Ice making apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses ice-making equipment, and relates to the technical field of refrigeration and freezing equipment. The ice-making equipment comprises an ice box, an ice storage bin and a cold barrel. The ice storage bin is used for receiving ice blocks discharged from the ice box. The ice storage bin is provided with an ice outlet and a first liquid discharge hole. The cold barrel is in communication with the first liquid discharge hole and a liquid inlet. The cold barrel is connected with a cold water pipeline. The cold water pipeline is used for connecting a cold water faucet and / or a water-using device. In the ice-making equipment, ice-melting water enters the cold barrel. The cold barrel outputs the ice-melting water to the cold water faucet and / or the water-using device, so that the ice-melting water can be recycled and utilized, and the user does not need to pour and process, thereby reducing the operation steps of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration and freezing equipment technology, and more particularly to an ice-making device. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, adding ice to various alcoholic beverages to make chilled drinks has become a common practice, resulting in a growing demand for ice-making equipment. In existing technologies, some ice-making devices, including ice boxes and evaporators, involve introducing a low-temperature medium into the evaporator. The evaporator exchanges heat with the ice box, lowering the temperature of the liquid inside and forming ice. During de-icing, a high-temperature medium is introduced into the evaporator, raising the temperature of the ice box and causing the ice to separate from it. Slight melting may occur on the surface during de-icing, potentially producing meltwater. Meltwater may also be produced during ice storage, flowing into a water tank that requires regular cleaning by the user, making the process rather cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an ice-making device to solve the technical problem of the limited functionality of existing ice-making devices.

[0004] To achieve one, some, or all of the above objectives or other objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: This application proposes an ice-making device, including an ice box, an ice storage chamber, and a cold tank. The ice storage chamber is used to receive ice blocks discharged from the ice box and has an ice outlet and a first drain hole. The cold tank is connected to the first drain hole and a cold water pipe, and the cold water pipe is used to connect to a cold water tap and / or a water-using device.

[0005] In some feasible embodiments, the bottom plate of the ice storage compartment is inclined downwards, and at least a portion of the first drain hole is located at the lower part of the bottom plate.

[0006] In some feasible implementations, the bottom plate of the ice storage compartment is a downwardly convex arc-shaped plate.

[0007] In some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment also includes a transfer trough and a deflector. The transfer trough is disposed between the ice box and the ice storage chamber. The ice box is used to allow ice blocks to enter the transfer trough, and the deflector is used to move the ice blocks in the transfer trough to the ice storage chamber.

[0008] In some feasible embodiments, the ice storage compartment is at least partially located below the transfer tank, and the vertical projection of the ice storage compartment completely covers the vertical projection of the transfer tank; the transfer tank has a second drain hole that communicates with the ice storage compartment.

[0009] In some feasible embodiments, the ice-making device also includes an evaporator for cooling the ice box, the evaporator being connected to an inlet pipe and a return pipe, at least a portion of the return pipe being in contact with the cold chamber. In some feasible implementations, at least a portion of the return air pipe is coiled around the outer wall of the condenser.

[0010] In some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment also includes an insulation cover that covers the outside of the cold chamber, with at least a portion of the return air pipe located between the insulation cover and the cold chamber.

[0011] In some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment also includes a spraying mechanism, the water-using device includes a water tank, the spraying mechanism is used to spray liquid into the ice box, the spraying mechanism is connected to the water tank, and a cold water pipeline is connected to the water tank.

[0012] In some feasible implementations, the cooling tank is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the first drain hole is connected to the inlet, and the outlet is connected to a cold water pipe.

[0013] Implementing the embodiments of this application will have the following beneficial effects: The ice-making equipment provided in this application, during the de-icing process, generates meltwater that enters the ice storage chamber along with the ice blocks. When the user takes ice blocks, the ice blocks exit the ice storage chamber through the ice outlet. The meltwater generated during de-icing enters the cold tank through the first drain hole of the ice storage chamber. During the storage of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber, the meltwater generated by the ice blocks also enters the cold tank through the first drain hole of the ice storage chamber. The cold tank has a certain storage and insulation function for the meltwater. The cold tank is connected to a cold water pipe, which is used to connect to a cold water faucet and / or a water-using device. When the cold water pipe is connected to a cold water faucet, the cold water in the cold tank can enter the cold water faucet through the cold water pipe and be discharged through the cold water faucet, that is, the ice-making equipment has the function of providing cold water to the user, enabling the recycling of meltwater. When the cold water pipe is connected to a water-using device, the cold water in the cold tank can enter the water-using device through the cold water pipe, that is, it enables the supply of water to the water-using device, enabling the recycling of meltwater.

