An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for a variety of environments

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments, belonging to the field of ice-making machine technology. It includes a chassis, a protective shell, and a refrigeration unit. The chassis contains at least an ice-making frame, and one side of the chassis has an ice outlet. The protective shell is located on the outside of the chassis and has a blower mechanism. An electrical control cabinet is fixedly connected to one side of the protective shell, and the protective shell and the electrical control cabinet are internally connected. This automatic ice-making vending machine, suitable for various environments, physically isolates the refrigeration unit from the ice-making and ice-storage chambers and the external environment through the protective shell. The blower mechanism maintains a positive pressure and dry state inside the protective shell, preventing the intrusion of humid air and salt spray. This significantly reduces corrosion of the refrigeration unit and the rate of short-circuit failures caused by humidity, enabling the automatic ice-making vending machine to operate in various environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ice maker technology, specifically relating to an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments. Background Technology

[0002] With the fast pace of modern life, people's demand for convenient living is increasing, leading to the emergence of automatic ice vending machines. An automatic ice vending machine is a device that automatically makes ice from water and sells it to consumers. This equipment is typically equipped with a refrigeration unit, ice storage containers, an ice dispensing outlet, and an electrical control cabinet. The advantage of automatic ice vending machines is that they can provide 24-hour uninterrupted service, offering convenient ice supplies to people in both hot summers and cold winters, even in remote areas.

[0003] Existing automatic ice vending machines are mostly used indoors or in well-ventilated areas, where the refrigeration units and electrical control cabinets are typically exposed to the external environment. However, when used in high-salt-spray, humid seafood markets or highway service areas with large temperature differences and strong winds, these exposed electrical components are highly susceptible to corrosion and moisture damage, leading to short circuits. This significantly increases maintenance frequency and reduces the lifespan of the automatic ice vending machines.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, it is necessary to provide an automatic ice vending machine that is suitable for various environments.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, which can solve the problems of exposed electrical equipment being easily corroded and short-circuited by moisture, greatly increasing the maintenance frequency and reducing the service life of the automatic ice vending machine.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments includes a casing, a protective shell for the unit, and a refrigeration unit;

[0009] The chassis is equipped with at least one ice-making frame, and an ice outlet is provided on one side of the chassis;

[0010] The protective shell of the unit is located on the outside of the chassis. A blower mechanism is provided on the protective shell of the unit. An electrical control cabinet is fixedly connected to one side of the protective shell of the unit. The protective shell of the unit is connected to the inside of the electrical control cabinet. The inside of the electrical control cabinet is connected to the external environment.

[0011] The unit's protective casing has an inspection port on the side away from the electrical control cabinet. An inspection door is hinged inside the inspection port, and an air curtain isolation assembly is provided on one side of the inspection port.

[0012] The refrigeration unit is located inside the unit's protective casing.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the blower mechanism includes a fixed cylinder, an axial flow fan, a flow guiding assembly, and a dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly;

[0014] The fixed cylinder is fixedly connected to the protective shell of the unit, the axial flow fan is located inside the fixed cylinder, the dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly is located at the back of the axial flow fan, and the flow guiding assembly is located at the front of the axial flow fan.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the flow guiding assembly includes a first flow guiding nozzle and a second flow guiding nozzle, both of which are fixedly disposed at the front of the axial flow fan;

[0016] The refrigeration unit includes at least a condenser, the first air guide nozzle opens toward the condenser, the condenser is located on the side away from the electrical control cabinet, and the protective shell of the unit has a first air outlet on the side away from the electrical control cabinet.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the air curtain isolation assembly includes a protective air box and a flow guide platform, wherein the protective air box is fixedly connected above the inspection port side and the flow guide platform is fixedly connected below the inspection port side.

[0018] An electric three-way valve is fixedly connected to the first guide nozzle, and an air guide pipe is fixedly connected between the protective air box and the electric three-way valve. An air blowing port is opened on the lower end face of the protective air box, and an inclined surface is provided on the upper end face of the guide platform. The air blowing port is directly opposite the inclined surface.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a second air outlet is provided on the side of the unit protective shell near the electrical control cabinet, and an air inlet matching the second air outlet is provided on the side of the electrical control cabinet near the unit protective shell. The interior of the unit protective shell and the electrical control cabinet are connected through the second air outlet and the air inlet.

