Ice making device and water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses an ice making device and a water treatment equipment. The ice making device comprises a frame body, an ice making structure and a flow collecting piece. The frame body comprises a shell. An ice storage cavity is arranged in the shell. An ice outlet is arranged at one end of the shell. The flow collecting piece comprises a flow collecting groove. The flow collecting groove is suitable for collecting condensed water inside the ice outlet. A flow guiding groove and a backflow hole are further arranged in the shell. The height of the flow guiding groove near the ice outlet is higher than the height of the flow guiding groove far from the ice outlet. The end of the flow guiding groove far from the ice outlet is communicated with the backflow hole. The end of the flow guiding groove near the ice outlet is communicated with the flow collecting groove. The ice making device is used to solve the problem that the table top is easy to be wet and the resources cannot be reasonably utilized in the prior art.

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 chamber, an ice dispensing section, an ice-making structure, and a transport structure. The ice-making structure is used to make ice blocks, which can be stored in the ice storage chamber. The transport structure is responsible for transporting the finished ice blocks from the ice storage chamber to the ice dispensing section, where the ice blocks are output. Users can catch the ice blocks on the ice receiving platform or water receiving platform below the ice dispensing section.

[0004] However, as the ice outlet is a structure that is in direct contact with the external environment, the heat exchange between its inside and outside is relatively strong. Therefore, condensation is easily generated inside it. Under the action of gravity, the condensation inside the ice outlet is more likely to drip from the ice outlet onto the water or ice collection surface, causing the surface to be damp. Moreover, the dripping condensation cannot be used properly, 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 device, including a frame body, an ice-making structure, and a manifold. The frame body includes a shell, an ice storage cavity is provided inside the shell, and an ice outlet is provided at one end of the shell. The ice-making structure is disposed in the shell and is adapted to make ice blocks and transport the ice blocks to the ice storage cavity. A transport structure is disposed in the ice storage cavity. The manifold is arranged around the inner wall of the ice outlet and includes a manifold groove adapted to collect condensate inside the ice outlet. The shell also has a guide groove and a return hole connected to the outside of the shell. The guide groove is opened from one end near the ice outlet in a direction away from the ice outlet. In the height direction of the frame body, the height of the end of the guide groove near the ice outlet is higher than the height of the end away from the ice outlet. The end of the guide groove away from the ice outlet is connected to the return hole, and the end of the guide groove near the ice outlet is connected to the manifold groove.

[0007] Preferably, the shell is further provided with a cavity bottom wall, which is suitable for supporting the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity. The cavity bottom wall extends from the end near the ice outlet to the direction away from the ice outlet. In the height direction of the frame body, the height of the end of the cavity bottom wall near the ice outlet is higher than the height of the cavity bottom wall away from the ice outlet. The drainage groove and the return hole are both opened in the cavity bottom wall, and the drainage groove is opened in the direction away from the ice storage cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the diversion channel facing the ice storage cavity is connected to the ice storage cavity, and at least one support rib is also provided on the shell. The support rib is located in the diversion channel, one end of the support rib is connected to the bottom of the diversion channel, and the other end protrudes along the bottom of the channel opposite to the diversion channel. The support rib extends along the opening path of the diversion channel.

[0009] Preferably, the manifold includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall is arranged around the inner wall of the ice outlet, and one end of the bottom wall is connected to the inner wall of the ice outlet. The side wall is connected to the end of the bottom wall away from the inner wall of the ice outlet. The inner wall, bottom wall and side wall of the ice outlet form a manifold.

[0010] Preferably, a connecting groove is provided at one end of the shell near the ice outlet. The connecting groove is opened in the bottom wall of the cavity, and the confluence groove and the drainage groove are connected through the connecting groove.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a transport structure disposed inside the ice storage cavity. The transport structure is adapted to drive the ice blocks inside the ice storage cavity toward the ice outlet and transport them to the outside of the shell through the ice outlet. The transport structure includes a spiral assembly and a second driving member. The spiral assembly includes a screw and blades spirally wound on the screw. One end of the screw is connected to the output end of the second driving member, and the other end is rotatably connected to the shell. The second driving member is adapted to drive the screw to rotate.

[0012] Preferably, the ice-making structure includes an ice-making component and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber has a receiving tank suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component includes a heat exchanger and an ice-making head connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is suitable for connecting to an external refrigeration device to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head. The ice-making head is suitable for being inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving tank to make the ice-making water freeze.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes a transfer compartment, which is provided with a transfer trough. One end of the transfer trough is connected to the ice storage cavity. The ice-making compartment is located above the transfer compartment. A third driving member is provided on the shell. One end of the ice-making compartment is rotatably connected to the shell, and the other end is connected to the output end of the third driving member. An ice-moving member is also provided at the end of the ice-making compartment facing the transfer compartment. The third driving member is adapted to drive the ice-making compartment to rotate back and forth so as to flip the ice blocks inside into the transfer trough, and to transfer the ice blocks from the position where the transfer trough and the ice storage cavity are connected to the ice storage cavity through the ice-moving member.

[0014] Preferably, a reflux cavity is also provided inside the shell. Along the height direction of the frame body, the reflux cavity is located below the ice-making structure. A drain trough is provided at the bottom of the transfer compartment, and the drain trough is connected to the transfer trough and the reflux cavity.

