Water tank and ice maker

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of water equipment, in particular to a water tank and an ice maker, and the water tank comprises a tank body, a top cover and an elastic sealing assembly. The box body is provided with an inner cavity, the top end of the box body is provided with a mounting port communicated with the inner cavity, and the bottom end of the box body is provided with a water outlet communicated with the inner cavity; the bottom end of the box body is suitable for being detachably connected to water utilization equipment; the top cover is detachably connected to the top end of the box body and seals the mounting opening, and a water inlet communicated with the inner cavity is formed in the top cover; the elastic sealing assembly is arranged at the bottom end of the box body and penetrates through the water outlet. The water tank can supply water to the water equipment when being connected with the water equipment, and can be independently used as a container after being separated from the water equipment, so that different use requirements of users can be met, and the water tank has the beneficial effects of high use flexibility, strong multifunctionality and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water-using equipment technology, and in particular to a water tank and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a common water-using device that rapidly cools liquid water to produce ice cubes for user consumption. An ice maker typically consists of a main unit and a water tank, which is connected to the main unit to supply water. However, a common problem with ice makers on the market is that the water tank can only be used in conjunction with the main unit and cannot be used independently. This limits the application scenarios of the ice maker, and therefore, this problem urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a water tank, and this application also provides an ice maker.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a water tank, comprising a tank body, a top cover, and an elastic sealing assembly. The tank body has an inner cavity, a mounting port communicating with the inner cavity at its top, and a water outlet communicating with the inner cavity at its bottom. The bottom of the tank body is adapted to be detachably connected to a water-using device. The top cover is detachably connected to the top of the tank body and seals the mounting port, and has an inlet communicating with the inner cavity. The elastic sealing assembly is disposed at the bottom of the tank body and passes through the water outlet. When the water tank is connected to the water-using device, the elastic sealing assembly is used to push the water-using device towards the top cover, so that the inner cavity communicates with the water-using device through the water outlet. When the water tank is separated from the water-using device, the elastic sealing assembly is used to move away from the top cover, so that at least a portion of the structure of the elastic sealing assembly blocks the water outlet.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments, the resilient sealing assembly includes a spring, an ejector, and a sealing sleeve; the ejector is inserted through the outlet, with one end of the ejector located in the inner cavity and the other end located outside the inner cavity; the sealing sleeve is fitted over the end of the ejector located in the inner cavity; one end of the spring abuts against the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the other end abuts against the structure of the ejector located outside the inner cavity; the spring pushes the ejector away from the top cover so that the sealing sleeve blocks the outlet.

[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ejector includes a ejector rod, a mounting base, and an abutment seat; the ejector rod passes through the outlet, the mounting base is connected to the top end of the ejector rod and located in the inner cavity, the abutment seat is connected to the bottom end of the ejector rod and located outside the inner cavity, the sealing sleeve is fitted onto the mounting base and blocks the outlet, and the end of the spring away from the housing abuts against the abutment seat.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the outlet is chamfered, and at least a portion of the structure of the sealing sleeve abuts against the inner wall of the outlet to seal the outlet.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the sealing sleeve is provided with at least one protruding ring, which is clamped between the inner wall of the outlet and the sealing sleeve.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the water tank further includes a guide ring disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body. The guide ring is coaxially disposed with the water outlet and located outside the water outlet. At least a portion of the structure of the abutment seat is located inside the guide ring and fits against the inner side wall of the guide ring. The abutment seat is provided with a water passage hole.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the water tank further includes a positioning ring disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body. The positioning ring is coaxially disposed with the water outlet and located outside the water outlet. A spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the positioning ring, and at least a portion of the spring's structure is in contact with the outer wall of the positioning ring.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the water tank further includes an annular frame and a first sealing ring; the annular frame is provided with a snap-fit ​​ring groove, and one end of the tank body with an installation opening is embedded in the snap-fit ​​ring groove; the top cover is provided with a receiving ring groove on the side facing the tank body, and the annular frame is embedded in the receiving ring groove; the inner wall of the receiving ring groove is provided with an installation ring groove, and the first sealing ring is embedded in the installation ring groove, and the first sealing ring is clamped by the annular frame and the inner wall of the installation ring groove.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an ice maker, which includes an ice maker body, a connecting assembly, and the aforementioned water tank; the ice maker body includes a housing, a push rod, a water storage tank, and a water supply pipe; the water tank is detachably connected to the outer top wall of the housing via the connecting assembly, and the top wall of the housing is provided with a water inlet opposite to the water outlet; the push rod is fixedly connected to the housing and passes through the water inlet, and the push rod abuts against an elastic sealing assembly to make the inner cavity of the water tank communicate with the water outlet; the water storage tank is disposed inside the housing; the water supply pipe is disposed inside the housing, one end of the water supply pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to the water storage tank.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the connecting component includes a first connector and a second connector; the first connector is disposed on the outer top wall of the housing and has a snap-fit ​​groove; the second connector is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing and protrudes relative to the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the second connector is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection with the first connector.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a first limiting ring, a second limiting ring, a second sealing ring, and a pressing ring; the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the second sealing ring are all disposed on the outer top wall of the housing, and the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the water inlet are arranged coaxially from the outside to the inside; the second sealing ring is housed between the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring; the pressing ring is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the pressing ring is sleeved around the water outlet. When the water tank is connected to the housing, the end of the pressing ring away from the housing presses the second sealing ring against the outer top wall of the housing.

