An ice making apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice making equipment, in particular to an ice making equipment which comprises a cold water tank, an equipment main body and a power component, the equipment main body comprises an ice making assembly, a first water inlet channel and a second water inlet channel are arranged in the equipment main body, one end of the second water inlet channel is connected with the cold water tank, the other end of the second water inlet channel is connected with the ice making assembly, one end of the first water inlet channel is connected with the cold water tank, and the other end of the first water inlet channel is used for connecting a water source; an ice making water channel is formed in the ice making assembly, the second water inlet channel is used for inputting water into the ice making water channel, and the cold water tank is used for containing water output by the ice making water channel; the power component is connected with the second water inlet channel and / or the first water inlet channel, and the power component is used for driving water to flow from the first water inlet channel to the second water inlet channel. Compared with the prior art, the ice making equipment can effectively solve the problem that water in the cold water tank is not flowing and is easy to deteriorate, and the sanitary performance of the ice making equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to an ice-making device. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to refrigerators and freezers, dedicated ice-making equipment can produce ice cubes more efficiently, and therefore can be widely used in many scenarios such as homes, restaurants, and beverage shops. Currently, common ice-making equipment typically uses an ice tank to hold the water for ice making, with an ice-making evaporator inserted into the water within the tank. Because the refrigerant passing through the evaporator is at an extremely low temperature, the evaporator itself also has a low temperature, thus cooling the water in the ice tank and producing ice cubes around its perimeter.

[0003] While these ice-making devices can efficiently produce ice, current common ice-making equipment does not design an effective use for the water collected in the cold water tank for excess ice-making water, resulting in water accumulation in the tank year-round. Furthermore, since this water flows from the ice-making components and has a lower temperature, the cold water tank also remains at a low temperature year-round. Lacking the high-temperature conditions necessary to kill microorganisms, the suitable temperature and humid environment in the cold water tank provide ideal conditions for microbial growth, inevitably leading to water deterioration and affecting the hygiene of the ice-making equipment. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides an ice-making device that can effectively solve the problem of water in the cold water tank not flowing and easily deteriorating, thereby improving the hygienic performance of the ice-making device.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an ice-making device, including a cold water tank, a device body, and a power component. The device body includes an ice-making component, and the device body is provided with a first water inlet and a second water inlet. One end of the second water inlet is connected to the cold water tank and the other end is connected to the ice-making component. One end of the first water inlet is connected to the cold water tank and the other end is used to connect to a water source. An ice-making water path is formed in the ice-making component. The second water inlet is used to input water into the ice-making water path, and the cold water tank is used to contain the water output from the ice-making water path. The power component is connected to the second water inlet and / or the first water inlet, and the power component is used to drive the water to flow from the first water inlet to the second water inlet.

[0006] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device is further provided with a heating water circuit, and the ice-making device further includes a heating element and a water outlet component. The water outlet component is provided with a hot water outlet circuit, the heating element is connected to the heating water circuit, one end of the heating water circuit is connected to the cold water tank, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet circuit.

[0007] In one specific embodiment, the water outlet component is further provided with a cold water outlet path, one end of which is connected to the cold water tank and the other end is used to output water.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a cooling conductive component, which thermally connects the ice-making component and the cold water outlet.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device is further provided with a water diversion channel, one end of which is connected to the second water inlet channel or the ice-making water channel, and the other end is connected to the heating water channel downstream of the heating element.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the ice-making equipment further includes a heat exchange component, the main body of the equipment includes a refrigeration component, the refrigeration component includes a condenser, the condenser is used to release heat to condense gaseous refrigerant into liquid refrigerant, and the heat exchange component is thermally connected to the condenser and the heating water path upstream of the heating element.

