Ice making apparatus and ice making control method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
AI Technical Summary
[0004]本申请实施例的目的在于提供一种制冰设备，旨在解决如何提高制冰设备使用的便利性的问题
Smart Images
Figure CN122544480A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ice-making technology, and particularly relates to an ice-making device and an ice-making control method. Background Technology
[0002] An ice maker is a device that cools water to its freezing point using a refrigeration system to produce ice. It utilizes the refrigerant absorbing heat in an evaporator, lowering the water temperature and eventually causing it to freeze. Depending on the evaporator principle and production method, ice makers produce ice blocks of various shapes. Generally, ice makers are classified into different types based on the form of the ice, such as granular ice machines, flake ice machines, plate ice machines, tube ice machines, and shell ice machines.
[0003] Existing ice makers are prone to unexpected power outages during operation. After a power outage, the refrigeration mechanism stops working, and the internal temperature rises. When the temperature inside the ice storage box rises above 0 degrees Celsius, some of the ice melts. This melted ice water then combines with other unmelted ice to form larger ice blocks. These large ice blocks typically end up at the bottom of the crankshaft, blocking the space at the bottom of the crankshaft or even freezing the crankshaft inside the ice storage box. This prevents the ice delivery motor from driving the crankshaft to deliver ice, causing inconvenience for users. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an ice-making device that addresses the problem of how to improve the ease of use of ice-making devices.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0006] In a first aspect, an ice-making device is provided, comprising: a temperature sensor, a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensor, an ice storage box having a accommodating cavity, an ice delivery assembly connected to the ice storage box, and a heating element capable of generating heat in a conductive state; the ice delivery assembly includes a crankshaft rotatably disposed within the accommodating cavity and a driver for driving the crankshaft to rotate, the heating element being connected to the crankshaft, the temperature sensor being used to detect temperature information within the ice storage box, and the controller being configured to control the heating element to heat or stop heating based on the temperature information.
[0007] In some embodiments, the crankshaft has a hollow structure, the heating element is a heating wire, the heating 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 controller is further configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the rotation information of the crankshaft.
[0010] 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 second end has a drain port communicating with the accommodating cavity.
[0011] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a drain pipe located at the second end and connected to the drain outlet.
[0012] In some embodiments, the ice-making device further includes a funnel connected to the drain pipe, the funnel being located below the drain outlet.
[0013] In some embodiments, the plane defined by the bottom of the accommodating cavity has an angle with the horizontal plane, the angle being in the range of 5 to 10 degrees, and the height of the first end is greater than the height of the second end.
[0014] In some embodiments, the end face of the second end has an ice outlet communicating with the accommodating cavity. The ice-making device further includes an ice-crushing assembly located at the second end. The ice-crushing assembly includes an ice-crushing shell with a crushing chamber and an ice-crushing blade located in the crushing chamber. The ice-crushing shell is connected to the end face of the second end. The ice outlet communicates with the crushing chamber. The crankshaft is rotatably connected to the ice-crushing shell and partially located in the crushing chamber. The ice-crushing blade is connected to the crankshaft and rotates synchronously with the crankshaft.
[0015] Secondly, an ice-making control method is provided, which is implemented by the ice-making equipment described above, and the ice-making control method includes the following steps:
[0016] Before the ice-making equipment starts making ice, the temperature inside the accommodating cavity is determined by the temperature sensor and a temperature value is generated.
[0017] Determine whether the temperature value is less than a preset temperature, and generate a first determination result;
[0018] When the first judgment result is yes, the ice-making device 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: by setting a heating element on the crankshaft, and using a temperature sensor to detect the temperature value inside the accommodating cavity after a power outage, and feeding the temperature information back to the controller, the controller can control the operation of the heating element according to the received temperature information after the ice-making equipment is powered on again. When the temperature value is below 0 degrees Celsius, the heating element does not need to melt ice. When the temperature value is above 0 degrees Celsius, the heating element is controlled to heat and melt ice, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of the crankshaft being jammed or blocked by ice, and improving the convenience of using the ice-making equipment. 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-making equipment 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 An explosion diagram of an ice-making device;
[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 schematic diagram 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-making equipment; 10. Ice storage box; 111. Receiving cavity; 112. Opening; 101. First end; 102. Second end; 20. Crankshaft; 30. Ice crushing assembly; 21. Heating 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 assembly; 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-making device 100 that can lower the temperature of water and make it into granular crushed ice.
[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The ice-making device 100 includes: a temperature sensor, a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensor, an ice storage box 10 with a accommodating cavity 111, an ice delivery assembly 200 connected to the ice storage box 10, and a heating element that generates heat in a conductive state. The ice storage box 10 is generally rectangular in shape, and during use, its height is vertical. The top of the ice storage box 10 has an opening 112, allowing ice cubes to fall from the ice-making mechanism into the accommodating cavity 111. The temperature sensor can be a thermocouple, with its probe located inside the accommodating cavity 111, thus enabling real-time monitoring of the temperature inside the accommodating cavity 111. The heating element can be a resistive heating element, which converts electrical energy into heat energy by applying voltage across its terminals.
