Ice maker

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice maker includes water level monitoring device, water tank and ice making bin, and water level monitoring device has the monitoring pipe for forming the communicating vessel with water tank and the inductor device for inducting the water level in monitoring pipe and is connected with monitoring pipe, and monitoring pipe is along vertical direction to set up relative to the bottom surface of ice maker. Water tank is communicated with monitoring pipe. Form ice making cavity in the inside of ice making bin, and monitoring pipe sets up in the side of ice making bin. The top of monitoring pipe is provided with the exhaust port, and the exhaust port is communicated with ice making cavity. Through above design, the exhaust port of monitoring pipe upper end is communicated to the ice making cavity in the inside of ice making bin, and first guarantees the integrality cooperation of ice maker internal structure. Moreover, because ice making cavity space is bigger and is located in the inside of ice maker, is not easy to happen waterlogging and enters the sundries, so will not have waterlogging or other foreign matters through the exhaust port and enter the inside of monitoring pipe. The bigger space makes the air current in and out hindrance small, makes monitoring pipe can accurately show the water amount in water tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water volume monitoring technology for ice makers, and in particular to an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In some ice makers, the principle of communicating vessels is typically used to monitor the water level inside the tank. Specifically, a monitoring tube forms a communicating vessel with the water tank, so the water level in the monitoring tube represents the water level in the tank. In practical applications, air needs to be allowed to escape or enter the upper end of the monitoring tube to ensure the proper functioning of the communicating vessel. In existing technology, the top of the monitoring tube is usually connected to a drain pipe or the external space of the ice maker. However, this connection method easily allows water from the drain pipe or foreign objects from the external space to enter the vent, causing blockage. Utility Model Content

[0003] To solve the problem of blockage at the exhaust port at the top of the monitoring tube in the prior art, this utility model provides an ice maker.

[0004] This application provides an ice maker comprising a water level monitoring device, a water tank, and an ice-making chamber. The water level monitoring device has a monitoring tube for communicating with the water tank and a sensing device connected to the monitoring tube for sensing the water level inside the monitoring tube. The monitoring tube is vertically arranged relative to the bottom surface of the ice maker. The water tank is in communication with the monitoring tube. An ice-making cavity is formed inside the ice-making chamber, and the monitoring tube is disposed on the side of the ice-making chamber. An exhaust port is provided at the top of the monitoring tube, and the exhaust port is in communication with the ice-making cavity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the water level monitoring device is fixed to the side of the ice-making chamber, and a connector is provided on the side of the top end of the monitoring tube. The connector is inserted laterally into the ice-making chamber to connect the monitoring tube with the ice-making cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the ice-making chamber is covered with a foamed structure, and the water level monitoring device is at least partially embedded in the foamed structure; and / or The ice-making chamber has a fixing structure on its side, which is used to fix the water level monitoring device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connector extends into the ice-making cavity and protrudes from the inner wall of the ice-making chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the side of the ice-making chamber has a plug hole for inserting the connector, and the side of the connector has a sealing ring; or The connector is made of an elastic material, and the diameter of the connector is larger than the diameter of the insertion hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the water level monitoring device further includes a floating body disposed inside the monitoring tube, the floating body floating between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position following the liquid level inside the monitoring tube, and the sensing device is used to sense the position of the floating body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the floating body is magnetic; The sensing device includes two Hall elements, which are disposed outside the monitoring tube and close to the top and bottom of the monitoring tube, respectively, to sense the position of the floating body. When the floating body is in the first predetermined position, the floating body senses the Hall element near the bottom of the monitoring tube; when the floating body is in the second predetermined position, the floating body senses the Hall element near the top of the monitoring tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, limiting structures are provided at both the top and bottom of the monitoring tube, and the distance between the two limiting structures is consistent with the distance between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position; or The floating body is provided with limiting structures at its top and bottom along the vertical direction. The limiting structures abut against the top and bottom of the monitoring tube, respectively, to restrict the floating body between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a first reed switch and a second reed switch, both of which are vertically attached to the outside of the monitoring tube and are respectively close to the bottom and top of the monitoring tube. Along the axial direction of the monitoring tube, the floating body moves between the top end of the first reed switch and the bottom end of the second reed switch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the floating body includes a float and an annular magnet, the annular magnet being sleeved on the outside of the float, and the axis of the annular magnet coinciding with the axis of the monitoring tube.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the ice maker provided by this utility model has the following advantages: The exhaust port at the upper end of the monitoring tube connects to the ice-making chamber inside the ice-making compartment, ensuring the overall integrity and fit of the internal structure of the ice maker. Furthermore, because the ice-making chamber is large and located inside the ice maker, water accumulation and the entry of debris are less likely, preventing water or other foreign objects from entering the monitoring tube through the exhaust port. The larger space also minimizes airflow obstruction, allowing the monitoring tube to accurately display the water level in the tank. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the ice maker provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the water level monitoring device provided in this application; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the water level monitoring device provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional plan view of an embodiment of the water level monitoring device provided in this application; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0016] 100. Water level monitoring device; 11. Monitoring tube; 12. Connector; 13. Sensing device; 131. First reed switch; 132. Second reed switch; 14. Floating body; 141. Float; 142. Ring magnet; 01. Exhaust port; 02. Limiting structure; 200. Water tank; 300. Ice making chamber; 301. Ice making cavity; 302. Connector hole; 303. Fixing structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in this part is only exemplary and explanatory, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model in any way.