[0011] In one specific embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a water inlet valve connected to the first water inlet path, and the cold water tank further includes a low-level water level switch connected to the water inlet valve. The low-level water level switch is disposed inside the cold water tank and is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank is lower than a first preset value. The water inlet valve is opened in response to the triggering of the low-level water level switch.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the cold water tank further includes a high-level water level switch, which is connected to the inlet valve. The high-level water level switch is disposed inside the cold water tank and is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank is higher than a second preset value. The inlet valve is closed in response to the triggering of the high-level water level switch.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device is further provided with a wastewater discharge path, and the ice-making device further includes a wastewater discharge valve connected to the wastewater discharge path. One end of the wastewater discharge path is connected to the cold water tank, and the other end is used to discharge water from the cold water tank. The wastewater discharge valve is connected to the high-level water level switch, and the wastewater discharge valve is used to open when the high-level water level switch is triggered. And / or, the ice-making device further includes a flow meter and a timing switch connected to each other. The flow meter is connected to the first water inlet path, and the timing switch is connected to the wastewater discharge valve. The timing switch is used to be triggered when the flow meter reading does not change for a preset time, and the wastewater discharge valve is used to open when the timing switch is triggered.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device is further provided with a circulating water path, the ice-making component is provided with an ice-making water tank, the ice-making water path is at least partially located in the ice-making water tank, the ice-making water tank is used to contain the water body for forming ice blocks, and the circulating water path connects the cold water tank and the ice-making water tank.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application include: using a cold water tank to collect and temporarily store the water that has not been made into ice from the ice-making water circuit; and connecting the first water inlet to the cold water tank, and then connecting the cold water tank and the ice-making component using a second water inlet. The water used for ice making must pass through the cold water tank before entering the ice-making water circuit of the ice-making component, driven by a power component. This ensures that the water in the cold water tank remains flowing when water needs to be added to the ice-making water circuit for ice making. This effectively improves the situation where the water in the cold water tank is not flowing, reduces the probability of water deterioration, greatly improves the hygiene performance of the ice-making equipment, and allows the water collected from the ice-making water circuit to be reused for ice making, thereby reducing water waste during the ice-making process and improving the material utilization rate of the ice-making equipment. Attached Figure Description

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

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the ice-making equipment provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of the third embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of the fourth embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of the fifth embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1. Ice-making equipment; 2. Cold water tank; 21. Low-level water switch; 22. High-level water switch; 3. Main body of the equipment; 31. Second water inlet; 32. First water inlet; 321. Water inlet valve; 322. Flow meter; 323. Timer switch; 33. Heating water circuit; 331. Hot water pump; 34. Drainage water circuit; 35. Wastewater discharge circuit; 351. Wastewater discharge valve; 36. Refrigeration components; 361. Condenser; 362. Evaporator; 363. Throttling device; 364. Compressor; 37. Circulating water circuit; 4. Ice-making components; 41. Ice-making water circuit; 42. Ice-making water tank; 5. Power components; 6. Water outlet components; 61. Hot water outlet circuit; 62. Cold water outlet circuit; 7. Heating components; 71. Temperature detection components; 8. Cooling components; 9. Heat exchange components. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In this application, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] Compared to refrigerators and freezers, dedicated ice-making equipment can produce ice cubes more efficiently, and therefore can be widely used in many scenarios such as homes, restaurants, and beverage shops. Currently, common ice-making equipment typically uses an ice tank to hold the water for ice making, with an ice-making evaporator inserted into the water within the tank. Because the refrigerant passing through the evaporator is at an extremely low temperature, the evaporator itself also has a low temperature, thus cooling the water in the ice tank and producing ice cubes around its perimeter.

[0031] While these ice-making devices can efficiently produce ice, current common ice-making equipment does not design an effective use for the water collected in the cold water tank for excess ice-making water, resulting in water accumulation in the tank year-round. Furthermore, since this water flows from the ice-making components and has a lower temperature, the cold water tank also remains at a low temperature year-round. Lacking the high-temperature conditions necessary to kill microorganisms, the suitable temperature and humid environment in the cold water tank provide ideal conditions for microbial growth, inevitably leading to water deterioration and affecting the hygiene of the ice-making equipment.

[0032] In order to improve or solve the above technical problems, the inventors of this application, after long-term research, have proposed at least the following embodiments.

[0033] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an ice-making device 1, as detailed in the following embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. The ice-making equipment 1 can produce ice blocks using water input from a water source. The ice-making equipment 1 may include a cold water tank 2, a main body 3, and a power component 5. The main body 3 includes an ice-making component 4.

