An ice maker and ice making control method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of ice-making technology, and particularly relates to an ice maker and an ice-making control method. The ice maker includes a detection mechanism, a controller communicatively connected to the detection mechanism, an ice storage box with an ice storage cavity, an ice delivery mechanism connected to the ice storage box, and a heating element capable of generating heat in a conductive state. The ice delivery mechanism includes a crankshaft rotatably disposed within the ice storage cavity and a driver for driving the crankshaft to rotate. The heating element is connected to the crankshaft, and the ice storage box has a drain outlet communicating with the ice storage cavity. The detection mechanism is used to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity, and the controller is configured to control the heating element to heat or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored. This invention can control the operation of the heating element according to the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box, avoiding the phenomenon of the crankshaft being jammed or blocked by ice, thus improving the convenience of using the ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ice-making technology, and particularly relates to an ice maker and an ice-making control method. Background Technology

[0002] An ice maker is a device that uses a refrigeration system to cool water to its freezing point and form ice cubes. Through the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator, the water temperature gradually decreases until it freezes. Depending on the working principle of the evaporator and the ice-making method, ice makers can produce ice cubes of various shapes.

[0003] Existing ice makers may encounter unexpected power outages during operation. After a power outage, the refrigeration system stops working, and the internal temperature of the ice maker gradually rises. When there is too much ice in the ice storage box, some of the ice will melt. The melted ice water may refreeze with the unmelted ice, forming larger ice blocks. These large ice blocks often end up at the bottom of the crankshaft, blocking the space and preventing it from rotating. In some cases, if the ice storage box is too full, the crankshaft may even freeze completely inside the ice, preventing the ice delivery motor from driving the crankshaft and thus hindering ice delivery, causing considerable inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an ice maker that addresses the problem of how to improve the ease of use of an ice maker.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an ice maker is provided, comprising: a detection mechanism, a controller communicatively connected to the detection mechanism, an ice storage box having an ice storage cavity, an ice delivery mechanism connected to the ice storage box, and a heating element capable of generating heat in a conductive state; the ice delivery mechanism includes a crankshaft rotatably disposed within the ice storage cavity and a driver for driving the crankshaft to rotate, the heating element being connected to the crankshaft, and the ice storage box having a drain outlet communicating with the ice storage cavity; the detection mechanism is used to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity, and the controller is configured to control the heating element to heat or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored.

[0007] In some embodiments, the crankshaft has a hollow structure, the heating element is a resistance wire, the resistance wire is located inside the crankshaft and arranged along the extension path of the crankshaft.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extension path of the crankshaft is arranged in a spiral shape.

[0009] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a weighing module connected to the ice storage box and used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice storage cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism further includes a timer communicatively connected to the controller, the timer being used to detect the duration of a power outage of the ice maker, and the controller being configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the duration of the power outage.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ice storage box has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, the two ends of the crankshaft extend to the first end and the second end respectively, the driver is located at the first end and connected to the crankshaft, and the drain outlet is located at the second end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a drain pipe located at the second end and connected to the drain outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a heating coil, which is fitted over the end of the drain pipe, and the controller controls the heating coil to heat up or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ice maker further includes a funnel connected to the drain pipe, the funnel being located below the drain outlet.

[0015] Secondly, an ice-making control method is provided, implemented using the aforementioned ice maker, the ice-making control method comprising the following steps:

[0016] Before the ice maker starts making ice, the detection mechanism determines the amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber and generates a storage value.

[0017] Determine whether the stored value is less than a preset value, and generate a first determination result;

[0018] When the first judgment result is yes, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice-making mode;

