A deicing control method for an ice making module

Abstract

The embodiment of the specification discloses an ice-removing control method for an ice-making module, which relates to the field of ice-removing technology. The method includes: heating ice cubes through an evaporator under the triggering of an ice-making end signal, and obtaining real-time ice quality data of ice cubes during the heating process; when the preset water pump start condition is met, the operating voltage parameter of the water pump is determined according to the real-time ice quality data and the performance matching curve of the water pump, so as to control the water pump to perform a start operation according to the operating voltage parameter; the shutdown time of the water pump is determined according to the real-time ice quality data, and when the preset water pump shutdown condition is met, the water pump is controlled to perform a shutdown operation according to the shutdown time; through the start and stop operations of the water pump, the water pump is controlled to start and stop cyclically, so as to detect ice detachment and achieve ice removal. By accurately controlling the start and stop timing and duration of the water pump, the water flow impact force is used to shorten the ice-removing time, and ice loss caused by excessive flushing can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of deicing technology, and in particular to a deicing control method for an ice-making module. Background Art

[0002] In the current refrigeration industry, the ice-making module generally has the problem of low efficiency in the de-icing process, which is manifested in a long de-icing time, generally up to 4 to 5 minutes. This time span not only affects the overall working efficiency of the ice-making module, but also has an adverse effect on the ice cubes during the de-icing process.

[0003] In the deicing process, in order to remove the ice layer attached to the surface of the evaporator, the traditional method often uses heating. Heating causes the ice layer to gradually melt and separate from the evaporator, thereby achieving the purpose of deicing. However, due to the long deicing time, the ice will melt significantly under the action of continuous heating, affecting the quality of the ice. At present, deicing is performed by a single heating method, the deicing process takes a long time, and the ice melts more, affecting the quality of the ice. Summary of the invention

[0004] One or more embodiments of the present specification provide an ice-defrosting control method for an ice-making module, which is used to solve the following technical problems: Currently, defrosting is performed by a single heating method, the defrosting process takes a long time, and a large amount of ice cubes melt, which affects the quality of the ice cubes.

[0005] One or more embodiments of this specification adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present specification provide an ice-defrosting control method for an ice-making module, the method comprising: heating ice cubes through an evaporator under the triggering of an ice-making end signal, and obtaining real-time ice quality data of the ice cubes during the heating process; when a preset water pump start condition is met, determining the operating voltage parameters of the water pump according to the real-time ice quality data and a performance matching curve of the water pump, so as to control the water pump to perform a start operation according to the operating voltage parameters; determining the shutdown time of the water pump according to the real-time ice quality data, and when a preset water pump shutdown condition is met, controlling the water pump to perform a shutdown operation according to the shutdown time; through the startup operation and the shutdown operation of the water pump, the water pump is start-stop cycle controlled until the detachment of the ice cubes is detected to achieve defrosting.

[0007] Furthermore, after heating the ice cubes through the evaporator, the method also includes: obtaining initial water volume data and initial water temperature data in the water storage chamber; when the initial water volume data is not less than a preset water volume threshold, and the initial water temperature data is less than a preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump start-stop cycle control conditions are met.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the real-time ice mass data and the performance matching curve of the water pump, the operating voltage parameters of the water pump are determined, specifically including: determining the water pump demand pressure data based on the real-time ice mass data; determining the demand head data corresponding to the water pump through the water pump demand pressure data; and matching the demand head data corresponding to the water pump in the performance matching curve to determine the operating voltage parameters of the water pump.

[0009] Furthermore, based on the real-time ice quality data, the shutdown duration of the water pump is determined, specifically including: determining a pressure release reference duration based on the real-time ice quality data; setting the shutdown duration of the water pump according to the pressure release reference duration, wherein the shutdown duration is not less than the pressure release reference duration.

[0010] Furthermore, after controlling the water pump to perform a startup operation, the method further includes: collecting real-time water temperature data in the water storage chamber in real time; and judging whether a water pump shutdown condition is met based on the real-time water temperature data.

[0011] Furthermore, judging whether the water pump shutdown condition is met based on the real-time water temperature data, specifically comprising: when the real-time water temperature data is not less than a preset temperature threshold, judging that the water pump shutdown condition is met.

