Ice making device and water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses an ice making device and a water treatment equipment. The ice making device comprises a frame structure, an ice making structure, a transport bin and an ice outlet structure. The frame structure comprises a shell. A water storage cavity is arranged in the shell. The ice making structure is arranged on the shell. The ice making structure is suitable for manufacturing ice blocks. The transport bin is suitable for accommodating the ice blocks manufactured by the ice making structure. The ice outlet structure is connected to the frame structure. The ice outlet structure is suitable for outputting the ice blocks in the transport bin. The ice outlet structure comprises an ice door. The ice door is movably arranged. The ice door has a first position for blocking the ice outlet structure and a second position for opening the ice outlet structure. The ice outlet structure further comprises a reflux part for guiding the condensed water formed on the ice door to flow to the water storage cavity. The problem that the table top of the ice making device in the prior art is prone to being wet and resources cannot be reasonably utilized is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making technology, and more particularly to an ice-making apparatus and a water treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] An ice-making device is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator with a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. Ice-making devices are widely used in household, commercial, and industrial fields. For example, ice-making devices can be used in water treatment equipment, combining the functions of ice making and drinking water, providing ice cubes to users who need ice water, and increasing the functionality of the water treatment equipment.

[0003] The ice-making device includes an ice storage structure, an ice discharging structure, and an ice-making structure. The ice-making structure is used to make ice blocks, and the made ice blocks can be stored in the ice storage structure. The ice blocks in the ice storage structure can be output to the external environment from the ice discharging structure.

[0004] However, as the ice-dispensing structure is in direct contact with the external environment, its internal and external heat exchange is relatively intense. Therefore, condensation easily forms on the surface of the ice door inside. Under the influence of gravity, this condensation easily drips from the ice-dispensing structure onto the water or ice-collecting surface, causing the surface to become damp, prone to bacterial growth, and unclean. Moreover, the dripping condensation cannot be reused, resulting in a waste of resources. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides an ice-making device and a water treatment equipment to solve the problem that the table surface of the ice-making device in the prior art is prone to dampness and cannot make reasonable use of resources.

[0006] To achieve one or more of the above objectives or other objectives, the first aspect of this application provides an ice-making apparatus, which includes a frame structure, an ice-making structure, a transport chamber, and an ice-discharging structure. The frame structure includes a shell with a water storage chamber inside. The ice-making structure is disposed in the shell and is adapted to make ice blocks. The transport chamber is adapted to hold the ice blocks made by the ice-making structure. The ice-discharging structure is connected to the frame structure and is adapted to discharge the ice blocks from the transport chamber. The ice-discharging structure includes an ice door, which is movably disposed. The ice door has a first position for blocking the ice-discharging structure and a second position for opening the ice-discharging structure. The ice-discharging structure also includes a return section for allowing condensate formed at the ice door to flow to the water storage chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the reflux section includes a reflux trough connected to the water storage chamber. When the ice gate is in the first position, in the direction of gravity, the orthographic projection of one end of the ice gate is located in the reflux trough, and its height is lower than the height of the other ends.

[0008] Preferably, the ice discharge structure has an ice discharge channel, one end of which is connected to the transport compartment and the other end is connected to the external environment. Ice blocks in the transport compartment can be discharged to the external environment through the ice discharge channel.

[0009] Preferably, the reflux section includes an extension and a baffle. The extension is connected to the inner wall of the ice outlet channel and protrudes towards the ice outlet channel. The baffle is connected to the end of the extension away from the inner wall of the ice outlet channel and protrudes upward from the extension. The inner wall of the ice outlet channel, the extension, and the baffle form a reflux groove.

[0010] Preferably, in the direction of gravity, the height of the middle section of the extension is lower than the height of the end section of the extension, and the middle section of the extension is connected to the water storage cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the ice-discharging structure includes a first ice-discharging shell and a second ice-discharging shell connected to each other, the first ice-discharging shell and the second ice-discharging shell forming an ice-discharging channel, an ice gate located in the ice-discharging channel, and the ice gate being rotatably connected to the first ice-discharging shell. The ice-discharging structure also includes a first driving member, which is adapted to drive the ice gate to rotate between a first position and a second position.