[0015] The second aspect of this application provides a water treatment device, including a housing, a water storage tank, a cold water tank, a refrigeration device, and an ice-making device as described above. The water storage tank, the cold water tank, the refrigeration device, and the ice-making device are all installed in the housing. The outlet of the water storage tank is connected to the cold water tank and the ice-making device respectively through pipelines. The outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the refrigeration device, and the refrigeration device is connected to the ice-making device. The refrigeration device is adapted to provide a cooling temperature for the ice-making device.

[0016] Implementing the embodiments of this application will have the following beneficial effects: The ice-making apparatus of this application incorporates a manifold inside the ice outlet section. This manifold has a collection channel, allowing condensate to fall freely into the collection channel under gravity when condensate forms inside the ice outlet section. This prevents condensate from dripping from the ice outlet door onto the ice or water receiving platform outside the ice outlet section, thus avoiding dampness on the receiving platform. Furthermore, a guide channel connected to the manifold is installed inside the ice storage chamber. Condensate in the manifold can flow into the guide channel and then to the return hole for collection. This prevents condensate from accumulating inside the manifold, thus preventing overflow and spillage onto the platform. The condensate can also be collected and reused, saving resources. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] in: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water treatment device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of another ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 An exploded view of an ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A top view of an ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 Another exploded view of the ice-making apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another ice-making apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Ice-making device; 10. Frame body; 11. Shell; 111. Ice storage cavity; 112. Cavity bottom wall; 1121. Drainage channel; 1122. Support rib; 1123. Return hole; 113. Return cavity; 114. Return channel; 115. Connector; 116. Through port; 117. Limiting component; 118. Connecting groove; 12. Ice outlet; 121. Ice outlet channel; 122. Ice outlet door; 1221. First end wall; 1222. Second end wall; 123. Ice outlet shell; 1231. First inner wall; 1232. Second inner wall; 1233. Third inner wall; 124. Cover plate; 125. First driving component; 13. Combining component; 131. Bottom wall; 1311. First confluence section; 1312. Second manifold section; 1313, Third manifold section; 132, Side wall; 133, Manifold trough; 1331, First manifold sub-trough; 1332, Second manifold sub-trough; 1333, Third manifold sub-trough; 14, End cap; 20, Ice-making structure; 21, Ice-making assembly; 211, Heat exchanger; 212, Ice-making head; 22, Ice-making chamber; 221, Receiving trough; 23, Ice-moving component; 31, Third driving component; 40, Transport structure; 41, Spiral assembly; 411, Screw; 412, Blade; 42, Second driving component; 50, Transfer chamber; 51, Chamber body; 511, Transfer trough; 512, Drainage trough; 52, Support part; 200, Box body; 300, Water storage tank; 400, Cold water tank; 500, Refrigeration device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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, which is not specifically limited here. 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 an evaporator and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber is used to hold the ice-making water, and the evaporator is used to cool the water to a predetermined temperature and freeze it into ice. The ice-making device also includes a transportation structure. The ice blocks made by the ice-making structure are stored in a cavity. When the ice blocks are needed, the stored ice blocks are transported to the outside through the transportation structure.

[0021] Understandably, the internal ice-making process of an ice-making device involves the ice-making structure producing ice blocks, which are then stored in an ice storage chamber. The ice blocks are then transported to the external environment via a transport structure. It should be noted that the ice-making device's casing has an ice outlet section with an ice outlet channel. Ice blocks from the ice storage chamber can be transported to the outside through this channel. The ice outlet section also has an ice outlet door for opening and closing the ice outlet channel. Because one side of the ice outlet door directly contacts the external environment, and the other side contacts the ice storage chamber, condensation easily forms on both sides of the door under the influence of external temperatures. This condensation can fall freely from the side of the door and flow through the ice outlet channel onto the ice-receiving or water-receiving platform of the ice-making device, causing the platform to become damp. Prolonged dampness can lead to mold and other substances harmful to human health. Furthermore, this condensation is clean water, and dripping onto the platform results in waste as it cannot be properly utilized.

[0022] The ice-making device of this application improves upon traditional ice-making devices by incorporating a structure for collecting condensate water within the ice outlet channel. When condensate water is generated at the ice outlet and flows outward under gravity, the condensate water 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 water, enabling it to be collected back, thus making rational use of the condensate water and saving resources.

[0023] 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.

[0024] See Figure 1 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 through an internal structure 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.

[0025] The water treatment equipment of this application mainly includes a tank 200, a water storage tank 300, a refrigeration unit 500, and an ice-making unit 100. The water storage tank 300 is suitable for providing room temperature water to the cold water tank 400, and the refrigeration unit 500 is suitable for providing a cooling temperature to the ice-making unit 100. The tank 200 serves as the frame structure of the water treatment equipment, acting as a mounting carrier for other structures within the equipment and protecting them. One end of the tank 200 has a water outlet (not shown in the figure). The water storage tank 300 can be connected to the water outlet via a room temperature water pipe, allowing drinking water from the tank 300 to flow directly out from the outlet to provide room temperature water for users. 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 300 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 300 to be heated by the heating structure and then flow out from the outlet to provide hot water for users.

[0026] It is worth mentioning that the water storage tank 300 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 500 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 300 can be made into ice cubes.

[0027] In addition, a cold water tank 400 can be installed in the water treatment equipment. Specifically, one end of the cold water tank 400 is connected to the water storage tank 300 through a water pipe, and the other end of the cold water tank 400 is connected to the water outlet through a water pipe. A refrigeration device 500 is connected to the cold water tank 400 to cool the water in the cold water tank 400. In this way, the drinking water in the water storage tank 300 is cooled by the refrigeration device 500 and flows out from the water outlet to provide cold water for users to drink.

