Ice cream machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to an ice cream machine which comprises a shell, an ice bucket mechanism and a heating mechanism. The shell is provided with an inner cavity; the ice bucket mechanism is arranged in the inner cavity and comprises an inner bucket. The heating mechanism comprises a heat exchange pipe, a water pump, a water tank and a heating piece; the two ends of the heat exchange pipe communicate with the water tank, the heat exchange pipe is arranged on the outer side wall of the inner barrel, the water tank is used for containing a liquid heat-conducting medium, the heating piece is arranged in the water tank to heat the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank, and the water pump is arranged on the heat exchange pipe to drive the liquid heat-conducting medium to circularly flow between the heat exchange pipe and the water tank. Through the arrangement, the heating piece heats the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank, then the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium is sucked into the heat exchange pipe by the water pump and heats food materials in the inner barrel, the liquid heat-conducting medium completing heat exchange returns to the water tank again to be heated again, the arrangement avoids direct contact between the heating piece and the inner barrel, and the heating safety can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an ice cream machine. Background Art

[0002] An ice cream maker is a common household appliance, typically equipped with a container, a stirring mechanism, a heating mechanism, and a cooling mechanism. The container holds the ingredients; the stirring mechanism mixes the ingredients evenly; the heating mechanism heats the container while the stirring mechanism is in operation, ensuring thorough mixing of the ingredients; and the cooling mechanism cools and solidifies the mixed ingredients to create the finished ice cream.

[0003] Currently, the heating mechanism of ice cream machines typically uses a heating wire installed outside the container. This heating wire heats the container when powered. However, this heating method has the following issues: Because the heating wire is in direct contact with the container, it can easily cause heat accumulation and lead to safety accidents. Therefore, heating safety needs to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides an ice cream maker, comprising a housing, an ice bucket mechanism, and a heating mechanism. The housing defines an inner cavity; the ice bucket mechanism is disposed within the inner cavity and includes an inner bucket. The heating mechanism includes a heat exchange tube, a water pump, a water tank, and a heating element. Both ends of the heat exchange tube are connected to the water tank, which is disposed on the outer wall of the inner bucket. The water tank is used to contain a liquid heat-conducting medium. The heating element is disposed in the water tank to heat the liquid heat-conducting medium within the water tank. The water pump is disposed in the heat exchange tube to circulate the liquid heat-conducting medium between the heat exchange tube and the water tank.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments, the water tank is filled with air and liquid heat transfer medium.

[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, a mounting opening is provided on the bottom wall of the water tank, the heating element is embedded in the mounting opening, and at least a portion of the structure of the heating element is located inside the water tank and in contact with the liquid heat-conducting medium.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least part of the structure of the heating element is exposed outside the water tank, and the heating mechanism further includes a sealing element, which is arranged around the installation opening and is clamped by the heating element and the bottom wall of the water tank.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ice bucket mechanism further includes an outer bucket and an insulation layer, the outer bucket is sleeved on the outside of the inner bucket, and is spaced apart from the inner bucket to define a accommodating cavity, the heat exchange tube is located in the accommodating cavity, the insulation layer is filled in the accommodating cavity, and the heat exchange tube is located between the insulation layer and the inner bucket.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the outer barrel has an outer barrel side wall and an outer barrel bottom wall, the outer barrel side wall is arranged around the outer circumference of the inner barrel, and the outer barrel bottom wall is connected to one end of the outer barrel side wall; a wiring opening is provided on the outer barrel side wall, and the wiring opening is located at the end of the outer barrel side wall away from the outer barrel bottom wall, and both ends of the heat exchange tube pass through the wiring opening.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the inner barrel has an inner barrel side wall and an inner barrel bottom wall, the inner barrel side wall is arranged around to form a space for accommodating food, the inner barrel bottom wall is connected to one end of the inner barrel side wall, and the heat exchange tube is arranged around the outer surface of the inner barrel side wall.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ice cream machine further includes a refrigeration mechanism, which includes an evaporating coil, a compressor, and a condenser; the evaporating coil is laid on the outer surface of the bottom wall of the inner barrel, the evaporating coil is used to accommodate a heat exchange medium, the compressor and the condenser are both arranged in the inner cavity, the compressor is connected to the evaporating coil, and the condenser is connected to the compressor.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the heat exchange tube is a copper tube.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the heating element is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor heater.

