Crescent ice evaporator and crescent ice maker
By designing a refrigerant channel enclosed by the ice-making substrate and the flow path substrate in the crescent-shaped ice evaporator, heat exchange is carried out directly with the back of the ice-making substrate, which solves the problem of low thermal conductivity and achieves the effects of high-efficiency ice making and simplified structure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423065637.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing crescent-shaped ice evaporators have low thermal conductivity, complex structure, and high cost, and require heat exchange through multiple heat transfer media.
The refrigerant channel is formed by enclosing the ice-making substrate and the flow path substrate. The refrigerant channel directly contacts the back of the ice-making substrate for heat exchange, reducing the heat conduction medium. The refrigerant channel is designed in a serpentine shape to adapt to the ice-making area, and combined with turbulence bumps to improve heat exchange efficiency.
It improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, simplifies the structure, reduces production costs, and can generate multiple small ice blocks, thus improving the ice-making effect and ice-removing efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223499827U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making device technology, and in particular to a crescent-shaped ice evaporator and a crescent-shaped ice maker. Background Technology
[0002] The crescent-shaped ice maker is a professional piece of equipment mainly used to produce uniquely shaped crescent-shaped ice blocks. Its working principle is based on advanced refrigeration technology, which is achieved by precisely controlling the cooling process of water. First, the ice maker introduces water into a specially designed evaporator. The temperature inside the ice tray is lowered by circulating refrigerant. As the temperature gradually decreases, the water begins to freeze and forms a crescent shape under the action of the specific structure of the ice tray.
[0003] Current crescent-shaped ice evaporators consist of an ice grid and condenser tubes. The front of the ice grid is divided into multiple ice-making zones, while the condenser tubes are located on the back of the ice grid to accommodate these zones. Condensate flows into the condenser tubes, and the cooling energy of the condensate passes through the tube walls and the walls of the ice grid before acting on the water in the ice-making zones to achieve the ice-making function. However, the cooling energy of the condensate requires passing through multiple heat transfer media to exchange heat with the water and condense into ice, resulting in low thermal conductivity and reduced heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Furthermore, the complex structure increases the cost. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a crescent ice evaporator and a crescent ice maker, which can reduce the heat transfer medium, improve heat exchange efficiency, and have a simple overall structure and low cost.
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a crescent-shaped ice evaporator, comprising an ice-making substrate and a flow path substrate. The ice-making substrate and the flow path substrate are connected to form a sealed heat exchange space. A refrigerant channel is provided within the heat exchange space, having an inlet end and an outlet end, for guiding the refrigerant flow and exchanging heat with the back side of the ice-making substrate. Multiple ice-making intervals are spaced apart on the front side of the ice-making substrate, and multiple ice-making areas are spaced apart within each ice-making interval, for containing water and forming ice through the refrigerant heat exchange within the heat exchange space.
[0006] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice-making substrate is provided with a plurality of spacers, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the ice-making substrate. An ice-making interval is formed between two adjacent spacers, and a water inlet and a water outlet are respectively provided at both ends of the ice-making interval.
[0007] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice-making section is provided with a plurality of turbulence protrusions, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice-making area; the ice-making area is provided between two adjacent turbulence protrusions, and the heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is located in the ice-making area.
[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerant channel is a serpentine channel, and the heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is adapted to the ice-making area.
[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, a capillary tube is provided at the inlet end, and the capillary tube is connected to the condenser through a pipe; a return gas pipe is provided at the outlet end, and the return gas pipe is connected to the compressor through a pipe.
[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, an ice removal pipe is also provided on the inlet end, and the ice removal pipe is connected to the compressor through a pipeline.
[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, the flow path substrate is provided with a serpentine channel, and the serpentine channel and the ice-making substrate enclose the refrigerant channel to form the refrigerant channel.
[0012] As an improvement to the above solution, the flow path substrate is an integrally stamped structure.
[0013] As an improvement to the above scheme, the cross-section of the refrigerant channel is semi-circular, rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal.
[0014] Accordingly, this utility model also provides a crescent-shaped ice maker, including a body and the aforementioned crescent-shaped ice evaporator, wherein the crescent-shaped ice evaporator is disposed in the body and connected to the refrigeration system of the body.
[0015] Implementing this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0016] This invention features a refrigerant channel formed between an ice-making substrate and a flow path substrate. This refrigerant channel is coiled and bent back on the back of the ice-making substrate. The heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is adapted to the ice-making area on the ice-making substrate. The heat exchange material in the refrigerant channel can directly contact the back of the ice-making substrate to achieve heat exchange with the corresponding ice-making area. By reducing the heat transfer medium, the heat conduction efficiency can be effectively improved, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Moreover, the overall structure is simple, and there is no need to set up a coiled condenser tube, which can save assembly space and reduce production costs. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crescent-shaped ice evaporator of this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0018] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crescent-shaped ice evaporator of this utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the crescent-shaped ice evaporator of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path substrate of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following will describe this utility model in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is hereby declared that the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "inner," and "outer," etc., appearing or about to appear in this document, are based solely on the accompanying drawings and are not intended to specifically limit this utility model.
