An ice maker and ice counting device thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ice maker and counting ice discharging device thereof, include: water tank for providing ice making water for ice maker, ice storage room sets up at the top of water tank, and its bottom is equipped with drainage structure, makes ice melting water can return to water tank and recycle, ice discharging channel, its entrance with the outlet of ice storage room meets, is used for receiving the ice block that pushes out, push mechanism sets up in ice storage room, is used for pushing the ice block from the bottom of ice storage room to ice discharging channel, counting mechanism sets up on ice discharging channel, is used for detecting and generating counting signal to the ice block that passes, control unit is electrically connected with counting mechanism and push mechanism, wherein, ice discharging channel and push mechanism cooperate and set up, to make ice block when passing through counting mechanism be forced to form the state of single column through in turn. The ice maker and counting ice discharging device thereof of the application can accurately control the ice discharging quantity, and avoid the pollution problem of manual ice taking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically to an ice maker, and more particularly to an ice dispensing device for an ice maker that can automatically dispense ice and has a precise counting function. Background Technology

[0002] Existing ice makers or ice-making equipment typically collect the produced ice in an open ice storage basket or silo. Users often need to manually open the silo door or scoop out the ice with a tool to retrieve it. This manual ice-retrieving method has significant drawbacks: First, frequent manual handling can easily introduce bacteria and contaminants. For example, hand contact or unclean ice-retrieving tools can lead to secondary contamination of the ice, posing a health hazard and making it difficult to meet the high standards of modern food hygiene.

[0003] Secondly, manually taking ice makes it difficult to precisely control the quantity. Users need to try repeatedly to get roughly the amount of ice they need, which is tedious and inefficient, seriously affecting the user experience and convenience.

[0004] In addition, the ice storage compartment of a traditional ice maker is usually a simple open container, and the meltwater from the ice inside cannot be effectively collected and recycled. It is often directly discharged or accumulated, which not only wastes water resources, but also increases the burden of cleaning and maintenance of the equipment.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for an ice dispensing device that can achieve automated, sealed ice dispensing and accurate counting to avoid contamination and waste. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an ice maker and its ice dispensing counting device, which can accurately control the amount of ice dispensed and avoid the contamination problem of manual ice dispensing.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this utility model provides a counting ice dispensing device for an ice maker, comprising: The water tank is used to provide water for the ice maker. An ice storage chamber is located above the water tank, and its bottom is equipped with a drainage structure so that the melted ice water can flow back to the water tank for recycling. An ice outlet channel, the entrance of which is connected to the outlet of the ice storage chamber, is used to receive the pushed-out ice blocks; A pushing mechanism, located inside the ice storage chamber, is used to push ice blocks from the bottom of the ice storage chamber toward the ice outlet channel; A counting mechanism, installed on the ice outlet channel, is used to detect the passing ice blocks and generate a counting signal; The control unit is electrically connected to the counting mechanism and the pushing mechanism; The ice outlet channel and the pushing mechanism are configured to force the ice blocks to pass through the counting mechanism in a single, sequential manner.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice blocks can be forced to pass through the counting mechanism in a single row through the cooperation of the ice dispensing channel and the pushing mechanism, ensuring that the counting mechanism can accurately identify each ice block and achieve precise control of the number of ice blocks dispensed. At the same time, there is no need to manually touch the ice blocks throughout the process, which effectively avoids the problem of hand contamination and improves the hygiene of ice use. The drainage structure at the bottom of the ice storage chamber allows the melted ice water to flow back to the water tank, realizing the recycling of water resources and saving water costs.

[0009] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism includes a drive motor and a spiral pushing component. The spiral pushing component is inclined upward, and the pitch and height of the spiral pushing component are set to allow only a single layer of ice to pass through. Ice blocks exceeding a single layer fall back into the ice storage chamber under the action of gravity.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the pitch and height limitation of the spiral pusher can force the ice blocks to pass through in a single layer, avoiding the counting chaos caused by the stacking of multiple layers of ice blocks, and further ensuring the counting accuracy; at the same time, the excess ice blocks are naturally dropped by gravity, eliminating the need for an additional separation mechanism, simplifying the equipment structure, reducing the failure rate, and improving operational stability.

