Refrigerator having ice maker and ice maker water injection control method

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigerator with an ice maker and an ice maker water injection control method. The refrigerator comprises an ice maker, a temperature detection device and a controller. The ice maker comprises an ice making box. The temperature detection device is arranged on the side wall of the ice making box and is used for detecting the real-time temperature of the ice making box. When the ice maker is in a water injection mode and the obtained real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, the controller determines that the ice making box is full of water, controls the ice maker to exit the water injection mode to end the current round of water injection, reduces the probability of ice making box overflow caused by excessive water injection, and further reduces the risk of ice block adhesion in the ice storage box.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Application No. 202211142191.6, application date: 2022-09-20, invention title: A refrigerator with an ice maker and a water injection control method for the ice maker. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator with an ice maker and a method for controlling the water injection of the ice maker. Background Technology

[0003] As people's living standards improve, refrigerators with built-in ice makers are now available all over the world, satisfying not only people's needs for food preservation but also their needs for ice.

[0004] Most ice makers in existing refrigerators control water injection by controlling the injection time or by using a flow sensor. Since the amount of water injected each time is fixed, if the ice maker is not placed on an uneven surface or the ice in the ice maker is not completely defrosted, injecting water into the ice maker according to the original amount will result in too much water being injected into the ice maker and overflowing into the ice storage box. This will increase the risk of ice sticking together in the ice storage box. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator with an ice maker and a water injection control method for the ice maker. By arranging a temperature detection device on the outer wall of the ice maker, water injection is controlled according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection device, which reduces the probability of water overflow in the ice maker caused by excessive water injection, thereby reducing the risk of ice blocks sticking together in the ice storage box.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerator with an ice maker, comprising:

[0007] An ice maker, which has an ice-making box inside;

[0008] A temperature detection device is installed on the side wall of the ice maker to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker.

[0009] Controller, used for:

[0010] When the ice maker is in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is full of water, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode to end the current round of water filling.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, the temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors, both used to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. At least one of the temperature sensors is located on one outer wall of the ice maker, and at least one of the temperature sensors is located on the other outer wall of the ice maker. The installation height of each temperature sensor is a preset full water height.

[0012] The step of determining that the ice container is full when the ice maker is in water-filling mode and the acquired real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold includes:

[0013] When the ice maker is in water filling mode and at least one of the real-time temperatures is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, the ice box is determined to be full.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0015] When the ice maker is in the water injection mode, obtain the current continuous water injection duration;

[0016] When the current continuous water injection duration reaches the preset water injection duration threshold, the ice maker is controlled to exit the water injection mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is low on water.

[0017] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0018] When it is detected that the ice box has completed the de-icing operation and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the preset low temperature threshold, or when it is detected that the ice maker is powered on for the first time and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the low temperature threshold, the ice maker is controlled to enter the water injection mode to inject water into the ice box.

[0019] As an improvement to the above solution, the ice maker box consists of at least one ice tray, the water inlet of the ice maker is located above the middle ice tray of the ice maker box, and a guide groove is provided between two adjacent ice trays.

[0020] As an improvement to the above solution, the controller is also used for:

[0021] When the ice maker is in the water filling mode, at least one of the temperature sensors detects a real-time temperature that reaches the water full temperature threshold, and another temperature sensor detects a real-time temperature that is less than the water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is not placed flat.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a water injection control method for an ice maker, the ice maker including an ice-making container and a temperature detection device, the temperature detection device being disposed on the side wall of the ice-making container, the method comprising:

[0023] Obtain the current operating mode of the ice maker and the real-time temperature of the ice container detected by the temperature detection device;

[0024] When the ice maker is in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is full of water, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode to end the current round of water filling.

[0025] As an improvement to the above solution, the temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors, both used to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. At least one of the temperature sensors is located on one outer wall of the ice maker, and at least one of the temperature sensors is located on the other outer wall of the ice maker. The installation height of each temperature sensor is a preset full water height.

[0026] The step of determining that the ice container is full when the ice maker is in water-filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold specifically includes:

[0027] When the ice maker is in water filling mode and at least one of the real-time temperatures is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, the ice box is determined to be full.

[0028] As an improvement to the above solution, it also includes:

[0029] When the ice maker is in the water injection mode, obtain the current continuous water injection duration;

[0030] When the current continuous water injection duration reaches the preset water injection duration threshold, the ice maker is controlled to exit the water injection mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is low on water.

