An ice maker evaporator ice column

Abstract

The application relates to an ice column of an ice maker evaporator, and belongs to the technical field of refrigeration equipment. The ice column of the ice maker evaporator comprises a conveying pipe, a plurality of groups of ice columns arranged on the conveying pipe and a refrigeration baffle arranged in the ice column, opposite sides of the refrigeration baffle are formed with refrigeration cavities, the refrigeration baffle comprises an upper end baffle, a middle baffle and a lower end baffle, and the middle baffle is provided with an arc-shaped convex part in the refrigeration cavities. The application has the effects of reducing refrigerant consumption and improving the energy efficiency of a refrigeration system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to an ice column for an ice maker evaporator. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of refrigeration equipment, the performance of an ice maker directly affects the energy efficiency and operational stability of the refrigeration system. The evaporator, a key heat exchange component of the ice maker, has its internal ice column structure design directly impacting the refrigerant's heat transfer efficiency and energy utilization. With increasingly stringent global energy conservation and emission reduction requirements, the industry has widely recognized that improving the refrigerant's flowability and heat exchange efficiency through modifications to the ice column flow channel structure within the evaporator is a crucial technological path to achieving breakthroughs in energy efficiency.

[0003] Traditional evaporator ice columns typically use a straight baffle, installed vertically along the diameter of the ice column, dividing its inner cavity into two semi-circular flow channels. When the refrigerant flows within the evaporator pipes, it passes sequentially through these two symmetrical semi-circular channels under the influence of the baffle. However, due to the significant abrupt change in the flow channel cross-section, the refrigerant flow path becomes rigid. This leads to the generation of eddies when the refrigerant flows at high speeds, and pressure drop losses when the refrigerant flows at low speeds.

[0004] The aforementioned technologies do not adequately consider the dynamic characteristics of refrigerants, which not only increases refrigerant consumption but also affects its heat exchange efficiency, further impacting the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to reduce refrigerant consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system, this application provides an ice column for an ice maker evaporator.

[0006] The ice column of the evaporator of the ice maker provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An ice column for an ice maker evaporator includes a conveying pipe, several sets of ice columns disposed on the conveying pipe, and a refrigeration baffle disposed inside the ice column. Refrigeration chambers are formed on opposite sides of the refrigeration baffle. The refrigeration baffle includes an upper baffle, a middle baffle, and a lower baffle. The middle baffle is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion in each of the refrigeration chambers.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the arc-shaped protrusion of the middle baffle can optimize the flow channel morphology in the refrigeration chamber. Compared with the abrupt change in the flow channel cross section caused by the traditional straight baffle, the refrigerant flows more smoothly in the refrigeration chamber, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency, reducing refrigerant consumption, and improving the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0008] Optionally, the upper baffle is provided with an upper guide surface in the cooling cavity, the upper guide surface gradually extending from the end of the upper baffle to the arc-shaped protrusion, and the lower baffle is provided with a lower guide surface in the cooling cavity, the lower guide surface gradually extending from the end of the lower baffle to the arc-shaped protrusion.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface form a smooth transition channel, which can guide the refrigerant to flow smoothly from the end of the refrigeration cavity to the arc-shaped protrusion of the middle baffle, so that the refrigerant flows evenly in the refrigeration cavity and greatly increases the heat exchange contact area.

[0010] Optionally, the icicle includes an icicle body and an icicle end cap. The icicle body is fixedly connected to the delivery pipe. The icicle end cap is provided with a first threaded strip. The icicle body is provided with a second threaded strip that is adapted to the first threaded strip on the side near the icicle end cap.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice column end cap and the ice column body are detachably connected through the threaded strip. When it is necessary to maintain, replace or clean the refrigeration baffle inside the ice column or remove residual impurities in the flow channel, simply rotate and remove the ice column end cap, which is convenient to operate.

