A spherical ice maker

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of spherical ice ice maker, it is related to ice maker technical field, spherical ice ice maker includes shell and the ice making component and large water tank being arranged in shell, ice making component includes upper die structure, lower die structure and rotating mechanism, annular cavity structure is provided around the outer periphery of lower hemisphere ice cell on lower die structure, water in large water tank is used to flow into annular cavity structure by first pipeline;Annular cavity structure is spaced apart and is provided with multiple overflow ports, lower die structure is provided with small water tank in one end of the away from upper die structure, water in annular cavity structure is used to flow into small water tank in turn by overflow port and water inlet hole;Small water tank is provided with second pipeline being communicated with lower hemisphere ice cell, water in small water tank is used to enter lower hemisphere ice cell by second pipeline.The spherical ice ice maker of the utility model, compared to relevant technology, effectively solve the problem of ice-off difficulty when there is no evaporator auxiliary, improve the ice making efficiency of whole machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice maker technology, and more specifically, to a spherical ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that cools water through an evaporator using a refrigerant in a refrigeration system to produce ice. Classified by ice shape, there are granular ice makers, snowflake ice makers, flake ice makers, plate ice makers, tube ice makers, and spherical ice makers, among others. Among these, spherical ice makers are specifically designed to produce spherical ice cubes. They are widely popular because the ice cubes they produce are aesthetically pleasing and melt slowly, thus better preserving the taste of beverages.

[0003] However, unlike square ice blocks, spherical ice blocks require an upper and lower hemisphere for ice making. These two hemispheres combine to form a spherical ice-making space, and typically only one hemisphere contains an evaporator. During de-icing, the hemisphere with the evaporator melts the ice using the heat generated, allowing the spherical ice block to detach quickly. However, the other hemisphere, without an evaporator, lacks an effective de-icing mechanism, causing the ice to adhere firmly to its surface and making demolding difficult. This de-icing difficulty not only prolongs the ice-making cycle and reduces overall ice-making efficiency but also easily leads to ice breakage or incomplete shape, affecting product quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] The problem this invention aims to solve is: how to address the technical issue of difficulty in removing ice from the lower mold during the ice-making process of spherical ice.

[0005] This utility model provides a spherical ice maker, comprising: a housing, an ice-making assembly, and a large water tank arranged within the housing. The ice-making assembly includes an upper mold structure, a lower mold structure, and a rotating mechanism. The upper mold structure is fixedly connected to the housing and is used to connect to an evaporator. The lower mold structure is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure via the rotating mechanism. An upper hemisphere ice grid is provided on the upper mold structure, and a lower hemisphere ice grid is provided on the lower mold structure. The lower hemisphere ice grid is used to engage with the upper hemisphere ice grid to form a spherical ice grid. An annular cavity structure is provided around the outer periphery of the lower hemisphere ice grid on the lower mold structure. The annular cavity structure is connected to the large water tank via a first pipe, through which water from the large water tank flows into the annular cavity structure. The annular cavity structure has multiple overflow outlets spaced apart. A small water tank is located at the end of the lower mold structure opposite to the upper mold structure, and an inlet hole communicating with the interior of the small water tank is provided on the lower mold structure. Water from the annular cavity structure flows into the small water tank sequentially through the overflow outlets and the inlet hole. A second pipe communicating with the lower hemisphere ice tray is provided inside the small water tank, through which water from the small water tank enters the lower hemisphere ice tray.

[0006] Optionally, the upper mold structure and the lower mold structure are connected by a rotating shaft; the rotating mechanism includes a motor, a cam link and a tension spring, the cam link is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure, the motor is connected to the housing and the output end of the motor is connected to the cam link, the tension spring is connected between the lower mold structure and the cam link, the motor is used to drive the cam link to rotate, and then the tension spring drives the lower mold structure to flip closer to the upper mold structure, so that the lower hemisphere ice tray fits against the upper hemisphere ice tray.

[0007] Optionally, the spherical ice maker also includes an ice receiving box, which is detachably connected to the housing and located between the ice-making component and the large water tank.