[0031] As an improvement to the above solution, it also includes:

[0032] When it is detected that the ice box has completed the de-icing operation and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the preset low temperature threshold, or when it is detected that the ice maker is powered on for the first time and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the low temperature threshold, the ice maker is controlled to enter the water injection mode to inject water into the ice box.

[0033] Compared to existing technologies, the refrigerator with an ice maker and the water filling control method for the ice maker disclosed in this embodiment of the invention include an ice maker, a temperature detection device, and a controller. The ice maker has an ice-making box inside for producing ice cubes. The outer wall of the ice-making box is equipped with a temperature detection device for detecting the real-time temperature of the ice-making box. When the ice maker is detected to be in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice-making box is full, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode and stop filling the ice-making box with water. This reduces the probability of the ice-making box overflowing due to excessive water filling, thereby reducing the risk of ice cubes sticking together in the ice storage box. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another refrigeration system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a first working flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a second workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a client interaction system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is the fifth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a water injection control method for an ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Among them, 100 is a refrigerator; 200 is a router; 300 is a cloud server; 400 is a client; 10 is an ice maker; 11 is an ice-making motor; 12 is an ice container; 13 is an ice full detection probe; 14 is a temperature sensor; 15 is a water inlet valve / pump; 161 is a microcontroller; 162 is a water inlet control module; 163 is an ice-making control module; 17 is an ice-making switch; 18 is a display operation panel; 19 is an ice storage box; 20 is a compressor; 30 is a condenser; 4 is an ice maker capillary tube; 50 is an evaporator; 60 is a solenoid valve; and 70 is a freezing capillary tube. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0049] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] See Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 described in this embodiment has an approximately rectangular shape. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space and multiple doors located at the opening of the cabinet. Each door includes a door shell located outside the cabinet, a door inner liner located inside the cabinet, an upper cover, a lower cover, and an insulation layer located between the door shell, door inner liner, upper cover, and lower cover; typically, the insulation layer is filled with foam material. The cabinet has chambers, including component storage chambers for placing refrigerator components, such as compressors and capillary tubes, and storage spaces for storing food, medicine, etc. The storage spaces can be divided into multiple storage compartments, which can be configured as refrigerator compartments, freezer compartments, and variable temperature compartments (also known as freshness compartments) depending on their purpose. Each storage compartment corresponds to one or more doors, for example, in... Figure 1 The upper storage compartment is equipped with a double door. The door can be pivotally mounted at the opening of the refrigerator body, or it can be a drawer-type opening for drawer-style storage. In this embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator 100 also includes an ice maker 10 and a temperature detection device (not shown in the figure). The ice maker 10 can be stored in a dedicated ice-making compartment, or it can be placed in the freezer compartment; this is not limited here. The ice maker 10 includes an ice-making tray (…). Figure 1 (Not shown) A temperature detection device is located on the side wall of the ice maker to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker.

[0052] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 includes an ice maker 10 and a refrigeration power system. The ice maker 10 is provided with a refrigeration pipe. The refrigeration power system is used to provide refrigeration cycle power for the ice maker 10. It includes a compressor 20, a condenser 30 and an ice maker capillary tube 40 connected in sequence. The corresponding refrigeration circuit is compressor 20 → condenser 30 → ice maker capillary tube 40 → ice maker 10 (refrigeration pipe). In this refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant undergoes heat exchange after passing through the refrigeration pipe to realize ice making by the ice maker 10.

[0053] See Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of another refrigeration system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the ice maker compartment, the refrigerator also includes a freezer compartment. The refrigeration power system specifically includes a compressor 20, a condenser 30, an ice maker capillary tube 40, an evaporator 50, a solenoid valve 60, and a freezing capillary tube 70, forming two refrigeration circuits. One refrigeration circuit is compressor 20 → condenser 30 → solenoid valve 60 → ice maker capillary tube 40 → ice maker 10 → evaporator 50, which mainly serves the ice making of the ice maker. The other refrigeration circuit is compressor 20 → condenser 30 → solenoid valve 60 → freezer compartment capillary tube 70 → ice maker 10 → evaporator 50, which serves the refrigeration of the freezer compartment. The solenoid valve 60 is a three-way valve, which can be used to select one of the two circuits for operation.

