Ice-making equipment and its control methods

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, and discloses an ice-making device and its control method. The ice-making device includes an ice-making module for making ice and a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity for ice making. The method includes: during the continuous operation of the refrigeration system for ice making, in response to meeting a preset drainage trigger condition, controlling the execution of a water replacement operation, the water replacement operation including: draining at least a portion of the water in the ice-making module; and after draining, resupplying water to the ice-making module. This application can inhibit scale deposition and maintain unobstructed venting, and reduces the impact on the ice-making speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ice-making equipment technology, specifically to an ice-making device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Spiral extrusion ice makers, also known as continuous ice makers or chewing ice makers, use refrigeration to freeze the inner wall of the ice-making chamber, and then use internally rotating spiral ice blades to scrape the ice layer and continuously extrude ice blocks.

[0003] During prolonged continuous ice-making, the process is essentially an extraction process, leading to a continuous increase in the ion concentration of the remaining water in the ice-making chamber. High concentrations of ionized water easily cause scale buildup, clogging the pipes. Simultaneously, excessively high ion concentrations lower the freezing point of water, preventing it from freezing completely or resulting in excessively small and soft ice crystals. This prevents the spiral extrusion structure from effectively pushing out the ice, causing ice extrusion failure. Furthermore, if ice blocks form at the vent holes of the spiral ice blade, the gas generated during ice-making cannot be released in time, hindering water flow into the ice-making chamber and further impacting ice-making efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an ice-making device and its control method to solve the problems of scale deposition and ice blockage of vent holes caused by increased ion concentration in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, an ice-making device control method is provided. The ice-making device includes an ice-making module for making ice and a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity for ice making. The method includes: during the continuous operation of the refrigeration system for making ice, in response to satisfying a preset drainage trigger condition, controlling the execution of a water replacement operation, the water replacement operation including: draining at least a portion of the water in the ice-making module; and after draining, resupplying water to the ice-making module.

[0006] In some embodiments, the preset drainage triggering condition includes: the duration of the current ice-making operation reaches a first preset duration after the completion of the previous water replacement operation or the start of ice making.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first preset duration is 1-15 minutes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a sensor for detecting the ion concentration or conductivity of water, and the preset drainage trigger condition includes: the ion concentration or conductivity detected by the sensor reaching a preset threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a water system, which includes a first water tank, a second water tank with a smaller capacity than the first water tank and connected to the ice-making module, a water pump, and a switch valve. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the first water tank, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the ice-making module through the switch valve. The water supply path of the water system is to pump water from the first water tank to the ice-making module and then further to the second water tank. Discharging at least a portion of the water in the ice-making module includes: opening the switch valve to drain the water in the ice-making module and the second water tank back to the first water tank.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an ice-making device is provided, comprising: an ice-making module for making ice; a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity for ice making; and a controller electrically connected to the ice-making module and the refrigeration system, wherein the controller is configured to execute the ice-making device control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a sensor for detecting the ion concentration or conductivity of water, and the controller is also electrically connected to the sensor. The preset drainage trigger condition includes: the ion concentration or conductivity detected by the sensor reaches a preset threshold.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a water system, which includes a first water tank, a second water tank with a smaller capacity than the first water tank and connected to the ice-making module, a water pump, and a switch valve. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the first water tank, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the ice-making module through the switch valve. The water supply path of the water system is to pump water from the first water tank to the ice-making module and then further to the second water tank. The controller is also electrically connected to the water pump and the switch valve. The controller is configured to perform the action of discharging at least a portion of the water in the ice-making module, specifically configured to: discharge the water in the ice-making module and the second water tank back to the first water tank by opening the switch valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ice-making module includes: a base; an ice-making cylinder disposed on the base, the ice-making cylinder forming an ice-making cavity; and a continuous spiral extrusion structure disposed in the ice-making cavity for extruding ice blocks; wherein, the side wall of the base is provided with an independent ice-making cavity water inlet and an ice-making cavity water outlet, the ice-making cavity water inlet is connected to the switch valve, the ice-making cavity water outlet is connected to the second water tank, and the water in the ice-making cavity is discharged back to the first water tank via the ice-making cavity water outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second water tank is provided with a second water tank outlet for overflow, the height of which is higher than the bottom of the second water tank; the second water tank is also provided with a water level detection device, and the controller is electrically connected to the water level detection device. The controller is further configured to: in ice-making mode, control the water pump and the switch valve to open, pumping water from the first water tank into the second water tank through the ice-making chamber; and in response to the water level detection device detecting that the water level in the second water tank has reached a set height, control the water pump to continue running for a second preset time and then close it, and control the switch valve to open. The valve is closed, wherein during the second preset time period during which the water pump continues to run, water in the second water tank overflows from the outlet of the second water tank; or, the controller is further configured to: in ice-making mode, control the switch valve to open and control the water pump to open for a third preset time, pumping water from the first water tank into the second water tank through the ice-making chamber, and then control the water pump and the switch valve to close, wherein the third preset time period is configured to be greater than the pumping time required to make the water level in the second water tank reach a set height, so that water in the second water tank overflows from the outlet of the second water tank.

