Evaporator structure, ice maker, and method for heat exchange

Abstract

An evaporator structure, an ice maker, and a method for heat exchange are provided. The evaporator structure includes: a freezing valve, configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes; the at least two capillary tubes, disposed between the freezing value and an evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator; and the evaporator, configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Chinese patent Application No. 2025200904442, filed on January 15, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] The freezing valve and the evaporator in an ice maker are two key components in the ice-making process, each performing important functions and working together to accomplish the ice-making task. The freezing valve is a small-flow, hard-seal, normally closed solenoid valve, which plays critical roles in defrosting, flow direction control, and on-off control in the ice-making system. The basic structure of the freezing valve consists of a coil and a movable core located within the coil. When the coil is energized, a magnetic field is generated to drive the core to move, thereby opening the valve. The valve resets by utilizing the gravity of the valve core and the elastic force of a spring mounted on its top. The evaporator is an important heat exchange component in the ice maker. It is responsible for converting liquid refrigerant into gas and absorbing the surrounding heat, thereby achieving the refrigeration effect. During the ice-making process, the liquid refrigerant enters through the evaporator inlet, flows within the heat exchange tube bundle, and absorbs heat from the surrounding air, gradually transforming into gas. At the same time, heat dissipation fins help increase the heat exchange area and improve cooling efficiency. The gaseous refrigerant then flows out through the outlet and enters the compressor for the next cycle.

[0003] In traditional ice makers, the evaporator is usually connected to the refrigerant through only one capillary tube. This design has some obvious drawbacks. A single capillary tube makes it difficult to precisely control the refrigerant flow rate, resulting in uneven cooling effects inside the evaporator, which affects the ice-making efficiency and quality. Due to the limited refrigerant flow, the cooling area inside the evaporator cannot be fully utilized, leading to relatively low cooling efficiency.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is related to the technical field of ice maker valves, and specifically to a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an evaporator structure. The evaporator structure includes: a freezing valve, configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes; the at least two capillary tubes, disposed between the freezing value and an evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator; and the evaporator, configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an ice maker. The ice maker includes a freezing valve, a condenser, a compressor, at least two capillary tubes, and an evaporator, wherein a refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve, the condenser, the compressor, the at least two capillary tubes, and the evaporator. The freezing valve is configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of the refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes. The at least two capillary tubes are disposed between the freezing value and the evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator. The evaporator is configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, some embodiments provide a method for heat exchange. The method includes: obtaining at least two target evaporation temperature regions to be applied in an evaporator; determining at least two refrigerant flow rates of a refrigerant based on the at least two target evaporation temperature regions; and controlling the refrigerant to enter into evaporator via at least two flow paths based on the at least two refrigerant flow rates.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is another schematic structural diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional schematic diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a computing environment coupled with a user interface provided by an ice maker according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for heat exchange according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparent that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker is provided, comprising an ice maker 1, wherein a freezing valve 11, a condenser 12, a compressor 13, and an evaporator 14 are provided inside the ice maker 1. A refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve 11, the condenser 12, the compressor 13, and the evaporator 14. The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil. Two capillary tubes 111 are provided at the outlet of the freezing valve 11, and the freezing valve 11 is capable of controlling the refrigerant flow rates in the two capillary tubes 111. The evaporator 14 is provided with an evaporator inlet 141 and an evaporator outlet 142, and the two capillary tubes 111 enter into the evaporator inlet 141. The refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube 143 inside the evaporator 14 from the evaporator inlet 141, and flows out through the evaporator outlet 142.

[0016] When the ice maker is in the ice-making state, low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator 14. Water enters the evaporator 14 and undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant. After absorbing heat, the refrigerant enters the condenser 12 and the compressor 13 for heat dissipation and compression, and is then controlled by the freezing valve 11 to introduce the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant back into the evaporator 14 through the capillary tubes 111 and into the evaporator inlet 141. At this point, as the refrigerant passes from the narrow space of the capillary tubes 111 into the evaporator inlet 141, the pipeline volume increases, causing the low-pressure refrigerant to vaporize and absorb heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator. Meanwhile, since two capillary tubes 111 are provided, by controlling the flow rate, two evaporation temperatures inside the evaporator 14 can be achieved.