[0019] If the first determination result is negative, the controller controls the heating element to generate heat.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The ice storage volume in the ice storage chamber is detected by a testing agency after a power outage. After the ice maker is powered back on, the testing agency feeds back the ice storage volume information to the controller. The controller can then control the operation of the heating element based on the received ice storage volume information. When the ice storage volume is below a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to not heat up, and the ice maker can enter the ice-making mode. When the ice storage volume is above a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to heat up and melt the ice until the testing agency detects that the ice storage volume meets the set value, at which point the ice maker enters the ice-making mode. This avoids the phenomenon of the crankshaft being jammed or blocked by ice, preventing ice delivery and improving the convenience of using the ice maker. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or exemplary technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ice maker provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the preparation equipment;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the explosion of an ice maker;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the funnel and drain pipe in another embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an ice-making control method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0027] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0028] 100. Ice maker; 10. Ice storage box; 111. Ice storage cavity; 112. Opening; 101. First end; 102. Second end; 20. Crankshaft; 30. Ice crushing assembly; 21. Resistance wire; 31. Ice crushing shell; 32. Ice crushing blade; 311. Discharge port; 40. Driver; 113. Drain outlet; 114. Ice outlet; 51. Funnel; 52. Drain pipe; 200. Ice delivery mechanism; 33. Detection mechanism; 331. Weighing module; 53. Heating coil; Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly or indirectly attached to that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to that other component. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are for ease of description only, not to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. "A plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This application provides an ice maker 100 that can lower the temperature of water and make it into granular crushed ice.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The ice maker 100 includes: a detection mechanism 33, a controller that is communicatively connected to the detection mechanism 33, an ice storage box 10 with an ice storage cavity 111, an ice delivery mechanism 200 connected to the ice storage box 10, and a heating element that generates heat in an conductive state.

[0033] In this embodiment, the ice storage box 10 is generally rectangular in shape. During use, the height of the ice storage box 10 is vertical, and the top of the ice storage box 10 has an opening 112, allowing ice cubes to fall from the ice maker 100 into the ice storage cavity 111. The detection mechanism 33 can obtain the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111. For example, the detection mechanism 33 can be a visual imaging mechanism, which takes pictures of the ice cubes in the ice storage cavity 111 from the opening 112 and analyzes the pictures to obtain the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111. The heating element can be a resistive heating element. By applying voltage to both ends of the heating element, the heating element can convert electrical energy into heat energy to melt the ice cubes in the ice storage box 10.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3The ice delivery mechanism 200 includes a crankshaft 20 rotatably disposed within an ice storage cavity 111 and a driver 40 for driving the crankshaft 20 to rotate. A heating element is connected to the crankshaft 20, and the ice storage box 10 has a drain port 113 communicating with the ice storage cavity 111. It is understood that the crankshaft 20 is rotatably arranged along the length of the ice storage box 10, and the driver 40 is connected to one end of the crankshaft 20. Thus, the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate within the ice storage cavity 111 to deliver ice blocks within the ice storage cavity 111. It is understood that the driver 40 can be connected to the ice storage box 10, or the driver 40 can be spaced apart from the ice storage box 10; there is no limitation here, and the choice can be made according to the actual situation.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The heating element is connected to the crankshaft 20, and the detection mechanism 33 transmits the detected ice storage information to the controller. The controller is configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the ice storage information.

[0036] After the ice maker 100 experiences an unexpected power outage and is then restored to power, the detection mechanism 33 detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111. When the amount of ice stored is lower than a certain value, such as when the amount of ice stored is less than one-quarter of the volume of the ice storage cavity 111, the controller controls the heating element to be in a power-off state, that is, the heating element does not generate heat. At this time, the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate, and the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 3 When the ice storage volume is greater than or equal to one-quarter of the volume of the ice storage cavity 111, the ice in the ice storage box 10 may partially melt and refreeze into larger ice blocks during the power outage period. The controller then controls the heating element to be in a conductive state. At this time, the heating element converts electrical energy into heat energy and radiates it into the ice storage cavity 111. The heat can melt the ice in the ice storage cavity 111, and the melted ice water is discharged from the ice storage cavity 111 through the drain outlet 113. It is understandable that during the ice melting process, the ice water in the ice storage cavity 111 will be discharged in a timely manner, thus reducing the ice storage volume in the ice storage cavity 111.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3The ice maker 100 provided in this application integrates a heating element on the crankshaft 20. The ice storage volume in the ice storage cavity 111 is detected by a detection mechanism 33 after a power outage. After the ice maker 100 is powered on again, the detection mechanism 33 feeds back the ice storage volume information to the controller. The controller can control the operation of the heating element according to the received ice storage volume information. When the ice storage volume is lower than a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to not heat up, and the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode. When the ice storage volume is higher than a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to heat up and melt ice until the detection mechanism 33 detects that the ice storage volume meets the set value, and then the ice maker 100 enters the ice-making mode. This avoids the phenomenon that the crankshaft 20 is stuck or blocked by ice, and thus cannot deliver ice, improving the convenience of using the ice maker 100.