[0022] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a crescent ice evaporator, including an ice-making substrate 1, a flow path substrate 4 on the back of the ice-making substrate 1, and a sealed heat exchange space formed between the ice-making substrate 1 and the flow path substrate 4. The heat exchange space contains a refrigerant channel 5, which is preferably a serpentine channel, but is not limited thereto.
[0023] The ice-making substrate 1 has multiple ice-making sections 2 spaced apart on its front side. Each ice-making section 2 has an inlet end 21 and an outlet end 22 at its two ends to allow water flow. Multiple ice-making zones 3 are spaced apart within each ice-making section 2 to hold water and form ice through refrigerant heat exchange in the heat exchange space. The heat exchange zone 51 of the refrigerant channel 5 is adapted to the ice-making zone 3, specifically, the heat exchange zone 51 of the refrigerant channel 5 is located within the ice-making zone 3, so that the heat exchange function is applied to the ice-making zone 3. Each end of the refrigerant channel 5 has an inlet end 52 and an outlet end 53. The refrigerant channel 5 guides the flow of heat exchange material and contacts the back side of the ice-making substrate 1, allowing direct heat exchange between the water in the ice-making zone 3 and the substrate wall.
[0024] During ice making, water flows in from the inlet 21 of each ice-making zone 2, flows through multiple ice-making areas 3 in sequence, and flows out from the outlet 22. At the same time, the condenser inputs condensate into the inlet 52 of the refrigerant channel 5. The condensate flows along the guide path of the refrigerant channel 5 to the outlet 53 and returns to the compressor. During the flow of the condensate, when the condensate flows through the heat exchange area 51 corresponding to each ice-making area 3, the coldness of the condensate is conducted through the plate wall of the ice-making base plate 1 to the ice-making area 3 to perform heat exchange with the water flowing through the ice-making area 3. The water continuously flows in through the inlet 52, so that the water gradually freezes into ice in the ice-making area 3 to obtain the required ice. This invention uses the refrigerant channel 5 to guide the flow of condensate, ensuring a consistent flow direction and preventing eddies and resistance that could hinder the flow. This improves the flow rate and heat exchange efficiency of the condensate. Furthermore, the condensate only needs to pass through a single layer of heat-conducting medium (the wall of the ice-making substrate 1) to exchange heat with the water in the ice-making zone 3. By reducing the amount of heat-conducting medium, the heat transfer efficiency is effectively improved, thereby increasing the ice-making efficiency of the evaporator. The overall structure is simple, eliminating the need for additional coiled condenser tubes, saving assembly space and reducing production costs.
[0025] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the ice-making substrate 1 is provided with a plurality of spacers 11, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the ice-making substrate 1, and the ice-making zone 2 is formed between two adjacent spacers 11. The spacers 11 are used to separate the whole ice block on the ice-making substrate 1, thereby facilitating the subsequent generation of multiple small ice blocks in the ice-making zone 2 to meet production needs.
[0026] The spacer plate 11 can be fixed to the ice-making substrate 1 by welding, but is not limited thereto.
[0027] To make small ice cubes and improve the ice-making effect, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, each ice-making zone 2 is provided with multiple flow-disrupting protrusions 12. The flow-disrupting protrusions 12 are spaced apart along the length of the ice-making zone 3, and the ice-making zone 3 is located between two adjacent flow-disrupting protrusions 12. Multiple small ice blocks are formed through multiple ice-making zones 3. The flow-disrupting protrusions 12 can turbulentize the water flow, thereby reducing the water flow velocity in the ice-making zone 3. This facilitates better heat exchange between the refrigerant liquid and the water, improving the efficiency of water condensation into ice, and thus improving the ice-making efficiency and effect of the evaporator.
[0028] The turbulence protrusion 12 can be fixed to the ice-making substrate 1 by welding, but is not limited to this.
[0029] In this embodiment, the turbulence protrusion 12 is generally frustum-shaped with a rounded top to facilitate a smooth transition of water flow. However, the shape of the turbulence protrusion 12 is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to actual needs, such as frustum-shaped or rounded rectangular.
[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange area 51 of the refrigerant channel 5 is located in the middle of the ice-making area 3. Because the temperature of the heat exchange area 51 is lower than that of the surrounding area, the area in the middle is more likely to condense into ice, thus forming crescent-shaped ice with symmetrical or nearly symmetrical structures on both sides. In other embodiments, the user can adjust the position of the heat exchange area 51 of the refrigerant channel 5 in the ice-making area 3 according to actual needs to form crescent-shaped ice of the corresponding shape.
[0031] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a capillary tube 6 is provided on the inlet end 52. The capillary tube 6 is connected to the condenser through a pipe to introduce condensate from the condenser into the refrigerant channel 5. The condensate flowing in the refrigerant channel 5 performs ice-making work on different ice-making zones 3. A return gas pipe 7 is provided on the outlet end 53. The return gas pipe 7 is connected to the compressor through a pipe to return the condensate after heat exchange to the compressor.
