Ice basket and ice maker

Abstract

The application discloses an ice basket and an ice maker, comprising an ice basket body and a filter. The ice basket body has a cavity, a top opening and a bottom water leakage hole, and the bottom water leakage hole and the top opening are both communicated with the cavity. The filter is detachably installed on the ice basket body, and in the state that the filter is installed on the ice basket body, the filter is located in the cavity and covers the bottom water leakage hole. The ice basket provided by the application is provided with the filter, when water is added to the ice maker, the ice basket will first filter the water before entering the heat preservation box body, the filter can intercept impurities, avoid foreign matters from mixing into ice blocks, eliminate peculiar smell, ensure that the ice blocks are colorless and odorless, avoid beverage flavor mixing to affect flavor, reduce scale accumulation, significantly reduce scale deposition of core components such as a water pump and a pipeline, avoid efficiency reduction or failure caused by scale formation. Thus, tap water which is convenient to obtain can be directly used for ice making, which is convenient and time-saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice maker technology, specifically to an ice basket and an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Existing small ice makers include an insulated housing, an insulated top cover, an insulated door, an ice storage basket inside the insulated housing, a tilting water box, a drive water pump, a circulating water supply system, and ice-making pipes. To make ice, the insulated top cover is opened, and a certain amount of water is poured into the ice storage basket. The water passes through the holes in the ice storage basket into the inner liner of the insulated housing. The drive water pump is then turned on, transporting the water from the inner liner of the insulated housing to the tilting water box. Under the action of the ice-making pipes, the water in the water box is turned into ice cubes. Then, the tilting water box is rotated, and the ice cubes are pushed into the ice storage basket by the ice-pushing plate at the front of the water box.

[0003] Existing ice makers can only use purified water to make ice. Small ice makers are generally for home use, and it is relatively difficult to obtain purified water at home. However, tap water often contains some harmful substances and its hardness is usually high. Since the tap water used by the aforementioned ice makers has not undergone any treatment, the ice cubes produced are not transparent enough and the hygiene quality of the ice cubes cannot be guaranteed. Existing ice makers cannot directly use the most readily available tap water to make ice.

[0004] In view of the above, this utility model is hereby proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an ice basket and an ice maker.

[0006] This application provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ice basket, comprising: An ice basket body, the ice basket body having a cavity, a top opening and a bottom drain hole, the bottom drain hole and the top opening being connected to the cavity; A filter, which is detachably mounted to the ice basket body; With the filter installed in the body of the ice basket, the filter is located inside the cavity and covers the bottom drain hole.

[0007] Optionally, the ice basket body includes a top shell and a bottom shell; The top shell has the top opening, and the bottom shell is located on the side of the top shell opposite to the top opening and is connected to the top shell. The top shell and the bottom shell are in communication. A bottom drainage hole is provided on the bottom shell; The filter is installed on the bottom housing and covers the cross-section of the bottom housing.

[0008] Optionally, the top shell has a bottom wall and peripheral sidewalls connecting the bottom wall; The bottom wall has an opening; The bottom shell is connected to the bottom wall, and the bottom shell has a bottom cavity that communicates with the opening; The filter is installed within the bottom cavity. Optionally, The cross-sectional shape of the bottom cavity of the bottom shell matches the outer contour of the filter; The filter can be inserted into the bottom cavity, and the peripheral side of the filter is attached to the inner wall of the bottom cavity.

[0009] Optionally, a flexible layer is provided on one of the inner wall of the bottom shell and the peripheral outer wall of the filter; With the filter able to be inserted into the bottom cavity, the flexible layer is compressed and disposed between the inner wall of the bottom cavity and the outer wall of the filter.

[0010] Optionally, the filter has a housing and filter media. The outer shell has a cavity and a through hole connecting the cavity; The filter material is housed within the cavity.

[0011] Optionally, the filter includes a bottom shell and a top cover; The upper cover and the bottom shell are fastened together; A mating ring is provided along the periphery of the upper cover; With the filter inserted into the bottom cavity, the mating ring and the inner wall of the bottom shell are in contact.