[0014] In the ice cream machine provided herein, when the heating mechanism is operating, the heating element heats the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank. The high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium is then drawn into the heat exchange tube by the water pump and heats the inner barrel. The liquid heat-conducting medium, having completed the heat exchange, returns to the water tank for further heating. This process is repeated cyclically to continuously heat the ingredients in the inner barrel. This arrangement allows the heating element to heat the ingredients in the inner barrel via the liquid heat-conducting medium while avoiding direct contact between the heating element and the inner barrel, thereby preventing concentrated heat distribution, reducing the risk of fire from the heating element, and improving the heating safety of the heating mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the implementation. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some implementation methods of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ice cream machine in some embodiments of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The structural cross-section of the ice cream machine shown.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2The schematic diagram of the structure of the heating mechanism and the refrigeration mechanism of the ice cream machine is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The structure shown is a schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The schematic structural diagram of the outer barrel of the ice cream machine shown.

[0021] Explanation of reference numbers: 100, ice cream maker; 10, shell; 11, inner cavity; 12, heat dissipation hole; 20, ice bucket mechanism; 21, inner barrel; 211, inner barrel side wall; 212, inner barrel bottom wall; 22, outer barrel; 221, outer barrel side wall; 222, outer barrel bottom wall; 223, wiring opening; 23, insulation layer; 24, accommodating cavity; 25, liner; 30, heating mechanism; 31, heat exchange tube; 32, water pump; 33, water tank; 34, heating element; 35, installation opening; 36, sealing element; 40, refrigeration mechanism; 41, evaporating coil; 42, compressor; 43, condenser; 44, cooling fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" and the like, indicating positions or state relationships, are based on the positions or state relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific position, or being constructed or operated in a specific position.

[0024] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or state. For example, the term "on" may also be used to express a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc. are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and configurations of which may be the same or different), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the devices, elements, or components indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; internal communication between two components; or mere surface contact. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] If certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components, those skilled in the art should understand that hardware manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in their functionality. For example, the term "including" used throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to." "Substantially" means that those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem within a certain error range and achieve a substantial technical effect.

[0028] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the present application provides an ice cream machine 100, which is used to stir, mix, and refrigerate a variety of ingredients to make ice cream. The ice cream machine 100 includes a housing 10, an ice bucket mechanism 20, and a heating mechanism 30. The housing 10 is the main frame structure of the ice cream machine 100. The housing 10 is provided with an inner cavity 11, which is used to accommodate other components of the ice cream machine 100. As a specific example, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is roughly rectangular. In other embodiments, the housing 10 can also be any shape, such as a cube, a cylinder, or even an irregular shape, without limitation.

[0029] See also Figure 2The ice bucket mechanism 20 is the mechanism used by the ice cream maker 100 to hold ingredients to be processed. It is located within the inner chamber 11 and includes an inner bucket 21. This barrel-shaped structure is used to hold ingredients needed for making ice cream, such as cream, butter, cheese, nuts, and fruit. The heating mechanism 30 heats the inner bucket 21, allowing some ingredients (such as butter and cheese) in the inner bucket 21 to melt quickly and mix thoroughly, thereby enhancing the flavor of the finished ice cream.