[0054] The following is a brief introduction to the basic working process of a refrigeration system, mainly including compression, condensation, throttling, and evaporation. The compression process involves the following: low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas within the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The condensation process involves the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipating heat through the condenser, its temperature continuously decreasing until it is gradually cooled into a room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into a saturated liquid. The throttling process involves the condensed saturated refrigerant liquid passing through a dryer filter to remove moisture and impurities before flowing into a capillary tube, where it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction, transforming the refrigerant into a room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. The evaporation process involves the room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor absorbing heat and vaporizing in the evaporator, turning the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator passes through a gas-liquid separator and returns to the compressor, repeating the above process to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, thus achieving the purpose of refrigeration.

[0055] It is worth noting that the refrigeration system of this invention is not limited to the specific single evaporator refrigeration system described above, but can also be a dual evaporator refrigeration system. For the specific design of the dual evaporator refrigeration system, please refer to the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] See Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor assembly provided in this embodiment of the invention. The ice-making motor 11 drives the ice-making box 12 to rotate and twist under stress and deformation to remove ice. The ice full detection probe 13 is used to detect the amount of ice in the ice storage box. The temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors. In this embodiment, the ice maker is equipped with two temperature sensors 14 to detect the real-time temperature of the ice-making box. One temperature sensor 14 is located at the front of the ice-making box, and the other temperature sensor 14 is located at the rear of the ice-making box 12. Considering that temperature detection and water shut-off control have a certain delay, the installation position of these two temperature sensors is slightly lower than the edge of the opening of the ice tray inside the ice-making box 12. The height of this installation position is... The water level is a preset full water height. The specific installation position can be determined through a limited number of water filling tests. The goal is to ensure that, from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaching the full water temperature threshold until the ice maker completely stops filling, the highest water level in the ice maker does not exceed the edge of the ice tray opening (to prevent ice from sticking together in each ice tray), and the distance between the highest water level and the edge is less than a preset minimum threshold (to reduce wasted ice maker capacity). Specifically, the temperature sensor 14 is embedded and secured in the external mounting structure of the ice maker 12 to monitor the temperature at the corresponding location of the ice maker 12. When the ice maker 12 is full of water, it can sample the water temperature change. The water inlet for filling the ice maker 12 is located above the middle of the ice maker 12, so that water first enters the middle ice tray of the ice maker 12. Each ice tray has a low-recessed notch (guide groove), so after the middle ice tray is full, water will overflow to the ice trays before and after it fills, until the first or last row of ice trays is full. It is worth noting that the water inlet for filling the ice maker is not limited to the upper middle part of the ice maker.

[0057] It is worth noting that the specific number of temperature sensors is not limited to two; it can be one, three, or other options, depending on the actual situation.

[0058] See Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The controller described in this embodiment consists of a microcontroller, a water inlet control module, and an ice-making control module. The control system includes an ice-making motor 11, an ice-making box 12, an ice full detection probe 13, a temperature sensor 14, a water inlet valve (and / or a water pump) 15, a microcontroller 161, a water inlet control module 162, an ice-making control module 163, an ice-making switch 17, a display operation panel 18, and an ice storage box 19. The temperature sensor 14 detects the real-time temperature of the ice-making box 12 and sends it to the microcontroller 161. The ice full detection probe 13 detects the amount of ice in the ice storage box 19 and sends it to the microcontroller 161. The microcontroller 161 processes the real-time temperature and ice amount, and then sends control commands to the water inlet control module 162 and the ice-making control module 163. The water control module 162 controls the state of the water inlet valve / water pump 15 to control the water filling of the ice maker 12. The ice-making control module 163 controls the ice-making motor 11 to drive the ice maker 12, such as causing the ice maker 12 to tumble. The display control panel 18 and the ice-making switch 17 are human-machine interaction modules, allowing users to control the ice maker or obtain ice maker information through the human-machine interaction modules. The water supply method can be tap water or water from an internal water box. When tap water is supplied, the microcontroller controls the on / off state of the water inlet valve to achieve the water supply control function. When the water inlet valve is open, water is added to the ice maker; when the water inlet valve is closed, water filling stops. When water is supplied from an internal water box, the microcontroller controls the on / off state of the water pump to achieve the water supply control function. When the water pump is on, water is added to the ice maker; when the water pump is off, water filling stops. The water inlet valve or water box is installed outside the refrigerator or in the freezer compartment to prevent water from freezing.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is used to: when the ice maker is in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, determine that the ice box is full of water, and control the ice maker to exit the water filling mode to end the current round of water filling.

