Ice release method of ice making apparatus and ice making apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ice making and de-icing technology, and discloses a de-icing method and ice making equipment. In response to an ice making command, the invention opens the ice making circulation path to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for cooling and forming ice blocks. A water guide plate is driven to guide the water flow to the ice water tank. When the ice making time reaches a threshold, the ice making circulation path is closed, and the hot water path is opened to transport heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. A water guide plate is driven to guide the hot water flow to the wastewater tank. When the watering time reaches a threshold, the hot water path is closed, and the ice making circulation path is opened to flush the ice tray with water from the ice water tank. A water guide plate is driven to guide the water into the ice water tank. In response to a detected ice block falling signal, the ice magnetic strip opens under the push of the falling ice block, and the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box. By alternately flushing the melting and connecting area of ​​the ice surface with hot and cold water while the ice block is forming and about to fall off, individual ice blocks are dropped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice making and de-icing technology, specifically to a de-icing method and ice making equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some hot and cold mineral water purifiers on the market with ice-making functions adopt a whole-plate array-type square ice-making structure to increase the amount of ice made per batch and optimize ice-making efficiency. The ice grid has a square ice-making mold cavity inside. After ice making, the square ice blocks of each adjacent small grid are connected and solidified with thin ice to form a whole ice plate instead of an independent single ice block. This structure can maximize the use of ice grid space and produce multiple square ice blocks per batch to meet users' needs for large amounts of ice.

[0003] However, this solution has the following drawbacks in actual use, which will affect the user experience and the stability of equipment operation: After the ice is made, because the mold is a whole plate of ice, the unbroken ice blocks need to be broken by the user manually using an ice shovel to knock them down and shake the ice storage box to complete the ice breaking operation before use. This is not convenient to use, and the sticky whole ice plate is easy to get stuck inside the ice storage box and ice storage channel. When the user forcibly pushes or pulls it out, it is easy to cause blockage of the ice outlet, increasing after-sales complaints and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method for removing ice from an ice-making device and an ice-making device in order to solve the problem that it requires manual knocking to remove whole ice blocks, which can easily block the ice storage channel.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for de-icing an ice-making device. The ice-making device includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, and a water supply system. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to deliver heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least a portion of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open the at least a portion of the opening under the push of ice. The method includes: responding to an ice-making command, opening the ice-making circulation path to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. The ice is cold-formed into ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the unfrozen water flowing through the ice tray to the ice water tank. When the ice-making time reaches a first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to deliver heated water to the ice tray to rinse and de-ice the ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the waste water tank to guide the hot water after rinsing and de-iceing to the waste water tank. When the rinsing and de-iceing time reaches a second time threshold, the hot water path is closed and the ice-making circulation path is reopened to flush the ice tray with water from the ice water tank, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flushing the ice tray into the ice water tank. In response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block to allow the falling ice block to flow into the ice storage box.

[0006] The ice-removal method for an ice-making device provided by this invention, in response to an ice-making command, opens the ice-making circulation path to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for cooling and forming ice blocks, and drives the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flowing through the ice tray back to the ice water tank. When the ice-making time is detected to have reached a first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to transport heated water to the ice tray to pour and remove the ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water after pouring and removing the ice to the wastewater tank. When the pouring and removing ice time is detected to have reached a second time threshold, ... The hot water circuit is closed, and the ice-making circulation circuit is reopened to flush the ice trays with water from the ice water tank. This drives the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank, guiding the water flushing the ice trays into the ice water tank. In response to the detection of an ice block falling off, the ice magnetic strip opens at least partially under the push of the falling ice block, allowing the falling ice block to flow into the ice storage box. By using alternating hot and cold water to flush the melting and connecting area of ​​the ice surface when the ice block is formed and about to fall off, the ice block falls off one by one, which improves the ice removal efficiency, eliminates the need for the user to manually break the ice, improves convenience, and prevents a single ice block from clogging the ice opening, thus ensuring the service life of the ice-making equipment.

[0007] In one optional implementation, the ice-making instruction includes an ice thickness setting, and a second duration threshold is determined through the following steps: obtaining the current ambient temperature and determining the current temperature range; determining the corresponding ice thickness coefficient based on the user-set ice thickness setting; determining the ambient temperature coefficient based on the preset correspondence between different temperature ranges and different ambient temperature coefficients, and the current temperature range; adding the ice thickness coefficient and the ambient temperature coefficient to obtain a duration coefficient; multiplying the duration coefficient by a preset baseline duration, and then adding it to the preset baseline duration to obtain the second duration threshold.

[0008] This invention can dynamically calculate the second duration threshold based on ambient temperature and ice thickness setting, adapting to different ice-making conditions and improving ice-making stability and user experience.

[0009] In an optional implementation, in response to the detection of an ice detachment signal, the method further includes: starting a timer after closing the hot water passage, reopening the ice-making circulation passage, and driving the water guide plate to rotate toward the ice water tank; if the ice tray rinsing time reaches a third time threshold, but no ice detachment signal is detected, returning to the steps of closing the ice-making circulation passage, opening the hot water passage to deliver heated water to the ice tray to rinse and remove the ice, and driving the water guide plate to rotate toward the wastewater tank, until an ice detachment signal is detected.

