Ice maker and beverage apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ice maker and beverage equipment, its ice maker includes ice water tank, ice making bin, refrigeration module and ice storage tank, ice making bin is set to the top of ice water tank, and ice making bin is provided with ice making tank, refrigeration module is installed in ice making bin for forming ice block in ice making tank, ice storage tank is between ice making tank and ice water tank, and ice storage tank is loaded into or taken out ice making bin in detachable mode;Ice making tank is rotatably installed in ice making bin, and ice making tank includes ice making position and ice drop position;The inside of ice water tank is provided with buffer surface, the bottom of ice storage tank is provided with water leakage hole, when ice making tank is located in ice drop position, ice making water in ice making tank flows to ice storage tank under the action of gravity, flows out through water leakage hole and falls into the bottom of ice water tank after buffering through buffer surface;In addition, the present application also provides a kind of beverage equipment integrated with above-mentioned ice maker and coffee machine. The present application solves the problem of noise generated during ice water recovery, improves user comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage equipment technology, and in particular to ice makers and beverage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers are widely favored for their convenience and practicality in beverage preparation and everyday household use, as devices that can quickly produce ice. A crucial aspect of ice maker operation is the recycling of the ice-making water. Currently, after ice making is complete, the unfrozen ice-making water in the ice-making tank, as well as the water from the melting ice, needs to be returned to a storage device for recycling. However, the noise generated during the ice-making water recycling process has always been a significant drawback affecting user experience.

[0003] Currently, most ice makers have a relatively simple ice water recycling system design, where the ice water typically drips directly from the ice storage structure or ice-making tank into the water tank below. Because of the height difference between the ice-making area and the bottom of the water tank, the ice water, falling under gravity, directly impacts the bottom of the tank or the water surface inside, producing a noticeable "dripping sound" or "impact sound." Especially in quiet environments, this continuous noise can disturb users and reduce the comfort of using the product. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an ice maker and beverage equipment that solves the noise problem generated during the ice water recycling process and improves user comfort.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An ice maker includes an ice water tank, an ice-making chamber, a refrigeration module, an ice storage tank, and a water replenishment pump. The ice-making chamber is located directly above the ice water tank, and an ice-making tank is provided inside the ice-making chamber. The refrigeration module is installed in the ice-making chamber to form ice blocks in the ice-making tank. The ice storage tank is located between the ice-making tank and the ice water tank, and the ice storage tank can be detachably installed into or removed from the ice-making chamber. The water replenishment pump is used to draw water from the ice water tank into the ice-making tank.

[0007] The ice-making trough is rotatably installed inside the ice-making chamber, and the ice-making trough includes an ice-making position and an ice-falling position;

[0008] The ice water tank has a buffer surface inside, and the bottom of the ice storage tank has a drain hole. When the ice making tank is in the ice-falling position, the ice-making water in the ice making tank flows into the ice storage tank under the action of gravity, flows out through the drain hole, and falls into the bottom of the ice water tank after being buffered by the buffer surface.

[0009] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the buffer surface covers the projection of the drain hole onto the buffer surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the ice water tank includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall to form a water storage cavity with an open end. The buffer surface is formed on the inner side of the side wall.

[0011] Furthermore, the sidewall of the water tank includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other, as well as a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other. The first sidewall includes an inclined portion disposed at an angle away from the water storage cavity, and the buffer surface is formed inside the inclined portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the first sidewall also includes a vertical portion perpendicular to the bottom wall of the water tank, one end of which is connected to the bottom wall of the water tank and the other end is smoothly connected to the inclined portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the water replenishment pump is located outside the ice water tank and is used to draw water from the ice water tank into the ice-making tank. An installation space is formed between the vertical part and the inclined part, and the water replenishment pump is installed in the installation space.

[0014] Furthermore, a sterilization lamp is installed at the bottom of the ice water tank.

[0015] Furthermore, the ice storage tank includes a bottom wall, which is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the drain hole is located at the lowest point of the bottom wall in the vertical direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the ice storage tank has a detection port formed by the recessed edge of the opening. In the vertical direction, the detection port is lower than the edge of the opening of the ice storage tank, and an ice level sensor is provided at the detection port.

[0017] Furthermore, the refrigeration module includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The outlet of the compressor is connected in sequence to the condenser, the evaporator, and the inlet of the compressor. The evaporator is located directly above the ice-making tank, and an ice column is formed on the evaporator, which is located inside the ice-making tank.

[0018] Furthermore, an external pipe is provided on the outside of the ice water tank, one end of which is connected to the high position of the ice water tank and the other end is connected to the low position of the ice water tank, and a high water level sensor and a low water level sensor are provided on the external pipe.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a drive component for driving the ice-making tank to rotate, a trigger block is sleeved on the output shaft of the drive component, and a first sensor and a second sensor are respectively provided on both sides of the trigger block to limit the rotation angle of the trigger block.

