Flaky ice machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a slice ice machine and a control method thereof, and the slice ice machine comprises an ice making cavity and an ice sheet storage cavity; the ice-making cavity is provided with a plurality of ice sheet partition plates, and the ice sheet partition plates are used for partitioning water entering the ice-making cavity, so that the water between every two adjacent ice sheet partition plates forms ice sheets after ice-making treatment; the ice making cavity is further provided with a lifting device, and the lifting device is connected with the borneol partition plate and used for controlling the borneol partition plate to ascend after ice making is completed, so that the borneol is separated from the borneol partition plate to enter the borneol storage cavity. The problems that in the prior art, an ice maker is low in ice making efficiency and unstable in borneol quality are solved, the ice making efficiency and the stability of the borneol quality are improved, and the ice using requirement of a user is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ice making, and in particular to a flake ice machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Traditional flake ice machines primarily use blades to crush ice during the ice-making process, resulting in low ice-making efficiency and high energy consumption. Furthermore, due to the integrity of ice, using blades for external ice-crushing can easily lead to ice breakage and unstable ice flake quality. Furthermore, prolonged ice-making processes can easily cause blade wear, resulting in abnormal ice production.

[0003] In addition, the ice-making process of conventional flake ice machines is basically fixed, and it is impossible to effectively judge whether the ice cubes are well formed. The ice flakes are prone to sticking or being damaged during the demolding and collection process, resulting in the ice flakes quality not meeting user requirements.

[0004] Currently, no effective solution has been proposed to the problems of low ice-making efficiency and unstable ice flake quality in related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a flake ice machine and a control method thereof, which at least solve the problems of low ice making efficiency and unstable ice flake quality in the prior art flake ice machines.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a flake ice machine is provided, including: an ice making chamber and an ice flake storage chamber; the ice making chamber is provided with a plurality of ice flake partitions, which are used to separate the water entering the ice making chamber, so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making; the ice making chamber is also provided with a lifting device, which is connected to the ice flake partitions and is used to control the ice flake partitions to rise after ice making is completed, so that the ice flakes are separated from the ice flake partitions and enter the ice flake storage chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, the spacing between the ice sheet separators is adjustable to adjust the thickness of the ice sheet.

[0008] Furthermore, the ice-making chamber also includes: a water level sensor located in the ice-making chamber, for detecting the water level in the ice-making chamber; a water valve, one end of which is connected to the water inlet of the ice-making chamber, and the other end is connected to the ice-making chamber, for controlling the water inlet into the ice-making chamber to adjust the water level in the ice-making chamber, thereby adjusting the height of the ice slices; the water valve is also used to control the ice-making chamber to stop water inlet when the water level in the ice-making chamber reaches a preset water level; the lifting device is also used to control the ice slice partition to descend when the water level in the ice-making chamber reaches a preset water level to separate the water entering the ice-making chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, the ice-making chamber also includes: a temperature sensor, arranged on the ice flake partition, for detecting the temperature of the ice flakes; a pressure sensor, arranged on the ice flake partition, for detecting the pressure of the ice flake partition; wherein, ice making is completed when the ice flake temperature is lower than a first preset temperature and the ice flake partition pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, the ice-making chamber also includes: a heating device, which is arranged on the ice flake partition and is used to be turned on after ice making is completed to heat the surface of the ice flakes; an ice-collecting partition, which is arranged between the ice-making chamber and the ice flake storage chamber and is used to separate the ice-making chamber and the ice flake storage chamber, wherein the ice-collecting partition contracts after the heating device is turned on for a preset period of time, and / or contracts when the temperature of the ice flakes is higher than a second preset temperature, and / or contracts when the pressure of the ice flake partition is lower than a second preset pressure; wherein the first preset temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, and the first preset pressure is higher than the second preset pressure.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting device is also used to control the ice sheet partition to rise after the ice collection partition is retracted.

[0012] Furthermore, the ice flake storage chamber includes: an ice guide plate, including a plurality of guide plates arranged in parallel, located at the upper part of the ice flake storage chamber, for guiding the ice flakes into the lower part of the ice flake storage chamber to prevent the ice flakes from sticking together during the falling process; an ice supporting plate, arranged corresponding to the ice guide plate, including a plurality of partition plates arranged in parallel, located at the lower part of the ice flake storage chamber, for separating and supporting the ice flakes to prevent the ice flakes from sticking together; a weight sensor, located below the ice supporting plate, for detecting the weight of the ice flakes, so as to remind the user to collect the ice when the weight of the ice flakes reaches a preset weight.

