Ice block separation system of square ice maker

Abstract

The invention discloses an ice block separation system of a square ice maker, which comprises a conveying belt, a conveying driving piece, a vibration mechanism, a collecting mechanism, a recognition module and a lower ejection working module, and can also comprise a blocking mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a pushing mechanism, an ice moving mechanism and the like. The conveying belt vibrates out independent ice blocks through the vibration mechanism, the recognition module detects the bonding position, the downward jacking working module downwards jacks and separates the bonded ice blocks, the blocking mechanism assists in detection and downward jacking operation, the pushing mechanism gathers the ice blocks, and the ice moving mechanism transfers the unseparated ice blocks. The ice block separating device achieves the technical effects that the whole row of ice blocks discharged by the square ice making machine are effectively separated, the ice block separating effect and efficiency are improved, and bonded ice block residues are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of ice making equipment, and in particular to an ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker. Background Art

[0002] In the ice-making industry, cubed ice, due to its regular shape and ease of storage and use, is widely used in a variety of fields, including catering, cold chain logistics, and healthcare. As demand for cubed ice continues to grow in these industries, significant progress has been made in the research and development and improvement of cubed ice machines. Advanced ice-making technology has significantly improved the production efficiency and quality of cubed ice, providing a stable supply of ice to various industries and driving the development of related sectors. However, in the critical process of ice separation, many issues remain to be resolved, hindering further optimization of cubed ice production.

[0003] Currently, a common method for separating ice cubes in ice cube makers is to use a screw pusher. Chinese patent number CN219454347U describes an ice cube maker capable of discharging crushed ice. During the ice-making process, ice-making plates form interconnected, arrayed ice cubes. Ice cubes discharged from the ice cube maker fall into a trough, where they are then separated and discharged using a discharge screw. This method utilizes mechanical force to separate ice cubes and is relatively common in practice due to its relatively simple screw structure, low cost, and ease of installation and maintenance.

[0004] However, this current method of ice separation has significant drawbacks. While the screw-driven method can achieve ice separation and discharge to a certain extent, the high and uneven mechanical force exerted by the screw during the pushing process increases the probability of ice breakage, resulting in a large amount of crushed ice. This makes it difficult to maintain a complete cubic shape, significantly increasing the defective rate and ultimately reducing the efficiency of ice cube production. Therefore, there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to improve the integrity of ice cubes and the efficiency of ice cube production, the present application provides an ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker.

[0006] The present application provides an ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker using the following technical solutions: An ice cube separation system for an ice cube making machine, comprising: A conveyor belt is used to receive a whole row of ice cubes discharged from the ice cube maker. The conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of sieve holes, and the sieve holes are only for a single ice cube to pass through; A conveying drive member, the conveying drive member is used to drive the conveyor belt to operate to transport ice cubes; a vibration mechanism, the vibration mechanism being used to drive the conveyor belt to vibrate; A collecting mechanism, the collecting mechanism being used to collect the individual ice cubes screened from the conveyor belt; An identification module is provided above the conveyor belt and is used to detect and obtain position information of bonding seams between ice cubes; A lowering and pushing working module is arranged above the conveyor belt and is used to perform a lowering and pushing operation on the bonding positions between ice cubes; When separating ice cubes, the conveyor belt is driven to vibrate by the vibration mechanism to screen out individual ice cubes, while ice cubes that stick to each other remain on the surface of the conveyor belt and are conveyed forward. When the ice cubes on the conveyor belt move into the detection range of the recognition module, the recognition module detects and obtains the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes. The lower pushing working module moves above the ice cubes according to the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes, and pushes down the bonding seams between the ice cubes to separate the ice cubes that stick to each other. The separated ice cubes fall into the collection mechanism through the sieve holes on the conveyor belt.

[0007] By adopting this technical solution, the conveyor belt receives the entire row of ice cubes discharged from the ice cube maker, uses the sieve holes to screen out individual ice cubes, and cooperates with the conveyor drive to operate the conveyor belt to transport the ice cubes. The vibration mechanism vibrates the conveyor belt, quickly and efficiently screening out individual ice cubes. The collection mechanism promptly collects the screened individual ice cubes for subsequent processing. The recognition module accurately detects the location of the bonding seams between the ice cubes. The lifting working module uses this information to lift the bonding seams, effectively separating the ice cubes from each other, avoiding the problem of ice crushing caused by using a screw to push the ice cubes, reducing the defective rate, and improving production efficiency.