[0011] Furthermore, the counting mechanism is an optical sensing device, and its sensing components are respectively embedded in the waterproof grooves on both sides of the ice outlet channel.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the optical sensing device has the characteristics of fast response speed and high detection accuracy. It can accurately capture the signal of ice passing through and ensure accurate counting. The sensing component is embedded in a waterproof groove, which can effectively isolate the water or condensation generated by the melting ice, and prevent the sensing component from short-circuiting or malfunctioning due to moisture. This significantly improves the working stability and service life of the counting mechanism in humid environments.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the waterproof groove is provided with a drain outlet to promptly drain any liquid that may seep in.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, even if a small amount of liquid seeps into the waterproof groove, the drain outlet can quickly drain the liquid, preventing the liquid from accumulating in the groove and contacting the sensing components, further enhancing the waterproof performance of the counting mechanism and ensuring its reliable operation during long-term use.

[0015] Furthermore, the waterproof groove is provided with a protective awning extending toward the drain outlet on the side near the inner wall of the ice outlet channel.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective eaves are located on the side of the groove most susceptible to splashing water from ice collisions, forming a physical barrier that directly blocks water droplets and ice fragments splashing from the ice outlet channel from entering the waterproof groove, thereby preventing liquid from splashing into the area where the optical sensing element is located. The protective eaves structure physically reduces the opening area at the top of the groove and, together with the inner wall of the groove, forms a relatively sealed protective space. This effectively prevents most airborne dust, fibers, and other contaminants from falling directly into and covering the sensing window of the optical sensor, keeping the photosensitive area clean without affecting sensor counting. The design of the protective eaves extending towards the drain outlet actively guides any trace amounts of liquid or condensation that occasionally crosses the barrier, as well as liquid flowing along the inner wall, towards the drain outlet, accelerating the liquid discharge speed and effectively preventing liquid accumulation in the groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the surface of the spiral pusher is provided with a flexible scraping component, which is used to scrape off frost or residual ice from the inner wall of the ice storage chamber while pushing the ice block.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible scraping component can simultaneously clean the frost and residual ice on the inner wall of the ice storage chamber during the ice-pushing process, avoiding problems such as shrinkage of the ice storage space and ice block sticking caused by frost accumulation. This ensures the effective volume of the ice storage chamber and the smooth operation of the pushing mechanism, reduces the frequency of manual cleaning, and improves the ease of equipment maintenance.

[0019] Furthermore, the pitch of the spiral pusher is adjustable to accommodate ice cubes of different sizes.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the pushing mechanism can be adapted to ice blocks of different sizes by adjusting the screw pitch, enabling the equipment to meet the diverse ice needs of different scenarios such as home, catering, and medical, thereby improving the versatility and applicability of the product and enhancing its market competitiveness.

[0021] Furthermore, the ice outlet of the ice outlet channel is provided with a pivotable baffle. Under its own weight, the baffle is normally closed, sealing the ice outlet, and is pushed open when the ice is discharged.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the baffle can seal the ice outlet by its own weight when it is not discharging ice, which can effectively prevent external dust and impurities from entering the ice outlet channel and ice storage chamber, keeping the inside clean. When the ice is discharged, the baffle can be automatically pushed open, and the baffle will automatically reset after the ice is discharged. No additional driving parts are required. The structure is simple and can continuously maintain the sealing of the ice outlet path.