[0028] Furthermore, the ice-making device 100 can also be directly connected to the cold water tank 400 and the refrigeration unit 500. This allows the cold water tank 400 to provide cold water to the ice-making device 100, while the refrigeration unit 500 provides energy, enabling the ice-making device 100 to turn the water from the cold water tank 400 into ice cubes. By including the cold water tank 400, a pre-cooling structure can be added, providing pre-cooled water to 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 obtain drinking water according to their actual needs.

[0029] For example, the refrigeration device 500 of this application may include an internal refrigeration pipe, a condenser, a compressor pump, and a cooling fan. The internal refrigeration pipe is installed inside the cold water tank 400. One end of the internal refrigeration pipe is connected to the condenser through a pipe, the condenser is connected to the compressor pump through a pipe, and the compressor pump is connected to the other end of the internal refrigeration pipe through a pipe. The internal refrigeration pipe contains a condensing medium. Specifically, the condensing medium circulates between the internal refrigeration pipe, the pipe, and the compressor pump. The condensing medium processed by the compressor pump flows back to the internal refrigeration pipe inside the cold water tank 400 to ensure that the cold water tank 400 can continuously maintain a low temperature.

[0030] See Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in some feasible embodiments, the ice-making device 100 of this application, as an ice-making apparatus for water treatment equipment, includes a frame body 10, an ice-making structure 20, a transport structure 40, and a manifold 13. The frame body 10 is the main structure of the ice-making device 100, which can serve as a mounting carrier for the remaining structures of the ice-making device 100, supporting and protecting the remaining structures of the ice-making device 100. The frame body 10 includes a shell 11 and an ice outlet 12. The interior of the shell 11 is suitable for manufacturing and storing ice blocks. For example, the shell 11 of this application is provided with an ice storage cavity 111 for storing manufactured ice blocks. The ice outlet 12 is connected to one end of the shell 11. The interior of the ice outlet 12 is provided with multiple inner walls, which are connected end to end and form an ice outlet channel 121. The shell 11 has a port 116 at the ice outlet 12 that connects to the ice storage cavity 111. One end of the ice outlet channel 121 is connected to the ice storage cavity 111 through the port 116, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, the ice storage cavity 111 and the outside of the shell 11 can be connected through the ice outlet channel 121, and the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 can be discharged to the external environment through the ice outlet channel 121.

[0031] The frame body 10 of this application also includes an end cap 14. An opening is formed at the top of the housing 11. The end cap 14 can be detachably connected to the top of the housing 11 by means of a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure or screws to cover the opening of the ice storage cavity 111.

[0032] The ice outlet section 12 also includes an ice outlet gate 122, which is rotatably disposed within the ice outlet channel 121. The ice outlet gate 122 is configured to have a first position suitable for blocking the ice outlet channel 121 and a second position suitable for opening the ice outlet channel 121. By rotating the ice outlet gate 122, it can be switched between the first position and the second position. When the ice outlet gate 122 is in the first position, the ice outlet gate 122 can block the path of ice blocks being transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the outside of the ice outlet section 12. When the ice outlet gate 122 is in the second position, the ice outlet gate 122 opens the path of ice blocks being transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the outside of the ice outlet section 12, allowing the ice blocks to be transported smoothly from the ice outlet channel 121 to the outside.

[0033] An ice-making structure 20 is disposed on the shell 11. The ice-making structure 20 is suitable for making ice blocks. The ice blocks made by the ice-making structure 20 can be transferred to the ice storage chamber 111 for storage.

[0034] The transport structure 40 is disposed in the ice storage cavity 111. The transport structure 40 is adapted to transport the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111 to the ice outlet channel 121 and output them to the outside of the shell 11 through the ice outlet channel 121.

[0035] The manifold 13 of this application is disposed around the inner wall of the ice outlet 12. The manifold 13 includes a manifold channel 133, which is opened upward in the height direction of the frame body 10. For ease of explanation, this application introduces a rectangular coordinate system, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 As shown, the X-axis is parallel to the width direction of the ice-making device 100 and also parallel to the width direction of the frame body 10; the Y-axis is parallel to the direction of the ice-making device 100 from the end near the ice outlet 12 to the end away from the ice outlet 12; and the Z-axis is parallel to the height direction of the ice-making device 100 and also parallel to the height direction of the frame body 10. It should be noted that the height direction of the frame body 10 is also parallel to the direction of gravity, which refers to the direction in which the ice block is transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the outside of the ice outlet 12. At this time, the ice block falls freely in the direction of gravity as it is transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the outside of the shell 11.

[0036] When the ice gate 122 is in the first position, in the height direction of the frame body 10, the edge of the ice gate 122 has a lower end, that is, the height of this end is lower in the Z direction than the other ends of the edge of the ice gate 122, and the orthographic projection of this end in the height direction of the frame body 10 is located in the confluence channel 133.

[0037] It is worth mentioning that the shell 11 of this application is also provided with a diversion channel 1121 and a return hole 1123. The diversion channel 1121 is located in the ice storage cavity 111. The diversion channel 1121 is opened from the end near the ice outlet 12 in the direction away from the ice outlet 12. In the height direction of the frame body 10, the height of the end of the diversion channel 1121 near the ice outlet 12 is higher than the height of the end away from the ice outlet 12. The return hole 1123 is connected to the end of the diversion channel 1121 away from the ice outlet 12, and the return hole 1123 is adapted to connect to the confluence channel 133. In this application, the diversion channel 1121 and the return hole 1123 are designed to recycle the water generated after the ice melts. The condensate collected in the confluence channel 133 can also flow into the diversion channel 1121 and be recycled through the diversion channel 1121 and the return hole 1123. The return hole 1123 of this application is connected to the cold water tank 400 mentioned above, and the returned condensate can flow back into the cold water tank 400.

