A slush machine

Abstract

This application discloses a slush machine, comprising: a shell; an inner wall, the inner wall being coaxially arranged with the shell and having an interference fit with the shell, the inner wall being integrally bent to form a reciprocating bending first refrigerant channel between the inner wall and the shell, the first refrigerant channel being laid along a first direction between the inner wall and the shell; an end cap being disposed at the end of the inner wall along the first direction, and a second refrigerant channel being formed between the end cap, the shell, and the inner wall along a second direction, the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel being interconnected. The interference fit between the inner wall and the shell ensures a tight connection, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage; the integral bending of the inner wall reduces welding or assembly interfaces, improving overall strength; the first refrigerant channel being laid along the first direction and the second refrigerant channel being distributed along the second direction, the two being interconnected to form a three-dimensional channel network, enabling the refrigerant to cover multiple dimensions of the slush machine, avoiding heat exchange dead zones, ensuring uniform temperature drop of the inner wall, and thus making the cooling of the materials inside the slush machine more uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of food processing technology, and more specifically, to a slush machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, existing slush machines use spiral copper tubes coiled around the inner wall of a stainless steel tank and thermal grease as a medium to conduct heat. Because the spiral copper tubes are circular, when they come into contact with the sidewall of the stainless steel tank, the contact is only line-to-line; that is, they only make contact along one spiral line. Therefore, the heat transfer efficiency is low, and the cooling effect is poor.

[0003] Therefore, based on the above problems, a new cooling method has emerged, in which fins are welded between the outer shell and the stainless steel liner. The fins are spaced apart to form refrigerant channels, thereby increasing the contact area between the refrigerant and the stainless steel liner, so that the two can make face-to-face contact. However, welding several fins to the side wall of the stainless steel liner will make the processing technology more complicated. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a slush machine that simplifies the processing technology of the refrigerant flow channel while ensuring the cooling effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a slush machine, comprising: a shell; an inner wall, wherein the inner wall is coaxially arranged with the shell and the inner wall is interference-fitted with the shell, the inner wall is integrally bent to form a reciprocating bending first refrigerant channel between the inner wall and the shell, the first refrigerant channel being laid between the inner wall and the shell along a first direction; an end cap, wherein the end cap is disposed at the end of the inner wall along the first direction, and a second refrigerant channel along a second direction is formed between the end cap, the shell, and the inner wall, the first refrigerant channel and the second refrigerant channel being interconnected.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the end of the first refrigerant channel is connected to the side of the second refrigerant channel.

[0007] As another preferred embodiment, the inner wall surrounds and defines a receiving cavity, and the inner wall further includes a first bend that bends outward from the receiving cavity toward the housing.

[0008] Further preferably, the inner wall further includes a second bend, the first bend and the second bend are arranged sequentially at intervals, the housing has an inner sidewall, and the space between the first bend, the second bend and the inner sidewall forms the first refrigerant flow channel.

[0009] Further preferably, there is a gap between the first end of the second bent portion along the first direction and the end cap, and the first end, the inner sidewall and the inner side of the end cap form the second refrigerant flow channel.

[0010] Further preferably, there is an angle α between the extension direction of the first end of the second bent portion and the first direction, and the value of the angle α is in the range of 90°≤α≤150°.

[0011] Further preferably, the slush machine further includes an injection pipe and a discharge pipe, the injection pipe being interconnected with the first refrigerant channel so as to inject refrigerant into the first refrigerant channel through the injection pipe, and the discharge pipe being interconnected with the first refrigerant channel so as to discharge refrigerant from the first refrigerant channel to the outside through the discharge pipe.

[0012] More preferably, the injection tube and the discharge tube are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first bend is provided between the injection tube and the discharge tube to isolate the injection tube from the discharge tube.

[0013] Further preferred, the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel along the second direction is within the range of: 10mm≤L1≤12mm.

[0014] Further preferred, the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel along the first direction is within the range of: 0.1mm≤L2≤0.35mm.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0016] (1) The inner wall and the shell are interference fit, which can achieve a tight connection without additional seals, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage. The inner wall is bent in one piece, which reduces welding or assembly interfaces, reduces structural weak points, improves overall strength, and avoids deformation or cracking due to long-term use.

