Ice block detection processing method for ice-making box of refrigerator, refrigeration device and storage medium

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator's ice maker, a refrigeration device, and a storage medium. The method includes controlling the emission of electromagnetic waves according to an ice-making command, the command including target ice quantity information; receiving the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves in response to their emission; detecting the reflected power of the echo signal; recording the first resonant frequency of the echo signal when the reflected power reaches a preset value; and identifying the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency based on a preset correspondence. This invention detects ice cubes using electromagnetic waves and obtains the first resonant frequency using the reflected power of the echoed electromagnetic waves. Based on a preset correspondence between the resonant frequency and the number of ice cubes, the quantity of ice cubes in the refrigerator's ice maker is obtained. This allows the amount of ice cubes stored inside the refrigerator to be known without opening the refrigerator door during ice making, further facilitating subsequent ice-making operations, reducing cumbersome operations, and preventing cold air leakage caused by opening and closing the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice detection technology in refrigerators, and more particularly to a method for detecting and processing ice in a refrigerator ice maker, a refrigeration device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In modern home appliances, refrigerators are indispensable in daily life, and the continuous improvement of their functionality and user experience has become a focus of attention for both manufacturers and users. The ice storage compartment, as an important component of the refrigerator, primarily stores ice made by the ice maker for easy access by the user. However, most refrigerator products on the market currently suffer from a common problem in their ice storage compartment designs: the lack of an effective ice volume detection system.

[0003] Specifically, when a refrigerator starts its ice-making function, the lack of a direct means of monitoring the ice volume means the ice maker cannot obtain real-time information about the ice level in the ice storage compartment. This forces users to manually open the refrigerator door to check the ice level when needed, which is not only cumbersome but can also cause temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator due to frequent door openings, affecting food preservation. Furthermore, because the ice volume cannot be accurately determined, users cannot use the scheduled ice-making function, which allows ice to be made automatically at a specific time based on preset ice volume requirements, further degrading the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator's ice maker, a refrigeration device, and a storage medium, in order to solve the problem that the ice-making function of existing refrigerators lacks the ability to detect the number of ice cubes, making it difficult to schedule ice making. Furthermore, users often have to open the refrigerator door to check the amount of ice when they need it, which is not only cumbersome but may also cause fluctuations in the internal temperature of the refrigerator due to frequent door opening, affecting the preservation effect of food.

[0005] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method comprising: controlling the transmission of electromagnetic waves according to an ice-making command, wherein the ice-making command includes target ice-making quantity information;

[0006] In response to the emission of the electromagnetic wave, the echo signal of the electromagnetic wave is received;

[0007] The reflected power of the echo signal is detected, and when the reflected power reaches a preset value, the first resonant frequency of the echo signal is recorded.

[0008] The number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency is identified based on a preset correspondence.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: the method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the ice maker of a refrigerator further includes making ice according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency.

[0010] If the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice maker, the number of ice-making times m is calculated based on the target ice-making amount and the preset ice-making amount per time.

[0011] Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice, wherein if the number of ice-making times m is an integer, the refrigerator is instructed to make ice m times; otherwise, the refrigerator is instructed to make ice int(m)+1 times.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: the method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the ice maker of a refrigerator further includes making ice according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency.

[0013] If the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice maker, calculate the number of ice making times m based on the target ice making amount and the preset ice making amount per time; and obtain the second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice making amount based on the correspondence, and calculate the first frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.

[0014] Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice. After each ice-making process, obtain the third resonant frequency through electromagnetic wave detection and record the current ice-making count n. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice cubes in the current ice-making box.

[0015] Calculate the second frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency;

[0016] If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then ice making continues.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: if the number of ice-making times m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then stop ice-making.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: if the number of ice-making times m is not an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then stop ice-making.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: issuing a warning signal when it is identified that the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency has reached the full ice state of the ice maker.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: the method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the ice maker of a refrigerator further includes making ice according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency.