[0038] It should be noted that the condensate collected inside the ice outlet 12 by the manifold 133 includes the condensate on the ice outlet gate 122. Specifically, the ice outlet gate 122 has a first end wall 1221 and a second end wall 1222 disposed opposite to each other. When the ice outlet gate 122 is located in the ice outlet channel 121 and blocks the ice outlet channel 121, the first end wall 1221 of the ice outlet gate 122 faces outward of the ice outlet 12, and the second end wall 1222 faces outward of the ice outlet 122. The ice storage chamber 111 is configured such that the first end wall 1221 of the ice outlet 122 can be regarded as the outer side of the ice outlet 122, and the second end wall 1222 of the ice outlet 122 can be regarded as the inner side of the ice outlet 122. After the ice outlet channel 121 is blocked, if the ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 111 are transported to the ice outlet channel 121, the ice blocks can abut against and accumulate on the second end wall 1222 of the ice outlet 122, making it difficult for the ice blocks to be transported out of the ice outlet channel 121. It is understandable that the temperatures of the first end wall 1221 and the second end wall 1222 of the ice outlet 122 are different. The first end wall 1221 of the ice outlet 122 is in direct contact with the external environment and is the side with the strongest heat exchange. Therefore, the first end wall 1221 of the ice outlet 122 is more prone to condensation. Although the second end wall 1222 of the ice outlet 122 is not in direct contact with the external environment, it is also prone to condensation due to the heat transfer from the first end wall 1221. Furthermore, the water flow after the ice blocks that come into contact with the second end wall 1222 melts will also be located on the second end wall 1222 of the ice outlet 1222. In this application, when the ice gate 122 is in the first position, one end of the edge of the ice gate 122 is lower than the other ends in the Z direction. It is understood that the first end wall 1221 and the second end wall 1222 of the ice gate 122 extend to connect to the edge of the ice gate 122. When the ice gate 122 is in the first position, the condensate formed on the first end wall 1221 and the second end wall 1222 of the ice gate 122 can flow along the side wall 132 to the lower end of the ice gate 122, and the condensate can fall from that end under the action of gravity.

[0039] This application provides a manifold 13 inside the ice outlet section 12. The manifold 13 has a manifold 133. When condensate forms inside the ice outlet section 12, the condensate falls freely into the manifold 133 under the action of gravity. This prevents the condensate inside the ice outlet section 12 from dripping from the ice outlet channel 121 onto the ice or water receiving platform outside the ice outlet section 12, thus preventing the ice or water receiving platform from becoming damp. Furthermore, by providing a drainage channel 1121 within the ice storage cavity 111, which connects to the collection channel 133, condensate in the collection channel 133 can flow into the drainage channel 1121 and then to the return hole 1123 for collection. This prevents condensate from accumulating inside the collection channel 133, thus preventing overflow and spillage onto the tabletop. The condensate can also be collected and reused, saving resources. Moreover, the drainage channel 1121 in this application can collect condensate from the collection channel 133, preventing direct contact between the water flow and the ice in the ice storage cavity 111, thus avoiding the problem of ice sticking together due to the mixing of ice and water.

[0040] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some feasible ways, the housing 11 is also provided with a cavity bottom wall 112, which forms the cavity bottom of the ice storage cavity 111. That is, the cavity bottom wall 112 is suitable for supporting the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111. The cavity bottom wall 112 is set as a curved wall, specifically, the cross section of the cavity bottom wall 112 in the Y direction is a curved wall that protrudes from the end cover 14. The bottom wall 112 extends from the end near the ice outlet 12 in a direction away from the ice outlet 12. In the height direction of the frame body 10, the height of the end of the bottom wall 112 near the ice outlet 12 is higher than the height of the end of the bottom wall 112 away from the ice outlet 12. Both the drainage groove 1121 and the return hole 1123 are formed in the bottom wall 112. The return hole 1123 is formed at the end of the bottom wall 112 away from the ice outlet 12. The drainage groove 1121 is set as an open groove, with its opening facing the ice storage cavity 111 and communicating with the ice storage cavity 111. By setting the bottom wall 112, ice blocks located in the ice storage cavity 111 are supported. The bottom wall 112 is inclined so that water inside the drainage groove 1121 can flow to the return hole 1123. The diversion channel 1121 of this application is connected to the ice storage cavity 111. The water generated when the ice inside the ice storage cavity 111 melts can also be collected in the diversion channel 1121 and flow to the cold water tank 400 through the diversion channel 1121 and the return hole 1123. This not only realizes the reuse of cold water, but also avoids the phenomenon of ice and water mixing in the ice storage cavity 111.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that the drainage channel 1121 and the return hole 1123 of this application are both located at the bottom end of the cavity bottom wall 112, which is the end of the cavity bottom wall 112 away from the end cap 14. Since the cavity bottom wall 112 is a curved wall, the water formed by the melting of ice in the ice storage cavity 111 will gather at the bottom end of the cavity bottom wall 112. In this way, the water flow can gather in the drainage channel 1121, and the water flow along the path of the drainage channel 1121 to the return hole 1123, so as to flow out of the ice storage cavity 111 from the return hole 1123.

