KR20230113981A - Ice making device having an integrated structure of finger cap and refrigerant distribution pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ice maker having an integral structure of an ice-making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe, wherein a plurality of ice-making finger caps protrude downward at regular intervals and are integrally molded with a refrigerant distribution pipe base and coupled to an upper portion of the refrigerant distribution pipe base. A refrigerant flow pipe top plate constituting a refrigerant flow pipe together with the base, a refrigerant guide plate inserted into the finger cap to partition an internal space and guiding the refrigerant when the refrigerant flows inside the ice-making finger cap, and a refrigerant in the refrigerant flow pipe By including a refrigerant inlet fitting for introducing the refrigerant and a refrigerant outlet fitting through which the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant distribution pipe is discharged, the ice-making finger cap and the refrigerant distribution pipe are made of an integral structure, so there is no welding to attach individual finger caps to the refrigerant distribution pipe. Since the quality is uniform and the flat top plate is welded and assembled to a structure in which the ice-making finger cap is integrally molded with the refrigerant distribution pipe, it is possible to develop ice-making devices of various specifications at low cost.

Description

Ice making device having an integrated structure of finger cap and refrigerant distribution pipe}

The present invention relates to an ice maker having an integrated structure between an ice-making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe, and more particularly, since the ice-making finger cap and the refrigerant distribution pipe are integrally formed, there is no welding for attaching individual finger caps to the refrigerant distribution pipe, so that the quality is poor. The present invention relates to an ice making device capable of developing various standardized ice making devices at low cost by welding and assembling a flat top plate to a structure in which an ice making finger cap is uniformly molded integrally with a refrigerant distribution pipe.

In general, a drinking water supply device has a function of providing purified water as cold water or hot water, respectively, by cooling or heating it. [0002] Recently, an ice water purifier having a function of making and providing ice with purified water by including an ice making device inside the device has been widely used.

On the other hand, a cold or hot water machine is a device that cools or heats separately supplied bottled water or mineral water and supplies it to a user as cold water or hot water.

An ice maker that performs an ice making function in an ice water purifier or an ice cold or hot water dispenser is divided into several methods, but it is common that the ice maker is located above a cold water tank or an ice making room.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional ice making apparatus includes a 'U' shaped refrigerant distribution pipe 2 through which refrigerant is supplied, circulated, and discharged, and protrudes downward in communication with the refrigerant distribution pipe 2. A plurality of ice-making finger caps 4 are provided at regular intervals.

The ice-making finger cap 4 provided in this way is provided in a state of being immersed in a water tank in which drinking water is stored, and as the refrigerant gas is supplied to the refrigerant distribution pipe 2, the ice-making finger cap 4 moves from the outer circumferential surface to the surrounding water. As it cools, ice is formed.

However, such a conventional ice making apparatus has a structure in which ice making finger caps are welded to a metal refrigerant distribution pipe by drilling a hole and assembling a finger cap in each hole to form and assemble by welding. It is a structure made by welding.

Such a conventional ice making apparatus has disadvantages in that welding is difficult, many defects occur, and production costs are high because individual cylindrical finger caps are also welded to the cylindrical refrigerant distribution pipe.

In addition, since the refrigerant distribution pipe is bent in a 'U' shape, it is difficult to mold the refrigerant distribution pipe, and the process of processing the ice-making finger cap assembly hole in the refrigerant distribution pipe is complicated, resulting in many defects and high cost due to low productivity. there is.

In addition, there is a problem in that development and production costs are high because molds and assembly facilities for individual refrigerant distribution pipes are required according to the required amount of ice-making finger caps.

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0729962 Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0330516

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the ice making finger cap and the refrigerant distribution pipe are configured to have an integral structure, so that a plurality of finger caps are not individually welded to the refrigerant distribution pipe, eliminating welding defects and greatly reducing production costs. Its purpose is to provide an ice-making device that can save money.

In addition, the purpose is to provide an ice maker capable of reducing defects in the refrigerant distribution pipe forming process and improving productivity by making the refrigerant distribution pipe easier to form by separately configuring the 'U'-shaped bent portion of the refrigerant distribution pipe. .

In addition, molded products in which the ice-making finger cap and refrigerant distribution tube are integrated are continuously produced in the mold so that individual refrigerant distribution tubes can be cut and used according to the required quantity of ice-making finger caps. Its purpose is to provide an ice maker capable of developing products of various specifications at low cost.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a plurality of ice-making finger caps protrude downward at regular intervals and are integrally molded with a refrigerant distribution pipe base, coupled to an upper portion of the refrigerant distribution pipe base to form a refrigerant distribution pipe together with the base a refrigerant flow pipe top plate, a refrigerant guide plate inserted inside the finger cap to divide an internal space and to guide the refrigerant when the refrigerant flows inside the ice-making finger cap, and a refrigerant inlet fitting to introduce refrigerant into the refrigerant flow pipe; The ice maker may include a refrigerant outlet fitting through which the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant distribution pipe is discharged.

