Quickly dismountable water tank structure and ice maker

Abstract

This utility model discloses a quick-assembly and disassembly water tank structure and an ice maker, relating to the field of refrigeration equipment technology. The water tank structure includes a water tank body and mounting walls. The two side walls of the water tank body are connected to the mounting walls via sliding insertion guides and elastic locking parts. The sliding insertion guides facilitate insertion and removal, while the elastic locking parts lock and position the tank after insertion, and the locking force can be broken by external force to achieve disassembly. The ice maker includes a cabinet, with the water tank structure located on the inner side wall of the cabinet. The inner cavity of the cabinet, located below the water tank body, is the ice collection area, and the upper rear side wall has an ice-making grid. Ice blocks fall into the collection area via a guide baffle. When applied to an ice maker, this utility model simplifies the assembly and disassembly process of the water tank, eliminating the need for complex tools, saving time, improving user experience, and ensuring connection stability to prevent loosening or displacement during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more specifically to a water tank structure and ice maker that can be quickly disassembled and assembled. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers, as a common refrigeration device, are widely used in commercial and residential fields. During the ice-making process, the water tank is a crucial component, used to store and supply the water needed for ice production. However, existing ice maker water tanks have some design shortcomings, especially their connection method to the ice maker's casing, which causes considerable inconvenience for daily cleaning and maintenance.

[0003] Currently, most ice makers use a relatively complex connection structure to fix the water tank to the ice maker body. For example, it is connected by multiple screws, nuts, or other fasteners. While this connection method can ensure structural stability to a certain extent, the disassembly and reinstallation process is cumbersome and time-consuming when the water tank needs cleaning or maintenance. Each disassembly requires the use of special tools to loosen each screw individually, while during installation, it is necessary to ensure that each screw is tightened properly; otherwise, the sealing and stability of the water tank may be affected, leading to problems such as leakage or unstable operation of the equipment.

[0004] Furthermore, the complex connection structure may also lead to some potential risks. Frequent disassembly and assembly can easily cause scratches, wear, and other damage to the water tank or ice maker housing, affecting not only the equipment's appearance but also its normal performance and lifespan. Moreover, for ice makers with limited installation space, the complex disassembly and assembly operations further increase the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance, requiring workers to spend more time and effort on cleaning, thus reducing work efficiency.

[0005] In light of the aforementioned issues, there is an increasing market demand for a sink structure and ice maker with excellent quick and easy assembly / disassembly capabilities. This design should simplify the connection between the water tank and the ice maker housing, allowing users to easily disassemble and install the water tank without the need for numerous tools. This would improve the convenience of cleaning and maintenance, while ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection, extending the equipment's lifespan, and enhancing the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a water tank structure and an ice maker that can be quickly disassembled and assembled, aiming to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled includes a water tank body and an mounting wall surface on which the water tank body is to be installed;

[0009] The two side walls of the water tank body are respectively connected to the mounting walls on both sides. The connection between the two outer walls of the water tank body and the mounting walls has a sliding engagement guide and an elastic locking part. The sliding engagement guide allows the water tank body and the mounting wall to align in the insertion and withdrawal direction. The elastic locking part allows the water tank body and the mounting wall to lock and position themselves after they are engaged. The locking force of the elastic locking part can be broken under the action of external force to facilitate the disassembly of the water tank body.

[0010] Through the above technical solution, this utility model achieves quick docking and reliable locking between the water tank body and the mounting wall surface by the cooperation of the sliding insertion guide part and the elastic locking part. This facilitates disassembly and assembly, saves time, improves user experience, and prevents the water tank from loosening or shifting during use, ensuring the stable operation of the ice maker.

[0011] Preferably, in the above-mentioned quick-assembly and disassembly water tank structure, a mounting block is fixed on the mounting wall. The sliding engagement guide and the elastic locking part are formed between the water tank body and the mounting block. The top edge of the water tank body has an outwardly extending protruding edge, which overlaps with the top edge of the mounting block. The mounting block provides a mounting base for the sliding engagement guide and the elastic locking part, making the structure more stable and reliable. The protruding edge of the water tank body overlapping the top edge of the mounting block further enhances the connection stability between the water tank body and the mounting block, preventing the water tank body from shaking or falling off during use.

