Ice maker

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ice makers, and discloses an ice maker, which comprises an ice making bin, an evaporator which is at least partially inserted into the ice making bin, a water supply system which is used for conveying water to the ice making bin after starting ice making, and a refrigeration system which is used for providing the evaporator with refrigerant required for ice making, so that ice blocks are formed in the ice making bin under the cooling effect of the refrigerant circulating in the evaporator; wherein the water supply system comprises a first water tank, a second water tank and a water pumping device; the first water tank is used for storing water for ice making; the second water tank is located below the first water tank and is used for receiving residual water which is not frozen in the ice making bin after ice making in the last round; a floating valve is arranged in the second water tank; the floating valve is sealed to the first water tank to separate the first water tank and the second water tank when the floating valve floats; the floating valve is unsealed to the first water tank to connect the first water tank and the second water tank when the floating valve falls; and the water pumping device is used for conveying water in the second water tank to the ice making bin after starting ice making. Through the above mode, the ice making time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making technology, specifically to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers cool water into ice cubes to meet the ice needs of restaurants, bars, hotels, supermarkets, and other similar establishments. Among these, ice makers used in homes, small offices, and other spaces with limited space are typically small-sized ice makers. These small ice makers are compact in size, produce a small amount of ice, and consume relatively little power and electricity. They provide a convenient way to make ice in these space-constrained locations, meeting people's daily needs for ice, such as making cold drinks, cooling beverages, and preserving food.

[0003] Most existing small ice makers consist of a refrigeration system (including compressor, condenser, etc.), evaporator, ice chamber, ice storage container, and control system. The refrigeration system and evaporator cool the water in the ice chamber to freeze it. After the ice is formed, temperature changes or mechanical devices are used to separate the ice and store it in the ice storage container. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an ice maker to solve the problem of long ice-making time in existing ice makers.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an ice maker is provided, comprising: an ice-making chamber; an evaporator, at least partially extending into the ice-making chamber; a water supply system for supplying water to the ice-making chamber; and a refrigeration system for supplying refrigerant to the evaporator. The water supply system includes a first water tank, a second water tank, and a pumping device. The second water tank is located below the first water tank and the ice-making chamber, and is used to receive water from the first water tank and the ice-making chamber. A floating valve is provided inside the second water tank. When the floating valve floats upward, it seals the first water tank to isolate the first water tank from the second water tank. When the floating valve falls downward, it releases the seal on the first water tank to connect the first water tank and the second water tank. The pumping device is used to transport water from the second water tank to the ice-making chamber.

[0006] In the ice maker of this embodiment, a second water tank is provided to collect the remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle in the ice-making chamber. The second water tank is connected to a first water tank storing room-temperature water via a floating valve. During the next ice-making cycle, the remaining low-temperature water from the previous cycle in the second water tank is preferentially supplied to the ice-making chamber. Then, due to insufficient water in the second water tank, the floating valve descends, releasing the seal on the first water tank. Water from the first water tank flows into the second water tank, and then continues to supply ice-making water to the ice-making chamber from the second water tank. When the water level in the second water tank increases, the floating valve rises to seal the first water tank. When the water level in the second water tank decreases, the floating valve descends again to open the first water tank, and this cycle repeats until the ice-making chamber is full. By utilizing the remaining low-temperature water in the ice-making chamber after the previous ice-making cycle for the next cycle, the water temperature for ice-making is reduced, and the ice-making time for the next cycle is shortened. Using the buoyancy of the floating valve to seal and release the first water tank eliminates the need for an additional power unit, saving costs and simplifying the structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first water outlet is provided at the bottom of the first water tank, and a sleeve is provided at the bottom of the first water tank corresponding to the first water outlet, located outside the first water tank. The sleeve communicates with the first water outlet and extends toward the second water tank. The top of the second water tank has an opening, through which the floating valve can float or fall. The floating valve includes a valve body and a sealing part located at the top of the valve body. When the floating valve floats, the sealing part is inserted into the sleeve to seal the first water outlet. When the floating valve falls, the sealing part is removed from the sleeve to release the seal on the first water outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, a sealing ring is fitted onto the sealing portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, a water receiving trough is provided on the top of the second water tank. The first end of the water receiving trough in the horizontal direction is located between the first water tank and the second water tank in the vertical direction. The second end of the water receiving trough in the horizontal direction is located below the ice-making chamber. A drain outlet is provided on the water receiving trough at a position corresponding to the opening. The drain outlet communicates with the opening of the second water tank to connect the water receiving trough and the second water tank, so that water from the ice-making chamber enters the second water tank through the water receiving trough.