[0010] This invention employs an alternating logic of hot water de-icing followed by ice water rinsing, and automatically switching back to hot water and ice water rinsing after a timeout if no ice block detachment signal is detected. This effectively melts stubborn, adhered ice plates, ensuring both a high success rate and improved de-icing efficiency.

[0011] In an alternative implementation, the method further includes: during the execution of a watering and de-icing operation or an ice tray rinsing operation, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

[0012] This invention can stop the spraying process in advance if de-icing is detected during any operation, thereby reducing the waste of hot and cold water resources and improving de-icing efficiency.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making equipment further includes a wastewater return path, which connects a wastewater tank and a water supply system for returning water stored in the wastewater tank to the water supply system. The method further includes: in response to detecting an ice block falling off signal, opening the wastewater return path to control the return of water in the wastewater tank to the water supply system.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then flow it into the ice water tank via an ice water tank makeup pump, as well as into the hot water passage. The method further includes: responding to an ice-making command, turning on the ice water tank makeup pump to control the water purification system to supply water to the ice water tank, and monitoring the water level in the makeup tank in real time; and turning off the ice water tank makeup pump when the water level in the makeup tank is detected to have reached a preset upper limit value.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making device further includes an ice-removing valve, and the method further includes: after detecting that the ice-making time has reached a first time threshold, activating the ice-removing valve to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray and demold the ice blocks; and closing the ice-removing valve in response to detecting an ice block falling signal.

[0016] When the invention detects that the ice-making time has reached a first time threshold and is ready to execute the auxiliary de-icing procedure, it can activate the de-icing valve to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray, and work together with the hot water pouring de-icing operation to demold the ice blocks, thereby improving the efficiency of ice block demolding.

[0017] Secondly, the present invention provides an ice-making device, the ice-making device comprising an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, a water supply system, and a control unit. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to deliver heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least a portion of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open the at least a portion of the opening under the push of the ice block. The control unit is used to execute the de-icing method of the ice-making device of the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment described above.

[0018] The ice-making equipment provided by this invention independently supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water channel through a water supply system. The ice-making circulation channel transports water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making, while the hot water channel sends heated water to the ice tray for ice removal, causing the formed ice blocks to fall off in a dispersed manner, avoiding the use of whole ice blocks and eliminating the need for manual ice shovels, thus improving ease of use. Rotatable water guide plates are installed above the ice water tank and wastewater tank to guide water into either tank. An ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least part of its opening. The magnetic strip can open at least part of the opening under the push of the ice blocks, allowing them to fall into the ice storage box, effectively preventing whole ice blocks from blocking the ice storage channel and clogging the ice storage opening. The designed ice-making equipment does not require modification of the existing ice tray structure; only the water circuit and controller are optimized, making it low-cost and adaptable to mass production. It achieves automatic single-block ice removal and fully automatic ice breaking, significantly improving convenience, equipment stability, and ice quality.

[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the ice-making circulation path includes an ice-water circulation pump, wherein the ice-water circulation pump is used to control the delivery of water from the ice-water tank to the ice tray.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making equipment further includes an ice water outlet pump, wherein the ice water outlet pump is used to deliver water from the ice water tank to the outlet to provide water to the user.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then flow it into the ice water tank via an ice water tank replenishment pump, as well as into the hot water passage.

[0022] In one optional embodiment, the hot water passage includes a self-priming pump, a heating element, and a one-in-two-out valve. The one-in-two-out valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to receive heated water supplied by the heating element, the second port is used to supply the heated water to the ice tray, and the third port is used to supply the heated water to the outlet to provide a water source to the user. The self-priming pump is connected to a water purification system and is used to draw water supplied by the water purification system into the heating element, which heats the water supplied by the water purification system.

[0023] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making equipment further includes a wastewater return path, which includes a hot water return pump. The two ends of the hot water return pump are respectively connected to a wastewater tank and a raw water tank, for returning the water stored in the wastewater tank to the raw water tank.

[0024] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making device further includes an ice-removal valve, which is installed in the ice-making system and is used to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray and remove the ice blocks from the mold.

[0025] In one alternative embodiment, the ice-making device is a hot and cold mineral water purifier. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a This is an example diagram showing the positions of the water guide plate and the ice magnetic strip when water flows into the ice water tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b This is an example diagram showing the positions of the water guide plate and the ice magnetic strip when water flows into the wastewater tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2c This is an example diagram showing the positions of the water guide plate and the ice magnetic strip when ice blocks fall into the ice storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first process of the de-icing method of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a de-icing method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a second process for a de-icing method of an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the control unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The system includes: raw water tank 1, water purification system 2, hot water return pump 3, ice water circulation pump 4, ice water tank replenishment pump 5, ice water outlet pump 6, self-priming pump 7, heating element 8, one inlet and two outlet solenoid valve 9, water outlet 10, water distribution pipe 11, ice making system 12, water guide plate 13, motor 14, ice magnetic strip 15, ice storage box 16, wastewater tank 17, ice water tank 18, ice grid 20, proximity switch 21, and drain outlet 22. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] 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 indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] This invention provides an ice-making device, which includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, a water supply system, and a control unit. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to send heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least part of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open at least part of the opening when pushed by the ice. The control unit is used to execute the de-icing method of the ice-making device.

