Novel cold water tank and ice making module with same
By setting up an exhaust interface and a water level detection module on the cold water tank, the negative pressure problem of the cold water tank is solved, the normal operation of the water pump and the water quality sanitation are achieved, and the stable operation of the ice-making module is ensured.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422025889.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-20
AI Technical Summary
In the existing ice making module, negative pressure is easily generated inside the cold water tank, which will affect the pump water pump capacity or even damage, and the water cannot circulate smoothly.
An exhaust interface is installed on the cold water tank body to allow external air to enter, combined with the water level detection module and UV lamp to ensure stable pressure in the water storage chamber and sanitary water quality, and avoid icy and blockage through the evaporation tube.
Keep the pressure of the water storage chamber stable, ensure the normal operation of the water pump, achieve smooth circulation and sterilization of water, avoid icing and blockage, and ensure the ice making effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN223138186U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the field of cold water tanks, and particularly to a novel cold water tank and an ice making module having the same. Background Art
[0002] What is provided in this part is only background information related to the present application to facilitate those skilled in the art to understand the present application more thoroughly and accurately. It is not necessarily prior art.
[0003] Currently, an ice making module generally includes an ice making box, a cold water tank, a cold water inlet pipe, and a cold water outlet pipe. The water inlet of the cold water inlet pipe is communicated with the inside of the ice making box, and its water outlet is communicated with the inside of the cold water tank; the water inlet of the cold water outlet pipe is communicated with the inside of the cold water tank, and its water outlet is communicated with the inside of the ice making box; wherein, water pumps are provided on both the cold water inlet pipe and the cold water outlet pipe to pump water out. Thus, the ice making box, the cold water inlet pipe, the cold water tank, and the cold water outlet pipe form a water circulation system.
[0004] In order to smoothly pump out the water at the bottom of the ice making box, the water inlet of the cold water inlet pipe needs to be extended to the inner bottom of the ice making box; similarly, in order to smoothly pump out the water at the bottom of the cold water tank, the water inlet of the cold water outlet pipe needs to be extended to the inner bottom of the cold water tank. With such a setting, when there is a certain water level both inside the ice making box and inside the cold water tank, it is easy to submerge the water inlet of the cold water inlet pipe and the water inlet of the cold water outlet pipe. At this time, a sealed cavity is formed inside the cold water tank. When the water pump on the cold water inlet pipe works, water is pumped from the ice making box to the cold water tank through the pipeline, and at this time, external air cannot enter the cold water tank. When the water pump continues to pump water, negative pressure will be generated inside the cold water tank.
[0005] When negative pressure is generated inside the cold water tank, the water pumping capacity of the water pump on the cold water inlet pipe will be affected, and even an idling phenomenon may occur, which may further cause damage to the water pump; in addition, when the water pump on the cold water outlet pipe works and pumps water from the cold water tank back to the inside of the ice making box, due to the negative pressure generated inside the water tank, the water will flow back to the cold water tank through the cold water inlet pipe again, resulting in the inability to fill the ice making box with water, which is very troublesome. Summary of the Utility Model
[0006] In order to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned prior art, the utility model provides a novel cold water tank and an ice making module having the same, which can solve the problem of negative pressure generated inside the cold water tank mentioned in the above background art.
[0007] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its problem is:
[0008] A novel cold water tank includes a cold water tank body, and a water storage cavity is formed inside the cold water tank body, wherein:
[0009] The cold water tank body is provided with a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface that communicate with the water storage cavity. Both the water inlet interface and the first water outlet interface are connected to the inside of the ice making box through water pipes to form a closed water circulation system.
[0010] The cold water tank body is further provided with an exhaust interface that communicates with the water storage cavity, and the exhaust interface is used to communicate with the external air.
[0011] Furthermore, it further includes a first evaporation pipe disposed in the water storage cavity. A first flow channel for the refrigerant to flow is formed inside the first evaporation pipe.
[0012] The water outlet of the water inlet interface and the water inlet of the first water outlet interface are both arranged far away from the first evaporation pipe.
[0013] Furthermore, it further includes a water level detection module disposed on the cold water tank body. The water level detection module includes a common terminal and at least one measurement terminal, where:
[0014] The common terminal includes a common electrode located at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and a first detection portion extending into the bottom of the water storage cavity is provided on the common electrode.
