Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides an ice maker which comprises a bottom plate, a water tank arranged above the bottom plate, an evaporator, an ice bucket and a water path structure, the water path structure comprises a water inlet passage and a water drainage passage, and the water inlet passage comprises a water inlet trunk suitable for being communicated with a water source; the water inlet electromagnetic valve is suitable for controlling on-off of water inlet, the pressure reducing valve device is suitable for adjusting water pressure, and the water pump is suitable for pumping water. The bottom plate comprises a water collecting groove, a water leakage protector is arranged in the water collecting groove, and when the water leakage protector monitors that leaked or escaping water flow is collected in the water collecting groove, the water inlet electromagnetic valve is closed, and the water pump is shut down. According to the utility model, the water collecting groove and the water leakage protector are arranged on the bottom plate, so that the overflow and water leakage conditions in the ice maker, especially in the water path structure, can be efficiently monitored, and the water inlet electromagnetic valve and the water pump are automatically closed to avoid water damage and equipment damage, so that the water use safety is improved, and the waste of water resources is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ice maker technology, and in particular relates to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional ice maker designs, the water system includes inlet and outlet channels to ensure smooth ice-making. Due to the complexity of the water system, numerous joints, and operation under pressure, some ice makers use simple float valves or mechanical level switches to control the water level. While these methods can prevent overflow to some extent, they typically lack the ability to detect small leaks and cannot quickly shut off the water supply when a leak occurs. Furthermore, these systems usually lack remote notification capabilities, preventing operators or users from being informed of leaks in a timely manner, thus delaying response times. Mechanisms for monitoring and preventing water damage are often not sensitive enough or react slowly, leading to water waste and potential equipment damage. In addition, existing technologies are inadequate in terms of drainage efficiency and leak protection. The complex drainage system layout, low water pressure in the later stages of drainage, and inability to completely empty the water system autonomously increase the risk of bacterial growth and equipment damage. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an ice maker to meet the needs of users.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an ice maker, including a base plate, a water tank disposed above the base plate, an evaporator, an ice bucket, and a water circuit structure. The water circuit structure includes a water inlet passage and a water outlet passage. The water inlet passage includes a main water inlet passage suitable for connecting to a water source. The main water inlet passage includes a water inlet solenoid valve suitable for controlling the flow of water, a pressure reducing valve device suitable for adjusting water pressure, and a water pump suitable for pumping water, arranged in sequence.

[0005] The base plate includes a water collection groove, and a water leakage protector is installed in the water collection groove. When the water leakage protector detects that there is leaked or overflowing water in the water collection groove, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops.

[0006] Preferably, the leakage protector includes a protection circuit, which includes at least one set of spaced electrode contacts facing the water collection groove.

[0007] When the water collection groove is dry, the electrode contacts are not connected to each other, and the protection circuit is disconnected; when water accumulates in the water collection groove, the electrode contacts are connected, the protection circuit is activated, and the water inlet solenoid valve and the water pump are shut off.

[0008] Preferably, the water tank includes an overflow outlet connected to the water collection groove via an overflow pipe; and / or, the protection circuit includes at least one of a buzzer alarm and a signal transmitter connected in series.

[0009] Preferably, the water inlet passage includes a first water inlet branch extending from the main water inlet passage, the first water inlet branch being adapted to the water tank; the drainage passage includes a water tank drainage passage, the water tank drainage passage including a main drainage passage, an ice-making branch, a first drainage branch, an air-filling branch, and a four-way connector, the four-way connector including a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel; the main drainage passage is adapted to connect the water tank and the first channel; the ice-making branch is adapted to connect the second channel and the evaporator; the first drainage branch is adapted to connect the third channel and the wastewater box, and includes a drain valve; the air-filling branch is adapted to connect the air pump and the fourth channel, and includes a first one-way valve restricting water flow into the air pump.

