Ice making device, water pumping failure control method and device thereof, and ice making device

Abstract

The application provides a water pumping fault control method and device of an ice making equipment and the ice making equipment. First, a standard pressure difference coefficient set in advance by the ice making equipment is acquired. Then, a first pressure value of a water level in a water storage unit detected by a pressure detection unit is acquired. Next, a preset water amount is pumped by an ice making unit, and a second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit is acquired. Then, an actual pressure difference value is determined based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and a predicted pressure difference value is determined based on the water amount and the standard pressure difference coefficient. Finally, whether the ice making equipment has a water pumping fault is determined according to the actual pressure difference value and the predicted pressure difference value. In this way, the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping is compared with the standard pressure difference to determine whether the ice making equipment has a water pumping fault, which significantly improves the detection efficiency and judgment accuracy of the water pumping fault of the ice making equipment, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of the ice making equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making equipment manufacturing, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, and ice-making equipment for controlling water pumping failures in ice-making equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Ice-making equipment (such as ice makers) typically employs a water pump-based ice-making structure. Specifically, after issuing an ice-making command, the equipment controls the water pump to draw water from the tank to the ice-making die head, completing the water injection and ice-making process. However, currently, the method of detecting pumping malfunctions in ice-making equipment is usually based on monitoring the water pump's current. This method has significant shortcomings, leading to a high false alarm rate for pumping malfunctions and reducing the detection efficiency and operational reliability of the ice-making equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a method, device and ice-making equipment for controlling water pumping failure in ice-making equipment. In this way, the above solution compares the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping with the standard pressure difference to determine whether the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure, which significantly enhances the detection efficiency and accuracy of water pumping failure in ice-making equipment, thereby ensuring the reliability of ice-making equipment operation.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a method for controlling water pumping failure in an ice-making device is provided, applied to a control unit of the ice-making device. The ice-making device further includes a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, and a pressure detection unit. The pressure detection unit is disposed at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit. The water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit, and the ice-making unit is used to pump water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit. The method includes: Obtain the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment; Obtain the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit; The ice-making unit is controlled to extract a preset amount of water, and the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit is obtained by the pressure detection unit. The actual pressure difference is determined based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and the predicted pressure difference is determined based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. The presence of a water pumping malfunction in the ice-making equipment is determined based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

[0005] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, prior to the step of obtaining the pre-set standard pressure differential coefficient of the ice-making equipment, the method further includes: The first test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit is obtained, wherein the water level in the water storage unit is greater than the preset water level. The ice-making unit is controlled to extract a preset amount of test water, and the second test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit is obtained by the pressure detection unit. The standard pressure difference coefficient is determined based on the first test pressure value, the second test pressure value, and the test water volume.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the step of determining the standard pressure difference coefficient based on the first test pressure value, the second test pressure value, and the test water volume includes: Calculate the test pressure difference between the first test pressure value and the second test pressure value; The standard pressure difference coefficient is obtained by dividing the test pressure difference by the test water volume.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the steps of determining the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and determining the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient, include: The difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is taken as the actual pressure difference. The product of the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient is used as the predicted pressure difference value.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the step of determining whether the ice-making equipment has a pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference includes: Compare the actual pressure difference with the predicted pressure difference; If the actual pressure difference is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold and less than the second normal pressure difference threshold, then it is determined that the ice-making equipment does not have a water pumping fault, wherein the second normal pressure difference threshold is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold. If the actual pressure difference is less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure, wherein the abnormal pressure difference threshold is less than the first normal pressure difference threshold.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the step of determining that the ice-making equipment has a pumping failure if the actual pressure difference is less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold includes: If the actual pressure difference is greater than 0 and less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, then it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a partial water pumping failure, wherein the abnormal pressure difference threshold is greater than 0. If the actual pressure difference is equal to 0, then the ice-making equipment is determined to have a dry-pumping fault.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the ice-making equipment further includes a display unit and an alarm unit, the display unit and the alarm unit being electrically connected to the control unit. After the step of determining whether the ice-making equipment has a pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference, the method further includes: When there is no water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the first display color is displayed through the display unit; When the ice-making equipment experiences a partial water pumping failure, a second display color is shown through the display unit. When the ice-making equipment has a dry-running fault, the display unit displays a third display color and the alarm unit sounds an alarm. The first display color, the second display color, and the third display color are different colors.

