Control method of ice transfer device, ice transfer device and storage medium

Abstract

This application discloses a control method, an ice-moving device, and a storage medium for an ice-moving apparatus. The control method includes: acquiring an ice-retrieving command; controlling a sorting component to perform ice-feeding operations; controlling an ejection component to perform ice-ejecting operations; and performing ice-out detection. The ice-out detection step includes determining whether the sensing value of a weight sensor is greater than a threshold, where the threshold is greater than or equal to the weight of a preset number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection component in a single operation. If the sensing value is greater than the threshold, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily suspend the ice-feeding operation, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice-ejecting operation again. By detecting ice-out through a weight sensor, it is determined whether the ejection component has successfully ejected ice. When the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than the threshold, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily suspend the ice-feeding operation, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice-ejecting operation again, ejecting the ice blocks stuck in the ice-moving channel back towards the ice outlet to restore the normal working state of the ice-moving apparatus and maintain its ice-moving efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically relating to a control method for an ice-moving device, an ice-moving device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Current ice-removal technologies typically involve manual ice removal or automatic ice removal using gravity from below the ice storage tray. To improve convenience and allow for ice removal at a suitable height, some refrigerators have a design on the upper refrigerator door for easy ice retrieval. However, refrigerator door ice removal requires two ice makers, especially one in the refrigerator compartment, which presents challenges due to high energy consumption and large space requirements for insulation. To address this issue, some refrigeration systems consider ice production in the freezer compartment and moving the ice blocks to the refrigerator compartment. However, how to efficiently move the ice blocks remains a crucial problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a control method, an ice-moving device, and a storage medium for an ice-moving apparatus, in order to solve the technical problem of the difficulty in efficiently moving ice blocks.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution: an ice-moving device, comprising an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, an ejection component, and a weight sensor. The ice-moving channel is provided with an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection area. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet, and the ejection area is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel communicates with the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed within the conveying channel to convey ice blocks to the ice-moving channel. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The weight sensor... The device is located at the output end of the ejection assembly. The control method includes: acquiring an ice-retrieving command; controlling the sorting assembly to perform ice-feeding operations at a first speed to transport ice blocks into the ice-moving channel; controlling the ejection assembly to perform ice-launching operations to drive ice blocks falling from the ice inlet to the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet; performing ice-out detection, the steps of which include determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than a threshold, the threshold being greater than or equal to the weight of a preset number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection assembly in a single operation; if the sensing value is greater than the threshold, controlling the sorting assembly to temporarily suspend the ice-feeding operation and controlling the ejection assembly to perform the ice-launching operation again.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts another technical solution: an ice-moving device, which includes an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, an ejection component, a weight sensor, and a control component. The ice-moving channel is provided with an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection area. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet, and the ejection area is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel is connected to the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed in the conveying channel to convey ice blocks one by one to the ice-moving channel. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The weight sensor is disposed at the output end of the ejection component, and the control component is used to execute any of the above-mentioned control methods.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts another technical solution: a storage medium that stores program data, which can be executed to implement the above-mentioned control method.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The sorting component and the ejection component work together to drive the ice blocks to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The ice blocks move quickly, resulting in high ice-removal efficiency and enabling rapid and continuous ice removal. This reduces the user's waiting time, and the ice blocks are less prone to melting, resulting in high-quality ice blocks that are less likely to melt and stick together. Furthermore, an ice-discharge detection system using a weight sensor determines whether the ejection component has successfully ejected the ice. When the gravity sensor reading exceeds a threshold, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily halt the ice conveying operation, and the ejection component is controlled to perform another ice-ejection operation, ejecting the ice blocks remaining in the ice-moving channel back towards the ice outlet. This restores the normal operating state of the ice-moving device and maintains its ice-moving efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0012] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the ice-moving device of this application in the ice-moving equipment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of an embodiment of the storage medium of this application;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0020] Figure 12 This is another overall structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0022] Figure 14 This is another structural schematic diagram of the first scheme of yet another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the door cross-section structure of a second embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0025] Figure 17 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 19 This is yet another structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0028] Figure 20 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application;

[0029] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the door cross-section structure of the fourth embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not the entire structure. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0032] In the description of this application, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application.

[0034] One embodiment of this application provides an ice-moving device 100. The ice-moving device 100 includes an ice-moving channel 120, a conveying channel 150, a sorting component 180, and an ejection component 190. The ice-moving channel 120 includes an ice outlet 1222, an ice inlet 1221, and an ejection area 1223. The ice outlet 1222 is located above the ice inlet 1221. The ejection area 1223 is located below the ice inlet 1221. The conveying channel 150 communicates with the ice-moving channel 120 through the ice inlet 1221. The sorting component 180 is disposed within the conveying channel 150 to convey ice blocks one by one to the ice-moving channel 120. Since the ejection area 1223 is located below the ice inlet 1221, the sorting component 180 conveys the ice blocks one by one through the ice inlet 1221, and the ice blocks move from the ice inlet 1221 to the ejection area 1223 under the action of gravity. The ejection assembly 190 is located at the end of the ice transfer channel 120 away from the ice outlet 1222. The ejection assembly 190 is used to propel a predetermined number of ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 toward the ice outlet 1222. In cooperation with the ejection assembly 190, the sorting assembly 180 transports the ice blocks one by one into the ice transfer channel 120, and the ejection assembly 190 propels the predetermined number of ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 toward the ice outlet 1222.

[0035] In this application, the sorting component 180, conveying channel 150, and ejection component 190 of the ice-moving device 100 can be disposed in the first refrigeration chamber 12 (see [reference]). Figure 4 The ice-collecting component 300 is located in the second refrigeration chamber 13 above the first refrigeration chamber 12 (see...). Figure 4 The ice transfer channel 120 extends from the first refrigeration compartment 12 to the second refrigeration compartment 13. The first refrigeration compartment 12 is a refrigerator compartment, and the second refrigeration compartment 13 is a freezer compartment. The sorting assembly 180 can be connected to the ice-making assembly 200 (see...). Figure 15 The ejection assembly 190 propels the ice block towards the ice outlet 1222. The ice block has a certain initial velocity and moves from the ejection area 1223 towards the ice outlet 1222, eventually moving along the ice transfer channel 120 to the ice collection assembly 300 (see...). Figure 4 Because the ejection component 190 can continuously drive the ice blocks to pop out at a certain speed, the ice blocks from the ice-making component 200 can be continuously and quickly ejected to the ice-retrieving component 300. The ice blocks move quickly, the ice-retrieving efficiency is high, and the ice retrieval is fast and continuous. The user's ice-retrieval waiting time is short, and the ice blocks are not easy to melt, the ice block quality is high, and the ice blocks are not easy to melt and stick together.

[0036] Refrigeration equipment 10 employing the ice-moving device 100 of this application (see [link]). Figure 4The ice-making component 200 can be placed in the first refrigeration chamber 12, and the ice-retrieving component 300 can be placed in the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice-transferring device 100 can quickly and sequentially transport ice blocks from the first refrigeration chamber 12 to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the second refrigeration chamber 13. Transporting ice blocks to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the upper second refrigeration chamber 13 facilitates ice retrieval for users, improving the user experience. Furthermore, since the ice-making component 200 is located in the first refrigeration chamber 12, it can share the cold source with the first refrigeration chamber 12, eliminating the need for a separate evaporator for ice making due to the location of the ice-making component 200 in the second refrigeration chamber 13. This saves on component and energy costs, reduces the space occupied in the second refrigeration chamber 13, and increases the volumetric efficiency of the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice block can be ejected by the ejection component 190, so that the ice block can quickly move to the ice-retrieving component 300 after gaining initial velocity. The ice block moves directly from the first refrigeration chamber 12 to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice block moves quickly, which not only makes the ice-retrieving efficiency high, but also eliminates the need to set up an evaporator in the second refrigeration chamber 13 for keeping the ice block cold, further improving the volume ratio of the second refrigeration chamber 13.

[0037] The ice-moving device 100 of this application not only improves ice-removal efficiency, but also solves the problems of inconvenience for users in removing ice and the space occupation of the second refrigeration room 13.

[0038] It should be noted that the predetermined quantity can be one, two, or more. The predetermined quantity matches the driving force of the ejection component 190. In order to ensure the success rate of ice ejection, the driving force of the ejection component 190 can drive more than the predetermined number of ice blocks to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The ejection component 190 can drive one, two, or other numbers of ice blocks located in the ejection zone 1223 towards the ice outlet 1222 in a single operation.

[0039] The ejection assembly 190 includes a pusher plate 191 and an electromagnetic ejector 192. The pusher plate 191 is movably disposed in the ice-moving channel 120 along its extension direction. The electromagnetic ejector 192 is disposed on the side of the pusher plate 191 opposite to the ice outlet 1222. The output end of the electromagnetic ejector 192 is connected to the pusher plate 191. The electromagnetic ejector 192 can drive the pusher plate 191 to eject a predetermined distance from the ejection area 1223 toward the ice outlet 1222. The ice block gains a certain initial velocity under the pusher plate 191 and moves toward the ice outlet 1222. The electromagnetic ejector 192 can also drive the pusher plate 191 back to the ejection area 1223. Specifically, the electromagnetic ejector 192 can control the ejection or retraction of the pusher plate 191 by switching the current on and off. By controlling the magnitude of the current, the ejection speed of the pusher plate 191 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the ejection speed of the ice block.

[0040] In some embodiments, the conveying channel 150 includes a conveying section 152, a guide section 153, and a funnel section 154. A sorting assembly 180 is disposed on the conveying section 152. The conveying section 152 includes an inlet end 1521 and an outlet end 1522, with the outlet end 1522 being higher than the ice inlet 1221. The guide section 153 connects the outlet end 1522 and the ice inlet 1221. The funnel section 154 is disposed on the inlet end 1521 and is located above the inlet end 1521. The funnel section 154 is used to receive ice blocks entering the conveying section 152. Since the outlet end 1522 is higher than the ice inlet 1221, and the outlet end 1522 and the ice inlet 1221 are connected by the guide section 153, the ice blocks can move from the outlet end 1522 to the ice inlet 1221 under the action of gravity. The diameter of the funnel 154 gradually increases from the end of the funnel 154 connected to the conveying section 152 to the end away from the conveying section 152, so that the funnel 154 can facilitate the entry of ice blocks removed from the ice-making component 200 into the conveying channel 150, thereby improving the success rate of ice blocks entering the conveying channel 150.

[0041] Furthermore, the outlet end 1522 of the conveying section 152 is higher than the inlet end 1521 of the conveying section 152, so the sorting component 180 installed in the conveying section 152 needs to transport the ice block located at a lower position to a higher position. The sorting component 180 can increase the height of the ice block to a certain extent, so that the ice block can get closer to the second refrigeration chamber 13, shorten the height that the ice block needs to rise along the ice moving channel 120, reduce the driving force required for the ejection component 190 to drive the ice block to rise, and improve the success rate of ice ejection.

