Ice water tank cleaning device and clean ice maker

Abstract

The application relates to an ice-water tank cleaning device and a clean drinking ice maker. The ice-water tank cleaning device comprises an ice-water tank with a containing cavity; a cleaning mechanism comprising a driving mechanism and a cleaning brush, the driving mechanism being connected with the cleaning brush and used for driving the cleaning brush to move relative to the ice-water tank; wherein the cleaning brush comprises a ring-shaped brush part, the brush part is in contact with the inner circumferential wall of the containing cavity in the circumferential direction, and the outer contour shape of the brush part is matched with the inner contour shape of the inner circumferential wall of the containing cavity; and a controller is connected with the driving mechanism in communication and used for controlling the driving mechanism to work. In this way, when the ice-water tank needs to be cleaned, the controller can be used to control the driving mechanism to work, and then the cleaning brush is driven to move relative to the containing cavity, so that the containing cavity of the ice-water tank is cleaned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance cleaning technology, and in particular to a water tank cleaning device and a water purifier ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that uses a refrigerant supplied by a refrigeration system to cool water through an evaporator to produce ice. In other words, it uses a refrigeration system, with water as the carrier, to produce ice when powered on. However, most ice makers on the market only have ice-making functions, while water dispensers only provide drinking water. Since both ice makers and water dispensers are single-function, water purifiers and ice makers that combine heating, cooling, and ice-making functions have emerged.

[0003] Ice makers for purified water typically have an ice water tank to store ice water. Over time, this tank can accumulate dirt and bacteria, requiring regular cleaning and disinfection. However, the location and structure of the ice water tank in an ice maker usually prevent it from being cleaned. Manual cleaning is often cumbersome and difficult. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ice water tank cleaning device and a water purification ice maker to address the problems that the ice water tank of existing water purification ice makers cannot be cleaned and that the manual cleaning process is cumbersome and difficult to operate.

[0005] This application provides a chilled water tank cleaning device, comprising:

[0006] Ice water tank, with a containing cavity;

[0007] A cleaning mechanism includes a drive mechanism and a cleaning brush. The drive mechanism is connected to the cleaning brush and is used to drive the cleaning brush to move relative to the chilled water tank. The cleaning brush includes an annular brush part that contacts the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity in the circumferential direction, and the outer contour shape of the brush part is adapted to the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity.

[0008] The controller is connected in communication with the drive mechanism and is used to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

[0009] The aforementioned chilled water tank cleaning device, when the chilled water tank requires cleaning, controls the drive mechanism to operate, thereby driving the cleaning brush to move relative to the receiving cavity to clean the chilled water tank's receiving cavity. Furthermore, because the outer contour shape of the cleaning brush head matches the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity, the cleaning process improves the thoroughness and efficiency of cleaning the chilled water tank's receiving cavity, making the use of the chilled water tank cleaner and more hygienic.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cleaning brush includes a push plate, one side of which is connected to a drive mechanism, and a brush portion is disposed around the outer peripheral edge of the push plate.

[0011] Because of the large area and reliable structure of the push plate, the brush part can be fixed more reliably and the cleaning stability can be improved when it is wrapped around the outer edge of the push plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, a drive mechanism is used to drive the cleaning brush to move along the depth direction of the receiving cavity, which is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0013] When the drive mechanism drives the cleaning brush to move along the depth direction of the receiving cavity, the receiving cavity can be cleaned along the depth direction. At the same time, since the depth direction of the receiving cavity is parallel to the vertical direction, the cleaned stains can fall down the inner wall of the receiving cavity or directly to the bottom of the receiving cavity under the action of gravity, thereby preventing the stains from re-contaminating the receiving cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a drive member and a screw, the screw extending along the depth direction of the receiving cavity, the drive member being connected to one end of the screw for driving the screw to rotate, and the other end of the screw being threadedly connected to the cleaning brush.

[0015] Thus, by driving the screw to rotate through the drive component, the cleaning brush can be moved along the extension direction of the screw. On the one hand, the screw can easily extend into the receiving cavity of the ice water tank without occupying too much space inside the receiving cavity, reducing the impact on the capacity of the ice water stored in the receiving cavity. On the other hand, the threaded engagement between the screw and the cleaning brush ensures high stability and even force distribution.