[0012] Optionally, the icicle end cap is provided with a first sealing strip at the upper end of the first threaded strip.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the first sealing strip can fill the gap after the ice column end cap and the ice column body are threaded together, enhance the sealing performance of the ice column, and reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage from the end cap connection during the flow process.

[0014] Optionally, a fixing post is provided on the side of the middle baffle facing the arc-shaped protrusion, and the arc-shaped protrusion has a fixing groove that corresponds to and locks into the fixing post.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, a second structural form of the refrigeration baffle is disclosed. The locking fit between the fixing column and the fixing groove can firmly fix the arc-shaped protrusion on the middle baffle, reducing the displacement or detachment of the arc-shaped protrusion caused by the long-term flow impact of refrigerant.

[0016] Optionally, the middle baffle includes a flat baffle and a cylindrical baffle. The flat baffle has an installation through hole for the cylindrical baffle to be arranged. The cylindrical baffle has a locking block along the axial direction of the icicle, corresponding to the upper baffle and the lower baffle. The inner wall of the installation through hole has a locking groove corresponding to the locking block, which locks into the locking block. The cylindrical baffle has an installation groove for the locking block to be arranged. The locking block is provided with a compression spring. One end of the compression spring is fixedly connected to the locking block, and the other end of the compression spring is fixed to the inner wall of the installation groove.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a third structural form of the refrigeration baffle is disclosed. During installation, the compression spring drives the snap-fit ​​block to pop out and embed into the snap-fit ​​groove of the installation through hole, so as to realize the quick locking and fixing of the cylindrical baffle and the flat baffle, thereby improving the adaptability and maintenance convenience of the device.

[0018] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​block is provided with a driving ramp.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when installing the cylindrical baffle, there is no need to manually press the snap-fit ​​block. Simply push the cylindrical baffle into the installation through hole, and the inner wall of the installation through hole will automatically retract the snap-fit ​​block by the driving inclined surface. After aligning with the snap-fit ​​groove, the snap-fit ​​block will automatically pop out and lock under the action of the compression spring. This further simplifies the installation process and improves assembly efficiency.

[0020] Optionally, the upper guide surface is fitted with the upper end surface of the cylindrical baffle, the lower guide surface is fitted with the lower end surface of the cylindrical baffle, and a second sealing strip is radially provided on the end face of the cylindrical baffle at the snap-fit ​​block.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper guide surface and the lower guide surface are in contact with the end face of the cylindrical baffle, so that the flow channel transition is smooth; the second sealing strip can seal the radial gap after the cylindrical baffle and the flat baffle are installed, reducing the risk of refrigerant flowing from one refrigeration chamber to another refrigeration chamber, and ensuring that all refrigerant flows through the preset flow channel.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By designing segmented refrigeration baffles with arc-shaped protrusions and guide surfaces, the refrigerant flow path is optimized, reducing eddy current and pressure drop losses, improving refrigerant flowability and heat exchange efficiency, reducing refrigerant consumption, improving the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system, and solving the flow path design defects of traditional baffles; 2. The detachable structure of the ice column end cap and the split design of the middle baffle, combined with the convenient locking mechanism, greatly improve the convenience of device maintenance and component replacement, adapt to different refrigeration needs, and enhance the flexibility of the device. 3. The setting of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip ensures the sealing of the ice column from both the end cover connection and the middle baffle assembly, reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage and the integrity of the refrigeration chamber, ensures the refrigeration effect of the device, and improves the efficiency of the refrigeration system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the icicle AA in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Sectional view of AA.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooling baffle in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the icicle BB in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of BB.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooling baffle in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooling baffle in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling baffle in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Conveying pipe; 2. Ice column; 21. Ice column body; 211. Second threaded strip; 212. Cooling chamber; 22. Ice column end cap; 221. First threaded strip; 222. First sealing strip; 3. Cooling baffle; 31. Upper baffle; 311. Upper guide surface; 32. Middle baffle; 321. Arc-shaped protrusion; 3211. Fixing groove; 322. Fixing post; 33. Lower baffle; 331. Lower guide surface; 34. Flat baffle; 341. Mounting through hole; 342. Snap-fit ​​groove; 35. Cylindrical baffle; 351. Snap-fit ​​block; 3511. Driving inclined surface; 352. Mounting groove; 353. Compression spring; 354. Second sealing strip. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 This application will be described in further detail.