[0060] Compared with the prior art, the refrigerator with an ice maker disclosed in this embodiment of the invention includes an ice maker, a temperature detection device, and a controller. The ice maker has an ice-making box inside for producing ice cubes. The outer wall of the ice-making box is provided with a temperature detection device for detecting the real-time temperature of the ice-making box. When the ice maker is detected to be in water-filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice-making box is full, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water-filling mode and stop filling the ice-making box with water. This reduces the probability of the ice-making box overflowing due to excessive water filling, thereby reducing the risk of ice cubes sticking together in the ice storage box.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, combined with Figure 4The temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors, both used to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. At least one temperature sensor is located on one outer wall of the ice maker, and at least one temperature sensor is located on the other outer wall of the ice maker. The installation height of each temperature sensor is a preset full water height. When the ice maker is in water filling mode and the acquired real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset full water temperature threshold, the ice maker is determined to be full. Specifically, this includes determining that the ice maker is full when the ice maker is in water filling mode and at least one of the real-time temperatures is greater than or equal to the preset full water temperature threshold.

[0062] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a first flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is used to execute steps S11 to S15:

[0063] S11. Obtain the current operating mode of the ice maker, and then proceed to step S12.

[0064] S12. Determine whether the current operating mode is water injection mode. If yes, proceed to step S13. If no, proceed to other control logic, such as subsequent steps S25~33.

[0065] Specifically, the ice maker's operating modes include at least a water filling mode, an ice making mode, and an ice removal mode. First, the ice maker enters the water filling mode to fill the ice box with water. After the water filling is completed, the ice maker switches from the water filling mode to the ice making mode to make ice. After the ice is made, the ice maker switches to the ice removal mode to remove the ice and stores the generated ice in the ice storage box. After the ice removal is completed, the water filling mode is restarted to start a new ice making cycle.

[0066] S13. Obtain the real-time temperature detected by each temperature sensor, and then proceed to step S14.

[0067] S14. Determine whether there is at least one real-time temperature greater than or equal to the preset full water temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S15; otherwise, return to step S13.

[0068] S15. Determine that the ice container is full of water, and control the ice maker to exit the water filling mode to end the current round of water filling.

[0069] Specifically, since water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, and the ice maker operates at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius during the ice-making process, the water-filling temperature threshold is typically set to 0 degrees Celsius. A temperature sensor detects the temperature at a preset location within the ice maker. When the detected temperature exceeds 0 degrees Celsius, it indicates that the water has reached that preset location. At this point, the ice maker is considered full, and the filling process ends. This reduces the risk of overflow, providing the ice maker with as much water as possible to meet its filling requirements while minimizing the probability of overflow due to uneven placement or incomplete ice removal from the previous container. It also reduces the risk of ice sticking together due to overflow, improving the reliability and efficiency of the ice-making function.

[0070] Specifically, since the temperature sensor is located on the outer wall of the ice maker, at the preset full water position, it takes advantage of the fact that the water temperature is higher than the internal temperature of the ice maker. When water is poured into the ice maker, the temperature of the part of the ice maker that is in contact with the water will increase accordingly. The temperature sensor located on the outer wall of the ice maker can be used to indirectly detect whether the amount of water poured into the ice maker meets the requirements.

[0071] It's worth noting that uneven placement of the ice maker is mainly caused by at least one of the following three situations: first, the refrigerator is not level; second, the ice maker is not properly installed in the refrigerator; and third, the ice maker is not properly installed in the ice maker. It should also be noted that other reasons for uneven placement of the ice maker cannot be ruled out.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the ice maker is in the water-filling mode, obtain the current continuous water-filling duration; when the current continuous water-filling duration reaches a preset water-filling duration threshold, control the ice maker to exit the water-filling mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is short of water.

[0073] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a second workflow diagram of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is further configured to execute steps S16~S20:

[0074] S16. Obtain the current operating mode of the ice maker, and then proceed to step S17.

[0075] S17. Determine whether the current operating mode is water injection mode. If yes, proceed to step S18. If no, proceed to other control logic, such as subsequent steps S25~33.

[0076] S18. Obtain the current continuous water injection duration, and then proceed to step S19.

[0077] S19. Determine whether the current continuous water injection duration is greater than or equal to the preset water injection duration threshold. If yes, proceed to step 20; otherwise, return to step S19.

