Ice making device, detection system and detection method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electrical equipment and discloses a storage capacity detection mechanism, a detection system, an ice-making device, and a detection method. The storage capacity detection mechanism has high detection accuracy, a simplified structure, low cost, and is not easily damaged. The storage capacity detection mechanism includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiving assembly. The signal transmitter is disposed outside a container, and the signal receiving assembly is used to receive and reflect a detection signal. At least three signal receiving assemblies are provided, and the signal receiving assembly disposed near the open end receives and reflects the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitter. In a vertical direction, one of two adjacent signal receiving assemblies is disposed in a first arrangement area on the inner wall of the container, and the other is disposed in a second arrangement area on the inner wall of the container, the first arrangement area and the second arrangement area being disposed opposite each other. Of the two adjacent signal receiving assemblies in the vertical direction, the vertically lower signal receiving assembly is adapted to receive and reflect the detection signal reflected by the vertically upper signal receiving assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical equipment, and in particular to an ice-making device, a detection system and a detection method. Background Art

[0002] An ice maker is a product or device that uses a compressor to cool water through an evaporator to make ice cubes.

[0003] Existing ice makers use an infrared detection device to detect the amount of ice in the ice storage container. The infrared detection device includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver. Due to the location of the infrared detection device, the current ice amount detection method can only detect whether there is ice in a fixed horizontal position. The detection range is small and the detection accuracy is low. In addition, the infrared transmitter is exposed to a low temperature and humid environment for a long time, which affects its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a storage capacity detection mechanism, a detection system, an ice making device and a detection method to solve the problems of the existing ice making machine such as small ice capacity detection range, low detection accuracy and shortened service life of the detection device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a storage capacity detection mechanism for detecting the storage capacity of a material in a container, wherein the container has an open end at the top, and the storage capacity detection mechanism comprises:

[0006] a signal transmitter, disposed outside the container, adapted to emit a detection signal into the container;

[0007] a signal receiving component, configured to receive and reflect the detection signal, wherein at least three signal receiving components are provided, wherein one of the signal receiving components is provided near the opening end, and one of the signal receiving components is provided near the bottom of the container, and the signal receiving component provided near the opening end is adapted to receive and reflect the detection signal emitted by the signal emitting component;

[0008] In the vertical direction, one of the two adjacent signal receiving components is arranged in the first setting area of ​​the inner wall of the container, and the other is arranged in the second setting area of ​​the inner wall of the container, and the first setting area and the second setting area are arranged opposite to each other; among the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component in the lower vertical position is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component in the upper vertical position.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The storage quantity detection mechanism of the present invention adopts a combination of a signal transmitter and multiple signal receiving components, wherein one signal receiving component is arranged near the open end of the container, and one signal receiving component is arranged near the bottom of the container, so that the detection range covers the entire height of the container, the detection range is large, and the detection accuracy can be improved. Moreover, among the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the vertically lower signal receiving component is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the vertically upper signal receiving component, thereby optimizing the detection mechanism and the detection method, which is beneficial to controlling product costs while improving detection accuracy. Moreover, the signal transmitter is arranged outside the container, and the signal transmitter will not be affected by the internal environment of the container. For example, when ice cubes are stored in the container, the signal transmitter will not be damaged by the low temperature and humid environment in the container, thereby ensuring the service life of the signal transmitter and ensuring its reliable performance.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, all the signal receiving components located in the same setting area are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0011] Beneficial effect: In the storage quantity detection mechanism of the present invention, all signal receiving components located in the same setting area are aligned in the vertical direction, that is, all signal receiving components located in the first setting area are aligned in the vertical direction, and all signal receiving components located in the second setting area are aligned in the vertical direction, which makes the setting of the signal receiving components more convenient, so as to meet the requirement that among the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component in the vertically lower position is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component in the vertically upper position, thereby realizing the reflection and reception of detection signals between adjacent signal receiving components, and then realizing the detection of material storage quantity, reducing the difficulty of setting the storage quantity detection mechanism.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction are staggered in the horizontal direction.

