Flake ice maker

Abstract

A flake ice maker, comprising: a flake ice preparation assembly; a liquid reservoir (7) connected to the flake ice preparation assembly, such that the flake ice preparation assembly is capable of producing flake ice by using water supplied by the liquid reservoir (7); and a liquid supply system arranged in parallel with and connected to the liquid reservoir (7), and configured to supply water into the liquid reservoir (7). The liquid supply system comprises a material liquid tank (4) and an air pump (1), wherein the air pump (1) is configured to introduce air into the material liquid tank (4) so as to deliver water in the material liquid tank (4) to the liquid reservoir (7) under the action of air pressure, and the air pump (1) determines whether to be turned on or off on the basis of a water level in the liquid reservoir (7). The flake ice maker allows for a controllable water level in the liquid reservoir (7) and is easy to clean.

Description

A snow machine Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of snow machine technology, and in particular to a snow machine. Background Technology

[0002] Existing snow flake machines, such as the flavored snow flake machine disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN104215009A, or an ice maker with snow flake preparation function disclosed in another Chinese patent, typically consist of a rotary evaporator, a liquid storage box, a compressor, a condenser, a liquid tank, and a geared motor. Their water filling system involves a screw cap on the liquid tank with a discharge port. A steel ball is installed inside the discharge port of the screw cap for a movable seal. The liquid storage box has a push rod. After the liquid is added to the liquid tank, the screw cap is attached, and the machine is inverted onto the liquid storage box. The push rod of the liquid storage box inserts into the discharge port of the screw cap and pushes open the steel ball inside the screw cap, allowing the liquid to flow from the discharge port onto the liquid storage box. The existing snow flake machine water filling system has uncontrollable liquid levels, easily leaking outside the machine, severely affecting the user experience. Furthermore, placing the liquid tank outside the machine hinders its placement in a cabinet. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a snow machine that allows for controllable water levels in the storage tank and is easy to clean.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a snowflake machine, comprising:

[0005] Snowflake preparation components;

[0006] A liquid storage box is connected to the snowflake preparation component, enabling the snowflake preparation component to prepare snowflakes based on the water provided by the liquid storage box;

[0007] A liquid supply system is arranged in parallel with and connected to the liquid storage box, and is used to supply water to the liquid storage box;

[0008] The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank and an air pump. The air pump is used to pressurize the liquid tank with air so as to transport the water in the liquid tank to the storage box through air pressure. The air pump is turned on and off based on the water level in the storage box.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid supply system further includes a water level gauge, the detection end of which is located inside the liquid storage box, for detecting the water level inside the liquid storage box;

[0010] The air pump is also connected to the water level sensor to obtain the water level detection result and determine whether to start or stop based on the water level detection result.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air pump is located outside the liquid tank and is connected to the liquid tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, the liquid supply system further includes a liquid delivery pipeline, the two ends of which are connected to a liquid storage box and a liquid tank, respectively, for delivering water from the liquid tank to the liquid storage box.

[0013] In some embodiments, the infusion tube is detachably connected to the storage box and the feed tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the liquid tank has a cover for sealing the liquid tank, and the cavity inside the liquid tank includes a liquid cavity and an air cavity. The liquid cavity is connected to the storage box through a liquid delivery pipe. The connection relationship between the liquid cavity, the storage box and the liquid delivery pipe satisfies a first condition. The water in the liquid cavity is connected to the air cavity by an air pump to increase the air pressure by inflating the air cavity, thereby using the air pressure to squeeze the water in the liquid cavity and make it flow to the storage box through the liquid delivery pipe.

[0015] The first condition indicates that the water in the liquid tank cannot automatically flow to the storage box through the delivery pipeline based on gravity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air chamber is located above the liquid chamber, the air chamber and the liquid chamber are interconnected, the air pump is located outside the material tank at a position corresponding to the air chamber, the liquid delivery pipe is bent, its two ends are respectively downward and connected to the liquid chamber of the material tank and the liquid storage box respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air chamber is located below the liquid chamber, a piston is provided in the liquid tank, the air chamber and the liquid chamber are respectively located on both sides of the piston, the air pump is located outside the liquid tank at the position corresponding to the air chamber, and the liquid delivery pipe is bent with its two ends facing different directions and connected to the liquid chamber of the liquid tank and the liquid storage box respectively.

[0018] In some embodiments, the snowflake preparation assembly includes an evaporator, a scraper connected to the evaporator, a condenser connected to the evaporator, and a compressor assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, a housing is also included, wherein the snowflake preparation component, the liquid storage box, and the liquid supply system are all disposed within the housing.