[0010] In some embodiments, a second water outlet is provided at the bottom of the ice-making chamber, and a sealing element is also provided on the ice maker. When the ice-making chamber is in the first state, the sealing element seals the second water outlet. When the ice-making chamber is in the second state, the second water outlet faces the water receiving tank, and the sealing element releases the seal on the second water outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the ice-making chamber is further provided with a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the interior of the ice-making chamber and extends outward, and the second water outlet is located at the end of the water outlet pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a first fixing seat for fixing the ice-making chamber, and a second fixing seat is provided on the first fixing seat at a position corresponding to the second water outlet for fixing the sealing element. The second fixing seat is made of a rigid material, and the sealing element is made of an elastic material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes an ice storage container and a third water tank, the third water tank being located below the ice storage container and connected to the ice storage container to receive water flowing out of the ice storage container, the third water tank being connected to the ice-making chamber via the water pumping device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water supply system further includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a third pipe, and a tee fitting. The second water tank has a third outlet, and the third water tank has a fourth outlet. The two ends of the first pipe are respectively connected to the third outlet and the first inlet of the tee fitting. The two ends of the second pipe are respectively connected to the fourth outlet and the second inlet of the tee fitting. The first end of the third pipe is connected to the outlet of the tee fitting, and the second end of the third pipe is located above the ice-making chamber. The water pumping device is disposed in the third pipe, and a check valve is disposed in the second pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second pipeline includes a separate first section of the second pipeline and a separate second section of the second pipeline, and the check valve is connected between the first section of the second pipeline and the second section of the second pipeline; the third pipeline includes a separate first section of the third pipeline and a separate third section of the third pipeline, and the pumping device is connected between the first section of the third pipeline and the second section of the third pipeline.

[0016] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application from another angle; Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 3B This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3A A three-dimensional structural diagram of the float valve shown; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to other embodiments of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the float valve shown. Figure 7 This is a partial perspective structural diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application from another angle; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an ice-making chamber according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of the present application, showing the ice-making chamber in a first state; Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application, showing the ice-making chamber in a first state. Figure 13 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application, showing the ice-making chamber in a second state; Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application, showing the ice-making chamber in a second state. Figure 15 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of part A in the image; Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an ice maker according to some embodiments of this application.

[0018] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: Ice maker 100; Water supply system 10; First water tank 11; First outlet 111; Sleeve 112; Second water tank 12; Opening 121; Float valve 122; Float valve body 1221; Float valve sealing part 1222; Float valve sealing ring 1223; Float ball valve 123; Float ball valve body 1231; Float ball valve sealing part 1232; Float ball valve sealing ring 1233; Third outlet 124; Pumping device 13; Water supply pipe 14; First pipeline 141; Second pipeline 142; First section of second pipeline 142a; Second section of second pipeline 142b; Third pipeline 143; First section of third pipeline 143a; Second section of third pipeline 143b; T-fitting 144; Third water tank 15; Fourth outlet 151; Check valve 16; Evaporator 20; Cooling column 21; Ice hopper 30; water outlet pipe 31; second water outlet 32; Ice storage container 40; one-way valve 41; Water inlet 50; first end 50a of the water inlet in the horizontal direction; second end 50b of the water inlet in the horizontal direction; drain outlet 51; First fixing seat 60; sealing element 61; body part 611; sealing head 612; ice outlet 62; second fixing seat 63. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0022] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, representing any combination of the listed objects. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three possibilities: A exists, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In existing bullet ice makers, after the ice-making process is started, water is pumped from a water tank to the ice-making chamber via a water pump. Once the ice-making chamber is full of water, the low-temperature refrigerant supplied by the refrigeration system enters the evaporator. Multiple cooling columns are installed on the evaporator, extending into the ice-making chamber. The water around each cooling column in the ice-making chamber cools and freezes to form ice blocks. Only a portion of the water in the ice-making chamber freezes. After ice making is complete, the remaining unfrozen water in the ice-making chamber is drained into the water tank. The refrigeration system then heats the water to detach the ice blocks from the cooling columns, and they subsequently enter the ice storage container.

[0028] Because the water in the ice-making chamber is room-temperature water injected from the water tank during ice making, a significant amount of heat needs to be removed for the water to cool from room temperature to below freezing. Furthermore, the evaporator faces a large initial heat load when it comes into contact with room-temperature water. When faced with this sudden increase in heat load, the ice maker's fixed cooling capacity requires the equipment to operate at full capacity for a considerable period of time to lower the water temperature below freezing. This prolonged cooling process and the continuous high-power operation of the compressor cause the ice maker to operate under suboptimal conditions for extended periods. Consequently, the ice maker does not reach its optimal heat exchange state, resulting in decreased overall cooling efficiency, slow freezing speed, and high equipment noise.

[0029] Furthermore, because the water in the ice-making chamber cools slowly, air and tiny impurities in the water will precipitate and form bubbles during the slow cooling process, resulting in cloudy and loose ice. In addition, the evaporator temperature drops slowly, which may cause a thin layer of ice to form on the evaporator surface. However, this layer of ice is not firmly attached to the evaporator surface or is uneven, and it is easy to break or leave residual ice when de-icing.

[0030] Overall, using room temperature water from the tank to make ice results in long ice-making time and poor ice quality.

[0031] As mentioned above, after ice making is complete, there is usually some unfrozen water remaining in the ice-making chamber, and this water is at a low temperature. If this remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle can be used in the next ice-making cycle to lower the temperature of the water in the ice-making chamber, the ice-making time can be shortened. Therefore, in some bullet ice makers, a water tank is placed below the ice-making chamber. After ice making is complete, the ice-making chamber is tilted to pour the remaining water into the water tank, mixing it with the room-temperature water in the tank to lower the water temperature there. In the next ice-making cycle, the water injected from the water tank into the ice-making chamber is at a lower temperature than room-temperature water, thus shortening the ice-making time.

