Ice making equipment, control method of ice making equipment and computer readable storage medium
By installing a stirrer in the ice-making equipment, the problem of ice slush solidification is solved by using movement and vibration to divide the slush, maintaining its fluffy state, improving its taste and quality, reducing energy consumption and cleaning difficulty, and increasing refrigeration efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511921163.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
AI Technical Summary
Ice in the smoothie box of ice-making equipment is prone to solidification, which affects the taste and quality of the smoothie, increases cleaning difficulty, makes it easy for bacteria to grow, and increases the energy consumption of ice-making equipment and reduces refrigeration efficiency.
An agitator is installed in the ice-making equipment. The agitator is driven to move in a first direction by a first driving structure and to vibrate by a second driving structure. The agitator is used to break up the ice slush by using the stirring holes, thereby disrupting the condensation tendency and keeping the ice slush fluffy.
Maintaining the fluffiness of the smoothie prevents it from condensing on the inner wall of the storage box, reducing cleaning difficulty, preventing bacterial growth, lowering energy consumption, and improving cooling efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN121539920A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to ice-making equipment, control methods for ice-making equipment, and computer-readable storage media. Background Technology
[0002] Ice-making equipment that produces slushies typically includes a slush box for storing the slush. If the slush is left unused for an extended period, or if the box is opened and then closed again for a while after use, the slush is prone to solidifying. The main reasons for solidification are the refreezing of surface water, or the overall temperature rising and then cooling, coupled with a lack of external force to break the cohesiveness of the solidified slush, causing the ice crystals to fuse together and grow larger.
[0003] Normal smoothies are fluffy, smooth, and snowflake-like. Condensed smoothies become hard, coarse-grained, or lumpy, resulting in a poor texture and loss of their "sand-like" characteristic, negatively impacting the user experience. Condensed smoothies also tend to adhere to the inner walls of the smoothie container and around the blades, creating difficult-to-remove residues. The cycle of melting and refreezing can create stagnant water or a damp environment, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, posing a food safety risk. Furthermore, when smoothies clump together, the machine requires more forceful cooling to maintain the low temperature, increasing the compressor's workload and power consumption. Over time, this can cause the ice-making equipment's refrigeration system to overheat or be damaged. Therefore, solidified smoothies affect their taste and quality, increase cleaning difficulty and promote bacterial growth, and also increase the energy consumption and reduce the refrigeration efficiency of the ice-making equipment. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides an ice-making device, a control method for the ice-making device, and a computer-readable storage medium to solve the problems that solidification of ice in the ice slush box of the ice-making device affects the taste and quality of the ice slush, increases cleaning difficulty and makes it easy for bacteria to grow, and also increases the energy consumption of the ice-making device and reduces the refrigeration efficiency.
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ice-making apparatus, comprising: Storage box for storing smoothies; A stirrer is movably disposed within the storage box, and the stirrer has an array of stirring holes distributed on it; A first driving structure, wherein the first power output end of the first driving structure is connected to the stirrer and is used to drive the stirrer to reciprocate along a first direction; The second drive structure has a second power output end connected to the stirrer for driving the stirrer to vibrate.
[0006] Beneficial effects: The storage box is used to store smoothies. The stirrer moves in the storage box along the first direction under the drive of the first drive structure. During the movement, the stirrer vibrates under the action of the second drive structure, causing the smoothies to vibrate with the stirrer. The stirrer breaks down the smoothies in the storage box through the stirring holes on the stirrer, thereby disrupting the tendency of the smoothies to clump together. Smaller, sticky smoothie particles are also separated due to force and vibration, thus maintaining the smoothies' fluffiness and ensuring their texture and quality. It prevents clumps of smoothies from adhering to the inner wall of the storage box and around the blades, avoiding the formation of hard-to-remove residues, reducing cleaning difficulty, and preventing water accumulation or a damp environment caused by the smoothies melting and refreezing, which is less likely to breed bacteria. The fluffier smoothies after stirring do not require more forced cooling to maintain a low temperature, so the compressor workload does not increase, and power consumption does not rise, avoiding increased energy consumption of the ice-making equipment and improving refrigeration efficiency.
[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the ice-making device further includes: A support rail is provided on the top of the storage box and extends along the first direction; The connector has one end connected to the stirrer and the other end slidably connected to the support rail.
[0008] Beneficial effects: By setting up the support rail, the stirrer can be supported, limited and guided by the connector, ensuring the smooth and accurate movement of the stirrer; at the same time, the connector is connected to the stirrer, and the connector is also slidably connected to the support rail, so that the support rail can be set on the outside of the storage box, avoiding occupying the space inside the storage box, and also avoiding the movement range of the stirrer being limited by the internal space of the storage box.
