Pipe orifice anti-icing system of water inlet pipe of ice maker

Abstract

The invention discloses a pipe orifice anti-icing system for a water inlet pipe of an ice maker, and relates to the technical field of ice makers. The system comprises a heating unit, a heat preservation sleeve, a first temperature sensor and a control unit, the heating unit is arranged on a pipe opening of a water inlet pipe of the ice maker, the heat preservation sleeve wraps the pipe opening and the heating unit, and the first temperature sensor is arranged on the outer surface of the heat preservation sleeve. The control unit is respectively connected with the heating unit, the first temperature sensor and a water pump of the ice maker; the first temperature sensor is used for sending the detected pipe orifice temperature to the control unit; and the control unit is used for controlling the heating unit to heat the pipe orifice part when the pipe orifice temperature is lower than a set first temperature threshold value, and controlling the water pump to stop conveying the water source to the ice making box of the ice maker. Through precise temperature monitoring and feedback control mechanisms, the problem that drainage of the water inlet pipe is blocked due to pipe opening freezing is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of ice making machines, and in particular to an anti-icing system for a pipe opening of a water inlet pipe of an ice making machine. Background Art

[0002] The water inlet pipe of the household ice maker is used to transport the water in the water tank to the ice box under the drive of the water pump. Since the water tank is generally in the refrigerator, the water temperature is kept low, so that the water can quickly become ice in the ice box.

[0003] This results in a lower temperature of the water inlet pipe, especially its pipe mouth is often in a low temperature state. Once the humidity of the surrounding environment is high or the temperature drops below freezing, ice will condense near the pipe mouth, forming an ice blockage.

[0004] Ice blockage at the water inlet pipe will cause water shortage in the ice box, affecting normal ice making. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the defects of the above-mentioned background technology, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-icing system for the pipe orifice of the water inlet pipe of an ice maker, which can solve the technical problem of how to prevent the pipe orifice of the water inlet pipe of the ice maker from freezing.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides an anti-icing system for the pipe mouth of an ice maker water inlet pipe, comprising a heating unit, a thermal insulation sleeve, a first temperature sensor and a control unit, wherein the heating unit is arranged at the pipe mouth of the water inlet pipe of the ice maker, the thermal insulation sleeve wraps the pipe mouth and the heating unit, the first temperature sensor is arranged on the outer surface of the thermal insulation sleeve, the control unit is respectively connected with the heating unit, the first temperature sensor and a water pump of the ice maker, the water pump is arranged on the water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe is connected with a water tank of the ice maker, and the pipe mouth of the water inlet pipe faces an ice box of the ice maker; the first temperature sensor is used for sending the detected pipe mouth temperature to the control unit; the control unit is used for controlling the heating unit to heat the pipe mouth and controlling the water pump to stop working when the pipe mouth temperature is lower than a set first temperature threshold.

[0007] The present invention adopts the above system, and realizes precise temperature control of the water inlet pipe of the ice maker by integrating the heating unit, the insulation sleeve, the temperature sensor and the intelligent control unit, and effectively prevents the problem of freezing of the pipe mouth in a low temperature environment. The heating unit directly acts on the pipe mouth, quickly raising the local temperature and preventing the formation of ice; the wrapping effect of the insulation sleeve reduces heat loss and improves the heating efficiency; the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the pipe mouth in real time to ensure that the system responds promptly and accurately; the control unit intelligently adjusts the working state of the heating unit according to the temperature data fed back by the sensor, and links with the water pump to realize automatic water supply stop under low temperature conditions, avoiding more water from flowing into the pipe and affecting the heating effect of the heating unit on the pipe mouth. This automated temperature control mechanism can prevent the ice maker water inlet pipe mouth from freezing, improve the working efficiency and reliability of the ice maker, extend the service life of the equipment, reduce the user's maintenance cost, and provide users with a more stable and efficient ice making experience.

