Ice making system, ice maker, and refrigerator appliance
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN224534566U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of smart electrical appliance technology, and in particular to an ice-making system, ice maker, and refrigerator equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Ice makers are common equipment in ice-making equipment, capable of producing and storing ice for users to use at any time. Currently, ice produced by ice makers on the market is often in the form of a single plate, which is made up of multiple individual ice blocks connected by ice bridges. When this type of single plate of ice falls into the ice box after being de-iced, it often remains stuck together, causing various problems.
[0003] For example, when whole ice blocks are stacked in an icebox, they can easily create large gaps, reducing the actual ice storage capacity of the icebox and failing to fully utilize its storage space. During stacking, the ice blocks may become misaligned or tilted, obstructing the movement of the icebox drawer and preventing the icebox from being pulled out smoothly, thus affecting the user's ability to retrieve ice. Furthermore, when users need a single ice block, they cannot directly pick it up; they must first use a tool to break the whole ice block, a cumbersome process that severely impacts the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ice-making system, ice maker, and refrigerator equipment that can intelligently separate whole ice blocks, effectively solving the problems of low ice storage capacity, difficulty in removing ice boxes, and cumbersome ice removal for users caused by the sticky square ice blocks in existing ice makers.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an ice-making system, comprising:
[0006] An ice-making module, comprising an evaporator assembly for producing a plate of ice, wherein the plate of ice is formed by connecting multiple individual ice blocks via ice bridges;
[0007] An ice storage module, comprising an ice box assembly for receiving and storing whole plates of ice that have fallen from the ice-making module;
[0008] An ice-crushing module, comprising a pressure plate, a drive mechanism, and a thrust sensor; the drive mechanism is connected to the pressure plate and is used to drive the pressure plate to move in a preset direction; the thrust sensor is used to detect the pressure of the pressure plate on the entire plate of ice blocks;
[0009] The controller is electrically connected to the evaporator assembly, the ice box assembly, the drive mechanism, and the thrust sensor, respectively.
[0010] The controller is used to control the evaporator assembly to make ice; when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a whole plate of ice, it controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion in a preset direction; when the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0011] Specifically, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move along a first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, at which point the drive mechanism is controlled to stop driving the pressure plate to move; the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move a preset distance along a second direction, and the pressure plate is determined to have completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.
[0012] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a pressure plate motor and a screw; the output shaft of the pressure plate motor is connected to the screw, and the screw is threadedly connected to the pressure plate; the pressure plate motor is connected to the controller.
[0013] When the pressure plate motor rotates, it drives the pressure plate to move in a preset direction via the screw.
[0014] In one embodiment, the ice box assembly includes a weight sensor disposed at the bottom of the ice box assembly, and the controller is connected to the weight sensor;
[0015] The weight sensor is used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly;
[0016] The controller is used to obtain the weight of the ice blocks in the ice box assembly through the weight sensor; when the weight of the ice blocks increases, it determines that the ice box assembly has detected an additional whole plate of ice blocks; when the weight of the ice blocks is greater than or equal to a preset weight threshold, it determines that the ice box assembly has detected an ice storage amount greater than or equal to a preset threshold.
[0017] In one embodiment, the bottom of the ice box assembly is provided with a plurality of first protrusions, and the lower end face of the pressure plate is provided with a plurality of second protrusions; when the pressure plate presses down on the whole plate of ice, the first protrusions contact the lower surface of the whole plate of ice, and the second protrusions contact the upper surface of the whole plate of ice.
[0018] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is circular, square, or triangular.
[0019] In one embodiment, the first protrusion is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the bottom of the ice box assembly, and the second protrusion is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the lower end surface of the pressure plate; the projections of the first protrusion and the second protrusion on the lower end surface of the pressure plate do not overlap or partially overlap.
[0020] In one embodiment, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to reciprocate 3 times.
[0021] In one embodiment, the ice-making module further includes a water tank, a water pump, a compressor, and a condenser;
[0022] The controller is connected to the water pump, the compressor, and the condenser, respectively.
[0023] The controller is used to control the water pump to draw water from the water tank to the evaporator assembly, and to control the evaporator assembly, the compressor and the condenser to perform a preset ice-making operation to obtain the whole plate of ice blocks; the thickness of the ice bridge is less than the thickness of the single ice block.
