A molded even ice maker evaporator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ice maker, propose a kind of ice maker evaporator of uniform forming, including at least two evaporator main body, each evaporator main body is equipped with the ice making cavity for forming ice block and the heat exchange runner for the refrigerant flow, at least two evaporator main body between refrigerant input connector is equipped, refrigerant input connector one end is connected with more than two refrigerant shunt pipe that is left and right symmetrical distribution, each refrigerant shunt pipe is connected with the heat exchange runner input end of corresponding evaporator main body, refrigerant is evenly transported to each evaporator main body by refrigerant input connector and each refrigerant shunt pipe when ice making, to make each ice making cavity synchronous refrigeration, and the ice block of each ice making cavity is uniformly formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of ice makers, specifically to an ice maker evaporator with uniform molding. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of ice-making equipment, using multiple evaporators operating in parallel is a common technical solution to increase the output of ice made per cycle. However, in a system with multiple evaporators in parallel, uneven refrigerant distribution can lead to differences in the heat exchange conditions of each evaporator. This imbalance will ultimately be reflected in the ice formation, resulting in ice produced by different ice-making chambers being uneven in size, density, and even transparency, seriously affecting product quality and user experience.

[0003] Therefore, further improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention proposes a uniformly shaped evaporator for an ice maker. By setting a refrigerant input connector between at least two evaporator bodies, and connecting one end of the refrigerant input connector to two or more refrigerant distribution pipes symmetrically distributed from left to right, with each refrigerant distribution pipe corresponding to the heat exchange channel input end of the evaporator body, the refrigerant can be evenly delivered to each heat exchange channel through the refrigerant input connector and the symmetrical refrigerant distribution pipes before entering each evaporator body.

[0005] An ice maker evaporator designed for this purpose includes at least two evaporator bodies. Each evaporator body is provided with an ice-making chamber for forming ice cubes and a heat exchange channel for supplying refrigerant. A refrigerant inlet connector is provided between the at least two evaporator bodies. One end of the refrigerant inlet connector is connected to two or more refrigerant distribution pipes that are symmetrically distributed from left to right. Each refrigerant distribution pipe is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange channel of the corresponding evaporator body. During ice making, the refrigerant is evenly transported to each evaporator body through the refrigerant inlet connector and each refrigerant distribution pipe.

[0006] At least two evaporator bodies are also provided with a de-icing input connector. One end of the de-icing input connector is connected to two or more de-icing diversion pipes that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each de-icing diversion pipe is connected to the heat exchange flow channel input end of the corresponding evaporator body. During de-icing, the high-temperature refrigerant is evenly transported to each evaporator body through the de-icing input connector and the de-icing diversion pipe.

[0007] Each evaporator body heat exchange channel inlet end is equipped with a connector for simultaneously connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe and the de-icing distribution pipe.

[0008] At least two evaporator bodies are also provided with a return gas connector. One end of the return gas connector is connected to two or more return gas diversion pipes that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each return gas diversion pipe is connected to the heat exchange flow channel output end of the corresponding evaporator body, so that the gaseous refrigerant output by each evaporator body converges in the return gas connector through the return gas diversion pipe to balance the return gas pressure of each evaporator body.

[0009] The de-icing inlet connector, refrigerant inlet connector, and return gas connector, along with their respective branch pipes, are arranged vertically at intervals along the height of each evaporator body.

[0010] Each evaporator body includes a cover and an ice mold inside it; the ice-making cavity is located inside the ice mold, and the outer periphery of the cover is provided with raised ribs that are spaced vertically and continuously arranged. Each raised rib and the ice mold form a heat exchange channel for the refrigerant to flow layer by layer from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

[0011] The ice mold is provided with vent holes for assisting in ice removal. The vent holes extend through the top of the ice-making cavity, and the cover is provided with anti-air grooves corresponding to the vent holes.

[0012] The cover and the ice mold are sealed and fixed together by welding.

[0013] The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator also includes an ice grid base for supporting each evaporator body.

[0014] The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator also includes a base module that can be opened and closed on the ice outlet of the ice-making chamber. The base module includes a base and a spray pipe. The spray pipe is fixedly connected to the base, and each ice-making chamber is equipped with a spray head for spraying liquid.