[0012] Preferably, in the above-described quick-assembly and disassembly water tank structure, the sliding engagement guide includes a groove on the side wall of the water tank body and a slider on the mounting block. One end of the groove is open and the other end is closed, allowing the slider to enter the groove from the open end. The cooperation between the groove and the slider provides a clear sliding guide path for the water tank body, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the water tank body during installation and disassembly, making the installation and disassembly operations smoother, and reducing the risk of installation difficulties or damage due to misalignment.

[0013] Preferably, in the above-described quick-assembly and disassembly water tank structure, the open end of the slide groove forms a flared structure. The flared structure design facilitates the rapid and accurate entry of the slider into the slide groove without requiring precise alignment, improving the convenience and efficiency of installation, and is particularly suitable for installation operations in confined spaces.

[0014] Preferably, in the above-mentioned quick-assembly and disassembly sink structure, the elastic locking part includes an elastic protrusion formed on the side wall of the sink body and a slot formed on the mounting block. The engagement structure of the elastic protrusion and the slot is simple, yet effectively achieves locking and positioning between the sink body and the mounting block. It automatically locks after insertion, requiring no additional fastening tools and improving installation convenience. Simultaneously, when disassembly is required, the locking force can be broken under external force, thus facilitating the disassembly of the sink body.

[0015] Preferably, in the aforementioned quick-assembly and disassembly sink structure, the elastic protrusion is integrally bent from a strip-shaped rib. This integral bending of the elastic protrusion provides excellent elasticity, ensuring stable elastic force during installation and disassembly, guaranteeing reliable locking. Furthermore, the integral molding method also improves production efficiency and reduces production costs.

[0016] Preferably, in the above-mentioned quick-release water tank structure, the slot has a bevel, making it easy for the elastic protrusion to enter or exit. The bevel design reduces the difficulty of the elastic protrusion entering or exiting the slot, reduces the friction and wear between the elastic protrusion and the slot, further improves the convenience of installation and disassembly, and extends the service life of the component.

[0017] This utility model also provides an ice maker, including: a cabinet, the inner side wall of which forms a water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled, the space below the water tank body in the inner cavity of the cabinet is an ice collection point, and the rear side wall of the space above the water tank body in the inner cavity of the cabinet has an ice-making grid, and the ice formed on the ice-making grid is guided by the guide baffle below to fall into the ice collection point.

[0018] Through the above technical solution, this utility model applies a quickly detachable water tank structure to an ice maker, making the water tank easier to clean and maintain, helping to maintain water quality and improve ice quality. At the same time, the ice maker's internal structure is rationally laid out, achieving water resource recycling through the cooperation of the water pump assembly and water spray pipes, reducing consumption, facilitating ice dispensing for users, reducing cold loss and ice contamination, thereby improving the overall performance and practicality of the ice maker.

[0019] Preferably, the ice maker further includes a water pump assembly. The water pump assembly is mounted on the inner wall of the cabinet, and its base plate and the top edge of the water tank body have mating connectors / plugs. The water pump assembly circulates water from the water tank body to a spray pipe located above the ice-making grid, and sprays the water onto the ice-making grid through the spray pipe. The sprayed water is then guided back into the water tank body by a guide baffle. The water pump assembly is connected to the water tank body via the connector / plug structure, enabling quick installation and disassembly of the water pump assembly. This facilitates maintenance, replacement, and cleaning of the water pump assembly, and also improves the production and maintenance efficiency of the ice maker. The water pump assembly circulates water to the spray pipe and sprays it onto the ice-making grid, forming a recycled water flow system, which improves water resource utilization efficiency and reduces ice-making costs.

[0020] Preferably, in the above-mentioned ice maker, the cabinet has an ice dispensing opening, and a sliding door is connected to the ice dispensing opening. The sliding door at the ice dispensing opening facilitates user access to ice, making operation simple and convenient. At the same time, the sliding door design effectively prevents excessive contact between the ice and outside air during dispensing, maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the ice.