[0008] Preferably, the lower top working module includes a mounting frame, a casing slidably connected to the mounting frame and located above the conveyor belt, and a plurality of push rod assemblies arranged at the bottom of the casing and arranged in an array, and each of the push rod assemblies independently controls the telescopic pressing action; when the lower top working module is working, the casing moves to the bottom of the ice cubes, and the push rod assembly located above the bonding seam between the ice cubes starts to work, and completes the ice separation work by pressing downward on the bonding seam between the ice cubes.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, each push rod assembly can independently control the telescopic and pushing action. According to the position information of the bonding seam between the ice cubes accurately detected by the recognition module, the corresponding push rod assembly is controlled to perform precise pushing operation on the bonding seam between the ice cubes, thereby effectively reducing the generation of crushed ice, reducing the defective rate, and improving the production efficiency of the ice cube maker.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a blocking mechanism and a lifting mechanism, the blocking mechanism is arranged in the ice cube travel path on the conveyor belt, when the ice cubes on the conveyor belt reach the blocking mechanism, the ice cubes enter the detection range of the identification module, so that the detection work of the identification module and the lowering operation of the lowering working module can be carried out; when the lowering working module completes the lowering operation, the lifting mechanism drives the blocking mechanism to move away from the conveyor belt to make the blocking mechanism withdraw from the ice cube travel path.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the blocking mechanism is set in the ice cube travel path, which can enable the ice cube to accurately enter the detection range of the identification module, ensuring the smooth detection work of the identification module and the lowering operation of the lowering working module; the lifting mechanism can drive the blocking mechanism away from the conveyor belt after the lowering working module completes the operation, avoiding obstruction to the subsequent transportation of ice cubes.

[0012] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting platform and a lifting drive for driving the lifting platform to move up and down, and the blocking mechanism includes a power roller rotatably connected to the lifting platform and a rotary drive for driving the power roller to rotate; before the lower top working module completes the lower top action, the power roller horizontally spans above the conveyor belt and is located in the travel path of the ice cubes, and the power roller plays a limiting role on the ice cubes on the conveyor belt; after the lower top working module completes the lower top action, the power roller moves upward under the drive of the lifting mechanism to form a rolling channel for the ice cubes to pass through between the power roller and the conveyor belt, and the power roller rotates under the drive of the rotary drive, and the ice cubes pass through the rolling channel under the joint conveying action of the conveyor belt and the power roller, and the power roller rolls the surface of the ice cubes to improve the separation effect between the ice cubes.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, before the ice cubes reach the detection range of the identification module, the powered roller limits the ice cubes on the conveyor belt, which facilitates the detection work of the identification module and the lowering operation of the lower pushing working module; after the lower pushing working module completes the lowering action, the powered roller moves upward to form a rolling channel and rotates, rolling the surface of the ice cubes while transporting the ice cubes together with the conveyor belt, thereby improving the separation effect between the ice cubes.

[0014] Preferably, pushing mechanisms are symmetrically provided on both sides of the conveyor belt, and the two pushing mechanisms gather the ice cubes on the conveyor belt within the detection range of the identification module by approaching each other, and the ice cubes remain stable under the clamping action of the two pushing mechanisms.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice cube separation system of the ice cube maker can utilize the pushing mechanisms symmetrically arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt, so that the two pushing mechanisms are close to each other to gather the ice cubes on the conveyor belt within the detection range of the identification module. The ice cubes remain stable under the clamping action of the two pushing mechanisms, ensuring that the identification module can accurately detect the position information of the bonding seam between the ice cubes, and then ensure that the lower pushing working module accurately performs the lower pushing operation on the bonding position, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of ice separation, reducing the probability of ice crushing, reducing the defective rate, and improving production efficiency.

[0016] Preferably, the pushing mechanism includes a telescopic driving member arranged on the lifting platform and a push plate assembly arranged at the telescopic end of the telescopic driving member. The telescopic direction of the telescopic driving member is parallel to the length direction of the rotating roller. The rotating roller simultaneously passes through the push plate assemblies on both sides, and the two push plate assemblies move guided by the rotating roller.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the pushing mechanism consists of a telescopic driving member and a push plate assembly arranged on the lifting platform. The telescopic direction of the telescopic driving member is parallel to the length direction of the rotating roller and the rotating roller passes through the push plate assemblies on both sides, so that the two push plate assemblies can move guided by the rotating roller, and the ice cubes on the conveyor belt can be gathered within the detection range of the identification module, which is convenient for the identification module to accurately detect the position information of the bonding seam between the ice cubes, and then the lower pushing working module can perform the lower pushing operation on the bonding position more accurately, effectively improving the efficiency and quality of ice cube separation.

[0018] Preferably, the push plate assembly includes two clamping plates and an elastic member arranged between the two clamping plates.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the elastic parts in the push plate assembly can act as a buffer when the splint gathers ice cubes, avoiding the ice cubes from being broken due to the rigid squeezing of the splint, reducing the probability of ice crushing, and also ensuring that the ice cubes can be effectively gathered within the detection range of the identification module, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the ice separation system.