[0012] Preferably, the shell is provided with a connecting part, which is connected to the ice outlet structure. The connecting part is provided with a connecting groove that is connected to the water storage cavity and the connecting groove is connected to the return groove.

[0013] Preferably, the ice-making structure includes a first ice-making rack, a heat exchanger, and a second ice-making rack. The first ice-making rack is provided with an ice-making tank. The heat exchanger is provided on the first ice-making rack. The first ice-making rack and the second ice-making rack are movably arranged relative to each other. When the first ice-making rack and the second ice-making rack are movably arranged relative to each other, the ice-making tank can be opened or closed. The second ice-making rack is provided with a water supply component. When the first ice-making rack and the second ice-making rack are movably arranged relative to each other to close the ice-making tank, the water supply component injects water into the ice-making tank. The heat exchanger is adapted to make ice blocks from the water in the ice-making tank.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes an ice storage compartment. In the direction of gravity, the ice storage compartment is located directly below the ice-making tank. An ice storage tank is provided at the end of the ice storage compartment facing the ice-making tank. When the first ice-making rack and the second ice-making rack move relative to each other to open the ice-making tank, the ice blocks in the ice-making tank can fall into the ice storage tank under gravity.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes an ice-moving component connected to the second ice-making rack. When the second ice-making rack moves relative to the first ice-making rack to close the ice-making tank, the ice-moving component can drive the ice blocks in the ice storage tank into the transport compartment.

[0016] The second aspect of this application provides a water treatment device, including a housing, a refrigeration unit, and the ice-making device described above, both of which are installed in the housing.

[0017] Implementing the embodiments of this application will have the following beneficial effects: This application incorporates a return flow section within the ice-exiting structure. This return flow section includes a return flow trough, positioned below the lower end of the ice gate, specifically below along the direction of gravity. When a sufficient number of water droplets accumulate on the ice gate and drip under gravity, the return flow trough collects these droplets, preventing them from falling from the ice-exiting structure into the external environment and thus avoiding external humidity. Furthermore, the return flow trough is connected to a water storage chamber, allowing water dripping into the trough to flow back into the storage chamber for recycling, thereby conserving resources. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] in: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a water treatment device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 An exploded view of an ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the ice-making structure of the second ice-making rack in the ice-making position, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making structure of the second ice-making rack in the release position, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Ice-making device; 10. Frame structure; 11. Shell; 111. Water storage chamber; 112. Opening; 113. Connecting part; 1131. Communicating groove; 114. Receiving cavity; 12. Cover; 20. Ice outlet structure; 21. First ice outlet shell; 22. Second ice outlet shell; 23. Return section; 231. Extension; 232. Enclosure; 233. Return groove; 24. Ice outlet channel; 25. Ice gate; 26. First driving component; 30. 1. Ice-making structure; 31. First ice-making rack; 311. Ice-making tank; 32. Second ice-making rack; 33. Heat exchanger; 34. Water conveying component; 341. Spraying unit; 35. Second driving component; 40. Ice storage bin; 41. Ice storage tank; 50. Ice transfer component; 51. Rotary wheel; 60. Transport bin; 61. Transport trough; 70. Transport structure; 71. Transport component; 72. Third driving component; 200. Box body; 300. Refrigeration device; 400. Water storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0021] As can be seen from the background technology above, ice-making devices have wide applications in many fields. For example, they can be used in water treatment equipment to cool water and make ice. The water treatment equipment in this application is a water dispenser or an ice maker, without specific limitation. Existing water treatment equipment includes an ice-making structure, a water storage tank, and a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor and a condenser connected by refrigerant pipelines. The water storage tank is used to supply the water required for ice making to the ice-making structure. The ice-making structure includes a heat exchanger and an ice-making tank. The ice-making tank is used to hold the ice-making water, and the heat exchanger is used to cool the water to a predetermined temperature and freeze it into ice.

[0022] Understandably, the ice-making process within an ice-making device involves the ice-making structure producing ice blocks, which are then stored in an ice storage structure and transported to the external environment via a transport structure. It's important to note that the ice-making device's casing includes an ice-discharging structure with an ice-discharging channel. Ice blocks from the ice storage structure can be transported to the outside through this channel. The ice-discharging structure also includes an ice-discharging door for opening and closing the channel. Because one side of the ice-discharging door directly contacts the external environment, and the other side contacts the ice storage chamber, condensation easily forms on both sides under the influence of external temperatures. This condensation can fall freely from the side of the door, flowing through the ice-discharging channel onto the ice-receiving or water-receiving platform of the ice-making device. This dampness can lead to mold and other harmful substances on the platform over time. Furthermore, this condensation is clean water, and its dripping onto the platform results in waste as it cannot be effectively utilized.