[0032] Furthermore, ice melts locally (e.g., on the outer surface) within the ice storage container, and the melted water is at a lower temperature, allowing for reuse. Some bullet ice makers use ice storage containers with drainage holes, such as ice baskets, positioned above the water tank. After the ice blocks detach from the cooling column, they are pushed into the ice basket by baffles. The water from the melting ice flows into the water tank through the drainage holes, lowering the temperature of the water used for the next ice-making cycle and thus shortening the ice-making time.

[0033] The methods described above all involve mixing low-temperature water (leftover water from ice making and / or melted water from ice storage containers) with the water in the tank, resulting in a mixed water temperature lower than the original room-temperature water in the tank. However, the water tank typically holds far more water than the leftover water from ice making and the melted water from ice storage containers. Therefore, even if all of this water is returned to the tank, the cooling effect on the room-temperature water in the tank is minimal. Furthermore, if the lower-temperature water in the tank is not utilized promptly, it will slowly heat up again, still resulting in a waste of cooling capacity. How to further reduce the temperature of the water used for ice making to shorten the ice-making time is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0034] This application provides an ice maker 100. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3B .in Figure 1 The three-dimensional structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown; Figure 2 The three-dimensional structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown from another angle. Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown; Figure 3B A partial structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown. For ease of illustration of the internal structure of the ice maker 100, the outer casing of the ice maker 100 is not shown in the figure.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the ice maker 100 includes a water supply system 10, a refrigeration system (not shown), an evaporator 20, an ice-making chamber 30, an ice storage container 40, and a controller (not shown). The ice maker typically also includes a housing (not shown) to house some or all of the above components.

[0036] The water supply system 10 may include a first water tank 11, a second water tank 12, a pumping device 13, and a water delivery pipe 14. The first water tank 11 is connected to the second water tank 12, and the first end of the water delivery pipe 14 is connected to the second water tank 12, while the second end is located at a position where water can be injected into the ice-making chamber 30, for example, above the ice-making chamber 30. The first water tank 11 is the main water supply tank for the ice maker 100, storing room-temperature water with a relatively large capacity. The second water tank 12 is used to receive the remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 after ice making, and its storage capacity can be relatively small, for example, much smaller than that of the first water tank 11. When the second water tank 12 is short of water or has very little water, water from the first water tank 11 flows into the second water tank 12. When ice making is required, the pumping device 13 delivers water from the second water tank 12 to the ice-making chamber 30 through the water delivery pipe 14. The pumping device 13 can be any device capable of pumping water into the ice-making chamber 30, such as a water pump.

[0037] The refrigeration system provides the refrigerant required for ice making to the evaporator 20 during the ice-making process. The refrigeration system may include components such as a compressor, condenser, dryer, expansion valve, and hot gas solenoid valve. The specific structure and working principle of each component are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. During ice making, the refrigerant evaporates in the cooling column 21 of the evaporator 20, causing at least a portion of the water in the ice-making chamber 30 to cool and freeze.

[0038] After ice making is complete, the remaining unfrozen water in the ice-making chamber 30 is collected and stored in the second water tank 12 for use in the next round of ice making. Afterwards, the ice blocks can be separated from the cooling column 21 and placed into the ice storage container 40 by methods such as heating to remove ice, mechanical de-icing, or static de-icing at room temperature. Using the remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 after ice making for the next round of ice making can shorten the ice-making time and improve ice-making efficiency.

[0039] The ice storage container 40 is located below the ice-making chamber 30. In some embodiments, the ice storage container 40 may also be located to the side of the ice-making chamber 30, as long as it can receive ice.

[0040] During the self-cleaning operation before ice making after the ice maker 100 is turned on, water may need to be supplied to the ice maker compartment 30 to rinse it. After rinsing, the water in the ice maker compartment 30 can be collected into the second water tank 12.

[0041] The controller can be installed on the circuit board to control the operation of the water supply system 10 and the refrigeration system, as well as to control the opening and closing of the valves inside the ice maker 100.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that the ice maker 100 may also include other functional components; the figures shown are merely examples, and this application does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] Please continue reading. Figure 3A and Figure 3BA first water tank 11 is positioned above a second water tank 12. The first water tank 11 has a first outlet 111 at its bottom, and the second water tank 12 has an opening 121 at its top. A float valve 122 is installed inside the second water tank 12. The float valve 122 can float or fall through the opening 121. When the float valve 122 floats, it seals the first outlet 111, thus sealing the first water tank 11 and isolating the first water tank 11 from the second water tank 12, preventing water from flowing into the second water tank 12. When the float valve 122 falls, it opens the first outlet 111, releasing the seal on the first water tank 11 and connecting the first water tank 11 with the second water tank 12, allowing water from the first water tank 11 to flow into the second water tank 12. Specifically, a sleeve 112 is provided at the bottom of the first water tank 11, corresponding to the first outlet 111, located outside the first water tank 11. The sleeve 112 communicates with the first outlet 111 and extends toward the second water tank 12. The float valve 122 includes a valve body 1221 and a sealing part 1222 located at the top of the valve body 1221. The size of the sealing part 1222 is approximately matched with the size of the sleeve 112. When the float valve 122 floats, the sealing part 1222 inserts into the sleeve 112 to seal the first outlet 111. When the float valve 122 falls, the sealing part 1222 moves out of the sleeve 112 to open the first outlet 111. By utilizing the buoyancy of the float valve 122 to seal the first water tank 11, no additional power unit is required, saving costs and simplifying the structure.