[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 3 It is understood that when it is necessary to melt the ice in the ice storage box 10, the controller controls the heating element to perform a heating cycle. The heating cycle can be 3 minutes, 6 minutes or 9 minutes. In this embodiment, a heating cycle is 6 minutes. In other embodiments, the heating cycle can be selected according to the actual situation, and no restriction is made here.

[0040] Optionally, after the controller controls the heating element to perform one heating cycle, the detection mechanism 33 re-detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111. If the amount of ice stored is still higher than the set value, the controller continues to control the heating element to perform one heating cycle until the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111 is lower than the set value.

[0041] It is understandable that the driver 40 can be a servo motor, which can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate forward or backward. When the crankshaft 20 rotates forward, it can push the ice blocks in the ice storage box 10 outward to deliver ice. However, when the crankshaft 20 rotates backward, it will not push the ice blocks in the ice storage box 10 outward.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the crankshaft 20 has a hollow structure, and the heating element is a resistance wire 21, which is located inside the crankshaft 20 and arranged along the extension path of the crankshaft 20.

[0043] Please see Figures 1 to 3Optionally, the crankshaft 20 is tubular, and the resistance wire 21 is built into its hollow structure. The resistance wire 21 is arranged along the length of the crankshaft 20, which can evenly transfer heat to the area around the crankshaft 20, allowing ice attached to or located below and close to the crankshaft 20 to melt quickly. The resistance wire 21 can directly transfer heat with the ice in the ice storage box 10, providing heat quickly and efficiently. This prevents ice from obstructing the rotation of the crankshaft 20, prevents ice from freezing around the crankshaft 20, ensures the crankshaft 20 can rotate freely, reduces equipment failures caused by ice freezing, and improves equipment efficiency.

[0044] Optionally, both ends of the resistance wire 21 extend to the rotation center axis of the crankshaft 20, thereby facilitating the conductive connection of the resistance wire 21. It is understood that two brushes can be respectively set at both ends of the crankshaft 20, and the two ends of the resistance wire 21 can be electrically connected to the two electrodes of the power supply through the two brushes, so that the resistance wire can also maintain electrical connection with the power supply during the rotation of the crankshaft. This is the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the extension path of the crankshaft 20 is arranged in a spiral shape.

[0046] Optionally, the crankshaft 20 extends in a spiral pattern, which can effectively optimize the ice-pushing process. The spiral crankshaft 20 not only improves the pushing effect of the ice, but also reduces the friction between the ice and the inner wall of the ice storage box 10, preventing the ice from sticking and ensuring that the ice can be smoothly discharged from the ice storage box 10. The resistance wire 21 is also spirally arranged inside the crankshaft 20, which can increase the length of the resistance wire 21 inside the ice storage box 10 and improve the heating efficiency of the resistance wire 21.

[0047] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 33 includes a weighing module 331, which is connected to the ice storage box 10 and used to detect the weight of the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 111.

[0048] Understandably, the weighing module 331 can be located at the bottom of the ice storage box 10 and simultaneously fixed on the support structure of the ice maker 100. The weighing module 331 can detect the weight of the ice remaining in the ice storage cavity 111, thereby realizing the detection of the ice storage amount. When the weight of the ice is lower than the set value, the controller puts the heating element in a power-off state, so as not to generate heat. When the weight of the ice exceeds the set value, after the ice maker 100 is powered on again, the controller controls the heating element to generate heat.

[0049] Optionally, the ice storage box 10 can be a double-layer structure. For example, the ice storage box 10 includes a box body and an inner liner inside the box body. The ice storage cavity 111 is located in the inner liner, and the weighing module 331 is located in the box body. The inner liner is supported on the weighing module 331, so that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111 can be detected by the weighing module 331.

[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 33 further includes a timer that is communicatively connected to the controller. The timer is used to detect the duration of the power outage of the ice maker 100. The controller is also configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the duration of the power outage.

[0051] Understandably, when the ice maker 100 experiences an unexpected power outage, the internal temperature of the ice maker 100 rises, and the temperature inside the ice storage cavity 111 rises simultaneously. After the ice maker 100 is powered back on, if the timer detects that the power outage duration is less than the set value, such as less than 15 minutes, it indicates that the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 has not yet melted. The controller keeps the heating element in a power-off state, so there is no need to melt the ice in the ice storage cavity 111. At this time, the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate, and the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode.