[0034] The main body 3 of the equipment includes a first water inlet 32 ​​and a second water inlet 31. One end of the second water inlet 31 is connected to the cold water tank 2, and the other end is connected to the ice-making assembly 4. One end of the first water inlet 32 ​​is connected to the cold water tank 2, and the other end is used to connect to a water source. The ice-making assembly 4 forms an ice-making water passage 41. The second water inlet 31 is used to input water into the ice-making water passage 41, and the cold water tank 2 is used to contain the water output from the ice-making water passage 41. A power unit 5 is connected to the second water inlet 31 and / or the first water inlet 32, and the power unit 5 is used to drive the water to flow from the first water inlet 32 ​​to the second water inlet 31.

[0035] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the cold water tank 2 collects and temporarily stores the water output from the ice-making water path 41 that has not yet been made into ice. Simultaneously, by connecting the first water inlet 32 ​​(connected to the water source) to the cold water tank 2, and then connecting the cold water tank 2 and the ice-making assembly 4 via the second water inlet 31, the water used for ice making must pass through the cold water tank 2 before entering the ice-making water path 41 of the ice-making assembly 4, driven by the power component 5. This ensures that the water in the cold water tank 2 remains in a flowing state when water needs to be added to the ice-making water path 41 for ice making. This effectively improves the current situation of stagnant water in the cold water tank 2, reduces the probability of water deterioration, and greatly improves the hygiene performance of the ice-making equipment. Furthermore, the water collected from the ice-making water path 41 in the cold water tank 2 can be re-input into the second water inlet 31 and the ice-making water path 41 for ice making, thereby reducing water wasted during the ice-making process and improving the material utilization rate of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0036] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 The main body 3 of the equipment may also be equipped with a heating water circuit 33. The ice-making equipment 1 also includes a heating element 7 and a water outlet component 6. The water outlet component 6 is equipped with a hot water outlet circuit 61. The heating element 7 is connected to the heating water circuit 33. One end of the heating water circuit 33 is connected to the cold water tank 2, and the other end of the heating water circuit 33 is connected to the hot water outlet circuit 61.

[0037] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by setting up a heating water path 33, the water in the cold water tank 2 can flow into the ice-making water path 41 through the second water inlet path 31, and can also enter the heating water path 33 to be heated by the heating element 7. In this way, the water with a higher temperature can be output through the hot water outlet path 61 of the water outlet component 6 for other purposes, thereby improving the availability of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0038] Because the cold water tank 2 has the function of collecting and temporarily storing the water that has not been made into ice from the ice-making water circuit 41, when the ice-making equipment 1 does not have a need to make ice, the water in the cold water tank 2 can be kept flowing through the first water inlet circuit 32, the heating water circuit 33, and the water outlet component 6. This can reduce the occurrence of water in the cold water tank 2 not flowing for a long time and reduce the probability of water in the cold water tank 2 deteriorating.

[0039] When the water in the cold water tank 2 has been stored for a long time, its water quality may no longer be suitable for direct use in ice making due to long-term stagnant water. This part of the water can also be fed into the heating water circuit 33, and the heating element 7 is used to heat and sterilize this part of the water. The sterilized water is then output through the water outlet component 6 for other purposes. This makes full use of the water that has not been made into ice blocks output from the ice making water circuit 41. It can also be effectively utilized when the water in the cold water tank 2 has been stored for too long, thereby improving the material utilization rate of the ice making equipment 1.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 The water outlet component 6 may also be provided with a cold water outlet path 62, one end of which is connected to the cold water tank 2, and the other end of which is used to output water.

[0041] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, a cold water outlet 62 is also provided. In addition to inputting water into the ice-making water channel 41 for ice making and inputting water into the heating water channel 33 for heating, water can also be directly output through the cold water outlet 62 of the water outlet component 6. By using the heating water channel 33 in conjunction with the cold water outlet 62, the water demand for water of different temperatures can be met, thereby improving the versatility of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0042] Part of the water flowing through the ice-making water path 41 is cooled and made into ice by the ice-making component 4, while the other part is collected by the cold water tank 2 as residual water in the ice-making process. Although this residual water has not yet formed ice, its temperature is also low due to the cooling effect of the ice-making component 4. Therefore, when this part of the water is output through the cold water outlet path 62, it can meet the water demand for lower temperature water. By making full use of the water that has not been made into ice in the ice-making water path 41, the material utilization rate of the ice-making equipment 1 can be improved.

