Runner structure of ice maker evaporator
By designing multiple independent heat exchange channels in the evaporator of the ice maker and optimizing the flow path, the problems of insufficient thermal resistance and refrigerant utilization in the existing technology are solved, resulting in more efficient heat exchange and more stable cooling effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHONGSHAN DONLIM WEILI ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing ice machine evaporators suffer from thermal resistance issues and insufficient refrigerant utilization due to their evaporator flow channel structure, resulting in low refrigeration efficiency and high operating costs.
The design incorporates multiple independent heat exchange channels, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow layer by layer along a pre-defined path, forming a longer flow path to ensure sufficient heat exchange contact. The flow pattern is further optimized through annular structures and rib designs.
It significantly improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces energy loss, makes the refrigeration system more stable and reliable, and enhances overall refrigeration performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN224162775U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of ice maker evaporators, and specifically to a flow channel structure for an ice maker evaporator. Background Technology
[0002] In the ice maker manufacturing industry, the realization of the chewing ice-making function mainly relies on the structural design of the internal flow channel of the evaporator. Currently, the chewing ice flow channel technology commonly used in the market is mainly divided into two types, but both of these technologies have their own limitations in practical applications, affecting the overall performance and economic benefits of the product.
[0003] The first technical solution employs a copper tube winding and bonding method to construct the flow channel system. Specifically, this solution involves tightly coiling copper tubes in a spiral shape around the outer wall of the inner liner, utilizing the thermal conductivity of the metal to transfer heat. However, this structure exhibits significant shortcomings in actual operation. First, because it is difficult to achieve a completely tight fit between the copper tubes and the inner liner wall, tiny air gaps are formed, introducing additional contact thermal resistance in the heat conduction path and significantly reducing heat transfer efficiency. Second, copper, as a precious metal, has a high and volatile market price, leading to increased overall manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the complex copper tube bending process not only increases production difficulty but also increases pressure loss within the flow channel, further reducing the system's energy efficiency.
[0004] The second technical solution employs a so-called diffused flow channel design. In this structure, the refrigerant enters from the bottom inlet of the flow channel and flows directly out from the top outlet without sufficient heat exchange. While this design simplifies the flow channel layout and reduces manufacturing difficulty, the lack of proper flow direction control prevents the refrigerant from forming an effective circulation within the flow channel. As a result, a significant portion of the low-temperature refrigerant re-enters the compressor through the return gas pipe before fully evaporating and absorbing heat, leading to a waste of cooling capacity. Simultaneously, the uneven distribution of the refrigerant within the flow channel creates a significant temperature gradient on the inner wall, resulting in low local heat exchange efficiency and a decline in overall cooling performance.
[0005] In conclusion, existing chewing ice flow channel technologies all have significant room for improvement. Whether it's the thermal resistance issues associated with the copper tube bonding method or the insufficient refrigerant utilization in the diffused flow channel, both directly impact the equipment's cooling efficiency and operational economy. Utility Model Content
[0006] This invention proposes a flow channel structure for the evaporator of an ice maker. By setting up multiple layers of independently spaced heat exchange flow channel sections, the heat exchange medium can flow layer by layer along a preset path, forming a longer flow path and ensuring sufficient heat exchange contact between the heat exchange medium and the liquid in the inner tank. This structural design makes the heat exchange process more complete, effectively improving the overall heat exchange efficiency. Compared with traditional structures, this design allows the heat exchange medium to flow in a stepped manner, making full use of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium and significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, this orderly flow mode reduces unnecessary energy loss, making the refrigeration system operate more stably and reliably.
[0007] A flow channel structure for an ice maker evaporator designed for this purpose includes a heat exchange channel disposed on the evaporator, wherein the heat exchange channel includes heat exchange flow channel sections arranged at independent intervals in upper and lower levels.