[0024] Secondly, this application also provides an ice-making system control method, applied to the ice-making system described in the first aspect, comprising:
[0025] Control the evaporator assembly to make ice;
[0026] When the ice box assembly detects a new whole plate of ice, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction; wherein, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move along a first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, and then the drive mechanism is controlled to stop driving the pressure plate to move; the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move a preset distance along a second direction, and it is determined that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite in direction;
[0027] If the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0028] Thirdly, this application also provides an ice-making system control device, applied to the ice-making system described in the first aspect, comprising:
[0029] Ice-making control module, used to control the ice-making of the evaporator assembly;
[0030] The ice-crushing control module is used to control the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice. Specifically, the drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move along a first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, at which point the drive mechanism stops driving the pressure plate. The drive mechanism then drives the pressure plate to move a preset distance along a second direction, determining that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite in direction.
[0031] The shutdown control module is used to control the evaporator assembly to stop making ice when the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.
[0032] Fourthly, this application also provides an ice maker, including the ice-making system described in the first aspect.
[0033] Fifthly, this application also provides a refrigerator device, including the ice maker described in the fourth aspect.
[0034] In summary, this application proposes an ice-making system, ice maker, and refrigerator equipment, comprising: an ice-making module for making a plate of ice, wherein the plate of ice is composed of multiple individual ice blocks connected by ice bridges; an ice storage module for receiving and storing the plate of ice that falls off the ice-making module; an ice-crushing module for driving a pressure plate to move in a preset direction; and a controller for controlling the evaporator assembly to make ice. When the ice box assembly detects a new plate of ice, it controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion in the preset direction, thereby breaking the plate of ice into individual ice blocks. When the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice. The ice-making system provided by this application can automatically complete the ice-crushing process during ice making, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user, preventing the accumulation of plate of ice in the ice box, and effectively improving the ease of use of the ice maker. Attached Figure Description
[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an ice-making system in one embodiment;
[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an ice-making system in another embodiment;
[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making system in one embodiment;
[0038] Figure 4 This is a top view of a whole plate of ice in one embodiment;
[0039] Figure 5 This is a side view of a whole plate of ice in one embodiment;
[0040] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ice box assembly in one embodiment;
[0041] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first protrusion at the bottom of the ice box assembly in one embodiment;
[0042] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pressure plate and the second protrusion on the lower end face of the pressure plate in one embodiment;
[0043] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the ice-making system control method in one embodiment;
[0044] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the ice-making system control device in one embodiment;
[0045] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment.
[0046] Summary of attached image labels:
[0047] Ice-making module - 110; Evaporator assembly - 111; Water tank - 112; Ice storage module - 120; Ice box assembly - 121; Ice box panel - 122; First protrusion - 1211; Ice crushing module - 130; Drive mechanism - 131; Pressure plate motor - 1311; Screw - 1312; Pressure plate - 132; Second protrusion - 1321; Thrust sensor - 133; Controller 140; Whole plate of ice - 210; Single ice block - 220; Ice bridge - 230. Detailed Implementation
[0048] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.
[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.
[0050] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first resistor may be referred to as a second resistor, and similarly, a second resistor may be referred to as a first resistor. Both the first resistor and the second resistor are resistors, but they are not the same resistor.
[0051] It is understood that the term "connection" in the following embodiments should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if the connected circuits, modules, units, etc., have electrical signal or data transmission with each other.
[0052] It is understandable that "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least a part of an element" refers to part or all of an element.
[0053] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.
[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, an ice-making system is provided, including: an ice-making module 110, an ice-storage module 120, an ice-crushing module 130, and a controller 140, wherein the controller 140 is connected to the ice-making module 110, the ice-storage module 120, and the ice-crushing module 130 respectively.
[0055] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ice-making module 110 includes an evaporator assembly 111, a water tank 112, a water pump, a compressor, and a condenser. The water pump draws water from the water tank 112 to the evaporator assembly 111. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator assembly 111 work together to freeze the water on the evaporator assembly 111 into a plate of ice. The plate of ice is formed by connecting multiple individual ice blocks through ice bridges, and the thickness of the ice bridges is less than the thickness of a single ice block.