[0023] Based on this, the ice-making device of this application, through improvements to traditional ice-making devices, incorporates a structure for collecting condensate within the ice outlet channel. When condensate is generated at the ice outlet and flows outward under gravity, the condensate flowing under gravity can be collected, preventing it from falling onto the external tabletop and thus ensuring the tabletop remains dry. Furthermore, the ice-making device of this application also includes a structure for diverting condensate, enabling its return and collection for efficient use and resource conservation.

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides an ice-making device 100 and a water treatment device using the ice-making device 100. The water treatment device of this application can produce ice blocks inside the water treatment device by incorporating the ice-making device 100, and then transport the produced ice blocks out of the water treatment device via a transport structure 70 to meet ice-addition needs. It is understood that the water treatment device of this application, based on improvements to the ice-making device 100, also possesses the effects brought about by these improvements, as detailed in the following description of the ice-making device 100.

[0026] The water treatment equipment of this application mainly includes a housing 200, a water storage tank 400, a refrigeration unit 300, and an ice-making device 100. The water storage tank 400 is suitable for providing room temperature water, and the refrigeration unit 300 is suitable for providing a cooling temperature for the ice-making device 100. The housing 200 serves as the frame structure 10 of the water treatment equipment, acting as a mounting carrier for other structures within the equipment and protecting them. One end of the housing 200 has a water outlet (not shown in the figure). The water storage tank 400 can be connected to the water outlet via a room temperature water pipe, allowing drinking water from the tank to flow directly out at room temperature for user consumption. It should be noted that the water treatment equipment of this application may also include a heating structure (not shown in the figure). One end of the heating structure can be connected to the water storage tank 400 via a water pipe, and the other end can be connected to the water outlet via a water pipe, allowing drinking water from the tank to be heated and then flow out at the water outlet for user consumption.

[0027] It is worth mentioning that the water storage tank 400 can be directly connected to the ice-making device 100 via a water pipe to transport room temperature water to the ice-making device 100. The refrigeration device 300 is connected to the ice-making device 100 and is suitable for providing the conditions required for ice making, that is, cooling the ice-making device 100 during ice making. In this way, the water in the water storage tank 400 can be made into ice cubes.

[0028] In addition, a cold water tank can be installed in the water treatment equipment. Specifically, one end of the cold water tank is connected to the water storage tank 400 through a water pipe, and the other end of the cold water tank is connected to the water outlet through a water pipe. The refrigeration device 300 is connected to the cold water tank to cool the water in the cold water tank. In this way, the drinking water in the water storage tank 400 is cooled by the refrigeration device 300 and flows out from the water outlet to provide cold water for users to drink.

[0029] Furthermore, the ice-making device 100 can also be directly connected to a cold water tank and a refrigeration unit 300. This allows the cold water tank to provide a cold water source for the ice-making device 100, while the refrigeration unit 300 provides energy, enabling the ice-making device 100 to turn the water from the cold water tank into ice cubes. By including a cold water tank, a pre-cooling structure can be added, providing pre-cooled water for the ice-making device 100 and accelerating its ice-making efficiency. As can be seen from the above, this water treatment equipment can provide three water output modes: ambient temperature water, hot water, and cold water, and can also provide ice cubes, allowing users to choose the water they need for drinking.

[0030] It should be noted that the cold water tank can be a stand-alone tank 200 structure, or it can be integrated with the ice-making device 100, with part of the structure of the ice-making device 100 forming the tank 200 for storing cold water. In this embodiment, the cold water tank is integrated with the ice-making device 100 as an example for illustration.

[0031] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making apparatus 100 of this application, as an ice-making device for water treatment equipment, includes a frame structure 10, an ice-making structure 30, a transport chamber 60, and a manifold. The frame structure 10 is the main structure of the ice-making apparatus 100, which can serve as a mounting carrier for the remaining structures of the ice-making apparatus 100, supporting and protecting the remaining structures of the ice-making apparatus 100. The frame structure 10 includes a shell 11, and a water storage chamber 111 is provided inside the shell 11. The water storage chamber 111 is used to form a storage space for storing cold water, that is, by storing cold water in the water storage chamber 111 inside the shell 11, the shell 11 forms a cold water tank.

