Cleaning device for a refrigeration appliance housing and refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to refrigeration equipment technical field discloses the cleaning device and refrigeration equipment of refrigeration equipment containing box, and the cleaning device includes refrigeration unit, bubble water preparation unit including water tank, pumping device and bubble generator, bubble water preparation unit communicates with the containing box of refrigeration equipment through the flushing water route, switching mechanism includes first switching subassembly and second switching subassembly, and first switching subassembly sets up in refrigeration flow path, and second switching subassembly sets up in bubble preparation water route and flushing water route. Through control switching mechanism, the water tank of bubble water preparation unit is communicated with bubble generator and carries out bubble water preparation, and then is transported to the containing box of refrigeration equipment through flushing water route and carries out effective flushing to the containing box. The nanometer bubble prepared by bubble generator can go into the fine crack of containing box, has no cleaning dead angle, can not cause stain and bacteria residue, improves the health safety of refrigeration equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically to a cleaning device for a refrigeration equipment container and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The containers of refrigeration equipment mainly rely on manual scrubbing or simple water rinsing techniques. Taking ice makers as an example, manual cleaning requires manual operation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is easy to miss the deep grooves of the container, resulting in stains and bacteria residue. Although water rinsing is partially automated, the water pressure is insufficient or the direction is fixed, which cannot effectively penetrate the complex groove structure, creating cleaning dead spots. Moreover, cleaning agent residue can easily cause secondary pollution, affecting the hygiene and safety of refrigeration equipment. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a cleaning device for a refrigeration equipment container and a refrigeration equipment, so as to solve the problem that the manual or simple water rinsing cleaning method for the refrigeration equipment container has cleaning dead corners, which easily causes stains and bacteria residues, affecting the hygiene and safety of the refrigeration equipment.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a cleaning device for a refrigeration equipment container, comprising: A refrigeration unit having a refrigeration flow path, wherein a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator are provided in the refrigeration flow path; A sparkling water preparation unit includes a water tank, a pumping device, and a bubble generator; the sparkling water preparation unit forms a bubble preparation water path and a rinsing water path; the water tank and the bubble generator are disposed in the bubble preparation water path; the sparkling water preparation unit is connected to the receiving box of the refrigeration equipment through the rinsing water path; The switching mechanism includes a first switching component and a second switching component. The first switching component is disposed in the cooling flow path, and the second switching component is disposed in the bubble preparation water path and the rinsing water path.

[0005] Beneficial Effects: By controlling the switching mechanism to connect the water tank of the bubble water preparation unit to the bubble generator, bubble water is prepared and then delivered to the container of the refrigeration equipment through the flushing water path for effective rinsing. The nano-sized bubbles generated by the bubble generator can penetrate deep into the tiny crevices of the container, leaving no cleaning dead spots, preventing stains and bacterial residues, and eliminating the need for chemical cleaners and secondary pollution, thus improving the hygiene and safety of the refrigeration equipment. Nano-sized bubbles have high stability at low temperatures and low surface tension, allowing them to more easily penetrate into the crevices, grooves, or micropores of frost residue on the surface of the container. When the bubbles burst, they generate a tiny impact force (cavitation effect), which can physically remove stubborn stains (such as frost in the freezer, limescale residue in the ice maker, and food grease in the freezer). Even at low temperatures, this eliminates the problem of reduced cleaning agent activity due to low temperatures, reducing the use of chemical cleaners and making it more suitable for cleaning food contact parts. Because of the high dissolved oxygen content in sparkling water, the high-oxygen environment can inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria in refrigeration equipment, especially in dark corners or sealed gaps of the container. Compared with ordinary water rinsing, it can maintain cleanliness for a longer time and reduce odor.

[0006] In one alternative embodiment, the bubble generator is a venturi tube.

