Ice maker control method and device and ice maker

Abstract

The invention relates to an ice maker control method and device and an ice maker. The method comprises the steps that the environment temperature is obtained in real time; the power of an inverter compressor is adjusted according to the environment temperature, so that the water temperature in a water storage box is reduced; after the water temperature in the water storage box is reduced to a first temperature, the power of the inverter compressor is adjusted in each ice-making stage according to the environment temperature and the temperature of the evaporator of the ice-making machine in multiple ice-making stages, so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice-making machine is within a preset temperature range until ice-making is finished; wherein the first temperature is greater than zero DEG C. The transparency of ice blocks can be guaranteed, the ice making efficiency is improved, and energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent manufacturing, and in particular to an ice maker control method, control device, and ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demand for chilled products is increasing, and ice cubes are a convenient way to meet this demand.

[0003] Ice makers are used to quickly produce ice cubes. The transparency of ice cubes produced by an ice maker is mainly affected by three factors: First, water quality. High levels of impurities and hardness in the raw water increase the formation of air bubbles and scale. A malfunctioning filtration system also reduces transparency; purified water is superior. Second, the ice-making speed and temperature control. Slow freezing allows air bubbles to escape, while temperature fluctuations can cause the ice to separate and become cloudy. Third, the water circulation design. Dynamic circulation, such as spraying or stirring, accelerates air bubble escape more effectively than static water injection. However, in traditional ice makers, as the ice cube walls become thicker, the heat transfer efficiency decreases significantly, resulting in an opaque inner ring and affecting the overall transparency of the ice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an ice maker control method, control device and ice maker.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling an ice maker, the method comprising: Real-time acquisition of ambient temperature; The power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box. After the water temperature in the water storage box drops to the first temperature, the ice-making process is divided into multiple ice-making stages according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker. In each ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within the preset temperature range until the ice-making process is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

[0006] Optionally, the ice-making stage includes a first ice-making stage, a second ice-making stage, and a third ice-making stage, which are divided according to the total thermal resistance during ice making. The adjustment of the variable frequency compressor power in each ice-making stage to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator within a preset temperature range includes: During the first ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a first preset range; In the second ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a second preset range; In the third ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a third preset range; Wherein, the lower limit temperature of the first preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the second preset range, and the lower limit temperature of the second preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the third preset range.

[0007] Optionally, before adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor in stages based on the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, the method further includes: The preset duration of each ice-making stage is obtained based on one or more of the following factors: ice maker type, ice maker working history, current water volume in the water tank, and current ambient temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the first and second ice-making stages, and the longer the preset duration of the third ice-making stage.

[0008] Optionally, multiple sampling times are set within each ice-making stage. In the first ice-making stage, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor to make the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator within a first preset range includes: At the first sampling moment of the first ice-making stage, the variable frequency compressor is operated at a first preset power. Wherein, the first preset power is less than or equal to one-half of the maximum power of the variable frequency compressor.

[0009] Optionally, the power adjustment of the variable frequency compressor is a smooth adjustment in step sizes. In each of the ice-making stages, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor includes: If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by one step. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by one step.

[0010] Optionally, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage tank includes: If the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, then the variable frequency compressor shall be operated at its maximum speed. The second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

[0011] Optionally, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage tank includes: If the water temperature in the water storage box does not drop to the first temperature within the initial time period, the compressor will run at its maximum speed.

[0012] Optionally, before acquiring the ambient temperature in real time, the method further includes: Receive the startup command; Start the variable frequency compressor to make the fan run at its initial speed; Flip the water tank to the ice-making position; Use the cold water circulation pump to add water to the water storage box until it overflows; After the ice-making stage is completed, the method further includes: Flip the water tank to the de-icing position. Open the de-icing battery valve to allow the ice to fall into the ice pool. Check if the ice pool is full of ice. If the ice pool is not full of ice, the water storage box is flipped back to the ice-making position.

[0013] In a second aspect, an ice maker control device is provided, employing the method described in any of the preceding claims, the ice maker control device comprising: A thermometer is used to obtain the ambient temperature in real time. The controller is used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature so as to lower the water temperature in the water storage box; The controller is also used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor in each ice-making stage after the water temperature in the water storage box drops to a first temperature, according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within a preset temperature range, until the ice-making is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

[0014] Thirdly, an ice maker is provided, which applies the method described in any of the preceding methods.