[0052] Please see Figures 1 to 3 If the power outage is prolonged, such as 15 minutes or more, some of the ice in the ice storage box 10 will melt. The melted ice water will combine with other ice to form large ice blocks, which will accumulate below the crankshaft 20. This may obstruct the smooth rotation of the crankshaft 20 or even freeze it. After the ice maker 100 is powered back on, the timer will feed back the power outage duration to the controller. The controller will then control the heating element to heat up, thereby melting the ice in the ice storage box 10 until the crankshaft 20 can rotate smoothly under the drive of the driver 40. If the weighing module 331 detects that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111 is lower than the set value, the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode.

[0053] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism 33 further includes a temperature sensor that is communicatively connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the ice storage cavity 111 in real time and transmit the temperature information to the controller. The controller is also configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the temperature information.

[0054] Please see Figures 1 to 3Understandably, when the ice maker experiences an unexpected power outage, the refrigeration system of the ice maker stops working, the internal temperature of the ice maker rises, and the temperature in the ice storage cavity 111 rises simultaneously. After the ice maker is powered back on, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the ice storage cavity 111 is below 0 degrees Celsius, the ice in the ice storage cavity 111 has not melted or re-frozen. The controller controls the heating element to be in a power-off state based on the temperature information, so there is no need to melt the ice in the ice storage cavity 111. At this time, the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate, and the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode.

[0055] After the ice maker is powered on again, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the ice storage chamber 111 is higher than 0 degrees Celsius, some of the ice in the ice storage box 10 will melt. The melted ice water will combine with other ice to form large ice blocks, which will settle below the crankshaft 20, hindering the smooth rotation of the crankshaft 20 or even freezing the crankshaft 20 directly. The temperature sensor feeds this temperature information back to the controller, which controls the heating element to heat up, thereby melting the ice in the ice storage box 10 until the crankshaft 20 can rotate smoothly under the drive of the driver 40, and the ice maker 100 can enter the ice-making mode.

[0056] Please see Figures 1 to 3 It is also understandable that while the heating element is heating, the temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the ice storage cavity 111 in real time and transmits the temperature information to the controller. The controller controls the operation of the heating element based on the temperature information to prevent the local temperature of the ice maker 100 from becoming too high and damaging other components. For example, if the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the ice storage cavity 111 is greater than 10 degrees Celsius, the controller controls the heating element to cut off power for 5 minutes and stop heating. The weighing module 331 detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111. When the detected amount of ice stored is lower than the set value, the melting process ends, the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate, and the ice maker 100 enters the ice-making mode. If the weighing module 331 detects that the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity 111 is still higher than the set value, after the power-off cycle of the heating element ends, the temperature inside the ice storage box 10 is lower than 10 degrees Celsius, and the heating element starts a new heating cycle. At the same time, the temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the ice storage cavity 111 in real time until the amount of ice stored is lower than the set value.

[0057] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the ice storage box 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 disposed opposite to the first end 101. The two ends of the crankshaft 20 extend to the first end 101 and the second end 102 respectively. The driver 40 is located at the first end 101 and connected to the crankshaft 20. The second end 102 has a drain port 113 that communicates with the ice storage cavity 111.

[0058] Please see Figures 1 to 3Optionally, the output shaft of the driver 40 is connected to the crankshaft 20, and the two ends of the crankshaft 20 extend to the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the ice storage box 10, respectively, so that the rotation range of the crankshaft 20 can cover the length direction of the ice storage box 10. The drain port 113 provided at the second end 102 can effectively drain the ice water generated during the ice melting process from the ice storage box 10, preventing the ice water from freezing again in the ice storage box 10. At the same time, the timely drainage of the ice water can prevent the ice water from being heated by the heating element, thus avoiding energy waste.

[0059] Optionally, the temperature sensor can be set at the first end 101 or the second end 102. There is no restriction here, and the choice can be made according to the actual situation.