[0032] The housing 11 of this application also includes a receiving cavity 114. In the height direction of the ice-making device 100, the receiving cavity 114 is located above the water storage cavity 111. The ice-making structure 30 and the transport chamber 60 are both located in the receiving cavity 114.

[0033] The frame structure 10 also includes a cover 12. The top of the housing 11 has an opening communicating with the receiving cavity 114. The cover 12 is placed on the top of the housing 11 and is adapted to cover the opening. The cover 12 of this application is detachably connected to the housing 11, for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure or screws, etc., without any special limitation.

[0034] An ice-making structure 30 is disposed on the housing 11, and the ice-making structure 30 is suitable for making ice blocks.

[0035] The transport chamber 60 is suitable for storing ice blocks manufactured by the ice-making structure 30. In the height direction of the ice-making device 100, the transport chamber 60 is located above the water storage chamber 111.

[0036] The ice-discharging structure 20 is connected to the frame structure 10 and is suitable for discharging ice blocks from the transport chamber 60. The ice-discharging structure 20 includes an ice door 25, which is movable and has a first position and a second position. When the ice door 25 is moved to the first position, it can block the ice-discharging structure 20 to prevent the ice blocks from being discharged from the transport chamber 60. When the ice door 25 is moved to the second position, it can open the ice-discharging structure 20, allowing the ice blocks inside the transport chamber 60 to be smoothly discharged from the ice-discharging structure 20 to the external environment.

[0037] It is worth mentioning that, for ease of explanation, this application introduces a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system, in which the X-axis is parallel to the height direction of the ice-making device 100. It can be understood that when the ice-making device 100 is in static use, its height direction is parallel to the direction of gravity; the Y-axis is parallel to the thickness direction of the ice-making device 100. In this direction, the frame structure 10 has two opposite ends, and the ice-discharging structure 20 is connected to one of the ends of the frame structure 10 in the Y direction; the Z-axis is parallel to the width direction of the ice-making device 100. It can be understood that this direction is perpendicular to both the height direction and the thickness direction.

[0038] As can be seen from the above, the ice-making device 100 can cool and freeze water flow, and the ice blocks produced can be stored in the transport chamber 60. When ice blocks are needed, the ice door 25 can be moved to the second position, and the ice blocks in the transport chamber 60 can be taken out automatically or manually. When ice blocks are not needed, the ice door 25 can be moved to the first position to close the ice outlet structure 20 and prevent the ice blocks from being output.

[0039] The ice-discharging structure 20 of this application also includes a return section 23 for directing the condensate formed at the ice gate 25 to the water storage chamber 111. It is understood that the return section 23 has a structure suitable for the flow of condensate; for example, the return section 23 may be provided with an inclined surface, which slopes towards the water storage chamber 111 and is located on the path of the condensate's descent. The condensate can fall onto the inclined surface under gravity, and at this time, the condensate can flow along the inclined surface into the water storage chamber 111.

[0040] Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the return section 23 includes a return channel 233 connected to the water storage chamber 111. When the ice gate 25 is in the first position, in the direction of gravity, the orthographic projection of one end of the ice gate 25 is located within the return channel 233, and its height is lower than the height of the other ends. When the ice gate 25 is in the first position, it can prevent ice from exiting the ice structure 20. At this time, one end of the ice gate 25 directly contacts the internal environment of the shell 11, and the other end directly contacts the external environment. As the ice exit structure 20 is a structure that interacts with the external environment, the internal and external heat exchange is relatively strong. Under the combined effect of internal and external temperatures, water vapor is easily generated on the surface of the ice gate 25. When there is enough water vapor, it can gather into water droplets and flow along the surface of the ice gate 25 toward the lower end of the ice gate 25. When too many water droplets gather, they will drip from the inside of the ice exit structure 20 to the external environment, making the external environment humid and prone to bacterial growth.

