4-Heat exchange fins, 5-Drive gear, 51-Transmission gear, 52-Power storage spring, 53-Power storage shaft, 54-Reduction gear; 6-Resonant wheel, 61-Resonant spring, 62-Escape fork, 621-Escape shaft, 622-Upper fork foot, 623-Lower fork foot, 624-Operating lever, 625-Slide; 63-Escape wheel, 631-Ratchet; 64-Speed ​​control gear, 65-Eccentric shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0018] See Figure 1 This invention provides a micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid, including... The cold storage box 2 has a cold storage chamber 22, which is filled with cold storage liquid; An ice-making box 1 has multiple ice trays 11; the ice-making box 1 is placed in a cold storage chamber 22, and the ice trays 11 can be immersed in a cold storage liquid; See Figure 2 A stirrer is installed in the cold storage chamber 22; combined with Figure 4The stirrer is configured to agitate the cold storage liquid and circulate it within the cold storage chamber 22. A drive mechanism, which is connected to the stirrer, is configured to drive the stirrer to rotate continuously.

[0019] The cold storage box 2 and the ice maker 1 of the present invention are both made of metal, preferably aluminum alloy or stainless steel, which have good thermal conductivity.

[0020] In this invention, an ice-making container 1 filled with water is placed in a cold storage chamber 22, with the ice tray 11 submerged in the cold storage liquid. The ice-making device is then placed in a low-temperature space. The low-temperature space described in this invention has a temperature below -5°C and can be the freezer compartment of a refrigerator or freezer, or the storage compartment of a cold storage facility. It can also be placed indoors or outdoors where the ambient temperature is below -5°C.

[0021] Heat in the water is conducted away through contact between the ice tray 11 and the cold storage liquid. As the cold storage liquid circulates and contacts the side wall of the cold storage tank 2, heat is exchanged and ultimately transferred to the low-temperature space.

[0022] This invention utilizes a cold storage liquid as a medium to achieve convective heat exchange between the ice tray 11 and the cold storage tank 2, resulting in rapid cooling. Simultaneous cooling of each ice tray 11 ensures consistent ice quality. Heat from the water within the ice tray 11 is conducted through the contact between the ice tray 11 and the cold storage liquid, forming a heat conduction direction from the center of the ice tray 11 downwards and outwards. This allows air bubbles in the water to rise and dissipate, thus producing ice with high transparency.

[0023] Furthermore, the ice tray 11 is immersed in the cold storage liquid to a depth of not less than 2 / 3 of its height; a heat conduction direction radiating from the center to the lower periphery is formed within the ice tray 11. At the same time, the water in the upper part of the ice tray 11 freezes slowly, forming a top-to-bottom sequential solidification, allowing sufficient time for air bubbles and impurities to rise and ensuring the transparency of the ice.

[0024] As one embodiment, the cold storage liquid of the present invention is a salt solution, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc., with a low melting point. After the ice cubes solidify, the cold storage liquid remains liquid, which facilitates the handling of the ice box 1.

[0025] As one embodiment, multiple heat exchange fins 4 are fixed on the inner wall of the cold storage chamber 22; this increases the contact area with the cold storage liquid and improves the heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, when the cold storage liquid flows through the heat exchange fins 4, it is disturbed by them and generates local eddies, which agitates the cold storage liquid near the inner wall of the cold storage chamber 22, preventing the formation of a sediment layer near the inner wall that hinders the heat exchange efficiency.

[0026] See Figure 3 Furthermore, a water channel 12 is provided between two adjacent ice trays 11 of the ice box 1. When water is added, the water level of each ice tray 11 is made consistent through the connection of the water channel 12, and ice blocks with consistent volume are obtained after solidification.

[0027] Even better, a support block 21 for holding the ice box 1 is fixed on the inner wall of the cold storage chamber 22 of the cold storage box 2.

[0028] Combination Figure 5 In one embodiment, the stirrer includes a stirring shaft 3 horizontally disposed in the cold storage chamber 22, and a plurality of stirring blades 31 are uniformly arranged around the stirring shaft 3; the stirring shaft 3 is drively connected to the drive mechanism.

[0029] Furthermore, the stirring blade 31 is in the shape of a slat and is fixed on the outer wall of the stirring shaft 3 along the axial direction of the stirring shaft 3. It has a large stirring area in the horizontal direction and a small overall stirring amplitude, forming a micro-flow circulating cold storage liquid flow in the cold storage chamber 22.

