ice maker

Abstract

This utility model discloses an ice maker, relating to the technical field of ice-making equipment. The ice maker includes: a base; a water storage shell disposed above the base, forming a chamber between the water storage shell and the base; and a condenser disposed within the chamber, the condenser having a side plate structure. The base and the water storage shell are fixedly connected via the side plate structure. The technical solution provided by this utility model simplifies the internal structure of the ice maker and improves its overall structural strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers have a complex internal structure. Many ice makers use a column to support the inner liner. While this ensures the stability of the inner liner, it increases the number of parts and raises costs. In addition, the condenser of an ice maker is often fixed to the column or other structures, which is not secure enough and can easily shift when dropped, affecting the reliability of the ice maker's operation. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an ice maker that addresses the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an ice maker, comprising: Base; A water storage shell is disposed above the base, and a cavity is formed between the water storage shell and the base; A condenser is disposed in the chamber. The condenser has a side plate structure, and the base and the water storage shell are fixedly connected through the side plate structure.

[0005] In one embodiment, the side plate structure includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are arranged vertically and located on opposite sides of the condenser. At least one of the first side plate and the second side plate is fixedly connected to the base and the water storage shell.

[0006] In one embodiment, the base and the water storage shell are detachably connected to the first side plate, and the base and the water storage shell are detachably connected to the second side plate.

[0007] In one embodiment, the base and the water storage shell are respectively inserted into the first side plate; and / or, the base and the water storage shell are respectively screwed into the second side plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least one end of the second side plate is provided with a first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion is provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole arranged at an angle. The first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are respectively screwed to the water storage shell or the base by fasteners.

[0009] In one embodiment, a first insertion part is provided at one end of the first side plate, and a second insertion part is provided at the other end. The first insertion part extends vertically, and the second insertion part extends horizontally by bending. One of the first insertion part and the second insertion part is inserted into the base, and the other is inserted into the water storage shell.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ice maker further includes a fan disposed within the cavity, and the fan is detachably connected to the condenser.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate has a second connecting portion bent along its edge. The second connecting portion is located on one side of the condenser in the thickness direction, and the fan is stacked and connected to the second connecting portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ice maker further includes an electronic control module and a support frame. The electronic control module and the support frame are both located in the cavity. The two ends of the support frame are respectively connected to the water storage shell and the base. The edge of the second side plate is provided with a third connecting part. One end of the electronic control module is fixedly connected to the third connecting part, and the other end is fixedly connected to the support frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, a support portion protrudes from the top of the base, the condenser is disposed on the support portion, and the side plate structure is fixedly connected to the support portion.

[0014] In the ice maker proposed in this utility model, the side plate structure of the condenser also becomes part of the main frame of the ice maker. In addition to serving as the main support for other components such as the internal pipes of the condenser, the side plate structure can also be used to support the water storage shell. This eliminates the need for the columns in the traditional structure, reduces the number of parts, and simplifies the structure. Furthermore, the base, water storage shell, and condenser are connected as a whole, which increases the fixing strength between the various parts of the ice maker, improves the overall structural strength of the ice maker, and enhances the stability of the condenser fixed on the ice maker. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice maker provided by this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the intermediate condenser; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point C; Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the intermediate condenser; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point D; Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central base.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Chamber; 20. Fastener; 100. Base; 110. Support; 200. Water tank; 300. Condenser; 310. Side plate structure; 311. First side plate; 312. Second side plate; 320. First connecting part; 321. First connecting hole; 322. Second connecting hole; 330. First insertion part; 340. Second insertion part; 350. Second connecting part; 360. Third connecting part; 400. Fan; 500. Electrical control module; 600. Support frame.

[0018] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0022] This application discloses an ice maker, comprising: Base 100; A water storage shell 200 is disposed above the base 100, and a chamber 10 is formed between the water storage shell 200 and the base 100; The condenser 300 is located in the chamber 10. The condenser 300 has a side plate structure 310. The base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are fixedly connected through the side plate structure 310.