[0020] The second air guide nozzle opens towards the side of the second air outlet.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the electrical control cabinet has a heat dissipation vent on the side away from the unit's protective shell, and the heat dissipation vent and the air inlet are arranged vertically offset.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the interior of the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the heat dissipation vent are all fixed with a grid.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the dust removal and dehumidification filtration assembly includes a splicing cylinder, an air filter, and a waterproof and breathable membrane. The splicing cylinder is fixedly connected to a fixed cylinder, and the air filter and the waterproof and breathable membrane are sequentially fixed inside the splicing cylinder.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a threaded protrusion ring is fixedly connected to the splicing cylinder, and a threaded interface matching the threaded protrusion ring is provided on the fixed cylinder.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an observation window is provided on the front end face of the unit protective shell, and an operation panel is provided on the electrical control cabinet.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the automatic ice vending machine of the present invention, which is suitable for various environments, physically isolates the refrigeration unit from the ice-making and ice-storage chamber and the outside environment through the unit protective shell, and maintains a positive pressure and dry state inside the unit protective shell through the blower mechanism to prevent the intrusion of humid air and salt spray. This greatly reduces the corrosion of the refrigeration unit and the failure rate of circuit short circuit caused by moisture, enabling the automatic ice vending machine to adapt to various environments. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first usage state of the protective shell of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the blower mechanism of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5This is a structural diagram of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the second usage state of the protective shell of an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This invention provides an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments, as described in one embodiment. Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0035] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0036] 1. Chassis; 2. Unit Protective Shell; 201. Observation Window; 202. Inspection Door; 2021. First Air Outlet; 203. Second Air Outlet; 204. Inspection Port; 3. Electrical Control Cabinet; 301. Heat Dissipation Vent; 302. Control Panel; 303. Air Inlet; 4. Blower Mechanism; 401. Fixed Cylinder; 402. Axial Flow Fan; 403. First Air Guide Nozzle; 4031. Electric Three-Way Valve; 404. Second Air Guide Nozzle; 405. Splicing Cylinder; 4051. Threaded Convex Ring; 406. Air Filter; 407. Waterproof and Breathable Membrane; 5. Ice Outlet; 6. Ice Maker Frame; 7. Refrigeration Unit; 701. Condenser; 8. Protective Air Box; 801. Air Guide Pipe; 802. Air Outlet; 9. Air Guide Platform. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0038] This invention discloses an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments. Through the optimized design of the layout of the refrigeration unit and electrical control cabinet, as well as the air duct structure, the vending machine can effectively resist the effects of harsh environments such as high humidity, high salt spray, and high dust, greatly improving the operational stability and service life of the equipment.

[0039] Please see Figures 1-7 As shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention, an automatic ice vending machine suitable for various environments mainly includes a casing 1, a protective shell 2, and a refrigeration unit 7.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the casing 1 constitutes the main structure of the vending machine, and its internal space is mainly divided into an ice-making chamber and an ice-storage chamber. At least one ice-making frame 6 is installed inside the casing 1 for installing and fixing ice-making units such as evaporators and ice molds. An ice outlet 5 is provided on one side of the casing 1, through which consumers can remove prepared ice cubes or crushed ice.

[0041] To isolate the core electrical components from the harsh external environment, this embodiment includes a protective housing 2 on the outside of the chassis 1. The protective housing 2 is a relatively sealed shell structure, forming an independent mounting chamber inside. The refrigeration unit 7 is entirely housed within this protective housing 2. The refrigeration unit 7 includes, but is not limited to, components such as the condenser 701, which is the primary heat dissipation component. Through the physical isolation provided by the protective housing 2, direct corrosion of the refrigeration unit 7 by external humid air, salt spray, dust, etc., can be effectively prevented.

[0042] An electrical control cabinet 3 is fixedly connected to one side of the unit's protective casing 2. The electrical control cabinet 3 contains the electrical control components that control the operation of the entire vending machine. To achieve a compact overall structure and coordinated internal airflow, the protective casing 2 and the electrical control cabinet 3 are internally connected, meaning that ventilation holes are provided on the partition between them. Simultaneously, the interior of the electrical control cabinet 3 is also connected to the external environment, with a heat dissipation vent 301 on the side furthest from the protective casing 2 to expel hot air from inside the cabinet 3.

[0043] A blower mechanism 4 is installed on the unit's protective casing 2, which is a key component for achieving internal environmental control. The blower mechanism 4 is used to draw outside air into the unit's protective casing 2, and after processing, it provides forced cooling to the refrigeration unit 7 and the electrical control cabinet 3, and creates a slight positive pressure inside the unit's protective casing 2.

[0044] The specific structure of the blower mechanism 4 is as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The blower mechanism 4 includes a fixed cylinder 401, an axial flow fan 402, a flow guide assembly, and a dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly. The fixed cylinder 401 is a cylindrical structure fixedly connected to the side wall of the unit's protective shell 2, serving as an air inlet channel. The axial flow fan 402 is located inside the fixed cylinder 401 and is the power source for the airflow. The dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly is located at the back of the axial flow fan 402, i.e., the air inlet side, and is used to purify and dry the intake air. The flow guide assembly is located at the front of the axial flow fan 402, i.e., the air outlet side, and is used to precisely guide the filtered clean air to the parts that require heat dissipation and positive pressure maintenance.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly includes a splicing cylinder 405, an air filter 406, and a waterproof and breathable membrane 407. The splicing cylinder 405 is a detachable cylindrical structure that is fixed to the fixed cylinder 401 by a threaded connection.

