Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, and provides an ice maker which comprises a machine body, an ice making module, a plurality of bases and a plurality of water source modules, and the ice making module is arranged on the machine body; the plurality of bases are detachably connected with the machine body respectively; the plurality of water source modules and the plurality of bases are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence manner, the plurality of water source modules are different types of water supply sources respectively, the water source modules are detachably connected with the ice making module, and the water source modules are used for supplying water to the ice making module. According to the ice maker, the adaptability of the ice maker to different water sources is improved, and meanwhile, the overall size of the ice maker can be effectively reduced, so that the mounting space required by the ice maker is reduced, and the arrangement difficulty is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing ice makers include multiple water supply sources. When multiple water sources are arranged on the ice maker at the same time, the structure becomes redundant and the ice maker becomes huge. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this utility model proposes an ice maker that improves the adaptability of the ice maker to different water sources while effectively reducing the overall size of the ice maker, thereby reducing the installation space required and simplifying the layout.

[0004] An ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] Organism;

[0006] An ice-making module is mounted on the machine body;

[0007] Multiple bases, each of which is detachably connected to the body;

[0008] Multiple water source modules are provided, each corresponding to one of the bases. The multiple water source modules are of different types of water supply sources. The water source modules are detachably connected to the ice-making module, and the water source modules are used to supply water to the ice-making module.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module includes at least one of bottled water source and tap water source.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body includes a water source area and an ice-making area arranged along the height direction, the ice-making module is disposed in the ice-making area, and the base is detachably disposed in the water source area.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module is a tap water source, and the water source module further includes a filtration system, which is disposed on the base. One end of the filtration system is connected to an external tap water pipe, and the other end is connected to the ice-making module.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system includes an RO filter element and a booster pump, the booster pump being connected to the inlet end of the RO filter element, and the outlet end of the RO filter element being connected to the ice-making module.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module further includes a leak protector, which is located at the front end of the filtration system and is used to disconnect the filtration system from the external water supply pipe when the ice maker leaks water.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water collection groove is recessed on the base, and the leakage protector is installed at the opening of the water collection groove.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module further includes a leakage detection board, which is disposed on the base and is signal-connected to the display module on the machine body. The leakage detection board is used to display a fault signal through the display module when a leak is detected in the ice maker.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module is a bottled water source, and the upper end of the base is recessed downward to form a placement groove, which is used for the installation and positioning of the bottled water.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module further includes an isolation pump and a suction head, the suction head being connected to the outlet of the bottled water, and the isolation pump being connected between the suction head and the ice-making module.

[0018] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0019] This application makes the connection between the base and the main body, as well as between the water source module and the ice-making module, detachable. The water source module can be selected from bottled water, tap water, or other types of water sources. Different water source modules can be set up with different bases, so that the ice maker can adapt to different water source modes when changing different bases. This improves the adaptability of the ice maker to different water sources. At the same time, since only one water source mode is set on a single base, the overall size of the ice maker can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the installation space required for the ice maker and reducing the difficulty of layout.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice maker provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a Chinese ice maker (part of the machine body not shown).

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ice maker (part of the machine body not shown).

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10. Ice maker;

[0027] 100. Main body; 110. Water source area; 111. Opening; 120. Ice-making area; 200. Ice-making module; 300. Base; 310. Water collection tank; 400. Water source module; 410. Filtration system; 411. RO filter element; 412. Booster pump; 420. Leakage protector; 430. Leakage detection board; 440. Suction head; 450. Isolation pump; 500. Door;

[0028] 20. Bottled water. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0034] Most existing ice makers include multiple water sources. When multiple water sources are arranged on the ice maker at the same time, the ice maker becomes huge due to the structural duplication and unreasonable layout.

[0035] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 The ice maker provided by the present invention will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0036] Please refer to the ice maker 10 proposed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 and Figure 3The ice maker 10 includes a body 100, an ice-making module 200, multiple bases 300, and multiple water source modules 400. The ice-making module 200 is disposed on the body 100. The multiple bases 300 are detachably connected to the body 100. The multiple water source modules 400 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple bases 300, and the multiple water source modules 400 are of different types of water sources. The water source modules 400 are detachably connected to the ice-making module 200 and are used to supply water to the ice-making module 200.

[0037] The main body 100 is the main structure of the ice maker 10, which supports the ice-making module 200, the control system, and other necessary mechanical and electronic components. The main body 100 can support the weight of the entire device and provides sufficient space for the installation and maintenance of each module.