[0060] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Of course, temperature sensors can be set at both the first end 101 and the second end 102. When either temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the ice storage cavity 111 is greater than 0 degrees Celsius, the controller can control the heating element to generate heat. When either temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the ice storage cavity exceeds 10 degrees Celsius, the controller controls the heating element to cut off the power, thereby improving safety and accuracy.

[0061] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 further includes a drain pipe 52 located at the second end 102, and the first end 101 of the drain pipe 52 is connected to the drain outlet 113.

[0062] Optionally, the drain pipe 52 can be arranged vertically, with the upper end of the drain pipe 52 connected to the drain outlet 113, i.e., the ice water in the ice storage chamber 111. The ice water can flow out from the drain outlet 113 and into the drain pipe 52, and the ice water in the ice storage chamber 111 can be discharged to a designated location through the drain pipe 52.

[0063] It is understandable that the drain pipe 52 can be a straight pipe or an arc-shaped pipe with a certain bend. There are no restrictions here, and the choice can be made according to the actual situation.

[0064] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 also includes a funnel 51 connected to a drain pipe 52, the funnel 51 being located below the drain outlet 113.

[0065] Please see Figure 4 Optionally, the funnel 51 is located below the drain outlet 113, which can effectively guide the melted water to the drain pipe 52. The funnel 51 not only improves drainage efficiency but also prevents water overflow, keeping the equipment clean and hygienic. This design optimizes the drainage system, reduces the risk of system failure, and further improves the performance and service life of the ice maker 100.

[0066] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ice maker 100 further includes a heating coil 53, which is fitted over the end of the drain pipe 52. The controller controls the heating coil 53 to heat up or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored.

[0067] Please see Figure 4 It is understandable that the heating coil 53 is located at the upper end of the drain pipe 52 and adjacent to the funnel 51 and the drain outlet 113. During the discharge of ice water in the ice storage cavity 111, the ice water may refreeze at the upper end of the drain pipe 52, thereby blocking the water inlet of the drain pipe 52. By controlling the heating coil 53 to generate heat, the ice water is prevented from freezing at the upper end of the drain outlet 113. The heating coil 53 can be formed by winding the resistance wire 21, and the heating range of the heating coil 53 can be 0 to 10 degrees Celsius.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plane defined by the bottom of the ice storage cavity 111 forms an angle with the horizontal plane, the angle ranging from 5 to 10 degrees, and the height of the first end 101 is greater than the height of the second end 102. The angle can be 5 degrees, 5.5 degrees, 5.6 degrees, 6 degrees, 6.8 degrees, 6.3 degrees, 7 degrees, 7.6 degrees, 8 degrees, 8.6 degrees, 9 degrees, 9.4 degrees, or 10 degrees; there is no limitation here, and it can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0069] Optionally, during use, ice blocks are pushed out from the second end 102. The bottom of the ice storage chamber 111 has an inclined angle with the horizontal plane, which not only helps the ice blocks to be pushed and discharged smoothly, but also uses natural gravity to help the ice blocks discharge along a predetermined trajectory, reducing the problem of ice blocks accumulating or stagnating in the ice storage chamber 111, and effectively improving the discharge efficiency of ice blocks. At the same time, the height of the first end 101 is greater than the height of the second end 102, so that the melted water can flow quickly to the drain outlet 113, preventing melted water from stagnating in the ice storage chamber 111, and improving the drainage efficiency of the equipment.

[0070] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the end face of the second end 102 is provided with an ice outlet 114 communicating with the ice storage chamber 111. The ice maker 100 also includes an ice crushing assembly 30 located at the second end 102. The ice crushing assembly 30 includes an ice crushing shell 31 with a crushing chamber and an ice crushing blade 32 located in the crushing chamber. The ice crushing shell 31 is connected to the end face of the second end 102. The ice outlet 114 communicates with the crushing chamber. The crankshaft 20 is rotatably connected to the ice crushing shell 31 and is partially located in the crushing chamber. The ice crushing blade 32 is connected to the crankshaft 20 and rotates synchronously with the crankshaft 20. The bottom of the crushing chamber is provided with a discharge port 311.

[0071] Please see Figures 1 to 3Optionally, the ice outlet 114 at the second end 102 and the ice crushing component 30 effectively solve the problem of potential blockage during ice discharge. The ice crushing blade 32 breaks larger ice blocks into smaller pieces, preventing ice from getting stuck at the outlet 311 and making the ice flow smoother. That is, larger ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 111 can be pushed by the crankshaft 20 through the ice outlet 114 into the crushing chamber, where they are broken into smaller pieces by the ice crushing blade 32 and then flow out of the crushing chamber through the outlet 311.