[0046] Specifically, a threaded protruding ring 4051 is fixedly connected to the splicing cylinder 405, and a threaded interface matching the threaded protruding ring 4051 is provided on the fixing cylinder 401. This detachable design facilitates the cleaning or replacement of the air filter 406 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 407 in the later stages.

[0047] Air filter 406 and waterproof breathable membrane 407 are sequentially fixed inside the splicing cylinder 405. Air filter 406 filters large particles of dust, lint, and other impurities from the air, while waterproof breathable membrane 407 is a thin film with a microporous structure that can block liquid water and salt spray molecules from passing through, while allowing gaseous air molecules to pass freely, thus achieving dehumidification and salt spray prevention functions. Before entering the unit's protective shell 2, outside air must pass through these two layers of filtration, ensuring the cleanliness and dryness of the air entering the unit.

[0048] The flow guiding assembly includes a first flow guide nozzle 403 and a second flow guide nozzle 404. Both the first flow guide nozzle 403 and the second flow guide nozzle 404 are fixedly mounted at the front of the axial flow fan 402. They are two tubular structures with different opening directions, resembling a "Y"-shaped flow divider. The opening of the first flow guide nozzle 403 faces the condenser 701, and the condenser 701 is located on the side away from the electrical control cabinet 3.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, to facilitate the later inspection and maintenance of the refrigeration unit 7, an inspection port 204 is provided on the side of the unit's protective casing 2 away from the electrical control cabinet 3. An inspection door 202 is hinged inside the inspection port 204, and a first air outlet 2021 is provided on the inspection door 202. In this way, the high-speed airflow guided by the first air guide nozzle 403 will be directly blown onto the surface of the condenser 701, performing efficient forced convection heat dissipation on it. The hot air that carries away the heat is finally discharged from the unit's protective casing 2 through the first air outlet 2021.

[0050] After maintenance, positive pressure ventilation requires time to recover, during which time high humidity or high salt spray air can easily enter and adhere to the surface of electrical components. To address this, an air curtain isolation component is installed on one side of maintenance port 204. When the door is opened, the air curtain automatically increases its airflow, forming an air curtain that blocks external airflow intrusion. This solves the contamination problem during the "window period" of maintenance and achieves dual protection through static and dynamic sealing.

[0051] Specifically, the air curtain isolation assembly includes a protective air box 8 and a guide platform 9. The protective air box 8 is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the inspection port 204. An air outlet 802 is provided on the lower end face of the protective air box 8, through which an isolation air curtain can be blown vertically downwards to block external air. An electric three-way valve 4031 is fixedly connected to the first guide nozzle 403. An air guide pipe 801 is fixedly connected between the protective air box 8 and the electric three-way valve 4031. When the inspection door 202 is opened, the electric three-way valve 4031 automatically switches to connect the first guide nozzle 403 with the air guide pipe 801, allowing the airflow from the first guide nozzle 403 to enter the interior of the protective air box 8 through the air guide pipe 801, and then be blown out through the air outlet 802 to form an air curtain, preventing external air from entering the unit's protective casing 2. At this time, the output airflow of the axial fan 402 can be increased to ensure the isolation effect of the air curtain.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the air guide platform 9 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the inspection port 204. The upper surface of the air guide platform 9 is provided with an inclined surface, the height of which decreases gradually from the inside of the unit protective shell 2 to the outside. The air blowing port 802 is directly opposite the inclined surface. After the bottom of the air curtain blown out by the air blowing port 802 contacts the inclined surface, it can guide the airflow to the outside, which can better isolate the entry of external air and further improve the isolation effect.

[0053] A second air outlet 203 is provided on the side of the unit's protective casing 2 near the electrical control cabinet 3. An air inlet 303, matching the second air outlet 203, is provided on the side of the electrical control cabinet 3 near the unit's protective casing 2. A second air guide nozzle 404 opens towards the side of the second air outlet 203. Thus, another portion of the airflow guided by the second air guide nozzle 404 enters the interior of the electrical control cabinet 3 through the second air outlet 203 and the air inlet 303, purging and cooling the heat-generating components inside the electrical control cabinet 3. To optimize the heat dissipation path and avoid airflow short-circuiting, the heat dissipation vent 301 and the air inlet 303 are staggered vertically, forming a good convection heat dissipation path and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0054] In order to ensure ventilation while preventing foreign objects such as insects and large particles from entering, the interior of the first air outlet 2021, the second air outlet 203, and the heat dissipation vent 301 are all fixed with grids.

