Drinking water ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice-making machines, in particular to a drinking water ice-making machine which comprises a normal-temperature water tank used for supplying normal-temperature water, a transfer water tank used for transferring water supply and an ice-making evaporator arranged on one side of the normal-temperature water tank, and a first cold tank used for making ice is arranged on the outer side of the ice-making evaporator. The transfer water tank is located on the lower side of the normal-temperature water tank, a second cold tank used for refrigerating water is arranged on the lower side of the transfer water tank, and the transfer water tank is communicated with the second cold tank and the normal-temperature water tank; a water outlet pipe used for being communicated with the transfer water tank is arranged on the lower side of the normal-temperature water tank, and a limiting assembly used for controlling the water level in the transfer water tank is arranged on the lower side of the water outlet pipe. The ice maker has the advantages that the problem that the water level in the ice maker transfer water tank cannot be controlled is solved, and the performance and reliability of the drinking water ice maker are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ice making machines, and in particular to a drinking water ice making machine. Background Art

[0002] Drinking water ice machines primarily rely on compression refrigeration technology to achieve their cooling and ice-making functions. The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator. This vapor is then compressed within the compressor, transforming it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas then flows into the condenser, where it effectively dissipates heat, releasing it and condensing into a liquid refrigerant. The condensed liquid refrigerant is throttled and depressurized through a capillary tube, transforming it into a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid before entering the evaporator. Within the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant absorbs ambient heat as it evaporates, particularly from the water in the ice tank or water storage container, causing it to gradually condense into ice. The evaporated refrigerant vapor is then drawn back into the compressor, starting a new cycle, thus achieving continuous and stable cooling and ice-making.

[0003] In the prior art, a drinking water ice maker typically consists of three main components: a room-temperature water tank, a transfer water tank, and an ice evaporator. A first cold tank is located outside the ice evaporator. The transfer water tank is arranged parallel to the ice evaporator to ensure that the water level in the transfer water tank remains below or equal to the water level in the ice maker during the ice-making process. If the water level in the transfer water tank exceeds a set limit, the excess water is directed through a built-in water level plate to a second cold tank below the room-temperature water tank for storage.

[0004] With respect to the above-mentioned related technologies, during the operation of the drinking water ice maker, the dynamic changes in the water level in the transfer water tank have an impact on the ice making and refrigeration functions. During the ice making or cooling water process, the water in the normal temperature water tank will continuously flow into the transfer water tank, causing the water level in the transfer water tank to fluctuate frequently. The unstable water level condition will directly interfere with the normal operation of ice making and cooling. If the water level in the transfer water tank is too high, it may cause water to overflow into unexpected areas, thereby affecting the operating efficiency and stability of the entire system. If the water level in the transfer water tank is too low, it may not be able to meet the demand for ice making or cooling water, resulting in low ice making efficiency or substandard cooling effect. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drinking water ice maker that can control the water level in the transfer water tank, so as to improve the performance and reliability of the drinking water ice maker. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the problem of uncontrollable water level in the transfer water tank of the ice maker and improve the performance and reliability of the drinking water ice maker, the present application provides a drinking water ice maker.

[0006] The present application provides a drinking water ice making machine adopting the following technical solution:

[0007] A drinking water ice maker, comprising a normal temperature water tank for supplying normal temperature water, a transfer water tank for transferring the water supply, and an ice making evaporator provided on one side of the normal temperature water tank, a first cold tank for making ice being provided on the outer side of the ice making evaporator, the transfer water tank being located below the normal temperature water tank, a second cold tank for chilling water being provided below the transfer water tank, the transfer water tank being in communication with the second cold tank and the normal temperature water tank;