[0015] This application provides a water tank comprising a tank body, a top cover, and an elastic sealing component. When the water tank is connected to a water-using device, the elastic sealing component is pushed towards the top cover by the water-using device, thereby allowing the inner cavity to communicate with the water-using device through the outlet. Water from the tank can then flow into the water-using device through the outlet to supply water. When the water tank is separated from the water-using device, the elastic sealing component moves away from the top cover, at least a portion of its structure blocks the outlet. In this case, the water tank can be used independently as a container, and because the outlet is blocked by the elastic sealing component, water will not spill out, making it convenient to use. In summary, the above-mentioned water tank can be used in conjunction with a water-using device to supply water, and can also be used independently as a container after being separated from the device. Therefore, the water tank has the advantages of high flexibility and multi-functionality, which can greatly meet the diverse needs of users. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the box in some embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the box from another perspective.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The top view of the box shown.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The box shown is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0021] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ice maker in some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the ice maker body.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an ice maker from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The image shows a partial cross-sectional view of the ice maker along the BB direction.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of the structure of part A in the middle.

[0026] Labeling Explanation: 100, Water Tank; 10, Tank Body; 101, Inner Cavity; 102, Mounting Port; 103, Outlet; 11, Top Cover; 110, Inlet; 111, Receiving Ring Groove; 112, Mounting Ring Groove; 12, Elastic Sealing Assembly; 121, Spring; 122, Ejector; 1221, Ejector Rod; 1222, Mounting Base; 1223, Abutment Seat; 1224, Water Pass-through Hole; 123, Sealing Sleeve; 1231, Convex Ring; 13, Guide Ring; 14 15. Positioning ring; 151. Snap-fit ​​ring groove; 16. First sealing ring; 200. Ice maker; 20. Ice maker body; 201. Housing; 2011. Water inlet; 202. Push rod; 203. Water tank; 204. Water pipe; 21. Connecting assembly; 211. First connector; 2111. Snap-fit ​​groove; 212. Second connector; 22. First limiting ring; 23. Second limiting ring; 24. Second sealing ring; 25. Compression ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or state relationship based on the orientation or state relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0029] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or state relationships, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or merely surface contact. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] If certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components, those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. The specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. For example, the term "comprising" used throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to"; "generally" means that those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and basically achieve the technical effect within a certain margin of error.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application provides a water tank 100, which is applied to water-using equipment. Water-using equipment refers to equipment or devices that require water during use, such as an ice maker 200, a water dispenser, etc. The water tank 100 includes a tank body 10, a top cover 11, and an elastic sealing assembly 12 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0034] The tank body 10 is the main structure of the water tank 100, and the tank body 10 is provided with an inner cavity 101 (see...). Figure 4 The inner cavity 101 is used to hold water. The top of the tank 10 has an installation port 102 communicating with the inner cavity 101, and the bottom of the tank 10 has a water outlet 103 communicating with the inner cavity 101 (see...). Figure 4 As a specific example, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the housing 10 can also be generally cylindrical, cubic, or any other shape. This embodiment does not limit the shape of the housing 10. The bottom end of the housing 10 is suitable for detachable connection to the water-using equipment. For example, the bottom end of the housing 10 and the water-using equipment can be connected by screws, bolts, or other connectors, or by snap-fitting with snap-fitting parts and slots on the surfaces of the housing 10 and the water-using equipment, respectively. This embodiment does not limit the specific method by which the housing 10 and the water-using equipment are detachably connected. It should be noted that the "top end of the housing 10" refers to the part located at the upper end of the housing 10 when the housing 10 is in normal use, and the "bottom end of the housing 10" refers to the part located at the lower end of the housing 10 when the housing 10 is in normal use. The top end and the bottom end of the housing 10 are the opposite ends of the housing 10.