[0032] Furthermore, the inlet end 52 is also provided with an ice removal pipe 8, which is connected to the compressor via a pipe. When a crescent-shaped ice of sufficient size condenses on the ice-making area 3 of the ice-making substrate 1, high-temperature gas is introduced into the refrigerant passage 5 through the reversing valve provided in the ice maker. That is, the high-temperature gas in the compressor flows into the refrigerant passage 5 through the ice removal pipe 8. The high-temperature gas surrounds the evaporator along the flow path to apply heat to each ice-making area 3, thereby quickly removing the ice condensed on the ice-making substrate 1 and causing the ice to fall into the ice storage area.
[0033] Preferably, such as Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the flow path substrate 4 is provided with a serpentine channel 41, and the serpentine channel 41 and the ice-making substrate 1 enclose the refrigerant channel 5; the flow path substrate 4 is an integral stamping structure to stamp out the required serpentine channel 41, and the processing technology and overall structure are simple and the cost is low.
[0034] To further improve the ice-making and de-icing effects of the ice-making substrate 1, such as... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the remaining heat exchange areas 51 of the refrigerant channel 5 are in contact with other areas of the ice-making substrate 1 to increase the contact area between the heat exchange material and the ice-making substrate 1, thereby conducting cold or heat transfer on the ice-making substrate 1. This can further reduce or increase the overall temperature of the ice-making substrate 1, thereby helping to reduce or increase the temperature of the ice-making area 3 and improve the ice-making efficiency or de-icing efficiency of the crescent ice.
[0035] Preferably, the refrigerant channel 5 has a semi-circular cross-section to maximize the heat exchange contact area between the heat exchange material and the ice-making substrate 1, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchange material and thus improving the ice-making and de-icing efficiency of the evaporator. However, the cross-section of the refrigerant channel 5 is not limited to this; it can also be rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal, etc. No further restrictions are imposed here, as long as the shape of the cross-section maximizes the contact area.
[0036] Preferably, the ice-making substrate 1 and the flow path substrate 4 are both made of stainless steel, but this is not a limitation and other heat-conducting materials can be selected according to actual needs.
[0037] This utility model also provides a crescent-shaped ice maker, including a body and the aforementioned crescent-shaped ice evaporator. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator is disposed in the body and connected to the refrigeration system of the body. The compressor and condenser in the refrigeration system continuously provide heat exchange medium to the crescent-shaped ice evaporator.
[0038] In summary, this invention forms a refrigerant channel between the ice-making substrate and the flow path substrate. This refrigerant channel is repeatedly bent and coiled around the back of the ice-making substrate. The heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is adapted to the ice-making area on the ice-making substrate. The heat exchange material in the refrigerant channel can directly contact the back of the ice-making substrate to achieve heat exchange with the corresponding ice-making area. By reducing the heat conduction medium, the heat conduction efficiency can be effectively improved, thereby greatly improving the ice-making efficiency and ice-removing efficiency of the evaporator. Moreover, the overall structure is simple, and there is no need to set up a coiled condenser tube, which can save assembly space and reduce production costs.
[0039] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A crescent-shaped ice evaporator, characterized in that, It includes an ice-making substrate and a flow path substrate, wherein the ice-making substrate and the flow path substrate are connected to form a sealed heat exchange space; The heat exchange space is provided with a refrigerant channel, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, for guiding the flow of refrigerant and exchanging heat with the back of the ice-making substrate. The ice-making substrate has multiple ice-making sections spaced apart on its front side, and multiple ice-making areas spaced apart in the ice-making sections, which are used to contain water and form ice through the refrigerant heat exchange effect of the heat exchange space.
2. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making substrate is provided with multiple partition plates, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the ice-making substrate. An ice-making section is formed between two adjacent partition plates, and a water inlet and a water outlet are respectively provided at both ends of the ice-making section.
3. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making zone is provided with a plurality of turbulence protrusions, which are spaced apart along the length of the ice-making zone; The ice-making area is provided between two adjacent turbulence protrusions, and the heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is located in the ice-making area.
4. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant channel is a serpentine channel, and the heat exchange area of the refrigerant channel is adapted to the ice-making area.
5. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A capillary tube is provided at the inlet end, and the capillary tube is connected to the condenser through a pipe. The outlet end is equipped with a return gas pipe, which is connected to the compressor via a pipeline.
6. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet end is also equipped with a de-icing pipe, which is connected to the compressor via a pipeline.
7. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow path substrate is provided with a serpentine channel, and the serpentine channel and the ice-making substrate enclose the refrigerant channel to form the refrigerant channel.
8. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flow path substrate is a one-piece stamped structure.
9. The crescent-shaped ice evaporator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cross-section of the refrigerant channel is semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal.
10. A crescent-shaped ice maker, characterized in that, It includes a body and a crescent-shaped ice evaporator as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the crescent-shaped ice evaporator is disposed in the body and connected to the refrigeration system of the body.