[0012] Optionally, the upper cover has an upper cover body, a convex shell portion and an arc-shaped pressure plate, and the mating ring is provided along the edge of the upper cover body; The upper cover body and the bottom shell are fastened together; The convex shell portion is disposed on the upper cover body, and the two opposite sides of the convex shell portion are respectively provided with concave portions.

[0013] Optionally, a handle is provided at the edge of the top opening of the top shell.

[0014] Secondly, this application provides an ice maker, comprising: An ice maker body, wherein the ice maker body has a water inlet tank; As described above, the ice basket is detachably installed inside the water tank.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects: The ice basket provided in this application is equipped with a filter. When water is added to the ice maker, the ice basket filters the water before it enters the insulated chamber. The filter intercepts impurities, effectively removing suspended particles such as sediment, rust, and insect eggs from the water, preventing foreign objects from mixing into the ice. It also eliminates odors by adsorbing residual chlorine and other odor-causing substances, ensuring the ice is colorless and odorless, preventing cross-contamination of beverage flavors. Furthermore, it reduces scale buildup; the filtered water softens, significantly reducing scale deposition in core components such as the water pump and pipes, preventing efficiency reduction or malfunctions caused by scaling. It also maintains ice-making efficiency; the clean water flow ensures unobstructed spray nozzles, guaranteeing continuous and stable ice production and preventing downtime due to blockages. This allows for the direct use of readily available tap water for ice making, which is both convenient and time-saving. Moreover, placing the filter on the removable ice basket facilitates manual cleaning or filter replacement, making operation simple and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This diagram shows a structural schematic of the ice basket provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in a first direction; Figure 2 This diagram shows a structural schematic of the ice basket provided in the second direction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ice basket provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from a third-direction perspective; Figure 4 This diagram shows the structure of the ice basket provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention after the filter has been removed. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of the filter for the ice basket provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This diagram shows the structure of the ice maker provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This diagram shows the internal structure of the ice maker provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: ice basket body 1, top shell 11, bottom wall 111, peripheral side wall 112, bottom shell 12, bottom drain hole 121, bottom cavity 122, filter 2, bottom shell 21, top cover 22, top cover body 221, through hole 2211, convex shell part 222, concave part 2221, arc-shaped pressure plate 223, mating ring 23, handle part 3, ice maker 100. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides an ice basket, including an ice basket body 1 and a filter 2. The ice basket body 1 has a cavity, a top opening, and a bottom drain hole 121, both of which communicate with the cavity. The filter 2 is detachably installed on the ice basket body 1. When the filter 2 is installed on the ice basket body 1, it is located within the cavity and covers the bottom drain hole 121.

[0023] The ice basket provided in this application is equipped with a filter 2. When water is added to the ice maker 100, the ice basket filters the water before it enters the insulated box. Filter 2 can intercept impurities, effectively removing suspended particles such as sediment, rust, and insect eggs from the water, preventing foreign objects from mixing into the ice. It can also eliminate odors, as filter 2 can adsorb residual chlorine and other odor-causing substances, ensuring that the ice is colorless and odorless, preventing the flavor of beverages from being affected. It can also reduce scale buildup, as the filtered water softens the water quality, significantly reducing scale deposition in core components such as water pumps and pipes, preventing efficiency reduction or malfunctions caused by scale buildup. Furthermore, it can maintain ice-making efficiency, as the clean water flow ensures that the spray nozzles are unobstructed, guaranteeing continuous and stable ice production and preventing downtime due to blockage. This allows for the direct use of readily available tap water for ice making, which is both convenient and time-saving. Moreover, placing filter 2 on the removable ice basket makes it easier to manually clean or replace the filter element, making operation simple and efficient.

