Hybrid seawater ice maker

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of ice makers. Disclosed is a hybrid seawater ice maker, comprising an ice-making module and a filtering module. A compressor and an ice-making bucket for making crushed ice are fixedly arranged in the ice-making module. The filtering module is arranged above the ice-making module. A rectangular filtering plate is arranged in the filtering module. A filtering cavity is formed in the filtering plate. A plurality of rotating filter elements are arranged in the filtering cavity. A first transmission chain is arranged between a plurality of rotating shafts in a vertical direction to link said plurality of rotating shafts. A second transmission chain is arranged between the rotating shafts in opposite faces on the two sides of the filtering plate to link said rotating shafts. An adjustment button is fixedly arranged on the uppermost rotating shaft among the plurality of rotating shafts. The structure can allow for adjustment of the filtering degree and filtering speed of the filtering module by adjusting the rotating angles of the rotating filter elements, so that the ice maker can adapt to environments having different seawater qualities, thereby achieving the optimal filtering effect and speed.

Description

A hybrid seawater ice maker Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice maker technology, specifically a hybrid seawater ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] A seawater ice maker is a device that uses seawater resources to make ice. It cools seawater into ice blocks or ice flakes through a series of treatments and processes, providing people with refreshing ice products. The working principle of a seawater ice maker is based on a refrigeration cycle system. A circulating refrigerant carries away heat from the seawater, thus cooling it. First, seawater is drawn into the refrigeration cycle system, undergoes pretreatment and filtration to remove impurities and particulate matter. Then, the seawater enters the evaporator, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, gradually lowering the seawater temperature. During this process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the seawater, becoming a low-temperature gas. Next, the low-temperature gas enters the compressor, is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and releases heat through the condenser. Finally, the refrigerant returns to a liquid state and is recycled back to the evaporator. Seawater ice makers utilize the abundant resource of seawater, eliminating the need for an additional freshwater supply. This is highly advantageous for environments with limited water resources, such as coastal areas or ships. Furthermore, the operating cost of a seawater ice maker is relatively low because seawater, as both the refrigerant and cooling medium, requires no additional energy consumption. In addition, the cooling effect of a seawater ice maker is stable and reliable, producing high-quality ice blocks or ice flakes. Most importantly, during the ice-making process, seawater undergoes treatment and filtration to remove harmful substances and microorganisms, providing safer ice products. Seawater ice machines are widely used in various fields. In the seafood processing industry, seawater ice machines are used to preserve and cool seafood, ensuring its freshness and quality. On offshore drilling platforms and ships, seawater ice machines can meet cooling and refrigeration needs, ensuring the normal operation of equipment and personnel.

[0003] However, existing seawater ice makers are typically used at sea. Because they use seawater to make ice, and seawater has a higher salinity, its freezing point is lower than that of freshwater. Current seawater ice makers address this issue in one way: by increasing the refrigeration effect of the ice maker to achieve even lower temperatures for freezing. During the ice-making process, salt and impurities in the seawater exist as dissolved substances in the water and crystallize along with water molecules to form ice. Due to the presence of salt, seawater has a lower freezing point than pure water, thus requiring even lower temperatures to freeze. To achieve these lower temperatures, the ice maker usually needs to increase its refrigeration effect, which leads to higher power consumption and energy waste. Furthermore, impurities in the seawater can affect the quality of the ice. These impurities may include microorganisms, suspended solids, and chemicals, which are also fixed within the ice during the crystallization process. Another type of seawater ice maker filters seawater to obtain fresh water for ice making. This type of ice maker requires frequent filter module replacements, resulting in higher filtration costs. Furthermore, the degree of seawater filtration usually depends on the filter cartridge's filtration capacity. Higher filtration precision leads to slower seawater filtration, potentially reducing the ice maker's efficiency. Additionally, high-precision filters can result in a fixed salt content in the ice produced. This is because high-precision filters effectively remove salt from seawater, resulting in purer water for ice making. This means that ice made from seawater filtered through such cartridges has a low and stable salt content, making it impossible to adjust the salt content as needed. Therefore, in applications where ice hygiene requirements are lower, using high-precision filters may increase costs due to the need for frequent and time-consuming filter replacements. Technical issues

