Ice maker control method and ice maker

Abstract

The present invention discloses a control method for an ice maker and an ice maker. The control method includes: triggering a cleaning button on the ice maker for switching the ice maker to a cleaning mode; supplying water to an upper water tank of the ice maker until the liquid level in the upper water tank reaches a low water level; adding cleaning fluid to the upper water tank, and after the liquid level reaches a cleaning fluid mark, supplying water to the upper water tank until the water level reaches a middle water level; discharging a mixture of cleaning fluid and water in the upper water tank into an ice-making assembly, and controlling the ice-making assembly to start working and enter ice-making mode; stopping the ice-making assembly after a preset working time has elapsed; supplying water to the upper water tank until the liquid level exceeds the middle water level, causing water to overflow from an upper notch of the upper water tank and an ice discharge port of the ice-making assembly, thereby cleaning the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly. The control method can achieve automatic cleaning of the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly without requiring the user to disassemble the machine, thereby solving the problem of manual cleaning being laborious and time-consuming in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of ice making, and in particular relates to a control method of an ice making machine and an ice making machine. Background Art

[0002] At present, ice machines are widely used in the fields of food, light industry and medical treatment. For example, the transportation and production process of seafood and meat, the cooling process in chemical processes, etc. all require the use of ice cubes to maintain a low temperature environment. However, traditional ice machines are laborious to clean, and the machine needs to be repeatedly disassembled and assembled during cleaning, which is very inconvenient for users to operate. There are also problems with incomplete cleaning and no prompts during cleaning. For example, the Chinese patent with publication number CN111964320A discloses an ice maker, a refrigerator and a cleaning method for an ice maker. The ice maker includes an ice tray, an ice-pushing rod provided with the ice tray, and a rotating device for controlling the rotation of the ice-pushing rod. The ice maker also includes a cleaning device detachably provided on the ice-pushing rod. The cleaning device is configured to be driven by the rotating device when installed on the ice-pushing rod and driven by the ice-pushing rod to rotate to clean the ice tray. This ice maker is difficult to clean and is not cleaned thoroughly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In response to the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a control method for an ice maker and an ice maker, which can solve the problem of manual cleaning labor for users and optimize the user experience.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for an ice maker, the control method comprising:

[0005] Step S101: triggering a cleaning button on the ice maker for switching the ice maker to a cleaning mode;

[0006] Step S102: supplying water to the upper water tank of the ice maker until the liquid level in the upper water tank reaches a low water level;

[0007] Step S103: adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank, and after the liquid level reaches the cleaning liquid mark, supplying water into the upper water tank until the water level reaches the middle level;

[0008] Step S104: draining the mixture of cleaning liquid and water in the upper water tank into the ice-making assembly, and controlling the ice-making assembly to start working and enter ice-making mode;

[0009] Step S105: the ice-making component stops working after the preset working time is reached;

[0010] Step S106: Water is supplied to the upper water tank until its liquid level exceeds the middle water level, causing water to overflow from the upper notch of the upper water tank and the ice discharge port of the ice-making assembly, thereby cleaning the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly. The above control method can achieve automated cleaning of the upper water tank and ice-making assembly without requiring the user to disassemble the machine, thus solving the problem of manual cleaning that is labor-intensive and time-consuming in the prior art.

[0011] In some embodiments, after step S106, the method further includes:

[0012] Step S107: draining the water in the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly;

[0013] Steps S106 and S107 are repeatedly performed multiple times to clean out the water containing the cleaning liquid remaining in the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly, thereby ensuring the food safety of subsequent processing and further improving the cleaning effect of the ice-making machine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0015] When the ice maker operating time reaches a preset operating time, a prompt signal is sent out through the cleaning button in a display manner, so as to automatically remind the user that the ice maker needs to be cleaned, without the user having to record it by himself, which is convenient for the user.