[0042] The sorting component 180, which transports ice blocks one by one to the ice transfer channel 120, can have multiple implementation structures:

[0043] In some embodiments, the conveying section 152 is linear. The sorting assembly 180 includes a drive wheel set 181, a drive belt 182, partitions 183, and a first power member (not shown). The drive wheel set 181 is disposed on the conveying section 152 and includes at least two spaced-apart drive wheels 1811, which are spaced apart along the length of the conveying section 152. The drive wheels 1811 are rotatably supported on the conveying section 152. The drive belt 182 is wound around the drive wheel set 181. The first power member drives the drive wheels 1811 to rotate, thereby driving the drive belt 182 as the drive wheels 1811 rotate. A plurality of partitions 183 are provided, and the partitions 183 are spaced apart on the drive belt 182. Each pair of adjacent partitions 183 is used to receive one ice block. By setting the partition 183, the ice blocks are more easily moved along the conveyor belt 182 to the guide portion 153 under the push of the partition 183, which can improve the stability of the ice blocks on the conveyor belt 182. The partition 183 can also separate the ice blocks and prevent them from sticking together. When the ice blocks move with the ice block conveyor belt 182 to the end of the sorting component 180 near the guide portion 153, the partition 183 gradually rotates from being above the conveyor belt 182 to being below the conveyor belt 182. The ice blocks lose the obstruction effect of the partition 183 and fall into the guide portion 153 under the action of gravity, and move along the guide portion 153 to the ice transfer channel 120. The rotation speed of the drive wheel 1811 driven by the first power member can be adaptively adjusted according to the speed at which the ejection component 190 drives the ice blocks out of the ice transfer channel 120.

[0044] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application. In some other embodiments, the conveying section 152 is disc-shaped. The sorting assembly 180 includes a rotating disk 185 and a second power member (not shown in the figure). The rotating disk 185 is rotatably disposed on the conveying section 152. A plurality of recessed grooves 186 are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the rotating disk 185, each recessed groove 186 being used for an ice block to be inserted. The second power member drives the rotating disk 185 to rotate. When the sorting assembly 180 needs to convey ice blocks to the ice-moving channel 120, the second power member drives the rotating disk 185 to rotate, and the ice blocks entering from the funnel section 154 are sequentially inserted into the recessed grooves 186. When the recessed grooves 186 rotate to face the guide section 153, the ice blocks fall from the recessed grooves 186 into the guide section 153 and move along the guide section 153 to the ice-moving channel 120. The rotation speed of the second power component driving the rotating disk 185 can be adaptively adjusted according to the speed at which the ejection assembly 190 ejects the ice blocks out of the ice-moving channel 120.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ice-moving channel 120 includes an ice-moving section 121 and a guide section 122. An ejection area 1223 and an ice inlet 1221 are disposed in the ice-moving section 121. The ice-moving section 121 connects to the conveying channel 150 through the ice inlet 1221. The guide section 122 connects to the ice-moving section 121 and is curved to one side for guiding the ice to the ice-retrieving assembly 300. The ice-moving section 121 connects to the ice-moving cavity, allowing the ice to rise a sufficient distance along the ice-moving section 121 as it moves within it. The guide section 122 redirects the ice to connect to the ice-retrieving assembly 300, allowing the ice to rise a sufficient distance before moving towards the ice-retrieving assembly 300. The ice-moving section 121 and the guide section 122 form a smooth transition.

[0046] Specifically, the ice-moving section 121 can be set vertically to shorten the distance the ice block rises along the ice-moving section 121. Of course, the ice-moving section 121 can also be set in a direction that forms a small angle with the vertical direction; or, the ice-moving channel 120 can be arc-shaped as a whole, and the ice-moving channel 120 is used to extend from the ice-moving outlet 1222 to the ice-receiving component 300 to ensure that the ice block can rise stably and connect with the ice-receiving component 300.

[0047] Specifically, the angle between the extension directions of the guide section 122 and the ice-moving section 121 is greater than 90° and less than 180°, so as to prevent the ice block from turning too much when entering the guide section 122 from the ice-moving section 121 and falling back into the ice-moving section 121, and to ensure that the ice block can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel and move to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0048] To ensure that the sorting component 180 smoothly delivers ice blocks into the ice-moving channel 120, the ice-moving device 100 also includes a first sensor 1224. The first sensor 1224 is disposed at the ice inlet 1221. The first sensor 1224 is used to sense the passage of ice blocks, indicating that ice blocks have entered the ice-moving chamber. After the first sensor 1224 senses the passage of ice blocks, the ice blocks fall through the ice inlet 1221 into the ejection area 1223, and the ejection component 190 can prepare to perform an ejection operation to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222.

[0049] To ensure that the ejection assembly 190 successfully ejects the ice block from the ice outlet 1222 of the ice-moving channel 120, in some embodiments, the ice-moving device 100 further includes a second sensor 1225. The second sensor 1225 is disposed at the ice outlet 1222. The second sensor 1225 is used to sense the passage of an ice block, indicating that an ice block has successfully moved through the ice-moving channel 120 to the ice-retrieving assembly 300. When the second sensor 1225 detects the passage of an ice block, the sorting component 180 can continue to deliver ice blocks to the ice-moving channel 120, and the ejection component 190 can prepare for the next ice ejection operation. If the second sensor 1225 does not detect the passage of an ice block after the ejection component 190 performs an ejection operation, it means that the ice block did not pass through the ice outlet 1222 after being ejected, but still fell back to the ejection area 1223 along the ice-moving channel 120. At this time, an ice blockage failure may occur. The sorting component 180 can be controlled to stop the ice feeding, and the ejection component 190 can be controlled to perform another ice ejection operation to eject the ice block that was not successfully ejected.

[0050] In some embodiments, the ice-moving device 100 further includes a weight sensor 193. The weight sensor 193 is disposed on the push plate 191. If an ice block enters the ice-moving channel 120 and falls onto the push plate 191, the weight sensor 193 can sense the change in the ice block, and the ejection assembly 190 can prepare to perform an ejection operation to drive the ice block located in the ejection area 1223 to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222; if after the ejection assembly 190 ejects the ice block towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice block does not pass through the ice outlet 1222 but still falls back to the ejection area 1223 along the ice-moving channel 120, the weight sensor 193 can sense the weight change again, thereby controlling the sorting assembly 180 to stop the ice entry, and controlling the ejection assembly 190 to perform another ice ejection operation to eject the ice block that was not successfully ejected again.

[0051] The first sensor 1224 can be used in conjunction with the second sensor 1225 or the weight sensor 193 to accurately detect the state of the ice in the ice transfer device 100.

[0052] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the ice-moving device of this application in use within an ice-moving equipment. Another embodiment of this application provides an ice-moving device 100. The ice-moving device 100 includes an ice-moving channel 120, a power assembly 170, an ice return channel 160, a rotating baffle 161, and a reset member 162. The ice-moving channel 120 is provided with an ice outlet 1222, an ice inlet 1221, and an ice return outlet 1226. The ice outlet 1222 is located above the ice inlet 1221, and the ice return outlet 1226 is located between the ice inlet 1221 and the ice outlet 1222. The power assembly 170 is disposed within the ice-moving channel 120 and is used to drive ice blocks entering the ice-moving channel 120 through the ice inlet 1221 to move out through the ice outlet 1222. The ice return channel 160 connects to the ice return outlet 1226. A rotating baffle 161 is rotatably positioned within the ice-moving channel 120 corresponding to the return ice inlet 1226. In its natural state, the rotating baffle 161 is in its initial position, blocking the ice-moving channel 120. The rotating baffle 161 is inclined downwards in the direction from the end furthest from the return ice inlet 1226 to the end closest to the return ice inlet 1226. When ice blocks are ejected from the ice inlet 1221 towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice blocks push the rotating baffle 161 to rotate towards the return ice inlet 1226 to allow the ice blocks to pass through. A reset member 162 is disposed on the rotating baffle 161, and the reset member 162 drives the rotating baffle 161 to rotate back to its initial position.

[0053] Due to the rotating baffle 161, when no ice blocks pass through, the reset member 162 drives the rotating baffle 161 to its initial position. When the power unit 170 drives the ice blocks in the ice-moving channel 120 to move towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice blocks contact and push the rotating baffle 161 to rotate towards the ice outlet 1222, allowing the ice blocks to pass through smoothly. The rotating baffle 161 rotates back to its initial position under the action of the reset member 162. When an ice block passes through the rotating baffle 161 but fails to pass through the ice outlet 1222 smoothly due to insufficient power, abnormal ice block size, or other reasons, the ice block will fall along the ice-moving channel 120. Due to the obstruction of the rotating baffle 161, when the ice block falls onto the rotating baffle 161, it will slide down the inclined rotating baffle 161 to the return ice outlet 1226 and eventually move to the return ice channel 160. Therefore, the rotating baffle 161 does not affect the movement of ice blocks toward the ice outlet 1222, and can guide ice blocks that fail to exit to the return ice channel 160, avoiding ice blockage and ensuring the working stability of the ice moving device 100.

[0054] It should be noted that when the rotating baffle 161 rotates to its initial position, the end of the rotating baffle 161 away from the ice return port 1226 abuts against the ice transfer channel 120, and the rotating baffle 161 is tilted downwards. The reset member 162 cannot continue to drive the rotating baffle 161 to rotate, and the rotating baffle 161 remains in its initial position. Of course, in other embodiments, other limiting mechanisms can be provided at the rotation axis of the rotating baffle 161 so that the rotating baffle 161 can only rotate to its initial position.

[0055] The power component 170 can be the ejection component 190 in any of the above embodiments. An ejection area 1223 is provided within the ice-moving channel 120, located below the ice inlet 1221. The ejection component 190 is positioned at the end of the ice-moving channel 120 away from the ice outlet 1222, and is used to drive a predetermined number of ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 towards the ice outlet 1222. The specific structure of the ejection component 190 will not be described in detail here. Alternatively, the power component 170 can also employ other driving mechanisms capable of driving ice blocks upwards along the ice-moving channel 120, such as a roller brush ejection structure.