[0013] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a flake ice machine control method is provided, which is applied to the flake ice machine as described above, and the method includes: detecting whether ice making is triggered to start; when ice making is triggered to start, controlling the ice flake partition to descend and controlling the refrigeration equipment to start ice making; detecting whether ice making is completed; after ice making is completed, controlling the ice flake partition to rise so that the ice flakes are detached and enter the ice flake storage chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, before controlling the ice flake partition to descend, it also includes: controlling the water valve to open and water to start entering the ice making chamber; detecting the water level in the ice making chamber through a water level sensor, and controlling the water valve to close when the water level in the ice making chamber reaches a preset water level, and then triggering the control of the ice flake partition to descend.

[0015] Furthermore, detecting whether ice making is completed includes: obtaining the ice flake temperature detected by the temperature sensor; obtaining the ice flake partition pressure detected by the pressure sensor; and determining that ice making is completed when the ice flake temperature is lower than a first preset temperature and the ice flake partition pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

[0016] Furthermore, before controlling the ice flake partition to rise, it also includes: controlling the heating device to turn on to heat the surface of the ice flake; obtaining the ice flake temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the ice flake partition pressure detected by the pressure sensor; after the heating device is turned on for a preset period of time, and / or, when the ice flake temperature is higher than a second preset temperature, and / or, when the ice flake partition pressure is lower than the second preset pressure, controlling the ice collection partition to contract, and then triggering the control of the ice flake partition to rise; wherein, the first preset temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, and the first preset pressure is higher than the second preset pressure.

[0017] Furthermore, after controlling the ice flake partition to rise, the method further includes: detecting the weight of the ice flakes by a weight sensor, and reminding the user to collect the ice when the weight of the ice flakes reaches a preset weight.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions is provided. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer processor, the computer-executable instructions are used to perform the above-mentioned flake ice machine control method.

[0019] The present invention provides a flake ice machine having a plurality of ice flake partitions disposed within the ice-making chamber of the flake ice machine. The ice flake partitions are used to separate water entering the ice-making chamber so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making. The ice-making chamber is also provided with a lifting device connected to the ice flake partitions and used to control the ice flake partitions to rise after ice making is completed, allowing the ice flakes to separate from the ice flake partitions and enter the ice flake storage chamber. The ice flake partitions can directly generate ice flakes after ice making, eliminating the need for ice cutters to cut ice, thereby ensuring ice making efficiency and ice flake quality. The lifting device also separates the ice flakes, making it easier and faster to separate them for collection and use. Therefore, the ice flake partitions with a lifting function can stably produce and collect ice, avoiding the low ice efficiency and unstable ice flake quality problems of flake ice machines in the prior art, improving ice making efficiency and the stability of ice flake quality, and meeting user ice needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a flake ice machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is an optional flow chart of a flake ice machine control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is another optional flow chart of a flake ice machine control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Description of reference numerals:

[0024] 1. Ice making chamber; 2. Ice flake storage chamber; 3. Ice flake partition; 4. Water valve; 5. Water level sensor; 6. Temperature sensor; 7. Pressure sensor; 8. Heating device; 9. Ice collection partition; 10. Ice guide plate; 11. Ice support plate; 12. Weight sensor; 13. Ice removal plate; 14. Fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "a plurality" generally includes at least two.

[0027] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe controllers in embodiments of the present invention, these controllers should not be limited to these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish controllers connected to different devices. For example, a first controller may also be referred to as a second controller, and similarly, a second controller may also be referred to as a first controller without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] As used herein, the words "if" and "if" may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if (stated condition or event) is detected" may be interpreted as "when it is determined" or "in response to the determination" or "when detecting (stated condition or event)" or "in response to detecting (stated condition or event)," depending on the context.

[0030] It should also be noted that the terms "include," "comprises," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such product or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or device comprising the element.

[0031] The optional embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] In a preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention, a flake ice machine is provided. Specifically, Figure 1 An optional structural diagram of the flake ice machine is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the flake ice machine includes:

[0034] Ice making chamber 1 and ice flake storage chamber 2; The flake ice machine adopts the structure design of closed equipment, made of high-strength corrosion-resistant materials, and the internal design is a layered structure. It can also include a water tank. Figure 1 Although not shown, the water tank is connected to the ice-making chamber 1, supplying water to the chamber to make ice. In addition to the water tank, other water supply devices, such as water pipes, can also be used to supply water to the ice-making chamber 1. The ice-making chamber 1 is connected to the ice flake storage chamber 2, where the ice is stored for user use. The layered design of the water tank refrigeration chamber 1 and the ice flake storage chamber 2 improves ice-making efficiency and storage management.