[0016] In some embodiments, step S102 specifically includes:

[0017] Opening the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank, and determining whether the water level in the upper water tank reaches the middle water level after a preset water inlet time has elapsed;

[0018] If so, the water inlet valve is closed and the drain valve connected to the upper water tank is opened until the liquid level reaches the low water level. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the water supply system of the ice maker is able to supply water normally, prepare the water required for subsequent cleaning work, and avoid water shortage during the process as much as possible.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0020] Opening the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank, and determining whether the water level in the upper water tank reaches the middle water level after a preset water inlet time has elapsed;

[0021] If not, the first prompt message of water shortage in the upper water tank is issued. In this way, when the upper water tank of the ice maker is in a water shortage state, the user can be promptly prompted to repair the water supply system to meet the demand for water volume of the ice maker when cleaning.

[0022] In some embodiments, step S103 specifically includes:

[0023] Sending a second prompt message that the water level in the upper water tank has reached a low water level;

[0024] Based on the second prompt information, cleaning liquid is added to the upper water tank. In this way, the user does not need to wait for the ice maker to start. The ice maker can automatically prompt the user when user intervention is required, thereby improving the user experience.

[0025] In some embodiments, step S101 specifically includes:

[0026] When the ice maker is in standby mode, pressing a cleaning button to enter a cleaning mode;

[0027] The third prompting information indicating that the ice maker has entered the cleaning mode is sent out in a displayed manner via the cleaning button. In this way, the user can intuitively obtain the working mode of the ice maker through the display of the cleaning button, which is convenient for the user to operate the ice maker.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0029] In response to the power-off operation of the ice maker, a fourth prompt information related to the power-off operation is issued, and the execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation are stored, so that the ice maker has a power-off memory function and can store the execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation after power off.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an ice making machine, comprising a fixed box and a control device, and further comprising:

[0031] An upper water tank, comprising a tank body and a water tank cover for sealing the tank body, wherein a float switch electrically connected to the control device is provided on the inner side of the water tank cover, and the float switch is at least used to detect the liquid level in the tank body, and a liquid inlet for injecting cleaning liquid is provided on one side of the upper water tank;

[0032] an ice-making assembly, the lower portion of which is in communication with the upper water tank and the upper end of which is provided with an ice-discharging port, wherein the ice-making assembly is configured to receive liquid from the upper water tank and discharge ice from the ice-discharging port after the liquid is made;

[0033] The control panel is electrically connected to the control device and is configured to display the working mode of the ice maker. The ice maker can provide the user with intelligent prompts related to the working mode of the ice maker and has the advantages of easy cleaning and good cleaning effect.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a prompt unit electrically connected to the control device, the prompt unit configured to issue at least a first prompt indicating a lack of water in the upper water tank; and / or a second prompt regarding the liquid level in the upper water tank; and / or a third prompt regarding the operating mode; and / or a fourth prompt regarding a power-off operation. The prompt unit includes an audio prompt unit and / or a display prompt unit. Each of the above prompts can promptly notify a user of the operating status of the ice maker, facilitating user use of the ice maker.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: the present invention realizes automatic cleaning of the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly by supplying water and cleaning liquid into the upper water tank, and the ice-making assembly can make ice from the mixture of water and cleaning liquid. The user does not need to disassemble the machine, and the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly can be thoroughly cleaned by the cleaning liquid, which solves the problem of manual cleaning being laborious and time-consuming in the prior art. Moreover, by continuously supplying water to the upper water tank so that water overflows from the upper groove, and the ice generated by the ice-making assembly is discharged from the ice discharge port, the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly can be cleaned more thoroughly by the flowing water and ice, thereby achieving a better cleaning effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The same reference numerals with letter suffixes or different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example and not limitation, and together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the disclosed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Such embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive of the embodiments of the present apparatus or method.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a first flow chart of a control method for an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 A second flow chart of the control method of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the upper water tank and the fixed tank of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 An exploded view of the upper water tank and the fixed tank of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an upper water tank of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A.

[0045] The components indicated by the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0046] 100-Ice maker; 1-Water tank; 11-Box; 12-Water tank cover; 13-Float switch; 14-Liquid inlet; 15-Bump; 16-Block; 17-Connecting shaft; 18-Shaft hole; 2-Ice making assembly; 21-Ice discharge port; 22-Ice squeezing motor; 23-Ice lever; 24-Ice bucket; 3-Fixed box; 31-Notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0048] The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different parts. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" mean that the elements preceding the term include the elements listed after the term, and do not exclude the possibility of also including other elements. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0049] In the present invention, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intervening device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first device or the second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to another device, the specific device may be directly connected to the other device without an intervening device, or may be directly connected to the other device but with an intervening device.