[0013] Beneficial effect: In the storage quantity detection mechanism of the present invention, two signal receiving components adjacent in the vertical direction are staggered in the horizontal direction, so that among the two signal receiving components adjacent in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component in the upper vertical position and the signal receiving component in the lower vertical position are arranged diagonally, so as to detect the material storage conditions in all directions in the container, expand the detection range, reduce misjudgment, and improve detection accuracy.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the signal receiving component includes a conductive part and a receiving part, one end of the conductive part is a receiving reflection surface, and the other end is a transmission surface, a part of the detection signal is transmitted to the transmission surface through the receiving reflection surface, and the receiving part is used to collect the detection signal transmitted by the transmission surface, and the other part of the detection signal is reflected by the receiving reflection surface.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention, the signal receiving component includes a conductive part and a receiving part, the conductive part is used to transmit part of the detection signal and reflect part of the detection signal, the receiving part is used to receive and collect the detection signal transmitted by the conductive part, and the reception and reflection of the detection signal are realized through the cooperation of the conductive part and the receiving part. This signal receiving component has a simple structure, is easy to set up, has good reliability, and can ensure detection accuracy.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the detection signal is a light ray.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention uses a detection signal that is a light ray, such as an infrared ray, a visible light ray, etc. This light ray detection signal is relatively easy to obtain, which is beneficial to controlling product costs, and its signal stability is good, which can ensure the detection accuracy and reliability of the detection mechanism.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the receiving element is a photosensor or a CCD sensor.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention can use a photosensitive sensor or a CCD sensor as a receiving element. Such a receiving element has a low cost, is not easily damaged, has a long service life, and is conducive to controlling product costs.

[0020] In an optional implementation, each of the signal receiving components corresponds to a material storage quantity value.

[0021] Beneficial effects: In the storage quantity detection mechanism of the present invention, each signal receiving component corresponds to a material storage quantity value, so the material storage quantity value can be obtained through the signal received by the signal receiving component to facilitate detection and control.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a detection system, comprising a control unit and a storage quantity detection mechanism as described above, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to a signal receiving component of the storage quantity detection mechanism.

[0023] Because the detection system of the present invention includes the storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention and has the same beneficial effects as the storage capacity detection mechanism, it will not be described in detail here.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an ice-making device, comprising a container, wherein ice cubes are stored in the container, and the amount of ice in the container is detected by the storage amount detection mechanism or the detection system as described above.

[0025] Because the ice-making device of the present invention includes the storage amount detection mechanism or detection system of the present invention, it has the same beneficial effects as the storage amount detection mechanism and detection system, which will not be described in detail here.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a detection method, which is performed by the above-mentioned ice-making device, and the detection method includes:

[0027] Turn on the computer;

[0028] The signal transmitter sends a detection signal;

[0029] Each signal receiving component receives and reflects the detection signal at its respective position;

[0030] Obtaining a signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value;

[0031] Determine whether the signal change value of the detection signal received by one of the signal receiving components and all the signal receiving components thereafter is greater than the preset value and lasts for T1;

[0032] If yes, the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage value;

[0033] If not, then at an interval of time T2, the step of obtaining the signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value is repeated.

[0034] Because the detection method of the present invention is executed by the refrigeration device of the present invention and has the same beneficial effects as the refrigeration device, it will not be described in detail here.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, the step of each signal receiving component receiving and reflecting the detection signal at its respective position includes: the signal receiving component arranged near the open end of the container receives and reflects the detection signal emitted by the signal emitting component, and the other signal receiving components receive and reflect the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component adjacent to it and vertically positioned above it.

[0036] Beneficial effect: In the detection method of the present invention, the signal receiving component arranged near the open end of the container receives and reflects the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting component, and other signal receiving components receive and reflect the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving components adjacent to it and vertically positioned above it, thereby optimizing the detection method and improving the detection accuracy.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, after the step of: if yes, the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, the step further includes outputting the current material storage amount.

[0038] Beneficial effect: The detection method of the present invention outputs the current material storage amount after obtaining the current material storage amount, so that the user can clearly understand the current material storage situation, which is convenient for the user to use.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, after the step of: if yes, the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, the step further includes: if the current material storage amount is the maximum storage amount of the container, controlling the ice-making mechanism of the ice-making device to shut down.

[0040] Beneficial effect: According to the detection method of the present invention, the current material storage capacity is the maximum storage capacity of the container, that is, the ice cubes have reached the top of the container. If ice making continues at this time, the excessive ice cubes in the container will affect the normal falling of the newly prepared ice cubes, thereby causing damage to the ice making mechanism. Therefore, by controlling the ice making mechanism of the ice making device to shut down, the ice making mechanism can be reliably protected to ensure its service life.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the detection signal is a light ray, and the signal change value is a light intensity change value.

[0042] Beneficial Effects: The detection signal of the detection method of the present invention is light rays, such as infrared rays or visible light rays. This light ray detection signal is relatively easy to obtain, which helps control product costs. Furthermore, its signal stability is good, ensuring detection accuracy and the reliability of the detection mechanism. The signal change value is a change in light intensity, and this signal change data is easy to detect and obtain, which helps reduce detection difficulty and ensure detection accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0044] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention (no material in the container);

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the storage capacity detection mechanism of the present invention (material falls into the container);

[0046] Figure 3Schematic diagram of the storage quantity detection mechanism of the present invention (material is stored in the container);

[0047] Figure 4 Flowchart of the detection method of the present invention.