[0032] The control unit designed in this embodiment of the invention is used to execute the de-icing method of the ice-making equipment.

[0033] The water supply system designed in this embodiment of the invention is used to supply water to an ice water tank and a hot water supply path. Specifically, the water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then flow it into the ice water tank via an ice water replenishment pump, and into the hot water supply path; for example... Figure 1 As shown, the water supply system includes a raw water tank and a purification system. The raw water tank serves as the water storage compartment for the entire unit, continuously providing water to be treated for the purification system. The purification system pipeline is connected to the water inlet of the raw water tank, used to continuously draw raw water from the raw water tank and purify the drawn water to obtain pure room temperature water. Then, the pure room temperature water can be flowed into the ice water tank through the ice water tank makeup pump to ensure a sufficient water source for ice making circulation. It can also supply water to the hot water circuit. When the ice water tank makeup pump is in the open state, the water supply system can supply water to the ice water tank through the ice water tank makeup pump. The control unit can also monitor the water level in the ice water tank in real time. When the water level in the ice water tank reaches the upper limit value, it can control the ice water tank makeup pump to disconnect, thereby cutting off the water supply system to the ice water tank.

[0034] The ice-making equipment designed in this embodiment of the invention also includes a water distribution pipe and an ice-making system. The water distribution pipe is vertically arranged directly above the ice grid and is the only water supply component. The water outlet of the pipe is directly opposite the top of the ice grid, and all hot water and ice water are sprayed downwards into the ice grid cavity through the water distribution pipe. The ice-making system includes a compressor, an ice-removing valve, etc. The compressor is used to provide cooling capacity and continuously cool the ice grid, causing the water to freeze into ice inside the ice grid. The ice-removing valve is located in the ice-making system and is used to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice grid and demold the ice. Specifically, the ice-removing valve is a heat exchange ice-removing valve, which is used to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice and work in conjunction with hot water spray to complete the ice-removing process and demold the ice.

[0035] The ice-making circulation path designed in this embodiment of the invention includes an ice water tank for transporting water from the ice water tank to the ice trays via a distribution pipe. The ice-making circulation path also includes an ice water circulation pump for controlling the transport of water from the ice water tank to the ice trays. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, one end of the ice water circulation pump is connected to the ice water tank, and the other end is connected to the ice tray through a water distribution pipe, supplying water to the ice tray. When the control unit starts making ice, it opens the ice-making circulation path, that is, it turns on the ice water circulation pump, so that the ice water circulation pump can draw water from the ice water tank and deliver it to the water distribution pipe to continuously spray the ice tray and complete the ice making. The ice-making circulation path is a circulation path. After the ice water is cooled by the ice tray, it flows into the ice water tank and is reused to deliver ice water to the ice tray. This not only reduces the loss of purified water, but also maintains a stable low temperature environment and improves the ice making speed.

[0036] The ice-making equipment designed in this embodiment of the invention also includes an ice water outlet pump, which is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the outlet to provide water to users. Figure 1 As shown, the chilled water pump is connected to the chilled water tank at one end and to the water outlet at the other end. Generally, the water stored in the chilled water tank is chilled water that has been cooled by ice grids. Therefore, the chilled water pump draws chilled water from the chilled water tank and delivers it to the water outlet. When users need chilled water, they can get chilled water through the corresponding chilled water tap, thus improving the user experience.

[0037] The hot water passage designed in this embodiment of the invention delivers heated water to an ice tray for de-icing. It includes a wastewater tank to store the hot water after de-icing. Specifically, the hot water passage includes a self-priming pump, a heating element, and a one-in-two-outlet valve. The one-in-two-outlet valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port receives heated water from the heating element, the second port delivers the heated water to the ice tray, and the third port delivers the heated water to the outlet to provide a water source for the user. The self-priming pump is connected to a water purification system and draws water from the purification system into the heating element, which heats the water from the purification system. Figure 1As shown, the hot water passage designed in this embodiment of the invention is a unidirectional passage. The pure water at room temperature provided by the water purification system is heated and flows to the ice tray for de-icing, eventually flowing into the wastewater tank. One end of the self-priming pump in the hot water passage is connected to the water purification system, and the other end is connected to the heating element. The self-priming pump is in the on state, providing the power for the water purification system to deliver pure water at room temperature to the heating element. The heating element heats the delivered pure water at room temperature to obtain hot water, for example, 45-degree Celsius hot water. The hot water then flows to the first port of a one-in-two-out solenoid valve. The first port is used to receive heated hot water from the heating element. The second port is used to deliver the heated hot water to the ice tray through the water distribution pipe to thaw the ice in the ice tray. The third port is used to deliver the heated hot water to the outlet to provide water to the user. The first and third ports can always be in a conductive state to facilitate the user's access to hot water. When the control unit performs the thaw operation, it will open the first and second ports of the one-in-two-out solenoid valve so that hot water flows into the water distribution pipe through the second port to thaw the ice in the ice tray. This is just an example.

