Ice maker and refrigeration equipment with same

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration, in particular to an ice maker and refrigeration equipment with the ice maker. The ice maker comprises a compressor assembly, the compressor assembly comprises a refrigerant circulation flow path, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a heating flow path and an on-off valve, the evaporator and the condenser are both arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, the evaporator is arranged on the inlet side of the compressor, the condenser is arranged on the outlet side of the compressor, and the heating flow path and the condenser are arranged in parallel. The on-off valve is arranged on the heating flow path and used for controlling on-off of the heating flow path. According to the ice maker disclosed by the utility model, when the on-off valve is opened, the heating flow path is conducted, so that the high-temperature heat exchange medium is directly conveyed to the evaporator to heat the evaporator so as to sterilize and disinfect the evaporator, and meanwhile, an ultraviolet module and an ozone module are cancelled so as to prevent the ultraviolet module and the ozone module from harming a human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigeration, in particular to an ice maker and a refrigeration device with the ice maker. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this part is only background information related to the present disclosure, and it is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] At present, with the improvement of users' demand for the quality of life, the demand for ice makers is increasing day by day. The ice-making principle of an ice maker is that a compressor assembly composed of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, etc. performs refrigeration work, and the cold generated by the evaporator for refrigeration is used to freeze water into ice. During the ice-making process, microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and molds in the external water and air are likely to grow and reproduce on the surface of the evaporator, resulting in excessive bacteria in the ice produced by the ice maker. Therefore, how to effectively sterilize is a technical problem to be solved urgently.

[0004] In the related art, an ice maker is often provided with an ultraviolet module and uses an ultraviolet sterilization method for sterilization treatment, or the ice maker is provided with an ozone module and uses an ozone sterilization method for sterilization treatment. However, both ultraviolet and ozone may cause harm to the human body when exceeding a certain dose. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to effectively kill the microorganisms growing on the surface of the evaporator of the ice maker while canceling the ultraviolet module and the ozone module to avoid harm to the human body. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A first aspect of the utility model provides an ice maker, including: a compressor assembly, the compressor assembly includes: a refrigerant circulation flow path, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a heating flow path, and a on-off valve. The evaporator and the condenser are both arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, and the evaporator is arranged on the inlet side of the compressor, and the condenser is arranged on the outlet side of the compressor. The heating flow path is arranged in parallel with the condenser, and the on-off valve is arranged on the heating flow path and is used to control the on-off of the heating flow path.

[0007] According to the ice maker of the utility model, by setting that the compressor assembly further includes a heating flow path and a on-off valve, the heating flow path is arranged in parallel with the condenser, and the on-off valve can control the on-off of the heating flow path, so that the heating flow path can be selectively conducted and cut off. When the on-off valve is opened, the heating flow path is conducted, and the high-temperature heat exchange medium is directly transported to the evaporator for heating the evaporator, so that the temperature of the evaporator can rise, and then the temperature of the evaporator is not suitable for the reproduction of microorganisms, realizing the sterilization and disinfection of the evaporator. Moreover, the ultraviolet module and the ozone module are canceled, so the harm caused by the ultraviolet module and the ozone module to the human body can be avoided.

[0008] In addition, the ice maker according to the present utility model may further have the following additional technical features:

[0009] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes a first temperature detector disposed on the evaporator, and the first temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of the evaporator.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes an ice-making module and a second temperature detector. The ice-making module has a water box, and the ice-making rod of the evaporator extends into the water box to make the water in the water box into ice bodies. The second temperature detector is disposed on the water box, and the second temperature detector is used to detect the temperature of the water box.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes a switch state confirmation unit and a compressor state confirmation unit. The switch state confirmation unit is used to confirm the opening and closing state of the on-off valve. The compressor state confirmation unit is used to confirm the operating state of the compressor. Among them, the confirmation result of the switch state confirmation unit and the confirmation result of the compressor state confirmation unit are used to confirm the working state of the ice-making module.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes an ice output detection element, and the ice output detection element is used to detect the ice output state of the water box.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice-making module further includes a motor. The motor is drivingly connected to the water box to drive the water box to rotate between a horizontal position and an inclined position around a horizontal axis. When in the inclined position, the ice bodies are poured out of the water box. The ice output detection element is used to detect the rotation direction and rotation angle of the water box, and confirm the ice output state of the water box based on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the water box.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes a control device and a heating timer. The control device is electrically connected to the heating timer and the on-off valve, and the heating timer is used to time the detection of the first temperature detector.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the on-off valve is an electromagnetic valve.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ice maker further includes a control device;

[0017] The ice maker further includes a disinfection start switch, and the disinfection start switch is electrically connected to the control device; or, the ice maker further includes an interval timer electrically connected to the control device, and the interval timer is used to accumulate the disinfection interval duration.