[0056] In this application, the power assembly 170, ice return channel 160, rotating baffle 161, and reset component 162 of the ice transfer device 100 can be disposed in the first refrigeration chamber 12, and the ice taking assembly 300 is located in the second refrigeration chamber 13 above the first refrigeration chamber 12. The ice transfer channel 120 extends from the first refrigeration chamber 12 to the second refrigeration chamber 13. The first refrigeration chamber 12 is a refrigeration chamber, and the second refrigeration chamber 13 is a freezing chamber. Ice making assembly 200 (see...) Figure 15 The ice block is connected to the ice transfer channel 120 via the ice inlet 1221. The power component 170 drives the ice block to move towards the ice outlet 1222. The ice block has a certain initial velocity and eventually moves along the ice transfer channel 120 to the ice retrieval component 300. Since the power component 170 can continuously drive the ice block to pop out at a certain speed, the ice block coming out of the ice making component 200 can be continuously and quickly popped out to the ice retrieval component 300. The ice block moves quickly, the ice retrieval efficiency is high, and the ice retrieval is fast and continuous. The user's ice retrieval waiting time is short, and the ice block does not melt easily, the ice block quality is high, and the ice blocks are less likely to melt and stick together.

[0057] The refrigeration equipment 10 using the ice-moving device 100 of this application can have the ice-making component 200 placed in the first refrigeration chamber 12 and the ice-retrieving component 300 placed in the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice-moving device 100 can sequentially and quickly transport ice blocks from the first refrigeration chamber 12 to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the second refrigeration chamber 13. Transporting ice blocks to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the upper second refrigeration chamber 13 facilitates ice retrieval for users, improving user experience. Furthermore, since the ice-making component 200 is located in the first refrigeration chamber 12, it can share the cold source with the first refrigeration chamber 12, eliminating the need for a separate evaporator for ice making due to the ice-making component 200 being located in the second refrigeration chamber 13. This saves on component and energy costs, reduces the space occupied in the second refrigeration chamber 13, and increases the volumetric efficiency of the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice block is driven to move to the ice-retrieving component 300 by the power component 170. The ice block moves directly from the first refrigeration chamber 12 to the ice-retrieving component 300 in the second refrigeration chamber 13. The ice block moves quickly, which not only makes the ice-retrieving efficiency high, but also eliminates the need to set up an evaporator in the second refrigeration chamber 13 for keeping the ice block cold, further improving the volume ratio of the second refrigeration chamber 13.

[0058] The ice-moving device 100 of this application not only improves ice-removal efficiency, but also solves the problems of inconvenience for users in removing ice and the space occupation of the second refrigeration room 13.

[0059] There are several ways for the reset element 162 to drive the rotating baffle 161 to rotate to the initial position. Several specific solutions for the reset element 162 are listed below:

[0060] In some embodiments, the reset member 162 includes a torsion spring. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotation axis of the rotating baffle 161. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the rotating baffle 161, and the other end abuts against the ice transfer channel 120 to drive the rotating baffle 161 to rotate to the initial position and hold it in the initial position. When the power assembly 170 drives the ice block in the ice transfer channel 120 to move towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice block contacts and pushes the rotating baffle 161 to overcome the resistance of the torsion spring and rotate towards the ice outlet 1222. The ice block can pass through smoothly, and the rotating baffle 161 rotates to the initial position under the action of the torsion spring's restoring force.

[0061] In some embodiments, the reset member 162 includes an elastic element. One end of the elastic element is connected to the ice return channel 160, and the other end is connected to the rotating baffle 161 facing the ice return port 1226. When the power assembly 170 drives the ice block in the ice transfer channel 120 to be ejected from the ice inlet 1221 to the ice outlet 1222, the ice block pushes the rotating baffle 161 to rotate towards the ice return port 1226 and compresses the elastic element. After the ice block successfully passes the rotating baffle 161, the elastic element rebounds, driving the rotating baffle 161 to rotate back to its initial position and remain in the initial position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the reset member 162 includes a counterweight. The counterweight is disposed on the side of the rotating baffle 161 opposite to the ice return port 1226. When the power assembly 170 drives the ice block in the ice transfer channel 120 to move towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice block contacts and pushes the rotating baffle 161 to rotate towards the ice outlet 1222 against the weight of the counterweight, allowing the ice block to pass smoothly. After the ice block passes smoothly, because the side of the rotating baffle 161 opposite to the ice return port 1226 is heavier, the rotating baffle 161 rotates back to its initial position under the weight of the counterweight and remains in its initial position.

[0063] When ice blocks that fail to pass through the ice outlet 1222 fall into the ice return channel 160, the bottom wall of the ice return channel 160 is gradually inclined downwards in the direction away from the ice return outlet 1226 to facilitate ice block recovery. The ice blocks can move downwards along the ice return channel 160, which facilitates movement and prevents them from falling back into the ice transfer channel 120.

[0064] In some embodiments, the ice-moving device 100 further includes a conveying channel 150 and a sorting component 180. The conveying channel 150 communicates with the ice-moving channel 120 through an ice inlet 1221. The sorting component 180 is disposed within the conveying channel 150 to convey ice blocks one by one to the ice-moving channel 120. The conveying channel 150 and the sorting component 180 may be the same as those in any of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] Furthermore, the ice outlet of the return ice channel 160 is connected to the conveying channel 150, thereby sending the ice back to the conveying channel 150 for re-entry into the ice transfer channel 120. Alternatively, the ice outlet of the return ice channel 160 is connected to the ice-making assembly 200, thereby sending the ice back to the ice-making assembly 200. Specifically, the return ice channel 160 is connected to the ice storage box of the ice-making assembly 200. The ice in the ice storage box can be conveyed into the conveying channel 150 by a screw.

[0066] To ensure that the sorting component 180 smoothly delivers ice blocks into the ice-moving channel 120, the ice-moving device 100 also includes a first sensor 1224. The first sensor 1224 is disposed at the ice inlet 1221. The first sensor 1224 is used to sense the passage of ice blocks, indicating that ice blocks have entered the ice-moving channel 120. After the first sensor 1224 senses the passage of ice blocks, the ice blocks fall through the ice inlet 1221 into the ejection area 1223, and the ejection component 190 can prepare to perform an ejection operation to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222.

[0067] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the control method for the ice-moving device of this application. Another embodiment of this application provides a control method for an ice-moving device. The ice-moving device can be any of the ice-moving devices described in the above embodiments. The ice-moving device includes an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, and an ejection component. The ice-moving channel includes an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection area. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet. The ejection area is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel communicates with the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed within the conveying channel to convey ice blocks one by one into the ice-moving channel. Since the ejection area is located below the ice inlet, the sorting component conveys the ice blocks one by one through the ice inlet, and the ice blocks move from the ice inlet to the ejection area under the influence of gravity. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet, and is used to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The ice-moving device also includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor being disposed at the ice inlet and the second sensor being disposed at the ice outlet.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control method for the ice-moving device includes:

[0069] S101: Obtain ice removal command.

[0070] The system acquires ice-retrieving instructions, which can be generated by user operation. These instructions include initiating ice retrieval and specifying the target ice quantity. Specifically, the controller of the ice-moving device can generate ice-retrieval instructions by acquiring user actions on the user interface, or by user actions via a mobile terminal application. The controller can then acquire these ice-retrieval instructions.

[0071] S102: Control the sorting component to perform ice conveying work at a first speed to deliver ice blocks into the ice conveying channel.

[0072] It should be noted that the sorting component, operating at a first speed, can typically deliver ice blocks into the ice-moving channel at a uniform speed. For example, when the sorting component includes a conveyor belt or a rotating disk, controlling the sorting component to deliver ice at the first speed involves controlling the conveyor belt or rotating disk to drive or rotate at the first speed, allowing the ice blocks carried on the conveyor belt or rotating disk to be delivered into the ice-moving channel at a reasonable speed. In some cases, ice may not enter the conveying channel in a timely manner, such as when ice blocks are not evenly distributed on the conveyor belt or the rotating disk is not evenly loaded with ice blocks. In such cases, the efficiency of the sorting component delivering ice blocks at the first speed is still within a reasonable range and does not affect the overall efficiency of the ice-moving device.

[0073] S103: Obtain ice entry information through the first sensor. The ice entry information is generated when the ice enters the ice transfer channel through the ice inlet.

[0074] The first sensor detects the passage of ice blocks, indicating that ice blocks are entering the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The first sensor generates information about the ice blocks entering the channel as they pass through it.

[0075] S104: Control the ejection assembly to perform ice ejection work, so as to drive the ice block falling from the ice inlet to the ejection area to be ejected from the ice outlet.

[0076] As the first sensor detects the ice block entering the ice-moving channel, it controls the ejection assembly to eject the ice block, propelling it from the ice inlet to the ejection area towards the ice outlet. It should be noted that the ejection assembly can wait a predetermined time until the ice block has completely landed on it before ejecting it; alternatively, the ejection assembly can initiate the ejection operation immediately after the first sensor detects the ice block entering the ice. Since the ice block falls rapidly through the ice inlet, waiting for the first sensor to acquire the ice block's entry information and then immediately controlling the ejection assembly to eject it also allows the ice block to gain sufficient initial velocity before being ejected towards the ice outlet.

[0077] Specifically, controlling the ejection assembly to perform the ice-launching operation includes: determining that after the ejection assembly performs the previous ice-launching operation, the first sensor detects a predetermined number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet, and then controlling the ejection assembly to perform the ice-launching operation. The predetermined number can be one, two, or more, and the predetermined number is matched with the driving force of the ejection assembly.

[0078] It should be noted that, under normal circumstances, the ejection time required for a predetermined number of ice blocks to eject from the ejection area to the ice outlet is less than the interval between two adjacent ice blocks being conveyed into the ice-moving channel by the sorting component. Therefore, during the normal operation of the ice-moving device, when the sorting component performs the ice conveying operation at the first speed, there will be no situation where the ejection component has not yet successfully ejected the predetermined number of ice blocks from the ice outlet before the next ice block enters the ice-moving channel.

[0079] S105: Obtain ice dispensing information through the second sensor. The ice dispensing information is generated when the ice block passes through the ice outlet.

[0080] The second sensor detects the passage of ice blocks, indicating that an ice block has successfully passed through the ice-moving channel and exited from the ice outlet. The second sensor provides information about the ice block's exit, generated when the ice block passes through it.

[0081] S106: Perform ice discharge detection. The steps of ice discharge detection include determining whether the ice discharge information and ice inlet information match.

[0082] The sorting component and the ejection component work together. The sorting component feeds ice blocks one by one into the ice-moving channel, and the ejection component ejects the ice blocks towards the ice outlet. However, due to insufficient power or abnormal ice block size, the ejection component may eject the ice block, but the ice block may fail to pass through the ice outlet and fall back down the ice-moving channel. If the sorting component continues to feed ice in this situation, it may cause ice blockage. Therefore, the control method of the ice-moving device in this application also includes ice discharge detection. The ice discharge detection step includes determining whether the ice discharge information and the ice feeding information match.