[0044] It should be understood that the float valve 122 sealing the first outlet 111 means that the water in the first water tank 11 cannot flow out of the first outlet 111 due to the blockage of the float valve 122. It does not mean that the sealing part 1222 of the float valve 122 must be inserted longitudinally into the position of the first outlet 111. At this time, the sealing part 1222 can be located at the position of the first outlet 111 or inside the sleeve 112, both of which can achieve the sealing of the first outlet 111.

[0045] The sleeve 112 shown in the figure is a frustum-shaped sleeve that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Its wider lower end facilitates the insertion of the sealing part 1222, while its narrower upper end is in close contact with the sealing part 1222, which can achieve a better sealing effect.

[0046] Figure 4 The three-dimensional structure of the float valve 122 shown in Figure 3 is schematically illustrated. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3A and Figure 4 A sealing ring 1223 is fitted onto the upper end of the float valve 122 to further improve its sealing performance. Specifically, the sealing ring 1223 is fitted onto the sealing part 1222. The sealing ring 1223 can be made of elastic materials such as rubber, silicone, or silicone rubber.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sealing part 1222 of the float valve 122 can also be made of elastic materials such as rubber, silicone, or silicone rubber, and the sealing effect can be achieved without setting a sealing ring 1223 on the sealing part 1222.

[0048] Figure 3A and Figure 4 The float valve 122 shown has a cup-shaped valve body 1221. Those skilled in the art should understand that the figure is merely an example, and in other embodiments, the float valve 122 may use other components, as long as the component can seal the first water tank 11 using buoyancy. Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice maker 100 according to other embodiments of this application. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The three-dimensional structure of the float valve 123 is shown. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The component used to seal the first water tank 11 in the ice maker 100 is a float valve 123. The float valve 123 has the same location and function as the aforementioned float cup valve 122, and also includes a valve body 1231 and a sealing part 1232, with a sealing ring 1233 fitted onto the sealing part 1232. Unlike the float cup valve 122, the valve body 1231 of the float valve 123 is spherical.

[0049] The aforementioned float cup valve 122, float ball valve 123, or other similar components capable of sealing the first water tank 11 using buoyancy can be collectively referred to as floating valves. The valve body of a floating valve can also be a cylindrical body, such as a cylinder or prism.

[0050] After ice making is completed, the remaining unfrozen water in the ice-making chamber 30 is collected into the second water tank 12.

[0051] The following explains how the remaining water is collected.

[0052] Figure 7 The partial three-dimensional structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown. Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates a partial exploded view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 9 A partially exploded view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown from another angle. Please refer to... Figures 7 to 9 See also Figure 3AA water receiving trough 50 is provided on the top of the second water tank 12. The first end 50a of the water receiving trough 50 is located horizontally between the first water tank 11 and the second water tank 12, and the second end 50b of the water receiving trough 50 is located below the ice-making chamber 30. A drain outlet 51 is provided in the water receiving trough 50 at a position corresponding to the opening 121 on the top of the second water tank 12. The drain outlet 51 communicates with the opening 121 to connect the water receiving trough 50 and the second water tank 12, allowing water from the ice-making chamber 30 to flow into the second water tank 12 through the drain outlet 51 of the water receiving trough 50. The water receiving trough 50 can be fixedly connected to the second water tank 12, or the two can be an integral structure.

[0053] In the specific embodiment shown in the figure, the shape and size of the drain outlet 51 are adapted to the opening 121 on the top of the second water tank 12; the two have the same shape and equal size. Those skilled in the art should understand that the figures are merely examples, and this application does not limit the scope of the invention. In other embodiments, the shape of the drain outlet 51 may differ from the shape of the opening 121, and the size of the drain outlet 51 may be smaller than the size of the opening 121, as long as water in the water tank 50 can flow into the second water tank 12 through the drain outlet 51.

[0054] By using a water receiving trough 50 to transfer the remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 between the ice-making chamber 30 and the second water tank 12, the water receiving trough 50 has a relatively large lateral dimension to accommodate the lateral positions of the ice-making chamber 30 and the second water tank 12. The vertical dimension (height) of the water receiving trough 50 can be set smaller. Since a floating valve needs to be placed inside the second water tank 12, its vertical dimension cannot be too small. Furthermore, the amount of remaining water is small, so a large-capacity second water tank 12 is unnecessary. Therefore, using the water receiving trough 50 avoids unnecessary cost increases caused by a second water tank 12 with both a large lateral and a relatively large vertical dimension. Also, given the limited internal space of the ice maker 100, a large second water tank 12 might interfere with other components and prevent installation.