[0042] In some embodiments, to enhance the drainage effect, the width of the drainage channel 1121 can be increased. The width of the drainage channel 1121 is the dimension of the drainage channel 1121 perpendicular to its extension direction, that is, the dimension of the drainage channel 1121 in the X direction. After increasing this dimension, the water flow rate collected increases. However, when this dimension increases, ice cubes are also more likely to get stuck in the drainage channel 1121. This not only easily causes the ice cubes to become stuck, but also causes the ice cubes to come into contact with the water in the drainage channel 1121, resulting in the ice cubes sticking together. It can also cause the ice cubes to stick to the bottom wall 112 of the cavity. Therefore, in this embodiment, at least one support rib 1122 is also provided on the housing 11. The support rib 1122 is disposed in the drainage channel 1121. One end of the support rib 1122 is connected to the bottom of the drainage channel 1121, and the other end protrudes along the channel away from the bottom of the drainage channel 1121. The support rib 1122 extends along the opening path of the drainage channel 1121. It should be noted that a certain distance is provided between the support rib 1122 and the side wall 132 of the drainage channel 1121. The support rib 1122 is used to divide the opening of the drainage channel 1121 perpendicular to its extension direction into multiple sub-opening spaces, and the size of the multiple sub-opening spaces is smaller than the size of the ice block. In this way, by setting the support rib 1122 in the drainage channel 1121, the support rib 1122 can support the ice block and prevent the ice block from directly abutting the bottom of the drainage channel 1121, thus preventing the ice block from sticking to the bottom of the drainage channel 1121. In addition, the support rib 1122 can also prevent the ice block from getting stuck in the drainage channel 1121.

[0043] It should be noted that the number of support ribs 1122 is not limited and can be determined according to the actual situation. For example, only one support rib 1122 can be set, or multiple support ribs 1122 can be set. When multiple support ribs 1122 are set, the extension directions of the multiple support ribs 1122 are parallel, and the multiple support ribs 1122 are arranged at equal intervals along the X direction.

[0044] See Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some embodiments, the manifold 13 of this application is disposed around the inner wall of the ice outlet 12, and the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 extends through the manifold 133 along the direction of gravity. It should be noted that the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 extending through the manifold 133 means that the manifold 133 is located on the extension path of the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 in the direction of gravity, and the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 can extend into the manifold 133. The direction of gravity here refers to the direction in which the ice or water droplets fall.

[0045] Specifically, the manifold 13 includes a bottom wall 131 and a side wall 132. The bottom wall 131 is arranged around the inner wall of the ice outlet 12, and one end of the bottom wall 131 is connected to the inner wall of the ice outlet 12. The side wall 132 is connected to the end of the bottom wall 131 away from the inner wall of the ice outlet 12. The inner wall of the ice outlet 12, the bottom wall 131, and the side wall 132 form a manifold 133. In this way, the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 can be used as the structure to form the manifold 133. The inner and outer temperatures of the side wall 132 of the ice outlet 12 are also different, making it easier for condensation to form on the inner wall of the ice outlet 12. The condensation on the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 flows along the inner wall under the action of gravity and can flow into the manifold 133. The manifold 133 collects the condensation on the inner wall, ensuring that the condensation does not flow along the inner wall of the ice outlet 12 to the external environment.

[0046] In some embodiments, the ice outlet 12 can be integrally formed with the housing 11 or separately formed from the housing 11; this application does not impose any particular limitation. In this application, the ice outlet 12 includes an ice outlet shell 123 and a cover plate 124. The ice outlet shell 123 is connected to the housing 11 and has a channel penetrating its interior. Both ends of the channel are open in the extending direction, and the channel is used to form an ice outlet channel 121. The top of the ice outlet shell 123 also has an opening that connects to the channel. The cover plate 124 is connected to the ice outlet shell 123 by screws and covers the opening of the ice outlet shell 123.

[0047] The ice outlet shell 123 includes a first inner wall 1231, a second inner wall 1232, and a third inner wall 1233. The first inner wall 1231 and the second inner wall 1232 are spaced apart in the Y direction. The first inner wall 1231 is positioned closer to the ice storage cavity 111 relative to the third inner wall 1233, and the third inner wall 1233 is positioned further away from the ice storage cavity 111 relative to the first inner wall 1231. The second inner wall 1232 is positioned between the first inner wall 1231 and the third inner wall 1233. The first inner wall 1231, the second inner wall 1232, and the third inner wall 1233 are connected end to end to form an ice outlet channel 121.

[0048] The manifold 13 is sequentially connected to the first inner wall 1231, the second inner wall 1232, and the third inner wall 1233, forming a manifold 133 with each of the three inner walls. Specifically, the bottom wall 131 of the manifold 13 includes a first manifold section 1311, a second manifold section 1312, and a third manifold section 1313. The first manifold section 1311 is adapted to be connected to the first inner wall 1231, the second manifold section 1312 is adapted to be connected to the second inner wall 1232, and the third manifold section 1313 is adapted to be connected to the third inner wall 1233. The first manifold section 1311, the second manifold section 1312, and the third manifold section 1313 extend in a plane perpendicular to the height direction of the frame body 10. One end of the second manifold section 1312 is connected to the first manifold section 1311, and the other end is connected to the third manifold section 1313. A first sub-channel 1331 is formed between the first confluence section 1311, the first inner wall 1231, and the side wall 132. A second sub-channel 1332 is formed between the second confluence section 1312, the second inner wall 1232, and the side wall 132. A third sub-channel 1333 is formed between the third confluence section 1313, the third inner wall 1233, and the side wall 132. The first sub-channel 1331 is connected to the second sub-channel 1332, and the second sub-channel 1332 is connected to the third sub-channel 1333. The three confluence channels 133 form the total confluence channel 133 of the return flow component.