[0083] The first and second sensors can be configured in various ways; in some embodiments, they are quantity sensors. The first sensor acquires ice-entry information, including the quantity of ice entering the system. The second sensor acquires ice-exit information, including the quantity of ice exiting the system. Determining whether the ice-exit and ice-entry information match involves determining whether the quantity of ice entering and exiting is consistent within a first predetermined time period during which the ejection assembly performs the ice-launching operation. Normally, within this first predetermined time period, the ice blocks can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel and exit the outlet, and the quantity of ice exiting matches the quantity of ice entering. If the quantity of ice entering and exiting matches, the ice-exit and ice-entry information match; if they do not match, the ice-exit and ice-entry information do not match.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first and second sensors are proximity sensors. Determining whether the ice discharge information and ice inlet information match includes: determining whether the second sensor senses the ice discharge information within a second predetermined time period after the first sensor senses the ice inlet information. Normally, within the second predetermined time period after the first sensor senses the ice inlet information, the ejection assembly can smoothly eject the ice block from the ice-moving channel, allowing the ice block to pass through the ice outlet, and the second sensor can sense the ice discharge information. If the second sensor senses the ice discharge information, it indicates that the ice discharge information and ice inlet information match; if the second sensor does not sense the ice discharge information, it indicates that the ice discharge information and ice inlet information do not match.

[0085] S107: If the ice output information and the ice input information do not match, the sorting component will temporarily suspend the ice delivery work, and the ejection component will be controlled to perform the ice ejection work again.

[0086] If the ice discharge information and ice inlet information do not match, it means that some ice blocks have not passed through the ice outlet smoothly and are stuck in the ice transfer channel. In this case, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily suspend the ice conveying work, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice ejection work again, so as to eject the ice blocks stuck in the ice transfer channel back to the ice outlet and restore the normal working state of the ice transfer device.

[0087] It should be noted that controlling the sorting component to temporarily suspend ice conveying includes controlling the sorting component to pause or slow down the ice conveying process, so as to prevent the sorting component from conveying new ice blocks into the ice transfer channel before the ejection component successfully ejects the stuck ice blocks, thus preventing ice blockage.

[0088] If the ice discharge information and the ice inlet information match, the ice removal device is working normally, and the process returns to step S106 to continue the ice discharge detection.

[0089] Specifically, controlling the sorting component to temporarily suspend ice conveying and controlling the ejection component to perform ice ejection again includes: controlling the sorting component to convey ice at a second speed; and controlling the ejection component to perform ice ejection again, driving the ice blocks in the ejection area to be ejected again towards the ice outlet. The second speed is lower than the first speed, ensuring that no new ice blocks are added to the ice transfer channel while the ice blocks in the ejection area are being ejected again towards the ice outlet. This prevents the sorting component from conveying new ice blocks into the ice transfer channel before the ejection component successfully ejects the remaining ice blocks, thus preventing ice blockage.

[0090] In some embodiments, after controlling the ejection assembly to perform the re-ejection operation, the control method further includes:

[0091] S108: Perform ice discharge re-inspection. The steps of ice discharge re-inspection include re-determining whether the ice discharge information and ice inlet information match.

[0092] After controlling the ejection component to perform the ice ejection operation again, it is necessary to determine whether the ice ejection operation has successfully ejected the ice block from the ice moving channel.

[0093] When the first and second sensors are quantity sensors, the ice removal re-inspection step includes: determining whether the number of ice entering and exiting is consistent within a first predetermined time after the control ejection assembly performs the ice-removing operation again. Under normal circumstances, within the first predetermined time after the ejection assembly performs the ice-removing operation again, the ice blocks can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel and exit the ice outlet, and the number of ice exiting is consistent with the number of ice entering. If the number of ice entering and exiting is consistent, it indicates that the ice exit information matches the ice entering information; if the number of ice entering and exiting is inconsistent, it indicates that the ice exit information does not match the ice entering information.

[0094] When the first and second sensors are proximity sensors, the ice ejection re-inspection step includes: determining whether the second sensor detects ice ejection information within a third predetermined time after the ejection assembly performs the ice ejection operation again. Under normal circumstances, within the third predetermined time after the ejection assembly performs the ice ejection operation again, the ejection assembly can smoothly eject the ice block from the ice-moving channel, and the ice block can pass through the ice outlet, allowing the second sensor to detect the ice ejection information. If the second sensor detects the ice ejection information, it indicates that the ice ejection information matches the ice inlet information; if the second sensor does not detect the ice ejection information, it indicates that the ice ejection information does not match the ice inlet information.

[0095] S109: If the ice output information and ice input information do not match, the control sorting component will stop the ice conveying operation and output fault information.

[0096] If the ice ejection information and ice infeed information do not match, it indicates that the ejection component failed to eject all ice blocks smoothly from the ice outlet even after repeated ejection. The ice transfer device may be malfunctioning. The control sorting component will then stop ice conveying and output a fault message. This fault message can be sent to the user or server for troubleshooting assistance from the user or maintenance engineer.

[0097] If the ice discharge information and the ice inlet information match, the control sorting component returns to the step of executing the ice conveying work at the first speed. The sorting component continues to convey ice blocks into the ice moving channel, and the ejection component continues to eject the ice blocks towards the ice outlet, so as to realize the ice moving device conveying ice blocks to the ice taking component.

[0098] Please continue reading. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the refrigeration equipment of this application. In some embodiments, the control method for the ice-moving device of this application further includes:

[0099] S110: Determine whether the amount of ice delivered has reached the target amount of ice to be extracted.

[0100] Determine whether the amount of ice detected by the first sensor has reached the target amount of ice to be removed in the ice removal command.

[0101] S111: If the amount of ice fed into the ice reaches the target amount of ice to be taken, the sorting component is controlled to stop conveying ice blocks into the ice moving channel, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice ejection operation once more before stopping.

[0102] If the amount of ice fed into the ice reaches the target ice removal quantity, the sorting component no longer needs to feed ice into the ice transfer channel. The sorting component is controlled to stop feeding ice into the ice transfer channel, and the ejection component is controlled to perform one more ice ejection operation before stopping, so that all the ice in the ice transfer channel is ejected towards the ice outlet, preventing ice from remaining in the ice transfer channel.

[0103] It should be noted that during the process of the sorting component conveying ice blocks into the ice transfer channel, some ice blocks may not have been detected by the first sensor yet, but have already left the sorting component and are about to enter the ice transfer channel. They will eventually enter the ice transfer channel as well. Therefore, the final amount of ice taken may slightly exceed the target amount, but it is still within the range of reasonable ice taking. Therefore, in order to obtain an accurate amount of ice taking, setting the first sensor at the ice inlet can also refer to setting the first sensor before the ice inlet. The first sensor is located at the guide part of the conveying channel.

[0104] S112: If the amount of ice fed into the container does not reach the target amount of ice to be extracted, the sorting component and the ejection component are controlled to maintain their current working state and return to the step of determining whether the amount of ice fed into the container has reached the target amount of ice to be extracted.

[0105] In the above embodiments, once the target ice extraction amount is reached, the sorting component can be controlled to stop conveying ice blocks into the ice-moving channel, and the ejection component can be controlled to perform one more ice-ejection operation before stopping. In other embodiments, ice extraction can also be stopped in other ways. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the ice-moving device of this application. The control method for the ice-moving device of this application further includes:

[0106] S113: Obtain the command to pause ice collection.

[0107] The pause ice removal command can be generated by user operation. Specifically, the controller of the ice removal device can generate a pause ice removal command by acquiring the user's operation on the operating interface, or the pause ice removal command can also be generated by the user's operation on a mobile terminal application, and the controller can acquire the pause ice removal command.

[0108] S114: Control the sorting component to stop conveying ice blocks into the ice moving channel, and control the ejection component to perform one more ice ejection operation before stopping.

[0109] The control sorting component stops conveying ice blocks into the ice-moving channel, and the control ejection component performs one more ice-ejection operation before stopping, so as to eject all the ice blocks in the ice-moving channel toward the ice outlet and prevent ice blocks from remaining in the ice-moving channel.

[0110] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the ice-moving device of this application.

[0111] Another embodiment of this application provides a control method for an ice-moving device. The ice-moving device can be any of the ice-moving devices described in the above embodiments. The ice-moving device includes an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, and an ejection component. The ice-moving channel includes an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection zone. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet. The ejection zone is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel communicates with the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed within the conveying channel to convey ice blocks one by one into the ice-moving channel. Since the ejection zone is located below the ice inlet, the sorting component conveys the ice blocks one by one through the ice inlet, and the ice blocks move from the ice inlet to the ejection zone under the action of gravity. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet, and the ejection component is used to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection zone to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The ice-moving device also includes a weight sensor, which is disposed at the output end of the ejection component. The ice-moving device also includes a control component for executing the control method of any embodiment of this application.

[0112] In some embodiments, the control method for the ice-moving device includes:

[0113] S201: Obtain ice removal command.

[0114] The system acquires ice-retrieving instructions, which can be generated by user operation. These instructions include initiating ice retrieval and specifying the target ice quantity. Specifically, the controller of the ice-moving device can generate ice-retrieval instructions by acquiring user actions on the user interface, or by user actions via a mobile terminal application. The controller can then acquire these ice-retrieval instructions.

[0115] S202: Control the sorting component to perform ice conveying work at a first speed to deliver ice blocks into the ice moving channel.

[0116] It should be noted that the sorting component, operating at a first speed, can typically deliver ice blocks into the ice-moving channel at a uniform speed. For example, when the sorting component includes a conveyor belt or a rotating disk, controlling the sorting component to deliver ice at the first speed involves controlling the conveyor belt or rotating disk to drive or rotate at the first speed, allowing the ice blocks carried on the conveyor belt or rotating disk to be delivered into the ice-moving channel at a reasonable speed. In some cases, ice may not enter the conveying channel in a timely manner, such as when ice blocks are not evenly distributed on the conveyor belt or the rotating disk is not evenly loaded with ice blocks. In such cases, the efficiency of the sorting component delivering ice blocks at the first speed is still within a reasonable range and does not affect the overall efficiency of the ice-moving device.

[0117] S203: Control the ejection assembly to perform ice ejection work, so as to drive the ice blocks that fall from the ice inlet to the ejection area to be ejected from the ice outlet.

[0118] The ejection assembly controls the ice ejection process, propelling ice blocks falling from the ice inlet into the ejection area and ejecting them towards the ice outlet. It should be noted that the ejection assembly can wait a predetermined time until the weight sensor detects the ice block before pushing it out; alternatively, the ejection assembly can start ejecting the ice blocks at a predetermined frequency. This predetermined frequency is adapted to the efficiency of the sorting assembly in conveying ice blocks into the ice-moving channel, ensuring timely ejection of ice blocks towards the ice outlet.

[0119] In some embodiments, controlling the ejection assembly to perform ice-launching includes: performing ice-entry detection, which includes determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor reaches a preset value, where the preset value is the weight of a predetermined number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection assembly in a single launch. If the sensing value of the weight sensor reaches the preset value, the ejection assembly is controlled to perform ice-launching; if the sensing value of the weight sensor does not reach the preset value, ice-exit detection continues. The predetermined number can be one, two, or more. To ensure a high success rate in ice-launching, the driving force of the ejection assembly is typically greater than the weight of the predetermined number of ice blocks.