[0015] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows: By installing a refrigerant inlet connector between at least two evaporator bodies, with one end of the connector connected to two or more symmetrically distributed refrigerant distribution pipes, and each distribution pipe connected to the heat exchange channel inlet of the evaporator body, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to each heat exchange channel via the inlet connector and the symmetrical distribution pipes before entering each evaporator body. This directly solves the problem of uneven refrigerant distribution when multiple evaporator bodies are connected in parallel, ensuring that the amount of refrigerant in the heat exchange channels of each evaporator body is approximately the same, and the heat exchange conditions are roughly the same. This allows each ice-making chamber to cool synchronously, ultimately ensuring that the ice blocks produced by each ice-making chamber are approximately the same in size, density, and transparency (which can be understood as the ice blocks formed by each evaporator body being of the same size). Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the main evaporator component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the assembly structure of the evaporator body and the ice grid seat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an assembly and disassembly diagram of the base module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the main evaporator component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly and disassembly of the ice mold and the cover body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the ice mold and the cover body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] See Figures 1-6 An ice maker evaporator with uniform ice formation includes at least two evaporator bodies 1. Each evaporator body 1 is provided with an ice-making cavity 101 for forming ice cubes and a heat exchange channel 102 for supplying refrigerant. A refrigerant inlet connector 2 is provided between the at least two evaporator bodies 1. One end of the refrigerant inlet connector 2 is connected to two or more refrigerant distribution pipes 3 that are symmetrically distributed from left to right. Each refrigerant distribution pipe 3 is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange channel 102 of the corresponding evaporator body 1. During ice making, the refrigerant is uniformly transported to each evaporator body 1 through the refrigerant inlet connector 2 and each refrigerant distribution pipe 3 so that each ice-making cavity 101 cools synchronously and the ice cubes in each ice-making cavity 101 are uniformly formed.

[0024] By setting a refrigerant inlet connector 2 between at least two evaporator bodies 1, and connecting one end of the refrigerant inlet connector 2 to two or more symmetrically distributed refrigerant distribution pipes 3, with each refrigerant distribution pipe 3 corresponding to the inlet end of the heat exchange channel 102 of the evaporator body 1, the refrigerant can be evenly delivered to each heat exchange channel 102 via the refrigerant inlet connector 2 and the symmetrical refrigerant distribution pipes 3 before entering each evaporator body 1. This directly solves the problem of uneven refrigerant distribution when multiple evaporator bodies are connected in parallel, ensuring that the amount of refrigerant in the heat exchange channel 102 of each evaporator body 1 is approximately the same and the heat exchange conditions are approximately the same, thereby allowing each ice-making chamber 101 to cool synchronously, ultimately ensuring that the ice blocks produced by each ice-making chamber 101 are approximately the same in size, density, and transparency (which can be understood as the ice blocks formed by each evaporator body 1 being of the same size), effectively improving the quality of ice-making products and the user experience.

[0025] At least two evaporator bodies 1 are also provided with a de-icing input connector 4. One end of the de-icing input connector 4 is connected to two or more de-icing diversion pipes 5 that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each de-icing diversion pipe 5 is connected to the input end of the heat exchange channel 102 of the corresponding evaporator body 1. When de-icing, the high-temperature refrigerant is evenly transported to each evaporator body 1 through the de-icing input connector 4 and the de-icing diversion pipe 5 to ensure that each evaporator body 1 is heated evenly when de-icing.

[0026] Each evaporator body 1 has a connector 9 on its heat exchange channel 102 input end for simultaneously connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe 3 and the de-icing distribution pipe 5.

[0027] A connector 9 is provided at the input end of the heat exchange channel 102 of each evaporator body 1, so that it can connect to both the refrigerant distribution pipe 3 and the de-icing distribution pipe 5 at the same time, without having to open separate interfaces at the input end of the heat exchange channel 102 for the ice making and de-icing functions.

[0028] At least two evaporator bodies 1 are also provided with a return gas connector 6. One end of the return gas connector 6 is connected to two or more return gas diversion pipes 7 that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each return gas diversion pipe 7 is connected to the output end of the heat exchange channel 102 of the corresponding evaporator body 1, so that the gaseous refrigerant output by each evaporator body 1 converges in the return gas connector 6 through the return gas diversion pipe 7, so as to balance the return gas pressure of each evaporator body 1.

[0029] Each connector and its two symmetrical branch pipes form a Y-shape, and the two symmetrical branch pipes form a C-shape, V-shape, or U-shape.