[0017] The condenser 12 is disposed on the upper rear side of the ice maker 1; the compressor 13 is disposed at the bottom inside the ice maker 1; and the evaporator 14 is disposed at the same horizontal height as the condenser 12, installed at the bottom inside the ice maker 1. This layout helps lower the center of gravity and improve the stability of the ice maker. At the same time, bottom installation also facilitates inspection and maintenance of the compressor by maintenance personnel. The evaporator 14 is horizontally positioned at the same height as the condenser 12. Such design allows smoother refrigerant flow within the system and reduces additional pressure loss caused by height differences.

[0018] The freezing valve 11 is disposed beside the compressor 13, and the capillary tubes 111 at the outlet of the freezing valve 11 extend upward. The freezing valve 11 is positioned next to the compressor 13, and its outlet capillary tubes 111 extend upward. This layout ensures that the refrigerant can smoothly enter the evaporator after passing through the freezing valve, while also preventing pressure loss caused by bending or overstretching of the capillary tubes.

[0019] The evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator is configured in an elliptical shape, with its major axis oriented vertically to the horizontal plane. The diameter of the capillary tubes 111 is less than one-fifth of the diameter of the evaporator inlet 141. The cross-section at the connection between the evaporator inlet 141 and the capillary tubes 111 is conical, and the capillary tubes 111 extend into the evaporator inlet 141.

[0020] Working Principle: The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil. Two capillary tubes 111 are provided at the outlet of the freezing valve 11, and the freezing valve 11 is capable of controlling the refrigerant flow rates in the two capillary tubes 111. The evaporator 14 is provided with an evaporator inlet 141 and an evaporator outlet 142, and the two capillary tubes 111 enter into the evaporator inlet 141. The refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube 143 inside the evaporator 14 from the evaporator inlet 141, and flows out through the evaporator outlet 142.

[0021] When the ice maker is in the ice-making state, low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator 14. Water enters the evaporator 14 and undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant. After absorbing heat, the refrigerant enters the condenser 12 and the compressor 13 for heat dissipation and compression, and is then controlled by the freezing valve 11 to introduce the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant back into the evaporator 14 through the capillary tubes 111 and into the evaporator inlet 141. At this point, as the refrigerant passes from the narrow space of the capillary tubes 111 into the evaporator inlet 141, the pipeline volume increases, causing the low-pressure refrigerant to vaporize and absorb heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator. Meanwhile, since two capillary tubes 111 are provided, by controlling the flow rate, two evaporation temperatures inside the evaporator 14 can be achieved.

[0022] Although the present disclosure describes an evaporator structure in the context of an ice maker, it should be understood that the evaporator structure is not limited to such applications. In some embodiments, the evaporator structure may be used in other refrigeration or cooling devices where precise control of evaporation temperature regions and refrigerant flow is desired, such as beverage cooling systems, medical refrigeration units, or industrial chillers. The evaporator structure provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This evaporator structure, by precisely controlling the freezing valve to distribute the refrigerant flow in the two capillary tubes, can more effectively regulate the cooling effect and efficiency inside the evaporator. This flow control helps optimize the circulation of the refrigerant within the system, reduces unnecessary energy consumption, and achieves energy-saving effects. Since two capillary tubes are provided and the freezing valve can independently control the refrigerant flow rates in each of them, two different evaporation temperature zones can be formed within the evaporator. This design is particularly useful in situations where different cooling demands are required, such as rapid ice making and maintaining the stable low-temperature state of ice blocks, thereby improving the flexibility and applicability of the ice maker. The low-temperature refrigerant flowing inside the evaporator tube of the evaporator can rapidly absorb heat from the surrounding water, promoting rapid freezing of the water. Meanwhile, the heat dissipation and compression processes of the refrigerant in the condenser and compressor ensure that the refrigerant continuously returns to the evaporator in a low-temperature, low-pressure state, thereby maintaining an efficient ice-making cycle. By precisely controlling the refrigerant flow and evaporation temperature, the system can better adapt to changes in external environmental conditions, such as variations in ambient temperature and humidity, thereby maintaining stable cooling performance and ice-making efficiency.