[0050] All terms (including technical or scientific terms) used in the present invention have the same meaning as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0051] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a control method for an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 to 8 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. An ice-making machine 100 employing the aforementioned control method may include a control device, an ice-making assembly 2, and a header tank 1 for supplying water to the ice-making assembly 2. The control device may include a processor for executing the aforementioned control method for the ice-making machine 100. The control device may be configured to control the inflow and outflow of water from the header tank 1, the supply of water to the ice-making assembly 2, and the opening and closing of the ice-making assembly 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the ice-making assembly 2 is a structure capable of making ice after the ice-making machine 100 enters the ice-making mode. The present invention does not specifically limit the structure of the ice-making assembly 2, and it only needs to be able to make ice from the water supplied from the upper water tank 1.

[0054] A lower drain outlet may be provided on the upper water tank 1 , and a drain valve electrically connected to a control device may be provided on a pipe connected to the lower drain outlet. The control device may be used to send an opening and closing control signal to the drain valve.

[0055] The embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for an ice maker 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control method includes:

[0056] Step S101: triggering a cleaning button on the ice maker 100 for switching the ice maker 100 to a cleaning mode.

[0057] Specifically, an operation panel may be provided on the outer surface of the ice maker 100. The operation panel may include at least a cleaning button and may also include a power on button, a power off button, etc., although this is not specifically limited in the present invention. The operation panel is electrically connected to the control device of the ice maker 100. When the cleaning button is activated, the operation panel responds to the operation and generates a signal related to the cleaning mode, which is transmitted to the control device.

[0058] Step S102: supplying water to the upper water tank 1 of the ice maker 100 until the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 reaches a low water level.

[0059] Specifically, a sensor for detecting the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 may be provided in the upper water tank 1. The sensor may be, for example, a float switch 13. The sensor is electrically connected to the control device and is configured to detect at least a plurality of liquid levels, such as a low water level and a medium water level. When the sensor detects a corresponding liquid level signal, the liquid level signal is sent to the control device in real time.

[0060] Step S103: adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1, and after the liquid level reaches the cleaning liquid mark position, supplying water into the upper water tank 1 until the water level reaches the middle level.

[0061] Specifically, the volume of water added to the lower water level of upper water tank 1 in step S102 can be defined as a first volume, and the volume of cleaning fluid added to upper water tank 1 in step S103 can be defined as a second volume. The ratio of the first volume to the second volume, i.e., the volume ratio of water to cleaning fluid, is pre-calculated based on the dimensions of upper water tank 1. This mixture of water and cleaning fluid achieves optimal cleaning effectiveness, and eliminates the need for the user to manually determine the volumes of water and cleaning fluid to be added, thus facilitating operation.

[0062] Specifically, a liquid inlet hole may be provided on the wall of the upper water tank 1, through which the user can pour the cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1. The upper water tank 1 may be provided with a visual window, which may be marked with a low water level, a cleaning liquid mark level, etc., so that the user can intuitively know the liquid level in the upper water tank 1.

[0063] Of course, the ice making assembly 2 may also be provided with a prompting unit. When the user adds cleaning liquid to the upper water tank 1 and reaches the cleaning liquid mark, the prompting unit may notify the user by sound or display, so that the user can stop adding cleaning liquid in time, thereby facilitating the user's operation. Alternatively, a prompting message may be issued to the user when the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 reaches the middle water level or the low water level, thereby providing the user with an intelligent cleaning operation environment.

[0064] Step S104: draining the mixture of cleaning liquid and water in the upper water tank 1 into the ice-making assembly 2, and controlling the ice-making assembly 2 to start working and enter the ice-making mode.

[0065] Step S105: the ice-making assembly 2 stops working after the preset working time is reached.