[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The ice delivery assembly 200 includes a crankshaft 20 rotatably disposed within a receiving cavity 111 and a driver 40 for driving the crankshaft 20 to rotate. It is understood that the crankshaft 20 is 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 receiving cavity 111 to deliver ice blocks within the receiving 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.
[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3The heating element is connected to the crankshaft 20. A temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature information inside the ice storage box 10. The controller is configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the temperature information. When the temperature of the temperature feedback cavity 111 is lower than a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to be in a de-energized state, that is, the heating element does not generate heat. When the temperature feedback indicates that the temperature of the temperature feedback cavity 111 is higher than a certain value, the controller controls the heating element to be in a conductive state. At this time, the heating element generates heat and melts the ice in the cavity 111 by radiating heat into the cavity 111.
[0035] Understandably, when the ice maker experiences an unexpected power outage, the internal temperature of the ice maker rises, and the temperature inside the container 111 rises simultaneously. If the power outage is short and the temperature inside the container 111 remains below 0 degrees Celsius, the ice in the container 111 does not melt or freeze. After the ice maker is powered back on, the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the container 111 is below 0 degrees Celsius and feeds this temperature information back to the controller. The controller controls the heating element to be in a power-off state, so there is no need to melt the ice in the container 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.
[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 3 If the power outage lasts for a long time and the temperature inside the accommodating cavity 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 and deposit below the crankshaft 20, which may hinder the smooth rotation of the crankshaft 20 or even freeze the crankshaft 20. After the ice maker is powered back on, the temperature sensor feeds the temperature information back to the controller. The controller 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.
[0037] The ice-making device 100 provided in this application embodiment has a heating element installed on the crankshaft 20. The temperature value in the accommodating cavity 111 after power failure is detected by a temperature sensor, and the temperature information is fed back to the controller. After the ice-making device 100 is powered on again, the controller can control the operation of the heating element according to the received temperature information. When the temperature value is below 0 degrees Celsius, the heating element does not need to melt ice. When the temperature value is above 0 degrees Celsius, the heating element is controlled to heat and melt ice, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of the crankshaft 20 being stuck or blocked by ice, and improving the convenience of using the ice-making device 100.
[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 3It 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 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes. In this embodiment, a heating cycle is 5 minutes. In other embodiments, the heating cycle can be selected according to the actual situation, and no restriction is made here.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the crankshaft 20 has a hollow structure, and the heating element is a heating wire 21, which is located inside the crankshaft 20 and arranged along the extension path of the crankshaft 20.
[0041] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, the crankshaft 20 is tubular, and the heating wire 21 is built into its hollow structure. The heating 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 adhering to the crankshaft 20 or located below and close to the crankshaft 20 to melt in time. The heating wire 21 can directly transfer heat to 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 that the crankshaft 20 can rotate freely, reduces equipment failures caused by ice freezing, and improves the efficiency of equipment use.
[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, the heating wire 21 can be a resistance heating wire.
[0043] Optionally, both ends of the heating wire 21 extend to the rotation center axis of the crankshaft 20, thereby facilitating the conductive connection of the heating wire 21. It is understood that two brushes can also be provided at both ends of the crankshaft 20, and the two ends of the heating wire 21 can be electrically connected to the two electrodes of the power supply through the two brushes. This is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.
[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the extension path of the crankshaft 20 is arranged in a spiral shape.
[0045] Optionally, the crankshaft 20 extends in a spiral pattern, which can effectively optimize the ice-pushing process. The spiral crankshaft 20 design 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 ice from sticking and ensuring that the ice can be smoothly discharged from the ice storage box 10. The heating wire 21 is spirally arranged inside the crankshaft 20, which can increase the length of the heating wire 21 inside the ice storage box 10 and improve the heating efficiency of the heating wire 21.
[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to control the heating element to generate heat based on the rotation information of the crankshaft 20.
[0047] Understandably, after a power outage, when the temperature inside the ice storage box 10 rises above 0 degrees Celsius, the controller controls the heating element to perform a heating cycle. After the heating element stops heating, the driver 40 drives the motor to rotate in the opposite direction. If the crankshaft 20 can rotate smoothly, it indicates that the crankshaft 20 has been freed from the obstruction of the ice, and the ice-making device 100 can enter the ice-making mode.
[0048] If the crankshaft 20 cannot rotate smoothly, it indicates that the crankshaft 20 is still stuck. The controller then controls the heating element to perform another heating cycle based on the rotation information of the crankshaft 20 until the driver 40 can drive the crankshaft 20 to rotate smoothly in the reverse direction. During the reverse rotation, the crankshaft 20 will not push the ice in the ice storage box 10 outward, thus avoiding accidental ice spillage.
[0049] 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 receiving cavity 111.
[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] Of course, temperature sensors can be set at both the first end 101 and the second end 102. When one of the temperature sensors detects that the temperature of the accommodating cavity 111 is greater than 0 degrees Celsius, the controller can control the heating element to generate heat.