[0004] (I) Technical problems to be solved: In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a hybrid seawater ice maker, which has the advantages of customizable filter accuracy of the filter element during use according to different needs and low power to quickly reduce the salt solubility in seawater. It solves the problems of fixed filtration effect and high cost of existing seawater ice makers, and high ice-making power but slow ice-making. Technical solutions

[0005] (II) Technical Solution: To achieve the goal of customizable adjustment of the filtration accuracy of the filter element according to different needs and rapid reduction of salt solubility in seawater with low power, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A hybrid seawater ice maker, comprising an ice-making module and a filtration module. The ice-making module is fixedly equipped with a compressor and an ice-making bucket for producing crushed ice. The filtration module is arranged above the ice-making module. The bottom of the filtration module is provided with a liquid outlet, which is connected to the water inlet at the top of the ice-making bucket. The filtration module is provided with a rectangular filter plate. The filter plate is provided with a filtration chamber. The filtration chamber is provided with a plurality of rotating filter elements. The plurality of rotating filter elements are arranged in an array along the vertical direction of the filter plate on opposite sides of the filter plate. The rotating filter elements are provided with rotating shafts at both ends, and the rotating shafts at both ends are rotatably connected to fixed plates.

[0006] Preferably, the fixing plate is fixed inside the filter chamber. A transmission chain one is provided between several vertical rotating shafts to enable them to move together. A transmission chain two is provided between the rotating shafts on both sides to enable them to move together. An adjustment knob is fixedly provided on the uppermost rotating shaft among the several rotating shafts. A filtrate chamber is also provided between the filter plate and the filter module. The cavity in the filter plate is a storage chamber for storing seawater. The filter module is also provided with a pure water outlet for supplying pure water into the filtrate chamber. A mixing chamber is also provided below the filter plate. The outlet is provided at the bottom of the mixing chamber. A support plate is provided between the mixing chamber and the filter plate. The support plate has through holes around its perimeter, which connect the filtrate chamber and the mixing chamber. A mixing fan blade is also provided inside the mixing chamber. The shaft of the mixing fan blade passes through the bottom surface of the mixing chamber and is connected to a drive motor. The drive motor is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the mixing chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the liquid storage tank is also provided with centrifugal fan blades, and the shaft of the centrifugal fan blades is fixedly connected to the mixing fan blades through the support plate.

[0008] Preferably, a dust cover is provided above the filter plate, and a seawater pump for conveying seawater into the storage tank is provided on the cover. A scraper is also slidably mounted on the dust cover. The scraper is made of stainless steel mesh and is inserted into the filter chamber and the storage tank. A sealing cover is fixedly provided on the top of the scraper. When the filter plate is fully inserted, the sealing cover and the dust cover are sealed together. Scraping claws are provided on both sides of the bottom of the scraper to scrape impurities from the surface of the filter plate and the surface of the rotating filter element. The scraping claws on both sides are respectively in close contact with the outer wall of the rotating filter element and the filter plate.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing cover is provided with a handle, and a collection groove for collecting impurities is provided between the scraper claw and the scraper.

[0010] Preferably, the rotating filter element is a reverse osmosis membrane, and the filter plate is a pretreated filter membrane.

[0011] Preferably, the ice-making bucket is provided with an ice outlet pipe at the bottom, an ice outlet valve is provided on the ice outlet pipe, and a return pipe is also connected to the ice outlet pipe. The return pipe is located above the ice outlet valve and connects the ice outlet pipe to the liquid storage tank. A return liquid pump is provided on the return pipe, and a filter screen is provided between the return pipe and the ice outlet pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the rotating filter element is less than the length of the long side of the filter plate, the width of the rotating filter element is less than the width of the conveying and filtering chamber, the rotating shaft passes through the fixed plate, and the adjusting knob passes through the filter plate and is located on the outside of the filter plate.

[0013] Preferably, the compressor is provided with a cooling pipe, which is wrapped around the ice-making bucket. Beneficial effects

[0014] (III) Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a hybrid seawater ice maker, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. This hybrid seawater ice maker, through the combined use of a filter plate structure and a rotating filter element structure, offers advantages over traditional seawater ice makers. Traditional ice makers have a fixed filtration level, making it impossible to adjust the filtration level and speed according to different situations. This hybrid seawater ice maker allows for adjustment of the filtration level and speed by changing the rotation angle of the rotating filter element. This enables the ice maker to adapt to environments with varying seawater quality, achieving optimal filtration effect and speed. Furthermore, the volume of seawater the ice maker needs to process may differ in different scenarios. By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating filter element, the filtration speed can be adjusted while maintaining ice-making quality to meet varying demands.