[0015] This embodiment of the application performs a water replacement operation, actively draining the high-concentration water in the ice-making chamber and the second water tank and replenishing it with fresh water during the ice-making process. This effectively reduces the ion concentration in the ice-making chamber and the second water tank, inhibiting scale buildup. Furthermore, by draining and replacing the water, the introduction of relatively warmer water prevents ice blockage in the exhaust channel of the ice-making chamber. Simultaneously, the water flow carries away gas, ensuring unobstructed exhaust. Moreover, since the refrigeration system continues to operate throughout the process, ice-making is not completely stopped, achieving water quality renewal within the ice-making module without completely interrupting ice-making, thus minimizing the impact on the ice-making speed.

[0016] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a side view of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is another perspective structural schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an ice-making module according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of an ice-making module according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a continuous spiral extrusion structure according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a continuous spiral extrusion structure according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of an ice-making equipment control method according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller according to some embodiments of this application.

[0018] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: 100-Ice-making equipment; 110-First water tank; 120-Second water tank; 121-Second water tank outlet; 122-Water level detection device; 130-Water pump; 140-Switch valve; 150-Ice-making module; 151-Base; 152-Ice-making cylinder; 1521-Refrigerant inlet; 1522-Refrigerant outlet; 153-Continuous spiral extrusion structure; 1531-Extrusion rod; 1532-Ice scraper; 154-Ice-making chamber water inlet; 155-Ice-making chamber water outlet; 160-Controller; 170-Refrigeration system; 171-Compressor; 180-Sensor; 190-Exhaust channel; 191-Air inlet; 192-Air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0022] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, representing any combination of the listed objects. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three possibilities: A exists, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Spiral extrusion ice makers, also known as continuous ice makers or chewing ice makers, are popular for their ability to continuously produce soft, chewy ice. These machines typically consist of a lower water tank, an upper water tank, an ice-making cylinder, and a spiral extrusion structure within the cylinder. The lower water tank, also called the storage tank or large water tank, has a larger capacity and stores the raw water used for ice making. The upper water tank, also called the supply tank or small water tank, typically has a smaller water capacity than the lower tank and provides water to the ice-making chamber during the ice-making process. During ice making, a water pump pumps water from the lower tank into the upper tank, which then flows into the ice-making chamber. The water freezes on the inner wall of the ice-making chamber and is scraped down and extruded upwards by the spiral extrusion structure, completing the ice-making process.

[0028] Since the ice-making process is essentially an extraction process, the ion concentration in the unfrozen water continuously increases. As the ion concentration rises, on the one hand, the high-concentration ionized water easily precipitates and forms scale in narrow areas such as the ice-making chamber and pipes. The accumulation of scale clogs small pipes and vents, reducing ice-making efficiency, affecting ice quality, and making manual cleaning of the ice-making chamber and internal pipes extremely inconvenient. On the other hand, high ion concentration lowers the freezing point of water, causing it to not freeze completely or forming ice crystals that are too small and soft to be expelled by the spiral extrusion structure, resulting in ice-making failure. Furthermore, if ice blocks the vents of the spiral ice blade, the gas generated during ice-making cannot be released in time, hindering water flow into the ice-making chamber and further affecting ice-making efficiency.

