Water supply mechanism of ice maker, ice maker and cold storage equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a water supply mechanism of an ice maker, the ice maker and cold storage equipment. The ice maker water supply mechanism comprises a water source supporting piece and a valve piece. The water source supporting piece comprises a supporting piece body and an air column arranged on the supporting piece body, and the valve piece comprises a valve body. The supporting piece body is used for assembling a water source container, and the air column can communicate with the water source container. The valve body is arranged on the air column, and when the air pressure in the air column is smaller than that in the valve body, the valve body is in an open state. Through the arrangement, the water source container can discharge water more smoothly, and meanwhile liquid is prevented from overflowing from the air column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment, and in particular to an ice maker water supply mechanism, an ice maker, and cold storage equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of industrial technology and the improvement of people's quality of life, higher requirements are being placed on the comprehensive performance of cold storage equipment such as refrigerators. The ice-making function and ease of use of cold storage equipment are particularly important aspects of people's attention. To improve market competitiveness and meet consumer needs, existing cold storage equipment is often equipped with an ice maker to achieve this ice-making function. In the existing technology, cold storage equipment needs to draw water from a water source container when making ice. However, due to the sealing of the water source container, the water source container is under negative pressure during water discharge, resulting in slow water discharge from the water source container and poor ice-making effect.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved ice maker water supply mechanism to solve some or all of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides an ice maker water supply mechanism with smooth water discharge, an ice maker, and cold storage equipment.

[0005] The present application provides an ice maker water supply mechanism, comprising a water source support member and a valve member; the water source support member comprises a support member body and an air column arranged in the support member body, and the valve member comprises a valve body; the support member body is used to assemble a water source container, and the air column can be connected to the water source container; the valve body is arranged in the air column, and when the air pressure in the air column is lower than the air pressure in the valve body, the valve body is in an open state.

[0006] Furthermore, the valve body includes at least a first valve piece and a second valve piece that are elastically deformable; when the air pressure in the air column is lower than the air pressure in the valve body, the first valve piece is separated from the second valve piece, and the air column is connected to the valve body.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve body includes a flange portion and a valve core portion; the valve core portion protrudes from the flange portion toward the support member body, and the valve core portion is located in the air column, and the flange portion is attached to the end face of the air column; the first valve plate and the second valve plate are arranged on the valve core portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the valve component includes a fixing sleeve; the fixing sleeve is arranged on the gas column and is attached to a side of the flange portion facing away from the gas column.

[0009] Furthermore, the valve component includes a clamping member; the clamping member is clamped between the fixing sleeve and the gas column.

[0010] Further, the fixing sleeve is provided with a fixing groove; the air column is provided with a clamping groove; the fixing groove and the clamping groove are correspondingly arranged; and the clamping member is respectively clamped in the fixing groove and the clamping groove.

[0011] Further, the fixing sleeve comprises a circumferential side, a bottom plate and a through hole penetrating the bottom plate; the circumferential side is sleeved on the air column, and the fixing groove penetrates the circumferential side; the bottom plate is in contact with the flange; and the through hole is in communication with the valve core.

[0012] Further, the water source support further comprises a filter screen; the filter screen is arranged in the air column and between the valve body and the support body.

[0013] The application further provides an ice maker, comprising an ice maker body and the ice maker water supply mechanism as described above, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is connected with the ice maker body.

[0014] The application further provides a cold storage device, comprising a refrigeration chamber, a freezing chamber and the ice maker as described above, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is arranged in the refrigeration chamber, and the ice maker body is arranged in the freezing chamber.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the ice maker water supply mechanism of the application is provided with an air column, and the air column is in communication with the water source container; when the water source container discharges water, the air pressure in the water source container can be equivalent to the air pressure outside, so that the water source container discharges water more smoothly. Meanwhile, the valve member is arranged at the air column, so that liquid can be prevented from overflowing from the air column.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings incorporated into the specification and forming part of the specification, show embodiments consistent with the present specification, and together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present specification.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ice maker water supply mechanism of the application installed with a water source container.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the ice maker water supply mechanism in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective view of the ice maker water supply mechanism in the second embodiment from another angle.

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a sectional view of the ice maker water supply mechanism along A-A in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the water supply mechanism for the ice maker.