[0055] Please continue reading. Figure 8 Please also refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 The cross-sectional structure of an ice-making chamber 30 according to some embodiments of the present application is schematically shown. As shown in the figure, a water outlet pipe 31 is provided at the bottom of the ice-making chamber 30. The water outlet pipe 31 communicates with the interior of the ice-making chamber 30 and extends outward. The end of the water outlet pipe 31 has a second water outlet 32. Figure 10 The ice-making chamber 30 shown is in its first state (also known as the horizontal state, with the ice-making chamber 30 standing upright and its opening facing upwards), and in this state, the water outlet pipe 31 is arranged horizontally. Please continue reading. Figures 7 to 9The ice maker 100 also includes a first fixed base 60 for fixing the ice-making chamber 30. A sealing element 61 is provided on the first fixed base 60 at a position corresponding to the second water outlet 32. An ice outlet 62 is also provided at the bottom of the first fixed base 60. After ice making is completed, ice blocks can fall into the ice storage container 40 located below the ice outlet 62 through the ice outlet 62.

[0056] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates a partial three-dimensional structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application, with the ice-making chamber 30 in a first state. Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application, with the ice-making chamber 30 in a first state. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, during ice making, the ice-making chamber 30 is rotated to the first state, and the water outlet pipe 31 flows along... Figure 12 As shown, the X-direction compression seal 61 blocks the second outlet 32, preventing water from flowing out of the ice-making chamber 30 and thus preventing leakage during ice making. Water can then be added to the ice-making chamber 30.

[0057] Figure 13 The diagram schematically illustrates a partial three-dimensional structure of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application, with the ice-making chamber 30 in a second state. Figure 14 This schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of the present application, with the ice-making chamber 30 in a second state. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, after ice making is complete, the ice-making chamber 30 is rotated in the reverse direction to the second state (also known as the tilted state), so that the second water outlet 32 ​​faces downward and towards the water receiving tank 50, and the water outlet pipe 31 is disengaged from the seal 61, releasing the seal of the seal 61 on the second water outlet 32. Residual water from ice making can flow into the water receiving tank 50 through the second water outlet 32, and then into the second water tank 12. When the ice-making chamber 30 is in the second state, the second water outlet 32 ​​is located at the lowest point of the ice-making chamber 30, ensuring that all remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 can be drained.

[0058] A drive unit can be installed in the ice maker 100 to drive the ice-making chamber 30 to rotate. The drive unit may include a motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the ice-making chamber 30, and the rotation of the output shaft causes the ice-making chamber 30 to rotate.

[0059] Figure 15 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of part A in the image, such as Figure 15As shown, the seal 61 includes a connected body portion 611 and a sealing head 612. The body portion 611 is cylindrical, and the sealing head 612 is umbrella-shaped, with the side that contacts the water outlet pipe 31 being arc-shaped, allowing the sealing head 612 to at least partially and smoothly enter the water outlet pipe 31 to seal the second water outlet 32. The seal 61 can be made of silicone, for example, a silicone plug can be used as the seal 61. Please refer to sections 7 to 8. Figure 9 A second fixing seat 63 is provided on the first fixing seat 60 for fixing the sealing element 61. The second fixing seat 63 is made of rigid materials, such as rigid plastics such as PE, PP, and PS, semi-rigid plastics such as PVC and PA, engineering plastics such as ABS and PC, and metal, thereby providing stable support for the flexible sealing element 61. The second fixing seat 63 and the sealing element 61 can be fixedly connected or be an integral structure.

[0060] In some embodiments, the water outlet pipe may not be arranged horizontally when the ice maker is in the first state (e.g., tilted upwards or downwards). Adaptively, the orientation of the seal is arranged to match the orientation of the water outlet (e.g., tilted downwards or upwards), as long as the seal can seal the second water outlet when the ice maker is in the first state.

[0061] In some embodiments, a water outlet pipe may not be provided, and a second water outlet may be directly provided on the side wall or bottom of the ice-making chamber. Adaptively, the second fixing seat may extend toward the ice-making chamber, and the orientation of the seal is arranged to match the orientation of the second water outlet so that the seal can seal the second water outlet when the ice-making chamber is in the first state.

[0062] The above describes several methods for collecting the remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 after ice making into the second water tank 12 by setting a second water outlet 32 ​​in the ice-making chamber 30. These methods do not require an additional power unit; gravity is used to allow the remaining water in the ice-making chamber 30 to flow from the higher-level ice-making chamber 30 to the lower-level second water tank 12. Furthermore, no additional operating steps are required; the collection of remaining water can be achieved simply by utilizing the change in the state of the ice-making chamber 30 during the operation of the ice maker 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, a second water outlet may not be provided on the ice-making chamber. For example, an ice storage container is provided below the ice-making chamber, and a water storage container is provided below the ice storage container. After ice making is completed, the ice-making chamber rotates, causing the remaining water in the ice-making chamber to fall into the ice storage container, and then into the water storage container below the ice storage container. A water supply pipe and a water pumping device are provided between the water storage container and the second water tank. The water in the water storage container is pumped into the second water tank by the water pumping device, thereby realizing the collection of the remaining water.

[0064] In some embodiments, instead of providing a second water outlet on the ice-making chamber, the remaining water in the ice-making chamber can be pumped to a second water tank via a pumping device and a water pipe after ice making is completed.

[0065] After the remaining water is discharged from the ice-making chamber 30, the de-icing process begins.

