Ice making method of ice maker, ice maker control device, and ice making apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, providing an ice-making method, a control device, and an ice-making apparatus for an ice maker. The ice-making method includes: determining that ice-making is complete; heating a first ice-making cavity using a heating element; and driving a second ice-making cavity to switch from an ice-making position to an ice-removing position, with at least a portion of an ice-pushing rod extending into the first ice-making cavity to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity and allow it to fall into and be removed from the second ice-making cavity. Thus, with the assistance of the heating element and the ice-pushing rod, the separation of the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity is ensured, thereby achieving rapid demolding of the ice block from both the first and second ice-making cavities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, and in particular to an ice-making method, an ice-making control device, and ice-making equipment for an ice maker. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, people may need to add ice when drinking cold beverages or alcohol, leading to a growing market demand for ice makers and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The basic principle of ice making is: water is poured into the ice tray of the ice maker, then cold air is supplied to the ice chamber to freeze the water into ice cubes, which are then demolded from the ice trays and fall into the ice storage box for the user to use.

[0003] As consumers' demands for ice-making functions increase, different shapes of ice cubes have emerged, such as spherical or polyhedral ice cubes, which require mold fitting to form special shapes. Existing ice machines, due to limitations in the ice grid and ice-turning structure, often leave ice cubes stuck in the mold cavity formed by two mold shells after ice making. Since it's impossible to determine which mold shell the ice cube is stuck in during demolding, a demolding tool and a moving mechanism are typically installed on each side of the mold shell. During demolding, the moving mechanism drives the mold shell, and the two demolding tools hold the mold shells together to force the ice cube to detach. This current ice demolding method is inefficient at removing these special-shaped ice cubes that require mold fitting. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes an ice-making method for an ice maker, which can efficiently achieve demolding control of ice blocks.

[0005] The present invention also proposes an ice maker control device.

[0006] The present invention also proposes an ice-making device.

[0007] An ice-making method of an ice maker according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: Confirm ice making is complete; The first ice-making chamber is heated by a heating element; The second ice-making chamber is switched from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, and at least part of the ice pusher rod is inserted into the first ice-making chamber so that the ice block separates from the inner wall of the first ice-making chamber and falls into the second ice-making chamber, and is then removed from the second ice-making chamber.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, prior to the step of heating the first ice-making cavity by the heating element, the method further includes: The ice pusher is driven to extend into the first ice-making cavity, wherein the ice pusher applies an elastic force to the ice block in the first ice-making cavity.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of driving the ice pusher rod into the first ice-making cavity includes: The control drive unit moves, and the rotating shaft drives the rocker arm to rotate at a preset angle along the first direction. Under the action of the rocker arm, the ice pusher extends into the first ice-making cavity, wherein the rotating shaft rotates relative to the second ice-making cavity along the first direction.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating the first ice-making cavity by a heating element includes: The ice pusher squeezes the ice block in the first ice-making chamber, and the second ice-making chamber moves away from the first ice-making chamber, so that the ice block falls from the first ice-making chamber into the second ice-making chamber, wherein the second ice-making chamber rotates relative to the rotating shaft along the first direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the preset angle is 10°~30°.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the step of heating the first ice-making cavity by the heating element and before the step of driving the second ice-making cavity to switch from the ice-making position to the de-icing position, the method further includes: Determine that the first ice-making cavity has reached the preset temperature; The drive component is controlled to rotate the shaft back to its original position in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of driving the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: The amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber is obtained by using an ice detector. If the ice storage capacity is less than the target ice storage capacity, the second ice-making chamber is driven to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of driving the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: The second ice-making chamber is controlled to remain in the de-icing position for a preset duration.

[0015] An ice maker control device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: The determination module is used to confirm that ice making is complete. A heating module is used to heat the first ice-making cavity via a heating element; The drive module is used to drive the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, with at least a portion of the ice pusher extending into the first ice-making chamber to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making chamber and drop it into the second ice-making chamber, and then remove it from the second ice-making chamber.

[0016] An ice-making apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor executes the program to implement the ice-making method of the ice maker described above.