[0016] In one embodiment, the brush portion includes bristles that are interference-fitted with the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity.

[0017] By setting the brush bristles to have an interference fit with the inner circumferential wall of the receiving cavity, the brush bristles can fully contact the inner circumferential wall of the receiving cavity. Thus, under the driving action of the drive mechanism, the inner circumferential wall of the receiving cavity can be reliably cleaned, thereby improving the reliability of cleaning.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ice water tank cleaning device further includes a spraying mechanism, which includes a spray head disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity, the spray head being used to spray water into the receiving cavity;

[0019] The controller is connected to the spraying mechanism and is used to control the operation of the spraying mechanism.

[0020] By setting up a spray mechanism, a cleaning water flow can be provided to the cleaning mechanism when it cleans the receiving cavity. The water flow not only improves the cleaning effect of the cleaning mechanism, but also guides the dirt under cleaning to flow with the water flow, thus speeding up the cleaning efficiency.

[0021] In one embodiment, the spraying mechanism includes a plurality of spray heads, at least two of which are disposed opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the receiving cavity, and the depth direction of the receiving cavity is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0022] Because the spray heads are positioned opposite each other, the cleaning chamber can be sprayed more thoroughly, further improving cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, the spray heads are not positioned vertically opposite each other, but rather perpendicular to the vertical direction. Therefore, the water flow from the spray nozzles can flow downwards to the bottom of the chamber, preventing dirt from re-contaminating it.

[0023] In one embodiment, the ice water tank cleaning device further includes a water pumping mechanism. The bottom of the ice water tank is provided with a drain outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. The water pumping mechanism is connected to the drain outlet and is used to pump out the water in the receiving cavity.

[0024] The controller is connected to the pumping mechanism and is used to control the operation of the pumping mechanism.

[0025] In this way, the wastewater accumulated at the bottom of the ice water tank can be discharged from the drain outlet under the suction force of the pumping mechanism, so that the wastewater inside the ice water tank can be sucked out, thus improving the cleanliness of the tank.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ice water tank cleaning device further includes a water level detector for detecting the water level in the containment cavity. The controller is communicatively connected to the water level detector and is used to control the pumping mechanism to stop working when the water level detector detects that the water level in the containment cavity has reached the minimum water level.

[0027] By detecting the water level in the containment chamber using a water level detector, it is possible to determine whether the sewage has been emptied during the pumping process. If the detected water level in the containment chamber reaches the minimum level, it indicates that the sewage in the containment chamber has been emptied, and the pumping mechanism can be stopped. This improves the accuracy of the pumping mechanism in emptying the sewage and avoids damage to the ice water tank cleaning device caused by the pumping mechanism pumping dry.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ice water tank cleaning device further includes a sterilizer connected to the receiving cavity for sterilizing the receiving cavity;

[0029] The controller is connected to the sterilizer and is used to control the operation of the sterilizer.

[0030] Because ice water tanks store circulating water, they can harbor a lot of bacteria. After cleaning, the entire container can be disinfected using a sterilizer to keep the ice water tank clean. This ensures that the water is clean and safe when used for drinking or ice making.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sterilizer includes an ultraviolet lamp for providing ultraviolet light to the receiving cavity;

[0032] The controller is connected to the UV lamp via communication and is used to control the operation of the UV lamp.

[0033] Because the containment chamber is in a closed environment, ultraviolet light will not leak and cause harm to the user. Furthermore, ultraviolet light can effectively disinfect many bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thus providing a wider disinfection range.

[0034] Another aspect of this application provides a water purifier ice maker, including the ice water tank cleaning device in any of the above embodiments.

[0035] The aforementioned water purifier and ice maker can activate a drive mechanism via a controller when the ice water tank needs cleaning. This mechanism drives a cleaning brush to move relative to the receiving cavity, thus cleaning the ice water tank. Furthermore, because the outer shape of the cleaning brush head matches the inner shape of the inner wall of the receiving cavity, the cleaning process improves the thoroughness and efficiency of cleaning the ice water tank, making its use more hygienic. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view of a water purifier and ice maker according to one or more embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the water purifier ice maker.

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structure of the water purifier ice maker.

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of part of the structure of the water purifier ice maker.

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the cleaning mechanism in the water purifier ice maker.

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning mechanism.

[0042] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cleaning brush in the cleaning mechanism.

