Ice making assembly and ice making device
By setting up a circulating water path between the ice-making tank and the water collection space and using a circulating power component to drive the water flow, the problems of numerous air bubbles and fragility in ice blocks caused by stagnant water in the ice-making tank are solved, achieving the preparation of more transparent and stable ice blocks.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG LIZI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
The stagnant water in the ice-making tank of existing ice makers results in ice blocks with many air bubbles, poor transparency, and fragility.
By setting up inlet and outlet water passages between the ice-making tank and the water collection space, and using a circulating power component to drive the water circulation, ice blocks are prepared under flowing water conditions in combination with a heat-conducting ice-forming component.
It improves the transparency and stability of ice cubes, reduces bubbles and microcracks, and enhances the purity and performance of ice cubes.
Smart Images
Figure CN224302413U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to ice-making components and ice-making equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Compared to refrigerators and freezers, ice makers specifically designed for ice making can produce ice cubes more efficiently, and are therefore widely used in homes, restaurants, beverage shops, and many other settings. Currently, common ice makers typically use an ice-making 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-making tank and producing ice cubes around its perimeter.
[0003] While these ice makers can efficiently produce ice, the water in the ice-making tank is usually stagnant, resulting in ice cubes with many air bubbles and poor transparency. This type of ice not only has a poor visual appeal but also melts quickly and is easily broken. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, this application provides ice-making components and ice-making equipment that enable water to flow in the ice-making tank to produce ice blocks with good transparency.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an ice-making component, including a device body, an ice-forming component, and a circulation power component. The device body is provided with an ice-making tank, a water inlet passage, a water outlet passage, and a water collection space. The water collection space is used to contain water. The water inlet passage connects the ice-making tank and the water collection space, and the water outlet passage connects the ice-making tank and the water collection space. The ice-forming component is used to prepare ice blocks using the ice-making water in the ice-making tank. The circulation power component is connected to the water inlet passage and / or the water outlet passage. The circulation power component is used to drive the water in the water inlet passage to flow into the ice-making tank; and / or the circulation power component is used to drive the water in the water outlet passage to flow into the water collection space.
[0006] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device includes a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an ice-making water tank component; the water inlet passage is formed inside the water inlet pipe, the water outlet passage is formed inside the water outlet pipe, the ice-making tank is disposed in the ice-making water tank component, one end of the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe is inserted into the ice-making tank, the other end of the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe is connected to the water collection space, and the ice-forming component is thermally connected to the ice-making tank.
[0007] In one specific embodiment, the water inlet pipe includes a water inlet head, and the water outlet pipe includes a water outlet head. The water outlet head has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the water outlet pipe, and the second end has a water outlet. The water inlet head has a third end and a fourth end. The third end is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the fourth end has a water inlet. The water inlet connects the water inlet passage and the ice-making tank, and the water outlet connects the water outlet passage and the ice-making tank. The distance between the first end and the third end is less than or equal to the distance between the second end and the fourth end.
[0008] In one specific embodiment, the icing component includes an ice-making column and a cooling pipe. The cooling pipe is used for thermally connecting the refrigeration structure. The ice-making column has a fifth end and a sixth end at both ends. The fifth end is connected to the cooling pipe, and the sixth end is inserted into the ice-making tank. The ice-making column is spaced apart from the inner wall of the ice-making tank. The distance between the fifth end and the water inlet is greater than the distance between the sixth end and the water inlet; and / or, the distance between the fifth end and the water outlet is greater than the distance between the sixth end and the water outlet.
[0009] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device further includes a connecting structure, which is connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe.
[0010] In one specific embodiment, the connection structure includes a connecting column, one end of which is connected to the water inlet pipe and the other end of which is connected to the water outlet pipe, and the connecting column is located above the water in the ice-making tank.
[0011] In one specific embodiment, the connection structure includes a connecting plate connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe, and the lower edge of the connecting plate extends along the water inlet pipe and / or the water outlet pipe to above the water in the ice-making tank.
[0012] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device further includes a rotating shaft and a fixing member; the icing component, the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe are connected to the fixing member; the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the fixing member and the ice-making water tank component; the ice-making water tank component is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the rotating shaft; the ice-making water tank component has a tank opening communicating with the ice-making tank; wherein, when the ice-making water tank component is located in the first position, the tank opening is located below the icing component, the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe in the vertical direction; when the ice-making water tank component is located in the second position, the tank opening is vertically positioned to avoid being below the icing component, the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe.