[0021] If the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency does not represent the ice shortage state of the ice maker and the ice maker is not full of ice, record the first resonant frequency and obtain the current number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency.

[0022] If the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, calculate the number of ice production times m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per time. If the number of ice production times m is an integer, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice m times; otherwise, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice int(m)+1 times.

[0023] If the current number of ice blocks is greater than or equal to the target ice production amount, then no ice is produced.

[0024] To further improve the present invention, the method further includes: if the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, after calculating the number of ice production cycles m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per cycle, the method further includes:

[0025] The second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice production capacity is obtained according to the correspondence, and the first frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.

[0026] After each ice-making process, the third resonant frequency is obtained by electromagnetic wave detection and the current ice-making count n is recorded. The second frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice cubes in the current ice-making box.

[0027] If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then ice making continues.

[0028] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: if the number of ice-making times m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then stop ice-making.

[0029] As a further improvement of the present invention, the method further includes: if the number of ice-making times m is not an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then stop ice-making.

[0030] The present invention also provides a refrigeration device, the refrigeration device comprising: an ice maker, installed inside the refrigeration device and used to make ice cubes;

[0031] An ice-making box, installed below the ice maker, is used to store the ice blocks produced by the ice maker;

[0032] An antenna assembly, installed inside the ice-making box, is used to transmit electromagnetic waves and receive echo signals;

[0033] A control component electrically connected to an antenna assembly and an ice maker, for performing the ice detection and processing method in the ice maker of a refrigerator as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0034] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigeration device further includes: the control component includes a processor, a radio frequency chip and a directional coupler, the processor is electrically connected to the radio frequency chip, the radio frequency chip is electrically connected to the directional coupler, and the directional coupler is also electrically connected to the processor;

[0035] The processor controls the radio frequency chip to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves through the directional coupler; the directional coupler is also used to detect the reflected power when receiving electromagnetic waves and feed it back to the processor.

[0036] The present invention also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the refrigerator ice maker.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention detects ice cubes by means of electromagnetic waves and obtains the first resonant frequency by utilizing the reflected power after the electromagnetic wave echo. Based on the preset correspondence between the resonant frequency and the number of ice cubes, the number of ice cubes in the ice maker in the refrigerator is obtained. In this way, it is convenient to know the amount of ice cubes stored inside without opening the refrigerator door when making ice, which further facilitates the subsequent ice making operation, while reducing cumbersome operations and avoiding the leakage of cold air from the refrigerator caused by opening and closing the door. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for detecting and processing ice cubes inside a refrigerator ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention for making ice according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of ice-making according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of ice-making according to an ice-making command and a first resonant frequency in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of frequency offset and ice quantity after each ice-making process, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6This is an overall flowchart of a method for detecting and processing ice cubes inside a refrigerator ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of a refrigeration device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the control component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 1. Ice maker; 2. Ice container; 3. Antenna assembly; 4. Control assembly; 41. Processor; 42. Radio frequency chip; 43. Directional coupler. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting and processing ice cubes in an ice maker 2 of a refrigerator is provided. This method can detect the number of ice cubes and perform subsequent processing based on the detected number. The subsequent processing may include deciding whether to continue ice making or calculating the number of ice-making cycles based on existing ice cube data. In one embodiment, this technical solution is applied inside a refrigerator, and the method is used to detect the number of ice cubes in the ice maker 2 storing ice cubes inside the refrigerator. The ice maker in the refrigerator performs ice-making operations based on the number of ice cubes detected by this method.

[0050] The detection and processing method of this invention mainly uses electromagnetic waves to detect ice. In other embodiments, this detection method can also be used for the detection of items in other fields, such as detecting the storage quantity of items in cold storage.

[0051] To more clearly describe the technical solution of the present invention, the technology in the present invention is further explained as follows:

[0052] Ice maker: refers to a device that uses cooling technology to turn water into ice cubes, usually integrated into smart refrigerators.

[0053] Ice container 2: A container used to store ice blocks made by an ice maker, usually designed with a structure that makes it easy to take out ice.