[0030] By installing a return gas connector 6 between at least two evaporator bodies 1 and two or more symmetrically distributed return gas distribution pipes 7, each of which connects to the output end of the heat exchange channel 102 of the evaporator body 1, the gaseous refrigerant output after heat exchange by each evaporator body 1 can converge to the return gas connector 6 via the corresponding return gas distribution pipe 7. This design can balance the return gas pressure of each evaporator body 1, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant flow velocity and heat exchange efficiency within each evaporator body 1 are always approximately the same.

[0031] The de-icing input connector 4, refrigerant input connector 2, and return gas connector 6, along with their respective branch pipes, are arranged vertically at intervals along the height of each evaporator body 1.

[0032] Each connector and branch pipe is spatially independent, avoiding mutual interference during installation. It makes full use of the space in the height direction of the evaporator body 1, avoids excessive lateral dimensions of the components, and makes the entire evaporator body component structure more compact.

[0033] Each evaporator body 1 includes a cover 104 and an ice mold 103 disposed inside it; an ice-making cavity 101 is disposed inside the ice mold 103, and the outer periphery of the cover 104 is provided with raised ribs 105 that are spaced vertically and continuously wound around it. Each raised rib 105 and the ice mold 103 form a heat exchange channel 102 for the refrigerant to flow layer by layer from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

[0034] Each evaporator body 1 is manufactured using the same process to ensure that each evaporator body 1 has the same structure, shape, and roughly the same manufacturing dimensions (with minor manufacturing errors).

[0035] The layered heat exchange channel 102 can increase the contact area and contact time between the refrigerant and the ice mold 103, thus greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0036] The ice mold 103 is provided with a vent hole 106 for assisting in ice removal. The vent hole 106 passes through the top of the ice-making cavity 101. The cover 104 is provided with a clearance groove 107 corresponding to the vent hole 106.

[0037] During de-icing, the vent 106 allows outside air to enter the top of the ice-making chamber 101, breaking the negative pressure state inside the ice-making chamber 101 and preventing ice from sticking to the wall of the ice-making chamber 101 due to negative pressure. This effectively assists the ice in falling off smoothly and improves the de-icing efficiency.

[0038] The cover 104 and the ice mold 103 are sealed and fixed by welding.

[0039] The cover 104 and the ice mold 103 are sealed and fixed by welding, which can form a tight sealing structure at the connection surface of the two, completely preventing the refrigerant from leaking from the connection between the cover 104 and the ice mold 103, ensuring that all the refrigerant flows in the heat exchange channel 102, and ensuring that the heat exchange efficiency is not lost.

[0040] The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator also includes an ice grid seat 10 for supporting each evaporator body 1.

[0041] The ice mold 103 and the cover 104 can be made of aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. The ice mold 103 can be cube, cuboid, round, or other irregular shapes (e.g., egg shape, flower bud shape, etc.).

[0042] The evaporator body 1 is composed of an ice mold 103 (made of stainless steel), a cover 104 (made of stainless steel, using a water expansion process), and copper tubes laser welded together. (Advantage: The ice mold is separated from the ice block by a layer of metal wall, resulting in better cold energy transfer efficiency.)

[0043] The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator also includes a base module 8 that is movably opened and closed on the ice outlet of the ice making chamber 101. The base module 8 includes a base 801 and a spray pipe 802. The spray pipe 802 is fixedly connected to the base 801. Each ice making chamber 101 is provided with a spray head 803 for spraying liquid.

[0044] The spray pipe 802 is fixed to the base 801 by screws or welding.

[0045] The base module 8 can be hinged to the ice tray base 10, and then connected to the rotating shaft via a motor drive, so that the base module 8 can be moved and opened / closed on the ice tray base 10 to open and close the ice outlet of the ice-making chamber 101. Alternatively, the base module 8 can be moved and opened / closed on the ice tray base 10 by lifting up and down.

[0046] During the ice-making stage, the base 801 of the base module 8 closes, shutting off the ice outlet of the ice-making chamber 101; the spray head 803 of the spray pipe 802 sprays liquid evenly into each ice-making chamber 101. Subsequently, the refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet connector 2, and after being distributed by the refrigerant inlet connector 2, it enters the heat exchange channel 102 of each evaporator body 1 through the left and right symmetrical refrigerant diversion pipes 3; the refrigerant flows layer by layer in the heat exchange channel 102 along the channel formed by the rib 105 and the ice mold 103, exchanging heat with the liquid in the ice mold 103, causing the liquid to gradually condense into ice; the refrigerant after heat exchange becomes gaseous, and converges to the return gas connector 6 through the return gas diversion pipe 7 at the output end of the heat exchange channel 102 of each evaporator body 1, and finally flows back to the ice-making system.