[0035] The top cover 11 is detachably connected to the top of the housing 10 and seals the mounting port 102. The top cover 11 is provided with a water inlet 110 that communicates with the inner cavity 101. The top cover 11 and the housing 10 can be connected by any connection method such as a socket connection or a plug connection. In this embodiment, the specific connection method between the top cover 11 and the housing 10 is not limited.

[0036] The elastic sealing component 12 is located at the bottom of the tank 10 and passes through the water outlet 103. When the water tank 100 is connected to a water-using device (see...), Figure 9 The resilient sealing assembly 12 is used to abut the water-using equipment towards the top cover 11, so that the inner cavity 101 communicates with the water-using equipment through the outlet 103. In the case where the water tank 100 is separated from the water-using equipment (see...), Figure 4 The resilient sealing assembly 12 is used to move away from the top cover 11 so that at least a portion of the structure of the resilient sealing assembly 12 blocks the outlet 103.

[0037] With the above settings, when the water tank 100 is connected to the water-using equipment (see...) Figure 9 The elastic sealing assembly 12 is pushed against the water-using equipment towards the top cover 11, thereby allowing the inner cavity 101 to communicate with the water-using equipment through the outlet 103. At this time, water in the water tank 100 can flow into the water-using equipment through the outlet 103 to supply water to the equipment. When the water tank 100 is separated from the water-using equipment (see...), the water supply is restored. Figure 4 When the elastic sealing component 12 moves away from the top cover 11, at least part of the structure of the elastic sealing component 12 will block the outlet 103. At this time, the water tank 100 can be used as a container alone, and since the outlet 103 is blocked by the elastic sealing component 12, the water in the water tank 100 will not spill out from the outlet 103, making it convenient to use.

[0038] In summary, the water tank 100 described above can be used in conjunction with water-using equipment to supply water to the equipment, or it can be used independently as a container after being separated from the water-using equipment. Therefore, the water tank 100 has the advantages of high flexibility and strong multi-functionality, which can greatly meet the diverse needs of users.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the resilient sealing assembly 12 includes a spring 121, an ejector 122, and a sealing sleeve 123. The ejector 122 passes through the outlet 103, with one end of the ejector 122 located inside the inner cavity 101 and the other end located outside the inner cavity 101. The ejector 122 is used to cooperate with the structure of the water-using equipment to open the outlet 103 (see...). Figure 9 A sealing sleeve 123 is fitted onto one end of the ejector 122 located within the inner cavity 101. The sealing sleeve 123 can be a rubber sleeve, silicone sleeve, or similar structure. The sealing sleeve 123 forms a sealing structure with the housing 10 to block the outlet 103. One end of the spring 121 abuts against the outer bottom wall of the housing 10, and the other end abuts against the ejector 122 located outside the inner cavity 101. The spring 121 pushes the ejector 122 away from the top cover 11, causing the sealing sleeve 123 to block the outlet 103. Specifically, the projection of the outlet 103 in its own axial direction falls completely within the projection of the sealing sleeve 123 in the axial direction of the outlet 103. Therefore, the sealing sleeve 123 can block the outlet 103 under the elastic force of the spring 121.

[0040] With the above settings, when the housing 10 is separated from the water-using equipment (see...) Figure 4Because spring 121 applies a spring force to the ejector 122 located outside the inner cavity 101 in a direction away from the top cover 11, the sealing sleeve 123 located in the inner cavity 101 tends to move away from the top cover 11. Since the projection of the outlet 103 in its own axial direction completely falls within the projection of the sealing sleeve 123 in the axial direction of the outlet 103, the sealing sleeve 123 can completely cover the outlet 103 to achieve sealing. At this time, the water tank 100 can be used independently as a container without relying on water-using equipment to achieve water supply. When the tank 10 is connected to water-using equipment (see...), Figure 9 When the water-using equipment is partially disassembled, the push rod 1221 moves towards the top cover 11, compressing the spring and separating the sealing sleeve 123 from the outlet 103. This connects the inner cavity 101, the outlet 103, and the water-using equipment, allowing the water tank 100 to supply water to the equipment. Furthermore, when the tank 10 is removed from the water-using equipment, the spring 121 drives the push-out member 122 to move rapidly away from the top cover 11, causing the sealing sleeve 123 to instantly block the outlet 103. Even if there is still unused water in the tank 10, almost no water will spill from the outlet 103. Therefore, when the user separates the water tank 100 from the water-using equipment, there is no need to empty the water tank 100, and almost no water will flow out of the outlet 103, making it more convenient to use.