[0017] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following technical effects: After ice making is complete, the first ice-making cavity is heated by a heating element, causing the ice to gradually detach from its inner wall. The second ice-making cavity is then switched from the ice-making position to the de-icing position. During this process, at least part of the ice-pushing rod extends into the first ice-making cavity through an opening, causing the ice to separate from its inner wall and fall into the second ice-making cavity, where it is then removed. This completes the de-icing stage. Thus, with the assistance of the heating element and the ice-pushing rod, the separation of the ice from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity is ensured, achieving rapid demolding of the ice from both the first and second ice-making cavities.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the installation structure of the ice pusher provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the installation structure of the ice pusher provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the mounting sleeve and rocker arm provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the ice maker provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the second ice-making cavity provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the second ice-making cavity provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the first ice-making cavity provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the first ice-making cavity provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the ice-making method of the ice maker provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of the ice maker control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure label: 1. Housing; 101. Stop; 102. Support base; 2. Ice pusher; 201. Swing rod; 202. Extrusion rod; 3. Torsion spring; 4. Tension spring; 5. Drive component; 6. Rotating shaft; 7. Rocker arm; 71. Stop block; 8. Elastic component; 9. Tray; 91. Mounting sleeve; 911. Receiving groove; 10. Ice probe component; 11. Deformation part; 12. Second ice-making chamber; 121. Ice-making sub-chamber; 122. Water passage groove; 123. Protrusion; 13. First ice-making chamber; 131. Groove; 132. Opening; 14. Heating component; 15. Pressure plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not 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 the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] like Figure 11 As shown, the ice-making method of the ice maker in this embodiment of the invention includes: S110, confirming ice making is complete.

[0040] S111, the first ice-making cavity 13 is heated by the heating element 14.

[0041] S112, drive the second ice-making chamber 12 to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, at least part of the ice pusher 2 extends into the first ice-making chamber 13, so that the ice block separates from the inner wall of the first ice-making chamber 13 and falls into the second ice-making chamber 12, and is removed from the second ice-making chamber 12.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the ice maker of this embodiment includes: a housing 1, an ice pusher 2, and a heating element 14. The housing 1 has a first ice-making cavity 13 and a second ice-making cavity 12. The second ice-making cavity 12 is adapted to switch between an ice-making position and an ice-removing position relative to the first ice-making cavity 13. In the ice-making position, the first ice-making cavity 13 and the second ice-making cavity 12 are adapted to enclose and form an ice-making space. In the ice-removing position, the second ice-making cavity 12 is adapted to move away from the first ice-making cavity 13. The ice pusher 2 is rotatably mounted on the housing 1. From the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, at least a portion of the ice pusher 2 is adapted to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13 to detach ice blocks from the first ice-making cavity 13. The heating element 14 is disposed in the first ice-making cavity 13 and corresponds to the first ice-making cavity 13. The first ice-making cavity 13 may also be equipped with a temperature sensor.

[0043] It should be noted that the shell 1 has a bottom plate, the first ice-making cavity 13 and the second ice-making cavity 12 are disposed on the inner side of the bottom plate, and the ice pusher 2 can be disposed on the outer side of the bottom plate. The first ice-making cavity 13 is disposed near the inner side of the bottom plate and has an opening 132, so that the ice pusher 2 can extend into the first ice-making cavity 13 through the opening 132. In addition, the bottom plate is provided with a clearance opening corresponding to the opening 132. Both the first ice-making cavity 13 and the second ice-making cavity 12 can be hemispherical to make the ice-making space spherical, thereby producing spherical ice blocks.