[0008] The normal temperature water tank is provided with a water outlet pipe on the lower side for communicating with the transfer water tank, and a limit assembly for controlling the water level in the transfer water tank is provided on the lower side of the water outlet pipe.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the transfer water tank is located below the normal temperature water tank and is interconnected with the second cold tank and the normal temperature water tank. The layout optimizes the water flow path, reduces water flow resistance, improves water circulation efficiency, and also facilitates maintenance and management of each water tank. A limit assembly is set on the lower side of the outlet pipe to accurately control the amount of water flowing from the normal temperature water tank into the transfer water tank, thereby maintaining a stable water level in the transfer water tank, avoiding the impact of frequent water level fluctuations on ice making and refrigeration operations, and ensuring the continuity and stability of the ice making and refrigeration process. The limit assembly prevents water overflow caused by excessively high water levels in the transfer water tank, avoids equipment damage or safety hazards that may occur if water flows into unexpected areas, and improves the operating efficiency and safety of the entire system.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting assembly includes a floating part, a rubber plug and a lever connecting part. The normal temperature water tank is provided with a mounting seat for the lever connecting part below the water outlet. One end of the lever connecting part is movably connected to the lower side of the mounting seat. The floating part is located below the lever connecting part. The lever connecting part is provided with a through hole for the rubber plug to pass through. The lower end of the rubber plug passes through the through hole and is fixedly connected to the floating part. The upper end of the rubber plug abuts the lower end of the water outlet pipe.

[0011] By adopting this technical solution, the float rises and falls with the water level in the transfer tank. The interaction between the lever connector and the rubber plug enables automatic opening and closing of the normal temperature water tank's outlet. When the water level rises, the float rises, driving the rubber plug upward, reducing the outlet's opening or completely closing it, thereby slowing or stopping water supply to the transfer tank. Conversely, when the water level drops, the float descends, the rubber plug descends, and the outlet gradually opens, increasing water supply. This automatic adjustment mechanism ensures a stable water level in the transfer tank. The lever connector makes the transmission between the float and the rubber plug more direct and efficient, enabling a quick response to water level changes and adjusting the outlet's opening.

[0012] Furthermore, a guide column for guiding the floating member to move up and down is provided on the lower side of the mounting seat. The guide column and the mounting seat are perpendicular to each other and fixedly connected. The floating member is provided with a columnar groove for the guide column to pass through at an adjacent position connected to the rubber plug. The lever connecting member is provided with a clearance groove for the guide column to pass through on the side away from the movably connected to the mounting seat.

[0013] By adopting this technical solution, the guide post and mounting base are perpendicular and fixedly connected, providing a stable motion trajectory for the floating member. As the floating member moves up and down, the cylindrical groove slides along the guide post, effectively preventing the floating member from shifting or shaking during movement, thereby improving its stability and accuracy.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the guide column is circumferentially provided with a plurality of ridges for engaging with the floating member along the length direction, and each of the ridges abuts against the inner wall of the clearance groove of the floating member.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the ridge abuts against the inner wall of the displacement groove of the floating part, making the sliding of the floating part on the guide column more stable, preventing the floating part from slipping or deflecting during the up and down movement, thereby improving the overall positioning accuracy of the system.

[0016] Furthermore, a limiting column is provided below the mounting seat on a side away from the lever connecting member, and a sliding groove that cooperates with the limiting column is provided on the side wall of the floating member.

[0017] By adopting this technical solution, the combination of the limit post and the sliding groove provides additional support and guidance for the floating member, effectively preventing it from tilting or rotating during its upward and downward movement. This ensures that the floating member always moves along the predetermined trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the entire limit assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the mounting seat includes a fixing seat fixedly connected to the bottom of the normal temperature water tank, a mounting plate fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing seat, and a hinged seat provided on the lower side of the mounting plate for the lever connecting member to be hinged, and a through hole for the water outlet pipe to pass through is provided on the mounting plate.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the mounting base is split into multiple modules including a fixed base, a mounting plate, and an articulated base, making the assembly process of the entire limit assembly clearer and more efficient. Each module can be manufactured and installed independently, thereby simplifying the production process and improving assembly efficiency. The fixed base is directly fixedly connected to the bottom of the normal temperature water tank, providing a support base for the entire limit assembly. The mounting plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed base, which enhances the stability of the structure and helps to ensure that the limit assembly does not loosen or deform during operation. The articulated base on the mounting plate provides a hinge point for the lever connector, allowing the lever connector to be flexibly installed and adjusted on the mounting plate. The through-holes opened on the mounting plate provide a smooth passage path for the water outlet pipe, allowing the water in the normal temperature water tank to flow out smoothly and be supplied to the transfer water tank, avoiding the water outlet pipe from being squeezed during installation and ensuring the smoothness and stability of the water outlet.

[0020] Furthermore, the rubber plug has an integrally connected plug and a connecting rod, the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the upper side of the floating member, and the plug abuts against the lower side of the water outlet pipe.