[0029] In some spiral extrusion ice makers, water in the ice-making chamber and upper water tank is only drained manually after ice making is completed. This one-time drainage cannot solve the problem of real-time scale buildup caused by increased ion concentration during ice making, nor can it solve the problem of smooth air venting from the ice-making chamber.

[0030] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an ice-making device and its control method, which performs multiple water replacement operations during the ice-making process while the refrigeration system is continuously running.

[0031] The ice-making equipment and control method provided in this application are mainly applied to ice-making scenarios that require continuous production of chewing ice. The ice-making equipment can be a stand-alone ice maker, such as a spiral extrusion ice maker for commercial beverage shops, fast food restaurants, hotels, or homes, or it can be an ice-making device integrated into other household appliances such as refrigerators and water dispensers.

[0032] The following describes the specific implementation of this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using an ice maker as an example.

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a structural block diagram of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the three-dimensional structure of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates a side view of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. The components necessary for illustrating the embodiments of this application are shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outer casing of the ice-making equipment is not shown.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides an ice-making device 100, which includes a water supply system (a first water tank 110, a second water tank 120, a water pump 130, and a switching valve 140), an ice-making module 150, a controller 160, and a refrigeration system 170. The ice-making module 150 is used for making ice; the water supply system includes the first water tank 110, the second water tank 120, the water pump 130, and the switching valve 140, which are used to supply water to the ice-making module 150 for ice making; the refrigeration system 170 includes a compressor 171, a condenser, and an expansion valve (not shown in the figure), etc., which provide cooling capacity for the ice-making module 150 to make ice; the controller 160 is used to execute predetermined control logic.

[0035] Those skilled in the art should understand that the ice-making device 100 may also include other functional components, such as a display panel, operation buttons, and a housing. The figures shown are merely examples, and this application does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0036] The first water tank 110 is the lower water tank, and the second water tank 120 is the upper water tank. The volume of the first water tank 110 is larger than that of the second water tank 120. The first water tank 110 is used to store the raw water for ice making, and the second water tank 120 is used to provide water to the ice-making module 150 during the ice-making process. The second water tank 120 can also be equipped with a water level detection device 122 to detect the water level in the second water tank 120. This device can be a mechanical float switch (using a float to drive a magnet to control the opening and closing of a reed switch), a capacitive liquid level sensor, a photoelectric liquid level sensor, etc.

[0037] The inlet of water pump 130 is connected to the first water tank 110 via a water pipe, and the outlet of water pump 130 is connected to the inlet of switch valve 140 via a water pipe. The outlet of switch valve 140 is connected to ice-making module 150 via a water pipe. Ice-making module 150 is connected to the second water tank 120.

[0038] A water pump 130 provides kinetic energy to pump water from the first water tank 110. The water pump 130 can be a centrifugal pump, gear pump, etc. A switching valve 140 is located in the water path downstream of the water pump 130 and controls the opening and closing of the water supply / drainage pipeline to the ice-making module 150. In some embodiments, the switching valve 140 can be controlled (e.g., electrically controlled) to open and close the water supply / drainage pipeline to the ice-making module 150; specifically, it can be a solenoid valve, electric ball valve, etc.

[0039] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the three-dimensional structure of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a top view of an ice-making apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. The components necessary for illustrating the embodiments of this application are shown below. Figure 4 The top cover of the ice-making equipment is not shown.

[0040] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second water tank 120 is provided with a second water tank outlet 121 for overflow, located on the upper part of the side wall of the second water tank 120. The lower edge of the second water tank outlet 121 is higher than the bottom of the second water tank 120, so that the water level in the second water tank 120 can overflow naturally when it exceeds the lower edge. The height of the lower edge of the second water tank outlet 121 can be set as the full water height of the second water tank 120.

[0041] Water overflowing from the outlet 121 of the second water tank usually flows back to the first water tank 110, or overflows into other containers, such as the auxiliary water tank, wastewater tank, or outside the ice-making equipment 100.

[0042] The water supply path of the ice-making device 100 is "first water tank 110 → ice-making module 150 → second water tank 120", which changes the traditional water path direction (the water flow direction is opposite to the traditional design "first water tank 110 → second water tank 120 → ice-making module 150"). This allows the water flowing from the first water tank 110 into the ice-making module 150 to flush the ice-making module 150 and its connecting pipes before entering the second water tank 120, thus flushing the high-concentration water in the ice-making module 150 into the second water tank 120.