[0049] It is worth mentioning that this application provides two second inner walls 1232, which are spaced apart in the X direction. Both ends of the two second inner walls 1232 in the Y direction are connected to the first inner wall 1231 and the third inner wall 1233, respectively, making the cross-section of the ice outlet channel 121 formed by this arrangement quadrilateral. This application also provides two second confluence sections 1312, which are connected to the two second inner walls 1232, thus forming two second confluence sub-slots 1332 spaced apart in the X direction. Both ends of the two second confluence sub-slots 1332 are connected to the first confluence sub-slot 1331 and the third confluence sub-slot 1333, respectively, making the return channel of this application annular.

[0050] See Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a connecting groove 118 is provided on the end of the housing 11 near the ice outlet 12. The connecting groove 118 is formed in the bottom wall 112 of the cavity. The end of the connecting groove 118 near the ice outlet 12 is connected to the confluence channel 133, and the end of the connecting groove 118 away from the ice outlet 12 is connected to the drainage channel 1121, so that the confluence channel 133 and the drainage channel 1121 are connected through the connecting groove 118. In this way, the water flow in the confluence channel 133 can flow to the drainage channel 1121 through the connecting groove 118.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the height direction of the frame body 10, the height of the first confluence section 1311 is lower than the height of the third confluence section 1313, making the height of the first confluence sub-slot 1331 relatively lower than the height of the third confluence sub-slot 1333. One end of the second confluence section 1312 is connected to the first confluence section 1311, and the other end extends towards and connects to the third confluence section 1313. Given that the height of the first confluence section 1311 is lower than the height of the third confluence section 1313, the second confluence section 1312 is inclined in the Z direction. The connecting groove 118 is adapted to connect the ice storage cavity 111 and the first confluence sub-slot 1331, so that water in the confluence sub-slot 1333 can flow from the third confluence sub-slot 1333 to the second confluence sub-slot 1332, then to the first confluence sub-slot 1331, and then through the connecting groove 118 to the ice storage cavity 111.

[0052] Combined Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice outlet door 122 is rotatably connected to the ice outlet shell 123. The ice outlet part 12 is also provided with a first driving member 125, which is a motor. The first driving member 125 is connected to the ice outlet shell 123. The output shaft of the first driving member 125 passes through the ice outlet shell 123 and is fixedly connected to the ice outlet door 122. In the free state, the ice outlet door 122 is located in the first position. At this time, the ice outlet door 122 closes the ice outlet channel 121, making it difficult for the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 to overflow from the ice outlet channel 121 into the external environment. When the ice outlet door 122 is driven to rotate to the second position by the first driving member 125, the ice outlet channel 121 can be opened, and the ice can be transported from the ice outlet channel 121 to the external environment.

[0053] See Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some possible implementations, the transport structure 40 includes a spiral assembly 41 and a second drive member 42. The second drive member 42 is adapted to drive the spiral assembly 41 to rotate, and when the spiral assembly 41 rotates, it can move the ice block toward the ice outlet 12. Specifically, the spiral assembly 41 includes a screw 411 and blades 412 spirally wound on the screw 411. One end of the screw 411 is connected to the output end of the second drive member 42, and the other end extends away from the second drive member 42 and is rotatably connected to the housing 11. It should be noted that in order to smoothly transport the ice block in the ice storage cavity 111 to the ice outlet channel 121 through the opening 116, one end of the screw 411 of this application passes through the opening 116, and the blades 412 are wound on that end. In this way, when the screw 411 rotates, it can smoothly transport the ice block to the position of the opening 116. More specifically, the second driving member 42 of this application is connected to the outer wall of the ice outlet 12, specifically to the cover plate 124. The second driving member 42 can be a drive motor, whose output shaft passes through the cover plate 124 and extends into the ice outlet channel 121, and is adapted to be coaxially connected with the end of the screw 411 that passes through the through-hole 116, so that the second driving member 42 drives the screw 411 to rotate. At this time, the end of the screw 411 away from its connection with the second driving member 42 extends in the direction away from the ice outlet 12. That is, with the cooperation of the spiral assembly 41 and the second driving member 42, the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 can be moved in the direction toward the ice outlet 12.

[0054] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the ice-making structure 20 of this application includes an ice-making component 21 and an ice-making chamber 22. One end of the ice-making chamber 22 has a receiving groove 221, which is suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component 21 includes a heat exchanger 211 and an ice-making head 212 connected to the heat exchanger 211. The heat exchanger 211 is adapted to be connected to an external refrigeration device 500 via a pipe to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head 212. The ice-making head 212 is adapted to be inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving groove 221 to freeze the ice-making water into ice cubes. The heat exchanger 211 of this application can be an evaporator or a condenser. When the heat exchanger 211 is an evaporator or a condenser, it only refers to one commonly used heat exchange state and does not mean that it can only cool or heat. For a more specific description of the ice-making structure 20, please refer to the description of the ice-making structure 20 in existing ice makers, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0055] It should be noted that, due to structural design, the ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 20 of this application do not directly enter the ice storage cavity 111 for storage. Therefore, the ice-making device 100 of this application is also provided with a transfer chamber 50. The transfer chamber 50 includes a chamber body 51, which is located below the ice-making structure 20. The ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 20 can be first transferred to the transfer chamber 50, and then transported from the transfer chamber 50 to the ice storage cavity 111. A transfer trough 511 is provided at the top of the chamber body 51. One end of the transfer trough 511 is connected to the ice storage cavity 111. The ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 20 can be contained in the transfer trough 511 and transported to the ice storage cavity 111 through the transfer trough 511.