[0048] Description of reference numerals:

[0049] 1. Container; 101. Open end; 102. First setting area; 103. Second setting area;

[0050] 2. Signal transmitter;

[0051] 301, first conductive element; 302, second conductive element; 303, third conductive element; 304, fourth conductive element; 305, fifth conductive element;

[0052] 401, first receiving part; 402, second receiving part; 403, third receiving part; 404, fourth receiving part; 405, fifth receiving part;

[0053] 5. Materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Currently, there are two ways to set up the ice quantity detection mechanism in ice makers. One is to use a single infrared ray detection mechanism, that is, an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver are placed opposite each other in the same horizontal position. This detection mechanism can only detect the presence of ice at a single horizontal position, with a small detection range and low detection accuracy, and cannot detect the specific amount of ice in the container in real time. The other is to use multiple infrared ray detection mechanisms, that is, a set of infrared ray detection mechanisms is placed at multiple horizontal positions. This detection method can only detect the presence of ice at a few fixed horizontal positions, and the detection accuracy is still low. It is also expensive to use, complicated to install, and occupies a large amount of space inside the ice storage container, affecting the overall space utilization of the machine. In addition, with current ice quantity detection mechanisms, the infrared transmitter must be placed inside the ice storage container, and the low temperature and humidity environment inside the ice storage container will affect its performance and service life.

[0056] Based on this, the present invention provides a storage capacity detection mechanism, a detection system, an ice-making device and a detection method with a large detection range, high detection accuracy and a long service life.

[0057] The following combination Figures 1-4 , describing embodiments of the storage capacity detection mechanism, detection system, ice making device and detection method of the present invention.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a first aspect, a storage quantity detection mechanism is provided for detecting the storage quantity of a material in a container 1, the container 1 having an open end 101 at the top, the storage quantity detection mechanism comprising: a signal transmitter 2 and a signal receiving assembly, the signal transmitter 2 being arranged on the outside of the container 1, the signal transmitter 2 being suitable for sending a detection signal into the container 1; the signal receiving assembly being used to receive and reflect the detection signal, and at least three signal receiving assemblies are provided, one of which is arranged near the open end 101, and one of which is arranged near the bottom of the container 1, the signal receiving assembly arranged near the open end 101 being suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitter 2; in the vertical direction, one of the two adjacent signal receiving assemblies is arranged in a first setting area 102 of the inner wall of the container 1, and the other is arranged in a second setting area 103 of the inner wall of the container 1, the first setting area 102 and the second setting area 103 being arranged opposite to each other; in the vertical direction, of the two adjacent signal receiving assemblies, the signal receiving assembly at the lower vertical position is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving assembly at the upper vertical position.

[0059] This storage capacity detection mechanism utilizes a signal transmitter 2 and multiple signal receiving components, wherein one signal receiving component is positioned near the open end 101 of the container 1, and one signal receiving component is positioned near the bottom of the container 1. This allows the detection range to cover the entire height of the container, resulting in a wide detection range and improved detection accuracy. Furthermore, of two vertically adjacent signal receiving components, the vertically lower signal receiving component is adapted to receive and reflect the detection signal reflected by the vertically upper signal receiving component, thereby optimizing the detection mechanism and detection method and facilitating control of product costs while improving detection accuracy. Furthermore, the signal transmitter 2 is positioned outside the container 1 and is not affected by the internal environment of the container 1. For example, when ice cubes are stored in the container 1, the signal transmitter 2 will not be damaged by the low temperature and humidity environment within the container 1, thereby ensuring the service life of the signal transmitter 2 and its reliable performance.

[0060] The storage capacity detection mechanism of this embodiment is used to detect the storage capacity of the material in the container 1. In different application scenarios, the material may vary. For example, when the storage capacity detection mechanism is applied to an ice-making device, the container 1 is used to store ice cubes, and the material is ice cubes. The storage capacity detection mechanism can detect the storage capacity of ice cubes in the container 1. Of course, in other technical fields or other application scenarios, the material may also be coal, cargo, etc.

[0061] In this embodiment, the storage capacity detection mechanism is applied to an ice-making device, specifically an ice-making machine. The ice-making device includes a container 1, which serves as an ice storage container. Ice cubes produced by the ice-making device are stored within container 1. Container 1 has an open end 101 at the top, through which the prepared ice cubes enter container 1 for storage. The overall shape and structure of container 1 are not limited; alternatively, container 1 may have a regular structure, such as a cylindrical or rectangular shape, to facilitate installation of the storage capacity detection mechanism.

[0062] The storage quantity detection mechanism includes a signal transmitter 2 and a signal receiving component. The signal transmitter 2 is arranged outside the container 1. For example, the signal transmitter 2 can be arranged on an ice basket bracket inside the ice-making device for limiting the position of the ice basket (i.e., the container 1). Ice cubes are stored in the container 1, and the interior of the container 1 is a low-temperature and humid environment. By arranging the signal transmitter 2 outside the container 1, the signal transmitter 2 will not be affected by the internal environment of the container 1, thereby ensuring the service life of the signal transmitter 2 and ensuring its reliable performance.