[0017] (2) The first refrigerant channel is laid along the first direction, and the second refrigerant channel is distributed along the second direction. After the two are connected, a three-dimensional channel network is formed, which enables the refrigerant to cover multiple dimensions of the slush machine, avoid heat exchange dead angles, ensure that the inner wall temperature drops evenly, and thus make the cooling of the material inside the slush machine more uniform. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a slush machine according to some embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a slush machine according to some embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner wall according to some embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the inner wall according to some embodiments of this application.

[0023] In the figure: 10, shell; 11, inner wall; 20, inner wall; 21, first refrigerant channel; 22, second refrigerant channel; 23, receiving cavity; 24, first bend; 25, second bend; 251, first end; 30, end cap; 40, injection pipe; 50, discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., which indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0027] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0028] In some embodiments, this application provides a slush machine, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figure 1-3As shown, the slush machine includes: a shell 10, an inner wall 20, and an end cap 30. The inner wall 20 is coaxially arranged with the shell 10 and is interference-fitted with the shell 10. The inner wall 20 is integrally bent, forming a reciprocating bending first refrigerant channel 21 between the inner wall 20 and the shell 10. The first refrigerant channel 21 is laid between the inner wall 20 and the shell 10 along a first direction Q. The end cap 30 is disposed at the end of the inner wall 20 along the first direction Q. A second refrigerant channel 22 is formed between the end cap 30, the shell 10, and the inner wall 20 along a second direction C. The first refrigerant channel 21 and the second refrigerant channel 22 are interconnected.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 is fitted around the outer periphery of the inner wall 20, and the inner wall 20 and the housing 10 are interference-fitted, which can achieve a tight connection without additional seals, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage. Moreover, the housing 10 and the inner wall 20 are coaxially arranged, so that the housing 10 and the inner wall 20 are subjected to uniform radial force. When the refrigerant flows and generates pressure, it can reduce the stress concentration caused by eccentricity and extend the service life of the slush machine.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, where, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 2. The inner wall 20 is integrally bent, forming a first refrigerant flow channel 21 between it and the shell 10, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the first refrigerant channel 21 is laid between the inner wall 20 and the shell 10 along the first direction, and the first refrigerant channel 21 is arranged to bend back and forth, which can increase the total length of the first refrigerant channel 21 and thus increase the flow time of the refrigerant. A second refrigerant channel 22 is formed between the end cap 30, the shell 10 and the inner wall 20. The second refrigerant channel 22 is arranged along the second direction, and the first refrigerant channel 21 and the second refrigerant channel 22 are interconnected, so that the refrigerant can flow between the first refrigerant channel 21 and the second refrigerant channel 22. Furthermore, the first refrigerant channel 21 and the second refrigerant channel 22 form a multi-dimensional refrigerant channel, which greatly avoids heat exchange dead zones and ensures that the temperature of the slush machine drops evenly, thereby making the cooling of the materials inside the slush machine more uniform.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the end of the first refrigerant channel 21 is connected to the side of the second refrigerant channel 22, allowing the refrigerant channel to turn within a limited space. In environments with limited space in the slush machine housing 10, the side connection prevents the refrigerant channel from occupying too much radial space due to right-angle turns. Moreover, if the end of the first refrigerant channel 21 is connected to the end of the second refrigerant channel 22, a high-pressure area is easily formed at the corner, leading to increased refrigerant flow resistance. However, the connection between the side of the second refrigerant channel 22 and the end of the first refrigerant channel 21 allows for a more even distribution of pressure at the channel turning point. When the refrigerant flows from the end of the first refrigerant channel 21 into the side of the second refrigerant channel 22, the pressure can be dispersed to different areas of the second refrigerant channel 22 through the side opening, ensuring stable refrigerant flow and preventing refrigerant stagnation.

[0032] In some embodiments, the inner wall 20 surrounds and defines a receiving cavity 23, and the inner wall 20 further includes a first bend 24 that bends outward from the receiving cavity 23 toward the housing 10.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall 20 has an internal hollow structure, which surrounds and defines the receiving cavity 23 for receiving food to be cooled. The first bending part 24 protrudes and bends from the receiving cavity 23 toward the shell 10, so that the inner wall 20 forms a pleated structure to increase the contact area with the refrigerant in the first refrigerant channel 21. Furthermore, the first bending part 24 is integrally formed with the inner wall 20, avoiding the weak points caused by traditional welding or splicing.

