Ice-making control method of ice-making device, ice-making device and purified drinking equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an ice making control method of an ice making device, the ice making device and purified drinking equipment. The ice making device comprises an ice making bin and an ice storage bin which are arranged in a shell side by side in the horizontal direction, the ice making bin comprises an ice making module and a water receiving box, and the ice making module is vertically arranged above the water receiving box; the control method comprises the following steps: in response to an ice making instruction, controlling an ice making module to perform ice making treatment on water in a water receiving box, and after a target ice making duration, controlling the ice making module to perform heating treatment so as to separate made ice blocks from the ice making module; and under the condition that the ice blocks are stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is periodically controlled to conduct second cooling treatment so as to delay ice block melting, and when it is detected that the ice storage amount in the ice storage bin is smaller than a preset ice storage threshold value, water is injected into the water receiving box, and ice is made. According to the technical scheme, the problems that ice blocks made by the ice making device are adhered, and even the ice blocks are easily crushed to become crushed ice in the ice discharging process are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to ice making control technology, and in particular to an ice making control method for an ice making device, an ice making device, and a beverage purifying device. Background Art

[0002] Currently on the market, many pure drinking water devices have an ice-making function. These devices cool water or liquid into ice cubes through the ice-making device in their ice-making device, providing convenience for users.

[0003] An ice-making system typically includes an ice-making module, which cools the water in the water collection box into ice cubes. When the ice reaches a predetermined thickness, the module initiates the deicing process, removing the ice from the evaporator and storing it in the ice storage bin. To ensure smooth ice removal, the module heats the ice during the deicing process, separating it from the evaporator and allowing it to enter the ice storage bin, ready for consumption.

[0004] However, during the de-icing process, the high temperature generated by the ice-making module heats the surrounding air, increasing the temperature difference within the ice storage bin and significantly raising the temperature inside the bin. This causes the surface of the ice to melt, and during the subsequent regular cooling and insulation process of the ice storage bin, the ice cubes are prone to sticking together. Furthermore, stuck ice cubes are more likely to be crushed during the ice dispensing process, resulting in crushed ice, which seriously affects the ice dispensing quality and user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an ice making control method for an ice making device, an ice making device and a drink purifying device, which can solve the problem that ice cubes made by the ice making device stick together, and even the problem that ice cubes are easily crushed and turned into crushed ice during the ice-making process.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an ice-making control method for an ice-making device, wherein the ice-making device includes an ice-making bin and an ice-storage bin arranged side by side in a horizontal direction within a housing, the ice-making bin including an ice-making module and a water receiving box, the ice-making module being vertically above the water receiving box; the method comprising:

[0007] In response to an ice-making instruction, the ice-making module is controlled to make ice from the water in the water receiving box, and after a target ice-making time has passed, the ice-making module is controlled to increase the temperature so as to separate the ice cubes from the ice-making module;

[0008] When the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is periodically controlled to perform a second cooling process to delay the melting of the ice cubes. When it is detected that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage bin is less than a preset ice storage threshold, water is injected into the water receiving box to make ice.

[0009] Upon receiving an ice-making command, the system completes ice-making and ice-defrosting according to the target ice-making time, achieving desired ice cubes and effectively improving ice quality. After the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the system periodically cools the evaporator multiple times to regulate the temperature environment within the ice-control unit, slowing ice melting and reducing ice adhesion and crushing due to temperature fluctuations, thereby improving ice quality. Furthermore, when the ice storage level falls below a preset threshold, water is automatically added and the ice-making process is initiated. This not only ensures that users always have access to sufficient, high-quality ice cubes, but also improves ice-making efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the target ice-making time is greater than a first time and less than a second time; the first time is the time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes of a target mass, and the second time is the time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes of a critical mass; the critical mass is a critical mass threshold at which adjacent ice cubes generated by the ice-making module during the ice-making process produce adhesion, and the target mass is less than the critical mass.

[0011] Setting the target ice-making time to be longer than the first time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes that meet specific quality requirements (i.e., target quality) can ensure that the ice cubes produced have sufficient physical properties such as thickness and hardness to meet the user's basic requirements for ice quality; at the same time, limiting the target ice-making time to less than the second time required to generate critical mass ice cubes can effectively avoid the problem of adjacent ice cubes being squeezed against each other during the ice-making and storage process due to excessive ice mass, and then exceeding the critical mass threshold of adhesion and sticking together.

[0012] In this way, by limiting the target ice-making time, we can not only ensure that the quality of individual ice cubes meets the standards, but also avoid adhesion defects caused by excessive growth of ice cubes, thereby achieving a balance between ice-making quality and efficiency, effectively improving the ice-making efficiency and quality of the ice-making device, and enhancing the user experience.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, before controlling the ice-making module to make ice from the water in the water receiving box, the method further includes:

[0014] Obtaining a target quality and a target ice-making temperature corresponding to the ice-making process; the target ice-making temperature is lower than the freezing temperature of water;

[0015] A target ice-making time of the ice-making module is determined according to the target mass, the target ice-making temperature, and the refrigeration power of the ice-making module.

[0016] To improve ice quality, this application sets the target ice-making temperature below the freezing point of water. Lowering the ice-making temperature allows for denser crystals within the ice, thereby increasing its hardness. Furthermore, the lower initial temperature effectively slows the melting of ice during storage, reducing problems such as sticking and ice breakage caused by temperature fluctuations.

[0017] In addition, by extending the ice-making time of the ice-making module, the ice cubes are gradually cooled from the inner area to the outer surface, which can effectively improve the hardness of the ice, reduce the problem of ice surface melting caused by de-icing heating, avoid subsequent hidden dangers such as ice sticking and ice crushing, and improve the quality of ice making.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0019] When the ice cubes fall into the water receiving box and are not stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is controlled to perform a first cooling process and the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin.