[0034] This application discloses an ice column for an ice maker evaporator.

[0035] Example 1: Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3An ice column for an ice maker evaporator includes a delivery pipe 1, several sets of ice columns 2 vertically installed on the delivery pipe 1, and a cooling baffle 3 fixed inside the ice column 2. The ice column 2 includes an ice column body 21 and an ice column end cap 22. The ice column body 21 is a hollow cylinder and is fixedly connected to the delivery pipe 1 by welding. The ice column end cap 22 is screwed onto the lower end of the ice column body 21. The ice column end cap 22 has a first threaded strip 221 at its connection with the ice column body 21, and the ice column body 21 also has a second threaded strip 211 corresponding to the first threaded strip 221.

[0036] The ice column end cap 22 and the ice column body 21 are detachably connected via a first threaded strip 221 and a second threaded strip 211. When maintenance of the refrigeration baffle 3 inside the ice column 2 or cleaning of residual impurities in the flow channel is required, simply rotate and remove the ice column end cap 22, and then clean the inside of the ice column 2 using a special evaporator cleaning device. After cleaning, rotate and reinstall the ice column end cap 22. A first sealing strip 222 with deformable capability is also fitted onto the upper end of the first threaded strip 221 of the ice column end cap 22. The first sealing strip 222 fills the gap between the ice column end cap 22 and the ice column body 21 after threaded connection, enhancing the sealing performance of the ice column 2. The first sealing strip 222 is a special O-ring capable of withstanding refrigerant.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The refrigeration baffle 3 includes an upper baffle 31, a middle baffle 32, and a lower baffle 33. The ice column body 21 forms refrigeration chambers 212 on opposite sides of the refrigeration baffle 3, allowing the refrigerant in the delivery pipe 1 to pass sequentially through the symmetrical refrigeration chambers 212. The middle baffle 32 has arc-shaped protrusions 321 in both refrigeration chambers 212. The upper baffle 31 and the lower baffle 33 are respectively provided with an upper guide surface 311 and a lower guide surface 331 in the refrigeration chambers 212. The upper guide surface 311 gradually extends from the end of the upper baffle 31 to the arc-shaped protrusion 321, and the lower guide surface 331 gradually extends from the end of the lower baffle 33 to the arc-shaped protrusion 321. The upper guide surface 311 and the lower guide surface 331 form a smooth transition channel, guiding the refrigerant to flow smoothly from the end of the refrigeration chamber 212 to the arc-shaped protrusion 321 of the middle baffle 32.

[0038] The arc-shaped protrusion 321 of the middle baffle 32 optimizes the flow path within the refrigeration chamber 212, making the flow path smoother and thus enhancing heat exchange efficiency. Compared to a traditional straight baffle, the arc-shaped protrusion 321 occupies more space in the refrigeration chamber 212, allowing the refrigeration chamber 212 to hold less refrigerant at a time than a traditional evaporator. This achieves the same cooling effect with less refrigerant, further improving the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system. In this embodiment, the upper baffle 31, middle baffle 32, lower baffle 33, and arc-shaped protrusion 321 are integrally formed.