[0038] like Figure 2a As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the water tank below the ice storage box is modified into an ice water tank and a wastewater tank, separating the ice water tank from the wastewater tank. This also ensures the separation of ice water and hot water, preventing the mixing of hot water and ice water from affecting ice-making efficiency. The ice water and hot water are then guided apart by a water guide plate. The ice storage box is equipped with a drain outlet to allow the ice water and melted ice water to flow into the ice water tank. A rotatable water guide plate is installed above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The water guide plate can be driven by a motor, and its rotation is controlled by the motor. The system directs water flowing through the ice tray into an ice water tank or wastewater tank. It also includes an ice magnetic strip positioned above the ice storage box, blocking at least part of its opening. The ice magnetic strip opens at least part of the opening when pushed by ice blocks, allowing ice to fall into the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip is connected to a proximity switch to monitor whether it responds to an ice block falling signal. Initially, with no ice blocks falling, the ice magnetic strip blocks the ice storage box. Once ice blocks fall, the ice magnetic strip receives the pushing force of the ice blocks, opening at least part of the opening. Figure 2a As shown, during ice-making or ice-washing operations, the drive guide plate rotates towards the ice water tank to guide the ice water flowing through the ice tray into the ice water tank. At this time, the ice magnetic strip is in a state of blocking at least part of the opening of the ice storage box to prevent ice water from flowing into the ice storage box. Figure 2b As shown, during the water-spraying and de-icing operation, the drive guide plate rotates towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water from the water-spraying and de-icing process to the wastewater tank. At this time, the ice magnetic strip is also in a state of blocking at least part of the opening of the ice storage box. The direction of the guide plate is controlled by the motor to control the hot water to enter the wastewater storage box for recycling, preventing it from mixing with the ice water in the ice water tank and ensuring ice-making efficiency. Figure 2cAs shown, during the ice flushing operation, the water guide plate faces the ice water tank. If an ice block falls off, it pushes the ice magnetic strip to open at least part of the opening of the ice storage box, allowing the ice block to fall into the ice storage box. This is just an example.

[0039] The ice-making equipment designed in this embodiment of the invention also includes a wastewater return path, which includes a hot water return pump. The two ends of the hot water return pump are connected to a wastewater tank and a raw water tank, respectively, for returning water stored in the wastewater tank to the raw water tank. Figure 1 As shown, one end of the hot water return pump is connected to the wastewater tank and the other end is connected to the raw water tank. In response to the ice block falling signal, the hot water return pump can be started. When the hot water return pump is in the start state, it can draw water from the wastewater tank to the raw water tank to recover the hot water that helped to remove the ice, while reducing bacterial growth and reusing it.

[0040] The ice-making equipment provided by this invention independently supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water channel through a water supply system. The ice-making circulation channel transports water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making, while the hot water channel sends heated water to the ice tray for ice removal, causing the formed ice blocks to fall off in a dispersed manner, avoiding the use of whole ice blocks and eliminating the need for manual ice shovels, thus improving ease of use. Rotatable water guide plates are installed above the ice water tank and wastewater tank to guide water into either tank. An ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least part of its opening. The magnetic strip can open at least part of the opening under the push of the ice blocks, allowing them to fall into the ice storage box, effectively preventing whole ice blocks from blocking the ice storage channel and clogging the ice storage opening. The designed ice-making equipment does not require modification of the existing ice tray structure; only the water circuit and controller are optimized, making it low-cost and adaptable to mass production. It achieves automatic single-block ice removal and fully automatic ice breaking, significantly improving convenience, equipment stability, and ice quality.

[0041] In one optional implementation, the present invention does not limit the type of ice-making equipment. Any equipment with the above-mentioned structure that has the function of making ice is acceptable, such as a refrigerator with ice-making function or a standalone ice maker. Specifically, the present invention uses a hot and cold mineral water purifier as an application scenario. This purifier has built-in functions of making ice, dispensing ice water, and dispensing hot water.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of a de-icing method for an ice-making device is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0043] This embodiment provides a de-icing method for an ice-making device, applied to a control unit in the ice-making device. The ice-making device includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, and a water supply system. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a waste water tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to send heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the waste water tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least part of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open at least part of the opening under the push of the ice block.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a de-icing method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps: In step S301, in response to the ice-making command, the ice-making circulation path is opened to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray to cool and form ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water that has not frozen after flowing through the ice tray to the ice water tank.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the control unit responds to the user's ice-making command, executes the ice-making process, starts the ice water tank replenishment pump to control the water supply system to provide pure room temperature water to the ice water tank, and simultaneously opens the ice-making circulation path so that the water in the ice water tank is continuously transported to the ice tray through the water distribution pipe. The ice-making system accelerates the cooling and solidification of the water in the ice tray into ice blocks. At the same time, it can drive the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank (water guide plate downward), and the ice magnetic strip is in a state of blocking at least part of the opening of the ice storage box to guide the ice water that has not frozen after flowing through the ice tray to the ice water tank. Specifically, the control unit controls the ice water circulation pump to work, and the ice water circulation pump draws water from the ice water tank and transports it to the ice tray through the water distribution pipe.