[0008] Optionally, the spherical ice maker further includes a full ice detection mechanism, which includes a fixed plate and a movable plate. The fixed plate is connected to the upper mold structure, and the movable plate is rotatably connected to the fixed plate. The movable plate is configured to deflect relative to the fixed plate as ice balls accumulate and are squeezed in the ice receiving box. A magnet is provided on the movable plate, and a reed switch is provided on the fixed plate. The magnet is used to approach the reed switch and make it conduct, thereby transmitting a full ice signal.

[0009] Optionally, the movable plate is provided with a counterweight to maintain the movable plate at a set angle in a non-contact state.

[0010] Optionally, the housing is a rectangular box structure with one end open, and the open end of the rectangular box structure is provided with a switch door, which is used to close or open the open end of the rectangular box structure.

[0011] Optionally, the spherical ice maker also includes a water receiving box, which is detachably connected to the lower part of the open end of the rectangular box structure. The water receiving box is used to collect water that falls during ice making.

[0012] Optionally, the large water tank is located in the lower part of the rectangular box structure, and a gap is left between the large water tank and the bottom wall of the rectangular box structure; a guide groove is provided on the water receiving box, and the guide groove communicates with the gap between the large water tank and the rectangular box structure, and the guide groove is used to guide the water in the water receiving box into the gap between the large water tank and the rectangular box structure.

[0013] Optionally, a heating plate is provided at the bottom of the large water tank for heating the water in the large water tank.

[0014] Optionally, a temperature sensor is installed inside the large water tank to detect the temperature of the water inside the large water tank.

[0015] The spherical ice maker provided by this utility model has, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects compared with related technologies: The spherical ice maker of this invention features a housing that provides overall structural support and component housing space, ensuring stable operation of the internal components. The upper mold structure is fixedly connected within the housing and to the evaporator. The evaporator cools the upper hemisphere ice grid during the ice-making stage and melts the ice during the de-icing stage. The lower mold structure is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure via a rotating mechanism, facilitating mold flipping and separation during de-icing and reducing physical resistance. The upper hemisphere ice grid on the upper mold structure and the lower hemisphere ice grid on the lower mold structure interlock to form a spherical ice grid, creating a spherical ice-making space. The key feature is the annular cavity structure surrounding the lower hemisphere ice grid on the lower mold structure. Due to its circumferential arrangement, water can evenly contact the outer wall of the mold. During de-icing, if warm water is introduced into the annular cavity structure, heat can be efficiently conducted to the surface of the lower hemisphere mold (lower mold structure), preventing the ice from sticking to the lower hemisphere mold. The annular cavity structure is connected to a large water tank via a first pipeline. The large water tank serves as the water supply mechanism, allowing water to continuously flow into the annular cavity structure, providing a heat transfer medium for de-icing. Multiple overflow outlets spaced apart on the annular cavity structure, combined with a small water tank and inlet hole located at the end of the lower mold structure opposite to the upper mold structure, ensure even water flow through the inlet hole into the small water tank, reducing temperature gradients and ensuring consistent heat distribution during de-icing. A second pipeline connected to the lower hemisphere ice grid is located within the small water tank. The small water tank acts as a buffer water storage unit, allowing water to stably enter the lower hemisphere ice grid through the second pipeline for ice filling, reducing air bubbles and ice layer defects. This reduces the adhesion between the ice and the mold during the de-icing stage, making the tumbling and separation smoother. Therefore, this technical solution, through the coordinated design of the annular cavity structure and the water system, enables the lower hemisphere mold to receive external heat during de-icing, effectively solving the problem of difficult de-icing when the lower hemisphere mold lacks an evaporator, and improving the overall ice-making efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the spherical ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper mold structure, lower mold structure, rotating mechanism and full ice detection mechanism assembled together according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the upper mold structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lower mold structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower mold structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the full ice detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the water receiving box according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Shell; 101. Opening / closing door; 2. Large water tank; 3. Upper mold structure; 301. Upper hemispherical ice tray; 4. Lower mold structure; 401. Lower hemispherical ice tray; 402. Annular cavity structure; 4021. Overflow outlet; 403. Water inlet; 5. Rotating mechanism; 501. Motor; 502. Cam connecting rod; 503. Tension spring; 6. Small water tank; 7. First pipeline; 8. Second pipeline; 9. Ice receiving box; 10. Full ice detection mechanism; 1001. Fixed plate; 1002. Movable plate; 1003. Magnet; 1004. Reed switch; 1005. Counterweight; 11. Water receiving box; 1101. Guide groove; 12. Water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "inner" and "outer" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment," "one embodiment," and "one implementation" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or implementation is included in at least one embodiment or implementation of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or implementation. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or implementations.