[0009] In one optional embodiment, the support rail includes two spaced-apart support columns, both of which extend along the first direction; the connector includes a limiting part and a connecting part, the limiting part being slidably disposed on the top of the two support columns, one end of the connecting part being connected to the limiting part, and the other end passing through the gap between the two support columns and connecting to the stirrer.
[0010] Beneficial effects: The two spaced-apart support columns can support, guide, and limit both sides of the limiting part; one end of the connecting part is connected to the limiting part, and the other end of the connecting part passes through the gap between the two support columns and connects to the agitator. The connecting part can not only connect the limiting part and the agitator, but also guide and limit the movement of the agitator through the two support columns, ensuring the accuracy and smoothness of the movement of the agitator; at the same time, the support rail structure formed by the two support columns is simple and facilitates the connection between the connector and the support rail.
[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the second power output end of the second drive structure is connected to the support guide rail.
[0012] Beneficial effects: The second power output end of the second drive structure drives the support rail to vibrate, and the connector connected to it vibrates through the support rail. In turn, the connector drives the stirrer to follow the vibration. At the same time, the support rail does not affect the movement of the stirrer driven by the first drive structure, thereby disrupting the slush's solidification tendency. Smaller, sticky slush particles will also separate again due to force and vibration, thus achieving the effect of keeping the slush fluffy.
[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a transmission structure, wherein a first power output end of the first drive structure is connected to the connector via the transmission structure.
[0014] Beneficial effects: By setting up the transmission structure, the rotational driving force of the first drive structure can be converted into linear motion and transmitted to the connector, which in turn drives the stirrer to move along the first direction.
[0015] In one optional embodiment, the transmission structure includes: The drive wheel is connected to the first power output end of the first drive structure and is disposed at one end of the support guide rail along the first direction; A driven wheel is disposed at the other end of the support guide rail along the first direction; A drive belt is connected to both the driving pulley and the driven pulley, and a connector is connected to the drive belt.
[0016] Beneficial effects: The rotation of the first power output end of the first drive structure drives the drive wheel to rotate, the rotation of the drive wheel drives the transmission belt to move, the movement of the transmission belt drives the driven wheel to rotate, and the movement of the transmission belt drives the connector to follow, thereby achieving the purpose of driving the stirrer to move. At the same time, because the transmission belt has a certain elasticity, even if the stirrer vibrates under the drive of the second drive structure, it will not interfere with the driving action of the first drive structure, ensuring that the stirrer can move smoothly in a straight line along the first direction while also vibrating smoothly.
[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a temperature detection structure disposed within the storage box and located above the storage box.
[0018] Beneficial effects: The temperature detection structure can be used to detect the temperature value inside the storage box, and then obtain the usage status of the storage box based on the temperature value. The usage status of the storage box can show the condensation of the slush. Therefore, the stirring program of the ice-making equipment can be controlled by the usage status of the storage box, so as to maintain the fluffy effect of the slush by stirring the slush in the storage box through the stirrer.
[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the stirrer has a mesh structure.
[0020] Beneficial effects: The high density of the mesh-like stirring holes results in a finer smoothie, which, combined with vibration, produces a fluffier smoothie.
[0021] In one optional embodiment, the shape of the stirrer matches the shape of the storage box, and there is a first gap between the bottom of the stirrer and the bottom wall of the storage box, and the stirrer has a second gap between the two side walls of the storage box on both sides in the second direction; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
[0022] Beneficial effects: The design of the first and second gaps ensures that the stirrer will not collide with the inner wall of the storage box during movement and vibration, thus avoiding deformation and damage caused by the collision.
[0023] Secondly, the present invention also provides a control method for an ice-making device, for execution on the aforementioned ice-making device, the control method comprising: Obtain the usage status of the storage box of the ice-making equipment; Determine whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box; If the stirring program is entered, the first drive structure is activated to drive the stirrer to move in the first direction, and the second drive structure is activated to drive the stirrer to vibrate.
[0024] Beneficial effects: The usage status of the storage box can indicate the solidification of the slush. Judging whether to start the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box allows the stirring program to start more accurately. Under the drive of the first drive structure, the stirrer moves in the storage box in the first direction. During the movement, the stirrer vibrates under the action of the second drive structure, causing the slush to vibrate with the stirrer. The slush in the storage box is broken through the stirring holes on the stirrer, thereby disrupting the solidification trend of the slush. Smaller sticky slush particles will also be separated again due to force and vibration, thus achieving the effect of keeping the slush fluffy.
[0025] In one optional implementation, obtaining the usage status of the storage box of the ice-making device includes: Obtain the temperature value inside the storage box; The usage status of the storage box is obtained based on the temperature value.
[0026] Beneficial effects: Obtaining the temperature value inside the storage box can affect the smoothie. Therefore, by obtaining the usage status of the storage box based on the temperature value, the accurate solidification state of the smoothie can be obtained. Controlling the stirring program based on the solidification state of the smoothie can achieve better stirring results.
