A refrigerator, an ice maker, and a control method for the ice maker.

Abstract

This invention discloses a refrigerator, an ice maker, and a control method for the ice maker. The refrigerator includes: an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator's interior; the ice maker includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism; the water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe; the ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray; one end of the water injection pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to an external water source; the water inlet is located above the ice tray; a vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet, used to generate vibration when in operation and transmit the vibration to the water inlet. By employing the technical means of this invention, the vibration generated by the vibration motor effectively prevents water residue from remaining at the water inlet of the ice maker, thereby preventing blockage and ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator, an ice maker, and a control method for the ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of society and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives, and refrigerators with ice makers are gradually becoming commonplace. An ice maker is a refrigeration machine that produces ice by cooling water through an evaporator and a refrigeration system. It uses water as a raw material to produce ice when electricity is applied.

[0003] Existing freezer ice makers typically house a Japanese-style ice maker within the freezer compartment, with the water inlet located at the top of the compartment. However, the inventors have discovered at least the following problems with this technology: Because the freezer compartment temperature is low, generally below 18°C, and the water pipe is connected to the freezer compartment, water remaining at the inlet after water filling is completed will freeze upon cooling in the freezer compartment. After repeated water fillings, this water will gradually accumulate and grow, eventually clogging the inlet, leading to water filling failure and preventing continuous ice making, thus affecting the normal operation of the ice maker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator, an ice maker, and a control method for the ice maker, which can effectively prevent water residue from the water inlet of the ice maker, thereby preventing the water inlet from becoming blocked and effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] An ice maker is installed inside the refrigerator. The ice maker includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism. The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe. The ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray. One end of the water injection pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to an external water source. The water inlet is located above the ice tray.

[0007] A vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet and is used to generate vibration when it is in the start-up state and transmit the vibration to the water inlet.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, the vibration motor includes an outer cover, a motor shaft, and an eccentric cam; the outer cover is located at the edge of the water inlet, the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are located inside the outer cover, and the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are connected.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, the refrigerator further includes a controller; the controller is connected to the vibration motor, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism respectively, and the controller is used for:

[0010] In response to a preset ice-making control command, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation in the current ice-making cycle;

[0011] After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration;

[0012] After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0013] After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, before controlling the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation, the controller is further configured to:

[0015] The vibration motor is controlled to be in the start-up state so that the vibration motor generates vibration;

[0016] After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0017] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice maker further includes an ice-making rotating mechanism, an ice-detecting rod, and an ice storage box; the ice-making rotating mechanism is connected to the ice grid and is used to rotate the ice grid to cause ice cubes to fall out; the ice storage box is located below the ice grid and is used to store the fallen ice cubes; the ice-detecting rod is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box to determine whether the ice storage box is full; the controller is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism and the ice-detecting rod respectively.

[0018] Then, after controlling the vibration motor to stop running and controlling the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation, the controller is further configured to:

[0019] The state of the water in the ice-making tray is checked every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes;

[0020] When the water in the ice-making tray is turned into ice, the ice probe is controlled to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice.

[0021] If the ice storage box is not full of ice, the ice-making rotation mechanism is controlled to rotate the ice grid, and the next ice-making cycle begins when the rotation ends.

[0022] If the ice storage box is full of ice, a preset full ice prompt operation will be executed.

[0023] This invention also provides an ice maker, comprising:

[0024] The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe, one end of which is connected to the water inlet and the other end of which is connected to an external water source.

[0025] An ice-making mechanism, comprising at least one ice grid; the ice grid is located below the water inlet.

[0026] A vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet and is used to generate vibration when it is in the start-up state and transmit the vibration to the water inlet.

[0027] As an improvement to the above solution, the vibration motor includes an outer cover, a motor shaft, and an eccentric cam; the outer cover is located at the edge of the water inlet, the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are located inside the outer cover, and the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are connected.

[0028] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice maker further includes a controller; the controller is connected to the vibration motor, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism respectively, and the controller is used for:

[0029] In response to a preset ice-making control command, the vibration motor is controlled to start running in the current ice-making cycle so that the vibration motor generates vibration.