[0035] The ice making chamber 1 is provided with a plurality of ice flake partitions 3, which are used to separate the water entering the ice making chamber 1 from the water tank so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions 3 forms ice flakes after being processed by ice making;

[0036] The ice-making chamber 1 is also equipped with a lifting mechanism connected to the ice flake partition 3. This mechanism is used to control the ice flake partition 3 to rise after ice making is completed, allowing the ice flakes to separate from the ice flake partition 3 and enter the ice flake storage chamber 2. After ice making is completed, the lifting mechanism controls the ice flake partition 3 to rise, and the ice flakes, under the effects of gravity and inertia, can separate from the ice flake partition 3 and enter the ice flake storage chamber 2. Optionally, a baffle can be provided above the ice-making chamber 1. If the ice flakes do not separate from the ice flake partition 3 in time, the baffle will prevent the ice flakes from escaping and entering the ice flake storage chamber 2.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, a flake ice machine is provided. The flake ice machine has multiple ice flake partitions installed within the ice making chamber. The ice flake partitions are used to separate water entering the ice making chamber, so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making. The ice making chamber is also equipped with a lifting mechanism connected to the ice flake partitions. The lifting mechanism is used to control the ice flake partitions to rise after ice making is completed, allowing the ice flakes to separate from the ice flake partitions and enter the ice flake storage chamber. The ice flake partitions allow water to be directly converted into ice flakes after ice making, eliminating the need for ice cutters to cut ice, thereby ensuring ice making efficiency and ice flake quality. The lifting mechanism also separates the ice flakes, making it easier and faster to separate and collect them for use. Therefore, the ice flake partitions with a lifting function can ensure stable ice production and collection, avoiding the low ice efficiency and unstable ice flake quality problems of existing flake ice machines. This improves ice making efficiency and the stability of ice flake quality, thus meeting user needs.

[0038] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, the ice-making chamber 1 is further provided with a fan 14 for blowing air toward the ice flake partition 3 to accelerate ice formation, improve ice-making efficiency, and achieve energy-saving effects.

[0039] The ice flake partitions 3 are lightweight and can be raised and lowered electrically, while maintaining the same distance between the partitions to ensure that the width of each ice cube is substantially the same. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the ice flake partitions 3 is adjustable to adjust the thickness of the ice flakes. As shown in the figure, the ice flake partitions 3 include multiple pieces, and the spacing between the ice flake partitions 3 can be adjusted. Alternatively, the ice flake partitions 3 can be connected together to form a single module for ice making. If the thickness of the ice flakes needs to be adjusted, this can be achieved by replacing the module, making the thickness of the ice flakes adjustable to meet different ice flake requirements.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the ice-making chamber 1 further includes a water level sensor 5 located within the ice-making chamber 1 for detecting the water level within the ice-making chamber 1. The ice-making chamber 1 also includes a water valve 4, one end of which is connected to the water inlet of the ice-making chamber 1 and the other end of which is connected to the ice-making chamber 1. This valve is used to control the water inflow into the ice-making chamber 1, thereby adjusting the water level within the ice-making chamber 1 and, consequently, the height of the ice flakes. The ice flakes of the present invention are adjustable not only in thickness but also in height, enhancing the flexibility of ice making. The water valve 4 can be an electric valve, which stops water inflow into the ice-making chamber 1 when the water level within the ice-making chamber 1 reaches a preset level. The lifting device is also used to control the lowering of the ice flake partition 3 when the water level in the ice-making chamber 1 reaches the preset level, thereby separating the water entering the ice-making chamber 1. Therefore, the electric water valve 4 and the water level sensor 5 automatically control the water inflow and determine the water level, effectively determining the size of the ice flakes, improving control accuracy, and reducing energy consumption. The water level sensor 5 can not only be used to control the amount of water entering and accurately control the height of the ice flakes, but also can be used to control the action of the lifting device, and control the ice flake partition 3 to descend after the water level reaches the preset water level, so as to avoid the water level between the ice flake partitions 3 being different due to water entering after the ice flake partition 3 is lowered, and then the height of the ice flakes is not uniform, thereby improving the quality of ice making.