[0054] Electromagnetic waves: These are typically emitted and radiated into free space by an antenna, which can also receive signals that return after being radiated to objects in free space.

[0055] Ice-making command: A control signal issued by the system upon receiving an external instruction, including information on the target ice-making amount. In one embodiment, it may also include a scheduled time, i.e., triggering the ice maker to make ice at the target ice-making amount after the scheduled time is reached.

[0056] Resonant frequency: The antenna emits electromagnetic waves and then receives the echo signal. The reflected power of the echo signal is detected. When the reflected power value is the minimum, it indicates that the antenna has achieved impedance matching with the external environment. At this time, the antenna is in a resonant state. The reflection coefficient at the resonance point is the resonant frequency.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the method for detecting and processing ice cubes inside the refrigerator's ice maker 2 includes the following steps:

[0058] Step S1: Control the emission of electromagnetic waves according to the ice-making command.

[0059] Based on the above description, in this embodiment, the ice-making instruction includes target ice-making amount information, such as 16 blocks or 38 blocks. According to the target ice-making amount information contained in the ice-making instruction, the ice maker in the refrigerator can be instructed to make ice to that target amount or to prepare for ice making to that target amount.

[0060] Step S2: In response to the emission of the electromagnetic wave, receive the echo signal of the electromagnetic wave.

[0061] Electromagnetic waves can be emitted based on ice-making commands, or they can be controlled by other commands related to ice-making commands, such as being generated based on ice-making commands or being generated subsequently after a preset time.

[0062] After being emitted, electromagnetic waves radiate in free space. When an ice block comes into contact with electromagnetic waves in free space, it generates an echo signal. The echo signal is received, and it carries information that represents the ice block.

[0063] Step S3: Detect the reflected power of the echo signal, and record the first resonant frequency of the echo signal when the reflected power reaches a preset value.

[0064] The preset value is the minimum reflected power, which is preset and can be obtained through simulation software. When the reflected power is at its minimum, it indicates that the antenna emitting electromagnetic waves has achieved impedance matching with the external environment. At this time, the antenna is in a resonant state, and the first resonant frequency is the reflection coefficient when the antenna is in a resonant state, which is also the resonant point.

[0065] Step S4: Identify the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency according to the preset correspondence.

[0066] The correspondence is between the value of the first resonant frequency and the number of ice cubes, that is, between the size of the resonant point and the number of ice cubes.

[0067] In one embodiment, the resonant point is 2449MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 16. The resonant point is 2451MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 48. The resonant point is 2452MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 80. The resonant point is 2454MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 112. The resonant point is 2455MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 144.

[0068] Based on this embodiment, in subsequent ice-making operations, the number of ice-making operations can be calculated based on the target ice-making amount and the current number of ice blocks obtained through the resonance point, thereby obtaining the number of subsequent ice-making operations, and also enabling the stopping of ice-making and the determination of situations where ice-making is not required.

[0069] In another embodiment, the resonant point is 2449MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 0-32. The resonant point is 2451MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 33-64. The resonant point is 2452MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 65-96. The resonant point is 2454MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 97-128. The resonant point is 2455MHz, and the number of ice blocks is 129-160.

[0070] Based on this embodiment, a range of the current ice quantity can be obtained. In subsequent ice-making operations, one of the values ​​within this range can be selected. Combined with the target ice quantity, the number of ice-making cycles required can be determined. It also allows for stopping ice-making and determining when no ice-making is needed. For example, selecting 16 ice cubes within the range of 0-32 for calculation.

[0071] In this way, the number of ice blocks can be obtained based on the preset correspondence, which facilitates the subsequent ice-making operation.

[0072] In one embodiment, an ice-making container 2 is considered to be in a state of being short of ice when the resonant point is 2449MHz. An ice-making container 2 is considered to be in a state of being full of ice when the resonant point is 2455MHz.

