A drop-in ice maker

Abstract

The application discloses a falling type ice maker, and the ice maker body is provided with a detachably connected outer water tank; the ice maker body is provided with a connecting box and a water pump; at least one one-way valve assembly is arranged between the outer water tank and the water pump and between the outer water tank and the connecting box; a spiral ice discharging rod is arranged in the upper water tank assembly; a central shaft is arranged on the spiral ice storage rod; the central shaft has an upwardly inclined central axis A in the upper water tank assembly; the lowest point of the central shaft has a horizontal extension line B in the upper water tank assembly, the structure of the application is reasonable, the one-way valve assembly arranged between the outer water tank and the ice maker body plays a waterproof role; the water pump is arranged, so that the user can pump the water in the outer water tank through the water pump; the central axis A and the extension line B are arranged at an included angle alpha of 35 to 45 degrees, so that the spiral ice discharging rod is arranged in an inclined manner, the ice block conveying effect is better, and the ice conveying process is more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice makers, and more particularly to a drop-type ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator with a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. Modern ice makers typically use a water pump to draw water from a tank. However, some water tanks are detachable from the ice maker, and this detachment can cause fluids inside the ice maker or water in the tank to leak out, affecting user experience. Some existing ice dispensing modules feature a spiral ice-dispensing rod, usually placed parallel to the surface. However, this design may result in poor ice delivery during the dispensing process, impacting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drop-type ice maker in light of the current state of the technology.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A drop-type ice maker includes an ice maker body with a detachably connected outer water tank. A connecting box and a water pump are arranged inside the ice maker body. At least one-way valve assembly is arranged between the outer water tank and the water pump, and between the outer water tank and the connecting box. A water pump and an upper water box assembly are arranged inside the ice maker body. A spiral ice-discharging rod is inclinedly arranged inside the upper water box assembly. A central shaft is arranged on the spiral ice-discharging rod. The central shaft has an upwardly inclined central axis A within the upper water box assembly. The lowest point of the central shaft has a horizontal extension line B within the upper water box assembly. An angle α of 35 to 45 degrees is formed between the central axis A and the extension line B.

[0005] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: A detachable external water tank is installed on the ice maker body, allowing users to add water or clean it after disassembly; a one-way valve assembly between the external water tank and the ice maker body provides waterproofing; a water pump allows users to pump water from the external water tank; a spiral ice-dispensing rod within the upper water box assembly facilitates ice delivery; and by setting the angle α between the central axis A and its extension B (between 35 and 45 degrees), the spiral ice-dispensing rod is angled, causing the ice to be conveyed upwards, resulting in better ice delivery and a more stable ice feeding process.

[0006] Preferably, a three-way connector is arranged inside the ice maker body; the three-way connector includes a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a third water inlet; a first water pipe is arranged between the first water inlet and the connecting box; a second water pipe connected to the upper water box assembly is arranged on the second water inlet; and a third water pipe is arranged on the third water inlet.

[0007] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: by setting a three-way connector, and arranging a first water inlet on the three-way connector, and arranging a first water pipe connected to the connecting box on the first water inlet, fluid can enter the connecting box and the outer water tank through the first water pipe; by setting a second water inlet and a second water pipe, fluid can enter the three-way connector through the second water pipe; by setting a third water pipe and a third water inlet, fluid can be discharged from the third water pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the water supply box assembly includes a water supply tank and an ice storage box; an inlet pipe is arranged between the water supply tank and the water pump; and the second water pipe is arranged between the ice storage box and the T-joint.

[0009] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: by setting up an upper water tank, water is stored; by setting up an ice storage box, ice is stored; the inlet pipe is placed between the upper water tank and the water pump, so that water is pumped by the water pump and enters the upper water tank through the inlet pipe; the second water pipe is arranged between the ice storage box and the T-connector, so that the ice in the ice storage box melts into water and flows out through the second water pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the one-way valve assembly includes an elastic element, a one-way valve core, and a sealing ring; the one-way valve core is provided with a plug and an abutment portion; the elastic element is sleeved between the abutment portion and the plug; the sealing ring is sleeved on the plug and provided with a limiting groove; the sealing ring is placed in the limiting groove.

