Water tank and ice maker
By installing two level switches in the ice maker's water tank, the overflow problem caused by level switch failure is solved, ensuring the water tank functions properly and improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422953584.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-29
AI Technical Summary
The level switch of the water tank in existing ice makers is prone to failure, leading to water overflow, which affects normal operation and user experience.
Two level switches are installed in the water tank: a first level switch and a second level switch. The trigger positions correspond to the full water level line and the position above or at the same level as the full water level line, respectively, to ensure that at least one switch works normally to control the water inlet and prevent overflow.
The dual level switch design reduces the risk of overflow caused by the failure of a single level switch, ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker and the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN223499863U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular to water tanks and ice makers. Background Technology
[0002] Ice makers typically include a water tank with a level switch to monitor the liquid level. This switch can monitor the liquid level in the tank in real time. However, these level switches are susceptible to malfunctions, such as damage to internal components, poor wiring connections, or obstructed float movement. These issues can cause water to continuously fill the tank until it overflows, affecting the ice maker's normal operation and reducing the user experience. 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 a water tank that helps to prevent water overflow, ensures the normal operation of the ice maker, and avoids affecting the user experience.
[0004] This utility model also proposes an ice maker.
[0005] The water tank according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
[0006] The tank is provided with at least one water storage area, and the water storage area is provided with a full water level line.
[0007] A level switch assembly, comprising at least a first level switch and a second level switch, wherein the first level switch and the second level switch are both installed in the same water storage area, and the trigger position of the first level switch is set to correspond to the full water level line;
[0008] The trigger position of the second liquid level switch is lower than the top surface of the housing, and the trigger position of the second liquid level switch is configured to be flush with or higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch.
[0009] According to the water tank of this utility model embodiment, a first liquid level switch and a second liquid level switch are provided. The system is configured such that only when both the first and second liquid level switches are in an untriggered state (meaning the liquid level inside the tank is below a preset full water level line), the tank is ready to receive water. When the trigger positions of the second and first liquid level switches are aligned, triggering either the first or second liquid level switch indicates that the liquid level in the tank has reached the preset full water level line, and water intake is stopped. The trigger position of the second liquid level switch is higher than that of the first liquid level switch. When the first liquid level switch fails, the second liquid level switch will determine that the liquid level is above the preset full water level line, and water intake can be stopped. Therefore, this structure helps prevent water overflow from the tank, ensuring the normal operation of the water tank and ice maker, and avoiding any impact on the user experience.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first liquid level switch is disposed on one of the inner walls of the water storage area, and the second liquid level switch is disposed on the other inner wall of the water storage area.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch are disposed on the same inner wall of the water storage area.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the orthographic projections of the first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch on the inner bottom wall of the water storage area coincide.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with two electrical connection lines, the first liquid level switch is electrically connected to one of the electrical connection lines, and the second liquid level switch is electrically connected to the other electrical connection line.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with an electrical connection line, and the electrical connection line is provided with two contacts. The first liquid level switch is electrically connected to one of the contacts of the electrical connection line, and the second liquid level switch is electrically connected to the other contact of the same electrical connection line.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both the first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch are float-type liquid level switches.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the box is provided with multiple water storage areas, and the multiple water storage areas are divided into room temperature water areas and cold water areas;
[0017] The liquid level switch assembly is in multiple sets, and the liquid level switch assembly is installed in both the ambient temperature water zone and the cold water zone.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ambient temperature water zone and the cold water zone are connected through an overflow groove so that water can be supplied to the cold water zone through the ambient temperature water zone;
[0019] The lowest point of the overflow groove is higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch in each group of liquid level switch assemblies.
[0020] An ice maker according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the water tank described in the first aspect of the present invention.