[0073] In other embodiments, an ice maker 2 can be considered to be at 1 / 4 ice capacity when the resonant point is 2451MHz. An ice maker 2 can be considered to be at 2 / 4 ice capacity when the resonant point is 2452MHz. An ice maker 2 can be considered to be at 3 / 4 ice capacity when the resonant point is 2454MHz.

[0074] It should be noted that the above-mentioned values ​​of the resonant point are only examples in the embodiments. In other embodiments, the resonant point can be preset to other values, which will not be illustrated here.

[0075] This invention detects ice cubes using electromagnetic waves and obtains the first resonant frequency by utilizing the reflected power of the electromagnetic wave echo. Based on the preset correspondence between the resonant frequency and the number of ice cubes, the amount of ice cubes in the ice maker 2 inside the refrigerator is obtained. In this way, the amount of ice cubes stored inside can be known without opening the refrigerator door when making ice, reducing cumbersome operations and avoiding the leakage of cold air from the refrigerator caused by opening and closing the door.

[0076] This invention further simplifies subsequent ice-making operations. Knowing the number of ice blocks makes it easier to determine the remaining amount of ice and the number of ice-making cycles required. This saves users time from subjective judgment and optimizes the user experience.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ice cube detection and processing method in the refrigerator ice maker 2 also includes ice making according to the ice making command and the first resonant frequency, that is, making ice according to the target ice making amount information in the ice making command and the current number of ice cubes in the ice maker 2 corresponding to the resonant point value:

[0078] The ice-making command includes the target ice-making amount information, and the first resonant frequency is used to characterize the current number of ice blocks in the ice-making box 2.

[0079] Step S5.1: If the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice box 2, calculate the number of ice making times m based on the target ice making amount and the preset ice making amount per time.

[0080] In one embodiment, the ice shortage state of the ice container 2 indicates that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 is a preset value.

[0081] In other embodiments, the ice shortage state of the ice container 2 indicates that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 is less than a preset number.

[0082] It should be noted that the number of ice-making cycles m calculated based on the target ice-making amount and the preset ice-making quantity per cycle includes both integer and non-integer cases.

[0083] Step S6.1: Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice, wherein if the number of ice-making times m is an integer, then instruct the refrigerator to make ice m times; otherwise, instruct the refrigerator to make ice int(m)+1 times.

[0084] In this way, the final quantity of ice produced meets the user's needs.

[0085] In another embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ice cube detection and processing method in the refrigerator ice maker 2 also includes ice making according to the ice making command and the first resonant frequency, that is, making ice according to the target ice making amount information in the ice making command and the current number of ice cubes in the ice maker 2 corresponding to the resonant point value:

[0086] Step S5.2: If the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice box 2, calculate the number of ice making times m based on the target ice making amount and the preset ice making amount per time.

[0087] In one embodiment, the ice shortage state of the ice container 2 indicates that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 is a preset value.

[0088] In other embodiments, the ice shortage state of the ice container 2 indicates that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 is less than a preset number.

[0089] In this embodiment, the number of ice-making cycles m also includes both integer and non-integer cases. The same applies to the following embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] Step S6.2: Obtain the second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice production capacity according to the correspondence, and calculate the first frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.

[0091] Wherein, the first frequency offset = |second resonant frequency - first resonant frequency|.

[0092] Step S7.2: Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice. After each ice making, obtain the third resonant frequency through electromagnetic wave detection and record the current number of ice making n. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice cubes in the current ice maker 2.

[0093] After each ice-making process, the third resonant frequency is obtained, and the obtained third resonant frequency is used to update and replace the previous third resonant frequency. This ensures that the third resonant frequency represents the current number of ice cubes in the ice-making box 2 in real time after each ice-making process.

[0094] Step S8.2: Calculate the second frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency.

[0095] Second frequency offset = |Third resonant frequency - First resonant frequency|.

[0096] Step S9.2: If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then continue ice making.

[0097] If n < m, it means that the number of ice-making attempts has not yet reached the calculated target number. When the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset, it means that the number of ice blocks in the current ice-making box 2 has not yet reached the target ice-making quantity.