[0007] Beneficial effects: Conventional bubble generators often produce bubbles of inconsistent sizes, while the Venturi tube's throat has a stable flow velocity and controllable turbulence. The high-speed fluid creates stable shear force at the throat, cutting the inhaled gas into more uniformly sized bubbles. Furthermore, by adjusting parameters such as the throat diameter, contraction / diffusion angle, and inlet flow velocity, the bubble size can be precisely controlled to form nanoscale bubbles—something difficult to achieve with simple bubble generators. The Venturi tube uses the fluid's own kinetic energy to create negative pressure to draw in gas, eliminating the need for additional pumps or fans and significantly reducing energy consumption. More importantly, it has no moving mechanical parts (such as impellers or valves), and the high-speed fluid at the throat can flush the inner wall of the pipe, reducing impurity adhesion. Compared to bubble generators that rely on pumps, this effectively prevents the gas inlet from being blocked by contaminants, improving equipment stability. In addition, the diffuser section of the Venturi tube creates a violently turbulent mixing zone, where bubbles are repeatedly sheared and dispersed in the high-speed fluid, resulting in a gas-liquid contact area far larger than ordinary aeration devices. This efficient mixing not only generates a large number of bubbles but also simultaneously enhances the mass transfer efficiency between gas and liquid. The hydrodynamic force generated by the high-speed jet can drive the circulation of the surrounding liquid, creating a localized stirring effect, which reduces the need for additional stirring devices and simplifies the structure. When the fluid reaches extremely high velocities at the throat of the venturi tube, the local pressure may be lower than the saturated vapor pressure of the liquid, forming tiny bubbles (cavitation bubbles). These bubbles violently collapse in the diffusion section as the pressure increases, generating instantaneous high-pressure microjets and shock waves (cavitation effect). This effect, in addition to enhancing bubble formation, also provides a physical cleaning effect.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the bubble preparation water path between the water tank and the bubble generator is further provided with a throttling plug, a jet chamber, and a mixing chamber.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The throttling plug increases the flow velocity and reduces the pressure of the fluid. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of dissolved gases in water decreases, making it easier for gases to precipitate and form bubbles. Simultaneously, the small orifice design of the throttling plug restricts flow and stabilizes pressure, making subsequent bubble formation more stable. Furthermore, by rationally designing the size and number of throttling orifices, the bubble size and density can be controlled, resulting in smaller, more uniform bubbles. The jet chamber allows the fluid to form a high-speed jet, generating strong shear force that cuts the intake gas into tiny bubbles. Its internal structure can be designed in the form of a Laval tube, further increasing the fluid velocity and turbulence, increasing the gas-liquid contact area and mixing effect, thereby improving bubble formation efficiency and quality, resulting in smaller, more uniformly distributed bubbles. The mixing chamber provides a specific space for gas-liquid mixing, allowing the gas and liquid to fully contact and mix. By rationally designing the internal structure of the mixing chamber, such as by incorporating reflective and scattering walls, complex flow paths can be created within the chamber, extending the gas-liquid mixing time and enhancing the mixing effect, thereby generating more and more uniform bubbles. The synergistic effect of the throttling plug, jet chamber, and mixing chamber allows for a stronger cavitation effect during bubble generation and movement. The minute impact force generated when bubbles burst can more effectively remove stubborn stains from the surface of the refrigeration equipment's container, such as residue, scale, and food grease, resulting in better cleaning. High-speed jetting and thorough mixing also increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water. In a high-oxygen environment, microbial growth is more effectively inhibited, odor production is reduced, and cleaning effectiveness and hygiene are improved. The design of the throttling plug and jet chamber utilizes the fluid's own energy to achieve gas intake and bubble generation, eliminating the need for additional air pumps or other power equipment, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the rinsing water path includes a branch pipe, wherein the generated bubble water is diverted into at least two branches and then connected to the container.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The distribution pipe can redistribute and balance the pressure and flow rate of the bubble water. When the bubble water is diverted from the main pipe to multiple branches, the structure and size design of the distribution pipe can ensure that the pressure and flow rate of each branch are relatively uniform, avoiding situations where the pressure is too high or too low, or the flow rate is too large or too small in any one branch, thus ensuring that each cleaning point is effectively cleaned. Valves or connectors can be installed on each branch. When a branch malfunctions or requires maintenance, the valve of that branch can be closed without affecting the normal operation of other branches. This facilitates the inspection and replacement of parts in individual branches, reducing the impact on the entire cleaning system and lowering maintenance costs and time. After the bubble water is diverted to multiple branches, the nozzles or outlets of different branches can be set at different positions and angles, thereby expanding the cleaning coverage. When cleaning large containers, the bubble water from multiple branches can be sprayed simultaneously from different directions onto all parts of the container, ensuring no cleaning dead spots and improving the cleaning effect.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, a filter is provided in the water supply pipeline of the water tank to supply purified water to the water tank.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Using filtered pure water to prepare sparkling water will not introduce impurities and will ensure that there is no odor in the container. In particular, when cleaning the ice container of an ice maker, it can guarantee the taste and purity of the ice cubes and improve health and safety.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, an ultraviolet lamp is provided at the housing.