[0011] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: by setting the plug, the fluid is blocked; by setting the abutment, the one-way valve assembly can be opened after the abutment is pushed; by setting the sealing ring, the sealing effect is improved; by setting the limiting groove, the sealing ring is limited and placed; and by setting the elastic element, the one-way valve assembly is elastically reset.

[0012] Preferably, the ice maker body is provided with a first fixed seat and a second fixed seat; the outer water tank is provided with a first guide port; both the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are provided with a second guide port; the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are fastened to the ice maker body; the first fixed seat is located on the outside of the ice maker body, and the second fixed seat is fixed inside the ice maker body; the one-way valve assembly is located in the first guide port and / or the second guide port.

[0013] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: by providing a first fixed base and a second fixed base, and by providing a second guide port, they facilitate connection with the external water tank; by providing a first guide port and a second guide port, fluid can flow from the external water tank through the first guide port to the second guide port; by arranging the one-way valve assembly within the first and second guide ports, they achieve a sealing effect between the ice maker body and the fluid in the external water tank.

[0014] Preferably, a driving component is arranged outside the ice storage box; a driving shaft is arranged on the driving component; the driving shaft extends into the ice storage box and is connected to the spiral ice dispensing rod; the spiral ice dispensing rod rotates coaxially with the driving component through the driving shaft.

[0015] The effect achieved by the above components is that by setting up a driving component and arranging a driving component connected to the spiral ice-dispensing rod on the driving component, the driving shaft can be rotated by connecting to the spiral ice-dispensing rod.

[0016] Preferably, the central shaft is connected to the drive shaft; the central shaft is provided with spiral blades arranged continuously on its outer spiral.

[0017] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: connecting the central shaft to the drive shaft allows the spiral ice-dispensing rod to rotate through the drive shaft; and by incorporating spiral blades, they facilitate the upward movement of the ice blocks.

[0018] Preferably, the ice maker body is provided with an ice outlet; the ice maker body is also provided with a detachable water collection tray; the water collection tray is located directly below the ice outlet.

[0019] The above components achieve the following effects: by setting up an ice outlet, ice blocks can fall from the ice outlet; by setting up a water collection tray, which is located below the ice outlet, when the ice blocks fall into the water collection tray, they can melt on the water collection tray, and the melted water can remain in the water collection tray. Users can also disassemble the water collection tray to pour out the water inside.

[0020] Preferably, a baffle is hinged to the ice outlet.

[0021] The effect achieved by the above-mentioned components is that by hingedly arranging a baffle at the ice outlet, external substances can be blocked from entering the ice maker body and thus preventing the ice from spoiling.

[0022] Preferably, a compressor is arranged inside the ice maker body; an ice-making unit is arranged inside the water inlet box assembly; and an electronic control unit is arranged on the ice maker body.

[0023] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: by incorporating a compressor, the water inside the ice maker body can be cooled; by incorporating an ice-making unit, the water inside the ice maker body is cooled and turned into ice; and by incorporating an electronic control unit, the user can operate and control the ice maker body through the electronic control unit.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: A detachable external water tank is arranged on the ice maker body, allowing users to add water or clean it after disassembly; a one-way valve assembly is arranged between the external water tank and the ice maker body, providing waterproofing; a water pump is installed, allowing users to pump water from the external water tank; a spiral ice-discharging rod is installed in the upper water box assembly, conveying ice cubes; and the spiral ice-discharging rod is inclined by setting the angle α between the central axis A and its extension B to between 35 and 45 degrees, ensuring the ice cubes are conveyed upwards, resulting in better ice delivery and a more stable ice feeding process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the line of the present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structural cross-section of section line AA; Figure 3 This is the line of the present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structural cross-section of section line BB; Figure 4 This is the line of the present invention Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structural cross-section of section line CC; Figure 5 This is the invention Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure at point D.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1. Ice maker body; 11. Water pump; 12. First water pipe; 13. Second water pipe; 14. Third water pipe; 15. Inlet pipe; 16. First fixed base; 17. Second fixed base; 18. Second guide port; 19. Ice outlet; 111. Compressor; 112. Ice making unit; 113. Electrical control unit; 2. External water tank; 21. First guide port; 3. One-way valve assembly; 31. One-way valve core; 32. Sealing ring; 33. Limiting groove; 34. Plug; 35. Contact part; 36. Elastic element; 4. T-connector; 41. First water inlet; 42. Second water inlet; 43. Third water inlet; 5. Connecting box; 6. Water inlet box assembly; 61. Refrigerator; 62. Water inlet tank; 7. Spiral ice outlet rod; 71. Central shaft; 72. Spiral blade; 8. Drive component; 81. Drive shaft; 9. Water collection tray. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following drawings disclose several embodiments of the present invention. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and components will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