[0043] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning brush.

[0044] Figure 9 for Figure 7 The top view of the cleaning brush shown.

[0045] Figure 10 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial structure of the water purifier ice maker.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 100. Ice water tank cleaning device; 10. Ice water tank; 11. Receiving cavity; 111. Drain outlet; 20. Cleaning mechanism; 21. Drive mechanism; 211. Drive component; 212. Screw; 22. Cleaning brush; 221. Brush part; 222. Push plate; 223. Matching rod; 40. Spraying mechanism; 41. Spray head; 42. First water pump; 50. Water pumping mechanism; 51. Second water pump; 60. Sterilizer; 200. Water purification ice maker; 210. Raw water tank; 220. Evaporator assembly; 230. Ice box; 240. Circulation pump; 250. Compressor; 260. Condenser; 270. Pure water tank. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0050] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0053] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0054] See Figures 1-4 An embodiment of this application provides an ice water tank cleaning device 100, which includes an ice water tank 10, a cleaning mechanism 20, and a controller. The ice water tank cleaning device 100 can be applied to a water purifier ice maker 200, or to other devices that are suitable for the ice water tank cleaning device 100, and there are no specific limitations.

[0055] The ice water tank 10 refers to a tank structure capable of holding ice water, which has a receiving cavity 11. Specifically, when the ice water tank cleaning device 100 can be applied to the water purifier ice maker 200, the ice water tank 10 can be connected to the raw water tank 210 and the evaporator assembly 220. Clean water in the raw water tank 210 can enter the ice water tank 10 for later use. When the equipment needs to make ice, the water in the ice water tank 10 can be drawn into the ice tray 222 by the circulation pump 240, and then flow back to the ice water tank 10, circulating the water in sequence. Under the cooling effect of the evaporator assembly 220, the circulating water in the ice tray 222 cools and freezes into ice cubes. After the ice cubes reach a certain thickness, they enter the de-icing process and fall into the ice box 230, from which the user can take out ice cubes for use.

[0056] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cleaning mechanism 20 refers to a mechanism with a cleaning function. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism 20 includes a drive mechanism 21 and a cleaning brush 22. The drive mechanism 21 is connected to the cleaning brush 22 and is used to drive the cleaning brush 22 to move relative to the receiving cavity 11. The way the drive mechanism 21 drives the cleaning brush 22 to move relative to the ice water tank 10 is not limited; it can be translation, rotation, or a combination of translation and rotation. No specific limitation is imposed.

[0057] The cleaning brush 22 includes an annular brush portion 221, which contacts the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 in the circumferential direction, and the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 is adapted to the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11.

[0058] The brush portion 221 of the cleaning brush 22 refers to the part that actually performs the cleaning function. For example, the brush portion 221 can be brush bristles, a soft rubber brush, or something else. The matching of the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 with the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 means that the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 is basically the same as the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11. For example, when the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 is circular, the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 is also circular; when the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 is irregular, the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 is also irregular.

[0059] The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism 21 and is used to control the operation of the drive mechanism 21. Specifically, the controller can control the drive mechanism 21 to operate after receiving a start command from the drive mechanism 21.

[0060] Thus, the ice water tank cleaning device 100 of this application embodiment can, when the ice water tank 10 needs cleaning, control the drive mechanism 21 to operate via the controller, thereby driving the cleaning brush 22 to move relative to the receiving cavity 11 to clean the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10. Furthermore, since the outer contour shape of the brush portion 221 of the cleaning brush 22 is adapted to the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, the thoroughness and efficiency of cleaning the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10 can be improved during the cleaning process, making the use of the ice water tank 10 cleaner and more hygienic.

[0061] See Figures 7-9 Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the cleaning brush 22 includes a push plate 222, one side of which is connected to the drive mechanism 21, and the brush part 221 is arranged around the outer peripheral edge of the push plate 222.

[0062] Because the push plate 222 has a large area and a reliable structure, when the brush part 221 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the push plate 222, the reliability of the brush part 221 is improved and the cleaning stability is enhanced.

[0063] Specifically, the push plate 222 is flat, and its outer contour shape can be adapted to the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11. In this way, the brush part 221 can be more evenly distributed on the outer peripheral edge of the push plate 222, and the cleaning force applied by the brush part 221 to the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 is also uniform. During the movement of the push plate 222, the cleaning stability can be improved.