[0041] This application incorporates a return section 23 inside the ice-discharging structure 20. The return section 23 has a return channel 233, positioned below the lower end of the ice gate 25, specifically below along the direction of gravity. When enough water droplets accumulate on the ice gate 25 and drip under gravity, the return channel 233 collects these droplets, preventing them from falling from the ice-discharging structure 20 into the external environment and avoiding external humidity. Furthermore, the return channel 233 is connected to the water storage chamber 111, allowing water dripping into the return channel 233 to flow back into the water storage chamber 111 for recycling, thus saving resources.

[0042] See Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice discharge structure 20 has an ice discharge channel 24, which is disposed inside the ice discharge structure 20 and extends through the ice discharge structure 20. One end of the ice discharge channel 24 is connected to the transport chamber 60, and the other end is connected to the external environment, so that the ice blocks in the transport chamber 60 can be discharged to the external environment through the ice discharge channel 24.

[0043] It should be noted that, in the X-axis direction, the transport chamber 60 is located below the ice-making structure 30. A transport trough 61 is provided at the end of the transport chamber 60 facing the ice-making structure 30, allowing the ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 30 to be contained within the transport trough 61. The frame structure 10 also has an opening 112 at the position corresponding to the transport chamber 60. The opening 112 penetrates the frame structure 10 and connects to the transport trough 61. The ice-discharging structure 20 is connected to the opening 112 on the frame structure 10. The ice-discharging channel 24 of the ice-discharging structure 20 connects to the opening 112, thus connecting the ice-discharging channel 24 to the transport trough 61 of the transport chamber 60, allowing the ice blocks in the transport trough 61 to be discharged to the external environment through the ice-discharging channel 24.

[0044] It is worth mentioning that the transport trough 61 extends from the end of the transport chamber 60 away from the ice-discharging structure 20 toward the ice-discharging structure 20, and in the direction of gravity, the height of the end of the transport trough 61 closer to the ice-discharging structure 20 is higher than the height of the end of the transport trough 61 away from the ice-discharging structure 20. In this way, the ice blocks located in the transport trough 61 can accumulate in the direction away from the ice-discharging structure 20, avoiding the accumulation of ice blocks at the location of the ice-discharging structure 20, keeping the ice blocks away from the external environment, and preventing the ice blocks from being affected by the external temperature and melting more quickly.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ice-discharging structure 20 has an annular inner wall, and the space enclosed by the annular inner wall forms an ice-discharging channel 24. A return section 23 is connected to the annular inner wall. Specifically, the return section 23 includes an extension 231 and a baffle 232. The extension 231 is connected to the inner wall of the ice-discharging channel 24 and protrudes towards the center of the ice-discharging channel 24. The baffle 232 is connected to the end of the extension 231 away from the inner wall of the ice-discharging channel 24, and protrudes upward from the extension 231 in the direction of gravity. Thus, a return groove 233 is formed between the inner wall of the ice-discharging channel 24, the extension 231, and the baffle 232.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the extension 231 is connected to the inner wall of the ice-discharging structure 20 in the Y direction near the frame structure 10. Both the extension 231 and the containment member 232 extend along the Z-axis, and both ends of the extension 231 and the containment member 232 are respectively attached to the two inner walls of the ice-discharging structure 20 in the Z-axis direction. This allows the return channel 233 to extend along the Z-axis, and the two ends of the return channel 233 are sealed along its extension direction.

[0047] In some embodiments, in the direction of gravity, the height of the middle section of the extension 231 is lower than the height of its end section. This allows the water flowing into the return channel 233 to converge towards the middle of the extension. The middle section of the extension 231 is configured to communicate with the water storage cavity 111, allowing the water in the return channel 233 to converge and flow into the water storage cavity 111. Furthermore, in the direction of gravity, the extension is inclined, and the height of the end of the extension near the water storage cavity 111 in the direction of gravity is lower than the height of the end of the extension away from the water storage cavity 111 in the direction of gravity. This further enhances the effect of converging the water flow, causing the water in the return channel 233 to flow towards the water storage cavity 111.

[0048] In some embodiments, the ice-discharging structure 20 includes a first ice-discharging shell 21 and a second ice-discharging shell 22 connected to each other. The first ice-discharging shell 21 and the second ice-discharging shell 22 are detachably connected and can be fixed together by a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure, or a screw structure. The first ice-discharging shell 21 and the second ice-discharging shell 22 form an ice-discharging channel 24, and an ice gate 25 is located within the ice-discharging channel 24. The ice gate 25 is rotatably connected to the first ice-discharging shell 21.