[0056] In actual operation, water ice is drawn from water tank 112 by a water pump and transported to the surface or internal cavity of evaporator assembly 111 to provide raw materials for ice making. In conjunction with refrigeration components such as the compressor and condenser, the water on the surface of evaporator assembly 111 freezes due to the heat absorption process of refrigerant evaporation, forming a solid ice block. Once the ice block is frozen, it is separated from the surface of evaporator assembly 111 by heating (e.g., a built-in heating unit) or other de-icing mechanisms, and falls into the ice storage module 120 below.
[0057] It should be noted that the actual structure of the ice-making module 110 can be adaptively configured according to the needs of the actual application scenario. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the water tank 112 of the ice-making module 110 can be located below the ice-making equipment. A water pump draws water stored in the water tank 112 to the evaporator assembly 111. The surface of the evaporator assembly 111 has grooves or partitioned structures matching the shape of individual ice cubes. When water freezes in the grooves, water in adjacent grooves connects through the edges to form ice bridges, ultimately forming a plate of ice that adheres to the surface. After detaching, the entire plate of ice 210 enters the ice storage module 120. The plate of ice 210 and the individual ice cubes 220 are as follows... Figure 4 As shown. The ice bridges 230 formed between the whole ice blocks 210 are as follows. Figure 5 As shown.
[0058] In this embodiment, the ice storage module 120 includes an ice box assembly 121. The bottom of the ice box assembly 121 is equipped with a weight sensor and multiple first protrusions 1211. The weight sensor is used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly 121, and the first protrusions 1211 are used to contact the lower surface of the ice block during the ice-crushing process. Figure 3 As shown, the ice box assembly 121 also includes an ice box panel 122, which has a handle for pushing and pulling the entire ice box assembly to dispensing ice. Additionally, the ice box panel 122 can be made of a transparent material to facilitate observation of the number of ice cubes inside the ice box assembly.
[0059] In this embodiment, the box portion of the ice box assembly 121 of the ice storage module 120 is used to receive and store whole plates of ice that have fallen from the ice-making module 110. The size of the ice box assembly 121 can be configured according to the size of the whole plates of ice generated by the evaporator assembly 111 in the actual application scenario. This embodiment does not limit the specific shape or size of the ice box assembly 121, but the ice box assembly 121 should be able to hold at least one whole plate of ice. In actual application scenarios, the ice box assembly 121 can hold multiple whole plates of ice.
[0060] In this embodiment, a weight sensor located at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 can be used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly 121. The controller 140 determines the amount of ice currently stored in the ice storage module 120 based on the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly 121, and then determines whether to continue controlling the evaporator assembly 111 to make ice.
[0061] In one embodiment, the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 may be provided with a first protrusion 1211. The first protrusion 1211 can be used to increase the single-point pressure borne by the whole plate of ice when it is being squeezed, thereby making it easier for the ice crushing module 130 to crush the whole plate of ice, so that the whole plate of ice is uniformly broken into individual ice cubes. The first protrusion 1211 provided at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 is as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.
[0062] In this embodiment, the ice-crushing module 130 includes a pressure plate 132, a drive mechanism 131, and a thrust sensor 133. The drive mechanism 131 consists of a pressure plate motor 1311 and a screw 1312. The output shaft of the pressure plate motor 1311 is connected to the screw 1312, and the screw 1312 is threadedly connected to the pressure plate 132. When the pressure plate motor 1311 rotates, it drives the screw 1312 to rotate, thereby driving the pressure plate 132 to move in a vertical direction (a preset direction). The first direction is vertically downward, and the second direction is vertically upward. The lower end face of the pressure plate 132 is provided with multiple second protrusions 1321 for contacting the upper surface of the entire ice block during the ice-crushing process. The thrust sensor 133 is disposed on the pressure plate 132 for detecting the pressure of the pressure plate 132 on the entire ice block. The second protrusions 1321 provided on the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 are as follows: Figure 8 As shown.
[0063] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the preset direction can be vertical, and the reciprocating motion can be vertically downward first, then vertically upward. In practical applications, the preset direction can also be a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the ice box component 121. The actual direction of the preset direction can be determined based on the structure and setting position of the ice box component 121.