[0013] In one specific embodiment, the main body of the device further includes a box, and the water collection space is also disposed in the box. The box is provided with a water collection channel, which is located below the opening of the tank in the vertical direction. The water collection channel connects the water collection space and the opening of the tank.
[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide an ice-making device, including a refrigeration structure and an ice-making component as described in any of the above specific embodiments; the refrigeration structure is thermally connected to the ice-forming component of the ice-making component, and the refrigeration structure is used to cool the ice-forming component.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this application include: by setting up inlet and outlet water passages to connect the ice-making tank and the water collection space, and by setting up a circulation power component connected to at least one of the inlet and outlet water passages, water can be driven to circulate between the ice-making tank and the water collection space through the inlet and outlet water passages. This keeps the water in the ice-making tank in a flowing state during the ice-making process, thereby enabling the production of ice blocks under flowing water conditions. The flowing water makes the water temperature distribution in the ice-making tank more uniform, reducing the occurrence of local supercooling in the water in the ice-making tank. This makes the freezing process of the ice blocks more uniform, stable, and orderly under flowing water conditions, which is conducive to the water molecules arranging into a neat crystal structure during the freezing process. It also reduces the probability of disordered ice crystal formation caused by sudden freezing of supercooled water, which captures more air bubbles. Furthermore, it reduces the internal stress and microcracks in the ice blocks caused by rapid local freezing expansion, thereby improving the transparency of the ice blocks. In addition, impurities in the ice-making tank can be carried away by the unfrozen water flow instead of being frozen inside the ice blocks, which is conducive to the production of purer and more transparent ice blocks. 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 diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the ice-making component provided in this application;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the ice-making water tank in the ice-making assembly of this application, located in the first position;
[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the ice-making water tank in the ice-making assembly of this application, located in the second position;
[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure shown in section AA;
[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure shown in section BB;
[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the water circuit structure of an embodiment of the ice-making equipment provided in this application.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0025] 1. Ice-making assembly; 2. Main body of the device; 21. Ice-making water tank; 211. Ice tank; 212. Tank opening; 22. Water inlet pipe; 221. Water inlet passage; 222. Water inlet head; 223. Third end; 224. Fourth end; 225. Water inlet; 23. Water outlet pipe; 231. Water outlet passage; 232. Water outlet head; 233. First end; 234. Second end; 235. Water outlet; 24. Tilting shaft; 25. Fixing component; 26. Connecting structure; 261. Connecting column; 262. Connecting plate; 27. Box body; 271. Water collection channel; 272. Water collection space; 273. Ice storage space; 3. Ice-forming component; 31. Ice-making column; 311. Fifth end; 312. Sixth end; 32. Cooling pipe; 4. Circulation power component; 5. Ice-making equipment; 51. Refrigeration structure. Detailed Implementation
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] Compared to refrigerators and freezers, ice makers specifically designed for ice making can produce ice cubes more efficiently, and are therefore widely used in homes, restaurants, beverage shops, and many other settings. Currently, common ice makers typically use an ice-making 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-making tank and producing ice cubes around its perimeter.
[0032] While these ice makers can efficiently produce ice, the water in the ice-making tank is usually stagnant, resulting in ice cubes with many air bubbles and poor transparency. This type of ice not only has a poor visual appeal but also melts quickly and is easily broken.
[0033] 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.
[0034] To solve the above technical problems, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the ice-making component provided in this application. Figure 7This is a schematic block diagram of the water circuit structure of an embodiment of the ice-making equipment provided in this application. The specific embodiments of this application provide an ice-making component 1, which includes a device body 2, an ice-forming component 3, and a circulation power component 4. The device body 2 may be provided with an ice-making tank 211, a water inlet passage 221, a water outlet passage 231, and a water collection space 272. The water collection space 272 is used to contain water. The water inlet passage 221 connects the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272, and the water outlet passage 231 also connects the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272. The ice-forming component 3 is used to prepare ice blocks using the ice-making water in the ice-making tank 211.
[0035] The circulation power component 4 is connected to the water inlet passage 221 and / or the water outlet passage 231. When the circulation power component 4 is connected to the water inlet passage 221, it drives the water in the water inlet passage 221 to flow into the ice-making tank 211. When the circulation power component 4 is connected to the water outlet passage 231, it drives the water in the water outlet passage 231 to flow into the water collection space 272.