[0012] Furthermore, after controlling the water pump to perform a startup operation according to the operating voltage parameters, the method further includes: monitoring the real-time ice quality data to determine a mass attenuation index of the ice; when the mass attenuation index exceeds a preset attenuation threshold, adjusting the operating voltage parameters of the water pump according to the current real-time ice quality data to determine an adjusted operating voltage of the water pump.

[0013] Furthermore, the real-time ice mass data is monitored to determine the mass attenuation index of the ice, specifically including: determining the initial ice mass data corresponding to the initial startup of the water pump; using the initial ice mass data as a benchmark index, and determining the mass attenuation index of the ice according to the real-time ice mass data and the benchmark index.

[0014] Furthermore, the real-time ice quality data is monitored to determine the quality attenuation index of the ice, specifically including: presetting a reference time period and acquiring multiple real-time ice quality data within the reference time period; determining initial ice quality data at an initial moment of the reference time period and current quality data at an end moment of the reference time period; and determining the quality attenuation index of the ice based on the current quality data and the initial ice quality data.

[0015] Furthermore, the method also includes: when the start-up of the water pump is the first start-up in the current start-stop cycle, monitoring the gap parameters between the evaporator and the ice cubes during the heating process, and when the gap parameters meet a preset gap threshold, determining that the water pump start-up condition is met; when the start-up of the water pump is not the first start-up in the current start-stop cycle, when the shutdown time is reached, determining that the water pump start-up condition is met.

[0016] At least one of the above technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects: through the above technical solution, by starting the evaporator heating under the trigger of the ice making end signal, the start time of ice removal can be accurately controlled to ensure that the ice cubes start to melt and detach at the best time; by obtaining ice quality data in real time, the operating parameters and shutdown time of the water pump can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to the actual situation of ice melting, so as to achieve more accurate ice removal control; by using the kinetic energy of the water flow to flush the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator, the melting speed of the ice cubes can be accelerated, so that the ice cubes can be separated from the evaporator faster; by adjusting the pressure, flow rate and head of the water pump, the impact force of the water flow can be accurately controlled, so that the ice cubes are easier to fall off under the state of unbalanced force, and the ice removal efficiency is further improved; by using low-temperature water for flushing, due to the high surface tension of low-temperature water, the ice cubes will not be over-melted, thereby ensuring the quality and integrity of the ice cubes; by accurately controlling the start and stop timing and duration of the water pump, the loss of ice cubes caused by excessive flushing can be avoided, ensuring that the ice cubes maintain good quality during the ice removal process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art description. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative labor. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of an ice-removal control method for an ice-making module provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an ice-making module provided in an embodiment of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0021] The embodiment of the present specification provides an ice-removal control method for an ice-making module. It should be noted that the execution subject in the embodiment of the present specification can be a server or any device with data processing capabilities. Figure 1 A flowchart of a deicing control method for an ice making module provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps:

[0022] Step S101, under the triggering of the ice making end signal, the ice cubes are heated by the evaporator, and the real-time ice cube quality data during the heating process is obtained.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present specification, during the working process of the ice making module, ice is first made according to the ice making demand of the user, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making module provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the ice-making module includes a compressor, an ice-making bin, an evaporator, a fixing frame, a drip pipe, a water inlet pipe, and an ice-making bin cover. In addition, the ice-making module also includes a water pump. A water storage chamber is provided inside the ice-making bin, and a water level sensor and a temperature sensor are provided in the water storage chamber. The water pump pumps the water in the water storage chamber into the drip pipe through the water inlet pipe, and then the water flows through the evaporator through the drip pipe. At this time, the compressor works to absorb the heat of the water on the inner surface of the evaporator through the heat conduction pipe on the back of the evaporator, and then the cooled water flows back to the water storage chamber, and so on and so forth until the water flows to form ice cubes on the inner surface of the evaporator. When the ice cubes form a certain volume, that is, after ice making is completed, they need to be detached, that is, the defrosting operation is performed. Therefore, the defrosting operation process should be executed under the triggering of the ice making end signal to avoid the problem that the quality of ice cubes cannot meet user needs due to premature defrosting.