[0020] Preferably, the conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of ice screening sections and a plurality of ice receiving sections at intervals along its own running direction, and the sieve holes are distributed in the ice screening sections for screening ice cubes; the ice receiving section of the conveyor belt is a complete plane for supporting ice cubes; when the ice cubes on the conveyor belt reach the blocking mechanism, the conveyor belt operates, and after the ice receiving section moves to the position below the ice cubes and is in place, the lower pushing working module performs the lower pushing operation.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the sieve holes of the ice screening section can screen the ice cubes, allowing individual ice cubes to fall down. The complete plane of the ice receiving section can support the ice cubes, ensuring the stability of the ice cubes during transportation. The ice receiving section is moved to the bottom of the ice cubes and then the pushing operation is performed to avoid the ice cubes being affected by the concave structure of the sieve holes during the pushing operation and becoming unstable, which leads to poor separation effect or damage, thereby improving the success rate and quality of ice separation.

[0022] Preferably, the collecting mechanism is a collecting trough provided on the inner side of the conveyor belt, and the collecting trough extends along the length direction of the conveyor belt.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the collection mechanism is set as a collection trough extending along the length direction of the inner side of the conveyor belt, which can efficiently collect individual ice cubes sifted from the conveyor belt, facilitate the centralized processing of ice cubes, and improve the collection efficiency and convenience of the ice separation system.

[0024] Preferably, an ice moving mechanism is further included, which moves back and forth between the two ends of the conveyor belt and is used to transfer the ice cubes that have not yet been separated and are sent out from the discharge end of the conveyor belt to the feed end of the conveyor belt.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, an ice moving mechanism that travels back and forth between the two ends of the conveyor belt is set in the ice cube separation system of the ice cube making machine. The ice cubes that have not been separated and are sent out from the discharge end of the conveyor belt can be transferred to the feed end of the conveyor belt, so that the unseparated ice cubes can be separated again, thereby improving the success rate of ice cube separation, reducing the defective rate, and improving the production efficiency of the entire ice making system.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The vibration mechanism drives the conveyor belt to vibrate and screen out individual ice cubes, avoiding the large and uneven mechanical force exerted by the screw pusher, reducing the probability of ice crushing and the defective rate; 2. The recognition module detects the position of the ice block bonding seam, and the lifting working module lifts the ice block under the bonding seam accordingly to separate the ice block accurately, improving the separation effect and production efficiency; 3. The blocking mechanism, lifting mechanism and pushing mechanism work together to ensure that the ice cubes enter the detection range accurately and complete the pushing operation. The power roller can also improve the ice separation effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of ice cubes produced by a separation system of an ice cube maker in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an overall schematic diagram of an ice cube maker separation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 3This is a partial schematic diagram of an ice cube maker separation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice cube maker separation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting mechanism, a pushing mechanism and a blocking mechanism in a separation system of an ice cube maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a material separation roller in a separation system of an ice cube maker according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the power roller in other embodiments of the present application.

[0034] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Ice cube ice maker; 2. Vibration mechanism; 3. Conveyor belt; 31. Ice screening section; 32. Ice receiving section; 4. Frame; 41. Conveying drive member; 42. Collecting trough; 43. Material distribution roller; 5. Identification module; 6. Lower push working module; 61. Casing; 62. Mounting frame; 63. Push rod assembly; 64. Moving track; 7. Pushing mechanism; 71. Telescopic drive member; 72. Push plate assembly; 721. Clamp; 722. Elastic member; 8. Lifting mechanism; 81. Lifting platform; 82. Lifting drive member; 9. Blocking mechanism; 91. Power roller; 92. Rotating drive member; 10. Ice moving mechanism; 10. Ice moving mechanism; 101. Ice receiving trough; 102. Swinging cylinder; 103. Bracket; 104. Lifting cylinder; 105. Moving trolley. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following is combined with Figure 1-7 This application is described in further detail.

[0036] The present application discloses an ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker. Figures 1 to 3 The ice maker comprises a conveyor belt 3, a conveyor drive 41, a vibrating mechanism 2, a collection mechanism, an identification module 5, a push-down module 6, a blocking mechanism 9, a lifting mechanism 8, a pushing mechanism 7, and an ice moving mechanism 10. The conveyor belt 3 receives a row of ice cubes dropped from the ice cube maker 1. The conveyor drive 41 drives the conveyor belt 3 to transport the ice cubes. The vibrating mechanism 2 vibrates the conveyor belt 3 to screen out individual ice cubes. The collection mechanism collects the screened individual ice cubes. The identification module 5 detects the location of the bonding seams between the ice cubes. The push-down module 6 pushes down the bonding locations based on this information, effectively separating the ice cubes, reducing the ice crushing rate, and improving production efficiency. Because the vibration first screens out the individual ice cubes, and then precisely pushes down the bonded ice cubes, the high ice crushing caused by the strong squeezing of traditional screw pushers is avoided.