[0028] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, in addition to indicating orientation or positional relationship, the aforementioned terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral constructions; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two devices, components, or parts. The connection methods described herein are prior art, without any modifications, and are common knowledge to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, in this invention, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is for descriptive purposes only and does not specifically refer to any order or sequence, nor is it intended to limit the invention. They are merely used to distinguish components or operations described using the same technical terms, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If a combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination should be considered nonexistent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the present invention provides a drop-type ice maker, including an ice maker body 1, on which a detachably connected outer water tank 2 is arranged; a connecting box 5 and a water pump 11 are arranged inside the ice maker body 1; at least one-way valve assembly 3 is arranged between the outer water tank 2 and the water pump 11, and between the outer water tank 2 and the connecting box 5; the water pump 11 and an upper water box assembly 6 are arranged inside the ice maker body 1; a spiral ice-discharging rod 7 is inclinedly arranged inside the upper water box assembly 6; a central shaft 71 is arranged on the spiral ice-discharging rod; the central shaft 71 has an upwardly inclined central axis A inside the upper water box assembly 6; the lowest point of the central shaft 71 has a horizontal extension line B inside the upper water box assembly 6; an angle α of 35 to 45 degrees is formed between the central axis A and the extension line B. A detachable external water tank 2 is installed on the main body 1 of the ice maker, allowing users to add water or clean the external water tank 2 after disassembly. A one-way valve assembly 3 is installed between the external water tank 2 and the main body 1 of the ice maker, providing waterproofing. A water pump 11 is installed, allowing users to pump water from the external water tank 2. A spiral ice-discharging rod 7 is installed in the upper water box assembly 6, which conveys ice cubes. By setting the angle α between the central axis A and the extension line B to between 35 and 45 degrees, the spiral ice-discharging rod 7 is inclined, causing the ice cubes to be conveyed upwards during the conveying process, resulting in better conveying effect and a more stable ice delivery process.

[0033] The ice maker body 1 is equipped with a three-way connector 4. The three-way connector 4 includes a first water inlet 41, a second water inlet 42, and a third water inlet 43. A first water pipe 12 is arranged between the first water inlet 41 and the connecting box 5. A second water pipe 13 connected to the upper water box assembly 6 is arranged on the second water inlet 42. A third water pipe 14 is arranged on the third water inlet 43. By setting the three-way connector 4, and arranging the first water inlet 41 on the three-way connector 4, and arranging the first water pipe 12 connected to the connecting box 5 on the first water inlet 41, fluid can enter the connecting box 5 and the outer water tank 2 through the first water pipe 12. By setting the second water inlet 42 and the second water pipe 13, fluid can enter the three-way connector 4 through the second water pipe 13. By setting the third water pipe 14 and the third water inlet 43, fluid can be discharged from the third water pipe 14.