[0020] A beverage device includes a coffee machine and an ice maker as described above, wherein the coffee machine and the ice maker are integrated into one unit.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0022] By setting up a buffer surface, when the ice-making tank is in the ice-falling position, the ice-making water in the ice-making tank flows into the ice storage tank under the action of gravity, flows out through the water leakage hole, and falls into the bottom of the ice water tank after being buffered by the buffer surface. This ensures that the remaining ice water does not directly impact the bottom of the ice water tank or the water surface inside the ice water tank, avoiding obvious "dripping sound" or "impact sound", thus effectively reducing noise and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a beverage equipment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice maker;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice water tank;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the ice water tank and ice-making chamber;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the ice-making tank and drive components;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the beverage equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed, non-limiting description of the utility model's technical solution, in conjunction with preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, is provided. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an ice water tank 310, an ice-making chamber 320, a refrigeration module, an ice storage tank 380, and a water replenishment pump 390. The ice-making chamber 320 is located directly above the ice water tank 310, and an ice-making tank 360 is provided inside the ice-making chamber 320. The water replenishment pump 390 is located outside the ice water tank 310 and is used to draw water from the ice water tank 310 into the ice-making tank 360. The refrigeration module is installed in the ice-making chamber 320 to form ice in the ice-making tank 360. The ice storage tank 380 is located between the ice maker tank 360 and the ice water tank 310, and the ice storage tank 380 is detachably installed into or removed from the ice maker tank 320. In this embodiment, the ice maker tank 360 is rotatably installed inside the ice maker tank 320, and the ice maker tank 360 includes an ice-making position and an ice-dropping position. During ice making, the drive unit 370 first drives the ice maker tank 360 to rotate, so that the ice maker tank 360 is in a horizontal state. At this time, the ice maker tank 360 is in the ice-making position. Then, the ice maker tank 360 is replenished. Water pump 390 starts, sending water from ice water tank 310 into ice maker 360. As the refrigeration module starts, ice gradually forms in ice maker 360. After ice making is complete, drive component 370 rotates ice maker 360 in the opposite direction, positioning it at the ice-falling position. The ice blocks fall into ice storage tank 380 under gravity, while the remaining water in ice maker 360 is discharged into ice storage tank 380 under gravity. The interior of ice water tank 310 is equipped with a buffer surface 3126, and the ice storage tank... The bottom of 380 is provided with a drain hole 381. When the ice maker 360 is in the ice-falling position, the ice-making water in the ice maker 360 flows into the ice storage tank 380 under the action of gravity, flows out through the drain hole 381, and is buffered by the buffer surface 3126 before falling into the bottom of the ice water tank 310. This ensures that the remaining ice water does not directly impact the bottom of the ice water tank 310 or the water surface inside the ice water tank 310, avoiding obvious "dripping sound" or "impact sound", thus effectively reducing noise and improving the user experience.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, in the vertical direction, the buffer surface 3126 covers the projection of the drain hole 381 on the buffer surface 3126, ensuring that the ice-making water coming out of the drain hole 381 can be completely and evenly dispersed through the buffer surface 3126.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the ice water tank 310 includes a bottom wall 311 and a side wall 312. The side wall 312 surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall 311 to form a water storage cavity 313 with one open end. A buffer surface 3126 is formed on the inner side of the side wall 312. Further, the side wall 312 includes a first side wall 3120 and a second side wall 3121, and a third side wall 3122 and a fourth side wall 3123, which are arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall 3120 includes an inclined portion 3124 inclined away from the water storage cavity 313, and the buffer surface 3126 is formed on the inner side of the inclined portion 3124. In this embodiment, the buffer surface 3126 does not need to be additionally provided; it is directly formed using the inner surface of the inclined portion 3124, resulting in a simple structure and low cost.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the first sidewall 3120 also includes a vertical portion 3125 perpendicular to the bottom wall 311 of the water tank. One end of the vertical portion 3125 is connected to the bottom wall 311 of the water tank, and the other end is smoothly connected to the inclined portion 3124. The vertical portion 3125 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 311 of the water tank, which means that in the initial stage of extending upward from the bottom wall 311 of the water tank, the sidewall is perpendicular to the bottom wall 311 of the water tank. This design can form a regular rectangular (or square) space in the bottom area of ​​the water tank, avoiding the "narrowing" problem that the inclined structure may cause at the bottom. If the sidewall starts to slope from the bottom, it will directly compress the horizontal space at the bottom, causing the volume of the bottom of the water tank to be "squeezed". Therefore, the design of the vertical portion 3125 effectively maintains the integrity of the bottom space and increases the volume of the ice water tank 310.