[0024] The ice-making end signal can be generated in a variety of ways, for example, the ice-making time is determined by the operating parameters during the ice-making process and the ice demand information input by the user, and the timer is set to start the timer synchronously when the ice-making starts. After the ice-making time is reached, the ice-making end signal is triggered by the timer. In addition to using the ice-making time, an ice quality sensor can also be set to collect the real-time ice quality during the ice-making process through the ice quality sensor, and the ice demand information of the user is matched with the real-time ice quality. When the real-time ice quality meets the quality of the required ice cubes corresponding to the ice demand information, the ice-making end signal is triggered.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present specification, under the triggering of the ice making end signal, the compressor is started to work in the heating mode. In the heating mode, the compressor compresses the refrigerant gas and transports it to the condenser. In the condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas releases heat and condenses into liquid. Then, the refrigerant liquid passes through the expansion valve throttling, reduces the pressure and temperature, and enters the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant liquid absorbs heat and evaporates into gas, and in this process absorbs the heat from the ice cubes around the evaporator. When the heating mode of the ice maker is started, the evaporator heats the ice cubes, causing the ice cubes to gradually melt and fall off the ice tray.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present specification, ice cubes are heated by an evaporator, and real-time ice cube mass data of the ice cubes during the heating process is obtained. In order to obtain real-time ice cube mass data of ice cubes, a high-precision mass sensor can be integrated into the support structure under the ice tray by means of a high-precision mass sensor. When the ice cubes are in the ice tray, the measuring surface of the sensor will be in direct contact with the ice cubes, so that the mass of the ice cubes can be accurately measured. In addition to the high-precision mass sensor, a force sensor can also be set. Selecting a high-precision, high-sensitivity mechanical sensor, such as a pressure sensor, can accurately measure the pressure exerted by the ice cubes on the ice tray, thereby reflecting the mass change of the ice cubes. The mechanical sensor is arranged under the ice tray of the ice maker to ensure that there is a direct mechanical connection between the sensor and the ice cubes so as to accurately measure the mass of the ice cubes. The working principle of the mechanical sensor is based on the principle that the deformation of the elastic element is proportional to the force. When the ice cubes are placed in the ice tray, their weight will exert pressure on the support structure, thereby causing the mechanical sensor to deform. The resistance strain gauge or piezoelectric element inside the sensor will convert this deformation into an electrical signal output, and the electrical signal is proportional to the mass of the ice cubes. Since the electrical signal output by the mechanical sensor is usually weak, it needs to be amplified by a signal amplifier. In order to remove noise and interference in the signal, filtering is also required. The amplified and filtered electrical signal can be converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) so that the controller can monitor and record the quality of the ice cube in real time. Figure 2Taking the ice tray in FIG. 1 as an example, a sensor device can be set in each ice tray, and the controller can centrally process the collected data.

[0027] The ice cubes will continue to melt during the heating process. In order to avoid the problem of excessive melting of the ice cubes due to heating the ice cubes for too long, which will affect the quality of the ice cubes, the embodiments of the present specification use the kinetic energy of the water flow to flush the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator while heating the ice cubes, so that the ice cubes can be quickly detached. The water pump is started and stopped in a cycle to cause the impact force of the water flow on the ice cubes to change all the time, so that the ice cubes are always kept in a state of unbalanced force, thereby accelerating their movement and detachment, and further shortening the ice-shedding time.