[0049] Specifically, the ice gate 25 is configured as a plate-like structure. The larger end face of the ice gate 25 is parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the pivot of the ice gate 25 is also parallel to the Z-axis direction. The ice gate 25 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the first ice outlet shell 21 along the Z-axis direction via the pivot. Thus, when the ice gate 25 rotates to the first position, the larger end face of the ice gate 25 can block the ice outlet channel 24, hindering ice discharge. When the ice gate 25 rotates to the second position, the ice outlet channel 24 opens, and ice blocks can be output from the ice outlet channel 24.

[0050] The ice-exiting structure 20 also includes a first driving member 26, which is a drive motor. The first driving member 26 is connected to the outer wall of the first ice-exit shell 21. The output shaft of the first driving member 26 is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft of the ice gate 25. In this way, the first driving member 26 can drive the ice gate 25 to rotate between the first position and the second position.

[0051] It should be noted that the ice-discharging structure 20 of this application can be an independently set structure. After the first ice-discharging shell 21 and the second ice-discharging shell 22 are connected, the ice-discharging structure 20 can be connected to the frame structure 10 by screws or other detachable structures. Alternatively, the first ice-discharging shell 21 of the ice-discharging structure 20 of this application can also be integrally formed with the shell 11, and the second ice-discharging shell 22 can be integrally formed with the cover 12. The first ice-discharging shell 21 is located at the opening 112 on the shell 11. When the cover 12 and the shell 11 are connected, the first ice-discharging shell 21 and the second ice-discharging shell 22 are joined together to form the ice-discharging structure 20.

[0052] See Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 11 is further provided with a connecting portion 113 near the opening 112. One end of the connecting portion 113 is connected to the first ice-discharging shell 21 of the ice-discharging structure 20, and the other end of the connecting portion 113 is connected to the housing 11. The connecting portion 113 is provided with a connecting groove 1131 communicating with the water storage cavity 111, and the end of the connecting groove 1131 away from the water storage cavity 111 is connected to the return groove 233. In this way, the water storage cavity 111 and the return groove 233 can be connected through the connecting groove 1131. It should be noted that along the Y-axis direction, the bottom of the connecting groove 1131 is inclined. At this time, in the direction of gravity, the height of the end of the connecting groove 1131 near the return groove 233 is higher than the height of the end away from the return groove 233.

[0053] See Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in some possible implementations, the ice-making structure 30 includes a first ice-making rack 31, a heat exchanger 33, and a second ice-making rack 32, with the first ice-making rack 31 connected to the housing 11. The first ice-making rack 31 and the second ice-making rack 32 are movably arranged relative to each other. Specifically, along the Z-axis, one end of the first ice-making rack 31 and one end of the second ice-making rack 32 are correspondingly arranged, and the corresponding ends are rotatably connected. The axis of rotation connecting the two is parallel to the Y-axis. When the second ice-making rack 32 rotates about the axis of rotation, the second ice-making rack 32 has an ice-making position suitable for making ice cubes and a release position suitable for releasing the made ice cubes relative to the first ice-making rack 31. When the second ice-making rack 32 rotates to the ice-making position, the second ice-making rack 32 and the first ice-making rack 31 are stacked along the direction of gravity, with the first ice-making rack 31 located directly above the second ice-making rack 32. The first ice-making rack 31 is provided with an ice-making groove 311. The ice-making groove 311 is located at the downward end of the first ice-making rack 31 in the X-axis direction. One or more ice-making grooves 311 can be provided. When the second ice-making rack 32 is in the ice-making position, the top of the second ice-making rack 32 is directly opposite the ice-making groove 311. At this time, the second ice-making rack 32 can close the ice-making groove 311.

[0054] The second ice-making rack 32 is equipped with a water conveying component 34, which includes a spray section 341. The water conveying component 34 can be a water pipe, and it is connected to a water storage tank 400 and / or a water storage cavity 111. The water conveying component 34 is adapted to deliver water from the water storage tank 400 and the water storage cavity 111 to the spray section 341, whereby the water is sprayed out. When the second ice-making rack 32 is in the ice-making position, the spray section 341 is positioned directly opposite the ice-making tank 311, allowing it to spray water into the ice-making tank 311. A heat exchanger 33 is disposed on the first ice-making rack 31 and connected to a refrigeration device 300. The refrigeration device 300 provides the heat exchanger 33 with a refrigerant for cooling, enabling it to cool the ice-making tank 311 and turn the water in the tank into ice.

