Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice maker and belongs to the technical field of ice making. The ice machine comprises a machine body, the machine body is provided with an ice making assembly and a containing cavity used for containing the ice making assembly, the ice making assembly comprises an ice mold and an evaporator arranged on the ice mold, a first medium can be introduced into the evaporator to reduce the temperature of the ice mold for ice making, and a second medium can be introduced into the evaporator to improve the temperature of the ice mold for deicing. The temperature of the second medium is higher than that of the first medium; and the water supply system is connected with the containing cavity and used for injecting hot water into the containing cavity and enabling the hot water to make contact with the peripheral wall of the evaporator, and the temperature of the hot water is smaller than that of the second medium. According to the ice maker, the evaporator can be preheated through hot water firstly, and the defects that when the temperature of the evaporator changes suddenly, the internal structure of ice blocks is damaged by stress generated by deformation of the evaporator, and cracks appear in the ice blocks are overcome.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to ice making technical field especially relates to an ice maker. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the ice maker which needs heat exchange and ice shedding in the market usually adopts electromagnetic valve to control the opening and closing of ice shedding pipe branch, and sets heating device on the evaporator to realize heat exchange and ice shedding. The two ice shedding modes can make the temperature of the evaporator rise, and the ice block is separated from the evaporator to realize ice shedding. However, the sudden change of the temperature of the evaporator will cause cracks and other defects in the ice block. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the utility model provides an ice maker. The ice maker can first preheat the evaporator by hot water, so as to avoid that the stress caused by the deformation of the evaporator when the temperature of the evaporator suddenly changes damages the internal structure of the ice block, and cracks and other defects occur in the ice block.

[0004] The technical scheme adopted by the utility model embodiment is:

[0005] An ice maker comprises:

[0006] A machine body has an ice making assembly and a containing cavity for placing the ice making assembly, the ice making assembly comprises an ice mold and an evaporator arranged on the ice mold, the evaporator can be connected with a first medium to lower the temperature of the ice mold for ice making, and can be connected with a second medium to raise the temperature of the ice mold for ice shedding, and the temperature of the second medium is higher than that of the first medium;

[0007] A water supply system is connected with the containing cavity, and is used for injecting hot water into the containing cavity and enabling the hot water to contact with the peripheral wall of the evaporator to exchange heat with the evaporator, and the temperature of the hot water is lower than that of the second medium.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water supply system comprises:

[0009] A water supply tank is used for storing water;

[0010] A water pump is connected with the water supply tank and the containing cavity through water supply pipes respectively, and is used for pumping the water in the water supply tank into the containing cavity;

[0011] A heating element is used for heating the water entering into the containing cavity. The water supply system has simple structure and is convenient to realize.

[0012] In some embodiments, a water storage tank for ice making is arranged on the machine body, and the water storage tank forms the water supply tank, so that the structure of the water supply system is simplified.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heating element is fixed on the water supply pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heating element is arranged in the water supply tank for heating the stored water in the water supply tank.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom of the accommodating cavity is a plane, and the ice making assembly is arranged at the bottom of the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating element is arranged at the bottom of the accommodating cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the machine body is provided with a controller, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor is used for detecting the temperature of hot water in the accommodating cavity, and the second temperature sensor is used for detecting the ambient temperature around the machine body.

[0018] The controller is connected with the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the heating element respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ice making assembly further comprises a compressor and a condenser, the suction pipe of the compressor is connected with the exhaust port of the evaporator, the exhaust pipe of the compressor is connected with the air inlet of the condenser through a first pipeline, the liquid outlet of the condenser is connected with the liquid inlet of the evaporator, and the exhaust pipe of the compressor is connected with the liquid inlet of the evaporator through a second pipeline.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the utility model have the beneficial effects that:

[0021] The ice maker of the utility model can pass hot water into the accommodating cavity through the increased water supply system before the second medium is passed into the evaporator to remove ice, so that the evaporator is preheated, the temperature of the evaporator is slightly increased from the lower temperature in the ice making stage, the temperature of the evaporator is prevented from rapidly increasing when the ice is removed, and the stress caused by the deformation of the evaporator is prevented from damaging the internal structure of the ice block and causing defects such as cracks in the ice block.