[0014] In summary, the ice-making equipment described above enables the secondary use of melted ice water, eliminating the need for users to dispose of the melted ice water and reducing the number of steps required for operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] in: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making device in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making device in another embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the ice box, transfer tank, and ice storage compartment in one embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ice storage compartment in one embodiment; Figure 5 This is a top view of an ice storage compartment in one embodiment; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ice box structure in one embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigeration device in one embodiment; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the evaporator and the ice box; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the spray mechanism and the ice box; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making device in another embodiment.

[0017] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Ice box; 110. First box body; 120. Second box body; 130. Ice-making cavity; 200. Ice storage compartment; 210. First drain hole; 220. Base plate; 300, Cooling tank; 310, Liquid inlet; 320, Liquid outlet; 330, Cold water piping; 340, Quick-connect fitting; 410. Cold water tap; 420. Water-using device; 421. Water tank; 510. Transfer tank; 511. Second drain hole; 520. Paddle plate; 610. Evaporator; 611. Inlet pipe; 612. Return pipe; 620. Condenser; 630. Compressor; 640. Capillary tube; 651. Spray pipe; 652. Nozzle; 700, thermal insulation cover; 800. Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0020] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structure or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] To illustrate the technical solutions described in this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application provides an ice-making device, including an ice box 100, an ice storage chamber 200, and a cold tank 300. The ice storage chamber 200 is used to receive ice blocks discharged from the ice box 100. The ice storage chamber 200 has an ice outlet and a first drain hole 210. The cold tank 300 is connected to the first drain hole 210 and the liquid inlet 310, and the cold tank 300 is connected to a cold water pipe 330. The cold water pipe 330 is used to connect a cold water tap 410 and / or a water-using device 420.

[0024] During the ice-making process in the ice-making equipment, liquid is injected into the ice box 100 to form ice blocks within the ice box 100. After the ice blocks have de-iced, they enter the ice storage chamber 200, which provides a certain degree of insulation. The cold chamber 300 is a container with a certain degree of insulation and can be made of metal or non-metal materials. It can be made of materials with a certain insulation effect, or it can have an insulation effect through structural design, or it can have an insulation effect by adding insulation materials to the structure. For example, the cold chamber 300 can be a stainless steel bottle structure. The sidewall of the cold chamber 300 can have a vacuum jacket to increase the insulation effect of the cold chamber 300. In another example, an insulation layer with an insulation effect can be added to the inner or outer wall of the cold chamber 300 to increase the insulation effect of the cold chamber 300.

[0025] The cold water faucet 410 controls the opening and closing of the cold water pipe 330. When the cold water faucet 410 is turned on, liquid in the cold water pipe 330 will flow out from the faucet 410. The water-using device 420 is a device that requires water, such as a sparkling water machine or a coffee machine. The water-using device 420 can be integrated into the ice-making equipment so that the ice-making equipment can also provide the products that the water-using device 420 can provide. The water-using device 420 can also be installed near the ice-making equipment, and its water supply pipe is connected to the cold water pipe 330 of the ice-making equipment. This allows the melted ice water in the cold water pipe 330 of the ice-making equipment to replenish the water supply to the water-using device 420. The cold water pipe 330 can be connected to either the cold water faucet 410 or the water-using device 420, or it can be connected to both the cold water faucet 410 and the water-using device 420 separately.

[0026] In the ice-making equipment provided in this embodiment, during the de-icing process, the melted ice water generated during de-icing enters the ice storage chamber 200 along with the ice blocks. When the user takes the ice blocks, the ice blocks leave the ice storage chamber 200 through the ice outlet. The melted ice water generated during de-icing enters the cold tank 300 through the first drain hole 210 of the ice storage chamber 200. During the storage of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 200, the melted ice water generated by the ice blocks also enters the cold tank 300 through the first drain hole 210 of the ice storage chamber 200. The cold tank 300 has a certain storage and heat preservation function for the melted ice water. When the cold water pipe 330 is connected to the cold water tap 410, the cold water in the cold tank 300 can enter the cold water tap 410 through the cold water pipe 330 and be discharged through the cold water tap 410. That is, the ice-making equipment has the function of providing cold water to users, enabling the melted ice water to be recycled. When the cold water pipe 330 is connected to the water-using device 420, the cold water in the cold tank 300 can enter the water-using device 420 through the cold water pipe 330, which means that water is supplied to the water-using device 420, and the ice melt water is recycled.