[0064] In this embodiment, the pressure plate motor 1311 serves as the power source. Its output shaft is rigidly connected to the screw 1312 via a coupling or directly, forming a primary transmission that drives the rotational motion of the motor to the rotational motion of the screw 1312. The screw 1312 and the pressure plate 132 are connected by a thread, converting the rotational motion of the screw 1312 into the linear motion (vertical up-and-down movement) of the pressure plate 132, thus achieving the action of pressing and crushing the ice block. Furthermore, the pressure plate motor 1311 in this embodiment has forward and reverse rotation functions. The direction of rotation is controlled by the electrical signal output by the controller 140, driving the pressure plate 132 to apply downward pressure (crushing ice) and to return upward, respectively. With the pressure feedback from the thrust sensor 133, precise start and stop are achieved.
[0065] In this embodiment, the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 1321, which serve a similar function to the first protrusions 1211 provided at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121. The second protrusions 1321 can be used to increase the single-point pressure borne by the whole plate of ice blocks under the extrusion state, thereby making it easier for the ice crushing module 130 to crush the whole plate of ice blocks, so that the whole plate of ice blocks is uniformly broken into individual ice blocks. In practical application scenarios, the first protrusions 1211 and the second protrusions 1321 can be set separately or simultaneously, and can be set differently for different ice-making equipment products according to actual application needs. It should be noted that setting the first protrusions 1211 and the second protrusions 1321 simultaneously can effectively increase the pressure borne by the whole plate of ice blocks, thereby making the whole plate of ice blocks easier to crush.
[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 140 is electrically connected to the weight sensors of the evaporator assembly 111 and the ice box assembly 121, the pressure plate motor 1311 of the drive mechanism 131 and the thrust sensor 133, respectively, and is used to control the operation of the entire ice-making system.
[0067] The controller 140 is used to control the evaporator assembly 111 to make ice; when the ice box assembly 121 detects the addition of a whole plate of ice, it controls the drive mechanism 131 to drive the pressure plate 132 to complete at least one reciprocating motion in a preset direction; when the ice box assembly 121 detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly 111 to stop making ice.
[0068] Specifically, the control drive mechanism 131 drives the pressure plate 132 to move along the first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor 133 is greater than or equal to the preset pressure threshold, at which point the control drive mechanism 131 stops driving the pressure plate 132 to move; the control drive mechanism 131 drives the pressure plate 132 to move a preset distance along the second direction, and determines that the pressure plate 132 has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.
[0069] In this embodiment, the controller 140 controls the operation of the entire ice-making system in four stages: ice-making stage, ice-removing stage, ice-crushing stage, and shutdown stage. The control logic of each stage is described below.
[0070] During the ice-making stage, the controller 140 controls the water pump to draw water from the water tank 112 to the evaporator assembly 111, and simultaneously controls the compressor, condenser and evaporator assembly 111 to start the preset ice-making operation to make a whole plate of ice on the evaporator assembly 111.
[0071] During the de-icing stage control process, after the entire ice block is made, the evaporator assembly 111 performs the de-icing operation, and the entire ice block falls off and into the ice box assembly 121 of the ice storage module 120.
[0072] During the ice-crushing stage control process, the weight sensor of the ice box assembly 121 detects an increase in the weight of the ice and sends a signal to the controller 140. The controller 140 determines that a new plate of ice has been added and controls the ice-crushing module 130 to operate. For example, the controller 140 can control the pressure plate motor 1311 to rotate forward, driving the screw 1312 to rotate, causing the pressure plate 132 to move in a vertically downward direction (first direction). The second protrusion 1321 on the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 gradually approaches the upper surface of the plate of ice. When the second protrusion 1321 contacts the upper surface of the plate of ice and continues to press down, the thrust sensor 133 begins to detect pressure, and the first protrusion 1211 at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 contacts the lower surface of the plate of ice. When the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor 133 is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, the controller 140 controls the pressure plate motor 1311 to stop rotating, and the pressure plate 132 stops moving downward. Subsequently, the controller 140 controls the pressure plate motor 1311 to reverse, driving the pressure plate 132 to move a preset distance in the vertical upward direction (second direction) and then stop, completing one reciprocating motion. According to this logic, the controller 140 controls the pressure plate 132 to complete one or more reciprocating motions. Under the action of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321, the ice bridge of the entire plate of ice breaks and separates into individual ice blocks.