[0016] 2. This hybrid seawater ice maker, through the combined use of a hybrid fan blade structure and a hybrid chamber structure, achieves rapid mixing and dilution of seawater and purified water in a short time. This is in contrast to traditional seawater ice makers that can only reduce the salinity of seawater through filter cartridges, which takes time to achieve this. This hybrid seawater ice maker reduces the salinity of seawater more quickly and improves the ice-making efficiency. This hybrid seawater ice maker is more suitable for situations where purified water is plentiful and a large quantity of ice needs to be produced quickly.

[0017] 3. This hybrid seawater ice maker, through the combined use of a return pipe structure, an ice-making tank structure, and a filter plate structure, differs from traditional seawater ice makers which can only make ice from seawater at room temperature and have low ice-making efficiency. In non-ice-making mode, this hybrid seawater ice maker can create a closed pre-cooling system by closing the ice outlet valve. This pre-cooling circulation system cools the seawater to a certain temperature before ice-making begins, shortening the ice-making cycle in subsequent stages, improving the ice maker's production efficiency, and meeting the demand for rapid ice making. Simultaneously, during the cooling circulation process, as the seawater temperature decreases, the solubility of salts in the seawater decreases, and some salts precipitate from the solution, forming solid particles that deposit on the filter plate. This effectively reduces the salt content in the seawater, resulting in a lower salinity after this circulation process. This mechanism promotes the desalination process of seawater through physical means, improving the efficiency and performance of the ice maker. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural bottom view of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is a front view of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a top view of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view (AA) of the structure of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a CC cross-sectional view of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention with the dust cover removed;

[0026] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the rotating filter structure of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention when it rotates.

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the rotating filter structure of the hybrid seawater ice maker of the present invention when it is fully rotated.

[0029] In the diagram: 1-Ice making module, 2-Filtering module, 3-Compressor, 4-Ice bucket, 5-Liquid outlet, 6-Water inlet, 7-Filter plate, 8-Filter chamber, 9-Rotating filter element, 10-Rotating shaft, 11-Fixing plate, 12-Transmission chain one, 13-Transmission chain two, 14-Adjusting knob, 15-Filtrate chamber, 16-Storage chamber, 17-Pure water outlet, 18-Mixing chamber, 19-Support plate, 20-Through hole, 21-Mixing fan blade, 22-Drive motor, 23-Centrifugal fan blade, 24-Dust cover, 25-Seawater pump, 26-Scraper, 27-Sealing cover, 28-Scraper claw, 29-Collection tank, 30-Ice outlet pipe, 31-Ice outlet valve, 32-Return pipe, 33-Return liquid pump, 34-Filter screen, 35-Cooling pipe. Embodiments of the present invention