[0022] Furthermore, in the attached diagram, the Z-axis represents the vertical direction, that is, the up and down position, with the positive direction of the Z-axis indicating up and the negative direction of the Z-axis indicating down.

[0023] It should also be noted that the aforementioned Z-axis designation is only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this utility model and simplifying the description, and is not intended to 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, it should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the spherical ice maker of this utility model includes: a housing 1 and an ice-making assembly and a large water tank 2 arranged within the housing 1. The ice-making assembly includes an upper mold structure 3, a lower mold structure 4, and a rotating mechanism 5. The upper mold structure 3 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 and is used to connect to an evaporator. The lower mold structure 4 is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure 3 via the rotating mechanism 5. An upper hemisphere ice grid 301 is provided on the upper mold structure 3, and a lower hemisphere ice grid 401 is provided on the lower mold structure 4. The lower hemisphere ice grid 401 is used to fasten to the upper hemisphere ice grid 301 to form a spherical ice grid. An annular cavity structure 402 is provided around the outer periphery of the lower hemisphere ice grid 401 on the lower mold structure 4. Structure 402 is connected to the large water tank 2 via a first pipe 7. Water in the large water tank 2 flows into the annular cavity structure 402 through the first pipe 7. The annular cavity structure 402 is provided with multiple overflow ports 4021 spaced apart. A small water tank 6 is provided at the end of the lower mold structure 4 away from the upper mold structure 3. The lower mold structure 4 is provided with an inlet hole 403 communicating with the interior of the small water tank 6. Water in the annular cavity structure 402 flows into the small water tank 6 through the overflow port 4021 and the inlet hole 403 in sequence. A second pipe 8 is provided in the small water tank 6 communicating with the lower hemisphere ice tray 401. Water in the small water tank 6 enters the lower hemisphere ice tray 401 through the second pipe 8.

[0025] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5As shown, the housing 1 provides overall structural support and component housing space, ensuring stable operation of internal components. The upper mold structure 3 is fixedly connected inside the housing 1 and connected to the evaporator. The evaporator cools the upper hemispherical ice grid 301 during the ice-making stage and melts the ice through heat during the de-icing stage. The lower mold structure 4 is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure 3 via a rotating mechanism 5, facilitating the flipping and separation of the mold during de-icing and reducing physical resistance. The upper hemispherical ice grid 301 on the upper mold structure 3 and the lower hemispherical ice grid 401 on the lower mold structure 4 engage to form a spherical ice grid, realizing a spherical ice-making space. The key lies in the annular cavity structure 402 arranged around the outer periphery of the lower hemispherical ice grid 401 on the lower mold structure 4. Due to its surrounding arrangement, water can evenly contact the outer wall of the mold. If warm water is introduced into the annular cavity structure 402 during de-icing, heat can be efficiently conducted to the surface of the lower hemispherical mold (lower mold structure 4) through the warm water, preventing the ice from sticking to the lower hemispherical mold locally. The annular cavity structure 402 is connected to the large water tank 2 via the first pipe 7. The large water tank 2 serves as the water supply mechanism, allowing water to continuously flow into the annular cavity structure 402, providing a heat transfer medium for de-icing. Multiple overflow ports 4021 spaced apart on the annular cavity structure 402, combined with a small water tank 6 and an inlet hole 403 located at the end of the lower mold structure 4 opposite to the upper mold structure 3, ensure even water flow through the overflow ports 4021, reducing temperature gradients and ensuring consistent heat distribution during de-icing. A second pipe 8 connected to the lower hemisphere ice grid 401 is located inside the small water tank 6. The small water tank 6 acts as a buffer water storage unit, allowing water to stably enter the lower hemisphere ice grid 401 through the second pipe 8 for ice filling, reducing air bubbles and ice layer defects. This reduces the adhesion between the ice and the mold during the de-icing stage, making the tumbling and separation smoother. Therefore, this technical solution, through the coordinated design of the annular cavity structure 402 and the water system, enables the lower hemisphere mold to receive external heat during the de-icing process, effectively solving the problem of de-icing difficulties when the lower hemisphere mold is without evaporator assistance, and improving the overall ice-making efficiency.