[0037] Specifically, the conveyor belt 3 is used to receive the entire row of ice cubes discharged from the ice cube maker 1 and is provided with a plurality of sieve holes, each of which is only suitable for passing a single ice cube. The size of the sieve holes can be adjusted accordingly to the size of the ice cubes produced by the ice cube maker 1 of different specifications. The conveyor belt 3 can be made of rubber, which has a certain degree of flexibility, or metal, which is more durable. It is mounted on the frame 4 and powered by a conveyor drive 41. The conveyor drive 41 can generally be a motor, which is connected to the roller shaft of the conveyor belt 3 via a transmission component such as a belt, chain, or gear, driving the roller shaft to rotate, thereby operating the conveyor belt 3. For example, a driving pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor, and a driven pulley is mounted on the roller shaft of the conveyor belt 3. The driving and driven pulleys are connected by a belt, and when the motor rotates, it drives the conveyor belt 3.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The vibration mechanism 2 is used to drive the conveyor belt 3 to vibrate. It can be an eccentric vibrator, with the eccentric wheel mounted on the output shaft of the working motor, which is mounted inside the frame 4. The eccentric wheel is positioned below the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 3. When the motor rotates, the eccentric wheel produces eccentric motion, causing it to vibrate with the conveyor belt 3 above. Alternatively, it can be an electromagnetic vibrator, which generates vibration through periodic changes in electromagnetic force. The vibration mechanism 2 is mounted below or to the side of the conveyor belt 3 and secured with bolts or other fasteners to ensure that the vibration is effectively transmitted to the conveyor belt 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, a collection mechanism is used to collect the individual ice cubes sifted from the conveyor belt 3. The collection mechanism here is a collection trough 42 arranged on the inner side of the conveyor belt 3, and the collection trough 42 extends along the length of the conveyor belt 3. The collection trough 42 can be made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant, or plastic, which is lightweight and low-cost. It is installed below the conveyor belt 3 through the frame 4 and is tilted. The tilted side of the collection trough 42 extends from the inside of the frame 4 to the outside of the frame 4, making it easier for the ice cubes to slide to one side and be collected centrally. In addition, the collection trough 42 can be set as an upper and lower double-layer structure. The collection trough 42 on the upper layer is evenly provided with multiple filter holes, which allow crushed ice and ice water to pass through. The collection trough 42 on the lower layer collects the crushed ice and ice water, thereby achieving the purpose of cold recovery, which can be further used in the ice production process.

[0040] In this embodiment, the recognition module 5 is positioned above the conveyor belt 3 and is used to detect and obtain information about the locations of the bonding seams between ice cubes. This module can be an image recognition sensor, which captures images of the ice cubes with a camera and uses image processing algorithms to analyze the bonding locations between the ice cubes. Alternatively, it can be a laser scanning sensor, which scans the ice cube surface with a laser and determines the bonding locations based on differences in reflected light. The recognition module 5 is mounted at an appropriate height above the conveyor belt 3 using a bracket 103 to ensure clear and accurate detection of the bonding conditions of the ice cubes. The detection area of the recognition module 5 is located directly below the conveyor belt 3.

[0041] The lifting module 6 is positioned above the conveyor belt 3 and is used to lift the ice cubes at the bonding points. The lifting module 6 comprises a mounting frame 62, a housing 61 slidably connected to the mounting frame 62 and positioned above the conveyor belt 3, and a plurality of push rod assemblies 63 arranged in an array at the bottom of the housing 61. Each push rod assembly 63 independently controls its telescopic and pushing action. The mounting frame 62 can be a steel structure assembled by welding or bolting, providing support and a travel track 64 for the housing 61. The mounting frame 62 is equipped with a screw drive mechanism (not shown). The screw drive mechanism aligns its conveying direction with the conveyor belt 3 and is primarily used to drive the housing 61 back and forth, allowing it to enter and exit the detection area of the identification module 5. The housing 61 is positioned below the identification module 5 to reduce the probability of collision with the identification module 5. The housing 61 is typically a metal shell and houses the circuitry and drive mechanism that controls the push rod assemblies 63. The push rod assembly 63 can be a miniature electric push rod or a hydraulic push rod, which is independently controlled by the electronic control system to extend and retract. The lower end of the push rod assembly 63 is configured as a cone to facilitate insertion into the bonding gap between ice cubes. When the lower push module 6 is in operation, the housing 61 moves below the ice cubes, and the push rod assembly 63, located above the bonding gap between the ice cubes, begins to work, pushing down on the bonding gap between the ice cubes to complete the ice separation.