[0034] The water supply box assembly 6 includes a water supply tank 62 and an ice storage box; an inlet pipe 15 is arranged between the water supply tank 62 and the water pump 11; a second water pipe 13 is arranged between the ice storage box and the T-connector 4. The water supply tank 62 serves to store water; the ice storage box serves to store ice; the inlet pipe 15 is positioned between the water supply tank 62 and the water pump 11 so that water pumped by the water pump 11 enters the water supply tank 62 through the inlet pipe 15; the second water pipe 13 is arranged between the ice storage box and the T-connector 4 so that water melted in the ice storage box can flow out through the second water pipe 13.

[0035] The one-way valve assembly 3 includes an elastic element 36, a one-way valve core 31, and a sealing ring 32. A plug 34 and an abutment portion 35 are arranged on the one-way valve core 31. The elastic element 36 is sleeved between the abutment portion 35 and the plug 34. The sealing ring 32 is sleeved on the plug 34 and has a limiting groove 33. The sealing ring 32 is placed within the limiting groove 33. The plug 34 effectively seals the fluid; the abutment portion 35 allows the one-way valve assembly 3 to open when pushed; the sealing ring 32 improves the sealing effect; the limiting groove 33 limits the placement of the sealing ring 32; and the elastic element 36 provides elastic reset for the one-way valve assembly 3.

[0036] The ice maker body 1 is provided with a first fixed seat 16 and a second fixed seat 17; the outer water tank 2 is provided with a first guide port 21; both the first fixed seat 16 and the second fixed seat 17 are provided with a second guide port 18; the first fixed seat 16 and the second fixed seat 17 are fastened to the ice maker body 1; the first fixed seat 16 is located on the outside of the ice maker body 1, and the second fixed seat 17 is fixed inside the ice maker body 1; the one-way valve assembly 3 is arranged in the first guide port 21 and / or the second guide port 18. By setting the first fixed seat 16 and the second fixed seat 17, and setting the second guide port 18, the connection with the outer water tank 2 is achieved; by setting the first guide port 21, and the first guide port 21 and the second guide port 18, the fluid from the outer water tank 2 can enter the second guide port 18 from the first guide port 21; by arranging the one-way valve assembly 3 in the first guide port 21 and the second guide port 18, the fluid in the ice maker body 1 and the outer water tank 2 is sealed.

[0037] A drive component 8 is arranged outside the ice storage box; a drive shaft 81 is arranged on the drive component 8; the drive shaft 81 extends into the ice storage box and connects to the spiral ice dispensing rod 7; the spiral ice dispensing rod 7 rotates coaxially with the drive component 8 via the drive shaft 81. By providing the drive component 8, and arranging the drive component 8 on the drive component 8 connected to the spiral ice dispensing rod 7, the drive shaft 81 can rotate by connecting to the spiral ice dispensing rod 7.

[0038] The central shaft 71 is connected to the drive shaft 81; the central shaft 71 is continuously spirally arranged with spiral blades 72. Connecting the central shaft 71 to the drive shaft 81 allows the spiral ice-discharging rod 7 to drive the central shaft 71 to rotate through the drive shaft 81; by setting the spiral blades 72, it plays the role of driving the ice block to rise.

[0039] The ice maker body 1 is provided with an ice outlet 19; the ice maker body 1 is also provided with a detachable water collection tray 9; the water collection tray 9 is located directly below the ice outlet 19. By providing the ice outlet 19, ice cubes can fall from the ice outlet 19; by providing the water collection tray 9, and by providing the water collection tray 9, and the water collection tray 9 is located below the ice outlet 19, when the ice cubes fall into the water collection tray 9, they can melt on the water collection tray 9, and the melted water can be left in the water collection tray 9. The user can also remove the water collection tray 9 to pour out the water inside.

[0040] A baffle is hinged at the ice outlet 19. By hingedly arranging the baffle at the ice outlet 19, external substances can be blocked from entering the ice maker body 1, thereby preventing the ice from spoiling.

[0041] The ice maker body 1 is equipped with a compressor 111; the water inlet box assembly 6 is equipped with an ice-making unit 112; and the ice maker body 1 is equipped with an electronic control unit 113. The compressor 111 cools the water inside the ice maker body 1; the ice-making unit 112 freezes the water inside the ice maker body 1; and the electronic control unit 113 allows the user to operate and control the ice maker body 1.