[0021] With this technical solution, the material and shape of the plug, a component in direct contact with the outlet pipe, are crucial to sealing performance. Made of rubber, the plug exhibits excellent elasticity and sealing properties, fitting snugly against the underside of the outlet pipe, effectively preventing water leakage from the outlet. The integrated connection between the plug and the connecting rod ensures that it will not fall off or shift under pressure, thereby enhancing sealing performance. The connecting rod is directly fixed to the upper side of the float, making installation of the rubber plug and float quick and easy. To replace or repair the rubber plug, simply remove the fixed connection between the connecting rod and the float, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire stopper assembly. The float is connected to the rubber plug via the connecting rod. As the float moves up and down, the connecting rod transmits this motion to the plug, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the outlet. Because the connecting rod and plug are integrally connected, force transmission is more direct and efficient, reducing energy loss and mechanical wear.

[0022] Furthermore, the diameter of the plug decreases gradually from the end connected to the connecting rod to the end abutting against the water outlet pipe, and the maximum diameter of the plug is greater than the inner diameter of the water outlet pipe.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, since the diameter of the plug gradually decreases, when the plug abuts against the water outlet, its larger diameter part first contacts the edge of the water outlet to form a preliminary seal, and the smaller diameter part of the plug enters the water outlet pipe, making the seal between the plug and the water outlet tighter, effectively preventing water from leaking from the gap between the water outlet and the plug, and enhancing the sealing effect.

[0024] Furthermore, the connecting rod is integrally connected to the outer peripheral wall with a limiting ring for resisting the lever connecting piece.

[0025] By adopting this technical solution, the retaining ring clearly defines the position of the lever connector on the connecting rod. When the lever connector is connected to the connecting rod, the retaining ring can support the lever connector, preventing it from sliding or shifting during operation, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the connection. The close contact between the retaining ring and the lever connector can reduce relative movement between the two and prevent the lever connector from falling off the connecting rod.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0027] 1. A limiter assembly is located on the underside of the outlet pipe. Using a float, lever connector, and rubber plug, it precisely controls the amount of water flowing from the ambient temperature water tank into the transfer tank. The float automatically adjusts the position of the rubber plug as the water level fluctuates, dynamically adjusting the opening of the outlet to ensure a stable water level in the transfer tank. This automatic adjustment mechanism effectively prevents frequent water level fluctuations from impacting ice making and refrigeration operations, improving water circulation efficiency and the continuity and stability of the system.

[0028] 2. The mounting base adopts a modular design, including a fixed base, mounting plate, and hinged base, improving assembly efficiency and structural stability. The floating part slides along the guide post through the cylindrical groove, and the precise engagement of the ridge and the engagement groove ensures the stability and accuracy of the floating part's movement. The combination of the limit post and the sliding groove further prevents the floating part from tilting or rotating during movement, improving the reliability of the entire limit assembly, reducing friction and wear between components, extending service life, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0029] 3. The rubber plug and connecting rod are integrated into one piece, offering excellent elasticity and sealing properties. They fit snugly against the underside of the outlet pipe, effectively preventing water leakage. The decreasing diameter of the plug further enhances the sealing effect. The rubber plug and floating element are quick and easy to install, making replacement or repair easier and reducing maintenance costs. This ensures system sealing performance while facilitating maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a drinking water ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion of the structure in which the water tank is separated from the drinking water ice maker in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the normal temperature water tank and the limit assembly in the embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structural explosion of the limiting component in the embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rubber plug in the embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drinking water ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the limit assembly and the outlet pipe of the normal temperature water tank in part A.

[0037] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. Normal temperature water tank; 2. Transfer water tank; 3. Ice-making evaporator; 4. First cold tank; 5. Second cold tank; 6. Mounting seat; 61. Water outlet pipe; 62. Fixed seat; 63. Mounting plate; 631. Through hole; 632. Guide column; 6321. Raised ridge; 633. Limiting column; 64. Articulated seat; 7. Limiting assembly; 71. Floating part; 711. Columnar groove; 712. Sliding groove; 72. Rubber plug; 721. Plug; 722. Connecting rod; 723. Limiting ring; 73. Lever connecting part; 731. Through hole; 732. Give way groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following Figure 1-7 And embodiments, the present application is further described in detail.