[0073] During the shutdown control process, as the ice-making process continues, the number of individual ice cubes in the ice box assembly 121 increases, and the weight of the ice cubes detected by the weight sensor gradually increases. When the weight of the ice cubes is greater than or equal to a preset weight threshold, the controller 140 determines that the ice storage amount has reached the preset threshold, controls the evaporator assembly 111 to stop ice making, and simultaneously stops the operation of the water pump, compressor, and condenser.
[0074] In this embodiment, the ice storage capacity of the ice box assembly 121 can be detected by means of the aforementioned weight sensor, by means of a camera assembly, or by monitoring the number of times the ice-making logic of the evaporator assembly 111 is completed. The method by which the ice storage capacity of the ice box assembly 121 is detected can be adaptively configured according to the needs of the actual application scenario.
[0075] In summary, this embodiment provides an ice-making system. By setting up an ice-crushing module 130, when the ice box assembly 121 detects a new plate of ice, the controller 140 controls the drive mechanism 131 to drive the pressure plate 132 to perform at least one reciprocating motion, which can automatically crush the plate of ice into individual ice cubes. This avoids the problem of low ice storage capacity caused by stacking whole plates of ice and improves the space utilization of the ice box assembly 121. The crushed individual ice cubes will not be stacked in a staggered or tilted manner, thus preventing them from blocking the drawer passage of the ice box assembly 121, making it convenient for users to pull out the ice box assembly 121 to retrieve ice. Users can directly pick up individual ice cubes without the need for additional tools to crush the whole plate of ice, making operation simple and improving the user experience. The use of a thrust sensor 133 to detect the pressure of the pressure plate 132 on the whole plate of ice allows for precise control of the downward pressure of the pressure plate 132, avoiding insufficient pressure that fails to crush the ice or excessive pressure that damages the equipment. The first protrusion 1211 at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 and the second protrusion 1321 on the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 cooperate with each other to increase local pressure when pressed, making it easier to break the ice bridge and improve ice crushing efficiency. By detecting the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly 121 through a weight sensor, it is possible to accurately determine whether a whole plate of ice blocks has been added and whether the ice storage amount has reached the preset threshold, making the control logic precise and reliable.
[0076] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 is circular, square, or triangular. The first protrusion 1211 is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the bottom of the ice box assembly 121, and the second protrusion 1321 is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the lower end surface of the pressure plate 132; the projections of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 on the lower end surface of the pressure plate 132 do not overlap or partially overlap.
[0077] In this embodiment, the shapes of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 can be configured as any shape among circles, squares or triangles according to actual application needs, so as to improve the ice-crushing effect for whole ice blocks.
[0078] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 are evenly distributed at the bottom of the ice box assembly 121 and the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 to facilitate an overall increase in pressure on the entire ice block. In one embodiment, the projections of the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 on the lower end face of the pressure plate 132 do not overlap or partially overlap, that is, the first protrusion 1211 and the second protrusion 1321 are staggered, which can provide different forces to the upper and lower surfaces of the entire ice block to further improve the ice-crushing effect on the entire ice block.
[0079] In one embodiment, the controller 140 controls the drive mechanism 131 to drive the pressure plate 132 to reciprocate 3 times.
[0080] In this embodiment, the controller 140 controls the drive mechanism 131 to drive the pressure plate 132 to reciprocate more times, which can effectively improve the ice crushing effect of the whole plate of ice. However, too many reciprocating motions will prolong the ice making time. The number of reciprocating motions can be set to 3 times to balance the ice crushing effect of the whole plate of ice and the ice making time, thereby improving the user experience of the ice making equipment.
[0081] In summary, this embodiment provides an ice-making system. By incorporating an ice-crushing module, when the ice box assembly detects a new plate of ice, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate through at least one reciprocating motion. This automatically crushes the plate of ice into individual ice cubes, avoiding the problem of low ice storage capacity caused by stacking large plates of ice and improving the space utilization of the ice box assembly. The crushed individual ice cubes do not obstruct the drawer passage of the ice box assembly due to uneven or tilted stacking, making it convenient for users to pull out the ice box assembly to retrieve ice. Users can directly grasp individual ice cubes without the need for additional tools to crush the plate of ice, simplifying operation and improving the user experience. A thrust sensor detects the pressure of the pressure plate on the plate of ice, allowing for precise control of the pressure level and preventing insufficient pressure from crushing the ice or excessive pressure from damaging the equipment. The first protrusion at the bottom of the ice box assembly and the second protrusion on the lower end face of the pressure plate work together to increase local pressure during pressing, making it easier to break ice bridges and improving ice-crushing efficiency. By detecting the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly using a weight sensor, it can accurately determine whether a new plate of ice has been added and whether the ice storage capacity has reached the preset threshold, making the control logic precise and reliable.