[0018] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0021] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 An ice maker is shown, comprising a water level monitoring device, a water tank, and an ice-making chamber. The water level monitoring device has a monitoring tube that communicates with the water tank and a sensing device connected to the monitoring tube for sensing the water level inside the monitoring tube. The monitoring tube is vertically positioned relative to the bottom surface of the ice maker. The water tank is connected to the monitoring tube, and because a communication vessel is formed between the water tank and the monitoring tube, the water level in the monitoring tube is the same as the water level in the water tank. An ice-making cavity is formed inside the ice-making chamber, and the monitoring tube is located on the side of the ice-making chamber. An exhaust port is provided at the top of the monitoring tube, and the exhaust port communicates with the ice-making cavity. It should be noted that because the water tank and the monitoring tube form a communication vessel, when the water level in the monitoring tube changes relative to the water level in the water tank, the upper end of the monitoring tube needs to expel or draw in air.

[0024] Through the above design, the exhaust port at the upper end of the monitoring tube connects to the ice-making chamber inside the ice-making compartment, ensuring the overall integrity and compatibility of the ice maker's internal structure. Furthermore, because the ice-making chamber is large and located inside the ice maker, water accumulation and the entry of debris are unlikely, preventing water or other foreign objects from entering the monitoring tube through the exhaust port. The large space also minimizes airflow obstruction, allowing the monitoring tube to accurately display the water level in the tank.

[0025] The technical details of each component will be introduced below.

[0026] In some implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the water level monitoring device is fixed to the side of the ice-making chamber. A connector is located on the side of the top of the monitoring tube, which is inserted laterally into the ice-making chamber to connect the monitoring tube to the ice-making cavity. The connector is positioned near the top of the ice-making chamber, and the vent is connected to the top of the ice-making cavity to prevent water from entering the monitoring tube. Fixing the monitoring tube to the side of the ice-making chamber allows for a more compact internal structure of the ice maker.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ice-making chamber is covered with a foamed structure, and the water level monitoring device is at least partially embedded in the foamed structure. In practical applications, the foamed structure is used to insulate the ice-making chamber, and embedding the water level monitoring device in the foamed structure can effectively cover and fix the monitoring tube, making the monitoring light less prone to swaying.

[0028] To further improve the securing effect of the water level monitoring device, a fixing structure is provided on the side of the ice-making chamber. This fixing structure can be a snap-fit ​​structure or a bolt structure, used to connect the water level monitoring device. This fixing structure can also pre-fix the water level monitoring device during the foaming structure installation process.

[0029] In some implementations, the connector extends into the ice-making chamber and protrudes from the inner wall of the ice-making compartment. This design prevents water droplets adhering to the inner wall of the ice-making chamber from sliding into the exhaust port, thereby obstructing airflow through the exhaust port.

[0030] Furthermore, the ice-making chamber has a socket hole on its side for inserting a connector, and the connector has a sealing ring on its side. Alternatively, the connector may be made of an elastic material, and its diameter may be larger than the diameter of the socket hole. This design further prevents water droplets adhering to the inner wall of the ice-making chamber from sliding into the vent.

[0031] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the water level monitoring device also includes a floating body disposed inside the monitoring tube. The floating body floats between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, following the liquid level inside the monitoring tube. A sensing device is used to sense the position of the floating body. The water volume in the water tank can be determined by sensing the position of the floating body.

[0032] Specifically, the aforementioned floating body is magnetic. Correspondingly, the sensing device includes two Hall elements, positioned outside the monitoring tube and near its top and bottom ends respectively, to sense the position of the floating body. When the floating body is in a first predetermined position, it senses the Hall element near the bottom of the monitoring tube, causing the Hall element to emit a signal indicating low water level in the tank (it should be noted that the ice maker contains electronic components that can receive signals from the sensing device, and these components can indicate the water level in the tank based on the received signals). When the floating body is in a second predetermined position, it senses the Hall element near the top of the monitoring tube, causing the Hall element to emit a signal indicating the tank is full.

[0033] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, limiting structures are provided at both the top and bottom of the monitoring tube, and the distance between the two limiting structures is consistent with the distance between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position. This design prevents the floating body from exceeding the position of the sensing device, thus avoiding unnecessary signals from the sensing device. It is understandable that if the floating body floats upwards past the sensing device at the top of the monitoring tube and then descends, the sensing device at the top of the monitoring tube will emit at least two signals, potentially causing misjudgment by the internal electronic components of the ice maker. Similarly, excessive downward movement of the floating body will also cause the aforementioned problem.