[0039] The embodiment of the present application discloses a drinking water ice making machine. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drinking water ice maker includes a normal-temperature water tank 1, a transfer water tank 2, an ice-making evaporator 3, a first cold tank 4, and a second cold tank 5. The normal-temperature water tank 1 supplies normal-temperature water to the system. The ice-making evaporator 3 is located on one side of the normal-temperature water tank 1. The first cold tank 4 is located outside the ice-making evaporator 3 for ice making. The second cold tank 5 is located below the transfer water tank 2 for cooling water. The transfer water tank 2 is interconnected with the second cold tank 5 and the normal-temperature water tank 1. When cooling water, the water in the transfer water tank 2 circulates with the water in the second cold tank 5, thereby switching between cold water and normal-temperature water.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The normal temperature water tank 1 is provided with a mounting base 6 on its lower side. An outlet pipe 61 is integrally connected to the mounting base 6 for connecting the normal temperature water tank 1 and the transfer water tank 2. The lower side of the outlet pipe 61 extends into the transfer water tank 2. A limit assembly 7 is provided on the lower side of the outlet pipe 61 to control the water level in the transfer water tank 2.

[0041] The limiting assembly 7 includes a floating member 71, a rubber plug 72, and a lever connector 73. The lever connector 73 is hinged to the underside of the mounting base 6. The floating member 71 is located below the lever connector 73. The lever connector 73 defines a through hole 731 through which the rubber plug 72 passes. The lower end of the rubber plug 72 passes through the through hole 731 and is fixedly connected to the upper side of the floating member 71. The upper end of the rubber plug 72 is used to abut the lower end of the water outlet pipe 61.

[0042] The mounting base 6 includes a fixing base 62 fixedly connected to the bottom of the normal temperature water tank 1 and a mounting plate 63 fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing base 62. The mounting plate 63 is integrally connected to a hinge seat 64 on the bottom side for the lever connector 73 to be hinged. One end of the lever connector 73 is hinged to the hinge seat 64. In this embodiment, the clearance groove 732 is formed as a U-shaped groove. The mounting plate 63 is provided with a through hole 631 adjacent to the hinge seat 64 for the outlet pipe 61 to pass through.

[0043] A guide post 632 is provided on the underside of the mounting plate 63, on the side of the through-hole 631 away from the hinge seat 64, to guide the vertical movement of the floating member 71. The guide post 632 is perpendicular to and fixedly connected to the mounting plate 63. A clearance slot 732 for the guide post 632 is provided on the side of the lever connecting member 73 away from the movable connection with the hinge seat 64. The outer wall of the guide post 632 is circumferentially formed along its length to engage with the floating member 71. In this embodiment, there are four ridges 6321, evenly spaced apart.

[0044] The floating member 71 has a columnar slot 711 formed at a middle position along the height direction for the guide post 632 to pass through. The outer wall of each ridge 6321 abuts against the inner wall of the columnar slot 711 of the floating member 71 .

[0045] The lower side of the mounting plate 63 is vertically fixedly connected to a limiting column 633 on a side away from the hinge seat 64 . The floating member 71 has a sliding groove 712 on the side wall along the height direction. The limiting column 633 is slidably connected to the floating member 71 through the sliding groove 712 .

[0046] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The rubber plug 72 in this embodiment includes an integrally connected plug 721 and a connecting rod 722. The connecting rod 722 is integrally connected to the outer peripheral wall with a limit ring 723 for supporting the lever connecting member 73. The connecting rod 722 is vertically fixedly connected to the upper side of the floating member 71. The diameter of the plug 721 decreases from the end connected to the connecting rod 722 to the end close to the water outlet pipe 61. Figure 7 The maximum diameter of the plug 721 is larger than the inner diameter of the water outlet pipe 61 , and the plug 721 abuts against the lower side of the water outlet pipe 61 to block the water outlet pipe 61 and prevent the water in the normal temperature water tank 1 from overflowing into the transfer water tank 2 .

[0047] The implementation principle of a drinking water ice maker in an embodiment of the present application is as follows: the drinking water ice maker is mainly composed of a normal temperature water tank 1, a transfer water tank 2, an ice-making evaporator 3, a first cold tank 4 and a second cold tank 5. The normal temperature water tank 1 is responsible for providing normal temperature water into the system. The ice-making evaporator 3 is arranged on one side of the normal temperature water tank 1 and cooperates with the first cold tank 4 to make ice. The second cold tank 5 is arranged on the lower side of the transfer water tank 2 and is used for cooling water. The transfer water tank 2 serves as a medium for switching between normal temperature water and cooling water, and is interconnected with the second cold tank 5 and the normal temperature water tank 1. When cooling water is needed, the water in the transfer water tank 2 and the water in the second cold tank 5 are circulated to achieve water cooling.