[0063] The signal transmitter 2 is adapted to emit a detection signal into the container 1. A signal receiving assembly cooperates with the signal transmitter 2 to receive and reflect the detection signal. At least three signal receiving assemblies are provided. In this embodiment, the angle of the signal transmitter 2 is adjusted so that the signal transmitter 2 transmits the detection signal toward the inner wall of one side of the container 1. This embodiment utilizes a single signal transmitter 2 and multiple signal receiving assemblies to detect the material storage level within the container 1. This not only simplifies the detection mechanism, but also expands the detection range, improves detection accuracy, and reduces costs.

[0064] In this embodiment, the detection signal is a light ray, such as infrared or visible light. Specifically, the signal transmitter 2 in this embodiment is an infrared light source (also known as an infrared transmitter or infrared generator). The detection signal emitted by the signal transmitter 2 is an infrared ray. The signal transmitter 2 should ensure that the generated light beam has a small divergence angle. The signal transmitter 2 is disposed outside the container 1 and emits infrared rays at a predetermined angle of incidence toward the inner wall of the container 1. Optionally, the angle of incidence of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 is adjustable to meet different detection requirements. The angle of incidence of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 refers to the angle between the direction of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 and the top plane of the container 1, and this angle is acute.

[0065] The signal receiving component is used to receive and reflect the detection signal. In this embodiment, the signal receiving component is an infrared receiver. At least three signal receiving components are provided, for example, three, four, five, or six. The specific number of signal receiving components is determined based on data such as the detection accuracy of the storage level detection mechanism, the height and width of the container 1, and the incident angle of the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitter 2. It will be understood that detection accuracy is proportional to the number of signal receiving components provided. A greater number of signal receiving components provides higher detection accuracy. Furthermore, a smaller infrared incident angle requires a greater number of signal receiving components, resulting in higher detection accuracy. This allows for greater flexibility in the configuration of the storage level detection mechanism to meet the detection requirements of diverse application scenarios.

[0066] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, to store ice cubes dropped from the ice-making device, the height of the container 1 is arranged in a vertical direction, with the open end 101 of the container 1 facing upward. One signal receiving component is positioned near the open end 101, one signal receiving component is positioned near the bottom of the container 1, and the other signal receiving components are positioned between these two signal receiving components, so that the detection range covers the entire height of the container 1, which is the maximum detection range of the container 1. Furthermore, the signal receiving component positioned near the open end 101 is adapted to receive and reflect detection signals emitted by the signal transmitter 2. The signal transmitter 2 emits infrared rays at a certain angle of incidence toward the inner wall of the container 1. The signal receiving component positioned near the open end 101 is positioned at a position on the inner wall of the container 1 that is struck by the infrared rays from the signal transmitter 2, so as to receive and reflect the detection signals emitted by the signal transmitter 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the vertical direction is Figure 1-Figure 3 The up and down directions in .

[0068] The inner wall of container 1 has a first arrangement area 102 and a second arrangement area 103. The first arrangement area 102 and the second arrangement area 103 are arranged opposite each other. The first arrangement area 102 and the second arrangement area 103 are portions of the inner wall on which they are respectively arranged. Taking a rectangular container 1 as an example, the four inner walls of container 1 are arranged in pairs opposite each other, and the first arrangement area 102 and the second arrangement area 103 are arranged on one pair of the opposing inner walls.

[0069] In the vertical direction, one of the two adjacent signal receiving components is arranged in the first setting area 102 of the inner wall of the container 1, and the other is arranged in the second setting area 103 of the inner wall of the container 1, and the first setting area 102 and the second setting area 103 are arranged opposite to each other; and, among the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component in the lower vertical position is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component in the upper vertical position, that is, the setting positions of the two adjacent signal receiving components conform to the principle of light reflection, so as to realize the sequential detection of detection signals at different positions on the inner wall of the container 1.

[0070] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the height of the container 1 is divided into five equal parts, and five signal receiving components are correspondingly provided, namely, the first signal receiving component, the second signal receiving component, the third signal receiving component, the fourth signal receiving component, and the fifth signal receiving component. In this embodiment, the first setting area 102 is provided with the first signal receiving component, the third signal receiving component, and the fifth signal receiving component, while the second setting area 103 is provided with the second signal receiving component and the fourth signal receiving component. In the vertical direction, the signal receiving components in the first setting area 102 and the second setting area 103 are staggered, so that the placement of each signal receiving component conforms to the principle of light reflection, realizing the sequential detection of detection signals at different locations on the inner wall of the container 1.