[0046] In step S302, when the ice-making time reaches the first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to deliver heated water to the ice tray to pour water onto the ice blocks to remove the ice, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water after pouring water to flow into the wastewater tank.

[0047] The ice-making instruction designed in this embodiment of the invention includes ice thickness settings. Different ice thickness settings correspond to different ice-making time thresholds (i.e., first time thresholds). Based on the ice thickness setting selected by the user, the first time threshold T is determined. Then, the currently timed ice-making time is compared with the first time threshold T in real time. Figure 4As shown, when the ice-making time reaches the first time threshold, the ice-making process is considered complete, and preparations are made to execute the auxiliary de-icing procedure. At this time, the ice-making circulation path is closed, and the hot water path is opened. Specifically, the first and second ports of the one-in-two-out solenoid valve are connected, and the self-priming pump is in the open state. The self-priming pump delivers pure room-temperature water supplied by the water supply system to the heating element. The heating element heats the pure room-temperature water to a preset temperature (e.g., 45 degrees Celsius). Then, the hot water flows through the first and second ports into the water distribution pipe to pour water onto the ice in the ice tray to de-ice it. At this time, the water guide plate can be driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is still in a state of blocking at least part of the opening of the ice storage box, resulting in the following... Figure 2b As shown, the hot water after de-icing flows into the wastewater tank.

[0048] In step S303, when the watering and de-icing time reaches the second time threshold, the hot water passage is closed and the ice-making circulation passage is reopened to flush the ice tray with water from the ice water tank and drive the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flushing the ice tray into the ice water tank.

[0049] This invention can time the watering and de-icing time in real time. When the watering and de-icing time reaches the second time threshold T1, the hot water passage can be closed (controlling the first and second ports to be in a disconnected state), and the ice-making circulation passage can be reopened (starting the ice water circulation pump). This allows the ice water circulation pump to continue drawing ice water from the ice water tank and delivering it to the water distribution pipe to rinse the ice trays. At the same time, the water guide plate can be driven by the motor to rotate towards the ice water tank, and the ice water flows into the ice water tank along the guide plate, so that the ice water continues to circulate in the ice water tank. By using the low-temperature ice water in the refrigerator to rinse the ice trays a second time, the ice water can quickly cool the ice trays, remove loose ice blocks, and prevent high-temperature hot water residue from melting and forming ice blocks.

[0050] Step S304, and, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, during the ice grid flushing operation, the ice magnetic strip proximity switch signal detects that an ice block has successfully detached. The ice magnetic strip opens at least partially under the push of the detached ice block. Figure 2c As shown, the detached ice cubes flow into the ice storage box. After that, the user can start the next round of ice making until the ice is full, or stop ice making, according to their wishes.

[0052] The ice-removal method for an ice-making device provided by this invention, in response to an ice-making command, opens the ice-making circulation path to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for cooling and forming ice blocks, and drives the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flowing through the ice tray back to the ice water tank. When the ice-making time is detected to have reached a first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to transport heated water to the ice tray to pour and remove the ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water after pouring and removing the ice to the wastewater tank. When the pouring and removing ice time is detected to have reached a second time threshold, ... The hot water circuit is closed, and the ice-making circulation circuit is reopened to flush the ice trays with water from the ice water tank. This drives the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank, guiding the water flushing the ice trays into the ice water tank. In response to the detection of an ice block falling off, the ice magnetic strip opens at least partially under the push of the falling ice block, allowing the falling ice block to flow into the ice storage box. By using alternating hot and cold water to flush the melting and connecting area of ​​the ice surface when the ice block is formed and about to fall off, the ice block falls off one by one, which improves the ice removal efficiency, eliminates the need for the user to manually break the ice, improves convenience, and prevents a single ice block from clogging the ice opening, thus ensuring the service life of the ice-making equipment.

[0053] This embodiment provides a de-icing method for an ice-making device, applied to the control unit of the ice-making device. The ice-making device includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, and a water supply system. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to deliver heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is disposed above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least a portion of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open at least a portion of the opening when pushed by ice blocks. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a de-icing method for an ice-making device according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the process includes the following steps: In step S501, in response to the ice-making command, the ice-making circulation path is opened to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray to cool and form ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water that has not frozen after flowing through the ice tray to the ice water tank.

[0054] In one optional implementation, the water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then flow it into the ice water tank via the ice water tank makeup pump, as well as into the hot water passage. In response to an ice-making command, the ice water tank makeup pump is turned on to control the water purification system to supply water to the ice water tank and to monitor the water level in the makeup tank in real time. When the water level in the makeup tank is detected to have reached the preset upper limit value, the ice water tank makeup pump is turned off.