[0024] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ice basket body 1 includes a top shell 11 and a bottom shell 12. The top shell 11 has a top opening, and the bottom shell 12 is located on the side of the top shell 11 opposite to the top opening and is connected to the top shell 11. The top shell 11 and the bottom shell 12 are in communication. A bottom drain hole 121 is provided on the bottom shell 12, and a filter 2 is installed on the bottom shell 12, covering its cross-section. Water poured into the ice basket through the top opening flows to the bottom of the top shell 11 under the action of gravity. Since there are no other water outlets on the top shell 11, the water enters the bottom shell 12 from the top shell 11 and then flows out through the drain hole for ice making. The filter 2 covers the cross-section of the bottom shell 12, ensuring that all the outflowing water is purified, thus ensuring the purification effect.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the top shell 11 has a bottom wall 111 and a peripheral sidewall 112 connecting the bottom wall 111. The bottom wall 111 has an opening, and the bottom shell 12 is connected to the bottom wall 111. The bottom shell 12 has a bottom cavity 122 communicating with the opening, and the filter 2 is installed in the bottom cavity 122. The peripheral sidewall 112 serves to block water, preventing water poured into the ice basket from flowing into the inner liner of the insulated box from other locations outside the bottom opening, thereby ensuring the water purification effect. The bottom cavity 122 of the bottom shell 12 accommodates the filter 2, which improves the installation stability of the filter 2 and prevents the filter 2 from shifting and affecting the purification effect.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the cross-sectional shape of the bottom cavity 122 of the bottom shell 12 matches the outer contour of the filter 2. The filter 2 can be inserted into the bottom cavity 122, and the peripheral side of the filter 2 is fitted against the inner wall of the bottom cavity 122. The filter 2 is inserted into the bottom cavity 122 with an interference fit, so that there is no gap between the filter 2 and the bottom cavity 122, ensuring that all water entering the inner tank of the insulated box passes through the filter 2, thus ensuring the water purification effect.

[0027] In some possible implementations, a flexible layer is provided on one of the inner wall of the bottom shell 12 and the peripheral outer wall of the filter 2. When the filter 2 can be inserted into the bottom cavity 122, the flexible layer is compressed and disposed between the inner wall of the bottom cavity 122 and the outer wall of the filter 2. The flexible layer forms a sealing sleeve between the filter 2 and the bottom cavity 122, further improving the sealing effect between the filter 2 and the bottom cavity 122.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the filter 2 has a housing and filter media. The housing has a cavity and a through-hole 2211 communicating with the cavity, and the filter media is housed within the cavity. The housing encloses the filter media, making the filter 2 a single unit, facilitating replacement after prolonged use. The through-hole 2211 on the housing allows water to enter the cavity and contact the filter media for purification.

[0029] The filter media can be one or more of the following: PP cotton, activated carbon, ceramic filter cartridges, ultrafiltration membranes, bio-cotton, bio-balls, volcanic rock, coral skeleton, and RO membranes. The filter media should be selected from commercially available and mature water filtration materials.

[0030] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the filter 2 includes a bottom shell 21 and a top cover 22. The top cover 22 and the bottom shell 21 are fastened together. A mating ring 23 is provided on the peripheral edge of the top cover 22. When the filter 2 can be inserted into the bottom cavity 122, the mating ring 23 fits against the inner wall of the bottom shell 12. The mating ring 23 surrounds the top cover 22, with one side connected to the top cover 22 and the other side extending away from the bottom shell 21. The bottom shell 12 is a conical shell with an inner diameter larger on the side near the bottom shell 12 than on the side away from the top opening. The mating ring 23 has a certain degree of elasticity. When installing the filter 2, the filter 2 enters from the larger diameter side of the bottom shell 12 to the smaller diameter side, and the mating ring 23 gradually deforms and is clamped. The clamping force between the mating ring 23 and the bottom shell 12 ensures that the filter 2 is installed securely. This structure also makes installation more convenient.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the upper cover 22 has an upper cover body 221, a convex shell portion 222, and an arc-shaped pressure plate 223. The mating ring 23 is provided along the edge of the upper cover body 221. The upper cover body 221 and the bottom shell 21 are fastened together. The convex shell portion 222 is disposed on the upper cover body 221, and concave portions 2221 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the convex shell portion 222. The convex shell is difficult to grip and is not conducive to disassembling and assembling the filter 2. The concave portions 2221 provided on opposite sides of the convex shell portion 222 can serve as gripping points for the hand, making the disassembly and assembly of the filter 2 easier. Both sides of the concave portion are provided with arc-shaped pressure plates 223. One end of the arc-shaped pressure plate 223 is connected to the bottom of the concave portion, and the other end extends to the top opening side. The arc-shaped pressure plate 223 has a certain elasticity. When disassembling or assembling the filter 2, the hand squeezes the arc-shaped pressure plate 223 from both sides inward. The arc-shaped pressure plate 223 can provide greater gripping force during the gripping process through elastic deformation, thereby increasing the friction between the hand and the filter 2, making it easier to disassemble or assemble the filter 2.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the top shell 11 has a handle 3 located at the edge of the top opening. The handle 3 makes it easy to grip, making the installation and removal of the ice basket easier.