[0066] Specifically, the ice-making assembly 2 may include an ice-squeezing motor 22, an ice rod 23 connected to the output shaft of the ice-squeezing motor 22, and an ice-making bucket 24 sleeved on the ice rod 23. An ice-making gap is formed between the ice rod 23 and the ice-making bucket 24. After the mixture of cleaning liquid and water enters the ice-making assembly 2, the mixture can fill the above-mentioned ice-making gap, and the ice rod 23 and ice-making bucket 24 of the ice-making assembly 2 are preliminarily cleaned. After the ice-making assembly 2 enters the ice-making mode, the ice made can also further clean the inner wall of the ice bucket and the ice rod 23 of the ice-making assembly 2, so that the ice-making assembly 2 can be thoroughly cleaned.

[0067] Specifically, the preset time may range from 18 minutes to 22 minutes, and may also be set by the user according to cleaning requirements, and the present invention does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0068] Specifically, an electric control valve may be provided on the pipe connected to the drain outlet of the ice making assembly 2. The electric control valve is in a normally closed state. After ice making is completed, the control device may open the electric control valve to discharge the residual mixed liquid in the ice making bucket 24.

[0069] Step S106: supplying water to the upper water tank 1 to make its liquid level exceed the middle water level, so that water overflows from the upper notch of the upper water tank 1 and the ice discharge port 21 of the ice-making assembly 2, and cleans the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making assembly 2.

[0070] The water in the upper water tank 1 continuously overflows from the upper notch, and the ice made by the ice-making assembly 2 continuously overflows from the ice discharge port 21, thereby achieving a better cleaning effect.

[0071] The present invention supplies water and cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1, and the ice-making component 2 can make ice from the mixture of water and cleaning liquid, thereby realizing automatic cleaning of the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making component 2. The user does not need to disassemble the machine, and the cleaning liquid can be used to thoroughly clean the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making component 2, thereby solving the problem of manual cleaning being laborious and time-consuming in Xi'an Yo technology. In addition, by continuously supplying water to the upper water tank 1 so that the water overflows from the upper groove, and the ice-making component 2 generates water and discharges it from the ice discharge port 21, the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making component 2 can be cleaned more thoroughly by the flowing water and ice, thereby achieving a better cleaning effect.

[0072] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, after step S106, the method further includes:

[0073] Step S107: draining the water in the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making assembly 2;

[0074] Step S106 and step S107 are repeatedly performed multiple times.

[0075] Specifically, the control device of the ice maker 100 can control the drain valve provided on the lower drain outlet of the upper water tank 1 to open, thereby draining the water in the upper water tank 1. The control device can also control the electric control valve provided on the drain outlet of the ice making assembly 2 to open, thereby draining the residual water in the ice making assembly 2.

[0076] Specifically, after executing step S107, water containing cleaning fluid may still remain in the upper water tank 1 and ice-making assembly 2. If ice is subsequently made directly using the ice-making machine 100, the safety of the ice produced may be affected, leading to product quality issues. Therefore, by repeatedly executing steps S106 and S107, the water containing cleaning fluid remaining in the upper water tank 1 and ice-making assembly 2 can be cleaned out, further improving the cleaning effect of the ice-making machine 100 and ensuring the safety of subsequent ice making.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0078] When the operation time of the ice maker 100 reaches a preset operation time, a prompt signal is issued in a display manner via the cleaning button.

[0079] Specifically, the preset running time is related to the cleaning time interval of the ice maker 100. For example, if the ice maker 100 has been cleaned for 5 to 6 months, the control device will send a prompt signal to the cleaning button according to the preset running time, such as the color of the background light of the cleaning button changes, or the background light flashes, thereby prompting the user that the ice maker 100 needs to be cleaned.

[0080] In this way, the user can be automatically reminded that the ice maker 100 needs to be cleaned without the user having to record it himself, which is convenient for the user.

[0081] In some embodiments, step S102 specifically includes:

[0082] Open the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank 1, and determine whether the water level in the upper water tank 1 reaches the middle water level after the preset water inlet time has elapsed;

[0083] If so, close the water inlet valve and open the drain valve connected to the upper water tank 1 until the liquid level reaches the low water level.

[0084] Specifically, the above-mentioned ice maker 100 may also include a water supply system, and the above-mentioned water inlet valve is provided on the pipe connecting the water supply system and the upper water tank 1. The water inlet valve is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the water inlet valve, thereby controlling the amount of water supplied to the upper water tank 1.

