Waterway system of water ice maker

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, in particular to a water circuit system of a water-drinking ice maker, which comprises a water inlet module, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a cold water tank, an ice storage basket and a balance water tank, the water inlet module is communicated with the balance water tank through a first pipeline, the balance water tank is communicated with the evaporator away from one end connected with the water inlet module, the evaporator is provided with an ice outlet and a cold water outlet, the ice outlet is communicated with the ice storage basket, the cold water outlet is communicated with the cold water tank through a pipeline, and the cold water tank is provided with a third pipeline for discharging cold water. The application has the effect of improving the defects of complex system structure, high cost and low energy efficiency caused by two sets of independent heat exchangers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and in particular to the water circuit system of a water refrigeration ice machine. Background Technology

[0002] A water dispenser with an ice maker is an appliance that integrates drinking water cooling and automatic ice-making functions, providing users with convenient cold water and ice. The system typically consists of two main parts: a refrigeration cycle system including a compressor, condenser, and evaporator, responsible for providing cooling capacity; and a water system including a water tank, water pump, piping, and control unit, responsible for water delivery, distribution, and storage. The two systems work together, distributing ice through ice baskets and supplying cold water through the cold water tank.

[0003] In related technologies, the ice-making water circuit and drinking water circuit of a water dispenser ice maker are independent of each other. The water for ice making is usually supplied by a separate water inlet module, which enters the evaporator dedicated to ice making through pipelines, and the ice blocks finally fall into the ice storage basket. The drinking cold water is supplied by a separate water circuit, which passes through a separate heat exchanger (cooler) and is cooled by another refrigerant before being stored in a cold water tank for users to use.

[0004] The aforementioned technologies require two independent cooling paths, which necessitate two separate heat exchangers (evaporator and cooler) and corresponding control valves, resulting in a complex system structure, high production costs, large space requirements, and relatively low energy efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the shortcomings of complex system structure, high cost and low energy efficiency caused by two independent heat exchangers, this application provides a water circuit system for a water dispenser ice maker.

[0006] The water system of the water-dispensing ice maker provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A water circuit system for a water-cooled ice maker includes a water inlet module, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a cold water tank, an ice storage basket, and a balance water tank. The water inlet module and the balance water tank are connected via a first pipeline. The end of the balance water tank away from the water inlet module is connected to the evaporator. The evaporator has an ice outlet and a cold water outlet. The ice outlet is connected to the ice storage basket. The cold water outlet is connected to the cold water tank via a pipeline. The cold water tank is provided with a third pipeline for discharging cold water.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the water system is integrated, combining the traditionally separate ice-making and chilled water circuits into one. This gives the evaporator a dual function: part of the water flowing through the evaporator condenses to make ice, while the other part is cooled and directly output as chilled water. This eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger (cooler) and its complex valve system dedicated to chilled water, simplifying the overall structure, reducing the number of parts, and lowering production costs and failure rates. Simultaneously, because the refrigerant's cooling capacity is centrally supplied to a single evaporator, energy loss from distributing cooling capacity between the two systems is avoided, improving cooling capacity utilization efficiency and the overall energy efficiency ratio. Furthermore, a balancing water tank provides stable distribution of the incoming water, and combined with the circulation pipeline between the chilled water tank and the balancing water tank, water resource recycling and stable system operation are achieved, ensuring an efficient and stable supply of chilled water and ice.

[0008] Furthermore, a second pipeline is provided between the cold water tank and the balance water tank for communication, and a second water pump is provided on the second pipeline for pumping cold water from the cold water tank into the balance water tank.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, a cold water recirculation and recycling mechanism is constructed by connecting the cold water tank and the balance water tank via a second pipeline and a second water pump. The cooled cold water in the cold water tank is actively pumped back to the balance water tank, where it mixes and pre-cools with newly added room temperature water. This achieves full recycling of water resources, reduces the water consumption for direct ice making from room temperature water, improves water-saving efficiency, and utilizes the low temperature of the cold water itself to pre-cool the water supply in the balance water tank, reducing the refrigeration energy consumption required for the subsequent evaporator to cool the water to the freezing point or the target temperature of the cold water, thus improving the overall energy efficiency ratio of the system. Simultaneously, this loop balances the water level and temperature between the cold water tank and the balance water tank, enhancing the stability and reliability of the system operation.