[0015] This invention provides an ice maker control method, control device, and ice maker. The method includes: acquiring the ambient temperature in real time; adjusting the power of a variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box; after the water temperature in the water storage box drops to a first temperature, performing multiple ice-making stages according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor in each ice-making stage to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator within a preset temperature range until ice making is completed; wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees Celsius. In this embodiment of the invention, ice making includes multiple ice-making stages, each with a different control method for adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor, the purpose of which is to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator within a preset temperature range until ice making is completed. Through precise control, the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker meets the set parameters, ensuring the transparency of the ice cubes; simultaneously, precise control of the variable frequency compressor power, rather than using a single power or maximum power for ice making, improves ice-making efficiency, saves energy, reduces energy consumption, and lowers costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] 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, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the ice maker control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the ice maker control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, 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.

[0020] The ice maker control method of this invention is applied to an ice maker.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, an ice maker control method is provided, the method comprising: Step 110: Obtain the ambient temperature in real time; Step 120: Adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box; The water tank is used to store water for making ice, and the frozen ice also resides in the water tank. A thermometer can be installed in the water tank to monitor the water temperature.

[0022] Step 130: After the water temperature in the water storage box drops to the first temperature, the ice-making process is divided into multiple ice-making stages according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker. In each ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within the preset temperature range until the ice-making process is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

[0023] The heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator refers to the temperature difference between the surface of the ice maker evaporator and the water, ice, and ice-water mixture in the water storage box.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, the first temperature can be 5 degrees Celsius. Water typically begins to freeze at 0 degrees Celsius. Before the ice-making stage, the water temperature in the storage tank needs to be lowered to the first temperature before the ice-making stage can begin.

[0025] In this embodiment of the invention, ice making includes multiple ice-making stages, each with a different control method for adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor. The aim is to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker's evaporator within a preset temperature range until ice making is complete. Through precise control, ensuring the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker's evaporator meets the set parameters guarantees the transparency of the ice. Simultaneously, precise control of the variable frequency compressor power, rather than using a single power setting or maximum power for ice making, improves ice-making efficiency, saves energy, reduces energy consumption, and lowers costs.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, the ice-making stage includes a first ice-making stage, a second ice-making stage, and a third ice-making stage, which are divided according to the total thermal resistance during ice making. The adjustment of the variable frequency compressor power in each ice-making stage to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator within a preset temperature range includes: During the first ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a first preset range; In the second ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a second preset range; In the third ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a third preset range; Wherein, the lower limit temperature of the first preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the second preset range, and the lower limit temperature of the second preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the third preset range.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, before step 110, before adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor in stages according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, the method further includes: The preset duration of each ice-making stage is obtained based on one or more of the following factors: ice maker type, ice maker working history, current water volume in the water tank, and current ambient temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the first and second ice-making stages, and the longer the preset duration of the third ice-making stage.

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset duration of each ice-making stage is determined by a variety of factors, which can be obtained based on one or more of the following factors: ice machine type, ice machine working history, current water volume in the water storage box, and current ambient temperature.

[0029] In the first ice-making stage, the total thermal resistance is mainly dominated by the convective thermal resistance between the water flow and the evaporator wall of the ice maker; in the second ice-making stage, the proportion of the conductive thermal resistance of the ice gradually increases in the total thermal resistance; in the third ice-making stage, the conductive thermal resistance of the ice becomes the dominant factor in the total thermal resistance.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the first ice-making stage is also called the initial ice-making stage. At this time, the ice layer has not formed a significant thermal resistance, and the total thermal resistance is mainly dominated by the convective thermal resistance between the water flow and the evaporator wall of the ice maker. To avoid air bubble formation caused by rapid freezing, this embodiment of the invention controls the variable frequency compressor to operate at a low frequency, for example, an initial frequency of 2000 rpm, and controls the evaporator temperature at around -10°C, so that the heat exchange temperature difference between the ice maker evaporator temperature and the cold water temperature is maintained at 10~12°C; this slows down the initial freezing speed to promote air expulsion, while avoiding excessively slow speed that would affect efficiency, thus achieving initial ice cube transparency. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the first ice-making stage.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, the first ice-making stage is also called the mid-stage of ice making. During this stage, as the ice wall thickness increases, the proportion of the ice's conductive thermal resistance in the total thermal resistance gradually rises. If the original heat exchange temperature difference is maintained, the ice-making speed will decrease as the total thermal resistance increases. In the second ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased, for example to 3000 rpm. By increasing the refrigerant circulation, the evaporator temperature of the ice maker is reduced, causing the heat exchange temperature difference to gradually increase from 10-12°C to 15-18°C. This offsets the increase in total thermal resistance caused by the increased ice wall thickness, maintains a stable freezing speed, and ensures that the ice layer continues to thicken without air bubbles. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the second ice-making stage.