[0041] The ice-making chamber 1 also includes a temperature sensor 6, mounted on the ice sheet partition 3, for detecting the ice sheet temperature; and a pressure sensor 7, mounted on the ice sheet partition 3, for detecting the pressure within the ice sheet partition 3. Ice making is complete when the ice sheet temperature is below a first preset temperature and the pressure within the ice sheet partition 3 is above a first preset pressure. After the ice sheet partition 3 descends, the refrigeration system activates, cooling the interior of the sealed device. The refrigeration system utilizes a highly efficient refrigerant and refrigeration cycle design to ensure rapid cooling, solidifying the water into ice sheets. The pressure sensor 7 and temperature sensor 6 are integrated into the ice sheet partition 3 to monitor pressure and temperature changes during the ice-making process in real time. As the ice forms, its volume gradually increases and its temperature gradually decreases. This causes the inner wall pressure detected by the pressure sensors 7 to increase and the temperature to decrease. When the pressure values detected by each pressure sensor 7 exceed a preset value P and the temperature falls below a preset value T, the system deems ice making complete. The pressure and temperature sensors 6 accurately determine whether ice sheet production is complete.

[0042] The current conditions for ice making are generally considered to be that ice flakes are transformed from liquid to solid ice when the temperature is below 0°C. However, conventional ice flake surface detection cannot effectively detect the internal state of the ice flakes. The effective generation of ice flakes is confirmed by the increase in the volume of frozen water and the increase in external pressure. At the same time, users can manually adjust the thresholds of pressure P and temperature T according to the effect of ice making to achieve better ice making. Specifically, according to the relationship between the volume and density of an object: each time water is injected at a height of h, the mass of the water is m (mass) = ρ (density) * h (height) * S * (bottom area). According to the formula m (mass) = V (volume) * ρ (density), when liquid water becomes solid ice, the volume relationship is V (water) / V (ice) = ρ (ice) / ρ (water), and the volume change is ΔV = m / ρ (ice) - m / ρ (water). Under theoretical conditions, the pressure change caused by volume expansion can be estimated using the following formula: ΔP = (ΔV / V) = (m / ρ(ice) - m / ρ(water)) / (m / ρ(water)) = (ρ(water) - ρ(ice)) / ρ(ice); under standard conditions, the solid-liquid mixture is 0°C, and the temperature will not change until the mixture is completely converted into a solid or liquid state. At this time, when the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor is close to ΔP and the temperature of the temperature sensor is below 0°C, it can be determined that ice making is complete.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ice-making chamber 1 further comprises a heating device 8, mounted on the ice flake partition 3, configured to be activated after ice making is complete to heat the surface of the ice flakes. The heating device 8 can be an electric heater. After ice making is complete, the electric heating device 8 on the ice flake partition 3 begins to operate slowly, heating the surface of the ice flakes and creating a small gap between the ice flakes and the partition to facilitate their detachment. The electric heating system can employ a segmented heating method to precisely control the melting rate of the ice flake surface, preventing ice flakes from sticking or becoming damaged. Because the ice flakes have already been formed regularly due to the partition, no additional segmentation with an ice knife is required. The primary function of the electric heating is to partially melt the surface of the ice flakes, further assisting in their removal from the container and preventing them from adhering to the partition. The electric heating power W and heating time t significantly affect the detachment of the ice flakes, and the relationship is directly proportional.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, an ice collection partition 9 is provided between the ice making chamber 1 and the ice storage chamber 2 to separate them. After the ice partition 3 rises, the ice collection partition 9 retracts, allowing ice flakes to enter the ice storage chamber 2. This partition 9 separates the ice making chamber 1 and the ice storage chamber 2, preventing cold air leakage during ice making and maintaining the temperature of the ice making chamber 1. Furthermore, the ice collection partition 9 is automated, automatically completing the different ice making steps. Specifically, the ice collection partition 9 contracts after the heating device 8 is turned on for a preset period of time, and / or contracts when the temperature of the ice flakes is higher than a second preset temperature, and / or contracts when the pressure of the ice flake partition is lower than a second preset pressure; the pressure sensor 7 can detect the pressure of the ice flakes on the ice flake partition 3 in real time. When the ice flakes begin to melt, the pressure value P detected by the pressure sensor 7 will decrease. At the same time, the temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 6 corresponding to the surface of the ice flakes melting into an ice-water mixture will also increase. At this time, when the detection value reaches the user's preset value to control the retraction of the ice collection partition 9, the ice flakes above the ice collection partition 9 gradually detach in the direction of contraction of the ice collection partition 9 under the action of gravity, and move to the ice flake storage chamber 2, thereby avoiding the adhesion of ice flakes during the ice collection process.