[0036] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by providing an inlet passage 221 and an outlet passage 231 to connect the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272 in the main body 2 of the device, and by providing a circulation power component 4 connected to at least one of the inlet passage 221 and the outlet passage 231, the circulation power component 4 can drive the water to circulate between the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272 through the inlet passage 221 and the outlet passage 231, so that the water in the ice-making tank 211 remains in a flowing state during the ice-making process, thereby enabling the ice-forming component 3 to prepare ice blocks under flowing water conditions.
[0037] The flowing water allows for a more uniform temperature distribution within the ice-making tank 211, reducing the occurrence of localized supercooling. This makes the freezing process of the ice more uniform, stable, and orderly under flowing water conditions. It also helps water molecules arrange themselves into a neat crystal structure during freezing, reducing the probability of disordered ice crystal formation caused by sudden freezing of supercooled water and the resulting trapping of more air bubbles. Furthermore, it reduces internal stress and microcracks in the ice caused by rapid localized freezing expansion, thereby improving the transparency of the ice. In addition, impurities in the ice-making tank 211 can be carried away by the unfrozen water flow rather than frozen inside the ice, contributing to the formation of purer, more transparent ice.
[0038] Specifically, in addition to forming a circulating water path with the ice-making tank 211, the water collection space 272 can also have other uses. For example, the water collection space 272 can be used to store water overflowing from the ice-making tank 211, or to store water formed by melting ice during storage, or to store water that will be input into the ice-making tank 211 for ice making. By giving the water collection space 272 a variety of uses, water from different sources can be collected in the ice-making component 1 and used for circulation with the water in the ice-making tank 211, thereby improving the utilization rate of various types of water in the ice-making component 1 and reducing the "stagnant water" that does not flow frequently in the ice-making component 1, thereby reducing the probability of microbial growth in the ice-making component 1 due to the presence of "stagnant water".
[0039] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the ice-making water tank in the ice-making assembly of this application, with the water tank located in the first position. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the ice-making water tank component in the second position of the ice-making assembly of this application. The main body 2 of the device may specifically include a water inlet pipe 22, a water outlet pipe 23, and an ice-making water tank component 21. A water inlet passage 221 is formed in the water inlet pipe 22, and a water outlet passage 231 is formed in the water outlet pipe 23. The ice-making tank 211 is disposed in the ice-making water tank component 21. One end of the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 is inserted into the ice-making tank 211, and the other end of the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 is connected to the water collection space 272. The ice-forming component 3 is thermally connected to the ice-making tank 211.
[0040] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the ice-making tank 211 is connected to the water receiving space by using the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23. The water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 are set independently compared with the ice-making water tank component 21. Compared with the water inlet passage 221 and the water outlet passage 231 opened inside the main body 2 of the device, the structure of the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 is simpler and more reliable, which can improve the installation and maintenance process of the ice-making component 1 and improve the stability of the ice-making component 1.
[0041] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure shown in section AA. Figure 6 yes Figure 3The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of section BB. The inlet pipe 22 includes an inlet head 222, and the outlet pipe 23 includes an outlet head 232. The outlet head 232 has a first end 233 and a second end 234. The first end 233 is connected to the outlet pipe 23, and the second end 234 has an outlet 235. The inlet head 222 has a third end 223 and a fourth end 224. The third end 223 is connected to the inlet pipe 22, and the fourth end 224 has an inlet 225. The inlet 225 connects to the inlet passage 221 and the ice-making tank 211, and the outlet 235 connects to the outlet passage 231 and the ice-making tank 211. The distance between the first end 233 and the third end 223 is less than or equal to the distance between the second end 234 and the fourth end 224.
[0042] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the water inlet 225 connecting the water inlet passage 221 and the ice-making tank 211 is located at the second end 234 of the water inlet head 222, and the water outlet 235 connecting the water outlet passage 231 and the ice-making tank 211 is located at the fourth end 224 of the water outlet head 232. When the orientations of the water inlet 225 and the water outlet 235 are close to each other, that is, when the distance between the first end 233 and the third end 223 is greater than the distance between the second end 234 and the fourth end 224, the water path from the water inlet 225 to the water outlet 235 is shorter. The water in the ice-making tank 211 that is far from the water inlet 225 and the water outlet 235 is difficult to flow effectively, resulting in an uneven water flow rate in the ice-making tank 211 and a generally poor effect in preparing transparent ice.