[0030] Please also see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heating mechanism 30 includes a heat exchange tube 31, a water pump 32, a water tank 33 and a heating element 34. Both ends of the heat exchange tube 31 are connected to the water tank 33. The heat exchange tube 31 is arranged on the outer wall of the inner barrel 21. For example, the heat exchange tube 31 can be arranged in a surrounding manner on the outer wall of the inner barrel 21, or can be distributed in a serpentine manner on the outer wall of the inner barrel 21. There is no limitation on the distribution form of the heat exchange tube 31 on the outer wall of the inner barrel 21. The water tank 33 is used to contain a liquid heat-conducting medium, which can be a liquid heat medium such as water or thermal oil. The heating element 34 is a device that can generate heat. The heating element 34 is arranged in the water tank 33 to heat the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank 33. The water pump 32 is arranged in the heat exchange tube 31 to drive the liquid heat-conducting medium to circulate between the heat exchange tube 31 and the water tank 33.

[0031] With the above arrangement, when the heating mechanism 30 is in operation, the heating element 34 first heats the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank 33, turning it into a high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium. The water pump 32 then draws the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium from the water tank 33 into the heat exchange tube 31. Since the heat exchange tube 31 is located on the outer wall of the inner tub 21, the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium in the heat exchange tube 31 can heat the food in the inner tub 21, accelerating the melting of some of the food and facilitating thorough mixing of the food. After the heat exchange in the heat exchange tube 31, the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium becomes a low-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium. The low-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium is then drawn back into the water tank 33 by the water pump 32 and continues to be heated by the heating element 34. This process repeats in a cycle, continuously heating the food in the inner tub 21. Furthermore, since the inner tub 21 is indirectly heated by the liquid heat-conducting medium and separated by the heat exchange tube 31, heat accumulation around the inner tub 21 is less likely to occur, minimizing the possibility of fire in the inner tub 21 due to excessive heating. In summary, the ice cream machine 100 has the beneficial effect of high heating safety of the heating mechanism 30 .

[0032] In some embodiments, the heat exchange tube 31 is a copper tube, which has the advantages of being cheap and having high thermal conductivity. In other embodiments, the heat exchange tube 31 can also be a tube made of any metal material such as a stainless steel tube, a copper-nickel alloy tube, etc. In some embodiments, the heating element 34 is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient, PTC) heater. When the PTC heater is powered on, it can generate heat to achieve a heating effect. Due to the characteristics of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor itself, it will reduce its own resistance when overheated, thereby greatly reducing the heating power, so that the heating is safer and more reliable. In other embodiments, the heating element 34 can also be any type of heating element such as an electric heating tube, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0033] Please also see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inner barrel 21 includes an inner barrel sidewall 211 and an inner barrel bottom wall 212. The inner barrel sidewall 211 is generally cylindrical and is disposed around the inner barrel sidewall 211 to form a space for accommodating food. The inner barrel bottom wall 212 is a plate-like structure connected to one end of the inner barrel sidewall 211. The inner barrel bottom wall 212 and the inner barrel sidewall 211 can be integrally molded, welded, or adhesively connected. The heat exchange tube 31 is disposed around the outer surface of the inner barrel sidewall 211 to heat the inner barrel sidewall 211, thereby melting food adhered to the inner barrel sidewall 211 and facilitating thorough mixing of the food.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ice bucket mechanism 20 further includes a metal inner liner 25, which is removably mounted in the inner barrel 21 and is used to hold food. The outer wall of the inner liner 25 fits in contact with the inner barrel 211, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency between the food in the inner liner 25 and the heat exchange tube 31 outside the inner barrel 211. As a specific example, the inner liner 25 can be placed directly in the inner barrel 21, or it can be connected to the inner barrel 21 via other components such as connectors or fasteners. After using the ice cream maker 100, the staff can remove the inner liner 25 from the inner barrel 21 for cleaning. This process will not affect the heating mechanism 30 or other structures of the ice cream maker 100. In other embodiments, the ice bucket mechanism 20 can also be provided without an inner liner 25, in which case the food is placed directly in the inner barrel 21 for processing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the water tank 33 is filled with air and a liquid heat-conducting medium. When the liquid heat-conducting medium is drawn into the heat exchange tube 31 by the water pump 32, air remains in the water tank 33. The liquid heat-conducting medium in the heat exchange tube 31 can then heat the inner tub 21. When the liquid heat-conducting medium is drawn into the water tank 33 by the water pump 32, air enters the heat exchange tube 31 and forces the liquid heat-conducting medium out of the heat exchange tube 31, rapidly cooling the heat exchange tube 31. This allows the heating mechanism 30 to quickly stop heating the inner tub 21, allowing the food in the inner tub 21 to be subsequently refrigerated. In other embodiments, the water tank 33 can be filled solely with the liquid heat-conducting medium without air.