[0043] When the water level in the second water tank 120 exceeds the height of the outlet 121, the high-concentration water will automatically overflow, realizing the cleaning function during ice making or cleaning, and effectively preventing the deposition of scale in the entire water system.

[0044] For details on the structure of the ice-making module 150, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the three-dimensional structure of an ice-making module according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 The exploded structure of an ice-making module according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown. Only the necessary components required to illustrate the embodiments of this application are shown in the figure, and not all components of the ice-making module are illustrated.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the ice-making module 150 includes a base 151, an ice-making cylinder 152, and a continuous spiral extrusion structure 153. The ice-making cylinder 152 is fixed to the base 151 by means of threads or snaps, forming a hollow cylindrical cavity (ice-making chamber). The continuous spiral extrusion structure 153 is also installed on the base 151 and is located inside the ice-making cylinder 152 (i.e., inside the ice-making chamber). The base 151 can be fixed to the inside of the ice-making device 100 by means of threads or snaps, thereby realizing the installation of the entire ice-making module 150 on the ice-making device 100. The ice-making cylinder 152 can be detachably fixed to the base 151 by a threaded connection.

[0046] In the specific embodiment shown in the figure, the ice-making cylinder 152 is a metal-jacketed cavity that also functions as an evaporator. The ice-making cylinder 152 is provided with a refrigerant inlet 1521 and a refrigerant outlet 1522. The refrigerant provided by the refrigeration system 170 flows into the jacket of the ice-making cylinder 152 from the refrigerant inlet 1521. The jacket has refrigerant channels, which fill the jacket and flow along the channels, cooling the inner metal wall of the ice-making cylinder 152. After heat exchange with the water inside the ice-making module 150, the water freezes. The evaporated refrigerant flows out from the refrigerant outlet 1522 and returns to the compressor, achieving refrigerant circulation.

[0047] Those skilled in the art should understand that the ice-making cylinder 152 shown in the figure, which also functions as an evaporator, is merely an example. The evaporator of the ice-making module 150 can also take other forms, and this application does not limit this. For example, the evaporator can be an independent coil evaporator (usually copper or aluminum tubes). The coil is wound or welded to the outside of the ice-making cylinder of the ice-making module 150, and the refrigerant evaporates inside the coil, directly absorbing heat from the ice-making cylinder.

[0048] The cylindrical ice-making cylinder 152 shown in the figure is only an example. Those skilled in the art should understand that the ice-making cylinder of the ice-making module 150 can also be a square or other hollow columnar structure, and this application does not limit it.

[0049] The continuous spiral extrusion structure 153 is a rotating component used to scrape ice layers and extrude ice blocks, and includes an extrusion rod 1531 and an ice scraper 1532. The extrusion rod 1531 is a rotatable rod located on the central axis of the ice-making module 150. The ice scraper 1532 extends spirally around the extrusion rod 1531 and is fixed (e.g., welded, glued, etc.) to the extrusion rod 1531 or integrally formed with the extrusion rod 1531.

[0050] The refrigeration equipment used in the ice-making module 150, or the ice-making module 150 itself, also has a drive system for driving the extrusion rod 1531 to rotate. The drive system may include a motor and a gearbox. The power output from the motor is transmitted to the extrusion rod 1531 after passing through the gearbox, driving the extrusion rod 1531 and the ice scraper 1532 to rotate. During the rotation of the ice scraper 1532, the ice that has formed on the inner wall of the ice-making cylinder 152 is scraped off, and the scraped ice fragments are compacted and shaped upwards, and finally continuously extruded from the ice outlet at the top.

[0051] On the side wall of the base 151 (specifically, the side wall of the fixing seat 1512), there are independent ice-making chamber water inlet 154 and ice-making chamber water outlet 155, which are used to realize the entry and exit of water. Please continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water inlet 154 of the ice-making chamber is connected to the outlet of the switch valve 140. The bottom of the second water tank 120 is provided with a second water tank inlet 126. The water outlet 155 of the ice-making chamber is connected to the second water tank 120 through the second water tank inlet 126.