[0030] As one embodiment, the cold storage tank 2 of the present invention is rectangular in shape; the stirrer is arranged along the width direction of the cold storage tank 2. A long-stroke cold storage liquid flow is generated in the cold storage chamber 22.

[0031] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism is a drive motor that drives the stirring shaft 3 to rotate at a constant speed.

[0032] See Figure 6 As one embodiment, the cold storage box 2 has a transmission chamber 23 located adjacent to the cold storage chamber 22, and the drive mechanism is installed in the transmission chamber 23; Combination Figure 7 As one embodiment, the drive mechanism of the present invention includes a power storage shaft 53 rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber 23; the power storage shaft 53 is sleeved on a drive gear 5; the transmission chamber 23 is also provided with a power storage spring 52; one end of the power storage spring 52 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the transmission chamber 23, and the other end is fixedly connected to the power storage shaft 53; Rotating the energy storage shaft 53 tightens the energy storage spring 52, accumulating elastic energy. Then, the energy storage spring 52 releases the elastic energy, causing the drive gear 5 to rotate.

[0033] The drive gear 5 meshes with the transmission gear 51, and the transmission gear 51 is connected to the stirring shaft 3; the diameter of the drive gear 5 is larger than that of the transmission gear 51, and the stirring shaft 3 rotates at a faster speed to generate a cold liquid flow.

[0034] The driving mechanism of this invention stores elastic energy mechanically to drive the stirring shaft 3 to rotate. It does not require connection to an external circuit. The overall structure of the ice-making device is simple and easy to move, making it suitable for various low-temperature scenarios.

[0035] The speed at which the spring 52 releases its elastic energy is not uniform; initially, the drive gear 5 rotates at a higher speed, while the speed decreases towards the end. To ensure that the drive gear 5 rotates at a uniform speed, and consequently, the stirring shaft 3 rotates at a uniform speed, [further measures are needed]. Figure 7 As one embodiment, the drive mechanism is also connected to a speed control mechanism; The speed control mechanism includes a resonant wheel 6, an escape fork 62, and an escape wheel 63 rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber 23. The transmission chamber 23 is also provided with a resonant mainspring 61. One end of the resonant mainspring 61 is fixed on the inner wall of the transmission chamber 23, and the other end is fixed on the resonant wheel 6. Furthermore, a fixing groove 24 is provided on the inner wall of the transmission chamber 23, and one end of the resonant spring 61 is engaged in the fixing groove 24.

[0036] The escape fork 62 includes an escape shaft 621 rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the transmission chamber 23; the escape shaft 621 is fixedly connected to the upper fork leg 622, the lower fork leg 623 and the rocker arm 624; the resonant wheel 6 is provided with an eccentric shaft 65; the rocker arm 624 is provided with a groove 625 that slides with the eccentric shaft 65. The resonant spring 61 is configured to store elastic energy and drive the resonant wheel 6 to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations, thereby causing the escape fork 62 to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations around the escape axis 621. The escape wheel 63 is evenly surrounded by multiple ratchet teeth 631; the upper fork 622 and the lower fork 623 can periodically and alternately abut against the ratchet teeth 631 of the escape wheel 63 as the escape fork 62 swings in a simple harmonic motion. The escape wheel 63 is coaxially connected to the speed control gear 64, and the transmission gear 51 is coaxially connected to the reduction gear 54; the reduction gear 54 meshes with the speed control gear 64.

[0037] When the upper fork 622 or the lower fork 623 abuts the ratchet 631, the escape wheel 63 stops rotating; through the transmission relationship, the stirring shaft 3 pauses rotating at this moment. During the gap between the switching states of the upper fork 622 and the lower fork 623, the escape wheel 63 can rotate, thereby causing the stirring shaft 3 to rotate.

[0038] The resonant rotor 6 oscillates periodically, causing the upper fork 622 and the lower fork 623 to switch periodically for a fixed duration, thereby causing the energy storage spring 52 to release elastic energy at a uniform speed, causing the stirring shaft 3 to rotate at a uniform speed, and generating a stable and continuous flow of cold storage liquid in the cold storage chamber 22.

[0039] Optionally, the diameter of the reduction gear 54 is larger than that of the speed control gear 64. By setting the transmission ratio between the two, the stirring shaft 3 can have an appropriate rotational speed.