[0027] In one optional implementation, obtaining the usage status of the storage box based on the temperature value includes: The temperature change after the temperature value reaches the first preset temperature is obtained; If the temperature change of the temperature value is less than the second preset temperature within a first preset time period, the storage box is considered to be in a state of long-term non-use of slush.
[0028] Beneficial effects: The first preset temperature is the suitable temperature for the slush to remain fluffy and not condense. When the temperature reaches the first preset temperature and then changes, it will affect the condensation state of the slush. A rise in temperature may cause the slush to condense. Therefore, if the temperature change is less than the second preset temperature within the first preset time, it is considered that the storage box is in a state of not using the slush for a long time. If the slush is not used for a long time, it will cause the slush to condense, and it is necessary to stir the slush to keep it fluffy.
[0029] In one optional implementation, determining whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box includes: If the storage box is in a state where it will not be used for a long time, then the ice-making device will be controlled to enter the stirring program.
[0030] Beneficial effects: When slushies are not used for a long time, they tend to solidify, which affects their taste and quality, increases cleaning difficulty, and makes them prone to bacterial growth. It also increases the energy consumption of the ice-making equipment and reduces its cooling efficiency. Therefore, if the storage box is not used for a long time, the ice-making equipment is controlled to enter the stirring program. This can cut and vibrate the solidified slushies, thereby disrupting their solidification tendency. Smaller, sticky slushie particles will also separate due to force and vibration, thus maintaining the fluffiness of the slushies and ensuring their taste and quality.
[0031] In one optional implementation, obtaining the usage status of the storage box based on the temperature value includes: The temperature change after the temperature value reaches the first preset temperature is obtained; If the temperature change of the temperature value is greater than the third preset temperature within a second preset time period, and remains at the changed temperature for a third preset time period, then the storage box is considered to be in a state where the user has opened the storage box and then closed it again.
[0032] Beneficial effects: The first preset temperature is the suitable temperature for the slush to remain fluffy and not freeze. When the temperature reaches the first preset temperature and then changes, it will affect the freezing state of the slush. A rise in temperature may cause the slush to freeze. Therefore, if the temperature change is greater than the third preset temperature within the second preset time and remains at the changed temperature for the third preset time, it is considered that the storage box is in the state where the user has opened the storage box and then closed it again. During the process of the user opening the storage box to take out the slush and then closing the storage box, the temperature inside the storage box will change significantly, generally rising. This can easily cause the slush to melt first and then freeze into larger particles when the storage box is closed again. At this time, it is necessary to stir the slush to keep it fluffy.
[0033] In one optional implementation, determining whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box includes: If the storage box is in a state where the user has opened the storage box and then closed it again, then the ice-making device is controlled to enter the stirring program.
[0034] Beneficial effects: When a user opens and closes the storage box, it indicates that the user has taken some slush. At this time, the temperature inside the storage box will change significantly due to the increased temperature. Generally, the increased temperature will cause the slush to melt first, and then solidify into larger slush particles when the storage box is closed again. At this point, it is necessary to stir the slush. This can cut and vibrate the solidified slush, thereby disrupting the solidification trend. Smaller, sticky slush particles will also separate due to force and vibration, thus maintaining the fluffy effect of the slush and ensuring its taste and quality.
[0035] In one optional implementation, the stirring process further includes: The movement trajectory of the stirrer within the storage box is obtained; If the stirrer moves from one end of the storage box to the other end along the first direction, the first drive structure and the second drive structure are controlled to shut down.
[0036] Beneficial effects: After the stirrer moves from one end of the storage box to the other along the first direction, the stirrer cuts and vibrates the ice slush in the storage box, completing the stirring operation. At this time, the first drive structure and the second drive structure can be controlled to shut down.
[0037] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed, implement the above-described control method for the ice-making equipment.
[0038] Beneficial effects: The computer-readable storage medium provided by the present invention, through the control method of the ice-making equipment using the above-described embodiments, has all the technical effects of the control method of the ice-making equipment described above. Attached Figure Description
[0039] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0040] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another partial structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first process for controlling an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second process for controlling an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third process of the control method for the ice-making equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth process of the control method for the ice-making equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a fifth flowchart illustrating the control method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a sixth flowchart illustrating the control method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a seventh flowchart illustrating the control method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the eighth process of the control method for the ice-making equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Storage box; 2. Mixer; 3. Second drive structure; 4. Support rails; 41. Support columns; 5. Connector; 51. Limiting part; 52. Connecting part; 6. Transmission structure. Detailed Implementation
[0042] 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.