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9. A hybrid seawater ice maker includes an ice-making module 1 and a filtration module 2. The ice-making module 1 is fixedly equipped with a compressor 3 and an ice-making bucket 4 for producing crushed ice. The filtration module 2 is located above the ice-making module 1. The bottom of the filtration module 2 is provided with a liquid outlet 5, which is connected to the water inlet 6 at the top of the ice-making bucket 4. The filtration module 2 is equipped with a rectangular filter plate 7, which can filter suspended solids in seawater. The filter plate 7 is provided with a filtration chamber 8, which is provided with a plurality of rotating filter elements 9. The rotating filter elements 9 can filter out salt and other impurities from the water, thereby producing fresh water. Please refer to Figures 6, 7, and 8. Several rotating filter elements 9 are arranged in an array along the vertical direction of the filter plate 7 on opposite sides of the filter plate 7. The area of ​​the rotating filter elements 9 on both sides when in opposite vertical directions is similar to the surface area of ​​the filter plate 7. Rotating shafts 10 are provided at both ends of each rotating filter element 9, connecting them. When the rotating shafts 10 rotate, the rotating filter elements 9 also rotate. The design of the rotating shafts 10 allows for easy adjustment of the angle of the rotating filter elements 9, thereby adjusting the filtration efficiency of the rotating filter elements 9 in the filter chamber 8. Furthermore, the rotating shafts 10 are connected by a transmission chain, ensuring the vertical linkage of the rotating filter elements 9 on both sides of the filter plate 7. This allows adjusting the angle of one rotating filter element 9 to simultaneously affect the other rotating filter elements 9, maintaining the consistency of the overall filtration effect and speed. A fixed plate 11 is rotatably connected to the rotating shafts 10 at both ends. The fixed plate 11 is fixed inside the filter chamber 8. A transmission chain 12 is set between several vertical rotating shafts 10 to link them. The transmission chain 12 connects to the rotating shafts 10 of several vertical rotating filter elements 9, so that when the angle of one rotating filter element 9 is adjusted, it can affect the other rotating filter elements 9 at the same time, maintaining the consistency of the overall filtration effect and speed. Specifically, the transmission chain 12 transmits the rotation of the rotating filter element 9 to the adjacent rotating filter elements 9, linking them together and adjusting the angle of each rotating filter element 9 simultaneously. This ensures that the position and angle of all rotating filter elements 9 in the vertical direction are consistent, thereby maintaining the consistency of seawater filtration efficiency and speed. A transmission chain 2 13 is set between the rotating shafts 10 on both sides to link the rotating shafts 10 on opposite sides of the filter plate 7. The function of the transmission chain 2 13 is similar to that of the transmission chain 1 12, which also realizes the linkage of the rotating filter elements 9. The second transmission chain 13 connects the rotating shafts 10 on opposite sides of the filter plate 7, allowing them to simultaneously affect other rotating filter elements 9 when adjusting the angle of one rotating filter element 9, maintaining consistency in overall filtration efficiency and speed. Specifically, the second transmission chain 13 transmits the rotational motion of the rotating filter element 9 to the rotating shafts 10 on opposite sides of the filter plate 7, linking them together and simultaneously adjusting the angle of each rotating filter element 9. This ensures that all rotating filter elements 9 within the filtration chamber 8 maintain consistent vertical position and angle, thereby ensuring consistent seawater filtration efficiency and speed.An adjustment knob 14 is fixedly installed on the uppermost rotating shaft 10 among several rotating shafts 10. The adjustment knob 14 passes through the filter plate 7 and is located on the outside of the filter plate 7. By adjusting the knob 14, the user can change the angle of the rotating filter element 9 to adjust the degree of seawater filtration. When it is necessary to increase the degree of filtration and reduce the filtration speed, the user can rotate the adjustment knob 14 to make the rotating filter element 9 more densely arranged, increase the filtration area, and improve the degree of filtration. Conversely, when it is necessary to increase the filtration speed or reduce the degree of filtration, the user can adjust the knob 14 to increase the angle of the rotating filter element 9, reduce the filtration area, and thus increase the filtration speed. Please refer to Figures 5, 6, 10, and 11. A filtrate chamber 15 is also provided between the filter plate 7 and the filter module 2. The seawater filtered by the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter plate 7 flows through the filtrate chamber 15. The cavity in the filter plate 7 is a storage tank 16 for storing seawater. In the above structure, by default, the rotating filter elements 9 in the filter chamber 8 are arranged vertically. At this time, the filtration efficiency of the rotating filter elements 9 is the highest, and seawater is completely filtered when passing through the rotating filter elements 9, but the filtration speed is relatively slow. When it is necessary to adjust the filtration efficiency of the rotating filter elements 9, the rotating filter elements 9 connected to it are rotated by adjusting the knob 14. When one rotating filter element 9 rotates, it will drive the other rotating filter elements 9 to rotate together through the transmission chain 12 and the transmission chain 2 13. During the rotation of the rotating filter elements 9, gaps appear between each adjacent rotating filter element 9. The existence of gaps allows seawater to bypass part of the filter element when passing through it, without being filtered by the filter element. As a result, some impurities in the seawater may enter the next stage of the system through the gaps, reducing the overall filtration effect. The gaps between adjacent filter elements allow small particles or salt in the seawater to pass through without being effectively intercepted by the filter element, thus affecting the purification effect of the seawater. However, the presence of gaps shortens the path of seawater through the filter element, reducing resistance and allowing seawater to pass through more quickly, thus increasing the overall filtration speed. When several rotating filter elements 9 are rotated to a horizontal position, the gaps between adjacent elements are at their maximum. These gaps allow seawater to pass through the rotating filter elements 9 easily with minimal obstruction, minimizing filtration. Because the resistance to seawater passing through the filter elements is minimal and it passes through quickly, the overall filtration speed reaches its maximum. Although the filtration level is reduced, the increased filtration speed allows for use in environments with low seawater salinity, thereby improving ice-making efficiency.