[0026] It should be noted that, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 5 As shown, a water pump 12 is installed on the second pipeline 8. The water pump 12 can pump the water in the small water tank 6 into the second pipeline 8, and then inject water into the lower hemisphere ice grid 401 through the second pipeline 8.

[0027] Optionally, the upper mold structure 3 and the lower mold structure 4 are connected by a rotating shaft; the rotating mechanism 5 includes a motor 501, a cam connecting rod 502 and a tension spring 503. The cam connecting rod 502 is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure 3. The motor 501 is connected to the housing 1, and the output end of the motor 501 is connected to the cam connecting rod 502. The tension spring 503 is connected between the lower mold structure 4 and the cam connecting rod 502. The motor 501 is used to drive the cam connecting rod 502 to rotate, and then the tension spring 503 drives the lower mold structure 4 to flip closer to the upper mold structure 3, so that the lower hemisphere ice tray 401 fits against the upper hemisphere ice tray 301.

[0028] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2 As shown, the rotating mechanism 5 is a mechanical device capable of realizing the flipping action of the lower mold structure 4. It can use a motor 501 as a power source, converting the rotational motion into a swing trajectory via a cam link 502, and using a tension spring 503 to provide elastic buffering and position compensation functions, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the flipping action. The cam link 502 is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure 3 to provide a stable fulcrum for the motion trajectory, avoiding deviations caused by loosening. In practical applications, the motor 501 can be directly fixed to the housing 1, with its output end directly connected to the cam link 502 to reduce energy loss and vibration interference. The tension spring 503 absorbs minor positional deviations, prevents jamming, and provides gentle tension during the flipping process, avoiding damage to the structure caused by rigid pushing and pulling.

[0029] Specifically, the pivot connection between the upper mold structure 3 and the lower mold structure 4 provides fundamental support for the flipping action, avoiding motion obstruction caused by rigid fixation. The motor 501, as a controllable power source, drives the cam link 502 through stable rotational motion, which in turn converts this rotational motion into a suitable swing trajectory for flipping. The tension spring 503 acts as a buffer and provides position compensation during this process, ensuring precise flipping. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the cam link 502 can be precisely controlled, and combined with the elastic response of the tension spring 503, this allows the lower hemisphere ice grid 401 to reliably fit against the upper hemisphere ice grid 301, forming a complete spherical ice grid. During ice removal, reversing the operation of this mechanism allows for rapid separation of the two hemisphere ice grids, significantly improving ice removal efficiency. This design not only solves the problem of unreliable flipping of the lower mold structure 4 but also optimizes the overall ice-making efficiency by precisely controlling the flipping amplitude and fitting force.

[0030] Optionally, the spherical ice maker also includes an ice receiving box 9, which is detachably connected to the housing 1 and is located between the ice-making component and the large water tank 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 As shown, the ice collection box 9 is a container used to collect spherical ice cubes separated from the ice-making component. It can be made of plastic or metal and can be rectangular, circular, or other shapes adapted to the internal space of the housing 1. Its purpose is to accurately collect the spherical ice cubes after they have been de-iced, preventing them from scattering or accidentally falling into the large water tank 2. The detachable connection means that the connection between the ice collection box 9 and the housing 1 can be achieved through a sliding rail or similar means. This facilitates ice removal and cleaning for users, improving the practicality and ease of hygiene maintenance of the equipment. Furthermore, the ice collection box 9 is positioned between the ice-making component and the large water tank 2. This layout fully utilizes the space below the ice-making component, ensuring that the ice cubes fall directly into the ice collection box 9 under gravity, while effectively preventing contact with the water source in the large water tank 2.