[0008] The heat exchange channel section is equipped with an inlet and an outlet; the outlet of the heat exchange channel section of the previous stage is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange channel section of the next stage along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium, so that the heat exchange medium flows in a progressive and orderly manner layer by layer.
[0009] The heat exchange channel section has an open ring structure and is arranged in independent upper and lower levels along the height direction of the evaporator.
[0010] The first end of the heat exchange flow channel section is provided with a first opening forming an input end, and the second end of the heat exchange flow channel section is provided with a second opening forming an output end.
[0011] The heat exchange flow channel sections arranged in an independent, hierarchical manner include a heat exchange medium input section, a heat exchange medium output section, and a heat exchange intermediate section located between the heat exchange medium input section and the heat exchange medium output section. The heat exchange medium input section, the heat exchange intermediate section, and the heat exchange medium output section are arranged on the evaporator from bottom to top or from top to bottom.
[0012] The heat exchange channel section has an open annular structure in the middle section, and both ends of the middle section have openings, which are arranged opposite to each other.
[0013] The evaporator consists of an inner barrel and an outer barrel, with the outer barrel fitted over the outer side of the inner barrel. Between the inner barrel and the outer barrel, there are heat exchange flow channels arranged at independent intervals in upper and lower levels.
[0014] The outer barrel is provided with an input terminal connector for the heat exchange medium to be input into the heat exchange channel, and an output terminal connector for the heat exchange medium to be output out of the heat exchange channel.
[0015] The inner and outer barrels of the container are provided with two or more raised ribs arranged vertically at intervals along the height direction of the evaporator, and a heat exchange flow channel section is formed between adjacent upper and lower raised ribs; the raised ribs are provided with notches for connecting the input or output end of the heat exchange flow channel section.
[0016] The protruding ribs are provided on the inner side of the outer barrel or the outer side of the inner barrel.
[0017] The inner tank is equipped with a liquid inlet for allowing liquid to enter into the inner tank. When the heat exchange medium flows through the heat exchange channel, it exchanges heat with the liquid in the inner tank.
[0018] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] By designing multiple layers of independently spaced heat exchange channels, the heat exchange medium flows layer by layer along a pre-defined path, forming a longer flow path and ensuring sufficient heat exchange contact between the heat exchange medium and the liquid in the inner tank. This structural design makes the heat exchange process more thorough, effectively improving the overall heat exchange efficiency. Compared to traditional structures, this design allows the heat exchange medium to flow in a stepped manner, making full use of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium and significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, this orderly flow reduces unnecessary energy loss, making the refrigeration system operate more stably and reliably. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer barrel of the evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer barrel of the evaporator in another orientation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of the outer barrel of the evaporator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0026] See Figures 1-5 A flow channel structure for an evaporator of an ice maker includes a heat exchange channel disposed on an evaporator 1, wherein the heat exchange channel includes heat exchange flow channel sections 2 arranged at independent intervals in upper and lower levels;
[0027] The heat exchange channel section 2 is provided with an input end 3 and an output end 4; the output end 4 of the previous heat exchange channel section 2 is connected to the input end 3 of the next heat exchange channel section 2 along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium, so that the heat exchange medium flows in a progressive and orderly manner layer by layer.
[0028] By setting up multiple independently spaced heat exchange channel sections 2, the heat exchange medium can flow layer by layer along a preset path, forming a longer flow path and ensuring sufficient heat exchange contact between the heat exchange medium and the liquid in the inner tank. This structural design makes the heat exchange process more complete and effectively improves the overall heat exchange efficiency. Compared with the traditional structure, this design allows the heat exchange medium to flow in a stepped manner, making full use of the heat energy of the heat exchange medium and significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, this orderly flow mode reduces unnecessary energy loss, making the refrigeration system operate more stably and reliably.
[0029] The heat exchange channel section 2 has an open ring structure and is arranged in independent intervals in upper and lower levels along the height direction of the evaporator 1.
