Ice buckets and ice makers with cooling properties

Abstract

This application provides an ice bucket with a cooling effect, which can be placed on or removed from the main unit of an ice maker. The ice bucket includes a bucket body and a one-way valve. The bucket body includes side walls, a bottom wall, and an ice storage cavity formed by the side walls and the bottom wall. An ice inlet is located above the ice storage cavity. The bottom wall has a drain outlet. The bucket body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a cooling insulation layer sandwiched between the inner and outer walls. The one-way valve is disposed within the drain outlet. The bottom end of the one-way valve does not protrude from the bottom wall of the bucket body. When the ice bucket is placed on the main unit, the one-way valve is opened by the force applied by the main unit to open the drain outlet. When the ice bucket is removed from the main unit, the one-way valve closes to close the drain outlet. This application also provides an ice maker using the above-described ice bucket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice maker technology, and more particularly to an ice bucket and ice maker with a cold-keeping effect. Background Technology

[0002] In existing ice makers, ice blocks are typically stored in ice baskets with drainage holes. After ice making, the ice blocks detach and are pushed into the ice basket. Residual cold water from ice making and water from melting ice flow through the drainage holes into a water tank below the ice basket. Such ice storage containers lack insulation, making it difficult to keep the ice blocks from melting for extended periods. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to design an ice bucket and ice maker with a cold-keeping effect, which can reduce the operating cost of the ice maker and make it easy to operate.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ice bucket with a cold-keeping effect, which can be placed on or removed from the main unit of an ice maker. The ice bucket includes a bucket body and a one-way valve. The bucket body includes a side wall, a bottom wall, and an ice storage cavity formed by the side wall and the bottom wall. An ice inlet is located above the ice storage cavity. The bottom wall has a drain outlet. The bucket body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a cold-keeping layer sandwiched between the inner wall and the outer wall. The one-way valve is disposed in the drain outlet. The bottom end of the one-way valve does not protrude from the bottom wall of the bucket body. When the ice bucket is placed on the main unit, the one-way valve is opened by the force applied by the main unit to open the drain outlet. When the ice bucket is removed from the main unit, the one-way valve closes to close the drain outlet.

[0005] Furthermore, the bottom wall is provided with a stepped or arc-shaped recess, and the drain outlet is located at the center of the recess.

[0006] Furthermore, the inner wall and / or the outer wall are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass materials; the cold insulation layer is a vacuum layer, a foamed material layer, or a phase change material layer.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer side of the bucket is provided with a handle and / or a bucket lid; the bucket lid is detachably provided on the ice inlet for closing or opening the ice inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the bucket lid is provided with a first sealing ring and / or a handle, the first sealing ring being used to seal the ice bucket when the bucket lid is closed on the ice inlet.

[0009] Furthermore, the one-way valve includes a valve stem, a seal, and an elastic element; the seal is disposed on the valve stem and located on the side of the drain outlet facing the ice storage cavity, for sealing the drain outlet when the one-way valve is closed; the elastic element is disposed between the valve stem and the drain outlet, for applying a force to the valve stem away from the ice storage cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the drain outlet has a flange on the side near the ice storage cavity, the valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a middle part located between the first end and the second end, the diameter of the valve stem is smaller than the diameter of the drain outlet, and the diameter of the second end is larger than the diameter of the middle part; the sealing element is a P-cup silicone fixedly installed on the first end; the cross-section of the middle part and the second end is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, or star-shaped; the elastic element is a spring sleeved on the middle part, one end of the elastic element abuts against the flange, and the other end abuts against the second end of the valve stem.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides an ice maker, which includes a main unit and an ice bucket as described in any of the above. The main unit includes a base and an ice discharge port located above the base. When the ice bucket is placed on the base, the ice discharge port corresponds to the ice receiving port. The base is provided with a top opening member corresponding to the one-way valve. A water storage box is provided inside the base, and a water inlet channel is provided around the top opening member. When the ice bucket is placed on the main unit, the top opening member acts on the one-way valve to open the drain port, so that the ice storage chamber is connected to the water storage box through the drain port and the water inlet channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the ice drop outlet is provided with a second sealing ring, which is used to seal the ice drop outlet and the ice receiving outlet when the ice bucket is placed on the base.