[0044] It is particularly important to note that ice makers also include a refrigeration system. This system provides cooling to the ice maker, freezing the water in the ice-making chamber into ice. Specifically, the refrigeration system includes components such as a compressor, a dryer filter, a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator, a check valve, and a solenoid valve. The compressor provides power to the refrigeration system. The dryer filter removes moisture and residue, ensuring stable ice-making operation. Condensers, whether air-cooled or water-cooled, primarily rely on a fan to remove excess heat, cooling the high-temperature vaporous refrigerant into a liquid state, providing the necessary temperature for evaporation in the refrigeration system. The capillary tube throttles the liquid refrigerant, converting it into vaporous refrigerant, providing the conditions for evaporation in the refrigeration system, and also regulates the refrigerant flow rate. The evaporator's main function is to absorb heat from the water, rapidly freezing it into ice. Other components, such as the check valve, prevent refrigerant backflow and gas leakage; the solenoid valve controls the refrigerant flow rate, speed, and pressure in the refrigeration system. Understandably, the basic structure of the above-described refrigeration system is only an example. In practical applications, corresponding components can be added or modified according to the actual situation, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0045] In practical applications, the ice-making process generally includes a pre-water intake inspection stage, an ice-making stage, and a de-icing stage. During the pre-water intake inspection stage, the first ice-making chamber 13 and the second ice-making chamber 12 are checked sequentially to ensure they are properly engaged and that it is the first round of ice making after the initial water intake. After the pre-water intake inspection is completed, water begins to enter the ice-making space through the opening 132 on the first ice-making chamber 13. For example, a fixed water intake volume can be set at this time, such as 180ml. After water intake is complete, the ice-making stage begins. During the ice-making stage, the ice-making space is continuously cooled, entering an ice-making and freezing mode. Ice making is considered complete when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than or equal to -9℃, after which the de-icing stage begins. In other words, after ice making is completed, the heating element 14 heats the first ice-making cavity 13, causing the ice to gradually detach from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity 13. Heating is complete when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to 3°C. Afterward, the second ice-making cavity 12 is switched from the ice-making position to the de-icing position. During this process, at least part of the ice-pushing rod 2 extends into the first ice-making cavity 13 through the opening 132, causing the ice to separate from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity 13 and fall into the second ice-making cavity 12, where it is then removed. This completes the de-icing stage. Thus, with the assistance of the heating element 14 and the ice-pushing rod 2, the separation of the ice from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity 13 is ensured, achieving the goal of rapid demolding of the ice from the first ice-making cavity 13 and the second ice-making cavity 12.

[0046] It is particularly important to note that after the heating element 14 heats the first ice-making cavity 13 to the target temperature, the ice block inside the first ice-making cavity 13 may still be partially stuck to the first ice-making cavity 13. Alternatively, the ice block may melt and produce water under the heating of the heating element 14. In this case, there is a water film between the ice block and the first ice-making cavity 13. Under the action of the surface tension of the water film, the ice block and the first ice-making cavity 13 are still difficult to separate directly. Therefore, the ice pusher 2 can be used to achieve complete separation of the ice block from the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a torsion spring 3 is threaded through the ice pusher 2. The two ends of the torsion spring 3 abut against the housing 1 and the ice pusher 2 respectively. From the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the torsion spring 3 is adapted to drive the ice pusher 2 to move so that at least part of the ice pusher 2 is adapted to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0048] To ensure stability, two torsion springs 3 are installed on the ice pusher 2. One end of the torsion spring 3 abuts against the outer side of the base plate, and the other end of the torsion spring 3 abuts against the ice pusher 2. When the second ice-making cavity 12 is far away from the first ice-making cavity 13, the torsion spring 3 can drive the ice pusher 2 to move so that at least part of the ice pusher 2 extends into the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a tension spring 4 is provided between the ice pusher 2 and the housing 1. From the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, the tension spring 4 is adapted to drive the ice pusher 2 to move so that at least part of the ice pusher 2 is adapted to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0050] It should be noted that, in order to ensure stability, two tension springs 4 are installed on the ice pusher 2. One end of the tension spring 4 is connected to the outside of the base plate, and the other end of the tension spring 4 is connected to the ice pusher 2. When the second ice-making cavity 12 is far away from the first ice-making cavity 13, the tension spring 4 can drive the ice pusher 2 to move so that at least part of the ice pusher 2 extends into the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0051] It is particularly important to note that after the step of confirming the completion of ice making, and before the step of heating the first ice-making cavity 13 by the heating element 14, the process further includes: driving the ice pusher 2 to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13, wherein the ice pusher 2 applies an elastic force to the ice block in the first ice-making cavity 13, and at this time the second ice-making cavity 12 is still engaged with the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0052] It should be noted that the torsion spring 3 drives the ice pusher 2 to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13 to squeeze the ice ball. Since the ice ball is stuck to the first ice-making cavity 13, and the force exerted by the ice pusher 2 on the ice ball is less than the adhesive force between the ice ball and the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the ice maker also includes a drive component 5 and a rotating shaft 6 connected to the drive component 5. The drive component 5 is connected to the second ice-making chamber 12 via the rotating shaft 6. A rocker arm 7 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 6. A swing rod 201 is provided at the position corresponding to the rocker arm 7 for the ice pusher 2. The swing rod 201 and the rocker arm 7 can be detachably contacted. From the ice removal position to the ice making position, the rocker arm 7 is adapted to apply force to the swing rod 201 to disengage the ice pusher 2 from the first ice-making chamber 13.