[0030] After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0031] After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0032] After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration;

[0033] After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period;

[0034] After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0035] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice maker further includes an ice-making rotating mechanism, an ice-detecting rod, and an ice storage box; the ice-making rotating mechanism is connected to the ice grid and is used to rotate the ice grid to cause ice cubes to fall out; the ice storage box is located below the ice grid and is used to store the fallen ice cubes; the ice-detecting rod is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box to determine whether the ice storage box is full; the controller is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism and the ice-detecting rod respectively.

[0036] Then, after controlling the vibration motor to stop running and controlling the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation, the controller is further configured to:

[0037] The state of the water in the ice-making tray is checked every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes;

[0038] When the water in the ice-making tray is turned into ice, the ice probe is controlled to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice.

[0039] If the ice storage box is not full of ice, the ice-making rotation mechanism is controlled to rotate the ice grid, and the next ice-making cycle begins when the rotation ends.

[0040] If the ice storage box is full of ice, a preset full ice prompt operation will be executed.

[0041] This invention also provides a control method for an ice maker, applied to a refrigerator as described in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0042] In response to a preset ice-making control command, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation in the current ice-making cycle;

[0043] After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration;

[0044] After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0045] After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0046] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention discloses a refrigerator, an ice maker, and a control method for the ice maker. The refrigerator includes an ice maker, which comprises a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism. The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe, and the ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray. One end of the water injection pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to an external water source. The water inlet is located above the ice tray. A vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet and is used to generate vibration when it is in operation, transmitting the vibration to the water inlet. By employing the technical means of the present invention, a vibration motor is added near the water inlet. When the vibration motor is turned on, it generates vibration, which is transmitted to the water inlet, thereby shaking down residual water droplets from the surface of the water inlet. This reduces residual water in the water inlet, preventing it from freezing at low temperatures and accumulating over time to block the entire water inlet, effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between the vibration motor and the ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vibration motor in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a control method for an ice maker provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] This invention provides a refrigerator, including at least one storage compartment, such as a refrigerator compartment and / or a freezer compartment, for storing items that require preservation or freezing. The refrigerator also includes a refrigeration system for performing the refrigeration operation.

[0061] It should be noted that the refrigerator operates through a refrigeration system, providing cooling capacity to the storage compartment to maintain it at a constant low temperature. Specifically, the refrigeration system of the refrigerator in this embodiment of the invention consists of a compressor, a condenser, a dryer filter, a capillary tube, and an evaporator. The operation of the refrigeration system includes a compression process, a condensation process, a throttling process, and an evaporation process.

[0062] The compression process is as follows: When the refrigerator is plugged in and there is a need for cooling, the compressor starts working. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The condensation process is as follows: The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, and its temperature continuously decreases until it is gradually cooled into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The temperature at this point is no longer decreasing; this temperature is called the condensation temperature. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the entire condensation process. The throttling process is as follows: After condensation, the saturated refrigerant liquid is filtered through a dryer to remove moisture and impurities before flowing into a capillary tube. Through this tube, it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, turning the refrigerant into room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process is as follows: Subsequently, the refrigerant begins to absorb heat and vaporize in the evaporator, which not only lowers the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings but also turns the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator returns to the compressor, repeating the above process to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of cooling.

[0063] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 10 provided in this embodiment includes an ice maker 11 disposed within the refrigerator's interior. Preferably, the ice maker 11 is located in the freezer compartment. The refrigerator also includes a vibration motor 12 connected to the ice maker 11, and a controller 13 for controlling the vibration motor 12 and the ice maker 11.

[0064] Specifically, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ice maker 11 includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism. The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet 111 and a water injection pipe 112, and the ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray 113. One end of the water injection pipe 112 is connected to the water inlet 111, and the other end is connected to an external water source. The water inlet 111 is located above the ice tray 113. External water can be introduced into the ice tray through the water injection pipe 112 and the water inlet 111. In the ice maker, the water injection pipe 112 is fixedly connected by a water injection pipe fixing bracket, and the ice tray 113 is fixedly connected by an ice tray fixing bracket.