[0034] In some embodiments, the inner wall 20 further includes a second bend 25, the first bend 24 and the second bend 25 are arranged sequentially at intervals, the housing 10 has an inner sidewall 11, and the space between the first bend 24, the second bend 25 and the inner sidewall 11 forms a first refrigerant channel 21.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first bend 24 and the second bend 25 are arranged alternately to form a continuous protrusion, which further increases the contact area of ​​the first refrigerant channel 21 and improves the cooling effect.

[0036] In some embodiments, a gap exists between the first end 251 of the second bend 25 along the first direction and the end cap 30, and the first end 251, the inner sidewall 11, and the inner side surface 31 of the end cap 30 form a second refrigerant flow channel 22, such as... Figure 5As shown, the second bent portion 25 has a first end portion 251, and the end cap 30 is fixed to the end of the inner wall 20. That is, there is a gap between the first end portion 251 and the inner side surface of the end cap 30, so that the first end portion 251, the inner side surface and the inner side wall 11 form a second refrigerant flow channel 22 arranged in the second direction, and the second refrigerant flow channel 22 is arranged circumferentially around the inner wall 20, thereby avoiding the generation of heat exchange dead zones and making the temperature drop more uniform.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second refrigerant channel 22 is disposed at both ends of the inner wall 20, such that the two ends of the first refrigerant channel 21 are respectively connected to the sides of the second refrigerant channel 22.

[0038] In some embodiments, there is an angle α between the extending direction of the first end 251 of the second bend 25 and the first direction, and the value of the angle α is in the range of 90°≤α≤150°.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, there is an angle between the extension direction of the first end 251 of the second bend 25 and the first direction. That is, the first end 251 is inclined, which increases the contact area between the second refrigerant channel 22 and the food to be cooled in the cavity 23, and makes the heat exchange of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant channel 22 more complete.

[0040] In some embodiments, the included angle α is in the range of 90°≤α≤150°, and the included angle α is preferably 100°, 115°, 120°, 130°, 135°, 140° or 145°.

[0041] In some embodiments, the slush machine further includes an injection pipe 40 and an outlet pipe 50. The injection pipe 40 is connected to the first refrigerant channel 21 so that refrigerant is injected into the first refrigerant channel 21 through the injection pipe 40. The outlet pipe 50 is connected to the first refrigerant channel 21 so that refrigerant is discharged from the first refrigerant channel 21 to the outside through the outlet pipe 50.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the injection pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 50 are connected to the first refrigerant flow channel 21, and the discharge pipe 50 is arranged adjacent to the injection pipe 40, so that the refrigerant flowing into the first refrigerant flow channel 21 through the injection pipe 40 circulates around the inner wall 20, and after sufficient heat exchange, it flows out through the discharge pipe 50, thereby increasing the residence time of the refrigerant.

[0043] In some embodiments, the diameter of the injection pipe 40 is smaller than the diameter of the discharge pipe 50. When the refrigerant is being charged, the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant flow channel 21 from the high-pressure cylinder. The smaller diameter of the injection pipe 40 can maintain the pressure in the first refrigerant flow channel 21 through the throttling effect, avoiding a sudden increase in pressure due to excessive flow. When the refrigerant is being discharged, the refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant flow channel 21 to the recovery device. The larger diameter of the discharge pipe 50 can reduce the resistance during refrigerant flow, lower the resistance coefficient, avoid an increase in back pressure due to the excessively small diameter of the discharge pipe 50, and shorten the refrigerant recovery time.

[0044] In some embodiments, the injection pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 50 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first bend 24 is provided between the injection pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 50 to isolate the injection pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 50, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the first bend 24 isolates the injection pipe 40 from the discharge pipe 50. High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows in the injection pipe 40, and low-pressure gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows in the discharge pipe 50. If they are directly adjacent without isolation, it will lead to pipe leakage and pressure fluctuation, eventually causing refrigerant backflow. Therefore, the first bend 24 isolates the injection pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 50 to prevent refrigerant backflow and ensure the stability of the slush machine.

[0045] In some embodiments, the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is within the range of 10mm≤L1≤12mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, if the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is less than 10mm, the channel is too narrow, and the friction resistance during refrigerant flow will increase significantly, leading to a decrease in flow rate, an increase in pressure loss, and a reduction in heat exchange efficiency. If the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is greater than 12mm, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first refrigerant channel 21 increases. Since the first refrigerant channel 21 is laid on the outer periphery of the inner wall 20, an increase in cross-sectional area will lead to a decrease in the number of first refrigerant channels 21 along the first direction, which in turn leads to a decrease in the total length of the first refrigerant channel 21 and a shortening of the refrigerant flow time. Therefore, the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is limited to between 10mm and 12mm to ensure uniform temperature distribution in the first refrigerant channel 21, avoid local overheating or overcooling, and ensure food cooling efficiency and uniformity.