[0018] In a second aspect of the present utility model, a refrigeration device is proposed. The refrigeration device includes a box body and any one of the ice makers proposed in the first aspect of the present utility model. The interior of the box body has a refrigeration compartment, and the ice maker is disposed in the refrigeration compartment. Description of the Drawings

[0019] By reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below, various other advantages and benefits will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The drawings are only for the purpose of showing the preferred embodiments and are not considered to be a limitation of the present utility model. Moreover, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 Schematically shows a schematic structural diagram of an ice maker according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 For Figure 1 the block diagram of the control system of the ice maker shown in

[0022] Figure 3 For Figure 1 the state schematic diagram of the ice maker in the ice-making state shown in

[0023] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0024] 100, ice maker;

[0025] 10, compressor assembly; 11, compressor; 12, condenser; 13, throttling device; 14, evaporator; 141, ice-making rod; 15, heating flow path; 16, on-off valve; 17, refrigerant circulation flow path;

[0026] 20, first temperature detector; 21, second temperature detector;

[0027] 30, control device;

[0028] 40, disinfection start switch; 41, switch state confirmation unit; 42, compressor state confirmation unit; 43, ice discharge detection element;

[0029] 50, heating timer; 51, interval timer;

[0030] 60, water box; 61, motor. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure can be more thoroughly understood and the scope of the present disclosure can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms "comprising", "including", "containing", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order described or illustrated, unless the order of performance is expressly stated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0033] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply an order or sequence. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relative relationship terms may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figure to another element or feature, such as "inner", "outer", "inner side", "outer side", "below", "beneath", "above", "over", etc. Such spatial relative relationship terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will then be oriented "above" or "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the example term "below" can include both the upper and lower orientations.

[0035] As Figures 1 to 2As shown, according to the first aspect of the embodiment of the present utility model, an ice maker 100 is proposed. The ice maker 100 includes an ice-making module and a compressor assembly 10.

[0036] The ice-making module includes a water tank 60 for containing water. The water in the water tank 60 can be introduced by manual pouring, water inlet pipe, pumping by a water pump or other means. The water introduced into the water tank 60 can be the water from a water dispenser, external water (i.e., tap water), or the water in a water storage tank which is communicated with the water tank 60.

[0037] The compressor assembly 10 includes a refrigerant circulation flow path 17, and a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a throttling device 13 and an evaporator 14 provided on the refrigerant circulation flow path 17. The condenser 12 is provided on the outlet side of the compressor 11, that is, the exhaust port of the compressor 11 is connected to the condenser 12. The evaporator 14 is provided on the inlet side of the compressor 11, that is, the outlet of the evaporator 14 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 11. The throttling device 13 can be any one of a capillary tube, an electronic expansion valve and a throttle valve, and the throttling device 13 is provided between the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14. The evaporator 14 can be mounted on the water tank 60, and the evaporator 14 has an ice-making rod 141 which can be arranged vertically and extends into the water in the water tank 60.

[0038] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , the compressor assembly 10 further includes a heating flow path 15 which is arranged in parallel with the condenser 12. In other words, the exhaust port of the compressor 11 is also directly connected to the inlet of the evaporator 14 through the heating flow path 15. And a on-off valve 16 is provided on the heating flow path 15 for controlling the on-off of the heating flow path 15. Specifically, the on-off valve 16 has an open state and a closed state. When the on-off valve 16 is in the closed state, the heating flow path 15 is cut off. When the on-off valve 16 is in the open state, the heating flow path 15 is conducted.

[0039] It can be understood that an exemplary working process of the ice maker 100 in this embodiment includes an ice-making stage and a disinfection stage.