[0055] In this embodiment of the invention, upon responding to an ice-making command, the ice water tank replenishment pump can be activated to control the water purification system to supply water to the ice water tank. Subsequently, the water level in the replenishment tank can be monitored in real time. When the water level in the replenishment tank reaches the preset upper limit, the ice water tank replenishment pump can be shut off. Alternatively, when the water level in the replenishment tank is detected to be lower than the preset lower limit, the ice water tank replenishment pump can be restarted. This is merely an example.

[0056] This invention starts and stops the ice water tank replenishment pump based on the ice water tank water level, realizing shutdown when the water is full and replenishment when the water level is low, so as to maintain a stable water output from the ice water tank, avoid interruption of ice making due to water shortage or overflow due to excessive water replenishment, reduce ineffective operation of the water pump, and ensure the continuous and stable operation of the ice making process.

[0057] In step S502, when the ice-making time reaches the first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to deliver heated water to the ice tray to pour water onto the ice blocks to remove the ice, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water after pouring water to flow into the wastewater tank.

[0058] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making device further includes an ice-removal valve, which is activated when the ice-making time is detected to have reached a first time threshold to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray and demold the ice blocks.

[0059] The ice-making equipment designed in this embodiment of the invention includes an ice-removing valve. When the ice-making time is detected to have reached a first time threshold and an auxiliary ice-removing procedure is about to be executed, the ice-removing valve can be activated to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray. This, together with the hot water pouring ice-removing operation, will demold the ice blocks, thereby improving the efficiency of ice block demolding.

[0060] In step S503, when the watering and de-icing time reaches the second time threshold, the hot water passage is closed and the ice-making circulation passage is reopened to flush the ice tray with water from the ice water tank and drive the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flushing the ice tray into the ice water tank.

[0061] Specifically, the ice-making instruction includes an ice thickness setting, and the second duration threshold can be determined through the following steps: obtain the current ambient temperature and determine the current temperature range; determine the corresponding ice thickness coefficient based on the user-set ice thickness setting; determine the ambient temperature coefficient based on the preset correspondence between different temperature ranges and different ambient temperature coefficients, and the current temperature range; add the ice thickness coefficient and the ambient temperature coefficient to obtain the duration coefficient; multiply the duration coefficient by the preset baseline duration, and then add it to the preset baseline duration to obtain the second duration threshold.

[0062] This invention takes into account that the ice-making time is determined by the ice thickness setting selected by the user. The thicker the ice, the longer the ice-making time. The thicker the ice layer between individual ice cubes, the longer the hot water rinsing time required. Therefore, the corresponding ice thickness coefficient can be determined based on the ice thickness setting set by the user. Specifically, for every 0.5cm increase in ice thickness, the ice thickness coefficient increases by 0.2. Then, based on the base thickness coefficient and the base ice thickness, the corresponding ice thickness coefficient is determined. At the same time, the current ambient temperature can be obtained, and the current temperature range can be determined. The temperature range can be set, including but not limited to ambient temperature ≤5℃, ambient temperature ≤15℃, and ambient temperature ≥25℃. Different ambient temperature coefficients are set for different temperature ranges, for example, ambient temperature ≤5℃ → ambient temperature coefficient 1.5, ambient temperature ≤15℃ → ambient temperature coefficient 1.2, ambient temperature ≥25℃ → ambient temperature coefficient 0. 8. As an example only, in practical applications, the corresponding ambient temperature coefficient can be determined for the current temperature range; then, the determined ice thickness coefficient can be added to the ambient temperature coefficient to obtain the duration coefficient. The duration coefficient is multiplied by the preset baseline duration to obtain the corrected duration. The corrected duration is then added to the preset baseline duration to obtain the second duration threshold T1. Specifically: Second duration threshold T1 = baseline duration × ambient temperature coefficient + baseline duration × (1 + ice thickness coefficient) = baseline duration × (1 + ice thickness coefficient + ambient temperature coefficient). Wherein, the baseline duration is the theoretical time required for 45-degree hot water to melt an ice layer with a length and width of cm and a thickness of 1mm in the mold. This duration can be adjusted by performance testing to achieve the goal of using 45-degree hot water to circulate and rinse the ice surface according to the target ice thickness selected by the user, melting and connecting thin ice layers, and intelligently controlling the pouring and de-icing time through real-time temperature control.

[0063] This invention can dynamically calculate the second duration threshold based on ambient temperature and ice thickness setting, adapting to different ice-making conditions and improving ice-making stability and user experience.

[0064] In one optional implementation, after closing the hot water passage, reopening the ice-making circulation passage, and driving the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank, a timer is started; if the ice tray rinsing time reaches the third time threshold, but no ice block falling signal is detected, the process returns to the steps of closing the ice-making circulation passage, opening the hot water passage to deliver heated water to the ice tray to rinse and remove the ice, and driving the water guide plate to rotate towards the waste water tank, until an ice block falling signal is detected.

