A commercial split-type ice machine that can be portable and transported by fitting the machine head into an ice bucket.
By incorporating an L-shaped partition and a water tank expansion section inside the commercial ice maker, the problem of the machine head being unable to accommodate the ice storage bucket has been solved, achieving both portable transportation and efficient ice making.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing commercial ice makers have excessively large machine heads that cannot be placed entirely into the ice storage tank, requiring separate packaging during transportation and increasing shipping costs.
By setting an L-shaped partition inside the machine head, its space is divided into a front half and a rear half. The rear half accommodates the water supply system, refrigeration system and heat dissipation components, and a water tank expansion section is set directly below the ice-making module to accommodate the circulation pump and liquid level sensor. This reduces the width of the machine head, allowing it to be placed entirely into the ice bucket.
It enables portable transportation of the machine head, reduces transportation and packaging costs, and improves ice-making efficiency by preventing heat transfer through the heat insulation structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN224517088U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a split-type commercial ice maker, and more particularly to a commercial split-type ice maker in which the machine head can be installed into an ice bucket for easy portability and transportation. Background Technology
[0002] An ice maker is a highly efficient ice-making device commonly used in the frozen beverage industry. Existing ice makers generally consist of a water supply system, a heat dissipation component, an ice-making module, and a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system cools the ice-making module, the water supply system provides water to the ice-making module, the heat dissipation component cools the compressor of the refrigeration system, and the ice produced by the ice-making module is collected in an ice bucket. Current commercial ice makers are generally of a split structure, including the machine head and the ice storage tank. The water supply system, heat dissipation component, ice-making module, and refrigeration system are all integrated into the machine head, and the ice bucket is located inside the ice storage tank. In operation, the machine head is fixed above the ice storage tank, and the ice produced by the machine head falls directly into the ice bucket. This split-type commercial ice maker requires separate packaging of the machine head and ice storage tank during logistics and transportation, which significantly increases transportation costs.
[0003] However, if the entire maker unit could be placed inside the ice storage tank before packaging and shipping, transportation costs could be significantly reduced. However, within the 300-500 LBs ice-making capacity range, the industry standard for commercial ice makers is approximately 560mm wide at the ice storage tank. Therefore, the maximum maximum width of the ice bucket inside the storage tank is approximately 520mm, while the depth and front-to-back width can be adjusted. The maker unit's width is similar to that of the storage tank, with a minimum front-to-back width of approximately 540±5mm. Since the maker unit cannot be inverted during transport, existing units cannot be placed inside the storage tank. The most direct reason for the inability to further reduce the front-to-back width of existing maker units is their unreasonable internal water tank design, which occupies a large space, making the internal structure of the maker unit less compact and preventing further reduction in overall external dimensions. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides a commercial split-type ice machine that allows the machine head to be installed into an ice bucket for easy portability and transportation; it solves the problem in the prior art where the machine head cannot be placed into the ice storage bucket due to size issues, thus requiring separate packaging during transportation.
[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems of this utility model are mainly solved by the following technical solution: a commercial split ice machine that can be portable and transported by inserting the machine head into an ice bucket, comprising: a machine head, which is composed of a machine shell, a water supply system, a heat dissipation component, an ice making module and a refrigeration system; and an ice storage bucket, which is composed of a cabinet and an ice bucket, wherein the upper front end of the cabinet is also provided with a flip cover.
[0006] The casing is a bottomless box structure with an L-shaped partition inside, dividing the interior into a front and rear section. The L-shaped partition is a heat-insulating structure. The ice-making module is located in the front section, while the main bodies of the water supply system, the refrigeration system, and the heat dissipation components are located in the rear section. A water tank is located directly below the ice-making module, and the water tank has a partially expanded section that extends rearward into the rear section. The expanded section houses a circulation pump and a liquid level sensor, and the circulation pump is connected to the water supply system.
[0007] The front area of the upper surface of the cabinet can be detachably equipped with a cover plate. The machine head can be fixedly placed on the cabinet and cover the rear area of the cover plate. At the same time, after the machine head is rotated 90° along the vertical axis, it can be placed into the ice bucket as a whole.