[0043] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 10 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making device is provided, including a storage box 1, a stirrer 2, a first driving structure, and a second driving structure 3. The storage box 1 is used to store slush; the stirrer 2 is movably disposed within the storage box 1, and the stirrer 2 has a plurality of stirring holes arranged in an array; the first driving structure has a first power output end connected to the stirrer 2, used to drive the stirrer 2 to reciprocate along a first direction; the second driving structure 3 has a second power output end connected to the stirrer 2, used to drive the stirrer 2 to vibrate.
[0045] Storage box 1 is used to store smoothies. Stirring 2 moves in the storage box 1 along the first direction under the drive of the first drive structure. During the movement, stirring 2 vibrates under the action of the second drive structure 3, causing the smoothies to vibrate with the stirring 2. The stirring holes on the stirring 2 break up the smoothies in the storage box 1, thereby disrupting the tendency of the smoothies to solidify. Smaller, sticky smoothie particles will also separate again due to force and vibration, thus maintaining the smoothies' fluffiness and ensuring their taste and quality. It prevents solidified smoothies from adhering to the inner wall of the storage box 1 and around the blades, avoiding the formation of hard-to-remove residues, reducing cleaning difficulty, and preventing water accumulation or a damp environment due to the smoothies melting and refreezing cycle, which is less likely to breed bacteria. The smoothies that have been stirred and fluffed up again do not require more forced cooling to maintain a low temperature, so the compressor's workload will not increase, and power consumption will not rise, thus avoiding increasing the energy consumption of the ice-making equipment and improving the refrigeration efficiency.
[0046] In one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a support rail 4 and a connector 5. The support rail 4 is disposed on the top of the storage box 1 and extends along the first direction; one end of the connector 5 is connected to the stirrer 2, and the other end is slidably connected to the support rail 4.
[0047] By setting the support rail 4, the stirrer 2 can be supported, limited and guided by the connector 5, ensuring the smooth and accurate movement of the stirrer 2; at the same time, the connector 5 is connected to the stirrer 2 and is also slidably connected to the support rail 4, so that the support rail 4 can be set outside the storage box 1, avoiding occupying the internal space of the storage box 1, and also avoiding the movement range of the stirrer 2 being limited by the internal space of the storage box 1.
[0048] In one embodiment, the support rail 4 includes two spaced-apart support columns 41, both of which extend along the first direction; the connector 5 includes a limiting part 51 and a connecting part 52, the limiting part 51 is slidably disposed on the top of the two support columns 41, one end of the connecting part 52 is connected to the limiting part 51, and the other end passes through the gap between the two support columns 41 and is connected to the stirrer 2.
[0049] Two spaced-apart support columns 41 can support, guide, and limit both sides of the limiting part 51; one end of the connecting part 52 is connected to the limiting part 51, and the other end of the connecting part 52 passes through the gap between the two support columns 41 and connects to the stirrer 2. The connecting part 52 can not only realize the connection between the limiting part 51 and the stirrer 2, but also guide and limit through the two support columns 41, ensuring the accuracy and smoothness of the movement of the stirrer 2; at the same time, the support guide rail 4 formed by the two support columns 41 has a simple structure, which facilitates the connection between the connector 5 and the support guide rail 4.
[0050] In one specific embodiment, the support column 41 is a cylindrical structure; the structure is simple, and when the support column 41 provides limiting support to the limiting part 51, the contact surface between the two is small, the friction generated by the movement is small, and the first driving structure drives the stirrer 2 to move more smoothly.
[0051] In a further embodiment, the diameter of the support column 41 can be 5mm. The length of the support column 41 in the first direction should exceed the length of the storage box 1, so that the support column 41 can have a certain amount of redundancy in the first direction. For example, when the length of the storage box 1 is 50cm, the length of the support column 41 can be selected as 55cm or 60cm.
[0052] As an alternative implementation, the support column 41 can also be a strip structure with a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the support column 41 can also be a strip structure with an I-shaped cross-section.
[0053] In one specific embodiment, the limiting part 51 is a cylindrical structure, which is simple in structure. When the supporting column 41 limits and supports the limiting part 51, the contact surface between the two is small, the friction generated by the movement is small, and the first driving structure drives the stirrer 2 to move more smoothly.
[0054] As an alternative implementation, the limiting part 51 may also be a strip structure with a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the limiting part 51 may also be a strip structure with an I-shaped cross-section.
[0055] In one specific embodiment, the connecting part 52 is a cylindrical structure, which is simple in structure. When the connecting part 52 moves between the two support columns 41, the contact surface between the two is small, the friction generated by the movement is small, and the first driving structure drives the stirrer 2 to move more smoothly.
[0056] As an alternative implementation, the connecting portion 52 can also be a strip structure with a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the connecting portion 52 can also be a strip structure with an I-shaped cross-section.