[0054] It should be noted that the push rod 2 is arranged parallel to the swing rod 201, and the push rod 2 is connected to the swing rod 201 via a connecting rod. The swing rod 201 is connected to the extrusion rod 202. A torsion spring 3 is fitted onto the push rod 2, with one end of the torsion spring 3 abutting the outer side of the base plate and the other end abutting the swing rod 201. A support base 102 is provided on the inner side of the base plate; for example, two support bases 102 are spaced apart on the inner side of the base plate, and the rotating shaft 6 passes through the two support bases 102. Exemplarily, the drive component 5 is installed on the inner side of the base plate; the drive component 5 can be a drive motor, and the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft 6 in a transmission connection. Additionally, a through hole is provided on the base plate; for example, the first end of the rocker arm 7 can pass through the through hole to contact the swing rod 201.

[0055] In the ice-making position, the rocker arm 7 abuts against the swing rod 201, and the rocker arm 7 applies a first force to the swing rod 201, while the torsion spring 3 applies a second force to the swing rod 201. At this time, the first and second forces are a pair of balanced forces, and the squeezing rod 202 is located outside the first ice-making cavity 13. In the de-icing position, the rocker arm 7 moves away from the swing rod 201, and the torsion spring 3 applies a third force to the swing rod 201. At this time, the squeezing rod 202 is located inside the first ice-making cavity 13 under the action of the third force.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the ice maker also includes a tray 9 and a pressure plate 15. The second ice-making cavity 12 is installed within the space enclosed by the tray 9 and the pressure plate 15. For example, the flange of the second ice-making cavity 12 is clamped between the tray 9 and the pressure plate 15, thus the tray 9, the pressure plate 15, and the second ice-making cavity 12 can be fixedly connected together. Additionally, a mounting sleeve 91 is provided on the edge of the tray 9. The inner wall of the mounting sleeve 91 is provided with a receiving groove 911 extending along its axial direction. A stop 71 extending along its axial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the second end of the rocker arm 7. The mounting sleeve 91 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the rocker arm 7, and the stop 71 is movably disposed within the receiving groove 911. Exemplarily, the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 91 is provided with two symmetrically arranged receiving grooves 911, and correspondingly, the outer periphery of the rocker arm 7 is provided with two symmetrically arranged stop 71s. In addition, an elastic element 8 is connected between the rocker arm 7 and the tray 9. One end of the elastic element 8 is connected to the tray 9, and the other end of the elastic element 8 is connected to the first end of the rocker arm 7. The elastic element 8 can be a spring.

[0057] It should be noted that the size of the stop 71 is smaller than the size of the receiving groove 911. Specifically, the receiving groove 911 has opposing first and second sidewalls. The stop 71 switches between a first position and a second position relative to the receiving groove 911. In the first position, the stop 71 can abut against the first sidewall, and in the second position, the stop 71 can abut against the second sidewall. For example, the movement of the stop 71 from the first position to the second position is equivalent to the rotating shaft 6 rotating by 30°.

[0058] It is particularly important to note that, from the de-icing position to the ice-making position, the rotating shaft 6 can rotate under the drive of the driving component 5. At this time, the rotating shaft 6 can drive the rocker arm 7 to return to its original position. Thus, the rocker arm 7 can abut against the swing rod 201, so that the extrusion rod 202 is located outside the first ice-making cavity 13. Furthermore, through the cooperation of the stop block 71 and the receiving groove 911, the rocker arm 7 can drive the tray 9 to move, so that the second ice-making cavity 12 can be engaged with the first ice-making cavity 13. At this time, the stop block 71 can abut against the first side wall. Under the action of the elastic component 8, the second ice-making cavity 12 can be tightly engaged with the first ice-making cavity 13.