[0041] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ejector 122 includes an ejector rod 1221, a mounting base 1222, and an abutment seat 1223. In this embodiment, the ejector rod 1221 is a round rod, and the mounting base 1222 and the abutment seat 1223 are both approximately disc-shaped. In other embodiments, the ejector rod 1221 can also be any type of rod structure such as a square rod or a flat rod, and the mounting base 1222 and the abutment seat 1223 can also be any shape of block structure such as a rectangular block or an elliptical block; there is no limitation on this. The ejector rod 1221 passes through the outlet 103, the mounting base 1222 is connected to the top end of the ejector rod 1221 and is located in the inner cavity 101, the abutment seat 1223 is connected to the bottom end of the ejector rod 1221 and is located outside the inner cavity 101, the sealing sleeve 123 is fitted onto the mounting base 1222 and seals the outlet 103, and the end of the spring 121 away from the housing 10 abuts against the abutment seat 1223. It should be noted that the "top end of the top rod 1221" refers to the part located at the upper end of the top rod 1221 when the housing 10 is in normal use, and the "bottom end of the top rod 1221" refers to the part located at the lower end of the top rod 1221 when the housing 10 is in normal use. The top end and bottom end of the top rod 1221 are the opposite ends of the housing 10.

[0042] With the above settings, when the water tank 100 is separated from the water-using equipment (see...) Figure 4 Spring 121 pushes the abutment seat 1223 away from the top cover 11, causing the push rod 1221 and mounting seat 1222 to also tend to move away from the top cover 11. However, since the sealing sleeve 123 fitted outside the mounting seat 1222 cannot pass through the outlet 103, the sealing sleeve 123 will get stuck at the outlet 103, thus blocking the outlet 103. When the water tank 100 is connected to the water-using equipment (see...), Figure 9 During this process, a portion of the water-using equipment's structure will move towards the top cover 11, whereby the spring is compressed, and the top rod 1221, mounting base 1222, and sealing sleeve 123 will all move towards the top cover 11 until the sealing sleeve 123 is completely separated from the outlet 103, thereby achieving communication between the inner cavity 101, the outlet 103, and the water-using equipment, so that the water tank 100 can supply water to the equipment.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inner wall of the outlet 103 is chamfered. The chamfer is located at the end of the inner wall of the outlet 103 facing the inner cavity 101, and the chamfer can be any angle such as 10°, 15°, or 20°. At least a portion of the structure of the sealing sleeve 123 abuts against the inner wall of the outlet 103 to seal the outlet 103. Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the chamfer allows the inner wall of the outlet 103 to fit more tightly with the sealing sleeve 123, thereby improving the sealing effect of the sealing sleeve 123 on the outlet 103. Furthermore, the chamfer facilitates the movement of the sealing sleeve 123 into and out of the outlet 103, making the opening and closing of the outlet 103 smoother.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the sealing sleeve 123 is provided with at least one protruding ring 1231 (see Figure 9 The convex ring 1231 is clamped between the inner wall of the outlet 103 and the sealing sleeve 123, which can further improve the sealing effect of the sealing sleeve 123 on the outlet 103. In this embodiment, three convex rings 1231 are provided. In other embodiments, the number of convex rings 1231 can be one, two, four, or any other number.

[0045] In some embodiments, the water tank 100 further includes a guide ring 13, which is generally circular and disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body 10. The guide ring 13 is coaxially arranged with the water outlet 103 and located outside the water outlet 103. At least a portion of the structure of the abutment seat 1223 is located inside the guide ring 13 and fits against the inner sidewall of the guide ring 13. The abutment seat 1223 is provided with a water passage hole 1224, which allows water to flow through it when the water outlet 103 is open, so that water can enter the water-using equipment. With the above settings, when the ejector 122 moves, due to the positional relationship between the guide ring 13 and the abutment seat 1223, the guide ring 13 can restrict the abutment seat 1223 to move only along the axial direction of the outlet 103, thereby guiding the ejector 122 and making the movement of the ejector 122 more stable and smooth, avoiding the ejector 122 from tilting during the movement and affecting the normal opening or closing of the outlet 103.