[0038] The ice-making module 200 is used to freeze water into ice cubes. The ice-making module 200 may include components such as a refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, etc.), a water circulation system, and ice molds. The ice-making module 200 is installed inside the body 100, obtains water through connection with the water source module 400, and cools the water into ice cubes through the refrigeration system.

[0039] The base 300 provides stable support for the entire ice maker 10, ensuring that the equipment does not shake or tilt during operation. A water source module 400 is installed on the base 300. The base 300's detachable connection to the body 100 allows users to easily replace different types of water source modules 400 by changing the base 300 to adapt to different usage environments. The detachable nature of the base 300 makes it easy for users to replace or upgrade the water source module 400, and also facilitates the transportation and storage of the equipment.

[0040] The water source module 400 provides a clean and stable water source to the ice-making module 200. The water source module 400 can select from bottled water, tap water, or other types of water sources according to user needs, and connects to the ice-making module 200 via pipes or hoses. The selectivity and detachability of the water source module 400 allow the ice maker 10 to flexibly adapt to different water source environments, improving the equipment's versatility and user satisfaction.

[0041] The detachable connection between the main body 100 and the base 300, and between the water source module 400 and the ice-making module 200, allows for the replacement of different water source types by changing different bases 300. This improves the flexibility and maintainability of the equipment and reduces the user's maintenance costs.

[0042] This application makes the connection between the base 300 and the body 100, and between the water source module 400 and the ice-making module 200 detachable. The water source module 400 can be selected from bottled water, tap water, or other types of water sources. Different water source modules 400 can be set up with different bases 300, so that the ice maker 10 can adapt to different water source modes when different bases 300 are replaced. This improves the adaptability of the ice maker 10 to different water sources. At the same time, since only one water source mode is set on a single base 300, the overall size of the ice maker 10 can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the installation space required for the ice maker 10 and reducing the difficulty of layout.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body 100 includes a water source area 110 and an ice-making area 120 arranged along the height direction, the ice-making module 200 is disposed in the ice-making area 120, and the base 300 is detachably disposed in the water source area 110.

[0044] It is understood that this embodiment divides the body 100 into different areas to achieve modular installation during the assembly and disassembly process. The water source area 110 is designated as a place to store or supply water. The water source can be tap water, filtered water, or other forms of water, used for the subsequent ice-making process. The specific location of the water source area 110 may depend on the overall design of the body 100, but it is usually located below or beside the ice-making area 120 to facilitate water supply and management.

[0045] Ice-making zone 120 is the area within the unit 100 used for ice-making operations. Ice-making zone 120 is equipped with an ice-making module 200, which is the core component for performing the ice-making function. Ice-making module 200 may include a refrigeration system, an ice tray or ice grid, and electronic components that control the operation of these parts. When water from water source zone 110 is delivered to ice-making zone 120, ice-making module 200 is activated and begins the ice-making process.

[0046] The detachable connection between the base 300 and the water source area 110 allows users to easily replace different bases 300 to accommodate different water source modules 400. For example, users can replace it with a base 300 that has a bottled water 20 or a base 300 that connects to tap water when needed.

[0047] Of course, in other embodiments, a middle layer can also be provided between the water source area 110 and the ice-making area 120, and the compressor and heating tank of the ice maker 10 can be located in the middle layer to improve the rationality of the structural layout.

[0048] Reference Figure 2According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module 400 is a tap water source, and the water source module 400 also includes a filtration system 410. The filtration system 410 is disposed on the base 300. One end of the filtration system 410 is connected to an external tap water pipe, and the other end is connected to the ice making module 200.

[0049] It is understood that in this embodiment, the water source module 400 is set to a tap water source, which can be directly connected to the tap water pipes in the home, suitable for situations with a stable tap water supply. However, tap water may contain some impurities, particulate matter, or microorganisms, so it needs to be properly treated before it can be used for ice making. Therefore, a filtration system 410 can be added to the base 300 of the water source module 400, which is a tap water source. The function of the filtration system 410 is to remove impurities, particulate matter, odors, and some microorganisms from the tap water, thereby improving water quality. The filtration system 410 may include various filter media, such as activated carbon, ceramic filter cartridges, ultrafiltration membranes, etc., and the choice of media depends on the type of pollutants to be removed and the expected filtration effect. No special limitations are made here.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filtration system 410 includes an RO filter element 411 and a booster pump 412. The booster pump 412 is connected to the inlet end of the RO filter element 411, and the outlet end of the RO filter element 411 is connected to the ice-making module 200.