[0059] It is particularly important to note that the step of driving the ice pusher 2 into the first ice-making cavity 13 includes: controlling the drive component 5 to move, and rotating the shaft 6 along a first direction by a preset angle, so that the shaft 6 drives the rocker arm 7 away from the rocker arm 201, wherein the stop block 71 rotates relative to the receiving groove 911 along the first direction. The preset angle is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 30°. For example, the preset angle is 30°.

[0060] Specifically, under the drive of the drive component 5, the rotating shaft 6 rotates 30° in the first direction. At this time, the rocker arm 7 rotates 30° along with the rotating shaft 6 to separate the rocker arm 7 from the swing rod 201. The torsion spring 3 drives the ice pusher 2 to extend into the first ice-making cavity 13 to continuously squeeze the ice. At the same time, the stop block 71 moves relative to the receiving groove 911. The stop block 71 switches from abutting against the first side wall to abutting against the second side wall. That is to say, the second ice-making cavity 12 does not rotate synchronously at this time. Under the action of the elastic component 8, the second ice-making cavity 12 is still engaged with the first ice-making cavity 13. However, when the drive component 5 stops working, the second ice-making cavity 12 can move away from the first ice-making cavity 13. The maximum position that the second ice-making cavity 12 can move is when the first side wall abuts against the stop block 71.

[0061] Furthermore, the step of heating the first ice-making cavity 13 by the heating element 14 includes: the ice pusher 2 squeezing the ice block in the first ice-making cavity 13, and the second ice-making cavity 12 moving away from the first ice-making cavity 13, so that the ice block falls from the first ice-making cavity 13 into the second ice-making cavity 12, wherein the receiving groove 911 rotates relative to the stop block 71 in the first direction.

[0062] After ice making is completed, driven by the drive component 5, the rotating shaft 6 rotates 30° in the first direction. At this time, the rocker arm 7 rotates 30° along with the rotating shaft 6 to separate the rocker arm 7 from the swing rod 201. The torsion spring 3 drives the extrusion rod 202 to extend into the first ice making chamber 13 to continuously extrude ice. The heating component 14 is turned on and heats the first ice making chamber 13. After heating to a certain temperature, the adhesion between the ice and the first ice making chamber 13 is less than the force exerted by the extrusion rod 202 on the ice ball. At this time, the torsion spring 3 can drive the extrusion rod 202 to continue to extrude ice. Under the gravity of the ice, the second ice making chamber 12 can move away from the first ice making chamber 13 until the first side wall abuts against the stop block 71. The ice can then be completely separated from the first ice making chamber 13. At this time, the heating component 14 continues to maintain the heating state. The temperature sensor on the first ice making chamber 13 will quickly reach the specified temperature. After that, the second stage of de-icing can be started.

[0063] It is particularly important to note that after the step of heating the first ice-making chamber 13 by the heating element 14 and before the step of driving the second ice-making chamber 12 to switch from the ice-making position to the de-icing position, the following steps are also included: Ensure that the first ice-making chamber 13 reaches the preset temperature; The control drive 5 is activated to rotate the shaft 6 back to its original position in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0064] It should be noted that after the ice is completely separated from the first ice-making cavity 13, the heating element 14 continues to heat. The temperature sensor on the first ice-making cavity 13 will quickly reach the preset temperature, which can be greater than or equal to 3°C. For example, after the temperature value of the temperature sensor on the first ice-making cavity 13 reaches 3°C, the heating element 14 stops working. Afterwards, the control drive 5 is activated, and the rotating shaft 6 rotates 30° in the second direction. The rotating shaft 6 synchronously drives the rocker arm 7 and the tray 9 to move, so that the rocker arm 7 abuts against the swing rod 201, and the second ice-making cavity 12 engages with the first ice-making cavity 13. The second stage of de-icing is then initiated.

[0065] It is particularly important to note that the step of switching the second ice-making chamber 12 from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: obtaining the amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber through the ice probe 10; and, if the amount of ice stored is less than the target amount of ice stored, switching the second ice-making chamber 12 from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

[0066] It should be noted that before starting the second stage of de-icing, it is necessary to obtain information about the ice in the ice storage chamber through the ice detection component 10, such as whether the ice storage chamber is full of ice balls. If there are not enough ice balls in the ice storage chamber, the second ice-making chamber 12 is moved away from the first ice-making chamber 13 by the action of the drive component 5.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a stop part 101 is provided on the housing 1, and a deformation part 11 is provided at the bottom of the second ice-making cavity 12. In the de-icing position, the deformation part 11 abuts against the stop part 101, and the deformation part 11 is adapted to deform to push out the ice block in the second ice-making cavity 12.