[0082] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, an ice-making system control method is provided. Taking the application of this method to the ice-making system in the aforementioned embodiment as an example, the method includes the following steps:
[0083] S901 controls the ice-making process of the evaporator assembly;
[0084] S902, when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction; wherein, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move along the first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, and the drive mechanism is controlled to stop driving the pressure plate to move; the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move a preset distance along the second direction, and it is determined that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite and in opposite directions;
[0085] S903, when the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0086] In this embodiment, the specific implementation method of the ice-making system control method can refer to the specific implementation method of the ice-making system in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0087] In summary, this embodiment provides a control method for an ice-making system. By controlling the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to perform at least one reciprocating motion when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a whole plate of ice, the whole plate of ice can be automatically broken into individual ice blocks. This avoids the problem of low ice storage capacity caused by the stacking of whole plates of ice and improves the space utilization rate of the ice box assembly. By detecting the weight of the ice blocks in the ice box assembly using a weight sensor, it is possible to accurately determine whether a whole plate of ice has been added and whether the ice storage amount has reached a preset threshold. The control logic is precise and reliable.
[0088] In a more detailed embodiment, the specific steps of the ice-making system control method are as follows:
[0089] 1. The controller controls the evaporator assembly to start ice making. Through the cooperation of the water pump, compressor and condenser, a whole plate of ice is made on the evaporator assembly.
[0090] 2. When the entire ice block falls into the ice box assembly, the weight sensor detects an increase in weight. Upon receiving this signal, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to perform three reciprocating motions in the vertical direction. In each reciprocating motion, the pressure plate is first controlled to move downwards until the pressure detected by the thrust sensor reaches a preset pressure threshold, and then the pressure plate is controlled to move upwards a preset distance.
[0091] 3. The controller monitors the weight of the ice in the ice box assembly in real time through a weight sensor. When the weight is greater than or equal to a preset weight threshold, the controller controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0092] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.
[0093] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an ice-making system control device for implementing the ice-making system control method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the ice-making system control device provided below can be found in the limitations of the ice-making system control method described above, and will not be repeated here.
[0094] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, an ice-making system control device 1000 is provided, including: an ice-making control module 1010, an ice-crushing control module 1020, and a shutdown control module 1030, wherein:
[0095] Ice-making control module 1010 is used to control the ice-making of the evaporator assembly.
[0096] The ice crushing control module 1020 is used to control the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion in a preset direction when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice. Specifically, the drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move in a first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, at which point the drive mechanism stops driving the pressure plate. The drive mechanism also drives the pressure plate to move a preset distance in a second direction to determine that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion in the preset direction. The first and second directions are opposite to each other.
[0097] The shutdown control module 1030 is used to control the evaporator assembly to stop making ice when the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.
[0098] In summary, this embodiment provides an ice-making system control device. By controlling the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to perform at least one reciprocating motion when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a whole plate of ice, the device can automatically break the whole plate of ice into individual ice cubes. This avoids the problem of low ice storage capacity caused by stacking whole plates of ice and improves the space utilization rate of the ice box assembly. By detecting the weight of the ice cubes in the ice box assembly using a weight sensor, it is possible to accurately determine whether a whole plate of ice has been added and whether the ice storage amount has reached a preset threshold. The control logic is precise and reliable.
[0099] Each module in the aforementioned ice-making system control device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.
[0100] In one embodiment, an ice maker is provided, including the ice-making system described in the foregoing embodiments. The ice maker provided in this embodiment is capable of automatically making, crushing, and storing ice.
[0101] In one embodiment, a refrigerator device is provided, including the ice maker from the foregoing embodiments. The refrigerator device of this embodiment, including the ice maker, enables the refrigerator to have efficient and convenient ice-making and ice-removing functions, improving the refrigerator's practicality and user experience.
[0102] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, display unit, and input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interface is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a method for controlling an ice-making system. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.
[0103] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.