[0066] The ice storage container 40 can be an ice storage bucket, ice storage cup, ice storage box, or similar structure. To extend the storage time of ice, the ice storage container 40 can also have a cold-keeping function. The body of the ice storage container 40 can be made of stainless steel or plastic. The cold-keeping effect is achieved by setting a vacuum layer or a foam material layer in the container wall. The foam material can be foamed plastic (such as EPP, EPE, EPS), foamed rubber (such as sponge rubber, EVA foam), foamed metal (porous metal), foamed glass (foam glass), etc. Because the ice storage container 40 has a cold-keeping function, the temperature of the melted water inside the ice storage container 40 is lower than the room temperature water temperature in the first water tank 11.

[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 3A In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 further includes a third water tank 15, which is connected to the ice storage container 40 to receive water flowing out of the ice storage container 40. The third water tank 15 is located below the ice storage container 40, and the melted water in the ice storage container 40 flows into the third water tank 15 by gravity. In such embodiments, during ice making, the water in the second water tank 12 and the third water tank 15 can be preferentially and simultaneously transported to the ice-making chamber 30 to lower the water temperature for ice making and shorten the ice-making time. Alternatively, the water in the third water tank 15 can be transported to the ice-making chamber 30 first, followed by the water in the second water tank 12. Or, the water in the second water tank 12 can be transported to the ice-making chamber 30 first, followed by the water in the third water tank 15.

[0068] like Figure 3A As shown, an opening can be made at the bottom of the ice storage container 40 to connect the ice storage container 40 and the third water tank 15, allowing melted water in the ice storage container 40 to flow into the third water tank 15. A one-way valve 41 can be installed at the connection point between the ice storage container 40 and the third water tank 15, allowing water in the ice storage container 40 to flow downwards into the third water tank 15 through the one-way valve 41, while water in the third water tank 15 will not seep into the ice storage container 40.

[0069] Please continue reading. Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe water supply pipe 14 includes a first pipe 141, a second pipe 142 and a third pipe 143, which are connected by pipe connectors, such as a tee fitting 144. The second water tank 12 has a third outlet 124 (the third outlet 124 shown in the figure is located on the bottom wall of the second water tank 12). The two ends of the first pipe 141 are connected to the third outlet 124 of the second water tank 12 and the first inlet of the tee fitting 144, respectively. The first end of the first pipe 141 is also the first end of the water supply pipe 14 mentioned above. The third water tank 15 has a fourth outlet 151 (the fourth outlet 151 shown in the figure is located at the bottom of the side wall of the third water tank 15). The two ends of the second pipe 142 are connected to the fourth outlet 151 of the third water tank 15 and the second inlet of the tee fitting 144, respectively. One end of the third pipe 143 is connected to the outlet of the tee fitting 144, and the other end is the second end of the water supply pipe 14, located above the ice-making chamber 30.

[0070] The aforementioned pumping device 13 is installed in the third pipeline 143. A check valve 16 is installed in the second pipeline 142. When the pumping device 13 is working, the suction of the pumping device 13 opens the check valve 16, connecting the second pipeline 142 entirely with the third pipeline 143, thus opening the water passage between the third water tank 15 and the pumping device 13. When the pumping device 13 stops working, the water in the higher-level second water tank 12 flows sequentially through the first pipeline 141, the tee fitting 144, and the second pipeline 142 to the check valve 16, where the water pressure seals the check valve 16, thus isolating the second pipeline 142 entirely from the first pipeline 141. If the check valve 16 is not installed, during the ice-making process, after water is added to the ice-making chamber 30 (the pumping device 13 stops working), the water in the second water tank 12, which is located at the higher position, will all flow into the third water tank 15 at the bottom under the action of gravity. After the water in the second water tank 12 is exhausted, the water in the first water tank 11 will flow into the second water tank 12 under the action of the float valve 122, and then into the third water tank 15... This process repeats, causing the water level in the third water tank 15 to become full and unable to collect the melted water flowing in from the ice storage container 40. In addition, the water in the third water tank 15 is room temperature water from the first water tank 11. Even if the water in the third water tank 15 is used for ice making in the next round, the effect of shortening the ice-making time cannot be achieved. By setting a check valve 16 to separate the water circuit of the second water tank 12 from that of the third water tank 15, the water in the first water tank 11 and the second water tank 12 at the higher position is prevented from flowing into the third water tank 15 at the bottom under the action of gravity, thus ensuring that the third water tank 15 can collect the melted water of the current round of ice making.

[0071] Understandably, the second pipe 142 may include two independent pipe sections (a first second pipe section 142a and a second second pipe section 142b), with a check valve 16 connected between these two pipe sections. Similarly, the third pipe 143 may also include two independent pipe sections (a first third pipe section 143a and a second third pipe section 143b), with a pumping device 13 connected between these two pipe sections. The first pipe 141, the second pipe 142, and the third pipe 143 may all be flexible hoses, facilitating their placement within the confined space inside the ice maker.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a pumping device 13 is provided to pump water from the second water tank 12 and the third water tank 15 into the ice-making chamber 30. That is, the second water tank 12 and the third water tank 15 share the same pumping device 13, which reduces equipment cost, structural complexity and control complexity.