[0023] In the ice maker proposed in this utility model, the side plate structure 310 of the condenser 300 also becomes part of the main frame of the ice maker. In addition to serving as the main support for other components such as the internal pipes of the condenser 300, the side plate structure 310 can also be used to support the water storage shell 200. This eliminates the need for the columns in the traditional structure, reduces the number of parts, and simplifies the structure. Furthermore, the base 100, the water storage shell 200, and the condenser 300 are connected as a whole, which can improve the overall structural strength of the ice maker and improve the stability of the condenser 300 fixed on the ice maker.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 8The ice maker includes a base 100 for fixing other components. A surrounding outer shell can be provided on the side of the base 100 as an exterior component. Additionally, a water storage tank 200 is fixed to the base 100, on which an evaporator for ice making can be installed and used to hold water and ice. The water storage tank 200 is fixedly connected to the base 100 and extends above it, forming a side-opening chamber 10 between the water storage tank 200 and the base 100. This chamber 10 is used to house circuit boards, compressors, and other components. In this design, the condenser 300 is also placed inside the chamber 10. The condenser 300 has heat exchange fins and pipes passing through the heat exchange fins. In addition, a side plate structure 310 is provided on the side of the condenser 300. The side plate structure 310 is used to support the heat exchanger and pipes, and at the same time to connect and fix the condenser 300 to other components. Furthermore, the condenser 300 is arranged vertically, so as to make full use of the height space of the chamber 10 and avoid excessive occupation of the horizontal space. One end of the side plate structure 310 is fixedly connected to the base 100, and the other end is fixedly connected to the upper water storage shell 200. That is, both ends of the condenser 300 are fixed to the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 respectively. Thus, the side plate structure 310 not only fixes the position of the condenser 300 but also supports the upper water storage shell 200, functioning as a column in a traditional structure. Therefore, the side plate structure 310 can replace other supporting structures between the water storage shell 200 and the base 100, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the internal structure of the ice maker. Furthermore, the condenser 300, base 100, and water storage shell 200 are connected as a single unit. Both the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 provide support for the condenser 300, making it more securely fixed, increasing the fixing strength between the ice maker components, and improving the reliability of the ice maker's operation.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 6In one embodiment of this utility model, the side plate structure 310 includes a first side plate 311 and a second side plate 312. The first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 are arranged vertically and located on opposite sides of the condenser 300, forming a clamping and fixing mechanism for the condenser 300. The base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are fixedly connected through at least one of the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312. The first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 have a flat plate structure, both extending vertically. One end of the first side plate 311 is fixedly connected to the water storage shell 200, and the other end is fixedly connected to the base 100. Similarly, one end of the second side plate 312 is fixedly connected to the water storage shell 200, and the other end is fixedly connected to the base 100. With both ends of the condenser 300 fixed to the water storage shell 200 and the base 100, the reliability of the fixation can be further improved. Furthermore, the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 jointly support the water storage shell 200, further enhancing the stability of the support. The side plate structure 310 adopts the aforementioned split design, allowing for single-sided or double-sided connection methods to be selected according to actual space conditions during installation, thus improving installation flexibility.

[0026] In another embodiment of this utility model, to facilitate the assembly of the ice maker, the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are detachably connected to the first side plate 311, and the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are detachably connected to the second side plate 312. The detachable connection between the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 and the first side plate 311 can be achieved by insertion or screwing. For example, protrusions can be provided at both ends of the first side plate 311, and slots can be provided on the base 100 and the water storage shell 200, with the protrusions and slots being inserted and fixed. Alternatively, the two ends of the first side plate 311 can be fixed with screws, thus improving the reliability of the connection. Similarly, the second side plate 312 can also be inserted or screwed to the base 100 and the water storage shell 200, thereby allowing the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 to be independently disassembled from the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312. Because the base 100, water tank 200, and condenser 300 can be independently disassembled, maintenance personnel can selectively disassemble specific components as needed, without completely disassembling the entire structure. This greatly improves maintenance efficiency and reduces unnecessary disassembly and assembly operations. The detachable connection method also facilitates future upgrades and modifications, making the ice maker's structure more flexible and adaptable.

[0027] like Figure 2 A solution for making the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 detachable is shown, in which the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are respectively inserted into the first side plate 311; and / or, the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are respectively screwed into the second side plate 312.