[0051] Understandably, the RO filter cartridge 411 uses reverse osmosis technology to remove dissolved solids, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, organic matter, and other impurities from water. The RO filter cartridge 411 has very high filtration precision, typically removing over 95% of impurities, thus providing very pure water. This makes the RO filter cartridge 411 a commonly used filter medium in devices such as ice makers and water purifiers. Because the filtration process of the RO filter cartridge 411 requires a certain pressure difference to drive water molecules through the semi-permeable membrane, a booster pump 412 is usually required to increase the inlet water pressure. The booster pump 412 is connected to the inlet of the RO filter cartridge 411; its function is to pressurize tap water and send it into the RO filter cartridge 411 to ensure the filtration process proceeds smoothly. The selection and performance of the booster pump 412 directly affect the filtration efficiency of the RO filter cartridge 411 and the overall performance of the equipment.

[0052] In this embodiment, the output end of the booster pump 412 is connected to the inlet end of the RO filter element 411, sending pressurized tap water into the RO filter element 411 for filtration. The outlet end of the RO filter element 411 is connected to the ice-making module 200, delivering the filtered purified water to the ice-making module 200 for ice making. This ensures that the ice-making module 200 receives high-quality water, thereby producing purer ice cubes with a better taste.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module 400 further includes a water leakage protector 420, which is located at the front end of the filtration system 410. The water leakage protector 420 is used to cut off the connection between the filtration system 410 and the external water supply pipe when the ice maker 10 leaks water.

[0054] Understandably, in this embodiment, the leak protector 420 is primarily used to promptly cut off the water supply when a leak occurs in the ice maker 10, preventing water damage to the equipment, property loss, or safety hazards. The leak protector 420 is positioned at the front end of the filtration system 410, specifically before the booster pump 412 and the RO filter element 411. This ensures that the leak protector 420 can detect any leaks before water enters the filtration system 410 and immediately cut off the water supply. This prevents the leak from worsening and protects the filtration system 410 and other components of the ice maker 10 from damage.

[0055] When the leak protector 420 detects a leak, it quickly disconnects the filtration system 410 from the external water supply pipe. This can be achieved by closing a valve, thus preventing water from continuing to flow into the ice maker 10. This ensures the equipment can quickly stop operating in the event of a leak, preventing water damage and other potential risks. This improves the safety and reliability of the ice maker 10.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water collection trough 310 is recessed on the base 300, and a water leakage protector 420 is installed at the opening of the water collection trough 310.

[0057] Understandably, the recessed water collection tank 310 on the base 300 is an area for collecting and containing leaked water. The water collection tank 310 provides a clearly defined leak detection area, making leaks easier to detect and address. A leak protector 420 is installed at the opening of the water collection tank 310, allowing direct monitoring of water level changes within the tank. Once the water level in the tank 310 exceeds a preset safety threshold, the leak protector 420 is triggered and cuts off the water supply to prevent further leakage to other parts of the equipment. This improves the accuracy of leak detection and ensures that the leak protector 420 responds quickly when a leak occurs.

[0058] In this embodiment, by installing the leak protector 420 at the opening of the water collection tank 310, the combination of the water collection tank 310 and the leak protector 420 can quickly cut off the water supply in the event of a leak, preventing water damage and potential safety hazards. This ensures the safety and comfort of the user during use.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module 400 further includes a leakage detection board 430, which is disposed on the base 300 and is connected to the display module on the body 100. The leakage detection board 430 is used to display a fault signal through the display module when a leak is detected in the ice maker 10.

[0060] It is understood that the leak detection board 430 is a sensor board used to detect leaks. The leak detection board 430 can sense the presence of moisture and trigger a corresponding alarm mechanism when a leak is detected. In this embodiment, the leak detection board 430 is mounted on the base 300, forming a complete leak protection system together with the water collection tank 310 and the leak protector 420. The leak detection board 430 is connected to the display module on the body 100. When the leak detection board 430 detects a leak, it immediately sends a signal to the display module, alerting the user that the equipment has malfunctioned. The display module typically displays the fault signal in the form of text, icons, or sound, allowing the user to quickly identify and address the leak problem. By displaying the fault signal, the user can promptly understand the equipment's leak status and take appropriate measures to address it. This improves the reliability and safety of the equipment and enhances the user's sense of control and trust in the equipment.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module 400 is a bottled water source, and the upper end of the base 300 is recessed downward to form a placement groove, which is used for the installation and positioning of the bottled water 20.

