A thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laboratory equipment technology, and discloses a thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use and its control method. The thermoelectric ice maker includes a body, a thermoelectric cooler, a cover, a movable rod, a pusher, a sensor, and a controller. A mold cavity is formed on the body; the thermoelectric cooler is disposed within the body and surrounds the sidewall of the mold cavity; the cover is detachably connected to the body and closes the opening of the mold cavity; the cover has a central hole; the movable rod is inserted into the central hole and extends into the mold cavity; the pusher is disposed on the cover and connected to the movable rod, used to drive the movable rod to reciprocate axially along the central hole; the sensor is disposed within the mold cavity; the controller is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler, the pusher, and the sensor. By heating the thermoelectric cooler, the outer layer of the ice block melts, while the pusher pulls the ice block, accelerating the separation of the ice block from the body, increasing the demolding speed of the ice block, and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laboratory equipment technology, and in particular to a thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In laboratory work, ice is frequently needed, and currently, ice is mainly produced using ice makers. Unlike commercial ice makers, laboratory ice makers often require high-efficiency ice production, producing the necessary ice in a short time to ensure experimental efficiency. They also have specific requirements regarding noise levels, cleanliness, and temperature control accuracy. Semiconductor ice makers, based on the Peltier effect (thermoelectric cooling), can achieve rapid cooling, making them suitable for the rapid preparation of small quantities of ice in laboratory environments, and thus have broad application prospects.

[0003] However, existing laboratory ice makers require knocking or prying to remove ice after it is quickly made, which is inconvenient and results in long ice removal times, affecting ice production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use and its control method, aiming to solve the problem that the ice extraction time of existing laboratory ice makers is long, which affects the ice production speed.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, comprising:

[0008] The body, on which a mold cavity is formed;

[0009] A semiconductor cooling chip is disposed within the machine body; the semiconductor cooling chip is arranged around the side wall of the mold cavity;

[0010] The cover is detachably connected to the machine body; the cover closes the opening of the mold cavity; and the cover has a central hole.

[0011] A movable rod is inserted into the central hole and extends into the mold cavity;

[0012] A pusher is provided on the cover; the pusher is connected to the movable rod and is used to drive the movable rod to reciprocate along the axial direction of the central hole;

[0013] A sensor, located inside the mold cavity, is used to collect temperature information of the sidewall of the mold cavity;

[0014] The controller is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler, the pusher, and the sensor.

[0015] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, wherein the pusher comprises:

[0016] An annular outer shell, connected to the cover, is fitted onto the movable rod; the interior of the annular outer shell is hollow, forming an annular cavity.

[0017] A driving component is disposed within the annular cavity; the driving component is electrically connected to the controller.

[0018] A multi-stage telescopic rod is connected to the drive component for transmission.

[0019] A movable base plate, an elastic element, and a movable top plate are stacked sequentially on the multi-stage telescopic rod; and the movable base plate, the elastic element, and the movable top plate are all sleeved on the movable rod body; the movable base plate is connected to the multi-stage telescopic rod, and the movable top plate is engaged with the movable rod body;

[0020] The driving component is used to extend the multi-stage telescopic rod to push the movable base plate to squeeze the elastic element.

[0021] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, wherein the driving component includes any one of a hydraulic pump, a motor, and a cylinder; and / or, the elastic component is any one of a compression spring, a disc spring, and a rubber spring.

[0022] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, wherein a slot is provided on the side of the cover facing the mold cavity, and the slot is arranged around the central hole;

[0023] The thermoelectric ice maker includes an elastic support and a push plate. Both the elastic support and the push plate are sleeved on the movable rod. One end of the elastic support is inserted into the slot, and the other end abuts against the push plate. The push plate is engaged with the movable rod.

[0024] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, wherein the machine body includes an outer casing and a partition disposed within the outer casing, the partition abutting against the inner wall of the outer casing and dividing the internal space of the outer casing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and the controller is disposed in the lower chamber;

[0025] The partition plate has four inclined sidewalls protruding from one side toward the upper chamber, and the four inclined sidewalls together form the mold cavity; and four semiconductor cooling chips are provided, and the four semiconductor cooling chips are respectively attached to the four inclined sidewalls.