[0024] In this evaporator structure, the compressor may be installed at the bottom inside the ice maker, lowering the overall center of gravity, which makes the ice maker more stable during operation. This helps reduce equipment damage or failure caused by vibration or tilting. The evaporator may be horizontally positioned at the same height as the condenser, ensuring smoother refrigerant flow within the system, which helps reduce pressure loss and improve cooling efficiency. The freezing valve may be arranged close to the compressor, facilitating comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and replacement of these two key components by maintenance personnel. This helps reduce maintenance costs and improves the reliability and service life of the equipment. The overall layout is compact and reasonable, making full use of the internal space of the ice maker, which helps reduce the size and weight of the equipment, making transportation and installation more convenient. The evaporator tube of the evaporator may be configured in an elliptical shape, with its major axis oriented vertically to the horizontal plane. This design helps optimize the heat exchange efficiency during the condensation process by increasing the contact area between the evaporator tube and the ice molds inside the evaporator, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency. The diameter of the capillary tubes may be less than one-fifth of the diameter of the evaporator inlet. This design ensures that the refrigerant undergoes a significant throttling process when entering the evaporator. The throttling effect reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, helping to create a lower evaporation temperature inside the evaporator, thereby improving the cooling effect. The cross-section at the connection between the evaporator inlet and the capillary tubes may be conical, and the capillary tubes may extend into the evaporator inlet. This design helps reduce pressure loss of the refrigerant at the connection. The conical connecting section can smoothly guide the refrigerant from the capillary tubes into the evaporator, avoiding turbulence and pressure loss caused by sudden cross-sectional changes. The optimized design of the evaporator tube and capillary tubes enables the ice maker to achieve higher cooling performance with lower energy consumption during operation, which helps improve the energy efficiency ratio of the ice maker and reduce operating costs.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a computing environment 510 coupled with a user interface 550 provided by an ice maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing environment 510 may be part of a data processing server. The computing environment 510 may include a processor 520, a memory 530, and an Input / Output (I / O) interface 540.

[0026] The processor 520 typically controls overall operations of the computing environment 510, such as the operations associated with display, data acquisition, data communications, and data processing. The processor 520 may include one or more processors to execute instructions to perform all or some of the steps in the above-described embodiments. Moreover, the processor 520 may include one or more modules that facilitate the interaction between the processor 520 and other components. The processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a single chip machine, a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), or the like.

[0027] The memory 530 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the computing environment 510. The memory 530 may include predetermined software 532. Examples of such data includes instructions for any applications or methods operated on the computing environment 510, video datasets, image data, etc. The memory 530 may be implemented by using any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, a magnetic or optical disk.

[0028] The I / O interface 540 provides an interface between the processor 520 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons may include but are not limited to, a home button, a start scan button, and a stop scan button.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for heat exchange according to an example of the present disclosure. In step 610, a processor, from a control unit of an ice maker, may obtain at least two target evaporation temperature regions to be applied within the evaporator. These target temperature regions may correspond to different cooling demands, such as rapid freezing and temperature maintenance. In step 620, the processor may determine at least two refrigerant flow rates based on the at least two target evaporation temperature regions. In some examples, the refrigerant flow rates may be selected to achieve different evaporation pressures within the evaporator. For instance, a higher flow rate may be used for rapid cooling, while a lower flow rate may be used for maintaining steady-state temperature. In step 630, the processor may control the refrigerant to enter the evaporator via at least two flow paths according to the determined refrigerant flow rates. In some embodiments, the flow paths may correspond to separate capillary tubes connected to the outlet of a freezing valve. the processor may send controlling configuration to the freezing valve, such that the freezing valve independently controls a refrigerant flow rate in each of at least two capillary tubes. In some examples, the freezing valve may be a solenoid valve capable of independently adjusting the refrigerant flow in each capillary tube. The refrigerant flows through the capillary tubes into a common inlet of the evaporator and vaporizes to absorb heat. Due to the distinct flow rates along each path, multiple evaporation temperature zones are established within the evaporator, allowing for zone-specific heat exchange performance.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between the entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," or any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed, or may include inherent elements of such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0031] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill 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 disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparent that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0015]Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker is provided, comprising an ice maker 1, wherein a freezing valve 11, a condenser 12, a compressor 13, and an evaporator 14 are provided inside the ice maker 1. A refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve 11, the condenser 12, the compressor 13, and the evaporator 14. The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve control...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Chinese patent Application No. 2025200904442, filed on January 15, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] The freezing valve and the evaporator in an ice maker are two key components in the ice-making process, each performing important functions and working together to accomplish the ice-making task. The freezing valve is a small-flow, hard-seal, normally closed solenoid valve, which plays critical roles in defrosting, flow direction control, and on-off control in the ice-making system. The basic structure of the freezing valve consists of a coil and a movable core located within the coil. When the coil is energized, a magnetic field is generated to drive the core to move, thereby opening the valve. The valve resets by utilizing the gravity of the valve core and the elastic force of a spring mounted on its top. The evaporator is an important heat exchange component in the ice maker. It is responsible for converting liquid refrigerant into gas and absorbing the surrounding heat, thereby achieving the refrigeration effect. During the ice-making process, the liquid refrigerant enters through the evaporator inlet, flows within the heat exchange tube bundle, and absorbs heat from the surrounding air, gradually transforming into gas. At the same time, heat dissipation fins help increase the heat exchange area and improve cooling efficiency. The gaseous refrigerant then flows out through the outlet and enters the compressor for the next cycle.