[0020] The control module immediately triggers the first cooling process in the ice-making module, quickly resuming refrigeration. Leveraging its low-temperature properties, the ice in the water collection box is rapidly cooled, significantly reducing both surface and internal temperatures and effectively curbing melting caused by residual heat from the ice-making module. Once the cooling process is complete and the ice temperature has significantly dropped, it is transferred to the ice storage bin for storage. This prevents ice breakage caused by melting and softening during transfer, significantly reducing ice loss.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, controlling the ice-making module to perform a first cooling process includes:

[0022] Acquiring first temperature difference data corresponding to a first cooling process performed by the ice-making module; the first temperature difference data is determined based on a first target temperature corresponding to the first cooling process and first current temperature data of the ice-making module after heating;

[0023] Obtaining a first cooling time corresponding to the first cooling process according to the first temperature difference data;

[0024] According to the first cooling time, the ice-making module is controlled to perform a first cooling process.

[0025] During the first cooling process, this cooling strategy based on real-time data and scientific calculations can avoid ice melting due to insufficient cooling and energy waste due to excessive cooling, significantly improving ice-making efficiency and the stability of ice quality.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, periodically controlling the ice-making module to perform a second cooling process includes:

[0027] Acquiring second temperature difference data corresponding to the second cooling process performed by the ice-making module; the second temperature difference data is determined based on a second target temperature corresponding to the second cooling process and preset ice melting temperature data;

[0028] Obtaining a second cooling time corresponding to the second cooling process according to the second temperature difference data;

[0029] According to the second cooling time, the ice-making module is controlled to perform a second cooling process.

[0030] By performing precise periodic cooling control, not only can insufficient cooling or over-cooling caused by temperature deviation be avoided, but the cooling time can also be adjusted according to the real-time heat load, thereby reducing the problems of ice sticking and breaking caused by temperature fluctuations, and improving the ice storage quality and equipment operation efficiency.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the time interval of each cycle is determined based on a preset time interval;

[0032] or,

[0033] The time interval of each cycle is determined based on the amount of ice lost in the ice storage bin during each cycle; the amount of ice lost includes the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted.

[0034] During the periodic cooling process, the interval between each cycle can be fixed, that is, determined based on a preset time interval. This regular cooling intervention ensures that the temperature of the ice storage bin is always maintained in a stable range, effectively delaying the natural melting of ice cubes and ensuring the stability of ice quality when users use it at different times.

[0035] Optionally, during the periodic cooling process, the time interval of each cycle can also be an irregular interval, that is, the time interval of each cycle can be determined based on the amount of ice lost in the ice storage bin during each cycle; the amount of ice lost includes the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted. In this way, through real-time monitoring and intelligent response of the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted, it is possible to quickly respond to fluctuations in ice demand or changes in ambient temperature. For example, in scenarios where ice consumption surges due to high temperatures in summer or at parties, the system automatically shortens the cooling interval to avoid rapid melting, adhesion, or even collapse of ice due to insufficient cooling capacity; during periods of low ice consumption, extending the interval can reduce the frequency of compressor start-stops and reduce energy consumption.

[0036] In summary, the two interval determination modes complement each other, which can not only optimize the ice storage effect and improve the user experience, but also reduce the equipment operating costs through precise energy consumption control, while extending the service life of the core components of the ice making device.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0038] During any second cooling process, the ice cubes in the ice storage bin are stirred to prevent the ice cubes from sticking together.

[0039] Whenever the ice-making module initiates the second cooling process, the built-in stirring device is simultaneously triggered to gently agitate the ice in the ice storage bin. This regular physical displacement constantly changes the contact points between ice cubes, preventing excessive local pressure and ice crystal fusion, effectively destroying the conditions that cause ice cubes to stick together, thereby reducing ice sticking. The stirring process also promotes even distribution of cooling within the bin, preventing uneven temperatures from causing some ice cubes to melt excessively and then refreeze, leading to sticking.

[0040] Through the coordinated processing of cooling and stirring, not only can the ice cubes always remain in an independent and dispersed state, improving the user's retrieval experience, but the temperature control effect in the ice storage bin is further optimized, and the ice output quality of the ice-making device is improved.

[0041] In a second aspect, the present application provides an ice-making device, comprising:

[0042] case;

[0043] an ice making bin, the ice making bin being located in the shell;

[0044] An ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly being located in the ice-making bin and comprising an ice-making module and a water receiving box, the water receiving box being located below the ice-making module;

[0045] An ice storage bin is located inside the housing and is arranged side by side with the ice making bin in a horizontal direction. The ice storage bin is used to store ice cubes generated by the ice making module.

[0046] A control module, used in the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, a temperature equalizing device, one end of which is tightly fitted with the ice-making module, and the other end of which is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the shell, is used to cool down the ambient temperature of the ice-making bin and the ice storage bin when the ice-making module is making ice.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the ice-making module includes an evaporator and a compressor; a cold pipe is provided between the evaporator and the compressor; and one end of the temperature equalizing device is tightly fitted to the cold pipe.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, when the temperature equalizing device is attached to the outer side of the shell, it is aligned with the top position of the ice cubes accumulated in the ice storage bin in the horizontal direction.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, a refrigerant is provided inside the temperature equalizing device, or the temperature equalizing device is made of a heat-conducting material.

[0051] The control method for an ice-making device provided in this application activates ice making when the water level in the water receiving box reaches a specified level, then heats up and de-ices the ice after a target ice-making time. After the ice is stored in the ice storage bin, the evaporator is periodically cooled multiple times to regulate the temperature environment within the ice-making device, slowing ice melting and reducing ice sticking and crushing due to temperature fluctuations, thereby improving ice quality. Furthermore, when the ice storage level falls below a preset threshold, water is automatically added and the ice-making process is initiated. This not only ensures that users always have access to sufficient, high-quality ice, but also improves ice-making efficiency and enhances the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an ice-making device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of point A in the middle;

[0055] Figure 3 A flow chart of an ice making control method for an ice making device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of another ice-making device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] 100 - ice-making device; 110 - housing; 110a - ice-making bin; 110b - ice storage bin; 120 - ice-making assembly; 121 - ice-making module; 122 - water receiving box; 1211 - ice-making column; 1212 - evaporator; 1213 - compressor; 1214 - cooling pipe; 130 - temperature equalizing device.

[0059] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0061] An ice maker is a mechanical device that generates ice by cooling water or other liquids through a refrigeration system. Using water as a carrier, the ice maker creates ice when powered by a refrigeration system. Ice makers are widely used in a variety of fields, including food, medicine, and chemicals. As people's needs diversify, ice makers are also gradually becoming part of their homes.