[0042] The compressor 111, electronic control unit 113, and ice-making unit 112 described in this invention are conventional and well-known technologies for those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail or with accompanying drawings in this invention.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the user chooses to use the ice maker body 1 to make ice, the outer water tank 2 can be placed inside the ice maker body 1. At this time, the contact part 35 of the one-way valve core 31 inside the ice maker body 1 and the contact part 35 of the one-way valve core 31 inside the outer water tank 2 will abut against each other. At this time, the sealing ring 32 will separate from the inner wall of the outer water tank 2 and the outer wall of the first fixed seat 16, so that the first guide port 21 and the second guide port 18 are connected, so that the fluid can flow from the first guide port 21 to the second guide port 18, and then enter the upper water tank 62 through the water pump 11 and the water inlet pipe 15. After being cooled and made into ice in the ice making unit 112, it will enter the ice storage box. At this time, the driving component 8 will drive the spiral ice discharge rod 7 to rotate, and the ice block will pass through the spiral blade 72 to the position of the ice discharge port 19 and then fall out from the ice drop port.

[0044] In the description of this specification, references are made to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example". The descriptions using terms such as "example" or "some examples" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0045] All standard parts used in this invention can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, welding, and bonding that are mature in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made in the specific implementation and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drop-type ice maker, comprising an ice maker body, characterized in that: The ice maker body is equipped with a detachably connected external water tank; a connecting box and a water pump are arranged inside the ice maker body; at least one-way valve assembly is arranged between the external water tank and the water pump, and between the external water tank and the connecting box; a water pump and an upper water box assembly are arranged inside the ice maker body; a spiral ice-discharging rod is arranged obliquely inside the upper water box assembly; a central shaft is arranged on the spiral ice-discharging rod; the central shaft has an upwardly inclined central axis A inside the upper water box assembly; the lowest point of the central shaft has a horizontal extension line B inside the upper water box assembly; an angle α of 35 to 45 degrees is formed between the central axis A and the extension line B.

2. The drop-type ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice maker body is equipped with a three-way connector; the three-way connector includes a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a third water inlet; a first water pipe is arranged between the first water inlet and the connecting box; a second water pipe connected to the upper water box assembly is arranged on the second water inlet; and a third water pipe is arranged on the third water inlet.

3. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water supply box assembly includes a water supply tank and an ice storage box; an inlet pipe is arranged between the water supply tank and the water pump; and a second water pipe is arranged between the ice storage box and the T-joint.

4. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve assembly includes an elastic element, a one-way valve core, and a sealing ring; the one-way valve core is provided with a plug and an abutment; the elastic element is sleeved between the abutment and the plug; the sealing ring is sleeved on the plug and provided with a limiting groove; the sealing ring is placed in the limiting groove.

5. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ice maker body is provided with a first fixed seat and a second fixed seat; the outer water tank is provided with a first guide port; both the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are provided with a second guide port; the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat are fastened to the ice maker body; the first fixed seat is located on the outside of the ice maker body, and the second fixed seat is fixed inside the ice maker body; the one-way valve assembly is located in the first guide port and / or the second guide port.

6. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: A driving component is arranged outside the ice storage box; a driving shaft is arranged on the driving component; the driving shaft extends into the ice storage box and is connected to the spiral ice dispensing rod; the spiral ice dispensing rod rotates coaxially with the driving component through the driving shaft.

7. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The central shaft is connected to the drive shaft; the central shaft is spirally arranged with spiral blades continuously.

8. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice maker body is provided with an ice outlet; the ice maker body is also provided with a detachable water collection tray; the water collection tray is located directly below the ice outlet.

9. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that: A baffle is hinged at the ice outlet.

10. A drop-type ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice maker body is equipped with a compressor; the water inlet box assembly is equipped with an ice-making unit; and the ice maker body is equipped with an electrical control unit.

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