[0078] Specifically, the threshold for the duration of water filling is related to the capacity of the ice maker. When the ice maker is placed flat and the previous round of de-icing is complete, the amount of water filling for this duration is sufficient to fill the ice maker. The specific value needs to be set according to the actual situation.

[0079] S20. Control the ice maker to exit the water injection mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is short of water.

[0080] Specifically, when the current continuous water filling duration of the ice maker is greater than or equal to a preset water filling duration threshold, and the ice maker has not yet exited the water filling mode, it indicates a water shortage; the ice container is not yet full. Therefore, the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode and generate a water shortage alarm message to remind the user. The water shortage alarm message can be presented to the user in one or more of the following ways: refrigerator voice broadcast, refrigerator display screen reminder, or reminder via a client application. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a client interaction system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 100 communicates with the client 400 through a router 200 or a cloud server 300 to realize data interaction between the refrigerator and the client.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when it is detected that the ice box has completed the de-icing operation and each of the real-time temperatures is less than a preset low-temperature threshold, or when it is detected that the ice maker is powered on for the first time and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the low-temperature threshold, control the ice maker to enter a water-filling mode to fill the ice box with water.

[0082] Understandably, since the water injection control in this embodiment of the invention is based on temperature, the temperature of the ice maker needs to be detected before water injection to avoid injecting water when the real-time temperature is high, thus preventing premature termination of water injection due to accidental triggering of water injection stop. This is especially true for the first power-on of the ice maker. When the ice maker is first powered on and making ice, the real-time temperature is high. If water is injected immediately at this time, it may accidentally trigger water injection stop. Therefore, water injection needs to be performed when the real-time temperature is low in order to achieve precise control of water injection stop.

[0083] For example, see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a third flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is further configured to execute steps S21 to S24:

[0084] S21. Determine whether the ice box has completed the de-icing operation. If yes, proceed to step S22; otherwise, proceed to other control logic.

[0085] S22. Obtain the real-time temperature detected by each temperature sensor, and then proceed to step S23.

[0086] S23. Determine whether each of the real-time temperatures is less than the preset low temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S24; otherwise, proceed to other control logic.

[0087] For example, the low temperature threshold is set to -12 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that the specific value of the low temperature threshold is not limited to the above value. It should be set according to the actual situation, and generally should be significantly lower than the water temperature.

[0088] S24. Control the ice maker to enter the water injection mode to inject water into the ice container.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the ice maker consists of at least one ice tray, the water inlet of the ice maker is located above the middle ice tray of the ice maker, and a guide groove is provided between two adjacent ice trays.

[0090] Specifically, when the ice maker is composed of multiple ice trays, the connection between adjacent ice trays is provided with a low-recessed notch to form a guide channel. The water inlet of the ice maker is located at the top of the ice tray in the middle of the ice maker, directly opposite the opening of the ice tray in the middle of the ice maker. This allows water to enter the middle ice tray first when water is poured in. After the middle ice tray is filled, the water will overflow along the guide channel to the ice trays in front and behind until the first or last row of ice trays is filled with water.

[0091] It is worth noting that the water inlet of the ice maker is not limited to being directly opposite the ice tray in the middle of the ice container.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0093] When the ice maker is in the water filling mode, at least one of the temperature sensors detects a real-time temperature that reaches the water full temperature threshold, and another temperature sensor detects a real-time temperature that is less than the water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is not placed flat.

[0094] For example, in combination Figure 4As shown, two temperature sensors are installed on the outer walls of the front and rear of the ice maker, respectively, at the same height. If the ice maker is placed flat, under normal circumstances, the water in the ice trays at the front and rear of the ice maker will rise to the installation height of the temperature sensors simultaneously. Therefore, both temperature sensors will detect the real-time temperature reaching the water full temperature threshold at the same time. Thus, during the water filling process, when one temperature sensor detects a real-time temperature that reaches the water full temperature threshold, while the other temperature sensor detects a real-time temperature that is lower than the water full temperature threshold, it indicates that the ice maker is not placed flat.

[0095] Furthermore, the controller is also used for:

[0096] When the ice maker is not placed evenly, an ice maker placement error message is generated; the message is sent to the user terminal via a communication module (such as a WiFi module, Bluetooth module, etc.) to inform the user of the error and to adjust the position of the ice maker to make it level.