[0034] In another configuration, the floating body is equipped with limiting structures at its top and bottom along the vertical direction. These limiting structures abut against the top and bottom of the monitoring tube, respectively, to confine the floating body between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. This design also prevents the sensing device from emitting unnecessary signals.

[0035] In some implementations, please refer to Figure 5 To understand the situation, the sensing device includes a first reed switch and a second reed switch, both of which are vertically mounted on the outside of the monitoring tube, near the bottom and top of the monitoring tube, respectively. Along the axial direction of the monitoring tube, a floating body moves between the top of the first reed switch and the bottom of the second reed switch.

[0036] To make it easier to understand, let's first give a simple explanation of reed switches: For example... Figure 5 The aforementioned sensing device is a vertically arranged reed switch. When a magnetic field approaches either end of the reed switch... Figure 5 When M and N represent the two ends of the reed switch, the reed switch will close and send a signal.

[0037] Based on the principle of reed switches, if a magnetic floating body passes through both ends of the reed switch during its floating process, the reed switch will send two signals, which will interfere with the electronic components inside the ice maker. Through the above design, the floating body will only be induced at one end of a reed switch during its floating process, thus avoiding interference from extra signals to the electronic components inside the ice maker.

[0038] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the floating body includes a float and a ring magnet. The ring magnet is fitted around the outside of the float, and its axis coincides with the axis of the monitoring tube. The monitoring tube is typically cylindrical, allowing the ring magnet to slide easily along it. Furthermore, the magnetic field on the curved surface of the ring magnet is uniform and has no blind spots (360°), ensuring that the floating body triggers a signal from the sensing device.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0041] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The water level monitoring device (100) has a monitoring tube (11) for forming a communication with a water tank (200) and a sensing device (13) connected to the monitoring tube (11) for sensing the water level inside the monitoring tube (11), wherein the monitoring tube (11) is arranged vertically relative to the bottom surface of the ice maker; A water tank (200) is connected to the monitoring pipe (11); An ice-making chamber (300) has an ice-making cavity (301) inside, and the monitoring tube (11) is located on the side of the ice-making chamber (300); The top end of the monitoring tube (11) is provided with an exhaust port (01), which is connected to the ice-making chamber (301).

2. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level monitoring device (100) is fixed to the side of the ice-making chamber (300). A connector (12) is provided on the side of the top end of the monitoring tube (11). The connector (12) is inserted laterally into the ice-making chamber (300) to connect the monitoring tube (11) with the ice-making cavity (301).

3. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making chamber (300) is covered with a foamed structure, and the water level monitoring device (100) is at least partially embedded in the foamed structure; and / or The ice-making chamber (300) has a fixing structure (303) on its side, which is used to fix the water level monitoring device (100).

4. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (12) is inserted into the ice-making cavity (301) and protrudes from the inner wall of the ice-making chamber (300).

5. The ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making chamber (300) has a plug hole (302) on its side for inserting the plug (12), and the plug (12) has a sealing ring on its side; or The connector (12) is made of an elastic material, and the diameter of the connector (12) is larger than the diameter of the plug hole (302).

6. The ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level monitoring device (100) also includes a floating body (14) disposed inside the monitoring tube (11). The floating body (14) floats between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position following the liquid level inside the monitoring tube (11). The sensing device (13) is used to sense the position of the floating body (14).

7. The ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The floating body (14) is magnetic; The sensing device (13) includes two Hall elements, which are disposed outside the monitoring tube (11) and close to the top and bottom of the monitoring tube (11) respectively, to sense the position of the floating body (14); When the floating body (14) is in the first predetermined position, the floating body (14) senses the Hall element near the bottom of the monitoring tube (11). When the floating body (14) is in the second predetermined position, the floating body (14) senses the Hall element near the top of the monitoring tube (11).

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The monitoring tube (11) is provided with limiting structures (02) at both its top and bottom ends, and the distance between the two limiting structures (02) is consistent with the distance between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position; or The floating body (14) is provided with limiting structures (02) at the top and bottom in the vertical direction. The limiting structures (02) abut against the top and bottom of the monitoring tube (11) respectively, so as to restrict the floating body (14) between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

9. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sensing device (13) includes a first reed switch (131) and a second reed switch (132). The first reed switch (131) and the second reed switch (132) are both vertically attached to the outside of the monitoring tube (11) and are respectively close to the bottom and top of the monitoring tube (11). Along the axial direction of the monitoring tube (11), the floating body (14) moves between the top end of the first reed switch (131) and the bottom end of the second reed switch (132).

10. The ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, The floating body (14) includes a float (141) and an annular magnet (142). The annular magnet (142) is sleeved on the outside of the float (141), and the axis of the annular magnet (142) coincides with the axis of the monitoring tube (11).

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