[0035] In addition, further reference Figure 3 An installation space is formed between the vertical part 3125 and the inclined part 3124, and the water supply pump 390 is installed in the installation space. By utilizing the angled area between the vertical part 3125 and the inclined part 3124, the water supply pump 390 is compactly integrated into the angled area, avoiding the occupation of additional lateral space and improving the integration of the equipment.

[0036] In some specific embodiments, a sterilization lamp 314 is installed at the bottom of the ice water tank 310. The lamp body of the sterilization lamp 314 is inserted into the bottom of the ice water tank 310 through the mounting hole on the bottom of the ice water tank. During the ice making and / or non-ice making process of the ice maker, the sterilization lamp 314 works continuously, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and avoiding water quality deterioration.

[0037] The ice storage tank 380 includes a bottom wall 382, ​​which is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The drain hole 381 is located at the lowest point of the bottom wall 382 in the vertical direction, so that the ice-making water produced during the ice-making process can flow to the drain hole 381 under the action of gravity and flow out of the ice storage tank 380 through the drain hole 381. This prevents the ice-making water from accumulating in the ice storage tank 380, thereby avoiding any impact on the quality of the ice and ensuring that the ice always remains dry and pure.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, a detection port 383 is recessed at the opening edge of the ice storage tank 380. Vertically, the detection port 383 is lower than the opening edge of the ice storage tank 380, and an ice level sensor 384 is installed at the detection port 383. During operation, the ice level sensor 384 constantly monitors the ice level in the ice storage tank 380. When the ice gradually accumulates and reaches the detection port 383, the ice level sensor 384 quickly detects this and sends a signal back to the ice maker's control system. Based on this signal, the control system can intelligently adjust the ice maker's operating status, such as pausing ice making to prevent ice from overflowing from the ice storage tank 380, thus achieving automation and precision in the ice-making process.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the refrigeration module includes a compressor 330, a condenser 340, and an evaporator 350. The outlet of the compressor 330 is sequentially connected to the condenser 340, the evaporator 350, and the inlet of the compressor 330. The evaporator 350 is positioned directly above the ice-making tank 360, and an ice column 351 is formed on the evaporator 350, located within the ice-making tank 360. After the compressor 330 starts, it draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and compresses it, transforming it into high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This process significantly increases the energy of the refrigerant. Next, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas enters the condenser 340. Inside the condenser 340, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air or cooling water through structures such as heat sinks, releasing a large amount of heat and lowering its own temperature, condensing into a high-pressure liquid. Subsequently, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through a throttling device, such as an expansion valve, where the pressure drops instantly, and the temperature also drops significantly, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator 350, which is positioned directly above the ice-making tank 360, and the ice column 351 formed on the evaporator 350 is located inside the ice-making tank 360. At this time, the refrigerant evaporates rapidly in the evaporator 350, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, especially the heat from the water in the ice-making tank 360. This causes the water temperature in the ice-making tank 360 to drop rapidly, gradually forming an ice layer on the outer circumference of the ice column 351. Once the ice layer reaches a preset thickness, the ice is removed. During the ice removal process, the drive unit 370 rotates the ice-making tank 360 in the opposite direction, positioning it at the ice-falling position. A high-temperature medium is introduced into the evaporator 350, raising the surface temperature of the ice column 351 and causing it to separate from the ice. The ice falls into the ice storage tank 380 under gravity, while the remaining water in the ice-making tank 360 is drained into the ice storage tank 380 by gravity and flows back into the ice water tank 310 through the drain hole 381 of the ice storage tank 380, thus achieving water circulation.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, an external pipe 315 is provided on the outside of the ice water tank 310. One end of the external pipe 315 is connected to the high position of the ice water tank 310, and the other end is connected to the low position of the ice water tank 310. A high water level sensor 316 and a low water level sensor 317 are provided on the external pipe 315. When the water level in the ice water tank 310 drops to the detection position of the low water level sensor 317, the low water level sensor 317 sends a signal, and the ice maker control system starts the water replenishment program to replenish water into the ice water tank 310. As the water level rises, when it reaches the detection position of the high water level sensor 316, the high water level sensor 316 sends a signal, and the control system stops replenishing water. This ensures that the water level in the ice water tank 310 is always maintained within a reasonable range, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the ice maker.