[0021] 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
[0022] 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.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank provided in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water tank provided in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the independent configuration of the first and second liquid level switches and two electrical connection lines provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of the first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch provided in this embodiment of the utility model, which are respectively connected to two contacts of the same electrical connection line in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0027] Figure label:
[0028] 100. Housing; 110. Water storage area; 111. Full water level line; 120. Normal temperature water area; 130. Cold water area; 140. Divider plate; 141. Overflow groove; 200. First level switch; 300. Second level switch; 400. Electrical connection line; 410. Contact. 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] In related technologies, ice makers typically include a level switch in their water tank design to monitor the liquid level. This switch monitors the liquid level within the tank 100 in real time. However, since only one level switch is usually used, there is a risk of failure with a single switch. Issues such as damage to internal components, poor contact in the connecting wires, or obstruction of the float's movement can cause the detection point at the switch's trigger position to malfunction. This can lead to continuous water intake into the tank until it overflows, affecting the normal operation of the ice maker and reducing the user experience.
[0035] It should be noted that the water tank also includes a tank cover, which is detachably connected to the upper part of the tank body 100. It can be understood that the phenomenon of water overflow in the water tank is that the liquid in the water tank exceeds the preset full water level line 111 and continues to enter, thereby flowing out of the water tank through the gap between the tank body 100 and the tank cover through the top surface of the tank body 100 to the outside of the water tank.
[0036] The following is combined Figures 1-4 The water tank and ice maker according to embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is understood that, in embodiments of the present invention, the ice maker includes the aforementioned water tank. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the water tank is used in the design of the ice maker, which can provide hot water, warm water, cold water, and ice. The water tank can meet different temperature requirements and provide hot water, warm water, cold water, and ice-making needs. Of course, in some embodiments, the water tank can also be used for water treatment devices, such as humidifiers.
[0037] Understandably, referring to Figures 1 to 4In this embodiment of the utility model, the water tank includes a tank body 100 and a level switch assembly. The tank body 100 is provided with at least one water storage area 110, and the water storage area 110 is provided with a full water level line 111. The level switch assembly includes at least a first level switch 200 and a second level switch 300. The first level switch 200 and the second level switch 300 are both installed in the same water storage area 110. The trigger position of the first level switch 200 is set corresponding to the full water level line 111. The trigger position of the second level switch 300 is lower than the top surface of the tank body 100, and the trigger position of the second level switch 300 is configured to be flush with or higher than the trigger position of the first level switch 200.
[0038] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a first liquid level switch 200 and a second liquid level switch 300 are provided in the same water storage area 110 of the tank 100. Of course, in some other embodiments, the liquid level switch assembly may also include three or four liquid level switches, etc. It is only necessary that the trigger position of at least one liquid level switch is aligned with the full water level line 111, and the trigger positions of the other liquid level switches are aligned with or higher than the full water level line 111, but lower than the top surface of the tank 100. If one liquid level switch corresponding to the full water level line 111 fails, the other liquid level switches can still function, preventing the tank 100 from continuously filling with water until overflowing.
[0039] According to the water tank of this utility model embodiment, a first liquid level switch 200 and a second liquid level switch 300 are provided. The tank is designed to be in a state where water can enter only when both the first and second liquid level switches are not triggered, which can be understood as the liquid level in the tank 100 being lower than a preset full water level line 111. When the trigger positions of the second liquid level switch 300 and the first liquid level switch 200 are aligned, if either the first or second liquid level switch is triggered, it is determined that the liquid level in the tank 100 has reached the preset full water level line 111, and water entry into the tank 100 is stopped. The trigger position of the second liquid level switch 300 is higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch 200. When the first liquid level switch 200 fails, the second liquid level switch 300 will determine that the liquid level is higher than the preset full water level line 111, and water entry into the tank 100 can be stopped. Therefore, by adopting the above structure, the risk of water overflow from the cabinet caused by the failure of a single liquid level switch can be reduced, which helps to ensure the normal use of the ice maker and avoids affecting the user experience.
[0040] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the first liquid level switch 200 is disposed on one of the inner sidewalls of the water storage area 110, and the second liquid level switch 300 is disposed on the other inner sidewall of the water storage area 110.
[0041] With the above structure, the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 are respectively set on two different inner walls of the water storage area 110 to ensure the reliability of liquid level control. If one liquid level switch fails, the other can still function, reducing the risk of failure. By installing liquid level switches on two different inner walls of the water storage area 110, the liquid level can be controlled more precisely, adapting to container designs of different shapes or sizes.
[0042] Of course, refer to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments of this utility model, the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 are located on the same inner wall of the water storage area 110. With this structure, the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 are located on the same side, facilitating centralized monitoring and maintenance, saving space, especially in space-constrained environments, and simplifying electrical wiring, reducing wiring costs and workload.
