Water inlet structure of ice-making box of transparent ice maker

Abstract

The application provides a water inlet structure of a transparent ice maker. The water inlet structure of the ice maker comprises an ice making box and a water return pipe. At least one row of ice columns is inserted into the ice making box. The water return pipe is arranged on one side of the ice making box. The water return pipe is provided with at least one water outlet. The water outlet is arranged below the liquid level of the ice making box, and the height of the water outlet is lower than the lowest point of the ice columns. According to the technical scheme, the water return pipe is arranged on one side of the ice making box, and the water outlet is arranged below the lowest point of the ice columns. The water flow sprayed from the water outlet does not directly impact the ice columns or the ice blocks formed on the surface of the ice columns, so that the ice blocks are not deformed or skewed, the adverse effects of the circulating water flow on the ice blocks are reduced, the effect of the ice blocks is improved, and the product competitiveness of the ice maker is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to ice makers, and more specifically to the water inlet structure of the ice container of a transparent ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration device that produces ice by cooling water through a refrigeration system. Some ice makers work by circulating low-temperature water between a water tank and an ice-making container. An ice-making column is inserted below the liquid surface in the ice-making container, and ice forms on the outer wall of the column, which is then removed. Water from the water tank returns to the ice-making container via a circulation pump and a circulation pipe, with the outlet of the circulation pipe connected to the ice-making container. The inventors have observed that in some ice makers, the outlet of the circulation pipe is only located below the liquid surface in the ice-making container, and the outlet does not avoid the ice-making column. This can easily lead to defects such as dents and misalignments in the ice produced during the ice-making process, and requires improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a water inlet structure for the ice box of a transparent ice maker to reduce the adverse effects of circulating water flow on ice.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a water inlet structure for the ice-making box of a transparent ice maker, which includes an ice-making box and a return water pipe. At least one row of ice-making columns is inserted inside the ice-making box. The return water pipe is located on one side inside the ice-making box and has at least one water outlet. The water outlet is placed below the liquid surface of the ice-making box and the height of the water outlet is lower than the lowest point of the ice-making columns.

[0005] The technical solution of this application places a return water pipe on one side inside the ice box and sets the water outlet below the lowest point of the ice column. The water flow sprayed from the water outlet will not directly impact the ice column or the ice block formed on the surface of the ice column, and will not cause defects such as dents or tilts in the ice block. Therefore, it reduces the adverse effects of circulating water flow on the ice block, improves the effect of the ice block, and helps to enhance the product competitiveness of the ice maker.

[0006] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application, it can be implemented according to the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, some embodiments are listed below for detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an ice maker according to at least one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ice box, water return pipe, and ice column in an assembled state, according to at least one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view of an ice-making box and a water return pipe, for at least one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 An exploded view of the return water pipe for at least one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a view showing the location distribution of the return water pipe and the single row of ice-making columns in at least one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a view showing the location distribution of the return water pipe and the double-row ice-making column in at least one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the ice box, water return pipe, and ice column in an assembled state, according to at least one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the ice container along the overflow port location for at least one embodiment.

[0015] It should be noted that the products shown in the above views have been appropriately scaled down / enlarged to fit the drawing size and ensure clarity of the views, and there is no limitation on the size of the products shown in the views. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0017] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0018] In the description of this application, 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", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0019] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0020] One or more embodiments of this application describe the water inlet structure of the ice-making box 20 in a transparent ice maker, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figures 1-8 As shown. Figure 1 As shown, the water inlet structure of the ice maker 20 includes the ice maker 20 and a return water pipe 30. The return water pipe 30 is located on one side inside the ice maker 20, which is situated at the top inside the ice maker casing 10. The lower part of the ice maker casing 10 is a water storage tank 11, which is connected to the ice maker 20 via a circulating water pipe 80 at the rear of the casing 10 and the return water pipe 30 on the ice maker 20. The water in the water storage tank 80 and the ice maker 20 is low-temperature water, facilitating faster ice making. At least one row of ice-making columns 41 is inserted inside the ice maker 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the return water pipe 30 is provided with at least one outlet 31, which is placed below the liquid surface of the ice-making box 20 and its height is lower than the lowest point of the ice-making column 41. Therefore, by placing the return water pipe 30 inside the ice-making box 20 and positioning the outlet 31 below the lowest point of the ice-making column 41, the water flow sprayed from the outlet 31 will not directly impact the ice-making column 41 or the ice formed on its surface, preventing defects such as dents or tilts in the ice. This reduces the adverse effects of the circulating water flow on the ice and improves the quality of the ice produced.