[0043] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application, representing a second embodiment. The ice-making equipment 1 may further include a cooling component 8, which thermally connects the ice-making component 4 and the cold water outlet 62.

[0044] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, a cooling component 8 is also provided on the basis of the cold water outlet 62. The cooling component 8 can conduct the low temperature emitted by the ice-making component 4 for making ice to the cold water outlet 62, thereby cooling and / or keeping the water in the cold water outlet 62 cool, so that the cold water outlet 62 can output cold water with a temperature that meets the water demand, and can effectively utilize the cold energy overflowing from the ice-making component 4, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0045] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of the third embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. The main body 3 of the equipment may also be provided with a diversion water circuit 34, one end of which is connected to the second water inlet circuit 31 or the ice-making water circuit 41, and the other end of which is connected to the heating water circuit 33 downstream of the heating element 7.

[0046] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the water heated by the heating element 7 in the heating water path 33 can be transported to the second water inlet path 31 or the ice-making water path 41 through the diversion water path 34. On the one hand, the water heated to a high temperature by the heating element 7 can be input into the second water inlet path 31 or the ice-making water path 41, thereby enabling high-temperature sterilization of structures such as the second water inlet path 31, the ice-making component 4, and the cold water tank 2, reducing the probability of microbial growth affecting hygiene, and improving the hygiene performance of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0047] On the other hand, heated water has a higher temperature than room temperature water, resulting in less dissolved gas and less gas escaping during the freezing process. This reduces the formation of air bubbles in the ice, which is beneficial for producing ice with higher transparency. Furthermore, the higher temperature water requires a longer time to cool to its freezing point before freezing. This process slows down the freezing rate, allowing ice crystals more time to arrange themselves in an orderly manner, reducing the chance of tiny air bubbles and impurities being trapped within the ice, further contributing to the production of ice with higher transparency. Ice with high transparency is more aesthetically pleasing than ice with low transparency, and it also has a longer melting time and a more robust structure. Using the heating element 7 to heat the water before using it for ice making effectively improves the usability of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0048] Specifically, a hot water pump 331 can be connected to the heating water circuit 33, and the water in the cold water tank 2 can flow to the heating element 7 through the heating water circuit 33 under the action of the hot water pump 331.

[0049] Furthermore, a temperature detection element 71 can be connected in the heating water circuit 33 downstream of the heating element 7. The temperature detection element 71 is used to monitor the temperature of the water output from the heating element 7, so that the user can determine whether the ice-making equipment 1 can obtain water with the required temperature through the heating water circuit 33 based on the temperature measured by the temperature detection element 71.

[0050] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic block diagram of the fourth embodiment of the water circuit system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. The ice-making equipment 1 may also include a heat exchange component 9. The main body 3 of the equipment also includes a refrigeration component 36, which includes a condenser 361. The condenser 361 is used to release heat to condense the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant. The heat exchange component 9 is thermally connected to the condenser 361 and the heating water circuit 33 upstream of the heating element 7.

[0051] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the heat released by the condenser 361 is conducted to the heating water path 33 upstream of the heating element 7 by the heat exchange component 9. The heat released by the condenser 361 is used to preheat the water to be heated. The heating element 7 consumes less energy to heat the preheated water than to heat water at room temperature, and can effectively utilize the heat emitted by the condenser 361. This improves the energy utilization rate of the ice-making equipment 1 while reducing the energy consumed by the heating element 7, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0052] Specifically, the refrigeration assembly 36 may include a compressor 364, a condenser 361, a throttling device 363, and an evaporator 362. The evaporator 362 is configured corresponding to the ice-making assembly 4 and is used to cool the water in the ice-making water circuit 41 to produce ice. The compressor 364 processes the refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor is input into the condenser 361 and cooled into low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. The low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid is input into the throttling device 363 and its pressure is reduced, thus forming a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas-liquid mixture. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas-liquid mixture is input into the evaporator 362, which is thermally connected to the ice-making water in the ice-making water circuit 41 to absorb heat and produce ice. The refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 362 can return to the compressor 364 via the refrigerant loop and be compressed again into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor.