[0104] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:
[0105] Control the evaporator assembly to make ice;
[0106] When the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction; wherein, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move along the first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, and the control drive mechanism stops driving the pressure plate to move; the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move a preset distance along the second direction to determine that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite and in opposite directions;
[0107] If the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0108] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:
[0109] Control the evaporator assembly to make ice;
[0110] When the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction; wherein, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move along the first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, and the control drive mechanism stops driving the pressure plate to move; the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move a preset distance along the second direction to determine that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite and in opposite directions;
[0111] If the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0112] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:
[0113] Control the evaporator assembly to make ice;
[0114] When the ice box assembly detects the addition of a new whole plate of ice, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion along a preset direction; wherein, the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move along the first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, and the control drive mechanism stops driving the pressure plate to move; the control drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to move a preset distance along the second direction to determine that the pressure plate has completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite and in opposite directions;
[0115] If the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice.
[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.
[0117] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0118] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An ice-making system, characterized in that, include: An ice-making module, comprising an evaporator assembly for producing a plate of ice, wherein the plate of ice is formed by connecting multiple individual ice blocks via ice bridges; An ice storage module, comprising an ice box assembly for receiving and storing whole plates of ice that have fallen from the ice-making module; An ice-crushing module, comprising a pressure plate, a drive mechanism, and a thrust sensor; the drive mechanism is connected to the pressure plate and is used to drive the pressure plate to move in a preset direction; the thrust sensor is used to detect the pressure of the pressure plate on the entire plate of ice blocks; The controller is electrically connected to the evaporator assembly, the ice box assembly, the drive mechanism, and the thrust sensor, respectively. The controller is used to control the evaporator assembly to make ice; when the ice box assembly detects the addition of a whole plate of ice, it controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to complete at least one reciprocating motion in a preset direction; when the ice box assembly detects that the ice storage amount is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it controls the evaporator assembly to stop making ice. Specifically, the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move along a first direction until the real-time pressure detected by the thrust sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, at which point the drive mechanism is controlled to stop driving the pressure plate to move; the drive mechanism is controlled to drive the pressure plate to move a preset distance along a second direction, and the pressure plate is determined to have completed one reciprocating motion along the preset direction; the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.
2. The ice-making system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a pressure plate motor and a screw; the output shaft of the pressure plate motor is connected to the screw, and the screw is threadedly connected to the pressure plate; the pressure plate motor is connected to the controller. When the pressure plate motor rotates, it drives the pressure plate to move in a preset direction via the screw.
3. The ice-making system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice box assembly includes a weight sensor, which is disposed at the bottom of the ice box assembly, and the controller is connected to the weight sensor. The weight sensor is used to detect the weight of the ice blocks inside the ice box assembly; The controller is used to obtain the weight of the ice blocks in the ice box assembly through the weight sensor; when the weight of the ice blocks increases, it determines that the ice box assembly has detected an additional whole plate of ice blocks; when the weight of the ice blocks is greater than or equal to a preset weight threshold, it determines that the ice box assembly has detected an ice storage amount greater than or equal to a preset threshold.
4. The ice-making system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the ice box assembly is provided with multiple first protrusions, and the lower end face of the pressure plate is provided with multiple second protrusions; when the pressure plate presses down on the whole plate of ice, the first protrusions contact the lower surface of the whole plate of ice, and the second protrusions contact the upper surface of the whole plate of ice.
5. The ice-making system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is circular, square or triangular.
6. The ice-making system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first protrusion is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the bottom of the ice box assembly, and the second protrusion is evenly distributed at a preset interval on the lower end surface of the pressure plate; the projections of the first protrusion and the second protrusion on the lower end surface of the pressure plate do not overlap or partially overlap.
7. The ice-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the pressure plate to reciprocate 3 times.
8. The ice-making system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-making module also includes a water tank, a water pump, a compressor, and a condenser; The controller is connected to the water pump, the compressor, and the condenser, respectively. The controller is used to control the water pump to draw water from the water tank to the evaporator assembly, and to control the evaporator assembly, the compressor and the condenser to perform a preset ice-making operation to obtain the whole plate of ice blocks; the thickness of the ice bridge is less than the thickness of the single ice block.
9. An ice maker, characterized in that, Includes the ice-making system according to any one of claims 1-8.
10. A refrigerator device, characterized in that, Includes the ice maker as described in claim 9.