[0098] In this way, by comparing the number of ice-making cycles and the frequency offset, the current number of ice blocks and the target ice-making quantity can be determined simultaneously, thereby reducing the error in determining the number of ice blocks through the resonance point and further reducing the superposition of errors after multiple ice-making cycles.

[0099] In one embodiment, if the number of ice-making cycles m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then ice-making is stopped.

[0100] In one embodiment, if the number of ice-making cycles m is not an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, ice-making is stopped.

[0101] int(m) represents taking the integer part of the value m.

[0102] Thus, this invention can determine whether ice production meets the target ice production volume under different conditions, considering both integer and non-integer ratios between the required ice production volume and the preset ice production quantity per batch. This improves the user experience and ensures that the amount of ice produced always meets the user's needs.

[0103] For example, if the preset ice quantity per batch is 8, and the user needs 24 ice cubes, and the initial ice cube quantity in ice box 2 is 0 (out of ice), then it is calculated that it needs to be made 3 times; if the user needs 23 ice cubes, then after calculation, if m is not an integer, then it is calculated that it needs to be made 2+1=3 times.

[0104] For example, if the preset ice quantity per batch is 8, and the user needs 24 ice cubes, and the initial ice cube quantity in ice box 2 is low (16 ice cubes), then it is calculated that it needs to be made once. If the user needs 23 ice cubes, then after calculation, m is not an integer, so it is calculated that it needs to be made 0+1=1 times.

[0105] In other embodiments, when the initial ice quantity in the ice container 2 is insufficient, it can be set to other quantities, such as 8, 9, or 10, etc. The specific value can be customized by the user or fixed at the factory.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, if it is detected that the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency has reached the full ice state of the ice box 2, a warning signal is issued.

[0107] The warning signal indicates that if the user still chooses to make ice when ice container 2 is full, the user will be prompted that ice container 2 is full.

[0108] In one embodiment, the full ice state of the ice container 2 means that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 has reached a preset full ice value or a preset full ice range. For example, the set full ice value can be 144, and the set full ice range can be 129-160.

[0109] In another embodiment, the full ice state of the ice container 2 means that the number of ice cubes in the ice container 2 reaches a preset full ice range. For example, the set full ice range can be 129-160.

[0110] By obtaining the first resonant frequency, the quantity of ice cubes or the range of ice cube quantities is obtained based on the corresponding relationship. The current state of ice maker 2 is determined by the quantity of ice cubes or the range of ice cube quantities.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ice cube detection and processing method in the refrigerator ice maker 2 also includes ice making according to the ice making command and the first resonant frequency, that is, making ice according to the target ice making amount information in the ice making command and the current number of ice cubes in the ice maker 2 corresponding to the resonant point value:

[0112] Step S5.3: If the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency does not indicate the ice shortage state of the ice maker 2 and the ice maker 2 is not full of ice, record the first resonant frequency and obtain the current number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency.

[0113] In one embodiment, the current number of ice blocks is a specific quantity value set in the correspondence.

[0114] In one embodiment, the current number of ice cubes is a range of values ​​set in the correspondence.

[0115] Determine the current number of ice blocks and the target ice production volume.

[0116] Step S6.3: If the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, calculate the number of ice production times m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per time. If the number of ice production times m is an integer, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice m times; otherwise, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice int(m)+1 times.

[0117] Number of ice-making cycles m = (target ice production - current number of ice blocks) / number of ice blocks to be made each time.

[0118] Step S7.3: If the current number of ice blocks is greater than or equal to the target ice production amount, then no ice is produced.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, if the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, after calculating the number of ice production cycles m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per cycle, the process further includes:

[0120] Step K6.31: Obtain the second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice production capacity according to the correspondence, and calculate the first frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.

[0121] Step K6.32: After each ice making, the third resonant frequency is obtained by electromagnetic wave detection and the current number of ice making n is recorded. The second frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice blocks in the current ice making box 2.