[0064] In some embodiments, the brush portion 221 includes brush bristles that are interference-fitted with the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11.

[0065] An interference fit means that the tips of the bristles can not only contact the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, but also press appropriately on the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, ensuring that there is a certain allowance for the fit between the two.

[0066] By setting the brush bristles to be in an interference fit with the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, the brush bristles can fully contact the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, and thus, under the driving action of the driving mechanism 21, the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11 can be reliably cleaned, thereby improving the reliability of cleaning.

[0067] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 21 is used to drive the cleaning brush 22 to move along the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11, the depth of the receiving cavity 11 being parallel to the vertical direction.

[0068] When the drive mechanism 21 drives the cleaning brush 22 to move along the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11, the receiving cavity 11 can be cleaned along the depth direction. At the same time, since the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11 is parallel to the vertical direction, the dirt that has been cleaned can fall down along the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 or directly to the bottom of the receiving cavity 11 under the action of gravity, thereby preventing the dirt from contaminating the receiving cavity 11 again.

[0069] Specifically, the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11 is the Z direction as shown in the figure.

[0070] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 21 includes a drive member 211 and a screw 212. The screw 212 extends along the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11. The drive member 211 is connected to one end of the screw 212 to drive the screw 212 to rotate. The other end of the screw 212 is threadedly connected to the cleaning brush 22.

[0071] Thus, by driving the screw 212 to rotate via the drive component 211, the cleaning brush 22 can be moved along the extension direction of the screw 212. On the one hand, the screw 212 can easily extend into the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10 without occupying too much space inside the receiving cavity 11, thus reducing the impact on the capacity of the ice water stored in the receiving cavity 11. On the other hand, the threaded engagement between the screw 212 and the cleaning brush 22 provides high stability and uniform force distribution.

[0072] Specifically, one side of the push plate 222 of the cleaning brush 22 has a mating rod 223 extending away from the push plate 222 along the depth direction of the receiving cavity 11. The mating rod 223 is threadedly connected to the screw 212. Optionally, the mating rod 223 has an internal thread, and the screw 212 has an external thread, with the internal and external threads mating.

[0073] To improve the installation reliability of the drive component 211, in the embodiments of this application, the drive component 211 is installed on the cover of the chilled water tank 10, specifically located on the top of the chilled water tank 10, and can be fixed by screws.

[0074] In addition, the drive component 211 can be a motor. The motor and the screw 212 are connected by a plug-in connection. The cross-section of the end of the screw 212 connected to the motor can be D-shaped to prevent relative rotation between the two and thus affect the rotational stability of the screw 212.

[0075] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the ice water tank cleaning device 100 further includes a spraying mechanism 40, which includes spray heads 41 disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 for spraying water into the receiving cavity 11. A controller is communicatively connected to the spraying mechanism 40 for controlling the operation of the spraying mechanism 40.

[0076] By setting up a spray mechanism 40, a cleaning water flow can be provided to the cleaning mechanism 20 when it cleans the receiving cavity 11. The water flow not only makes the cleaning effect of the cleaning mechanism 20 better, but also guides the dirt under cleaning to flow with the water flow, thus speeding up the cleaning efficiency.

[0077] In practical applications, the controller is used to control the simultaneous operation of the spraying mechanism 40 and the cleaning mechanism 20.

[0078] Furthermore, the spray mechanism 40 includes a plurality of spray heads 41, with at least two spray heads 41 arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the receiving cavity 11.

[0079] Because the spray heads 41 are positioned opposite each other, the receiving cavity 11 can be sprayed with water more comprehensively, further improving cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, the spray heads 41 are not positioned vertically opposite each other, but rather perpendicular to the vertical direction. Therefore, the water flow from the spray nozzles can flow downwards to the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, preventing dirt from re-contaminating the receiving cavity 11.

[0080] Specifically, the spraying mechanism 40 also includes a first water pump 42, which is connected to the spray head 41 and is used to pump water to the spray head 41.

[0081] In some embodiments, the ice water tank cleaning device 100 further includes a water pumping mechanism 50. The bottom of the ice water tank 10 is provided with a drain outlet 11111 that communicates with the receiving cavity 11. The water pumping mechanism 50 is connected to the drain outlet 11111 and is used to pump out water from the receiving cavity 11. A controller is communicatively connected to the water pumping mechanism 50 and is used to control the operation of the water pumping mechanism 50.