[0032] The third ice-making stage, also known as the later stage of ice making, is where the thermal resistance of the ice becomes the dominant factor in the total thermal resistance. At this point, the power of the inverter compressor is further increased, for example to 4200 rpm, raising the heat exchange temperature difference to 20-25°C. This ensures that the cold air can penetrate the thick ice layer and be transferred to the ice-water interface, maximizing the freezing speed until the timer reaches the end of the third ice-making stage. The higher the ambient temperature, the longer the preset duration of the third ice-making stage.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature is 25 degrees, the first ice-making stage is 90 seconds, the second ice-making stage is 120 seconds, and the third ice-making stage is 660 seconds; in another embodiment of the present invention, when the ambient temperature is 40 degrees, the first ice-making stage is 15 seconds, the second ice-making stage is 30 seconds, and the third ice-making stage is 1500 seconds.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, multiple sampling times are set within the ice-making stage. In the first ice-making stage, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor to ensure that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a first preset range includes: At the first sampling moment of the first ice-making stage, the variable frequency compressor is operated at a first preset power. Wherein, the first preset power is less than or equal to one-half of the maximum power of the variable frequency compressor.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the power adjustment of the variable frequency compressor is a smooth adjustment in step sizes. In each of the ice-making stages, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor includes: If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by one step. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by one step.

[0036] The power of a variable frequency compressor can be considered to correspond to its speed and frequency; the higher the power, the higher the speed and frequency. Adjusting the power of a variable frequency compressor can also be considered as adjusting its speed and frequency. For example, if one adjustment step is 50 RPM, then two adjustment steps could be 100 RPM.

[0037] In the first ice-making stage, the preset heat exchange temperature difference can be 10~12℃. If the actual measured heat exchange temperature difference is 9℃, then increasing the rotation speed by 100 or more can make the heat exchange temperature difference enter the preset range as soon as possible.

[0038] In other ice-making stages of this invention, the increase in heat exchange temperature difference and variable frequency compressor power can be achieved by referring to the above method, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] In this embodiment of the invention, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box includes: If the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, then the variable frequency compressor shall be operated at its maximum speed. The second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box includes: If the water temperature in the water storage box does not drop to the first temperature within the initial time period, the compressor will run at its maximum speed.

[0041] Before the ice-making stage begins, running the compressor at maximum speed will quickly lower the water temperature to the first temperature, which can improve the efficiency of subsequent ice-making, improve the quality of ice, and reduce air bubbles in the ice.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, before acquiring the ambient temperature in real time, the method further includes: Receive the startup command; Start the variable frequency compressor to make the fan run at its initial speed; Flip the water tank to the ice-making position; Use the cold water circulation pump to add water to the water storage box until it overflows; After the ice-making stage is completed, the method further includes: Flip the water tank to the de-icing position. Open the de-icing battery valve to allow the ice to fall into the ice pool. Check if the ice pool is full of ice. If the ice pool is not full of ice, the water storage box is flipped back to the ice-making position.

[0043] The method of this invention can make ice in a cyclical and automatic manner, thus improving the efficiency of ice making.

[0044] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart of an ice maker control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes: Step 210: Receive the startup command; Step 220: Start the variable frequency compressor to make the fan run at the initial speed; Step 230: Flip the water tank to the ice-making position; Step 240: The cold water circulation pump fills the water storage box with water until it overflows; Step 250: Obtain the ambient temperature in real time; Step 260: Adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to reduce the water temperature in the water storage box to the first temperature; Step 270: In the first ice-making stage, adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within the first preset range; Step 280: In the second ice-making stage, increase the power of the variable frequency compressor so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within the second preset range; Step 290: In the third ice-making stage, increase the power of the variable frequency compressor so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within the third preset range until ice making is completed; Step 291: Flip the water tank to the de-icing position. Step 292: Open the de-icing battery valve to allow the ice to fall into the ice pool. Step 293: Check if the ice pool is full of ice. If the ice pool is not full of ice, proceed to step 230; if the ice pool is full of ice, end the process.

[0045] The method of this invention can make ice in a cyclical and automatic manner, thus improving the efficiency of ice making.

[0046] This invention also provides an ice maker control device, comprising: A thermometer is used to obtain the ambient temperature in real time. The controller is used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature so as to lower the water temperature in the water storage box; The controller is also used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor in each ice-making stage after the water temperature in the water storage box drops to a first temperature, according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within a preset temperature range, until the ice-making is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the ice-making stage includes a first ice-making stage, a second ice-making stage, and a third ice-making stage, which are divided according to the total thermal resistance during ice making. The controller is also used for: During the first ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a first preset range; In the second ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a second preset range; In the third ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a third preset range; Wherein, the lower limit temperature of the first preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the second preset range, and the lower limit temperature of the second preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the third preset range.