[0013] Furthermore, the base is provided with a recessed portion, the size of which is larger than the size of the drain outlet, and the top opening and the water inlet channel are located inside the recessed portion.

[0014] The ice bucket of the aforementioned ice maker can be placed inside the main unit, thus serving as an internal ice storage container. Alternatively, the ice bucket can be removed from the main unit, allowing users to directly remove the ice bucket containing the ice from the main unit when they need to store ice outside the ice maker. This eliminates the need to transfer the ice from the storage bucket into other insulated containers for preservation and storage, making the operation more convenient and providing better insulation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an ice maker provided for an embodiment of the application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an ice maker provided in the embodiment of the application.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0019] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the ice bucket provided in the first embodiment of the application.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0021] Figure 6 A perspective view of the ice bucket provided for the first embodiment of the application.

[0022] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the valve stem check valve provided in the first embodiment of the application.

[0023] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the ice bucket provided for the second embodiment of the application.

[0024] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the ice bucket provided in the second embodiment of the application.

[0025] Component designations

[0026] Ice maker-1000 Valve column-21

[0027] Ice Bucket-100 Flow Channel-211

[0028] Barrel body-1 Groove-212

[0029] Inner wall -10 First end -213

[0030] Ice storage chamber-11, middle section-214

[0031] Ice Connector -12 Second End -215

[0032] Drain outlet-13 Seal-22

[0033] Flange-131 Elastic element-23

[0034] Cold insulation layer -14 Main unit -200

[0035] Bottom wall -15, base -201

[0036] Recessed section-151 Top opening part-2012

[0037] Sidewall-16 Water Storage Box-2014

[0038] Bucket lid - 17 Water inlet channel - 2016

[0039] First sealing ring - 171, recessed part - 2018

[0040] Handle-172 Icefall Point-202

[0041] Handle-18 Second sealing ring-2022

[0042] Outer wall -19 Ice bucket -300

[0043] One-way valve-2

[0044] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] To provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the contents of this application, a detailed description will now be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate examples of embodiments of this application, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements. It is to be understood that the scale shown in the accompanying drawings is not the actual scale of this application, and is for illustrative purposes only, and is not a drawing based on the original dimensions.

[0049] This application provides an ice bucket with an insulation layer and a one-way valve. The insulation layer provides insulation, while the one-way valve seals the bottom or drains water. This allows the ice bucket to function as both an internal storage container for an ice maker and an external storage container after ice is made. Ice can be stored directly in the ice bucket, eliminating the need for a separate storage unit and reducing costs. Furthermore, the ice bucket can be easily removed from the ice maker for storage after ice is made, making operation convenient.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of this application provides an ice bucket 100 for use in an ice maker 1000. The ice maker 1000 also includes a main unit 200, from which the ice bucket 100 can be removed and placed.

[0051] Please refer to the following: Figure 2-4 The ice bucket 100 includes a bucket body 1 and a one-way valve 2 disposed on the bucket body 1.

[0052] In this embodiment, the container 1 is generally cylindrical. The container 1 includes an ice storage cavity 11, an ice inlet 12, a drain outlet 13, a cold insulation layer 14, a bottom wall 15, and side walls 16. The bottom wall 15 and side walls 16 together form the ice storage cavity 11. The ice inlet 12 communicates with the ice storage cavity 11 and is located above it. The drain outlet 13 is located on the bottom wall 15 and is opened or closed by a one-way valve 2. The drain outlet 13 has a flange 131 on the side closest to the ice storage cavity 11. The cold insulation layer 14 is used to keep the ice storage cavity 11 cold.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 15 and the side wall 16 are integrally formed. Both the bottom wall 15 and the side wall 16 are provided with a cold insulation layer 14, which gives the ice bucket 100 a better cold insulation effect. In some feasible embodiments, the cold insulation layer 14 is only provided on the bottom wall 15, or only on the side wall 16.