[0043] This specific embodiment controls the distance between the first end 233 and the third end 223 to be less than or equal to the distance between the second end 234 and the fourth end 224, so that the inlet 225 and the outlet 235 are parallel or opposite to each other. Compared with the case where the inlet 225 and the outlet 235 are close to each other, this setting of the inlet 225 and the outlet 235 can increase the distance that the water in the ice making tank 211 flows from the inlet 225 to the outlet 235, so that the water flows more fully in the ice making tank 211 and can produce transparent ice more effectively.
[0044] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 6 , Figure 7 The ice-forming component 3 includes an ice-making column 31 and a cooling pipe 32. The cooling pipe 32 is used for heat conduction and connection to the refrigeration structure 51. The ice-making column 31 has a fifth end 311 and a sixth end 312 at both ends. The fifth end 311 is connected to the cooling pipe 32, and the sixth end 312 is inserted into the ice-making tank 211. The ice-making column 31 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the ice-making tank 211.
[0045] The distance between the fifth end 311 and the water inlet 225 can be greater than the distance between the sixth end 312 and the water inlet 225. During the ice-making process, ice blocks will form around the sixth end 312 inserted into the water, while the fifth end 311, which connects to the cooling pipe 32, is located above the water surface in the ice-making tank 211. Due to the presence of the water surface, the final ice blocks will form a surface flush with the water surface in the ice-making tank 211 between the fifth end 311 and the sixth end 312. In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by controlling the height of the water inlet 225, the water inlet 225 is positioned closer to the sixth end 312 of the ice-making column 31, thereby reducing the fluctuations and air bubbles caused by the water flow entering the ice-making tank 211 from the water inlet 225. This makes the surface of the ice blocks flush with the water surface in the ice-making tank 211 smoother, which is more conducive to the preparation of transparent ice.
[0046] The distance between the fifth end 311 and the outlet 235 can also be greater than the distance between the sixth end 312 and the outlet 235. Similarly, by controlling the height of the outlet 235, the outlet 235 is positioned closer to the sixth end 312 of the ice-making column 31, thereby reducing the fluctuations and air bubbles caused by the water flow from the outlet 235 to the surface of the ice-making tank 211. This makes the surface of the ice block flush with the water surface in the ice-making tank 211 smoother, which is more conducive to the preparation of transparent ice.
[0047] Furthermore, the sixth end 312 can be vertically inserted into the ice-making tank 211. During ice making, ice forms around the sixth end 312 of the ice-making column 31, which is submerged in water, gradually forming a "bullet"-shaped ice block with one curved end and the other end nearly flat. The nearly flat end is parallel to the water surface in the ice-making tank 211. By vertically inserting the sixth end 312 of the ice-making column 31 into the ice-making tank 211, the extension direction of the ice-making column 31 can be perpendicular to the water surface in the ice-making tank 211, thereby making the prepared "bullet"-shaped ice blocks uniform and symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use.
[0048] In actual use, under the action of the circulation power component 4, the water flow in the water inlet passage 221 and the water outlet passage 231 is difficult to maintain an ideal and stable flow. Air bubbles in the water, fluctuations in the power supply voltage of the circulation power component 4, and vibrations caused by environmental factors all affect the water flow. Therefore, the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 used to input and output water to the ice-making tank 211 inevitably vibrate due to unstable water flow. The vibration of the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 will further affect the water flow in the ice-making tank 211, which will have an adverse effect on the stability of the ice-making component 1.
[0049] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 3The main body 2 of the device may also include a connecting structure 26, which is connected between the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23. By setting the connecting structure 26, the originally independently set water inlet pipe 22 and water outlet pipe 23 can be connected together. The vibration that occurs separately in one of the water inlet pipe 22 and water outlet pipe 23 is distributed to the other, so that the water inlet pipe 22 and water outlet pipe 23 can buffer and dampen each other, reduce the amplitude of one of them, and thus reduce the adverse effects of the vibration of the water inlet pipe 22 or water outlet pipe 23 on the entire ice-making assembly 1, thereby improving the structural stability of the ice-making assembly 1.