[0068] It should be noted that a deformable part 11 is provided at the bottom of the second ice-making cavity 12. The deformable part 11 can be made of an elastic material and can be a protrusion. In addition, a through hole is provided on the tray 9, and the protrusion passes through the through hole. Furthermore, the stop part 101 has an inclined surface, and the protrusion can contact the inclined surface at the ice removal position.

[0069] Understandably, the first ice-making cavity 13 is made of a metallic material, such as copper, and the second ice-making cavity 12 is made of an elastic material, such as silicone. The bottom of the second ice-making cavity 12 is flat.

[0070] Specifically, after the second stage of de-icing is initiated, the second ice-making cavity 12 moves away from the first ice-making cavity 13, making it easier for the ice puck to adhere to the second ice-making cavity 12. When the ice puck reaches the de-icing position, the protrusions press against the plane of the second ice-making cavity 12, pushing the second ice-making cavity 12 away from the tray 9, causing the ice puck to slide down and completing the de-icing process.

[0071] It is particularly important to note that the step of switching the second ice-making chamber 12 from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: controlling the second ice-making chamber 12 to remain in the ice-removing position for a preset duration.

[0072] It should be noted that the second ice-making chamber 12 can be kept in the de-icing position for 2 minutes. At this time, the ice puck in the second ice-making chamber 12 slides into the ice storage chamber, where the flexible ice storage tray 9 can better protect the spherical ice.

[0073] In addition, after the ice is removed, as the second ice-making cavity 12 approaches the first ice-making cavity 13, the self-recovery characteristic of the second ice-making cavity 12 makes it easier to return to its original state.

[0074] It is particularly important to note that the ice maker of this embodiment ensures that the ice block remains in the second ice-making chamber 12 each time, which greatly helps in controlling the landing point of the ice block and subsequent ice detection. The first ice-making chamber 13 is made of metal and has a strong adhesion to the ice block. It is difficult to complete the ice removal with a short heating time, and it is easy to cause excessive water melting if the heating time is too long. This method can ensure that the ice block falls off automatically and immediately separates from the first ice-making chamber 13 with a heater after falling off, without producing excessive water melting. The moment when the first ice-making chamber 13 and the second ice-making chamber 12 separate is the moment when the torque required by the drive motor is the greatest. This method can use the ice pusher 2 to continuously push the first ice-making chamber 13 and the second ice-making chamber 12 to separate. When the easy separation point is reached, the upper and lower molds are automatically separated, ensuring that the drive motor will not be overloaded in special (difficult to separate) situations, and ensuring that the most suitable ice removal temperature point is reached every time.

[0075] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second ice-making chamber 12 includes a plurality of ice-making sub-chambers 121 arranged sequentially at intervals, and two adjacent ice-making sub-chambers 121 are fluidly connected through a water tank 122.

[0076] It should be noted that the first ice-making chamber 13 includes a first body with a first contact surface. An ice-making chamber is recessed on the first contact surface, and a groove 131 is provided on the first contact surface near the ice-making chamber. The second ice-making chamber 12 includes a second body with a second contact surface. An ice-making sub-chamber 121 is recessed on the second contact surface, and a protrusion 123 is provided on the second contact surface near the ice-making sub-chamber 121. A water channel 122 is provided between adjacent ice-making sub-chambers 121 to ensure a consistent liquid level in each ice-making sub-chamber 121. When the first and second contact surfaces are engaged, the protrusion 123 fits into the groove 131, ensuring the sealing between the ice-making sub-chamber 121 and the ice-making chamber. Furthermore, a skirt is provided at the edge of the second contact surface, which covers the ice-making chamber when the ice-making sub-chamber 121 is engaged with the ice-making chamber.

[0077] The ice maker control device provided by the present invention will be described below. The ice maker control device described below can be referred to in correspondence with the ice making method of the ice maker described above.

[0078] like Figure 13 As shown, the ice maker control device includes: a determination module 1301, a heating module 1302, and a drive module 1303.

