Ice maker

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice making equipment, and discloses an ice maker. The ice maker according to the embodiment of the application comprises a shell assembly, a water tank assembly and a recovery assembly. The shell assembly is provided with a containing cavity; the water tank assembly is arranged in the containing cavity, and the water tank assembly comprises an inner water tank and a filter element; the inner water tank is provided with a water storage cavity; the filter element is detachably arranged in the inner water tank, and part of the filter element is exposed outside the water storage cavity; the recovery assembly is arranged on the shell assembly; the recovery assembly is connected with the containing cavity and the water storage cavity; the recovery assembly is used for recovering water in the containing cavity and entering the water storage cavity after being filtered by the filter element. By arranging the filter element to be partially exposed outside the inner water tank, a user can directly observe the use condition of the filter element, so that the filter element can be replaced in time, the filtering quality is ensured, and the above structure is beneficial to quick replacement of the filter screen and reduces the replacement difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An ice maker is a device that uses the principle of evaporation and heat absorption to turn liquid water into solid ice. An ice maker typically has an internal water tank to store liquid water. Water from the internal tank is pumped into the ice-making components to produce ice. The internal water tank contains a built-in filter to filter the water entering the tank. However, this built-in filter is obstructed by the internal water tank, making it impossible for users to visually observe its condition, replace it promptly, or perform other necessary replacements. Furthermore, replacing a built-in filter is difficult. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an ice maker in which the filter element is partially exposed on the outside of the inner water tank, allowing the user to directly observe the condition of the filter element and replace it in a timely manner to ensure filtration quality. Furthermore, the above structure facilitates quick replacement of the filter screen and reduces the difficulty of replacement.

[0004] One technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is: providing an ice maker, including a housing assembly, a water tank assembly, and a recycling assembly. The housing assembly has a receiving cavity; the water tank assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the water tank assembly includes an inner water tank and a filter element. The inner water tank has a water storage cavity, and the filter element is detachably disposed within the inner water tank, with a portion of the filter element exposed outside the water storage cavity; the recycling assembly is disposed within the housing assembly, and the recycling assembly connects the receiving cavity and the water storage cavity. The recycling assembly is used to recycle water in the receiving cavity, and the water is filtered by the filter element before entering the water storage cavity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the side wall of the inner water tank is provided with a first recovery port, the recovery component is connected to the first recovery port, and the filter element covers the first recovery port.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first recycling port is located near the top opening of the inner water tank.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bottom of the housing assembly is provided with a water collection tank, and the water collection tank is provided with a second recycling port; the recycling assembly includes a recycling pipe and a first water pump, the first water pump is connected to the recycling pipe, and the recycling pipe connects the first recycling port and the second recycling port.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inner water tank is provided with a first fixing part, which abuts against the filter element to keep the filter element in the water storage chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first fixing part is disposed on the top of the inner water tank, and a portion of the first fixing part extends beyond the opening of the inner water tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing assembly or inner tank is provided with an indicator scale located above the filter element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the inner water tank is provided with a settling trough and a first water inlet, the first water inlet being connected to the settling trough, and the filter element being located above the settling trough; the ice maker also includes an ice-making component and a water-pumping component, the water-pumping component being connected to the first water inlet, and the water-pumping component being used to transport water in the water storage chamber to the ice-making component to make solid ice blocks.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the inner water tank includes a first wall and a second wall. Along the direction from the opening of the inner water tank toward the bottom wall of the inner water tank, the second wall is lower than the first wall to form a sinking step. A settling trough is disposed at the bottom of the sinking step, and the bottom of the filter element is fitted into the sinking step.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the filter element is provided with a receiving groove, the sidewall of the receiving groove near the second wall is flush with the first wall, or the sidewall of the receiving groove near the second wall is lower than the first wall.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this application's embodiments are as follows: The ice maker of this application's embodiments includes a housing assembly, a water tank assembly, and a recycling assembly. The housing assembly has a receiving cavity; the water tank assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity, and the water tank assembly includes an inner water tank and a filter element. The inner water tank has a water storage cavity, and the filter element is detachably disposed within the inner water tank, with a portion of the filter element exposed outside the water storage cavity; the recycling assembly is disposed within the housing assembly, and the recycling assembly connects the receiving cavity and the water storage cavity. The recycling assembly is used to recycle water from the receiving cavity, which is then filtered by the filter element and enters the water storage cavity. By setting the filter element to be partially exposed outside the inner water tank, the user can directly observe the usage of the filter element, so as to replace the filter element in a timely manner, ensuring filtration quality. Furthermore, the above structure facilitates the rapid replacement of the filter screen, reducing the difficulty of replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 The ice maker in this embodiment of the application is along Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0018] Figure 3 The ice maker in this embodiment of the application is along Figure 1 Sectional view of BB;

