A linkage ice flipper box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connecting rod overturns ice making box, including ice making module, ice making module includes ice making box, water spraying module, rotary connection is in ice making box one side, and water spraying module sprays water in ice making box and makes ice, overturning mechanism, set up between ice making module and water spraying module, and overturning mechanism is used for the control overturning angle of water spraying module, when the ice making module position keeps fixed in the working of overturning mechanism, when water spraying module and ice making module mutually adhere, the water that can cover the water that water spraying module sprays into ice making cavity inside, provides good condition for the uniform formation of ice block, effectively promotes the quality and integrity of ice block, and can avoid the water that the water spraying assembly sprays not splashing to the other position of ice making machine case through the sealing close of water spraying module and ice making module driven overturning mechanism, this greatly reduced the corrosion risk of water to the electronic component, mechanical part etc. in the case, prolongs the service life of equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of ice-making technology, specifically relating to a linkage-driven flip-type ice-making box. Background Technology

[0002] A search revealed a Chinese patent, application number 202210624866.4, which discloses a spray-type ice maker, including a casing, a water tank, an ice storage basket, and a spray-type ice-making chamber. The spray-type ice maker chamber is equipped with ice-making components and an ice guide plate. The spray-type ice maker further includes: a drive mechanism connected to the ice guide plate, used to drive the ice guide plate to rotate, switching the ice guide plate between an inclined state and a horizontal state; and a control system connected to the drive mechanism, used to acquire a first signal indicating ice block formation and a second signal indicating all ice blocks have fallen. Based on the acquired first signal, the control system controls the drive mechanism to drive the ice guide plate to rotate to a horizontal state, and based on the acquired second signal, controls the drive mechanism to drive the ice guide plate to rotate to an inclined state. In this embodiment of the spray-type ice maker, the ice guide plate is horizontally positioned and close to the ice mold during ice removal, resulting in less noise when ice blocks fall onto the ice guide plate. After all ice blocks have fallen, the ice guide plate rotates to an inclined state, facilitating the complete import of ice blocks into the ice storage basket, providing a better user experience.

[0003] In the aforementioned patented solution, ice is made by spraying. However, there is a distance between the water spray hole and the ice mold, and the sprayed water will splash inside the ice maker's housing, which may cause corrosion to electronic components and mechanical parts inside the housing, reducing the service life of the equipment. At the same time, the ice making part and the water spraying part will occupy additional housing space, making the structure less compact and resulting in a larger overall housing size, occupying additional usable space. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a linkage-driven ice-making box to solve the problem of water splashing during ice making in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A linkage-driven ice maker includes: an ice-making module, which includes an ice-making box; and a water spray module rotatably connected to one side of the ice-making box, which sprays water into the ice-making box to make ice. A flipping mechanism is installed between the ice-making module and the water-spraying module. The flipping mechanism is used to adjust the flipping angle of the water-spraying module. When the flipping mechanism is working, the position of the ice-making module remains fixed. The flipping mechanism includes a gear plate, a linkage shaft, and a driven gear. The gear plate is rotatably connected to both sides of the ice-making box. One end of the ice-making box is rotatably connected to the linkage shaft. One end of the water-spraying module is fixed on the linkage shaft. Driven gears are installed at both ends of the linkage shaft, and the driven gears mesh with the gear plate.

[0006] Preferably, the ice maker has several ice-making cavities inside, and a condensate inlet / outlet pipe is connected to one end of the top of the ice maker.

[0007] Preferably, the ice-making cavity is configured as a rectangular structure. The rectangular structure makes the contact surface between the evaporator and the ice-making cavity more regular, the heat transfer path is consistent, and the local temperature difference is reduced.

[0008] Preferably, the water spray module includes a water storage tank, a fixing block is fixedly connected to one end of the water storage tank, and reinforcing blocks are fixed on both sides of the fixing block. The linkage shaft passes through the fixing block and the reinforcing blocks, and the linkage shaft is fixedly connected to the fixing block and the reinforcing blocks.