[0046] In some embodiments, the water tank 100 further includes a positioning ring 14, which is approximately circular and disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body 10. The positioning ring 14 is coaxially arranged with the water outlet 103 and located outside the water outlet 103. A spring 121 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the positioning ring 14, and at least a portion of the structure of the spring 121 is in contact with the outer wall of the positioning ring 14. With the above arrangement, when the ejector 122 moves and causes the spring 121 to extend or retract, due to the positional relationship between the positioning ring 14 and the spring 121, the positioning ring 14 can restrict the accidental movement of the end of the spring 121 connected to the water tank 100, thereby improving the stability of the spring 121 and providing a certain guiding effect on the extension and retraction of the spring 121. As a result, the extension and retraction of the spring 121 is more stable and smooth, ensuring the smooth opening and closing of the water outlet 103.

[0047] In some embodiments, the water tank 100 further includes an annular frame 15 and a first sealing ring 16. The annular frame 15 is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove 151, which is an annular groove adapted to the shape of the mounting opening 102. One end of the tank body 10 with the mounting opening 102 is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove 151. The top cover 11 is provided with a receiving groove 111 on the side facing the tank body 10. The receiving groove is an annular groove adapted to the shape of the annular frame 15, and the annular frame 15 is embedded in the receiving groove 111. The inner sidewall of the receiving groove 111 is provided with a mounting groove 112, which is an annular groove adapted to the shape of the first sealing ring 16. The first sealing ring 16 is embedded in the mounting groove 112, and the first sealing ring 16 is clamped by the annular frame 15 and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove 112.

[0048] With the above configuration, the annular frame 15 is used to improve the stability of the connection between the top cover 11 and the box body 10, and the first sealing ring 16 is used to form a sealing structure at the mounting port 102, thereby preventing water in the inner cavity 101 from spilling out from the connection between the top cover 11 and the box body 10.

[0049] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This application also provides an ice maker 200, which includes an ice maker body 20, a connecting assembly 21, and the aforementioned water tank 100. The ice maker body 20 is the main structure of the ice maker 200 and is mainly used to realize the ice-making function. The ice maker body 20 includes a housing 201, a push rod 202, a water storage tank 203, and a water supply pipe 204.

[0050] The housing 201 is the main frame structure of the ice maker body 20. In this embodiment, the housing 201 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the housing 201 can also be any shape such as a cube or cylinder. This embodiment does not limit the specific shape of the housing 201. The water tank 100 is detachably connected to the outer top wall of the housing 201 via the connecting assembly 21. The top wall of the housing 201 is provided with a water inlet 2011 opposite to the water outlet 103 (see...). Figure 9 It should be noted that the "top wall of housing 201" mentioned above refers to the plate-like structure located at the top of housing 201 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use, and the "outer top wall of housing 201" mentioned above refers to the upper surface of the plate-like structure located at the top of housing 201 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use.

[0051] The ejector rod 202 is fixedly connected to the housing 201 and passes through the water inlet 2011. The ejector rod 202 abuts against the elastic sealing assembly 12 to communicate between the inner cavity 101 of the water tank 100 and the water outlet 103. Specifically, the side wall of the water inlet 2011 may be provided with a connecting rod extending radially along the water inlet 2011. The ejector rod 202 is connected to the connecting rod and passes through the water inlet 2011 axially.

[0052] The water storage tank 203 is located inside the shell 201 and is used to temporarily store water for subsequent ice-making operations.

[0053] A water supply pipe 204 is installed inside the housing 201. One end of the water supply pipe 204 is connected to the water inlet 2011, and the other end is connected to the water storage tank 203. The water supply pipe 204 is used to transport water flowing into the water inlet 2011 to the water storage tank 203 for temporary storage.