[0052] In this embodiment, compared to an ice-making module with only one inlet (which serves as both inlet and outlet), by providing an independent ice-making chamber water inlet 154 and an ice-making chamber water outlet 155 on the side wall of the base 151, water can enter through the ice-making chamber water inlet 154 during ice making or cleaning, flush the inside of the ice-making chamber, and then flow out through the ice-making chamber water outlet 155, thereby cleaning the ice-making chamber and connecting pipes and reducing the deposition of scale inside the chamber.

[0053] Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates the three-dimensional structure of a continuous spiral extrusion structure according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a continuous spiral extrusion structure according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown. Figures 8 to 9As shown, in the continuous spiral extrusion structure 153, the extrusion rod 1531 has an axially extending exhaust channel 190 inside. The lower end of the exhaust channel 190 communicates with the ice-making chamber through an air inlet 191 provided on the side wall of the extrusion rod 1531, and the upper end communicates with the outside of the ice-making chamber through an air outlet 192 provided at the top of the extrusion rod 1531. During the ice-making process, the gas released due to water separation in the ice-making chamber enters the exhaust channel 190 of the extrusion rod 1531 through the air inlet 191 and is discharged to the outside through the air outlet 192, thereby effectively preventing gas accumulation and forming air resistance, ensuring that water can smoothly enter the ice-making chamber, and maintaining the stability of the ice-making process.

[0054] The controller 160 is an electronic control unit capable of receiving input signals, processing them according to a preset program, and outputting control signals (such as controlling the start and stop of water pumps and valves). It can be a microcontroller unit (MCU), programmable logic controller (PLC), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), system-on-chip (SoC), etc. The controller 160 is electrically connected to the water pump 130, the on / off valve 140, and the water level detection device 122, etc., to execute predetermined control logic.

[0055] Based on the ice-making equipment 100 described above, this embodiment provides a method for controlling the ice-making equipment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps: S100: During the continuous operation of the refrigeration system to make ice, in response to the satisfaction of the preset drainage trigger condition, the system controls the execution of a water replacement operation.

[0056] The water replacement operation includes: S110: Drain at least a portion of the water from the ice-making module; and S120: After draining, water is resupplied to the ice-making module.

[0057] In practice, the controller 160 monitors in real time whether the preset drainage trigger condition is met. When the drainage trigger condition is met, the controller 160 first controls the switch valve 140 to open, opening the water passage between the first water tank 110 and the ice-making module 150. At this time, the water in the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120 flows back to the first water tank 110 under the action of gravity through the switch valve 140.

[0058] After the drainage continues for a fourth preset time, the controller 160 controls the water pump 130 to start, pumping water from the first water tank 110 to the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120, completing the water supply. The fourth preset time can be preset according to the volume of the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120, for example, 5-20 seconds. Specifically, the fourth preset time can be set to the time required to completely drain the remaining water in the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120, or it can be set to the time required to partially drain the remaining water in the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120.

[0059] Throughout the entire process of drainage and resupply, the refrigeration system 170 remains operational, and the freezing and extrusion processes within the ice-making chamber do not completely cease. After the water replacement operation is completed, the water pump 130 and the on / off valve 140 are shut off to stop the water supply, and the system awaits the next drainage trigger.

[0060] This embodiment of the application performs a water replacement operation, actively draining the high-concentration water in the ice-making chamber and the second water tank 120 and replenishing it with fresh water during the ice-making process. This effectively reduces the ion concentration in the ice-making chamber and the second water tank 120, inhibiting scale buildup. Furthermore, by draining and replacing the water, the introduction of relatively warmer water prevents ice blockage at the exhaust channels 190 (e.g., air inlet 191) of the ice-making chamber. Simultaneously, the water flow carries away gas, ensuring unobstructed exhaust. Moreover, since the refrigeration system 170 continues to operate throughout the process, ice-making is not completely stopped, achieving water quality renewal in the ice-making module 150 without completely interrupting ice-making, thus reducing the impact on the ice-making speed.

[0061] Furthermore, by controlling the water replacement operation through controller 160, the water quality during the ice-making process is automatically updated. This effectively inhibits scale formation and blockage of the venting channel 190 without manual intervention, thereby improving the automation level of the equipment and the user experience.