[0036] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the water tank 33 is provided with an installation opening 35 that communicates with the interior of the water tank 33. A heater 34 is embedded within the installation opening 35, with at least a portion of the heater 34 located within the water tank 33 and in contact with the liquid heat-conducting medium. For example, at least a portion of the heater 34 may protrude into the water tank 33, or at least a portion of the heater 34 may be flush with the surface of the inner bottom wall of the water tank 33. It should be noted that "at least a portion of the heater 34" herein includes at least the heating portion of the heater 34, ensuring that the heating portion of the heater 34 can contact and heat the liquid heat-conducting medium. This arrangement enables direct contact between the heater 34 and the liquid heat-conducting medium within the water tank 33, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heater 34. In other embodiments, the heater 34 may be completely located within the water tank 33, with wires extending from the water tank 33 for connection to a power source.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heating element 34 is exposed outside the water tank 33. The portion of the heating element 34 exposed outside the water tank 33 can be electrically connected to a power source to enable the heating function of the heating element 34. The heating mechanism 30 also includes a sealing member 36, which can be a sealing element such as a sealing ring or a sealing gasket. The sealing member 36 is disposed around the mounting opening 35 and is clamped between the heating element 34 and the bottom wall of the water tank 33 to form a sealed structure.

[0038] See also Figure 2In some embodiments, the ice bucket mechanism 20 further includes an outer bucket 22 and an insulation layer 23. The outer bucket 22 is sleeved onto the inner bucket 21 and spaced apart from the inner bucket 21 to define a receiving chamber 24. A heat exchange tube 31 is located within the receiving chamber 24, and the insulation layer 23 is filled and disposed therein, with the heat exchange tube 31 positioned between the insulation layer 23 and the inner bucket 21. The receiving chamber 24 provides space for the heat exchange tube 31. The insulation layer 23 is made of an insulating material, such as a layer of insulation cotton, polyethylene foam, or glass wool. A passage for the heat exchange tube 31 may be provided in the insulation layer 23. The insulation layer 23 not only provides insulation but also minimizes heat transfer from the heat exchange tube 31 away from the inner bucket 21, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange tube 31 and the inner bucket 21. This prevents excessive temperatures around the ice bucket mechanism 20 and enhances the safety of the ice cream maker 100.

[0039] Please also see Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the outer barrel 22 includes an outer barrel sidewall 221 and an outer barrel bottom wall 222. The outer barrel sidewall 221 is generally cylindrical and surrounds the outer periphery of the inner barrel 21 and is spaced apart from the inner barrel sidewall 211. The outer barrel bottom wall 222 is a plate-like structure connected to one end of the outer barrel sidewall 221 and is spaced apart from the inner barrel bottom wall 212. The outer barrel bottom wall 222 and the outer barrel sidewall 221 can be integrally molded, welded, or adhesively connected. A wiring opening 223 is provided on the outer barrel sidewall 221. The wiring opening 223 connects the accommodating chamber 24 with the exterior of the outer barrel 22. The wiring opening 223 is located at the end of the outer barrel sidewall 221 away from the outer barrel bottom wall 222. Both ends of the heat exchange tube 31 pass through the wiring opening 223. Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the wiring opening 223 provides a channel for the wiring of the heat exchange tube 31, and one end of the heat exchange tube 31 enters the accommodating cavity 24 from the wiring opening 223, extends around the inner barrel side wall 211 to the end close to the inner barrel bottom wall 212, and then extends back to the wiring opening 223 to the end away from the inner barrel bottom wall 212 and extends out from the accommodating cavity 24, so as to fully surround the inner barrel side wall 211, thereby improving the heating effect of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange tube 31 on the food in the inner barrel 21.