[0028] After the ice cubes are heated by the evaporator, it also includes: obtaining initial water volume data and initial water temperature data in the water storage chamber; when the initial water volume data is not less than a preset water volume threshold, and the initial water temperature data is less than a preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump start-stop cycle control conditions are met.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present specification, when the kinetic energy of the water flow is used to flush the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator and the water pump is started and stopped in a cycle, it is necessary to ensure that the water volume of the water flow and the water temperature in the water storage chamber meet the flushing requirements. If the water volume is small, it cannot meet the needs of flushing the ice cubes and the evaporator. If the water temperature is high, the water flow will also accelerate the melting of the ice cubes. Therefore, after the ice cubes are heated by the evaporator, in order to ensure the de-icing effect, the water volume and water temperature in the water storage chamber are monitored, and logical judgment is performed according to the preset threshold value, thereby controlling the start and stop cycle of the water pump, ensuring that the water flow is used to flush the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator under appropriate conditions, so as to improve the ice making efficiency and equipment reliability.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present specification, the initial water volume data and initial water temperature data in the water storage chamber in the current state are obtained through the sensor installed in the water storage chamber for measuring the water volume and water temperature. It should be noted that the water volume sensor can be a float sensor, a pressure sensor, etc., which is used to monitor the water volume in the water storage chamber; the water temperature sensor can be a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc., which is used to monitor the water temperature in the water storage chamber. The temperature threshold is set by experience. The setting of the temperature threshold here is used to avoid the situation where the water temperature of the flushing water is too high and accelerates the melting of ice cubes. Generally, the temperature threshold here can be set to 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature threshold is set to 5 degrees Celsius to avoid the accelerated melting of ice cubes caused by the high water temperature of the flushing water. Based on the experience setting, it can be adjusted according to the actual situation. The water volume threshold should ensure that the water volume in the water storage chamber is sufficient to support uninterrupted flushing operations, while avoiding excessive water volume causing water pump overload or increased energy consumption. The water volume threshold is set at different values ​​in different ice-making machines. It is usually determined according to the water path capacity of the water pump in the ice-making machine. It should ensure that the water in the water storage chamber can be flushed uninterruptedly, and can be fine-tuned according to actual conditions. When the initial water volume data is not less than the preset water volume threshold, and the initial water temperature data is less than the preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump start-stop cycle control condition is met.

[0031] By judging the control conditions of the water pump start-stop cycle, it is ensured that the start-stop cycle is triggered at the appropriate time in the initial stage of the evaporator heating the ice cubes, thereby avoiding the poor flushing effect caused by too little water, thereby accelerating the defrosting time; in addition, by judging the water temperature, the ice cubes are not affected by the water flow temperature of the water pump during the defrosting process, increasing the heat source in the process of heating the ice cubes, thereby avoiding the situation where a large amount of ice cubes melt; by judging the control conditions of the water pump start-stop cycle, the ineffective operation of the water pump can be avoided and the energy consumption of the water pump can be reduced.

[0032] Step S102, when the preset water pump starting conditions are met, the operating voltage parameters of the water pump are determined according to the real-time ice mass data and the performance matching curve of the water pump, so as to control the water pump to perform the starting operation according to the operating voltage parameters.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present specification, when the water pump start-stop cycle control condition is met, it is determined whether the water pump start condition is met. Since the operation of the water pump is cycle controlled, the determination method of the water pump start condition is different in different start types.

[0034] When the water pump is started for the first time in the current start-stop cycle, the gap parameter between the evaporator and the ice cube is monitored during the heating process. When the gap parameter meets the preset gap threshold, it is determined that the water pump starting condition is met; when the water pump is started for a non-first time in the current start-stop cycle, when the shutdown time is reached, it is determined that the water pump starting condition is met.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present specification, after the water pump start-stop cycle control conditions are met, it means that the water in the water storage chamber meets the requirements for flushing ice cubes. Since the ice cubes and the evaporator are basically in a close fit after ice making, if the water pump is started immediately at this time, the water flow of the water pump cannot effectively flush the gap, but will increase the ineffective energy consumption of the water pump. Therefore, after the water pump start-stop cycle control conditions are met, the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator is increased by the heating process of the evaporator to ensure that the water flow can flush the gap.