[0120] In some embodiments, the ice-moving device further includes a first sensor. The first sensor is disposed at the ice inlet. Controlling the ejection assembly to perform the ice-dispensing operation includes: performing ice-dispensing detection, the ice-dispensing detection step including determining whether the first sensor has detected a predetermined number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet after the ejection assembly performed the previous ice-dispensing operation. If the first sensor detects that the predetermined number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet has been reached, the ejection assembly is controlled to perform the ice-dispensing operation; if the first sensor detects that the predetermined number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet has not been reached, the ice-dispensing detection continues.

[0121] It should be noted that, under normal circumstances, the ejection time required for a predetermined number of ice blocks to eject from the ejection area to the ice outlet is less than the interval between two adjacent ice blocks being conveyed into the ice-moving channel by the sorting component. Therefore, during the normal operation of the ice-moving device, when the sorting component performs the ice conveying operation at the first speed, there will be no situation where the ejection component has not yet successfully ejected the predetermined number of ice blocks from the ice outlet before the next ice block enters the ice-moving channel.

[0122] S204: Perform ice ejection detection. The steps of ice ejection detection include determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than a threshold. The threshold is greater than the weight of a preset number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection component in a single ejection.

[0123] The sorting component and the ejection component work together. The sorting component feeds ice blocks one by one into the ice-moving channel, and the ejection component ejects a predetermined number of ice blocks towards the ice outlet. However, due to insufficient power or abnormal ice block size, the ejection component may eject ice blocks, but the ice blocks may fail to pass through the ice outlet and fall back down the ice-moving channel. If the sorting component continues to feed ice in this situation, it may cause ice blockage. Therefore, the control method of the ice-moving device in this application also includes ice discharge detection. The ice discharge detection step includes determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than a threshold. The threshold is greater than or equal to the weight of a predetermined number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection component in a single operation.

[0124] It should be noted that while the weight of a single ice block is relatively stable, deviations can still occur. When the threshold is set to the weight of a preset number of ice blocks, the actual weight of that preset number of ice blocks may exceed the threshold, leading to false alarms. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of ice ejection detection, the threshold can be set to a weight greater than the preset number of ice blocks. When the pressure value sensed at the output of the ejection component is slightly greater than the weight of the preset number of ice blocks, it will not be considered an ice ejection anomaly. Specifically, the threshold is the weight of a first number of ice blocks, where the first number is one more than the preset number. For example, if the preset number is the weight of one ice block, the threshold is the weight of two ice blocks. When the sensed value is the weight of three ice blocks, an ice ejection anomaly occurs.

[0125] S205: If the sensed value is greater than the threshold, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily suspend the ice conveying operation, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice ejection operation again.

[0126] If the sensed value exceeds the threshold, it indicates that ice blocks have not passed smoothly through the ice outlet and are stuck in the ice-moving channel. The sorting component then feeds more ice into the ice-moving channel, causing the sensed value detected by the weight sensor to exceed the threshold. At this time, although the number of ice blocks in the ice-moving channel is greater than the predetermined number, the driving force of the ejection component can still eject them out of the ice outlet. However, to prevent the sorting component from continuously feeding ice into the ice-moving channel, which could lead to excessive ice blockage, it is necessary to control the sorting component to temporarily stop feeding ice and control the ejection component to perform another ice ejection operation, ejecting the ice blocks stuck in the ice-moving channel back to the ice outlet to restore the normal working state of the ice-moving device.

[0127] It should be noted that controlling the sorting component to temporarily suspend ice conveying includes controlling the sorting component to pause or slow down the ice conveying process, so as to prevent the sorting component from continuously conveying new ice blocks into the ice moving channel before the ejection component successfully ejects the stuck ice blocks, thus preventing ice blockage.

[0128] If the sensing value is less than or equal to the threshold, the ice removal device is working normally, and the process returns to step S204 to continue the ice removal detection.

[0129] Specifically, controlling the sorting component to temporarily suspend ice conveying and controlling the ejection component to perform ice ejection again includes: controlling the sorting component to convey ice at a second speed; and controlling the ejection component to perform ice ejection again, driving the ice blocks in the ejection area to be ejected again towards the ice outlet. The second speed is less than the first speed, and the second speed can be zero, so that no new ice blocks are added to the ice transfer channel while the ice blocks in the ejection area are being ejected again towards the ice outlet. This prevents the sorting component from conveying new ice blocks into the ice transfer channel before the ejection component successfully ejects the remaining ice blocks, thus preventing ice blockage.

[0130] In some embodiments, after controlling the ejection assembly to perform the re-ejection operation, the control method further includes:

[0131] S206: Perform ice removal re-inspection. The ice removal re-inspection steps include re-determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than the threshold.

[0132] After the ejection assembly performs the ice-launching re-operation, it's necessary to determine whether the re-operation successfully ejected the ice block from the ice-moving channel. The ice ejection re-check step includes checking if the weight sensor's reading is greater than a threshold. Normally, after the ejection assembly performs the re-operation, the ice block should smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel and exit through the outlet, and the weight sensor's reading should be less than or equal to the threshold. If the reading is greater than the threshold, it indicates that the retained ice block has not been successfully ejected; if the reading is less than or equal to the threshold, it indicates that the retained ice block has been successfully ejected.

[0133] S207: If the sensed value is greater than the threshold, the sorting component will stop ice conveying and output fault information.

[0134] If the sensed value exceeds the threshold, it indicates that the ejection component failed to eject the ice block smoothly from the ice outlet even after another attempt, suggesting a possible malfunction in the ice-moving device. The control sorting component will then stop ice delivery and output a fault message. This fault message can be sent to the user or server for troubleshooting assistance from the user or maintenance engineer.

[0135] If the sensing value is less than or equal to the threshold, it means that the ejection component has successfully ejected the ice block out of the ice outlet. Then, the control sorting component is returned to the step of performing the ice conveying work at the first speed. The sorting component continues to convey ice blocks into the ice moving channel, and the ejection component continues to eject the ice block towards the ice outlet, so as to realize the ice moving device conveying ice blocks to the ice taking component.

[0136] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the ice-moving device of this application.

[0137] The control method of the ice-moving device in this application also includes:

[0138] S208: Obtain the pause ice removal command.

[0139] The pause ice removal command can be generated by user operation. Specifically, the controller of the ice removal device can generate a pause ice removal command by acquiring the user's operation on the operating interface, or the pause ice removal command can also be generated by the user's operation on a mobile terminal application, and the controller can acquire the pause ice removal command.

[0140] S209: Control the sorting component to stop conveying ice blocks into the ice moving channel, and control the ejection component to perform one more ice ejection operation before stopping.

[0141] The control sorting component stops conveying ice blocks into the ice-moving channel, and the control ejection component performs one more ice-ejection operation before stopping, so as to eject all the ice blocks in the ice-moving channel toward the ice outlet and prevent ice blocks from remaining in the ice-moving channel.

[0142] Please continue reading. Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a framework of an embodiment of the storage medium of this application.

[0143] Another embodiment of this application provides a storage medium 20 that stores program data, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of the refrigeration device of any of the above embodiments.

[0144] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus implementations described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0145] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0146] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0147] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium 20. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium 20 and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium 20 includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0148] Please continue reading. Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 12 This is another overall structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application.

[0149] Another embodiment of this application provides a refrigeration device 10. The refrigeration device 10 includes a housing 11, a first refrigeration chamber 12, a second refrigeration chamber 13, an ice-making assembly 200, an ice-retrieving assembly 300, and an ice-transferring device 100. The first refrigeration chamber 12 is disposed on the housing 11 and includes a first door 14. The second refrigeration chamber 13 is disposed on the housing 11 and is located above the first refrigeration chamber 12. The second refrigeration chamber 13 includes a second door 15 rotatably disposed on the housing 11. The ice-making assembly 200 is disposed on the first refrigeration chamber 12. The ice-retrieving assembly 300 is disposed on the second door 15. The ice-transferring device 100 may be any of the ice-transferring devices 100 described in the above embodiments.

[0150] In some embodiments, the ice-moving device 100 includes an ice-moving channel 120, a conveying channel 150, a sorting component 180, and an ejection component 190. The ice-moving channel 120 includes an ice outlet 1222, an ice inlet 1221, and an ejection area 1223. The ice outlet 1222 is located above the ice inlet 1221. The ejection area 1223 is located below the ice inlet 1221. The conveying channel 150 communicates with the ice-moving channel 120 through the ice inlet 1221. The sorting component 180 is disposed within the conveying channel 150 to convey ice blocks one by one to the ice-moving channel 120. Since the ejection area 1223 is located below the ice inlet 1221, the sorting component 180 conveys ice blocks one by one through the ice inlet 1221, and the ice blocks move from the ice inlet 1221 to the ejection area 1223 under the action of gravity. The ejection assembly 190 is located at the end of the ice transfer channel 120 away from the ice outlet 1222. The ejection assembly 190 is used to propel a predetermined number of ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 toward the ice outlet 1222. In cooperation with the ejection assembly 190, the sorting assembly 180 transports the ice blocks one by one into the ice transfer channel 120, and the ejection assembly 190 propels the predetermined number of ice blocks located in the ejection area 1223 toward the ice outlet 1222.

[0151] The sorting component 180, conveying channel 150, and ejection component 190 are located in the first refrigeration compartment 12. The ice transfer channel 120 extends from the first refrigeration compartment 12 to the second refrigeration compartment 13. The conveying channel 150 is connected to the ice-making component 200. The first refrigeration compartment 12 is a refrigeration compartment, and the second refrigeration compartment 13 is a freezing compartment. The ice transfer device 100 can transport ice blocks from the first refrigeration compartment 12 to the ice-retrieving component 300 located in the upper second refrigeration compartment 13, thereby facilitating ice retrieval for users and improving user experience. Furthermore, since the ice-making component 200 is located in the first refrigeration compartment 12, it can share the cold source with the first refrigeration compartment 12, eliminating the need for a separate evaporator for ice making due to the location of the ice-making component 200 in the second refrigeration compartment 13. This saves costs and space occupied in the second refrigeration compartment 13, increasing the volume ratio of the second refrigeration compartment 13. The refrigeration equipment 10 of this application not only improves ice extraction efficiency, but also solves the problems of inconvenience for users to extract ice and the space occupation of the second refrigeration room 13.