[0019] Figure 4 The ice maker in this embodiment of the application is... Figure 3 A magnified view of part C in the middle;

[0020] Figure 5 The ice maker in this embodiment of the application is... Figure 3 Enlarged view of section C after omitting the filter element;

[0021] Figure 6 The ice maker in this embodiment of the application is... Figure 4 A magnified view of part D in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 4This application provides an ice maker 100, which includes a housing assembly 10, a water tank assembly 20, and a recycling assembly 30. The housing assembly 10 has a receiving cavity 11; the water tank assembly 20 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11, and the water tank assembly 20 includes an inner water tank 21 and a filter element 22. The inner water tank 21 has a water storage cavity 211, and the filter element 22 is detachably disposed in the inner water tank 21, with a portion of the filter element 22 exposed outside the water storage cavity 211; the recycling assembly 30 is disposed in the housing assembly 10, and the recycling assembly 30 connects the receiving cavity 11 and the water storage cavity 211. The recycling assembly 30 is used to recycle water in the receiving cavity 11, and the water is filtered by the filter element 22 before entering the water storage cavity 211.

[0026] During the ice-making process, condensate will accumulate at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11. Therefore, the condensate is pumped back to the inner water tank 211 via the recovery assembly 30, connecting the receiving cavity 11 and the water storage cavity 211, thus achieving wastewater reuse and reducing water waste. The filter element 22 is detachably installed in the inner water tank 21, with a portion protruding beyond the inner water tank 21, allowing the user to directly observe its condition. For example, the filter element 22 is light-colored filter cotton. After a period of use, the filter cotton will darken as it absorbs impurities. The user can directly observe the protruding part of the filter cotton in the inner water tank 21; if the protruding part darkens, it indicates that the filter cotton needs to be replaced to ensure the filtration quality of the water source.

[0027] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner water tank 21 has a first recovery port 212 on its side wall. The recovery assembly 30 communicates with the first recovery port 212 and the receiving cavity 11. The filter element 22 covers the first recovery port 212. The recovery assembly 30 recovers water from the bottom of the receiving cavity 11 and discharges it from the first recovery port 212 into the water storage cavity 211. The filter element 22 covers the first recovery port 212, which can directly filter the water discharged from the first recovery port 212, reducing the amount of water containing impurities entering the water storage cavity 211, thus preventing impurities from settling at the bottom of the water storage cavity 211 and making it difficult to clean.

[0028] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The first recovery port 212 is located near the top opening of the inner water tank 21. This arrangement increases the distance between the first recovery port 212 and the bottom of the inner water tank 21, allowing the water discharged from the first recovery port 212 to travel a longer distance on the filter element 22, thereby improving the filtration effect of the filter element 22.

[0029] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The bottom of the housing assembly 10 is provided with a water collection tank 13, and the water collection tank 13 is provided with a second recovery port 14; the recovery assembly 30 includes a recovery pipe 31 and a first water pump 32, the first water pump 32 is connected to the recovery pipe 31, and the recovery pipe 31 connects the first recovery port 212 and the second recovery port 14. The recessed water collection tank 13 is provided at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, so that the condensate in the receiving cavity 11 can be collected in the water collection tank 13, which is convenient for collecting condensate.

