Ice snow machine refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of a snow ice machine comprises a roller, a left end cover and a right end cover are installed at the left end and the right end of the roller respectively, a left half shaft is installed at the center point of the left end cover, a right half shaft is installed on the right end cover through a sliding seat, the sliding seat is fixed to a center hole of the right end cover in a threaded connection mode, and a sealing device is arranged between the sliding seat and the cylindrical surface of the right half shaft. The sealing device seals a gap between the right half shaft and the sliding seat, the sealing device comprises an inner bearing seat arranged at the inner end of the sliding seat and an outer bearing seat arranged at the outer end of the sliding seat, an inner bearing is arranged in the inner bearing seat and connected with the right half shaft, and an outer bearing is arranged in the outer bearing seat and connected with the right half shaft; a sealing hole is formed in the bottom of the inner bearing seat, a first sealing ring, a first isolating ring, a second sealing ring and a second isolating ring are sequentially installed in the sealing hole, the second isolating ring is axially extruded after the inner bearing is installed, and the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are fixed in the sealing hole to form reliable sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically a snow and ice machine refrigeration unit. Background Technology

[0002] A slush machine is a popular device that quickly produces fine shaved ice. Its typical working principle is as follows: Inside the machine, a rotating cylindrical evaporator (hereinafter referred to as the "drum evaporator") continuously transports liquid ingredients, such as fresh milk or pre-seasoned liquids, which adhere to its low-temperature outer cylindrical surface. Because the drum evaporator is filled with a low-temperature refrigerant, the outer cylindrical surface is extremely cold, causing the adhered liquid to quickly freeze into a thin layer of ice. Then, a scraper or spatula mounted on the outside of the drum evaporator scrapes off this thin layer of ice, forming a smooth, uniquely textured shaved ice. This immediate preparation and consumption method maximizes the preservation of the fresh flavor of the ingredients.

[0003] The core component of a snow and ice machine is the drum evaporator. Within the drum evaporator's structure, there is a relatively rotating mating area between the rotating drum section and the stationary refrigerant circulation system. This rotating mating area forms the critical interface between the refrigerant chamber inside the drum evaporator and the external atmospheric environment. Because snow and ice machines require frequent start-ups and shutdowns and undergo different operating phases in actual use, effectively and persistently sealing this rotating mating area to prevent refrigerant leakage or outside air intrusion is a key technical challenge for ensuring stable operation, efficient cooling, and safe use of the snow and ice machine.

[0004] As can be seen from the above, the interior of the drum evaporator and its rotating joints face a complex and changing working environment, for example:

[0005] When the machine is stopped, and the ice-making process ceases, with the drum evaporator not rotating, the refrigerant inside gradually reaches pressure equilibrium. The internal pressure can reach a maximum of 1.2 MPa, approximately 12 times the external standard atmospheric pressure. At this time, the drum surface temperature is close to ambient temperature, for example, up to about 35°C. Under these high-temperature, high-pressure conditions relative to the outside, the drum evaporator resembles a normal-temperature pressure vessel. The seals at the rotating joints experience a significant pressure difference from the inside out, posing a risk of refrigerant leakage into the external environment.

[0006] During operation, when the ice machine starts making ice and the drum evaporator rotates at a speed of, for example, 60-100 rpm, the refrigerant inside the evaporator evaporates violently and absorbs heat, causing the internal pressure to drop sharply to a low pressure state of 0.02-0.04 MPa, approaching a vacuum, and exhibiting negative pressure relative to the external atmospheric pressure. Simultaneously, the temperature of the drum's outer surface drops sharply to -44°C or even lower. Under these low-temperature, low-pressure, and rotating conditions, the drum evaporator acts like a cryogenic vacuum container. The seals at the rotating joints bear the pressure difference from the outside in, posing a risk of external air or moisture intruding into the drum cavity. This air intrusion can severely affect the efficiency and stability of the refrigeration system, and may even lead to system failure.

[0007] Therefore, the sealing structure at the rotating joint must be able to provide a reliable seal under two drastically different and periodically alternating operating conditions: high temperature and high pressure, and low temperature and negative pressure, as well as under continuous rotational dynamic conditions. Solving the problem of rotary sealing under such complex alternating operating conditions has been recognized as a major technical challenge in the snow and ice machine industry. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a snow ice machine refrigeration unit that is simple in structure, easy to use, and can provide long-term reliable sealing performance under wide temperature range, alternating pressure and rotation conditions while ensuring high refrigeration efficiency, and improve the stability and durability of the overall structure.