[0030] The annular heat exchange channel section 2 better matches the shape of the inner tank 5 of the evaporator 1, forming a complete heat exchange loop. The heat exchange medium can relatively fully fill the previous heat exchange channel section 2 before entering the next heat exchange channel section 2. The independent and spaced arrangement of the upper and lower levels ensures that the heat exchange medium receives sufficient heat exchange time in each heat exchange channel section 2, avoiding mutual interference between different levels of heat exchange channel sections 2. This arrangement allows the heat exchange medium to uniformly cover the entire heat exchange surface during flow, ensuring uniform heat transfer.
[0031] The first end of the heat exchange channel section 2 is provided with a first opening 2.1 forming an input end 3, and the second end of the heat exchange channel section 2 is provided with a second opening 2.2 forming an output end 4.
[0032] The rational placement of the first opening 2.1 and the second opening 2.2 ensures the orderly flow of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange channel section 2. This design allows the heat exchange medium to flow stably in a predetermined direction, avoiding a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by turbulent flow. The careful design of the opening positions ensures a smooth transition for the heat exchange medium when entering and leaving the heat exchange channel section 2, reducing flow resistance. Simultaneously, this structural design makes the distribution of the heat exchange medium within the channel more uniform, ensuring that each heat exchange zone receives ample heat exchange opportunities. The optimized design of the opening dimensions guarantees sufficient flow capacity while maintaining an appropriate flow velocity, enabling the heat exchange process to achieve optimal results.
[0033] The heat exchange flow channel section 2, which is arranged in an independent, hierarchical manner, includes a heat exchange medium input section 2.3, a heat exchange medium output section 2.4, and a heat exchange intermediate section 2.5 located between the heat exchange medium input section 2.3 and the heat exchange intermediate section 2.4. The heat exchange medium input section 2.3, the heat exchange intermediate section 2.5, and the heat exchange medium output section 2.4 are arranged on the evaporator 1 from bottom to top or from top to bottom.
[0034] The segmented structural design creates a complete temperature gradient in the heat exchange process. The rational arrangement of the heat exchange medium input section 2.3, the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5, and the heat exchange medium output section 2.4 ensures the orderly transfer of heat. This arrangement allows the heat exchange medium to gradually release or absorb heat during flow, avoiding drastic temperature changes. The bottom-up or top-down arrangement conforms to basic thermodynamic principles, making the heat exchange process more natural and efficient. The multi-stage intermediate heat exchange section 2.5 extends the heat exchange path, providing sufficient heat exchange time for the heat exchange medium. This structural design makes the entire heat exchange process more stable and continuous, significantly improving the system's heat exchange performance.
[0035] The intermediate heat exchange section 2.5 of the heat exchange channel section 2 has an open annular structure, with openings at both ends, and the openings at both ends of the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5 are arranged opposite to each other. When the heat exchange medium enters the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5 of the heat exchange channel section 2, part of the heat exchange medium flows along one inner semi-annular structure of the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5, and the other part of the heat exchange medium flows along the other inner semi-annular structure of the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5. The two parts of the heat exchange medium converge and enter the next stage of the intermediate heat exchange section 2.5.
[0036] The evaporator 1 includes an inner barrel 5 and an outer barrel 6. The outer barrel 6 is fitted outside the inner barrel 5. A heat exchange flow channel section 2 is provided between the inner barrel 5 and the outer barrel 6, arranged in an independent, hierarchical manner.
[0037] The gap between the outer barrel 6 and the inner barrel 5 can be sealed by welding to prevent leakage of the heat exchange medium.
[0038] The outer barrel 6 is provided with an input terminal connector 7 for supplying heat exchange medium into the heat exchange channel, and an output terminal connector 8 for supplying heat exchange medium out of the heat exchange channel.
[0039] Both the input connector 7 and the output connector 8 are used to connect pipes.