[0097] For example, the controller can obtain the mode of the ice maker in real time and the real-time temperature detected by each temperature sensor. When the ice maker is in water filling mode, it analyzes all the real-time temperatures at the current moment. When it finds that at least one real-time temperature has reached the water full temperature threshold while another real-time temperature has not reached the water overflow temperature threshold, it determines that the ice box is not placed evenly, generates ice box placement abnormal information, sends the ice box placement abnormal information to the user terminal through the communication module, and adjusts the position of the ice box to make the ice box placed evenly.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the ice maker further includes an ice storage box and an ice-making motor. The ice storage box is used to store ice cubes, and the ice-making motor is used to drive the ice storage box to thaw the ice. The controller is further configured to: when the ice maker is in ice-making mode, acquire the ice-making status of the ice maker; when the ice-making status of the ice maker is ice-making complete, acquire the current ice quantity of the ice storage box; when the current ice quantity is less than a preset full ice quantity threshold, determine that the ice storage box is not full, and control the ice-making motor to drive the ice storage box to perform an ice-removing operation; when the current ice quantity reaches the preset full ice quantity threshold, monitor the door of the compartment where the ice storage box is located; when the ice-making status of the ice maker is ice-making complete and the door is detected to be open, reacquire the current ice quantity of the ice storage box.

[0099] For example, see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a fourth flowchart of the controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The controller is further configured to execute steps S25 to S33:

[0100] S25. Obtain the current operating mode of the ice maker, and then proceed to step S26.

[0101] S26. Determine whether the current operating mode is ice-making mode. If yes, proceed to step S27. If no, proceed to other control logic.

[0102] S27. Obtain the ice-making status of the ice maker, and then proceed to step S28.

[0103] S28. Determine whether the ice-making status is complete. If yes, proceed to step S29; otherwise, return to step S27.

[0104] S29. Obtain the current ice volume of the ice storage box, and then proceed to step S30.

[0105] S30. Determine whether the current ice volume is less than the preset full ice volume threshold. If yes, proceed to step S31; otherwise, proceed to step S32.

[0106] S31. If it is determined that the ice storage box is not full, control the ice making motor to drive the ice making box into the de-icing mode and perform the de-icing operation.

[0107] S32. Monitor the door of the compartment where the ice storage box is located, and then proceed to step S33.

[0108] S33. Determine whether the box door is open. If yes, return to step S29; otherwise, return to step S32.

[0109] Specifically, after the ice maker is filled with water, the water in the ice maker is cooled and frozen in the low-temperature storage compartment. Based on the temperature and the time of the ice-making process, an ice fullness check is performed after the ice-making process is completed. If the ice storage compartment is not full, the ice-making motor is controlled to drive the ice maker to flip and deform under stress to remove ice. If the ice storage compartment is full, the system waits for the next ice fullness check result until the ice storage compartment is found to be not full before removing ice. After removing ice, water is added to start the next ice-making process. The next ice fullness check is generally performed after the door of the compartment where the ice storage compartment is located is opened, because when the door is opened, it indicates that a user may have taken ice, so the ice content in the ice storage compartment can be checked again.

[0110] Further, see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is the fifth workflow diagram of the controller provided in this embodiment of the invention. The controller is further configured to execute steps S34-S36 to determine that ice making is complete:

[0111] S34. Obtain all real-time temperatures.

[0112] S35. Determine whether each real-time temperature is less than the preset ice-making completion temperature threshold within the preset low-temperature duration. If yes, proceed to step S36; otherwise, return to step S34.

[0113] S36, Ice making is complete.

[0114] Furthermore, the refrigerator also includes a flow meter located at the water inlet of the ice maker to monitor the current water flow rate. The controller is further configured to: stop water filling when the ice maker is in water filling mode and the current water flow rate reaches a preset flow rate threshold. It is worth noting that the preset flow rate threshold is equal to the normal water volume of the ice maker, i.e., the amount of water that can be held for ice making when the ice maker is placed flat and free of residual ice.

[0115] Compared to existing technologies, the refrigerator with an ice maker disclosed in this invention includes an ice maker, a temperature detection device, and a controller. The ice maker has an ice-making box inside for producing ice cubes. The outer wall of the ice-making box is equipped with a temperature detection device for detecting the real-time temperature of the ice-making box. When the ice maker is detected to be in water-filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water-full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice-making box is full, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water-filling mode and stop filling the ice-making box with water. This reduces the probability of the ice-making box overflowing due to excessive water filling, thereby reducing the risk of ice cubes sticking together in the ice storage box.

