A detection structure for a sprinkler ice maker and the sprinkler ice maker.

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of ice makers, proposing a detection structure for a spray-irrigation ice maker and the ice maker itself. The detection structure includes a rocker arm rotatably mounted inside the machine body and located below the evaporator body, which has an open / closed state. When the evaporator body is in the closed state for ice making, the rocker arm is in a first working position, guiding the liquid in the evaporator body to slide down the rocker arm. When the evaporator body is in the open state for ice dispensing, the ice blocks fall onto the rocker arm, triggering the rocker arm to rotate and switch to a second working position. The rocker arm buffers and guides the falling ice blocks. The detection structure of the spray-irrigation ice maker achieves an integrated function of guiding and buffering through the rotatable rocker arm. When the evaporator body is in the closed state for ice making, the rocker arm, in the first working position, guides the liquid to slide down the rocker arm, preventing liquid from dripping towards the formed ice blocks, thereby effectively preventing the ice blocks from melting too quickly and ensuring the transparency and quality of the ice blocks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of ice makers, specifically to a detection structure for a spray irrigation ice maker and the spray irrigation ice maker itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, ice makers used to make large blocks or spherical ice generally lack an effective integrated structure for drainage and buffering, revealing two significant defects in actual use: First, water flowing from the evaporator is directly sprayed onto the surface of the formed ice blocks, which not only accelerates the melting of the ice blocks and reduces the yield of the finished product, but also seriously affects the transparency and quality of the ice blocks; Second, after the formed ice blocks are demolded, they fall directly into the storage refrigerator. Due to the large volume and weight of the large ice blocks, the huge impact can easily cause the bottom of the ice blocks to bump or break, resulting in incomplete forming and uneven appearance, which seriously affects the aesthetics of the product and the user experience.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, some improvements have been made in the existing technology, but they still suffer from limitations such as limited functionality and failure to systematically solve the problem. For example, Chinese Patent No. CN202420763472.1 discloses an ice hockey maker that improves transparency through circulating water injection. While it improves water distribution through the drainage structure described in paragraphs 0043-0044 of the specification, it does not address the cushioning protection when ice blocks fall, thus failing to prevent ice block deformation upon impact. Another Chinese Patent No. CN202023101110.7 proposes an ice maker with a high-efficiency evaporator. Paragraphs 0024 and 0026 describe a structure that buffers and tumbles ice blocks before they fall into the box. Although this can mitigate impact, it lacks a drainage function and therefore cannot simultaneously prevent water-induced melting and impact damage. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model proposes a detection structure for a spray-irrigation ice maker and the spray-irrigation ice maker itself. The detection structure of the spray-irrigation ice maker integrates the functions of diversion and buffering through a rotating rocker. When the evaporator body is in the mold-making stage, the rocker is in the first working position, guiding the liquid to slide down along the rocker and preventing the liquid from dripping towards the direction of the formed ice block. This effectively prevents the ice block from melting too quickly and ensures the transparency and quality of the ice block.

[0005] A detection structure for a sprinkler ice maker designed for this purpose includes a rocker arm that is rotatably mounted inside the machine body and located below the evaporator body, the evaporator body having an open / closed mold state; When the evaporator body is in the mold-making stage, the rocker plate is in the first working position and guides the liquid in the evaporator body to slide down along the rocker plate; When the evaporator body opens the mold and dispenses ice, the ice blocks in the evaporator body fall onto the rocker and trigger the rocker to rotate and switch to the second working position. The rocker buffers and guides the falling ice blocks.

[0006] The rocker has two rocker sections with different weights: a first rocker section and a second rocker section. When the ice block falls off the rocker, the rocker automatically returns to the first working position from the second working position under its own gravity.

[0007] The rocker arm is provided with a rotating shaft that is rotatably connected to the inside of the machine body. The rocker arm is provided with two rocker arm parts and a second rocker arm part with different weights along the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0008] The rocker is equipped with a reset elastic element. When the ice block falls and detaches from the rocker, the rocker is elastically reset from the second working position to the first working position through the reset elastic element.

[0009] The detection structure of the spray ice maker also includes a detector installed inside the machine body and electrically connected to the machine body's computer board, and a trigger installed on the rocker; the trigger triggers the detector in the corresponding working position to detect the working position of the rocker.