[0009] Preferably, a sealing plate is installed on the top of the water storage tank, and a plurality of water spray heads are installed on the sealing plate. The number of water spray heads is equal to the number of ice-making cavities. Each water spray head has a return groove at both ends. A water inlet is connected to one side of the water storage tank. A connecting pipe is connected in series to the plurality of water spray heads, and a submersible pump is installed at the end of the connecting pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom surface of the water storage tank is inclined, a drain outlet is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank, and a solenoid valve is installed at the bottom of the drain outlet.

[0011] Preferably, a circular stepper motor is connected to one end of the gear disk, and the output end of the circular stepper motor is fixed to the axis of the gear disk.

[0012] Preferably, a crank is fixed to one side of the gear disc, a hanging shaft is fixed to the crank, hanging columns are symmetrically fixed to both ends of the water storage tank, and hanging springs are suspended on the hanging columns and hanging shaft.

[0013] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: 1. The gear and driven gear are meshed with each other. When the gear rotates, it will drive the driven gear to rotate. The driven gear is fixed on the linkage shaft, which will also drive the linkage shaft to rotate. Since one end of the water spray module is fixed on the linkage shaft, when the gear rotates, it will drive the water spray module to rotate around the linkage shaft as the central axis, thereby changing the angle of the water spray module.

[0014] 2. When the water spray module and the ice-making module are in close contact, the water sprayed from the water spray module can cover and enter the ice-making cavity, providing good conditions for the uniform formation of ice blocks and effectively improving the quality and integrity of the ice blocks. In addition, the flipping mechanism drives the water spray module and the ice-making module to be sealed close together, which can prevent the water sprayed from the spray assembly from splashing to other parts of the ice maker. This greatly reduces the risk of water corrosion to electronic components and mechanical parts inside the machine, extends the service life of the equipment, and reduces maintenance costs and downtime caused by component damage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making working structure of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the de-icing working structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the de-icing mechanism of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the de-icing mechanism of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the de-icing mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the ice-making module of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the water storage tank of this utility model.

[0023] Reference numerals: 10, Ice-making module; 100, Ice-making box; 101, Ice-making cavity; 102, Condensate inlet / outlet pipe; 103, Gear disc; 104, Crank; 105, Hanging shaft; 106, Circular stepper motor; 20. Water spray module; 200. Water storage tank; 201. Fixing block; 202. Reinforcing block; 203. Linkage shaft; 204. Driven gear; 205. Hanging column; 206. Water inlet; 207. Sealing plate; 208. Spray head; 209. Return channel; 210. Connecting pipe; 211. Submersible pump; 212. Drain outlet; 213. Solenoid valve; 30. Hanging spring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] Example 1: refer to Figures 1-7 A linkage-driven flip-type ice maker, comprising: Ice-making module 10, which includes an ice-making box 100; ice cubes are generated inside the ice-making box 100. A water spray module 20 is rotatably connected to one side of the ice maker 100. The water spray module 20 sprays water into the ice maker 100 to make ice. A flipping mechanism is disposed between the ice-making module 10 and the water-spraying module 20. The flipping mechanism is used to adjust the flipping angle of the water-spraying module 20. When the flipping mechanism is working, the position of the ice-making module 10 remains fixed. The flipping mechanism includes a gear 103, a linkage shaft 203, and a driven gear 204. The gear 103 is rotatably connected to both sides of the ice-making box 100. One end of the ice-making box 100 is rotatably connected to the linkage shaft 203. One end of the water-spraying module 20 is fixed on the linkage shaft 203. Driven gears 204 are installed at both ends of the linkage shaft 203. The driven gears 204 mesh with the gear 103.