[0040] Please also see Figure 2 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the ice cream machine 100 further includes a refrigeration mechanism 40, which is used to cool the evenly mixed ingredients after the heating mechanism 30 has completed operation, so that the ingredients can solidify and form the finished ice cream. The refrigeration mechanism 40 includes an evaporator coil 41, a compressor 42, and a condenser 43. The evaporator coil 41 is laid on the outer surface of the inner barrel bottom wall 212 and is used to accommodate a heat exchange medium, which can be a refrigerant such as water, Freon, or propane. The compressor 42 and condenser 43 are both disposed in the inner cavity 11, with the compressor 42 connected to the evaporator coil 41 and the condenser 43 connected to the compressor 42. The heat exchange medium within the evaporator coil 41 absorbs heat from the food in the inner tub 21 at the inner tub bottom wall 212 and transforms from liquid to gas, cooling the food in the inner tub 21. The gaseous heat exchange medium then passes through the compressor 42 and condenser 43, where it is cooled back to liquid form. The liquid heat exchange medium then returns to the evaporator coil 41, where it continues to absorb heat and cool the food. This process repeats continuously, achieving continuous cooling of the food in the inner tub 21, freezing and shaping the food to form the finished ice cream. Furthermore, because the evaporator coil 41 is located on the outer surface of the inner tub bottom wall 212 and the heat exchange tube 31 is located outside the inner tub side wall 211, the evaporator coil 41 and heat exchange tube 31 do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, the contact between the evaporator coil 41 and the inner tub bottom wall 212 facilitates heat exchange with the food, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the food.

[0041] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments, the ice cream machine 100 further includes a cooling fan 44 disposed within the inner cavity 11. The housing 10 is provided with a plurality of cooling holes 12 communicating with the inner cavity 11. The suction end of the cooling fan 44 faces the condenser 43, while the blowing end of the cooling fan 44 faces the cooling holes 12. Due to the presence of the cooling fan 44, heat generated around the condenser 43 during operation can be drawn away by the cooling fan 44 and discharged from the housing 10 through the cooling holes 12, thereby preventing a large amount of heat from accumulating around the condenser 43 and ensuring safe and normal operation of the condenser 43.

[0042] In summary, this embodiment provides an ice cream machine 100, which is provided with a heating mechanism 30. When the heating mechanism 30 is working, the heating element 34 first heats the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank 33 to make it a high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium, and then the water pump 32 sucks the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank 33 into the heat exchange tube 31. Since the heat exchange tube 31 is distributed on the outer wall of the inner barrel 21, the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium in the heat exchange tube 31 can heat the food in the inner barrel 21, which can accelerate the melting of some food and facilitate the full mixing of the food. After the heat exchange is completed in the heat exchange tube 31, the high-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium becomes a low-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium, and then the low-temperature liquid heat-conducting medium is sucked back into the water tank 33 by the water pump 32 and continues to be heated by the heating element 34. The above process is repeated in a cycle to achieve continuous heating of the food in the inner barrel 21. Since the inner barrel 21 is indirectly heated by a liquid heat-conducting medium and a heat exchange tube 31 is provided between the liquid heat-conducting medium and the inner barrel 21, heat accumulation is not likely to occur around the inner barrel 21, thereby minimizing the possibility of the inner barrel 21 catching fire due to excessive heating temperature.