[0065] It should be noted that the ice-making mechanism of the ice maker 11 also includes components such as a compressor, a dryer filter, a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator, a one-way valve, and a solenoid valve, which enable the water in the ice tray 113 to be cooled so that the water in the ice tray freezes into solid ice.

[0066] The compressor powers the ice maker; in this embodiment, it can be shared with the compressor in the refrigerator's refrigeration system. The dryer filter removes moisture and residue from the ice-making system, ensuring stable operation. In this embodiment, it can also be shared with the dryer in the refrigerator's refrigeration system. The condenser is either air-cooled or water-cooled, relying on a fan to remove excess heat and cool the high-temperature vaporous refrigerant into a liquid state, providing the necessary temperature for evaporation in the ice maker. In this embodiment, it can also be shared with the condenser in the refrigerator's refrigeration system. The capillary tube in the ice maker throttles the liquid refrigerant to form vaporous refrigerant, providing the necessary conditions for evaporation and regulating the refrigerant flow rate. The evaporator absorbs heat from the water, rapidly freezing it into ice. Other components, such as a one-way valve to prevent refrigerant backflow and a solenoid valve to control the refrigerant flow rate, speed, and pressure, are also included.

[0067] Understandably, different ice makers have slightly different structures and may have more accessories and attachments, but this does not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0068] Further, see Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the vibration motor and the ice maker in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 10 also includes a vibration motor 12, which is located at the edge of the water inlet 111. When the vibration motor 12 is in the start-up state, it generates vibration. Since it is located near the water inlet 111, it can transmit the vibration to the water inlet when it generates vibration.

[0069] This invention provides a refrigerator, including an ice maker 11. The ice maker 11 includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism. The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet 111 and a water injection pipe 112. The ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray 113. One end of the water injection pipe 112 is connected to the water inlet 111, and the other end is connected to an external water source. The water inlet 111 is located above the ice tray 113. A vibration motor 12 is located at the edge of the water inlet 111 and is used to generate vibration when it is in operation, and transmit the vibration to the water inlet 111. By using the technical means of this invention, a vibration motor is added near the water inlet. When the vibration motor is turned on, it generates vibration and transmits it to the water inlet, thereby shaking down the water droplets remaining in the water inlet, causing the water droplets to fall off the surface of the water inlet, reducing the amount of water remaining in the water inlet. This prevents the water remaining in the water inlet from freezing at low temperatures and accumulating over a long period of time, eventually blocking the entire water inlet, thus effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

[0070] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vibration motor in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vibration motor 12 includes an outer cover 121, a motor shaft 122 and an eccentric cam 123; the outer cover 121 is located at the edge of the water inlet 111, the motor shaft 122 and the eccentric cam 123 are located inside the outer cover 121, and the motor shaft 122 and the eccentric cam 123 are connected.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the vibration motor 12 is an adjustable eccentric cam mounted on the motor shaft. The centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation of the motor shaft and the eccentric cam is used to generate the excitation force, thereby producing vibration.

[0072] By using the embodiments of the present invention, the vibration motor 12 can effectively generate vibration at the edge of the water inlet so that water droplets fall off the surface of the water inlet. Furthermore, the vibration motor 12 has a simple structure and low operating cost.

[0073] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 10 also includes a controller 13; the controller 13 is connected to the vibration motor 12, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism, respectively, and the controller 13 is used to execute steps S11 to S14:

[0074] S11. In response to a preset ice-making control command, under the current ice-making cycle, control the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0075] S12. After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time and control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration.

[0076] S13. After a second preset time period, control the vibration motor to stop running so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0077] S14. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, when a user has an ice-making need, an ice-making control command is sent to the refrigerator controller 13 through a preset human-computer interaction module, such as a preset start button, a voice control module, or other human-computer interaction modules. These do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0079] After receiving the ice-making control command, the controller 13 responds to the ice-making control command by entering the first ice-making cycle, and after each ice-making cycle is completed, it enters the next ice-making cycle in sequence.