[0027] In summary, the ice-making equipment provided in this embodiment enables the secondary use of melted ice water, eliminating the need for users to dispose of the melted ice water and reducing the number of steps required for user operation.

[0028] The end of the cold water pipe 330 can be directly connected to the cold water faucet 410 or the water-using device 420. Or, as... Figure 2 As shown, a quick-connect fitting 340 is connected to the end of the cold water pipe 330, allowing the cold water pipe 330 to connect to a cold water faucet 410 or a water-using device 420. Exemplarily, the water-using device 420 includes a first device and a second device. The cold water pipe 330 can be quickly connected and disconnected from the water supply port of either the first or second device via the quick-connect fitting 340. The first and second devices can be different devices; for example, the first device could be a sparkling water machine, and the second device a coffee machine. When the cold water pipe 330 is connected to the cold water faucet 410 via the quick-connect fitting 340, the cold water pipe 330 can be quickly connected and disconnected from the cold water faucet 410, making operation convenient and improving the ease of replacing the cold water faucet 410, thus facilitating its maintenance.

[0029] In one configuration, the cooling tank 300 has an opening that connects to a main pipeline, which is connected to two branch pipelines, one of which is connected to a first drain hole 210 and the other is connected to and communicates with a cold water pipeline 330.

[0030] In another configuration, the cooling tank 300 has two openings: an inlet 310 and an outlet 320. The first drain hole 210 is connected to the inlet 310, and the outlet 320 is connected to a cooling water pipe 330. like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 is inclined downwards, and at least a portion of the first drain hole 210 is located in the lower part of the bottom plate 220. The first drain hole 210 may be completely located in the lower part of the bottom plate 220. Exemplarily, a hole may be drilled in the lower region of the bottom plate 220 to form the first drain hole 210. In another embodiment, the first drain hole 210 may be partially located in the lower part of the bottom plate 220, and the other part may be located in the side wall of the ice storage chamber 200. Exemplarily, a hole is drilled at the junction of the side wall of the ice storage chamber 200 and the bottom plate 220, and this hole is the first drain hole 210, with part of the first drain hole 210 located in the bottom plate 220 and the other part located in the side wall of the ice storage chamber 200. With this configuration, in the ice storage chamber 200, the melted ice water flows downwards along the bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 under the action of gravity, and finally flows into the first drain hole 210. In this configuration, it is easier to concentrate the melting water at the first drain hole 210.

[0031] In one example, the first drain hole 210 and the ice outlet are respectively located on opposite sides of the ice storage chamber 200. The first drain hole 210 is located at the lower part of the bottom plate 220, and the horizontal plane of the first drain hole 210 is below the horizontal plane of the ice outlet. In this arrangement, within the ice storage chamber 200, the ice blocks move upwards, while the melted ice water flows downwards, facilitating the separation of the melted ice water from the ice blocks.

[0032] The base plate 220 of the ice storage compartment 200 can be a flat plate or a curved plate. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 is a downwardly convex arc-shaped plate. Because the bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 is an inclined arc-shaped plate, the corner formed between the bottom plate 220 and the side plate of the ice storage chamber 200 can be reduced, reducing the water accumulation area and allowing the melted ice water to flow more smoothly into the first drain hole 210. For example, the first drain hole 210 and the ice outlet are located on the front and rear sides of the ice storage chamber 200, respectively, with the ice outlet located on the front side and the first drain hole located on the rear side. Figure 4 As shown, the first drain hole 210 is located at the junction of the bottom plate 220 and the back plate of the ice storage chamber 200. The bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 is a downwardly convex arc plate, and the first drain hole 210 is located at the bottom of the rear edge of the bottom plate 220, so that the liquid on both sides of the bottom plate 220 of the ice storage chamber 200 will also flow to the first drain hole 210.

[0033] In some configurations, the ice-making device includes a refrigeration structure that extends at least partially into the interior of the ice box 100. The refrigeration structure is in direct contact with the liquid inside the ice box 100, causing the liquid temperature to drop and freeze. Ice de-icing involves the ice block separating from the refrigeration structure, the separated ice block falling into the ice box 100, and the ice box 100 emptying the ice block into the ice storage compartment 200.