[0062] Among them, according to the shape of the generated ice cubes, the ice making device can be divided into a granular ice machine, a flake ice machine, a plate ice machine, a tube ice machine, a shell ice machine, etc., which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0063] The ice-making device may include an ice-making assembly. The ice-making assembly may include refrigeration components such as a compressor, a condenser, a throttle valve, and an evaporator. The compressor, condenser, throttle valve, and evaporator work together to circulate refrigerant and remove heat, thereby producing ice cubes.

[0064] For example, the ice-making process of an ice-making device can be as follows: First, a water pump can be used to divert water, evenly distributing it to a water receiving box. The water then contacts the evaporator, which has been cooled by the low-temperature liquid refrigerant, and is cooled to freezing point, solidifying into ice cubes. Water that has not been frozen into ice by the evaporator can be recirculated through the water pump. When the ice on the evaporator reaches a predetermined thickness, or a predetermined mass, it enters the de-icing state. High-pressure hot air discharged from the compressor can be directed to the evaporator via a reversing valve, forming a water film between the ice and the evaporator. This water film allows the ice to separate from the evaporator. The ice can then fall freely into the water receiving box below under its own gravity.

[0065] However, during the defrosting process, the high-pressure hot air discharged from the compressor heats the surrounding air, increasing the temperature difference within the ice storage bin and significantly raising the temperature inside the bin. This causes the surface of the ice to melt, and during the subsequent regular cooling and insulation process of the ice storage bin, the ice cubes are prone to sticking together. Furthermore, stuck ice cubes are more likely to be crushed during the ice dispensing process, forming crushed ice, which seriously affects the ice dispensing quality and user experience.

[0066] To address the above technical issues, the present invention provides an ice-making control method for an ice-making device. During the ice-making process, ice-making is initiated when the water storage level in the water receiving box reaches a specified level, and the ice is removed after the target ice-making time has elapsed. After the ice is stored in the ice storage bin, the evaporator is periodically cooled multiple times to regulate the temperature environment within the ice-making device, slowing ice melting and reducing ice sticking and crushing due to temperature fluctuations, thereby improving ice quality. Furthermore, when the ice storage level falls below a preset threshold, water is automatically added and the ice-making process is initiated. This not only ensures that users always have access to sufficient, high-quality ice, but also improves ice-making efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0067] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0068] In order to more clearly understand the ice making control method provided by this application, the following will be combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ice-making device in this application is described in detail. By clarifying the layout and functions of each component, the ice-making control method proposed in this application can be more conveniently understood and applied based on a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the ice-making device.

[0069] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ice-making device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a housing 110 , an ice-making bin 110 a , an ice-storage bin 110 b , and an ice-making assembly 120 .

[0070] The ice making bin 110 a may be located within the housing 110 .

[0071] The ice-making assembly 120 can be located within the ice-making bin 110a and includes an ice-making module 121 and a water receiving tray 122. The water receiving tray 122 can be located below the ice-making module 121. The ice-making module 121 has an ice-making mode and an ice-removing mode. The ice-making mode can be used to convert water in the water receiving tray 122 into ice cubes. The ice-removing mode is configured to separate the ice cubes from the ice-making module 121 by heating, causing them to fall into the water receiving tray 122.

[0072] The ice storage bin 110 b may be located within the housing 110 . The ice storage bin 110 b is disposed side by side with the ice making bin 110 a along the horizontal direction X. The ice storage bin 110 b may be used to store ice cubes generated by the ice making assembly 120 .

[0073] It should be noted that the ice-making device 100 in the embodiment of the present application is placed on a horizontal surface. The horizontal direction X is parallel to the horizontal surface. The vertical direction Y is perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The vertical direction Y may refer to the height direction of the housing 110.

[0074] The ice making module 121 can make ice cubes in the ice making bin 110 a in an ice making mode, and can make the ice cubes fall into the water receiving box 122 in an ice removing mode.

[0075] Specifically, when the ice-making module 121 is in ice-making mode, water solidifies on the ice-making module 121 to form ice cubes. The ice cubes solidify on the ice-making module 121. When the ice cubes on the ice-making module 121 reach a predetermined thickness, the ice-making module 121 can enter ice-shedding mode. In this mode, the ice-making module 121 heats the ice cubes, melting the portion of the ice cubes that is in contact with the ice-making module 121. This forms a water film between the ice cubes and the ice-making module 121, allowing the ice cubes to more easily fall from the ice-making module 121 into the water receiving tray 122 below.

[0076] Specifically, the ice storage bin 110b and the ice making bin 110a are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction X. When the ice cubes in the water receiving box 122 reach a certain amount, the ice cubes in the water receiving box 122 can enter the ice storage bin 110b. The ice storage bin 110b can store more ice cubes for users to take.

[0077] In some examples, the ice-making module 121 may include a plurality of ice-making columns 1211. At least a portion of the ice-making columns 1211 may be located within the interior space of a water receiving box 122. The water receiving box 122 may be configured to hold water. Some of the ice-making columns 1211 may be submerged in the water within the water receiving box 122. In ice-making mode, water may solidify on the ice-making columns 1211 to form ice cubes. The ice-making columns 1211 may utilize an evaporator to provide a cooling function. The temperature of the ice-making columns 1211 decreases, allowing the water surrounding the ice-making columns 1211 to quickly solidify into ice cubes on the ice-making columns 1211.

[0078] In ice-making mode, water in the water tray 122 continuously solidifies into ice cubes on the ice columns 1211. When the ice reaches a certain thickness, the ice-shedding mode is activated. In this mode, the ice columns 1211 heat up, melting the ice where it touches them. The ice then falls off the ice columns 1211 under their own gravity into the water tray 122 below. The water tray 122 can be used to store ice cubes.

[0079] The ice column 1211 can be heated by installing a metal wire inside it. Electric current can be passed through the wire to generate heat, thereby heating the ice column 1211. Alternatively, high-pressure hot air discharged from the compressor can be directed to the ice column 1211 through a reversing valve, thereby heating the ice column 1211. This is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0080] In some practicable embodiments, the water receiving box 122 of the embodiment of the present application may be movably connected to the housing 110 so as to allow the ice cubes in the water receiving box 122 to enter the ice storage bin 110b.