[0030] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The inner water tank 21 is provided with a first fixing part 213, which abuts against the filter element 22 to hold the filter element 22 within the water storage cavity 211. As an example, the filter element 22 has a cuboid structure, with its surface abutting against the side wall of the inner water tank 21. The first fixing part 213 abuts against the side wall of the filter element 22; that is, the first fixing part 213 and the side wall of the inner water tank 21 together hold the filter element 22 within the water storage cavity 211, thereby ensuring the filtration effect of the filter element 22. It is understood that in other examples, the filter element 22 can also be any shape such as a cube, cylinder, polyhedron, sphere, or irregular shape.

[0031] In some embodiments, to further enhance the fixing effect of the first fixing part 213 on the filter element 22, the distance between the first fixing part 213 and the side wall of the inner water tank 21 is slightly smaller than the size of the filter element 22 in that direction, so that when the filter element 22 is installed in the inner water tank 21, a part of the filter element 22 is squeezed and deformed by the first fixing part 213 to achieve slight tight fit resistance.

[0032] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The first fixing part 213 is disposed on the top of the inner water tank 21, and a portion of the first fixing part 213 extends beyond the opening of the inner water tank 21. With this structure, the first fixing part 213 can be directly observed by the user, facilitating quick installation of the filter element 22 into the inner water tank 21 and improving the efficiency of disassembly and assembly of the filter element 22. It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of first fixing parts 213 can be two or more, and these two or more first fixing parts 213 are spaced apart at intervals from the opening of the inner water tank 21 towards the bottom, so as to abut and fix the filter element 22 at multiple points, improving the fixing effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4The housing assembly 10 or the inner water tank 21 has an indicator scale 12 on its side wall, located above the filter element 22. The indicator scale 12 allows the user to directly observe the installation position of the filter element 22. When replacing the filter element 22, the user can directly install it below the indicator scale 12, reducing the user's judgment time. Additionally, the indicator scale 12 helps the user quickly determine whether the filter element 22 is installed correctly. As one embodiment, when the filter element 22 is correctly installed, the top of the filter element 22 is flush with the indicator scale 12, and the indicator scale 12 is just visible to the user. When the top of the filter element 22 obstructs the indicator scale 12, it indicates that the filter element 22 is not installed correctly, and the filter element 22 needs to be pushed down to the correct installation position until the indicator scale 12 is visible to the user.

[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The bottom of the inner water tank 21 is provided with a settling trough 214 and a first water inlet 215. The first water inlet 215 communicates with the settling trough 214. The filter element 22 is installed above the settling trough 214, and the bottom of the filter element 22 abuts against the bottom wall of the inner water tank 21. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The ice maker 100 also includes an ice-making component 40 and a water-pumping component 50. The water-pumping component 50 is connected to the first water inlet 215 and is used to transport water from the water storage chamber 211 to the ice-making component 40 to make solid ice. By providing a settling groove 214 at the bottom of the inner water tank 21, making the settling groove 214 the lowest point of the water storage chamber 211, the water-pumping component 50 can pump water from the lowest water level in the inner water tank 21 to the ice-making component 40 to make ice.

[0035] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The bottom wall of the inner water tank 21 includes a first wall 216 and a second wall 217. Along the direction from the opening of the inner water tank 21 towards its bottom wall, the second wall 217 is lower than the first wall 216 to form a recessed step 218. A settling trough 214 is located at the bottom of the recessed step 218, and the bottom of the filter element 22 is fitted into the recessed step 218. When water in the water storage chamber 211 flows into the settling trough 214, it undergoes further filtration through the filter element 22. By setting the bottom wall of the inner water tank 21 into a recessed step 218 structure, and by fitting the filter element 22 and the recessed step 218 together, impurities can be further reduced from entering the settling trough 214 through the gap between the bottom wall of the filter element 22 and the bottom wall of the inner water tank 21, and then being drawn into the ice-making assembly 40 by the pumping assembly 50.