[0022] The additional aspects and advantages of the utility model will be partially given in the following description, partially will become obvious from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals describe similar components throughout the several views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes can represent different instances of the like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, various embodiments discussed herein, and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments depicted. The same or similar reference numerals can be used to denote the same or similar parts in different views. Such embodiments are illustrative, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 Structure schematic view of ice maker of the utility model embodiment:

[0025] Figure 2 Structure schematic view of ice maker of the utility model embodiment.

[0026] In the drawings: 1, machine body; 10, containing cavity; 11, ice making assembly; 12, controller; 13, first temperature sensor; 14, water storage tank; 15, connecting head; 16, spraying cavity; 2, water pump; 3, heating piece; 4, water supply pipe; 5, compressor; 6, condenser; 7, nozzle assembly; 8, electromagnetic valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the technical scheme of the utility model embodiment more comprehensible to those skilled in the art, the utility model will be described in detail below in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used in the disclosure should be understood as having the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms "first", "second", and similar terms used in the disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish different components. The terms "include" or "contain" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects before the terms encompass the elements or objects listed after the terms and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms "connect" or "connected" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "up", "down", "left", "right", and the like are used to represent relative positional relationships only, and when the absolute positions of the described objects change, the relative positional relationships may also change accordingly.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The utility model embodiment provides an ice maker, the ice maker includes machine body 1 and water supply system.

[0030] The main body 1 has an ice-making assembly 11 and a receiving cavity 10 for placing the ice-making assembly 11. The ice-making assembly 11 includes an ice mold (not shown in the figure) and an evaporator (not shown in the figure) disposed on the ice mold. Water for making ice needs to enter the ice mold and be evaporated by the evaporator.

[0031] The evaporator can be circulated with a first medium to lower the temperature of the ice mold for ice making, and a second medium to raise the temperature of the ice mold for de-icing, wherein the temperature of the second medium is greater than the temperature of the first medium.

[0032] It should be noted that ice making here can be understood as the process of cooling the water inside the ice mold to form ice blocks, while ice removal can be understood as the process of heating the ice film to detach the ice blocks from the ice mold.

[0033] When ice needs to be made, a first medium is first introduced into the evaporator to lower the temperature inside the ice mold, causing the water inside the ice mold to freeze and form ice blocks. When ice needs to be removed, the first medium is discharged from the evaporator and a second medium is introduced to exchange heat with the cooled ice mold, thereby increasing the temperature of the ice mold and causing the ice blocks inside the ice mold to separate from the ice mold, thus achieving ice removal.

[0034] The first medium can be a liquefied refrigerant, which vaporizes in the evaporator and absorbs the temperature of the ice mold, thereby lowering the temperature inside the ice mold to achieve ice making. The second medium can be a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, which heats the evaporator to separate the ice from the inner wall of the ice mold, thus achieving de-icing.

[0035] The water supply system is connected to the receiving cavity 10 to inject hot water into the receiving cavity 10 and to allow the hot water to contact the outer peripheral wall of the evaporator for heat exchange. The temperature of the hot water is lower than the temperature of the second medium but higher than the temperature of the first medium.

[0036] Before the ice maker in this embodiment introduces the second medium into the evaporator for de-icing, it can introduce hot water into the receiving cavity 10 through an added water supply system to preheat the evaporator. This slightly raises the temperature of the evaporator from the lower temperature during the ice-making stage, preventing the temperature of the evaporator from rising rapidly during de-icing. This would prevent the stress generated by the deformation of the evaporator from damaging the internal structure of the ice and causing defects such as cracks inside the ice.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the body 1 of the ice maker is also provided with a spray chamber 16, and a nozzle assembly 7 is provided in the spray chamber 16. The receiving cavity 10 is located above the spray chamber 16. The opening of the ice mold in the ice-making assembly 11 faces downward, that is, towards the spray chamber 16. The nozzle assembly 7 is opposite to the opening of the ice mold. The nozzle assembly 7 sprays ice-making water upward and sprays the ice-making water into the ice mold, thereby realizing ice making.