[0023] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the valve component of the present application and the air column in the water supply mechanism of the ice maker.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the ice maker's water supply mechanism with the fixing sleeve removed.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the valve.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the valve components.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the middle valve from another perspective.

[0028] Explanation of the accompanying numbers: 1-water source support member; 11-support member body; 111-mounting shell; 112-base; 12-air column; 121-end face of air column; 122-slot; 123-guide part; 13-filter; 2-valve member; 21-valve body; 211-first valve disc; 212-second valve disc; 213-flange part; 214-valve core part; 22-fixing sleeve; 221-fixing groove; 222-side part; 223-bottom plate part; 224-through hole; 23-clamping member; 3-water source container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0030] If there are terms related to directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indication or positional relationship will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are only used for the purpose of convenience of description and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the water supply mechanism of the ice maker of the present application includes a water source support member 1 and a valve member 2. The water source support member 1 is used to mount a water source container 3, and the valve member 2 is disposed on the water source support member 1. The water source support member 1 includes a support member body 11, an air column 12, and a filter 13. The support member body 11 is used to assemble the water source container 3. Specifically, the water source container 3 can be directly mounted to the support member body 11. Of course, the water source container 3 can also be mounted to the support member body 11 via an adapter. The water source container 3 is preferably a water bottle, such as a mineral water bottle, a beverage bottle, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the support body 11 includes a mounting shell 111 and a base 112. The mounting shell 111 is mounted on the base 112, and the mounting shell 111 and the base 112 are integrally formed. The water source container 3 is connected to the mounting shell 111, and the base 112 is used to fix the water source support 1.

[0033] Air column 12 is provided in support body 11 and is in communication with water source container 3. Specifically, air column 12 is tubular and extends from support body 11. The inner cavity of air column 12 communicates with the inner cavity of support body 11. Air column 12 is connected to mounting housing 111, and the inner cavity of air column 12 communicates with the inner cavity of support body 11.

[0034] The air column 12 can be located directly above the mounting housing 111. This arrangement, through the assembly of the air column 12 and the valve member 2 and the action of gravity, prevents liquid from overflowing from the air column 12, thereby improving the utilization of the water source. Of course, as long as the air column 12 and the valve member 2 are tightly fitted, the air column 12 can also be located anywhere on the circumferential surface of the mounting housing 111, thereby reducing the difficulty of design and manufacturing.

[0035] Further integration Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the gas column 12 includes an end face 121 and a guide portion 123, and a slot 122 is provided on the circumference of the gas column 12. The end face 121 is located on the side of the gas column 12 that deviates from the support body 11, and the slot 122 is concavely arranged from the outer circumferential surface of the gas column 12, and the slot 122 is arranged around the circumference of the gas column 12. The guide portion 123 extends from the end face 121 to the interior of the gas column 12, and the guide portion 123 is used to guide part of the valve component 2 to be more conveniently inserted into the gas column 12. Specifically, the guide portion 123 is preferably a rounded chamfer to reduce damage to the valve component 2 caused by the guide portion 123.

[0036] Filter 13 is located within air column 12 to filter impurities, such as dust, from the air. Filter 13 is spaced apart from valve element 2. Filter 13 and the inner wall of air column 12 are removable, allowing for easy replacement and improving the hygiene of the ice maker's water supply mechanism.

[0037] Combine Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve member 2 includes a valve body 21, a fixing sleeve 22, and a clamping member 23. The valve body 21 is provided in the air column 12, and when the air pressure in the air column 12 is less than the air pressure in the valve body 21, the valve body 21 is in an open state. Specifically, when the water source container 3 supplies water to the water supply mechanism of the ice maker, the air pressure in the water source container 3 decreases, thereby making the air pressure in the air column 12 less than the air pressure in the valve body 21. Under the action of the pressure difference, the valve body 21 is in an open state, and the valve body 21 is connected to the water source container 3, allowing external air to enter the water source container 3, so that the air pressure in the water source container 3 is equal to the external air pressure again, thereby ensuring that the liquid in the water source container 3 continues to flow smoothly into the water supply mechanism of the ice maker to supply water.

[0038] A portion of the valve body 21 is located within the air column 12 and fits against the end surface 121 of the air column 12. The filter screen 13 is located between the valve body 21 and the support body 11 and is spaced apart from the valve body 21 along the axial direction of the air column 12. This arrangement prevents the filter screen 13 from being too close to the valve body 21, which could affect the opening and closing of the valve body 21.