[0021] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, this utility model discloses a water tank structure and ice maker that can be quickly disassembled and assembled, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. Quick assembly and disassembly: The sliding engagement guide and the elastic locking mechanism simplify the installation and disassembly process of the water tank body, eliminating the need for complicated tools, saving time and improving the user experience.

[0023] 2. Stable connection: The locking and positioning function of the elastic locking part ensures a stable connection between the water tank body and the installation wall during use, preventing loosening or displacement and ensuring the stable operation of the ice maker.

[0024] 3. Easy to clean and maintain: The water tank body can be quickly disassembled, making it easy to clean and maintain, keeping the water quality hygienic and improving the quality of ice.

[0025] 4. Optimized structural design: The design of mounting blocks, raised edges, grooves, sliders, flared structures, elastic protrusions, slots and bevels enhances structural stability and reliability, and improves the convenience of installation and disassembly.

[0026] 5. Improve ice maker performance: When applied to ice makers, the internal structure is rationally laid out, and the water pump assembly and water spray pipe work together to realize water resource recycling, reducing ice making costs. The ice dispensing port and sliding door design make it convenient for users to take ice, reduce cold loss and ice contamination, and improve the overall performance and market competitiveness of ice makers. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 The attached figure is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the ice maker provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 The attached figure is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ice maker provided by this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 The attached figure is an exploded view of the quick-disassembly water tank structure provided by this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 The attached figure is a structural schematic diagram of the water tank body provided by this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 The attached figure is a structural schematic diagram of the mounting block provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 6 The attached figure is an exploded view of the water spray pipe structure provided by this utility model.

[0034] in:

[0035] 1-Cabinet;

[0036] 11-Mounting wall surface; 12-Mounting block; 13-Ice collection area; 14-Water inlet; 15-Ice outlet; 16-Sliding door;

[0037] 2-Sink body;

[0038] 21-Protruding edge;

[0039] 3-Sliding engagement guide;

[0040] 31-Groove; 311-Flare structure; 32-Slider;

[0041] 4-Elastic locking part;

[0042] 41-Elastic protrusion; 42-Slot; 421-Bevel;

[0043] 5-Ice-making grid;

[0044] 6-Guide baffle;

[0045] 7-Water pump assembly;

[0046] 71-Socket / plug structure; 72-Return water pipe;

[0047] 8-Water spray pipe;

[0048] 81-Inner pipe; 811-First outlet; 82-Outer pipe; 821-Second outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] See appendix Figure 2 To be continued Figure 3 This utility model embodiment discloses a water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled, including a water tank body 2 and an installation wall surface 11 of the water tank body 2 to be installed;

[0052] The two side walls of the water tank body 2 are respectively connected to the two side mounting walls 11. The connection between the two side outer walls of the water tank body 2 and the mounting walls 11 has a sliding insertion guide part 3 and an elastic locking part 4. The sliding insertion guide part 3 enables the water tank body 2 and the mounting walls 11 to align in the insertion and withdrawal direction. The elastic locking part 4 enables the water tank body 2 and the mounting walls 11 to lock and position themselves after they are inserted into place. Moreover, the locking force of the elastic locking part 4 can be broken under the action of external force to satisfy the disassembly of the water tank body 2.

[0053] To further optimize the above technical solution, an installation block 12 is fixed on the installation wall 11, a sliding engagement guide part 3 and an elastic locking part 4 are formed between the water tank body 2 and the installation block 12, and the top edge of the water tank body 2 has an outwardly extending protruding edge 21, which overlaps with the top edge of the installation block 12.

[0054] See appendix Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 The sliding insertion guide 3 includes a groove 31 provided on the side wall of the water tank body 2 and a slider 32 provided on the mounting block 12. One end of the groove 31 is open and the other end is closed, so that the slider 32 can enter the groove 31 from the open end of the groove 31.

[0055] To further optimize the above technical solution, the opening end of the slide 31 forms a flared structure 311.