[0057] As an alternative implementation, the support rail 4 may include a support column 41, and the connector 5 may include a limiting part 51 and a connecting part 52. The limiting part 51 is provided with a through hole, which is movably fitted around the outer periphery of the support column 41. At the same time, there is a gap between the through hole and the support column 41, so that when the stirrer 2 vibrates, it can avoid motion interference with the support column 41 and ensure the vibration effect.
[0058] In one embodiment, the second power output end of the second drive structure 3 is connected to the support rail 4.
[0059] The second power output end of the second drive structure 3 drives the support rail 4 to vibrate, and the support rail 4 drives the connector 5 connected to it to vibrate. Thus, the connector 5 drives the stirrer 2 to follow the vibration. At the same time, the support rail 4 does not affect the movement of the stirrer 2 driven by the first drive structure, thereby disrupting the condensation tendency of the shaved ice. This causes smaller, sticky shaved ice particles to separate again due to force and vibration, thus achieving the effect of keeping the shaved ice fluffy.
[0060] In a specific embodiment, the second power output end of the second drive structure 3 is connected to one end of one of the support columns 41; the vibration is transmitted to the stirrer 2 through the support column 41, the limiting part 51 and the connecting part 52, so that the stirrer 2 vibrates during the movement, thereby destroying the condensation tendency of the shaved ice, so that smaller sticky shaved ice particles will also be separated again due to force and vibration, thereby achieving the effect of keeping the shaved ice fluffy.
[0061] In a further embodiment, the second drive structure 3 is a vibration motor. One end of the support rail 4 in the first direction is connected to the second power output end of the vibration motor, and the other end is suspended on the body bracket or the bracket of the storage box 1. To avoid significant differences in vibration effects at both ends of the support rail 4, a high-frequency vibration device is required, such as rotating or vibrating more than 20 times per second.
[0062] Specifically, the vibration motor pulls the support rail 4 to vibrate. The vibration direction can be up and down, left and right, or a combination of up and down and left and right vibration, or a simple mechanical vibration in a random direction. The vibration frequency should be high, reaching more than 10 times / second.
[0063] In one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a transmission structure 6, wherein the first power output end of the first drive structure is connected to the connector 5 through the transmission structure 6.
[0064] By setting the transmission structure 6, the rotational driving force of the first drive structure can be converted into linear motion and transmitted to the connector 5, and the stirrer 2 can be moved along the first direction through the connector 5.
[0065] In a specific implementation, the first driving structure may be a drive motor.
[0066] In one embodiment, the transmission structure 6 includes a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a transmission belt; the driving wheel is connected to the first power output end of the first drive structure and is disposed at one end of the support rail 4 along the first direction; the driven wheel is disposed at the other end of the support rail 4 along the first direction; the transmission belt is connected to both the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and the connector 5 is connected to the transmission belt.
[0067] The rotation of the first power output end of the first drive structure drives the drive wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the transmission belt to move. The movement of the transmission belt drives the driven wheel to rotate, and the movement of the transmission belt causes the connector 5 to follow suit, thereby achieving the purpose of moving the agitator 2. At the same time, because the transmission belt has a certain elasticity, even if the agitator 2 vibrates under the drive of the second drive structure 3, it will not interfere with the driving action of the first drive structure, ensuring that the agitator 2 can move smoothly in a straight line along the first direction while also vibrating smoothly.
[0068] In a further embodiment, in order to achieve better vibration and cutting effects and keep the slush fluffy, the movement speed of the stirrer 2 driven by the first drive structure should not be too fast. The stirrer 2 should be driven slowly to better vibrate. In a preferred embodiment, the movement speed of the stirrer 2 can be 3 cm / s. Specifically, in one stirring cycle, the stirrer 2 can be slowly moved from one end of the storage box 1 to the other end along the first direction. Alternatively, when the movement speed of the stirrer 2 is faster, the stirrer 2 can be moved from one end of the storage box 1 to the other end and then moved back from the other end to the original end.
[0069] In one embodiment, the ice-making device further includes a temperature detection structure disposed inside the storage box 1 and located above the storage box 1.
[0070] The temperature detection structure can be used to detect the temperature value inside the storage box 1, and then obtain the usage status of the storage box 1 based on the temperature value. The usage status of the storage box 1 can show the condensation of the slush. Therefore, the stirring program of the ice-making equipment can be controlled by the usage status of the storage box 1, so as to maintain the fluffy effect of the slush by stirring the ice slush inside the storage box 1 through the stirrer 2.
[0071] In a specific embodiment, the top of the storage box 1 is open, and the temperature detection structure can be connected to the top of the side wall of the storage box 1. Alternatively, the temperature detection structure can be installed via a support bracket or a body bracket of the storage box 1, and extend into the upper part of the storage box 1 through the open.