[0054] Both the bottom wall 15 and the side wall 16 include an inner wall 10 and an outer wall 19, meaning the entire bucket body 1 is configured to include an inner wall 10 and an outer wall 19. In this embodiment, the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 19 are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass materials, so that the ice bucket 100 can be placed in a dishwasher for easy cleaning.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 15 is provided with a stepped recess 151, and the drain outlet 13 is located at the center of the recess 151, which facilitates the positioning of the ice bucket 100 on the main unit 200. In some feasible embodiments, the recess 151 may be arc-shaped.

[0056] The insulation layer 14 is located between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 19, surrounding the ice storage cavity 11. Understandably, the inner wall 10, the insulation layer 14, and the outer wall 19 are arranged sequentially from the inside out. The insulation layer 14 is a vacuum layer, a foamed material layer, or a phase change material (PCM) layer. For example, when the insulation layer 14 is a phase change material layer, when ice is placed in the ice storage cavity 11, the melting of the ice absorbs heat from the phase change material in the insulation layer 14, causing the temperature of the phase change material to decrease. This keeps the ice storage cavity 11 at a relatively low temperature, thus extending the cooling time of the ice bucket 100 and reducing the melting rate of the ice.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 5-7 A one-way valve 2 is disposed within the drain outlet 13, and its bottom end does not protrude from the bottom wall 15, so that the ice bucket 100 can be stably placed on a table or countertop after being removed from the main unit 200. The one-way valve 2 includes a valve stem 21, a seal 22, and an elastic element 23, with the seal 22 and elastic element 23 disposed on the valve stem 21. In this embodiment, the seal 22 and elastic element 23 are located on opposite sides of the drain outlet 13. In the initial state, the two ends of the elastic element 23 are respectively connected to the location of the drain outlet 13 on the bottom wall 15 and the end of the valve stem 21 away from the drain outlet 13, and the elastic element 23 is initially in a compressed state, thereby applying a force to the valve stem 21 toward the ice storage chamber 11 to seal the drain outlet 13. When the external force is applied, the valve spool 21 moves toward the ice storage chamber 11, thereby driving the sealing element 22 to open the drain port 13. When the external force is removed, the valve spool 21 returns to its original position under the elastic force generated by the deformation of the elastic element 23, and the sealing element 22 blocks the drain port 13.

[0058] The valve stem 21 includes a first end 213, a middle portion 214, and a second end 215. The middle portion 214 is located between the first end 213 and the second end 215. In this embodiment, the diameter of the valve stem 21 is smaller than the diameter of the drain outlet 13, and the diameter of the second end 215 is larger than the diameter of the middle portion 214. The outer surface of the valve stem 21 is provided with several flow channels 211 and grooves 212. The flow channels 211 are arranged along the length of the valve stem 21. In this embodiment, there are four flow channels 211 located at the middle portion 214 and the second end 215 of the valve stem 21. The grooves 212 are located at the first end 213 of the valve stem 21 and cooperate with the sealing element 22. The cross-section of the valve stem 21 can be Y-shaped, cross-shaped, or star-shaped. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the valve stem 21 is cross-shaped. When the ice bucket 100 is placed on the main unit 200, the main unit 200 acts on the second end 215, causing the valve stem 21 to move towards the ice storage chamber 11 and open the one-way valve 2. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the valve stem 21 is set to a cross shape, which can provide more space for the flow channel 211, while also ensuring the core strength of the valve stem 21 and improving the durability of the valve stem 21.

[0059] In this embodiment, the sealing element 22 is a P-shaped silicone cup that is fixedly installed on the first end 213. The outer diameter of the sealing element 22 is larger than the diameter of the drain outlet 13. When the ice bucket 100 is removed from the main unit 200, the sealing element 22 seals the drain outlet 13.

[0060] The elastic element 23 includes, but is not limited to, springs, sheet springs, etc. In this embodiment, the elastic element 23 is a spring sleeved on the middle part 214, one end of the elastic element 23 abuts against the flange 131, and the other end abuts against the second end 215 of the valve column 21.