[0045] Furthermore, the lifting device is used to control the upward movement of the ice flakes divider 3 after the ice collection divider 9 retracts. If any ice flakes remain, the lifting device's upward movement allows them to promptly detach and enter the ice flake storage chamber 2, preventing them from adhering to the ice flake divider 3 and disrupting the ice-making process, affecting the next ice-making cycle. The lifting device can also be raised when the ice collection divider 9 retracts. However, if the ice flake divider rises too quickly, ice flakes above the unretracted portion of the ice collection divider 9 may detach and accumulate, potentially causing ice flakes to stick together and affect ice quality. Therefore, raising the lifting device after the ice collection divider 9 retracts ensures that ice flakes are completely detached from the ice flake divider 3 while preventing ice flakes from sticking during the ice collection process, thereby improving ice-making efficiency and ice flake quality.

[0046] As previously mentioned, after ice making is complete, the ice flakes are lifted by the lifting device, and the ice flakes, under the action of gravity and inertia, can separate from the ice flakes and enter the ice flake storage chamber 2. Therefore, the ice harvesting device of the present invention can include two schemes: using the ice flakes to harvest ice by lifting the ice flakes 3 alone, or heating the ice harvesting device 8 and then retracting the ice harvesting device 9 to cooperate with the lifting of the ice flakes 3. This ensures complete ice harvesting, timely ice supply, and improved efficiency of the flake ice machine.

[0047] Specifically, the ice storage chamber 2 includes an ice guide plate 10, comprising multiple parallel guide plates, located at the upper portion of the ice storage chamber 2. These guide plates guide the ice flakes to the lower portion of the chamber 2, preventing them from sticking together as they fall. An ice support plate 11, corresponding to the ice guide plate 10, comprises multiple parallel dividers located at the lower portion of the chamber 2, separating and supporting the ice flakes to prevent them from sticking together. A weight sensor 12, located below the ice support plate 11, detects the weight of the ice flakes and alerts the user to collect them when the weight reaches a preset value. The automatic retraction of the ice collection partitions 9 allows the ice flakes to move downward along the ice guide plates 10, one by one, ultimately being supported by the ice support plates 11 to form a single ice flake. As the ice flakes accumulate, the weight on the ice retrieval plate 13 gradually increases. When the weight reaches a preset value G, the user is prompted to collect the ice. When needed, the user pulls the ice retrieval plate 13 to remove the ice flakes, completing the collection and storage of the ice flakes.

[0048] After the ice flakes are collected, the system will automatically enter the next ice-making cycle and repeat the above process to achieve continuous and efficient ice flake production.

[0049] In the present invention, the ice flake partition is made of lightweight materials and uses an electric lifting method to ensure the lifting accuracy and stability of the partition, while ensuring the consistency of the size and width of the ice cubes. The combined use of pressure sensors, temperature sensors and weight sensors can monitor the pressure, temperature and weight changes in the ice-making process in real time to ensure precise control of the ice-making process. At the same time, the equipment is equipped with an automated control system to achieve fully automatic operation of the ice-making process, reduce manual intervention, and improve production efficiency. By optimizing the structural design and control method of the ice-making process, the efficiency and quality of ice flake production are improved, while energy consumption is reduced. It can achieve precise water control, efficient ice-making process, stable ice flake quality and automated storage function, and has broad market application prospects.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] In a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention, a flake ice machine control method is provided, which is applied to the flake ice machine in the above embodiment 1. Specifically, Figure 2 An optional flow chart of the method is shown as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps S202-S208:

[0052] S202: Detecting whether ice making is triggered;

[0053] S204: When ice making is triggered, the ice sheet partition is controlled to descend and the refrigeration equipment is controlled to start ice making;

[0054] S206: Check whether ice making is completed;