[0015] The measurement terminal includes a water level detection electrode located on the side of the cold water tank body, and a second detection portion extending into the side of the water storage cavity is provided on the water level detection electrode.
[0016] When both the first detection portion and the second detection portion are in contact with the water in the water storage cavity, electrical connection is established between the common terminal and the measurement terminal.
[0017] Furthermore, there are two measurement terminals, and the second detection portions on the two measurement terminals are respectively located at different heights on the side of the water storage cavity.
[0018] Furthermore, the common electrode is a first metal shell fixed at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and an NTC temperature measurement probe extending into the water storage cavity is provided on the first metal shell, and the NTC temperature measurement probe forms the first detection portion.
[0019] The water level detection electrode is a second metal shell fixed on the side of the cold water tank body, and a water level probe extending into the water storage cavity is provided on the second metal shell, and the water level probe forms the second detection portion.
[0020] Furthermore, it further includes a UV lamp disposed at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and a light-transmitting glass plate is provided at the position corresponding to the UV lamp on the cold water tank body.
[0021] Furthermore, it further includes an exhaust pipe, and one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust interface.
[0022] Further, a second water outlet interface communicating with the water storage cavity is further provided on the cold water tank body, and the water inlet of the second water outlet interface is arranged far away from the first evaporation tube.
[0023] In addition, the present utility model further provides an ice making module, including the above-mentioned cold water tank, an ice making box, a cold water inlet pipe and a first cold water outlet pipe, wherein:
[0024] An ice making cavity is arranged in the ice making box, the water inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe extends into the ice making cavity, and its water outlet end is connected to the water inlet interface; the water inlet end of the first cold water outlet pipe is connected to the first water outlet interface, and its water outlet end extends into the ice making cavity;
[0025] The ice making box, the cold water inlet pipe, the cold water tank body and the first cold water outlet pipe form a closed water circulation system.
[0026] Further, an evaporator arranged in the ice making cavity is further included. The evaporator includes a second evaporation tube and a plurality of columns arranged at intervals along the axis direction of the second evaporation tube on the second evaporation tube. The inside of the second evaporation tube and the inside of the plurality of columns are all communicated with each other and form a second flow channel for the refrigerant to flow.
[0027] In summary, a novel cold water tank and an ice making module having the same provided by the present utility model have the following beneficial effects:
[0028] (1) For the cold water tank of the present utility model, by providing an exhaust interface on the cold water tank body, when the water pump works to pump water into the water storage cavity, at this time, external air can enter the water storage cavity through the exhaust interface at the same time, so as to keep the pressure in the water storage cavity stable, and further ensure the normal use of the water pump.
[0029] (2) For the cold water tank of the present utility model, by providing an NTC temperature measuring probe, the cold water temperature in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at a low temperature under the action of the first evaporation tube; by providing a water level probe, the cold water level in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at the required water volume.
[0030] (3) For the cold water tank of the present utility model, the water outlet of the water inlet interface, the water inlet of the first water outlet interface and the water inlet of the second water outlet interface are all arranged far away from the first evaporation tube, so as to avoid icing on the first evaporation tube and blocking the water inlet or water outlet, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of water inlet and outlet.
[0031] (4) The cold water tank of the present utility model can sterilize and disinfect the water in the water storage cavity by setting a UV lamp, thereby ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the water in the water storage cavity. Description of the Drawings
[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cold water tank of the present utility model;
[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram from another perspective;
[0034] Figure 3 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the cold water tank of the present utility model;
[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram from another perspective;
[0036] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the ice-making module of the present utility model.
[0037] Among them, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:
[0038] 1. Cold water tank; 11. Cold water tank body; 111. First housing; 112. Second housing; 113. Sealing ring; 12. Water inlet interface; 13. First water outlet interface; 14. Exhaust interface; 15. Second water outlet interface; 16. First metal housing; 161. NTC temperature measurement probe; 17. Second metal housing; 171. Water level probe; 18. UV lamp; 19. First evaporation tube; 2. Ice-making box; 3. Cold water inlet pipe; 4. First cold water outlet pipe; 5. First water pump; 6. Second water pump; 7. Evaporator; 71. Second evaporation tube; 72. Cylinder. Detailed Embodiments
[0039] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model.