[0036] When the water pump is started for the first time in the current start-stop cycle, the gap parameter between the evaporator and the ice cube is monitored during the heating process. The gap parameter between the evaporator and the ice cube can be the heating time for the evaporator to heat the ice cube to generate a gap, that is, the gap generation time. When the gap parameter is the gap generation time, the time difference between the start time of the evaporator and the current time is determined as the current gap generation time. Since the equipment specifications of the ice-making equipment are determined, the specifications of its ice-making are relatively fixed. The gap threshold is determined by testing. The gap threshold here is the gap generation time corresponding to the minimum gap that satisfies the inflow of water. The ice cube is heated by the evaporator and timed. When the gap generated by the evaporator heating the ice cube allows water to flow in, the heating time is recorded, multiple tests are performed, and the average of the multiple heating times is taken to determine the gap threshold. When the current gap generation time is equal to the gap threshold, it is determined that the water pump start condition is met, and the water pump is controlled to start for the first time in the current start-stop cycle.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present specification, the gap parameter can also be the force between the evaporator and the ice cube. The gap change process will affect the force between the evaporator and the ice cube. Therefore, the gap between the two can be monitored by the force between the evaporator and the ice cube. When the gap parameter is the force between the evaporator and the ice cube, it can be obtained with the help of a pre-set mechanical sensor, and the sensor is installed at the position where the evaporator and the ice cube contact. The real-time force between the evaporator and the ice cube is collected, and this real-time force changes due to the change of the gap between the ice cube and the evaporator. Through the method of pre-testing, the ice cube is continuously heated by the evaporator. When the gap satisfies the flow of water, the mechanical data of the ice cube and the evaporator are collected to obtain the test force between the ice cube and the evaporator where the gap satisfies the flow of water. After multiple tests, the average value of the multiple tests is taken to obtain the gap threshold. The gap threshold here is the force threshold after the gap that satisfies the flow of water is formed. Based on the real-time force and the gap threshold, it is determined whether the water pump starting conditions are met. The larger the gap between the evaporator and the ice cubes, the smaller the direct contact area between them. Therefore, the interaction forces generated by the contact, such as friction and adhesion, tend to decrease. Therefore, when the real-time force is close to the gap threshold, it is determined that the water pump starting conditions are met, and the water pump is controlled to start for the first time in the current start-stop cycle.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present specification, when the start of the water pump is not the first start in the current start-stop cycle, it means that the water pump is currently in a shutdown state. When the length of time the water pump is on in this shutdown cycle reaches the shutdown length, it is determined that the water pump start condition is met.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present specification, when a preset water pump start condition is met, the operating voltage parameter of the water pump is determined according to the real-time ice quality data and the performance matching curve of the current water pump of the current ice-making device, so as to control the water pump to perform the start operation according to the operating voltage parameter. It should be noted that the real-time ice quality data here refers to the ice quality at the corresponding moment when the water pump start condition is met.

[0040] According to the real-time ice mass data and the performance matching curve of the water pump, the operating voltage parameters of the water pump are determined, specifically including: based on the real-time ice mass data, determining the water pump demand pressure data; through the water pump demand pressure data, determining the corresponding demand head data of the water pump; according to the demand head data corresponding to the water pump, matching is performed in the performance matching curve to determine the operating voltage parameters of the water pump.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present specification, based on the real-time ice mass data, the ice gravity data is determined. In addition, in addition to gravity, there are other forces between the ice and the evaporator. The other forces here can be obtained by taking the average value after testing. The required water flow pressure of the water pump is determined by the sum of other forces and gravity, that is, the required water flow pressure data of the water pump. The formula F=ρgh is used, ρ represents the density of the liquid, g represents the acceleration of gravity, and F is the required water flow pressure. The above formula is used to obtain the value of h, which is the required head data of the water pump. The current water pump of the refrigeration module is experimentally tested. Through the experimental test, the head and flow data of the water pump under different operating voltages are recorded, and then the head-operating voltage curve, that is, the performance matching curve, is obtained. Through the required head data, the head-operating voltage curve is matched to determine the operating voltage parameters of the water pump. According to the operating voltage parameters, the water pump is controlled to perform the startup operation.

[0042] After controlling the water pump to perform a startup operation according to the operating voltage parameters, the method further includes: monitoring the real-time ice quality data to determine a mass attenuation index of the ice; when the mass attenuation index exceeds a preset attenuation threshold, adjusting the operating voltage parameters of the water pump according to the current real-time ice quality data to determine an adjusted operating voltage of the water pump.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present specification, since the evaporator continuously heats the ice cubes, the mass of the corresponding ice cubes decreases in real time, and the gap between the evaporator and the ice cubes is impacted by the water pump, which also causes the loss of ice cube mass. By monitoring the real-time ice cube mass data, the mass attenuation index of the ice cube is determined.

[0044] The real-time ice mass data is monitored to determine the mass attenuation index of the ice, specifically including: determining the initial ice mass data corresponding to the initial startup of the water pump; using the initial ice mass data as a benchmark index, and determining the mass attenuation index of the ice according to the real-time ice mass data and the benchmark index.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present specification, the initial ice mass data corresponding to the initial startup of the water pump is used as a reference index, and the mass decay index of the ice is determined according to the difference between the real-time ice mass data and the reference index. In this embodiment, a real-time judgment method is used, and as long as the mass decay index is greater than a preset decay threshold, the operating voltage of the water pump is adjusted.