In the present invention, the refrigerant flow pipe base may have a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the refrigerant flow pipe upper plate may be formed of a plane.

In this case, the refrigerant flow pipe base and the refrigerant flow pipe top plate are joined by welding, and the upper side of the side surface of the refrigerant flow pipe base and the edge of the refrigerant flow pipe top plate may be formed with corresponding irregularities to facilitate bonding and welding. there is.

On the other hand, a distribution pipe connection part for connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe in a 'U' shape is further included, and the distribution pipe connection part is coupled to a connection part base connectable to the refrigerant distribution pipe base and an upper portion of the connection part base and is connected to the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate. Possible connecting parts can be made of the top plate.

Here, the connection part base has a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the connection part top plate is made of a plane.

In addition, a support groove into which the refrigerant guide plate is inserted and fixed is formed on inner surfaces of the refrigerant flow pipe base and the refrigerant flow pipe upper plate, and the refrigerant guide plate can be assembled by fitting the refrigerant guide plate into the support groove.

In the present invention, it is characterized in that the refrigerant distribution pipe base is continuously produced in a mold and cut according to the required quantity of the ice-making pinker cap.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant guide plate is made of two layers, and a rubber pad may be provided between them.

In addition, when the refrigerant flow tubes are installed side by side, the finger caps may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and when the finger caps are asymmetrical, the interval and angle between the finger caps are constant so that the finger caps are centered on the finger caps. When the heat of the cooling water is absorbed, the temperature drop can be made uniform by overlapping the uniform distance.

According to the present invention described above, the ice-making finger cap and the refrigerant distribution pipe have an integral structure, so that a plurality of finger caps are not individually welded to the refrigerant distribution pipe, eliminating welding defects, uniform quality, and significantly reducing production costs. It works.

In addition, by configuring the 'U'-shaped bent portion of the refrigerant distribution tube separately to simplify the forming process of the refrigerant distribution tube, there is an effect of reducing defects and improving productivity.

In addition, molded products in which the ice-making finger cap and refrigerant distribution tube are integrated are continuously produced in the mold so that individual refrigerant distribution tubes can be cut and used according to the required quantity of ice-making finger caps. Since it produces, it has the effect of developing products of various specifications at low cost.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional ice maker.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ice making apparatus having an integral structure of an ice making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention.
3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating an ice making apparatus having an integral structure of an ice making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention.
4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an ice making apparatus having an integral structure of an ice making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention.
5a to 5b are perspective views showing various embodiments in which the length of the refrigerant distribution pipe can be adjusted in the present invention.
6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a refrigerant flow in the present invention.
7 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a refrigerant guide plate is fitted in the present invention.
8 is a perspective view illustrating the application of a double refrigerant guide plate to the ice maker of the present invention.
9a to 9b are bottom views illustrating a case in which the finger caps are symmetrically arranged and a case in which the finger caps are asymmetrically arranged in the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, only these embodiments will complete the disclosure of the present invention, and will fully cover the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is provided to inform you.

2 is a perspective view showing an ice-making apparatus having an integrated structure between an ice-making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view showing an ice-making apparatus having an integrated structure between an ice-making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention. , FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an ice making apparatus having an integral structure of an ice making finger cap and a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the ice maker 100 of the present invention is coupled to a refrigerant flow pipe base 122 integrally formed with a plurality of ice making finger caps 140 and an upper portion of the refrigerant flow pipe base 122. a flat refrigerant distribution pipe upper plate 120, a refrigerant guide plate 130 inserted into the finger cap 140 to partition the inner space and guiding the refrigerant when the refrigerant flows inside the ice-making finger cap, and the refrigerant It includes a refrigerant inlet fitting 112 for introducing refrigerant into the distribution pipe and a refrigerant outlet fitting 110 through which the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant distribution pipe is discharged.

In the present invention, the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate 120 constitute a refrigerant distribution pipe.

That is, in the conventional ice making apparatus, a refrigerant distribution pipe and an ice-making finger cap are molded and joined together by welding, respectively, whereas in the present invention, the refrigerant distribution pipe is divided into the base 122 and the top plate 120, and the base ( 122), the ice-making finger cap 140 is integrally molded, and the planar top plate 120 is assembled to the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 integrally molded with the ice-making finger cap 140.