[0080] Specifically, during the current ice-making cycle, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation. External water flows through the water injection pipe 112 and into the ice-making grid 113 through the water injection port 111. After the water injection operation is completed, after waiting for a first preset time t1, the vibration motor 12 is started to generate vibration and transmit it to the water injection port 111, causing the water droplets remaining in the water injection port 111 to drip off under the vibration. After starting the vibration motor 12 and running for a second preset time t2, the vibration motor 12 is stopped, thus ceasing to generate vibration. Then, the ice-making mechanism is normally controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation to cool the ice-making grid, causing the water in the ice-making grid to freeze into ice blocks.

[0081] Preferably, the first preset duration t1 is 5 minutes and the second preset duration t2 is 2 minutes.

[0082] It should be noted that the first preset duration and the second preset duration can be set and adjusted according to the actual situation, and neither of them constitutes a limitation of the present invention.

[0083] By employing the technical means of this invention, after each water injection, the vibration motor 12 is activated to generate vibration, causing the water droplets remaining at the water inlet to fall off. This effectively reduces the amount of water remaining at the water inlet, preventing water from freezing and accumulating over time to eventually block the water inlet, thus effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

[0084] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the work performed by the controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the controller 13 is used to execute steps S21 to S26:

[0085] S21. In response to a preset ice-making control command, under the current ice-making cycle, control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor generates vibration;

[0086] S22. After a third preset time period, control the vibration motor to stop running so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0087] S23. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0088] S24. After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time and control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration.

[0089] S25. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0090] S26. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0091] In this embodiment of the invention, after receiving an ice-making control command, the controller 13, in response to the command, first controls the vibration motor 12 to start running in the current ice-making cycle to generate vibration and transmit it to the water inlet 111. After starting the vibration motor 12 and running for a third preset time t3, the controller stops the vibration motor. Next, the controller controls the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation, with external water flowing through the water injection pipe 112 and into the ice grid 113 through the water inlet 111. After the water injection operation is completed, after waiting for a first preset time t1, the controller controls the vibration motor 12 to start running again to generate vibration and transmit it to the water inlet 111, causing residual water droplets at the water inlet 111 to drip off under the vibration. After starting the vibration motor 12 and running for a second preset time t2, the controller stops the vibration motor 12, thus ceasing to generate vibration. Then, the controller normally controls the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation, cooling the ice grid to freeze the water inside.

[0092] Preferably, the first preset duration t1 is 5 minutes, the second preset duration t2 is 2 minutes, and the third preset duration t3 is 1 minute.

[0093] It should be noted that the first preset duration, the second preset duration, and the third preset duration can all be set and adjusted according to actual conditions, and none of them constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0094] Using the technical means of this invention, since the vibration motor 12 is activated after the water filling of the previous ice-making cycle, some water droplets may still remain on the inner wall of the water inlet 111. These droplets will form ice droplets after refrigeration. Therefore, after the current ice-making cycle begins, the vibration motor 12 is activated first to vibrate and shake down the ice droplets formed by the water droplets that did not completely detach from the inner wall of the water inlet 111 in the previous ice-making cycle, allowing them to fall from the water pipe opening, effectively reducing the residual ice droplets at the water inlet. Afterwards, water filling is performed again. After each water filling, the vibration motor 12 is activated to vibrate, causing the residual water droplets at the water inlet 111 to fall off, effectively reducing the amount of water remaining at the water inlet 111, preventing water from freezing and accumulating over time, eventually clogging the water inlet, and effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

[0095] For a preferred embodiment, see Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ice maker 11 also includes an ice-making rotating mechanism 114, an ice-detecting rod 115, and an ice storage box 116; the ice-making rotating mechanism 114 is connected to the ice grid 113 and is used to rotate the ice grid 113 to cause the ice cubes in the ice grid 113 to fall off; the ice storage box 116 is located below the ice grid 113 and is used to store the fallen ice cubes; the ice-detecting rod 115 is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box 116 to determine whether the ice storage box 116 is full; the controller 13 is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism 114 and the ice-detecting rod 115 respectively;

[0096] See Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by the controller in another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The controller 13 is used to execute steps S31 to S39:

[0097] S31. In response to a preset ice-making control command, under the current ice-making cycle, control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor generates vibration;

[0098] S32. After a third preset time period, control the vibration motor to stop running so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0099] S33. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0100] S34. After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time and control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can vibrate.