[0116] See Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a water injection control method for an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water injection control method for the ice maker according to the embodiment of the present invention is implemented by a controller installed in the refrigerator, and the water injection control method for the ice maker includes:

[0117] S1. Obtain the current operating mode of the ice maker and obtain the real-time temperature of the ice box detected by the temperature detection device;

[0118] S2. When the ice maker is in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to the preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is full of water, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode to end the current round of water filling.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors, both used to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. At least one of the temperature sensors is located on one outer wall of the ice maker, and at least one of the temperature sensors is located on the other outer wall of the ice maker. The installation height of each temperature sensor is a preset full water height.

[0120] The step of determining that the ice container is full when the ice maker is in water-filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold specifically includes:

[0121] When the ice maker is in water filling mode and at least one of the real-time temperatures is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, the ice box is determined to be full.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, it further includes:

[0123] When the ice maker is in the water injection mode, obtain the current continuous water injection duration;

[0124] When the current continuous water injection duration reaches the preset water injection duration threshold, the ice maker is controlled to exit the water injection mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is low on water.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, it further includes:

[0126] When it is detected that the ice box has completed the de-icing operation and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the preset low temperature threshold, or when it is detected that the ice maker is powered on for the first time and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the low temperature threshold, the ice maker is controlled to enter the water injection mode to inject water into the ice box.

[0127] It is worth noting that the specific working process of the ice maker water injection control method can be referred to the specific working process of the refrigerator controller described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0128] Compared to existing technologies, the water filling control method for an ice maker disclosed in this invention includes an ice maker container and a temperature detection device. The temperature detection device is located on the outer wall of the ice maker container. When the ice maker is detected to be in water filling mode and the real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice maker container is full, and the ice maker is controlled to exit the water filling mode and stop filling the ice maker container. This reduces the probability of water overflow in the ice maker container due to excessive water filling, thereby reducing the risk of ice cubes sticking together in the ice storage container.

[0129] 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 with an ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice maker, which has an ice-making box inside; A temperature detection device is disposed on the side wall of the ice maker to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. The temperature detection device includes a temperature sensor. Controller, used for: The system can acquire the current mode of the ice maker and the real-time temperature detected by each of the temperature sensors. When the ice maker is in water injection mode, all real-time temperatures at the current moment are analyzed. When it is found that at least one real-time temperature has reached the water full temperature threshold while another real-time temperature has not reached the water full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice box is not placed evenly, and the ice box placement abnormality information is generated. or, When the temperature sensor detects different temperatures, it determines that the ice maker is not placed evenly and generates an ice maker placement abnormality information. The communication module sends information about the abnormal placement of the ice maker to the user terminal and adjusts the position of the ice maker to ensure it is placed flat.

2. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature detection device includes at least two temperature sensors, both used to detect the real-time temperature of the ice maker. At least one temperature sensor is located on one side wall of the ice maker, and at least one temperature sensor is located on the other side wall of the ice maker. The installation height of each temperature sensor is the preset full water height.

3. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the ice maker is in water-filling mode and the acquired real-time temperature is greater than or equal to a preset water-full temperature threshold, it is determined that the ice container is full. The controller then controls the ice maker to exit the water-filling mode and stop filling the ice container with water. Specifically, this includes: When the ice maker is in water filling mode and at least one of the real-time temperatures is greater than or equal to a preset water full temperature threshold, the ice box is determined to be full.

4. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: When the ice maker is in the water injection mode, obtain the current continuous water injection duration; When the current continuous water injection duration reaches the preset water injection duration threshold, the ice maker is controlled to exit the water injection mode and generate an ice maker water shortage alarm message to remind the user that the ice maker is low on water.

5. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: When it is detected that the ice box has completed the de-icing operation and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the preset low temperature threshold, or when it is detected that the ice maker is powered on for the first time and each of the real-time temperatures is less than the low temperature threshold, the ice maker is controlled to enter the water injection mode to inject water into the ice box.

6. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The ice maker consists of at least one ice tray, with a flow channel between adjacent ice trays.

7. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The preset water level is lower than the edge of the opening of the ice tray inside the ice maker.

8. The refrigerator with an ice maker as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller sets the water full temperature threshold to zero degrees Celsius. When the temperature sensor detects that the real-time temperature is greater than zero degrees Celsius, it determines that the ice box is full and stops filling the water box.

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