[0032] Optionally, the spherical ice maker further includes a full ice detection mechanism 10, which includes a fixed plate 1001 and a movable plate 1002. The fixed plate 1001 is connected to the upper mold structure 3, and the movable plate 1002 is rotatably connected to the fixed plate 1001. The movable plate 1002 is configured to deflect relative to the fixed plate 1001 as ice balls accumulate and are squeezed in the ice receiving box 9. A magnet 1003 is provided on the movable plate 1002, and a reed switch 1004 is provided on the fixed plate 1001. The magnet 1003 is used to approach the reed switch 1004 and make it conductive, thereby transmitting a full ice signal.

[0033] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 6 As shown, the full ice detection mechanism 10 is a device that can automatically sense the state of ice puck accumulation in the ice receiving box 9, which can be achieved by combining mechanical induction with a magnetic switch. The fixed plate 1001 is a rigid component serving as an installation reference, which can be connected to the upper mold structure 3 by bolts, welding, or integral molding. The movable plate 1002 is a component that can rotate relative to the fixed plate 1001, which can be achieved by hinges, pins, or other common rotating connection methods. The magnet 1003 is an element that generates a magnetic field, which can be implemented using a permanent magnet or electromagnet, with the purpose of converting mechanical deflection into magnetic field changes. The reed switch 1004 is a magnetically sensitive switching element that can realize the circuit's on / off function based on changes in the external magnetic field.

[0034] Specifically, this solution ensures a stable installation reference for the detection mechanism through the rigid connection between the fixed plate 1001 and the upper mold structure 3, allowing the deflection action of the movable plate 1002 to accurately reflect the stacking height of the ice puck. The movable plate 1002 uses a rotating connection, allowing it to rotate freely when the ice puck contacts it. This design triggers deflection based on the physical stacking height of the ice puck, eliminating the need for additional power and simplifying the overall structure. When the ice puck falls into the ice receiving box 9 and gradually accumulates to a preset height, it pushes the movable plate 1002 to deflect, thereby causing the magnet 1003 to approach the reed switch 1004. The change in the relative position between the magnet 1003 and the reed switch 1004 triggers the reed switch 1004 to conduct, generating an ice-full signal and transmitting it to the control system. This non-contact signal transmission method avoids the wear problem of mechanical contacts and enhances environmental adaptability. Furthermore, since the movable plate 1002 is in direct contact with the ice puck, its triggering mechanism is based on the actual stacking process, avoiding the complex calibration requirements of electronic sensors and ensuring that the detection results are synchronized with the actual ice-full state.

[0035] Optionally, the movable plate 1002 is provided with a counterweight 1005 to maintain the movable plate 1002 at a set angle in a non-contact state.

[0036] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 6 As shown, the counterweight 1005 is a component that generates restoring torque through weight distribution. It can be made of metal blocks, weighted plastic parts, or other materials with appropriate density. In practical applications, the position and shape of the counterweight 1005 can be adjusted according to the specific structure of the movable plate 1002. For example, it can be designed as a cylinder, square, or irregular shape. The purpose is to ensure that the movable plate 1002 can stably return to the preset angle when no external force is applied.

[0037] Specifically, this technical solution uses a counterweight 1005 on the movable plate 1002 to generate a directional restoring torque through gravity, allowing the movable plate 1002 to automatically return to a set angle when there is no puck contact. This design effectively avoids random shifts caused by slight vibrations or residual water, ensuring a reliable distance between the magnet 1003 and the reed switch 1004 when not in detection mode. Furthermore, the weight distribution of the counterweight 1005 is precisely matched, enabling the movable plate 1002 to quickly and accurately return to the set angle after the puck leaves, providing a stable initial reference for the full-ice detection mechanism. Simultaneously, since this structure relies solely on physical gravity for reset, no additional energy or complex control is required, simplifying system reliability and avoiding potential electronic component failures, ultimately ensuring that the full-ice signal is only effectively triggered when a real puck contacts the system.

[0038] Optionally, the housing 1 is a rectangular box structure with one end open, and the opening end of the rectangular box structure is provided with a switch door 101, which is used to close or open the opening end of the rectangular box structure.