[0101] S35. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0102] S36. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0103] S37. The state of the water in the ice-making tray is detected every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes;

[0104] S38. When the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice, control the ice-detecting rod to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice.

[0105] S39. If the ice storage box is not full, control the ice-making rotation mechanism to rotate the ice grid, and enter the next ice-making cycle when the rotation operation ends; if the ice storage box is full, execute the preset full ice prompt operation.

[0106] In this embodiment of the invention, steps S31 to S36 correspond one-to-one with steps S21 to S26 in the above embodiment. The working principle and beneficial effects of both are the same, and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] Furthermore, after the vibration motor 12 is stopped, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation. After the ice-making operation reaches a fourth preset time t4, the state of the water in the ice tray 113 is detected to determine whether the water in the ice tray 113 has frozen into ice. If it has not yet frozen into solid ice, the ice-making operation continues, and after reaching the fourth preset time again, the state of the water in the ice tray 113 is detected again. This continues until the water in the ice tray 113 has frozen into ice.

[0108] It should be noted that the method for detecting the state of water in the ice tray can be any existing detection method, and none of these methods constitute a limitation of the present invention. For example, detecting the temperature of the ice tray to determine whether a preset freezing temperature has been reached, thereby achieving the detection of the water's state.

[0109] Preferably, the fourth preset duration t4 is 80 minutes. Of course, the fourth preset duration can be adjusted and set according to actual conditions, and it does not have to be a fixed value; neither of these limitations constitutes a limitation of the present invention.

[0110] Next, when the water in the ice tray is turned into ice, the ice probe 115 is controlled to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box 116 to determine whether the ice storage box 116 is full of ice.

[0111] It should be noted that the method for detecting the fullness of the ice storage box 116 can be any existing method for detecting fullness, and this does not constitute a limitation of the present invention. For example, one end of an ice-detecting rod is rotatably connected to the bottom of the ice tray, and the other end rotates downwards into the ice storage box to detect ice. When the ice-detecting rod detects ice, it stops rotating, and the angle formed between the ice-detecting rod and the bottom of the ice tray is recorded as the achievable angle θ1. When the achievable angle θ1 is less than or equal to a preset minimum angle θmin, it indicates that the ice storage box is full of ice, and the ice storage box is in a full state. When the achievable angle θ1 is greater than the preset minimum angle θmin, it indicates that the ice storage box is not full of ice, that is, the ice storage box is not in a full state.

[0112] Furthermore, if the ice storage box is not full, the ice-making rotation mechanism 114 is controlled to rotate the ice tray 113, i.e., to perform an ice-flipping operation, thereby flipping the ice tray 113 180° so that the ice inside the ice tray falls out and is stored in the ice storage box 116. After the rotation operation ends, the next ice-making cycle begins, and steps S31 to S39 are executed again. If the ice storage box is full, a preset full ice prompt operation is executed to remind the user to take ice, and the subsequent water filling and ice-making operations are paused until the user's ice-making control command is received again.

[0113] By employing the technical means of this invention, in each ice-making cycle of the ice maker, the vibration motor 12 is activated before and after water injection to generate vibration so that water and ice droplets in the water inlet 111 fall off, and cooperates with other components to complete the ice-making process of each ice-making cycle, ensuring the normal ice-making operation of the ice maker and providing users with a good user experience.

[0114] See Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an ice maker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention also provides an ice maker 20, which includes a water injection mechanism comprising a water inlet 21 and a water injection pipe 22, one end of which is connected to the water inlet 21 and the other end of which is connected to an external water source; an ice-making mechanism comprising at least one ice grid 23, the ice grid 23 being disposed below the water inlet 21; and a vibration motor 24 disposed at the edge of the water inlet 21, used to generate vibration when in operation and transmit the vibration to the water inlet 21.

[0115] By employing the technical means of this embodiment of the invention, a vibration motor 24 is added near the water inlet. When the vibration motor 24 is turned on, it generates vibration, which is transmitted to the water inlet 21, thereby shaking down the water droplets remaining in the water inlet 21 and causing the water droplets to fall off the surface of the water inlet 21. This reduces the amount of water remaining in the water inlet 21, thereby preventing the water remaining in the water inlet 21 from freezing at low temperatures and accumulating over a long period of time, growing larger and blocking the entire water inlet 21, thus effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker 20.