[0010] During ice making, the evaporator is connected to the water tank and maintains the same water level, while the air pump and the drain valve remain closed. During drainage, the evaporator stops working, the drain valve remains open, and the water in the water tank and evaporator falls back to the four-way connector under gravity and flows into the first drainage branch. The air pump is adapted to deliver pressurized gas to ensure that the first drainage branch is completely emptied.

[0011] Preferably, the air pump has a manual control mode and / or an automatic control mode. In manual control mode, the air pump can be manually started and stopped by the user during drainage. In automatic control mode, the first drainage branch includes a pressure sensor. During drainage, if the pressure sensor does not detect a change in water pressure within 1-5 minutes, the air pump automatically starts to inflate the first drainage branch. After the air pump operates continuously for 5-10 minutes, it automatically shuts off. In automatic control mode, the air pump automatically starts after detecting no change in water pressure within a certain period and automatically shuts off after operating continuously for a certain period. This time control mechanism can prevent the air pump from overworking while ensuring the thoroughness of the drainage process.

[0012] Preferably, the water inlet passage further includes a second water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the water outlet. The water inlet main passage, the first water inlet branch passage, and the second water inlet branch passage are connected to a reversing solenoid valve with three passages. The water inlet main passage also includes a flow meter disposed between the water pump and the reversing solenoid valve. The flow meter is suitable for realizing the quantitative water output of the water outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the water outlet is disposed in an ice bucket suitable for storing ice, the ice bucket including a water outlet pipe disposed independently of its ice storage space, the water outlet pipe being adapted to connect the water outlet and the second water inlet branch.

[0014] Preferably, the drainage path also includes a condensate drainage path, which includes a water collection tray located below the evaporator for collecting condensate and a second drainage branch for connecting the water collection tray and the wastewater box. This design expands the drainage function of the ice maker, effectively collecting and discharging condensate below the evaporator, preventing condensate from accumulating in the water collection groove and causing the leakage protector to misjudge, and avoiding equipment damage or reduced efficiency due to water accumulation.

[0015] Preferably, the drainage path further includes a first ice bucket drainage path and a second ice bucket drainage path suitable for draining melted ice water from the ice bucket. The ice bucket includes a bottom and an ice outlet. The first ice bucket drainage path is suitable for connecting the bottom of the bucket and the wastewater box, and the second ice bucket drainage path is suitable for connecting the ice outlet and the wastewater box. By providing the first and second ice bucket drainage paths, melted ice water can be drained from the bottom of the bucket and the ice outlet respectively, improving the cleanliness of the ice bucket and the ice-making efficiency.

[0016] Preferably, the first drainage branch, the second drainage branch, the first ice bucket drainage passage, and the second ice bucket drainage passage are connected to the wastewater box via a five-way connector, and the second drainage branch and the second ice bucket drainage passage include a second one-way valve adapted to restrict airflow and water backflow.

[0017] Preferably, the water tank is equipped with a level sensor suitable for monitoring the water level. The level sensor includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level, which can accurately monitor changes in the water level in the tank. The water tank includes a high water level indicator and a low water level indicator. When the float rises to the high water level indicator, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops. When the float falls to the low water level indicator, the water inlet solenoid valve opens and the water pump starts. The automated control mechanism reduces manual intervention, improves the convenience of operation and the reliability of the system, and avoids affecting the ice-making effect or causing equipment damage due to excessively high or low water levels.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] (1) By setting a water collection groove and a water leakage protector on the bottom plate, the overflow and leakage of the ice maker, especially the water circuit structure, can be monitored efficiently, and the water inlet solenoid valve and water pump can be automatically shut off to avoid water damage and equipment damage, thereby improving water safety and reducing water waste.

[0020] (2) By setting the electrode contacts facing the water collection groove, the sensitivity of the leak protector can be improved so that leaks can be detected even at the minimum water flow. At the same time, the integrated buzzer alarm and / or signal transmitter in the protection circuit can promptly issue an alarm to notify the user or operator when leaks or overflows are detected, so as to resolve the problem in the early stage and avoid greater losses.