[0008] In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to control the heating unit to stop heating and control the water pump to start delivering water to the ice making box when the nozzle temperature is higher than or equal to a set second temperature threshold.

[0009] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, an energy-saving and automated temperature control mechanism is provided. By setting the second temperature threshold, the system can automatically shut down the heating unit when the nozzle temperature rises back to a safe range, and restore water supply to maintain the normal operation of the ice maker. This design effectively avoids overheating and energy waste, while reducing the loss of ice maker components caused by temperature fluctuations, extending the service life of the equipment, and ensuring the continuity and stability of the ice making process.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first temperature threshold value ranges from 8°C to 12°C.

[0011] The technical solution of the above embodiment provides a clear operating temperature range. The first temperature threshold is set between 8°C and 12°C to ensure that the pipe opening will not freeze near the freezing point, while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption for heating. The selection of this temperature range is based on the consideration of the safety margin above the freezing point, aiming to achieve the best balance between energy efficiency and anti-icing protection.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second temperature threshold value ranges from 13°C to 18°C.

[0013] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, an upper temperature threshold is set to prevent the nozzle temperature from being too high. The setting range of the second temperature threshold is 13°C to 18°C. This temperature range can not only ensure that the nozzle will not affect the ice-making efficiency due to excessive temperature, but also avoid energy waste. By automatically adjusting the working state of the heating unit, the system can achieve reasonable use of energy while ensuring ice-making efficiency.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a hydrophobic coating covering the inner wall of the tube orifice.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, the waterproof performance of the pipe mouth is enhanced by applying the hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating covers the inner wall of the pipe mouth, reduces the contact area between water molecules and the pipe wall, promotes the rapid discharge of water droplets, and effectively reduces the risk of water freezing at the pipe mouth. In addition, the hydrophobic coating also helps to reduce the accumulation of scale and bacteria, keeping the pipe mouth clean and hygienic.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thickness of the insulation sleeve is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0017] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, the thermal insulation effect of the pipe opening is optimized by accurately controlling the thickness of the thermal insulation sleeve. The thickness range of 0.2mm to 1mm can effectively isolate the external cold air and reduce heat loss, while avoiding the increase in the volume and weight of the ice maker due to excessive thickness. This design not only ensures the thermal insulation performance, but also takes into account the compactness and portability of the device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a sealing tape covering both ends of the thermal insulation sleeve.

[0019] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, the sealing performance of the system is further improved by using the sealing tape. The sealing tape covers both ends of the thermal insulation sleeve, effectively reducing the intrusion of external air and moisture, thereby reducing the risk of freezing of the pipe opening. In addition, the sealing tape also helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and dirt, keeping the pipe opening clean and hygienic.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system also includes a second temperature sensor, which is arranged in the ice maker and is used to detect the ice-making environment temperature inside the ice maker. The control unit is connected to the second temperature sensor and is used to control the heating power of the heating unit according to the ice-making environment temperature and the nozzle temperature.

[0021] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, the second temperature sensor is used to realize real-time monitoring of the ice-making environment temperature. This enables the system to intelligently adjust the heating power of the heating unit according to the change of the ice-making environment temperature to adapt to different internal ice-making environment conditions. This design not only improves the adaptability and reliability of the system, but also helps to achieve the rational use of energy.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system also includes a humidity sensor, which is arranged in the ice maker to detect the humidity of the ice-making environment inside the ice maker. The control unit is connected to the humidity sensor to control the heating power of the heating unit according to the ice-making environment temperature, ice-making environment humidity and nozzle temperature.