[0026] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use includes four sensors, which are respectively mounted on the four inclined sidewalls.

[0027] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use includes heat dissipation holes on the side wall of the outer casing, with the heat dissipation holes positioned directly opposite the semiconductor cooling chip.

[0028] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use includes a controller comprising a printed circuit board, a power supply, and a switch. The power supply is electrically connected to the printed circuit board to provide electrical energy; the switch is electrically connected to the printed circuit board to open or close the circuit; and the semiconductor cooling chip, the pusher, and the sensor are all electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0029] The aforementioned thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use includes a water hardness detection probe disposed on the bottom surface of the mold cavity, the water hardness detection probe being connected to an external detection terminal for collecting hardness information of the water in the mold cavity.

[0030] This application also discloses a control method for a laboratory thermoelectric ice maker, applicable to any of the above-described laboratory thermoelectric ice makers; wherein, the control method includes:

[0031] Collect demolding instructions;

[0032] Based on the demolding command, the pusher is activated and power is supplied to the semiconductor cooling chip, while real-time temperature information on the side wall of the mold cavity is collected.

[0033] An adjustment command is generated based on the real-time temperature information;

[0034] The current value of the semiconductor cooling chip is finely adjusted based on the adjustment command.

[0035] When the stroke of the pusher reaches its maximum value, a termination command is generated;

[0036] The semiconductor cooling chip is powered off based on the termination command.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0038] This invention discloses a thermoelectric ice maker comprising a closed mold cavity consisting of a body and a cover. Cooling is achieved by energizing a semiconductor cooling chip, causing water within the mold cavity to freeze into ice. A movable rod is installed within the mold cavity, which becomes integrated with the ice block after it forms. After the ice block is formed, heat is provided by the semiconductor cooling chip to melt the outer surface of the ice block, reducing the adhesion between the ice block and the side and bottom walls of the mold cavity. Furthermore, sensors collect the real-time temperature of the side walls of the mold cavity, and the heating power of the semiconductor cooling chip is adjusted accordingly. This ensures rapid melting of the outer surface of the ice block while preventing excessive melting that could affect the ice block's volume. During ice removal, a pusher extends the movable rod outward, pulling the ice block and separating it from the mold cavity. In other words, by accelerating ice melting and pushing the ice block, ice removal efficiency is improved, thus enhancing the ice-making efficiency of the thermoelectric ice maker to meet the needs of laboratory work environments. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric ice maker used in the laboratory according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA' direction;

[0042] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the thermoelectric ice maker used in the laboratory according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the movable rod and the pusher in this invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is an application environment diagram of the control method for a thermoelectric ice maker used in the laboratory in this invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method for a thermoelectric ice maker used in the laboratory according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal in this invention.

[0047] Among them, 10. Body; 11. Mold cavity; 12. Outer box; 121. Upper chamber; 122. Lower chamber; 123. Heat dissipation hole; 13. Partition plate; 131. Inclined side wall; 20. Semiconductor cooling chip; 30. Cover; 31. Center hole; 32. Slot; 40. Movable rod; 50. Pusher; 51. Annular outer shell; 511. Annular cavity; 52. Drive component; 53. Multi-stage telescopic rod; 54. Movable base plate; 55. Elastic component; 56. Movable top plate; 60. Sensor; 70. Controller; 71. Printed circuit board; 72. Power supply; 73. Switch; 80. Elastic support component; 90. Push plate; 100. Water hardness detection probe; 102. Terminal; 104. Server. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that may occur during manufacturing. The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all contents, operations, or steps, nor do they necessarily need to be performed in the order described. For example, some operations or steps may be broken down, combined, or partially merged, so the actual order of execution may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0050] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of any two or more items.

[0051] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe individual components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0052] For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Such spatial relational terms are intended to encompass not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both “above” and “below” orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways, and the spatial relational terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment of this invention application, a thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use is disclosed, comprising a body 10, a semiconductor cooling chip 20, a cover 30, a movable rod 40, a pusher 50, a sensor 60, and a controller 70.