[0003] In traditional ice makers, the evaporator is usually connected to the refrigerant through only one capillary tube. This design has some obvious drawbacks. A single capillary tube makes it difficult to precisely control the refrigerant flow rate, resulting in uneven cooling effects inside the evaporator, which affects the ice-making efficiency and quality. Due to the limited refrigerant flow, the cooling area inside the evaporator cannot be fully utilized, leading to relatively low cooling efficiency.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is related to the technical field of ice maker valves, and specifically to a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an evaporator structure. The evaporator structure includes: a freezing valve, configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes; the at least two capillary tubes, disposed between the freezing value and an evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator; and the evaporator, configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an ice maker. The ice maker includes a freezing valve, a condenser, a compressor, at least two capillary tubes, and an evaporator, wherein a refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve, the condenser, the compressor, the at least two capillary tubes, and the evaporator. The freezing valve is configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of the refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes. The at least two capillary tubes are disposed between the freezing value and the evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator. The evaporator is configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, some embodiments provide a method for heat exchange. The method includes: obtaining at least two target evaporation temperature regions to be applied in an evaporator; determining at least two refrigerant flow rates of a refrigerant based on the at least two target evaporation temperature regions; and controlling the refrigerant to enter into evaporator via at least two flow paths based on the at least two refrigerant flow rates.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is another schematic structural diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional schematic diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic diagram according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a computing environment coupled with a user interface provided by an ice maker according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for heat exchange according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparent that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker is provided, comprising an ice maker 1, wherein a freezing valve 11, a condenser 12, a compressor 13, and an evaporator 14 are provided inside the ice maker 1. A refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve 11, the condenser 12, the compressor 13, and the evaporator 14. The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil. Two capillary tubes 111 are provided at the outlet of the freezing valve 11, and the freezing valve 11 is capable of controlling the refrigerant flow rates in the two capillary tubes 111. The evaporator 14 is provided with an evaporator inlet 141 and an evaporator outlet 142, and the two capillary tubes 111 enter into the evaporator inlet 141. The refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube 143 inside the evaporator 14 from the evaporator inlet 141, and flows out through the evaporator outlet 142.

[0016] When the ice maker is in the ice-making state, low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator 14. Water enters the evaporator 14 and undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant. After absorbing heat, the refrigerant enters the condenser 12 and the compressor 13 for heat dissipation and compression, and is then controlled by the freezing valve 11 to introduce the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant back into the evaporator 14 through the capillary tubes 111 and into the evaporator inlet 141. At this point, as the refrigerant passes from the narrow space of the capillary tubes 111 into the evaporator inlet 141, the pipeline volume increases, causing the low-pressure refrigerant to vaporize and absorb heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator. Meanwhile, since two capillary tubes 111 are provided, by controlling the flow rate, two evaporation temperatures inside the evaporator 14 can be achieved.