[0040] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the module or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.
[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this utility model belongs. The terms used in the description of this utility model herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0042] Embodiment 1
[0043] Referring to Figures 1-4 , this utility model provides a new type of cold water tank 1, which includes a cold water tank body 11. The cold water tank body 11 includes a first housing 111 and a second housing 112 arranged left and right. The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 are connected to each other and a water storage cavity is formed inside. Among them, a water inlet interface 12 communicating with the water storage cavity is provided at the top of the second housing 112, and a first water outlet interface 13 communicating with the water storage cavity is provided at the top of the first housing 111. Both the water inlet interface 12 and the first water outlet interface 13 are internally communicated with the ice making box 2 through water pipes to form a closed water circulation system.
[0044] Among them, an exhaust interface 14 communicating with the water storage cavity is further provided at the top of the second housing 112, and the exhaust interface 14 is used to communicate with the external air.
[0045] Thus, by providing the exhaust interface 14 on the cold water tank body 11, when the water pump works to pump water into the water storage cavity in the cold water tank body 11, at this time, the external air can simultaneously enter the water storage cavity through the exhaust interface 14, thereby maintaining the pressure stability of the water storage cavity and further ensuring the normal use of the water pump.
[0046] Preferably, it further includes an exhaust pipe (not shown in the figure), and one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust interface 14; thus, by providing the exhaust pipe, the exhaust channel is extended, and further, the water in the water storage cavity is prevented from overflowing through the exhaust interface 14 and causing pollution.
[0047] In this embodiment, it further includes a sealing ring 113, and the sealing ring 113 is arranged between the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 to form a waterproof seal.
[0048] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the cold water tank 1 further includes a first evaporation pipe 19 arranged in the water storage cavity. The first evaporation pipe 19 is of a U-shaped structure and a first flow channel for refrigerant to flow is formed inside. Thus, when the refrigerant flows through the first evaporation pipe 19, it can exchange heat with the water in the water storage cavity, thereby cooling the water in the water storage cavity to ensure that it is always in a low temperature state.
[0049] Among them, the water outlet of the water inlet interface 12 is located at the top of the water storage cavity and is set away from the first evaporation pipe 19. Similarly, the water inlet of the first water outlet interface 13 is located at the bottom of the water storage cavity and is set away from the first evaporation pipe 19. Such a setting can prevent ice formation on the first evaporation pipe 19 from blocking the water inlet or water outlet, thus ensuring the smooth flow of water in and out.
[0050] In addition, it further includes a second water outlet interface 15 provided at the bottom of the second housing 112 and communicating with the water storage cavity. The second water outlet interface 15 is connected to a water pipe and is used to output cold water for users to drink. Similarly, in order to ensure smooth water outlet, the water inlet of the second water outlet interface is also set away from the first evaporation pipe 19.
[0051] Refer to again Figures 1-4 , it further includes a water level detection module provided on the cold water tank body 11. The water level detection module includes a common terminal and at least one measurement terminal. Among them, the common terminal includes a common electrode located at the bottom of the cold water tank body 11, and a first detection part extending into the bottom of the water storage cavity is provided on the common electrode; the measurement terminal includes a water level detection electrode located on the side of the cold water tank body 11, and a second detection part extending into the side of the water storage cavity is provided on the water level detection electrode; when both the first detection part and the second detection part are in contact with the water in the water storage cavity, electrical connection is achieved between the common terminal and the measurement terminal. Preferably, there are two measurement terminals, and the second detection parts on the two measurement terminals are respectively located at different heights on the side of the water storage cavity, so as to realize the detection of high and low water levels.
[0052] Specifically, the common electrode is a first metal housing 16 fixed to the bottom of the second housing 112. An NTC temperature measurement probe 161 extending into the inner bottom of the water storage cavity is provided on the first metal housing 16 to form the first detection part; the water level detection electrode is a second metal housing 17 fixed to the side of the first housing 111. A water level probe 171 extending into the water storage cavity is provided on the second metal housing 17 to form the second detection part. In addition, it further includes a control board, and the NTC temperature measurement probe and the two water level probes 171 are both electrically connected to the control board.