[0050] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 4 , 5 The connecting structure 26 may include a connecting column 261, one end of which is connected to the water inlet pipe 22 and the other end to the water outlet pipe 23. The connecting column 261 is located above the water in the ice-making tank 211. In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the connecting column 261 is used to connect the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23. The columnar connecting structure 26 itself has a certain weight. While connecting the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 in a traditional way, it can also significantly increase the overall weight of the water inlet pipe 22, the water outlet pipe 23, and the connecting structure 26. When the water flow in the water inlet passage 221 and the water outlet passage 231 becomes unstable, the amplitude of the shaking of the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 under the action of the external force of the unstable water flow will be reduced due to the increased overall weight of the water inlet pipe 22, the water outlet pipe 23, and the connecting structure 26, thus improving the structural stability of the ice-making component 1.
[0051] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, both the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 may include a horizontal portion extending horizontally above the ice-making tank 211 and a longitudinal portion extending into the water body inside the ice-making tank 211. The connecting column 261 can be connected between the horizontal portions of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23, effectively limiting the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 in the direction of their horizontal extension, without affecting the depth of the longitudinal portions of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 immersed in the water body. The presence of the connecting column 261 does not affect the flow of water in the ice-making tank 211.
[0052] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 4 , 5The connecting structure 26 may include a connecting plate 262, which connects the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23. The lower edge of the connecting plate 262 extends along the inlet pipe 22 and / or the outlet pipe 23 above the water in the ice-making tank 211. In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the connecting plate 262 connects the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23, and the lower edge of the connecting plate 262 extends along at least one of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 above the water in the ice-making tank 211. This effectively limits the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude of the inlet pipe 22 or the outlet pipe 23. Furthermore, since the lower edge of the connecting plate 262 is located above the water in the ice-making tank 211, the presence of the connecting plate 262 does not affect the flow of water in the ice-making tank 211.
[0053] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, both the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 may include a horizontal portion extending horizontally above the ice-making tank 211 and a longitudinal portion extending into the water body inside the ice-making tank 211. The connecting column 261 can be connected between the longitudinal portions of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23, and can effectively limit the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 in a direction perpendicular to at least one of the inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23.
[0054] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figures 2-4 The main body 2 of the device may also include a rotating shaft 24 and a fixing member 25. The icing component 3, the water inlet pipe 22, and the water outlet pipe 23 are connected to the fixing member 25. The rotating shaft 24 is rotatably connected to the fixing member 25 and the ice-making water tank component 21. The ice-making water tank component 21 can rotate between a first position and a second position about the rotating shaft 24. The ice-making water tank component 21 may be provided with a tank opening 212 that communicates with the ice-making tank 211.
[0055] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the ice-making water tank 21 is in the first position, the tank opening 212 is vertically located below the ice-forming component 3, the water inlet pipe 22, and the water outlet pipe 23. At this time, the water inlet pipe 22 and the water outlet pipe 23 can be inserted into the ice-making tank 211 through the tank opening 212. Water can flow into the ice-making tank 211 through the water inlet pipe 22, or flow out to the water collection space 272 through the water outlet pipe 23, so that the water in the ice-making tank 211 is in a state of circulation. The ice-forming component 3 can cool the water in the ice-making tank 211 through the tank opening 212, thereby realizing water-based ice making.
[0056] like Figure 4As shown, when the ice-making water tank 21 is in the second position, the tank opening 212 is vertically positioned to avoid the area below the ice-forming component 3, the water inlet pipe 22, and the water outlet pipe 23. At this time, the water and ice blocks originally in the ice-making tank 211 can be poured out of the ice-making tank 211 as the ice-making water tank 21 is turned over. Furthermore, the ice-forming component 3, the water inlet pipe 22, and the water outlet pipe 23 do not obstruct the turning process of the ice-making water tank 21 or the pouring process of the water and ice blocks, thus enabling ice to be dispensed after the ice blocks are prepared.
[0057] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the water inlet pipe 22, water outlet pipe 23, ice-forming component 3, and ice-making water tank component 21 are connected by the fixing component 25 and the flipping shaft 24, which determines the relative spatial positions of the water inlet pipe 22, water outlet pipe 23, ice-forming component 3, and ice-making water tank component 21. This ensures that the ice-making water tank component 21 is not obstructed by the ice-forming component 3, water inlet pipe 22, and water outlet pipe 23 when rotating between the first and second positions under the action of the flipping shaft 24. This allows the ice-making component 1 to make and dispense ice normally, while the water inlet pipe 22 and water outlet pipe 23 work together to achieve water circulation in the ice-making tank 211, thereby effectively producing transparent ice and dispensing it to the user.