[0081] In some examples, the present invention does not limit the movement of the water receiving tray 122. For example, the water receiving tray 122 may be rotatably connected to the housing 110. When the water receiving tray 122 contains a certain amount of ice, the water receiving tray 122 may tilt to dump the ice into the ice storage bin 110b.

[0082] Based on the above, the ice-making device also includes a control module, which can be located in the shell 110 (not shown in the figure) or in a server or other electronic device that communicates with the ice-making device. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the setting location of the control module.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present application, the control module is used to implement the ice-making control method for the ice-making device provided in the embodiments of the present application. This method can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The specific process of the ice-making control method for the control device implemented in the control module is described in detail below with reference to multiple figures and in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the ice making control method of the ice making device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 , the ice making control method includes the following steps:

[0085] S301. When it is detected that the amount of water in the water receiving box reaches or exceeds the preset water storage capacity, the ice-making module is controlled to make ice on the water in the water receiving box. After the target ice-making time has passed, the ice-making module is controlled to increase the temperature so as to separate the made ice cubes from the ice-making module.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the ice-making command is an operating instruction for cooling the water in the water receiving box into ice cubes. A user may also generate this command by triggering an ice-making control operation. Furthermore, this command may be automatically generated by the control module. For example, when the received ice-making detection data meets preset conditions, the control module may automatically generate the ice-making command.

[0087] For example, the control module can detect the amount of water in the water receiving box in the ice-making device through the built-in water level sensor. When it is detected that the water amount reaches or exceeds the preset water output, it means that there is sufficient water in the water receiving box. At this time, it is determined that the detection data meets the conditions for making ice cubes of the preset quality, and the ice-making instruction can be automatically generated.

[0088] Then, the ice-making module receives and responds to the generated ice-making command, initiating the ice-making process. In the present application example, the ice-making device includes an ice-making module, which may also include a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may include refrigeration components such as a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The ice-making module can be understood as at least some of the components of the aforementioned refrigeration system, such as an evaporator. After the ice-making module starts making ice, the refrigeration system can gradually cool the water in the water receiving box to form ice cubes.

[0089] After the target ice-making time has elapsed, the water solidifies into ice cubes that meet preset standards. To ensure smooth separation of the ice cubes from the ice-making module, the control module raises the temperature of the contact surface between the ice cubes and the ice-making module by heating the module or stopping refrigeration. This allows the ice cubes to separate from the module and fall into the water collection box.

[0090] It can be explained that the target ice-making time can be a time parameter determined through multiple experiments. For example, in previous experiments, technicians conducted multiple ice-making operations and, based on historical ice-making times for producing ice cubes with a preset thickness, preset hardness, or preset quality, conducted data analysis and optimization to determine the target ice-making time. In this way, ice-making is performed using the target ice-making time to ensure that each ice-making process produces ice cubes that meet the desired quality as much as possible, effectively improving ice quality and enhancing the user experience.

[0091] S302: When ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is periodically controlled to perform a second cooling process to delay the melting of the ice cubes. When it is detected that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage bin is less than a preset ice storage threshold, water is injected into the water receiving box.

[0092] The heating of the ice-adding module during the controlled separation of ice cubes from the ice-making module causes the temperature inside the ice-making bin to rise. Furthermore, because the ice-making bin and ice storage bin are adjacent and heat conduction occurs, heat is rapidly transferred to the ice storage bin, causing its temperature to rise simultaneously. Furthermore, the ambient temperature outside the ice-making device is typically higher than that inside the device, and ambient heat continuously permeates through the device casing, further increasing the temperature of the ice-making and ice storage bins. This causes the surface of the ice cubes to melt, making it very likely that the ice cubes will stick together during the subsequent regular cooling and heat preservation process of the ice bin. Furthermore, stuck ice cubes are more likely to be crushed during the dispensing process, forming crushed ice.

[0093] On this basis, to delay ice melting and thereby reduce ice sticking and ice crushing, the ambient temperature within the ice-making device can be monitored and, based on the detection results, the ambient temperature within the ice-making device can be lowered. Specifically, temperature control can be achieved by periodically controlling the ice-making module to perform a cooling process, i.e., a second cooling process.

[0094] It can be explained that this embodiment defines the cooling operation after the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin as the "second cooling treatment" because the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application also includes cooling treatment in other stages. In this way, the functional differences of different temperature control stages are clarified through different names.

[0095] After ice making is complete, the remaining water in the water collection box is drained, causing the ice columns from the ice making module to leak into the air. Cooling the ice making module at this point is equivalent to cooling the environment inside the ice making bin, suppressing the temperature rise inside the ice making bin and even the ice storage bin, effectively slowing the melting of ice and reducing problems such as sticking and ice breakage caused by temperature fluctuations.

[0096] At the same time, sensors within the ice storage bin continuously monitor the ice level. If the ice level, such as the number of ice cubes or the height of the ice pile, falls below a threshold, it determines that ice production is necessary to replenish the ice supply. The water injection device then controls the water collection box, automatically initiating the subsequent ice-making process. This ensures that users always have access to sufficient, high-quality ice cubes while also improving ice-making efficiency and ice quality, enhancing the user experience.

[0097] In the above technical solution, upon receiving an ice-making instruction, ice making and defrosting are completed according to the target ice-making time, achieving ice cubes that meet the desired effect and effectively improving ice quality. After the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the evaporator is periodically cooled multiple times to regulate the temperature environment within the ice control device, slowing the melting rate of the ice cubes and reducing the phenomenon of ice cubes sticking together and crushing into ice fragments due to temperature fluctuations, thereby improving ice making quality. In addition, when the ice storage level falls below a preset threshold, water is automatically added and the ice-making process is initiated. This not only ensures that users always have access to sufficient high-quality ice cubes, but also improves ice-making efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0098] Next, the ice-making process of the ice-making device is described in detail, but this is not intended to limit the technical solution of the present application.