[0040] Ice-making stage. As Figure 3As shown, the compressor assembly 10 operates, and the on-off valve 16 is in the closed state. The compressor 11 compresses the gaseous heat exchange medium into high-temperature and high-pressure steam. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam is discharged from the exhaust port and then enters the condenser 12. The condenser 12 condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure steam into medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid. The medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid is depressurized to low-temperature and low-pressure liquid by the throttling device 13 and then enters the evaporator 14. At the evaporator 14, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid absorbs heat, causing the water around the ice-making rod 141 to cool down. After heat exchange, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid flows back to the compressor 11, thus starting the next cycle. Repeating this process, the water around the ice-making rod 141 can eventually be condensed into an ice body. The ice body can be ice cubes or ice particles. For easy understanding, the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the compressor assembly 10 is shown by solid arrows in Figure 3 as shown in the figure.

[0041] Disinfection stage. When the on-off valve 16 is opened, the heating flow path 15 is conducted. In this way, a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium compressed by the compressor 11 flows along the heating flow path 15 to the inlet of the evaporator 14 and then enters the evaporator 14. That is, a large amount of high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium directly flows along the heating flow path 15 to the evaporator 14 without passing through the condenser 12 and the throttling device 13, and then conducts heat to the evaporator 14, causing the temperature of the evaporator 14 to rise and heat up. Among them, the temperature of the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium discharged by the compressor 11 is usually as high as 90 °C.

[0042] In the ice maker 100 of this embodiment, by providing that the compressor assembly 10 further includes a heating flow path 15 and an on-off valve 16, the heating flow path 15 is arranged in parallel with the condenser 12, and the on-off valve 16 can control the on-off of the heating flow path 15, so that the heating flow path 15 can be selectively conducted and cut off. When the on-off valve 16 is opened, the heating flow path 15 is conducted, so that the high-temperature heat exchange medium is directly transported to the evaporator 14 for heating the evaporator 14, so that the temperature of the evaporator 14 can rise, and further the temperature of the evaporator 14 is not suitable for the reproduction of microorganisms, realizing the sterilization and disinfection of the evaporator 14.

[0043] Moreover, in the ice maker 100 of this embodiment, by canceling the ultraviolet module and the ozone module, the harm to the human body caused by the ultraviolet module and the ozone module can be avoided. In the related art, when the ice maker 100 is provided with an ultraviolet module for sterilization, in addition to possibly causing harm to the human body, ultraviolet rays will also accelerate the aging of the plastic parts in the ice maker 100, resulting in a shortened service life of the ice maker 100. However, since the ultraviolet module is canceled in the ice maker 100 of this embodiment, the adverse effect of the ultraviolet module on the service life of the ice maker 100 can be eliminated.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice maker 100 may further include a first temperature detector 20 disposed on the evaporator 14, and the first temperature detector 20 is configured to detect the temperature of the evaporator 14. Among them, the first temperature detector 20 may be any one of an infrared temperature sensor, a thermocouple, and a thermal resistor. Taking the thermocouple as an example, the first temperature detector 20 may be specifically fixed on the surface of the evaporator 14.

[0045] In the disinfection stage of the ice maker 100 of this embodiment, according to the detection result of the first temperature detector 20, it can be confirmed whether the temperature of the evaporator 14 reaches a preset condition. When the preset condition is reached, the on-off valve 16 is closed and the evaporator 14 is no longer heated. On the contrary, when the preset condition is not reached, the on-off valve 16 remains open. Here, the preset condition at least includes that the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value. Among them, the target temperature value is the temperature at which microorganisms are difficult to survive and reproduce, and the target temperature value can be reasonably designed according to experience and actual working conditions. For example, it can be 100 °C.

[0046] By setting the first temperature detector 20, in the disinfection stage, the evaporator 14 is gradually heated up. According to the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 20, when the temperature of the evaporator 14 rises above the target temperature value, the on-off valve 16 is then closed, which is conducive to reliably achieving sterilization and disinfection.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the ice maker 100 may further include a second temperature detector 21 disposed on the water tank 60, and the second temperature detector 21 is configured to detect the temperature of the water tank 60. Similar to the first temperature detector 20, the second temperature detector 21 may be any one of an infrared temperature sensor, a thermocouple, and a thermal resistor.