[0062] based on Figures 1 to 9 The ice-making device 100 shown discharges at least a portion of the water from the ice-making module 150. The controller 160 then opens the switch valve 140, draining the water from the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120 back to the first water tank 110. When the switch valve 140 is open, since the second water tank 120 is connected to the ice-making module 150, the water in the ice-making module 150 and the second water tank 120 flows back to the first water tank 110 under gravity through the ice-making chamber outlet 155 and the switch valve 140, eliminating the need for an additional drainage pump. This drainage method utilizes the principle of gravity return and the existing water supply circuit, achieving drainage without the need for additional drainage components.

[0063] In some embodiments, the preset drainage triggering condition includes: the duration of the current ice-making operation reaches a first preset duration since the completion of the previous water replacement operation or the start of ice making.

[0064] In practical implementation, a timer can be set inside the controller 160. The timer starts counting when ice making begins or when the last water replacement operation is completed (these are usually the same time points). When the count reaches a preset first duration, the controller 160 triggers the water replacement operation, and the timer is reset to zero.

[0065] The first preset duration can be a fixed preset duration, such as 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. For home models, the preferred range for the first preset duration is 1-15 minutes. It should be noted that the specific value of the first preset duration can be determined based on factors such as the size of the exhaust channel 190, the ice-making cavity space, the water hardness of the local area, and the performance of the refrigeration system 170, etc. For example, in cases where the exhaust channel 190 is small, the ice-making cavity space is small, the water quality is hard, or the refrigeration system 170 has a strong cooling capacity, the first preset duration can be set to a shorter value; in cases where the exhaust channel 190 is large, the ice-making cavity space is large, the water quality is soft, or the refrigeration system 170 has a weaker cooling capacity, a longer value can be set.

[0066] Furthermore, this first preset duration can be pre-calibrated experimentally. For example, ice can be continuously made under laboratory conditions, with the ice-making time timed and the water quality changes and ice output status monitored simultaneously. When the ice begins to soften or the ice output speed decreases significantly, the ice-making time at this point is recorded, and this value or a slightly lower value is taken as the first preset duration. After the machine design is completed, determining the first preset duration through experiments and reserving a safety margin ensures that water replacement operations are performed in time before problems occur due to excessively high ion concentration or blockage of the exhaust channel 190.

[0067] The water replacement operation is achieved by timed triggering, eliminating the need for additional sensors. The control logic is simple and reliable, reducing costs.

[0068] In other embodiments, an alternative drainage triggering method is provided. Please continue reading. Figure 1 The ice-making device 100 also includes a sensor 180 for detecting the ion concentration or conductivity of water. The sensor 180 is disposed inside the ice-making chamber of the ice-making module 150, for example, at the bottom or inner wall of the ice-making cylinder 152, and is electrically connected to the controller 160. The aforementioned preset drainage triggering conditions include: the ion concentration or conductivity detected by the sensor 180 reaching a preset threshold.

[0069] The electrical conductivity of water directly depends on the concentration and activity of soluble ions in the water. The higher the ion concentration, the stronger the conductivity of the water, and the greater the conductivity value. Therefore, the detection data of the sensor 180 used to detect conductivity can reflect the total ion concentration in water in real time and continuously.

[0070] When the ion concentration or conductivity detected by sensor 180 reaches a preset threshold, it indicates that the water in the ice-making chamber has approached or reached a level that may produce scale or cause excessive drop in freezing point, and controller 160 then triggers the water replacement operation.

[0071] This preset threshold can be pre-calibrated experimentally. For example, ice can be continuously made under laboratory conditions while monitoring changes in water quality and ice output in the ice-making chamber. When the ice begins to soften or the ice output rate decreases significantly, the ion concentration or conductivity value at this time is recorded, and this value or a value slightly lower than this value is used as the preset threshold.

[0072] This embodiment uses sensor 180 to monitor water quality in real time, realizing drainage control based on actual water quality. It can perform water replacement operation as needed, replacing water more frequently when the water quality is poor and reducing the replacement frequency when the water quality is good, thereby saving energy while ensuring ice-making effect.

[0073] The following describes several control logics for the controller 160 to achieve automatic overflow cleaning during the ice-making process.