[0023] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment and applying the humidity sensor, the system is provided with a more comprehensive ice-making environment monitoring capability. The humidity sensor can detect the humidity of the ice-making environment, and the control unit adjusts the heating power according to the humidity data to meet the anti-icing requirements under different humidity conditions. This design enables the system to control the heating process more accurately, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the stable operation of the ice-making machine under various environmental conditions.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control unit is specifically used to adjust the heating power according to a heating adjustment formula, and the heating adjustment formula includes: Where P is the heating power, T set is the set safety temperature, T outlet is the nozzle temperature, T ambient is the ice making environment temperature, T ref is the reference temperature, RH is the humidity of the ice-making environment, a, b, c and k are experimental coefficients, e is a natural constant, h(T ambient ,RH) is the environmental adjustment factor.

[0025] By adopting the technical solution of the above embodiment, an intelligent heating control strategy based on the heating adjustment formula is provided. By comprehensively considering the nozzle temperature, ice making environment temperature and humidity, the system can accurately calculate the required heating power and achieve more precise and efficient temperature control. This data-driven control method not only improves the response speed and control accuracy of the system, but also helps to optimize energy use and reduce energy consumption.

[0026] One or more technical solutions provided by the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages: 1. Intelligent temperature control: The system of the present invention realizes real-time monitoring and intelligent adjustment of the temperature of the water inlet pipe of the ice maker through the integrated temperature sensor and control unit. When the temperature of the pipe mouth drops below the set first temperature threshold, the system automatically starts the heating unit for heating and suspends the water supply of the water pump to effectively prevent the pipe mouth from freezing. This intelligent temperature control not only improves the response speed of the system, but also reduces the need for manual monitoring, ensuring the stable operation of the ice maker.

[0027] 2. Energy-saving and efficient operation: When the nozzle temperature rises to the set second temperature threshold, the system of the present invention automatically stops heating and resumes water supply, avoiding overheating and energy waste. In addition, the system also includes a hydrophobic coating and an insulating sleeve, which further reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency. Through precise temperature control and structural optimization, the system achieves energy-saving and efficient operation and reduces the energy consumption of the ice maker.

[0028] 3. Strong environmental adaptability: The system of the present invention can intelligently adjust the heating power according to the changes in the ice-making environment through the integrated second temperature sensor and humidity sensor. This design enables the system to adapt to different internal ice-making environmental conditions and ensure that the ice-making machine can operate stably in various environments. By comprehensively considering temperature and humidity factors, the system can more accurately control the heating process, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the ice-making effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings herein are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an anti-icing system for an outlet of an ice-making machine water inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a connection relationship diagram of a control unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another anti-icing system for an outlet of an ice-making machine water inlet pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a connection relationship diagram of another control unit in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The terms used in the following embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used in the specification of the present invention, the singular expressions "a", "a", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in the present invention refers to any or all possible combinations comprising one or more of the listed items.

[0031] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0032] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, in the embodiments of the present invention, the terms such as "setting" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two components; it can be a wired communication connection or a wireless communication connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0033] The embodiment of the present invention provides an anti-icing system for an outlet of an ice maker water inlet pipe, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a heating unit 1, a heat preservation sleeve 2, a first temperature sensor 3 and a control unit 4, the heating unit 1 is arranged on the pipe mouth part A1 of the water inlet pipe A of the ice maker, the heat preservation sleeve 2 wraps the pipe mouth part A1 and the heating unit 1, the first temperature sensor 3 is arranged on the outer surface of the heat preservation sleeve 2, the control unit 4 is respectively connected with the heating unit 1, the first temperature sensor 3 and the water pump B of the ice maker, the water pump B is arranged on the water inlet pipe A, the water inlet pipe A is connected with the water tank D of the ice maker, and the pipe mouth of the water inlet pipe A faces the ice box C of the ice maker; the first temperature sensor 3 is used to send the detected pipe mouth temperature to the control unit 4; the control unit 4 is used to control the heating unit 1 to heat the pipe mouth part A1 when the pipe mouth temperature is lower than the set first temperature threshold, and control the water pump B to stop supplying water to the ice box C of the ice maker.

