An extrusion-type ice maker with balanced liquid level

Abstract

This application discloses an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, comprising: a main water tank; a water pump; and an evaporator. A first pipeline connects the evaporator and the main water tank, allowing the main water tank to inject water into the evaporator via the first pipeline. The water pump is located on the first pipeline and drives the water flow within it. A second pipeline connects the auxiliary water tank and the evaporator, allowing the auxiliary water tank to balance the liquid level within the evaporator via the second pipeline. A third pipeline connects the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank, allowing the auxiliary water tank to return water to the main water tank via the third pipeline. The main water tank directly injects water into the evaporator via the first pipeline to balance the water volume within the evaporator, ensuring sufficient water in the evaporator and improving ice-making efficiency. The auxiliary water tank returns water to the main water tank via the third pipeline, preventing water waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice maker technology, and more specifically, to an extrusion-type ice maker that balances the liquid level. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, ice makers are equipped with a main water tank, a secondary water tank, and an evaporator. The main water tank fills the secondary water tank with water, and then the secondary water tank replenishes the evaporator with water to complete the ice-making process.

[0003] However, existing ice makers have the following drawbacks: the auxiliary water tank needs to accumulate to a certain water level before supplying water to the evaporator, which causes the evaporator to be in a water shortage waiting state in the early stage of ice making, resulting in a longer ice making cycle and a significant reduction in ice making efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide an extrusion-type ice maker with a balanced liquid level to solve the problem of low ice-making efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, the ice maker comprising: a main water tank; a water pump; an evaporator, wherein a first pipeline is provided between the evaporator and the main water tank, the main water tank being adapted to inject water into the evaporator through the first pipeline, the water pump being located in the first pipeline and driving the water flow within the first pipeline; an auxiliary water tank, wherein a second pipeline is provided between the auxiliary water tank and the evaporator, the auxiliary water tank being adapted to balance the liquid level height within the evaporator through the second pipeline, and a third pipeline is provided between the auxiliary water tank and the main water tank, the auxiliary water tank being adapted to return water to the main water tank through the third pipeline.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the auxiliary water tank extends horizontally outward along the upper end of the second pipeline to form a water-holding section. The evaporator has a first liquid level height, which is the lowest liquid level height when the evaporator is operating normally. The height of the water-holding section is lower than the first liquid level height.

[0007] As another preferred embodiment, the auxiliary water tank is provided with a first water level switch, the first water level switch having a first height, the first height being the lowest water level height of the first water level switch, the first height being higher than the first liquid level height; the highest point of the first water level switch is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank, and the highest point of the first water level switch is higher than the first liquid level height.

[0008] Further preferably, the top surface of the auxiliary water tank is higher than the height of the first liquid level.

[0009] Further preferably, the evaporator has a second liquid level, which is the highest liquid level during normal operation of the evaporator, and the second liquid level is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank.

[0010] Further preferably, the first water level switch has a second height, which is higher than the second liquid level height.

[0011] Further preferably, the upper part of the auxiliary water tank is provided with an overflow trough, which is adapted to overflow water into the main water tank, and the second liquid level is lower than the overflow point of the overflow trough, while the overflow point is higher than the second level.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the second pipeline and the third pipeline are connected in the form of a tee, and a control valve is provided on the third pipeline, the control valve being adapted to open or close the third pipeline.

[0013] Further preferably, the second pipeline includes a drain pipe and a branch pipe, one end of the drain pipe is connected to the evaporator, the other end of the drain pipe is connected to the lower end of the branch pipe, the upper end of the branch pipe is connected to the auxiliary water tank, and the diameter of the drain pipe is larger than the diameter of the branch pipe.

[0014] Further preferably, the upper end of the third pipe is connected to the second pipe, and the lower end of the third pipe is connected to the main water tank.

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

[0016] (1) The main water tank supplies water directly to the evaporator through the first pipeline to balance the water volume in the evaporator and ensure that there is always enough water in the evaporator during the ice-making stage, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency and ice-making quality of the ice maker.