[0053] Thus, when the cold water level in the water storage cavity gradually rises until it immerses the upper water level probe 171, at this time the controller can obtain the signal sent by the common terminal from the water level probe 171, and it can be judged that the cold water tank 1 is in a high water level state. At this time, the controller controls the water pump to pause working to stop water inlet; when the cold water level in the water storage cavity gradually drops until it is lower than the lower water level probe 171, at this time the controller cannot obtain the signal sent by the common terminal from the water level probe 171, and it can be judged that the cold water tank 1 is in a low water level state. At this time, the controller controls the water pump to work to achieve water inlet. In addition, the NTC temperature measurement probe 161 can also perform real-time detection on the cold water temperature in the water storage cavity.
[0054] Thus, by setting the NTC temperature probe 161, the cold water temperature in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at a low temperature under the action of the first evaporation tube 19; by setting the water level probe 171, the cold water level in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at the required water volume.
[0055] Refer to Figure 2 , the cold water tank 1 further includes a UV lamp 18 disposed at the bottom of the cold water tank body 11, and a light-transmitting glass plate (not shown in the figure) is provided at a position corresponding to the UV lamp 18 on the cold water tank body 11. Thus, the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV lamp 18 can pass through the glass plate and irradiate the inside of the water storage cavity to sterilize the water in the water storage cavity, thereby ensuring that the water in the water storage cavity is clean and hygienic.
[0056] Embodiment 2
[0057] Refer to Figure 5 , the present invention further provides an ice making module, including the cold water tank 1, the ice making box 2, the cold water inlet pipe 3 and the first cold water outlet pipe 4 of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1. An ice making cavity is provided in the ice making box 2. The water inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe 3 extends into the ice making cavity, and its water outlet end is connected to the water inlet interface 12; the water inlet end of the first cold water outlet pipe 4 is connected to the first water outlet interface 13, and its water outlet end extends into the ice making cavity. Among them, a first water pump 5 is provided on the cold water inlet pipe 3, and under the action of the first water pump 5, water can be pumped from the ice making cavity into the water storage cavity; a second water pump 6 is provided on the first cold water outlet pipe 4, and under the action of the second water pump 6, water can be pumped from the water storage cavity back into the ice making cavity. Thus, the ice making box 2, the cold water inlet pipe 3, the cold water tank body 11 and the first cold water outlet pipe 4 form a closed water circulation system.
[0058] Specifically, it further includes an evaporator 7 disposed in the ice making cavity. The evaporator 7 includes a second evaporation tube 71 and a plurality of cylinders 72 disposed on the second evaporation tube 71 at intervals along the axis direction of the second evaporation tube 71. The inside of the second evaporation tube 71 and the inside of the plurality of cylinders 72 are all connected and form a second flow channel for the refrigerant to flow. Among them, the outlet end of the second evaporation tube 71 is communicated with the inlet end of the first evaporation tube 19.
[0059] Thus, when ice making is required, a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant can be introduced into the evaporator 7 to cool the water in the ice making cavity until it freezes into ice. Then, a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be introduced into the evaporator 7 to achieve ice removal. Finally, under the action of the driving device, the ice making box 2 is driven to flip so that the ice cubes are ejected. In addition, before ice removal, the excess residual water in the ice making cavity can be pumped out into the cold water tank 1 through the cold water inlet pipe 3, so as to avoid secondary pollution caused by its remaining in the ice making box 2, and the ejected ice cubes are also relatively clean.
[0060] In summary, a novel cold water tank 1 provided by the present utility model and an ice making module having the same have the following beneficial effects:
[0061] (1) For the cold water tank 1 of the present utility model, by providing an exhaust interface 14 on the cold water tank body 11, when the water pump works to pump water into the water storage cavity, at this time, external air can enter the water storage cavity through the exhaust interface 14 at the same time, thereby maintaining the pressure stability of the water storage cavity, and further ensuring the normal use of the water pump.
[0062] (2) For the cold water tank 1 of the present utility model, by providing an NTC temperature measuring probe 161, the cold water temperature in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at a low temperature under the action of the first evaporation tube 19; by providing a water level probe 171, the cold water level in the water storage cavity can be detected in real time, and the program can be adjusted according to requirements, so that the water in the water storage cavity is always kept at the required water volume.