[0073] The following is combined with Figure 3A The working process of the ice maker 100 in the above embodiments will be described in detail. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow.

[0074] Before the ice maker 100 is working, the second water tank 12 is empty. Because of the lack of water, the float valve 122 does not rise, and the first outlet 111 of the first water tank 11 is not sealed by the float valve 122, allowing water from the first water tank 11 to flow into the second water tank 12. Subsequently, because the second water tank 12 contains water, the float valve 122 rises and seals the first outlet 111 of the first water tank 11. Simultaneously, water in the second water tank 12 flows to the check valve 16, which seals under water pressure, isolating the water path between the second water tank 12 and the third water tank 15, preventing room-temperature water from the first water tank 11 from flowing into the third water tank 15 via the second water tank 12.

[0075] After the ice maker 100 starts the ice-making process, the ice-making chamber 30 rotates to the first state, and the seal 61 seals the second water outlet 32. Then, the water pumping device 13 operates, pumping water from the third water tank 15 (melted water from the ice storage container 40) and water from the second water tank 12 (remaining water from the previous ice-making cycle) into the ice-making chamber 30. After the water pumping device 13 operates for a preset time (the preset time is set to the time required for the ice-making chamber 30 to reach the required amount of water for ice making, such as the time required to fill the ice-making chamber 30 with water), the ice-making chamber 30 begins to make ice. During the water pumping process, water from the second water tank 12 is pumped into the ice-making chamber 30. If the water level in the second water tank 12 decreases below a threshold, the float valve 122 falls and does not seal the first water tank 11, and water from the first water tank 11 flows into the second water tank 12 until the float valve 122 rises again to seal the first water tank 11, and this cycle repeats.

[0076] After ice making is completed, the ice making chamber 30 rotates in the opposite direction to the second state, the second water outlet 32 ​​faces downward and towards the water receiving tank 50, the seal 61 opens from the second water outlet 32, and the remaining water from ice making in the ice making chamber 30 flows into the water receiving tank 50 through the second water outlet 32, and then enters the second water tank 12.

[0077] The above process is repeated in each subsequent round of ice making.

[0078] This embodiment of the application includes a second water tank 12 in the water circuit structure of the ice maker 100 to collect the remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle in the ice-making chamber 30, and a third water tank 15 to collect the low-temperature melted water from the ice in the ice storage container 40. The second water tank 12 is connected to the first water tank 11 (the main water supply tank of the ice maker 100) via a floating valve. During the next ice-making cycle, the second water tank 12 contains water, and the floating valve rises to seal the first water tank 11, preventing water from flowing into the second water tank 12. At this time, the remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle in the second water tank 12 and the low-temperature melted water in the third water tank 15 are preferentially supplied to the ice-making chamber 30. Afterwards, the floating valve falls due to insufficient water in the second water tank 12, releasing the seal on the first water tank 11, allowing water from the first water tank 11 to flow into the second water tank 12, and subsequently, water for ice making can continue to be supplied from the second water tank 12 to the ice-making chamber 30. When the water level in the second water tank 12 increases, the floating valve rises again to seal the first water tank 11. When the water level in the second water tank 12 decreases, the floating valve falls again to open the first water tank 11, and this cycle repeats until the ice-making chamber 30 is full. In this way, the remaining low-temperature water in the ice-making chamber 30 after the previous ice-making cycle and the low-temperature melted water in the ice storage container 40 are used for the next round of ice-making, lowering the water temperature for ice making and shortening the time for the next ice-making cycle. Using the buoyancy of the floating valve to seal and release the first water tank 11 requires no additional power unit, saving costs and simplifying the structure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second pipeline and check valve may be omitted, and a separate pipeline and pumping device may be provided for the third water tank to pump the melted water from the third water tank into the ice-making chamber separately.

[0080] In some embodiments, the connection structure of the second pipeline can be adjusted, and a check valve can be omitted. The second pipeline connects the second water tank and the third water tank, and a pumping device is installed in the second pipeline. The melted water in the third water tank is first pumped into the second water tank and mixed with the remaining water after ice making from the ice-making chamber. When filling with water, the mixed water in the second water tank is pumped into the ice-making chamber.

[0081] In some embodiments, an ice storage container may not be installed in the ice maker, and the ice outlet of the first fixed base may be exposed. During ice removal, a movable container can be placed below the ice outlet to collect ice blocks. At the same time, a third water tank is not provided. Figure 16The diagram schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an ice maker 100 according to some embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the ice maker 100 includes a water supply system 10, a refrigeration system (not shown), an evaporator 20, an ice-making chamber 30, and a control system (not shown). The water supply system 10 includes a first water tank 11, a second water tank 12, a water pumping device 13, and a water delivery pipe 14. Similar to the aforementioned... Figures 1 to 15 The difference between the embodiment shown, which includes an ice storage container 40 and a third water tank 15, is that... Figure 16 The embodiment shown omits the ice storage container 40 and the third water tank 15, as well as the second pipeline 142, the check valve 16, and the tee fitting 144. The structure and working principle of the remaining components are the same as described in sections 1 to 2010. Figure 15 The embodiments shown are similar and will not be described again here.