[0122] The third resonant frequency obtained after each ice-making process replaces the previous third resonant frequency, thereby achieving real-time updates of the third resonant frequency and ensuring that the obtained third resonant frequency accurately corresponds to the number of ice blocks after each ice-making process.

[0123] Step K6.33: If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then continue ice making.

[0124] If n < m, it means that the number of ice-making attempts has not yet reached the calculated target number. When the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset, it means that the number of ice blocks in the current ice-making box 2 has not yet reached the target ice-making quantity.

[0125] In this way, by comparing the number of ice-making cycles and the frequency offset, the current number of ice blocks and the target ice-making quantity can be determined simultaneously, thereby reducing the error in determining the number of ice blocks through the resonance point and further reducing the superposition of errors after multiple ice-making cycles.

[0126] In one embodiment, if the number of ice-making cycles m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then ice-making is stopped.

[0127] In one embodiment, if the number of ice-making cycles m is not an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, ice-making is stopped.

[0128] int(m) represents taking the integer part of the value m.

[0129] Thus, this invention can determine whether ice production meets the target ice production volume under different conditions, considering both integer and non-integer ratios between the required ice production volume and the preset ice production quantity per batch. This improves the user experience and ensures that the amount of ice produced always meets the user's needs.

[0130] The same applies to the embodiments described above, and no further examples will be given here.

[0131] In summary, such as Figure 6 As shown, the method for detecting and processing ice cubes inside the ice maker 2 of a refrigerator provided by the present invention adopts the following process for detection and ice-making:

[0132] When a user needs to make ice, they don't need to open the refrigerator to check the amount of ice inside. They can simply input the desired amount of ice, and the system will generate an ice-making command that includes the target amount of ice to be made.

[0133] The refrigerator's internal system emits electromagnetic waves according to the ice-making command, radiating ice in free space to detect ice blocks in the ice-making box 2.

[0134] In response to the emission of electromagnetic waves, the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves is received, the reflected power of the echo signal is detected, and when the reflected power reaches a set minimum value, the first resonant frequency is recorded. The number of ice cubes in the ice box 2 or the range of ice cubes is obtained through the correspondence between the first resonant frequency and the number of ice cubes.

[0135] Determine the state of the ice quantity in ice container 2, such as insufficient ice, 1 / 4 ice quantity, 2 / 4 ice quantity, 3 / 4 ice quantity, and full ice.

[0136] When ice is scarce, the number of ice-making cycles m required to reach the target ice production volume is calculated, and then ice production is performed. At this time, the number of ice-making cycles m indicates the different ice-making cycles for ice maker 1 depending on whether m is an integer.

[0137] It can also update the second resonant frequency representing the number of ice cubes in the ice box 2 and record the number of ice making times each time ice is made, calculate the first frequency offset and the second frequency offset, and determine whether to continue making ice by comparing the first frequency offset and the second frequency offset with the current number of ice making times n and the number of ice making times m.

[0138] The specific judgment logic is as follows: if the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then continue making ice; if the number of ice making times m is an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then stop making ice; if the number of ice making times m is not an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then stop making ice.

[0139] When the ice is full, a warning signal will be issued to remind the user that ice making is not needed.

[0140] When the ice is neither insufficient nor full, the ice at the first resonant frequency is recorded to calculate the number of ice-making operations (m) required to reach the target ice production capacity. If the current number of ice blocks is greater than or equal to the target ice production capacity, no ice is produced.

[0141] If the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, the second resonant frequency representing the number of ice blocks in the ice-making box 2 is updated and the number of ice productions is recorded each time ice is made. The first frequency offset and the second frequency offset are calculated. The decision to continue ice production is made by comparing the first frequency offset and the second frequency offset with the current number of ice productions n and the number of ice productions m.

[0142] The specific judgment logic is as follows: if the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then continue making ice; if the number of ice making times m is an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then stop making ice; if the number of ice making times m is not an integer, the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then stop making ice.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, a refrigeration device is also provided, which can be a freezer or a refrigerator. This refrigeration device can make ice.