[0072] Specifically, the temperature detection structure can be a temperature sensor.
[0073] In one embodiment, the stirrer 2 has a mesh structure. The mesh structure forms stirring holes.
[0074] The mesh-like structure has a high density of stirring holes, which can produce a finer smoothie, and then combined with vibration, it can produce a fluffier smoothie.
[0075] In a specific embodiment, the stirrer 2 is made of a hard material. The shape of the stirring hole of the stirrer 2 is not limited; it can be a round hole or a rectangular hole, etc. The area of the stirring hole of the stirrer 2 should not be too large or too small; it can be a 10mm*10mm square.
[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the area of the stirring holes in the stirrer 2 is less than 100 square millimeters to avoid affecting the vibrating slush effect; the area of the stirring holes in the stirrer 2 should not be less than 25 square millimeters. Alternatively, the area of the stirring holes in the stirrer 2 can be adjusted by changing the grid size according to the fineness of the slush. The rigid "mesh" of the stirrer 2 can be a round wire (such as "stainless steel wire") or a flat, thin metal strip (such as "stainless steel strip"), and the thickness is not specified, such as 0.5 mm.
[0077] In one embodiment, the shape of the stirrer 2 matches the shape of the storage box 1, and there is a first gap between the bottom of the stirrer 2 and the bottom wall of the storage box 1. The stirrer 2 has a second gap between the two side walls of the storage box 1 on both sides in the second direction; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
[0078] By setting the first and second gaps, it can be ensured that the stirrer 2 will not collide with the inner wall of the storage box 1 during movement and vibration, thus avoiding deformation and damage caused by the collision.
[0079] In a specific implementation, the first gap can be between 1mm and 3mm. The second gap can be between 1mm and 3mm.
[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a control method for an ice-making device is also provided, for execution on the aforementioned ice-making device, the control method comprising: S1. Obtain the usage status of storage box 1 of the ice-making equipment.
[0081] S2. Determine whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box 1.
[0082] S3. If the stirring program is entered, the first drive structure is activated to drive the stirrer 2 to move along the first direction, and the second drive structure 3 is activated to drive the stirrer 2 to vibrate.
[0083] The usage status of storage box 1 can display the solidification of the slush. The use status of storage box 1 determines whether to enter the stirring program, which allows the stirring program to start more accurately. Under the drive of the first drive structure, the stirrer 2 moves in the storage box 1 along the first direction. During the movement, the stirrer 2 vibrates under the action of the second drive structure 3, causing the slush to vibrate with the vibration of the stirrer 2. The slush in the storage box 1 is divided through the stirring holes on the stirrer 2, thereby disrupting the solidification trend of the slush. Smaller sticky slush particles will also be separated again due to force and vibration, thus achieving the effect of keeping the slush fluffy.
[0084] In one embodiment, obtaining the usage status of the storage box 1 of the ice-making device includes: S11. Obtain the temperature value inside the storage box 1.
[0085] S12. Obtain the usage status of the storage box 1 based on the temperature value.
[0086] The temperature value inside storage box 1 is obtained. Changes in temperature can affect the smoothie. Therefore, by obtaining the usage status of storage box 1 based on the temperature value, the accurate solidification state of the smoothie can be obtained. By controlling the stirring program based on the solidification state of the smoothie, a better stirring effect can be obtained.
[0087] In one embodiment, obtaining the usage status of the storage box 1 based on the temperature value includes: S121. Obtain the temperature change after the temperature value reaches the first preset temperature.
[0088] S122. If the temperature change of the temperature value is less than the second preset temperature within a first preset time period, then the storage box 1 is considered to be in a state of long-term non-use of shaved ice.
[0089] The first preset temperature is the suitable temperature for the slush to remain fluffy and not condense. When the temperature reaches the first preset temperature and then changes, it will affect the condensation state of the slush. A rise in temperature may cause the slush to condense. Therefore, if the temperature change is less than the second preset temperature within the first preset time, it is considered that the storage box 1 is in a state where the slush is not used for a long time. If the slush is not used for a long time, it will cause the slush to condense, and it is necessary to stir the slush to keep it fluffy.
[0090] In one specific embodiment, to determine if storage box 1 is in a state of long-term non-use of smoothies, the temperature detection structure continuously collects the temperature of storage box 1 and compares the temperature over a period of time (e.g., 3 hours). When the temperature stabilizes and remains around 0°C (e.g., the deviation is no greater than 1°C, and the temperature change within 1 hour does not exceed 0.2°C), it indicates that storage box 1 contains smoothies and the temperature has stabilized. The collected temperature at this time is the first preset temperature T, such as T=0°C, and is recorded as the marker temperature value. When the collected temperature remains very close to or equal to the marker temperature value for a first preset time (a long period of time) (e.g., 0°C for 3 hours or the deviation within 3 hours does not exceed 0.5°C), it is determined to be result A: the user has not used the smoothies for a long time. Result A means that the user has not used the smoothies for a long time, and the blending program can be started at this time.