[0048] The controller is also used for: The preset duration of each ice-making stage is obtained based on one or more of the following factors: ice maker type, ice maker working history, current water volume in the water tank, and current ambient temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the first and second ice-making stages, and the longer the preset duration of the third ice-making stage.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, multiple sampling times are set within each ice-making stage. The controller is also used for: At the first sampling moment of the first ice-making stage, the variable frequency compressor is operated at a first preset power. Wherein, the first preset power is less than or equal to one-half of the maximum power of the variable frequency compressor.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the power adjustment of the variable frequency compressor is a smooth adjustment in step sizes. The controller is also used for: If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by one step. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by one step.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to: If the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, then the variable frequency compressor shall be operated at its maximum speed. The second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to: If the water temperature in the water storage box does not drop to the first temperature within the initial time period, the compressor will run at its maximum speed.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller is further configured to: Receive the startup command; Start the variable frequency compressor to make the fan run at its initial speed; Flip the water tank to the ice-making position; Use the cold water circulation pump to add water to the water storage box until it overflows; After the ice-making stage is completed, the method further includes: Flip the water tank to the de-icing position. Open the de-icing battery valve to allow the ice to fall into the ice pool. Check if the ice pool is full of ice. If the ice pool is not full of ice, the water storage box is flipped back to the ice-making position.

[0054] This invention also provides an ice maker that uses the method described above.

[0055] This invention also provides an ice maker, including the apparatus described above.

[0056] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an ice maker control method in one embodiment. It should be understood that, although... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided by this invention can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an ice maker, characterized in that, The method includes: Real-time acquisition of ambient temperature; The power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box. After the water temperature in the water storage box drops to the first temperature, the ice-making process is divided into multiple ice-making stages according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker. In each ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within the preset temperature range until the ice-making process is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making stage includes a first ice-making stage, a second ice-making stage, and a third ice-making stage, which are divided according to the total thermal resistance during ice making. The adjustment of the variable frequency compressor power in each ice-making stage to keep the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator within a preset temperature range includes: During the first ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a first preset range; In the second ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a second preset range; In the third ice-making stage, the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator is within a third preset range; Wherein, the lower limit temperature of the first preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the second preset range, and the lower limit temperature of the second preset range is less than the lower limit temperature of the third preset range.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor in stages based on the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, the method further includes: The preset duration of each ice-making stage is obtained based on one or more of the following factors: ice maker type, ice maker working history, current water volume in the water tank, and current ambient temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the shorter the preset duration of the first and second ice-making stages, and the longer the preset duration of the third ice-making stage.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple sampling times are set within each ice-making stage. In the first ice-making stage, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor to make the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator within a first preset range includes: At the first sampling moment of the first ice-making stage, the variable frequency compressor is operated at a first preset power. Wherein, the first preset power is less than or equal to one-half of the maximum power of the variable frequency compressor.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power of the variable frequency compressor is adjusted smoothly in steps. In each of the ice-making stages, adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor includes: If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by two or more steps. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is less than the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is increased by one step. If the heat exchange temperature difference of the ice maker evaporator at the current sampling time is greater than or equal to the median value of the first preset range, then the power of the variable frequency compressor is reduced by one step.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box includes: If the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature, then the variable frequency compressor shall be operated at its maximum speed. The second temperature is greater than the first temperature.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature to lower the water temperature in the water storage box includes: If the water temperature in the water storage box does not drop to the first temperature within the initial time period, the compressor will run at its maximum speed.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before acquiring the ambient temperature in real time, the method further includes: Receive the startup command; Start the variable frequency compressor to make the fan run at its initial speed; Flip the water tank to the ice-making position; Use the cold water circulation pump to add water to the water storage box until it overflows; After the ice-making stage is completed, the method further includes: Flip the water tank to the de-icing position. Open the de-icing battery valve to allow the ice to fall into the ice pool. Check if the ice pool is full of ice. If the ice pool is not full of ice, the water storage box is flipped back to the ice-making position.

9. A control device for an ice maker, characterized in that, The ice maker control device, using the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprises: A thermometer is used to obtain the ambient temperature in real time. The controller is used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor according to the ambient temperature so as to lower the water temperature in the water storage box; The controller is also used to adjust the power of the variable frequency compressor in each ice-making stage after the water temperature in the water storage box drops to a first temperature, according to the ambient temperature and the evaporator temperature of the ice maker, so that the heat exchange temperature difference of the evaporator of the ice maker is within a preset temperature range, until the ice-making is completed. Wherein, the first temperature is greater than zero degrees.

10. An ice maker, characterized in that, The method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is applied.

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