[0015] Beneficial effects: UV lamps can effectively sterilize and disinfect, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms; while sterilizing, UV lamps can also inhibit odor substances produced by microbial metabolism. Combined with the cleaning process of the container, it can maintain a fresh smell in the container area for a long time, which can prevent ice cubes from having an odor that affects the taste.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, a heating branch is further provided between the compressor and the evaporator; the first switching component includes: A heating solenoid valve is installed in the heating branch.

[0017] Beneficial effects: A heating branch is set up between the compressor and the evaporator, connected in parallel with the refrigeration flow path. By opening the heating solenoid valve in the heating branch, the heat from the compressor is supplied by the evaporator through the heating solenoid valve using the principle of reverse refrigeration, thereby improving the activity and bursting force of microbubbles and enhancing the cleaning and separation effect.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the second switching component includes: An inlet solenoid valve is installed in the bubble preparation water path between the water tank and the throttling plug; A bubble solenoid valve is installed in the bubble preparation water circuit between the jet chamber and the mixing chamber.

[0019] Beneficial effects: By controlling the water supply to the bubble preparation water circuit through the water inlet solenoid valve, and controlling the opening and closing of the bubble solenoid valve, the connection or disconnection of the bubble generator can be controlled, thereby reliably controlling the bubble preparation process.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, a check valve is provided in the flushing water path.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Installing a check valve in the rinsing water circuit prevents water from branching or downstream from potentially flowing back to core components such as the bubble generator; the check valve blocks reverse water flow through its one-way conduction characteristic, preventing dirty cleaning water from entering the bubble generator and causing contamination and blockage.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the bubble generator produces bubbles with a diameter of 50 nm to 200 nm.

[0023] Beneficial effects: Nanobubbles are much smaller than micron-sized stains and micropores on object surfaces, allowing them to easily penetrate the interior or crevices of stains. Through the cavitation effect and impact force when the bubbles burst, they can peel off stubborn stains, effectively improving rinsing results.

[0024] Secondly, this utility model also provides a refrigeration device, including the cleaning device described in any of the above claims; the cleaning device includes a controller, which is connected to the refrigeration unit, the bubble preparation unit and the switching mechanism respectively.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Since the refrigeration equipment includes the cleaning device of this utility model, it has the same technical effects as the cleaning device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0026] In one optional embodiment, the refrigeration device is an ice maker, and the container is an ice container.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The impact of the bubbles can remove dirt and impurities from the surface and crevices of the ice container, cleaning without dead corners, reducing the difficulty and frequency of manual cleaning, and saving cleaning time and effort; due to the good cleaning effect, it can reduce the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and at the same time reduce the odors produced by microbial metabolism and food residue decomposition, keeping the ice-making environment clean. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a bubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of a bubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A side view of a bubble generator according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a Venturi tubular bubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Water tank; 21. Water inlet solenoid valve; 22. Bubble solenoid valve; 23. Ice-making solenoid valve; 24. Heating solenoid valve; 3. Throttling plug; 4. Jet cavity; 5. Circulating pump; 6. Mixing chamber; 7. Bubble generator; 8. Check valve; 9. Water distribution pipe; 10. Storage box; 11. Evaporator; 12. Capillary tube; 13. Dryer filter; 14. Condenser; 15. Condensing fan; 16. Compressor; 17. Ultraviolet lamp; 18. Lighting lamp; 19. Ice storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., 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 utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a cleaning device for a refrigeration equipment container 10 is provided, comprising: The refrigeration unit has a refrigeration flow path, in which a compressor 16, a condenser 14 and an evaporator 11 are installed; The sparkling water preparation unit includes a water tank 1, a pumping device, and a bubble generator 7; the sparkling water preparation unit forms a bubble preparation water path and a rinsing water path; the water tank 1 and the bubble generator 7 are arranged in the bubble preparation water path; the sparkling water preparation unit is connected to the container box 10 of the refrigeration equipment through the rinsing water path; The switching mechanism includes a first switching component and a second switching component. The first switching component is disposed in the cooling flow path, and the second switching component is disposed in the bubble preparation water path and the rinsing water path.