[0082] In this way, the sewage accumulated at the bottom of the ice water tank 10 can be discharged from the drain outlet 11111 under the suction force of the pumping mechanism 50, so that the sewage inside the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10 can be sucked clean, thus improving the cleanliness of the receiving cavity 11.

[0083] Specifically, the pumping mechanism 50 includes a second pumping pump 51, the pumping port of which can be connected to the drain port 11111 to pump out the sewage in the receiving cavity 11.

[0084] Specifically, the controller is used to control the pumping mechanism 50 to operate when the cleaning mechanism 20 and the spraying mechanism 40 stop working. In other embodiments, the pumping mechanism 50 can also be controlled to operate simultaneously when the cleaning mechanism 20 and the spraying mechanism 40 are working, thus enabling simultaneous cleaning and spraying while discharging wastewater, thereby accelerating the cleaning speed.

[0085] Furthermore, the ice water tank cleaning device 100 also includes a water level detector, which is used to detect the water level in the receiving cavity 11. The controller is connected in communication with the water level detector and is used to control the pumping mechanism 50 to stop working when the water level detector detects that the water level in the receiving cavity 11 has reached the minimum water level.

[0086] The water level detector can be a water level sensor, such as a float-type water level sensor, an ultrasonic water level sensor, a radar water level sensor, etc., and there are no specific restrictions.

[0087] By detecting the water level in the receiving cavity 11 using a water level detector, it is possible to determine whether the sewage has been emptied during the pumping process of the pumping mechanism 50. If the detected water level in the receiving cavity 11 reaches the minimum water level, it indicates that the sewage in the receiving cavity 11 has been emptied, and the pumping mechanism 50 can be controlled to stop working. In this way, on the one hand, the accuracy of the pumping mechanism 50 in emptying the sewage can be improved, and on the other hand, it can prevent the pumping mechanism 50 from pumping dry and causing damage to the ice water tank cleaning device 100.

[0088] In some embodiments, the ice water tank cleaning device 100 further includes a sterilizer 60, which is connected to the receiving cavity 11 and is used to sterilize the receiving cavity 11.

[0089] Since the ice water tank 10 stores circulating water, it will also contain a lot of bacteria. After cleaning, the entire containment chamber 11 can be disinfected by the sterilizer 60 to keep the ice water tank 10 clean. This ensures that the water is clean and safe when used for drinking or ice making.

[0090] Specifically, the sterilizer 60 includes an ultraviolet lamp that provides ultraviolet light to the receiving cavity 11 to sterilize it. A controller is communicatively connected to the ultraviolet lamp and is used to control its operation.

[0091] The principle of ultraviolet disinfection is to destroy the DNA / RNA structure of microorganisms by using ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength, thereby causing them to lose their ability to reproduce and thus achieving an inactivation effect.

[0092] Because the containment cavity 11 is in a closed environment, ultraviolet light will not leak and cause harm to the user. Furthermore, ultraviolet light can effectively disinfect many bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thus providing a wider disinfection range.

[0093] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a water purifier ice maker 200, including the ice water tank cleaning device 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0094] When the ice water tank 10 needs cleaning, the ice maker 200 controls the drive mechanism 21 via a controller to operate, thereby driving the cleaning brush 22 to move relative to the receiving cavity 11 to clean the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10. Furthermore, since the outer shape of the brush portion 221 of the cleaning brush 22 is adapted to the inner shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity 11, the cleaning process can improve the thoroughness and efficiency of cleaning the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10, making the use of the ice water tank 10 cleaner and more hygienic.

[0095] Furthermore, the water purifier ice maker 200 also includes a raw water tank 210, an evaporator assembly 220, an ice box 230, and a circulation pump 240. The ice water tank 10 is connected to the raw water tank 210 and the evaporator assembly 220. The evaporator assembly 220 includes an evaporator and an ice tray 222. The circulation pump 240 is used to circulate water between the ice water tank 10 and the evaporator assembly 220. The evaporator is used to cool the water in the ice tray 222 to form ice cubes. The ice box 230 is located below the ice tray 222 and is used to receive the ice cubes in the ice tray 222.