[0055] Through the aforementioned air duct design, the blower mechanism 4 operates continuously, blowing filtered, clean, and dry air onto the condenser 701 and the electrical control cabinet 3. Because the air intake of the blower mechanism 4 is greater than the natural airflow from the first air outlet 2021 and the heat dissipation vent 301, a slightly positive pressure environment is formed inside the unit's protective casing 2. Under this slightly positive pressure environment, even if there are some tiny gaps in the unit's protective casing 2, internal air will seep outwards, effectively preventing unfiltered, humid, and salt-spray-containing air from seeping back into the interior. This greatly protects the internal refrigeration unit 7 and electrical control components from corrosion and short-circuit risks.

[0056] In addition, for ease of maintenance and user interaction, an observation window 201 is provided on the front surface of the unit's protective casing 2, allowing maintenance personnel to view the operating status of the internal refrigeration unit 7. An operation panel 302 is provided on the electrical control cabinet 3 for setting parameters and displaying operating information.

[0057] This invention relates to an automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments. By setting up an independent protective casing 2, the core electrical components are physically isolated from the outside environment. A blower mechanism 4 with dust and moisture removal filters forces clean, dry air into the machine, creating a positive pressure environment. This effectively solves the problems of corrosion, moisture absorption, and short circuits in existing refrigeration units and electrical control cabinets under harsh environments. This design significantly reduces the equipment's failure rate and maintenance frequency, extends the overall service life of the machine, and enables the automatic ice-making vending machine to be stably used in high-salt-fog seafood markets, high-humidity southern regions, and windy, sandy outdoor environments.

[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments, characterized in that, include: The chassis contains at least an ice-making frame, and an ice outlet is provided on one side of the chassis. The generator set protective shell is located on the outside of the chassis. The generator set protective shell is equipped with a blower mechanism. An electrical control cabinet is fixedly connected to one side of the generator set protective shell. The generator set protective shell is connected to the inside of the electrical control cabinet, and the inside of the electrical control cabinet is connected to the external environment. The unit's protective casing has an inspection port on the side away from the electrical control cabinet. An inspection door is hinged inside the inspection port, and an air curtain isolation assembly is provided on one side of the inspection port. A refrigeration unit, wherein the refrigeration unit is disposed inside the protective casing of the unit.

2. The automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blower mechanism includes a fixed cylinder, an axial flow fan, a flow guide assembly, and a dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly; The fixed cylinder is fixedly connected to the protective shell of the unit, the axial flow fan is located inside the fixed cylinder, the dust removal and dehumidification filter assembly is located at the back of the axial flow fan, and the flow guiding assembly is located at the front of the axial flow fan.

3. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow guiding assembly includes a first flow guiding nozzle and a second flow guiding nozzle, both of which are fixedly disposed at the front of the axial flow fan; The refrigeration unit includes at least a condenser, the first air guide nozzle opens toward the condenser, the condenser is located on the side away from the electrical control cabinet, and the inspection door has a first air outlet.

4. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air curtain isolation assembly includes a protective air box and a flow guide platform. The protective air box is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the inspection port, and the flow guide platform is fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the inspection port. An electric three-way valve is fixedly connected to the first guide nozzle, and an air guide pipe is fixedly connected between the protective air box and the electric three-way valve. An air blowing port is opened on the lower end face of the protective air box, and an inclined surface is provided on the upper end face of the guide platform. The air blowing port is directly opposite the inclined surface.

5. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second air outlet is provided on the side of the unit's protective shell near the electrical control cabinet, and an air inlet matching the second air outlet is provided on the side of the electrical control cabinet near the unit's protective shell. The interior of the unit's protective shell and the electrical control cabinet are connected through the second air outlet and the air inlet. The second air guide nozzle opens towards the side of the second air outlet.

6. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrical control cabinet has a heat dissipation vent on the side away from the unit's protective casing, and the heat dissipation vent and the air inlet are staggered vertically.

7. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the heat dissipation vent are all fixed with gratings inside.

8. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dust removal and dehumidification filtration assembly includes a splicing cylinder, an air filter, and a waterproof and breathable membrane. The splicing cylinder is fixedly connected to a fixed cylinder, and the air filter and the waterproof and breathable membrane are sequentially fixed inside the splicing cylinder.

9. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 8, characterized in that, A threaded protrusion ring is fixedly connected to the splicing cylinder, and a threaded interface matching the threaded protrusion ring is provided on the fixed cylinder.

10. An automatic ice-making vending machine suitable for various environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, An observation window is provided on the front surface of the unit's protective casing, and an operation panel is provided on the electrical control cabinet.

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