[0047] In some embodiments, the width L1 of the first refrigerant channel 21 along the second direction is preferably 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.35 mm, 11.37 mm, 11.4 mm, 11.5 mm or 11.71 mm.

[0048] In some embodiments, the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel 22 along the first direction is within the range of: 0.1mm≤L2≤0.35mm.

[0049] In some embodiments, the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel 22 along the first direction is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the width range allows for precise control of the refrigerant's evaporation rate and volume. If the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel 22 along the first direction is less than 0.1 mm, it can easily lead to a sharp increase in flow resistance and insufficient flow. If the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel 22 along the first direction is greater than 0.35 mm, it can cause uneven refrigerant flow velocity and gas-liquid stratification, resulting in uneven refrigerant heat exchange. Therefore, limiting the width L2 of the second refrigerant channel 22 along the first direction to between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm ensures both the refrigerant flow velocity and more uniform heat exchange.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, refrigerant flows into the first refrigerant channel 21 through the injection pipe 40. The refrigerant flows along the extension direction of the first refrigerant channel 21. The end of the first refrigerant channel 21 is connected to the side of the second refrigerant channel 22, so that the refrigerant flows into the second refrigerant channel 22. The side of the second refrigerant channel 22 is connected to another first refrigerant channel 21. The two first refrigerant channels 21 are separated by the first bend 24. The first refrigerant channel 21 and the second refrigerant channel 22 form a reciprocating bend refrigerant channel. The refrigerant channel is laid along the inner wall 20 near the side wall of the shell 10 to increase the flow time of the refrigerant, so that the refrigerant can fully perform heat exchange. The refrigerant that has completed heat exchange flows to the recovery device through the discharge pipe 50.

[0051] Furthermore, the first refrigerant channel 21 is formed by bending the inner wall 20, eliminating the need for additional connections such as welding. This simplifies the assembly process of the slush machine and ensures the sealing of the first refrigerant channel 21. The inner wall 20 is formed by stamping to create a protrusion, which has a gap with the end cap 30, thus forming the second refrigerant channel 22. This significantly reduces the processing difficulty of the slush machine.

[0052] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A slush machine, characterized in that, include: case; The inner wall is coaxially arranged with the shell and is interference-fitted with the shell. The inner wall is integrally bent to form a reciprocating bending first refrigerant channel with the shell. The first refrigerant channel is laid between the inner wall and the shell in a first direction. An end cap is disposed at the end of the inner wall along a first direction. A second refrigerant flow channel along a second direction is formed between the end cap, the housing, and the inner wall. The first refrigerant flow channel and the second refrigerant flow channel are interconnected.

2. The slush machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the first refrigerant channel is connected to the side of the second refrigerant channel.

3. The slush machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall surrounds and defines a receiving cavity, and the inner wall further includes a first bend that bends outward from the receiving cavity toward the housing.

4. The slush machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall further includes a second bend, and the first bend and the second bend are arranged alternately. The housing has an inner sidewall, and the space between the first bend, the second bend, and the inner sidewall forms the first refrigerant channel.

5. The slush machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, There is a gap between the first end of the second bend in the first direction and the end cap, and the first end, the inner sidewall and the inner side of the end cap form the second refrigerant flow channel.

6. The slush machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, There is an angle α between the extension direction of the first end of the second bend and the first direction, and the value of the angle α is 90°≤α≤150°.

7. The slush machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The slush machine further includes an injection pipe and a discharge pipe. The injection pipe is connected to the first refrigerant channel so that refrigerant is injected into the first refrigerant channel through the injection pipe. The discharge pipe is connected to the first refrigerant channel so that refrigerant is discharged from the first refrigerant channel through the discharge pipe.

8. The slush machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The injection tube and the discharge tube are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first bend is provided between the injection tube and the discharge tube to isolate the injection tube from the discharge tube.

9. The slush machine as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The width L1 of the first refrigerant flow channel along the second direction is within the range of 10mm≤L1≤12mm.

10. The slush machine as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The width L2 of the second refrigerant channel along the first direction is within the range of: 0.1mm≤L2≤0.35mm.

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