[0017] The condenser 12 is disposed on the upper rear side of the ice maker 1; the compressor 13 is disposed at the bottom inside the ice maker 1; and the evaporator 14 is disposed at the same horizontal height as the condenser 12, installed at the bottom inside the ice maker 1. This layout helps lower the center of gravity and improve the stability of the ice maker. At the same time, bottom installation also facilitates inspection and maintenance of the compressor by maintenance personnel. The evaporator 14 is horizontally positioned at the same height as the condenser 12. Such design allows smoother refrigerant flow within the system and reduces additional pressure loss caused by height differences.

[0018] The freezing valve 11 is disposed beside the compressor 13, and the capillary tubes 111 at the outlet of the freezing valve 11 extend upward. The freezing valve 11 is positioned next to the compressor 13, and its outlet capillary tubes 111 extend upward. This layout ensures that the refrigerant can smoothly enter the evaporator after passing through the freezing valve, while also preventing pressure loss caused by bending or overstretching of the capillary tubes.

[0019] The evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator is configured in an elliptical shape, with its major axis oriented vertically to the horizontal plane. The diameter of the capillary tubes 111 is less than one-fifth of the diameter of the evaporator inlet 141. The cross-section at the connection between the evaporator inlet 141 and the capillary tubes 111 is conical, and the capillary tubes 111 extend into the evaporator inlet 141.

[0020] Working Principle: The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil. Two capillary tubes 111 are provided at the outlet of the freezing valve 11, and the freezing valve 11 is capable of controlling the refrigerant flow rates in the two capillary tubes 111. The evaporator 14 is provided with an evaporator inlet 141 and an evaporator outlet 142, and the two capillary tubes 111 enter into the evaporator inlet 141. The refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube 143 inside the evaporator 14 from the evaporator inlet 141, and flows out through the evaporator outlet 142.

[0021] When the ice maker is in the ice-making state, low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator 14. Water enters the evaporator 14 and undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant. After absorbing heat, the refrigerant enters the condenser 12 and the compressor 13 for heat dissipation and compression, and is then controlled by the freezing valve 11 to introduce the low-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant back into the evaporator 14 through the capillary tubes 111 and into the evaporator inlet 141. At this point, as the refrigerant passes from the narrow space of the capillary tubes 111 into the evaporator inlet 141, the pipeline volume increases, causing the low-pressure refrigerant to vaporize and absorb heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the evaporator tube 143 of the evaporator. Meanwhile, since two capillary tubes 111 are provided, by controlling the flow rate, two evaporation temperatures inside the evaporator 14 can be achieved.

[0022] Although the present disclosure describes an evaporator structure in the context of an ice maker, it should be understood that the evaporator structure is not limited to such applications. In some embodiments, the evaporator structure may be used in other refrigeration or cooling devices where precise control of evaporation temperature regions and refrigerant flow is desired, such as beverage cooling systems, medical refrigeration units, or industrial chillers. The evaporator structure provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This evaporator structure, by precisely controlling the freezing valve to distribute the refrigerant flow in the two capillary tubes, can more effectively regulate the cooling effect and efficiency inside the evaporator. This flow control helps optimize the circulation of the refrigerant within the system, reduces unnecessary energy consumption, and achieves energy-saving effects. Since two capillary tubes are provided and the freezing valve can independently control the refrigerant flow rates in each of them, two different evaporation temperature zones can be formed within the evaporator. This design is particularly useful in situations where different cooling demands are required, such as rapid ice making and maintaining the stable low-temperature state of ice blocks, thereby improving the flexibility and applicability of the ice maker. The low-temperature refrigerant flowing inside the evaporator tube of the evaporator can rapidly absorb heat from the surrounding water, promoting rapid freezing of the water. Meanwhile, the heat dissipation and compression processes of the refrigerant in the condenser and compressor ensure that the refrigerant continuously returns to the evaporator in a low-temperature, low-pressure state, thereby maintaining an efficient ice-making cycle. By precisely controlling the refrigerant flow and evaporation temperature, the system can better adapt to changes in external environmental conditions, such as variations in ambient temperature and humidity, thereby maintaining stable cooling performance and ice-making efficiency.