[0055] Understandably, once the ice blocks in the ice-making tank 311 are produced, the second ice-making rack 32 can be rotated to the release position. At this time, the ice-making tank 311 is opened, and the ice blocks in the ice-making tank 311 fall freely into the transport trough 61 of the transport chamber 60 under the action of gravity.

[0056] It should be noted that the ice-making structure 30 of this application also includes a second driving member 35, which is a drive motor. The second driving member 35 is connected to the housing 11, and the output shaft of the second driving member 35 is connected to the rotating shaft of the second ice-making rack 32. The second driving member 35 is adapted to drive the second ice-making rack 32 to rotate, so that the second ice-making rack 32 changes its position from the ice-making position to the release position.

[0057] See Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in some possible implementations, the ice-making device 100 also includes an ice storage chamber 40, which is located directly below the ice-making tank 311 in the direction of gravity. The ice storage chamber 40 is used to store ice blocks and prevent excessive accumulation of ice blocks in the transport chamber 60. An ice storage tank 41 is provided at the end of the ice storage chamber 40 facing the ice-making tank 311. The ice storage tank 41 is positioned directly opposite the ice-making tank 311. When the first ice-making rack 31 and the second ice-making rack 32 move relative to each other to open the ice-making tank 311, that is, when the second ice-making rack 32 moves to the release position, the ice blocks in the ice-making tank 311 can fall into the ice storage tank 41 for storage under the action of gravity.

[0058] By setting up an ice storage compartment 40, ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 30 can be stored, ensuring a sufficient supply of ice blocks while preventing excessive accumulation of ice blocks in the transport compartment 60.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 100 further includes an ice-transferring component 50, which can be used to transfer ice blocks in the ice storage tank 41 to the transport tank 61. The ice-transferring component 50 is connected to the second ice-making rack 32, specifically to the end of the second ice-making rack 32 away from the pivot axis. When the second ice-making rack 32 rotates relative to the first ice-making rack 31, the ice-transferring component 50 can rotate with the second ice-making rack 32. In particular, when the second ice-making rack 32 rotates to the release position, the ice-transferring component 50 can move with the second ice-making rack 32 into the ice storage tank 41. At this time, the ice-transferring component 50 is located at one end of the ice storage tank 41 along the Z-axis, while the ice blocks in the ice-making tank 311 fall to the other end of the ice storage tank 41 along the Z-axis. When the second ice-making rack 32 rotates toward the ice-making position, it drives the ice-moving rack to move toward the ice blocks, and the ice-moving component 50 can push the ice blocks along the way toward the edge of the ice storage tank 41, so as to push the ice blocks out of the ice storage tank 41 and make the ice blocks fall into the transport tank 61.

[0060] It should be noted that the ice transfer component 50 is rotatably connected to the second ice-making rack 32. The rotation axis of the ice transfer component 50 is parallel to that of the second ice-making rack 32. A torsion spring is fitted on the rotation axis between the ice transfer component 50 and the second ice-making rack 32. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the ice transfer component 50, and the other end abuts against the second ice-making rack 32. The torsion spring provides torsional force to the ice transfer component 50, so that when the ice transfer component 50 is located in the ice storage tank 41, the end of the ice transfer component 50 away from the second ice-making rack 32 can abut against the bottom wall of the ice storage tank 41. This helps to prevent ice from remaining in the ice storage tank 41.

[0061] It is worth mentioning that the end of the ice-moving component 50 that is adapted to abut against the bottom wall of the ice storage tank 41 is also rotatably connected to a rotating wheel 51. When the ice-moving component 50 is located in the ice storage tank 41, the rotating wheel 51 abuts against the bottom wall of the ice storage tank 41. In this way, when the moving component rotates with the second ice-making rack 32, the ice-moving rack and the bottom wall of the ice storage tank 41 achieve rotational friction through the rotating wheel 51.