[0008] This invention uses an L-shaped partition to divide the internal space of the machine head into a front and rear section. The ice-making module in the front section is used for ice making, while the rear section is used to install the water supply system, refrigeration system, and heat dissipation components. Due to the large temperature difference between the front and rear sections, the L-shaped partition is designed to be heat-insulating to prevent a large amount of heat from being transferred to the front section. Furthermore, this invention places the water tank directly below the ice-making module, with its left and right sides flush against the inner wall of the casing. To improve ice-making efficiency, the ice-making module is made as large as possible. Therefore, there is no space in the water tank directly below the ice-making module to accommodate the circulation pump and level sensor. This invention uses a water tank expansion section to accommodate the circulation pump and level sensor. Through proper arrangement, space can be freed up in the rear section to accommodate the water tank expansion section. The water tank expansion section extends rearward into the rear section, significantly improving the compactness of the internal structure of the machine head and greatly reducing its front-to-back width to approximately 450mm, allowing the entire machine head to be housed within the ice bucket.
[0009] Furthermore, the ice bucket is detachably equipped with a baffle, the upper edge of which abuts against the rear edge of the cover. As ice accumulates in the ice bucket, it gradually rises above the lid. To prevent ice from overflowing from the lid, this invention includes a baffle, which serves to prevent ice from spilling and to increase the ice storage capacity.
[0010] Therefore, this utility model has the following characteristics compared with the prior art: 1. This utility model achieves a compact internal structure of the machine head by setting a water tank expansion part that intrudes backward into the rear half of the area, thereby greatly reducing the front and rear width of the machine head, so that the entire machine head can be accommodated in the ice bucket, reducing transportation and packaging costs; 2. The L-shaped partition can be used to isolate the heat generated by the electrical appliances in the rear half of the area, preventing a large amount of heat from being transferred to the ice-making module in the front half of the area. Attached Figure Description
[0011] AppendixFigure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model during operation;
[0012] Appendix Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the machine head of this utility model when it is housed inside the ice storage tank;
[0013] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the machine head structure;
[0014] Appendix Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of an L-shaped partition plate;
[0015] Appendix Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the L-shaped partition, ice-making module, and water tank;
[0016] Appendix Figure 6 This is a disassembled diagram of the L-shaped partition and the water tank;
[0017] Appendix Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the sink;
[0018] Appendix Figure 8 This is a disassembled diagram of the baffle plate on the ice storage tank. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0021] Example 1: See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A commercial split-type ice machine that can be portable and transported by fitting the machine head into an ice bucket includes: a machine head 100, which consists of a housing 110, a water supply system, a heat dissipation component, an ice-making module 130, and a refrigeration system 140; and an ice storage bucket 200, which consists of a cabinet 210 and an ice bucket 220, with a flip-top 230 on the upper front side of the cabinet.
[0022] The casing is a bottomless box structure. Inside, there is an L-shaped partition 150 that divides the interior of the casing into a front half 160 and a rear half 170. The L-shaped partition is a heat-insulating structure. The ice-making module is located in the front half, while the main body of the water supply system, refrigeration system and heat dissipation components are located in the rear half. A water tank 180 is located directly below the ice-making module. The water tank has a water tank expansion section 181 that partially extends into the rear half. The water tank expansion section contains a circulation pump 10 and a liquid level sensor 20. The circulation pump is connected to the water supply system.
[0023] The front area of the upper surface of the cabinet is equipped with a detachable cover plate 240. The machine head can be fixedly placed on the cabinet and cover the rear area of the cover plate. At the same time, after the machine head is rotated 90° along the vertical axis, it can be placed into the ice bucket as a whole.
[0024] This embodiment uses an L-shaped partition to divide the internal space of the machine head into a front and rear section. The ice-making module in the front section is used for ice making, while the rear section is used to install the water supply system, refrigeration system, and heat dissipation components. Due to the large temperature difference between the front and rear sections, the L-shaped partition is designed as a heat-insulating structure to prevent a large amount of heat from being transferred to the front section. Furthermore, this embodiment places the water tank directly below the ice-making module, with its left and right sides flush against the inner wall of the machine casing. To improve ice-making efficiency, the ice-making module is made as large as possible. Therefore, there is no space in the water tank directly below the ice-making module to accommodate the circulation pump and level sensor. This embodiment uses a water tank expansion section to accommodate the circulation pump and level sensor. Through proper arrangement, space can be freed up in the rear section to accommodate the water tank expansion section. Therefore, the water tank expansion section extends rearward into the rear section, significantly improving the compactness of the internal structure of the machine head and greatly reducing its front-to-back width to approximately 450mm. This allows the entire machine head to be housed within the ice bucket.