[0072] Optionally, the discharge port 311 is set downwards, so that the ice blocks in the crushing chamber can be discharged from top to bottom.

[0073] Please see Figure 3 In other embodiments, the ice outlet 114 and the drain outlet 113 are connected and are both located on the end face of the second end 102.

[0074] Please see Figures 2 to 3 In some embodiments, multiple ice-crushing blades 32 are arranged at intervals on the crankshaft 20.

[0075] Optionally, the design of multiple ice-crushing blades 32 increases the uniformity and efficiency of the ice-crushing effect. Through the coordinated work of multiple ice-crushing blades 32, ice can be broken into smaller pieces more quickly and evenly, avoiding the situation where ice blocks clump together.

[0076] Please see Figure 5 The present invention also proposes an ice-making control method, which is implemented by the ice maker 100 described above. The specific structure of the ice maker 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this ice-making control method adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it also has all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0077] Please see Figure 5 The ice-making control method includes the following steps:

[0078] S1: Before the ice maker 100 starts making ice, the ice storage volume in the ice storage chamber 111 is determined by the detection mechanism 33 and a storage value is generated;

[0079] S2: Determine whether the stored value is less than the preset value and generate the first judgment result; it can be understood that the preset value can be one-quarter of the volume of the ice storage cavity.

[0080] S3: When the first judgment result is yes, control the ice maker 100 to enter the ice making mode;

[0081] S4: When the first judgment result is negative, the controller controls the heating element to heat up until the stored value is less than the preset value, at which point the heating element stops heating.

[0082] The ice-making control method provided in this application embodiment detects the amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber 111 after an accidental power outage through the detection mechanism 33, and feeds back the amount of ice stored to the controller. After the ice maker 100 is powered on again, the controller compares the received amount of ice stored with a preset value. When the amount of ice stored is greater than the preset value, the controller controls the heating element to heat up. When the amount of ice stored is less than the preset value, the controller controls the heating element not to heat up, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of the crankshaft 20 being stuck or blocked by ice, and improving the convenience of using the ice maker 100.

[0083] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are 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 scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a detection mechanism, a controller communicatively connected to the detection mechanism, an ice storage box with an ice storage cavity, an ice delivery mechanism connected to the ice storage box, and a heating element capable of generating heat in a conductive state. The ice delivery mechanism includes a crankshaft rotatably disposed within the ice storage cavity and a driver for driving the crankshaft to rotate. The heating element is connected to the crankshaft. The ice storage box has a drain outlet communicating with the ice storage cavity. The detection mechanism is used to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage cavity. The controller is configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored.

2. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The crankshaft has a hollow structure, and the heating element is a resistance wire located inside the crankshaft and arranged along the extension path of the crankshaft.

3. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The crankshaft extends in a spiral pattern.

4. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The testing mechanism includes a weighing module, which is connected to the ice storage box and used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice storage cavity.

5. The ice maker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The detection mechanism also includes a timer that is communicatively connected to the controller. The timer is used to detect the duration of power failure of the ice maker. The controller is also configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the duration of power failure.

6. The ice maker as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The ice storage box has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to the first end, the two ends of the crankshaft extend to the first end and the second end respectively, the driver is located at the first end and connected to the crankshaft, and the drain outlet is located at the second end.

7. The ice maker as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The ice maker also includes a drain pipe located at the second end and connected to the drain outlet.

8. The ice maker as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The ice maker also includes a heating coil, which is sleeved on the connecting end of the drain pipe. The controller controls the heating coil to heat up or stop heating based on the amount of ice stored.

9. The ice maker as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The ice maker also includes a funnel connected to the drain pipe, the funnel being located below the drain outlet.

10. An ice-making control method, implemented using an ice maker according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The ice-making control method includes the following steps: Before the ice maker starts making ice, the detection mechanism determines the amount of ice stored in the ice storage chamber and generates a storage value. Determine whether the stored value is less than a preset value, and generate a first determination result; When the first judgment result is yes, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice-making mode; If the first determination result is negative, the controller controls the heating element to generate heat.

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