[0028] Specifically, slots can be provided on the base 100 and the water storage shell 200, and protruding insertion parts can be provided at both ends of the first side plate 311. During assembly, the insertion parts at both ends of the first side plate 311 can be inserted into the slots for fixation. In addition, through holes can be provided at both ends of the second side plate 312. Correspondingly, threaded holes corresponding to the positions of the through holes can be provided on the base 100 and the water storage shell 200. Screws can pass through the through holes and be fixed in the threaded holes, thereby fixing the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 together through the second side plate 312. During assembly, the insertion parts of the first side plate 311 are first inserted vertically into the slots of the base 100 and the water storage shell 200. After initial positioning, the fasteners 20 are screwed through the through holes of the second side plate 312 into the threaded holes of the base 100 and the water storage shell 200, so that the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 are fixed to the second side plate 312 by the fasteners 20. The above technical solutions ensure a reliable connection between the base 100 and the water storage shell 200 and the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312. The plug-in method simplifies the assembly steps and improves the installation efficiency; the screw-in method enhances the connection stability and effectively resists vibration or drop impact. The combination of plug-in and screw-in not only meets the structural strength requirements in different scenarios, but also takes into account the ease of assembly.

[0029] like Figures 5 to 7 The specific connection method of the second side plate 312 is shown. In this scheme, at least one end of the second side plate 312 is provided with a first connecting part 320. The first connecting part 320 is provided with a first connecting hole 321 and a second connecting hole 322 arranged at an angle. The first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 are respectively screwed to the water storage shell 200 or the base 100 by fasteners 20.

[0030] Specifically, the first connecting portion 320 can be integrally bent at the end of the second side plate 312. In this solution, the first connecting portion 320 can be L-shaped, and the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 are respectively provided on the two end faces of the bent first connecting portion 320. The bending angle of the first connecting portion 320 can be flexibly designed according to requirements, for example, in Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the included angle between the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 is 90°. Correspondingly, to improve the stability of the connection, two screw posts at an included angle can be provided on the base 100. Reinforcing ribs can be provided between the two screw posts and between the screw posts and the base to improve strength. Additionally, the bent ends of the first connecting portion 320 can respectively engage with the two screw posts to ensure the stability of the final locking. Specifically, the fastener 20 can be a screw, with one screw passing through each of the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 and fixed to the base 100 or the water storage shell 200. With this configuration, when the water storage shell 200 and the base 100 are subjected to lateral vibration, the fastener 20 in the second connecting hole 322 bears shear force. At this time, the fastener 20 in the first connecting hole 321 forms a constraint through axial tension. When the water storage shell 200 and the base 100 are subjected to vertical vibration, the fastener 20 in the second connecting hole 322 forms a constraint through axial tension. This allows the condenser 300 to be effectively constrained under both lateral and longitudinal impacts, thereby improving the stability of the condenser 300 and enhancing the overall structural strength of the ice maker. In addition, it is conceivable that the included angle between the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 can be flexibly designed according to the actual installation space, force requirements, and the layout of the connection points on the base 100. For example, the angle between the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 can be designed as an acute angle such as 45° or 60°, which can reduce the encroachment on vertical space; the angle between the first connecting hole 321 and the second connecting hole 322 can also be designed as an obtuse angle such as 120° or 135°, which can reduce the encroachment on horizontal space. In addition, the force on the second side plate 312 is different when the angle is different, which can be designed according to the actual working conditions, and is not limited here.

[0031] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The specific structure of the first side plate 311 for plugging is shown. In this embodiment, a first plugging part 330 is provided at one end of the first side plate 311, and a second plugging part 340 is provided at the other end. The first plugging part 330 extends vertically, and the second plugging part 340 extends horizontally by bending. One of the first plugging part 330 and the second plugging part 340 is plugged into the base 100, and the other is plugged into the water storage shell 200.