[0024] In this evaporator structure, the compressor may be installed at the bottom inside the ice maker, lowering the overall center of gravity, which makes the ice maker more stable during operation. This helps reduce equipment damage or failure caused by vibration or tilting. The evaporator may be horizontally positioned at the same height as the condenser, ensuring smoother refrigerant flow within the system, which helps reduce pressure loss and improve cooling efficiency. The freezing valve may be arranged close to the compressor, facilitating comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and replacement of these two key components by maintenance personnel. This helps reduce maintenance costs and improves the reliability and service life of the equipment. The overall layout is compact and reasonable, making full use of the internal space of the ice maker, which helps reduce the size and weight of the equipment, making transportation and installation more convenient. The evaporator tube of the evaporator may be configured in an elliptical shape, with its major axis oriented vertically to the horizontal plane. This design helps optimize the heat exchange efficiency during the condensation process by increasing the contact area between the evaporator tube and the ice molds inside the evaporator, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency. The diameter of the capillary tubes may be less than one-fifth of the diameter of the evaporator inlet. This design ensures that the refrigerant undergoes a significant throttling process when entering the evaporator. The throttling effect reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, helping to create a lower evaporation temperature inside the evaporator, thereby improving the cooling effect. The cross-section at the connection between the evaporator inlet and the capillary tubes may be conical, and the capillary tubes may extend into the evaporator inlet. This design helps reduce pressure loss of the refrigerant at the connection. The conical connecting section can smoothly guide the refrigerant from the capillary tubes into the evaporator, avoiding turbulence and pressure loss caused by sudden cross-sectional changes. The optimized design of the evaporator tube and capillary tubes enables the ice maker to achieve higher cooling performance with lower energy consumption during operation, which helps improve the energy efficiency ratio of the ice maker and reduce operating costs.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a computing environment 510 coupled with a user interface 550 provided by an ice maker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing environment 510 may be part of a data processing server. The computing environment 510 may include a processor 520, a memory 530, and an Input / Output (I / O) interface 540.

[0026] The processor 520 typically controls overall operations of the computing environment 510, such as the operations associated with display, data acquisition, data communications, and data processing. The processor 520 may include one or more processors to execute instructions to perform all or some of the steps in the above-described embodiments. Moreover, the processor 520 may include one or more modules that facilitate the interaction between the processor 520 and other components. The processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a single chip machine, a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), or the like.

[0027] The memory 530 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the computing environment 510. The memory 530 may include predetermined software 532. Examples of such data includes instructions for any applications or methods operated on the computing environment 510, video datasets, image data, etc. The memory 530 may be implemented by using any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, a magnetic or optical disk.

[0028] The I / O interface 540 provides an interface between the processor 520 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons may include but are not limited to, a home button, a start scan button, and a stop scan button.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for heat exchange according to an example of the present disclosure. In step 610, a processor, from a control unit of an ice maker, may obtain at least two target evaporation temperature regions to be applied within the evaporator. These target temperature regions may correspond to different cooling demands, such as rapid freezing and temperature maintenance. In step 620, the processor may determine at least two refrigerant flow rates based on the at least two target evaporation temperature regions. In some examples, the refrigerant flow rates may be selected to achieve different evaporation pressures within the evaporator. For instance, a higher flow rate may be used for rapid cooling, while a lower flow rate may be used for maintaining steady-state temperature. In step 630, the processor may control the refrigerant to enter the evaporator via at least two flow paths according to the determined refrigerant flow rates. In some embodiments, the flow paths may correspond to separate capillary tubes connected to the outlet of a freezing valve. the processor may send controlling configuration to the freezing valve, such that the freezing valve independently controls a refrigerant flow rate in each of at least two capillary tubes. In some examples, the freezing valve may be a solenoid valve capable of independently adjusting the refrigerant flow in each capillary tube. The refrigerant flows through the capillary tubes into a common inlet of the evaporator and vaporizes to absorb heat. Due to the distinct flow rates along each path, multiple evaporation temperature zones are established within the evaporator, allowing for zone-specific heat exchange performance.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between the entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," or any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed, or may include inherent elements of such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0031] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill 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 disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparent that the described embodiments are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0015]Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a three-way evaporator structure for an ice maker is provided, comprising an ice maker 1, wherein a freezing valve 11, a condenser 12, a compressor 13, and an evaporator 14 are provided inside the ice maker 1. A refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve 11, the condenser 12, the compressor 13, and the evaporator 14. The freezing valve 11 is a solenoid valve control...