[0039] The implementation principle of Embodiment 1 of this application is as follows: The ice column end cap 22 is removed by rotation, and the refrigeration baffle 3 is inserted into the ice column 2 along its upper guide surface 311 perpendicular to the axis of the delivery pipe 1, so that the upper baffle 31 of the refrigeration baffle 3 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the delivery pipe 1. Then, the ice column end cap 22 is rotated and installed, so that the ice column 2 is in a sealed state. The installed refrigeration baffle 3 divides the ice column 2 into two symmetrical refrigeration chambers 212, allowing the refrigerant in the delivery pipe 1 to sequentially pass through the refrigeration chambers 212 for heat exchange, thus achieving the refrigeration effect of the ice column 2. The upper guide surface 311 of the upper baffle 31, the lower guide surface 331 of the lower baffle 33, and the arc-shaped protrusion 321 of the middle baffle 32 form a smooth transition channel, allowing the refrigerant to flow evenly within the refrigeration chambers 212, enhancing the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant and reducing refrigerant consumption.

[0040] Example 2: Except for the different structure of the cooling baffle 3, the structure of this example is the same as that of Example 1.

[0041] Reference Figure 7 The arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the middle baffle 32 are separately arranged. The middle baffle 32 has a fixing post 322 on the side facing the arc-shaped protrusion 321. The arc-shaped protrusion 321 has a fixing groove 3211 that corresponds to and locks into the fixing post 322. When the fixing groove 3211 of the arc-shaped protrusion 321 is aligned with the fixing post 322 and inserted, the upper and lower end faces of the arc-shaped protrusion 321 will fit tightly against the upper guide surface 311 and the lower guide surface 331, respectively, to ensure the stability of the flow channel.

[0042] The implementation principle of Embodiment 2 of this application is as follows: When installing the refrigeration baffle 3, first align the fixing groove 3211 of the arc-shaped protrusion 321 with the fixing post 322 of the middle baffle 32 and insert it, so that the arc-shaped protrusion 321 is firmly placed on the middle baffle 32. Then, install the refrigeration baffle 3 according to the steps in Embodiment 1, start the refrigeration device, and deliver the refrigerant. The refrigerant flows uniformly in the refrigeration cavity 212 formed by the refrigeration baffle 3, achieving the same refrigeration effect as in Embodiment 1.

[0043] Example 3: Except for the different structure of the cooling baffle 3, the structure of this example is the same as that of Example 1.

[0044] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The central baffle 32 includes a flat baffle 34 and a cylindrical baffle 35. The flat baffle 34 has a rectangular cross-section. The flat baffle 34 has a mounting through hole 341 for accommodating the cylindrical baffle 35. The cylindrical baffle 35 is cylindrical in shape, and both its upper and lower end faces are provided with locking blocks 351, which correspond to the axis of the icicle body 21. The inner wall of the mounting through hole 341 has a locking groove 342 that locks into the locking block 351. The cylindrical baffle 35 can be stably installed on the flat baffle 34 through the engagement of the locking block 351 and the locking groove 342.

[0045] Reference Figure 9 The cylindrical baffle 35 has an installation groove 352 for arranging the snap-fit ​​block 351. A compression spring 353 is provided on the snap-fit ​​block 351. One end of the compression spring 353 is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​block 351, and the other end of the compression spring 353 is fixed to the inner wall of the installation groove 352. The design of the installation groove 352 allows the snap-fit ​​block 351 to retract into the snap-fit ​​groove 342 when it is pressed by the inner wall of the installation through hole 341. When the snap-fit ​​block 351 reaches the snap-fit ​​groove 342, it is embedded into the snap-fit ​​groove 342 under the elastic restoring force of the compression spring 353, thereby locking the cylindrical baffle 35.

[0046] To free up the hand from pressing during installation, the snap-fit ​​block 351 is equipped with a drive ramp 3511. Simply push the cylindrical baffle 35 into the mounting through hole 341, and the inner wall of the mounting through hole 341 will be pressed by the drive ramp 3511, causing the snap-fit ​​block 351 to automatically retract into the mounting groove 352.