[0009] The purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following means: a snow ice machine cooler, which includes a drum, with a left end cover and a right end cover respectively installed at the left and right ends of the drum. A left half shaft is installed at the center point of the left end cover, and a right half shaft is installed on the right end cover through a sliding seat. The sliding seat is screwed and fixed to the center hole of the right end cover. A sealing device is provided between the cylindrical surface of the sliding seat and the right half shaft. The sealing device seals the gap between the right half shaft and the sliding seat. The sealing device includes an inner bearing seat provided at the inner end of the sliding seat and an outer bearing seat provided at the outer end of the sliding seat. An inner bearing is installed in the inner bearing seat and connected to the right half shaft. An outer bearing is installed in the outer bearing seat and connected to the right half shaft.

[0010] The bottom of the inner bearing housing is provided with a sealing hole. A first sealing ring, a first isolation ring, a second sealing ring, and a second isolation ring are installed in sequence in the sealing hole. After the inner bearing is installed, the second isolation ring is axially pressed to fix the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring in the sealing hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner holes of the first and second sealing rings are provided with recessed sealing grooves.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing groove is provided in at least two places, which are distributed axially at intervals.

[0013] Furthermore, a bearing platform is provided on the cylindrical surface of the right half-shaft, protruding outward. The end faces of the inner and outer bearings are respectively pressed against the inner and outer ends of the bearing platform, restricting the axial displacement of the right half-shaft.

[0014] Furthermore: the inner bearing housing is provided with an inner spring groove, and an inner retaining spring is installed in the inner spring groove, the inner retaining spring covering the inner end face of the inner bearing.

[0015] Furthermore: the outer bearing housing is provided with an outer spring groove, and an outer retaining spring is installed in the outer spring groove, the outer retaining spring covering the outer end face of the outer bearing.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Simple structure, low production cost, and improved market competitiveness.

[0017] 2. In this application, a sealing hole is provided in the inner bearing housing, and a first sealing ring, a first isolation ring, a second sealing ring, and a second isolation ring are installed sequentially. The sealing rings are fixed using the axial compressive force during inner bearing installation, thus forming a multi-layered, compact, and controlled pre-tightening sealing system. This structure can more effectively adapt to the drastic changes in pressure and temperature and continuous rotation conditions of the snow and ice machine under high temperature and high pressure during shutdown and low temperature and negative pressure during operation, significantly improving the sealing reliability of the rotating joints and effectively preventing refrigerant leakage and air intrusion.

[0018] 3. Due to the adoption of a sealing structure that acts directly between the right half-shaft and the sliding seat, the additional thermal resistance caused by indirect sealing methods in existing technologies, such as the use of a heat-conducting intermediate cavity, is avoided. The cooling capacity of the refrigerant can be directly and efficiently transferred to the outer wall of the drum, improving the cooling speed of the drum and the minimum temperature that can be reached. This significantly improves the cooling efficiency of the snow ice machine and the amount of ice produced per unit time, thus improving the fineness and quality of the shaved ice.

[0019] 4. The drum is supported at both ends by left and right half-shafts, respectively. The left end cover is fitted with the left half-shaft, and the right end cover is fitted with the right half-shaft via a sliding seat and includes bearing support. This constitutes a double-end support structure, which greatly improves the rigidity and stability of the drum rotation system compared to the cantilever shaft structure that may exist in existing technologies. This structure can better withstand and disperse the axial force generated when the pressure inside the drum cavity changes drastically, reduce the deformation and stress concentration of the shaft and support components, reduce the risk of failure due to structural instability, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0020] 5. The inner hole of the sealing ring is provided with at least two concave sealing grooves, which are axially spaced and defined. The presence of these sealing grooves increases the sealing contact length and complexity, forming a labyrinth seal-like effect, effectively preventing fluid refrigerant or air from leaking axially, and further improving sealing performance and pressure resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 , 2 This is a rendering of the final assembly of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the right half-axis structure in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the right half-shaft structure behind the hidden roller in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 , 6 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A snow and ice machine refrigeration unit includes a roller 1. A left end cover 2 and a right end cover 3 are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the roller 1. A left half-shaft 4 is installed at the center point of the left end cover 2. A right half-shaft 5 is installed on the right end cover 3 via a sliding seat 6. The sliding seat 6 is screwed and fixed to the center hole of the right end cover 3. A sealing device is provided between the cylindrical surfaces of the sliding seat 6 and the right half-shaft 5. The sealing device seals the gap between the right half-shaft 5 and the sliding seat 6. The sealing device includes an inner bearing seat 61 disposed at the inner end of the sliding seat 6. An inner bearing 63 is installed in the outer bearing seat 62 at the outer end of the sliding seat 6 and connected to the right half shaft 5. An outer bearing 64 is installed in the outer bearing seat 62 and connected to the right half shaft 5. A sealing hole 65 is provided at the bottom of the inner bearing seat 61. A first sealing ring, a first isolation ring 8, a second sealing ring 9 and a second isolation ring 10 are installed in sequence in the sealing hole 65. After the inner bearing 63 is installed, it axially presses the second isolation ring 10 to fix the first sealing ring 7 and the second sealing ring 9 in the sealing hole 65.