[0036] The water tank 1 of the bubble water preparation unit is connected to the bubble generator 7 via a control switching mechanism to prepare bubble water, which is then transported to the container 10 of the refrigeration equipment through a flushing water path for effective rinsing. The nano-sized bubbles generated by the bubble generator 7 can penetrate deep into the tiny crevices of the container 10, leaving no dead corners and preventing stains and bacterial residues. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for chemical cleaners and avoids secondary pollution, improving the hygiene and safety of the refrigeration equipment. The nano-sized bubbles exhibit high stability at low temperatures and have low surface tension, allowing them to easily penetrate the crevices, grooves, or micropores of frost residue on the surface of the container 10. When the bubbles burst, they generate a tiny impact force (cavitation effect), which can physically remove stubborn stains (such as frost in the freezer, limescale residue in ice makers, and food grease in the freezer). Even at low temperatures, it eliminates the problem of reduced cleaning agent activity due to low temperatures, reducing the use of chemical cleaners and making it more suitable for cleaning food contact parts. Because of the high dissolved oxygen content in sparkling water, the high-oxygen environment can inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria in refrigeration equipment, especially in dark corners or sealed gaps of the container 10. Compared with ordinary water rinsing, it can maintain cleanliness for a longer time and reduce odor.

[0037] It should be noted that the cleaning device of this utility model can be used for cleaning refrigerator drawers, ice boxes of ice makers, and the inner lining of freezers.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bubble generator 7 is a venturi tube.

[0039] Conventional bubble generators (7) often produce bubbles of varying sizes, while the Venturi tube features a stable flow velocity and controllable turbulence at its throat. The high-speed fluid creates a stable shear force at the throat, cutting the inhaled gas into more uniformly sized bubbles. Furthermore, by adjusting parameters such as the throat diameter, contraction / diffusion angle, and inlet flow velocity, the bubble size can be precisely controlled to form nanoscale bubbles—something difficult to achieve with simple bubble generators (7). The Venturi tube uses the fluid's own kinetic energy to create negative pressure to draw in gas, eliminating the need for additional pumps or fans and significantly reducing energy consumption. More importantly, it has no moving mechanical parts (such as impellers or valves), and the high-speed fluid at the throat can flush the inner wall of the pipe, reducing impurity adhesion. Compared to bubble generators (7) that rely on pumps, this effectively prevents the gas inlet from being blocked by contaminants, improving equipment stability. In addition, the diffusion section of the Venturi tube creates a violently turbulent mixing zone, where bubbles are repeatedly sheared and dispersed in the high-speed fluid, resulting in a gas-liquid contact area far larger than that of ordinary aeration devices. This highly efficient mixing not only generates a large number of bubbles but also simultaneously enhances the mass transfer efficiency between the gas and liquid. The hydrodynamic force generated by the high-speed jet can drive the circulation of the surrounding liquid, creating a localized stirring effect, which reduces the need for additional stirring devices and simplifies the structure. When the fluid reaches extremely high velocities at the throat of the venturi tube, the local pressure may be lower than the saturated vapor pressure of the liquid, forming tiny bubbles (cavitation bubbles). These bubbles violently collapse in the diffusion section as the pressure increases, generating instantaneous high-pressure microjets and shock waves (cavitation effect). This effect, in addition to enhancing bubble formation, also provides a physical cleaning effect.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bubble preparation water path between the water tank 1 and the bubble generator 7 is further provided with a throttling plug 3, a jet chamber 4, and a mixing chamber 6.