Claims

1. An evaporator structure, comprising:a freezing valve, configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of a refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes;the at least two capillary tubes, disposed between the freezing value and an evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator; andthe evaporator, configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

2. The evaporator structure according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator comprises an evaporator inlet, an evaporator outlet, and an evaporator tube, the two capillary tubes enter into the evaporator inlet, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube from the evaporator inlet, and flows out from the evaporator outlet.

3. The evaporator structure according to claim 1, wherein the freezing valve comprises a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil.

4. The evaporator structure according to claim 2, wherein the evaporator tube inside the evaporator is configured in an elliptical shape, with a major axis of the elliptical shape oriented vertically to the horizontal plane.

5. The evaporator structure according to claim 2, wherein a diameter of the at least two capillary tubes is less than one-fifth of a diameter of the evaporator inlet.

6. The evaporator structure according to claim 2, wherein a cross-section at a connection between the evaporator inlet and the at least two capillary tubes is conical, and the at least two capillary tubes extend into the evaporator inlet.

7. An ice maker, comprising a freezing valve, a condenser, a compressor, at least two capillary tubes, and an evaporator, wherein a refrigerant flows through pipelines connected to the freezing valve, the condenser, the compressor, the at least two capillary tubes, and the evaporator,wherein the freezing valve is configured to independently control a refrigerant flow rate of the refrigerant in each of at least two capillary tubes, wherein the at least two capillary tubes are disposed between the freezing value and the evaporator, and configured to transmit the refrigerant into the evaporator, andwherein the evaporator is configured to vaporize the refrigerant for heat exchange.

8. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein the evaporator comprises an evaporator inlet, an evaporator outlet, and an evaporator tube, the two capillary tubes enter into the evaporator inlet, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube from the evaporator inlet, and flows out from the evaporator outlet.

9. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein the freezing valve comprises a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil.

10. The ice maker according to claim 8, wherein the evaporator tube inside the evaporator is configured in an elliptical shape, with a major axis of the elliptical shape oriented vertically to the horizontal plane.

11. The ice maker according to claim 8, wherein a diameter of the at least two capillary tubes is less than one-fifth of a diameter of the evaporator inlet.

12. The ice maker according to claim 8, wherein a cross-section at a connection between the evaporator inlet and the at least two capillary tubes is conical, and the at least two capillary tubes extend into the evaporator inlet.

13. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein the condenser is disposed on an upper rear side of the ice maker, the compressor is disposed at a bottom inside the ice maker, and the evaporator is disposed at a same horizontal height as the condenser.

14. The ice maker according to claim 7, wherein the freezing valve is disposed beside the compressor, and the at least two capillary tubes at an outlet of the freezing valve extend upward.

15. A method for heat exchange, comprising:obtaining at least two target evaporation temperature regions to be applied in an evaporator;determining at least two refrigerant flow rates of a refrigerant based on the at least two target evaporation temperature regions; andcontrolling the refrigerant to enter into evaporator via at least two flow paths based on the at least two refrigerant flow rates.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein controlling the refrigerant to enter into evaporator via the at least two flow paths based on the at least two refrigerant flow rates comprises:sending controlling configuration to a freezing valve, such that the freezing valve independently controls a refrigerant flow rate in each of at least two capillary tubes.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the evaporator comprises an evaporator inlet, an evaporator outlet, and an evaporator tube, the two capillary tubes enter into the evaporator inlet, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator tube from the evaporator inlet, and flows out from the evaporator outlet.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the freezing valve comprises a solenoid valve controlled by an energized coil.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the evaporator tube inside the evaporator is configured in an elliptical shape, with a major axis of the elliptical shape oriented vertically to the horizontal plane.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein a diameter of the at least two capillary tubes is less than one-fifth of a diameter of the evaporator inlet, ora cross-section at a connection between the evaporator inlet and the at least two capillary tubes is conical, and the at least two capillary tubes extend into the evaporator inlet.

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