[0055] S208: After ice making is completed, the ice slice partition is controlled to rise so that the ice slices are separated and enter the ice slice storage chamber.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, a flake ice machine is provided. The flake ice machine has multiple ice flake partitions installed within the ice making chamber. The ice flake partitions are used to separate water entering the ice making chamber, so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making. The ice making chamber is also equipped with a lifting mechanism connected to the ice flake partitions. The lifting mechanism is used to control the ice flake partitions to rise after ice making is completed, allowing the ice flakes to separate from the ice flake partitions and enter the ice flake storage chamber. The ice flake partitions allow water to be directly converted into ice flakes after ice making, eliminating the need for ice cutters to cut ice, thereby ensuring ice making efficiency and ice flake quality. The lifting mechanism also separates the ice flakes, making it easier and faster to separate and collect them for use. Therefore, the ice flake partitions with a lifting function can ensure stable ice production and collection, avoiding the low ice efficiency and unstable ice flake quality problems of existing flake ice machines. This improves ice making efficiency and the stability of ice flake quality, thus meeting user needs.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before controlling the ice slab partitions to descend, the process further includes: controlling a water valve to open, causing water to flow into the ice-making chamber; detecting the water level in the ice-making chamber via a water level sensor, and controlling the water valve to close when the water level in the ice-making chamber reaches a preset level, thereby triggering the control of the ice slab partitions to descend. Controlling the ice slab partitions to descend after the water level reaches the preset level prevents uneven water levels between the ice slab partitions due to continued water inflow after the ice slab partitions have descended, thereby improving ice quality.

[0058] During the ice-making process, detecting whether ice-making is complete includes: obtaining the ice sheet temperature detected by a temperature sensor; obtaining the ice sheet partition pressure detected by a pressure sensor; and determining that ice-making is complete when the ice sheet temperature is below a first preset temperature and the ice sheet partition pressure is greater than the first preset pressure. Current conditions for ice-making completion generally assume that ice sheet water transforms from liquid to solid ice when it falls below 0°C. However, conventional ice sheet surface detection cannot effectively detect the internal state of the ice sheet. The effective formation of ice sheets is simultaneously confirmed by the increase in the volume of frozen water and the resulting increase in external pressure. Users can also manually adjust the pressure P and temperature T thresholds based on the ice-making effect to achieve better ice-making results. Specifically, based on the relationship between the volume and density of an object: each time water is injected to a height h, the mass of the water is m (mass) = ρ (density) * h (height) * S * (bottom area). According to the formula m (mass) = V (volume) * ρ (density), when liquid water transforms into solid ice, the volume relationship is V (water) / V (ice) = ρ (ice) / ρ (water), and the volume change is ΔV = m / ρ (ice) - m / ρ (water). Under theoretical conditions, the pressure change caused by volume expansion can be estimated using the following formula: ΔP = (ΔV / V) = (m / ρ(ice) - m / ρ(water)) / (m / ρ(water)) = (ρ(water) - ρ(ice)) / ρ(ice); under standard conditions, the solid-liquid mixture is 0°C, and the temperature will not change until the mixture is completely converted into a solid or liquid state. At this time, when the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor is close to ΔP and the temperature of the temperature sensor is below 0°C, it can be determined that ice making is complete.

[0059] Before controlling the ice sheet partition to rise, the process also includes: controlling the heating device to activate to heat the surface of the ice sheet; obtaining the ice sheet temperature detected by a temperature sensor and the ice sheet partition pressure detected by a pressure sensor; controlling the ice collection partition to retract after the heating device has been activated for a preset period of time, and / or when the ice sheet temperature exceeds a second preset temperature, and / or when the ice sheet partition pressure falls below a second preset pressure, and then triggering the ice sheet partition to rise; wherein the first preset temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, and the first preset pressure is higher than the second preset pressure. The heating device can employ a segmented heating method to precisely control the melting rate of the ice sheet surface to prevent ice sheet adhesion or damage. Because the ice sheet has already been formed regularly under the action of the partition, additional ice cutting is not required. The primary function of the electric heating is to partially melt the surface of the ice sheet to facilitate ice removal from the container and prevent it from adhering to the partition and becoming unable to fall off. The electric heating power W and the heating time t have a significant impact on ice sheet shedding, and the relationship is directly proportional. The pressure sensor measures the pressure of the ice on the ice sheet partition in real time. As the ice begins to melt, the pressure value P detected by the pressure sensor decreases. Simultaneously, the temperature T detected by the temperature sensor increases as the ice sheet melts and turns into an ice-water mixture. When the detected value reaches a user-set value, the ice sheet partition is retracted, allowing the ice to move into the storage chamber. The lifting mechanism also controls the ice sheet partition's upward movement after the partition has retracted. If any ice sheets remain, the lifting mechanism's upward movement allows them to quickly detach and enter the storage chamber, preventing them from adhering to the partition and impacting the ice-making process, potentially affecting the next ice-making cycle.