[0054] With the above-described configuration, in the ice maker 200, due to the presence of the ejector rod 202, when the water tank 100 is connected to the ice maker body 20 (see...), Figure 9 The ejector rod 202 abuts against the elastic sealing assembly 12, causing the elastic sealing assembly 12 to move closer to the top cover 11. This allows water in the inner cavity 101 of the water tank 100 to flow from the outlet 103 into the inlet 2011, and then through the water pipe 204 into the storage tank 203 for temporary storage, in preparation for subsequent ice-making. When the water tank 100 is separated from the ice maker body 20 (see...), Figure 4 Since the ejector rod 202 loses its supporting effect on the elastic sealing assembly 12, the elastic sealing assembly 12 will quickly seal and close the water outlet 103 under the action of the spring 121, so that the water tank 100 can be used as a container alone. For example, after ice making is finished, the user can remove the water tank 100 to store ice cubes, thereby improving the user experience of the ice maker 200.

[0055] In some embodiments, the ice maker 200 also includes a submersible pump (not shown in the figure), which is disposed in the water storage tank 203 and connected to the water supply pipe 204. The submersible pump is used to provide pumping power so that the water in the water tank 100 can flow into the water storage tank 203 more quickly.

[0056] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the connecting component 21 includes a first connecting member 211 and a second connecting member 212. The first connecting member 211 is disposed on the outer top wall of the housing 201 and has a snap-fit ​​groove 2111. The second connecting member 212 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing 10 and protrudes relative to the outer bottom wall of the housing 10. The second connecting member 212 is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove 2111 to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection with the first connecting member 211. It should be noted that the "outer top wall of the housing 201" refers to the upper surface of the plate-like structure located at the top of the housing 201 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use, and the "outer bottom wall of the housing 10" refers to the lower surface of the plate-like structure located at the bottom of the housing 10 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use. Through the above configuration, it is convenient for users to connect and disconnect the water tank 100 from the housing 201 of the ice maker body 20, which simplifies the operation and improves the user experience.

[0057] In some embodiments, the ice maker 200 further includes a first limiting ring 22, a second limiting ring 23, a second sealing ring 24, and a pressing ring 25, all of which are approximately annular. The first limiting ring 22, the second limiting ring 23, the second sealing ring 24, and the pressing ring 25 are all disposed on the outer top wall of the housing 201. It should be noted that the "outer top wall of the housing 201" refers to the upper surface of the plate-like structure located at the top of the housing 201 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use. The first limiting ring 22, the second limiting ring 23, and the water inlet 2011 are arranged coaxially from the outside in. The second sealing ring 24 is housed between the first limiting ring 22 and the second limiting ring 23. The pressing ring 25 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing 10 and is sleeved around the water outlet 103. It should be noted that the "outer lower wall of the housing 10" mentioned above refers to the lower surface of the plate-like structure located at the bottom of the housing 10 when the ice maker 200 is in normal use. When the water tank 100 is connected to the housing 201, the end of the clamping ring 25 away from the housing 10 presses the second sealing ring 24 against the outer top wall of the housing 201.

[0058] With the above configuration, since the ice maker 200 also includes a first limiting ring 22, a second limiting ring 23, and a second sealing ring 24, and the second sealing ring 24 is housed between the first limiting ring 22 and the second limiting ring 23, the first limiting ring 22 and the second limiting ring 23 can limit the second sealing ring 24. Since the ice maker 200 also includes a clamping ring 25, when the water tank 100 is connected to the housing 201, the end of the clamping ring 25 away from the housing 10 presses the second sealing ring 24 against the outer top wall of the housing 201. Therefore, the clamping ring 25 and the second sealing ring 24 can form a sealing structure between the first limiting ring 22 and the second limiting ring 23 to prevent water from leaking out of the water inlet 2011 located inside the second limiting ring 23. This avoids the water tank 100 leaking water when supplying water to the ice maker body 20, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the water tank 100 supplying water to the ice maker body 20 and improving the user experience.

[0059] In summary, this embodiment provides an ice maker 200, which includes a detachably connected water tank 100 and an ice maker body 20. When the water tank 100 is connected to the ice maker body 20, water in the water tank 100 can be transported into the ice maker body 20 to achieve ice making. When the water tank 100 is separated from the ice maker body 20, the water tank 100 can automatically seal its outlet 103 through the elastic sealing component 12, thereby allowing the water tank 100 to be used as a container independently. Therefore, the above-mentioned ice maker 200 can meet the diverse usage needs of users and has the beneficial effects of flexible use and excellent user experience.