[0039] The valve body 21 includes at least a first elastically deformable valve disc 211 and a second valve disc 212. When the air pressure within the air column 12 is lower than the air pressure within the valve body 21, the first valve disc 211 and the second valve disc 212 separate, connecting the air column 12 and the valve body 21. Specifically, when the water source container 3 is supplying water to the ice maker's water supply mechanism, the first valve disc 211 and the second valve disc 212 separate, leaving the valve body 21 in an open state. When the ice maker's water supply mechanism is not operating, that is, when the water source container 3 is not supplying water, the first valve disc 211 and the second valve disc 212 tightly fit together, closing the valve body 21 and preventing liquid from overflowing from the air column 12.

[0040] When the water supply mechanism of the ice maker stops working, in order to enable the valve body 21 to close in time, the first valve plate 211 and the second valve plate 212 always have a tendency to fit together.

[0041] In other embodiments, the valve body 21 includes other valve discs different from the first valve disc 211 and the second valve disc 212. Preferably, the valve body 21 includes three, four, or five valve discs. This arrangement makes the valve body 21 easier to open, further improving the smoothness of the liquid in the water source container 3 flowing into the water supply mechanism of the ice maker.

[0042] Further integration Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the valve body 21 comprises a flange portion 213 and a valve core portion 214. The valve core portion 214 is protruded from the flange portion 213 towards the support body 11, and the valve core portion 214 is located in the air column 12, and the flange portion 213 is attached to the end face 121 of the air column 12. The first valve sheet 211 and the second valve sheet 212 are arranged in the valve core portion 214.

[0043] Further, the outer diameter of the flange portion 213 is larger than the outer diameter of the valve core portion 214, and the flange portion 213 is in communication with the valve core portion 214. The first valve sheet 211 and the second valve sheet 212 are arranged at one end of the valve core portion 214 away from the flange portion 213.

[0044] In other embodiments, the first valve sheet 211 and the second valve sheet 212 can also be located in the valve core portion 214 or in the flange portion 213.

[0045] The valve body 21 is preferably made of rubber. Of course, the valve body 21 can also be made of plastic, metal, etc., and the edges of the first valve sheet 211 and the second valve sheet 212 are provided with rubber sleeves, so that the first valve sheet 211 and the second valve sheet 212 can be tightly attached.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fixing sleeve 22 is sleeved on the air column 12 and attached to the side of the flange portion 213 away from the air column 12. The fixing sleeve 22 is in the shape of a cylinder. Further, the fixing sleeve 22 is provided with a fixing groove 221, a peripheral side portion 222, a bottom plate portion 223, and a through hole 224.

[0047] The fixing groove 221 penetrates the side wall of the fixing sleeve 22. Specifically, the fixing groove 221 is arranged in the peripheral side portion 222, and the fixing groove 221 penetrates the peripheral side portion 222. The fixing groove 221 is preferably provided with two, and the two fixing grooves 221 are symmetrically arranged. Along the circumference of the peripheral side portion 222, the two fixing grooves 221 are arranged at intervals. The fixing groove 221 is arranged corresponding to the clamping groove 122. Further, the position of the fixing groove 221 is arranged corresponding to the position of the clamping groove 122, and the clamping member 23 is respectively clamped in the fixing groove 221 and the clamping groove 122.

[0048] The peripheral side portion 222 is sleeved on the air column 12, the inner side of the bottom plate portion 223 is in contact with the flange portion 213, and the through hole 224 is in communication with the valve core portion 214. Specifically, the through hole 224 penetrates the bottom plate portion 223, and the through hole 224 is in communication with the inner cavity of the valve body 21. In order to avoid larger dust and other impurities from entering the air column 12, the diameter of the through hole 224 is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve core portion 214.

[0049] When the fixing sleeve 22 is mounted on the air column 12, the bottom plate 223 abuts against the flange 213, thereby pressing the valve body 21 between the fixing sleeve 22 and the air column 12 to prevent movement of the valve body 21. The clamping member 23 is sandwiched between the fixing sleeve 22 and the air column 12 to secure the fixing sleeve 22 to the air column 12. The clamping member 23 is sandwiched between the fixing groove 221 and the clamping groove 122, further limiting the displacement of the clamping member 23 and improving the stability of the fixing sleeve 22 during installation.