[0020] Based on the disclosure of the above embodiments, it can be understood that the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention include: by arranging the liquid supply system and the liquid storage box side by side, rather than vertically, the overall height of the snow machine can be effectively reduced, making it easier for daily storage and use. Secondly, by setting up an air pump, water in the liquid tank can be pumped into the liquid storage box. The start and stop of the air pump is controlled by the water level in the liquid storage box. When the water is full, the air pump automatically stops pumping; when the water is low, the air pump automatically starts pumping to add water to the liquid storage box, thus achieving controllable water level in the liquid storage box. In addition, by placing the air pump outside the liquid tank and setting up a detachable liquid delivery pipe, water can be prevented from flowing through the air pump, ensuring that the air pump is dry and clean, with no liquid residue. At the same time, the detachable liquid delivery pipe facilitates cleaning, providing convenience for users to clean the snow machine.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0022] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the snow machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of the snow machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a snow machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is an exploded structural diagram of a snow machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Attached reference numerals: 1. Air pump; 2. Water delivery pipe; 3. Water level gauge; 4. Liquid tank; 5. Evaporator; 6. Scraper; 7. Liquid storage box; 8. Condenser; 9. Compressor; 10. Cover plate; 11. Piston; 12. Bracket; 13. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the following description should not be considered as limiting, but merely as an example of embodiments. Other modifications within the scope of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0032] These and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred forms of embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] It should also be understood that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art can certainly implement many other equivalent forms of the invention, which have the features described in the claims and are therefore all within the scope of protection defined herein.

[0034] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in view of the following detailed description.

[0035] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described thereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure and can be implemented in various ways. Well-known and / or repeated functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary or redundant details that could obscure the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely to serve as the basis and representative basis for the claims to teach those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in a variety of substantially any suitable detailed structures.

[0036] This specification may use the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in yet another embodiment,” or “in still another embodiment,” all of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, an embodiment of the present invention provides a snowflake machine, comprising:

[0039] Snowflake preparation components;

[0040] The liquid storage box 7 is connected to the snowflake preparation component, enabling the snowflake preparation component to prepare snowflakes based on the water provided by the liquid storage box 7;

[0041] A liquid supply system is arranged in parallel with and connected to the liquid storage box 7, and is used to supply water to the liquid storage box 7;

[0042] The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank 4 and an air pump 1. The air pump 1 is used to pressurize the liquid tank 4 with air so as to transport the water in the liquid tank 4 to the liquid storage box 7 by air pressure. The air pump 1 is turned on and off based on the water level in the liquid storage box 7.

[0043] The specific structure of the snowflake preparation component in this embodiment is not fixed and can be set according to actual needs. This application does not impose any restrictions on this. The liquid storage box 7 is connected to the snowflake preparation component and is used to provide it with the liquid for preparing snowflakes. The specific liquid is not unique and can be water, juice, etc., so that the snowflake preparation component can prepare the snowflakes required by the user after obtaining the raw materials. The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank 4 and an air pump 1. The liquid tank 4 is different from the previous solution in that it is arranged in parallel or approximately parallel with the liquid storage box 7. In the existing solution, the liquid tank 4 is vertically arranged above the liquid storage box 7, and the liquid in the tank flows into the liquid storage box 7 by gravity. However, in this embodiment, the liquid tank 4 and the liquid storage box 7 are not connected vertically, but are arranged in parallel, that is, not vertically. The liquid in the liquid tank 4 cannot automatically flow into the liquid storage box 7 by gravity. In order to allow the liquid in the liquid tank 4 to flow into the liquid storage box 7, this embodiment uses an air pump 1 to pressurize the liquid tank 4 with air. The air pressure forces the liquid in the liquid tank 4 into the liquid storage box 7. The start and stop of the air pump 1 are negatively correlated with the water level in the liquid storage box 7. When the water level meets the high water level standard, the air pump 1 stops pumping air. When the water level meets the low water level standard, the air pump 1 starts pumping air to supply water to the liquid storage box 7.

[0044] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this embodiment effectively reduces the overall height of the snow machine by arranging the liquid supply system and the liquid storage box 7 side by side, rather than vertically, thus facilitating daily storage and use. Secondly, by setting up an air pump 1, the water in the liquid tank 4 can be pumped into the liquid storage box 7. The start and stop of the air pump 1 are controlled by the water level in the liquid storage box 7. When the water is full, the air pumping automatically stops; when the water is low, the air pumping automatically starts to add water to the liquid storage box 7, thus achieving controllable water level in the liquid storage box 7.