[0011] According to a second aspect of this application, a water pumping fault control device for an ice-making equipment is provided, applied to the control unit of the ice-making equipment. The ice-making equipment further includes a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, and a pressure detection unit. The pressure detection unit is disposed at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit. The water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit, and the ice-making unit is used to pump water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit. The device includes: The first acquisition module is used to acquire the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment; The second acquisition module is used to acquire the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit; The extraction module is used to control the ice-making unit to extract a preset amount of water and to obtain the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit. The calculation module is used to determine the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and to determine the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. The determination module is used to determine whether the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

[0012] According to a third aspect of this application, an ice-making device is provided, the ice-making device further comprising a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, a pressure detection unit, and a control unit; The pressure detection unit is located at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit. The water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit, which is used to extract water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit, which is used to execute the aforementioned water pumping fault control methods for the ice-making equipment provided in this application.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the ice-making device includes a water pipe connection unit, a display unit, and an alarm unit, wherein one end of the water pipe connection unit is connected to the water storage unit and the other end is connected to the ice-making unit; The display unit and the alarm unit are connected to the control unit; The alarm unit includes a buzzer.

[0014] Based on any of the above aspects, the embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, and ice-making equipment for controlling water pumping faults in an ice-making device. First, a pre-set standard pressure difference coefficient is obtained for the ice-making equipment. Next, a first pressure value of the water level in the storage unit, detected by a pressure detection unit, is obtained. Then, the ice-making unit is controlled to pump a preset amount of water, and a second pressure value of the water level in the storage unit, detected by the pressure detection unit, is obtained. Then, an actual pressure difference is determined based on the first and second pressure values, and a predicted pressure difference is determined based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. Finally, the presence of a water pumping fault in the ice-making equipment is determined based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference. Thus, the above solution compares the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping with the standard pressure difference to determine whether a water pumping fault has occurred in the ice-making equipment, significantly improving the detection efficiency and accuracy of water pumping faults in the ice-making equipment, thereby ensuring the reliability of the ice-making equipment's operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings required in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This embodiment provides a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for controlling water pumping failures in an ice-making device. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the steps preceding step S11; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the sub-steps of step S15. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of a water pumping fault control device for an ice-making equipment provided in this embodiment.

[0017] Icon: Water pumping fault control device for ice making equipment-20; First acquisition module-200, Second acquisition module-210, Extraction module-220, Calculation module-230, Determination module-240. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, different features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0023] The inventors discovered through research that ice-making equipment (such as ice makers) typically employs a water pump-based ice-making structure. Specifically, after issuing an ice-making command, the ice-making equipment controls a water pump to draw water from a water tank to the ice-making die head, completing the water injection and ice-making process. However, currently, the water pump's current is usually detected to determine if the ice-making equipment is experiencing a water pumping malfunction. On the one hand, the water pump current is easily affected by power supply voltage fluctuations and its initial startup current is unstable, leading to a high false positive rate for water pumping malfunctions. On the other hand, the water pump is prone to aging during long-term use, causing the current threshold to drift. Thus, this method has significant shortcomings, making it difficult to accurately and reliably identify water pumping malfunctions in ice-making equipment, affecting the efficiency of water pumping malfunction detection and the reliability of ice-making equipment operation.

[0024] In order to solve the aforementioned technical problems, the inventors have innovatively designed the following technical solutions, and the specific implementation scheme of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the steps of a water pumping fault control method for an ice-making device provided in this embodiment. The water pumping fault control method for the ice-making device is applied to the control unit of the ice-making device. The ice-making device also includes a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, and a pressure detection unit. The pressure detection unit is located at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit in real time. The water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit, which is used to pump water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit.

[0026] In this embodiment, a pressure detection unit is installed on the inner wall at the bottom of the water storage unit to accurately sense pressure fluctuations caused by changes in the water level within the unit. The water storage unit is typically connected to the ice-making unit via a water pipe connection unit, which is equipped with a water pump unit. Upon receiving an ice-making command, the control unit activates the water pump unit, drawing water from the water storage unit into the ice-making unit via the water pipe connection unit to complete the water filling and ice-making operation.

[0027] It is worth noting that the pressure detection unit includes a water level pressure sensor, which has advantages such as fast response speed, high accuracy and convenient installation.

[0028] The following describes the water pumping fault control method for the ice-making equipment executed by the control unit.