[0039] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 refers to the external structure that houses the ice-making components and water tank. Its rectangular box structure design simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process, while also facilitating the layout and maintenance of internal components. The one-end opening design provides a direct and centralized passage for ice retrieval, avoiding the cumbersome operation of disassembling or adjusting the entire housing when retrieving ice. The door 101 can be a hinged door or a sliding door, its purpose being to dynamically control the opening state according to the ice-making stage. During ice-making, the door remains closed to maintain internal environmental stability, while it is quickly opened for easy access to the ice-making area when retrieving ice.

[0040] Optionally, the spherical ice maker also includes a water receiving box 11, which is detachably connected to the lower part of the opening end of the rectangular box structure. The water receiving box 11 is used to collect water that falls during ice making.

[0041] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 7 As shown, the water collection box 11 is a container structure specifically designed to collect dripping water during ice extraction. It can be made of plastic, metal, or other waterproof materials. Its purpose is to confine dripping water within a controllable range through a physical receiving mechanism, thereby maintaining a dry and clean operating area. The detachable connection refers to the functional design that allows for convenient installation and disassembly of the water collection box 11 and the rectangular box structure through snaps, sliding rails, or threads. This design facilitates quick removal for cleaning or emptying, overcoming the difficulty of cleaning fixed receiving devices.

[0042] Optionally, the large water tank 2 is located in the lower part of the rectangular box structure, and a gap is left between the large water tank 2 and the bottom wall of the rectangular box structure; a guide groove 1101 is provided on the water receiving box 11, the guide groove 1101 communicates with the gap between the large water tank 2 and the rectangular box structure, and the guide groove 1101 is used to guide the water in the water receiving box 11 to the gap between the large water tank 2 and the rectangular box structure.

[0043] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 As shown, large water tank 2 refers to the main container used for storing water for ice making. It can be made of food-grade plastic or stainless steel to ensure water quality safety. Large water tank 2 is located at the bottom of the rectangular tank structure (see attached diagram). Figure 1The design, with gaps (in the opposite direction of the Z-axis), aims to provide a basic channel for water return and optimize the overall spatial layout of the machine. The gap refers to the reserved space between the bottom of the large water tank 2 and the bottom wall of the rectangular box structure, which can be achieved by installing support feet or brackets at the bottom of the large water tank 2. In practical applications, the water receiving box 11 is a device for collecting water dropped during ice removal; it can adopt a drawer-type or tray-type structure design for easy cleaning and maintenance. The guide groove 1101 is a flow guiding structure set on the water receiving box 11; it can take the form of an inclined surface or a groove, with the purpose of ensuring that the water flows along a predetermined path.

[0044] Specifically, this technical solution achieves automatic recycling of water dropped during ice making through the optimized positioning of the large water tank 2 and the coordinated design of the guide channel 1101 of the water receiving box 11. The large water tank 2 is positioned at the bottom of the rectangular box structure with a gap, a layout based on its functional role in the overall machine, creating a flowable transition area at its bottom. The guide channel 1101 on the water receiving box 11 is oriented according to the spatial relationship between its installation position and the gap, ensuring that the water collected in the box is precisely guided rather than allowed to flow randomly. The connectivity between the guide channel 1101, the large water tank 2, and the rectangular box structure is based on the natural flow characteristics of water under gravity, allowing water to flow directly from the water receiving box 11 into the gap space via the guide channel 1101. This design achieves a closed-loop water circulation in the ice-making system, effectively avoiding water waste and the tedious manual cleaning process.

[0045] Optionally, a heating plate is provided at the bottom of the large water tank 2 for heating the water in the large water tank 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, the spherical ice is de-iced using water from the large water tank 2. To maintain a constant water temperature and ensure accurate de-icing, a heating plate is added to the bottom of the water tank to keep the water at a constant temperature. Additionally, the heat generated by the heating plate can also be used to evaporate the water in the space between the large water tank 2 and the rectangular box structure.

[0047] Optionally, a temperature sensor is installed inside the large water tank 2 to detect the temperature of the water inside the large water tank 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor is installed inside the large water tank 2 to detect the temperature of the water inside the large water tank 2, and can also help determine whether the heating plate at the bottom of the large water tank 2 is turned on.

[0049] 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 at least one of that feature.