[0033] Example 2: Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an ice maker includes an ice maker 100 body and an ice basket as described in Embodiment 1. The ice maker 100 body has a water inlet, and the ice basket is detachably disposed within the water inlet.

[0034] The ice maker provided in this embodiment uses the ice basket of Embodiment 1, which is equipped with a filter 2. When water is added to the ice maker 100, the ice basket filters the water before it enters the insulated box. The filter 2 can intercept impurities, effectively removing suspended particles such as mud, rust, and insect eggs from the water, preventing foreign objects from mixing into the ice. It can also eliminate odors, as the filter 2 can adsorb residual chlorine and other odor-causing substances, ensuring that the ice is colorless and odorless, preventing the flavor of beverages from being affected. It can also reduce scale buildup, as the filtered water softens the water quality, significantly reducing scale deposition in core components such as water pumps and pipes, preventing efficiency reduction or malfunctions caused by scale buildup. Furthermore, it can maintain ice-making efficiency, as the clean water flow ensures that the spray nozzles are unobstructed, guaranteeing continuous and stable ice production and preventing downtime due to blockage. This allows for the direct use of readily available tap water for ice making, which is both convenient and time-saving. Moreover, placing the filter 2 on the removable ice basket makes it easier to manually clean or replace the filter element, making operation simple and efficient.

[0035] The preferred embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative of this application. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the application to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of this application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize this application. This application is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. An ice basket, characterized in that, include: An ice basket body, the ice basket body having a cavity, a top opening and a bottom drain hole, the bottom drain hole and the top opening being connected to the cavity; A filter, which is detachably mounted to the ice basket body; With the filter installed in the ice basket body, the filter is located inside the cavity and covers the bottom drainage hole; The ice basket body includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The top shell has a top opening. The bottom shell is located on the side of the top shell opposite to the top opening and is connected to the top shell. The top shell and the bottom shell are connected. The bottom shell is provided with a bottom drainage hole. The filter is installed on the bottom shell and covers the cross-section of the bottom shell. A flexible layer is provided on one of the inner wall of the bottom shell and the peripheral outer wall of the filter. When the filter can be inserted into the bottom shell, the flexible layer is compressed and disposed between the inner wall of the bottom cavity and the outer wall of the filter. The filter includes a bottom shell and a top cover, which are fastened together. A mating ring is provided on the peripheral edge of the top cover. When the filter can be inserted into the bottom cavity, the mating ring is in contact with the inner wall of the bottom shell. The upper cover has an upper cover body, a convex shell portion and an arc-shaped pressure plate. The upper cover body is provided with a mating ring along its edge. The upper cover body and the bottom shell are fastened together. The convex shell portion is provided on the upper cover body. Concave portions are provided on opposite sides of the convex shell portion. Arc-shaped pressure plates are provided in both concave portions. One end of the arc-shaped pressure plate is connected to the bottom of the concave portion, and the other end extends towards the top opening. The arc-shaped pressure plate is elastic. A handle is provided on the edge of the top opening of the top shell.

2. The ice basket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top shell has a bottom wall and peripheral sidewalls connecting the bottom wall; The bottom wall has an opening; The bottom shell is connected to the bottom wall, and the bottom shell has a bottom cavity that communicates with the opening; The filter is installed inside the bottom cavity.

3. The ice basket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the bottom cavity of the bottom shell matches the outer contour of the filter; The filter can be inserted into the bottom cavity, and the peripheral side of the filter is attached to the inner wall of the bottom cavity.

4. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice maker body, wherein the ice maker body has a water inlet tank; The ice basket as described in any one of claims 1-3 is detachably disposed within the water injection tank.

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