[0085] Specifically, the above-mentioned preset water inlet time can be understood as the time when the liquid level should reach the middle water level after continuous water inlet. For example, the preset water inlet time ranges from 3 minutes to 5 minutes. After the preset water inlet time is reached, if the water supply function of the water supply system is normal, the water level in the upper water tank 1 should have reached the middle water level. After confirming that the water supply function of the water supply system is normal, the water inlet valve will be closed and the drain valve connected to the upper water tank 1 will be opened until the liquid level is at a low water level.

[0086] In this way, it is possible to determine whether the water supply system of the ice maker 100 can supply water normally, so as to prepare the water volume required for subsequent cleaning work and avoid water shortage during the process as much as possible.

[0087] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0088] Open the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank 1, and determine whether the water level in the upper water tank 1 reaches the middle water level after the preset water inlet time has elapsed;

[0089] If not, a first prompt message indicating that there is no water in the upper water tank 1 is issued.

[0090] Specifically, if the water supply function of the water supply system is abnormal and there is insufficient water supply, the water level in the upper water tank 1 will not reach the middle water level after the preset water inlet time is reached. It can be determined that the water supply system connected to the upper water tank 1 has a fault.

[0091] At this time, if it is determined that the water supply function of the water supply system is abnormal, a first prompt message can be issued by display and / or sound. The user can repair the water supply system based on the first prompt message and continue to supply water to the upper water tank 1 through the water supply system after the repair.

[0092] In this way, when the upper water tank 1 of the ice maker 100 is in a water shortage state, the user can be promptly prompted to repair the water supply system to meet the water demand of the ice maker 100 during cleaning.

[0093] In some embodiments, step S103 specifically includes:

[0094] Sending a second prompt message that the water level in the upper water tank 1 has reached a low water level;

[0095] Add cleaning fluid into the upper water tank 1 based on the second prompt information.

[0096] Specifically, the above-mentioned operation of adding cleaning liquid is performed by the user. After the water level in the upper water tank 1 has reached the low water level, the prompt unit of the control device can issue a second prompt message in the form of display and / or sound, prompting the user that the water in the upper water tank 1 has been added, and the user can add cleaning liquid to the upper water tank 1.

[0097] In this way, the user does not need to wait beside the ice maker 100 for the ice maker 100 to operate. The ice maker 100 can automatically prompt the user when user intervention is required, thereby improving the user experience.

[0098] In some embodiments, step S101 specifically includes:

[0099] When the ice maker 100 is in the standby mode, pressing the cleaning button to enter the cleaning mode;

[0100] A third prompt message indicating that the cleaning mode has been entered is issued in a displayed manner via the cleaning button.

[0101] Specifically, when the ice maker 100 is in non-cleaning mode, the cleaning button is in a very bright state. After the user triggers the cleaning button to put the ice maker 100 into cleaning mode, the cleaning button switches to a constantly bright state to remind the user that the ice maker 100 is in cleaning mode.

[0102] In this way, the user can intuitively obtain the working mode of the ice maker 100 through the display of the cleaning button, which is convenient for the user to operate the ice maker 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0104] In response to the power-off operation of the ice maker 100 , fourth prompt information related to the power-off operation is issued, and execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation are stored.

[0105] The above-mentioned power-off operation can be understood as a sudden power outage of the ice maker 100, which causes the ice maker 100 to be unable to continue the cleaning operation.

[0106] Specifically, the fourth prompt information can be presented in the form of display and / or sound, so as to promptly remind the user that the ice maker 100 has lost power and the user needs to intervene to repair the power supply system.

[0107] Specifically, a memory may also be provided on the control device, and the memory stores execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation. When the power supply system for the ice maker 100 returns to normal, the processor can continue to execute subsequent operations of the execution step according to the stored execution step corresponding to the power-off operation, without having to start cleaning the ice maker 100 again from step S101. That is, the above-mentioned ice maker 100 has a power-off memory function and can store the execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation after power off.

[0108] The following examples illustrate the power-off operation of the ice maker 100 before adding the cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1 in step S103 and after adding the cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1 in step S103.

[0109] In the event that a power outage occurs before adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1, after the power outage problem is resolved, the water supply in step S102 will be executed until the liquid level reaches a low water level, and after reaching the low water level, a second prompt message will be sent to the user to add cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1; in the event that a power outage occurs after adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1, after the power outage problem is resolved, the cleaning steps after the stored execution step will continue to be executed until the cleaning is completed.