[0034] With the above design, the anti-icing system for the water inlet pipe of the ice maker in this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the system) effectively alleviates the problem of drainage blockage of the water inlet pipe A caused by icing of the pipe mouth through a precise temperature monitoring and feedback control mechanism.

[0035] The first temperature sensor 3 is arranged on the outer surface of the insulation sleeve 2, and can sense the temperature change of the nozzle of the water inlet pipe A in real time. Once it is detected that the nozzle temperature drops below the set first temperature threshold, the control unit 4 immediately starts the heating unit 1 to heat the part to increase and maintain the nozzle temperature above the freezing point. At the same time, the control unit 4 will also send a signal to the water pump B of the ice maker to suspend the water supply to prevent more water from flowing into the pipe A and affecting the heating effect of the heating unit 1 on the nozzle. The use of the insulation sleeve 2 ensures that the heat generated by the heating unit 1 is mainly concentrated in the nozzle part A1, reducing the loss of heat to the surrounding environment and improving energy efficiency. This automated temperature control mechanism can prevent the nozzle of the ice maker's water inlet pipe from freezing, improve the working efficiency and reliability of the ice maker, extend the service life of the equipment, reduce the user's maintenance cost, and provide users with a more stable and efficient ice-making experience.

[0036] In this embodiment, the water inlet pipe A is made of stainless steel, the heating unit 1 is made of silicone heating wire, the insulation sleeve 2 is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material, and the first temperature sensor 3 is an NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistor) sensor.

[0037] Among them, stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and low temperature resistance, can effectively resist the erosion of ice and water, and extend the service life of the water inlet pipe A. In addition, the smooth inner wall of the stainless steel material helps to reduce the adhesion of scale, keep the water flow smooth, and reduce the possibility of ice formation at the pipe mouth.

[0038] The silicone heating wire has excellent softness and elasticity, and can fit the shape of the nozzle tightly to ensure uniform and effective heating. The silicone material has strong heat resistance and chemical stability, and can work safely even in high humidity environments, preventing potential safety hazards caused by heating. At the same time, the silicone heating wire has a fast thermal response speed, can quickly heat up, and heat the nozzle in time to prevent freezing. Among them, the silicone heating wire can be specifically set at the bottom of the nozzle, because the bottom of the nozzle is usually the place where water accumulation and ice are most likely to occur. Since water flows to lower places, the lowest point of the nozzle tends to accumulate more water, and the bottom has a larger surface area in contact with the external cold environment, so it is easier to dissipate heat, causing the temperature in this area to drop faster, thereby increasing the risk of freezing. The silicone heating wire is arranged in this key area, which can provide direct heat energy to the part that needs to prevent freezing the most, ensuring that the temperature at the bottom of the nozzle is maintained above the freezing point.

[0039] PVC material is a light, low-cost, easy-to-process plastic material with good thermal insulation performance. The thermal insulation sleeve 2 made of PVC material can effectively isolate the external cold air, reduce the loss of heat at the pipe mouth, maintain the temperature of the pipe mouth, and thus reduce the risk of freezing. At the same time, PVC material is easy to install and maintain, which provides convenience for the daily operation and maintenance of the system.

[0040] NTC sensors, with their excellent sensitivity and fast response, can accurately monitor the real-time temperature of the nozzle, ensuring that the heating unit is activated in time before the temperature drops to freezing point1. This sensor shows high stability under various environmental conditions and can maintain accurate temperature readings even in hot or humid environments. In addition, NTC sensors are cost-effective and easy to integrate, without the need for complex cold-end compensation circuits, simplifying system design and reducing the risk of failure. Therefore, NTC sensors not only improve the reliability and efficiency of the ice machine anti-icing system, but also help reduce overall costs and ensure long-term stable operation.

[0041] In some embodiments, the control unit 4 is further configured to control the heating unit 1 to stop heating and control the water pump B to start delivering water to the ice box C when the nozzle temperature is higher than or equal to a set second temperature threshold.