[0041] The throttling plug 3 increases the flow velocity and decreases the pressure of the fluid as it passes through. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of dissolved gases in water decreases, making it easier for the gas to precipitate and form bubbles. Simultaneously, the small orifice design of the throttling plug 3 restricts flow and stabilizes pressure, making subsequent bubble formation more stable. Furthermore, by rationally designing the size and number of throttling orifices, the bubble size and density can be controlled, resulting in smaller, more uniform bubbles. The jet chamber 4 creates a high-speed jet of fluid, generating strong shear force that cuts the intake gas into tiny bubbles. Its internal structure can be designed in the form of a Laval tube, further increasing the fluid velocity and turbulence, increasing the gas-liquid contact area and mixing effect, thereby improving bubble formation efficiency and quality, resulting in smaller, more uniformly distributed bubbles. The mixing chamber 6 provides a specific space for gas-liquid mixing, allowing the gas and liquid to fully contact and mix. By rationally designing the internal structure of the mixing chamber 6, such as by setting reflective and scattering walls, the water flow within the mixing chamber 6 can form a complex flow path, prolonging the gas-liquid mixing time and enhancing the mixing effect, thereby generating more and more uniform bubbles. The synergistic effect of the throttling plug 3, the jet chamber 4, and the mixing chamber 6 allows for a stronger cavitation effect during bubble generation and movement. The tiny impact force generated when bubbles burst can more effectively remove stubborn stains from the surface of the refrigeration equipment's receiving box 10, such as residues, scale, and food grease, resulting in better cleaning. High-speed jetting and thorough mixing also increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water. In a high-oxygen environment, microbial growth can be more effectively inhibited, odor generation reduced, and cleaning effectiveness and hygiene improved. The design of the throttling plug 3 and the jet chamber 4 utilizes the fluid's own energy to achieve gas intake and bubble generation, eliminating the need for additional air pumps or other power equipment, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rinsing water path includes a water distribution pipe 9, and the generated bubble water is divided into at least two branches and then connected to the container box 10.

[0043] The water distribution pipe 9 can redistribute and balance the pressure and flow rate of the bubble water. When the bubble water is diverted from the main pipe to multiple branches, the structure and size design of the water distribution pipe 9 can ensure that the pressure and flow rate of each branch are relatively uniform, avoiding situations where the pressure is too high or too low, or the flow rate is too large or too small in any one branch, thus ensuring that each cleaning point is effectively cleaned. Valves or connectors can be installed on each branch of the water distribution pipe 9. When a branch malfunctions or requires maintenance, the valve of that branch can be closed without affecting the normal operation of other branches. This facilitates the inspection and replacement of parts in individual branches, reducing the impact on the entire cleaning system and lowering maintenance costs and time. After the bubble water is diverted to multiple branches, the nozzles or outlets of different branches can be set at different positions and angles, thereby expanding the cleaning coverage. When cleaning the large container box 10, the bubble water from multiple branches can be sprayed simultaneously from different directions onto all parts of the container box 10, ensuring no cleaning dead spots and improving the cleaning effect.

[0044] In some embodiments, a filter is provided in the water supply pipeline of water tank 1 to supply purified water to water tank 1.

[0045] Sparkling water is prepared using filtered pure water, which does not introduce impurities and ensures that there is no odor inside the container 10. In particular, when cleaning the ice container of an ice maker, it can guarantee the taste and purity of the ice cubes and improve health and safety.

[0046] In some embodiments, an ultraviolet lamp 17 is provided at the housing 10.

[0047] The UV lamp 17 can effectively sterilize and disinfect, and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. While sterilizing, the UV lamp 17 can also inhibit the odor substances produced by microbial metabolism. Combined with the cleaning process of the container 10, it can maintain the fresh smell of the container 10 area for a long time. For ice makers, it can prevent ice cubes from having an odor that affects the taste.