[0023] In some embodiments, the outlet of the ice storage chamber is provided with a seal to automatically reset after the ice blocks pass through, maintaining the airtightness of the ice conveying path.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the seal quickly resets after the ice passes through, which can effectively reduce the leakage of cold air in the ice storage chamber and the intrusion of hot air from the outside, thereby reducing cold loss and energy consumption; at the same time, it further prevents external pollutants from entering the ice storage chamber, improving the hygiene of ice storage.

[0025] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism is inclined upward at an angle of 15°-45°, and the ice outlet channel is inclined downward at an angle of 30°-60°.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the tilt angle of the pushing mechanism facilitates pushing ice blocks from the bottom of the ice storage chamber upwards to the ice outlet channel, and also allows excess ice blocks to fall back into the ice storage chamber naturally using gravity; the tilt angle of the ice outlet channel facilitates the ice blocks to slide down naturally under the action of gravity, reducing pushing resistance. At the same time, the single-row design ensures that the ice blocks pass through the counting mechanism in an orderly manner, improving the smoothness and efficiency of the overall operation.

[0027] Secondly, this utility model also relates to an ice maker, comprising: An ice-making system used to prepare ice cubes; The ice counting device as described in the first aspect is used to receive and transport ice blocks prepared by the ice-making system; The water tank of the ice-dispensing counting device is connected to the ice-making system to form a water circulation loop.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solutions, the ice blocks prepared by the ice-making system can directly enter the counting and dispensing ice device, realizing the fully automated control of the entire process from ice making to ice dispensing, and improving the overall automation level of the ice maker; the water tank and the ice-making system form a water circulation loop, so that the melted ice water can be reused for ice making, which greatly reduces water waste; at the same time, the integration of precise counting and dispensing ice function enables the ice maker to meet the quantitative ice demand and expand its application scenarios.

[0029] In summary, this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By using a mechanical structure design to force ice blocks to pass through a counting mechanism in a single row, combined with a high-precision sensing device, the precise control of the number of ice blocks is achieved, solving the problem of difficulty in quantifying the ice output of traditional ice makers and meeting the demand for precise ice use.

[0030] 2. The fully automated ice dispensing process avoids manual contact with ice blocks, and with multiple sealing designs, it significantly improves the hygiene and safety of ice use, making it especially suitable for scenarios with high hygiene requirements such as catering and medical care.

[0031] 3. The design of ice melting water recirculation and cold loss control achieves the dual effects of water saving and energy saving, which is in line with the green and environmentally friendly development concept and reduces long-term use costs.

[0032] 4. The flexible scraping and adjustable pitch of the spiral pusher enhance the equipment's adaptability to different working conditions, reduce maintenance requirements, and extend its service life.

[0033] 5. The overall structure organically integrates ice making, ice storage, counting, and ice dispensing functions, with a high degree of automation and convenient operation, significantly improving user experience and product competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ice counting and dispensing device of the ice maker of this application from the front view. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ice counting and dispensing device of the ice maker of this application from the rear side view. Figure 3 This is a top-view structural diagram of the ice-counting and dispensing device of the ice maker in this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the ice-counting and ice-discharging device of the ice maker of this application; Figure 5 This is a front view of the ice-counting device of the ice maker of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ice maker of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the ice maker of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making part of the ice maker of this application.

[0036] Figure label: 1. Pushing mechanism; 11. Motor; 12. Spiral pusher; 2. Ice outlet channel; 21. Counting mechanism; 22. Protective eaves; 23. Groove; 3. Ice storage chamber; 31. Drain outlet; 32. Bottom wall; 4. Water tank; 100. Counting ice outlet device; 200. Ice making system; 300. Heating device; 400. Touch panel. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0040] The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0041] Example 1: Ice dispensing counting device for an ice maker Please see Figures 1-6 In this embodiment, the core basic structure of the ice counting and dispensing device 100 is positioned as a "modular component that meets the requirements of accurate counting, hygienic isolation and energy saving". The design goal is to solve the three major pain points of traditional ice makers: "the ice output cannot be quantified, manual ice removal causes pollution, and melting water is wasted". Its overall architecture is based on the core process of "ice storage-pushing-counting-control", and the various components work together to achieve fully automatic quantitative ice dispensing.