[0021] (3) By using an air pump to purge and drain water, residual water in the water system can be removed more effectively, especially in cases where the drainage pipes are complex or there is no pressurized water. This helps to prevent the accumulation of scale and the growth of bacteria, thus effectively ensuring food safety.

[0022] (4) By introducing a reversing solenoid valve into the water inlet passage, the two-way water circuit control of the ice maker is realized, which improves the flexibility and efficiency of the water circuit. Furthermore, by introducing a flow meter into the water inlet trunk passage to realize quantitative water output, it helps to realize the standardized production of beverages.

[0023] (5) By connecting multiple drainage channels to the wastewater box through the five-way connector, the pipeline design is simplified, the connection points are reduced, and the risk of leakage is reduced. The use of the second check valve can restrict the airflow and water backflow, ensuring the one-way nature of the drainage process and avoiding possible pollution and equipment damage. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a water circuit structure diagram of an ice maker provided by this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram, the components are: 1. Water tank; 2. Evaporator; 3. Ice bucket; 4. Reversing solenoid valve; 5. Inlet solenoid valve; 6. Pressure reducing valve; 7. Water pump; 8. Flow meter; 9. Outlet nozzle; 10. Four-way connector; 11. Drain valve; 12. Air pump; 13. First check valve; 14. Water tray; 15. Ice outlet nozzle; 16. Five-way connector; 17. Second check valve; 18. Liquid level sensor; 19. Leakage protector; 20. Wastewater box. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention with unnecessary details, only the structures and / or processing steps closely related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to the present invention are omitted.

[0028] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0029] like Figure 1 The above,

[0030] An ice maker includes a base plate, a water tank 1 disposed above the base plate, an evaporator 2, an ice bucket 3, and a water circuit structure. The water circuit structure is adapted to connect the water tank 1, the evaporator 2, the ice bucket 3, a water source, and a wastewater box 20. The water circuit structure includes an inlet passage and a drain passage. The inlet passage includes an inlet main passage, a first inlet branch passage, and a second inlet branch passage connected by a three-way reversing solenoid valve 4. The inlet main passage includes an inlet solenoid valve 5 adapted to control the flow of water, a pressure reducing valve device 6 adapted to regulate water pressure, a water pump 7 adapted to pump water, and a flow meter 8, arranged sequentially. The inlet main passage also includes connections to a water source and the reversing solenoid valve 4. The base plate includes a water collection groove, within which a leak protector 19 is installed. The water tank 1 includes an overflow outlet connected to the water collection groove via an overflow pipe. The leak protector 19 includes a protection circuit comprising a set of separately arranged electrode contacts, a buzzer alarm, and a signal transmitter, with the electrode contacts facing the water collection groove. When the water collection groove is dry, the electrode contacts are not connected, and the protection circuit is disconnected; when water accumulates in the water collection groove, the electrode contacts are connected, the protection circuit is activated and closes the water inlet solenoid valve 5 and the water pump 7, the buzzer alarm emits a continuous alarm sound, and the signal transmitter sends an alarm message to the remote terminal.

[0031] In this embodiment, the drainage path includes a water tank drainage path, a condensate drainage path, and a first ice bucket drainage path and a second ice bucket drainage path suitable for draining the melted water in the ice bucket 3. The first water inlet branch is suitable for connecting the reversing solenoid valve 4 and the water tank 1, and the second water inlet branch is suitable for connecting the reversing solenoid valve 4 and the water outlet 9. The water inlet main line and the first water inlet branch form a first water inlet path suitable for connecting the water source and the water tank 1. The water source is direct drinking water and / or bottled water. The water inlet main line and the second water inlet branch are suitable for forming a second water inlet path. The water outlet 9 is set in the ice bucket 3 suitable for storing ice. The ice bucket 3 includes a water outlet pipe set independently of its ice storage space. The water outlet pipe is suitable for connecting the water outlet 9 and the second water inlet branch. The flow meter 8 is suitable for realizing the quantitative water output of the water outlet 9. The water tank drainage passage includes a main drainage path, an ice-making branch path, a first drainage branch path, an air-filling branch path, and a four-way connector 10. The four-way connector 10 includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The main drainage path is adapted to connect the water tank 1 and the first channel. The ice-making branch path is adapted to connect the second channel and the evaporator 2. The first drainage branch path is adapted to connect the third channel and the wastewater box 20, and includes a drain valve 11. The air-filling branch path is adapted to connect the air pump 12 and the fourth channel, and includes a first check valve 13 that restricts water flow into the air pump 12. The air pump 12 has a manual control mode and / or an automatic control mode.