[0029] Step S11: Obtain the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the standard pressure difference coefficient is pre-determined based on the pre-shipment testing or initial use of different models of ice-making equipment. This coefficient represents the standard pressure drop corresponding to each milliliter of water extracted. Since different ice-making equipment differ in water storage unit structure, water pipe connection method, and water pump performance, pre-calibrating the standard pressure difference coefficient for different ice-making equipment enables subsequent water pumping fault diagnosis to have model-adaptive capabilities, avoiding misjudgments due to differences in ice-making equipment structure, and laying the foundation for accurate identification of water pumping faults.

[0031] Step S12: Obtain the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0032] In this step, before starting to pump water, the control unit collects the first pressure value of the current water level detected by the pressure detection unit. The first pressure value reflects the actual water volume status in the water storage unit before pumping.

[0033] Step S13: Control the ice-making unit to extract a preset amount of water and obtain the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0034] In this step, the ice-making unit starts the water pump unit to extract a preset amount of water. After extraction is complete, the pressure detection unit collects a second pressure value of the current water level. By obtaining the two pressure values ​​before and after pumping, the pressure change caused by the pumping action can be accurately captured.

[0035] It is worth noting that both the first and second pressure values ​​are obtained for the same pumping process. Furthermore, the amount of water pumped by a single ice-making unit can vary and can be flexibly set according to user needs.

[0036] Step S14: Determine the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and determine the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient.

[0037] Step S15: Determine whether there is a water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

[0038] In this embodiment, the actual pressure difference reflects the true drop in water level within the storage unit during a single pumping operation, while the predicted pressure difference is the theoretical pressure drop calculated based on the standard pressure difference coefficient and water volume, assuming smooth pumping and sufficient water supply. Comparing the two allows for an accurate assessment of whether the ice-making equipment is functioning normally during this pumping operation.

[0039] For example, if the actual pressure difference is close to the predicted pressure difference, it means that the water volume in the storage unit is sufficient, the pumping process is smooth, and there is no pumping failure. Conversely, if the actual pressure difference is significantly different from the predicted pressure difference, it means that there is an abnormal situation such as water shortage in the storage unit, and water needs to be replenished or the fault needs to be investigated and dealt with in a timely manner.

[0040] In the above scheme, the water pumping failure of the ice-making equipment is determined by comparing the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping with the standard pressure difference. This method is not affected by factors such as power supply fluctuations, unstable water pump current, or current threshold drift caused by long-term aging. It significantly enhances the detection efficiency and accuracy of water pumping failure of the ice-making equipment, thereby ensuring the reliability of the ice-making equipment operation.

[0041] Further, please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the steps preceding step S11. Before step S11, the method further includes: Step S16: Obtain the first test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit, wherein the water level in the water storage unit is greater than the preset water level.

[0042] In this step, it is necessary to ensure that there is enough water in the water storage unit before the test. Therefore, the water level is usually increased to a height higher than the preset water level (e.g., reaching the maximum water level mark) to ensure that there is enough water to be drawn during the test.

[0043] Step S17: Control the ice-making unit to extract a preset amount of test water and obtain the second test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0044] In this step, the control unit starts the water pump unit to draw a known and fixed test water volume, which should be less than or equal to the water volume corresponding to the maximum water level in the water storage unit.

[0045] Step S18: Determine the standard pressure difference coefficient based on the first test pressure value, the second test pressure value, and the test water volume.

[0046] Furthermore, step S18 can be implemented in the following way.

[0047] First, calculate the test pressure difference between the first test pressure value and the second test pressure value.

[0048] Next, the test pressure difference is divided by the test water volume to obtain the standard pressure difference coefficient.

[0049] In this embodiment, the test pressure difference reflects the actual drop in water level pressure within the storage unit after the test water volume is extracted. The standard pressure difference coefficient represents the pressure drop corresponding to the extraction of a unit volume of water under ideal conditions of sufficient water volume and smooth pumping. This enables adaptive acquisition of the standard pressure difference coefficient, avoiding the tedious manual calibration of current thresholds for different models required in traditional methods, and providing a reliable theoretical benchmark for accurate subsequent judgment of pumping faults.

[0050] Furthermore, step S14 can be implemented in the following way.

[0051] First, the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is taken as the actual pressure difference.

[0052] Next, the product of the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient is used as the predicted pressure difference value.

[0053] Further, please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the sub-steps of step S15. Step S15 can be implemented in the following ways.

[0054] Step S150: Compare the actual pressure difference with the predicted pressure difference.