[0042] Please see Figures 1-3The device mainly consists of a water tank 4, an ice storage chamber 3, an ice dispensing channel 2, a pushing mechanism 1, a counting mechanism 21, and a control unit (not shown in the figure). The components are connected by structure and electrically to form a closed-loop system. The water tank 4 provides the foundation for ice making and circulating water supply. The ice storage chamber 3 realizes ice storage and ice melt water recycling. The pushing mechanism 1 and the ice dispensing channel 2 work together to ensure the orderly delivery of ice. The counting mechanism 21 accurately captures ice signals. The control unit acts as the "central hub" to coordinate the start and stop of each component, and finally realizes the complete process of "setting quantity → automatic ice dispensing → counting stop".

[0043] Please see Figure 3 The water tank 4 is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel or PP material, which avoids water pollution and is suitable for the capacity requirements of different models (1.5-3L for household use, 5-10L for commercial use). It has a dustproof water inlet on the top and an outlet for the ice-making system at the bottom. The liquid level sensor on the side wall can also provide real-time feedback on the water level to ensure uninterrupted ice making. The ice storage chamber 3 has a drain outlet 31 at the bottom, which is located above the water tank 4. The water from the melting ice in the ice storage chamber 3 flows back to the water tank 4 through the drain outlet 31, realizing recycling.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ice storage chamber 3 is fixed above the water tank 4. The bottom structure is a sloping bottom surface with a circular arc cross-section, which realizes the recycling of melted ice water. The melted ice water on the bottom surface flows into the drain outlet 31 along the circular arc cross-section, and then flows to the return water outlet at the top of the water tank 4, which saves water resources and prevents impurities from entering the circulation.

[0045] Ice outlet channel 2 serves as the sole path for ice transport. One end connects to the outlet of ice storage chamber 3, while the other end slopes downwards at an angle of 30°-60° (preferably 45°, to balance the speed of ice sliding and the need to prevent breakage). The inner wall of the channel is polished (Ra≤0.8μm) to reduce resistance. The bottom of the cross-section is an arc surface, and the dimensions are designed according to the target ice block (e.g., 3.2cm wide and 3.5cm high when adapting to 3cm square ice) to ensure that the ice blocks do not stack or get stuck. The corresponding pushing mechanism 1 is installed inside the ice storage chamber 3. It consists of a stepper motor 11 (such as model 42HS34, torque 0.5N・m, speed 5-15r / min) and a spiral pushing component 12. The motor 11 has an IPX4 waterproof cover to prevent water seepage. The spiral pushing component 12 is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel. The pitch (such as 5cm) and the height from the bottom wall 32 (such as 3cm) are precisely matched to the size of the ice blocks, allowing only a single layer of ice blocks to pass through. The bottom wall 32 of the ice storage chamber 3 is tilted upward at an angle of 15°-45° (preferably 30°). Excess ice blocks fall back into the ice storage chamber 3 by gravity, avoiding counting interference.

[0046] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The counting mechanism 21 is the core of achieving accurate counting. It adopts an infrared through-beam optical sensing device (E3Z-LS63 model, response ≤1ms, accuracy 99.9%). Its transmitting end and receiving end are embedded in the waterproof grooves 23 on both sides of the ice outlet channel 2. The grooves 23 are equipped with protective eaves 22 (tilted 5°, 0.5cm long) to prevent water droplets and splashes from affecting the performance of the counting mechanism 21. The drain outlet 31 with a diameter of 0.5cm at the bottom is connected to the water tank 4 through a hose. Even if a small amount of water seeps in, it can be drained in time to avoid the sensing components from becoming damp and malfunctioning.