The refrigerant distribution pipe composed of the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and the upper plate 120 is formed in a hollow pipe shape with both ends open, and the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 has a plurality of ice making finger caps 140 communicating with the refrigerant distribution pipe Each ice-making finger cap 140 protrudes in the same direction at regular intervals and is provided to be submerged in water.

In the present invention as described above, 'U'-shaped distribution pipe connection parts 124 and 126 may be further included to connect the two refrigerant distribution pipes.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to connect the two refrigerant distribution pipes, one side of the refrigerant distribution pipe is connected to the distribution pipe connection parts 124 and 126, and the refrigerant outlet fitting 110 and the refrigerant inlet are connected to the other side of the refrigerant distribution pipe. The fitting 112 is fitted and assembled, and then welded to maintain airtightness of the refrigerant.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the refrigerant flow pipe base 122 has a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the refrigerant flow pipe top plate 120 is formed of a plane.

That is, in the prior art, the refrigerant distribution pipe was in the form of a cylindrical pipe, but in the present invention, the refrigerant distribution pipe is divided into a base 122 and an upper plate 120, and assembled by welding to improve assembly quality and reduce welding defects. The refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 has a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate 120 is formed of a plane and has a configuration in which a straight edge is welded.

When the edges of the base 122 and the top plate 120 of the refrigerant distribution pipe constructed as described above are welded together, the refrigerant in order to improve the ease of welding and the airtightness of the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and the top plate of the refrigerant distribution pipe. Corresponding concavo-convex portions 120b and 122b may be formed at an upper side portion of the distribution pipe base 122 and an edge of the refrigerant distribution pipe upper plate 120.

That is, referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 4, a concave portion 122b is formed at the upper end of the side surface of the refrigerant flow pipe base 122, and a convex portion ( 120b) is formed. In this way, the base 122 and the top plate 120 of the refrigerant distribution pipe on the surfaces that are joined to each other form corresponding irregularities 120b and 122b on their edges so that they can be fitted and assembled. to improve quality.

Here, the number or length of the irregularities 120b and 122b may be variously applied, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the distribution pipe connection part for connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe in a 'U' shape also includes a connection part base 126 connectable to the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and a connection part top plate 124 connectable to the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate.

In this case, the connection part base 126 is made in the same cross section as the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 in the form of '└┘', and the connection part top plate 124 is made of a plane, so that the connection part base 126 and the connection part top plate ( 124) is assembled by welding the edges.

As described above, the present invention has an effect of reducing defects and improving productivity by simplifying the molding process compared to the conventional refrigerant distribution pipe by separately configuring the distribution pipe connecting portion connecting the two refrigerant distribution pipes.

In addition, by separately configuring the refrigerant distribution pipe and the distribution pipe connection, it is possible to manufacture refrigerant distribution pipes of various specifications according to the arrangement of the number of finger caps.

5A to 5B are perspective views showing various embodiments in which the length of the refrigerant distribution pipe can be adjusted in the present invention, and the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate 120 are cut according to the quantity standard of the finger cap to obtain various specifications. modules can be configured.

In the present invention, since the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 is continuously produced in a mold and can be cut and used according to the required quantity scale of the ice-making pinker caps, it is possible to produce ice-making devices of various specifications with one mold, thereby producing various specifications. of products can be developed at low cost.

Meanwhile, a refrigerant guide plate 130 is installed inside the finger cap 140 to partition the inner space and to guide the refrigerant when it flows inside the ice-making finger cap.

The refrigerant guide plate 130 has an upper end coupled to the inside of the refrigerant flow pipe and a lower end spaced apart from the inner lower surface of the ice-making finger cap 140 so that the refrigerant gas can circulate through the ice-making finger cap 140.

In the present invention, the refrigerant guide plate 130 is coupled to the refrigerant flow pipe, and the refrigerant guide plate 130 is inserted and fixed to the inner surface of the base 122 and the refrigerant flow pipe top plate 120. Support groove 120a (122a) was formed.

7 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a refrigerant guide plate is fitted in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerant flow pipe base 122 and the refrigerant flow pipe top plate 120 are formed with support grooves 120a and 122a through which the refrigerant guide plate 130 is inserted and fixed, and the support groove 120a The refrigerant guide plate 130 may be coupled by fitting the refrigerant guide plate 130 to the ) 122a and assembling the refrigerant guide plate 130 with an interference fit.