[0055] Step S151: If the actual pressure difference is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold and less than the second normal pressure difference threshold, then it is determined that the ice-making equipment does not have a water pumping fault, wherein the second normal pressure difference threshold is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold.

[0056] In this step, due to factors such as slight fluctuations in the motor of the water pump unit, the actual pressure difference is difficult to be exactly the same as the predicted pressure difference. In this embodiment, a normal pressure difference threshold range is set from the first normal pressure difference threshold to the second normal pressure difference threshold. When the actual pressure difference falls within this normal pressure difference threshold range, the pumping process is considered to be normal, the water storage unit has sufficient water, and the equipment can continue to operate.

[0057] Step S152: If the actual pressure difference is less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a water pumping fault, wherein the abnormal pressure difference threshold is less than the first normal pressure difference threshold.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the actual pressure difference is significantly lower than the lower limit of the normal range (i.e., the first normal pressure difference threshold), it indicates that the actual pressure drop is much smaller than theoretically expected, meaning that the actual amount of water pumped up during the pumping process is significantly less than the preset amount of water. At this point, it is determined that there may be a pumping malfunction. The abnormal pressure difference threshold is much smaller than the first normal pressure difference threshold.

[0059] Furthermore, step S152 can be implemented in the following way.

[0060] First, if the actual pressure difference is greater than 0 and less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, it is determined that there is a partial water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, where the abnormal pressure difference threshold is greater than 0.

[0061] Next, if the actual pressure difference is equal to 0, it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a dry-extraction fault.

[0062] In this embodiment, if the actual pressure difference is greater than 0 and less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, the ice-making unit can extract a certain amount of water, but the actual amount extracted is significantly lower than the preset amount. This is usually caused by insufficient water in the storage unit, a low water level causing the inlet to be partially exposed to air, or minor blockages or air intake. In this case, the ice-making equipment can operate, but it cannot meet normal ice-making needs, and the operator should be alerted to handle the situation promptly.

[0063] If the actual pressure difference is 0, it means that the pressure values ​​measured by the pressure detection unit are exactly the same before and after pumping water, indicating that the water level in the storage unit has not changed. In this case, no water is pumped from the storage unit to the ice-making unit, which is usually caused by a complete lack of water in the tank, severe blockage in the inlet pipe, pump failure, or the inlet valve not opening properly. The ice-making equipment is running idle at this time, and prolonged operation may cause damage. The operator should be alerted immediately via alarm.

[0064] Furthermore, the ice-making equipment also includes a display unit and an alarm unit, which are electrically connected to the control unit. After step S15, the method further includes: First, when there is no water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the first display color is displayed through the display unit.

[0065] In this step, the first display color can be green.

[0066] Next, when there is a partial water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, a second display color is displayed through the display unit.

[0067] In this step, the second display color can be yellow.

[0068] Finally, when the ice-making equipment experiences an air-pumping malfunction, a third display color is shown through the display unit, and an alarm is triggered through the alarm unit. The first, second, and third display colors are different.

[0069] In this step, the third display color can be red, and the alarm unit can be a buzzer.

[0070] In this embodiment, the display unit can display the fault status of the ice-making equipment (normal, partial water pumping failure, and dry pumping failure). Furthermore, if the ice-making equipment has a dry pumping failure, the display unit and the alarm unit will jointly realize an audible and visual alarm, which effectively avoids adverse consequences such as damage to the ice-making equipment due to the user's failure to detect it in time, and significantly improves the safety and reliability of the equipment.

[0071] Based on the same inventive concept, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules of a water pumping fault control device 20 for an ice-making equipment provided in this embodiment. This embodiment can divide the water pumping fault control device 20 for the ice-making equipment into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or software. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division; actual implementation may have other division methods. For example, in the case of dividing each functional module according to its own function... Figure 4 The illustrated water pumping fault control device 20 for the ice-making equipment is only a schematic diagram. The water pumping fault control device 20 may include a first acquisition module 200, a second acquisition module 210, an extraction module 220, a calculation module 230, and a determination module 240. The functions of each module of the water pumping fault control device 20 will be described in detail below.

[0072] The first acquisition module 200 is used to acquire the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first acquisition module 200 can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the first acquisition module 200, please refer to the description of step S11 shown.

[0074] The second acquisition module 210 is used to acquire the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0075] In this embodiment, the second acquisition module 210 can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the second acquisition module 210, see the description of step S12 shown.

[0076] The extraction module 220 is used to control the ice-making unit to extract a preset amount of water and to obtain the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit.