[0055] Specifically, a mold cavity is formed on the body 10, and the thermoelectric cooler 20 and the controller 70 are both disposed within the body 10. The thermoelectric cooler 20 is arranged around the side wall of the mold cavity, and the sensor 60 is disposed within the mold cavity to collect temperature information of the side wall of the mold cavity; the controller 70 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler 20, the pusher 50, and the sensor 60.

[0056] By receiving temperature information from sensor 60, controller 70 can control the cooling or heating power of thermoelectric cooler 20. Simultaneously, controller 70 can also control the opening and closing of pusher 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, controller 70 can automatically control the ice-making and ice-removal steps, which helps improve the working efficiency of the thermoelectric ice maker.

[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover 30 is detachably connected to the body 10; the cover 30 covers the opening of the mold cavity. Before making ice, the cover 30 can be lifted to pour water into the mold cavity; then the cover 30 is closed onto the body 10 to seal the mold cavity.

[0058] Specifically, the cover 30 is provided with a central hole 31; the movable rod 40 is inserted into the central hole 31 and extends into the mold cavity; the pusher 50 is provided on the cover 30; the pusher 50 is connected to the movable rod 40 and is used to drive the movable rod 40 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the central hole 31.

[0059] The thermoelectric ice maker disclosed in this embodiment consists of a body 10 and a cover 30 forming a closed mold cavity. By energizing the semiconductor cooling chip 20, refrigeration is achieved, causing the water in the mold cavity to freeze into ice. Furthermore, a movable rod 40 is provided inside the mold cavity, which becomes integrated with the ice block after it is formed. During the ice removal process, the movable rod 40 is pushed outward by a pusher 50, which can pull the ice block and cause it to separate from the mold cavity.

[0060] In addition, after the ice is made, heat is provided by the semiconductor cooling chip 20 to melt the outer surface of the ice, reducing the adhesion between the ice and the side and bottom walls of the mold cavity. At the same time, the real-time temperature of the side wall of the mold cavity is collected by the sensor 60, and the heating power of the semiconductor cooling chip 20 is adjusted accordingly to make the outer surface of the ice melt quickly, while avoiding melting too much and affecting the volume of the ice.

[0061] As can be seen, this embodiment improves ice extraction efficiency by accelerating ice melting and simultaneously pushing the ice, which is beneficial to improving the ice-making efficiency of the thermoelectric ice maker and meeting the needs of use in laboratory working environments.

[0062] It should be noted that the controller 70 disclosed in this embodiment can be electrically connected to the semiconductor cooling chip 20, the pusher 50, and the sensor 60 via wires. As a conventional electrical connection method, some schematic diagrams of the wires are omitted in the accompanying drawings of this application, but this does not affect those skilled in the art from understanding the technical solutions disclosed in this application.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the body 10 is disclosed to include an outer casing 12 and a partition 13 disposed within the outer casing 12. The partition 13 abuts against the inner wall of the outer casing 12, dividing the internal space of the outer casing 12 into an upper chamber 121 and a lower chamber 122. The controller 70 is disposed in the lower chamber 122. Four inclined sidewalls 131 are provided on the partition 13 protruding towards the upper chamber 121, and the four inclined sidewalls 131 surround to form the mold cavity. Furthermore, four semiconductor cooling chips 20 are provided, and the four semiconductor cooling chips 20 are respectively attached to the four inclined sidewalls 131.

[0064] The partition 13 disclosed in this embodiment can be manufactured separately and then assembled with the outer casing 12; alternatively, the partition 13 and the outer casing 12 can be integrally formed to increase the structural stability of the body 10. By covering the lower chamber 122 with the partition 13, the controller 70 is hidden, which reduces contact and also reduces the risk of liquid in the upper chamber 121 contacting electrical components, thereby increasing the stability and safety of the internal circuitry of the device.