[0074] In some embodiments, in ice-making mode, the controller 160 controls the water pump 130 and the switching valve 140 to turn on, pumping water from the first water tank 110 into the second water tank 120 through the ice-making chamber. In response to the water level detection device 122 detecting that the water level in the second water tank 120 has reached a set height, the controller controls the water pump 130 to continue running for a second preset time before turning it off, and controls the switching valve 140 to close. During the second preset time during which the water pump 130 continues to run, water in the second water tank 120 overflows from the outlet 121. The set height can be the lower edge height of the outlet 121 (e.g., the full water level of the second water tank 120), and the second preset time can be several seconds or other durations, specifically set according to actual needs.

[0075] The above control logic is based on water level feedback. The water level detection device 122 accurately senses the full state of the second water tank 120. Based on this, the controller 160 triggers the water pump 130 to extend its operation for a second preset time (e.g., the water pump 130 pumps for several more seconds) to ensure that the high-concentration water entering the second water tank 120 from the ice-making module 150 is fully replaced and overflows.

[0076] In other embodiments, automatic overflow cleaning during ice making can be achieved by controlling the total operating time of the water pump 130, without the need for the water level detection device 122. In ice making mode, the controller 160 controls the opening of the switching valve 140 and the operation of the water pump 130 for a third preset time, pumping water from the first water tank 110 through the ice-making chamber into the second water tank 120. Then, the controller controls the water pump 130 and the switching valve 140 to close. The third preset time is configured to be greater than the pumping time required to reach a set water level in the second water tank 120, so that water in the second water tank 120 overflows from the outlet 121.

[0077] The above control logic is based on time control. A fixed pumping time (third preset time) is set according to experience or calculation. This time is sufficient to fill the second water tank 120 and continue to overflow, eliminating the need for the water level detection device 122 to work, thus reducing cost and control complexity.

[0078] Both control methods, whether triggered by a water level signal or a timer, can ultimately cause the water level in the second water tank 120 to exceed its outlet 121, forming an active overflow that discharges the high-concentration water remaining in the ice-making chamber and pipeline.

[0079] The first water tank 110 is located to the side and below the outlet 121 of the second water tank. Water overflowing from the outlet 121 of the second water tank flows into the first water tank 110. Because the first water tank 110 has a large capacity, it is easy for users to clean. This is equivalent to transferring the limescale problem from the difficult-to-clean internal pipes to the easy-to-clean large water tank, which is convenient for operation and improves the cleaning effect.

[0080] The cleaning during ice-making mode is a brief, preventative rinse. In addition to automatic cleaning during ice-making, the water system 100 of the ice-making equipment in this application also supports an independent cleaning mode. This cleaning mode allows for prolonged, high-flow-rate circulating rinsing to remove deposited scale and impurities, achieving a thorough deep cleaning of the ice-making module 150, the second water tank 120, and connecting pipes. For example, the cleaning mode can be executed after the ice-making equipment has been used for a period of time. In cleaning mode, the controller 160 controls the opening of the switching valve 140 and starts the water pump 130, while the refrigeration system 170 remains closed. The water pump 130 continuously pumps water from the first water tank 110 into the ice-making module 150, and the water flow flushes the ice-making chamber before entering the second water tank 120. Due to the continuous operation of the water pump, the water level in the second water tank 120 rises rapidly and quickly overflows from the outlet 121. Simultaneously, because there is no ice blockage at the ice outlet at the top of the ice-making module 150 during cleaning mode, some water also flows out from the outlet. Both overflowing water streams flow back to the first water tank 110 below, forming a continuous cycle. The cycle continues for a preset cleaning time (e.g., 10-30 minutes). After the preset cleaning time ends, the controller 160 automatically shuts off the water pump 130 and the on / off valve 140, completing the cleaning process.

[0081] In other embodiments, in the water supply system of the ice-making equipment, the inlet of the water pump is connected to the first water tank via a water pipe, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the inlet of the switch valve via a water pipe. The outlet of the switch valve is connected to the second water tank via a water pipe. The ice-making module is connected to the second water tank. The water supply path of this ice-making equipment is "first water tank → second water tank → ice-making module". In such an ice-making equipment, the operation can also be performed by a controller. Figure 10 The water replacement operation shown, the specific implementation process and working principle of water replacement are... Figure 10 The embodiment shown is similar, and drainage can also be achieved through a water supply path. The only difference between the two is that the water supply / drainage paths are different. For details, please refer to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0082] The various control logics described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by the controller 160 by executing a computer program stored in the memory, or they can be implemented by hardware logic circuits.