[0038] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the ice making assembly 11 further comprises a compressor 5 and a condenser 6. The suction port of the compressor 5 is connected with the exhaust port of the evaporator in the ice making assembly 11, the exhaust port of the compressor 5 is connected with the inlet port of the condenser 6 through a first pipeline, and the outlet port of the condenser 6 is connected with the inlet port of the evaporator in the ice making assembly 11. Figure 1

[0039] The evaporator can circulate the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is vaporized in the evaporator to absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the ice mold. The vaporized refrigerant flows into the compressor 5, is compressed to form high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and is introduced into the condenser 6 to form liquid refrigerant. Finally, the liquid refrigerant is sent into the evaporator for circulation.

[0040] The exhaust port of the compressor 5 of the embodiment is also connected with the inlet port of the evaporator through a second pipeline. When it is needed to remove the ice mold, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor 5 can be directly introduced into the evaporator to exchange heat with the ice mold, thereby achieving ice removal.

[0041] In some embodiments, the ice making assembly 11 can further comprise a solenoid valve 8 for controlling the opening and closing of the first pipeline and the second pipeline. When the solenoid valve 8 is closed, the first pipeline is connected, and the second pipeline is disconnected. When the solenoid valve 8 is opened, the first pipeline is disconnected, and the second pipeline is connected.

[0042] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the water supply system can comprise a water supply tank, a water pump 2 and a heating element 3. Figure 1 The water supply tank is used for storing water. The water pump 2 is connected with the water supply tank and the containing cavity 10 through a water supply pipe 4, so as to pump the water in the water supply tank into the containing cavity 10.

[0043] The heating element 3 is used for heating the water entering the containing cavity 10, so as to preheat the evaporator by using the heated water. The water supply system has simple structure and is easy to realize.

[0044] The specific installation position of the heating element 3 is not limited in the utility model.

[0045] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the heating element 3 can be fixed on the water supply pipe 4. Preferably, the heating element can adopt a heating film or a heating wire, and can be located on the water supply pipe 4 connected with the containing cavity 10 and the water pump 2. The water supply tank can contain normal-temperature water. Before flowing into the containing cavity 10, the water in the water supply pipe 4 is heated by the heating element 3.

[0046] Figure 1

[0047] ​​​Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heating element 3 can also be disposed inside the water supply tank. The water in the water supply tank is first heated to a preset temperature by the heating element 3, and then pumped into the receiving cavity 10. The structure of the heating element 3 is not specifically limited, as long as it can heat the water in the water supply tank.

[0048] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heating element 3 may be disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity 10. Room temperature water from the water supply tank flows into the receiving cavity 10, and the heating element 3 slowly heats the water in the receiving cavity 10, thereby causing the temperature of the evaporator to rise slowly. Subsequently, the evaporator exchanges heat to remove ice, allowing the ice to fall off in a short time, thus maintaining the integrity and transparency of the ice and reducing cracks.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom of the receiving cavity 10 on the body 1 can be flat, and there are multiple ice-making components 11, which are respectively arranged at the bottom of the receiving cavity 10. The hot water flowing into the receiving cavity 10 can heat the multiple ice-making components 11 simultaneously, thereby improving the de-icing efficiency of the ice-making components 11.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the body 1 may be provided with a water storage tank 14 for ice making. The water storage tank 14 may be connected to the nozzle assembly 7 to provide water for ice making to the nozzle assembly 7. The water storage tank 14 may form the water supply tank of the water supply system, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire water supply system.

[0051] In some embodiments, the body 1 of the ice maker may also be equipped with a controller 12, a first temperature sensor 13, and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor 13 is used to detect the temperature of the hot water inside the receiving cavity 10, and the second temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature around the body 1.

[0052] Furthermore, the controller 12 is connected to the first temperature sensor 13, the second temperature sensor, and the heating element 3, respectively. The controller 12 can control the operation of the heating element 3 based on the temperature signals detected by the first and second temperature sensors, respectively.

[0053] Specifically, the first temperature sensor 13 is used to detect the temperature of the hot water in the containment cavity 10 to obtain a first temperature value and send it to the controller 12, and the second temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature around the body 1 to obtain a second temperature value and send it to the controller 12.