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The filter module 2 is also equipped with a pure water inlet 17 for supplying pure water into the filtrate chamber 15. The function of the pure water inlet 17 is to supply pure water into the filtrate chamber 15 to mix with seawater, thereby reducing the salinity of the seawater. When it is necessary to adjust the salinity of the seawater, the user can inject an appropriate amount of pure water into the filtrate chamber 15 through the pure water inlet 17. After mixing with the seawater, the mixing fan blades 21 agitate the water, reducing the salinity of the seawater. This results in a more suitable seawater solution for ice making, improving ice-making efficiency. Additionally, the pure water inlet 17 can also be used to clean and rinse the filtration system. By injecting pure water into the filtrate chamber 15, the filter plate 7 and rotating filter element 9 can be rinsed, removing impurities and salt adhering to their surfaces, keeping the filtration system clean and operating normally. A mixing chamber 18 is also provided below the filter plate 7, allowing pure water to be mixed with seawater to adjust the salinity of the seawater. By injecting an appropriate amount of purified water into the mixing chamber 18, the salinity of seawater can be reduced, resulting in a seawater solution more suitable for ice making. The mixing chamber 18 has an outlet 5 at its bottom, and a support plate 19 is installed between the mixing chamber 18 and the filter plate 7. Through holes 20 are formed around the support plate 19, connecting the filtrate chamber 15 and the mixing chamber 18. A mixing fan blade 21 is also installed inside the mixing chamber 18. The design of the mixing fan blade 21 allows for rapid mixing of seawater and purified water, increasing their contact area. This increased contact area leads to more thorough interaction between the seawater and purified water, and a faster exchange rate between the solute and solvent. This helps to dilute the solute more quickly, thus reducing the salinity of the seawater and improving ice-making efficiency. Furthermore, the mixing fan blade 21 generates vortices when rotating, which accelerate the convection of the mixed liquid. By accelerating the convection speed, the mixing fan blade 21 can mix the seawater and purified water more quickly, resulting in faster dilution of the seawater and thus reducing its salinity. The shaft of the mixing blade 21 passes through the bottom surface of the mixing chamber 18 and is connected to the drive motor 22, which is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the mixing chamber 18. A centrifugal blade 23 is also installed inside the storage chamber 16. The shaft of the centrifugal blade 23 passes through the support plate 19 and is fixedly connected to the mixing blade 21. The purpose of the centrifugal blade 23 is to increase the pressure of seawater on the surface of the filter plate 7, thereby increasing the speed at which seawater passes through the filter plate 7 and improving the overall filtration effect of the filter plate 7. Specifically, the design of the centrifugal blade 23 can generate rotating seawater flow. This rotating flow will generate a certain centrifugal force, causing the seawater to generate a certain pressure within the storage chamber 16. This pressure will cause the seawater to pass through the filter plate 7 more quickly, increasing the contact area between the seawater and the surface of the filter plate 7, thereby improving the filtration efficiency. Furthermore, the rotation of the centrifugal blade 23 can also increase the kinetic energy of the seawater, giving it greater flow capacity, thereby accelerating the speed at which seawater passes through the filter plate 7.This increased speed helps to deliver suspended solids and impurities in the seawater to the filter plate 7 more quickly, improving the filtration effect. In addition, the design of the centrifugal fan blades 23 can maintain the circulation of seawater in the storage tank 16, preventing dead zones or local stagnation of seawater in a static state, further increasing the impact and pressure of seawater on the surface of the filter plate 7, which helps to thoroughly filter out impurities in the seawater.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. A dust cover 24 is also provided above the filter plate 7. A seawater pump 25 for conveying seawater into the storage tank 16 is installed on the dust cover 24. A scraper 26, made of stainless steel mesh, is also slidably mounted on the dust cover 24. The scraper 26 is inserted into the filter chamber 8 and the storage tank 16. A sealing cover 27 is fixedly installed on the top of the scraper 26. When the filter plate 7 is fully inserted, the sealing cover 27 and the dust cover 24 are sealed together. Scraper claws 28 are provided on both sides of the bottom of the scraper 26 to scrape impurities from the surface of the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter element 9. The scraper claws 28 are respectively in close contact with the outer wall of the rotating filter element 9 and the filter plate 7. A handle is provided on the sealing cover 27. A collection groove 29 for collecting impurities is provided between the scraper claws 28 and the scraper 26. If a large amount of salt precipitates onto the surface of the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter element 9 during use, the salt can be removed by lifting the scraper 26. As the scraper 26 moves upward, the scraper claw 28 will scrape off the salt adhering to the surface of the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter element 9 and collect it in the collection tank 29 and pour it out.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. An ice outlet pipe 30 is located at the bottom of the ice-making bucket 4, and an ice outlet valve 31 is installed on the ice outlet pipe 30. A return pipe 32 is also connected to the ice outlet pipe 30, located above the ice outlet valve 31. The return pipe 32 connects the ice outlet pipe 30 to the liquid storage tank 16, and a return liquid pump 33 is installed on the return pipe 32. A filter screen 34 is installed between the return pipe 32 and the ice outlet pipe 30 to prevent ice fragments from entering the return pipe 32. The rotating filter element 9 uses a reverse osmosis membrane, and the filter plate 7 is a pretreatment filter membrane. The length of the rotating filter element 9 is less than the length of the long side of the filter plate 7, and the width of the rotating filter element is less than the width of the conveying filter chamber 8. The rotating shaft 10 passes through the fixed plate 11. A cooling pipe 35 is installed on the compressor 3, and the cooling pipe 35 wraps around the ice-making bucket 4.