[0071] In this embodiment, a signal receiving assembly is positioned at each equal position. The first signal receiving assembly is positioned near the open end 101, the fifth signal receiving assembly is positioned near the bottom of the container 1, and the second, third, and fourth signal receiving assemblies are positioned sequentially between the first and fifth signal receiving assemblies. This storage level detection mechanism has a detection accuracy of 20%. Vertically, the first signal receiving assembly is adjacent to the second signal receiving assembly, the second signal receiving assembly is also adjacent to the third signal receiving assembly, the third signal receiving assembly is also adjacent to the fourth signal receiving assembly, and the fourth signal receiving assembly is also adjacent to the fifth signal receiving assembly.

[0072] Furthermore, two vertically adjacent signal receiving components are staggered in the horizontal direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, not only are the signal receiving components on the first setting area 102 and the second setting area 103 staggered in the vertical direction, but also the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction are staggered in the horizontal direction. That is to say, each signal receiving component does not need to be centered in its respective setting area, so that in the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the vertically upper signal receiving component and the vertically lower signal receiving component are diagonally arranged to comprehensively detect the material storage conditions in all directions in the container, expand the detection range, and promptly detect the situation where the material is accumulated on one side of the container and reaches the top, thereby improving the detection accuracy and achieving top protection.

[0074] Taking the rectangular container 1 as an example, the first setting area 102 and the second setting area 103 are connected by the first side wall and the second side wall of the container 1, and the first side wall and the second side wall are arranged relative to each other. The first signal receiving component is arranged in the first setting area 102 and is close to the first side wall, and the second signal receiving component is arranged in the second setting area 103 and is close to the second side wall. The first signal receiving component and the second signal receiving component are staggered in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and the first signal receiving component and the second signal receiving component are arranged diagonally in three-dimensional space. The third signal receiving component is arranged in the first setting area 102 and is close to the first side wall. The second signal receiving component and the third signal receiving component are staggered in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and the second signal receiving component and the third signal receiving component are arranged diagonally in three-dimensional space. The setting positions of subsequent signal receiving components are similar.

[0075] During the ice-making process of the ice-making mechanism, the ice cubes may be concentrated and accumulated near the first side wall or the second side wall. The two vertically adjacent signal receiving components are staggered in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the two adjacent signal receiving components are diagonally distributed, and the amount of ice in the above situation can be detected. When the ice cubes are concentrated and accumulated near the first side wall or the second side wall and reach the top, the ice-making mechanism can be controlled to stop in time to protect the ice-making mechanism.

[0076] Furthermore, the signal receiving component includes a conductive part and a receiving part, one end of the conductive part is a receiving reflection surface, and the other end is a transmission surface. Part of the detection signal is transmitted to the transmission surface through the receiving reflection surface. The receiving part is used to collect the detection signal transmitted by the transmission surface, and the other part of the detection signal is reflected by the receiving reflection surface.

[0077] like Figure 1-Figure 3As shown, the signal receiving assembly is integrally embedded in the inner wall of container 1. One end of the conductive element is positioned against the inner wall of the container, with its end surface serving as the receiving reflective surface. The other end of the conductive element is positioned away from the inner wall, with its end surface serving as the transmitting surface. After the detection signal is transmitted to the receiving reflective surface of the conductive element, a portion of the detection signal enters the conductive element through the receiving reflective surface and is then transmitted to the transmitting surface. The receiving element collects the detection signal transmitted from the transmitting surface, while the remaining portion of the detection signal is reflected by the receiving reflective surface. In this embodiment, the receiving element is used to collect the intensity of infrared radiation.

[0078] In order to improve the structural reliability, the gap between the conductive part and the inner wall of the container is sealed to prevent the low temperature and humid environment in the container from affecting the operation of the conductive part and the receiving part.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first signal receiving assembly includes a first conductive element 301 and a first receiving element 401, the second signal receiving assembly includes a second conductive element 302 and a second receiving element 402, the third signal receiving assembly includes a third conductive element 303 and a third receiving element 403, the fourth signal receiving assembly includes a fourth conductive element 304 and a fourth receiving element 404, and the fifth signal receiving assembly includes a fifth conductive element 305 and a fifth receiving element 405. The receiving and reflecting surfaces of each conductive element are flush with the inner wall of the container. Of course, the light transmission path can also be changed by adjusting the angle between the receiving and reflecting surfaces of each conductive element and the inner wall of the container.

[0080] During the ice making process, ice cubes fall from above into container 1 and gradually accumulate in container 1. If there is no ice to block the light, the reflected light on one side of the container inner wall will propagate in a straight line to the other side of the container. At this time, the signal receiving component on the other side of the container inner wall will continue to reflect the light, and so on.

[0081] Specifically, in the absence of ice obstruction, the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301 receives and reflects the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2. A part of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 enters the first conductive component 301 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301, and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the first conductive component 301. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the first receiving component 401, and another part of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301 and reaches the second conductive component 302.

[0082] The receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301 enters the second conductive member 302 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the second conductive member 302. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the second receiving member 402. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 and reaches the third conductive member 303.