[0116] Preferably, the vibration motor 24 includes an outer cover, a motor shaft, and an eccentric cam; the outer cover is located at the edge of the water inlet, the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are located inside the outer cover, and the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are connected.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the ice maker further includes a controller. The controller is connected to the vibration motor, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism, respectively, and is used to execute steps S41 to S46:

[0118] S41. In response to a preset ice-making control command, under the current ice-making cycle, control the vibration motor to be in the start-up state so that the vibration motor generates vibration;

[0119] S42. After a third preset time period, control the vibration motor to stop running so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0120] S43. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0121] S44. After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time and control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can vibrate.

[0122] S45. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period;

[0123] S46. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0124] Preferably, the ice maker further includes an ice-making rotating mechanism, an ice-detecting rod, and an ice storage box; the ice-making rotating mechanism is connected to the ice grid and is used to rotate the ice grid to cause the ice cubes inside the ice grid to fall out; the ice storage box is located below the ice grid and is used to store the fallen ice cubes; the ice-detecting rod is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box to determine whether the ice storage box is full; the controller is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism and the ice-detecting rod respectively.

[0125] Then, in step S46, that is, after controlling the ice-making mechanism to perform the preset ice-making operation, the controller is also used to execute steps S47 to S49:

[0126] S47. The state of the water in the ice-making tray is detected every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes;

[0127] S48. When the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice, control the ice-detecting rod to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice.

[0128] S49. If the ice storage box is not full, control the ice-making rotation mechanism to rotate the ice grid, and enter the next ice-making cycle when the rotation operation ends; if the ice storage box is full, execute the preset full ice prompt operation.

[0129] By employing the technical means of this invention, after each water filling cycle, the vibration motor 24 is activated to generate vibration, causing residual water droplets in the water inlet 21 to fall off. This effectively reduces residual water in the water inlet 21, preventing water from freezing and accumulating over time, eventually clogging the water inlet 21. Furthermore, since the vibration motor 24 may still have some water droplets remaining on the inner wall of the water inlet 21 after the previous ice-making cycle, these droplets can form ice droplets after refrigeration. Therefore, at the start of the current ice-making cycle, the vibration motor 24 is activated first to vibrate and shake off the ice droplets formed from the water droplets that were not completely detached from the inner wall of the water inlet 21 in the previous ice-making cycle, causing them to fall from the water pipe opening. This effectively reduces residual ice droplets in the water inlet 21, preventing water from freezing and accumulating over time, eventually clogging the water inlet, and effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker.

[0130] See Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a control method for an ice maker provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a control method for an ice maker, applied to a refrigerator as described in any of the above embodiments. Specifically, the refrigerator includes: an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator's interior; the ice maker includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism; the water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe; the ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray; one end of the water injection pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to an external water source; the water inlet is located above the ice tray; a vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet, used to generate vibration when in operation and transmit the vibration to the water inlet.

[0131] The method includes steps S51 to S54:

[0132] S51. In response to a preset ice-making control command, under the current ice-making cycle, control the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation;

[0133] S52. After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can vibrate.

[0134] S53. After a second preset time period, control the vibration motor to stop running so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration;

[0135] S54. After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, control the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation.

[0136] By employing the technical means of this embodiment of the invention, after each water injection, the vibration motor 24 is activated to generate vibration, causing the water droplets remaining in the water inlet 21 to fall off. This effectively reduces the amount of water remaining in the water inlet 21, prevents water from freezing and accumulating over a long period of time, and ultimately blocks the water inlet, thus effectively ensuring the normal operation of the ice maker 20.

[0137] Preferably, before controlling the water injection mechanism to perform a preset water injection operation, the method further includes:

[0138] The vibration motor is controlled to be in the start-up state so that the vibration motor generates vibration;

[0139] After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0140] It should be noted that the control method for an ice maker provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same process steps as the controller of a refrigerator in the above embodiment. The working principles and beneficial effects of the two are one-to-one, so they will not be described again.