[0017] (2) The auxiliary water tank is connected to the evaporator through a second pipeline, which can further balance the liquid level in the evaporator in real time. Regardless of whether the water supply pressure of the main water tank fluctuates, the water volume in the evaporator can be maintained within a certain range, avoiding problems such as ice sticking and irregular shape due to excessively high liquid level, or insufficient ice production and thin ice due to excessively low liquid level, thus ensuring that the size and thickness of each batch of ice are uniform. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram from the front view of an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top-view structural diagram of an extrusion-type ice maker with a balanced liquid level, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a third-view structural schematic diagram of an extrusion-type ice maker for balancing liquid levels, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Ice maker; 10. Main water tank; 20. Evaporator; 30. Auxiliary water tank; 31. Water holding section; 32. First water level switch; 33. Overflow tank; 41. First pipeline; 411. Water pump; 42. Second pipeline; 421. Drain pipe; 422. Diversion pipe; 43. Third pipeline; 431. Control valve. 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] This application provides an ice maker 1, which is as follows: Figures 1-5As shown. The ice maker 1 includes a main water tank 10, a water pump 411, an evaporator 20, and an auxiliary water tank 30. The main water tank 10 and the evaporator 20 are connected through a first pipe 41 so that the main water tank 10 injects water into the evaporator 20 through the first pipe 41. The water pump 411 is installed on the first pipe 41 to drive the water in the main water tank 10 to flow into the evaporator 20 against gravity.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main water tank 10 and the evaporator 20 are connected through the first pipe 41. The main water tank 10 is connected to an external water source, allowing it to be replenished with water from the external source. After entering the main water tank 10, the water flows into the evaporator 20 through the first pipe 41, enabling the evaporator 20 to make ice. The water pump 411 can actively pressurize and deliver the water from the main water tank 10 to the evaporator 20 using mechanical power, without being limited by the installation position or liquid level difference. This ensures a stable water supply to the evaporator 20 under any operating condition, avoiding water replenishment interruptions due to insufficient gravity. The water flow driven by the water pump 411 has a certain pressure and speed, which can flush the inner wall of the first pipe 41, reducing the residence time of water in the first pipe 41 and lowering the probability of scale deposition and bacterial growth.

[0030] Compared to existing ice makers, where the main water tank is connected to the auxiliary water tank, which in turn is connected to the evaporator, the water in the evaporator is supplied by the auxiliary water tank. This means the auxiliary water tank must reach a certain level before water is added to the evaporator, leaving the evaporator in a waiting state. This significantly reduces the efficiency of the ice maker. Therefore, this application directly connects the main water tank 10 to the evaporator 20 for water replenishment, avoiding the evaporator 20 from stopping and waiting, thereby shortening the ice-making time of the ice maker 1.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the auxiliary water tank 30 and the evaporator 20 are connected by a second pipe 42. This means that the auxiliary water tank 30 and the evaporator 20 form a communicating vessel via the second pipe 42. When the water level in the evaporator 20 changes due to ice making, the auxiliary water tank 30 adjusts the liquid level between them via the second pipe 42: if the liquid level in the evaporator 20 is higher than that in the auxiliary water tank 30, the excess water in the evaporator 20 flows to the auxiliary water tank 30 through the second pipe 42 until the two liquid levels are equal; if the liquid level in the evaporator 20 is lower than that in the auxiliary water tank 30, the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 flows into the evaporator 20 through the second pipe 42 to replenish the two liquid levels, thus leveling the liquid level in the evaporator 20.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, a third pipe 43 is installed between the auxiliary water tank 30 and the main water tank 10. During the ice-making process, not all the water in the evaporator 20 freezes. The auxiliary water tank 30 returns water to the main water tank 10 through the third pipe 43, which can recover the unfrozen water in the evaporator 20 to the main water tank 10, and then pump it back into the evaporator 20 through the first pipe 41 for recycling. This avoids the direct discharge of unfrozen water and significantly improves the utilization rate of water resources.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the main water tank 10 injects water into the evaporator 20, the amount of water injected is slightly greater than the amount of water required for the evaporator 20 to operate normally. At this time, the amount of water inside the evaporator 20 is relatively large. If ice is made at this time, it will cause the ice blocks to stick together. Therefore, in order to avoid the ice blocks sticking together, the evaporator 20 discharges the excess water into the auxiliary water tank 30 through the second pipe 42 for storage, thereby adjusting the amount of water in the evaporator 20 to solve the problem of ice block sticking.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 extends outward along the upper end of the second pipe 42 to form a water-holding section 31, the evaporator 20 has a first liquid level height h1, the first liquid level height h1 is the lowest liquid level height when the evaporator 20 is operating normally, and the height of the water-holding section 31 is lower than the first liquid level height h1.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 forms a water-holding section 31, and the height of the water-holding section 31 is lower than the first liquid level height h1. This means that even if the liquid level in the evaporator 20 drops to its minimum height, a certain amount of water will still remain in the water-holding section 31 of the auxiliary water tank 30. This water will be connected to the water in the evaporator 20 through the second pipe 42, preventing the auxiliary water tank 30 from running dry. If the height of the water-holding section 31 is equal to or higher than the first liquid level height h1, when the liquid level in the evaporator 20 drops to its minimum, there will be no water in the auxiliary water tank 30, causing the communication device to fail and preventing further water replenishment to the evaporator 20. Therefore, the lower height of the water-holding section 31 ensures that the auxiliary water tank 30 always contains water, maintaining liquid communication with the evaporator 20 to stabilize the liquid level balance.