[0042] Specifically, the control unit 4 not only starts the heating unit 1 to prevent ice formation when the nozzle temperature is lower than the preset first temperature threshold, but also automatically shuts down the heating unit 1 when the nozzle temperature rises to or exceeds the set second temperature threshold, so as to avoid energy waste caused by excessive heating. At the same time, the control unit 4 will also send a signal to the water pump B to instruct it to start delivering water to the inside of the ice maker to resume the normal ice-making process. This two-way temperature control strategy ensures that the nozzle temperature is always kept within a safe and efficient operating range, which not only prevents ice formation, but also avoids unnecessary energy consumption, reflecting the energy-saving and intelligent characteristics of the system. Through this precise temperature control, the system of this embodiment can adapt to different environmental conditions, ensure the stable operation of the ice maker, and at the same time minimize energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency ratio of the ice maker.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first temperature threshold value ranges from 8°C to 12°C.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold is set within the range of 8°C to 12°C, which takes into account the freezing point of water and the actual operation of the ice maker. When the temperature of the nozzle of the water inlet pipe A drops below this threshold, the control unit 4 will start the heating unit 1 for heating, which can prevent the nozzle from freezing and avoid wasting energy for heating in unnecessary situations, ensuring that the ice maker can operate reliably in a low temperature environment while taking into account energy efficiency.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second temperature threshold value ranges from 13°C to 18°C.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second temperature threshold is set within the range of 13°C to 18°C. This range is intended to ensure that the nozzle temperature is not too high, thereby avoiding unnecessary temperature rise inside the ice maker and potential impact on the quality of ice cubes. When the nozzle temperature rises to or exceeds this threshold, the control unit 4 will stop the operation of the heating unit 1 and instruct the water pump B to start delivering water to the inside of the ice maker to resume the normal ice making process. This design not only ensures that the nozzle temperature will not affect the ice making effect due to excessively high temperature, but also avoids ineffective consumption of energy.

[0047] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the system of this embodiment further includes a hydrophobic coating 5, which covers the inner wall of the pipe opening portion A1.

[0048] Specifically, the hydrophobic coating 5 is evenly covered on the inner wall of the pipe opening A1, and its specific chemical structure gives the surface excellent hydrophobic properties. The hydrophobic coating 5 can significantly reduce the contact area and adhesion between water molecules and the pipe wall, making it difficult for water droplets to be retained in the pipe opening, thereby accelerating the discharge of water droplets and effectively reducing the risk of water freezing at the pipe opening.

[0049] In addition, the addition of the hydrophobic coating 5 can also reduce the accumulation of scale and bacteria, keep the pipe opening clean and sanitary, and extend the maintenance cycle of the ice maker. In cold environments, this coating, combined with the insulation sleeve 2 and the heating unit 1, provides additional protection for the pipe opening and ensures efficient operation of the system.

[0050] In this embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 5 may include a variety of high-performance materials, such as organic silicon and organic fluorine materials with low surface energy, which exhibit excellent water resistance due to the fluorine groups in their molecular structure; and super-hydrophobic nano-coatings designed with micro-nano structures, which can not only promote the rolling of water droplets, but also prevent the adhesion of dirt and bacteria; in addition, silica-silicone resin composite materials are also ideal choices for hydrophobic coatings 5 ​​due to their excellent elasticity and durability. These materials all have excellent chemical stability and weather resistance, and can maintain a long-term hydrophobic effect under different environmental conditions, thereby effectively reducing the retention of water on the inner wall of the pipe orifice, reducing the risk of icing, and ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the ice maker.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thickness of the thermal insulation sleeve 2 is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0052] This thickness design ensures sufficient insulation effect to reduce heat loss at the pipe opening A1 and prevent the pipe opening from being cooled too quickly by the external low temperature environment, thereby reducing the possibility of ice formation, while taking into account the installation space and cost-effectiveness of the ice maker. The selection of the insulation sleeve 2 within this thickness range can provide effective thermal protection for the heating unit 1 and the pipe opening without increasing too much volume and weight, thereby ensuring the heating effect, reducing energy waste, and extending the service life of the ice maker.