[0061] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The bucket body 1 also includes a bucket lid 17, which covers the ice inlet 12 to seal or open the bucket body 1. The bucket lid 17 is also provided with a cold insulation layer 14. In some feasible embodiments, the bucket body 1 does not have a bucket lid 17, or the bucket lid 17 may not have a cold insulation layer 14.

[0062] The lid 17 is provided with a first sealing ring 171 and a handle 172. When the lid 17 is placed on the ice inlet 12, the first sealing ring 171 fits tightly with the ice inlet 12, so that the ice bucket 100 is sealed. The handle 172 is provided on the outside of the lid 17, so that the lid 17 can be lifted. In some feasible embodiments, the lid 17 may not be provided with a handle 172.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the ice bucket 100 is taken out of the main unit 200 for use alone, the lid 17 can be placed on the ice inlet 12 to seal the ice bucket 100 and achieve a better cold preservation effect.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The ice bucket 300 provided in the second embodiment of this application differs from the ice bucket 100 provided in the first embodiment in that: in this embodiment, the bucket body 1 is also provided with a handle 18, which is located on the outside of the bucket body 1 and connected to the outer wall 19, so as to facilitate the removal or placement of the ice bucket 100 from the host 200.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the ice bucket 100 is used in combination with the ice maker 1000, the ice bucket 100 is placed on the main unit 200. The ice blocks produced by the main unit 200 enter the ice storage chamber 11 through the ice inlet 12, and the one-way valve 2 is open relative to the drain outlet 13, making the ice bucket 100 an internal ice storage bucket of the ice maker 1000. When the ice bucket 100 is removed from the main unit 200, the one-way valve 2 blocks the drain outlet 13, making the ice bucket 100 an external ice storage bucket of the ice maker 1000. Therefore, the ice bucket provided in this application eliminates the need for a separate ice bucket for keeping ice blocks cold in the ice maker 1000, reducing costs. Furthermore, after the ice blocks are made, the ice bucket can be directly removed from the ice maker for cold storage, making operation convenient.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The main unit 200 has a base 201 and an ice drop outlet 202 located above the base 201. The ice bucket 100 is placed on the base 201. When the ice bucket 100 is placed on the base 201, the ice drop outlet 202 corresponds to the ice receiving outlet 12; the ice blocks produced by the main unit 200 fall from the ice drop outlet 202 and enter the ice storage chamber 11 through the ice receiving outlet 12.

[0067] The base 201 is equipped with a top opening component 2012, a water storage box 2014, and a water inlet channel 2016. The top opening component 2012 is located above the base 201 and is positioned corresponding to the one-way valve 2. The water storage box 2014 is located inside the base 201. The water inlet channel 2016 is located around the top opening component 2012 and communicates with the water storage box 2014. When the ice bucket 100 is placed on the main unit 200, the top opening component 2012 acts on the one-way valve 2 to open the drain outlet 13, so that the ice storage chamber 11 communicates with the water storage box 2014 through the drain outlet 13 and the water inlet channel 2016, thereby allowing the melted water in the bucket 1 to flow from the drain outlet 13 into the water storage box 2014, further delaying the melting of the ice in the ice bucket 100.

[0068] The ice drop outlet 202 is provided with a second sealing ring 2022. When the ice bucket 100 is placed on the base 201, the second sealing ring 2032 is tightly fitted with the ice receiving outlet 12, so that the ice drop outlet 202 and the ice receiving outlet 12 are sealed, ensuring that the ice drop outlet 202 and the ice receiving outlet 12 are sealed throughout the process of the ice falling into the ice bucket 100.

[0069] In some feasible embodiments, both the ice drop outlet 202 and the ice receiving outlet 12 are provided with a second sealing ring 2032 to make the ice drop outlet 202 and the ice receiving outlet 12 fit more tightly; or the second sealing ring 2032 is only provided on the ice receiving outlet 12.