[0096] Furthermore, the water purifier ice maker 200 also includes a compressor 250, a condenser 260, etc., which are connected to the evaporator assembly 220 to form a refrigeration circuit.

[0097] In some embodiments, the water purifier ice maker 200 also includes a pure water tank 270 for holding pure water for the user to use.

[0098] To better understand this application, a specific implementation method for cleaning the ice water tank 10 of the water purifier ice maker 200 is given below, with the following steps:

[0099] S1: When the user presses the cleaning function button, the ice maker 200 begins cleaning the ice water tank 10. The controller outputs a signal to start the motor, which drives the screw 212 to rotate. The cleaning mechanism 20 moves downward. When the cleaning mechanism 20 reaches the bottom of the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10, the controller controls the motor to reverse. After the cleaning mechanism 20 moves upward a certain distance, the controller controls the motor to rotate forward, causing the cleaning mechanism 20 to move downward. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure that the ice water tank 10 is completely clean. In addition, when the cleaning mechanism 20 moves upward and downward, the first water pump 42 starts working simultaneously. The two opposing spray heads 41 spray water onto the inner wall of the receiving cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10 until the cleaning mechanism 20 completes the cleaning work, at which point the first water pump 42 stops working.

[0100] S2: When the cleaning mechanism 20 stops working, the second water pump 51 starts working to pump out and empty the sewage in the containment chamber 11 of the ice water tank 10. The water level sensor determines whether the liquid level in the containment chamber 11 has reached the minimum level. When the minimum level is confirmed, the second water pump 51 stops working.

[0101] S3: When the second water pump 51 completes its work, the ultraviolet lamp starts working and disinfects the containment cavity 11 of the ice water tank 10.

[0102] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0103] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for an ice water tank, characterized in that, include: Ice water tank, with a containing cavity; A cleaning mechanism includes a drive mechanism and a cleaning brush. The drive mechanism is connected to the cleaning brush and is used to drive the cleaning brush to move relative to the ice water tank. The cleaning brush includes an annular brush portion that contacts the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity in the circumferential direction, and the outer contour shape of the brush portion is adapted to the inner contour shape of the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity. The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism and is used to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

2. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning brush includes a push plate, one side of which is connected to the drive mechanism, and the brush portion is arranged around the outer peripheral edge of the push plate.

3. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving mechanism is used to drive the cleaning brush to move along the depth direction of the receiving cavity, which is parallel to the vertical direction.

4. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a driving component and a screw. The screw extends along the depth direction of the receiving cavity. The driving component is connected to one end of the screw to drive the screw to rotate. The other end of the screw is threadedly connected to the cleaning brush.

5. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brush portion includes brush bristles that are interference-fitted with the inner peripheral wall of the receiving cavity.

6. The ice water tank cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ice water tank cleaning device also includes a spraying mechanism, which includes a spray head disposed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity, and the spray head is used to spray water into the receiving cavity; The controller is communicatively connected to the spraying mechanism and is used to control the operation of the spraying mechanism.

7. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spraying mechanism includes multiple spray heads, with at least two spray heads arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the receiving cavity, and the depth direction of the receiving cavity being parallel to the vertical direction.

8. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice water tank cleaning device also includes a water pumping mechanism. The bottom of the ice water tank is provided with a drain outlet that communicates with the receiving cavity. The water pumping mechanism is connected to the drain outlet and is used to pump out the water in the receiving cavity. The controller is communicatively connected to the pumping mechanism and is used to control the operation of the pumping mechanism.

9. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice water tank cleaning device also includes a water level detector, which is used to detect the water level in the receiving cavity. The controller is communicatively connected to the water level detector and is used to control the pumping mechanism to stop working when the water level detector detects that the water level in the receiving cavity has reached the minimum water level.

10. The ice water tank cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ice water tank cleaning device also includes a sterilizer, which is connected to the receiving cavity and is used to sterilize the receiving cavity; The controller is communicatively connected to the sterilizer and is used to control the operation of the sterilizer.

11. The ice water tank cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sterilizer includes an ultraviolet lamp, which is used to provide ultraviolet light to the receiving cavity; The controller is communicatively connected to the ultraviolet lamp and is used to control the operation of the ultraviolet lamp.

12. A water purification ice maker, characterized in that, Includes the ice water tank cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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