[0144] like Figure 7 As shown, the refrigeration equipment includes an ice maker 1, an ice container 2, an antenna assembly 3, and a control assembly 4.

[0145] An ice maker 1 is installed inside the refrigeration equipment and is used to make ice cubes.

[0146] An ice container 2 is installed below the ice maker and is used to store the ice blocks produced by the ice maker.

[0147] Antenna assembly 3 is installed inside the ice-making box and is used to transmit electromagnetic waves and receive echo signals.

[0148] In one embodiment, the antenna assembly 3 is placed on one side of the ice container 2, with its height being flush with the ice container 2 or in the center of the ice container 2, with the position that can effectively detect the amount of ice being the optimal position.

[0149] In one embodiment, the antenna assembly 3 includes a microstrip patch antenna and an antenna protective cover. The microstrip patch antenna can radiate high-frequency electromagnetic waves of 2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz. The antenna protective cover is placed on top of the microstrip antenna to prevent the antenna from contacting the external space and thus extend the service life of the antenna assembly. The antenna protective cover can also be an antenna shell, which wraps around the microstrip antenna and also isolates it from the outside world.

[0150] In one embodiment, the microstrip patch antenna has a fixed size, which can be obtained through simulation optimization using HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator). The dielectric substrate used for the microstrip patch antenna is FR4 with a dielectric constant of 4.2 and a thickness of 1.6 mm. The resonant frequency is between 2.4 GHz and 2.48 GHz.

[0151] The control component 4 is electrically connected to the antenna component 3 and the ice maker 1. The control component 4 is used to perform the ice cube detection and processing method in the ice maker box of the refrigerator as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0152] Among them, the control component 4 receives the signal fed back by the antenna component 3, performs program logic judgment and processing, executes the ice cube detection and processing method in the ice maker box of the refrigerator in any of the above embodiments, and controls the ice maker 1. Specifically, it controls the number of times the ice maker 1 makes ice, or controls the ice maker 1 not to make ice.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration equipment further includes an operation terminal, which is used to receive user instructions to output ice-making instructions to the ice pair control component 4.

[0154] The operating terminal can also receive warning information from control component 4, reminding the user of the status of ice box = 2.

[0155] In other embodiments, the terminal may also display other functions such as displaying the number of ice cubes required by the user and displaying the user's reservation information.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, the control component 4 includes a processor 41, an RF chip 42, and a directional coupler 43. The processor 41 is electrically connected to the RF chip 42, the RF chip 42 is electrically connected to the directional coupler 43, and the directional coupler 43 is also electrically connected to the processor 41.

[0157] The processor 41 controls the radio frequency chip 42 to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves through the directional coupler 43.

[0158] The directional coupler 43 is also used to detect the reflected power when receiving electromagnetic waves and feed it back to the processor 41.

[0159] Among them, the radio frequency chip 42 can transmit signals in the range of 2400MHz-2480MHz and perform frequency sweeping in the operating frequency band in steps of 1MHz.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium is also provided. The storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor 41, implements the steps in the method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the refrigerator ice maker as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0161] In summary, the present invention also provides a refrigeration device for performing the above-described method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the ice maker of a refrigerator. The antenna assembly 3 radiates electromagnetic waves to detect the number of ice cubes in the ice maker 2, and then the antenna assembly 3 receives the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, which is returned to the control assembly 4. The directional coupler 43 in the control assembly 4 detects the reflected power and sends it to the processor 41, which then executes the program logic of the above-described detection and processing method.

[0162] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0163] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting and processing ice cubes inside a refrigerator ice maker, characterized in that, include: Electromagnetic waves are emitted according to an ice-making command, which includes target ice-making quantity information. In response to the emission of the electromagnetic wave, the echo signal of the electromagnetic wave is received; The reflected power of the echo signal is detected, and when the reflected power reaches a preset value, the first resonant frequency of the echo signal is recorded. The number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency is identified based on a preset correspondence.

2. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for detecting and handling ice cubes in the refrigerator's ice maker also includes making ice based on the ice-making command and the first resonant frequency: If the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice maker, the number of ice-making times m is calculated based on the target ice-making amount and the preset ice-making amount per time. Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice, wherein if the number of ice-making times m is an integer, the refrigerator is instructed to make ice m times; otherwise, the refrigerator is instructed to make ice int(m)+1 times.

3. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for detecting and handling ice cubes in the refrigerator's ice maker also includes making ice based on the ice-making command and the first resonant frequency: If the number of ice blocks corresponding to the first resonant frequency represents the ice shortage state of the ice maker, the number of ice-making times m is calculated based on the target ice-making amount and the preset ice-making amount per time. Furthermore, based on the correspondence, the second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice production capacity is obtained, and the first frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency. Transmit a control signal to instruct the refrigerator to make ice. After each ice-making process, obtain the third resonant frequency through electromagnetic wave detection and record the current ice-making count n. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice cubes in the current ice-making box. Calculate the second frequency offset based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency; If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then ice making continues.

4. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the number of ice-making cycles m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then ice-making should be stopped.

5. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the number of ice-making cycles m is not an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then ice-making should be stopped.

6. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency is detected to be enough to fill the ice container, a warning signal will be issued.

7. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for detecting and handling ice cubes in the refrigerator's ice maker also includes making ice based on the ice-making command and the first resonant frequency: If the number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency does not represent the ice shortage state of the ice maker and the ice maker is not full of ice, record the first resonant frequency and obtain the current number of ice cubes corresponding to the first resonant frequency. If the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, calculate the number of ice production times m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per time. If the number of ice production times m is an integer, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice m times; otherwise, instruct the refrigerator to produce ice int(m)+1 times. If the current number of ice blocks is greater than or equal to the target ice production amount, then no ice is produced.

8. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the current number of ice blocks is less than the target ice production capacity, after calculating the number of ice production cycles m based on the target ice production capacity, the current number of ice blocks, and the preset ice production quantity per cycle, the process further includes: The second resonant frequency corresponding to the target ice production capacity is obtained according to the correspondence, and the first frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency. After each ice-making process, the third resonant frequency is obtained by electromagnetic wave detection and the current ice-making count n is recorded. The second frequency offset is calculated based on the first resonant frequency and the third resonant frequency. The third resonant frequency is used to characterize the number of ice cubes in the current ice-making box. If the second frequency offset is less than the first frequency offset and n < m, then ice making continues.

9. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the number of ice-making cycles m is an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = m, then ice-making should be stopped.

10. The method for detecting and processing ice cubes in a refrigerator ice maker according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the number of ice-making cycles m is not an integer, and the second frequency offset is greater than or equal to the first frequency offset and n = int(m) + 1, then ice-making should be stopped.

11. A refrigeration device, characterized in that, include: An ice maker (1) is installed inside the refrigeration equipment and is used to make ice cubes; An ice container (2) is installed below the ice maker and is used to store the ice produced by the ice maker. Antenna assembly (3) is installed inside the ice box for transmitting electromagnetic waves and receiving echo signals; The control component (4) is electrically connected to the antenna component (3) and the ice maker (1) for performing the ice detection and processing method in the ice maker of a refrigerator as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. The refrigeration equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control component (4) includes a processor (41), a radio frequency chip (42), and a directional coupler (43). The processor (41) is electrically connected to the radio frequency chip (42), the radio frequency chip (42) is electrically connected to the directional coupler (43), and the directional coupler (43) is also electrically connected to the processor (41). The processor (41) controls the radio frequency chip (42) to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves through the directional coupler (43); The directional coupler (43) is also used to detect the reflected power when receiving electromagnetic waves and feed it back to the processor (41).

13. A storage medium, characterized in that, include: The storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor (41), implements the steps in the method for detecting and processing ice cubes in the ice maker of a refrigerator as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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