[0060] As previously mentioned, after ice making is complete, the ice flakes are lifted by the lifting mechanism. Gravity and inertia allow the ice flakes to separate from the ice flakes and enter the ice flake storage chamber. Therefore, the ice harvesting schemes of the present invention can include two options: harvesting by lifting the ice flakes alone, or harvesting by retracting the ice flakes after heating by the heating device and then raising them. This ensures complete ice harvesting, timely ice flake supply, and improved flake ice machine efficiency.

[0061] Optionally, after controlling the ice flake divider to rise, the system further includes detecting the weight of the ice flakes using a weight sensor and notifying the user to collect the ice when the weight reaches a preset value. The automatic retraction of the ice flake divider allows the ice flakes to move downward along the ice guide plate, one by one, and ultimately supported by the ice support plate to form single flakes of ice. As the ice flakes accumulate, the weight on the ice retrieval plate gradually increases, and when it reaches a preset value G, the user is notified to collect the ice. When needed, the user pulls the ice retrieval plate to remove the ice flakes, completing the collection and storage of the ice flakes.

[0062] Another flake ice machine control method is provided in the preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 3An optional flow chart of the method is shown as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps S301-S313:

[0063] S301: Start making ice;

[0064] S302: Open the water valve;

[0065] S303: Whether the water level reaches the preset water level, if yes, proceed to step S304, otherwise return to step S302;

[0066] S304: The ice sheet partition descends;

[0067] S305: Refrigeration;

[0068] S306: Check whether the temperature and pressure meet the requirements. If yes, proceed to step S307; otherwise, return to step S305.

[0069] S307: Stop cooling;

[0070] S308: Electric heating is turned on;

[0071] S309: ice collection partition retracts;

[0072] S310: Ice sheet partition rises;

[0073] S311: Borneol collection;

[0074] S312: Whether the weight reaches the preset weight, if yes, proceed to step S313, otherwise return to step S311;

[0075] S313: Remove the ice flakes and then return to step S301.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an efficient flake ice machine and its equipment are provided, which improves the efficiency and quality of flake ice production by optimizing the structural design and control method in the ice-making process, while reducing energy consumption. It can achieve precise water volume control, efficient ice-making process, stable ice flake quality and automatic storage function, and has broad market application prospects.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] Based on the flake ice machine control method provided in the above embodiment 2, a preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention further provides a storage medium containing computer executable instructions, which are used to execute the above flake ice machine control method when executed by a computer processor.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, a flake ice machine is provided. The flake ice machine has multiple ice flake partitions installed within the ice making chamber. The ice flake partitions are used to separate water entering the ice making chamber, so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making. The ice making chamber is also equipped with a lifting mechanism connected to the ice flake partitions. The lifting mechanism is used to control the ice flake partitions to rise after ice making is completed, allowing the ice flakes to separate from the ice flake partitions and enter the ice flake storage chamber. The ice flake partitions allow water to be directly converted into ice flakes after ice making, eliminating the need for ice cutters to cut ice, thereby ensuring ice making efficiency and ice flake quality. The lifting mechanism also separates the ice flakes, making it easier and faster to separate and collect them for use. Therefore, the ice flake partitions with a lifting function can ensure stable ice production and collection, avoiding the low ice efficiency and unstable ice flake quality problems of existing flake ice machines. This improves ice making efficiency and the stability of ice flake quality, thus meeting user needs.

[0080] The serial numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0081] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0082] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are only exemplary. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0083] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0084] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0085] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), mobile hard disk, magnetic disk or optical disk, etc. Various media that can store program codes.

[0086] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not invented herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0087] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flake ice machine, characterized in that: include: Ice making chamber and ice flake storage chamber; The ice making chamber is provided with a plurality of ice flake partitions, and the ice flake partitions are used to separate the water entering the ice making chamber so that the water between two adjacent ice flake partitions forms ice flakes after ice making process; The ice making chamber is further provided with a lifting device, which is connected to the ice flake partition and is used to control the ice flake partition to rise after ice making is completed, so that the ice flakes are separated from the ice making partition and enter the ice flake storage chamber.