[0045] In one embodiment, the liquid supply system further includes a water level sensor 3, whose detection end is located inside the liquid storage box 7, for detecting the water level inside the liquid storage box 7; the air pump 1 is also connected to the water level sensor 3 to obtain the water level detection result and determine whether to start or stop based on the water level detection result. Alternatively, the water level sensor 3 may have an MCU chip, i.e., have certain data processing functions, which can determine to generate a start signal or a stop signal based on the water level detection result, and send the generated signal to the air pump 1 to control the start and stop of the air pump 1. Alternatively, the water level sensor 3 may send the detection result to the controller in the snow machine, and the controller may determine how to control the start and stop of the air pump 1 based on the detection result. All of the above methods are applicable, and the specific method is not unique.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air pump 1 is located outside the liquid tank 4 and is connected to the liquid tank 4. For example, the air pump 1 can be installed inside the snow machine by setting a bracket 12, that is, it is not fixedly connected to the liquid tank 4. Of course, it can also be set to be fixedly connected to the liquid tank 4, and the specific configuration is not fixed.

[0047] The liquid supply system also includes a liquid delivery pipeline, the two ends of which are connected to a liquid storage box 7 and a liquid tank 4, respectively, for transporting water from the liquid tank 4 to the liquid storage box 7. The liquid delivery pipeline is detachably connected to the liquid storage box 7 and the liquid tank 4.

[0048] In this embodiment, by placing the air pump 1 outside the liquid tank 4 and simultaneously providing a detachable infusion pipe, water flow through the air pump 1 can be effectively prevented, ensuring that the air pump 1 remains dry and clean, without any liquid residue that would increase the difficulty of cleaning the snow machine. Furthermore, by making the infusion pipe detachable, cleaning is convenient, providing ease of cleaning for the user. Therefore, the solution in this embodiment features a simple water path, the liquid does not need to pass through the pump body, and since the air pump 1 does not need to be fixedly connected to the liquid tank 4, the liquid tank 4 and the infusion pipe can be disassembled separately, thus facilitating user cleaning. The design of the liquid not passing through the pump body prevents long-term corrosion of the pump body, thus extending its lifespan and preventing bacterial growth, thereby ensuring that all parts of the snow machine that come into contact with the liquid are thoroughly cleaned.

[0049] Furthermore, the liquid tank 4 has a cover 10 for sealing the liquid tank 4. The cavity inside the liquid tank 4 includes a liquid cavity and an air cavity. The liquid cavity is connected to the storage box 7 via a delivery pipe. The connection relationship between the liquid cavity, the storage box 7, and the delivery pipe satisfies the first condition. The water in the liquid cavity is connected to the air cavity by the air pump 1, so as to increase the air pressure by inflating the air cavity, and then use the air pressure to squeeze the water in the liquid cavity, so that it flows to the storage box 7 through the delivery pipe. Here, the first condition indicates that the water in the liquid tank 4 cannot automatically flow to the storage box 7 through the delivery pipe based on gravity. That is, as mentioned above, the liquid in the liquid tank 4 cannot flow to the storage box 7 based on its own gravity. It is necessary to change the air pressure in the liquid tank 4 by the air pump 1 to achieve the output of the liquid through this external force.

[0050] In one embodiment, the air chamber is located above the liquid chamber and the air chamber and liquid chamber are interconnected. The air pump 1 is located outside the material tank 4 at a position corresponding to the air chamber. The liquid delivery pipe is bent, with its two ends pointing downwards and connected to the liquid chamber of the material tank 4 and the liquid storage box 7, respectively.

[0051] In another embodiment, the air chamber is located below the liquid chamber, and a piston 11 is provided in the liquid tank 4. The air chamber and the liquid chamber are located on both sides of the piston 11, respectively. The air pump 1 is located outside the liquid tank 4 at a position corresponding to the air chamber. The liquid delivery pipe is bent, with its two ends facing different directions, and is connected to the liquid chamber of the liquid tank 4 and the liquid storage box 7, respectively.

[0052] In practical applications, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the snowflake machine also includes a housing, within which the snowflake preparation assembly, liquid storage box 7, and liquid supply system are all housed. The snowflake preparation assembly includes an evaporator 5, a scraper 6 connected to the evaporator 5, a condenser 8 connected to the evaporator 5, and a compressor 9 assembly.

[0053] For example, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the liquid tank 4 is placed in a slot at the rear of the machine, the evaporator 5 and scraper 6 are fixedly installed at the front of the machine, and the machine contains a compressor 9 and a condenser 8 connected to the evaporator 5. The liquid storage box 7 is placed below the evaporator 5, and a water level gauge 3 (e.g., but not limited to a conductive needle) is installed above the liquid storage box 7. One end of the water level gauge 3 is fixed to the machine, and the other end extends into the inner cavity of the liquid storage box 7. The delivery pipe 2 is inserted into the liquid tank 4 through a slot 13, with one end extending to the bottom of the liquid tank 4 and the other end placed above the liquid storage box 7. The air pump 1 is fixed inside the machine through a fixing bracket 12, and the air inlet extends above the liquid tank 4. When the air pump 1 is started, the air pump 1 fills the liquid tank 4, which is covered by a sealing cap, with air, that is, it fills the air chamber. Under the action of increased air pressure in the air chamber, the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid tank 4 will be injected into the liquid storage box 7 through the delivery pipe 2. When the liquid level in the storage box 7 is below the water level detector 3, the water level detector 3 detects that the liquid level has reached the highest point, and the air pump 1 stops filling the storage box 7 with air and water; when the liquid level in the storage box 7 is below the water level detector 3, the water level detector 3 detects that the liquid level is insufficient, and the air pump 1 starts filling the storage box 7 with air and water.