[0053] The compressor 364 generates heat during the process of doing work on the refrigerant and compressing the refrigerant into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor. The heat exchange component 9 can also be connected to the heat dissipation end of the compressor 364, thereby transferring the heat generated by the compressor 364 during the refrigerant compression process to the heating water circuit 33 upstream of the heating element 7, so as to achieve the preheating of the water.

[0054] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 The ice-making device 1 may further include a water inlet valve 321, which is connected to the first water inlet passage 32. The cold water tank 2 may further include a low-level water level switch 21, which is connected to the water inlet valve 321. The low-level water level switch 21 is disposed inside the cold water tank 2 and is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is lower than a first preset value. The water inlet valve 321 is opened in response to the triggering of the low-level water level switch 21.

[0055] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by setting a low-level water level switch 21, the water inlet valve 321 can be opened to replenish water to the cold water tank 2 when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is lower than the first preset value. This ensures that the volume of water in the cold water tank 2 can meet the water demand of the ice-making equipment 1, reducing the probability that insufficient water in the cold water tank 2 will result in the inability to produce enough ice, hot water, or cold water, or even the heating element 7 and the refrigeration component 36 running idle. This can improve the stability of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0056] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 The cold water tank 2 may also include a high-level water switch 22, which is connected to the inlet valve 321. The high-level water switch 22 is located inside the cold water tank 2 and is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is higher than a second preset value. The inlet valve 321 is closed in response to the triggering of the high-level water switch 22.

[0057] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by setting a high water level switch 22, the water inlet valve 321 can be closed when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is too high, thereby stopping the water from entering the cold water tank 2. This prevents the cold water tank 2 from storing too much water at once, reducing the probability that excess water will deteriorate due to being unable to flow in the cold water tank 2 for a long time, thereby improving the hygienic performance of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0058] Specifically, both the low-level water level switch 21 and the high-level water level switch 22 can be mechanical switches, pressure switches, and / or electronic switches. The mechanical switch can be a float switch. When the water level drops to a first preset value, the float sinks to a specific position, triggering the low-level water level switch 21 through a lever or linkage mechanism, thereby opening the inlet valve 321 to replenish water to the cold water tank 2. When the water level rises to a second preset value, the float rises to a preset position, triggering the high-level water level switch 22 through a lever or linkage mechanism, thereby closing the inlet valve 321 to stop replenishing water to the cold water tank 2.

[0059] Electronic switches, such as electrode sensors, are installed in the cold water tank 2 at positions corresponding to the first and second preset values ​​of water level. Utilizing the conductivity of water, when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is lower than the first preset value, the electrode sensor disconnects, thereby triggering the low-level water level switch 21, which opens the inlet valve 321 to replenish water to the cold water tank 2; when the water level in the cold water tank 2 is higher than the second preset value, the electrode sensor connects, thereby triggering the high-level water level switch 22, which closes the inlet valve 321 to stop replenishing water to the cold water tank 2.

[0060] The electronic switch may also include an ultrasonic sensor, which can measure the water level in the cold water tank 2 by emitting sound waves and calculating the reflection time, thereby triggering the low water level switch 21 or the high water level switch 22 respectively when the water level in the cold water tank 2 reaches the first preset value and the second preset value.

[0061] The electronic switch may also include a pressure sensor, which can be installed at the bottom of the cold water tank 2. By detecting the pressure of the water in the cold water tank 2 on the bottom of the cold water tank 2, the water level in the cold water tank 2 can be calculated. Then, when the water in the cold water tank 2 reaches the first preset value and the second preset value, the low water level switch 21 or the high water level switch 22 can be triggered respectively.