[0048] In some embodiments, a heating branch is further provided between the compressor 16 and the evaporator 11; the first switching component includes: The heating solenoid valve 24 is installed in the heating branch.

[0049] A heating branch is set between the compressor 16 and the evaporator 11, connected in parallel with the refrigeration flow path. By opening the heating solenoid valve 24 in the heating branch, the heat from the compressor 16 is supplied by the evaporator 11 through the heating solenoid valve 24 using the principle of reverse refrigeration, thereby improving the activity and bursting force of microbubbles and enhancing the cleaning and separation effect of substances.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second switching component includes: The inlet solenoid valve 21 is installed in the bubble preparation water circuit between the water tank 1 and the throttle plug 3; The bubble solenoid valve 22 is installed in the bubble preparation water circuit between the jet chamber 4 and the mixing chamber 6.

[0051] By controlling the water supply to the bubble preparation water circuit through the water inlet solenoid valve 21 and controlling the opening and closing of the bubble solenoid valve 22, the connection or disconnection of the bubble generator 7 can be controlled, thereby reliably controlling the bubble preparation process.

[0052] In some embodiments, a check valve 8 is provided in the flushing water path.

[0053] A check valve 8 is installed in the rinsing water path to prevent water from the branch or downstream from flowing back to the core components such as the bubble generator 7. The check valve 8 blocks the reverse water flow through its one-way conduction characteristic, preventing dirty cleaning water from entering the bubble generator 7 and causing pollution and blockage.

[0054] In some embodiments, the bubble generator 7 generates bubbles with a diameter of 50 nm to 200 nm.

[0055] Nanobubbles are much smaller than micron-sized stains and micropores on object surfaces, allowing them to easily penetrate the interior or crevices of stains. Through the cavitation effect and impact force when the bubbles burst, they can peel off stubborn stains, effectively improving rinsing results.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a refrigeration device, including a cleaning device; the cleaning device includes a controller, which is connected to a refrigeration unit, a bubble preparation unit and a switching mechanism respectively.

[0057] Since the refrigeration equipment includes the cleaning device of this utility model, it has the same technical effect as the cleaning device, and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is an ice maker, and the container 10 is an ice container.

[0059] The impact of the bubbles can remove dirt and impurities from the surface and crevices of the ice container, cleaning without dead corners, reducing the difficulty and frequency of manual cleaning, and saving cleaning time and effort; due to the good cleaning effect, it can reduce the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and at the same time reduce the odors produced by microbial metabolism and food residue decomposition, keeping the ice-making environment clean.

[0060] This utility model provides a cleaning device for an ice-making box in a purified water product-based heat-generating ice-making system. The cleaning device includes an ice-making unit, a bubble water preparation unit, and a switching mechanism. The ice-making unit includes: Water tank or reservoir 1: This is a liquid storage container or cavity that is connected to the water purification product; UV lamp 17: Used for sterilization / bacteriostasis of ice makers to ensure the hygiene and safety of ice makers; Temperature sensing bulb: senses the temperature of the liquid exiting the container; Ice storage tank 19: This is a container or cavity for storing ice blocks, with a bottom structure that can both support the ice blocks and allow water to drain back into the tank; Icebox sensor switch: A signal switch used when an icebox is taken out or put back; Infrared sensor: A signal switch indicating whether the ice cubes are full; Light 18: Used for illumination when the user takes out ice from the ice box; Ice contact strip: Located at the front end of the ice storage tank 19, the ice block will touch the ice magnetic strip when it falls, and provide a sensor signal to indicate that the ice has been removed each time; Circulation pump 5: Draws water from water tank 1 and delivers it to water distribution pipe 9, which then flows into the ice maker. When the rinsing mode is activated, it supplies water to the bubble generator. Water distribution pipe 9: Multiple channels are opened on water distribution pipe 9 to reduce the impact of water flow and make the water flow even and without splashing.