[0077] In this embodiment, the extraction module 220 can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the extraction module 220, please refer to the description of step S13 shown.

[0078] The calculation module 230 is used to determine the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and to determine the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient.

[0079] In this embodiment, the calculation module 230 can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the calculation module 230, please refer to the description of step S14 shown.

[0080] The determination module 240 is used to determine whether there is a water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

[0081] In this embodiment, the determining module 240 can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of step S15, see the description of step S15.

[0082] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an ice-making device, which further includes a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, a pressure detection unit, and a control unit.

[0083] A pressure detection unit is located at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit. The water storage unit is connected to an ice-making unit, which is used to extract water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to a control unit, which is used to execute the water pumping failure control method provided in the aforementioned embodiments of this application.

[0084] In this embodiment, the pressure detection unit can be installed on the inner wall at the bottom of the water storage unit. Since the water level pressure and water level are linearly related, placing the pressure detection unit at the bottom can most directly and accurately reflect the actual water volume changes in the water storage unit. The control unit can be a microcontroller (MCU), digital signal processor (DSP), or other integrated circuit with data processing capabilities, which pre-stores a standard pressure difference coefficient calibrated according to the ice-making equipment model. The water storage unit is used to store the water required for ice making. The ice-making unit is the core component of the ice-making equipment that performs the ice-making operation, and typically includes an ice-making mold head, an ice-removing mechanism, and corresponding temperature control components. Under the command of the control unit, the ice-making unit pumps water from the water storage unit into the ice-making mold head. After the water freezes, the ice block is removed by the ice-removing mechanism, completing one ice-making cycle.

[0085] In the above solution, the ice-making equipment can collect water level pressure in real time during each water pumping process using a pressure detection unit. By comparing the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping with the standard pressure difference, it can determine whether the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure. This method is not affected by factors such as power supply fluctuations, unstable water pump current, or current threshold drift caused by long-term aging. It significantly enhances the detection efficiency and accuracy of water pumping failures in the ice-making equipment, thereby ensuring the reliability of the ice-making equipment operation.

[0086] Furthermore, the ice-making equipment includes a water pipe connection unit, a display unit, and an alarm unit. One end of the water pipe connection unit is connected to the water storage unit, and the other end is connected to the ice-making unit. In this embodiment, a water pump unit is installed on the water pipe connection unit. The water pump unit is connected to the control unit. After receiving an ice-making command, the control unit controls the start of the water pump unit to pump water from the water storage unit to the ice-making unit via the water pipe connection unit to complete the water injection and ice-making operation.

[0087] The display unit and alarm unit are connected to the control unit, and the alarm unit includes a buzzer. In this embodiment, the display unit can be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital tube, or an LED indicator. For example, when there is no water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the display unit displays green or provides a text message "Sufficient water". When there is a partial water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the display unit displays yellow or provides a text message "Insufficient water, please add water". When there is a dry pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the display unit displays red or provides a text message "Water shortage, please add water immediately", and triggers an alarm through the alarm unit. In this way, users can intuitively and quickly understand the status of the ice-making equipment, significantly improving the convenience and flexibility of use, effectively avoiding adverse consequences such as damage to the ice-making equipment due to the user's failure to detect the problem in time, and significantly improving the safety and reliability of the equipment.

[0088] In addition, it can be combined with a voice broadcast unit to broadcast specific fault types and operation suggestions.

[0089] In summary, the water pumping failure control method, apparatus, and ice-making equipment provided in this application first obtain a pre-set standard pressure difference coefficient for the ice-making equipment. Next, the first pressure value of the water level in the storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit is obtained. Then, the ice-making unit is controlled to pump a preset amount of water, and the second pressure value of the water level in the storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit is obtained. Then, the actual pressure difference is determined based on the first and second pressure values, and the predicted pressure difference is determined based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. Finally, the presence of a water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment is determined based on the actual and predicted pressure differences. Thus, the above scheme compares the actual pressure difference before and after water pumping with the standard pressure difference to determine whether a water pumping failure has occurred in the ice-making equipment, significantly improving the detection efficiency and accuracy of water pumping failures in ice-making equipment, thereby ensuring the reliability of the ice-making equipment's operation.

[0090] This application describes embodiments with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0091] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0092] It should be understood that, although Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified in this document, there is no strict order requirement for the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders.