[0065] In this embodiment, the upper chamber 121 forms four inclined sidewalls 131, constituting a mold cavity. Preferably, all four inclined sidewalls 131 are inclined outward, making the bottom cross-sectional area of ​​the mold cavity small and the top cross-sectional area large, forming an inverted trapezoid. This reduces the friction between the ice and the inclined sidewalls 131 when removing ice, which is beneficial for quickly removing the ice.

[0066] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric cooler 20 is attached to the inclined sidewall 131, specifically the side of the inclined sidewall 131 facing away from the mold cavity. The thermoelectric cooler 20 can be fixed by means of bonding, snap-fitting, screwing, etc. Simultaneously, the thermoelectric cooler 20 can be connected to external wires, passing through the partition 13 to connect to the controller 70 of the lower chamber 122. Four thermoelectric coolers 20 are provided to ensure that the temperature on each inclined sidewall 131 can be controlled, thereby producing ice blocks with uniform density. Furthermore, during ice removal, the melting rate of each side of the ice block tends to be uniform, avoiding situations where one side of the ice block melts while another side remains unmelted, and preventing excessive localized melting of the ice block, which would affect the volume of the finished ice block.

[0067] For example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment of this application, four sensors 60 are disclosed, each disposed on one of the four inclined sidewalls 131. By disposing of a sensor 60 on each inclined sidewall 131, the four thermoelectric coolers 20 can be controlled separately based on the temperature information collected by the four sensors 60, thereby improving temperature control accuracy and facilitating accurate control of ice-making time.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in another embodiment of this application, heat dissipation holes 123 are provided on the side wall of the outer casing 12, and the heat dissipation holes 123 are positioned directly opposite the thermoelectric cooling chip 20. The thermoelectric cooling chip 20 disclosed in this embodiment utilizes the thermoelectric effect to make ice. After being energized, one side of the thermoelectric cooling chip 20 absorbs heat and the other side releases heat. Bringing the side with the lower surface temperature closer to the mold cavity can reduce the temperature inside the mold cavity. At the same time, the surface temperature of the side of the thermoelectric cooling chip 20 away from the mold cavity is higher, so the heat dissipation holes 123 are provided accordingly to accelerate heat dissipation, prevent heat from accumulating in the upper chamber 121, and prevent affecting the ice-making effect.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the pusher 50 is disclosed to include an annular housing 51, a drive member 52, a multi-stage telescopic rod 53, a movable base plate 54, an elastic member 55, and a movable top plate 56.

[0070] In this embodiment, the annular outer shell 51 is connected to the cover 30 and is sleeved on the movable rod 40; the interior of the annular outer shell 51 is hollow, forming an annular cavity 511. The annular outer shell 51 provides protection, shielding the drive component 52, the multi-stage telescopic rod 53, the movable base plate 54, the elastic component 55, and the movable top plate 56.

[0071] Specifically, the driving component 52 is disposed within the annular cavity 511 and fixed to the bottom surface of the annular cavity 511. The driving component 52 is electrically connected to the controller 70; the multi-stage telescopic rod 53 is drively connected to the driving component 52, therefore the driving component 52 can drive the multi-stage telescopic rod 53 to extend or retract. The extension and retraction direction of the multi-stage telescopic rod 53 is parallel to the axial direction of the movable rod body 40.

[0072] Specifically, the movable base plate 54, the elastic element 55, and the movable top plate 56 are stacked sequentially on the multi-stage telescopic rod 53; and the movable base plate 54, the elastic element 55, and the movable top plate 56 are all sleeved on the movable rod body 40; the movable base plate 54 is connected to the multi-stage telescopic rod 53, and the movable top plate 56 is engaged with the movable rod body 40; the driving member 52 is used to drive the multi-stage telescopic rod 53 to extend, so as to push the movable base plate 54 to squeeze the elastic element 55.

[0073] In summary, the working principle of the pusher 50 disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: the drive member 52 drives the multi-stage telescopic rod 53, which in turn drives the movable base plate 54 to rise, compressing the elastic member 55, accumulating elastic potential energy, and continuously generating a thrust on the movable top plate 56; the movable top plate 56 is engaged with the movable rod 40 and connected as one unit, so the thrust on the movable top plate 56 can be regarded as a thrust on the movable rod 40 and the ice block, pushing the ice block to generate a tendency to separate from the mold cavity.