[0058] In a specific embodiment of this application, see [reference]. Figure 2 , Figure 7 The main body 2 of the device may also include a box 27, and a water collection space 272 is also provided in the box 27. The box 27 is provided with a water collection channel 271, which is located below the tank opening 212 in the vertical direction. The water collection channel 271 connects the water collection space 272 and the tank opening 212.
[0059] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, the water collection space 272 is specifically set in the box 27, and the box 27 is provided with a water collection channel 271. The water collection channel 271 is used to collect water that overflows from the ice-making tank 211 or is poured out from the ice-making tank 211 during the ice-making process. This part of the water enters the water collection space 272 under the guidance of the water collection channel 271, and can then be used to circulate with the water in the ice-making tank 211. This realizes the recycling of the water overflowing from the ice-making tank 211 and the water remaining after ice making, which can improve the utilization rate of various types of water in the ice-making component 1 and reduce the "dead water" that does not flow frequently in the ice-making component 1, thereby reducing the probability of microorganisms growing in the ice-making component 1 due to the presence of "dead water".
[0060] Furthermore, the housing 27 can also be provided with an ice storage space 273, which is located vertically below the tank opening 212. The water collection channel 271 also connects the ice storage space 273 and the water collection space 272. When the ice-making water tank 21 is flipped to dispense ice, the ice storage space 273 can receive the ice blocks poured out through the tank opening 212 and the remaining water from ice making. The prepared ice blocks can be stored in the ice storage space 273, while the remaining water from ice making and the water generated from melting ice blocks can be guided into the water collection space 272 by the water collection channel 271. This allows for the circulation of water with the water in the ice-making tank 211, realizing the recycling of the remaining water from ice making and the water from melting ice blocks. This improves the utilization rate of various types of water in the ice-making component 1 and reduces the amount of stagnant water in the ice-making component 1, thereby reducing the probability of microbial growth in the ice-making component 1 due to the presence of stagnant water.
[0061] Optionally, in addition to the inlet pipe 22 and outlet pipe 23 inserted into the ice-making tank 211, the inlet 225 and outlet 235 can also be directly installed in the ice-making water tank component 21. The inlet 225 connects the water inlet channel and the ice-making tank 211, and the outlet 235 connects the water outlet channel and the ice-making tank 211. Specifically, the inlet 225 and outlet 235 can be respectively installed on two opposite sides of the inner wall of the ice-making tank 211.
[0062] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application also provides an ice-making device 5, see reference. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the ice-making device provided in this application. The ice-making device 5 may include a refrigeration structure 51 and an ice-making component 1 as described in any of the above specific embodiments. The refrigeration structure 51 is thermally connected to the ice-forming element 3 of the ice-making component 1, and the refrigeration structure 51 is used to cool the ice-forming element 3, thereby using the low-temperature ice-forming element 3 to produce ice cubes.
[0063] In the structure provided in this specific embodiment, by providing an inlet water passage 221 and an outlet water passage 231 to connect the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272 in the ice-making component 1, and by providing a circulation power component 4 connected to at least one of the inlet water passage 221 and the outlet water passage 231, the circulation power component 4 can drive the water to circulate between the ice-making tank 211 and the water collection space 272 through the inlet water passage 221 and the outlet water passage 231, so that the water in the ice-making tank 211 remains in a flowing state during the ice-making process, thereby enabling the ice-forming component 3 to prepare ice blocks under flowing water conditions.
[0064] The flowing water ensures a more uniform temperature distribution within the ice-making tank 211, reducing localized supercooling. This makes the freezing process more uniform, stable, and orderly, allowing water molecules to arrange themselves 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 caused by rapid localized freezing expansion, thus improving the transparency of the ice. Additionally, impurities in the ice-making tank 211 can be carried away by the unfrozen water flow instead of freezing inside the ice, resulting in purer, more transparent ice and significantly improving the usability of the ice-making equipment 5.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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 component, characterized in that, include: The main body of the device (2) is provided with an ice-making tank (211), a water inlet passage (221), a water outlet passage (231), and a water collection space (272). The water collection space (272) is used to hold water. The water inlet passage (221) connects the ice-making tank (211) and the water collection space (272). The water outlet passage (231) connects the ice-making tank (211) and the water collection space (272). An icing component (3) is used to prepare ice blocks using the ice-making water in the ice-making tank (211); The circulating power component (4) is connected to the water inlet passage (221) and / or the water outlet passage (231); The circulating power component (4) is used to drive the water in the water inlet passage (221) to flow into the ice making tank (211); and / or the circulating power component (4) is used to drive the water in the water outlet passage (231) to flow into the water collection space (272).