[0032] During ice making, evaporator 2 is connected to water tank 1 and maintains the same water level, while air pump 12 and drain valve 11 remain closed. During drainage, evaporator 2 stops working, drain valve 11 remains open, and water in water tank 1 and evaporator 2 falls back to the four-way connector 10 under gravity and flows into the first drainage branch. In manual control mode, air pump 12 can be manually started and stopped by the user during drainage. Air pump 12 is suitable for delivering pressurized gas to ensure the first drainage branch is completely emptied. In automatic control mode, the first drainage branch includes a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure). During drainage, if the pressure sensor does not detect a change in water pressure within 3 minutes, air pump 12 automatically starts to pressurize the first drainage branch. Air pump 12 automatically shuts off after working continuously for 5 minutes. In automatic control mode, air pump 12 automatically starts after detecting no change in water pressure for a certain period of time and automatically shuts off after working continuously for a certain period of time. This time control mechanism can prevent air pump 12 from overworking and ensure the thoroughness of the drainage process.

[0033] In this embodiment, the condensate drainage path includes a water collection tray 14 located below the evaporator 2 for collecting condensate, and a second drainage branch for connecting the water collection tray 14 and the wastewater box 20. This design expands the drainage function of the ice maker, effectively collecting and discharging the condensate below the evaporator 2, preventing condensate from accumulating in the water collection groove and causing the leakage protector to misjudge, and avoiding equipment damage or efficiency reduction caused by water accumulation.

[0034] In this embodiment, the ice bucket 3 includes a bucket bottom and an ice outlet 15. A first ice bucket drainage passage is adapted to connect the bucket bottom and the wastewater box 20, and a second ice bucket drainage passage is adapted to connect the ice outlet 15 and the wastewater box 20. By setting the first and second ice bucket drainage passages, melted ice water can be discharged from the bucket bottom and the ice outlet 15 respectively, improving the cleanliness and ice-making efficiency of the ice bucket 3. The first drainage branch, the second drainage branch, the first ice bucket drainage passage, and the second ice bucket drainage passage are connected to the wastewater box 20 through a five-way connector 16. The second drainage branch and the second ice bucket drainage passage include a second one-way valve 17 adapted to restrict airflow and water backflow.

[0035] In this embodiment, a liquid level sensor 18 suitable for monitoring the water level is installed in the water tank 1. The liquid level sensor 18 includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level, which can accurately monitor the water level changes in the water tank 1. The water tank 1 includes a high water level mark and a low water level mark. When the float rises to the high water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve 5 closes and the water pump 7 stops. When the float falls to the low water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve 5 opens and the water pump 7 starts. The automatic control mechanism reduces manual intervention, improves the convenience of operation and the reliability of the system, and avoids affecting the ice-making effect or causing equipment damage due to excessively high or low water levels.

[0036] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ice maker characterized by, The device includes a base plate, a water tank mounted on the base plate, an evaporator, an ice bucket, and a water system structure. The water system structure includes an inlet passage and a drain passage. The inlet passage includes an inlet main passage suitable for connecting to a water source. The inlet main passage includes, in sequence, an inlet solenoid valve suitable for controlling the flow of water, a pressure reducing valve device suitable for regulating water pressure, and a water pump suitable for pumping water. The base plate includes a water collection groove, and a water leakage protector is installed in the water collection groove. When the water leakage protector detects that there is leaked or overflowing water in the water collection groove, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops.