[0110] Specifically, when the water supply system connected to the upper water tank 1 is in a water shortage state, the above-mentioned memory can also store the execution steps corresponding to the water shortage state, and after the water supply system returns to normal, the processor can continue to execute the subsequent operations of the execution step according to the stored execution step corresponding to the power-off operation, and there is no need to start cleaning the ice maker 100 again from step S101.

[0111] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an ice making machine 100, such as Figures 3 to 6As shown, the ice maker 100 includes a fixed tank 3 and a control device, as well as an upper water tank 1, an ice-making assembly 2, and a control panel. The upper water tank 1 includes a housing 11 and a water tank lid 12 for sealing the housing 11. A float switch 13 electrically connected to the control device is located inside the water tank lid 12. The float switch 13 is used to detect at least the liquid level within the housing 11. A liquid inlet 14 for injecting cleaning fluid is located on one side of the upper water tank 1. The lower portion of the ice-making assembly 2 communicates with the upper water tank 1, and an ice discharge port 21 is located at its upper end. The ice-making assembly 2 is configured to receive liquid from the upper water tank 1 and discharge ice through the ice discharge port 21 after it is formed. The control panel is electrically connected to the control device and is configured to display the operating mode of the ice maker 100.

[0112] Specifically, the control panel may be provided with a cleaning button, a power on button, a power off button, etc., and may also be provided with a display panel for displaying the working process of the ice maker 100. After the control panel collects the information input by the user, it can send the information to the control device. For example, when the cleaning button is triggered on the control panel, the cleaning information corresponding to the cleaning button is sent to the control device, and the control device can switch the ice maker 100 to the cleaning mode based on the cleaning information.

[0113] Specifically, the float switch 13 is configured to detect at least a plurality of liquid levels, such as a low water level, a middle water level, and a cleaning liquid mark level.

[0114] Specifically, a lower drain outlet may be provided on the upper water tank 1 , and a drain valve electrically connected to a control device may be provided on a pipe connected to the lower drain outlet, and the control device may be capable of sending a control signal for opening and closing the drain valve.

[0115] Specifically, the above-mentioned ice maker 100 may also include a water supply system, and a water inlet valve is provided on the pipe connecting the water supply system and the upper water tank 1. The water inlet valve is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the water inlet valve, thereby controlling the amount of water supplied into the upper water tank 1.

[0116] Specifically, an electrically controlled valve may be provided on the pipe connected to the drain outlet of the ice making assembly 2. The electrically controlled valve is electrically connected to the control device and is in a normally closed state. After ice making is completed, the control device may open the electrically controlled valve to drain the remaining mixed liquid in the ice making bucket 24.

[0117] The present invention can monitor the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 in real time by arranging a float switch 13 in the upper water tank 1, and the control panel can display the working mode of the ice maker 100 to the user, so as to provide the user with intelligent prompts related to the working mode of the ice maker 100. During use, the ice maker 100 can provide the user with information that it has entered the cleaning mode through the control panel. At this time, by adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank 1, and the ice-making component 2 making ice from the mixture of water and cleaning liquid, the upper water tank 1 and the ice-making component 2 can be automatically cleaned. The user does not need to disassemble the machine, and the cleaning liquid can be used to clean it thoroughly, thereby solving the problem of manual cleaning being laborious and time-consuming in the prior art.

[0118] In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 further includes a prompt unit electrically connected to the control device, the prompt unit being configured to issue at least a first prompt indicating a lack of water in the upper water tank 1; and / or a second prompt regarding the liquid level in the upper water tank 1; and / or a third prompt regarding the operating mode; and / or a fourth prompt regarding a power-off operation. The prompt unit includes an audio prompt unit and / or a display prompt unit. Each of these prompts can promptly notify a user of the operating status of the ice maker, facilitating user use of the ice maker.