[0021] Because the ice container 20 needs to be flipped over during subsequent ice dispensing, components such as the return water pipe 30 and the ice-making column 41 are not fixedly connected to the ice container 20. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, all ice-making columns 41 are fixed below a transfer pipe 42. The transfer pipe 42 is fixedly connected to the ice maker housing 10 via a support arm 43. The transfer pipe 42 and the support arm 43 are welded together, and the support arm 43 is fixedly connected to the ice maker housing 10 with screws. The support arm 43 allows the transfer pipe 42 and ice-making columns 41 to be suspended above the ice-making container 20, and prevents the transfer pipe 42 and ice-making columns 41 from sagging when ice forms on their surface. During ice-making, the transfer pipe 42 is used to transfer refrigerant; during ice removal, the transfer pipe 42 is used to transfer heat. Figure 1 As shown, the transmission pipe 42 is bent into a U-shape, allowing for two rows of parallel ice-making columns 41. This helps reduce the overall size of the ice maker in the direction of the ice-making columns 41 arrangement, improving transportation and storage convenience. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the return water pipe 30 is provided with two support arms 32 perpendicular to the side wall of the ice maker housing 10. The support arms 32 are inserted into the side wall of the ice maker housing 10 to form a fixation, so as to fix the return water pipe 30 in the ice maker housing 10.

[0022] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a right-angle water outlet 33 is provided at the end of the return water pipe 30, and an outlet 31 is provided on one side of the right-angle water outlet 33 to connect to the ice maker 20. A buffer chamber 331 is provided inside the right-angle water outlet 33, and the buffer chamber 331 connects the return water pipe 30 and the outlet 31. The right-angle water outlet 33 serves to deflect the water flow; therefore, the buffer chamber 331 is provided at the bend to reduce the impact of the water flow before allowing the water to exit from the outlet 31, which helps to reduce turbulence generated in the ice maker 20. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow from the buffer chamber 331 to the outlet 31 gradually decreases to increase the water flow velocity. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outlet 31 is flat and has a cross-sectional area of ​​35 mm². 2 -50mm 2 The water flow should be adjusted to avoid being too slow or too fast. If the water flow is too slow, the water around the ice column 41 will flow too slowly. If the water flow is too fast, air bubbles will easily form. Also, if the water around the ice column 41 flows too fast, the ice cubes will be smaller.

[0023] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, one side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20 is higher than the other side. The return water pipe 30 is located on the lower side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20, and the outlet 31 of the return water pipe 30 faces the higher side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20. Additionally, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the normal direction 311 of the water outlet 31 is inclined downwards, meaning the water outlet 31 faces downwards and the water flow is directed downwards. This avoids the water flow from the water outlet 31 being horizontal or upwards, which could directly impact the ice-making column 41 and cause defects in the ice. The downward-facing water outlet 31 of the return pipe 30 sprays water from a lower position towards the upward-sloping bottom 202, creating a water flow effect. This allows for better water flow around the ice-making column 41, resulting in more transparent ice.

[0024] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner wall 205 of the ice container 20 is semi-cylindrical, and the outlet 31 of the return water pipe 30 is located below the center line 207 of the pivot 206 at both ends of the ice container 20. That is, the outlet 31 is located below the middle surface of the ice container 20. The water flow from the outlet 31 sprays towards the higher side of the bottom 202 of the ice container 20. The water flow surges upward from the inner walls 205 on both sides of the ice container 20 and then converges towards the middle, indirectly driving the water flow around the ice column 41.

[0025] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the distance D between the liquid surface of the ice container 20 and the top of the ice column 41 is not less than 6mm, so as to prevent the water in the ice container 20 from contacting the transmission pipe 42 on the ice column 41 and freezing when the water flows in, thus avoiding the problem of ice buildup.

[0026] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the return pipe 30 is composed of two injection-molded parts, a left half-pipe 34 and a right half-pipe 35. The left half-pipe 34 has one half of the pipe 341, and the right half-pipe 35 has the other half of the pipe 351 and an outlet. Two support arms 32 are provided on the left half-pipe 34, and the support arms 32 and the left half-pipe 34 are integrally injection-molded. The left half-pipe 34 has a protrusion 343 on the joint surface 342 facing the right half-pipe 35, and the protrusion 343 extends along the entire joint surface 342. The right half-pipe 35 has a corresponding groove 353 on the joint surface 352 facing the left half-pipe 34, and the groove 353 extends along the entire joint surface 352. When assembling the left half-pipe 34 and the right half-pipe 35, the protrusion 343 is inserted into the groove 353 to achieve positioning and fixed connection between the left half-pipe 34 and the right half-pipe 35. Sealant is poured into the groove 353, and the protruding strip 343 is inserted into the groove 353 and fixed and sealed by the sealant to prevent leakage from the return pipe 30. The left half pipe 34 and the right half pipe 35, which are injection molded, are combined to form the return pipe 30, which is easier to manufacture and allows the return pipe 30 to be made into a specific shape as needed to meet the requirements of water flow control.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, if there is only one row of ice-making columns 41, the water outlet 31's water outlet direction A is parallel to the arrangement direction B of the ice-making columns 41. The water outlet 31 is located on one side of the arrangement plane 401 where the ice-making columns 41 are located, and in the arrangement direction B of the ice-making columns 41, the water outlet 31 is located on the outside of the same row of ice-making columns 41, that is, the water outlet 31 does not overlap with any ice-making column 41. In addition, the height of the water outlet 31 is lower than the lowest point of the ice-making column 41. Therefore, in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the water outlet 31 does not overlap with the ice-making column 41, and the water flow sprayed from the water outlet 31 will not directly impact the ice-making column 41, allowing the water flow around the ice-making column 41 to continue to move, ensuring a better ice-making effect.