[0048] In the ice-making stage of the ice maker 100 of this embodiment, according to the detection result of the second temperature detector 21 (i.e., the temperature of the water tank 60), it can be confirmed whether the ice-making is completed, that is, whether the water in the water tank 60 has been made into ice. Specifically, when the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 21 is lower than the preset temperature value, it can be determined that the water in the water tank 60 has been made into ice, that is, the ice-making is completed. When it is confirmed that the ice-making is completed, the on-off valve 16 is opened, and the heating flow path 15 is conducted, so that the high-temperature heat exchange medium is transported to the evaporator 14, the temperature of the evaporator 14 rises, and the ice around the ice-making rod 141 slightly melts and separates from the ice-making rod 141, so that the ice is easily poured out of the water tank 60 later to enable the next ice-making. The preset temperature value is the temperature threshold for the ice to be made in the water tank 60, and can be specifically designed according to experience and actual working conditions. For example, it can be -50 °C.

[0049] By setting the second temperature detector 21, during the ice-making stage, according to the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 21, the on-off valve 16 can be opened in a timely manner when the ice-making is completed, so that the heat of the high-temperature heat exchange medium can be used to assist the separation of the ice body from the ice-making rod 141 after the ice-making is completed, realizing ice removal.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice maker 100 may further include a switch state confirmation unit 41 and a compressor state confirmation unit 42. The switch state confirmation unit 41 is used to confirm the opening and closing state of the on-off valve 16, and the compressor state confirmation unit 42 is used to confirm the operating state of the compressor 11.

[0051] Among them, the switch state confirmation unit 41 may specifically be implemented as a flow sensor. The flow sensor is used to detect the flow rate of the heating flow path 15. Based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor, the on-off of the heating flow path 15 can be judged, and accordingly, the opening and closing state of the on-off valve 16 can be confirmed. Of course, in other embodiments, the switch state confirmation unit 41 may also be implemented as a position sensor for detecting the valve plate position of the on-off valve 16.

[0052] Among them, the compressor state confirmation unit 42 may specifically be implemented as a speed sensor or a displacement sensor, and the operating state of the compressor 11 is confirmed based on the measurement results of the speed sensor or the displacement sensor. Alternatively, the compressor state confirmation unit 42 may also be implemented as a voltmeter. The voltmeter is used to detect the voltage of the power supply circuit that supplies power to the compressor 11. Based on the detection result, it is confirmed whether the power supply circuit supplies power, that is, whether the compressor 11 is powered on. When the power supply circuit supplies power, it is confirmed that the compressor 11 is operating.

[0053] According to the content described above, the on-off valve 16 should be in the closed state during the ice-making stage, and the on-off valve 16 should be in the open state during the ice-making completion and disinfection stages. Based on this, the confirmation results of the switch state confirmation unit 41 and the compressor state confirmation unit 42 are used to confirm the working state of the ice-making module. Specifically, when the confirmation result of the switch state confirmation unit 41 is that the on-off valve 16 is in the open state and the confirmation result of the compressor state confirmation unit 42 is that the compressor 11 is in the operating state, it indicates that the heating flow path 15 is conducting while the compressor 11 is operating, and the judgment result is that the working state of the ice-making module is not in the ice-making process. When the confirmation result of the switch state confirmation unit 41 is that the on-off valve 16 is in the closed state and the confirmation result of the compressor state confirmation unit 42 is the operating state, it indicates that the refrigerant circulation flow path 17 is conducting, and the judgment result is that the working state of the ice-making module is in the ice-making process.

[0054] Before opening the on-off valve 16, the ice maker 100 of this embodiment can first determine whether the ice-making module is in the ice-making state according to the confirmation results of the switch state confirmation unit 41 and the compressor state confirmation unit 42. When it is confirmed that the working state of the ice-making module is not in the ice-making process, then the on-off valve 16 is opened.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice maker 100 may further include an ice discharge detection element 43. The ice discharge detection element 43 is used to detect the ice discharge state of the water box 60. The ice discharge state has an ice-discharged state and an ice-not-discharged state. In the ice-discharged state, it indicates that the ice body has moved out of the water box 60. In the ice-not-discharged state, it indicates that the ice body has not moved out of the water box 60. That is to say, according to the detection result of the ice discharge detection element 43, it can be confirmed whether the ice body has moved out of the water box 60.

[0056] Before opening the on-off valve 16, the ice maker 100 of this embodiment can first determine whether the ice-making module is in the ice-making state according to the confirmation results of the switch state confirmation unit 41 and the compressor state confirmation unit 42. When it is confirmed that the working state of the ice-making module is in the ice-making process, the ice discharge detection element 43 is used to confirm whether the ice body has moved out of the water box 60. When it is confirmed that the ice body has moved out of the water box 60, then the on-off valve 16 is opened.