[0062] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 The main body 3 of the equipment may also be provided with a wastewater discharge passage 35, and the ice-making equipment 1 also includes a wastewater discharge valve 351. The wastewater discharge valve 351 is connected to the wastewater discharge passage 35, one end of the wastewater discharge passage 35 is connected to the cold water tank 2, and the other end of the wastewater discharge passage 35 is used to discharge the water in the cold water tank 2.

[0063] Optionally, the waste discharge valve 351 can be connected to the high-level water switch 22, and the waste discharge valve 351 is used to open when the high-level water switch 22 is triggered. When the water level in the cold water tank 2 is too high or there is too much water, the waste discharge valve 351 and the waste water passage 35 can be used to remove the excess water in the cold water tank 2 in a timely manner, so that the cold water tank 2 does not accumulate too much water at once, reducing the probability that the excess water will deteriorate due to long-term stagnation in the cold water tank 2, thereby improving the hygienic performance of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0064] Optionally, the ice-making device 1 may also include a flow meter 322 and a timer switch 323 connected to each other. The flow meter 322 is connected to the first water inlet 32, and the timer switch 323 is connected to the waste discharge valve 351. The timer switch 323 is triggered when the reading of the flow meter 322 does not change for a preset time, and the waste discharge valve 351 is opened when the timer switch 323 is triggered.

[0065] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by setting a flow meter 322 and a timing switch 323, the flow meter 322 can be used to measure the water entering the cold water tank 2 from the first water inlet 32, and the timing switch 323 can be used to measure the duration of no change in the reading of the flow meter 322. Based on the control of the water inlet valve 321 by the high-level water level switch 22, when the reading of the flow meter 322 does not change, it indicates that the cold water tank 2 does not need to be replenished from the water source. Therefore, the water in the cold water tank 2 may not be consumed in time, and there is a risk of deterioration due to long-term stagnation. Thus, by using the flow meter 322 and the timing switch 323 in conjunction, when there is a risk of deterioration in the water in the cold water tank 2, the waste discharge valve 351 and the waste water discharge path 35 can be used to discharge the water in the cold water tank 2, thereby improving the hygienic performance of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0066] Furthermore, on this basis, the low-level water level switch 21 can be connected to the waste discharge valve 351. When the low-level water outlet switch is triggered, the waste discharge valve 351 is controlled to close, so that the water replenished into the cold water tank 2 from the first water inlet 32 ​​does not flow out directly through the waste discharge water channel 35.

[0067] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of the fifth embodiment of the water system of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. The main body 3 of the equipment may also be provided with a circulating water path 37, and the ice-making component 4 is provided with an ice-making water tank 42. The ice-making water path 41 is at least partially located in the ice-making water tank 42. The ice-making water tank 42 is used to contain the water that forms ice blocks. The circulating water path 37 connects the cold water tank 2 and the ice-making water tank 42.

[0068] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the circulating water path 37 connects the cold water tank 2 and the ice-making water tank 42, which can keep the water circulating in the cold water tank 2 and the ice-making water tank 42, reduce the probability of the water deteriorating due to long-term stagnation in the cold water tank 2, and improve the hygienic performance of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0069] Meanwhile, the water in the ice-making tank 42 can be kept in a flowing state during the ice-making process using the circulating water path 37, thus enabling the ice-forming components to produce ice blocks under flowing water conditions. The flowing water ensures a more uniform temperature distribution within the ice-making tank, reducing the occurrence of localized supercooling. This makes the freezing process of the ice blocks more uniform, stable, and orderly under flowing water conditions, which is beneficial for water molecules to arrange into a neat crystal structure during freezing. It also reduces the probability of disordered ice crystal formation caused by sudden freezing of supercooled water, which traps more air bubbles. Furthermore, it reduces internal stress and microcracks in the ice blocks caused by rapid localized freezing expansion, thereby improving the transparency of the ice blocks. Additionally, impurities in the ice-making tank 42 can be carried away by the unfrozen water flow instead of freezing inside the ice blocks, contributing to the formation of purer, more transparent ice blocks and greatly improving the usability of the ice-making equipment 1.