[0053] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the system further comprises a sealing tape 6 , which covers both ends of the thermal insulation sleeve 2 .

[0054] This embodiment adopts this design, and its main function is to reduce the intrusion of external cold air into the interior of the insulation sleeve 2, thereby further reducing the heat loss at the pipe mouth A1. The use of the sealing tape 6 is equivalent to providing an additional protective layer for the insulation sleeve 2, which can effectively isolate the low temperature of the outside world, prevent the exchange of cold and heat, reduce the heat conduction and heat convection caused by the temperature difference, and improve the overall insulation effect. At the same time, the sealing tape 6 also helps to prevent moisture and water from entering the interior of the insulation sleeve 2, avoiding the problem of icing caused by condensation. In addition, the setting of the sealing tape 6 is also equivalent to providing a sealed environment for the pipe mouth, which helps to reduce the growth of bacteria and microorganisms and keep the pipe mouth clean and hygienic.

[0055] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the system also includes a second temperature sensor 7, which is arranged in the ice maker for detecting the ice-making environment temperature inside the ice maker. The control unit 4 is connected to the second temperature sensor 7 for controlling the heating power of the heating unit 1 according to the ice-making environment temperature and the nozzle temperature.

[0056] This embodiment further enhances the intelligent adjustment capability of the control unit 4 through the second temperature sensor 7. The second sensor is arranged in the ice maker, and is specifically used to monitor the ice-making environment temperature in real time. The control unit 4 is connected to the second temperature sensor 7, and can intelligently adjust the heating power of the heating unit 1 according to the received ice-making environment temperature data and the nozzle temperature. Such a design means that in a cold internal environment, when it is detected that the ice-making environment temperature is relatively low, the control unit 4 will control the increase of the heating power of the heating unit 1 to maintain the nozzle temperature and prevent ice formation. On the contrary, when the ice-making environment temperature is relatively high, the system may reduce the heating power to avoid overheating, thereby achieving energy saving. This method of automatically adjusting the heating strategy according to the change of the ice-making environment temperature can not only effectively prevent the nozzle from freezing, but also optimize energy use and improve the energy efficiency ratio of the entire system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the system also includes a humidity sensor 8, which is arranged in the ice maker to detect the humidity of the ice-making environment inside the ice maker. The control unit 4 is connected to the humidity sensor 8 to control the heating power of the heating unit 1 according to the ice-making environment temperature, ice-making environment humidity and pipe nozzle temperature.

[0058] This embodiment realizes real-time monitoring of the humidity of the ice-making environment by integrating the humidity sensor 8. This design improves the intelligence and adaptability of the system. The humidity sensor 8 is arranged in the ice maker and can accurately capture the humidity changes of the internal ice-making environment. The control unit 4 is connected to the humidity sensor 8, so that the system can not only respond to the nozzle temperature, but also intelligently adjust the heating power of the heating unit 1 according to the temperature and humidity of the ice-making environment. Such a design means that in a high humidity or low temperature environment, the system will automatically increase the heating power to maintain the nozzle temperature and prevent ice. In warmer and drier conditions, the heating power will be appropriately reduced to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

[0059] This dynamic adjustment mechanism not only effectively prevents the pipe opening from freezing, but also optimizes energy use, improving the energy efficiency ratio and operation stability of the entire system. Through this fine temperature and humidity control, this embodiment can adapt to different environmental conditions, ensuring that the ice maker can operate stably in various environments while minimizing energy consumption.