[0060] 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 this application. 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.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A water tank, characterized in that, The water tank, used in water-using equipment, includes: The housing has an inner cavity, with an installation port communicating with the inner cavity at the top and a water outlet communicating with the inner cavity at the bottom; the bottom of the housing is adapted to be detachably connected to the water-using equipment. A top cover, detachably connected to the top of the housing and sealing the mounting opening, the top cover having a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity; and An elastic sealing assembly is disposed at the bottom end of the tank, and the elastic sealing assembly passes through the water outlet; When the water tank is connected to the water-using equipment, the elastic sealing assembly is used to be moved against the water-using equipment towards the top cover so that the inner cavity communicates with the water-using equipment through the water outlet; When the water tank is separated from the water-using equipment, the resilient sealing assembly is used to move away from the top cover so that at least a portion of the resilient sealing assembly blocks the outlet.

2. The water tank as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic sealing assembly includes a spring, an ejector, and a sealing sleeve. The ejector is inserted through the outlet, with one end of the ejector located inside the inner cavity and the other end outside the inner cavity. The sealing sleeve is fitted over the end of the ejector located inside the inner cavity. One end of the spring abuts against the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the other end abuts against the structure of the ejector located outside the inner cavity. The spring pushes the ejector away from the top cover so that the sealing sleeve seals the outlet.

3. The water tank as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ejector includes an ejector rod, a mounting base, and an abutment seat; the ejector rod passes through the outlet, the mounting base is connected to the top end of the ejector rod and located in the inner cavity, the abutment seat is connected to the bottom end of the ejector rod and located outside the inner cavity, the sealing sleeve is fitted onto the mounting base and blocks the outlet, and the end of the spring away from the housing abuts against the abutment seat.

4. The water tank as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the outlet is chamfered, and at least a portion of the sealing sleeve abuts against the inner wall of the outlet to seal the outlet.

5. The water tank as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the sealing sleeve is provided with at least one protruding ring, which is clamped between the inner wall of the outlet and the sealing sleeve.

6. The water tank as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water tank also includes a guide ring, which is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body. The guide ring is coaxially disposed with the water outlet and located outside the water outlet. At least a portion of the structure of the abutment seat is located inside the guide ring and fits against the inner side wall of the guide ring. The abutment seat is provided with a water passage hole.

7. The water tank as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water tank also includes a positioning ring, which is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the tank body. The positioning ring is coaxially disposed with the water outlet and located outside the water outlet. The spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the positioning ring, and at least a portion of the spring's structure is in contact with the outer wall of the positioning ring.

8. The water tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water tank also includes an annular frame and a first sealing ring; the annular frame is provided with a snap-fit ​​ring groove, and one end of the tank body with an installation opening is embedded in the snap-fit ​​ring groove; the top cover is provided with a receiving ring groove on the side facing the tank body, and the annular frame is embedded in the receiving ring groove; the inner side wall of the receiving ring groove is provided with an installation ring groove, and the first sealing ring is embedded in the installation ring groove, and the first sealing ring is clamped by the annular frame and the inner side wall of the installation ring groove.

9. An ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes an ice maker body, a connecting assembly, and a water tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; the ice maker body includes: The housing, wherein the water tank is detachably connected to the outer top wall of the housing via the connecting assembly, and the top wall of the housing is provided with a water inlet opposite to the water outlet; An ejector rod is fixedly connected to the housing and passes through the water inlet. The ejector rod abuts against the elastic sealing assembly so that the inner cavity of the water tank communicates with the water outlet. A water storage tank is located inside the shell. A water supply pipe is installed inside the housing, with one end of the water supply pipe connected to the water inlet and the other end connected to the water storage tank.

10. The ice maker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes a first connector and a second connector; the first connector is disposed on the outer top wall of the housing and has a snap-fit ​​groove; the second connector is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing and protrudes relative to the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the second connector is embedded in the snap-fit ​​groove to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection with the first connector.

11. The ice maker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The ice maker further includes a first limiting ring, a second limiting ring, a second sealing ring, and a pressing ring; the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the second sealing ring are all disposed on the outer top wall of the housing, and the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the water inlet are arranged coaxially from the outside to the inside; the second sealing ring is housed between the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring; the pressing ring is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the housing, and the pressing ring is sleeved around the water outlet. When the water tank is connected to the housing, the end of the pressing ring away from the housing presses the second sealing ring against the outer top wall of the housing.

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