[0042] The ice cube separation system of this ice cube maker 1 achieves efficient ice separation through the coordinated operation of multiple mechanisms. First, a vibration mechanism 2 causes a conveyor belt 3 to vibrate and screen out individual ice cubes, reducing subsequent processing. Then, an identification module 5 accurately detects the location of sticking ice, allowing a push-down working module 6 to specifically push down and separate stuck ice cubes. This avoids the high ice crushing rate caused by strong squeezing in traditional methods, significantly improving the efficiency and quality of ice cube production and offering significant improvements and enhancements compared to existing technologies.

[0043] Reference Figures 3 to 5In this embodiment, a blocking mechanism 9 is positioned in the path of ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3. When ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3 reach the blocking mechanism 9, they enter the detection range of the identification module 5, facilitating detection by the identification module 5 and the lowering operation of the lifting module 6. When the lowering operation of the lifting module 6 is complete, the lifting mechanism 8 drives the blocking mechanism 9 away from the conveyor belt 3, removing the blocking mechanism 9 from the path of the ice cubes. The addition of the blocking mechanism 9 and the lifting mechanism 8 ensures that the ice cubes are properly positioned for detection and separation, improving accuracy and stability.

[0044] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 8 includes a lifting platform 81 and a lifting drive 82 for driving the lifting platform 81 up and down. The lifting drive 82 can be a hydraulic cylinder or a screw lift. The lifting platform 81 is typically a metal flat plate connected to the output end of the lifting drive 82, and is driven by the lifting drive 82 to achieve up and down movement. In this embodiment, two lifting platforms 81 are provided, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt 3.

[0045] The barrier mechanism 9 includes a powered roller 91 and a rotary drive 92 for rotating the powered roller 91. The two ends of the powered roller 91 are rotatably connected to two lifting platforms 81, allowing the powered roller 91 to span over the conveyor belt 3. The rotary drive 92, which can be a small motor, is mounted on one of the lifting platforms 81 and drives the powered roller 91 either directly or via a belt. Before the lower lifting module 6 completes its lowering action, the powered roller 91 lies horizontally across the conveyor belt 3 and in the path of the ice cubes. During this time, the rotating drive 92 is inoperative, and the powered roller 91 acts as a stopper for the ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3. After the lower lifting module 6 completes its lowering action, the powered roller 91, driven by the lifting mechanism 8, moves upward, creating a rolling channel between the powered roller 91 and the conveyor belt 3 for the ice cubes to pass through. Driven counterclockwise by the rotating drive 92, the powered roller 91 moves the ice cubes through the rolling channel, driven by the conveyor belt 3 and the powered roller 91. The powered roller 91 also rolls on the ice cube surface, enhancing separation. The coordinated operation of the blocking mechanism 9 and the lifting mechanism 8 allows for accurate detection and separation of ice cubes at specific locations, with subsequent rolling further enhancing separation efficiency. Compared to methods relying solely on vibration and lower lifting, this method increases separation reliability and thoroughness, further reduces ice crushing rates, and improves the quality and efficiency of ice cube production, representing a beneficial improvement over existing technologies.

[0046] Reference Figure 7In other embodiments, a plurality of rolling teeth 911 can be evenly distributed on the outer peripheral surface of the power roller 91. The ends of the rolling teeth 911 are made of food-grade silicone, which has certain strength and elasticity. The rolling of the rolling teeth 911 can increase the force generated between the ice cubes, further improve the ice separation efficiency, and reduce the probability of ice crushing.

[0047] In this embodiment, two pushing mechanisms 7 are provided, symmetrically arranged on either side of the conveyor belt 3. These two pushing mechanisms 7 move closer together to gather the ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3 within the detection range of the identification module 5. The provision of the pushing mechanisms 7 allows the ice cubes to be more concentrated within the detection range of the identification module 5, thereby improving detection accuracy and efficiency.

[0048] Specifically, the pushing mechanism 7 includes a telescopic drive member 71 fixed to the lifting platform 81 and a push plate assembly 72 positioned at the telescopic end of the telescopic drive member 71. The telescopic drive member 71 can be a horizontally mounted cylinder or an electrically operated telescopic rod. The push plate assembly 72 includes two clamping plates 721 and an elastic member 722 positioned between the two clamping plates 721. The elastic member 722 can be a spring, which acts as a buffer to prevent the ice from breaking when pushed. The telescopic drive member 71 extends and contracts parallel to the length of the rotating roller. The rotating roller extends through the push plate assemblies 72 on both sides, and the two push plate assemblies 72 move with the rotating roller as a guide. The pushing mechanism 7, driven by the telescopic drive member 71, moves the push plate assemblies 72, gathering the ice within the detection range of the recognition module 5. The push plate assembly 72 also stabilizes the ice, improving recognition accuracy. The elastic member 722 in the push plate assembly 72 cushions the pushing force, reducing the possibility of ice breakage. This structure further optimizes the workflow of the ice separation system, improves the performance and stability of the entire system, and is an effective improvement to the existing technology.