[0099] Before ice making, a target ice making time can be pre-set, and during the ice making process, ice making is performed on the water in the water receiving box based on the target ice making time. Optionally, the target ice making time for the ice making module can be set to be greater than a first time and less than a second time; the first time is the time required for the ice making module to produce ice cubes of a target mass, and the second time is the time required for the ice making module to produce ice cubes of a critical mass; the critical mass is a critical mass threshold at which adjacent ice cubes produced by the ice making module adhere to each other during the ice making process, and the target mass is less than the critical mass.

[0100] In this embodiment, the target ice-making time is set to be greater than the first time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes that meet specific quality requirements (i.e., the target quality). This ensures that the ice cubes produced have sufficient physical properties such as thickness and hardness to meet the user's basic requirements for ice quality. At the same time, limiting the target ice-making time to less than the second time required to generate ice cubes of critical quality can effectively avoid the problem of adjacent ice cubes being squeezed against each other during the ice-making and storage process due to excessive ice mass, thereby exceeding the critical mass threshold of adhesion and sticking together.

[0101] In this way, by limiting the target ice-making time, we can not only ensure that the quality of individual ice cubes meets the standards, but also avoid adhesion defects caused by excessive growth of ice cubes, thereby achieving a balance between ice-making quality and efficiency, effectively improving the ice-making efficiency and quality of the ice-making device, and enhancing the user experience.

[0102] In an optional embodiment, the target ice-making time can be specifically determined based on a target quality of ice cubes to be produced. Based on this, the specific process of determining the target ice-making time may include: obtaining a target quality and a target ice-making temperature corresponding to the ice-making process; and determining the target ice-making time for the ice-making module based on the target quality, target ice-making temperature, and the cooling power of the ice-making module.

[0103] In this embodiment, before each ice making, or when the ice making device is initialized, the target mass and target ice making temperature of the ice cubes at the end of ice making are obtained.

[0104] It should be noted that in conventional ice-making technology, the target ice-making temperature is typically set at the freezing point of water, i.e., 0°C. However, to improve ice quality, this application sets the target ice-making temperature below the freezing point of water. By lowering the ice-making temperature, the crystals within the ice cubes become denser, thereby increasing their hardness. Furthermore, the lower initial temperature effectively slows the melting of the ice during storage, reducing problems such as sticking and ice breakage caused by temperature fluctuations.

[0105] At the same time, the cooling power of the refrigeration module in the refrigeration unit is also called. Then, using the thermodynamic formula Q = cmΔT (where c is the specific heat capacity of ice (2100 J / (kg*°C)), m is the target mass, and ΔT is the temperature difference), the total heat required to cool the corresponding mass of water from its initial temperature to the target ice-making temperature is calculated. From this, the power formula P = W / t (where P is the cooling power, W is the total heat, and t is the time) is used to reversely deduce the duration of the refrigeration module's operation, i.e., the target ice-making time.

[0106] For example, if 0.058kg of water needs to be cooled from 10°C to 0°C to freeze, and then further frozen to -10°C, it is calculated that approximately 2436J of heat must be absorbed. Combined with a cooling power of 46W, the target ice-making time is approximately 53 seconds. In other words, after the conventional ice-making time of 27 seconds, the ice-making device provided in the embodiment of the present application further extends the ice-making time of the ice-making module by 26 seconds. By extending the ice-making time of the ice-making module, the ice cubes are gradually cooled from the inner area to the outer surface, which can effectively improve the hardness of the ice cubes, reduce the problem of ice surface melting caused by de-icing heating, avoid subsequent hidden dangers such as ice cube adhesion and ice crushing, and improve ice making quality.

[0107] When the target ice-making time is reached, the ice-making module enters the heating phase, causing the ice cubes to separate from the ice-making surface and fall into the water collection box. During this process, since the ice-making module still maintains a high temperature after de-icing, the heat it dissipates causes the surface of the ice cubes in contact with it to temporarily melt.

[0108] In order to slow down the melting of ice cubes, the protection scheme provided in this embodiment also includes: when ice cubes fall into the water receiving box and are not stored in the ice storage bin, controlling the ice making module to perform a first cooling process and storing the ice cubes in the ice storage bin.

[0109] In this embodiment, when ice cubes separate from the ice-making module and fall into the water collection box before being transferred to the ice storage bin, the control module immediately triggers the ice-making module's first cooling process, rapidly resuming refrigeration. Leveraging its low-temperature characteristics, the module rapidly cools the ice cubes in the water collection box, significantly reducing their surface and internal temperatures and effectively curbing melting caused by residual heat from the ice-making module. After the cooling process is complete and the ice cubes' temperature has significantly dropped, they are transferred to the ice storage bin for storage. This prevents ice cubes from breaking and softening during transfer, significantly reducing ice loss.

[0110] In an optional embodiment, the process of controlling the ice-making module to perform a first cooling treatment may include: obtaining first temperature difference data corresponding to the first cooling treatment when the ice-making module performs the first cooling treatment; the first temperature difference data is determined based on the first target temperature corresponding to the first cooling treatment and the first current temperature data of the ice-making module after heating; according to the first temperature difference data, obtaining a first cooling time corresponding to the first cooling treatment; according to the first cooling time, controlling the ice-making module to perform the first cooling treatment.

[0111] In this embodiment, after the ice-making module completes heating and ice removal, the control module can collect the first current temperature data of the ice-making module in real time through the temperature sensor, and at the same time obtain the pre-set first target temperature, and obtain the temperature difference data corresponding to the first cooling treatment according to the difference between the two temperatures, that is, the first temperature difference data; then, through the first temperature difference data, thermodynamic formulas and related thermodynamic parameters, the heat corresponding to the first cooling treatment of the ice-making module is obtained; and then, combined with the power corresponding to the refrigeration module and the power formula, the first cooling time corresponding to the first cooling treatment is obtained.

[0112] On this basis, the ice-making module is controlled to start the refrigeration program based on the first cooling time, so as to continuously cool the ambient temperature in the ice-making bin during the time period and slow down the melting speed of the ice cubes in the water receiving box.

[0113] For example, if the calculated first temperature difference data is ΔT = 50°C, the obtained refrigeration module (evaporator) mass m = 0.129 kg, and the specific heat capacity of the refrigeration module (evaporator) material c = 520 J / (kg*°C), the thermodynamic formula shows that the heat required to be reduced by the evaporator is 3354 J. Furthermore, it is calculated that there is approximately 2 g of water on the surface of the refrigeration module (evaporator), and the heat required to cool this water is calculated to be 836 J, for a total heat of 4190 J. Subsequently, if the refrigeration module (evaporator) cooling power is obtained as 46 W, the power formula is used to calculate the first cooling time of the refrigeration module (evaporator) for the first cooling process to be 91 seconds.