[0056] Specifically, in some embodiments, after the ice-making component 21 produces ice cubes in the ice-making chamber 22, the ice cubes are located in the receiving slot 221. In order to transfer the ice cubes in the receiving slot 221 to the transfer slot 511, the ice-making device 100 of this application further includes a third driving member 31. The third driving member 31 is a drive motor and is connected to the outer wall of the housing 11. One end of the ice-making chamber 22 is rotatably connected to the housing 11, and the rotation axis of the ice-making chamber 22 is parallel to the Y direction. The other end of the ice-making chamber 22 is connected to the output shaft of the third driving member 31. It can be understood that the third driving member 31 can drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate. It should be noted that in the free state, the opening of the receiving slot 221 of the ice-making chamber 22 faces upward, that is, it is set away from the transfer chamber 50. When the third driving member 31 drives the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate, the opening of the receiving slot 221 can be rotated to face the transfer slot 511 of the transfer chamber 50, so that the ice generated in the receiving slot 221 can be poured into the transfer slot 511.

[0057] It should also be noted that, in order to ensure that the ice blocks in the transfer trough 511 can be transported to the ice storage cavity 111, an ice-moving component 23 is also provided at the bottom of the ice-making chamber 22 facing away from the receiving trough 221. In the free state, the bottom of the ice-making chamber 22 faces the transfer trough 511, and the ice-moving component 23 is located inside the transfer trough 511. The end of the ice-moving component 23 away from the ice-making chamber 22 can be attached to the bottom wall 131 of the chamber. The third driving component 31 is adapted to drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate back and forth, so as to flip the ice blocks inside it into the transfer chamber 50, and transfer the ice blocks from the position where the transfer trough 511 and the ice storage cavity 111 are connected to the ice storage cavity 111 through the ice-moving component 23. Specifically, during the process of the third driving member 31 driving the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate so that its receiving slot 221 faces the transfer slot 511, the ice-moving member 23 is adapted to follow the ice-making chamber 22 to move away from the position where the ice storage cavity 111 and the transfer slot 511 are connected in the transfer slot 511. At this time, the ice blocks in the receiving slot 221 are poured into the transfer slot 511. The third driving member 31 can also drive the ice-making chamber 22 to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the ice-moving member 23 returns to its original position with the ice-making chamber 22 in the opposite direction. That is, the ice-moving member 23 moves towards the position where the ice storage cavity 111 and the transfer slot 511 are connected. During the process of the ice-moving member 23 returning to its original position, it can push the ice blocks in the transfer slot 511 in the path to the position where the transfer slot 511 and the ice storage cavity 111 are connected, and can push the ice blocks into the ice storage cavity 111 to realize the storage of ice blocks.

[0058] For example, the housing 11 is also provided with a limiting member 117, which extends toward the heat exchanger 211, and at least a portion of the structure of the limiting member 117 can overlap the heat exchanger 211 to limit the movement of the heat exchanger 211 and make the position of the heat exchanger 211 relatively stable. In addition, the limiting member 117 is also located on the rotation path of the ice-making chamber 22, specifically on the path when the ice-making chamber 22 drives the ice-moving member 23 to rotate away from the ice storage chamber 111. Thus, when the ice-making chamber 22 rotates to the point where its receiving groove 221 faces the transfer groove 511, the side wall 132 of the ice-making chamber 22 can abut against the limiting member, thereby limiting the continued rotation of the ice-making chamber 22 by the limiting member.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that the bottom of the chamber 51 in this application is provided with a drain trough 512, which is connected to the transfer trough 511 and the outside of the chamber 51. When the ice blocks produced by the ice-making structure 20 are transferred to the transfer trough 511 of the transfer chamber 50, there may be residual water in the ice-making structure 20 used to make ice blocks, which will also be transferred to the transfer trough 511 along with the ice blocks. Alternatively, the ice blocks in the transfer trough 511 may melt under the influence of the internal temperature of the shell 11. Regardless of the reason, condensation may easily occur in the transfer trough 511. By providing a drain trough 512 at the bottom of the transfer chamber 50, the water accumulated in the transfer chamber 50 can flow out of the transfer trough 511 from the drain trough 512, thereby draining the water into the return cavity 113, minimizing the mixing of ice and water in the transfer chamber 50, preventing the ice blocks from melting too quickly, and preventing adjacent ice blocks from sticking together.

[0060] It should also be noted that the shell 11 of this application is further provided with a reflux chamber 113. The reflux chamber 113 and the ice storage chamber 111 are spaced apart in the X direction. The reflux chamber 113 is located below the chamber body 51, and the bottom of the chamber body 51 is located inside the reflux chamber 113, so that the drain trough 512 at the bottom of the chamber body 51 can also be connected to the reflux chamber 113. In this way, excess condensate in the transfer tank 511 can flow into the reflux chamber 113 through the drain trough 512. The bottom of the reflux chamber 113 is also provided with a reflux channel 114. One end of the reflux channel 114 is connected to the reflux chamber 113, and the other end is adapted to be connected to the cold water tank 400, so that the water in the reflux chamber 113 can enter the cold water tank 400 through the reflux channel 114. It is worth mentioning that the bottom of the reflux chamber 113 can be set at an angle, so that the bottom of the chamber has a higher end and a lower end in the Z direction. The reflux channel 114 is set at the lower end of the reflux chamber 113. This can ensure that the water flowing into the reflux chamber 113 flows towards the reflux channel 114, which helps to prevent water from accumulating in the reflux chamber 113.