[0065] This invention embodiment allows setting a threshold for the ice tray rinsing time (i.e., a third time threshold) to statistically analyze the ice tray rinsing time. This threshold can be set to a fixed duration because after the surface ice melts, the surface state of ice of different thicknesses is the same. When the hot water circuit is closed and the ice-making circulation circuit is reopened, the water in the ice water tank rinsing the ice tray begins at this time, and the ice tray rinsing time is compared with the third time threshold in real time. Figure 4 As shown, when the ice grid flushing time reaches the third time threshold, but no ice block falling signal is detected, the watering and de-icing operation can be performed again. That is, the ice-making circulation path is shut down, the hot water path is restarted, the water guide plate is turned to the wastewater tank side, and when the second time threshold is reached, the ice grid flushing operation is performed again. The hot and cold spraying is repeated in a cycle until an ice block falling signal is detected.

[0066] This invention employs an alternating logic of hot water de-icing followed by ice water rinsing, and automatically switching back to hot water and ice water rinsing after a timeout if no ice block detachment signal is detected. This effectively melts stubborn, adhered ice plates, ensuring both a high success rate and improved de-icing efficiency.

[0067] Furthermore, during the process of performing the watering and de-icing operation or the ice tray rinsing operation, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off, the ice magnetic strip opens at least partially under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

[0068] In this embodiment of the invention, when performing the hot water de-icing operation (whether it is the first hot water de-icing operation or a re-execution of the hot water de-icing operation), that is, at any time after the hot water starts rinsing, after detecting the ice block falling off, the process ends directly. The ice magnetic strip opens at least partially under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box. For example, if the ice block falling off signal is detected during the hot water de-icing operation, the ice grid rinsing operation is skipped directly, and the falling ice block falls directly into the ice storage box.

[0069] This invention can stop the spraying process in advance if de-icing is detected during any operation, thereby reducing the waste of hot and cold water resources and improving de-icing efficiency.

[0070] Step S504, and, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

[0071] In one alternative implementation, the de-icing valve is closed in response to a detected ice block falling signal.

[0072] In response to the detection of an ice block falling signal, the de-icing valve of this invention can be closed, which ensures the success rate of de-icing and reduces unnecessary waste of resources.

[0073] Step S505: Open the wastewater return path to control the water in the wastewater tank to flow back to the water supply system.

[0074] The ice-making equipment also includes a wastewater return path, which connects the wastewater tank and the water supply system to return the water stored in the wastewater tank to the water supply system.

[0075] In response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the wastewater return path can be opened to control the water in the wastewater tank to flow back to the water supply system. Specifically, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the hot water return pump is turned on. The hot water return pump draws water stored in the wastewater tank and returns it to the original water tank. This increases the number of return pumps from the wastewater tank to the original water tank, recovers the hot water that helps with ice removal, reduces bacterial growth, and allows for reuse.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a control unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The following is a detailed reference. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a structural schematic suitable for implementing a control unit in an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.) 601, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in read-only memory (ROM) 602 or a program loaded from memory 608 into random access memory (RAM) 603. The RAM 603 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the control unit. The processor 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are interconnected via a bus 604. An input / output (I / O) interface 605 is also connected to the bus 604.

[0078] Typically, the following devices can be connected to I / O interface 605: input devices 606 including, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, keyboards, mice, cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.; output devices 607 including, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, vibrators, etc.; memory devices 608 including, for example, magnetic tapes, hard disks, etc.; and communication devices 609. Communication device 609 allows the control unit to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although Figure 6 A control unit with various devices is shown, but it should be understood that it is not required to implement or have all of the devices shown, and more or fewer devices may be implemented or have instead.

[0079] In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of the present invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device 609, or installed from a memory 608, or installed from a ROM 602. When the computer program is executed by the processor 601, it performs the functions defined in the de-icing method of the ice-making apparatus of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 6 The control unit shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The methods described above according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or firmware, or implemented as computer code that can be recorded on a storage medium, or implemented as computer code downloaded via a network and originally stored on a remote storage medium or a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and then stored on a local storage medium. Thus, the methods described herein can be processed by software stored on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory, hard disk, or solid-state drive, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory. It is understood that computers, processors, microprocessor controllers, or programmable hardware include storage components capable of storing or receiving software or computer code. When the software or computer code is accessed and executed by the computer, processor, or hardware, the de-icing method of the ice-making device shown in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0082] A portion of this invention can be applied as a computer program product, such as computer program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, can invoke or provide the methods and / or technical solutions according to the invention through the operation of the computer. Those skilled in the art will understand that the forms in which computer program instructions exist in a computer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, source files, executable files, installation package files, etc. Correspondingly, the ways in which computer program instructions are executed by a computer include, but are not limited to: the computer directly executing the instructions, or the computer compiling the instructions and then executing the corresponding compiled program, or the computer reading and executing the instructions, or the computer reading and installing the instructions and then executing the corresponding installed program. Here, the computer-readable medium can be any available computer-readable storage medium or communication medium accessible to a computer.

[0083] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined herein.