[0032] In this design, a first insertion part 330 is provided at one end of the first side plate 311, and a second insertion part 340 is provided at the other end. The first insertion part 330 extends vertically, and the second insertion part 340 extends horizontally with a bend. The first insertion part 330 can be constructed as a vertical protrusion perpendicular to the mounting surface of the water storage shell 200, and can cooperate with a corresponding vertical slot on the water storage shell 200. The second insertion part 340 is designed as a horizontally bent hook structure, and its bending angle and bending length can be flexibly designed according to requirements. Correspondingly, a slot with a top opening and extending horizontally can be provided on the base 100, and the second insertion part 340 can be embedded in the horizontal slot on the side wall of the water storage shell 200. The first insertion part 330 and the second insertion part 340 are orthogonally distributed in space. To facilitate insertion, the installation sequence can be optimized to first vertically insert the first insertion part 330, and then horizontally insert the second insertion part 340. like Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of this application, the first insertion portion 330 and the second insertion portion 340 can be arranged perpendicularly to each other. Since the extension directions of the first insertion portion 330 and the second insertion portion 340 are perpendicular to each other, when the condenser 300 is subjected to vibration or impact, the first insertion portion 330 can resist lateral forces, while the second insertion portion 340 resists longitudinal forces. The two complement each other, which can further improve the stability of the condenser 300 and also help with the positioning of the condenser 300 during installation, thus improving the fixing effect of the condenser 300. In addition to the perpendicular arrangement of the first insertion portion 330 and the second insertion portion 340, the first insertion portion 330 and the second insertion portion 340 can be designed at other angles; for example, the first insertion portion 330 and the second insertion portion 340 can be arranged at acute or obtuse angles to suit scenarios where there is a specific tilt angle in the installation space, ensuring that insertion and avoidance can be achieved in a limited space. The specific angle can be flexibly designed according to the actual structural layout and stress. In addition, it is conceivable that the first plug-in portion 330 and the second plug-in portion 340 may also be arranged in the same direction. For example, both may extend laterally or vertically, which can increase the ability to resist impacts in a single direction. No limitation is made here.

[0033] like Figure 1In another embodiment of this utility model, the ice maker further includes a fan 400, which is disposed within the chamber 10 and is detachably connected to the condenser 300. The installation position of the fan 400 is confined within the chamber 10, placing it in the same enclosed space as the condenser 300, ensuring that airflow directly acts on the surface of the condenser 300. The fan 400 can be positioned on the air inlet or outlet side of the condenser 300. Furthermore, the fan 400 can be connected to the condenser 300 via a detachable connection method such as screws or snap-fits, allowing the fan 400 and condenser 300 to be assembled and disassembled as a single unit. In other embodiments, the fan 400 can also be independently assembled and disassembled, facilitating assembly and maintenance. The fan 400 installation does not require a separate support structure, reducing the number of parts and making the overall structure more compact.

[0034] like Figure 6 One embodiment of a detachable fan 400 is shown. In this embodiment, at least one of the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 has a second connecting portion 350 formed by bending its edge. The second connecting portion 350 is located on one side of the condenser 300 in the thickness direction. The fan 400 and the second connecting portion 350 are stacked and connected. The second connecting portion 350 can be formed by bending the edges of the first side plate 311 and the second side plate 312 themselves. After bending, the second connecting portion 350 can fit against the end face of the condenser 300 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the second connecting portion 350 can be provided with multiple mounting holes that match the fixing holes on the fan 400. The fan 400 can be screwed to the second connecting portion 350, and the second connecting portion 350 fits against the end face of the fan 400 and provides support for the fan 400. The second connecting part 350 solves the problem of complicated assembly caused by the need for an additional support structure for the installation of the fan 400. The second connecting part 350 is formed by extending the side plate itself, which also simplifies the structure and ensures the reliability of the connection between the fan 400 and the condenser 300.