[0074] As can be seen, the pusher 50 provided in this embodiment can continuously generate thrust until the ice block leaves the mold cavity, which helps to shorten the ice removal time.

[0075] Specifically, as another embodiment of this application, the driving component 52 is disclosed to include any one of a hydraulic pump, a motor, and a cylinder; or, the elastic component 55 is any one of a compression spring, a disc spring, and a rubber spring. Further, any one of a hydraulic pump, a motor, and a cylinder can be used simultaneously as the driving component 52, and any one of a compression spring, a disc spring, and a rubber spring can be used as the elastic component 55.

[0076] The drive component 52 disclosed in this embodiment is used to push the multi-stage telescopic rod 53 and continuously provide thrust. Therefore, continuous pressure can be provided by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive. The elastic component 55 disclosed in this embodiment is used to store and release elastic potential energy, and is always in a compressed state. Using elastic components 55 with compressive strength, such as compression springs, disc springs, and rubber springs, can extend service life and increase structural stability.

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in another embodiment of this application, a slot 32 is provided on the side of the cover 30 facing the mold cavity, and the slot 32 is arranged around the central hole 31; the thermoelectric ice maker includes an elastic support member 80 and a push plate 90, both the elastic support member 80 and the push plate 90 are sleeved on the movable rod 40, and one end of the elastic support member 80 is inserted into the slot 32, and the other end abuts against the push plate 90; the push plate 90 is engaged with the movable rod 40.

[0078] In this embodiment, the pusher plate 90 is disposed on the side of the cover 30 facing the mold cavity, and is supported by an elastic support member 80. The elastic support member 80 can be a compression spring, disc spring, etc. During the ice removal process, the movable rod 40 moves away from the mold cavity, and the pusher 50 overcomes the supporting force of the elastic support member 80, pulling the movable rod 40. After ice removal, the pusher 50 closes, and under the pushing force of the elastic support member 80, the movable rod 40 can move in the opposite direction, thus returning to its original position, so as to directly carry out the ice-making work of the next cycle, shortening the ice-making cycle.

[0079] For example Figure 2As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the controller 70 is disclosed to include a printed circuit board 71, a power supply 72, and a switch 73. The power supply 72 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 71 and is used to provide electrical energy. The switch 73 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 71 and is used to open or close the circuit. Furthermore, the semiconductor cooling chip 20, the pusher 50, and the sensor 60 are all electrically connected to the printed circuit board 71.

[0080] The power supply 72 disclosed in this embodiment can provide electrical energy, achieving self-powered operation and making the thermoelectric ice maker more convenient to use, eliminating the need for an external power supply 72 wire. The switch 73 disclosed in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical switch 73, or an electronic switch 73 controlled by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. Controlling the circuit's opening and closing via the switch 73 helps save energy and increases safety during use.

[0081] For example Figure 2 As shown, as another embodiment of this application, the thermoelectric ice maker includes a water hardness detection probe 100 disposed on the bottom surface of the mold cavity. The water hardness detection probe 100 is connected to an external detection terminal for collecting hardness information of the water in the mold cavity.

[0082] The thermoelectric ice maker disclosed in this embodiment is used in a laboratory environment. It may use purified water, tap water, or an aqueous solution. Therefore, the ice-making time varies depending on the water quality. By setting a water hardness detection probe 100, the water added to the mold cavity is detected, and the detection results are sent to an external detection terminal. Based on the detection results, the ice-forming time can be determined. In other words, different cooling times can be set before ice making to ensure the ice-forming effect.

[0083] As another embodiment of this application, a control method for a laboratory thermoelectric ice maker is also disclosed, which is applied to any of the above-described laboratory thermoelectric ice makers.