[0056] To further optimize the above technical solution, the elastic locking part 4 includes an elastic protrusion 41 formed on the side wall of the water tank body 2 and a slot 42 opened on the mounting block 12.

[0057] In this embodiment, the elastic protrusion 41 is integrally bent from a strip rib plate.

[0058] To further optimize the above technical solution, the slot 42 has a bevel 421, which makes it easy for the elastic protrusion 41 to enter or exit.

[0059] The operating principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0060] Installation process: First, fix the mounting block 12 to the mounting wall 11. Then, align the sliding grooves 31 on both sides of the water tank body 2 with the sliders 32 on the mounting block 12. Since the open end of the sliding groove 31 is designed as a flared structure 311, it makes it easier for the slider 32 to align and enter the sliding groove 31. Next, push the water tank body 2 along the direction of the sliding groove 31, so that the slider 32 slides along the sliding groove 31 until the slider 32 reaches the closed end of the sliding groove 31.

[0061] Locking process: When the water tank body 2 is pushed to the position where the slider 32 contacts the closed end of the slide groove 31, the elastic protrusion 41 on the water tank body 2 will align with the slot 42 on the mounting block 12. The elastic protrusion 41 has a certain elasticity and can deform under the action of external force. When the elastic protrusion 41 is aligned with the slot 42, under the action of elastic force, the elastic protrusion 41 will be locked into the slot 42, thereby realizing the locking and positioning of the water tank body 2 and the mounting wall surface 11. The bevel design 421 of the slot 42 makes it easier for the elastic protrusion 41 to enter the slot 42, enhancing the convenience of locking.

[0062] Disassembly process: When disassembly is required, an external force is applied to force the elastic protrusion 41, overcoming the locking force between the elastic protrusion 41 and the slot 42, causing the elastic protrusion 41 to disengage from the slot 42. Then, the water tank body 2 is pulled in the opposite direction, causing the slider 32 to slide along the slide groove 31 until the slider 32 is completely disengaged from the slide groove 31, thereby achieving rapid disassembly of the water tank body 2.

[0063] Example 2:

[0064] See appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 This utility model discloses an ice maker, including: a cabinet 1, the inner side wall of the cabinet 1 forming a water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled as in embodiment 1, the space below the water tank body 2 in the inner cavity of the cabinet 1 being an ice collection point 13, and an ice-making grid 5 on the rear side wall of the space above the water tank body 2 in the inner cavity of the cabinet 1, with ice blocks formed on the ice-making grid 5 being guided by a guide baffle 6 below to fall into the ice collection point 13.

[0065] To further optimize the above technical solution, a water pump assembly 7 is also included. The water pump assembly 7 is hung on the inner wall of the cabinet 1, and the bottom plate of the water pump assembly 7 and the top edge of the water tank body 2 have mutually cooperating plug / plug structure 71. The water pump assembly 7 is used to circulate the water in the water tank body 2 to the water spray pipe 8 set above the ice-making grid 5, and spray it onto the ice-making grid 5 through the water spray pipe 8. The sprayed water is guided back to the water tank body 2 by the guide baffle 6.

[0066] To further optimize the above technical solution, the cabinet 1 has an ice outlet 15, and a sliding door 16 is connected to the ice outlet 15.

[0067] To further optimize the above technical solution, a water supply port 14 is also provided for replenishing water into the water tank body 2.

[0068] See appendix Figure 6 The water spray pipe 8 is composed of an inner pipe 81 and an outer pipe 82. The return water pipe 72 of the water pump assembly 7 is connected to the inner pipe 81. The upper part of the inner pipe 81 has a first water outlet 811, and the lower part of the outer pipe 82 has a second water outlet 821. The second water outlet 821 is located above the ice-making grid 5.