[0034] In other configurations, the ice-making device includes a refrigeration structure that contacts the outer wall of the ice box 100. The ice box 100 has an ice-making cavity 130. The refrigeration structure cools the ice box 100, causing the liquid inside the ice box 100 to freeze within the ice-making cavity 130. Ice removal in this type involves separating the ice block from the ice box 100. This type of ice-making device may also include a transfer trough 510 and a deflector 520. Figure 3As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a transfer trough 510 and a deflector 520. The transfer trough 510 is disposed between the ice box 100 and the ice storage chamber 200. The ice box 100 is used to allow ice blocks to enter the transfer trough 510, and the deflector 520 is used to move the ice blocks in the transfer trough 510 to the ice storage chamber 200. In this configuration, firstly, the transfer trough 510 is located between the ice box 100 and the ice storage chamber 200, reducing the single movement distance of the ice cubes. Compared to pouring ice cubes directly into the ice storage chamber 200, pouring them into the transfer trough 510 first results in a smaller distance between the ice box 100 and the transfer trough 510, leading to less impact force between the ice cubes and the transfer trough 510. Furthermore, the distance between the transfer trough 510 and the ice storage chamber 200 is also smaller than the distance between the ice box 100 and the ice storage chamber 200. This ensures that the ice cubes travel a shorter distance from the transfer trough 510 into the ice storage chamber 200, and the impact force on the ice cubes is also relatively small, thus better protecting the integrity of the ice cubes. Secondly, the ice storage chamber 200 typically has a relatively large volume, while the transfer trough 510 typically has a relatively small volume, and the volume of the transfer trough 510 is matched to the single ice production volume. After the ice cubes are poured into the transfer tank 510, the ice cubes can be moved to the ice storage chamber 200 at a uniform speed and in a fixed quantity by controlling the movement of the dial 520, making it easy to control the rhythm of the ice cube movement.

[0035] In some feasible embodiments, the ice storage chamber 200 is at least partially located below the transfer tank 510, and the vertical projection of the ice storage chamber 200 completely covers the vertical projection of the transfer tank 510; the transfer tank 510 has a second drain hole 511, which communicates with the ice storage chamber 200. The number of second drain holes 511 in the transfer tank 510 can be one or more. During the process of ice entering the transfer tank 510, the meltwater generated during de-icing enters the transfer tank 510 and is discharged below and to the outside of the transfer tank 510 via the second drain hole 511. Since the ice storage chamber 200 is below the transfer tank 510, the meltwater enters the ice storage chamber 200 and ultimately enters the cold chamber 300 via the first drain hole 210 of the ice storage chamber 200.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice box 100 includes a first box body 110 and a second box body 120, which together form an ice-making cavity 130. The first box body 110 and the second box body 120 are hinged together, with the second box body 120 located below the first box body 110. A transfer groove 510 is located below the second box body 120. Since the transfer groove 510 is located below the second box body 120, rotating the second box body 120 relative to the first box body 110 exposes the opening of the first box body 110, allowing ice cubes to fall into the transfer groove 510 under gravity, facilitating the separation of the ice cubes from the ice box 100.

[0037] In one configuration, the first housing 110 has a groove for forming an ice-making cavity 130, and the second housing 120 has a plate-like structure that can cover the opening of the ice-making cavity 130 to seal the ice-making cavity 130.

[0038] In another configuration, the first box 110 has a first chamber, and the second box 120 has a second chamber. The first box 110 and the second box 120 are connected so that the first chamber and the second chamber communicate to form an ice-making chamber 130. The ice box 100 can be used to make square or spherical ice. To make square ice, both the first chamber and the second chamber can be square chambers. When the first box 110 and the second box 120 are connected, the first chamber and the second chamber communicate to form a larger square chamber, which is the ice-making chamber 130, and square ice can be formed within the ice-making chamber 130. To make spherical ice, both the first chamber and the second chamber can be hemispherical chambers. When the first box 110 and the second box 120 are connected, the first chamber and the second chamber communicate to form a spherical chamber, which is the ice-making chamber 130, and spherical ice can be formed within the ice-making chamber 130.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, in some examples, one end of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are hinged, and the other end of the second housing 120 is connected to a lever 520. Figure 3 In the ice box 100, the right sides of the first box 110 and the second box 120 are hinged together, and the left side of the second box 120 is connected to a lever 520. When the ice box 100 is opened, the left side of the second box 120 rotates counterclockwise, so that the lever 520 is positioned to the right of the transfer slot 510, and the ice cubes fall into the transfer slot 510 and are positioned to the left of the lever 520. When the ice box 100 is closed, the left side of the second box 120 rotates clockwise, thereby moving the lever 520 to the left of the transfer slot 510 to agitate the ice cubes located to the left of the lever 520, allowing the ice cubes to enter the ice storage compartment 200.