[0061] Ice maker: Located directly below the water pipe 9, it allows for the production of different flavors and textures of fruit juice ice, and the quantity of ice produced is controllable. Inlet solenoid valve 21: Opens to control water intake from water tank 1; Throttling plug 3: It rationally distributes pressure drop, reduces energy loss, rapidly generates microbubbles, and increases gas dissolution. Jet chamber 4: Enables efficient gas-liquid mixing, energy optimization, and bubble homogenization. Its synergy with components such as the throttling plug 3 and the air chamber determines the performance of the bubble water (e.g., bubble fineness and stability) and the system's energy efficiency. Jet chamber 4 is connected to the atmospheric air intake. Since the atmosphere contains complex gases, to ensure air intake safety, a composite filtration system of activated carbon and ultrafiltration membrane is added at the air intake to remove unwanted colors, odors, bacteria, viruses, etc. Bubble solenoid valve 22: controls the primary bubble water to enter the bubble generator 7 from the circulating pump 5 for further breaking and homogenization; Mixing chamber 6: By limiting fluid flow rate or increasing path resistance, the direct escape of insufficiently mixed gas is reduced, the bubble residence time is extended, and air is quickly mixed in through vortex design to generate dense bubble water; Bubble generator 7: Disperses air into the liquid through pressure difference and airflow injection to form nano-sized bubbles; Refrigeration unit: A standard refrigeration system, including components such as compressor 16, condenser 14, condenser fan 15, dryer filter 13, capillary tube 12, evaporator 11 and heating solenoid valve 24 (ice removal solenoid valve); the evaporator 11 is located directly behind the ice maker and is responsible for the heat exchange of water in the ice maker to turn it into ice.

[0062] The working process of the ice-making mode and the cleaning mode is explained below.

[0063] In ice-making mode, water tank 1 provides ice-making raw materials, and compressor 16, condenser 14, circulation pump 5, inlet solenoid valve 21, and flow divider solenoid valve operate simultaneously. Compressor 16 compresses the gaseous refrigerant in the low-pressure pipeline, turning it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state. After passing through condenser 14, dryer filter 13, capillary tube 12, and evaporator 11, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state and returns to compressor 16 for refrigeration. Circulation pump 5 draws water from the water tank through water distribution pipe 9 into the ice-making box cooled by evaporator 11. The high-temperature liquid loses heat through the ice mold, and the liquid temperature gradually decreases. When the temperature sensor reaches the set temperature, such as 5℃~10℃, the circulation pump 5 stops working, the de-icing solenoid valve opens, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas from the compressor 16 heats the evaporator 11, causing the ice cubes in the ice box to slowly melt. After a certain period of time, the ice cubes in the ice box detach from the ice mold and fall from the ice strip into the ice storage tank 19. When the ice strip signal is detected, the de-icing solenoid valve and the compressor 16 close simultaneously, and the ice water making ends.

[0064] Water tank 1 provides the water source, and compressor 16, condenser 14, circulation pump 5, water supply solenoid valve, and flow divider solenoid valve operate simultaneously. Compressor 16 compresses the gaseous refrigerant in the low-pressure pipeline, turning it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state. After passing through condenser 14, dryer filter 13, capillary tube 12, and evaporator 11, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state and returns to compressor 16 for refrigeration. Circulation pump 5 draws the high-temperature liquid from the water tank through water distribution pipe 9 into the ice-making box cooled by evaporator 11. The high-temperature liquid loses heat through the ice-making box, and the liquid temperature gradually drops. When the temperature sensor reaches the set temperature, for example, 5-10℃, circulation pump 5 and compressor 16 continue to operate, and the ice-making time is recorded. When the ice-making time reaches the set value, for example, Tm = 10 min to 15 min, the circulation pump 5 stops working, the de-icing solenoid valve opens, and the high-temperature, high-pressure gas from the compressor 16 heats the evaporator 11, causing the ice in the ice mold to slowly melt. After a certain time, the ice detaches from the ice mold and falls from the ice strip into the ice storage tank 19. When the ice strip signal is detected, the de-icing solenoid valve closes, and the circulation pump 5 starts making ice again, entering the next cycle. When the infrared sensor detects that the ice storage tank 19 is full, the circulation pump 5 and the compressor 16 shut down, and the ice-making process ends. When the user removes the ice or the ice has not been used for a long time and has melted, and the infrared sensor signal is not detected, the ice-making process restarts until the infrared sensor detects a signal.