[0093] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling water pumping failure in an ice-making device, characterized in that, A control unit for an ice-making device, the ice-making device further comprising a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, and a pressure detection unit, wherein the pressure detection unit is disposed at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit, the water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit, the ice-making unit is used to extract water from the water storage unit and make ice, the ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit, and the method includes: Obtain the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment; Obtain the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit; The ice-making unit is controlled to extract a preset amount of water, and the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit is obtained by the pressure detection unit. The actual pressure difference is determined based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and the predicted pressure difference is determined based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. The presence of a water pumping malfunction in the ice-making equipment is determined based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

2. The method for controlling water pumping failure in ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before the step of obtaining the pre-set standard pressure difference coefficient of the ice-making equipment, the method further includes: The first test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit is obtained, wherein the water level in the water storage unit is greater than the preset water level. The ice-making unit is controlled to extract a preset amount of test water, and the second test pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit is obtained by the pressure detection unit. The standard pressure difference coefficient is determined based on the first test pressure value, the second test pressure value, and the test water volume.

3. The method for controlling water pumping failure in ice-making equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the standard pressure difference coefficient based on the first test pressure value, the second test pressure value, and the test water volume includes: Calculate the test pressure difference between the first test pressure value and the second test pressure value; The standard pressure difference coefficient is obtained by dividing the test pressure difference by the test water volume.

4. The method for controlling water pumping failure in ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of determining the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and determining the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient, include: The difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is taken as the actual pressure difference. The product of the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient is used as the predicted pressure difference value.

5. The method for controlling water pumping failure in ice-making equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the ice-making equipment has a pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference includes: Compare the actual pressure difference with the predicted pressure difference; If the actual pressure difference is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold and less than the second normal pressure difference threshold, then it is determined that the ice-making equipment does not have a water pumping fault, wherein the second normal pressure difference threshold is greater than the first normal pressure difference threshold. If the actual pressure difference is less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure, wherein the abnormal pressure difference threshold is less than the first normal pressure difference threshold.

6. The method for controlling water pumping failure in an ice-making equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining that the ice-making equipment has a pumping failure if the actual pressure difference is less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold includes: If the actual pressure difference is greater than 0 and less than the abnormal pressure difference threshold, then it is determined that the ice-making equipment has a partial water pumping failure, wherein the abnormal pressure difference threshold is greater than 0. If the actual pressure difference is equal to 0, then the ice-making equipment is determined to have a dry-pumping fault.

7. The method for controlling water pumping failure in an ice-making equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment further includes a display unit and an alarm unit, which are electrically connected to the control unit. After the step of determining whether the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference, the method further includes: When there is no water pumping failure in the ice-making equipment, the first display color is displayed through the display unit; When the ice-making equipment experiences a partial water pumping failure, a second display color is shown through the display unit. When the ice-making equipment has a dry-running fault, the display unit displays a third display color and the alarm unit sounds an alarm. The first display color, the second display color, and the third display color are different colors.

8. A water pumping fault control device for an ice-making equipment, characterized in that, A control unit for an ice-making device, the ice-making device further comprising a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, and a pressure detection unit, wherein the pressure detection unit is disposed at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit; the water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit; the ice-making unit is used to draw water from the water storage unit and make ice; the ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit; the device includes: The first acquisition module is used to acquire the standard pressure difference coefficient preset in the ice-making equipment; The second acquisition module is used to acquire the first pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit; The extraction module is used to control the ice-making unit to extract a preset amount of water and to obtain the second pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit detected by the pressure detection unit. The calculation module is used to determine the actual pressure difference based on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and to determine the predicted pressure difference based on the water volume and the standard pressure difference coefficient. The determination module is used to determine whether the ice-making equipment has a water pumping failure based on the actual pressure difference and the predicted pressure difference.

9. An ice-making device, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a water storage unit, an ice-making unit, a pressure detection unit, and a control unit; The pressure detection unit is located at the bottom of the water storage unit and is used to detect the pressure value of the water level in the water storage unit. The water storage unit is connected to the ice-making unit. The ice-making unit is used to extract water from the water storage unit and make ice. The ice-making unit and the pressure detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is used to execute the water pumping failure control method of the ice-making equipment according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. The ice-making equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment includes a water pipe connection unit, a display unit, and an alarm unit. One end of the water pipe connection unit is connected to the water storage unit, and the other end is connected to the ice-making unit. The display unit and the alarm unit are connected to the control unit; The alarm unit includes a buzzer.

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