2. The ice-making assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (2) of the device includes a water inlet pipe (22), a water outlet pipe (23), and an ice-making water tank (21); The water inlet passage (221) is formed inside the water inlet pipe (22), the water outlet passage (231) is formed inside the water outlet pipe (23), the ice-making tank (211) is disposed in the ice-making water tank component (21), one end of the water inlet pipe (22) and the water outlet pipe (23) is inserted into the ice-making tank (211), the other end of the water inlet pipe (22) and the water outlet pipe (23) is connected to the water collection space (272), and the ice-forming component (3) is thermally connected to the ice-making tank (211).
3. The ice-making assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water inlet pipe (22) includes a water inlet head (222), and the water outlet pipe (23) includes a water outlet head (232). The water outlet head (232) has a first end (233) and a second end (234). The first end (233) is connected to the water outlet pipe (23), and the second end (234) has a water outlet (235). The water inlet head (222) has a third end (223) and a fourth end (224). The third end (223) is connected to the water inlet pipe (22), and the fourth end (224) has a water outlet (225). The water outlet (225) is connected to the water inlet passage (221) and the ice maker (211), and the water outlet (235) is connected to the water outlet passage (231) and the ice maker (211). The distance between the first end (233) and the third end (223) is less than or equal to the distance between the second end (234) and the fourth end (224).
4. The ice-making assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The icing component (3) includes an ice-making column (31) and a cooling pipe (32). The cooling pipe (32) is used for heat conduction and connection to the refrigeration structure (51). The ice-making column (31) has a fifth end (311) and a sixth end (312) at both ends. The fifth end (311) is connected to the cooling pipe (32), and the sixth end (312) is inserted into the ice-making tank (211). The ice-making column (31) and the inner wall of the ice-making tank (211) are spaced apart. Wherein, the distance between the fifth end (311) and the inlet (225) is greater than the distance between the sixth end (312) and the inlet (225); and / or, the distance between the fifth end (311) and the outlet (235) is greater than the distance between the sixth end (312) and the outlet (235).
5. The ice-making assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body of the device also includes a connecting structure (26), which is connected between the water inlet pipe (22) and the water outlet pipe (23).
6. The ice-making assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connection structure (26) includes a connecting column (261), one end of which is connected to the water inlet pipe (22) and the other end is connected to the water outlet pipe (23). The connecting column (261) is located above the water in the ice-making tank (211).
7. The ice-making assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connection structure (26) includes a connecting plate (262) which is connected between the water inlet pipe (22) and the water outlet pipe (23), and the lower edge of the connecting plate (262) extends along the water inlet pipe (22) and / or the water outlet pipe (23) to the top of the water in the ice making tank (211).
8. The ice-making assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The main body (2) of the device also includes a rotating shaft (24) and a fixing member (25); the icing member (3), the water inlet pipe (22), and the water outlet pipe (23) are connected to the fixing member (25); the rotating shaft (24) is rotatably connected to the fixing member (25) and the ice-making water tank (21); the ice-making water tank (21) can rotate between a first position and a second position with the rotating shaft (24) as the axis; the ice-making water tank (21) is provided with a tank opening (212) communicating with the ice-making tank (211); When the ice-making water tank (21) is located in the first position, the tank opening (212) is located below the ice-forming component (3), the water inlet pipe (22), and the water outlet pipe (23) in the vertical direction; when the ice-making water tank (21) is located in the second position, the tank opening (212) is located below the ice-forming component (3), the water inlet pipe (22), and the water outlet pipe (23) in the vertical direction.
9. The ice-making assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main body (2) of the device also includes a box (27), and the water collection space (272) is also provided in the box (27). The box (27) is provided with a water collection channel (271). The water collection channel (271) is located below the opening (212) of the tank in the vertical direction. The water collection channel (271) connects the water collection space (272) and the opening (212) of the tank.
10. An ice-making device, characterized in that, It includes a cooling structure (51) and an ice-making component (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; the cooling structure (51) is thermally connected to the ice-forming component (3) of the ice-making component (1), and the cooling structure (51) is used to cool the ice-forming component (3).