[0010] Furthermore, the cold water tank is equipped with a first water level sensor and a first NTC sensor inside, and the balance water tank is equipped with a second water level sensor and a second NTC sensor.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, independent water level and temperature sensing units are installed in the cold water tank and the balance water tank respectively, constructing a precise and reliable dual closed-loop intelligent control system. The first water level sensor and the first NTC sensor monitor the water level and temperature in the cold water tank in real time, providing data feedback for cold water supply, ensuring that users can obtain cold water at a stable temperature at all times, and triggering water replenishment when the water level is insufficient. The second water level sensor and the second NTC sensor are designed to optimize the ice-making process, ensuring the stability of ice-making efficiency and ice quality by precisely controlling the amount and temperature of water entering the evaporator. The second NTC sensor can sense the water supply temperature; if the water temperature is already low, the ice-making cycle can be shortened, thereby improving system energy efficiency. The sensor groups of the two water tanks operate independently yet are managed collaboratively, achieving optimal decoupling and efficient linkage between the two major functions of cold water preparation and ice making, improving the automation level, stability, and energy utilization efficiency of the entire system.

[0012] Furthermore, the ice storage basket is provided with a receiving groove on the bottom side for receiving the melted ice water, and the receiving groove is connected to the cold water tank.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, a receiving trough connected to the cold water tank is added to the bottom of the ice storage basket, establishing a condensate recovery and reuse system. This effectively collects the melted ice water generated by the natural melting of ice in the ice storage basket. The low-temperature melted ice water is guided back to the cold water tank through pipelines, realizing closed-loop management and recycling of resources and reducing the overall water consumption of the system. Since the melted ice water itself is at a low temperature, its return to the cold water tank can play an auxiliary pre-cooling role for the drinking water stored in the tank, reducing the load on the main water tank of the refrigeration system to a certain extent and improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0014] Furthermore, the first pipeline is equipped with a first water pump and a one-way valve for pumping water into the balance tank.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the first water pump provides active and controllable power to supply water from the inlet module to the balance tank, ensuring that water is pumped into the balance tank stably and on demand, providing a stable water supply for the ice-making process, and achieving precise control of water flow and pressure. The one-way valve effectively prevents backflow of water in the balance tank when the pump stops working, avoiding water pollution, pump idling, and disruption of the system's internal hydraulic balance caused by siphon effect or pressure fluctuations. The two work together to ensure the stability and reliability of the hydraulic transport of the entire water system.

[0016] Furthermore, the third pipeline is equipped with a third water pump for pumping cold water out of the cold water tank.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the third water pump serves as the active power source for the cold water supply, providing users with a stable water flow pressure to draw cold water as needed. This solves the problems of insufficient pressure and slow water flow caused by relying on gravity for water output, thus improving the user experience. The start and stop of the third water pump can be precisely linked with the first water level sensor and the first NTC sensor in the cold water tank, ensuring that it only starts working when the water volume is sufficient and the water temperature meets the standard. This protects the water pump from dry running damage and also guarantees the temperature and quality of the output water.

[0018] Furthermore, the water inlet module includes a water tank for connecting to a tap water pipeline and a filter element assembly disposed in the water tank.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper water tank serves as a fixed interface connecting to the external tap water pipe, providing a continuous and stable water supply to the system. This avoids frequent manual water additions and ensures the continuous and automated operation of the ice-making and chilled water functions. The filter cartridges integrated into the upper water tank effectively filter the raw water entering the system, removing impurities, residual chlorine, odors, etc., improving the quality of ice and chilled water. The modular integration of the water supply filtration function results in a compact structure, simplifies external water circuit connections, and guarantees the stable and clean operation of the entire water system.