[0040] In one feasible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ice-making equipment also includes a housing 800, with the ice box 100, transfer trough 510, and ice storage bin 200 all installed inside the housing 800. The housing 800 provides more installation space for the ice box 100, transfer trough 510, and ice storage bin 200, and also provides protection for them.

[0041] The ice-making equipment includes a refrigeration unit used to cool the ice box 100, causing ice to form inside. In one example, the refrigeration unit includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), the cold end of which is in contact with the ice box 100. A thermoelectric cooler, also called a semiconductor cooler, is a heat dissipation device made using the Peltier effect (also known as the thermoelectric effect). A P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor are placed in a circuit to form a unit. When energized, electron-hole pairs are generated at one end, reducing internal energy and lowering temperature, forming the cold end; at the other end, electron-hole recombination increases internal energy and raises temperature, forming the hot end. Because this type of refrigeration device uses a thermoelectric cooler, it has no moving parts, thus achieving near-silent operation, making it particularly suitable for noise-sensitive environments and providing a more comfortable user experience. Furthermore, thermoelectric coolers can be made very small and flexible in shape, making them suitable for space-constrained devices, such as miniature tabletop ice makers and in-vehicle ice makers.

[0042] In another example, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the refrigeration device includes an evaporator 610, a compressor 630, a condenser 620, and a capillary tube 640. The outlet of the compressor 630 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 620, the outlet of the condenser 620 is connected to the inlet of the capillary tube 640, the outlet of the capillary tube 640 is connected to the inlet pipe 611 of the evaporator 610, and the return pipe 612 of the evaporator 610 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 630. The evaporator 610 is in contact with the ice box 100. During the ice-making process, the compressor 630 starts, compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and delivers it to the condenser 620. The condenser 620 cools the high-temperature, high-pressure gas, turning it into a liquid, and then delivers it to the capillary tube 640. The capillary tube 640 is used to further cool the liquid output from the condenser 620 before delivering it to the evaporator 610. The evaporator 610 exchanges heat with the ice box 100, thereby lowering the temperature of the ice box 100 and the liquid inside it. In this configuration, the refrigeration unit, including compressor 630, condenser 620, and evaporator 610, provides a large cooling capacity, rapidly freezing the liquid in ice box 100 into ice. This allows the ice-making equipment to meet the needs of various scales, from residential to commercial and industrial applications. Furthermore, this type of refrigeration unit has a relatively long service life and relatively low maintenance costs.

[0043] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making device includes an evaporator 610 for cooling the ice box 100. The evaporator 610 is connected to an inlet pipe 611 and a return pipe 612, with at least a portion of the return pipe 612 in contact with the cooling chamber 300. Since the liquid entering the evaporator 610 via the inlet pipe 611 is used for ice making, this liquid is a low-temperature liquid. After undergoing a certain degree of heat exchange at the ice box 100, the low-temperature liquid flows out through the return pipe 612, at which point the temperature of the liquid in the return pipe 612 is relatively low. The return pipe 612 is in contact with the cooling chamber 300, allowing for a certain degree of heat exchange with the cooling chamber 300, i.e., cooling the cooling chamber 300 through the return pipe 612, thereby enhancing the insulation effect of the cooling chamber 300 on the liquid inside. In this configuration, the contact between the return pipe 612 and the cold chamber 300 not only improves the insulation effect of the cold chamber 300, but also effectively utilizes the low-temperature liquid in the return pipe 612, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the refrigeration equipment and reducing its energy consumption.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, at least a portion of the return air pipe 612 is coiled around the outer wall of the cooling liner 300. In this arrangement, the return air pipe 612 is coiled multiple times around the outer wall of the cooling liner 300, which increases the contact area between the return air pipe 612 and the cooling liner 300. In one example, the return air pipe 612 may be a flat pipe, further increasing the contact area between the return air pipe 612 and the cooling liner 300, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the return air pipe 612 and the cooling liner 300.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment further includes a heat insulation cover 700, which covers the outside of the cold chamber 300, and at least a portion of the return air pipe 612 is located between the heat insulation cover 700 and the cold chamber 300. The heat insulation cover 700 provides a certain heat insulation effect for both the cold chamber 300 and the return air pipe 612, which is beneficial to improving the heat insulation effect of the cold chamber 300 on the liquid contained therein. The heat insulation cover 700 can also reduce the amount of heat exchange between the liquid in the return air pipe 612 and the external environment during the flow of the cold chamber 300, thereby improving the cooling effect of the return air pipe 612 on the cold chamber 300. The heat insulation cover 700 can be made of materials such as sponge, foam, and glass wool.