[0084] The control method for a thermoelectric ice maker in a laboratory provided in this invention can be applied to, for example... Figure 5 In the application environment shown, terminal 102 communicates with server 104 via a network. A data storage system can store the data that server 104 needs to process. The data storage system can be integrated onto server 104, or it can be located in the cloud or on another network server. The control method for the laboratory thermoelectric ice maker can be executed by terminal 102 or server 104, or it can be executed collaboratively by terminal 102 and server 104. Of course, the control method for the laboratory thermoelectric ice maker in this embodiment can also be implemented based on the thermoelectric ice maker's own printed circuit board 71.

[0085] The terminal 102 can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smart speaker, smartwatch, IoT device, or portable wearable device. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, and smart in-vehicle devices, etc. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, and head-mounted devices, etc.

[0086] Server 104 can be an independent physical server or a service node in a blockchain system, where the service nodes form a peer-to-peer network.

[0087] In addition, server 104 can also be a server cluster consisting of multiple physical servers, which can be a cloud server that provides basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, content delivery networks (CDN), and big data and artificial intelligence platforms.

[0088] Terminal 102 and server 104 can be connected via Bluetooth, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or network, etc., and the present invention does not limit this connection.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the control method disclosed in this embodiment includes:

[0090] Step S10: Collect demolding command;

[0091] Step S20: Based on the demolding command, start the pusher 50 and supply power to the semiconductor cooling chip 20, while collecting real-time temperature information on the side wall of the mold cavity;

[0092] Step S30: Generate adjustment instructions based on the real-time temperature information;

[0093] Step S40: Fine-tune the current value of the semiconductor cooling chip 20 based on the adjustment command;

[0094] Step S50: When the stroke of the pusher 50 reaches its maximum value, a termination command is generated;

[0095] Step S60: Power off the semiconductor refrigeration chip 20 based on the termination command.

[0096] In this embodiment, the demolding command is the command to initiate the ice removal process. After receiving the demolding command, the controller 70 enters the ice removal program, activating the pusher 50 and the thermoelectric cooler 20 to heat the ice block while simultaneously pushing it. Furthermore, temperature information is continuously collected during the ice removal process to ensure the surface temperature of the thermoelectric cooler 20 is appropriate, preventing excessively high temperatures on the sidewalls of the mold cavity from melting too much ice, and also avoiding excessively low temperatures that would affect the speed at which the ice block detaches. When the pusher 50 reaches its maximum stroke, the ice block has moved the maximum distance and separated from the mold cavity. At this point, the pusher 50 and the thermoelectric cooler 20 can be turned off, completing the ice removal operation.

[0097] As can be seen, the control method disclosed in this embodiment can accurately and quickly complete the ice-taking operation, improve the ice-making efficiency of the ice maker, and thus improve the production efficiency of ice blocks.

[0098] In some embodiments, a terminal is provided, the internal structure of which can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the terminal includes a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, display unit, and input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides the environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interface is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies.

[0099] When executed by a processor, the computer program implements a control method for a thermoelectric ice maker used in a laboratory. The terminal's display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The terminal's input device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad mounted on the terminal casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, etc.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 7 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present invention and does not constitute a limitation on the terminal to which the present invention is applied. A specific terminal may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0101] It should be noted that if the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this invention are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, the collection, use and processing of the relevant data shall comply with relevant regulations.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided by this invention can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided by this invention may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided by this invention may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0103] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. If implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0104] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0105] In summary, this application discloses a thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, comprising a body 10, a semiconductor refrigeration chip 20, a cover 30, a movable rod 40, a pusher 50, a sensor 60, and a controller 70. The body 10 has a mold cavity formed therein; the semiconductor refrigeration chip 20 is disposed within the body 10; the semiconductor refrigeration chip 20 is arranged around the sidewall of the mold cavity; the cover 30 is detachably connected to the body 10; the cover 30 covers the opening of the mold cavity; and the cover 30... A central hole 31 is provided on the top; the movable rod 40 is inserted into the central hole 31 and extends into the mold cavity; the pusher 50 is provided on the cover 30; the pusher 50 is connected to the movable rod 40 and is used to drive the movable rod 40 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the central hole 31; the sensor 60 is provided in the mold cavity and is used to collect temperature information of the side wall of the mold cavity; the controller 70 is electrically connected to the semiconductor cooling chip 20, the pusher 50 and the sensor 60. By accelerating the melting of ice and pushing the ice, the ice-removing efficiency can be improved, which is beneficial to improving the ice-making efficiency of the thermoelectric ice maker to meet the needs of use in laboratory working environments.