[0020] Furthermore, the water inlet module also includes a movable water tank, which is located below the upper water tank and communicates with the upper water tank.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, a movable water tank connected to the upper water tank is added to the water inlet module, constructing a dual-mode water supply system and improving the flexibility of equipment use. When connected to a fixed tap water pipe, the upper water tank serves as the main water source. Water enters the upper water tank and is effectively filtered by the filter element assembly before entering the movable water tank below. From there, it flows through a third pipeline into the balance water tank, achieving fully automatic continuous operation. The movable water tank is easy to disassemble, expanding the product's applicable scenarios. When tap water access is not possible, room-temperature drinking water can be added to the movable water tank as the system's water supply. The movable water tank is placed below and connected to the upper water tank, utilizing gravity for automatic water replenishment, resulting in a simple structure. Furthermore, the movable water tank is easy to remove for cleaning or refilling, avoiding the hygiene hazards associated with cleaning traditional built-in water tanks, and providing users with intuitive water level monitoring and convenient operation.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Achieving dual functions of ice making and chilled water through a single evaporator eliminates the need for traditional independent coolers and matching valve systems, greatly simplifying the overall structure, reducing the number of parts, lowering production costs and failure rates, avoiding energy loss from the distribution of cooling capacity between the two systems, and centralizing the supply of refrigerant cooling capacity to improve the system's cooling capacity utilization efficiency and overall energy efficiency ratio. 2. The system constructs a dual-closed-loop intelligent control system by installing dual water level and dual temperature sensors in the cold water tank and the balance water tank. This decouples and links the cold water preparation and ice-making processes, ensuring stable outlet water temperature and ice-making efficiency. Combined with the cold water reflux and de-icing water recycling circuits, it achieves closed-loop management and full recycling of water resources, reducing water consumption. The pre-cooling mechanism further reduces refrigeration energy consumption, improving the system's energy and water conservation level and operational stability. 3. The water inlet module includes a fixed water tank with filtration and a movable water tank, providing flexible dual-mode water supply. It can be connected to the tap water supply for continuous operation or supplied by the movable water tank, expanding application scenarios. Together with the water pumps and check valves in each pipeline, it achieves stable, controllable, and automated operation throughout the entire process from water supply, filtration, ice making, chilled water production to dispensing, while also ensuring ease of cleaning, providing users with a stable and clean supply of chilled water. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a water dispenser ice maker according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a water dispenser ice maker according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of a water-cooled ice maker according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Outer casing; 2. Water inlet module; 21. Upper water tank; 211. Filter outlet; 22. Filter element assembly; 23. Movable water tank; 3. Compressor; 4. Condenser; 5. Evaporator; 51. Ice outlet; 52. Cold water outlet; 6. Cold water tank; 61. First water level sensor; 62. First NTC sensor; 7. Ice storage basket; 71. Receiving tank; 8. Balance water tank; 81. Second water level sensor; 82. Second NTC sensor; 9. First pipeline; 91. First water pump; 92. Check valve; 10. Second pipeline; 101. Second water pump; 11. Third pipeline; 111. Third water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-3 The present application will be further described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0028] This application discloses a water dispenser ice maker. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2The water dispenser ice maker includes an outer casing 1, a water inlet module 2 located inside the outer casing 1, a compressor 3, a condenser 4, an evaporator 5, a cold water tank 6, an ice storage basket 7, and a balance water tank 8. The water inlet module 2 includes an upper water tank 21, a filter element assembly 22 located in the upper water tank 21, and a movable water tank 23.

[0029] The upper water tank 21 is directly connected to an external tap water pipeline to provide a continuous and stable water supply to the system, avoiding frequent manual water additions. The upper water tank 21 has a filter inlet 211 on its bottom side for detachable connection to the filter element assembly 22. In this embodiment, the filter element assembly 22 includes PP cotton, activated carbon, and a permeable membrane, employing composite filtration technology to remove impurities, heavy metals, residual chlorine, microorganisms, and odors from the water. The filter element assembly 22, integrated into the upper water tank 21, effectively filters the raw water entering the system, improving the quality of ice and cold water.

[0030] The volume of the movable water tank 23 is larger than that of the upper water tank 21, thus forming a nested structure with the upper water tank 21 and being installed together within the outer casing 1. The upper water tank 21 is connected to the movable water tank 23 through the filter port 211 and the filter element assembly 22. The addition of the movable water tank 23 to the water inlet module 2 creates a dual-mode water supply system, improving the flexibility of equipment use.

[0031] When connected to a fixed tap water pipe, the upper water tank 21 serves as the main water source. Water enters the upper water tank 21 and is effectively filtered by the filter element assembly 22 before entering the movable water tank 23 below, thus proceeding to the subsequent ice-making / cooling water stage. The movable water tank 23 is easily disassembled, expanding the product's applicable scenarios. When tap water access is unavailable, room-temperature drinking water can be added to the movable water tank as the system's water supply. The movable water tank 23 is positioned below and connected to the upper water tank 21, utilizing gravity for automatic water replenishment, resulting in a simple structure. Furthermore, the movable water tank 23 is easy to remove for cleaning or refilling, avoiding the hygiene hazards associated with cleaning traditional built-in water tanks, and providing users with intuitive water level monitoring and convenient operation.

[0032] Combination Figure 3 In the water inlet module 2, the movable water tank 23 and the balance water tank 8 are connected by a first pipe 9. The first pipe 9 is equipped with a first water pump 91 for pumping water into the balance water tank 8 and a one-way valve 92. The end of the balance water tank 8 away from the water inlet module 2 is connected to the evaporator 5. The evaporator 5 has an ice outlet 51 and a cold water outlet 52 for cooperating with the outer shell 1. The ice outlet 51 is connected to the ice storage basket 7, and the cold water outlet 52 is connected to the cold water tank 6 through a pipe.