[0010] A sprinkler ice maker includes a body, wherein the body is provided with the detection structure of the sprinkler ice maker described above.

[0011] The machine body is provided with a drainage channel, and a rocker plate is set above the water inlet end of the drainage channel. The rocker plate is used to receive and guide the liquid flowing out of the evaporator body, and the liquid slides down the rocker plate and flows into the drainage channel.

[0012] The machine body is equipped with an ice basket for receiving ice blocks. The ice basket is located below the rocker arm, and a drainage channel is formed between the outer side of the ice basket and the inside of the machine body to cooperate with the rocker arm. When the evaporator body opens the mold to dispense ice, the rocker plate rotates toward the ice basket as the ice blocks fall, guiding the ice blocks to slide into the ice basket.

[0013] One end of the rocker extends above the ice basket and covers the water drop position of the evaporator body, so as to form a water-blocking part on the rocker to prevent liquid from dripping into the ice basket.

[0014] The machine body is provided with a water receiving chamber located below the ice basket. The water outlet of the drainage channel is connected to the water receiving chamber. The bottom wall of the ice basket is provided with a drain hole that is connected to the water receiving chamber.

[0015] The inner bottom wall of the ice basket includes a flat portion and an inclined portion connected to the flat portion, with drainage holes provided on the flat portion.

[0016] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows: The detection structure of the sprinkler ice maker integrates flow guidance and buffering through a rotating rocker. When the evaporator body is in the mold-making stage, the rocker, in its first working position, guides the liquid to slide down, preventing it from dripping towards the formed ice block. This effectively prevents the ice from melting too quickly, ensuring the transparency and quality of the ice. When the evaporator body opens and ice is dispensed, the ice block falls onto the rocker and triggers its rotation to the second working position. The rocker buffers and guides the falling ice, reducing direct impact between the ice and subsequent components, preventing breakage and ensuring the ice is formed intact. As the ice falls, it rests on the rocker, which further cushions its descent. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of a sprinkler ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the rocker arm in the first working position.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional structural diagram of a spray irrigation ice maker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the rocker arm in the second working position.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator body in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the liquid sliding down the rocker plate during the ice-making process.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator body in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing ice blocks sliding down the rocker plate during the ice discharge process.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator body in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing ice blocks sliding down the rocker plate onto the ice basket during the ice discharge process.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rocker in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rocker in the first embodiment of this utility model from another angle.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rocker in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the assembly structure of the rocker, the reset elastic element, and the trigger element in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the reset elastic element and the rocker plate in the second embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] First embodiment: See Figures 1-7 A detection structure for a spray ice maker includes a rocker plate 2 that is rotatably disposed inside the machine body 1 and located below the evaporator body 3, wherein the evaporator body 3 has an open / closed state. When the evaporator body 3 is in the mold-making stage, the rocker plate 2 is in the first working position and guides the liquid in the evaporator body 3 to slide down along the rocker plate 2. When the evaporator body 3 opens the mold and dispenses ice, the ice block 5 of the evaporator body 3 falls onto the rocker plate 2 and triggers the rocker plate 2 to rotate and switch to the second working position. The rocker plate 2 buffers and guides the falling ice block 5.

[0029] The detection structure of the spray ice maker integrates the functions of guiding and buffering through a rotating rocker plate 2. When the evaporator body 3 is in the mold-making stage, the rocker plate 2 is in the first working position, guiding the liquid to slide down along the rocker plate 2 and preventing the liquid from dripping towards the formed ice block 5, thereby effectively preventing the ice block 5 from melting too quickly and ensuring the transparency and quality of the ice block 5. When the evaporator body 3 opens the mold and dispenses ice, the ice block 5 falls onto the rocker plate 2 and triggers its rotation to the second working position. The rocker plate 2 acts as a buffer and guide for the falling ice block 5, reducing the direct impact between the ice block 5 and subsequent components, preventing the ice block 5 from breaking and ensuring the integrity of the ice block 5. When the ice block 5 falls, it falls onto the rocker plate 2, which acts as a buffer for the falling ice block 5.