[0069] The operating principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0070] Ice-making process: The inner wall of the cabinet 1 of the ice maker is equipped with the quick-release water tank structure described in Embodiment 1, and the water tank body 2 is located inside the cabinet 1. The water pump assembly 7 is hung on the inner wall of the cabinet 1, and its bottom plate is connected to the top edge of the water tank body 2 through a mating plug / block structure 71. The water pump assembly 7 circulates the water in the water tank body 2 to the water spray pipe 8 installed above the ice-making grid 5. The water spray pipe 8 is composed of an inner pipe 81 and an outer pipe 82. The return water pipe 72 of the water pump assembly 7 is connected to the inner pipe 81. Water flows through the inner pipe 81 and is sprayed out from the first water outlet 811 at its top, spraying onto the ice-making grid 5 to cool the ice-making grid 5 for ice making. The sprayed water is guided back to the water tank body 2 by the guide baffle 6, realizing water recycling.

[0071] Ice collection process: The ice formed on the ice-making grid 5 is guided by gravity and falls into the ice collection area 13 located below the water tank body 2 inside the cabinet 1, guided by the guide baffle 6 below. When ice is needed, it can be taken out through the ice retrieval port 15 on the cabinet 1. The sliding door 16 at the ice retrieval port 15 can be slid open for easy ice retrieval.

[0072] Water replenishment process: As the ice-making process proceeds, the water in the water tank body 2 will gradually decrease. When water needs to be replenished, water can be added to the water tank body 2 through the water supply port 14 on the cabinet body 1 to ensure the continuous operation of the ice-making process.

[0073] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0074] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A quick-assembly and disassembly water tank structure, comprising a water tank body (2) and an mounting wall surface (11) for mounting the water tank body (2); characterized in that: The two side walls of the water tank body (2) are respectively connected to the mounting wall surfaces (11) on both sides. The connection between the two outer walls of the water tank body (2) and the mounting wall surfaces (11) has a sliding insertion guide (3) and an elastic locking part (4). The sliding insertion guide (3) enables the water tank body (2) and the mounting wall surfaces (11) to be aligned in the insertion and withdrawal direction. The elastic locking part (4) enables the water tank body (2) and the mounting wall surfaces (11) to be locked and positioned after being inserted into place. The locking force of the elastic locking part (4) can be broken under the action of external force to satisfy the disassembly of the water tank body (2).

2. The water tank structure with quick assembly and disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, An installation block (12) is fixed on the installation wall (11). The sliding insertion guide (3) and the elastic locking part (4) are formed between the water tank body (2) and the installation block (12). The top edge of the water tank body (2) has an outwardly extending protruding edge (21), which overlaps the top edge of the installation block (12).

3. The water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding insertion guide (3) includes a groove (31) provided on the side wall of the water tank body (2) and a slider (32) provided on the mounting block (12). One end of the groove (31) is open and the other end is closed, so that the slider (32) can enter the groove (31) from the open end of the groove (31).

4. The water tank structure with quick assembly and disassembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening end of the groove (31) forms a flared structure (311).

5. The water tank structure with quick assembly and disassembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic locking part (4) includes an elastic protrusion (41) formed on the side wall of the water tank body (2) and a slot (42) opened on the mounting block (12).

6. The water tank structure with quick assembly and disassembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic protrusion (41) is integrally bent from a strip rib plate.

7. A water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The slot (42) has a bevel (421) that makes it easy for the elastic protrusion (41) to enter or exit.

8. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The cabinet (1) has an inner wall with a water tank structure that can be quickly disassembled and assembled as described in any one of claims 1-7. The space below the water tank body (2) in the inner cavity of the cabinet (1) is an ice collection point (13). The rear wall of the space above the water tank body (2) in the inner cavity of the cabinet (1) has an ice-making grid (5). The ice formed on the ice-making grid (5) is guided by the guide baffle (6) below to fall into the ice collection point (13).

9. An ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump assembly (7), which is hung on the inner side wall of the cabinet (1). The bottom plate of the water pump assembly (7) and the top edge of the water tank body (2) have a matching plug / plug structure (71). The water pump assembly (7) is used to circulate the water in the water tank body (2) to the water spray pipe (8) set above the ice grid (5) and spray it onto the ice grid (5) through the water spray pipe (8). The sprayed water is guided back to the water tank body (2) through the guide baffle (6).

10. An ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) has an ice outlet (15), and a sliding door (16) is connected to the ice outlet (15).

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