[0062] It is understood that the water source module 400 in this embodiment uses bottled water 20 as the water source. Bottled water 20 typically refers to drinking water pre-filled in plastic barrels or other containers, which can be directly connected to the water source interface of the ice maker 10 to provide the necessary water for the ice-making process. The use of bottled water provides users with a more flexible and convenient water source option, especially in situations where there is no stable tap water supply or higher water quality standards are required.

[0063] To accommodate the installation and positioning of the bottled water 20, the upper surface of the base 300 is designed as a downwardly recessed placement groove. The size and shape of the placement groove match the bottom of the bottled water 20 to ensure that the bottled water 20 can be stably placed on the base 300. The design of the placement groove not only improves the ease of installation of the bottled water 20 but also prevents the bottled water 20 from moving or tipping over during use.

[0064] Reference Figure 3According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water source module 400 further includes an isolation pump 450 and a suction head 440. The suction head 440 is snapped into the outlet of the bottled water 20, and the isolation pump 450 is connected between the suction head 440 and the ice-making module 200.

[0065] Understandably, the suction head 440 is a component used to connect to the outlet of the bottled water 20. The suction head 440 typically has a snap-fit ​​structure that matches the outlet of the bottled water 20, allowing it to be securely fixed to the outlet and ensuring a stable water supply. By snapping the suction head 440 onto the outlet of the bottled water 20, a direct connection between the water source module 400 and the bottled water 20 is achieved, simplifying the installation process while also improving the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0066] An isolation pump 450 is connected between a suction head 440 and an ice-making module 200 to draw water from the bottled water 20 through the suction head 440 and then deliver it to the ice-making module 200.

[0067] In this embodiment, the suction head 440 is connected to the outlet of the bottled water 20 via a snap-fit ​​connection, while the isolation pump 450 is connected between the output end of the suction head 440 and the input end of the ice-making module 200. This ensures that the water source can be stably and efficiently delivered to the ice-making module 200, providing a sufficient water supply for the ice-making process.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body 100 has an opening 111 on one side corresponding to the water source area 110, and the ice maker 10 also includes a door 500, which is connected to the opening 111 to open or close the water source area 110.

[0069] Understandably, the unit 100 has an opening 111 on one side corresponding to the water source area 110. The design of the opening 111 allows users to easily access and operate the water source area 110, such as changing the bottled water 20, checking the status of the water source module 400, or performing necessary maintenance.

[0070] To maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the machine body 100, and to protect the water source area 110 from dust and impurities, the ice maker 10 also includes a door 500. The door 500 is connected to the opening 111 and can be opened or closed to access or seal the water source area 110. The door 500 not only serves to seal and protect the water source area 110, but also functions as part of the ice maker 10's appearance, enhancing its overall aesthetics and harmony. When the door 500 is closed, it fits snugly against the rest of the machine body 100, forming a seamless appearance; when the door 500 is open, the user can easily access and operate the water source area 110 to perform necessary maintenance or replacement work.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: Organism; An ice-making module is mounted on the machine body; Multiple bases, each of which is detachably connected to the body; Multiple water source modules are provided, each corresponding to one of the bases. The multiple water source modules are of different types of water supply sources. The water source modules are detachably connected to the ice-making module, and the water source modules are used to supply water to the ice-making module.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water source module includes either bottled water or tap water.

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine body includes a water source area and an ice-making area arranged along the height direction, the ice-making module is located in the ice-making area, and the base is detachably located in the water source area.

4. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The water source module is a tap water source, and the water source module includes a filtration system. The filtration system is located on the base, with one end connected to an external tap water pipe and the other end connected to the ice-making module.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filtration system includes an RO filter element and a booster pump. The booster pump is connected to the inlet end of the RO filter element, and the outlet end of the RO filter element is connected to the ice-making module.

6. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water source module also includes a leak protector, which is located at the front end of the filtration system. The leak protector is used to disconnect the filtration system from the external water supply pipe when the ice maker leaks water.

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base is recessed with a water collection trough, and the leakage protector is installed at the opening of the water collection trough.

8. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The water source module also includes a leak detection board, which is mounted on the base and is connected to the display module on the machine body. The leak detection board is used to display a fault signal through the display module when a leak is detected in the ice maker.

9. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The water source module is a bottled water source, and the upper end of the base is recessed downward to form a placement groove, which is used for the installation and positioning of the bottled water.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water source module also includes an isolation pump and a suction head. The suction head is connected to the outlet of the bottled water, and the isolation pump is connected between the suction head and the ice-making module.

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