2. An ice maker as claimed in claim 1, wherein The leakage protector includes a protection circuit, which includes at least one set of spaced-apart electrode contacts facing the water collection groove. When the water collection groove is dry, the electrode contacts are not connected to each other, and the protection circuit is disconnected; when water accumulates in the water collection groove, the electrode contacts are connected, the protection circuit is activated, and the water inlet solenoid valve and the water pump are shut off.

3. An ice maker as claimed in claim 2, wherein The water tank includes an overflow outlet, which is connected to the water collection groove via an overflow pipe; and / or, the protection circuit includes at least one of a buzzer alarm and a signal transmitter connected in series.

4. An ice maker according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The water inlet passage includes a first water inlet branch extending from the main water inlet passage, the first water inlet branch being adapted to the water tank. The drainage passage includes a water tank drainage passage, which includes a main drainage passage, an ice-making branch, a first drainage branch, an air-filling branch, and a four-way connector. The four-way connector includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The main drainage passage is adapted to connect the water tank and the first channel. The ice-making branch is adapted to connect the second channel and the evaporator. The first drainage branch is adapted to connect the third channel and the wastewater box, and includes a drain valve. The air-filling branch is adapted to connect the air pump and the fourth channel, and includes a first one-way valve that restricts water flow into the air pump. During ice making, the evaporator is connected to the water tank and maintains the same water level, while the air pump and the drain valve remain closed. During drainage, the evaporator stops working, the drain valve remains open, and the water in the water tank and evaporator falls back to the four-way connector under gravity and flows into the first drainage branch. The air pump is adapted to deliver pressurized gas to ensure that the first drainage branch is completely emptied.

5. An ice maker as claimed in claim 4, wherein The water inlet passage also includes a second water inlet branch suitable for connecting to the water outlet. The water inlet main passage, the first water inlet branch passage and the second water inlet branch passage are connected to a reversing solenoid valve with three passages. The water inlet main passage also includes a flow meter disposed between the water pump and the reversing solenoid valve. The flow meter is suitable for realizing the quantitative water output of the water outlet.

6. An ice maker as claimed in claim 5 wherein, The water outlet is disposed in an ice bucket suitable for storing ice. The ice bucket includes a water outlet pipe disposed independently of its ice storage space. The water outlet pipe is adapted to connect the water outlet and the second water inlet branch.

7. The ice maker of claim 4, wherein, The drainage path also includes a condensate drainage path, which includes a water collection tray located below the evaporator for collecting condensate and a second drainage branch adapted to connect the water collection tray and the wastewater box.

8. An ice maker as claimed in claim 7, wherein The drainage pathway also includes a first ice bucket drainage pathway and a second ice bucket drainage pathway adapted to discharge melted ice water from the ice bucket. The ice bucket includes a bucket bottom and an ice outlet. The first ice bucket drainage pathway is adapted to connect the bucket bottom and the wastewater box, and the second ice bucket drainage pathway is adapted to connect the ice outlet and the wastewater box.

9. An ice maker as claimed in claim 8, wherein The first drainage branch, the second drainage branch, the first ice bucket drainage passage, and the second ice bucket drainage passage are connected to the wastewater box via a five-way connector. The second drainage branch and the second ice bucket drainage passage include a second one-way valve adapted to restrict airflow and water backflow.

10. The ice maker of claim 4, wherein, The water tank is equipped with a level sensor suitable for monitoring the water level. The level sensor includes a float that moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water level. The water tank includes high water level indicators and low water level indicators. When the float rises to the high water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve closes and the water pump stops. When the float falls to the low water level mark, the water inlet solenoid valve opens and the water pump starts.

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