[0152] Furthermore, the ice-moving channel 120 is also provided with an ice return port 1226, and the ice outlet 1222 is located above the ice inlet 1221. The ice return port 1226 is located between the ice inlet 1221 and the ice outlet 1222. The ejection assembly 190 is disposed within the ice-moving channel 120 and is used to drive the ice blocks entering the ice-moving channel 120 from the ice inlet 1221 to the ice outlet 1222. The ice return channel 160 connects to the ice return port 1226. The rotating baffle 161 is rotatably disposed within the ice-moving channel 120 at a position corresponding to the ice return port 1226. In its natural state, the rotating baffle 161 is in its initial position and blocks the ice-moving channel 120. The rotating baffle 161 is inclined downwards in the direction from the end away from the ice return port 1226 to the end near the ice return port 1226. When ice blocks are ejected from the ice inlet 1221 towards the ice outlet 1222, the ice blocks push the rotating baffle 161 to rotate towards the return ice outlet 1226 to allow the ice blocks to pass through. A reset member 162 is disposed on the rotating baffle 161, and the reset member 162 drives the rotating baffle 161 to rotate back to its initial position. The rotating baffle 161 does not affect the movement of ice blocks towards the ice outlet 1222, and can guide ice blocks that fail to exit to the return ice channel 160, avoiding ice blockage and ensuring the operational stability of the ice-moving device 100.

[0153] The different mechanisms of the ice-moving device 100 can all be connected in a funnel-shaped manner, and the inner diameter of the ice-moving channel 120 must be larger than the size of the ice block to avoid jamming during the transportation of the ice block.

[0154] The ice-moving channel 120 in the refrigeration equipment 10 of this application can be installed in various locations, such as inside the first refrigeration chamber 12 and / or the second refrigeration chamber 13, on the side wall of the first refrigeration chamber 12 and / or the second refrigeration chamber 13, on the door of the first refrigeration chamber 12 and / or the second refrigeration chamber 13, or at the pivot point of the first refrigeration chamber 12 and / or the second refrigeration chamber 13. Several schemes for installing the ice-moving channel 120 in different locations within the refrigeration equipment 10 will be described in detail below:

[0155] <Option 1>:

[0156] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 14 This is another structural schematic diagram of the first scheme of another embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application.

[0157] The ice transfer channel 120 includes a first part 125, a second part 126, and a third part 127 connected in sequence. The second part 126 is rotatably connected to the first part 125 and / or the third part 127. The first part 125 is located inside the first refrigeration chamber 12 or the first door 14. The first part 125 is provided with an ice inlet 1221, an ice return outlet 1226, and an ejection area 1223. The second part 126 is located between the first door 14 and the second door 15. The third part 127 is located in the second door 15. The third part 127 is provided with an ice outlet 1222. The third part 127 is connected to the ice-retrieving assembly 300. The rotation axis of the second door 15 is located inside the second part 126. The ejection assembly 190 can drive ice blocks to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222 of the ice transfer channel 120. The ice blocks pass through the first part 125, the second part 126, and the third part 127 in sequence before entering the ice-retrieving assembly 300.

[0158] Since the second part 126 is located between the first door body 14 and the second door body 15, and the rotation axis of the second door body 15 is located inside the second part 126, the third part 127 and the second part 126 can always remain connected during the rotation opening and closing of the second door body 15. The pipe sealing performance of the third part 127 and the second part 126 is good, avoiding condensation problems caused by poor joint sealing.

[0159] It should be noted that the rotation axis of the second door 15 can coincide with the central axis of the second part 126, ensuring that the third part 127 maintains a good connection with the second part 126 throughout the rotation of the second door 15. In actual use, due to the cross-sectional shape of the pipe and manufacturing and installation deviations, the rotation axis of the second door 15 may be offset from the central axis of the second part 126. However, as long as the rotation axis of the second door 15 is within the second part 126, the rotation of the second door 15 will not affect the connection between the second part 126 and the third part 127, nor will it affect the passage of ice.

[0160] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14As shown, the first refrigeration chamber 12 includes a top wall 19, a bottom wall, a back wall 18, and a first side wall 16 and a second side wall 17 connecting the top wall 19 and the bottom wall. The first side wall 16 is located near the second part 126. The ejection assembly 190 is located on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16 of the first refrigeration chamber 12. Specifically, the top wall 19 and the first side wall 16 of the first refrigeration chamber 12 enclose a receiving space. The ejection assembly 190, the conveying channel 150, and the ice return channel 160 are located within the receiving space and can be fixedly installed on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16. Similarly, the ice-making assembly 200 can also be installed within the receiving space and fixed to the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16. By placing the ice-making assembly 200 near the top wall 19, it can be closer to the second refrigeration chamber 13, shortening the height that the ice needs to rise along the ice transfer channel 120, reducing the power required for the ejection assembly 190, and improving the success rate of ice ejection.

[0161] Since the first part 125 needs to extend and communicate with the second part 126, and the second part 126 is located between the first door 14 and the second door 15, when the ice-moving part 110 is installed in the first refrigeration chamber 12, the first door 14 has a clearance groove that matches the first part 125, allowing the first part 125 to extend outward from inside the first refrigeration chamber 12 to communicate with the second part 126. At this time, the ejection assembly 190 is fixed inside the first refrigeration chamber 12, the position of the first part 125 remains fixed, the first part 125 is relatively independent from the first door 14, the first door 14 is rotatably installed in the cabinet 11, or the first refrigeration chamber 12 also includes a first drawer, the first door 14 is installed in the first drawer, and the first drawer is slidably installed in the cabinet 11.

[0162] Of course, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first part 125 and the ejection assembly 190 can also be disposed on the first door 14. When the first door 14 is rotatably disposed on the housing 11, the rotation axis of the first door 14 is located within the second part 126. Since the second part 126 is located between the first door 14 and the second door 15, and the rotation axis of the first door 14 is located within the second part 126, the first part 125 and the second part 126 can always remain connected during the rotation opening and closing process of the first door 14. The pipe sealing of the first part 125 and the second part 126 is good, avoiding condensation problems caused by poor joint sealing. It should be noted that at this time, the ice inlet 1221 and the ice return outlet 1226 of the first part 125 are disengaged from the conveying channel 150 and the ice return channel 160 respectively as the first door 14 is opened. After the first door 14 is closed, the ice inlet 1221 can be engaged with the ice outlet of the conveying channel 150, and the ice return outlet 1226 can be engaged with the ice inlet of the ice return channel 160. This does not affect the sorting component 180 from smoothly conveying the ice blocks to the ice transfer channel 120, nor does it affect the movement of ice blocks that have not been successfully ejected to the ice return channel 160.

[0163] To achieve relative rotation between the second door 15 and the housing 11, and the docking of the various parts of the ice transfer channel 120, in some embodiments, the second refrigeration chamber 13 includes a first rotating shaft (not shown) and a second rotating shaft arranged coaxially. The side of the second door 15 away from the first door 14 is rotatably connected to the housing 11 via the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is located on the side of the second door 15 closer to the first door 14. The second rotating shaft is a second part 126, with the first part 125 and the second part 126 fixedly connected or integrally formed, and the second part 126 and the third part 127 rotatably connected, so that the first part 125 and the second part 126 always remain docked, and the rotation of the second door 15 drives the third part 127 and the second part 126 to rotate synchronously. Alternatively, the first part 125 and the second part 126 are rotatably connected, and the second part 126 and the third part 127 are fixedly connected or integrally formed, so that the first part 125 and the second part 126 always remain docked, and the rotation of the second door 15 drives the third part 127 to rotate.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second refrigeration chamber 13 includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft arranged coaxially. The side of the second door 15 away from the first door 14 is rotatably connected to the housing 11 via the first rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft is located on the side of the second door 15 closer to the first door 14. The second rotating shaft is a second part 126, with its two ends respectively fitted over the third part 127 and the first part 125 or inserted into the third part 127 and the first part 125. Since the two ends of the second part 126 maintain relative rotation with the first part 125 and the third part 127, a stable connection between the second part 126 and the first part 125 and the third part 127 can be ensured. Furthermore, the fact that the two ends of the second part 126 are fitted over the third part 127 and the first part 125 or inserted into the third part 127 and the first part 125 ensures that ice can smoothly pass through the first part 125, the second part 126, and the third part 127 to reach the ice-retrieving assembly 300. Specifically, the second part 126 can be relatively fixed to the housing 11, or the second part 126 can be rotatably connected to the housing 11, which is not limited here.

[0165] Furthermore, the third part 127 includes an ice-moving section 121 and a guide section 122. The ice-moving section 121 connects to the second part 126. The guide section 122 connects to the ice-moving section 121 and curves towards the ice-collecting component 300. The ice-moving section 121 and the guide section 122 have a smooth transition. Specifically, the ice-moving section 121 can be set vertically to shorten the distance the ice block rises along the ice-moving section 121. Of course, the ice-moving section 121 can also extend in a direction with a small angle to the vertical direction; or, the third part 127 as a whole can be arc-shaped to ensure that the ice block can rise stably and connect with the ice-collecting component 300.

[0166] Specifically, the angle between the guide section 122 and the ice-moving section 121 is greater than 90° and less than 180°, so as to prevent the ice block from turning too much when entering the guide section 122 from the ice-moving section 121 and falling back into the ice-moving section 121, and to ensure that the ice block can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel 120 and move to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0167] <Option 2>:

[0168] Please continue reading. Figure 15 and Figure 16 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the door cross-section structure of the second embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application.

[0169] The ice-moving channel 120 includes a first sub-channel 123 and a second sub-channel 124 connected in sequence. The second sub-channel 124 is located in the second door body 15 and is partially located inside the handle 1501. The second sub-channel 124 has an ice outlet 1222 and is connected to the ice-retrieving component 300. The first sub-channel 123 is provided with an ice inlet 1221, an ice return outlet 1226, and an ejection area 1223. The ejection component 190 can drive the ice block to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222 of the ice-moving channel 120. The ice block enters the ice-retrieving component 300 after passing through the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 in sequence. By combining the handle 1501 with the second sub-channel 124, the handle 1501 is designed as a hollow channel. The second sub-channel 124 is set in the second door 15 and partially set inside the handle 1501. When opening and closing the second door 15, the handle 1501 can bear the opening load. When ice needs to be taken, the ice can be moved to the ice taking component 300 through the second sub-channel 124, which reduces the volume occupied by the second sub-channel 124 in the second refrigeration chamber 13 and increases the volume ratio of the second refrigeration chamber 13.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first refrigeration chamber 12 includes a top wall 19, a bottom wall, a back wall 18, and a first side wall 16 and a second side wall 17 connecting the top wall 19 and the bottom wall. The first side wall 16 is disposed near the second portion 126. The top wall 19 and the first side wall 16 of the first refrigeration chamber 12 enclose a receiving space. An ice-making assembly 200 may be disposed within the receiving space, and the ice-making assembly 200 is fixedly disposed on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16. By disposing of the ice-making assembly 200 near the top wall 19, it can be closer to the second refrigeration chamber 13, shortening the height that the ice block needs to rise along the ice-moving channel 120, reducing the power required for the ejection assembly 190, and improving the success rate of ice ejection.