[0083] The receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302 enters the third conductive member 303 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the third conductive member 303. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the third receiving member 403. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 and reaches the fourth conductive member 304.

[0084] The receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303 enters the fourth conductive member 304 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the fourth conductive member 304. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the fourth receiving member 404. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 and reaches the fifth conductive member 305.

[0085] The receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304 enters the fifth conductive member 305 from the receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the fifth conductive member 305. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the fifth receiving member 405, and another part of the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304 is reflected out from the receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305. The arrival position of this part of the infrared light is not limited, as long as it does not affect the operation of each signal receiving component.

[0086] According to the above process, through the cooperation of a signal transmitting component 2 and multiple signal receiving components, the container 1 can be fully inspected from the top to the bottom, with a large inspection range and high inspection accuracy.

[0087] In this embodiment, the light guide's receiving and reflecting surface is made of a material that is both reflective and transmissive, such as a semi-transparent mirror. The receiving element is a photosensor or a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor, which has a detection range covering the infrared wavelength range.

[0088] In other embodiments, if the signal transmitter 2 is a visible light transmitter, the receiver may be a corresponding light intensity sensor.

[0089] Furthermore, each signal receiving component corresponds to a material storage quantity value.

[0090] Each signal receiving component corresponds to a material storage quantity value, that is, each signal receiving component corresponds to a material storage quantity height. The material storage quantity height can be the same as the setting height of the corresponding signal receiving component, or it can be different from the setting height of the corresponding signal receiving component. For example, the corresponding height of the signal receiving components located below two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction is the midpoint height between the two adjacent signal receiving components, and both can realize the detection of the material storage quantity value to improve the detection flexibility and meet different detection needs.

[0091] In this embodiment, the material storage value (material storage height) corresponding to each signal receiving component is the same as the setting height of the signal receiving component. For example, the first signal receiving component corresponds to the maximum ice position (ice full flag).

[0092] Furthermore, all signal receiving components located in the same arrangement area are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0093] In order to facilitate the installation and setting of each signal receiving component, the receiving and reflecting surfaces of all conductive parts are flush with the inner wall of the container (not set at an angle), reducing the difficulty of setting the signal receiving components. All signal receiving components located in the same setting area are aligned in the vertical direction, that is, all signal receiving components located in the first setting area 102 are aligned in the vertical direction, and all signal receiving components located in the second setting area 103 are aligned in the vertical direction, making the setting of the signal receiving components more convenient, so as to meet the requirement that among the two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component in the lower vertical position is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component in the upper vertical position, thereby realizing the reflection and reception of detection signals between adjacent signal receiving components, and then realizing the detection of material storage quantity, reducing the difficulty of setting the storage quantity detection mechanism.

[0094] This embodiment further provides a detection system, including a control unit and the storage capacity detection mechanism as described above, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to a signal receiving component of the storage capacity detection mechanism.

[0095] The control unit is electrically connected to the signal receiving assembly of the storage level detection mechanism and is used to control the operation of the storage level detection mechanism. Specifically, the control unit is electrically connected to the receiving elements of all signal receiving assemblies. The detection signals collected by the receiving elements are sent to the control unit for analysis to determine the changes in the detection signals. This detection system has a wide detection range and high detection accuracy.

[0096] This detection system is applicable to various application scenarios such as ice making devices, which will not be described here.

[0097] This embodiment further provides an ice-making device, including a container 1 , in which ice cubes are stored. The amount of ice in the container 1 is detected by the above-mentioned storage amount detection mechanism or the above-mentioned detection system.

[0098] The ice-making device is specifically an ice-making machine that can cool water to make ice cubes. The ice-making machine has a container 1 for storing ice cubes. The container 1 is called an ice basket (or ice box). The ice basket is mounted and fixed by an ice basket bracket. Of course, the ice-making machine also has other structures that are common to existing ice-making machines, which will not be described here.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment further provides a detection method, which is performed by the above-mentioned ice-making device, and the detection method includes:

[0100] Turn on the computer;

[0101] The signal transmitter 2 sends a detection signal;

[0102] Each signal receiving component receives and reflects the detection signal at its respective position;

[0103] Obtaining a signal change value of a detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value;

[0104] Determine whether a signal receiving component and all subsequent signal receiving components receive a detection signal whose signal change value is greater than a preset value and lasts for T1;

[0105] If yes, the material storage value corresponding to this signal receiving component is the current material storage value;

[0106] If not, then at an interval of time T2, the steps of obtaining the signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with the preset value are repeated.

[0107] The detection method is performed by the ice-making device. After the ice-making device is turned on, ice making is started. The detection method of this embodiment can detect the amount of ice stored in the container 1 of the ice-making device in real time with high detection accuracy.

[0108] The detection method of this embodiment is described in detail below:

[0109] Step S01, power on.