[0119] Specifically, if the water supply system is not functioning properly and is insufficient, and the water level in the upper water tank 1 has not reached the intermediate level after the preset water inlet time has expired, it can be determined that the water supply system connected to the upper water tank 1 is not functioning properly. In this case, if the water supply system is deemed to be functioning properly, a first prompt message can be issued via display and / or audio. Based on this first prompt message, the user can repair the water supply system and resume water supply to the upper water tank 1 through the water supply system after repair. In this way, if the upper water tank 1 of the ice maker 100 is short of water, the user can be promptly prompted to repair the water supply system to meet the water requirements of the ice maker 100 during cleaning.

[0120] Specifically, the above-mentioned operation of adding cleaning liquid is performed by the user. After the water level in the upper water tank 1 reaches the low water level, the middle water level, or the cleaning liquid mark level, the prompt unit of the control device can issue a second prompt message in the form of a display and / or sound to inform the user of the liquid level information in the upper water tank 1. In this way, the ice maker 100 can promptly inform the user of the liquid level information in the upper water tank 1, thereby optimizing the user experience.

[0121] Specifically, the ice maker 100 may have working modes such as normal working mode, abnormal working mode and cleaning mode. Each working mode may correspond to different third prompt information, thereby prompting the user of the working mode of the ice maker 100, so as to operate the ice maker 100 more conveniently.

[0122] Specifically, the power outage operation can be understood as a sudden power outage of the ice maker 100, which results in the ice maker 100 being unable to perform subsequent cleaning steps. The fourth prompt message can be presented in the form of a display and / or sound, thereby promptly reminding the user that the ice maker 100 has lost power and requires user intervention to repair the power supply system.

[0123] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the wall of the fixed box 3 is provided with a notch 31 extending through to its upper end, and the upper water tank 1 has a raised portion 15 extending into the notch 31. The raised portion 15 extends along the water depth direction of the upper water tank 1, and the liquid inlet 14 is provided at the upper portion of the raised portion 15. The above structural design is reasonable and easy to assemble.

[0124] Specifically, the notch 31 is rectangular in shape, and the protrusion 15 is in a shape that matches the notch 31 , so that the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 can be intuitively presented to the user through the notch 31 .

[0125] In some embodiments, the protrusion 15 is made of a transparent material. The above structure is reasonably designed and helps the user to determine the liquid level in the upper water tank 1.

[0126] Specifically, the raised portion 15 may be provided with multiple liquid level marking lines such as a low water level, a middle water level, and a cleaning liquid mark level, so that the user can intuitively know the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 .

[0127] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, the ice-making assembly 2 includes an ice-squeezing motor 22, an ice rod 23 connected to the output shaft of the ice-squeezing motor 22, and an ice-making bucket 24 sleeved on the ice rod 23. An ice-making gap is formed between the ice rod 23 and the ice-making bucket 24. The ice discharge port 21 is formed on the ice-making bucket 24, and the level of the ice discharge port 21 is higher than the level of the liquid level in the upper water tank 1 at the middle water level, so as to prevent the water flowing into the ice-making bucket 24 from overflowing from the ice discharge port 21 before condensing into ice when the water level in the upper water tank 1 reaches the middle water level.

[0128] Specifically, the ice bucket 24 is open at both ends, with the upper open end forming the ice discharge port 21. An ice-squeezing motor 22 is located at the lower open end of the ice bucket 24 and is sealed therewith, driving the rotation of the ice lever 23. The ice lever 23 has a spiral ice blade, creating an ice-making gap between the spiral blade of the ice lever 23 and the ice bucket 24. This allows ice formed in the ice bucket 24 to adhere to the bucket wall. When the ice lever 23 rotates, it scrapes the ice off the bucket wall toward the ice discharge port 21, where it is discharged.

[0129] In some embodiments, the water tank cover 12 is detachably connected to the tank body 11 so that the water tank cover 12 can be removed to inspect and repair the interior of the tank body 11 .

[0130] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the water tank cover 12 is provided with a stopper 16, and when the water tank cover 12 is placed on the box body 11, the stopper 16 blocks the liquid inlet 14. The above structure is simple in design and has low manufacturing cost.

[0131] Specifically, the stopper 16 can be made of an elastic material and can block the liquid inlet 14 when no cleaning liquid is needed. When cleaning liquid needs to be poured into the upper water tank 1 through the liquid inlet 14, the stopper 16 is compressed to allow the cleaning liquid to smoothly enter the upper water tank 1. This not only facilitates the addition of cleaning liquid to the upper water tank 1, but also helps maintain the sealing of the upper water tank 1, preventing the liquid inlet 14 from contaminating the water in the upper water tank 1.