[0026] In this embodiment, the roller 1 is closed at both ends by left and right end caps. The roller is supported by left and right half-shafts 4 and 5 to achieve rotation. The right half-shaft 5 is not directly mounted on the right end cap 3, but is mounted via a sliding seat 6. The sliding seat 6 itself is fixed to the right end cap 3. To solve the sealing problem between the rotating right half-shaft 5 and the relatively fixed sliding seat 6, a sealing device is provided between them.

[0027] Specifically, a first sealing ring 7, a first isolation ring 8, a second sealing ring 9, and a second isolation ring 10 are sequentially placed axially inside the sealing hole. The inner diameter of these sealing rings fits tightly against the outer cylindrical surface of the right half-shaft 5, while the outer diameter is constrained by the inner wall of the sealing hole 65. The isolation rings are used to separate and position the sealing rings.

[0028] During assembly, once the inner bearing is in place, its end face axially pushes against the second isolation ring 10. This force is sequentially transmitted to the second sealing ring 9, the first isolation ring 8, and the first sealing ring 7, causing the entire sealing assembly to be axially compressed and fixed within the sealing hole 65. This preload ensures appropriate contact pressure between the sealing rings and the surface of the right half-shaft 5, as well as the inner wall of the sealing hole 65, forming a reliable sealing barrier. The use of at least two sealing rings in conjunction with isolation rings constitutes a multi-layered sealing defense, improving sealing reliability under alternating high-temperature, high-pressure and low-temperature, negative-pressure conditions.

[0029] In one embodiment, recessed sealing grooves 11 are provided on the inner holes of the first sealing ring 7 and the second sealing ring 9. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the sealing ring in contact with the right half-shaft is not a smooth plane, but has recessed sealing grooves 11. When the right half-shaft 5 rotates, these grooves can perform the following functions:

[0030] 1. Formation of oil / liquid film: If there is lubricant or a small amount of leaked medium, the groove can store them, helping to form a stable lubricating or liquid film at the sealing interface, reducing dry friction, reducing wear, and using the surface tension or viscosity of the liquid to assist in sealing.

[0031] 2. Increased leakage path: The presence of grooves requires potentially leaking fluid to travel a longer and more tortuous path through the sealing interface, increasing flow resistance.

[0032] 3. Pumping / blocking effect: Grooves of a specific shape may generate a hydrodynamic effect when rotated, "pumping" fluid attempting to leak back to the high-pressure side or hindering its flow.

[0033] Therefore, compared to traditional technologies, this approach further enhances the sealing capability and reliability of a single-ring seal by increasing the complexity of the leakage path and the potential hydrodynamic effects, especially under dynamic and pressure fluctuation conditions. Simultaneously, the grooves help maintain lubrication, reduce direct wear between the seal ring and the shaft, and extend the service life of the seal.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least two sealing grooves 11 are provided, spaced axially. In this embodiment, multiple grooves are provided along the axial direction, forming a more complex "labyrinthine" sealing structure. This allows it to withstand higher pressure differentials, resulting in a significant improvement in sealing performance.

[0035] In one embodiment, a bearing seat 51 protrudes outward from the cylindrical surface of the right half-shaft 5. The end faces of the inner bearing 63 and the outer bearing 64 respectively press against the inner and outer ends of the bearing seat 51, restricting the axial displacement of the right half-shaft 5. The bearing seat acts as a shoulder. The inner ring end face of the inner bearing 63 abuts against the side of the bearing seat 51 facing the center of the roller, while the inner ring end face of the outer bearing 64 abuts against the side of the bearing seat 51 facing outward. Since the bearings themselves are axially fixed within the bearing housing, this bearing seat 51 becomes the reference for axial positioning of the right half-shaft 5 relative to the sliding seat 6. It prevents the right half-shaft 5 from moving axially inward or outward. This provides a simple and reliable axial positioning method, precisely controlling the relative axial position between the right half-shaft 5 and the sliding seat 6. A stable axial position is crucial for maintaining a constant contact state and sealing gap between the sealing ring and the right half-shaft, avoiding seal failure or accelerated wear caused by axial movement. At the same time, precise axial positioning also helps to ensure the meshing accuracy of gear transmissions or the relative positional accuracy of other mating components, thereby improving the overall smoothness of operation.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inner bearing housing 61 is provided with an inner spring groove 66, and an inner retaining spring is installed in the inner spring groove 66, which covers the inner end face of the inner bearing 63.