[0049] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 3 is provided with a plurality of ice screening sections 31 and a plurality of ice receiving sections 32 at intervals along its own running direction. The sieve holes are distributed in the ice screening sections 31 for screening ice cubes. The ice receiving sections 32 of the conveyor belt 3 are complete planes for supporting ice cubes. When the ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3 reach the blocking mechanism 9, the conveyor belt 3 is operated. After the ice receiving section 32 moves to the position below the ice cubes and is in place, the lower pushing working module 6 performs the lower pushing operation.

[0050] The provision of the ice screening section 31 and the ice receiving section 32 makes the screening and lifting operations more orderly, thereby improving the separation effect.

[0051] Specifically, the size and distribution of the sieve holes of the ice screening section 31 have been carefully designed to allow just a single ice cube to pass through. The surface of the ice receiving section 32 is smooth and flat, and can stably support the ice cubes. When the ice cubes reach the blocking mechanism 9, the conveyor belt 3 continues to operate to move the ice receiving section 32 to the bottom of the ice cubes, so that when the lowering working module 6 performs the lowering operation, the ice cubes have stable support, avoiding the ice cubes from being broken due to insufficient support. The reasonable setting of the ice screening section 31 and the ice receiving section 32 separates the screening and lowering operations, so that each operation can be completed under appropriate conditions. During the lowering operation, the ice receiving section 32 provides stable support, ensures the effect of the lowering, and reduces the generation of crushed ice. The design of this conveyor belt 3 structure optimizes the entire ice separation process, improves production efficiency and product quality, and is an innovative improvement to the existing ice separation technology.

[0052] In this embodiment, the ice transfer mechanism 10 travels back and forth between the two ends of the conveyor belt 3 to transfer the unseparated ice cubes delivered from the discharge end of the conveyor belt 3 to the feed end of the conveyor belt 3. The addition of the ice transfer mechanism 10 enables the recycling of unseparated ice cubes and improves the overall separation efficiency.

[0053] Specifically, the ice moving mechanism 10 includes a moving trolley 105, a lifting cylinder 104 installed on the moving trolley 105, a support installed at the telescopic end of the lifting cylinder 104, an ice receiving trough 101 hinged on the top of the support, and a swinging cylinder 102 for driving the ice receiving trough 101 to swing. The two ends of the swinging cylinder 102 are respectively connected to the support and the bottom wall of the ice receiving trough 101. One end of the ice receiving trough 101 is open for ice cubes to enter and exit from the conveyor belt 3. When the discharge end of the conveyor belt 3 receives ice cubes, the lifting cylinder 104 drives the support and the ice trough 101 downward, the swing cylinder 102 drives the opening of the ice trough 101 upward, and the moving trolley 105 connects the opening of the ice trough 101 with the discharge end of the conveyor belt 3. The ice cubes that have not been separated are collected in the ice trough 101. When the ice trough 101 is loaded with a certain amount of ice cubes, the ice moving mechanism 10 moves to the infeed end of the conveyor belt 3 to unload the ice. When unloading the ice, the lifting cylinder 104 drives the support and the ice trough 101 upward, the swing cylinder 102 drives the opening of the ice trough 101 downward, and the moving trolley 105 connects the opening of the ice trough 101 with the infeed end of the conveyor belt 3. The ice cubes slide onto the conveyor belt 3 and are separated and processed again, avoiding waste of ice cubes and improving the overall separation efficiency. Through multiple cycles of processing, the ice cubes can be separated to the greatest extent, the defective rate is reduced, and the production quality of the cube ice is improved. This is a further improvement and optimization of the ice cube separation system of the cube ice making machine 1.

[0054] In other embodiments, the ice transfer mechanism 10 may be a robotic arm that, through its telescoping, rotating, and grabbing motions, grabs unseparated ice cubes from the discharge end and transfers them to the inlet end. Alternatively, the ice transfer mechanism 10 may be a conveyor belt-type ice transfer mechanism that transports ice cubes from the discharge end back to the inlet end via a conveyor belt. The ice transfer mechanism 10 is mounted adjacent to the conveyor belt 3 and is secured by rails or brackets 103 to accurately move back and forth between the two ends of the conveyor belt 3.

[0055] The working principle of the ice cube separation system of the ice cube maker is: In this embodiment, the ice cube maker 1, the conveying drive 41, the vibration mechanism 2, the identification module 5, the lower push working module 6, the blocking mechanism 9, the lifting mechanism 8, the pushing mechanism 7 and the ice moving mechanism 10 are all connected to the main controller signal in the system.