[0047] Reference Figure 8 When the cylindrical baffle 35 is installed, the upper guide surface 311 fits against the upper end face of the cylindrical baffle 35, and the lower guide surface 331 fits against the lower end face of the cylindrical baffle 35, making the flow path transition smooth. A second sealing strip 354 is radially provided on the end face of the cylindrical baffle 35 where the snap-fit ​​block 351 is located. The second sealing strip 354 is fixedly connected to the cylindrical baffle 35 with adhesive. The second sealing strip 354 can seal the radial gap between the cylindrical baffle 35 and the flat baffle 34, ensuring the integrity of the cooling cavity 212.

[0048] The implementation principle of Embodiment 3 of this application is as follows: When installing the refrigeration baffle 3, the cylindrical baffle 35 is first pushed into the mounting through hole 341. When the locking block 351 reaches the locking groove 342, the locking block 351, under the action of the compression spring 353 in the mounting groove 352, is embedded into the locking groove 342 and locked in place with the locking groove 342, thereby fixing the cylindrical baffle 35. Then, the installation steps of the refrigeration baffle 3 in Embodiment 1 are repeated. After installation, the refrigeration device is started to deliver refrigerant. The refrigerant flows uniformly in the refrigeration cavity 212 formed by the refrigeration baffle 3, achieving the same refrigeration effect as in Embodiment 1.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator, comprising a conveying pipe (1), a plurality of ice columns (2) disposed on the conveying pipe (1), and a refrigeration baffle (3) disposed inside the ice columns (2), wherein refrigeration chambers (212) are formed on opposite sides of the refrigeration baffle (3), characterized in that, The cooling baffle (3) includes an upper baffle (31), a middle baffle (32) and a lower baffle (33). The middle baffle (32) is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion (321) in the cooling cavity (212).

2. The ice column of the evaporator of an ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper baffle (31) is provided with an upper guide surface (311) in the cooling cavity (212). The upper guide surface (311) gradually extends from the end of the upper baffle (31) to the arc-shaped protrusion (321). The lower baffle (33) is provided with a lower guide surface (331) in the cooling cavity (212). The lower guide surface (331) gradually extends from the end of the lower baffle (33) to the arc-shaped protrusion (321).

3. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The icicle (2) includes an icicle body (21) and an icicle end cap (22). The icicle body (21) is fixedly connected to the delivery pipe (1). The icicle end cap (22) is provided with a first threaded strip (221). The icicle body (21) near the icicle end cap (22) is provided with a second threaded strip (211) that is compatible with the first threaded strip (221).

4. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The icicle end cap (22) has a first sealing strip (222) on the upper end of the first threaded strip (221).

5. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle baffle (32) is provided with a fixing post (322) on the side facing the arc-shaped protrusion (321), and the arc-shaped protrusion (321) is provided with a fixing groove (3211) that corresponds to and locks with the fixing post (322).

6. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle baffle (32) includes a flat baffle (34) and a cylindrical baffle (35). The flat baffle (34) has an installation through hole (341) for the cylindrical baffle (35) to be arranged. The cylindrical baffle (35) has a snap-fit ​​block (351) corresponding to the upper baffle (31) and the lower baffle (33) along the axis of the icicle (2). The inner wall of the installation through hole (341) has a snap-fit ​​groove (342) corresponding to the snap-fit ​​block (351) to lock and engage with the snap-fit ​​block (351). The cylindrical baffle (35) has an installation groove (352) for the snap-fit ​​block (351) to be arranged. The snap-fit ​​block (351) is provided with a compression spring (353). One end of the compression spring (353) is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​block (351), and the other end of the compression spring (353) is fixed to the inner wall of the installation groove (352).

7. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​block (351) is provided with a driving ramp (3511).

8. An ice column for an ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper guide surface (311) is in contact with the upper end surface of the cylindrical baffle (35), the lower guide surface (331) is in contact with the lower end surface of the cylindrical baffle (35), and a second sealing strip (354) is radially provided on the end face of the cylindrical baffle (35) at the snap block (351).

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