[0026] In the above solution, "the position of the ice-making module 10 remains fixed when the flipping mechanism is working" is explained in terms of the fixed position of the ice-making module 10. This product is used in ice makers, such as commercial ice makers and household ice makers. The ice maker itself has a housing, and the entire structure of this invention is also installed inside the ice maker housing. The fixed position of the ice-making module 10 means that the ice-making module 10 is fixed inside the ice maker housing and does not participate in the flipping movement. (It should be noted that the ice maker housing is not shown in the drawing, but is an imaginary ice maker housing, which can be represented as any ice maker housing used to adapt to this invention.) Since the gear 103 and the driven gear 204 are meshed with each other, when the gear 103 rotates, it will drive the driven gear 204 to rotate. The driven gear 204 is fixed on the linkage shaft 203, which will also drive the linkage shaft 203 to rotate. Since one end of the water spray module 20 is fixed on the linkage shaft 203, when the gear 103 rotates, it will drive the water spray module 20 to rotate around the linkage shaft 203 as the central axis, thereby changing the angle of the water spray module 20. During the ice-making process, the water spray module 20 needs to be flipped and fitted under the ice-making module 10 (see reference). Figure 1 After ice making is complete, the ice needs to be removed, and the water spray module 20 needs to be flipped over to separate from the ice making module 10 (see reference). Figure 2 ); Finally, when the water spray module 20 and the ice-making module 10 are in close contact, the water sprayed by the water spray module 20 can cover and enter the ice-making cavity 101, providing good conditions for uniform ice formation and effectively improving the quality and integrity of the ice. Furthermore, the flipping mechanism, which brings the water spray module 20 and the ice-making module 10 into a sealed close proximity, prevents water from splashing onto other parts of the ice maker's housing. This significantly reduces the risk of water corrosion to electronic components and mechanical parts inside the housing, extending the equipment's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs and downtime due to component damage. Because the water doesn't splash indiscriminately, other areas inside the ice maker's housing remain relatively dry and clean, reducing the accumulation of dirt and water stains. When cleaning the equipment, only the sealed areas related to the ice-making module 10 and the water spray module 20 need to be cleaned, making cleaning easier and more efficient, saving manpower and time costs. The flipping mechanism achieves a compact, sealed fit between the water spray module 20 and the ice-making module 10, optimizing the overall structural layout of the equipment and saving internal space in the ice maker's housing. This allows the equipment to achieve efficient ice-making within a limited space, making it suitable for space-constrained locations and improving space utilization.

[0027] Preferred reference Figures 1-5 The ice-making box 100 is provided with several ice-making cavities 101, and a condensate inlet / outlet pipe 102 is connected to one end of the top of the ice-making box 100.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the condensate inlet / outlet pipe 102 is divided into two pipes: an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. Since the ice-making cavity 101 is located within the ice-making container 100, the ice-making container 100 can be understood as an evaporator. Low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the ice-making container 100: after being depressurized by a throttling device (such as an expansion valve), the refrigerant enters the ice-making container 100 in a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid or two-phase state. Heat absorption and vaporization: As the refrigerant flows within the ice-making container 100, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (heat in the ice-making cavity 101) and gradually vaporizes into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state. Gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor: The vaporized refrigerant returns to the compressor through the return gas pipe, completing the cycle. Here, the refrigerant circulates within the condensate inlet / outlet pipe 102.

[0029] Alternatively, it can be understood that an evaporator is installed inside the ice container 100, and the evaporator is attached to the back of the ice-making cavity 101 to absorb heat from the ice-making cavity 101, thereby completing the ice-making or de-icing process. Specifically, existing ice makers use a compressor to achieve the ice-making and de-icing processes.

[0030] Preferred reference Figure 6 The ice-making cavity 101 is configured with a rectangular structure. The rectangular structure makes the contact surface between the evaporator and the ice-making cavity 101 more regular, the heat transfer path is consistent, and the local temperature difference is reduced.

[0031] According to the preferred reference figure, the water spray module 20 includes a water storage tank 200. A fixing block 201 is fixedly connected to one end of the water storage tank 200. Reinforcing blocks 202 are fixed on both sides of the fixing block 201. A linkage shaft 203 passes through the fixing block 201 and the reinforcing blocks 202, and the linkage shaft 203 is fixedly connected to the fixing block 201 and the reinforcing blocks 202.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the water storage tank 200 is fixed to the linkage shaft 203 by a fixing block 201 and a reinforcing block 202. When the gear disc 103 rotates, driving the driven gear 204 to rotate, its linkage shaft 203 rotates synchronously, thereby causing the water spray module 20 to rotate at an angle. The water storage tank 200 is used to store water.