[0028] In some embodiments, if there is more than one row of ice columns 41, such as Figure 6 The ice-making columns 41 shown have two rows. The water outlet 31 is located between the two adjacent rows of ice-making columns 41 and parallel to the arrangement direction B of the ice-making columns 41. The width of the water outlet 31 is less than the minimum distance between the two adjacent rows of ice-making columns 41. In the arrangement direction B of the ice-making columns 41, the water outlet 31 is located on the outside of the two adjacent rows of ice-making columns 41. In addition, the height of the water outlet 31 is lower than the lowest point of the ice-making columns 41. Therefore, in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the water outlet 31 does not overlap with the two rows of ice-making columns 41. The water flow from the water outlet 31 will not directly impact the two rows of ice-making columns 41, allowing the water flow around the ice-making columns 41 to continue to move, ensuring a better ice-making effect.

[0029] In at least one other embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, one side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20 is higher than the other side, while the return water pipe 30 is located on the higher side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20. The outlet of the return water pipe 30 faces the lower side of the bottom 202 of the ice maker 20, and the normal direction of the outlet 31 is inclined downward, that is, the outlet 31 faces downward. The advantage of this structure is that the water flow resistance from the outlet 31 is small, and the water flow even accelerates slightly when moving downward, which helps to improve the surging effect of the water flow in the ice maker 20, and allows the water flow around the ice column 41 to continue to move, thereby improving the ice-making effect.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the ice container 20 has a top overflow port 204 and a middle overflow port 203 on its side wall. The top overflow port 204 is located above the middle overflow port 203. The top overflow port 204 and the middle overflow port 203 are located on the side wall of the ice container 20 near the return water pipe 30. The water flow in the ice container 20 flows outward in two layers, which helps to increase the movement of the water flow above the outlet 31, thereby promoting the movement of water flow at different heights of the ice column 41. This allows the water flow to be uniform at different positions, which is beneficial to improving the ice-making effect.

[0031] The above examples are merely illustrative of the technical content of this application to facilitate reader understanding, but do not imply that the implementation methods of this application are limited to these. Any technical extensions or re-creations made based on this application are protected by this application. The scope of protection of this application is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box in a transparent ice maker, characterized in that, It includes An ice-making container, wherein at least one row of ice-making columns is inserted inside the ice-making container; The return water pipe is located on one side inside the ice maker. The return water pipe has at least one outlet, which is positioned below the liquid surface of the ice maker and is lower than the lowest point of the ice maker column.

2. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When there is only one row of ice-making columns, the water outlet direction is parallel to the arrangement direction of the ice-making columns, the water outlet is located on one side of the arrangement plane of the ice-making columns, and in the arrangement direction of the ice-making columns, the water outlet is located on the outside of the same row of ice-making columns. Alternatively, when there is more than one row of ice-making columns, the water outlet is located between two adjacent rows of ice-making columns and parallel to the direction of the ice-making columns, and the width of the water outlet is less than the minimum distance between two adjacent rows of ice-making columns; in the direction of the ice-making columns, the water outlet is located outside the two adjacent rows of ice-making columns.

3. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice maker is higher on one side than on the other, the return water pipe is located on the lower side of the bottom of the ice maker, and the outlet of the return water pipe faces the higher side of the bottom of the ice maker.

4. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice maker is higher on one side than on the other, the return water pipe is located on the higher side of the bottom of the ice maker, and the outlet of the return water pipe faces the lower side of the bottom of the ice maker.

5. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The outlet is tilted downwards in the normal direction.

6. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the ice maker is semi-cylindrical, and the outlet of the return water pipe is located below the center line of the rotating shaft at both ends of the ice maker.

7. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The return water pipe is equipped with a right-angle water outlet, the right-angle water outlet is provided with the water outlet, and a buffer cavity is provided inside the right-angle water outlet, the buffer cavity is connected to the return water pipe and the water outlet.

8. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow from the buffer chamber to the outlet gradually decreases.

9. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, 7, or 8, characterized in that, The outlet is flat and has a cross-sectional area of ​​35 mm². 2 -50mm 2 between.

10. The water inlet structure of the ice-making box of the transparent ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker's side wall is provided with a top overflow port and a middle overflow port. The top overflow port is located above the middle overflow port. The top overflow port and the middle overflow port are located on the side wall of the ice maker near the return water pipe.

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