[0106] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0107] It should be noted that this invention uses a thermoelectric ice maker and its control method for laboratory use as an example to introduce the specific structure and working principle of the invention. However, the application of this invention is not limited to thermoelectric ice makers and their control methods for laboratory use, and can also be applied to the production and use of other similar products.

[0108] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0109] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use, characterized in that, include: The body, on which a mold cavity is formed; A semiconductor cooling chip is disposed within the machine body; the semiconductor cooling chip is arranged around the side wall of the mold cavity; The cover is detachably connected to the machine body; the cover closes the opening of the mold cavity; and the cover has a central hole. A movable rod is inserted into the central hole and extends into the mold cavity; A pusher is provided on the cover; the pusher is connected to the movable rod and is used to drive the movable rod to reciprocate along the axial direction of the central hole; A sensor, located inside the mold cavity, is used to collect temperature information of the sidewall of the mold cavity; The controller is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler, the pusher, and the sensor. The pusher includes: An annular outer shell, connected to the cover, is fitted onto the movable rod; the interior of the annular outer shell is hollow, forming an annular cavity. A driving component is disposed within the annular cavity; the driving component is electrically connected to the controller. A multi-stage telescopic rod is connected to the drive component for transmission. A movable base plate, an elastic element, and a movable top plate are stacked sequentially on the multi-stage telescopic rod; and the movable base plate, the elastic element, and the movable top plate are all sleeved on the movable rod body; the movable base plate is connected to the multi-stage telescopic rod, and the movable top plate is engaged with the movable rod body; The driving component is used to extend the multi-stage telescopic rod to push the movable base plate to squeeze the elastic element; The body includes an outer casing and a partition disposed inside the outer casing. The partition abuts against the inner wall of the outer casing, dividing the internal space of the outer casing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The controller is disposed in the lower chamber. The partition plate has four inclined sidewalls protruding from the side facing the upper chamber, and the four inclined sidewalls together form the mold cavity; and four semiconductor cooling chips are provided, and the four semiconductor cooling chips are respectively attached to the four inclined sidewalls. The outer casing has heat dissipation holes on its side wall, which are positioned directly opposite the semiconductor cooling chip.

2. The thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes any one of a hydraulic pump, a motor, and a cylinder; and / or, the elastic component is any one of a compression spring, a disc spring, and a rubber spring.

3. The thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the side of the cover facing the mold cavity, and the slot is arranged around the central hole; The thermoelectric ice maker includes an elastic support and a push plate. Both the elastic support and the push plate are sleeved on the movable rod. One end of the elastic support is inserted into the slot, and the other end abuts against the push plate. The push plate is engaged with the movable rod.

4. The thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is provided in four parts, and the four sensors are respectively installed on the four inclined sidewalls.

5. The thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller includes a printed circuit board, a power supply, and a switch. The power supply is electrically connected to the printed circuit board to provide electrical energy. The switch is electrically connected to the printed circuit board to open or close the circuit. Furthermore, the thermoelectric cooler, the pusher, and the sensor are all electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

6. The thermoelectric ice maker for laboratory use according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoelectric ice maker includes a water hardness detection probe disposed on the bottom surface of the mold cavity. The water hardness detection probe is connected to an external detection terminal for collecting hardness information of the water in the mold cavity.

7. A control method for a laboratory thermoelectric ice maker, applied to the laboratory thermoelectric ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; characterized in that, The control method includes: Collect demolding instructions; Based on the demolding command, the pusher is activated and power is supplied to the semiconductor cooling chip, while real-time temperature information on the side wall of the mold cavity is collected. An adjustment command is generated based on the real-time temperature information; The current value of the semiconductor cooling chip is finely adjusted based on the adjustment command. When the stroke of the pusher reaches its maximum value, a termination command is generated; The semiconductor cooling chip is powered off based on the termination command.

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