[0035] Working principle: When ice is made entirely from seawater, seawater is injected into the storage tank 16 through the seawater pump 25. When the pressure inside the storage tank 16 gradually exceeds the pressure in the filter tank 15, the seawater inside the storage tank 16 will flow to the filter tank 15 through the filter plate 7. When the seawater passes through the filter plate 7, some of the larger particles in the seawater will be filtered by the filter plate 7 itself, while the other part of the seawater will be filtered by the rotating filter element 9 when it passes through the filter chamber 8 in the filter plate 7 to reduce the salt content in the seawater. As shown in Figure 5, by default, the rotating filter elements 9 in the filter chamber 8 are arranged vertically. At this time, the filtration efficiency of the rotating filter elements 9 is the highest, and seawater is completely filtered when passing through the rotating filter elements 9, but the filtration speed is relatively slow. When it is necessary to adjust the filtration efficiency of the rotating filter elements 9, the rotating filter elements 9 connected to it are rotated by adjusting the knob 14. When one rotating filter element 9 rotates, it will drive the other rotating filter elements 9 to rotate together through the transmission chain 12 and the transmission chain 2 13. As shown in Figure 10, during the rotation of the rotating filter elements 9, gaps appear between each adjacent rotating filter element 9. The existence of gaps allows seawater to bypass part of the filter element when passing through it, without being filtered by the filter element. As a result, some impurities in the seawater may enter the next stage of the system through the gaps, reducing the overall filtration effect. The gaps between adjacent filter elements allow small particles or salt in the seawater to pass through without being effectively intercepted by the filter element, thus affecting the purification effect of the seawater. However, the presence of gaps shortens the path of seawater through the filter element, reducing resistance and allowing it to pass through more quickly, thus increasing the overall filtration speed. As shown in Figure 11, when several rotating filter elements 9 are rotated to a horizontal position, the gaps between adjacent filter elements are at their maximum. These gaps allow seawater to pass through the rotating filter elements 9 easily with minimal obstruction, minimizing filtration. Because the resistance to seawater passing through the filter elements is minimal and it passes through quickly, the overall filtration speed reaches its maximum. Although the filtration level is reduced, the increased filtration speed allows for use in environments with low seawater salinity, thereby improving ice-making efficiency. The filtration level and speed of the filter module 2 can be adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the rotating filter elements 9. Since seawater quality varies in different regions, including salinity and suspended particulate matter, adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating filter elements 9 allows the ice maker to adapt to environments with different seawater qualities, achieving optimal filtration effect and speed. Furthermore, the volume of seawater that the ice maker needs to process may vary depending on the scenario. By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating filter element 9, the filtration speed of the ice maker can be adjusted to adapt to different demand levels while ensuring ice-making quality. When the ice maker operates under different ambient temperature and humidity conditions, this may affect the properties of the seawater and the working efficiency of the ice maker.By adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating filter element 9, the ice maker can maintain a stable filtration effect and speed under different environmental conditions.