[0082] Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, a second water tank 12 is provided in the water circuit structure of the ice maker 100 to collect the remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle in the ice-making chamber 30. The second water tank 12 is connected to the first water tank 11 via a floating valve. During the next ice-making cycle, the second water tank 12 contains water, and the floating valve rises to seal the first water tank 11, preventing water from flowing into the second water tank 12. At this time, the remaining low-temperature water from the previous ice-making cycle in the second water tank 12 is preferentially transported to the ice-making chamber 30. Subsequently, the floating valve falls due to insufficient water in the second water tank 12, releasing the seal on the first water tank 11. Water from the first water tank 11 flows into the second water tank 12, and ice-making water can then continue to be supplied from the second water tank 12 to the ice-making chamber 30. When the water level in the second water tank 12 increases, the floating valve rises again to seal the first water tank 11. When the water level in the second water tank 12 decreases, the floating valve falls again to open the first water tank 11, and this cycle repeats until the ice-making chamber 30 is full. In this way, the remaining low-temperature water in the ice-making chamber 30 after the previous ice-making cycle is used for the next ice-making cycle, lowering the water temperature for ice making and shortening the time for the next ice-making cycle. Using the buoyancy of the floating valve to seal and release the first water tank 11 requires no additional power unit, saving costs and simplifying the structure.

[0083] compared to Figure 16 This method of making ice using only the cold water left over from the previous ice-making process, without using the melted water in the ice storage container 40. Figures 1 to 15 The embodiment shown utilizes both the residual low-temperature water from the previous ice-making process and the melted water in the ice storage container 40 for ice making. The proportion of low-temperature water in the ice-making water is relatively high. Figure 16 The embodiment shown has a high proportion of low-temperature water, which further reduces the water temperature for ice making and shortens the ice-making time.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: Ice maker; An evaporator, at least partially extending into the ice-making chamber; A water supply system is used to supply water to the ice-making chamber; A refrigeration system is used to supply refrigerant to the evaporator, wherein, The water supply system includes a first water tank, a second water tank, and a pumping device. The second water tank is located below the first water tank and the ice-making chamber, and is used to receive water from the first water tank and the ice-making chamber. A floating valve is installed in the second water tank. When the floating valve floats up, it seals the first water tank to isolate the first water tank and the second water tank. When the floating valve falls down, it releases the seal on the first water tank to connect the first water tank and the second water tank. The pumping device is used to transport the water in the second water tank to the ice-making chamber.

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first water tank has a first water outlet at the bottom. A sleeve is provided at the bottom of the first water tank corresponding to the first water outlet, located outside the first water tank. The sleeve is connected to the first water outlet and extends toward the second water tank. The top of the second water tank has an opening, through which the floating valve can float up or fall down. The floating valve includes a valve body and a sealing part located on the top of the valve body. When the floating valve floats up, the sealing part is inserted into the sleeve to seal the first outlet. When the floating valve falls down, the sealing part is removed from the sleeve to release the seal on the first outlet.

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing ring is fitted onto the sealing part.

4. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second water tank has an opening at the top and a water receiving trough at the top. The first end of the water receiving trough in the horizontal direction is located between the first water tank and the second water tank in the vertical direction. The second end of the water receiving trough in the horizontal direction is located below the ice-making chamber. A drain outlet is provided on the water receiving trough at a position corresponding to the opening. The drain outlet communicates with the opening of the second water tank to connect the water receiving trough and the second water tank, so that water from the ice-making chamber enters the second water tank through the water receiving trough.

5. The ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice-making chamber is provided with a second water outlet. The ice maker is also provided with a sealing element. When the ice-making chamber is in the first state, the sealing element seals the second water outlet. When the ice-making chamber is in the second state, the second water outlet faces the water receiving tank and the sealing element releases the seal on the second water outlet.

6. The ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice-making chamber is also provided with a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the interior of the ice-making chamber and extends outward, with the second water outlet located at the end of the water outlet pipe.

7. The ice maker according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes a first fixing seat for fixing the ice-making chamber, and a second fixing seat is provided on the first fixing seat at a position corresponding to the second water outlet for fixing the sealing element. The second fixing seat is made of a rigid material, and the sealing element is made of an elastic material.

8. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes an ice storage container and a third water tank. The third water tank is located below the ice storage container and is connected to the ice storage container to receive water flowing out of the ice storage container. The third water tank is connected to the ice-making chamber through the water pumping device.

9. The ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water supply system also includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a third pipe, and a tee fitting. The second water tank has a third outlet, and the third water tank has a fourth outlet. The two ends of the first pipe are respectively connected to the third outlet and the first inlet of the tee fitting. The two ends of the second pipe are respectively connected to the fourth outlet and the second inlet of the tee fitting. The first end of the third pipe is connected to the outlet of the tee fitting, and the second end of the third pipe is located above the ice-making chamber. The water pumping device is installed in the third pipe, and a check valve is installed in the second pipe.

10. The ice maker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second pipeline includes a separate first section of the second pipeline and a second section of the second pipeline, and the check valve is connected between the first section of the second pipeline and the second section of the second pipeline; The third pipeline includes a separate first section of the third pipeline and a second section of the third pipeline, and the pumping device is connected between the first section of the third pipeline and the second section of the third pipeline.

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