[0057] Generally speaking, first determine whether the working state of the ice-making module is in the ice-making process according to the confirmation results of the switch state confirmation unit 41 and the compressor state confirmation unit 42. Optionally, if the working state of the ice-making module is not in the ice-making process, then the on-off valve 16 is opened. Optionally, if the working state of the ice-making module is in the ice-making process, then the ice discharge detection element 43 is used to confirm whether the ice body has moved out of the water box 60. When it is confirmed that the ice body has moved out of the water box 60, then the on-off valve 16 is controlled to be in the open state.

[0058] By setting like this, first confirm whether the ice-making module is making ice. If it is confirmed that the ice-making module is making ice, then it is necessary to wait until the ice body moves out of the water box 60, that is, after the ice-making is completed and the ice is discharged, then control the on-off valve 16 to open to heat the evaporator 14 for sterilization treatment. If it is confirmed that the working state of the ice-making module is not in the ice-making process, then the on-off valve 16 can be immediately opened to heat the evaporator 14 for sterilization treatment. Designed in this way, the evaporator 14 can be sterilized after the ice-making is completed, so as to prevent the heating flow path 15 from being conducted during the disinfection process, causing the temperature of the evaporator 14 to rise and affecting the refrigeration of the evaporator 14, so that the ice maker 100 that uses a high-temperature heat exchange medium to achieve the sterilization treatment can still make ice reliably.

[0059] It can be understood that according to the different structures of the ice-making module, the implementation manner of the ice discharge detection element 43 can also be different. Several possible implementation manners are introduced below respectively.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice-making module may further include a motor 61 drivingly connected to the water tank 60. The motor 61 is configured to drive the water tank 60 to rotate about a horizontal axis, so that the water tank 60 rotates between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The water tank 60 holds water in the horizontal position. After ice-making is completed, when the water tank 60 rotates from the horizontal position to the inclined position, the ice bodies will be poured out of the water tank 60. Here, it should be noted that the water tank 60 needs to reverse a preset angle from the horizontal position to the inclined position. On the contrary, the water tank 60 needs to rotate forward by a preset angle value to the horizontal position from the inclined position. The preset angle can be any value between 90° and 180°, such as 90°, 110°, 130°, etc.

[0061] Optionally, the ice discharging detection element 43 may be a Hall sensor provided on the motor shaft of the motor 61. According to the detection signal of the Hall sensor, the rotation angle and rotation direction of the motor shaft can be confirmed. When the motor shaft reverses by a preset angle, it can be confirmed that the ice bodies have moved out of the water tank 60.

[0062] Optionally, the ice discharging detection element 43 may also be a weight sensor. The weight sensor is provided on the water tank 60 and is used to detect the weight of the water tank 60. When the detection result of the weight sensor changes from a first weight value to a second weight value, and the second weight value is less than the first weight value, and the second weight value is the weight value of the water tank 60 itself, it indicates that the ice bodies in the water tank 60 have been poured out, and thus it is confirmed that the ice bodies have moved out of the water tank 60.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, further, the ice-making module may further include an ice receiving box, an ice storage box, and an ice pushing shovel connected to the water tank 60. When the water tank 60 rotates from the horizontal position to the inclined position, the ice bodies poured out from the water tank 60 can be received by the ice receiving box. During the process of the water tank 60 rotating back to the horizontal position from the inclined position, the ice pushing shovel connected to the water tank 60 moves accordingly and shovels out the ice bodies in the ice receiving box. The ice bodies shoveled out from the ice receiving box can be received by the ice storage box.

[0064] In this example, the ice discharging detection element 43 may be a proximity sensor provided on the water tank 60. When the water tank 60 is in the horizontal position, the proximity sensor triggers a high-level signal, otherwise it triggers a low-level signal. It can be understood that when the signal triggered by the proximity sensor changes from a low-level signal to a high-level signal, it can indicate that the water tank 60 has rotated back to the horizontal position, that is, the ice pushing shovel has shoveled out the ice bodies in the ice receiving box. Thus, based on the signal triggered by the proximity sensor changing from a low-level signal to a high-level signal, it can be confirmed that the ice bodies have moved out of the water tank 60.