[0033] The cold water tank 6 is equipped with a first water level sensor 61 and a first NTC sensor 62, while the balance tank 8 is equipped with a second water level sensor 81 and a second NTC sensor 82. A second pipeline 10 connects the cold water tank 6 and the balance tank 8, and a second water pump 101 is installed on the second pipeline 10 to pump cold water from the cold water tank 6 into the balance tank 8. The cold water tank 6 is equipped with a third pipeline 11 for discharging cold water, and a third water pump 111 is installed on the third pipeline 11 to pump cold water out of the cold water tank 6.

[0034] In this embodiment, the ice storage basket 7 has a receiving trough 71 on its bottom side for collecting the melted ice water, and the receiving trough 71 is connected to the cold water tank 6. By adding the receiving trough 71 connected to the cold water tank 6 at the bottom of the ice storage basket 7, a condensate recovery and reuse system is established, effectively collecting the melted ice water generated by the natural melting of ice in the ice storage basket 7. The low-temperature melted ice water is guided back to the cold water tank 6 through pipelines, realizing closed-loop management and recycling of resources, and reducing the overall water consumption of the system. Since the melted ice water itself is at a low temperature, its return to the cold water tank 6 can play an auxiliary pre-cooling role for the drinking water stored in the tank, reducing the load on the main water tank of the refrigeration system to a certain extent and improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0035] The implementation principle of the water circuit system of a water-cooled ice maker according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: the system is highly integrated, using a single evaporator 5 to simultaneously achieve the dual functions of ice making and water cooling, replacing the complex structure of traditional two independent heat exchangers. External tap water enters the movable water tank 23 after being filtered by the upper water tank 21, or the movable water tank 23 directly receives drinking water. The water is stably pumped into the balance water tank 8 through the first water pump 91 and the first pipeline 9.

[0036] The system's intelligent control is achieved through a dual-tank sensing system. The second water level and the second NTC sensor 82 in the balance tank 8 precisely regulate the water volume and temperature entering the evaporator 5, while the first water level and the first NTC sensor 62 in the cold water tank 6 monitor the cold water volume and temperature and control the cold water output. Resource recycling is achieved through two loops: one is a cold water return loop, where cold water in the cold water tank 6 can be pumped back to the balance tank 8 via the second water pump 101 to pre-cool newly supplied water, saving refrigeration energy; the other is a de-icing water recovery loop, where the receiving tank 71 at the bottom of the ice storage basket 7 recovers de-icing water to the cold water tank 6, realizing water resource recycling and providing auxiliary pre-cooling for cold water.

[0037] Finally, the ice produced by the evaporator 5 falls from the ice outlet 51 into the ice storage basket 7, while the chilled water enters the chilled water tank 6 for storage. Users can draw chilled water as needed via the third water pump 111. The entire system achieves simplified structure, reduced costs, efficient ice making, stable chilled water supply, and low energy consumption through the efficient coordination and resource recycling of its components.

[0038] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A water circuit system for a water dispenser and ice maker, characterized in that: The system includes a water inlet module (2), a compressor (3), a condenser (4), an evaporator (5), a cold water tank (6), an ice storage basket (7), and a balance water tank (8). The water inlet module (2) and the balance water tank (8) are connected by a first pipeline (9). The end of the balance water tank (8) away from the water inlet module (2) is connected to the evaporator (5). The evaporator (5) has an ice outlet (51) and a cold water outlet (52). The ice outlet (51) is connected to the ice storage basket (7). The cold water outlet (52) is connected to the cold water tank (6) through a pipeline. The cold water tank (6) is provided with a third pipeline (11) for discharging cold water.

2. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second pipeline (10) is provided between the cold water tank (6) and the balance water tank (8) for communication. A second water pump (101) is provided on the second pipeline (10) for pumping the cold water from the cold water tank (6) into the balance water tank (8).

3. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cold water tank (6) is equipped with a first water level sensor (61) and a first NTC sensor (62), and the balance water tank (8) is equipped with a second water level sensor (81) and a second NTC sensor (82).

4. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice storage basket (7) has a receiving trough (71) on its bottom side for receiving the melting water of ice blocks, and the receiving trough (71) is connected to the cold water tank (6).

5. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pipeline (9) is equipped with a first water pump (91) for pumping water into the balance tank (8) and a one-way valve (92).

6. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third pipeline (11) is equipped with a third water pump (111) for pumping cold water out of the cold water tank (6).

7. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet module (2) includes a water tank (21) for connecting to a tap water pipeline and a filter element assembly (22) disposed in the water tank (21).

8. The water system of a water dispenser ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water inlet module (2) also includes a movable water tank (23), which is located below the upper water tank (21) and communicates with the upper water tank (21).

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