[0060] In some embodiments, the control unit 4 is specifically used to adjust the heating power according to a heating adjustment formula, and the heating adjustment formula includes: Wherein, P is the heating power; T set It is the set safety temperature; T outlet is the nozzle temperature; T ambient is the ice-making environment temperature; T set It is a set safety temperature, usually slightly above freezing; T ref It is the reference temperature, which can usually be taken as a standard ambient temperature, such as 20°C; RH is the humidity of the ice-making environment; k and c are experimental coefficients determined by experiments, which reflect the influence of ambient temperature and humidity in the ice maker on heat transfer efficiency; a and b are experimental coefficients, which can be obtained by fitting experimental data, and they describe the influence of ambient temperature and humidity on heating efficiency; e is a natural constant used to adjust the nonlinearity of temperature effects; h(T ambient,RH) is the environmental adjustment factor, which is used to consider the combined effect of ambient temperature and humidity on heat transfer efficiency.

[0061] The heating adjustment formula of this embodiment is further explained below: The above formula is designed to implement an adaptive heating control strategy to keep the temperature of the ice maker water inlet pipe A above the freezing point, while taking into account the temperature and humidity of the ice making environment. The following is an explanation of the rationality of the formula: 1. Target temperature deviation term (T set -T outlet ): This item reflects the deviation between the current nozzle temperature and the set safety temperature. When the nozzle temperature is lower than the set temperature, the heating power needs to be increased to narrow the temperature difference and ensure that the nozzle does not freeze.

[0062] 2. Temperature impact adjustment items This term takes into account the effect of ambient temperature on heat loss. When the ambient temperature decreases, heat loss increases and more heating power is required to maintain the temperature of the pipe nozzle. The effect of temperature change can be reflected nonlinearly. The effect of ambient humidity is considered through the c·RH term.

[0063] 3. Environmental adjustment factor h(T ambient ,RH): This factor is expressed by the exponential function The heating power is further adjusted. The exponential function captures the nonlinear effects of temperature and humidity, while the logarithmic function ln(RH+1) smoothly handles the changes in humidity and avoids mathematical errors when RH=0.

[0064] 4. Nonlinearity and adaptability: The entire heating adjustment formula incorporates the nonlinear effects of ambient temperature and humidity through exponential and logarithmic functions, providing a flexible and adaptable heating power adjustment strategy. This nonlinear adjustment is essential to capture the complex thermal dynamic behavior in real environments.

[0065] 5. Energy saving and efficiency: The design of the heating adjustment formula allows the system to dynamically adjust the heating power under different environmental conditions, thereby achieving energy saving. When the ambient temperature is high or the humidity is low, the system can reduce the heating power, and increase the heating power when the ambient temperature is low or the humidity is high.

[0066] 6. Experimental determination coefficient: The coefficients a, b, c and k in the formula need to be determined through experiments or data analysis. This ensures that the control strategy can be optimized according to the specific application scenario to achieve the best energy efficiency ratio and anti-icing effect.

[0067] The heating adjustment formula of this embodiment combines the effects of temperature and humidity and uses a nonlinear function to adjust the heating power, thereby providing a reasonable and effective control strategy to keep the temperature of the outlet of the ice maker water inlet pipe A within a safe range while taking energy efficiency into consideration.

[0068] The system of this embodiment effectively prevents the pipe mouth from freezing in a low temperature environment through precise temperature monitoring and regulation. The system mainly consists of a heating unit 1, a thermal insulation sleeve 2, a first temperature sensor 3, a control unit 4, and an optional second temperature sensor 7 and a humidity sensor 8. The heating unit 1 is installed at the pipe mouth A1 of the water inlet pipe A, and prevents freezing by directly heating the pipe mouth. The thermal insulation sleeve 2 wraps the pipe mouth and the heating unit 1, and its thickness range of 0.2mm to 1mm can effectively isolate the external cold air and reduce heat loss, while avoiding increasing the volume and weight of the equipment.