[0054] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid tank 4 is installed in a slot at the rear of the machine, the evaporator 5 and scraper 6 are fixedly installed at the front of the machine, and the machine contains a compressor 9 and a condenser 8 connected to the evaporator 5. The liquid storage box 7 is placed below the evaporator 5, and a water level gauge 3 is installed above the liquid storage box 7. One end of the water level gauge 3 is fixed to the machine, and the other end extends into the inner cavity of the liquid storage box 7. One end of the conveying pipe 2 is fitted onto the outlet above the liquid tank 4, and the other end is placed above the liquid storage box 7. The air pump 1 is fixed inside the machine by a fixing bracket 12, and the air inlet extends below the liquid tank 4. When the air pump 1 is started, the air pump 1 inflates the sealed air chamber of the liquid tank 4. Under the action of increased air pressure in the air chamber of the liquid tank 4, the piston 11 in the liquid tank 4 is pushed upward by the pressure, squeezing the liquid chamber, so that the liquid will be injected into the liquid storage box 7 through the conveying pipe 2. When the liquid level in the storage box 7 is below the water level detector 3, the water level detector 3 detects that the liquid level has reached the highest point, and the air pump 1 stops filling the storage box 7 with air and water; when the liquid level in the storage box 7 is below the water level detector 3, the water level detector 3 detects that the liquid level is insufficient, and the air pump 1 starts filling the storage box 7 with air and water.

[0055] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within its spirit and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A snow machine characterized by comprising: include: Snowflake preparation components; A liquid storage box is connected to the snowflake preparation component, enabling the snowflake preparation component to prepare snowflakes based on the water provided by the liquid storage box; A liquid supply system is arranged in parallel with and connected to the liquid storage box, and is used to supply water to the liquid storage box; The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank and an air pump. The air pump is used to pressurize the liquid tank with air so as to transport the water in the liquid tank to the storage box through air pressure. The air pump is turned on and off based on the water level in the storage box.

2. The snowmaker of claim 1, wherein The liquid supply system also includes a water level sensor, the detection end of which is located inside the liquid storage box, for detecting the water level inside the liquid storage box; The air pump is also connected to the water level sensor to obtain the water level detection result and determine whether to start or stop based on the water level detection result.

3. The snowmaker of claim 1, wherein, The air pump is located outside the liquid tank and is connected to the liquid tank.

4. The snowmaker of claim 1, wherein The liquid supply system also includes a liquid delivery pipeline, the two ends of which are connected to a liquid storage box and a liquid tank, respectively, for delivering water from the liquid tank to the liquid storage box.

5. The snowmaker of claim 4, wherein, The infusion tube is detachably connected to the storage box and the feed tank.

6. The snowmaker of claim 4, wherein, The liquid tank has a cover for sealing the liquid tank. The liquid tank has a cavity including a liquid cavity and an air cavity. The liquid cavity is connected to the storage box through a liquid delivery pipe. The water in the liquid cavity is connected to the air cavity by an air pump to increase the air pressure by inflating the air cavity. The air pressure is then used to squeeze the water in the liquid cavity, causing it to flow to the storage box through the liquid delivery pipe.

7. The snowmaker of claim 6, wherein The air chamber is located above the liquid chamber and is connected to the liquid chamber. The air pump is located outside the liquid tank at a position corresponding to the air chamber. The liquid delivery pipe is bent with both ends pointing downwards and connected to the liquid chamber of the liquid tank and the liquid storage box, respectively.

8. The snowmaker of claim 6, wherein, The air chamber is located below the liquid chamber. A piston is provided in the liquid tank. The air chamber and the liquid chamber are located on both sides of the piston. The air pump is located outside the liquid tank at the position corresponding to the air chamber. The liquid delivery pipe is bent, with its two ends facing different directions, and is connected to the liquid chamber of the liquid tank and the liquid storage box respectively.

9. The snowmaker of claim 1, wherein, The snowflake preparation assembly includes an evaporator, a scraper connected to the evaporator, a condenser connected to the evaporator, and a compressor assembly.

10. The snowmaker of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a housing, in which the snowflake preparation component, liquid storage box, and liquid supply system are all housed.

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