[0114] This cooling strategy based on real-time data and scientific calculations can prevent ice melting due to insufficient cooling and energy waste due to excessive cooling, significantly improving ice-making efficiency and the stability of ice quality.

[0115] When ice is stored in the ice storage bin, the ambient temperature outside the ice storage bin is typically higher than that inside the ice making unit. This heat will continue to penetrate through the unit's casing, further increasing the temperature of the ice making and storage bins. This causes the surface of the ice to melt, making it more likely for the ice to stick together during the subsequent regular cooling and heat preservation cycles. Furthermore, stuck ice is more likely to break during the dispensing process, resulting in crushed ice.

[0116] In order to reduce the sticking and crushing of ice cubes, the ice making module can be periodically controlled to perform a cooling process, namely the second cooling process.

[0117] During the periodic cooling process, the interval between each cycle can be fixed, that is, determined based on a preset time interval. This regular cooling intervention ensures that the temperature of the ice storage bin is always maintained in a stable range, effectively delaying the natural melting of ice cubes and ensuring the stability of ice quality when users use it at different times.

[0118] Optionally, during the periodic cooling process, the time interval of each cycle can also be an irregular interval, that is, the time interval of each cycle can be determined based on the amount of ice lost in the ice storage bin during each cycle; the amount of ice lost includes the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted. In this way, through real-time monitoring and intelligent response of the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted, it is possible to quickly respond to fluctuations in ice demand or changes in ambient temperature. For example, in scenarios where ice consumption surges due to high temperatures in summer or at parties, the system automatically shortens the cooling interval to avoid rapid melting, adhesion, or even collapse of ice due to insufficient cooling capacity; during periods of low ice consumption, extending the interval can reduce the frequency of compressor start-stops and reduce energy consumption.

[0119] In summary, the two interval determination modes complement each other, which can not only optimize the ice storage effect and improve the user experience, but also reduce the equipment operating costs through precise energy consumption control, while extending the service life of the core components of the ice making device.

[0120] In this embodiment, during the periodic second cooling process, any round of cooling process is taken as an example for illustrative description.

[0121] In an optional embodiment, the ice-making module is periodically controlled to perform a second cooling process, including: obtaining second temperature difference data corresponding to the second cooling process when the ice-making module performs the second cooling process; the second temperature difference data is determined based on a second target temperature corresponding to the second cooling process and preset ice melting temperature data; according to the second temperature difference data, a second cooling time corresponding to the second cooling process is obtained; and according to the second cooling time, the ice-making module is controlled to perform the second cooling process.

[0122] When the second cooling treatment is performed in the current round, the preset ice melting temperature is obtained, and the preset second target temperature is obtained at the same time. The temperature difference data corresponding to the second cooling treatment is obtained based on the difference between the two temperatures, that is, the second temperature difference data; then, through the second temperature difference data, thermodynamic formulas and related thermodynamic parameters, the corresponding heat for controlling the ice-making module to perform the second cooling treatment is obtained; then, combined with the corresponding power of the refrigeration module and the power formula, the second cooling time corresponding to the second cooling treatment is obtained.

[0123] On this basis, the ice-making module is controlled to start the refrigeration program based on the second cooling time, and the ambient temperature in the ice storage bin is continuously cooled during this time period to reduce the melting rate of the ice in the ice storage bin.

[0124] For example, the measured temperature curve shows that 60 minutes after the system finishes ice making, the ice pile height in the ice bin falls below the full ice sensor height, and the system begins ice making and replenishing. At this point, the mass loss of the ice pile is approximately 189g (the mass of three rounds of ice cubes). Therefore, the thermodynamic parameter c corresponds to the mass loss of the ice pile, which is 0.189kg. Furthermore, based on the acquired second current temperature of 20°C and the preset second target temperature of -10°C, the second temperature difference ΔT is calculated to be 30°C. Simultaneously, using thermodynamic formulas, the heat loss from the second cooling process of the refrigeration module (evaporator) is 2012.4J. Subsequently, based on the acquired cooling power of the refrigeration module (evaporator) of 46W, the power formula is used to calculate the second cooling time corresponding to the current second cooling process of the refrigeration module (evaporator) as 44s.

[0125] In this way, by performing periodic and precise temperature control, not only can insufficient cooling or over-cooling caused by temperature deviation be avoided, but the refrigeration time can also be adjusted according to the real-time heat load, thereby reducing the problems of ice sticking and breaking caused by temperature fluctuations, and improving the ice storage quality and equipment operation efficiency.

[0126] During the process of periodically performing the second cooling treatment on the ice storage module, the technical solution provided by the present application also includes: during any second cooling treatment process, stirring the ice cubes in the ice storage bin to prevent the ice cubes from sticking together.

[0127] In this embodiment, each time the ice-making module initiates the second cooling process, the built-in stirring device is simultaneously triggered to gently agitate the ice cubes within the ice storage bin. This regular physical displacement continuously changes the contact position between ice cubes, preventing excessive local pressure and ice crystal fusion, effectively destroying the conditions that cause ice cubes to stick together, thereby reducing ice blockage. Furthermore, the stirring process promotes even distribution of cooling within the bin, preventing excessive melting and refreezing of ice cubes due to uneven temperatures, which can lead to sticking.

[0128] Through the coordinated processing of cooling and stirring, not only can the ice cubes always remain in an independent and dispersed state, improving the user's retrieval experience, but the temperature control effect in the ice storage bin is further optimized, and the ice output quality of the ice-making device is improved.