[0171] The second sub-channel 124 includes an ice-moving section 121, a connecting section 128, and a guide section 122. The ice-moving section 121 is located within the handle 1501. The connecting section 128 connects the first sub-channel 123 and the ice-moving section 121. The guide section 122 connects to the ice-moving section 121 and is curved towards the ice-collecting assembly 300. The guide section 122 may be higher than the ice-collecting assembly 300, facilitating the falling of ice blocks from the guide section 122 into the ice-collecting assembly 300 under gravity. The inner walls of the ice-moving section 121, the connecting section 128, and the guide section 122 transition smoothly.

[0172] To ensure that the ice cubes can smoothly pass through the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 into the ice-retrieving component 300, the ice cubes form a movement trajectory as they move within the ice-moving channel 120. The angle between the tangent direction of the movement trajectory and the direction of gravity at each position is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 180°, allowing the ice cubes to rise smoothly along the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 without falling due to excessive turning angles. Furthermore, the angle between the tangent direction of the movement trajectory and the direction of gravity at each position is greater than 135° and less than or equal to 180°, resulting in a smoother path for the ice cubes as they rise along the ice-moving channel 120, requiring less power, reducing collisions, and minimizing noise, thus improving the overall user experience.

[0173] It should be noted that the height of the guide section 122 may be higher than that of the ice-collecting component 300. The guide section 122 needs to bend downwards to connect to the ice-collecting component 300. When the ice block falls along the guide section 122, the angle between its direction of movement and the direction of gravity is less than 90°. Therefore, the above-mentioned movement trajectory refers to the upward movement trajectory of the ice block in the ice-moving channel 120, and does not include the movement trajectory of the ice block falling downwards towards the ice-collecting component 300 after entering the guide section 122.

[0174] Under the action of the ice-moving component 101, the ice cubes can quickly pass through the ice-moving channel 120. The time the ice cubes spend in the ice-moving section 121 inside the handle 1501 is short, and the ambient temperature outside the refrigeration device 10 has almost no effect on the ice cubes. However, in some embodiments, a heat insulation layer can also be wrapped around the outside of the handle 1501. The heat insulation layer reduces the heat exchange between the inside and outside environment of the handle 1501, which not only avoids the ambient temperature from being too high and affecting the quality of the ice cubes, but also avoids the temperature of the handle 1501 from being too low and forming condensation on the outer surface, further improving the user experience.

[0175] Since the ice-moving device 100 is typically installed in a refrigeration unit 10 with double doors, and the handle 1501 is usually located away from the rotation axis of the second door 15, the ejector assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 can be installed on the first door 14 to facilitate the docking of the ice-moving part 110 with the second sub-channel 124. The ejector assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 move synchronously with the opening and closing of the first door 14. When the first door 14 is closed on the cabinet 11, the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 dock. Furthermore, since the first sub-channel 123 is located on the first door 14 and the second sub-channel 124 is located on the second door 15, there is a certain gap between the first door 14 and the second door 15. Normally, this gap is small, allowing ice to pass directly through it. In some embodiments, the connecting section 128 protrudes from the second door 15 at the end near the first door 14, and the end of the connecting section 128 near the first door 14 is positioned directly opposite the first sub-channel 123. The connecting section 128 protrudes from the second door body 15, which can further reduce the gap between the connecting section 128 and the first sub-channel 123, thereby reducing the loss of cold energy.

[0176] Of course, in some single-door refrigerators, the ejector assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 can also be disposed within the first cooling compartment 12, with the ejector assembly 190 disposed on the second sidewall 17 of the first cooling compartment 12 near the handle 1501, and the first sub-channel 123 disposed within the first compartment. A partition layer 102 is disposed between the first cooling compartment 12 and the second cooling compartment 13. A middle channel 129 is disposed within the partition layer 102 for connecting the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124. In this case, the second door 15 will protrude into the second cooling compartment 13 to facilitate direct communication between the second sub-channel 124 and the middle channel 129.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first door 14 is rotatably mounted on the housing 11. In other embodiments, the first refrigeration compartment 12 includes a first drawer, which is slidably mounted on the housing 11, and the first door 14 is fixed to the first drawer. When the ejector assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 are mounted on the first door 14, they move with the first door 14 as the first door 14 is rotated or pushed / pushed. At this time, the first sub-channel 123 is offset from the second sub-channel 124 as the first door 14 is opened. After the first door 14 is closed, the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 can be positioned directly opposite each other without affecting the passage of ice.

[0178] In addition, the ice inlet 1221 and the ice return outlet 1226 are disengaged from the conveying channel 150 and the ice return channel 160 respectively as the first door 14 is opened. After the first door 14 is closed, the ice inlet 1221 can be engaged with the ice outlet end of the conveying channel 150, and the ice return outlet 1226 can be engaged with the ice inlet end of the ice return channel 160. This does not affect the sorting component 180 from smoothly conveying the ice blocks to the ice transfer channel 120, nor does it affect the movement of ice blocks that have not been successfully ejected to the ice return channel 160.

[0179] The third option:

[0180] Please continue reading. Figure 17 and Figure 18 , Figure 17 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle.

[0181] The ice transfer channel 120 includes a first sub-channel 123 and a second sub-channel 124 connected in sequence. The second sub-channel 124 is located in the second door 15. The first sub-channel 123 is located in the first refrigeration chamber 12. The second sub-channel 124 has an ice outlet 1222 and is connected to the ice-receiving assembly 300. The first sub-channel 123 has an ice inlet 1221, an ice return outlet 1226, and an ejection area 1223. The ejection assembly 190 is located in the first refrigeration chamber 12. The ejection assembly 190 can drive ice blocks to be ejected towards the ice outlet 1222 of the ice transfer channel 120. The ice blocks pass through the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 in sequence before entering the ice-receiving assembly 300.

[0182] By setting the second sub-channel 124 in the second door 15, the internal space of the second refrigeration chamber 13 is not occupied, the volume ratio of the refrigeration equipment 10 is increased, and the appearance of the refrigeration equipment 10 is not increased by any additional protrusions.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first refrigeration chamber 12 includes a top wall 19, a bottom wall, a back wall 18, and a first side wall 16 and a second side wall 17 connecting the top wall 19 and the bottom wall. The top wall 19 and the first side wall 16 of the first refrigeration chamber 12 enclose a receiving space. An ice-making assembly 200 may be disposed within the receiving space, and the ice-making assembly 200 is fixedly disposed on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16. By placing the ice-making assembly 200 closer to the top wall 19, it can be closer to the second refrigeration chamber 13, shortening the height that the ice block needs to rise along the ice-moving channel 120, reducing the power required by the ejection assembly 190, and improving the success rate of ice ejection.

[0184] Since the ejection assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 are located within the first refrigeration chamber 12, the housing 11 also includes a partition layer 102 to facilitate the docking of the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124. The partition layer 102 is located between the first refrigeration chamber 12 and the second refrigeration chamber 13. An intermediate channel 129 is provided within the partition layer 102, connecting the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124. At this time, the second door 15 protrudes into the second refrigeration chamber 13, with the entrance end of the second sub-channel 124 facing the ice outlet end of the intermediate channel 129, facilitating direct communication between the second sub-channel 124 and the intermediate channel 129. During the opening of the second door 15, the second sub-channel 124 and the intermediate channel 129 are offset. When the second door 15 is closed on the housing 11, the second sub-channel 124 docks with the intermediate channel 129. By setting the first sub-channel 123 inside the first refrigeration chamber 12 and connecting it to the second sub-channel 124 through the middle channel 129, the ice transfer channel 120 is located entirely within the first refrigeration chamber 12 and the second refrigeration chamber 13, which provides a more advantageous connection.

[0185] Specifically, the ejection assembly 190 may be disposed on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16 of the first cooling chamber 12.

[0186] To facilitate the movement of the ejection assembly 190 within the first sub-channel 123, and to make it easier for the ice blocks ejected by the ejection assembly 190 towards the ice outlet 1222 of the ice-moving channel 120 to rise along the ice-moving channel 120, the second sub-channel 124 of the ice-moving channel 120 is located on the side of the ice-retrieving assembly 300 near the rotation axis of the second door body 15. At this time, the second sub-channel 124 is linearly connected to the first sub-channel 123, further facilitating the movement of ice blocks through the ice-moving channel 120 to the ice-retrieving assembly 300.

[0187] Further, please refer to Figure 19 , Figure 19 This is another structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application. The second sub-channel 124 includes an ice-moving section 121 and a guide section 122. The ice-moving section 121 connects to the first sub-channel 123. The guide section 122 connects to the ice-moving section 121 and curves towards the ice-receiving component 300. The ice-moving section 121 and the guide section 122 have a smooth transition. Specifically, the ice-moving section 121 can be arranged vertically to shorten the distance the ice block rises along the ice-moving section 121. Of course, the ice-moving section 121 can also be arranged in a direction with a small angle to the vertical direction; or, the second sub-channel 124 can be arc-shaped as a whole to ensure that the ice block can rise stably and connect with the ice-receiving component 300.

[0188] Specifically, the angle between the guide section 122 and the ice-moving section 121 is greater than 90° and less than 180°, so as to prevent the ice block from turning too much when entering the guide section 122 from the ice-moving section 121 and falling back into the ice-moving section 121, and to ensure that the ice block can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel 120 and move to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0189] <Option 4>:

[0190] Please continue reading. Figure 20 and Figure 21 , Figure 20 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the door cross-section structure of the fourth embodiment of the ice-moving device of this application.

[0191] The ice-moving channel 120 includes a first sub-channel 123 and a second sub-channel 124 connected in sequence. The first sub-channel 123 is located in the first door 14, and the second sub-channel 124 is located in the second door 15. The second sub-channel 124 has an ice outlet 1222 and is connected to the ice-retrieving component 300. The first sub-channel 123 has an ice inlet 1221, an ice return outlet 1226, and an ejection area 1223. The ejection component 190 is located in the first door 14. The ejection component 190 can drive the ice block to move out of the ice outlet 1222 of the ice-moving channel 120. After passing through the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124 in sequence, the ice block enters the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0192] By setting the first sub-channel 123 in the first door 14 and the second sub-channel 124 in the second door 15, the internal space of the first refrigeration chamber 12 and the second refrigeration chamber 13 is not occupied, the volume ratio of the refrigeration equipment 10 is increased, and no additional protrusions are added to the appearance of the refrigeration equipment 10, thus optimizing the appearance.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first refrigeration chamber 12 includes a top wall 19, a bottom wall, a back wall 18, and a first side wall 16 and a second side wall 17 connecting the top wall 19 and the bottom wall. The top wall 19 and the first side wall 16 of the first refrigeration chamber 12 enclose a receiving space. An ice-making assembly 200 may be disposed within the receiving space, and the ice-making assembly 200 is fixedly disposed on the top wall 19 or the first side wall 16. By placing the ice-making assembly 200 closer to the top wall 19, it can be closer to the second refrigeration chamber 13, shortening the height that the ice block needs to rise along the ice-moving channel 120, reducing the power required by the ejection assembly 190, and improving the success rate of ice ejection.