[0110] After the ice making device is turned on and the power is turned on, the ice making mechanism of the ice making device starts to work, and at the same time the storage amount detection mechanism starts to work to detect the amount of ice stored in the container 1 of the ice making device in real time.

[0111] In step S02 , the signal emitting element 2 emits a detection signal.

[0112] The signal transmitter 2 of the storage quantity detection mechanism sends out a detection signal. In this embodiment, the signal transmitter 2 is an infrared emitting light source, and the detection signal is infrared. The signal transmitter 2 transmits infrared rays to the first signal receiving component on the inner wall of the container 1 at a preset incident angle.

[0113] Step S03 : Each signal receiving component receives and reflects the detection signal at its respective position.

[0114] In this embodiment, the signal receiving component arranged near the open end 101 of the container 1 receives and reflects the detection signal emitted by the signal emitting component 2, and other signal receiving components receive and reflect the detection signals reflected by the adjacent signal receiving components located vertically above them.

[0115] like Figure 1 As shown, when no ice cubes fall into the container 1 and there are few ice cubes in the container 1, the infrared rays entering the container 1 are not blocked, and the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301 receives and reflects the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2. A part of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 enters the first conductive component 301 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the first conductive component 301. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the first receiving component 401 and sent to the control unit. Another part of the infrared rays emitted by the signal transmitter 2 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the first conductive component 301 and reaches the second conductive component 302.

[0116] The receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301 enters the second conductive member 302 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the second conductive member 302. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the second receiving member 402 and sent to the control unit. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the first conductive member 301 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the second conductive member 302 and reaches the third conductive member 303.

[0117] The receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302 enters the third conductive member 303 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the third conductive member 303. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the third receiving member 403 and sent to the control unit. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the second conductive member 302 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the third conductive member 303 and reaches the fourth conductive member 304.

[0118] The receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303 enters the fourth conductive member 304 from the receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the fourth conductive member 304. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the fourth receiving member 404 and sent to the control unit. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the third conductive member 303 is reflected from the receiving and reflecting surface of the fourth conductive member 304 and reaches the fifth conductive member 305.

[0119] The receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305 receives and reflects the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304. A part of the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304 enters the fifth conductive member 305 from the receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305 and is then transmitted to the transmission surface of the fifth conductive member 305. This part of the infrared rays is collected by the fifth receiving member 405 and sent to the control unit. Another part of the infrared rays reflected by the fourth conductive member 304 is reflected out from the receiving reflection surface of the fifth conductive member 305.

[0120] The receiving components of each signal receiving assembly work continuously and send the detection signals collected by each assembly to the control unit for analysis in real time.

[0121] Step S4: obtaining a signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value.

[0122] The control unit acquires the detection signals received by all signal receiving components in real time and analyzes and obtains a signal change value of the detection signal. In this embodiment, the detection signal is a light ray, and the signal change value is a light intensity change value. The control unit is set with a preset value of the signal change value.

[0123] It should be noted that even when no ice cubes are falling or stored in the container, after infrared light is emitted from the signal transmitter 2 and is received and reflected multiple times by the signal receiving components, the infrared light intensity will gradually attenuate. This intensity attenuation value can be obtained through experiments or other means. In this embodiment, the preset value is a preset intensity change value, which is greater than the intensity attenuation value.

[0124] Step S05 , determining whether a signal receiving component and all subsequent signal receiving components receive detection signals whose signal change values ​​are greater than a preset value and last for T1 .

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, during the continuous operation of each signal receiving component, if ice cubes fall, the ice cubes may block the infrared rays at a certain position, thereby hindering the linear propagation of the infrared rays. At this time, after the detection signal collected by the receiving component of the corresponding signal receiving component is sent to the control unit, the control unit can obtain the change in the infrared light intensity at that position, that is, the signal change value. If the signal change value is greater than the preset value, the control unit will mark it.

[0126] Because the receiving components of all signal receiving components transmit the collected detection signals to the control unit in real time, the control unit can simultaneously obtain the change value of the detection signals collected by each receiving component. If the signal change value of the detection signal received by a signal receiving component is greater than the preset value, it may be caused by the sudden drop of ice. In this case, it is necessary to further pay attention to whether the signal change value of the detection signal received by all signal receiving components below the signal receiving component is greater than the preset value and remains stable within the duration T1 to eliminate the situation where the ice cubes suddenly fall, rather than the ice storage volume reaching the material storage volume value corresponding to the signal receiving component. The duration T1 can be set according to the actual product, for example, it can be 0.5s, 1s, etc.

[0127] Step S06: If yes, the material storage value corresponding to this signal receiving component is the current material storage value.