[0063] (3) For the cold water tank 1 of the present utility model, the water outlet of the water inlet interface 12, the water inlet of the first water outlet interface 13, and the water inlet of the second water outlet interface 15 are all arranged far away from the first evaporation tube 19, so as to avoid ice formation on the first evaporation tube 19 and block the water inlet or water outlet, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of water inlet and outlet.
[0064] (4) For the cold water tank of the present utility model, by providing a UV lamp 18, the water in the water storage cavity can be sterilized and disinfected, thereby ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the water in the water storage cavity.
[0065] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the module or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present utility model.
[0066] In addition, in the description of the present utility model, the meanings of "a plurality of" and "several" are two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0067] The technical means disclosed in the solution of the present utility model are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art in this technical field, without departing from the principle of the present utility model, several improvements and retouches can be made, and these improvements and retouches are also regarded as the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A new type of cold water tank, characterized in that, It includes a cold water tank body, and a water storage cavity is formed inside the cold water tank body, where: The cold water tank body is provided with a water inlet interface and a first water outlet interface communicating with the water storage cavity. Both the water inlet interface and the first water outlet interface are internally communicated with the ice making box through water pipes to form a closed water circulation system. The cold water tank body is further provided with an exhaust interface communicating with the water storage cavity, and the exhaust interface is used to communicate with the external air.
2. The cold water tank according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a first evaporation pipe arranged in the water storage cavity, and a first flow channel for refrigerant to flow is formed inside the first evaporation pipe. The water outlet of the water inlet interface and the water inlet of the first water outlet interface are both arranged away from the first evaporation pipe.
3. The cold water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that It further includes a water level detection module arranged on the cold water tank body. The water level detection module includes a common end and at least one measurement end, where: The common end includes a common electrode located at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and a first detection part extending into the bottom of the water storage cavity is arranged on the common electrode. The measurement end includes a water level detection electrode located on the side of the cold water tank body, and a second detection part extending into the side of the water storage cavity is arranged on the water level detection electrode. When both the first detection part and the second detection part are in contact with the water in the water storage cavity, electrical connection is established between the common end and the measurement end.
4. The cold water tank according to claim 3, wherein, There are two measurement ends, and the second detection parts on the two measurement ends are respectively located at different heights on the side of the water storage cavity.
5. The cold water tank according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The common electrode is a first metal shell fixed at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and an NTC temperature measurement probe extending into the water storage cavity is arranged on the first metal shell, and the NTC temperature measurement probe forms the first detection part. The water level detection electrode is a second metal shell fixed on the side of the cold water tank body, and a water level probe extending into the water storage cavity is arranged on the second metal shell, and the water level probe forms the second detection part.
6. The cold water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a UV lamp arranged at the bottom of the cold water tank body, and a light transmissive glass plate is arranged at the position corresponding to the UV lamp on the cold water tank body.
7. The cold water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an exhaust pipe, and one end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust interface.
8. The cold water tank according to claim 2, wherein The cold water tank body is further provided with a second water outlet interface communicating with the water storage cavity, and the water inlet of the second water outlet interface is arranged away from the first evaporation pipe.
9. An ice-making module, characterized in that, It includes the cold water tank, the ice making box, the cold water inlet pipe, and the first cold water outlet pipe according to any one of claims 1-8, where: An ice making cavity is arranged in the ice making box. The water inlet end of the cold water inlet pipe extends into the ice making cavity, and its water outlet end is connected to the water inlet interface; the water inlet end of the first cold water outlet pipe is connected to the first water outlet interface, and its water outlet end extends into the ice making cavity. The ice making box, the cold water inlet pipe, the cold water tank body, and the first cold water outlet pipe form a closed water circulation system.
10. The ice-making module according to claim 9, wherein, It further includes an evaporator disposed in the ice-making chamber. The evaporator includes a second evaporation pipe and a plurality of columns disposed on the second evaporation pipe and spaced apart along the axial direction of the second evaporation pipe. The interior of the second evaporation pipe and the interiors of the plurality of columns are all in communication with each other to form a second flow channel for the refrigerant to flow through.