[0030] The rocker 2 is provided with two rocker sections 202 and 203 of different weights. When the ice block 5 falls off the rocker 2, the rocker 2 automatically resets from the second working position to the first working position under its own gravity. This reset method does not rely on the elastic structure, which simplifies the structural design, reduces the risk of failure caused by the aging of the elastic components, and ensures that the rocker 2 can stably cycle to realize the functions of diversion and buffering, and ensures the continuity of ice-prevention during the ice-making process.

[0031] The rocker arm 2 is provided with a rotating shaft 201 that is rotatably connected to the inside of the body 1. Along the axis of the rotating shaft 201, the rocker arm 2 has two rocker arm sections 202 and 203 with different weights. The heavier side of the rocker arm is thicker, or reinforcing ribs are added to increase its weight. This divides the rocker arm 2 into two different weight zones.

[0032] The pivot 201 provides stable support for the rotation of the rocker 2, ensuring smooth rotation when it receives the impact of the ice block 5. Combined with the weight difference between the two rocker sections, the rocker 2 can accurately reset after the ice block 5 is released, without the need for additional drive components. This achieves reliable switching between drainage and buffering states, ensuring effective guidance of the liquid and buffering protection of the ice block 5.

[0033] The detection structure of the spray ice maker also includes a detector 7 installed inside the machine body 1 and electrically connected to the computer board of the machine body 1, and a trigger 204 installed on the rocker 2; the trigger 204 triggers the detector 7 in the corresponding working position to detect the working position of the rocker 2.

[0034] The detector 7 works in conjunction with the trigger 204 on the rocker 2. The trigger 204 triggers the detector 7 at the corresponding working position of the rocker 2, which can accurately detect the working position of the rocker 2. When the rocker 2 rotates from the first working position to the second working position, the trigger 204 triggers the detector 7 to generate a signal, realizing ice falling detection and helping to determine whether the ice block 5 has fallen from the evaporator body 3.

[0035] The detector 7 is a micro switch and the trigger 204 is a paddle fixed on the rotating shaft 201. Alternatively, the detector 7 is a proximity switch and the trigger 204 is a magnet fixed on the rotating shaft 201.

[0036] A sprinkler ice maker includes a body 1, wherein the body 1 is provided with the detection structure of the sprinkler ice maker described above.

[0037] Because it incorporates the detection structure described above, the sprinkler ice maker integrates flow guidance, buffering, and ice-fall detection functions. During ice making, the rocker arm 2 guides the liquid flowing from the evaporator body 3, preventing liquid from dripping onto the ice and causing it to melt. When dispensing ice, the rocker arm 2 buffers the impact of the falling ice block 5, preventing it from breaking. The detector 7 and the trigger element 204 work together to detect ice falling. Compared to existing single-function ice makers, it can simultaneously solve the problems of melting and breakage, and its operation is more intelligent, significantly improving the user experience and ice quality.

[0038] The evaporator body 3 mainly includes a shell 304 and an inner liner 302 located inside the shell 304. The inner liner 302 has an ice-making chamber. A pipe for refrigerant flow is provided between the shell 304 and the inner liner 302. When the refrigerant flows, it cools the ice-making chamber. The opening of the ice-making chamber faces downwards from the evaporator body 3. The evaporator body 3 also includes a flap assembly 303 rotatably connected to the shell 304. The flap assembly 303 includes a flap hinged to the lower part of the shell 304 and a water collection box fixedly connected to the flap. One side of the water collection box is open to form a water drop position 301 for the evaporator body 3 during the ice-making process. A spray pipe for spraying liquid into the ice-making chamber is provided between the flap and the water collection box. A clearance is provided on the flap corresponding to the spray point of the spray pipe. When spraying, some liquid will drip down along the clearance onto the water collection box, and the liquid drips from the water collection box onto the lower rocker plate 2.

[0039] When the seesaw 2 is in the first working position, it tilts upward. When the ice block 5 falls onto the seesaw 2, the seesaw 2 tilts downward, and the ice block 5 slides down the seesaw 2 into the ice basket 6.

[0040] The body 1 is provided with a drainage channel 4, and the rocker plate 2 is set above the water inlet end of the drainage channel 4. The rocker plate 2 is used to receive and guide the liquid flowing out of the evaporator body 3, and the liquid slides down the rocker plate 2 and flows into the drainage channel 4.