[0050] Although the present invention has been disclosed above, its protection scope is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spherical ice maker, characterized in that, include: The shell (1) and the ice-making assembly and the large water tank (2) arranged in the shell (1), the ice-making assembly includes an upper mold structure (3), a lower mold structure (4) and a rotating mechanism (5), the upper mold structure (3) is fixedly connected to the shell (1) and is used to connect with the evaporator, the lower mold structure (4) is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure (3) through the rotating mechanism (5), the upper mold structure (3) is provided with an upper hemisphere ice grid (301), the lower mold structure (4) is provided with a lower hemisphere ice grid (401), the lower hemisphere ice grid (401) is used to fasten to the upper hemisphere ice grid (301) to form a spherical ice grid; the lower mold structure (4) is provided with an annular cavity structure (402) around the outer periphery of the lower hemisphere ice grid (401), the annular cavity structure (402) and the large water tank ( 2) The large water tank (2) is connected by a first pipe (7), and the water in the large water tank (2) is used to flow into the annular cavity structure (402) through the first pipe (7); the annular cavity structure (402) is provided with multiple overflow ports (4021) spaced apart, and a small water tank (6) is provided at one end of the lower mold structure (4) away from the upper mold structure (3), and an inlet hole (403) is provided on the lower mold structure (4) to communicate with the inside of the small water tank (6). The water in the annular cavity structure (402) is used to flow into the small water tank (6) in sequence through the overflow port (4021) and the inlet hole (403); a second pipe (8) is provided in the small water tank (6) to communicate with the lower hemisphere ice tray (401), and the water in the small water tank (6) is used to enter the lower hemisphere ice tray (401) through the second pipe (8).

2. The spherical ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper mold structure (3) and the lower mold structure (4) are connected by a rotating shaft; the rotating mechanism (5) includes a motor (501), a cam link (502) and a tension spring (503). The cam link (502) is rotatably connected to the upper mold structure (3). The motor (501) is connected to the housing (1), and the output end of the motor (501) is connected to the cam link (502). The tension spring (503) is connected between the lower mold structure (4) and the cam link (502). The motor (501) is used to drive the cam link (502) to rotate, and then the tension spring (503) drives the lower mold structure (4) to flip closer to the upper mold structure (3), so that the lower hemisphere ice tray (401) fits against the upper hemisphere ice tray (301).

3. The spherical ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ice receiving box (9), which is detachably connected to the housing (1) and is located between the ice-making assembly and the large water tank (2).

4. The spherical ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a full ice detection mechanism (10), which includes a fixed plate (1001) and a movable plate (1002). The fixed plate (1001) is connected to the upper mold structure (3), and the movable plate (1002) is rotatably connected to the fixed plate (1001). The movable plate (1002) is configured to deflect relative to the fixed plate (1001) as ice balls accumulate and are squeezed in the ice receiving box (9). A magnet (1003) is provided on the movable plate (1002), and a reed switch (1004) is provided on the fixed plate (1001). The magnet (1003) is used to approach the reed switch (1004) and make it conduct, thereby transmitting a full ice signal.

5. The spherical ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The movable plate (1002) is provided with a counterweight (1005) to keep the movable plate (1002) at a set angle in a non-contact state.

6. The spherical ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is a rectangular box structure with one end open. The opening end of the rectangular box structure is provided with a switch door (101), which is used to close or open the opening end of the rectangular box structure.

7. The spherical ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a water receiving box (11), which is detachably connected to the lower part of the opening end of the rectangular box structure. The water receiving box (11) is used to collect water that falls when taking ice.

8. The spherical ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The large water tank (2) is located in the lower part of the rectangular box structure, and there is a gap between the large water tank (2) and the bottom wall of the rectangular box structure; the water receiving box (11) is provided with a guide groove (1101), which is connected to the gap between the large water tank (2) and the rectangular box structure. The guide groove (1101) is used to guide the water in the water receiving box (11) to the gap between the large water tank (2) and the rectangular box structure.

9. The spherical ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the large water tank (2) is equipped with a heating plate for heating the water in the large water tank (2).

10. The spherical ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is installed inside the large water tank (2) to detect the temperature of the water inside the large water tank (2).

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