[0065] In this example, the ice output detection element 43 can also be replaced with a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the ice storage box and is used to detect pressure. It can be understood that if the detected pressure of the pressure sensor increases, it indicates that the ice in the ice receiving box has entered the ice storage box, which may mean that the ice in the ice receiving box has been removed. Thus, based on the increase in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, it can also be confirmed that the ice has moved out of the water box 60.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the above preset condition may specifically be that the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value and lasts for a preset duration. The preset duration is a threshold representing the high-temperature sterilization duration, and can be specifically designed according to experience and actual working conditions. The value range of the preset duration can be, for example, 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0067] By setting it in this way, the evaporator 14 can maintain the temperature exceeding the target temperature value for the preset duration, which can extend the sterilization duration and thus improve the sterilization effect.

[0068] It can be understood that there are various ways to keep the on-off valve 16 open when the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 does not meet the preset condition.

[0069] Exemplarily, the ice maker 100 may further include a control device 30 and a heating timer 50. The control device 30 is electrically connected to the first temperature detector 20, the heating timer 50, and the on-off valve 16. Herein, communication between the control device 30 and the first temperature detector 20, the heating timer 50, and the on-off valve 16 can be achieved by using a wired or wireless communication technology (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), etc.

[0070] The control device 30 is further configured to: when the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 exceeds the target temperature value, control the heating timer 50 to start timing; when the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 is less than or equal to the target temperature value, control the heating timer 50 to be cleared. That is to say, the heating timer 50 is used to time the detection of the first temperature detector 20, specifically to time the time when the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value.

[0071] Based on this, when the timing time of the heating timer 50 reaches the preset duration, it means that the time when the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value reaches the preset duration, then the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 meets the preset condition, and the control device 30 controls the on-off valve 16 to switch to the closed state and stops heating the evaporator 14 continuously.

[0072] Conversely, when the timing time of the heating timer 50 does not reach the preset duration, it means that the time when the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value does not reach the preset duration. Then, the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 does not meet the preset condition, and the control device 30 controls the on-off valve 16 to remain in the open state, so that the heating flow path 15 continues to conduct to continue heating the evaporator 14.

[0073] As an alternative, the first temperature detector 20 can detect the temperature of the evaporator 14 in real time, and the control device 30 obtains the measurement result of the first temperature detector 20 and determines the temperature change rate of the evaporator 14. When the temperature of the evaporator 14 exceeds the target temperature value and the temperature change rate of the evaporator 14 remains close to 0 during the preset duration, it indicates that the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 meets the preset condition, and the control device 30 controls the on-off valve 16 to switch to the closed state; otherwise, the control device 30 controls the on-off valve 16 to remain in the open state.

[0074] Compared with the technical solution in which the control device 30 confirms the temperature change rate based on the obtained temperature of the evaporator 14 to determine whether the preset condition is met, in the technical solution that determines whether the preset condition is met by using the timing time of the heating timer 50 by setting the heating timer 50, the calculation amount of the control device 30 is small.

[0075] Moreover, by setting the control device 30, the first temperature detector 20, the heating timer 50, the on-off valve 16, etc. are all controlled by the control device 30, which can improve the automation degree of the ice maker 100 to be able to automatically control the on-off of the on-off valve 16 for sterilization.

[0076] In this example, the on-off valve 16 can be specifically implemented as an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, and safe use, and the electromagnetic valve can also be controlled by the control device 30.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 2 shown, the ice maker 100 may further include a control device 30 and a disinfection start switch 40. The disinfection start switch 40 is electrically connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 receives a disinfection signal when the disinfection start switch 40 is triggered, and controls the on-off valve 16 to open based on the disinfection signal.

[0078] Among them, the disinfection start switch 40 can be a physical switch or a touch switch that triggers the corresponding function through touch operation.

[0079] By setting the disinfection start switch 40, the user can conveniently operate the disinfection start switch 40 to trigger a disinfection signal to implement the sterilization treatment of the evaporator 14.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ice maker 100 may further include a control device 30 and an interval timer 51, and the interval timer 51 is electrically connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 is further configured to: when the detection result of the first temperature detector 20 meets a preset condition, control the interval timer 51 to start timing. That is to say, the interval timer 51 is used to time the interval between two adjacent disinfections.

[0081] In this example, the disinfection signal can be triggered and sent to the control device 30 by the interval timer 51 when the timing time of the interval timer 51 reaches a preset interval duration.