[0041] like Figure 6As shown, the ice maker also includes a drive unit 370 for driving the ice-making tank 360 to rotate. A trigger block 371 is sleeved on the output shaft of the drive unit 370. A first sensor 372 and a second sensor 373 are respectively provided on both sides of the trigger block 371 to limit the rotation angle of the trigger block 371. When the output shaft of the drive unit 370 rotates, it drives the trigger block 371 sleeved on it to rotate synchronously. When the trigger block 371 rotates to contact the first sensor 372, the first sensor 372 is triggered and sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the drive unit 370 to stop rotating according to the feedback signal, so that the ice-making tank 360 is maintained in the ice-making position. When ice making is completed, the drive unit 370 reverses its action again, and the trigger block 371 continues to rotate until it contacts the second sensor 373. The second sensor 373 is triggered and sends a signal. The control system controls the drive unit 370 to stop rotating again, so that the ice-making tank 360 is maintained in the ice-falling position, thus accurately realizing the switching of the ice-making tank 360 between the ice-making position and the ice-falling position.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, this utility model also provides a beverage device, including a coffee machine 200 and an ice maker 300, which are integrated into one unit. Compared to the traditional method of separating the coffee machine and ice maker, this integrated design is more suitable for spaces with limited space, such as small cafes or home kitchens. Furthermore, this integrated design makes the entire device easy to move, allowing users to easily relocate it to a suitable location according to their actual usage scenarios and needs, offering excellent flexibility.

[0043] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, The system includes an ice water tank (310), an ice-making chamber (320), a refrigeration module, an ice storage tank (380), and a water replenishment pump (390). The ice-making chamber (320) is located directly above the ice water tank (310), and an ice-making trough (360) is provided inside the ice-making chamber (320). The refrigeration module is installed in the ice-making chamber (320) to form ice blocks in the ice-making trough (360). The ice storage tank (380) is located between the ice-making trough (360) and the ice water tank (310), and the ice storage tank (380) can be detachably installed into or removed from the ice-making chamber (320). The water replenishment pump (390) is used to draw water from the ice water tank (310) into the ice-making trough (360). The ice-making trough (360) is rotatably installed inside the ice-making chamber (320), and the ice-making trough (360) includes an ice-making position and an ice-falling position; The ice water tank (310) is provided with a buffer surface (3126) inside, and the bottom of the ice storage tank (380) is provided with a drain hole (381). When the ice making tank (360) is in the ice-falling position, the ice-making water in the ice making tank (360) flows into the ice storage tank (380) under the action of gravity, flows out through the drain hole (381), and falls into the bottom of the ice water tank (310) after being buffered by the buffer surface (3126).

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the buffer surface (3126) covers the projection of the drain hole (381) onto the buffer surface (3126).

3. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice water tank (310) includes a bottom wall (311) and a side wall (312). The side wall (312) surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall (311) to form a water storage cavity (313) with an open end. The buffer surface (3126) is formed on the inner side of the side wall (312).

4. The ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water tank sidewall (312) includes a first sidewall (3120) and a second sidewall (3121) arranged opposite to each other, as well as a third sidewall (3122) and a fourth sidewall (3123) arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewall (3120) includes an inclined portion (3124) that is inclined away from the water storage cavity (313), and the buffer surface (3126) is formed inside the inclined portion (3124).

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sidewall (3120) also includes a vertical part (3125) that is perpendicular to the bottom wall (311) of the water tank. One end of the vertical part (3125) is connected to the bottom wall (311) of the water tank, and the other end is smoothly connected to the inclined part (3124).

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water replenishment pump (390) is located outside the ice water tank (310), and an installation space is formed between the vertical part (3125) and the inclined part (3124), and the water replenishment pump (390) is installed in the installation space.

7. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sterilization lamp (314) is installed at the bottom of the ice water tank (310).

8. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice storage tank (380) includes an ice tank bottom wall (382), which is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the water leakage hole (381) is located at the lowest point of the ice tank bottom wall (382) in the vertical direction.

9. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice storage tank (380) has a detection port (383) formed by the recessed edge of the opening. In the vertical direction, the detection port (383) is lower than the opening edge of the ice storage tank (380), and an ice level sensor (384) is provided at the detection port (383).

10. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration module includes a compressor (330), a condenser (340), and an evaporator (350). The outlet of the compressor (330) is connected in sequence to the condenser (340), the evaporator (350), and the inlet of the compressor (330). The evaporator (350) is located directly above the ice-making tank (360), and an ice column (351) is formed on the evaporator (350). The ice column (351) is located inside the ice-making tank (360).

11. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, An external pipe (315) is provided on the outside of the ice water tank (310). One end of the external pipe (315) is connected to the high position of the ice water tank (310), and the other end is connected to the low position of the ice water tank (310). A high water level sensor (316) and a low water level sensor (317) are provided on the external pipe (315).

12. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive unit (370) for driving the ice-making tank (360) to rotate. A trigger block (371) is sleeved on the output shaft of the drive unit (370). A first sensor (372) and a second sensor (373) are respectively provided on both sides of the trigger block (371) to limit the rotation angle of the trigger block (371).

13. A beverage equipment, characterized in that, It includes a coffee machine (200) and an ice maker (300) as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the coffee machine (200) and the ice maker (300) are integrated into one unit.

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