[0036] When using a mixture of purified water and seawater to make ice, purified water is injected into the filtrate chamber 15 through the purified water inlet 17. The purified water then enters the mixing chamber 18 through the through-hole 20 to mix with the filtered seawater. The design of the mixing blades 21 rapidly stirs and mixes the seawater and purified water, increasing their contact area. This increased contact area allows for more thorough interaction between the seawater and purified water, resulting in faster exchange between the solute and solvent. This leads to faster dilution of the solute, reducing the salt concentration in the seawater and consequently lowering the salt concentration of the mixed solution. Furthermore, the rotating mixing blades 21 create vortices that accelerate the convection of the mixed liquid. By increasing the convection speed, the mixing blades 21 mix the seawater and purified water more quickly, diluting the seawater more rapidly and thus reducing the salt concentration of the solution. In contrast, reducing the salt content of seawater through filter cartridge filtration takes time, as it involves the gradual removal of solutes by the filter cartridge. The mixing blade 21 can quickly mix seawater and purified water in a short time, thereby reducing the salt concentration of seawater more quickly and improving the ice-making efficiency of the ice maker. The mixed seawater ice maker used in this mode is more suitable when there is a sufficient supply of purified water and a large amount of ice needs to be produced quickly.

[0037] When not in ice-making mode, the ice maker can create a closed system by closing the ice outlet valve 31. During this time, as seawater circulates in the ice-making tank 4, the freezing effect of the ice tank 4 gradually lowers the seawater temperature, causing it to flow back to the storage tank 16 via the return pipe 32. This continuous circulation achieves seawater cooling in a relatively short time. Compared to traditional seawater ice-making methods, this design, through a pre-cooling circulation system, can cool the seawater to a certain temperature before ice-making begins, providing favorable conditions for the subsequent ice-making process. This shortens the ice-making cycle, improves the ice maker's production efficiency, and meets the demand for rapid ice-making. During the cooling circulation process, the seawater undergoes a cooling process as it passes through the ice-making tank 4. As the seawater temperature decreases, according to the law of solubility, solubility decreases with decreasing temperature. This means that at lower temperatures, the solubility of salts in seawater decreases, and some salts will precipitate from the solution, forming solid particles. These precipitated salts continue to flow with the seawater and eventually deposit on the filter plate 7. Filter plate 7, acting as a solid surface, provides a site for salt to adhere. This process is equivalent to a physical precipitation process, similar to the natural process of salt precipitation and deposition in seawater. This effectively reduces the salt content in seawater, resulting in a lower salinity after this cycle. This mechanism physically promotes the desalination process of seawater, improving the efficiency and performance of the ice maker.

[0038] If a large amount of salt precipitates onto the surface of the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter element 9 during use, the salt can be removed by lifting the scraper 26. As the scraper 26 moves upward, the scraper claw 28 will scrape off the salt adhering to the surface of the filter plate 7 and the rotating filter element 9 and collect it in the collection tank 29 and pour it out.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0040] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A mixed type seawater ice maker, comprising an ice making module (1) and a filtering module (2), a compressor (3) and an ice making bucket (4) for making crushed ice are fixedly arranged in the ice making module (1), the filtering module (2) is arranged above the ice making module (1), a liquid outlet (5) is arranged at the bottom of the filtering module (2), the liquid outlet (5) is communicated with a water inlet (6) at the top of the ice making bucket (4), and a rectangular filter plate (7) is arranged in the filtering module (2), characterized in that: The filter plate (7) is provided with a filter cavity (8), and a plurality of rotating filter cores (9) are arranged in the filter cavity (8); the rotating filter cores (9) are arranged in opposite surfaces on both sides of the filter plate (7) in the vertical direction of the filter plate (7); rotating shafts (10) are arranged at both ends of the rotating filter cores (9); and fixed plates (11) are rotatably connected to the rotating shafts (10) at both ends.

2. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 1, wherein: The fixed plates (11) are fixed in the filter cavity (8); a transmission chain I (12) is arranged between the rotating shafts (10) in the vertical direction to enable linkage; a transmission chain II (13) is arranged between the rotating shafts (10) on both sides to enable linkage of the rotating shafts (10) in the opposite surfaces on both sides of the filter plate (7); an adjusting knob (14) is fixedly arranged on the uppermost rotating shaft (10) among the rotating shafts (10); a filtrate bin (15) is further arranged between the filter plate (7) and the filter module (2); and a cavity in the filter plate (7) is a liquid storage bin (16) for storing seawater.

3. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 2, wherein: A pure water outlet (17) for delivering pure water into the filtrate bin (15) is further arranged on the filter module (2); a mixing bin (18) is further arranged below the filter plate (7); the mixing bin (18) is provided with the liquid outlet (5) at the bottom; a support plate (19) is arranged between the mixing bin (18) and the filter plate (7); through holes (20) are formed in the periphery of the support plate (19); the through holes (20) communicate the filtrate bin (15) with the mixing bin (18); mixing fan blades (21) are further arranged in the mixing bin (18); the shafts of the mixing fan blades (21) penetrate the bottom surface of the mixing bin (18) and are connected with a driving motor (22); and the driving motor (22) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the mixing bin (18).

4. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 2, wherein: Centrifugal fan blades (23) are further arranged in the liquid storage bin (16); the shafts of the centrifugal fan blades (23) penetrate the support plate (19) and are fixedly connected with the mixing fan blades (21).

5. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 2, wherein: A dustproof cover (24) is further arranged above the filter plate (7); a seawater liquid pump (25) for delivering seawater into the liquid storage bin (16) is arranged on the dustproof cover (24); a scraper (26) is further slidably assembled on the dustproof cover (24); the scraper (26) is made of stainless steel mesh; the scraper (26) is inserted into the filter cavity (8) and the liquid storage bin (16); a sealing cover (27) is fixedly arranged at the top of the scraper (26); the sealing cover (27) is sealingly connected with the dustproof cover (24) when the filter plate (7) is completely inserted; scraper claws (28) are arranged at the bottom of the scraper (26) on both sides to scrape impurities on the surface of the filter plate (7) and the rotating filter core (9); and the scraper claws (28) are tightly attached to the outer walls of the rotating filter core (9) and the filter plate (7) on both sides, respectively.

6. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 5, wherein: A handle is arranged on the sealing cover (27); and a collection groove (29) for collecting impurities is arranged between the scraper claws (28) and the scraper (26).

7. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 1, wherein: The rotating filter core (9) adopts reverse osmosis membrane, and the filter plate (7) is a pretreatment filter membrane.

8. The hybrid seawater ice machine of claim 1, wherein: The ice making barrel (4) is provided with an ice outlet pipe (30) at the bottom, the ice outlet pipe (30) is provided with an ice outlet valve (31), and the ice outlet pipe (30) is further connected with a reflux pipe (32), the reflux pipe (32) is located above the ice outlet valve (31), the reflux pipe (32) is connected with the liquid storage bin (16), the reflux pipe (32) is provided with a reflux liquid pump (33), and the filter screen (34) is arranged between the reflux pipe (32) and the ice outlet pipe (30).

9. The hybrid seawater ice maker of claim 2, wherein: The length of the rotating filter core (9) is less than the length of the long side of the filter plate (7), the width of the rotating filter core (9) is less than the width of the conveying filter cavity (8), the rotating shaft (10) penetrates through the fixed plate (11), and the adjusting knob (14) penetrates through the filter plate (7) and is arranged outside the filter plate (7).

10. The hybrid seawater ice machine of claim 1, wherein: The compressor (3) is provided with a cooling pipe (35), and the cooling pipe (35) is wound around the ice making barrel (4).

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