[0082] By setting the interval timer 51, and the interval timer 51 triggers the disinfection signal when the timing time reaches the preset interval duration. In this way, when the disinfection interval time reaches the preset interval duration, the ice maker 100 can automatically perform a sterilization process on the evaporator 14 without user operation, with a high degree of intelligence.

[0083] In a specific example, an exemplary working process of the ice maker 100 is as follows:

[0084] After receiving the disinfection signal, the control device 30 determines whether the ice making module is in an ice making state according to the confirmation results of the switch state confirmation unit 41 and the compressor state confirmation unit 42.

[0085] When it is confirmed that the working state of the ice making module is not in the ice making process, the control on-off valve 16 is opened.

[0086] When it is confirmed that the working state of the ice making module is in the ice making process, the ice output state of the water box 60 is confirmed according to the detection result of the ice output detection element 43. When it is confirmed that the water box 60 is in the ice output state, the control on-off valve 16 is opened.

[0087] After the on-off valve 16 is opened, when the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 20 exceeds the target temperature value and lasts for a preset duration, the on-off valve 16 is controlled to close.

[0088] It should be noted that any ice maker 100 proposed in the first aspect of the present invention can be used independently as a separate device.

[0089] Alternatively, the above-mentioned ice maker 100 can also be applied to a refrigeration device and used in cooperation with other components of the refrigeration device as part of the refrigeration device. Specifically, the second aspect of the present invention proposes a refrigeration device, which includes a box body and any ice maker 100 proposed in the first aspect of the present invention. The box body has a refrigeration compartment inside, and the ice maker 100 is arranged in the refrigeration compartment. Among them, the refrigeration device is not limited to a refrigerator and can also be a freezer.

[0090] The refrigeration device is equipped with the ice maker 100 of the first aspect of the present utility model. The beneficial effects of the refrigeration device are the same as those of the ice maker 100 of the first aspect of the present utility model, and thus will not be elaborated herein in this application.

[0091] For the structures of other parts of the present utility model, please refer to the prior art, and thus will not be elaborated herein in this application.

[0092] The above are only the preferred specific embodiments of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present utility model should be covered within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of the present utility model shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ice making machine, characterized in that: include: The compressor assembly includes: a refrigerant circulation flow path, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a heating flow path and an on-off valve, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are both arranged on the refrigerant circulation flow path, and the evaporator is arranged on the inlet side of the compressor, and the condenser is arranged on the outlet side of the compressor, the heating flow path is arranged in parallel with the condenser, and the on-off valve is arranged on the heating flow path and is used to control the on-off of the heating flow path.

2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises a first temperature detector, which is disposed on the evaporator and is used to detect the temperature of the evaporator.

3. The ice making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ice making machine also includes: An ice-making module, wherein the ice-making module has a water box, and the ice-making rod of the evaporator extends into the water box so that the water in the water box is made into ice; and The second temperature detector is arranged on the water box, and is used to detect the temperature of the water box.

4. The ice making machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ice making machine also includes: a switch state confirmation unit, the switch state confirmation unit being used to confirm the open or closed state of the on / off valve; and A compressor status confirmation unit, the compressor status confirmation unit is used to confirm the operating status of the compressor; Wherein, the confirmation result of the switch state confirmation unit and the confirmation result of the compressor state confirmation unit are used to confirm the working state of the ice-making module.

5. The ice making machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ice maker further comprises an ice-out detection element, and the ice-out detection element is used to detect an ice-out state of the water box.

6. The ice making machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ice-making module further includes a motor, which is in driving connection with the water box to drive the water box to rotate around a horizontal axis between a horizontal position and an inclined position; when in the inclined position, the ice body is dumped out of the water box; The ice-out detection element is used to detect the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the water box, and confirm the ice-out state of the water box based on the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the water box.

7. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The ice maker further comprises a control device and a heating timer. The control device is electrically connected to the heating timer and the on-off valve. The heating timer is used to time the detection of the first temperature detector.

8. The ice making machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The on-off valve is a solenoid valve.

9. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ice making machine also includes a control device; The ice maker further comprises a disinfection start switch, wherein the disinfection start switch is electrically connected to the control device; Alternatively, the ice maker further comprises an interval timer electrically connected to the control device, and the interval timer is used to accumulate the disinfection interval duration.

10. A refrigeration device, characterized in that: The refrigeration equipment comprises: A box body having a refrigeration compartment therein; and The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ice maker is arranged in the refrigeration room.

Images