[0054] The controller 12 can be used to determine whether the first temperature value is lower than a first temperature threshold, when the first temperature value is lower than the first temperature threshold, the controller 12 controls the heating element 3 to keep open after the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened, and the specific time is determined by the first temperature value; when the first temperature value is not lower than the first temperature threshold, the controller 12 controls the heating element 3 to keep closed after the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened.

[0055] The controller 12 can also be used to determine whether the second temperature value is lower than a second temperature threshold, when the second temperature value is lower than the second temperature threshold, the controller 12 can control the heating element 3 to enter the advance opening step, and the specific advance time needs to be set according to the actual value of the second temperature value, until the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened, which can improve the preheating efficiency and avoid the environment around the ice maker being too low, and the heating element needs to be heated for a long time after the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened. When the second temperature value is not lower than the second temperature threshold, the controller 12 controls the heating device to open when the water pump 2 is opened, until the electromagnetic valve 8 is opened.

[0056] As to the first temperature sensor 13 and the second temperature sensor of the utility model, the specific installation position is not limited.

[0057] In some embodiments, the machine body 1 is provided with a connecting head 15 communicated with the containing cavity 10, the water supply pipe 4 is connected with the connecting head 15, and the first temperature sensor 13 can be fixed in the connecting head 15 and extend into the containing cavity 10 to detect the temperature of the hot water in the containing cavity 10.

[0058] The second temperature sensor can be fixed at any part of the machine body 1, as long as the ambient temperature of the machine body 1 can be detected.

[0059] The above embodiments are only exemplary embodiments of the utility model, and are not used to limit the utility model, and the protection scope of the utility model is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent replacements to the utility model within the spirit and protection scope of the utility model, and such modifications or equivalent replacements should also be regarded as falling within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. An ice maker characterized by, The application relates to an ice maker, which comprises: a body (1) having an ice making assembly (11) and a containing cavity (10) for placing the ice making assembly (11), the ice making assembly (11) comprising an ice mold and an evaporator arranged on the ice mold, the evaporator being capable of being connected to a first medium to lower the temperature of the ice mold for ice making and being connected to a second medium to raise the temperature of the ice mold for ice removing, the temperature of the second medium being higher than that of the first medium; a water supply system connected to the containing cavity (10) for injecting hot water into the containing cavity (10) and enabling the hot water to contact the outer wall of the evaporator to exchange heat with the evaporator, the temperature of the hot water being lower than that of the second medium.

2. An ice maker as claimed in claim 1 wherein, The water supply system comprises: a water supply tank for storing water; a water pump (2) connected to the water supply tank and the containing cavity (10) through a water supply pipe (4) respectively for pumping the water in the water supply tank into the containing cavity (10); a heating element (3) for heating the water entering into the containing cavity (10).

3. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2 wherein, The body (1) is provided with a water storage tank (14) for ice making, and the water storage tank (14) forms the water supply tank.

4. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2 wherein, The heating element (3) is fixed on the water supply pipe (4).

5. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The heating element (3) is arranged in the water supply tank for heating the stored water in the water supply tank.

6. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2 wherein, The bottom of the containing cavity (10) is flat, and the ice making assembly (11) is arranged on the bottom of the containing cavity (10).

7. An ice maker as claimed in claim 6 wherein, The heating element (3) is arranged on the bottom of the containing cavity (10).

8. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2 wherein, The body (1) is provided with a controller (12), a first temperature sensor (13) and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor (13) being used for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the containing cavity (10), and the second temperature sensor being used for detecting the ambient temperature around the body (1); The controller (12) is connected to the first temperature sensor (13), the second temperature sensor and the heating element (3) respectively.

9. An ice maker as described in claim 1 wherein, The ice making assembly (11) further comprises a compressor (5) and a condenser (6), the suction pipe of the compressor (5) being connected to the exhaust port of the evaporator, the exhaust pipe of the compressor (5) being connected to the air inlet of the condenser (6) through a first pipeline, the liquid outlet of the condenser (6) being connected to the liquid inlet of the evaporator, and the exhaust pipe of the compressor (5) being connected to the liquid inlet of the evaporator through a second pipeline.

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