[0047] During the de-icing stage, high-temperature refrigerant enters the de-icing inlet connector 4, and after being distributed by the de-icing inlet connector 4, it enters the heat exchange channels 102 of each evaporator body 1 through the symmetrical de-icing diversion pipes 5, heating the ice mold 103 and causing the ice to separate from the ice mold 103. At the same time, air is introduced through the vent holes 106 of the ice mold 103 to break the negative pressure in the ice-making chamber 101 and assist the ice to fall off. Subsequently, the base 801 of the base module 8 opens, and the ice is discharged from the ice outlet of the ice-making chamber 101, completing one ice-making-de-icing cycle. Throughout the process, the ice grid seat 10 always supports the evaporator body 1, ensuring the relative position stability of each component.

[0048] For details on the refrigerant flow path during ice making and de-icing, please refer to the small ice maker disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 201410069359.4. In de-icing mode, a small amount of refrigerant will still flow along the original path (condenser → capillary tube). However, due to the high resistance of the capillary tube and the low resistance of the solenoid valve passage, most of the high-temperature refrigerant will flow through the solenoid valve into the evaporator body, thereby achieving rapid and efficient de-icing.

[0049] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator, comprising at least two evaporator bodies (1), each evaporator body (1) having an ice-making chamber (101) for forming ice blocks and a heat exchange channel (102) for supplying refrigerant flow, characterized in that: At least two evaporator bodies (1) are provided with a refrigerant inlet connector (2). One end of the refrigerant inlet connector (2) is connected to two or more refrigerant distribution pipes (3) that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each refrigerant distribution pipe (3) is connected to the heat exchange channel (102) inlet of the corresponding evaporator body (1). When making ice, the refrigerant is evenly transported to each evaporator body (1) through the refrigerant inlet connector (2) and each refrigerant distribution pipe (3).

2. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two evaporator bodies (1) are provided with a de-icing input connector (4). One end of the de-icing input connector (4) is connected to two or more de-icing diversion pipes (5) that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each de-icing diversion pipe (5) is connected to the input end of the heat exchange channel (102) of the corresponding evaporator body (1). When the high-temperature refrigerant is de-iced, it is evenly transported to each evaporator body (1) through the de-icing input connector (4) and the de-icing diversion pipe (5).

3. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each evaporator body (1) has a connector (9) on its heat exchange channel (102) input end for simultaneously connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe (3) and the de-icing distribution pipe (5).

4. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least two evaporator bodies (1) are provided with a return gas connector (6). One end of the return gas connector (6) is connected to two or more return gas diversion pipes (7) that are symmetrically distributed on the left and right. Each return gas diversion pipe (7) is connected to the output end of the heat exchange channel (102) of the corresponding evaporator body (1) so that the gaseous refrigerant output by each evaporator body (1) converges in the return gas connector (6) through the return gas diversion pipe (7) to balance the return gas pressure of each evaporator body (1).

5. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The de-icing input connector (4), refrigerant input connector (2), and return gas connector (6), as well as their respective branch pipes, are arranged vertically at intervals along the height direction of each evaporator body (1).

6. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each evaporator body (1) includes a cover (104) and an ice mold (103) disposed inside it; the ice-making chamber (101) is disposed inside the ice mold (103), and the outer periphery of the cover (104) is provided with raised ribs (105) that are spaced vertically and continuously wound around it, and each raised rib (105) and the ice mold (103) form a heat exchange channel (102) for the refrigerant to flow layer by layer from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

7. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ice mold (103) is provided with a vent hole (106) for assisting in de-icing. The vent hole (106) passes through the top of the ice-making cavity (101). The cover (104) is provided with a clearance groove (107) corresponding to the vent hole (106).

8. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cover (104) and the ice mold (103) are sealed and fixed by welding.

9. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes ice grid seats (10) for supporting each evaporator body (1).

10. The uniformly shaped ice maker evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a base module (8) that can be opened and closed on the ice outlet of the ice-making chamber (101). The base module (8) includes a base (801) and a spray pipe (802). The spray pipe (802) is fixedly connected to the base (801). Each ice-making chamber (101) is provided with a spray head (803) for spraying liquid.

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