[0061] In some embodiments, the end of the chamber 51 facing the reflux cavity 113 can be connected to the bottom of the reflux cavity 113. For example, a connector 115 is provided on the bottom of the reflux cavity 113. The connector 115 can be detachably connected to the chamber 51. The connector 115 can be a snap-fit ​​structure, a fastening structure, or a connecting post with a screw hole, etc. In this application, the connector 115 is a connecting post with a screw hole as an example. The bottom end of the chamber 51 is provided with a connecting hole. The connecting hole can be aligned with the screw hole of the connector 115. After the screw or screw rod 411 passes through the connecting hole, it is threaded to the screw hole on the connector 115. The chamber 51 can be fixedly connected to the connector 115 to fix the chamber 51 relative to the reflux cavity 113. To ensure the stability of the position of the hopper 51 relative to the reflux cavity 113, a support part 52 is provided at the end of the hopper 51 facing the reflux cavity 113. The support part 52 can be a rib structure protruding from the hopper 51. The end of the support part 52 facing away from the hopper 51 abuts against the bottom of the reflux cavity 113 to ensure the stability of the position of the hopper 51.

[0062] 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: The frame body includes a shell, an ice storage cavity is provided inside the shell, and an ice outlet is provided at one end of the shell; An ice-making structure is disposed in the housing and is adapted to make ice blocks and transport the ice blocks to the ice storage cavity; as well as A manifold is provided around the inner wall of the ice outlet section, and the manifold includes a manifold groove adapted to collect condensate water inside the ice outlet section. The housing is also provided with a flow channel and a return hole connected to the outside of the housing. The flow channel is opened from one end near the ice outlet in a direction away from the ice outlet. In the height direction of the frame body, the height of the end of the flow channel near the ice outlet is higher than the height of the end away from the ice outlet. The end of the flow channel away from the ice outlet is connected to the return hole, and the end of the flow channel near the ice outlet is connected to the confluence channel.

2. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is also provided with a cavity bottom wall, which is adapted to support the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity. The cavity bottom wall extends from the end near the ice outlet in a direction away from the ice outlet. In the height direction of the frame body, the height of the end of the cavity bottom wall near the ice outlet is higher than the height of the cavity bottom wall away from the ice outlet. The drainage groove and the return hole are both opened in the cavity bottom wall, and the drainage groove is opened in a direction away from the ice storage cavity.

3. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the diversion channel facing the ice storage cavity is connected to the ice storage cavity. The shell is also provided with at least one support rib. The support rib is located in the diversion channel. One end of the support rib is connected to the bottom of the diversion channel, and the other end protrudes along the bottom of the channel away from the diversion channel. The support rib extends along the opening path of the diversion channel.

4. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The manifold includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall is wrapped around the inner wall of the ice outlet and one end of the bottom wall is connected to the inner wall of the ice outlet. The side wall is connected to the end of the bottom wall away from the inner wall of the ice outlet. The inner wall of the ice outlet, the bottom wall, and the side wall form the manifold.

5. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A connecting groove is also provided on one end of the housing near the ice outlet. The connecting groove is formed in the bottom wall of the cavity, and the confluence groove and the drainage groove are connected through the connecting groove.

6. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a transport structure disposed within the ice storage cavity. The transport structure is adapted to drive the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity toward the ice outlet and transport them to the outside of the housing through the ice outlet. The transport structure includes a spiral assembly and a second driving member. The spiral assembly includes a screw and blades spirally wound on the screw. One end of the screw is connected to the output end of the second driving member, and the other end is rotatably connected to the housing. The second driving member is adapted to drive the screw to rotate.

7. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making structure includes an ice-making component and an ice-making chamber. The ice-making chamber has a receiving tank suitable for holding ice-making water. The ice-making component includes a heat exchanger and an ice-making head connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is suitable for connecting to an external refrigeration device to reduce the temperature of the ice-making head. The ice-making head is suitable for being inserted into the ice-making water in the receiving tank to make the ice-making water freeze.

8. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a transfer compartment, which is provided with a transfer trough. One end of the transfer trough is connected to the ice storage cavity. The ice-making compartment is located above the transfer compartment. A third driving member is provided on the housing. One end of the ice-making compartment is rotatably connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to the output end of the third driving member. An ice-moving member is also provided at the end of the ice-making compartment facing the transfer compartment. The third driving member is adapted to drive the ice-making compartment to rotate back and forth so as to flip the ice blocks inside into the transfer trough, and the ice-moving member transfers the ice blocks from the position where the transfer trough and the ice storage cavity are connected to the ice storage cavity to the ice storage cavity.

9. The ice-making apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The housing is also provided with a reflux cavity. Along the height direction of the frame body, the reflux cavity is located below the ice-making structure. The bottom of the transfer compartment is provided with a drain trough, which is connected to the transfer trough and the reflux cavity.

10. A water treatment device, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a water tank, a cold water tank, a refrigeration device, and an ice-making device as described in any one of claims 1-9. The water tank, the cold water tank, the refrigeration device, and the ice-making device are all installed in the housing. The outlet of the water tank is connected to the cold water tank and the ice-making device respectively via pipes. The outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the refrigeration device. The refrigeration device is connected to the ice-making device. The refrigeration device is adapted to provide a cooling temperature for the ice-making device.

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