[0048] The normal temperature water tank 1 supplies water to the transfer water tank 2 through the outlet pipe 61. The setting of the limit assembly 7 can be used to control the overflow of water, thereby controlling the water level. The limit assembly 7 includes a floating part 71, a rubber plug 72 and a lever connector 73. The floating part 71 rises and falls with the water level, and drives the rubber plug 72 to move up and down through the lever connector 73. When the water level rises, the floating part 71 rises and pushes the rubber plug 72 upward through the lever connector 73, reducing or releasing the blockage of the outlet pipe 61, allowing more water to flow into the transfer water tank 2. When the water level reaches a preset height, the floating part 71 causes the rubber plug 72 to tightly seal the lower end of the outlet pipe 61 through the lever connector 73, preventing further water from entering the transfer water tank 2.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A drinking water ice maker, characterized in that: The invention comprises a normal temperature water tank (1) for supplying normal temperature water, a transfer water tank (2) for transferring water, and an ice making evaporator (3) arranged on one side of the normal temperature water tank (1); a first cold tank (4) for making ice is arranged outside the ice making evaporator (3); the transfer water tank (2) is located on the lower side of the normal temperature water tank (1); a second cold tank (5) for cooling water is arranged on the lower side of the transfer water tank (2); the transfer water tank (2) is connected to the second cold tank (5) and the normal temperature water tank (1); The normal temperature water tank (1) is provided with a water outlet pipe (61) on the lower side thereof for communicating with the transfer water tank (2), and a limit assembly (7) for controlling the water level in the transfer water tank (2) is provided on the lower side of the water outlet pipe (61).

2. The drinking water ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting assembly (7) includes a floating member (71), a rubber plug (72) and a lever connecting member (73). The normal temperature water tank (1) is provided with a mounting seat (6) for mounting the lever connecting member (73) below the water outlet. One end of the lever connecting member (73) is movably connected to the lower side of the mounting seat (6). The floating member (71) is located below the lever connecting member (73). The lever connecting member (73) is provided with a through hole (731) for the rubber plug (72) to pass through. The lower end of the rubber plug (72) passes through the through hole (731) and is fixedly connected to the floating member (71). The upper end of the rubber plug (72) abuts against the lower end of the water outlet pipe (61).

3. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A guide column (632) for guiding the floating member (71) to move up and down is provided on the lower side of the mounting seat (6). The guide column (632) and the mounting seat (6) are perpendicular to each other and fixedly connected. The floating member (71) is provided with a columnar groove (711) for the guide column (632) to pass through at an adjacent position connected to the rubber plug (72). The lever connecting member (73) is provided with a clearance groove (732) for the guide column (632) to pass through on a side away from the movable connection with the mounting seat (6).

4. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer wall of the guide column (632) is circumferentially provided with a plurality of ridges (6321) for engaging with the floating member (71) along the length direction, and each ridge (6321) abuts against the inner wall of the clearance groove (732) of the floating member (71).

5. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A limiting column (633) is provided below the mounting seat (6) on a side away from the lever connecting member (73), and a sliding groove (712) matching the limiting column (633) is provided on the side wall of the floating member (71).

6. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting seat (6) comprises a fixing seat (62) fixedly connected to the bottom of the normal temperature water tank (1), a mounting plate (63) fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing seat (62), and a hinge seat (64) provided on the lower side of the mounting plate (63) and hinged to the lever connecting member (73). The mounting plate (63) is provided with a through hole (631) for the water outlet pipe (61) to pass through.

7. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rubber plug (72) comprises an integrally connected plug (721) and a connecting rod (722), wherein the connecting rod (722) is fixedly connected to the upper side of the floating member (71), and the plug (721) abuts against the lower side of the water outlet pipe (61).

8. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The diameter of the plug (721) decreases from the end connected to the connecting rod (722) to the end abutting against the water outlet pipe (61), and the maximum diameter of the plug (721) is greater than the inner diameter of the water outlet pipe (61).

9. The drinking water ice making machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting rod (722) is integrally connected to the outer peripheral wall with a limiting ring (723) for resisting the lever connecting member (73).

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