[0046] The real-time ice quality data is monitored to determine the quality attenuation index of the ice, specifically including: presetting a reference time period and acquiring a plurality of real-time ice quality data within the reference time period; determining initial ice quality data at an initial moment of the reference time period and current quality data at an end moment of the reference time period; and determining the quality attenuation index of the ice based on the current quality data and the initial ice quality data.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present specification, a reference time period is preset, for example, 3 seconds, and the initial moment in each reference time period is used as the quality reference standard moment, such as the first second, and the last moment of the reference time period is used as the judgment moment, such as the third second. The initial ice cube quality data at the quality reference standard moment and the current quality data at the judgment moment are obtained, and the quality attenuation index of the ice cube is determined according to the difference between the current quality data and the initial ice cube quality data.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present specification, an attenuation threshold is preset, and the attenuation threshold here can be set through actual measurement experience, for example, by setting an allowable head change threshold, the head change threshold is converted into mass change data. When the mass attenuation index exceeds the preset attenuation threshold, it means that the mass of ice cubes at the reference moment of the operating voltage parameter of the water pump has undergone a relatively large change, resulting in the operating voltage parameter being unable to meet the head requirement. Therefore, according to the current real-time ice cube mass data, the operating voltage parameter of the water pump is adjusted to determine the adjusted operating voltage of the water pump, and the adjusted operating voltage here is obtained based on the current real-time ice cube mass.

[0049] Through the above technical solution, by real-time monitoring of ice quality data and calculating the quality attenuation index, the changing trend of ice quality can be discovered in time. When the quality decays too fast, that is, exceeds the preset attenuation threshold, the water pump parameters obtained through the initial quality may not be able to adapt to the actual changes in ice quality. Therefore, after monitoring the change in ice quality, the operating voltage of the water pump can be quickly adjusted to optimize the water flow impact effect. The dynamic adjustment method helps to improve the overall efficiency of ice removal.

[0050] After controlling the water pump to perform the startup operation, the method further includes: collecting real-time water temperature data in the water storage chamber in real time; judging whether the water pump shutdown condition is met according to the real-time water temperature data. Judging whether the water pump shutdown condition is met according to the real-time water temperature data specifically includes: when the real-time water temperature data is not less than a preset temperature threshold, judging that the water pump shutdown condition is met.

[0051] When the water pump impacts the gap between the evaporator and the ice cubes, since the evaporator continuously heats the ice cubes, the impact water flow may flow back to the water storage chamber and the water temperature of the impact water flow may increase. If the water temperature of the water flowing back to the water storage chamber is too high after mixing, it will accelerate the melting of the ice cubes when impacting the gap between the evaporator and the ice cubes, affecting the quality of the ice cubes.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present specification, real-time water temperature data in the water storage chamber is collected in real time. The real-time water temperature data here refers to the temperature of the mixed water. When the real-time water temperature data is not less than the preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump shut-down condition is met. The preset temperature threshold can be set to 5 degrees Celsius, or it can be set to a temperature value lower than 5 degrees Celsius. By monitoring the water temperature in real time and shutting off the water pump when the water temperature reaches the preset temperature threshold, it is possible to avoid using overheated water to continue to impact the ice cubes, thereby protecting the quality of the ice cubes; the preset temperature threshold can be adjusted according to the specific working environment and ice cube quality requirements. For example, when higher quality ice cubes are required, the preset temperature threshold can be set lower to ensure that the water temperature is not too high; when rapid ice removal is required, the preset temperature threshold can be appropriately increased to speed up the ice removal speed.

[0053] Step S103, determining the shutdown time of the water pump according to the real-time ice quality data, and when the preset water pump shutdown conditions are met, controlling the water pump to perform a shutdown operation according to the shutdown time.