[0041] The drainage channel 4 inside the unit 1 works in conjunction with the rocker arm 2. The rocker arm 2 receives the liquid flowing out of the evaporator body 3 and guides it into the drainage channel 4, preventing the liquid from overflowing into the interior of the unit 1. This design allows the liquid produced during the ice-making process to be discharged quickly, preventing the liquid from lingering inside the unit 1 and coming into contact with the ice blocks 5, further enhancing the anti-melting effect.

[0042] The machine body 1 is provided with an ice basket 6 for receiving ice blocks 5. The ice basket 6 is located below the rocker 2, and a drainage channel 4 is formed between the outer side of the ice basket 6 and the inside of the machine body 1 to cooperate with the rocker 2. When the evaporator body 3 opens the mold to dispense ice, the rocker plate 2 rotates toward the ice basket 6 as the ice block 5 falls, so as to guide the ice block 5 to slide into the ice basket 6.

[0043] The ice basket 6 is positioned below the rocker arm 2, with its outer side forming a drainage channel 4 with the interior of the unit 1. When the evaporator body 3 opens to dispense ice, the rocker arm 2 rotates towards the ice basket 6 as the ice block 5 falls, guiding the ice block 5 to slide into the ice basket 6. The rotation of the rocker arm 2 provides a buffer for the ice block 5, preventing it from falling directly into the ice basket 6 and causing damage. At the same time, the liquid guided by the rocker arm 2 flows into the drainage channel 4, preventing liquid from entering the ice basket 6 and contacting the ice block 5, thus achieving the dual requirements of buffering to prevent breakage and drainage to prevent melting.

[0044] One end of the rocker 2 extends above the ice basket 6 and covers the water drop position 301 of the evaporator body 3, so as to form a water-blocking part on the rocker 2 to prevent liquid from dripping into the ice basket 6.

[0045] The water-blocking section formed by the extension of one end of the rocker arm 2 covers the water drop position 301 of the evaporator body 3, which can directly block the liquid flowing out from the water drop position 301 during the ice-making process, preventing the liquid from dripping over the rocker arm 2 into the ice basket 6 below. This design further optimizes the drainage and anti-melting effect, preventing the ice blocks 5 stored in the ice basket 6 from melting faster due to liquid spillage, and ensuring the quality and integrity of the ice blocks 5 during the storage stage.

[0046] The body 1 is provided with a water receiving cavity 8, which is located below the ice basket 6. The water outlet of the drainage channel 4 is connected to the water receiving cavity 8. The bottom wall of the ice basket 6 is provided with a drain hole 601 that is connected to the water receiving cavity 8.

[0047] The water receiving cavity 8 is located below the ice basket 6. The outlet of the drainage channel 4 is connected to the water receiving cavity 8, and the drain hole 601 on the bottom wall of the ice basket 6 is also connected to the water receiving cavity 8. The liquid guided by the drainage channel 4 and the water accumulated in the ice basket 6 can flow into the water receiving cavity 8 through their respective paths, preventing liquid from accumulating in the ice basket 6 or at the bottom of the body 1. This further prevents water from contacting the ice block 5 and causing it to melt.

[0048] The inner bottom wall of the ice basket 6 includes a flat part and an inclined part connected to the flat part, and a drainage hole 601 is provided on the flat part.

[0049] The sloping surface helps guide the ice cubes 5 to be distributed reasonably within the ice basket 6, preventing them from piling up and being squeezed. The drainage holes 601 on the flat surface can efficiently drain water from the ice basket 6, preventing water from lingering in the ice basket 6 and coming into contact with the ice cubes 5, thereby preventing the ice cubes 5 from melting due to water immersion and ensuring the quality and appearance of the ice cubes 5 during storage.

[0050] The sloping surface prevents ice blocks 5 from sliding into the ice basket 6 and remaining in a fixed position, thus avoiding collisions between ice blocks 5 in the ice basket 6 and those sliding down the seesaw 2. When ice blocks 5 slide into the ice basket 6, the sloping surface uses gravity to naturally guide them towards the lower side, aiding in directional aggregation. The sloping structure guides scattered ice blocks 5 towards a specific direction or area, resulting in more orderly placement of ice blocks 5 within the ice basket 6.

[0051] The sloping bottom facilitates drainage: If a small amount of water accumulates in the ice basket 6 during use (e.g., partially melted ice or condensation), the sloping bottom wall allows the water to collect at the lower level, rather than spreading flat at the bottom. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly due to water immersion and allows the liquid to flow towards the drain hole 601 on the flat side.