[0033] Preferred Figures 3-7 The top of the water storage tank 200 is equipped with a sealing plate 207, and a plurality of water spray heads 208 are installed on the sealing plate 207. The number of water spray heads 208 is equal to that of the ice-making cavity 101. Each water spray head 208 has a return groove 209 at both ends. The water storage tank 200 is connected to a water inlet 206 on one side. A plurality of water spray heads 208 are connected in series with a connecting pipe 210. A submersible pump 211 is installed at the tail end of the connecting pipe 210.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the sealing plate 207 is fixed to the top of the water storage tank 200 to ensure that the top of the water storage tank 200 is sealed. The submersible pump 211 is installed inside the water storage tank 200. The submersible pump 211 can draw water from the water storage tank 200 and enter the connecting pipe 210. The connecting pipe 210 then transports the water to several spray heads 208. The spray heads 208 spray water into the ice-making cavity 101 to slowly start ice making. The number of spray heads 208 is equal to the number of ice-making cavities 101. When the water spraying module 20 and the ice-making module 10 are combined, each spray head 208 corresponds to an ice-making cavity 101, and the spray heads 208 continuously spray water in the middle of the ice-making cavity 101. During the spraying process of the water nozzle 208, some water will flow back onto the surface of the sealing plate 207. The sealing plate 207 has multiple return grooves 209, which means that the water flowing back will fall back into the water storage tank 200 from the return grooves 209; forming a closed loop, avoiding water waste, and maintaining a constant water level in the water tank to ensure the stability of the ice-making process. Inlet 206 is the water inlet channel of water storage tank 200. Water that has been processed by the ice maker is pumped into inlet 206 by a water pump to replenish the water source inside water storage tank 200.

[0035] Preferred reference Figure 7The bottom surface of the water storage tank 200 is inclined, and a drain outlet 212 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 200. A solenoid valve 213 is installed at the bottom of the drain outlet 212.

[0036] The drain outlet 212 is located at the inclined end of the water storage tank 200, which can easily drain the water inside the water storage tank 200; the water naturally converges to the drain outlet 212, and the internal water is completely drained by gravity, preventing water quality deterioration (such as bacterial growth and odor) caused by long-term stagnation; the drain outlet 212 is opened or closed by activating the solenoid valve 213.

[0037] Further reference Figures 1-6 One end of the gear disk 103 is connected to a circular stepper motor 106, and the output end of the circular stepper motor 106 is fixed to the axis of the gear disk 103.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the circular stepper motor 106 is connected to any one of the geared discs 103. The circular stepper motor 106 can drive the geared disc 103 to rotate, thereby automatically controlling the water spray module 20 to rotate and make ice. It should be noted that the circular stepper motor 106 in the figure can be fixed to the ice maker box 100, or it can be fixed to the inner wall of the ice maker box. Regardless of the connection method, the circular stepper motor 106 must ensure that it drives one geared disc 103 to rotate.

[0039] Preferably, a crank 104 is fixed to one side of the gear disc 103, a hanging shaft 105 is fixed to the crank 104, and hanging posts 205 are symmetrically fixed to both ends of the water storage tank 200. Hanging springs 30 are suspended on the hanging posts 205 and the hanging shaft 105.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a hanging spring 30 is installed between the hanging shaft 105 and the hanging post 205 to assist the tilting mechanism in resetting during the de-icing process (see reference). Figure 2 Its spring 30 is in a stretched state, storing energy; while in the ice-making process (see reference) Figure 1When the spring 30 flips and resets the water spray module 20, the spring 30 gradually releases energy. The addition of the spring 30 mainly serves to buffer, dampen shocks, balance the load, and optimize power transmission. When the circular stepper motor 106 starts or stops, the rotational motion may generate impact force due to inertia. The spring 30 absorbs this energy through elastic deformation, reducing the impact on the motor, transmission components (such as gears and bearings), and plate structure, thus extending the equipment's lifespan. At the same time, it balances the load, reducing load fluctuations in the circular stepper motor 106 and preventing overload or jamming. By adjusting the initial tension of the spring 30, a preload can be applied to the rotation, eliminating transmission gaps (such as gear meshing gaps) and improving transmission accuracy and response speed. During rotation, the elastic deformation of the spring 30 smooths torque fluctuations, making the output of the circular stepper motor 106 more stable, especially suitable for scenarios requiring low speed, high torque, or frequent start-stop.