[0069] The first temperature sensor 3 monitors the nozzle temperature in real time and sends the data to the control unit 4, which intelligently controls the start and stop of the heating unit 1 and the water supply state of the water pump B according to the comparison result between the nozzle temperature and the set first and second temperature thresholds. When the nozzle temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold of 8°C to 12°C, the system automatically starts the heating unit 1 for heating and suspends the water supply; when the nozzle temperature rises to the second temperature threshold of 13°C to 18°C, the system stops heating and resumes the water supply.

[0070] In addition, the system also includes a hydrophobic coating 5 and a sealing tape 6. The hydrophobic coating 5 covers the inner wall of the pipe mouth to reduce the contact between water molecules and the pipe wall, promote the rapid discharge of water droplets, and reduce the risk of icing; the sealing tape 6 covers both ends of the insulation sleeve 2 to further reduce the intrusion of external air and moisture. The optional second temperature sensor 7 and humidity sensor 8 are installed in the ice maker to monitor the temperature and humidity of the internal ice making environment in real time. The control unit 4 intelligently adjusts the heating power according to these data and the pipe mouth temperature to adapt to different environmental conditions.

[0071] The system's control strategy is based on an accurate heating adjustment formula that takes into account nozzle temperature, ice-making environment temperature and humidity. It dynamically adjusts the heating power through environmental adjustment factors to achieve more precise and efficient temperature control. This data-driven control method not only improves the system's response speed and control accuracy, but also helps optimize energy use and reduce energy consumption.

[0072] The system of this embodiment provides an efficient, energy-saving and reliable anti-icing solution for the water inlet pipe A of the ice maker through integrated temperature monitoring, intelligent control and environmental adaptability design.

[0073] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An anti-icing system for the water inlet pipe of an ice maker, characterized in that: The invention comprises a heating unit, a heat preservation sleeve, a first temperature sensor and a control unit, wherein the heating unit is arranged on the pipe mouth of the water inlet pipe of the ice maker, the heat preservation sleeve wraps the pipe mouth and the heating unit, the first temperature sensor is arranged on the outer surface of the heat preservation sleeve, the control unit is respectively connected with the heating unit, the first temperature sensor and the water pump of the ice maker, the water pump is arranged on the water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe is connected with the water tank of the ice maker, and the pipe mouth of the water inlet pipe faces the ice box of the ice maker; The first temperature sensor is used to send the detected pipe mouth temperature to the control unit; the control unit is used to control the heating unit to heat the pipe mouth part and control the water pump to stop working when the pipe mouth temperature is lower than a set first temperature threshold.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is further configured to control the heating unit to stop heating and control the water pump to start delivering water to the ice making box when the temperature of the nozzle is higher than or equal to a set second temperature threshold.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first temperature threshold value ranges from 8°C to 12°C.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The second temperature threshold value ranges from 13°C to 18°C.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a hydrophobic coating, which covers the inner wall of the pipe mouth.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the thermal insulation sleeve is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a sealing tape, which covers both ends of the thermal insulation sleeve.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a second temperature sensor, which is arranged in the ice maker and is used to detect the ice-making environment temperature inside the ice maker. The control unit is connected to the second temperature sensor and is used to control the heating power of the heating unit according to the ice-making environment temperature and the nozzle temperature.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that It also includes a humidity sensor, which is arranged in the ice maker and is used to detect the humidity of the ice-making environment inside the ice maker. The control unit is connected to the humidity sensor and is used to control the heating power of the heating unit according to the ice-making environment temperature, the ice-making environment humidity and the nozzle temperature.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The control unit is specifically used to adjust the heating power according to a heating adjustment formula, and the heating adjustment formula includes: Wherein, P is the heating power, T set is the set safety temperature, T outlet is the nozzle temperature, T ambient is the ice-making environment temperature, T ref is the set reference temperature, RH is the humidity of the ice-making environment, a, b, c and k are experimental coefficients, e is a natural constant, h(T ambient ,RH) is the environmental adjustment factor.

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