[0054] The shutdown duration of the water pump is determined based on the real-time ice quality data, specifically including: determining a pressure release reference duration based on the real-time ice quality data; and setting the shutdown duration of the water pump according to the pressure release reference duration, wherein the shutdown duration is not less than the pressure release reference duration.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present specification, during the deicing process of the ice maker, the deicing process is accelerated by the water pump impact. During the impact process, the ice cubes and the evaporator are in a negative pressure state. In order to avoid the continuous impact to increase the negative pressure and the risk of ice melting caused by the increase in water flow temperature during the continuous impact, the water pump is stopped to gradually release the pressure between the ice cubes and the evaporator. According to the real-time ice cube mass data, the pressure release reference time is determined. The pressure release reference time refers to the time required for the ice cubes to gradually separate from the evaporator due to the loss of external force impact after the water pump stops running. This time depends on factors such as the ice cube mass. Through experiments or empirical data, the pressure release time of different ice cube masses under water flow impact is tested, for example, the pressure release time corresponding to the impact of 100 grams of ice cubes. It should be noted that in each experimental process, it is assumed that the change of ice cube mass under this impact time can be ignored. A reference mapping table of ice cube mass and corresponding pressure release time is constructed by testing, and the table is looked up according to the real-time ice cube mass data to determine the pressure release reference time. The downtime of the water pump is set by the pressure release reference time, wherein the downtime is not less than the pressure release reference time. The pressure release reference time can be directly set as the downtime, or an additional time margin can be added on the basis of the pressure release reference time, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this specification.

[0056] Through the above technical scheme, during the defrosting process, if the negative pressure state between the ice cubes and the evaporator continues to increase, it may affect the defrosting effect and even make it difficult for the ice cubes to fall off completely; releasing the pressure through the shutdown operation can optimize the defrosting process and make it easier for the ice cubes to separate from the evaporator, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency and effect; continuous water flow impact will not only increase the negative pressure level, but may also increase the water temperature and increase the risk of ice melting. The shutdown operation can reduce the water flow impact, thereby reducing the possibility of water temperature increase, reducing the risk of ice melting, and protecting the quality of the ice.

[0057] Step S104, through the start-up operation and the shutdown operation of the water pump, the water pump is controlled to start and stop in a cycle, until the detachment of ice cubes is detected, and ice removal is achieved.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present specification, during the entire defrosting process, the compressor is always working to generate heat until the defrosting is completed. The flow rate of the water pump is set to Q, the head is H, and the water temperature is required to be lower than 5°C to prevent the ice cubes from melting quickly when the water with too high a temperature flows through the ice cubes. The flow rate Q of the water pump is controlled by adjusting the voltage V of the water pump, and then the head H of the water pump is controlled. By adjusting the voltage of the water pump, the head of the water pump is constantly changed, causing the impact force of the water flow on the ice cubes to change constantly, so that the ice cubes are always kept in a state of unbalanced force, thereby accelerating their movement and detachment.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present specification, the start-stop cycle control of the water pump means that during a defrosting process, the water pump is started to pump water from the water storage chamber, the water enters the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator through the drip pipe, and then flows back to the water storage chamber. When the water pump shutdown condition is met, for example, after T1 seconds, the water pump is controlled to stop for T2 seconds. After the shutdown time is reached, the water pump is started to pump water from the water storage chamber for T3 seconds, the water enters the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator through the drip pipe, and then flows back to the water storage chamber. This cycle is repeated several times. When the infrared sensor at the ice storage mechanism inside the ice maker detects that the ice cubes have fallen off, the water pump stops working, and the compressor stops working at the same time. The kinetic energy of the water flow is used to flush the gap between the ice cubes and the evaporator to achieve rapid detachment of the ice cubes. The surface tension of low-temperature water is relatively high, and the water will flow close to the inner surface of the evaporator when flowing, and the low-temperature water will not melt the ice cubes, thereby ensuring the quality of the ice cubes. The impact force of the water flow is controlled by adjusting the water pump pressure, flow rate, and head. The voltage V of the water pump is adjusted to control the flow rate Q of the water pump, and then the head H of the water pump is controlled. The head of the water pump changes continuously, causing the impact force of the water flow on the ice cubes to change all the time, so that the ice cubes are always kept in a state of unbalanced force, thereby accelerating their movement and detachment.