[0129] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the applicant has also improved the structure of the above-mentioned ice-making device. In the embodiment of the present application, since hot air is generated during ice removal and the density of hot air is relatively low, it can be subjected to an upward buoyancy when surrounded by cold air, so that the hot air rises and gathers in the top area of ​​the ice pile in the ice storage bin. Therefore, by providing a temperature equalizing device in the ice-making device, the cooling capacity of the refrigeration module can be transferred to the upper part of the ice storage bin to lower its ambient temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of the ice in the ice storage bin being melted by the hot air, causing the ice to stick together. It is easy to understand that when the thermal insulation component prevents the ice from being melted by the hot air, it can also effectively reduce the possibility of the ice being crushed and turned into crushed ice during the ice-discharging process, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0130] The ice-making device 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to the structure described above, further includes a temperature equalizer. One end of the temperature equalizer is tightly attached to the ice-making module, while the other end is tightly attached to the outer wall of the housing. The temperature equalizer is used to cool the ambient temperature of the ice-making bin and the ice-storage bin while the ice-making module is making ice.

[0131] In this embodiment, an efficient heat conduction path is constructed by fitting the two ends of the temperature equalizing device: one end is in close contact with the ice-making module, which can absorb the cold energy generated during the refrigeration process in real time, and the other end is in close contact with the outer wall of the shell to form a heat dissipation interface, thereby achieving cooling of the ice storage bin.

[0132] When the ice-making module starts the ice-making process, the temperature equalizing device uses its own high thermal conductivity to synchronously transfer the cold energy of the ice-making module to the ice making and storage bin, so that the water in the water receiving box is evenly cooled into ice. The low temperature environment of the ice storage bin is maintained by the diffusion of cold energy, thereby reducing the ambient temperature of the ice storage bin and reducing the ice sticking together due to the increase in the surface temperature of the ice cubes in the ice storage bin, thereby preventing the stuck ice cubes from being more easily crushed during the ice-discharging process to form crushed ice.

[0133] Optionally, the temperature equalizing device provided in this embodiment may be provided with a refrigerant inside to achieve temperature conduction.

[0134] The temperature-averaging device in this embodiment achieves temperature transfer by internally containing a refrigerant (such as Freon, water, or ethylene glycol solution). Specifically, when the temperature-averaging device is attached to the cooling pipe, the refrigerant absorbs the low-temperature energy from the pipe's surface and evaporates from liquid to gas. This cooling gaseous refrigerant then flows through the device's internal channels to the outside of the housing. Upon encountering cold, it liquefies and releases its cooling energy, transferring the cooling energy from the ice-making module to the ice storage bin. This system leverages the heat absorption and release properties of the refrigerant during its phase transition, dynamically responding to temperature fluctuations and achieving efficient cooling transfer. Furthermore, the circulating refrigerant balances local temperature differences, ensuring a uniform decrease in the ambient temperature of the ice storage bin.

[0135] Optionally, the temperature equalizing device provided in this embodiment may also be a device made of a heat-conducting material.

[0136] The temperature-balancing device in this embodiment can be made of a highly thermally conductive material such as copper or aluminum (or a graphene composite material). This means that cold energy is transferred through the molecular thermal motion of the solid material. Specifically, when the device is tightly attached to the cold pipe, the highly thermally conductive material, leveraging its inherent thermal conductivity, rapidly transfers low-temperature energy from the cold pipe surface along the device's extension to the exterior of the housing, thereby lowering the ambient temperature of the ice storage bin. This eliminates the need for refrigerant phase change and instead utilizes the inherent thermal conductivity of the material to create a direct heat transfer path. This ensures efficient cold transfer while reducing device costs and simplifying the design.

[0137] In summary, both solutions can deliver the cooling capacity of the ice-making module to the target area through the fitting design with the cold pipe and the shell, and can be flexibly selected according to requirements such as product cost and structural compactness.

[0138] Based on the description of the structure of the ice making device in the above embodiment, see Figure 4 In an optional embodiment, the ice making module 121 further includes an evaporator 1212 and a compressor 1213; a cold pipe 1214 is provided between the evaporator 1212 and the compressor 1213; one end of the temperature equalizing device 130 is tightly fitted to the cold pipe 1214.

[0139] In this embodiment, the ice-making module 121 includes an evaporator 1212 , a compressor 1213 and a cold pipe 1214 therebetween. The temperature equalizing device 130 achieves cold conduction by being attached to the cold pipe 1214 .

[0140] Specifically, compressor 1213 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. When it is transported to evaporator 1212 via cold pipe 1214, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of evaporator 1212 to achieve ice production. Cold pipe 1214, a key path for refrigerant transmission, carries a large amount of low-temperature cooling energy on its surface. One end of the temperature equalizer tightly fits cold pipe 1214, directly absorbing the low-temperature energy from cold pipe 1214. Through its own highly thermally conductive material, the temperature equalizer simultaneously transfers this cooling energy to the ice making and ice storage bins 110b, thereby lowering the ambient temperature within ice storage bin 110b and delaying ice melting.

[0141] In this way, by constructing an additional heat conduction path through the temperature equalizing device, the temperature uniformity of the ice making bin and the ice storage bin 110b can be improved without increasing the load of the compressor 1213, thereby achieving the goal of reducing energy consumption while ensuring refrigeration efficiency.

[0142] Continue to see Figure 4On the basis of the above embodiment, when the temperature equalizing device is attached to the outside of the shell 110, it is aligned with the top position of the ice cubes accumulated in the ice storage bin 110b in the horizontal direction.

[0143] In this embodiment, after the temperature equalization device draws cold energy from the ice-making module 121 via the cold pipe 1214, the portion of the device extending outside the housing 110 directly transfers low-temperature energy to the top area of ​​the ice storage bin 110b. Because the top of the ice accumulation is in direct contact with the air inside the bin and is the primary area for heat exchange, aligning the temperature equalization device at this location rapidly lowers the temperature in the top area through heat conduction from the outer wall of the housing 110. This not only prevents the top ice from melting due to contact with hot air, but also allows the cold energy to sink downward, promoting uniform temperature throughout the ice storage bin 110b, preventing ice from sticking together or collapsing, resulting in ice fragments, due to excessively high temperatures at the top.

[0144] An embodiment of the present application further provides a drink purification device, which may include a water purification component and the ice-making device 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0145] The water purification component can be used to provide the ice-making device 100 with water required for ice making.