[0040] The inner barrel 5 and the outer barrel 6 are provided with two or more raised ribs 9 arranged vertically at intervals along the height direction of the evaporator 1, and a heat exchange flow channel section 2 is formed between adjacent upper and lower raised ribs 9; the raised ribs 9 are provided with notches 9.1 for connecting the input end 3 or the output end 4 of the heat exchange flow channel section 2.
[0041] The rib 9 protrudes from the inside of the outer barrel 6 or the outside of the inner barrel 5.
[0042] The alternating vertical arrangement creates evenly distributed heat exchange channel sections 2, maximizing the heat exchange area. The raised ribs 9 not only separate the flow channels but also enhance the overall rigidity of the evaporator structure, extending the product's service life.
[0043] The inner barrel 5 is provided with a liquid inlet connector 10 for allowing liquid to enter into the inner barrel 5. When the heat exchange medium flows through the heat exchange channel, it exchanges heat with the liquid in the inner barrel 5.
[0044] In the refrigeration state, the liquid in the inner tank 5 exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium to form ice.
[0045] In this embodiment, the rib 9 with notch 9.1 is provided on the inner side of the outer barrel 6, and the rib 9 with notch 9.1 and the outer barrel 6 are integrally formed by injection molding.
[0046] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A flow channel structure for an evaporator of an ice maker, comprising a heat exchange channel disposed on the evaporator (1), characterized in that: The heat exchange channel includes heat exchange flow channel sections (2) arranged at independent intervals in upper and lower levels. The heat exchange channel section (2) is provided with an input end (3) and an output end (4); the output end (4) of the heat exchange channel section (2) of the previous level is connected to the input end (3) of the heat exchange channel section (2) of the next level along the flow direction of the heat exchange medium, so that the heat exchange medium flows in a progressive and orderly manner layer by layer.
2. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel section (2) has an open ring structure and is arranged in independent intervals at upper and lower levels along the height direction of the evaporator (1).
3. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel section (2) has a first opening (2.1) at its first end forming an input end (3) and a second opening (2.2) at its second end forming an output end (4).
4. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange flow channel section (2) arranged in an independent, hierarchical manner includes a heat exchange medium input section (2.3), a heat exchange medium output section (2.4), and a heat exchange intermediate section (2.5) located between the heat exchange medium input section (2.3) and the heat exchange medium output section (2.4). The heat exchange medium input section (2.3), the heat exchange intermediate section (2.5), and the heat exchange medium output section (2.4) are arranged on the evaporator (1) from bottom to top or from top to bottom.
5. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat exchange middle section (2.5) of the heat exchange channel section (2) has an annular structure with an opening, and both ends of the heat exchange middle section (2.5) have openings, with the openings at both ends of the heat exchange middle section (2.5) facing each other.
6. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporator (1) includes an inner barrel (5) and an outer barrel (6). The outer barrel (6) is fitted outside the inner barrel (5). There is a heat exchange flow channel section (2) between the inner barrel (5) and the outer barrel (6) arranged in an independent interval between the upper and lower levels.
7. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer barrel (6) is provided with an input end connector (7) for the input of heat exchange medium into the heat exchange channel, and the outer barrel (6) is provided with an output end connector (8) for the output of heat exchange medium into the outside of the heat exchange channel.
8. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner barrel (5) and the outer barrel (6) are provided with two or more raised ribs (9) arranged vertically and vertically along the height direction of the evaporator (1), and a heat exchange flow channel section (2) is formed between adjacent upper and lower raised ribs (9); the raised ribs (9) are provided with notches (9.1) for connecting the input end (3) or output end (4) of the heat exchange flow channel section (2).
9. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rib (9) protrudes and is located on the inside of the outer barrel (6) or the outside of the inner barrel (5).
10. The flow channel structure of the ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner barrel (5) is provided with a liquid inlet connector (10) for allowing liquid to enter into the inner barrel (5). When the heat exchange medium flows through the heat exchange channel, it exchanges heat with the liquid in the inner barrel (5).