[0053] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ice-making device 100 further includes a drain pipe 52 located at the second end 102 and connected to a drain outlet 113.
[0054] 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 accommodating cavity 111. The ice water can flow out from the drain outlet 113 and into the drain pipe 52, and the ice water in the accommodating cavity 111 can be discharged to a designated location through the drain pipe 52.
[0055] 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.
[0056] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the ice-making device 100 also includes a funnel 51 connected to a drain pipe 52, the funnel 51 being located below the drain outlet 113.
[0057] 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-making equipment 100.
[0058] In some embodiments, the plane defined by the bottom of the accommodating 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.
[0059] Optionally, during use, the ice block is pushed out from the second end 102. The bottom of the receiving cavity 111 has an inclined angle with the horizontal plane, which not only helps the ice block to be pushed and discharged smoothly, but also uses natural gravity to help the ice block discharge along a predetermined trajectory, reducing the problem of ice block accumulation or retention in the receiving cavity 111 and effectively improving the ice block discharge efficiency. 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 quickly flow to the drain outlet 113, preventing melted water from stagnating in the receiving cavity 111 and improving the drainage efficiency of the equipment.
[0060] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the end face of the second end 102 is provided with an ice outlet 114 that communicates with the receiving cavity 111. The ice making device 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.
[0061] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, 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 them from getting stuck at the outlet 311 and making the ice flow more smoothly. That is, larger ice blocks in the receiving cavity 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.
[0062] Optionally, the discharge port 311 is set downwards, so that the ice blocks in the crushing chamber can be discharged from top to bottom.
[0063] 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.
[0064] Please see Figures 2 to 3 In some embodiments, multiple ice-crushing blades 32 are arranged at intervals on the crankshaft 20.
[0065] 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.
[0066] Please see Figure 5 The present invention also proposes an ice-making control method, which is implemented by the ice-making device 100 described above. The specific structure of the ice-making device 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.
[0067] The ice-making control method includes the following steps:
[0068] S1: Before the ice-making device 100 starts making ice, the temperature inside the accommodating cavity 111 is determined by a temperature sensor and a temperature value is generated.
[0069] S2: Determine if the temperature value is less than the preset temperature and generate the first judgment result; it can be understood that the preset temperature is 0 degrees Celsius.
[0070] S3: When the first judgment result is yes, control the ice-making device 100 to enter the ice-making mode;
[0071] S4: If the first judgment result is negative, the controller controls the heating element to generate heat.
[0072] The ice-making control method provided in this application embodiment detects the temperature value inside the accommodating cavity 111 after a power outage using a temperature sensor and feeds the temperature information back to the controller. After the ice-making device 100 is powered on again, the controller can compare the received temperature value with a preset temperature. When the temperature value is greater than the preset value, the controller controls the heating element to heat up. When the temperature value is lower 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-making device 100.
[0073] 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 making apparatus, characterized by, include: The device includes a temperature sensor, a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensor, an ice storage box with a cavity, an ice delivery assembly connected to the ice storage box, and a heating element capable of generating heat in a conductive state. The ice delivery assembly includes a crankshaft rotatably disposed within the cavity and a driver for driving the crankshaft to rotate. The heating element is connected to the crankshaft. The temperature sensor is used to detect temperature information within the ice storage box. The controller is configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the temperature information.
2. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft has a hollow structure, and the heating element is a heating wire located inside the crankshaft and arranged along the extension path of the crankshaft.
3. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft extends in a spiral pattern.
4. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The controller is also configured to control the heating element to heat up or stop heating based on the rotation information of the crankshaft.
5. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The ice storage box has a first end and a second end 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. The second end has a drain port that communicates with the accommodating cavity.
6. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The ice-making equipment also includes a drain pipe located at the second end and connected to the drain outlet.
7. The ice making apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein: The ice-making equipment also includes a funnel connected to the drain pipe, the funnel being located below the drain outlet.
8. The ice making device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The plane defined by the bottom of the accommodating cavity has an angle with the horizontal plane, the angle being in the range of 5 to 10 degrees, and the height of the first end is greater than the height of the second end.
9. The ice making device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The end face of the second end has an ice outlet that communicates with the accommodating cavity. The ice-making device also includes an ice-crushing assembly located at the second end. The ice-crushing assembly includes an ice-crushing shell with a crushing chamber and an ice-crushing blade located in the crushing chamber. The ice-crushing shell is connected to the end face of the second end. The ice outlet communicates with the crushing chamber. The crankshaft is rotatably connected to the ice-crushing shell and is partially located in the crushing chamber. The ice-crushing blade is connected to the crankshaft and rotates synchronously with the crankshaft.
10. An ice making control method, implemented by the ice making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, The ice-making control method includes the following steps: Before the ice-making equipment starts making ice, the temperature inside the accommodating cavity is determined by the temperature sensor and a temperature value is generated. Determine whether the temperature value is less than a preset temperature, and generate a first determination result; When the first judgment result is yes, the ice-making device is controlled to enter the ice-making mode; If the first determination result is negative, the controller controls the heating element to generate heat.