[0040] The micro-stirring ice-making device using a cold storage liquid of the present invention achieves convective heat exchange between the ice tray 11 and the cold storage tank 2 through the cold storage liquid as a medium, resulting in rapid cooling. All ice trays 11 cool synchronously, ensuring good consistency in ice quality. The heat of the water inside the ice tray 11 is conducted through the contact between the ice tray 11 and the cold storage liquid, forming a heat conduction direction from the center of the ice tray 11 to the lower periphery. This allows air bubbles in the water to rise and dissipate, thereby producing ice with high transparency.

[0041] The present invention also provides a refrigeration device having a storage chamber, wherein the storage chamber is provided with the aforementioned cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device; the storage chamber is a freezing chamber or a variable temperature chamber; Preferably, the cold storage liquid micro-stirring ice-making device is installed in the storage room near the air outlet, directly contacting the cold airflow, resulting in rapid ice solidification.

[0042] Optionally, the refrigeration equipment is a refrigerator or freezer.

[0043] In summary, this invention provides a cryogenic liquid micro-stirring ice-making device. Using the cryogenic liquid as a medium, convective heat exchange is achieved between the ice trays and the cryogenic storage tank, resulting in rapid cooling. Simultaneous cooling of each ice tray leads to consistent ice quality. The heat from the water within the ice trays is conducted through the contact between the ice trays and the cryogenic liquid, forming a heat conduction direction from the center of the ice tray to the lower periphery. This allows air bubbles in the water to rise and dissipate, thus producing ice with high transparency. This invention also provides a refrigeration device incorporating the aforementioned cryogenic liquid micro-stirring ice-making device.

[0044] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid, characterized in that, include A cold storage box has a cold storage chamber, which is filled with cold storage liquid; An ice maker has multiple ice trays; the ice maker is placed in a cold storage chamber, and the ice trays are submerged in a cold storage liquid; A stirrer is disposed in the cold storage chamber; the stirrer is configured to generate a circulating flow of cold storage liquid within the cold storage chamber; A drive mechanism, which is connected to the stirrer, is configured to drive the stirrer to rotate continuously.

2. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The depth to which the ice tray is immersed in the cold storage liquid is not less than 2 / 3 of the height of the ice tray.

3. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple heat exchange fins are fixed on the inner wall of the cold storage chamber.

4. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stirrer includes a stirring shaft horizontally arranged in the cold storage chamber, and a plurality of stirring blades are evenly arranged around the stirring shaft; the stirring shaft is driven by the drive mechanism.

5. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The stirring blades are in the shape of slats and are fixed to the outer wall of the stirring shaft along the axial direction of the stirring shaft.

6. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cold storage box has a transmission chamber located adjacent to the cold storage chamber, and the drive mechanism is installed in the transmission chamber; The drive mechanism includes a power storage shaft rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber; the power storage shaft is sleeved with a drive gear; the transmission chamber is also provided with a power storage spring; one end of the power storage spring is fixed to the inner wall of the transmission chamber, and the other end is fixed to the power storage shaft; the drive gear meshes with the transmission gear, and the transmission gear is connected to the stirring shaft.

7. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is also connected to the speed control mechanism. The speed control mechanism includes a resonant wheel, an escape fork, and an escape wheel that are rotatably disposed in the transmission chamber. The transmission chamber is also provided with a resonant mainspring. One end of the resonant mainspring is fixed to the inner wall of the transmission chamber, and the other end is fixed to the resonant wheel. The escape fork includes an escape shaft rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the transmission chamber; the escape shaft is fixedly connected to the upper fork foot, the lower fork foot, and the rocker arm; an eccentric shaft is provided on the resonant wheel; and a groove is provided on the rocker arm that slides in cooperation with the eccentric shaft. The resonant spring is configured to drive the resonant wheel to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations, thereby causing the escape fork to perform periodic simple harmonic oscillations around the escape axis. The escape wheel is evenly surrounded by multiple ratchet teeth; the upper and lower forks can swing harmonicly with the escape fork and periodically alternately abut against the ratchet teeth of the escape wheel. The escape wheel is coaxially connected to the speed control gear, and the transmission gear is coaxially connected to the reduction gear; the reduction gear meshes with the speed control gear.

8. The micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the cold storage box and the ice maker are made of metal; the cold storage liquid is a salt solution.

9. A refrigeration device having a storage compartment, characterized in that, The storage room is equipped with a micro-stirring ice-making device for cold storage liquid as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; the storage room is a freezing room or a variable temperature room.

10. The refrigeration equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment is a refrigerator or freezer.

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