[0194] The ice transfer channel 120 also includes an intermediate channel 129, which is disposed in the first door 14. The intermediate channel 129 connects the first sub-channel 123 and the second sub-channel 124. Since the intermediate channel 129 is located in the first door 14 and the second sub-channel 124 is located in the second door 15, there is a certain gap between the first door 14 and the second door 15. Normally, this gap is small, and ice can pass directly through the gap between the first door 14 and the second door 15. In some embodiments, the end of the second sub-channel 124 near the first door 14 protrudes from the second door 15, and the end of the second sub-channel 124 near the first door 14 is directly opposite the intermediate channel 129. The protrusion of the second sub-channel 124 from the second door 15 can further reduce the gap between the second sub-channel 124 and the intermediate channel 129, reducing the loss of cold energy. During the opening of the first door 14 and / or the second door 15, the second sub-channel 124 is offset from the middle channel 129. When the first door 14 and the second door 15 are closed on the box 11, the second sub-channel 124 is connected to the middle channel 129.

[0195] In addition, the ice inlet 1221 and the ice return outlet 1226 of the first part 125 are disengaged from the conveying channel 150 and the ice return channel 160 respectively as the first door 14 is opened. After the first door 14 is closed, the ice inlet 1221 can be engaged with the ice outlet of the conveying channel 150, and the ice return outlet 1226 can be engaged with the ice inlet of the ice return channel 160. This does not affect the sorting component 180 from smoothly conveying the ice blocks to the ice transfer channel 120, nor does it affect the movement of ice blocks that have not been successfully ejected to the ice return channel 160.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first door 14 is rotatably mounted on the housing 11. In other embodiments, the first refrigeration compartment 12 includes a first drawer, which is slidably mounted on the housing 11, and the first door 14 is fixed to the first drawer. As the first door 14 is rotated or pushed / pulled, the ejector assembly 190 and the first sub-channel 123 move with the first door 14. At this time, the first sub-channel 123 or the intermediate channel 129 is offset from the second sub-channel 124 as the first door 14 is opened. After the first door 14 is closed, the first sub-channel 123 or the intermediate channel 129 and the second channel 124 can be aligned directly, without affecting the passage of ice cubes.

[0197] When the refrigeration device 10 is a double-door refrigeration device 10, the second door 15 includes two second sub-doors. The second sub-doors are relatively narrow, limiting the space available for the ice-retrieving component 300. Since the ice-making component 200 is located near the first side wall 16, and the ejector component 190 is located in the first door 14, to facilitate the connection of the ice-moving channel 120, the ice blocks ejected by the ejector component 190 towards the ice outlet 1222 of the ice-moving channel 120 are more easily propelled along the ice-moving channel 120. The second sub-channel 124 is located on the side of the ice-retrieving component 300 near the rotation axis of the second door 15. In this case, in conjunction with the placement of the ejector component 190, the second sub-channel 124 is linearly connected to the first sub-channel 123, further facilitating the movement of ice blocks through the ice-moving channel 120 to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0198] Of course, in some single-door refrigerators, the second door 15 is a single door, and its width is relatively wide, providing more space for the ice-retrieving component 300. The second sub-channel 124 of the ice-moving channel 120 can be selectively positioned on the side of the ice-retrieving component 300 that is away from or close to the rotation axis of the second door 15. In this case, in conjunction with the positioning of the ejector component 190, the second sub-channel 124 is linearly connected to the first sub-channel 123, which facilitates the movement of ice blocks through the ice-moving channel 120 to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0199] Furthermore, the second sub-channel 124 includes an ice-moving section 121 and a guide section 122. The ice-moving section 121 connects to the first sub-channel 123. The guide section 122 connects to the ice-moving section 121 and curves towards the ice-collecting component 300. The ice-moving section 121 and the guide section 122 have a smooth transition. Specifically, the ice-moving section 121 can be set vertically to shorten the distance the ice block rises along the ice-moving section 121. Of course, the ice-moving section 121 can also extend in a direction with a small angle to the vertical direction; or, the second sub-channel 124 can be curved as a whole to ensure that the ice block can rise stably and connect with the ice-collecting component 300.

[0200] Specifically, the angle between the guide section 122 and the ice-moving section 121 is greater than 90° and less than 180°, so as to prevent the ice block from turning too much when entering the guide section 122 from the ice-moving section 121 and falling back into the ice-moving section 121, and to ensure that the ice block can smoothly pass through the ice-moving channel 120 and move to the ice-retrieving component 300.

[0201] The above embodiments provide four different schemes for setting the ice transfer channel 120 at different positions in the refrigeration equipment 10. Of course, the ice transfer channel 120 can also be set at other positions in the refrigeration equipment 10 in conjunction with the positions of other components such as the cabinet 11 structure, which is not limited here.

[0202] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18As shown, to maintain the temperature of the first refrigeration chamber 12 and prevent cold energy loss, the refrigeration equipment 10 also includes a sealing assembly 500. The sealing assembly 500 is movably disposed on the first door 14 and is used to close or open the ice-moving channel 120 located in the first refrigeration chamber 12, specifically to close or open the first section 125, the intermediate channel 129, or the first sub-channel 123. When the ice-moving channel 120 is needed for ice removal, the sealing assembly 500 movably opens the ice-moving channel 120 located in the first refrigeration chamber 12; when the ice-moving channel 120 is not used for ice removal, the sealing assembly 500 movably closes the ice-moving channel 120 located in the first refrigeration chamber 12. The temperature of the first refrigeration chamber 12 is relatively low; by setting the sealing assembly 500, temperature loss from the first refrigeration chamber 12 can be prevented, and the second refrigeration chamber 13 can also be prevented from being affected by cold energy, resulting in an excessively low temperature that could affect the quality of stored items.

[0203] In some embodiments, the ice-making assembly 200 further includes an ice storage box (not shown) and an ice-pushing mechanism (not shown) disposed within the ice storage box. The ice-pushing mechanism pushes ice blocks from the ice storage box through the ice-making outlet of the ice-making assembly 200 to the ice-transfer inlet 111, for conveying ice blocks to the ice-transfer section 110. The ice-making assembly 200 may further include an ice-making component disposed above the ice storage box, which, after producing ice blocks, conveys them into the ice storage box.

[0204] To meet the different ice-using needs of users, such as Figure 19 As shown, the ice-making equipment also includes an ice-crushing component 400. The ice-crushing component 400 is positioned above the ice-receiving component 300 and is used to crush ice blocks. The ice-moving channel 120 is connected to the ice-receiving component 300 via the ice-crushing component 400. The ice-crushing component 400 can switch between whole ice mode and crushed ice mode to meet the user's ice-using needs for whole or crushed ice.

[0205] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an ice-moving device, characterized in that, The ice-moving device includes an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, an ejection component, and a weight sensor. The ice-moving channel has an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection zone. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet, and the ejection zone is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel communicates with the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed within the conveying channel to convey ice blocks to the ice-moving channel. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection zone to eject towards the ice outlet. The weight sensor is disposed at the output end of the ejection component. The control method includes: Get the ice removal command; The sorting component is controlled to perform ice conveying at a first speed to deliver ice blocks into the ice moving channel; The ejection assembly is controlled to perform ice ejection, thereby driving the ice blocks that fall from the ice inlet into the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet; The ice ejection detection process includes determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor is greater than a threshold, wherein the threshold is greater than or equal to the weight of a preset number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection assembly in a single ejection; wherein the ejection time required for the preset number of ice blocks to eject from the ejection area to the ice ejection port is less than the interval between two adjacent ice blocks being transported into the ice moving channel by the sorting assembly. If the sensed value is greater than the threshold, the sorting component is controlled to temporarily suspend the ice conveying operation, and the ejection component is controlled to perform the ice ejection operation again.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the ejection assembly to perform ice ejection operation, thereby driving the ice block falling from the ice inlet into the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet, includes: The ice ingress detection process includes determining whether the sensing value of the weight sensor reaches a preset value, wherein the preset value is the weight of a preset number of ice blocks ejected by the ejection assembly in a single ejection. If the value sensed by the weight sensor reaches a preset value, the ejection assembly is controlled to perform the ejection operation.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-moving device further includes a first sensor disposed at the ice inlet. Controlling the ejection assembly to perform ice-launching operations, thereby driving ice blocks falling from the ice inlet into the ejection area towards the ice outlet, includes: The ice ingress detection process includes determining whether the first sensor detects a preset number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet after the ejection assembly performs the previous ice ejection operation. If the first sensor detects that the number of ice blocks passing through the ice inlet has reached a preset amount, it controls the ejection assembly to perform the ice ejection operation.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threshold is the weight of a first number of ice cubes, where the first number is one more than the preset number.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the sorting component to temporarily suspend the ice conveying operation and the control of the ejection component to perform the ice ejection operation again include: The sorting component is controlled to perform ice conveying at a second speed; The ejection assembly is controlled to perform a second ice ejection operation to drive the ice block located in the ejection area to be ejected again towards the ice outlet, wherein the second speed is less than the first speed, so that no new ice block is added in the ice moving channel during the time when the ice block located in the ejection area is ejected again towards the ice outlet.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After controlling the ejection assembly to perform the ice-launching operation again, the control method further includes: The ice discharge re-inspection includes the following steps: Determine whether the value sensed by the weight sensor is greater than a threshold. If the sensed value is greater than the threshold, the sorting component is controlled to stop ice conveying and a fault message is output. If the sensed value is less than or equal to the threshold, then control the sorting component to perform ice conveying at a first speed.

7. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-out detection step also includes: If the sensed value is less than or equal to the threshold, then return to the step of performing ice release detection.

8. An ice-moving device, characterized in that, The ice-moving device includes an ice-moving channel, a conveying channel, a sorting component, an ejection component, a weight sensor, and a control unit. The ice-moving channel is provided with an ice outlet, an ice inlet, and an ejection area. The ice outlet is located above the ice inlet, and the ejection area is located below the ice inlet. The conveying channel communicates with the ice-moving channel through the ice inlet. The sorting component is disposed within the conveying channel to convey ice blocks one by one to the ice-moving channel. The ejection component is disposed at the end of the ice-moving channel away from the ice outlet to drive the ice blocks located in the ejection area to be ejected towards the ice outlet. The weight sensor is disposed at the output end of the ejection component. The control unit is used to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores program data that can be executed to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

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