[0065] In rinsing mode, the circulation pump 5, water inlet solenoid valve 21, throttle plug 3, jet chamber 4, steam drum solenoid valve, mixing chamber 6, and bubble generator 7 start simultaneously, while the ice-making solenoid valve 23 closes. The generated nano-bubble water flows through the diverter pipes into the ice-making trays, rinsing away dirt from top to bottom. After 3 minutes of operation, the trays automatically enter the UV lamp 17 for 2 minutes of sterilization, further enhancing cleaning effectiveness and safety. The bacteria removal rate reaches over 99%. This thoroughly removes stains and bacteria from the ice-making tray's grooves, improving the surface gloss after cleaning while reducing water waste and promoting energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a refrigeration device, comprising: Obtain the operating mode of the refrigeration equipment, which includes refrigeration mode and cleaning mode; When the refrigeration equipment is in cleaning mode, the second switching component is turned on, the pumping device and the bubble generator 7 are started, and the generated bubble water enters the container box 10 through the rinsing water path for rinsing.

[0067] By acquiring the operating mode of the refrigeration equipment, when the operating mode is cleaning mode, the second switching component is turned on, and the pumping device and bubble generator 7 are started to work. The generated bubble water is used to rinse the container 10. The bubble water can enter the groove and gap of the container 10 for effective cleaning, avoiding cleaning dead corners and improving the cleaning effect of the container 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: Obtain the rinsing time for the sparkling water; When the rinsing time with bubble water is equal to or greater than the preset time, the pumping device and bubble generator 7 are controlled to stop working, and the second switching component is controlled to shut down.

[0069] The preset time is the rinsing time corresponding to better cleaning effect and higher energy efficiency. After the preset time is reached, the bubble cleaning stops, which meets the cleaning needs without causing energy waste.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a refrigeration appliance containing box, characterized in that, include: The refrigeration unit has a refrigeration flow path, in which a compressor (16), a condenser (14) and an evaporator (11) are provided. A bubble water preparation unit includes a water tank (1), a pumping device, and a bubble generator (7); the bubble water preparation unit forms a bubble preparation water path and a rinsing water path; the water tank (1) and the bubble generator (7) are arranged in the bubble preparation water path; the bubble water preparation unit is connected to the refrigeration equipment's container (10) through the rinsing water path; The switching mechanism includes a first switching component and a second switching component. The first switching component is disposed in the cooling flow path, and the second switching component is disposed in the bubble preparation water path and the rinsing water path.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bubble generator (7) is a Venturi tube.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bubble preparation water path between the water tank (1) and the bubble generator (7) is also equipped with a throttling plug (3), a jet chamber (4) and a mixing chamber (6).

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein The rinsing water path includes a water distribution pipe (9), and the generated bubble water is divided into at least two branches and then connected to the container (10).

5. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline of the water tank (1) is equipped with a filter to supply pure water to the water tank (1).

6. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An ultraviolet lamp (17) is provided at the container (10).

7. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A heating branch is also provided between the compressor (16) and the evaporator (11); the first switching component includes: A heating solenoid valve (24) is installed in the heating branch.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second switching component includes: A water inlet solenoid valve (21) is installed in the bubble preparation water path between the water tank (1) and the throttle plug (3); A bubble solenoid valve (22) is disposed in the bubble preparation water path between the jet chamber (4) and the mixing chamber (6).

9. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The flushing water path is equipped with a check valve (8).

10. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bubble generator (7) generates bubbles with a diameter of 50nm to 200nm.

11. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes any one of claims 1 to 10; the cleaning device includes a controller, which is connected to the refrigeration unit, the bubble preparation unit and the switching mechanism respectively.

12. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The refrigeration equipment is an ice maker, and the container (10) is an ice box.

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