[0128] If yes, the ice storage capacity has reached the material storage capacity value corresponding to this signal receiving component. Figure 3 For example, if the change value of the detection signal collected by the fourth receiving component 404 of the fourth signal receiving component is greater than the preset value, and the signal change values ​​of the detection signals received by all the subsequent signal receiving components (the fifth receiving component 405 of the fifth signal receiving component) are also greater than the preset value, and all last for time T1, it is determined that the ice storage amount has reached the material storage amount value corresponding to the fourth signal receiving component.

[0129] Step S07: if not, then at intervals of time T2, repeat the steps of obtaining the signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with the preset value.

[0130] If not, it is the case that the falling ice blocks the infrared light instantaneously. The interval time T2 is repeated at step S04, thereby reducing misjudgment and improving detection accuracy. The interval time T2 can be set according to the actual product, for example, 0.5s, 1s, etc.

[0131] Furthermore, after the step of: if yes, the material storage value corresponding to this signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, it also includes outputting the current material storage amount.

[0132] After step S07, the process also includes a step of outputting the current material storage amount, so as to intuitively send the detection result to the user, so that the user can timely understand the ice quantity situation and facilitate the user to use and control the ice-making device.

[0133] Furthermore, after the step of: if yes, the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, the method further includes: if the current material storage amount is the maximum storage amount of the container, controlling the ice-making mechanism of the ice-making device to shut down.

[0134] If the current material storage level reaches the container's maximum capacity, meaning the ice has reached the top of the container, continuing to make ice will prevent the newly made ice from falling properly, potentially damaging the ice-making mechanism. Therefore, when the current material storage level reaches the container's maximum capacity, the control unit shuts down the ice-making mechanism, reliably protecting it and ensuring its service life.

[0135] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice making device, characterized in that: The ice-making device comprises a container (1) and a storage quantity detection mechanism, wherein ice cubes are stored in the container (1), and the storage quantity detection mechanism is used to detect the storage quantity of materials in the container (1), wherein the top of the container (1) has an open end (101), and the storage quantity detection mechanism comprises: A signal emitting element (2) is arranged outside the container (1), and the signal emitting element (2) is suitable for emitting a detection signal into the container (1); a signal receiving component for receiving and reflecting the detection signal, wherein at least three signal receiving components are provided, wherein one of the signal receiving components is provided near the opening end (101), and one of the signal receiving components is provided near the bottom of the container (1), and the signal receiving component provided near the opening end (101) is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal emitted by the signal emitting component (2); In the vertical direction, one of the two adjacent signal receiving components is arranged in a first setting area (102) of the inner wall of the container (1), and the other is arranged in a second setting area (103) of the inner wall of the container (1), and the first setting area (102) and the second setting area (103) are arranged opposite to each other; in the vertical direction, the signal receiving component at the lower vertical position of the two adjacent signal receiving components is suitable for receiving and reflecting the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component at the upper vertical position, The signal receiving component includes a conductive part and a receiving part, one end of the conductive part is a receiving reflection surface, and the other end is a transmission surface. A part of the detection signal is transmitted to the transmission surface through the receiving reflection surface, and the receiving part is used to collect the detection signal transmitted by the transmission surface. The other part of the detection signal is reflected by the receiving reflection surface.

2. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: All the signal receiving components located in the same arrangement area are aligned in the vertical direction.

3. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: The two adjacent signal receiving components in the vertical direction are staggered in the horizontal direction.

4. The ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection signal is a light ray.

5. The ice making device according to claim 4, characterized in that The receiving element is a photosensor or a CCD sensor.

6. The ice making device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the signal receiving components corresponds to a material storage quantity value.

7. A detection system, characterized in that: The ice-making device comprises a control unit and the ice-making device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to a signal receiving component of the ice-making device.

8. A detection method, characterized in that: Executed by the ice-making device according to claim 1, the detection method comprises: Turn on the computer; The signal transmitter (2) sends a detection signal; Each signal receiving component receives and reflects the detection signal at its respective position; Obtaining a signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value; Determine whether the signal change value of the detection signal received by one of the signal receiving components and all the signal receiving components thereafter is greater than the preset value and lasts for T1; If yes, the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage value; If not, then at an interval of time T2, the step of obtaining the signal change value of the detection signal received by each signal receiving component and comparing it with a preset value is repeated.

9. The detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of each signal receiving component receiving and reflecting the detection signal at its respective position comprises: the signal receiving component arranged near the open end (101) of the container (1) receives and reflects the detection signal emitted by the signal emitting component (2), and the other signal receiving components receive and reflect the detection signal reflected by the signal receiving component adjacent to it and located vertically above it.

10. The detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that After the step of: if yes, then the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, the method further includes outputting the current material storage amount.

11. The detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that: After the step of: if yes, then the material storage value corresponding to the signal receiving component is the current material storage amount, the method further includes controlling the ice-making mechanism of the ice-making device to shut down if the current material storage amount is the maximum storage amount of the container.

12. The detection method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: The detection signal is a light ray, and the signal change value is a light intensity change value.

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