[0037] In this embodiment, an annular inner spring groove 66 is formed on the inner wall of the inner bearing housing 61. An inner retaining ring with an elastic open ring is installed into this groove. After installation, a portion of the retaining ring protrudes into the inner hole of the bearing housing, precisely located on the inner end face of the outer ring of the inner bearing 63. In this way, the retaining ring restricts the axial movement of the outer ring of the inner bearing 63 inward toward the center of the roller, preventing it from displacing under axial force.

[0038] In one embodiment: an outer spring groove 67 is provided in the outer bearing housing 62, and an outer retaining spring is installed in the outer spring groove 67, which covers the outer end face of the outer bearing 64.

[0039] In this embodiment, an outer bearing 64 is positioned within the outer bearing housing 62. An annular outer spring groove 67 is formed in the inner wall of the outer bearing housing 62 to accommodate an outer retaining ring. This retaining ring is located on the outer end face of the outer ring of the outer bearing 64, i.e., the side furthest from the roller center, thus restricting the outward axial movement of the outer ring of the outer bearing 64. This reliable axial fixation of the bearings together achieves bidirectional axial fixation of both the inner and outer bearing rings relative to the bearing housing, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the right half-shaft 5's rotation within the sliding seat 6.

[0040] In summary, in this case, a multi-layer sealing system consisting of multiple sealing rings and isolation rings is installed within the inner bearing housing 61 of the sliding seat 6, acting directly between the rotating right half-shaft and the stationary inner bearing housing 61. This sealing system achieves pre-tightening and fixation through the axial force during the installation of the inner bearing 63. This direct sealing method avoids intermediate heat transfer media, ensuring high refrigeration efficiency.

[0041] Meanwhile, the special design of the inner hole of the sealing ring further enhances the sealing effect, forming a labyrinthine resistance effect and improving adaptability to pressure changes and dynamic rotation.

[0042] Furthermore, the bearing housing 51 on the right half-shaft 5, in conjunction with the inner rings of the inner and outer bearings, achieves precise axial positioning of the right half-shaft 5. Simultaneously, the inner and outer retaining rings, along with their spring grooves, secure the outer rings of the inner and outer bearings, ensuring high axial stability and reliability of the entire support and sealing system. This achieves long-term reliable rotary sealing under the harsh alternating conditions of the snow and ice machine, such as high temperature and high pressure versus low temperature and negative pressure, and during start-up and shutdown, while also guaranteeing high refrigeration efficiency and overall machine stability and durability. Therefore, it can be widely adopted.

[0043] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A snow ice machine cooler, comprising a roller (1), with a left end cover (2) and a right end cover (3) respectively installed at the left and right ends of the roller (1), a left half-shaft (4) installed at the center point of the left end cover (2), and a right half-shaft (5) installed on the right end cover (3) via a sliding seat (6), the sliding seat (6) being screwed and fixed to the center hole of the right end cover (3), characterized in that: A sealing device is provided between the cylindrical surfaces of the sliding seat (6) and the right half shaft (5). The sealing device seals the gap between the right half shaft (5) and the sliding seat (6). The sealing device includes an inner bearing seat (61) provided at the inner end of the sliding seat (6) and an outer bearing seat (62) provided at the outer end of the sliding seat (6). An inner bearing (63) is installed in the inner bearing seat (61) and connected to the right half shaft (5). An outer bearing (64) is provided in the outer bearing seat (62) and connected to the right half shaft (5). The bottom of the inner bearing housing (61) is provided with a sealing hole (65). The first sealing ring (7), the first isolation ring (8), the second sealing ring (9) and the second isolation ring (10) are installed in sequence in the sealing hole (65). After the inner bearing (63) is installed, the second isolation ring (10) is axially pressed to fix the first sealing ring (7) and the second sealing ring (9) in the sealing hole (65).

2. A snow-ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner holes of the first sealing ring (7) and the second sealing ring (9) are provided with recessed sealing grooves (11).

3. A snow-ice machine according to claim 2, wherein: The sealing groove (11) is provided in at least two places, which are distributed axially at intervals.

4. A snow-ice machine according to claim 1, wherein: The right half-shaft (5) has a bearing platform (51) protruding outward on its cylindrical surface. The end faces of the inner bearing (63) and the outer bearing (64) are respectively pressed on the inner and outer ends of the bearing platform (51) to restrict the axial displacement of the right half-shaft (5).

5. A snow-ice machine according to claim 1, wherein: The inner bearing housing (61) is provided with an inner spring groove (66), and an inner retaining spring is installed in the inner spring groove (66), which covers the inner end face of the inner bearing (63).

6. A snow-ice machine according to claim 1, wherein: The outer bearing housing (62) is provided with an outer spring groove (67), and an outer retaining spring is installed in the outer spring groove (67), which covers the outer end face of the outer bearing (64).

Images