2. The flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the ice flake separators is adjustable to adjust the thickness of the ice flakes.

3. The flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice making chamber further comprises: a water level sensor, located in the ice-making chamber, for detecting the water level in the ice-making chamber; a water valve, one end of which is connected to the water inlet of the ice-making chamber and the other end of which is connected to the ice-making chamber, for controlling the water inflow into the ice-making chamber to adjust the water level in the ice-making chamber, thereby adjusting the height of the ice slices; the water valve is also used to control the ice-making chamber to stop water inflow when the water level in the ice-making chamber reaches a preset water level; The lifting device is further used to control the ice flake partition to descend when the water level in the ice making chamber reaches the preset water level, so as to separate the water entering the ice making chamber.

4. The flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice making chamber further comprises: a temperature sensor, disposed on the ice sheet partition, for detecting the temperature of the ice sheet; A pressure sensor is provided on the ice sheet separator and is used to detect the pressure of the ice sheet separator; wherein ice making is completed when the ice sheet temperature is lower than a first preset temperature and the ice sheet separator pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

5. The flake ice machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ice making chamber further comprises: A heating device is provided on the ice flake partition and is used to be turned on after ice making is completed to heat the surface of the ice flake; An ice collection partition is arranged between the ice making chamber and the ice flake storage chamber, and is used to separate the ice making chamber and the ice flake storage chamber, wherein the ice collection partition contracts after the heating device is turned on for a preset period of time, and / or contracts when the ice flake temperature is higher than a second preset temperature, and / or contracts when the ice flake partition pressure is lower than a second preset pressure; wherein the first preset temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, and the first preset pressure is higher than the second preset pressure.

6. The flake ice machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lifting device is further used for controlling the ice flake partition to rise after the ice collection partition is retracted.

7. The flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice flake storage chamber comprises: An ice guide plate, comprising a plurality of guide plates arranged in parallel, located at the upper portion of the ice flake storage chamber, and used to guide the ice flakes into the lower portion of the ice flake storage chamber to prevent the ice flakes from sticking together during the falling process; An ice supporting plate is provided corresponding to the ice guide plate, comprising a plurality of partition plates arranged in parallel, located at the lower part of the ice flake storage chamber, and used for separating and supporting ice flakes to prevent ice flakes from sticking together; The weight sensor is located below the ice supporting plate and is used to detect the weight of the ice flakes so as to remind the user to collect the ice when the weight of the ice flakes reaches a preset weight.

8. A flake ice machine control method, applied to the flake ice machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method comprises: Detect whether ice making is triggered; When ice making is triggered, the ice sheet partition is controlled to descend and the refrigeration equipment is controlled to start ice making; Check whether ice making is completed; After ice making is completed, the ice sheet partition is controlled to rise, so that the ice sheets are separated and enter the ice sheet storage chamber.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Before controlling the ice sheet separator to descend, the method further includes: The water valve is controlled to open, and water begins to flow into the ice-making chamber; The water level in the ice-making chamber is detected by a water level sensor. When the water level in the ice-making chamber reaches a preset water level, the water valve is controlled to close, and then the ice flake partition is triggered to be controlled to descend.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The step of detecting whether ice making is completed includes: Get the ice temperature detected by the temperature sensor; Obtaining the ice sheet diaphragm pressure detected by the pressure sensor; When the ice sheet temperature is lower than a first preset temperature and the ice sheet separator pressure is greater than a first preset pressure, ice making is determined to be completed.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that Before controlling the ice sheet separator to rise, the method further includes: Control the heating device to turn on and heat the surface of the ice flakes; acquiring the ice sheet temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the ice sheet partition pressure detected by the pressure sensor; After the heating device is turned on for a preset period of time, and / or when the ice flake temperature is higher than a second preset temperature, and / or when the ice flake partition pressure is lower than a second preset pressure, the ice collection partition is controlled to contract, and then the control of the ice flake partition to rise is triggered; wherein, the first preset temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, and the first preset pressure is higher than the second preset pressure.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that After controlling the ice sheet separator to rise, the method further includes: The weight of the ice flakes is detected by a weight sensor, and the user is reminded to collect the ice when the weight of the ice flakes reaches a preset weight.

13. A storage medium containing computer-executable instructions, characterized in that: When the computer executable instructions are executed by a computer processor, the computer executable instructions are used to perform the flake ice machine control method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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