[0132] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a connecting shaft 17 is provided on the upper portion of the stopper 16, and an axis hole 18 is provided on the lower portion of the water tank cover 12 for embedding the connecting shaft 17. The above connection method is simple and easy to disassemble.

[0133] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments based on the present invention having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., solutions that intersect various embodiments), adaptations, or changes. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and are not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the practice of the invention, which examples are to be interpreted as non-exclusive. Therefore, this specification and examples are intended to be considered as examples only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0134] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more of their solutions) can be used in combination with each other. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art may use other embodiments when reading the above description. In addition, in the above-mentioned specific embodiments, various features can be grouped together to simplify the present invention. This should not be interpreted as an intention that a disclosed feature that is not required to be protected is necessary for any claim. On the contrary, the subject matter of the present invention may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is independently a separate embodiment, and it is considered that these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

[0135] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within the spirit and scope of protection of the present invention, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions shall also be deemed to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an ice maker, characterized in that: The control method includes: Step S101: triggering a cleaning button on the ice maker for switching the ice maker to a cleaning mode; Step S102: supplying water to the upper water tank of the ice maker until the liquid level in the upper water tank reaches a low water level; Step S103: adding cleaning liquid into the upper water tank, and after the liquid level reaches the cleaning liquid mark, supplying water into the upper water tank until the water level reaches the middle level; Step S104: draining the mixture of cleaning liquid and water in the upper water tank into the ice-making assembly, and controlling the ice-making assembly to start working and enter ice-making mode; Step S105: the ice-making component stops working after the preset working time is reached; Step S106: supplying water into the upper water tank to make its liquid level exceed the middle water level, so that water overflows from the upper notch of the upper water tank and the ice discharge port of the ice-making assembly, so as to clean the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly with flowing water and ice; The method further comprises: In response to the power-off operation of the ice maker, a fourth prompt information related to the power-off operation is issued, and the execution steps corresponding to the power-off operation are stored; wherein, In the event of a power outage before adding cleaning fluid to the upper water tank, after the power outage is resolved, step S102 is executed to supply water until the liquid level reaches a low water level, and after the low water level is reached, a second prompt message is sent to the user that cleaning fluid can be added to the upper water tank; In the event of a power outage after adding cleaning fluid to the upper water tank, the cleaning step following the stored execution step will continue to be executed until the cleaning is completed after the power outage is resolved. Among them, the ice-making assembly includes an ice-squeezing motor, an ice rod connected to the output shaft of the ice-squeezing motor, and an ice-making bucket sleeved on the ice rod. An ice-making gap is formed between the ice rod and the ice-making bucket. After the mixture of cleaning liquid and water enters the ice-making assembly, the mixture can fill the ice-making gap to perform preliminary cleaning on the ice rod and ice bucket of the ice-making assembly. After the ice-making assembly enters the ice-making mode, the ice made can also further clean the inner wall of the ice bucket and the ice rod of the ice-making assembly.

2. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After step S106, the method further includes: Step S107: draining the water in the upper water tank and the ice-making assembly; Step S106 and step S107 are repeatedly performed multiple times.

3. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the ice maker operating time reaches a preset operating time, a prompt signal is sent out in a display manner via the cleaning button.

4. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S102 specifically includes: Opening the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank, and determining whether the water level in the upper water tank reaches the middle water level after a preset water inlet time has elapsed; If so, close the water inlet valve and open the drain valve connected to the upper water tank until the liquid level reaches the low water level.

5. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Opening the water inlet valve connected to the upper water tank, and determining whether the water level in the upper water tank reaches the middle water level after a preset water inlet time has elapsed; If not, a first prompt message indicating that there is no water in the upper water tank is issued.

6. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S103 specifically includes: Sending a second prompt message that the water level in the upper water tank has reached a low water level; Add cleaning fluid into the upper water tank based on the second prompt information.

7. The ice making machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S101 specifically includes: When the ice maker is in standby mode, pressing a cleaning button to enter a cleaning mode; A third prompt message indicating that the cleaning mode has been entered is issued in a displayed manner via the cleaning button.

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