[0043] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some other embodiments of this utility model, the orthographic projections of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 on the inner bottom wall of the water storage area 110 coincide.
[0044] With the above structure, it can be understood that the positions of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 perpendicular to the liquid surface coincide, which can help reduce detection errors caused by different installation positions and improve measurement accuracy.
[0045] It should be noted that the orthographic projections of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 on the inner bottom wall of the same water storage area 110 are not completely coincident and may have a certain degree of error.
[0046] Of course, in some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 on the inner bottom wall of the same water storage area 110 are misaligned or partially intersected, which is not limited here.
[0047] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the above-mentioned box 100 is provided with mounting holes corresponding to the water storage area 110. The number of mounting holes matches the number of liquid level switches. It can be understood that the mounting part of the first liquid level switch 200 is installed in one of the mounting holes, and the mounting part of the second liquid level switch 300 is installed in another mounting hole.
[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, both the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 can be installed on the housing 100 by fixing with nuts. Taking the first liquid level switch 200 as an example, the mounting part of the first liquid level switch 200 is inserted into the mounting hole. Nuts are provided on the inner and outer walls of the housing 100 corresponding to the water storage area 110. The nuts are threadedly connected to the mounting part of the first liquid level switch 200. One nut abuts against the inner wall of the water storage area 110, and the other nut abuts against the outer wall of the water storage area 110, thereby fixing the first liquid level switch 200. The structure is simple and easy to disassemble and maintain.
[0049] Of course, in some embodiments, the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 can also be installed in the water storage area 110 of the housing 100 by means of welding connection, clamp connection, magnetic adsorption connection, threaded insertion connection and bracket fixing.
[0050] Understandably, referring to Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the housing 100 is provided with two electrical connection lines 400. The first liquid level switch 200 is electrically connected to one of the electrical connection lines 400, and the second liquid level switch 300 is electrically connected to the other electrical connection line 400.
[0051] With the above structure, the output signal of the first liquid level switch 200 will be transmitted to the control system of the ice maker through the corresponding electrical connection line 400. Similarly, the second liquid level switch 300 is also connected to another electrical connection line 400 through an electrical connection, indicating that the output signal of the second liquid level switch 300 is also transmitted through this independent electrical connection line 400. Since the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 are connected to different electrical connection lines 400 respectively, they are electrically independent, forming two independent liquid level switches. This means that each liquid level switch can send signals independently without interfering with each other.
[0052] Of course, refer to Figure 4 In some other embodiments of this utility model, the housing 100 is provided with an electrical connection line 400, and the electrical connection line 400 is provided with two contacts 410. The first liquid level switch 200 is electrically connected to one of the contacts 410 of the electrical connection line 400, and the second liquid level switch 300 is electrically connected to the other contact 410 of the same electrical connection line 400.
[0053] With the above structure, since the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 share a single electrical connection line 400, the circuit design is simpler, allowing the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 to form a two-in-one liquid level switch assembly. This reduces the required wiring and cabling, thereby reducing material and installation costs. If replacement or maintenance is needed, only one line needs to be addressed, simplifying the work.
[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, both the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 are float-type liquid level switches. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the full water level line 111 is reached, the first level switch 200 is in the triggered state, and the float of the first level switch 200 moves upward, while the float of the second level switch 300 is in the untriggered state and remains in the initial position.
[0055] Understandably, referring to Figures 1 to 4 Float-type level switches provide intuitive liquid level monitoring. They detect the liquid level by having a float in contact with the liquid. The float moves up and down as the liquid level changes, thus providing a clear indication of the liquid level. Float-type level switches typically have a mechanical structure that can accurately trigger the switch to control the liquid level. They are not only simple in structure but also easy to install and maintain.
[0056] Of course, in some embodiments, the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 may both be capacitive liquid level switches or optical liquid level switches. Alternatively, the first liquid level switch 200 may be a float liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch 300 may be a capacitive liquid level switch. No limitation is made here.
[0057] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the utility model, in order to meet the needs of different temperatures and provide hot water, warm water, cold water and ice making, the tank body 100 is provided with multiple water storage areas 110, and the multiple water storage areas 110 are divided into room temperature water area 120 and cold water area 130.