[0050] In other embodiments, to reduce the design difficulty of the fixing sleeve 22 and the air column 12, the clamping member 23 can be directly clamped onto the outer circumferential surface of the fixing sleeve 22, and the clamping force of the clamping member 23 can be used to secure the fixing sleeve 22 to the air column 12. Of course, the fixing sleeve 22 can also be made of elastically deformable rubber, and the inner diameter of the circumferential side portion 222 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the air column 12, so that the fixing sleeve 22 can be secured to the air column 12 by an interference fit between the fixing sleeve 22 and the air column 12. Furthermore, the fixing sleeve 22 and the air column 12 can also be secured by gluing, welding, or other methods.

[0051] In some embodiments, the clamping member 23 is preferably a spring clip. This arrangement allows the fixing sleeve 22 to be conveniently fixed to the gas column 12 by utilizing the elastic force of the spring clip itself. Of course, the clamping member 23 can also be a clamp, a cable tie, or the like.

[0052] The ice maker water supply mechanism of the present application is provided with an air column 12, which is connected to the water source container 3. When water is discharged from the water source container 3, the air pressure inside the water source container 3 can be equal to the external air pressure, making the water discharge from the water source container smoother. At the same time, a valve member 2 is provided at the air column 12. When the air pressure inside the air column 12 is lower than the air pressure inside the valve body 21, the valve body 21 is in the open state. When the ice maker water supply mechanism is not operating, liquid can be prevented from overflowing from the air column, thereby improving the utilization rate of the water source.

[0053] The present application also provides an ice maker, comprising an ice maker body (not shown) and the ice maker water supply mechanism described above, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is connected to the ice maker body. Liquid in a water source container 3 flows into the ice maker body through the ice maker water supply mechanism.

[0054] The present application also provides a cold storage device comprising a refrigerator compartment (not shown), a freezer compartment (not shown), and the aforementioned ice maker, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is located in the refrigerator compartment, and the ice maker body is located in the freezer compartment. By providing the aforementioned ice maker, the cold storage device of the present application can improve the convenience of replacing the water source, while preventing leakage from the ice maker water supply mechanism, thereby improving the user experience of the cold storage device and enhancing the market competitiveness of the cold storage device. The cold storage device can be a refrigeration device such as a refrigerator or freezer.

[0055] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker water supply mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a water source support and a valve component; the water source support component includes a support component body and an air column arranged in the support component body, and the valve component includes a valve body; the support component body is used to assemble a water source container, and the air column can be connected to the water source container; the valve body is arranged in the air column, and when the air pressure in the air column is lower than the air pressure in the valve body, the valve body is in an open state.

2. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body includes at least a first valve piece and a second valve piece that are elastically deformable; when the air pressure in the air column is lower than the air pressure in the valve body, the first valve piece is separated from the second valve piece, and the air column is connected to the valve body.

3. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve body includes a flange portion and a valve core portion; the valve core portion protrudes from the flange portion toward the support member body, and the valve core portion is located in the air column, and the flange portion is attached to the end face of the air column; the first valve plate and the second valve plate are arranged on the valve core portion.

4. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve component includes a fixing sleeve; the fixing sleeve is sleeved on the gas column and is attached to a side of the flange portion facing away from the gas column.

5. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve component includes a clamping component; the clamping component is clamped between the fixing sleeve and the gas column.

6. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing sleeve is provided with a fixing groove; a clamping groove is provided on the peripheral side of the air column; the fixing groove and the clamping groove are arranged correspondingly, and the clamping piece is respectively clamped in the fixing groove and the clamping groove.

7. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixing sleeve includes a peripheral side portion, a bottom plate portion, and a through hole passing through the bottom plate portion; the peripheral side portion is sleeved on the air column, and the fixing groove passes through the peripheral side portion; the inner side of the bottom plate portion contacts the flange portion, and the through hole is connected to the valve core portion.

8. The ice maker water supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water source support also includes a filter; the filter is arranged in the air column and located between the valve body and the support body.

9. An ice making machine, characterized in that: The ice maker comprises an ice maker main body and an ice maker water supply mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is connected to the ice maker main body.

10. A cold storage device, characterized in that: The ice maker comprises a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber and the ice maker according to claim 9, wherein the ice maker water supply mechanism is arranged in the refrigerating chamber, and the ice maker body is arranged in the freezing chamber.

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