[0083] Figure 11 The structure of a controller 160 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically illustrated. Figure 11 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a controller 160, which stores a computer program 161. The controller 160 executes the computer program 161 to implement the ice-making equipment control method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0084] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the ice-making equipment control method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0085] This application provides a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the ice-making equipment control method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0086] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the ice-making equipment control method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an ice-making device, the ice-making device comprising an ice-making module for making ice and a refrigeration system for providing cooling capacity for ice making, characterized in that, The method includes: During the continuous operation of the refrigeration system to make ice, in response to the satisfaction of a preset drainage trigger condition, a water replacement operation is controlled to be performed, the water replacement operation including: Draining at least a portion of the water from the ice-making module; and After draining the water, water is supplied to the ice-making module again.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset drainage triggering conditions include: the duration of the current ice-making operation reaches a first preset duration after the completion of the previous water replacement operation or the start of ice making.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first preset duration is 1-15 minutes.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a sensor for detecting the ion concentration or conductivity of water, and the preset drainage triggering condition includes: the ion concentration or conductivity detected by the sensor reaches a preset threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a water system, which includes a first water tank, a second water tank with a smaller capacity than the first water tank and connected to the ice-making module, a water pump, and a switch valve. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the first water tank, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the ice-making module through the switch valve. The water supply path of the water system is to pump water from the first water tank to the ice-making module and then further flow to the second water tank. The step of draining at least a portion of the water from the ice-making module includes: By opening the switch valve, the water in the ice-making module and the second water tank is drained back into the first water tank.

6. An ice-making device, characterized in that, include: Ice-making module, used for making ice; A refrigeration system, used to provide cooling for ice making; A controller is electrically connected to the ice-making module and the refrigeration system, and the controller is configured to perform the ice-making equipment control method according to any one of claims 1-3.

7. The ice-making equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a sensor for detecting the ion concentration or conductivity of water, and the controller is also electrically connected to the sensor. The preset drainage trigger condition includes: the ion concentration or conductivity detected by the sensor reaches a preset threshold.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a water system, which includes a first water tank, a second water tank with a smaller capacity than the first water tank and connected to the ice-making module, a water pump, and a switch valve. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the first water tank, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the ice-making module through the switch valve. The water supply path of the water system is to pump water from the first water tank to the ice-making module and then further flow to the second water tank. The controller is also electrically connected to the water pump and the switching valve, and the controller is configured to, when performing the action of discharging at least a portion of the water from the ice-making module, specifically configured to: By opening the switch valve, the water in the ice-making module and the second water tank is drained back into the first water tank.

9. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice-making module includes: Base; An ice-making cylinder is disposed on the base, and an ice-making cavity is formed inside the ice-making cylinder; and A continuous spiral extrusion structure, disposed within the ice-making chamber, is used to extrude ice blocks; wherein... The base has an independent ice-making chamber water inlet and an ice-making chamber water outlet on its side wall. The ice-making chamber water inlet is connected to the switch valve, and the ice-making chamber water outlet is connected to the second water tank. The water in the ice-making chamber is discharged back to the first water tank through the ice-making chamber water outlet.

10. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second water tank is provided with a second water tank outlet for overflow, and the height of the second water tank outlet is higher than the bottom of the second water tank; The second water tank is also equipped with a water level detection device, and the controller is also electrically connected to the water level detection device. The controller is also configured to: in ice-making mode, control the water pump and the switch valve to open, pump the water in the first water tank into the second water tank through the ice-making chamber, and in response to the water level detection device detecting that the water level in the second water tank has reached a set height, control the water pump to continue running for a second preset time and then shut it off, and control the switch valve to close, wherein, during the second preset time during which the water pump continues to run, the water in the second water tank overflows from the outlet of the second water tank; or, The controller is further configured to: in ice-making mode, control the switch valve to open and control the water pump to open for a third preset duration, pumping water from the first water tank into the second water tank through the ice-making chamber, and then control the water pump and the switch valve to close, wherein the third preset duration is configured to be greater than the pumping time required to make the water level in the second water tank reach a set height, so that the water in the second water tank overflows from the outlet of the second water tank.

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