[0091] In one embodiment, determining whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box 1 includes: S21. If the storage box 1 is in a state where it will not use ice smoothies for a long time, then control the ice-making device to enter the stirring program.
[0092] When slushies are not used for a long time, they tend to solidify, which affects their taste and quality, increases cleaning difficulty, makes them prone to bacterial growth, and also increases the energy consumption of the ice-making equipment and reduces refrigeration efficiency. Therefore, if the storage box 1 is in a state where slushies are not used for a long time, the ice-making equipment is controlled to enter the stirring program, which can cut and vibrate the solidified slushies, thereby disrupting the solidification trend of the slushies. This allows smaller, sticky slushie particles to separate again due to force and vibration, thus maintaining the fluffy effect of the slushies and ensuring their taste and quality.
[0093] In one embodiment, obtaining the usage status of the storage box 1 based on the temperature value includes: S123. Obtain the temperature change after the temperature value reaches the first preset temperature.
[0094] S124. If the temperature change of the temperature value is greater than the third preset temperature within the second preset time, and remains at the changed temperature for the third preset time, then the storage box 1 is considered to be in the state where the user has opened the storage box 1 and has closed the storage box 1 again.
[0095] The first preset temperature is the suitable temperature for the slush to remain fluffy and not freeze. When the temperature reaches the first preset temperature and then changes, it will affect the freezing state of the slush. A rise in temperature may cause the slush to freeze. Therefore, if the temperature change is greater than the third preset temperature within the second preset time and remains at the changed temperature for the third preset time, it is considered that the storage box 1 is in the state where the user has opened the storage box 1 and closed it again. During the process of the user opening the storage box 1 to take out the slush and then closing the storage box 1, the temperature inside the storage box 1 will change significantly, generally rising. This will easily cause the slush to melt first and then freeze into larger particles of slush when the storage box 1 is closed again. At this time, it is necessary to stir the slush to keep it fluffy.
[0096] In one specific embodiment, the state determination of storage box 1 being in the state where the user has opened storage box 1 and then closed it again involves a temperature detection structure continuously collecting the temperature inside storage box 1. A "range of drastic temperature changes within a short period" is set. Within a second preset time period, if the temperature change is greater than a third preset temperature and remains at the changed temperature for the third preset time period, such as a temperature fluctuation of ±2°C (range of drastic temperature changes) within a 30-second (short-term) collection range, and this fluctuation persists for a period such as 2 minutes, after which the temperature inside storage box 1 begins to stabilize or even decreases, this is determined as result B, indicating that the user has opened storage box 1 and then closed it again. Result B means that the user recently opened storage box 1 and has closed it again, at which point the stirring program can begin.
[0097] In a further embodiment, if the temperature change is unstable or the temperature continues to rise during the waiting process, it indicates that storage box 1 has been left open for an extended period or the user has forgotten to close the lid of storage box 1. In this case, the user is reminded to close storage box 1. Specifically, this can be done through a speaker notification, a screen display, or flashing lights; the method is not limited. After confirming that the user has closed storage box 1 using the method described above, the stirring program is started. To optimize the user experience, the ice slush inside storage box 1 can be selectively emptied, for example, by injecting room temperature water to melt the ice slush and then reminding the user to empty it. Alternatively, a drain outlet can be installed on the bottom surface of storage box 1, along the four sides of the bottom wall, and a valve can be used to control the opening and closing of the outlet to regulate the discharge of the internal ice water.
[0098] In one embodiment, determining whether to enter the stirring program based on the usage status of the storage box 1 includes: S22. If the usage state of the storage box 1 is that the user has opened the storage box 1 and then closed it again, then the ice-making device is controlled to enter the stirring program.
[0099] The user opened and then closed storage box 1, indicating that the user had taken some shaved ice. At this time, the temperature inside storage box 1 will change significantly due to the increased temperature. Generally, the increased temperature will cause the shaved ice to melt first, and then solidify into larger shaved ice particles when storage box 1 is closed again. At this point, it is necessary to stir the shaved ice, cut and vibrate it to break the solidification trend, and allow smaller, sticky shaved ice particles to separate again due to force and vibration, thereby maintaining the fluffy effect of the shaved ice and ensuring its taste and quality.
[0100] In one embodiment, the stirring process further includes: S4. Obtain the movement trajectory of the stirrer 2 within the storage box 1.
[0101] S5. If the stirrer 2 moves from one end of the storage box 1 to the other end along the first direction, the first drive structure and the second drive structure 3 are controlled to close.