[0036] In some embodiments, the auxiliary water tank 30 is provided with a first water level switch 32, the first water level switch 32 has a first height ha, the first height ha is the lowest water level height of the first water level switch 32, and the first height ha is higher than the first liquid level height h1.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary water tank 30 is equipped with a first water level switch 32, such as... Figure 3As shown, the first height ha is higher than the first liquid level height h1. If the first height ha is lower than the first liquid level height h1, when the water level in the auxiliary water tank 30 drops to the first height ha, its water level is lower than or equal to the first liquid level height h1 of the evaporator 20. At this time, the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 cannot be replenished to the evaporator 20 through the second pipe 42, which may easily cause the ice maker 1 to malfunction and stop. Therefore, the first height ha must be higher than the first liquid level height h1 to ensure that when the auxiliary water tank 30 is triggered to replenish water, there is still water above the first liquid level height h1 that can be replenished to the evaporator 20 to maintain the function of balancing the liquid level.

[0038] In some embodiments, the highest point of the first water level switch 32 is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30, and the highest point of the first water level switch 32 is higher than the first liquid level height h1. When the liquid level in the evaporator 20 is lower than the first liquid level height h1, water can be replenished in time. It can be understood that the position of the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 represents its maximum water storage capacity. If the highest point of the first water level switch 32 is higher than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30, it will cause the auxiliary water tank 30 to overflow. However, if the highest point is lower than the top surface, it can ensure that the first water level switch 32 always operates when the auxiliary water tank 30 is not full, thus preventing overflow.

[0039] In some embodiments, the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 is higher than the first liquid level height h1, so that the auxiliary water tank 30 has sufficient water storage space. If the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 is lower than the first liquid level height h1, when the water level of the evaporator 20 is higher than the first liquid level height h1, water will be drained into the auxiliary water tank 30 through the second pipe 42. As the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 is too low and the water storage space is insufficient, water overflows from the auxiliary water tank 30.

[0040] In some embodiments, the evaporator 20 has a second liquid level height h2, which is the highest liquid level height when the evaporator 20 is operating normally, and the second liquid level height h2 is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second liquid level height h2 is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30. When the evaporator 20 reaches the second liquid level height h2, the corresponding water level of the auxiliary water tank 30 is the same as the second liquid level height h2. At this time, the auxiliary water tank 30 still has remaining space for water storage, thereby avoiding the risk of overflow and ensuring the sealing of the liquid circuit system and the safety of the equipment.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the first water level switch 32 has a second height hb, which is higher than the second liquid level height h2. If the second height hb is lower than the second liquid level height h2, the evaporator 20 and the auxiliary water tank 30 are connected through the second pipe 42. Then, water in the evaporator 20 flows into the auxiliary water tank 30. At this time, the second height hb is lower than the second liquid level height h2, which will cause the first water level switch 32 to trigger a high water level alarm during normal operation. The top surface of the auxiliary water tank 30 is relatively high, so even if the water level reaches the second height hb, there is still water storage space in the auxiliary water tank 30.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, an overflow trough 33 is provided at the top of the auxiliary water tank 30. The overflow trough 33 is suitable for overflowing water into the main water tank 10. The second liquid level height h2 is lower than the overflow point hc of the overflow trough 33. It can be understood that the overflow point hc is the critical height of the overflow trough 33, which is the upper limit of the safe water level allowed by the auxiliary water tank 30. If this height is exceeded, overflow is triggered to prevent water from directly overflowing outside the auxiliary water tank 30. During normal operation, when the water level of the evaporator 20 and the auxiliary water tank 30 rises to the second liquid level height h2, the overflow trough 33 will not be activated because the second liquid level height h2 is lower than the overflow point hc of the overflow trough 33, and water will not overflow into the main water tank 10. This ensures a stable water volume in the system, eliminating the need for frequent water replenishment and preventing the evaporator 20 from becoming less efficient or dry-burning due to water loss. When the system malfunctions, the water levels of both will exceed the second liquid level height h2 and continue to rise. When the water level reaches the overflow point hc, the overflow tank 33 is activated to discharge excess water back to the main water tank 10. This not only prevents water from overflowing the auxiliary water tank 30 and causing external leakage, but also allows water to be recycled back into the main water tank 10 through the third pipe 43, thus avoiding waste.

[0044] In some embodiments, the overflow point hc is lower than the second height hb. The second height hb is the active alarm threshold of the first water level switch 32. When the water level exceeds the second height hb, a high water level alarm is triggered. Therefore, when the water level is abnormal, the water level should first reach the overflow point hc, and the overflow tank 33 will start to return the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 to the main water tank 10. If the overflow tank 33 malfunctions and cannot overflow, the water level will continue to rise, triggering the alarm of the first water level switch 32.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second pipe 42 and the third pipe 43 are connected in the form of a tee, and a control valve 431 is provided on the third pipe 43, which is adapted to open or close the third pipe 43.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, connecting the second pipe 42 and the third pipe 43 in a T-junction reduces redundant pipe laying, eliminating the need for two separate pipes to be drawn from the auxiliary water tank 30. This simplifies the structure, saves installation space, and avoids interference between pipes, especially when internal space is limited. Furthermore, the T-junction connection concentrates the water flow path, facilitating later maintenance and improving the overall compactness of the equipment.