[0141] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0142] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: An ice maker is installed inside the refrigerator. The ice maker includes a water injection mechanism and an ice-making mechanism. The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe. The ice-making mechanism includes at least one ice tray. One end of the water injection pipe is connected to the water inlet, and the other end is connected to an external water source. The water inlet is located above the ice tray. A vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet and is used to generate vibration when it is in the start-up state and transmit the vibration to the water inlet. The refrigerator also includes a controller; the controller is connected to the vibration motor, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism respectively, and the controller is used for: In response to a preset ice-making control command, the vibration motor is controlled to start running in the current ice-making cycle so that the vibration motor generates vibration. After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation; After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration motor includes an outer cover, a motor shaft, and an eccentric cam; the outer cover is located at the edge of the water inlet, the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are located inside the outer cover, and the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are connected.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes an ice-making rotating mechanism, an ice probe rod, and an ice storage box; the ice-making rotating mechanism is connected to the ice grid and is used to rotate the ice grid to cause the ice cubes inside the ice grid to fall out; the ice storage box is located below the ice grid and is used to store the fallen ice cubes. The ice probe is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box to determine whether the ice storage box is full; the controller is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism and the ice probe respectively. Then, after controlling the vibration motor to stop running and controlling the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation, the controller is further configured to: The state of the water in the ice-making tray is checked every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes; When the water in the ice-making tray is turned into ice, the ice probe is controlled to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice. If the ice storage box is not full of ice, the ice-making rotation mechanism is controlled to rotate the ice grid, and the next ice-making cycle begins when the rotation ends. If the ice storage box is full of ice, a preset full ice prompt operation will be executed.

4. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The water injection mechanism includes a water inlet and a water injection pipe, one end of which is connected to the water inlet and the other end of which is connected to an external water source. An ice-making mechanism, comprising at least one ice grid; the ice grid is located below the water inlet. A vibration motor is located at the edge of the water inlet and is used to generate vibration when it is in the start-up state and transmit the vibration to the water inlet. The ice maker further includes a controller; the controller is connected to the vibration motor, the water injection mechanism, and the ice-making mechanism respectively, and the controller is used for: In response to a preset ice-making control command, the vibration motor is controlled to start running in the current ice-making cycle so that the vibration motor generates vibration. After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation; After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

5. The ice maker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The vibration motor includes an outer cover, a motor shaft, and an eccentric cam; the outer cover is located at the edge of the water inlet, the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are located inside the outer cover, and the motor shaft and the eccentric cam are connected.

6. The ice maker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The ice maker also includes an ice-making rotating mechanism, an ice probe rod, and an ice storage box; the ice-making rotating mechanism is connected to the ice grid and is used to rotate the ice grid to cause the ice cubes inside the ice grid to fall out; the ice storage box is located below the ice grid and is used to store the fallen ice cubes. The ice probe is used to detect the ice storage status in the ice storage box to determine whether the ice storage box is full; the controller is also connected to the ice-making rotating mechanism and the ice probe respectively. Then, after controlling the vibration motor to stop running and controlling the ice-making mechanism to perform a preset ice-making operation, the controller is further configured to: The state of the water in the ice-making tray is checked every fourth preset time interval until the water in the ice-making tray is made into ice cubes; When the water in the ice-making tray is turned into ice, the ice probe is controlled to detect whether the ice storage box is full of ice. If the ice storage box is not full of ice, the ice-making rotation mechanism is controlled to rotate the ice grid, and the next ice-making cycle begins when the rotation ends. If the ice storage box is full of ice, a preset full ice prompt operation will be executed.

7. A control method for an ice maker, characterized in that, Applied to the refrigerator as described in any one of claims 1-3, the method comprises: In response to a preset ice-making control command, the vibration motor is controlled to start running in the current ice-making cycle so that the vibration motor generates vibration. After a third preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the water injection mechanism is controlled to perform a preset water injection operation; After the water injection operation is completed, wait for a first preset time, and then control the vibration motor to start running so that the vibration motor can generate vibration. After a second preset time period, the vibration motor is controlled to stop running, so that the vibration motor stops generating vibration; wherein, the third preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period; After controlling the vibration motor to stop running, the ice-making mechanism is controlled to perform a preset ice-making operation.

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