[0146] The beverage purifier of the embodiment of the present application, due to the provision of an ice-making device 100, can have an ice-making function. By providing a temperature equalizing device within the ice-making device, the cooling capacity of the refrigeration module can be transferred to the upper portion of the ice storage bin, thereby lowering the ambient temperature. This reduces the possibility of ice cubes in the bin being melted by the hot air, which could lead to ice sticking. It is easy to understand that when the thermal insulation prevents ice cubes from melting due to the hot air, it also effectively reduces the possibility of ice cubes being crushed and turning into crushed ice during the ice dispensing process, thereby improving the user experience.

[0147] Furthermore, the control module activates ice making when the water level in the water receiving box reaches the target, then heats up and defrosts the ice after the target ice making time. After the ice is stored in the ice storage bin, the evaporator is periodically cooled multiple times to regulate the temperature within the ice control unit, slowing ice melting and reducing ice sticking and crushing due to temperature fluctuations, thereby improving ice quality. Furthermore, when the ice storage level falls below a preset threshold, water is automatically added and the ice making process begins. This not only ensures that users always have access to sufficient, high-quality ice, but also improves ice making efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0148] In some examples, the drinking water purification device may have multiple functions. For example, the drinking water purification device may provide hot water and cold water to the user.

[0149] It should be noted here that the numerical values ​​and numerical ranges involved in this application are approximate values. Due to the influence of the manufacturing process, there may be a certain range of errors. Those skilled in the art may consider this part of the error to be negligible.

[0150] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0151] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms used, such as "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", "axial", and "circumferential", indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the position or component referred to must have a specific orientation, a specific structure, and operation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0152] In the embodiments of the present application, any device or element referred to or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically specified.

[0153] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and so on (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments of the present application described herein, for example, can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0154] In addition, the terms "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements expressly listed but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0155] The term "plurality" in this document refers to two or more. The term "and / or" in this document simply describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the related objects; in a formula, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the related objects.

[0156] It will be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are merely distinctions for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0157] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0158] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the following claims.

[0159] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structure 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 application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ice making control method for an ice making device, characterized in that: The ice-making device includes an ice-making bin and an ice-storage bin arranged side by side in a horizontal direction within a housing, the ice-making bin includes an ice-making module and a water receiving box, and the ice-making module is vertically above the water receiving box; the method includes: In response to an ice-making instruction, the ice-making module is controlled to make ice from the water in the water receiving box, and after a target ice-making time has passed, the ice-making module is controlled to increase the temperature so as to separate the ice cubes from the ice-making module; When the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is periodically controlled to perform a second cooling process to delay the melting of the ice cubes. When it is detected that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage bin is less than a preset ice storage threshold, water is injected into the water receiving box to make ice.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The target ice-making duration is greater than the first duration and less than the second duration; the first duration is the time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes of a target mass, and the second duration is the time required for the ice-making module to generate ice cubes of a critical mass; The critical mass is a critical mass threshold at which adjacent ice cubes generated by the ice-making module during the ice-making process are adhered to each other, and the target mass is smaller than the critical mass.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Before controlling the ice-making module to make ice from the water in the water receiving box, the method further includes: Obtaining a target quality and a target ice-making temperature corresponding to the ice-making process; the target ice-making temperature is lower than the freezing temperature of water; A target ice-making time of the ice-making module is determined according to the target mass, the target ice-making temperature, and the refrigeration power of the ice-making module.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the ice cubes fall into the water receiving box and are not stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is controlled to perform a first cooling process and the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Controlling the ice-making module to perform a first cooling process includes: Acquiring first temperature difference data corresponding to a first cooling process performed by the ice-making module; the first temperature difference data is determined based on a first target temperature corresponding to the first cooling process and first current temperature data of the ice-making module after heating; Obtaining a first cooling time corresponding to the first cooling process according to the first temperature difference data; According to the first cooling time, the ice-making module is controlled to perform a first cooling process.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Periodically controlling the ice-making module to perform a second cooling process includes: Acquiring second temperature difference data corresponding to the second cooling process performed by the ice-making module; the second temperature difference data is determined based on a second target temperature corresponding to the second cooling process and preset ice melting temperature data; Obtaining a second cooling time corresponding to the second cooling process according to the second temperature difference data; According to the second cooling time, the ice-making module is controlled to perform a second cooling process.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that The time interval of each cycle is determined based on a preset time interval; or, The time interval of each cycle is determined based on the amount of ice lost in the ice storage bin during each cycle; the amount of ice lost includes the amount of ice taken and the amount of ice melted.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: During any second cooling process, the ice cubes in the ice storage bin are stirred to prevent the ice cubes from sticking together.

9. An ice making device, characterized in that: include: case; an ice making bin, the ice making bin being located in the shell; An ice-making assembly, the ice-making assembly being located in the ice-making bin and comprising an ice-making module and a water receiving box, the water receiving box being located below the ice-making module; An ice storage bin is located inside the housing and is arranged side by side with the ice making bin in a horizontal direction. The ice storage bin is used to store ice cubes generated by the ice making module. a control module, configured to control the ice-making module to make ice from the water in the water receiving box when detecting that the amount of water in the water receiving box reaches or exceeds a preset water storage amount, and to control the ice-making module to increase the temperature after a target ice-making time has elapsed, so as to separate the formed ice cubes from the ice-making module; When the ice cubes are stored in the ice storage bin, the ice making module is periodically controlled to perform a second cooling process to delay the melting of the ice cubes. When it is detected that the ice storage amount in the ice storage bin is less than a preset ice storage threshold, the preset water storage amount of water is injected into the water receiving box.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The device further comprises: A temperature equalizing device, one end of which is tightly fitted with the ice-making module, and the other end of which is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the shell, is used to cool the ambient temperature of the ice-making bin and the ice storage bin when the ice-making module is making ice.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The ice-making module includes an evaporator and a compressor; a cold pipe is provided between the evaporator and the compressor; one end of the temperature equalizing device is tightly fitted to the cold pipe.

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that When the temperature equalizing device is attached to the outer side of the shell, it is aligned with the top position of the ice cubes accumulated in the ice storage bin in the horizontal direction.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that A refrigerant is provided inside the temperature-averaging device, or the temperature-averaging device is made of a heat-conducting material.

14. A drinking water purification device, characterized in that: include: A water purification component and an ice-making device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the water purification component is used to provide the ice-making device with water required for ice making.

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