[0079] The determining module 1301 is used to determine that ice making is complete; the heating module 1302 is used to heat the first ice making cavity through the heating element; the driving module 1303 is used to drive the second ice making cavity to switch from the ice making position to the ice removal position, at least part of the ice pusher rod is inserted into the first ice making cavity, so that the ice block is separated from the inner wall of the first ice making cavity and falls into the second ice making cavity, and is removed from the second ice making cavity.

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown, the ice-making device may include: a processor 410, a communication interface 420, a memory 430, and a communication bus 440, wherein the processor 410, the communication interface 420, and the memory 430 communicate with each other through the communication bus 440. The processor 410 can call logical instructions in the memory 430 to execute the ice-making method of the ice maker, which includes: determining that ice making is complete; heating the first ice-making cavity through a heating element; driving the second ice-making cavity to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, at least partially inserting the ice pusher into the first ice-making cavity to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity and drop it into the second ice-making cavity, and then remove it from the second ice-making cavity.

[0081] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 430 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0082] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer is able to execute the ice-making method of the ice maker provided by the above methods. The method includes: determining that ice making is complete; heating the first ice-making cavity by a heating element; driving the second ice-making cavity to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, with at least a portion of the ice pusher extending into the first ice-making cavity to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity and drop it into the second ice-making cavity, and then removing it from the second ice-making cavity.

[0083] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements an ice-making method for an ice maker provided by the methods described above. The method includes: determining that ice making is complete; heating a first ice-making cavity by a heating element; driving a second ice-making cavity to switch from an ice-making position to an ice-removing position, wherein at least a portion of an ice-pushing rod extends into the first ice-making cavity to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making cavity and drop it into the second ice-making cavity, and then removes it from the second ice-making cavity.

[0084] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention 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 of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for making ice using an ice maker, characterized in that, include: Confirm ice making is complete; The first ice-making chamber is heated by a heating element; The second ice-making chamber is switched from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, and at least part of the ice pusher rod is inserted into the first ice-making chamber so that the ice block separates from the inner wall of the first ice-making chamber and falls into the second ice-making chamber, and is then removed from the second ice-making chamber.

2. The ice-making method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the step of heating the first ice-making cavity by the heating element, the method further includes: The ice pusher is driven to extend into the first ice-making cavity, wherein the ice pusher applies an elastic force to the ice block in the first ice-making cavity.

3. The ice-making method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of driving the ice pusher rod into the first ice-making chamber includes: The control drive unit moves, and the rotating shaft drives the rocker arm to rotate at a preset angle along the first direction. Under the action of the rocker arm, the ice pusher extends into the first ice-making cavity, wherein the rotating shaft rotates relative to the second ice-making cavity along the first direction.

4. The ice-making method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of heating the first ice-making cavity by means of a heating element includes: The ice pusher squeezes the ice block in the first ice-making chamber, and the second ice-making chamber moves away from the first ice-making chamber, so that the ice block falls from the first ice-making chamber into the second ice-making chamber, wherein the second ice-making chamber rotates relative to the rotating shaft along the first direction.

5. The ice-making method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preset angle is 10°~30°.

6. The ice-making method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the step of heating the first ice-making chamber by the heating element and before the step of driving the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the de-icing position, the method further includes: Determine that the first ice-making cavity has reached the preset temperature; The drive component is controlled to rotate the shaft back to its original position in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

7. The ice-making method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The step of driving the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: The amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber is obtained by using an ice detector. If the ice storage capacity is less than the target ice storage capacity, the second ice-making chamber is driven to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position.

8. The ice-making method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The step of driving the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position includes: The second ice-making chamber is controlled to remain in the de-icing position for a preset duration.

9. An ice maker control device for performing the ice-making method of the ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: The determination module is used to confirm that ice making is complete. A heating module is used to heat the first ice-making cavity via a heating element; The drive module is used to drive the second ice-making chamber to switch from the ice-making position to the ice-removing position, with at least a portion of the ice pusher extending into the first ice-making chamber to separate the ice block from the inner wall of the first ice-making chamber and drop it into the second ice-making chamber, and then remove it from the second ice-making chamber.

10. An ice-making device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the ice-making method of the ice maker as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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