[0070] In this application, the terms "embodiment" and "implementation" mean that a specific feature, element, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of these phrases in various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the features, elements, or characteristics described in the various embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined to form another embodiment that does not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this application, provided there is no contradiction between them.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: Cold water tank (2); The main body of the equipment (3) includes an ice-making component (4). The main body of the equipment (3) is provided with a first water inlet (32) and a second water inlet (31). One end of the second water inlet (31) is connected to the cold water tank (2) and the other end is connected to the ice-making component (4). One end of the first water inlet (32) is connected to the cold water tank (2) and the other end is used to connect to a water source. An ice-making water path (41) is formed in the ice-making component (4). The second water inlet (31) is used to input water into the ice-making water path (41). The cold water tank (2) is used to contain the water output from the ice-making water path (41). A power unit (5) is connected to the second water inlet (31) and / or the first water inlet (32), and the power unit (5) is used to drive water to flow from the first water inlet (32) to the second water inlet (31).

2. The ice-making equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the equipment (3) is also provided with a heating water circuit (33). The ice making equipment (1) also includes a heating element (7) and a water outlet component (6). The water outlet component (6) is provided with a hot water outlet circuit (61). The heating element (7) is connected to the heating water circuit (33). One end of the heating water circuit (33) is connected to the cold water tank (2), and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet circuit (61).

3. The ice-making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water outlet component (6) is also provided with a cold water outlet path (62), one end of which is connected to the cold water tank (2) and the other end is used to output water.

4. The ice-making equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ice-making device (1) further includes a cooling component (8), which thermally connects the ice-making component (4) and the cold water outlet (62).

5. The ice-making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (3) of the equipment is also provided with a water diversion channel (34), one end of which is connected to the second water inlet channel (31) or the ice-making water channel (41), and the other end is connected to the heating water channel (33) downstream of the heating element (7).

6. The ice-making equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment (1) further includes a heat exchange component (9), the main body of the equipment (3) includes a refrigeration component (36), the refrigeration component (36) includes a condenser (361), the condenser (361) is used to release heat to condense gaseous refrigerant into liquid refrigerant, and the heat exchange component (9) is thermally connected to the condenser (361) and the heating water path (33) upstream of the heating element (7).

7. The ice-making equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making device (1) further includes a water inlet valve (321), which is connected to the first water inlet path (32). The cold water tank (2) further includes a low-level water level switch (21), which is connected to the water inlet valve (321). The low-level water level switch (21) is located inside the cold water tank (2). The low-level water level switch (21) is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank (2) is lower than a first preset value. The water inlet valve (321) is opened in response to the triggering of the low-level water level switch (21).

8. The ice-making equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cold water tank (2) also includes a high water level switch (22), which is connected to the water inlet valve (321). The high water level switch (22) is located inside the cold water tank (2). The high water level switch (22) is triggered when the water level in the cold water tank (2) is higher than a second preset value. The water inlet valve (321) is closed in response to the triggering of the high water level switch (22).

9. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main body of the equipment (3) is also provided with a wastewater discharge channel (35), and the ice-making equipment (1) also includes a wastewater discharge valve (351). The wastewater discharge valve (351) is connected to the wastewater discharge channel (35). One end of the wastewater discharge channel (35) is connected to the cold water tank (2), and the other end is used to discharge the water in the cold water tank (2). The waste discharge valve (351) is connected to the high-level water level switch (22), and the waste discharge valve (351) is used to open when the high-level water level switch (22) is triggered; and / or, The ice-making device (1) also includes a flow meter (322) and a timing switch (323) connected to each other. The flow meter (322) is connected to the first water inlet (32), and the timing switch (323) is connected to the waste discharge valve (351). The timing switch (323) is triggered when the reading of the flow meter (322) does not change for a preset time. The waste discharge valve (351) is opened when the timing switch (323) is triggered.

10. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The main body of the equipment (3) is also provided with a circulating water path (37), the ice-making component (4) is provided with an ice-making water tank (42), the ice-making water path (41) is at least partially located in the ice-making water tank (42), the ice-making water tank (42) is used to contain the water that forms ice blocks, and the circulating water path (37) connects the cold water tank (2) and the ice-making water tank (42).

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