[0058] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid level switch assembly consists of multiple sets, with liquid level switch assemblies installed in both the ambient temperature water zone 120 and the cold water zone 130.
[0059] With the above structure, the liquid level in each zone can be monitored and controlled independently, ensuring that the liquid level in each zone is kept within the ideal range. This allows for more precise adjustment of the ice maker's operating status, such as automatically replenishing cold or room temperature water when needed. Furthermore, if the liquid level switch component in either the room temperature water zone 120 or the cold water zone 130 malfunctions, it can be inspected and replaced accordingly, thus optimizing the ice maker's control process and improving operating efficiency.
[0060] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the present invention, the ambient temperature water zone 120 and the cold water zone 130 are connected through the overflow groove 141 so that water can be replenished to the cold water zone 130 through the ambient temperature water zone 120. The lowest point of the overflow groove 141 is higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch 200 of each liquid level switch assembly.
[0061] With the above structure, the water in the ambient temperature water zone 120 can flow into the cold water zone 130 through the overflow groove 141 after the water in the ambient temperature water zone 120 is full, thereby realizing the replenishment of water in the cold water zone 130.
[0062] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 100 is equipped with a partition plate 140, which divides the housing 100 into a normal temperature water zone 120 and a cold water zone 130. The partition plate 140 is directly cut or grooved to form an overflow groove 141, which is connected to the normal temperature water zone 120 and the cold water zone 130. No additional pipe connections and complex components are required, thus simplifying the structural design and manufacturing process.
[0063] Of course, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned room temperature water zone 120 can also be replenished to the cold water zone 130 by means of siphon, water pump or other means.
[0064] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 In this embodiment of the present invention, the trigger positions of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 of the corresponding group of liquid level switch assemblies in the ambient temperature water zone 120 are higher than the trigger positions of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 of the corresponding group of liquid level switch assemblies in the cold water zone 130.
[0065] With the above arrangement, when the room temperature water zone 120 is full, water is added to the cold water zone 130 through the overflow groove 141. When the cold water zone 130 is full, the liquid triggers at least one of the first liquid level switch 200 and the second liquid level switch 300 to stop the water tank from filling. This avoids the phenomenon of backflow to the room temperature water zone 120 due to excessive water entering the cold water zone 130, and improves the reliability of the water tank and the ice maker.
[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model 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 utility model do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present utility model and should be covered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A water tank, characterized in that, include: The tank is provided with at least one water storage area, and the water storage area is provided with a full water level line. A level switch assembly, comprising at least a first level switch and a second level switch, wherein the first level switch and the second level switch are both installed in the same water storage area, and the trigger position of the first level switch is set to correspond to the full water level line; The trigger position of the second liquid level switch is lower than the top surface of the housing, and the trigger position of the second liquid level switch is configured to be flush with or higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch.
2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid level switch is located on one of the inner walls of the water storage area, and the second liquid level switch is located on the other inner wall of the water storage area.
3. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch are located on the same inner wall of the water storage area.
4. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch have their orthographic projections on the inner bottom wall of the water storage area coincide.
5. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with two electrical connection lines. The first liquid level switch is electrically connected to one of the electrical connection lines, and the second liquid level switch is electrically connected to the other electrical connection line.
6. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with an electrical connection line, which has two contacts. The first liquid level switch is electrically connected to one of the contacts of the electrical connection line, and the second liquid level switch is electrically connected to the other contact of the same electrical connection line.
7. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Both the first liquid level switch and the second liquid level switch are float-type liquid level switches.
8. The water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The enclosure is provided with multiple water storage areas, which are divided into room temperature water areas and cold water areas; The liquid level switch assembly is in multiple sets, and the liquid level switch assembly is installed in both the ambient temperature water zone and the cold water zone.
9. The water tank according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ambient temperature water zone and the cold water zone are connected by an overflow groove so that water can be supplied to the cold water zone through the ambient temperature water zone; The lowest point of the overflow groove is higher than the trigger position of the first liquid level switch in each group of liquid level switch assemblies.
10. An ice maker, characterized in that, Includes the water tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.