[0070] The base 201 has a recessed portion 2018, the size of which is larger than the size of the drain outlet 13, and the top opening 2012 and the water inlet channel 2016 are located inside the recessed portion 2018. In this embodiment, the recessed portion 2018 is concave and recessed into the water storage box 2014 to ensure that when water flows into the water storage box 2014 from the drain outlet 13 in the tank 1, it will not leak out of the base 201.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the ice bucket 100 is not placed on the main unit 200, the sealing member 22 blocks the drain outlet 13; when the ice bucket 100 is placed on the main unit 200, the valve column 21, under the action of the main unit 200, drives the sealing member 22 to move towards the ice storage chamber 11, so that the drain outlet 13 is opened; when the ice bucket 100 is removed from the main unit 200, the elastic member 23 resets and the sealing member 22 re-blocks the drain outlet 13.

[0072] The ice bucket of the aforementioned ice maker can be placed inside the main unit, thus serving as an internal ice storage container. Alternatively, the ice bucket can be removed from the main unit, allowing users to directly remove the ice bucket containing the ice from the main unit when they need to store ice outside the ice maker. This eliminates the need to transfer the ice from the storage bucket into other insulated containers for preservation and storage, making the operation more convenient and providing better insulation.

[0073] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0074] The above-listed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ice bucket with a cold-keeping effect, which can be placed on or removed from the main unit of an ice maker, characterized in that, The ice bucket includes: The barrel includes a side wall, a bottom wall, and an ice storage cavity formed by the side wall and the bottom wall. An ice inlet is located above the ice storage cavity. The bottom wall is provided with a drain outlet. The barrel includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a cold insulation layer sandwiched between the inner wall and the outer wall. A one-way valve is provided inside the drain outlet. The bottom end of the one-way valve does not protrude from the bottom wall of the bucket. When the ice bucket is placed on the main unit, the one-way valve is opened by the force applied by the main unit to open the drain outlet. When the ice bucket is removed from the main unit, the one-way valve closes to close the drain outlet.

2. The ice bucket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall has a stepped or arc-shaped recess, and the drain outlet is located at the center of the recess.

3. The ice bucket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall and / or the outer wall are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass materials; the cold insulation layer is a vacuum layer, a foamed material layer, or a phase change material layer.

4. The ice bucket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the bucket is provided with a handle and / or a bucket lid; the bucket lid is detachably provided on the ice inlet for closing or opening the ice inlet.

5. The ice bucket as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The bucket lid is provided with a first sealing ring and / or a handle. The first sealing ring is used to seal the ice bucket when the bucket lid is closed on the ice inlet.

6. The ice bucket as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve includes a valve stem, a seal, and an elastic element; the seal is disposed on the valve stem and located on the side of the drain outlet facing the ice storage cavity, for sealing the drain outlet when the one-way valve is closed; the elastic element is disposed between the valve stem and the drain outlet, for applying a force to the valve stem away from the ice storage cavity.

7. The ice bucket as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drain outlet has a flange on the side near the ice storage cavity. The valve stem includes a first end, a second end, and a middle section located between the first end and the second end. The diameter of the valve stem is smaller than the diameter of the drain outlet, and the diameter of the second end is larger than the diameter of the middle section. The sealing element is a P-cup silicone sealant fixedly installed on the first end. The cross-sections of the middle section and the second end are Y-shaped, cross-shaped, or star-shaped. The elastic element is a spring sleeved on the middle section. One end of the elastic element abuts against the flange, and the other end abuts against the second end of the valve stem.

8. An ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker includes a main unit and an ice bucket as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The main unit includes a base and an ice inlet located above the base. When the ice bucket is placed on the base, the ice inlet corresponds to the ice receiving port. The base is provided with a top opening member corresponding to the one-way valve. A water storage box is provided inside the base, and a water inlet channel is provided around the top opening member. When the ice bucket is placed on the main unit, the top opening member acts on the one-way valve to open the drain port, so that the ice storage chamber is connected to the water storage box through the drain port and the water inlet channel.

9. The ice maker as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The ice drop outlet is equipped with a second sealing ring, which is used to seal the ice drop outlet and the ice receiving outlet when the ice bucket is placed on the base.

10. The ice maker as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The base is provided with a recessed part, the size of which is larger than the size of the drain outlet, and the top opening and the water inlet channel are located inside the recessed part.

Images