[0056] After the ice cube maker 1 completes ice making, the ice cubes are released row by row, with an interval of 5 to 10 seconds, to reduce the accumulation of ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3. Figure 4 and 6 ), a separator roller 43 can be installed on the frame 4. Separator roller 43 is located above the conveyor belt 3, after the ice cube maker 11's discharge port, and before the detection area. The spacing between separator roller 43 and the conveyor belt 3 is adjustable. By setting the spacing between separator roller 43 to the thickness of a single row of ice cubes, only a single row of ice cubes can pass through the separator roller 43, facilitating the separation of multiple rows of stacked ice cubes. Separator roller 43 can also rotate clockwise and be driven by a motor, further separating multiple rows of stacked ice cubes.

[0057] When the ice cube separation system of the ice cube maker is working, the main controller controls the conveying drive member 41 to operate, so that the ice screening section 31 moves to the bottom of the lower opening of the ice cube maker 1. A whole row of ice cubes discharged by the ice cube maker 1 falls on the ice screening section 31. At this time, the conveyor belt 3 transports the ice cubes toward the detection area of the identification module 5. During the transportation process, the main controller controls the vibration mechanism 2 to operate, causing the conveyor belt 3 to vibrate. In the process of conveying ice cubes, the conveyor belt 3 also screens out some separated ice cubes, and single ice cubes pass through the sieve holes and fall into the collection tank 42.

[0058] The frame 4 of the embodiment of the present application is equipped with multiple proximity sensors, some of which are located near the power roller 91. The proximity sensors are also connected to the main controller signal. When the ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3 reach the power roller 91 at the blocking mechanism 9, the proximity sensor also senses the ice cube arrival signal and transmits the signal to the main controller. The main controller controls the pushing mechanism 7 to work, and the two pushing mechanisms 7 approach each other, thereby gathering the ice cubes on the conveyor belt 3 within the detection range of the identification module 5. A pressure sensor is installed at the push plate assembly 72 of the pushing mechanism 7. When the pressure sensor reaches the preset value, it means that the ice cubes are gathered, and the push plate assembly 72 has a certain clamping effect on the ice cubes, which is conducive to stabilizing the ice cubes in the detection area.

[0059] At this time, after receiving the signal from the pressure sensor, the main controller controls the conveying drive 41 and the identification module 5 to work in turn. The conveying drive 41 drives the ice-bearing section 32 of the conveyor belt 3 to move to the detection area to support the ice cubes. The identification module 5 uses a camera to capture the image of the ice cubes and uses an image processing algorithm to analyze the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes. After the main controller obtains the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes, it controls the lower top working module 6 to work. The screw transmission mechanism moves the casing 61 of the lower top working module 6 accurately to the detection area, and the top rod assembly 63 located above the bonding seams between the ice cubes starts to work, completing the ice separation work by pressing down on the bonding seams between the ice cubes.

[0060] After the lower pushing working module 6 completes the lower pushing operation, the main controller controls the pushing mechanism 7 to reset and controls the conveying drive 41 to work, so as to drive the ice screening section 31 of the conveyor belt 3 to move under the ice cubes. At this time, the main controller controls the vibration mechanism 2 to work, so as to drive the conveyor belt 3 to vibrate for several seconds, so that the separated ice cubes are screened and fall into the collection trough 42.

[0061] After the lowering module 6 completes its lowering operation and the ice screening section 31 of the conveyor belt 3 completes its screening operation, the powered roller 91 moves upward under the drive of the lifting mechanism 8, forming a rolling channel between the powered roller 91 and the conveyor belt 3 for the ice cubes to pass through. The powered roller 91 rotates under the drive of the rotary drive member 92. The ice cubes pass through the rolling channel under the combined action of the conveyor belt 3 and the powered roller 91. The powered roller 91 rolls on the surface of the ice cubes, further improving the separation effect between the ice cubes. The separated ice cubes pass through the sieve holes and fall into the collection trough 42. The ice cubes that have not yet been separated are discharged from the discharge end of the conveyor belt 3 into the ice receiving trough 101 of the material transfer mechanism. When the ice receiving trough 101 of the material transfer mechanism is loaded with a certain amount of ice cubes, the ice transfer mechanism 10 moves to the feed end of the conveyor belt 3 to unload the ice cubes. The ice cubes slide back onto the conveyor belt 3 and are re-separated, avoiding ice waste and improving overall separation efficiency. Through multiple cycles of processing, the sticky ice cubes can be separated to the greatest extent, reducing the defective rate and improving the production quality of ice cubes.