[0025] See Figure 8 The ice bucket is equipped with a detachable baffle 250, the upper edge of which abuts against the rear edge of the lid. A slot 221 is located on the upper left and right sides of the ice bucket, and insertion parts 251 on both sides of the baffle can be inserted into the slots. The baffle can be installed or removed by inserting and removing it. As ice accumulates in the ice bucket, it gradually rises above the lid. To prevent ice from overflowing from the lid, this embodiment includes a baffle, which serves to prevent ice overflow and increase the ice storage capacity.
[0026] See Figure 3 The lower end of the inner wall of the front panel of the housing 110 is provided with a ramp. When the machine head 100 is installed and fixed on the ice storage tank 200, the lower end of the ramp is exactly connected to the baffle 250. Condensation is prone to occur on the front panel of the housing. The ramp can guide the condensation to the baffle to prevent condensation from overflowing.
[0027] See Figure 5 and Figure 7 The upper cover of the water tank expansion section is provided with a top cover 182, and the circulation pump and liquid level sensor are fixedly installed on the top cover.
[0028] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 The water tank is provided with mounting plates 183 on both the left and right sides. The mounting plates are fixed to the housing with screws. The L-shaped partition plate is provided with a support piece 184 that fits into the bottom of the water tank expansion section.
[0029] See Figure 4 The L-shaped partition is composed of a first sheet metal part 151, a second sheet metal part 152, a third sheet metal part 153 and a foaming agent. An L-shaped hollow interlayer 154 is formed between the first sheet metal part, the second sheet metal part and the third sheet metal part, and the foaming agent is filled in the hollow interlayer. At the same time, a receiving groove is formed at the corner of the L-shaped partition to accommodate the expansion part 181 of the water tank.
[0030] See Figure 2 The specific packaging method is as follows: First, remove the baffle and cover plate, then place the machine head in the center of the base of the packaging box, then pack the removed parts and accessories together and place them on top of the machine head, then invert the ice storage bucket, then turn it to a suitable angle and invert it on the outside of the machine head, and then pack the entire outer packaging.
[0031] This invention can be modified in many ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such modifications are not considered to depart from the scope of this invention. All such modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art are included within the scope of these claims.
Claims
1. A commercial split-type ice-making machine that allows the machine head to be installed into an ice bucket for easy portability and transportation, comprising: The machine head consists of a casing, a water supply system, a heat dissipation component, an ice-making module, and a refrigeration system; the ice storage tank consists of a cabinet and an ice tank, and the upper front end of the cabinet is also provided with a flip-top; its characteristic is: The casing is a bottomless box structure with an L-shaped partition inside, dividing the interior into a front and rear section. The L-shaped partition is a heat-insulating structure. The ice-making module is located in the front section, while the main bodies of the water supply system, the refrigeration system, and the heat dissipation components are located in the rear section. A water tank is located directly below the ice-making module, and the water tank has a partially expanded section that extends rearward into the rear section. The expanded section houses a circulation pump and a liquid level sensor, and the circulation pump is connected to the water supply system. The front area of the upper surface of the cabinet can be detachably equipped with a cover plate. The machine head can be fixedly placed on the cabinet and cover the rear area of the cover plate. At the same time, after the machine head is rotated 90° along the vertical axis, it can be placed into the ice bucket as a whole.
2. The self-contained commercial undercounter ice machine that allows the head to be stowed in the ice bin for portable transport of claim 1, wherein: The ice bucket is equipped with a detachable baffle, the upper edge of which abuts against the rear edge of the cover.
3. The self-contained commercial ice maker that allows the head to be stowed in the ice bin for portable transport of claim 2, wherein: The ice bucket has a slot on the upper left and right sides, and the baffle has a plug-in part on the left and right sides that can be plugged into the slot.
4. The self-contained commercial undercounter ice machine that allows the head to be stowed in the ice bin for portable transport of claim 1, wherein: The upper cover of the water tank expansion section is provided with a top cover, and the circulation pump and liquid level sensor are both fixedly installed on the top cover.
5. The self-contained commercial under-counter ice maker that allows the head to be stowed in an ice bin for portable transport of claim 1, wherein: The water tank is provided with mounting plates on both the left and right sides. The mounting plates are fixed to the housing with screws. The L-shaped partition plate is provided with a support piece that fits into the bottom of the water tank expansion section.
6. The self-contained commercial under-counter ice maker that allows the head to be stowed in an ice bin for portable transport of claim 1, wherein: The L-shaped partition is composed of a first sheet metal part, a second sheet metal part, a third sheet metal part, and a foaming agent. An L-shaped hollow interlayer is formed between the first sheet metal part and the second sheet metal part, and the foaming agent is filled in the hollow interlayer.