[0060] Through the above technical scheme, by starting the evaporator heating under the trigger of the ice making end signal, the start time of ice removal can be accurately controlled to ensure that the ice starts to melt and detach at the best time; by obtaining ice quality data in real time, the operating parameters and shutdown time of the water pump can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to the actual situation of ice melting and achieve more accurate ice removal control; by using the kinetic energy of the water flow to flush the gap between the ice and the evaporator, the melting speed of the ice can be accelerated and the ice can be separated from the evaporator faster; by adjusting the pressure, flow and head of the water pump, the impact force of the water flow can be accurately controlled, so that the ice is easier to fall off under an unbalanced force state, further improving the ice removal efficiency; using low-temperature water for flushing, due to the high surface tension of low-temperature water, the ice will not be over-melted, thereby ensuring the quality and integrity of the ice; by accurately controlling the start and stop timing and duration of the water pump, the loss of ice caused by excessive flushing can be avoided, ensuring that the ice maintains good quality during the ice removal process.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this specification may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0062] This specification is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0063] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0064] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process in the computer or other programmable device. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0065] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0066] The memory may include non-permanent storage in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0067] Computer readable media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. Information can be computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer readable media does not include temporary computer readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0068] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device including the elements.

[0069] The above description is only one or more embodiments of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. For those skilled in the art, one or more embodiments of this specification may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of one or more embodiments of this specification shall be included in the scope of the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A deicing control method for an ice making module, characterized in that: The method comprises: When triggered by an ice making end signal, the ice cubes are heated by an evaporator, and real-time ice cube quality data of the ice cubes during the heating process is obtained; When a preset water pump start condition is met, an operating voltage parameter of the water pump is determined according to the real-time ice mass data and a performance matching curve of the water pump, so as to control the water pump to perform a start operation according to the operating voltage parameter; Determine the shutdown time of the water pump according to the real-time ice quality data, and when a preset water pump shutdown condition is met, control the water pump to perform a shutdown operation according to the shutdown time; Through the start-up operation and the stop operation of the water pump, the water pump is controlled to start and stop in a cycle, so that the detachment of the ice cubes is detected and ice removal is achieved.

2. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After heating the ice cubes by the evaporator, the method further comprises: Obtaining initial water volume data and initial water temperature data in the water storage chamber; When the initial water volume data is not less than a preset water volume threshold, and the initial water temperature data is less than a preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump start-stop cycle control condition is met.

3. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determining the operating voltage parameter of the water pump according to the real-time ice mass data and the performance matching curve of the water pump includes: Determining water pump demand pressure data based on the real-time ice quality data; Determining the required head data corresponding to the water pump through the required pressure data of the water pump; According to the required head data corresponding to the water pump, matching is performed in the performance matching curve to determine the operating voltage parameters of the water pump.

4. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determining the downtime of the water pump according to the real-time ice quality data, specifically comprising: Determining a pressure release reference time according to the real-time ice mass data; The stop time of the water pump is set according to the pressure release reference time, wherein the stop time is not less than the pressure release reference time.

5. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After controlling the water pump to perform a startup operation, the method further includes: Real-time collection of real-time water temperature data in the water storage chamber; According to the real-time water temperature data, it is determined whether the water pump shutdown condition is met.

6. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 5, characterized in that: According to the real-time water temperature data, whether the water pump shutdown condition is met is determined, specifically including: When the real-time water temperature data is not less than a preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the water pump shut-down condition is met.

7. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: After controlling the water pump to perform a startup operation according to the operating voltage parameter, the method further includes: Monitoring the real-time ice quality data to determine the mass attenuation index of the ice; When the mass attenuation index exceeds a preset attenuation threshold, the operating voltage parameter of the water pump is adjusted according to the current real-time ice mass data to determine the adjusted operating voltage of the water pump.

8. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Monitoring the real-time ice quality data to determine the quality attenuation index of the ice specifically includes: Determining initial ice mass data corresponding to the water pump when it is initially started; The initial ice mass data is used as a benchmark indicator, and the mass attenuation indicator of the ice is determined according to the real-time ice mass data and the benchmark indicator.

9. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Monitoring the real-time ice quality data to determine the quality attenuation index of the ice specifically includes: Presetting a reference time period, and acquiring a plurality of real-time ice quality data within the reference time period; Determining initial ice mass data at an initial moment of the reference time period and current mass data at an end moment of the reference time period; A mass attenuation index of the ice cube is determined according to the current mass data and the initial ice cube mass data.

10. The deicing control method of an ice-making module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the water pump is started for the first time in the current start-stop cycle, monitoring the gap parameter between the evaporator and the ice cube during the heating process, and determining that the water pump start condition is met when the gap parameter meets a preset gap threshold; When the start of the water pump is not the first start in the current start-stop cycle, when the shutdown time is reached, it is determined that the water pump start condition is met.

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