Claims

1. A method for de-icing an ice-making device, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, an ice tray, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, and a water supply system. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water path. The hot water path is used to send heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation path is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least a portion of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open the at least a portion of the opening under the push of the ice block. The method includes: In response to the ice-making command, the ice-making circulation path is opened to continuously transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray to cool and form ice blocks, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water that has not frozen after flowing through the ice tray to the ice water tank. When the ice-making time reaches the first time threshold, the ice-making circulation path is closed and the hot water path is opened to deliver heated water to the ice tray to pour water over the ice to remove it, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate towards the wastewater tank to guide the hot water after pouring water to the wastewater tank. When the watering and de-icing time reaches the second time threshold, the hot water passage is closed and the ice-making circulation passage is reopened to use the water in the ice water tank to flush the ice tray and drive the water guide plate to rotate towards the ice water tank to guide the water flushing the ice tray into the ice water tank. In addition, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off signal, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making command includes ice thickness settings, and the second duration threshold is determined through the following steps: Obtain the current ambient temperature and determine the current temperature range; Determine the corresponding ice thickness coefficient based on the ice thickness setting set by the user; Based on the pre-defined correspondence between different temperature ranges and different ambient temperature coefficients, and the current temperature range, the ambient temperature coefficient is determined. The duration coefficient is obtained by adding the ice thickness coefficient and the ambient temperature coefficient. The duration coefficient is multiplied by the preset baseline duration, and then added to the preset baseline duration to obtain the second duration threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to detecting an ice cube falling off signal, the method further includes: The timing begins after the hot water circuit is closed, the ice-making circulation circuit is reopened, and the water guide plate is driven to rotate toward the ice water tank. If the ice tray flushing time reaches the third time threshold, but no ice block falling signal is detected, return to the steps of closing the ice-making circulation path and opening the hot water path to deliver heated water to the ice tray to rinse and remove the ice, and drive the water guide plate to rotate towards the wastewater tank, until an ice block falling signal is detected.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the process of performing a watering and de-icing operation or an ice tray rinsing operation, in response to the detection of an ice block falling off, the ice magnetic strip opens at least a partial opening under the push of the falling ice block, so that the falling ice block flows into the ice storage box.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment further includes a wastewater return path, which connects a wastewater tank and a water supply system for returning water stored in the wastewater tank to the water supply system. The method further includes: In response to the detection of ice block shedding signal, the wastewater return path is opened to control the return of water in the wastewater tank to the water supply system.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then pump it into the chilled water tank via a chilled water tank makeup pump, as well as into the hot water supply path. The method further includes: In response to the ice-making command, the ice water tank replenishment pump is turned on to control the water purification system to supply water to the ice water tank and monitor the water level in the ice water tank in real time. When the water level in the ice water tank reaches the preset upper limit, the ice water tank replenishment pump is turned off.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes an ice-removing valve, and the method further includes: After detecting that the ice-making time has reached the first time threshold, the ice-removal valve is activated to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice tray and demold the ice blocks. In response to the detection of ice falling, the de-icing valve is closed.

8. An ice-making device, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment includes an ice-making circulation path, a hot water path, ice trays, an ice storage box, a water guide plate, an ice magnetic strip, a water supply system, and a control unit. The ice-making circulation path includes an ice water tank, and the hot water path includes a wastewater tank. The water supply system supplies water to the ice water tank and the hot water passage. The hot water passage is used to send heated water to the ice tray for de-icing. The ice-making circulation passage is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the ice tray for ice making. A rotatable water guide plate is provided above the ice water tank and the wastewater tank. The ice magnetic strip is located above the ice storage box and blocks at least part of the opening of the ice storage box. The ice magnetic strip can open the at least part of the opening under the push of the ice block. The control unit is used to execute the de-icing method of the ice-making equipment according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice-making circulation path includes an ice-water circulation pump, which is used to control the delivery of water from the ice-water tank to the ice tray.

10. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes an ice water outlet pump, which is used to transport water from the ice water tank to the outlet to provide water to users.

11. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water supply system includes a raw water tank and a water purification system. The water purification system is used to purify the water in the raw water tank and then flow it into the ice water tank via the ice water tank replenishment pump, as well as into the hot water passage.

12. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hot water passage includes a self-priming pump, a heating element, and a one-in-two-out valve. The one-in-two-out valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to receive heated water supplied by the heating element, the second port is used to supply heated water to the ice tray, and the third port is used to supply heated water to the outlet to provide water to the user. The self-priming pump is connected to the water purification system and is used to draw water supplied by the water purification system into the heating element, which heats the water supplied by the water purification system.

13. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a wastewater return path, which includes a hot water return pump. The two ends of the hot water return pump are connected to a wastewater tank and a raw water tank, respectively, for returning the water stored in the wastewater tank to the raw water tank.

14. The ice-making equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment also includes a water distribution pipe and an ice-making system. The ice-making system includes an ice-removal valve and a compressor. The compressor is used to provide cooling capacity to cool the ice trays. The ice-removal valve is used to conduct high-temperature refrigerant to heat the ice trays and remove the ice blocks from the mold.

15. The ice-making apparatus according to any one of claims 8-14, characterized in that, The ice-making equipment is a hot and cold mineral water purifier.

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