[0102] After the stirrer 2 moves from one end of the storage box 1 to the other end along the first direction, the stirrer 2 cuts and vibrates the ice slush in the storage box 1, completing the stirring operation. At this time, the first drive structure and the second drive structure 3 can be controlled to close.
[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed, implement the above-described control method for the ice-making equipment.
[0104] The computer-readable storage medium provided by the present invention, through the control method of the ice-making equipment using the above-described embodiments, has all the technical effects of the control method of the ice-making equipment described above.
[0105] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.
Claims
1. An ice making apparatus, characterized by, The application relates to an ice slush storage and stirring device. The device comprises: a storage box (1) for storing ice slush; a stirrer (2) movably arranged in the storage box (1), wherein a plurality of stirring holes are arranged on the stirrer (2); a first driving structure, wherein a first power output end of the first driving structure is connected with the stirrer (2) to drive the stirrer (2) to reciprocate in a first direction; 2. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, a second driving structure (3), wherein a second power output end of the second driving structure (3) is connected with the stirrer (2) to drive the stirrer (2) to vibrate. Further comprising: a support rail (4) arranged on the top of the storage box (1) and extending in the first direction; 3. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by, a connector (5) connected with the stirrer (2) at one end and connected with the support rail (4) at the other end.
4. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by, The support rail (4) comprises two support columns (41) arranged at intervals, and the two support columns (41) both extend in the first direction; the connector (5) comprises a limiting part (51) and a connecting part (52), the limiting part (51) is slidably arranged on the top of the two support columns (41), one end of the connecting part (52) is connected with the limiting part (51), and the other end of the connecting part (52) is connected with the stirrer (2) after penetrating through the interval between the two support columns (41).
5. The ice making apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The second power output end of the second driving structure (3) is connected with the support rail (4).
6. The ice making apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, Further comprising a transmission structure (6), wherein the first power output end of the first driving structure is connected with the connector (5) through the transmission structure (6). The transmission structure (6) comprises: a driving wheel connected with the first power output end of the first driving structure and arranged at one end of the support rail (4) in the first direction; a driven wheel arranged at the other end of the support rail (4) in the first direction; 7. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, a transmission belt connected with the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and the connector (5) is connected with the transmission belt. Further comprising a temperature detection structure arranged in the storage box (1) and above the storage box (1); And / or, the stirrer (2) is a grid structure; 8. A control method of an ice making apparatus, characterized by, And / or, the shape of the stirrer (2) matches the shape of the storage box (1), the bottom of the stirrer (2) has a first gap with the bottom wall of the storage box (1), and the two sides of the stirrer (2) in a second direction both have a second gap with two side walls of the storage box (1); wherein the first direction and the second direction are arranged perpendicularly. The control method of the ice making device for executing on the ice making device in any one of claims 1 to 7 comprises: acquiring the use state of the storage box (1) of the ice making device; judging whether to enter a stirring program according to the use state of the storage box (1); if the stirring program is entered, controlling the first driving structure to start to drive the stirrer (2) to move in the first direction, and controlling the second driving structure (3) to start to drive the stirrer (2) to vibrate.
9. The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by, The method comprises: acquiring a usage state of a storage box (1) of an ice-making device; acquiring a temperature value in the storage box (1); 10. The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by, acquiring the usage state of the storage box (1) according to the temperature value. The method of acquiring the usage state of the storage box (1) according to the temperature value comprises: acquiring a temperature change after the temperature value reaches a first preset temperature; 11. The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 10, characterized by, if the temperature change of the temperature value is less than a second preset temperature within a first preset time, it is considered that the storage box (1) is in a state of long-term non-use of slush. The method of determining whether to enter a stirring program according to the usage state of the storage box (1) comprises: 12.The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, if the usage state of the storage box (1) is the state of long-term non-use of slush, the ice-making device is controlled to enter the stirring program. The method of acquiring the usage state of the storage box (1) according to the temperature value comprises: acquiring a temperature change after the temperature value reaches a first preset temperature; 13. The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by, if the temperature change of the temperature value is greater than a third preset temperature within a second preset time, and the changed temperature is maintained for a third preset time, it is considered that the storage box (1) is in a state of a user opening the storage box (1) and having re-closed the storage box (1). The method of determining whether to enter a stirring program according to the usage state of the storage box (1) comprises: 14.The control method of the ice-making apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, if the usage state of the storage box (1) is the state of a user opening the storage box (1) and having re-closed the storage box (1), the ice-making device is controlled to enter the stirring program. The stirring program further comprises: acquiring a moving track of the stirrer (2) in the storage box (1); 15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, if the stirrer (2) moves from one end of the storage box (1) to the other end in a first direction, the first driving structure and the second driving structure (3) are controlled to be closed. The computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions, when the computer instructions are executed, the control method of the ice-making device in any one of claims 8 to 14 is implemented.