[0041] The specific implementation process of this utility model is as follows: Ice-making process: Step 1: The circular stepper motor 106 starts and controls the gear plate 103 to rotate. When the driven gear 204 rotates, its linkage shaft 203 rotates synchronously, thereby causing the water spray module 20 to rotate at an angle and approach the ice making module. Step 2: The submersible pump 211 draws water from the water storage tank 200 and enters the connecting pipe 210. The water is then transported by the connecting pipe 210 to several spray heads 208. The spray heads 208 spray water into the ice-making cavity 101 and slowly begin to make ice until the ice blocks inside the ice-making cavity 101 are formed, thus completing the ice-making process. Step 3: Start the circular stepper motor 106 again to control the water spray module 20 to flip and separate from the ice making module 10. The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor is guided into the evaporator. Through heat exchange, the surface temperature of the evaporator rises, melting the water film between the ice layer and the evaporator, thereby causing the ice inside the ice making cavity 101 to fall off.

[0042] The above embodiments are merely exemplary models of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the claims. Various modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to this utility model within its substance and scope of protection. Such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "front," "rear," "left," and "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the attached circle, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not 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, these terms indicating orientation or positional relationship should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be further noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection between components; they can also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; or they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A linkage-driven, flip-over ice-making box, characterized in that, include: Ice-making module (10), the ice-making module (10) includes an ice-making box (100); A water spray module (20) is rotatably connected to one side of an ice maker (100), and the water spray module (20) sprays water into the ice maker (100) to make ice; A flipping mechanism is set between the ice-making module (10) and the water-spraying module (20). The flipping mechanism is used to adjust the flipping angle of the water-spraying module (20). When the flipping mechanism is working, the position of the ice-making module (10) remains fixed. The flipping mechanism includes a gear plate (103), a linkage shaft (203), and a driven gear (204). The gear plate (103) is rotatably connected to both sides of the ice-making box (100). One end of the ice-making box (100) is rotatably connected to the linkage shaft (203). One end of the water-spraying module (20) is fixed on the linkage shaft (203). Driven gears (204) are installed at both ends of the linkage shaft (203). The driven gears (204) mesh with the gear plate (103).

2. The linkage-driven ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice box (100) is provided with several ice-making cavities (101), and one end of the top of the ice box (100) is connected to a condensate inlet / outlet pipe (102).

3. The linkage-driven ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ice-making cavity (101) is configured as a rectangular structure.

4. The linkage-driven ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water spray module (20) includes a water storage tank (200), a fixed block (201) is fixedly connected to one end of the water storage tank (200), and reinforcing blocks (202) are fixed on both sides of the fixed block (201). The linkage shaft (203) passes through the fixed block (201) and the reinforcing block (202), and the linkage shaft (203) is fixedly connected to the fixed block (201) and the reinforcing block (202).

5. The linkage-driven tilting ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing plate (207) is installed on the top of the water storage tank (200). Several spray nozzles (208) are installed on the sealing plate (207). The number of spray nozzles (208) is equal to the number of ice-making cavities (101). Each spray nozzle (208) has a return groove (209) at both ends. A water inlet (206) is connected to one side of the water storage tank (200). Several spray nozzles (208) are connected in series by a connecting pipe (210). A submersible pump (211) is installed at the tail end of the connecting pipe (210).

6. The linkage-driven flip-over ice maker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the water storage tank (200) is inclined, and a drain outlet (212) is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank (200). A solenoid valve (213) is installed at the bottom of the drain outlet (212).

7. A linkage-driven flip-over ice maker according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the toothed disc (103) is connected to a circular stepper motor (106), and the output end of the circular stepper motor (106) is fixed to the axis of the toothed disc (103).

8. A linkage-driven flip-over ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that: A crank (104) is fixed on one side of the gear disc (103), and a hanging shaft (105) is fixed on the crank (104). Hanging posts (205) are symmetrically fixed at both ends of the water storage tank (200), and hanging springs (30) are suspended on the hanging posts (205) and the hanging shaft (105).

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