[0035] like Figure 1In another embodiment of this utility model, the ice maker further includes an electronic control module 500 and a support frame 600. Both the electronic control module 500 and the support frame 600 are disposed within the chamber 10. The support frame 600 is connected at both ends to a water storage shell 200 and a base 100, respectively. A third connecting portion 360 protrudes from the edge of the second side plate 312. One end of the electronic control module 500 is fixedly connected to the third connecting portion 360, and the other end is fixedly connected to the support frame 600. Specifically, the support frame 600 is a longitudinally arranged support frame 600 within the chamber 10. The support member can be plate-shaped, with both ends connected to the water storage shell 200 and the base 100, respectively. Additionally, the support frame 600 has mounting holes, and the second side plate 312 has a third connecting portion 360 protruding outwards. The third connecting portion 360 can also be integrally formed with the second side plate 312, and mounting holes can also be provided on the third connecting portion 360. An electronic control module 500 is also fixed inside chamber 10. The electronic control module 500 is used to control the operation of components such as the compressor; for example... Figure 1 As shown, both the support frame 600 and the condenser 300 are located near the back of the ice maker, and are positioned on either side of the ice maker in the left-right direction. Thus, the side plate structure 310 and the support frame 600 can support the water storage shell 200 on both sides in the aforementioned left-right direction. A space is provided between the support frame 600 and the condenser 300 to accommodate the electronic control module 500. One end of the electronic control module 500 can be fixed to the mounting hole of the support frame 600 with screws, and the other end can be fixed to the mounting hole of the third connecting part 360 with screws. Therefore, the electronic control module 500 is simultaneously constrained by both the third connecting part 360 and the support frame 600, achieving fixation on the ice maker. In the above technical solution, the support frame 600 not only further improves the overall structural strength of the ice maker but also eliminates the need for a separate bracket for the electronic control module 500, reducing the number of parts.

[0036] like Figure 6 In another embodiment of this utility model, a support portion 110 protrudes from the top of the base 100, the condenser 300 is disposed on the support portion 110, and the side plate structure 310 is fixedly connected to the support portion 110. The support portion 110 is constructed as a protruding structure extending upward from the top of the base 100, and its shape can be rectangular or other shapes. The support portion 110 can be integrally formed with the base 100 to simplify the process. The side plate structure 310 is fixed to the support portion 110 by riveting or bolting. The provision of the support portion 110 allows the condenser 300 and fan 400 to be lifted away from the top surface of the base 100, making it easier to install the condenser 300. Furthermore, multiple ventilation holes can be provided on the support portion 110 to facilitate air intake from the bottom for heat dissipation of the condenser 300 assembly. Multiple reinforcing ribs can be provided at the bottom of the support portion 110 to improve the stability of the support for the condenser 300.

[0037] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this utility model and the contents of the specification and drawings of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ice maker characterized by, include: Base; A water storage shell is disposed above the base, and a cavity is formed between the water storage shell and the base; A condenser is disposed in the chamber. The condenser has a side plate structure, and the base and the water storage shell are fixedly connected through the side plate structure.

2. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The side plate structure includes a first side plate and a second side plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are arranged vertically and located on opposite sides of the condenser. At least one of the first side plate and the second side plate is fixedly connected to the base and the water storage shell.

3. The ice maker of claim 2, wherein, The base and the water storage shell are detachably connected to the first side plate, and the base and the water storage shell are detachably connected to the second side plate.

4. The ice maker of claim 3, wherein, The base and the water storage shell are respectively inserted into the first side plate; and / or, the base and the water storage shell are respectively screwed into the second side plate.

5. The ice maker of claim 4, wherein, At least one end of the second side plate is provided with a first connecting part, and the first connecting part is provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole arranged at an angle. The first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are respectively screwed to the water storage shell or the base by fasteners.

6. The ice maker of claim 5, wherein, One end of the first side plate is provided with a first insertion part, and the other end is provided with a second insertion part. The first insertion part extends vertically, and the second insertion part extends horizontally by bending. One of the first insertion part and the second insertion part is inserted into the base, and the other is inserted into the water storage shell.

7. The ice maker of claim 2, wherein, The ice maker also includes a fan, which is located in the cavity and is detachably connected to the condenser.

8. The ice maker of claim 7, wherein, At least one of the first side plate and the second side plate has a second connecting portion bent along its edge. The second connecting portion is located on one side of the condenser in the thickness direction. The fan is stacked and connected to the second connecting portion.

9. The ice maker of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein, The ice maker also includes an electronic control module and a support frame. The electronic control module and the support frame are both located in the cavity. The two ends of the support frame are respectively connected to the water storage shell and the base. A third connecting part is protruding on the edge of the second side plate. One end of the electronic control module is fixedly connected to the third connecting part, and the other end is fixedly connected to the support frame.

10. The ice maker of claim 1, wherein, The base has a protruding support portion on its top, the condenser is mounted on the support portion, and the side plate structure is fixedly connected to the support portion.

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