6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the refrigerant flow in the present invention. The expanded vaporized refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant distribution pipe through the refrigerant inlet fitting 112 is supplied along the refrigerant distribution pipe as shown by the arrow in FIG. It flows into one side of the finger cap 140, collides with the refrigerant guide plate 130, moves to the bottom of the ice-making finger cap 140, and then goes around the refrigerant guide plate 130 to the other side of the ice-making finger cap 140. is supplied and moved to

Thereafter, the supply path of moving along the refrigerant distribution pipe after exiting from the ice-making finger cap 140 is repeated. On the other hand, the refrigerant having such a supply path is supplied to the inner end of the finger cap 140 by the refrigerant guide plate 130, so that when the finger cap 140 is immersed in water of an ice maker, the outside of the finger cap is frozen and ice is formed. is created

8 is a perspective view showing the application of a double refrigerant guide plate to the ice maker of the present invention, in addition to the refrigerant guide plate 130 made of a single metal plate, the double refrigerant guide plate 130a with a rubber pad in the middle can also be applied.

9a to 9b are bottom views illustrating a case in which the finger caps are symmetrically arranged and a case in which the finger caps are asymmetrically arranged in the present invention.

In the present invention, since the refrigerant distribution pipe base 122 and the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate 120 can be cut according to the quantity standards of the finger caps to form modules of various specifications, the finger caps can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically. .

When the finger caps are symmetrically arranged, when the heat of the cooling water is absorbed around the finger caps, the space temperature outside the uniform distance becomes non-uniform.

In contrast, when the finger caps are arranged asymmetrically, assembly and construction are easy, and the temperature distribution of the coolant can be evenly distributed, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency of the finger caps.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the distance and angle between the finger caps are constantly arranged, when the heat of the cooling water is absorbed with the finger caps as the center, the temperature drop can be uniformly achieved by overlapping at a uniform distance, thereby improving the ice-making efficiency. can improve.

The rights of the present invention are defined by what is described in the claims, not limited to the embodiments described above, and that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and adaptations within the scope of rights described in the claims. It is self-evident.

100: ice maker 110: refrigerant outlet fitting
112: refrigerant inlet fitting 120: refrigerant distribution pipe top plate
122: refrigerant distribution pipe base 124: top plate of the connector
126: connector base 130: refrigerant guide plate
140: ice making finger cap

Claims (10)

A refrigerant distribution pipe base integrally formed with a plurality of ice-making finger caps protruding downward at regular intervals;
a refrigerant distribution pipe upper plate coupled to an upper portion of the refrigerant distribution pipe base and constituting a refrigerant distribution pipe together with the base;
a refrigerant guide plate inserted into the finger cap to divide an internal space and to guide the refrigerant as it flows inside the ice-making finger cap;
a refrigerant inlet fitting for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant distribution pipe; and
a refrigerant outlet fitting through which the refrigerant circulated in the refrigerant distribution pipe is discharged;
An ice maker comprising: The method of claim 1,
The refrigerant flow pipe base has a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the refrigerant flow pipe upper plate is formed of a flat surface. The method of claim 2,
The refrigerant distribution pipe base and the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate are joined by welding,
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein an upper side portion of the base of the refrigerant flow pipe and an edge of the upper plate of the refrigerant flow pipe are provided with concave-convex portions corresponding to each other to facilitate bonding and welding. The method of claim 1,
A distribution pipe connection for connecting the refrigerant distribution pipe in a 'U' shape is further included,
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution pipe connection part comprises a connection part base connectable to the refrigerant distribution pipe base and a connection part top plate coupled to an upper portion of the connection part base and connectable to the refrigerant distribution pipe top plate. The method of claim 4,
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein the connection part base has a cross section of '└┘' shape, and the connection part top plate is formed of a flat surface. The method of claim 1,
A support groove into which the refrigerant guide plate is inserted and fixed is formed on inner surfaces of the refrigerant flow pipe base and the upper plate of the refrigerant flow pipe,
An ice maker characterized in that the refrigerant guide plate is fitted to the support groove and assembled by interference. The method of claim 1,
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant distribution pipe base is continuously produced in a mold and cut according to a required quantity of the ice-making pinker caps. The method of claim 1,
The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant guide plate is made of two layers, and a rubber pad is provided between the refrigerant guide plates. The method of claim 1,
When the refrigerant distribution pipes are installed in parallel, the ice making apparatus characterized in that the finger caps are formed symmetrically or asymmetrically. The method of claim 9,
When the finger caps are made asymmetrically, when the distance and angle between the finger caps are made constant to absorb the heat of the cooling water centered on the finger caps, the temperature is uniformly reduced by overlapping at a uniform distance. Ice making, characterized in that Device.

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