[0043] In addition, when making ice cream, the above-mentioned ice cream machine 100 needs to first use the heating mechanism 30 to heat the ingredients, and then use the refrigeration mechanism 40 to cool the ingredients. Since the water tank 33 is filled with air and liquid heat-conducting medium, when the heating operation is completed, the liquid heat-conducting medium is sucked into the water tank 33 from the heat exchange tube 31 by the water pump 32, and the air enters the heat exchange tube 31 and squeezes the liquid heat-conducting medium in the heat exchange tube 31 out of the heat exchange tube 31, and the residual heat in the heat exchange tube 31 can be taken away. Therefore, the heat exchange tube 31 can be quickly cooled, so that the heating mechanism 30 quickly stops heating the inner barrel 21, so that the ingredients in the inner barrel 21 can be subsequently refrigerated and the processing efficiency of the hot and cold conversion can be improved.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalent features for some of the technical features. However, such modifications or substitutions do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ice cream machine, characterized in that: include a housing having an inner cavity; an ice bucket mechanism, disposed in the inner cavity, the ice bucket mechanism comprising an inner bucket; and The heating mechanism includes a heat exchange tube, a water pump, a water tank and a heating element; both ends of the heat exchange tube are connected to the water tank, the heat exchange tube is arranged on the outer wall of the inner barrel, the water tank is used to accommodate liquid heat-conducting medium, the heating element is arranged in the water tank to heat the liquid heat-conducting medium in the water tank, and the water pump is arranged in the heat exchange tube to drive the liquid heat-conducting medium to circulate between the heat exchange tube and the water tank.

2. The ice cream machine according to claim 1, wherein The water tank is filled with air and liquid heat-conducting medium.

3. The ice cream machine according to claim 1, wherein The bottom wall of the water tank is provided with an installation opening, the heating element is embedded in the installation opening, and at least a part of the structure of the heating element is located inside the water tank and in contact with the liquid heat-conducting medium.

4. The ice cream machine according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the structure of the heating element is exposed outside the water tank. The heating mechanism further comprises a sealing element, which is arranged around the installation opening and is clamped by the heating element and the bottom wall of the water tank.

5. The ice cream machine according to claim 1, wherein The ice bucket mechanism also includes an outer bucket and an insulation layer. The outer bucket is sleeved on the outside of the inner bucket and is spaced apart from the inner bucket to define a accommodating cavity. The heat exchange tube is located in the accommodating cavity. The insulation layer is filled in the accommodating cavity, and the heat exchange tube is located between the insulation layer and the inner bucket.

6. The ice cream machine according to claim 5, wherein: The outer barrel has an outer barrel side wall and an outer barrel bottom wall. The outer barrel side wall is arranged around the outer circumference of the inner barrel, and the outer barrel bottom wall is connected to one end of the outer barrel side wall. A wiring opening is provided on the outer barrel side wall, and the wiring opening is located at the end of the outer barrel side wall away from the outer barrel bottom wall. Both ends of the heat exchange tube pass through the wiring opening.

7. The ice cream machine according to claim 1, wherein: The inner barrel has an inner barrel side wall and an inner barrel bottom wall. The inner barrel side wall is arranged around to form a space for accommodating food. The inner barrel bottom wall is connected to one end of the inner barrel side wall. The heat exchange pipe is arranged around the outer surface of the inner barrel side wall.

8. The ice cream machine according to claim 7, wherein: The ice cream machine also includes a refrigeration mechanism, which includes an evaporating coil, a compressor and a condenser; the evaporating coil is laid on the outer surface of the bottom wall of the inner barrel, and the evaporating coil is used to accommodate a heat exchange medium. The compressor and the condenser are both arranged in the inner cavity, the compressor is connected to the evaporating coil, and the condenser is connected to the compressor.

9. The ice cream machine according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchange tube is a copper tube.

10. The ice cream machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The heating element is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor heater.

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