[0047] In some embodiments, during the ice-making stage of the ice maker 1, the control valve 431 is closed, blocking the return water path from the auxiliary water tank 30 to the main water tank 10. At this time, the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 can only flow to the evaporator 20 through the second pipe 42, thereby balancing the liquid level and ensuring that the evaporator 20 has sufficient water to participate in ice making, avoiding the drop in liquid level caused by return water, and ensuring the stability of the ice-making process; when the ice maker 1 is not making ice, the control valve 431 is opened, and the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 can flow back to the main water tank 10 through the third pipe 43, reducing the water residue in the auxiliary water tank 30, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, and reserving water storage space for the next round of ice making, avoiding excessive water in the auxiliary water tank 30 affecting subsequent water replenishment.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second pipeline 42 includes a drain pipe 421 and a branch pipe 422. One end of the drain pipe 421 is connected to the evaporator 20, and the other end of the drain pipe 421 is connected to the lower end of the branch pipe 422. The upper end of the branch pipe 422 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 30. The diameter of the drain pipe 421 is larger than that of the branch pipe 422. It can be understood that: the larger diameter of the drain pipe 421 results in lower pressure when water flows in the drain pipe 421, ensuring that excessive resistance is not generated when draining large flow. The smaller diameter of the branch pipe 422 makes the water flow speed more stable, which can meet the functional requirements of each pipe and reduce unnecessary material consumption and energy waste.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the upper end of the third pipe 43 is connected to the second pipe 42, and the lower end of the third pipe 43 is connected to the main water tank 10. This avoids directly connecting the third pipe 43 from the bottom of the auxiliary water tank 30, reducing the complexity of the ice maker 1's piping. It utilizes the existing path of the second pipe 42 to achieve diversion, reducing pipe redundancy, and at the same time allows the water in the auxiliary water tank 30 to quickly flow back to the main water tank 10 for reuse, reducing water waste.

[0050] 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. An ice maker of the level equalizing extrusion type, characterized by, The ice maker includes: Main water tank; Water pump; An evaporator is provided, and a first pipeline is provided between the evaporator and the main water tank. The main water tank is adapted to inject water into the evaporator through the first pipeline. A water pump is provided in the first pipeline and drives the water flow in the first pipeline. A secondary water tank is provided, and a second pipeline is provided between the secondary water tank and the evaporator. The secondary water tank is adapted to balance the liquid level in the evaporator through the second pipeline. A third pipeline is provided between the secondary water tank and the main water tank, and the secondary water tank is adapted to return water to the main water tank through the third pipeline.

2. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The bottom surface of the auxiliary water tank extends horizontally outward along the upper end of the second pipeline to form a water-holding section. The evaporator has a first liquid level height, which is the lowest liquid level height when the evaporator is operating normally. The height of the water-holding section is lower than the first liquid level height.

3. The ice maker of claim 2, wherein, The auxiliary water tank is equipped with a first water level switch. The first water level switch has a first height, which is the lowest water level height of the first water level switch and is higher than the first liquid level height. The highest point of the first water level switch is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank and is higher than the first liquid level height.

4. The ice maker of claim 2, wherein, The top surface of the auxiliary water tank is higher than the height of the first liquid level.

5. The ice maker of claim 3, wherein, The evaporator has a second liquid level, which is the highest liquid level during normal operation of the evaporator, and the second liquid level is lower than the top surface of the auxiliary water tank.

6. The ice maker of claim 5, wherein, The first water level switch has a second height, which is higher than the second liquid level.

7. The ice maker of claim 6, wherein, An overflow trough is provided at the upper part of the auxiliary water tank, which is adapted to overflow water into the main water tank, and the second liquid level is lower than the overflow point of the overflow trough.

8. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The second pipeline and the third pipeline are connected in a tee configuration. A control valve is installed on the third pipeline, which is adapted to open or close the third pipeline.

9. The ice maker of claim 8, wherein, The second pipeline includes a drain pipe and a branch pipe. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the evaporator, and the other end of the drain pipe is connected to the lower end of the branch pipe. The upper end of the branch pipe is connected to the auxiliary water tank, and the diameter of the drain pipe is larger than the diameter of the branch pipe.

10. The ice maker of claim 8, wherein, The upper end of the third pipe is connected to the second pipe, and the lower end of the third pipe is connected to the main water tank.

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