[0046] like Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment also includes a spraying mechanism. The water-using device 420 includes a water tank 421. The spraying mechanism is used to spray liquid into the ice box 100. The spraying mechanism is connected to the water tank 421, and a cold water pipe 330 is connected to the water tank 421. The water tank 421 is used to provide the spraying mechanism with liquid for ice making. This liquid can be water or other drinkable liquids, such as fruit juice. The cold water pipe 330 is connected to the water tank 421, meaning that the melted ice water flowing out of the ice box 100 or ice storage compartment 200 after ice making will return to the water tank 421 via the cold tank 300 to replenish the liquid in the water tank 421, so that it can be used for ice making again.

[0047] In some configurations, the spraying mechanism includes a spray pipe 651 and nozzles 652. The spray pipe 651 is connected to a water tank 421, and the spray pipe 651 is also connected to the nozzles 652. The nozzles 652 are located inside the ice box 100 and are used to spray liquid into the ice-making chambers 130. The ice box 100 may have one or more ice-making chambers 130. Multiple ice-making chambers 130 are arranged in an array within the ice box 100, thereby forming multiple ice cubes in a single ice-making process. When there are multiple ice-making chambers 130, at least one nozzle 652 can be provided for each ice-making chamber 130. Exemplarily, the number of nozzles 652 is the same as the number of ice-making chambers 130, with multiple nozzles 652 corresponding one-to-one with multiple ice-making chambers 130. All multiple nozzles 652 are mounted on the spray pipe 651 and are connected to the spray pipe 651. In this configuration, liquid is delivered to multiple ice-making chambers 130 through multiple nozzles 652, resulting in higher liquid delivery efficiency, higher uniformity, and higher ice-making efficiency.

[0048] In some feasible embodiments, the ice-making equipment also includes a filter, which can be installed at the inlet of the cold tank 300, that is, the melting water enters the filter for filtration before entering the cold tank 300. Exemplarily, the filter can be installed between the first drain hole 210 and the cold tank 300. The filter is used to filter the melting water, improving the safety of its use. Exemplarily, the filter can be used to filter dust, some microorganisms, calcium ions, magnesium ions, etc., from the melting water. The use of a filter can increase the safety of the melting water and, to some extent, reduce the risk of pipe blockage, extending the service life of the ice-making equipment.

[0049] The ice-making equipment provided in this application can be an independent ice-making device, such as an embedded ice-making device, a tabletop ice-making device, a portable ice-making device, etc., or it can be an ice-making device applied to other devices, such as an ice-making device applied to appliances such as refrigerators and water dispensers.

[0050] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that: The device includes an ice box, an ice storage chamber, and a cold tank. The ice storage chamber is used to receive ice blocks discharged from the ice box. The ice storage chamber has an ice outlet and a first drain hole. The cold tank is connected to the first drain hole and a cold water pipe. The cold water pipe is used to connect to a cold water tap and / or a water-using device.

2. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate of the ice storage compartment is inclined downwards, and at least a portion of the first drain hole is located at the lower part of the bottom plate.

3. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate of the ice storage compartment is a downward-convex arc-shaped plate.

4. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a transfer trough and a lever. The transfer trough is disposed between the ice box and the ice storage compartment. The ice box is used to allow ice to enter the transfer trough, and the lever is used to move the ice in the transfer trough to the ice storage compartment.

5. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The ice storage compartment is located at least partially below the transfer trough, and the vertical projection of the ice storage compartment completely covers the vertical projection of the transfer trough; the transfer trough has a second drain hole, which is connected to the ice storage compartment.

6. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes an evaporator for cooling the ice box, the evaporator being connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, at least a portion of the outlet pipe being in contact with the cooling chamber.

7. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that: At least a portion of the return air pipe is coiled around the outer wall of the cold air chamber.

8. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a heat insulation cover that covers the outside of the cold air chamber, and at least a portion of the return air pipe is located between the heat insulation cover and the cold air chamber.

9. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a spraying mechanism, the water-using device includes a water tank, the spraying mechanism is used to spray liquid into the ice box, the spraying mechanism is connected to the water tank, and the cold water pipeline is connected to the water tank.

10. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cold tank is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The first drain hole is connected to the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet is connected to the cold water pipeline.

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