[0062] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker, characterized in that: include: A conveyor belt (3) is used to receive a whole row of ice cubes discharged from the ice cube making machine (1), wherein the conveyor belt (3) is provided with a plurality of sieve holes, wherein the sieve holes are only for a single ice cube to pass through; A conveying drive member (41), wherein the conveying drive member (41) is used to drive the conveyor belt (3) to operate so as to convey ice cubes; a vibration mechanism (2), the vibration mechanism being used to drive the conveyor belt (3) to vibrate; A collecting mechanism, the collecting mechanism being used to collect the individual ice cubes screened from the conveyor belt (3); An identification module (5) is arranged above the conveyor belt (3) and is used to detect and obtain position information of bonding seams between ice cubes; A lowering and pushing working module (6) is arranged above the conveyor belt (3) and is used to perform a lowering and pushing operation on the bonding positions between ice cubes; When the ice cubes are separated, the vibrating mechanism (2) drives the conveyor belt (3) to vibrate, so as to screen out the individual ice cubes. The ice cubes that stick together remain on the surface of the conveyor belt (3) and are conveyed forward. When the ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3) move into the detection range of the identification module (5), the identification module (5) detects and obtains the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes. The lowering and pushing working module (6) moves to the top of the ice cubes according to the position information of the bonding seams between the ice cubes and pushes down the bonding seams between the ice cubes to separate the ice cubes that stick together. The separated ice cubes fall into the collection mechanism through the sieve holes on the conveyor belt (3).

2. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower push working module (6) comprises a mounting frame (62), a housing (61) slidably connected to the mounting frame (62) and located above the conveyor belt (3), and a plurality of push rod assemblies (63) arranged at the bottom of the housing (61) and arranged in an array, wherein each of the push rod assemblies (63) independently controls a telescopic pushing action; when the lower push working module (6) is working, the housing (61) moves to below the ice cubes, and the push rod assemblies (63) located above the bonding seams between the ice cubes start working, completing the ice cube separation work by downwardly pressing the bonding seams between the ice cubes.

3. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a blocking mechanism (9) and a lifting mechanism (8), wherein the blocking mechanism (9) is arranged in the path of ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3); when ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3) reach the blocking mechanism (9), the ice cubes enter the detection range of the identification module (5), so that the detection work of the identification module (5) and the lowering operation of the lowering working module (6) can be carried out; when the lowering working module (6) completes the lowering operation, the lifting mechanism (8) drives the blocking mechanism (9) to move away from the conveyor belt (3), so that the blocking mechanism (9) is withdrawn from the path of ice cubes.

4. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (8) includes a lifting platform (81) and a lifting drive member (82) for driving the lifting platform (81) to move up and down, and the blocking mechanism (9) includes a power roller (91) rotatably connected to the lifting platform (81) and a rotating drive member (92) for driving the power roller (91) to rotate; before the lowering working module (6) completes the lowering action, the power roller (91) horizontally spans above the conveyor belt (3) and is located at the path of the ice cubes, and the power roller (91) is used to move the ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3). The block plays a limiting role; after the lower pushing working module (6) completes the lower pushing action, the power roller (91) moves upward under the drive of the lifting mechanism (8), so that a rolling channel for ice cubes to pass through is formed between the power roller (91) and the conveyor belt (3); the power roller (91) rotates under the drive of the rotary driving member (92), and the ice cubes pass through the rolling channel under the joint conveying action of the conveyor belt (3) and the power roller (91), and the power roller (91) rolls the surface of the ice cubes to improve the separation effect between the ice cubes.

5. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 4, characterized in that: Pushing mechanisms (7) are symmetrically provided on both sides of the conveyor belt (3). The two pushing mechanisms (7) gather the ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3) within the detection range of the identification module (5) by approaching each other. The ice cubes are kept stable under the clamping action of the two pushing mechanisms (7).

6. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pushing mechanism (7) comprises a telescopic driving member (71) arranged on a lifting platform (81) and a push plate assembly (72) arranged at the telescopic end of the telescopic driving member (71); the telescopic direction of the telescopic driving member (71) is parallel to the length direction of the rotating roller; the rotating roller simultaneously passes through the push plate assemblies (72) on both sides; and the two push plate assemblies (72) move guided by the rotating roller.

7. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push plate assembly (72) includes two clamping plates (721) and an elastic member (722) arranged between the two clamping plates (721).

8. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor belt (3) is provided with a plurality of ice screening sections (31) and a plurality of ice receiving sections (32) at intervals along its own running direction. The sieve holes are distributed at the ice screening sections (31) for screening ice cubes. The ice receiving sections (32) of the conveyor belt (3) are complete planes for supporting ice cubes. When the ice cubes on the conveyor belt (3) reach the blocking mechanism (9), the conveyor belt (3) is operated. After the ice receiving sections (32) move to a position below the ice cubes and are in place, the lowering working module (6) performs a lowering operation.

9. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The collecting mechanism is a collecting trough (42) arranged on the inner side of the conveyor belt (3), and the collecting trough (42) extends along the length direction of the conveyor belt (3).

10. The ice cube separation system for an ice cube maker according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an ice transfer mechanism (10), which moves back and forth between the two ends of the conveyor belt (3) and is used to transfer ice cubes that have not yet been separated and are sent out from the discharge end of the conveyor belt (3) to the feed end of the conveyor belt (3).

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