[0036] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6The filter element 22 has a receiving groove 221 on its side wall. The side wall of the receiving groove 221 near the second wall 217 is flush with the first wall 216, or the side wall of the receiving groove 221 near the second wall 217 is lower than the first wall 216. In this way, as the water in the inner water tank 21 flows towards the settling tank 214, it will move the impurities E that have settled on the first wall 216. The receiving groove 221, as described above, can better collect the impurities E. When the filter element 22 is removed for replacement, the impurities E located in the receiving groove 221 are carried out of the inner water tank 21 along with it, reducing the amount of impurities E remaining in the inner water tank 21, especially those remaining between the first wall 216 and the filter element 22, thereby improving the cleaning and filtration effects.

[0037] The ice maker 100 of this application embodiment includes a housing assembly 10, a water tank assembly 20, and a recycling assembly 30. The housing assembly 10 has a receiving cavity 11; the water tank assembly 20 is disposed within the receiving cavity 11, and includes an inner water tank 21 and a filter element 22. The inner water tank 21 has a water storage chamber 211, and the filter element 22 is detachably disposed within the inner water tank 21, with a portion of the filter element 22 exposed outside the water storage chamber 211; the recycling assembly 30 is disposed within the housing assembly 10, and the recycling assembly 30 connects the receiving cavity 11 and the water storage chamber 211. The recycling assembly 30 is used to recycle water from the receiving cavity 11, which is then filtered by the filter element 22 and enters the water storage chamber 211. By partially exposing the filter element 22 outside the inner water tank 21, the user can directly observe the usage of the filter element 22, allowing for timely replacement and ensuring filtration quality. Furthermore, this structure facilitates rapid filter replacement and reduces the difficulty of replacement.

[0038] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly has a receiving cavity; A water tank assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity. The water tank assembly includes an inner water tank and a filter element. The inner water tank has a water storage chamber. The filter element is detachably disposed within the inner water tank, and a portion of the filter element is exposed outside the water storage chamber. A recovery component is disposed on the housing assembly. The recovery component connects the receiving cavity and the water storage cavity. The recovery component is used to recover water in the receiving cavity and filter it through the filter element before it enters the water storage cavity.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner water tank has a first recycling port on its side wall, the recycling component is connected to the first recycling port, and the filter element covers the first recycling port.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first recycling port is located near the top opening of the inner water tank.

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing assembly is provided with a water collection tank, and the water collection tank is provided with a second recovery port; The recycling assembly includes a recycling pipe and a first water pump, the first water pump being connected to the recycling pipe, and the recycling pipe connecting the first recycling port and the second recycling port.

5. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner water tank is provided with a first fixing part, which abuts against the filter element to keep the filter element in the water storage cavity.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first fixing part is disposed on the top of the inner water tank, and a portion of the first fixing part extends beyond the opening of the inner water tank.

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly or the inner water tank is provided with an indicator scale, which is located above the filter element.

8. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner water tank is provided with a settling trough and a first water inlet, the first water inlet is connected to the settling trough, and the filter element is located above the settling trough; The ice maker also includes an ice-making component and a water-pumping component. The water-pumping component is connected to the first water inlet and is used to transport water from the water storage chamber to the ice-making component to make solid ice.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the inner water tank includes a first wall and a second wall. Along the direction from the opening of the inner water tank toward the bottom wall of the inner water tank, the second wall is lower than the first wall to form a sunken step. The settling trough is disposed at the bottom of the sunken step, and the bottom of the filter element is fitted into the sunken step.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The filter element has a storage groove on its side wall. The side wall of the storage groove near the second wall is flush with the first wall, or the side wall of the storage groove near the second wall is lower than the first wall.

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