[0062] In some feasible methods, the ice blocks located in the transport trough 61 can be manually transported to the ice outlet channel 24 or automatically transported to the ice outlet channel 24. This application will illustrate the automatic transport of ice blocks in the transport trough 61 to the ice outlet channel 24 as an example. Specifically, the ice-making device 100 of this application also includes a transport structure 70, which includes a transport component 71 and a third drive component 72. The transport component 71 is rotatably connected to the transport chamber 60, is located in the transport trough 61, and extends along the extension direction of the transport trough 61. The third drive component 72 is connected to the second ice outlet shell 22 or the first ice outlet shell 21, and is a drive motor adapted to drive the transport component 71 to rotate.

[0063] The transport component 71 of this application is configured as a spiral structure, for example, it can be configured as a spiral structure similar to a compression spring, or it can include a rotating shaft and spiral blades, with the spiral blades spirally arranged around the outer wall of the rotating shaft. The transport component 71 is driven to rotate by the third drive component 72, which can transport the ice blocks in the transport trough 61 toward the ice discharge structure 20 and into the ice discharge channel 24.

[0064] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: A frame structure, the frame structure including a shell, the shell being provided with a water storage cavity; An ice-making structure is disposed in the shell and is adapted to make ice blocks; A transport compartment adapted to hold ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure; An ice-discharging structure is connected to the frame structure and is adapted to discharge ice blocks from the transport compartment. The ice-discharging structure includes an ice door, which is movably configured and has a first position for blocking the ice-discharging structure and a second position for opening the ice-discharging structure. The ice-discharging structure also includes a return section for directing the condensate formed at the ice gate to the water storage chamber.

2. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The reflux section includes a reflux trough, which is connected to the water storage cavity. When the ice gate is in the first position, in the direction of gravity, the orthographic projection of one end of the ice gate is located in the reflux trough, and its height is lower than the height of the other ends.

3. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The ice discharge structure has an ice discharge channel, one end of which is connected to the transport compartment and the other end is connected to the external environment. Ice blocks in the transport compartment can be discharged to the external environment through the ice discharge channel.

4. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The reflux section includes an extension and a baffle. The extension is connected to the inner wall of the ice outlet channel and protrudes towards the ice outlet channel. The baffle is connected to the end of the extension away from the inner wall of the ice outlet channel and protrudes upward from the extension. The reflux groove is formed by the inner wall of the ice outlet channel, the extension, and the baffle.

5. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that: In the direction of gravity, the height of the middle section of the extension is lower than the height of the end section of the extension, and the middle section of the extension is connected to the water storage cavity.

6. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The ice-discharging structure includes a first ice-discharging shell and a second ice-discharging shell connected to each other. The first ice-discharging shell and the second ice-discharging shell surround the ice-discharging channel. The ice gate is located in the ice-discharging channel and is rotatably connected to the first ice-discharging shell. The ice-discharging structure also includes a first driving member, which is adapted to drive the ice gate to rotate between a first position and a second position.

7. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a connecting part, which is connected to the ice outlet structure. The connecting part is provided with a connecting groove that communicates with the water storage cavity and the connecting groove that communicates with the return groove.

8. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The ice-making structure includes a first ice-making frame, a heat exchanger, and a second ice-making frame. The first ice-making frame is provided with an ice-making tank. The heat exchanger is provided on the first ice-making frame. The first ice-making frame and the second ice-making frame are movably arranged relative to each other. When the first ice-making frame and the second ice-making frame are movably arranged relative to each other, the ice-making tank can be opened or closed. The second ice-making frame is provided with a water supply component. When the first ice-making frame and the second ice-making frame are movably arranged relative to each other to close the ice-making tank, the water supply component injects water into the ice-making tank. The heat exchanger is adapted to make ice blocks from the water in the ice-making tank.

9. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes an ice storage compartment. In the direction of gravity, the ice storage compartment is located directly below the ice-making tank. An ice storage tank is provided at the end of the ice storage compartment facing the ice-making tank. When the first ice-making rack and the second ice-making rack move relative to each other to open the ice-making tank, the ice blocks in the ice-making tank can fall into the ice storage tank under gravity.

10. A water treatment device, characterized in that: It includes a housing, a refrigeration device, and an ice-making device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the refrigeration device and the ice-making device are both installed in the housing.

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