[0052] The opening and closing mold structure of the evaporator body 3 can be found in an ice maker and refrigerator disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202421008493.9.

[0053] Second embodiment: See Figures 8-10 The detection structure of a spray ice maker differs from the first embodiment in that: the rocker 2 is provided with a reset elastic element 205. When the ice block 5 falls and detaches from the rocker 2, the rocker 2 is elastically reset from the second working position to the first working position through the reset elastic element 205.

[0054] The reset elastic element 205 is sleeved on the shaft at the end of the rocker 2. The bottom of the rocker 2 has a notch. The reset elastic element 205 is a spring. One end of the spring is installed in the notch of the rocker 2 and abuts against the bottom of the rocker 2. The other end of the spring abuts against the body of the machine.

[0055] Rocker 2 remains in its first working position when no external force is applied. When an external force is applied, rocker 2 can quickly return to its original position after the force is removed.

[0056] 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 detection structure of an ice maker of a sprinkling irrigation, characterized by: Includes a rocker arm (2) that is rotatably disposed inside the body (1) and located below the evaporator body (3), the evaporator body (3) having an open and closed state; When the evaporator body (3) is in the mold-making stage, the rocker plate (2) is in the first working position and guides the liquid in the evaporator body (3) to slide down along the rocker plate (2); When the evaporator body (3) opens the mold to release ice, the ice block (5) of the evaporator body (3) falls to the rocker (2) and triggers the rocker (2) to rotate and switch to the second working position. The rocker (2) buffers and guides the falling ice block (5).

2. The detection structure of the sprinkling ice maker according to claim 1, wherein: The rocker (2) has two rocker sections (202) and a second rocker section (203) with different weights. When the ice block (5) falls off the rocker (2), the rocker (2) automatically resets from the second working position to the first working position under its own gravity.

3. The detection structure of the sprinkling ice maker according to claim 2, wherein: The rocker (2) is provided with a rotating shaft (201) that is rotatably connected to the inside of the body (1). The rocker (2) is provided with two rocker sections (202) and a second rocker section (203) of different weights along the axis of the rotating shaft (201).

4. The detection structure of the sprinkler ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rocker (2) is provided with a reset elastic element (205). When the ice block (5) falls off the rocker (2), the rocker (2) is elastically reset from the second working position to the first working position through the reset elastic element (205).

5. The detection structure of the sprinkler ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a detector (7) installed inside the body (1) and electrically connected to the computer board of the body (1), and a trigger (204) installed on the rocker (2); the trigger (204) triggers the detector (7) in the corresponding working position to detect the working position of the rocker (2).

6. A sprinkler ice maker, comprising a body (1), characterized in that: The machine body (1) is provided with a detection structure for the spray irrigation ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-4.

7. The sprinkler ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The machine body (1) is provided with a drainage channel (4), and the rocker (2) is set above the water inlet of the drainage channel (4). The rocker (2) is used to receive and guide the liquid flowing out of the evaporator body (3), and the liquid slides down the rocker (2) and flows into the drainage channel (4).

8. The sprinkler ice maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The machine body (1) is provided with an ice basket (6) for receiving ice blocks (5). The ice basket (6) is located below the rocker (2). A drainage channel (4) is formed between the outside of the ice basket (6) and the inside of the machine body (1) to cooperate with the rocker (2). When the evaporator body (3) opens the mold to release ice, the rocker plate (2) rotates toward the ice basket (6) as the ice block (5) falls, so as to guide the ice block (5) to slide into the ice basket (6).

9. The sprinkler ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that: One end of the rocker (2) extends above the ice basket (6) and covers the water drop position (301) of the evaporator body (3) to form a water-blocking part on the rocker (2) to prevent liquid from dripping into the ice basket (6).

10. The sprinkler ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that: The body (1) is provided with a water receiving cavity (8), which is located below the ice basket (6). The outlet of the drainage channel (4) is connected to the water receiving cavity (8). The bottom wall of the ice basket (6) is provided with a drain hole (601) that is connected to the water receiving cavity (8). The inner bottom wall of the ice basket (6) includes a flat part and an inclined part connected to the flat part, and a drain hole (601) is provided on the flat part.

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