[0047] The control unit (not shown in the figure) is based on an STM32F103 microcontroller and is electrically connected to the counting mechanism 21 (receiving signals), the push motor 11 (controlling speed), and the liquid level sensor (monitoring water level). The matching button module allows users to set the ice dispensing quantity (1-20 pieces). The LCD screen displays the working status. When the count reaches the set value, the motor 11 stops immediately, completing the quantitative ice dispensing.

[0048] In some embodiments, a seal (not shown in the figure) can be added at the outlet of the ice storage chamber 3 to further improve the airtightness of the ice conveying path. The seal is made of food-grade elastic silicone, and its inner diameter is consistent with the inner diameter of the outlet of the ice storage chamber 3. When ice blocks enter the ice outlet channel 2 from the outlet of the ice storage chamber 3, the ice blocks can squeeze the seal to cause elastic deformation and pass smoothly through the outlet. After the ice blocks have completely passed through, the seal immediately resets under its own elastic force, realizing real-time sealing of the outlet of the ice storage chamber 3. This design can effectively reduce the amount of cold air leakage in the ice storage chamber 3, reduce the refrigeration load of the ice making system, and at the same time prevent dust and moisture in the outside air from entering the ice storage chamber 3, further ensuring the hygiene of the ice blocks.

[0049] Example 2: Adjustable pitch counting ice dispensing device This embodiment is basically the same in structure as the ice counting and dispensing device 100 of the ice maker disclosed in Embodiment 1. The core improvement is that the pitch of the spiral pusher 12 is designed to be adjustable to adapt to ice blocks of different sizes (such as small granular ice, medium square ice, and large cylindrical ice).

[0050] The spiral pusher component 12 of the pushing mechanism consists of a fixed shaft, detachable spiral blades, and a locking assembly. The fixed shaft is a solid stainless steel shaft (1.5cm in diameter) with threaded holes evenly spaced 1cm apart along its length. The spiral blades are made of food-grade PP material, with a single blade height designed to be 2-4cm based on common ice cube sizes (blades of different heights are optional). A circular hole matching the fixed shaft is located at the center of each blade, and two symmetrical locking holes are located around the edge of the circular hole. During assembly, one or more spiral blades are fitted onto the fixed shaft, and the blade spacing (i.e., pitch) is adjusted according to the target ice cube size—for example, a 3cm spacing is used for small ice cubes with a side length of 2cm, and a 6cm spacing is used for large square ice cubes with a side length of 4cm. After adjustment, an M4 hexagonal screw is passed through the locking hole of the blade and screwed into the threaded hole of the fixed shaft to secure the blade. In addition, a scale line (1mm accuracy) is provided at the end of the fixed shaft near the motor 11, which makes it easy for users to read and adjust the pitch intuitively, ensuring that ice blocks of different sizes can pass through the pushing mechanism in a single layer and a single row, maintaining counting accuracy.

[0051] Example 3: Ice counting and discharging device 100 with ice outlet baffle This embodiment is basically the same as the counting ice discharge device in Embodiments 1 and 2. The core improvement is that a pivotable baffle is added at the ice outlet of the ice discharge channel 2 to improve the sealing of the ice discharge path.

[0052] See Figure 1 The baffle is made of food-grade ABS material. One side of the baffle is pivotally connected to the edge of the ice outlet of the ice outlet channel 2. A semi-circular food-grade silicone sealing strip is attached to the free edge of the baffle. When the baffle is in the normally closed position under its own weight, the sealing strip can fit tightly against the edge of the ice outlet, completely sealing the ice outlet and preventing external dust, insects, and hot air from entering the ice outlet channel 2 and the ice storage chamber 3. When ice is discharged from the ice outlet channel 2, the weight of the ice itself (about 5-10N) can push open the baffle (the opening force threshold of the baffle is set to 5N). After the ice is completely discharged, the baffle slowly returns to the normally closed position under its own weight and the action of the damper, achieving the effect of "automatic opening when ice is discharged and automatic sealing when there is no ice", which ensures hygiene and reduces cold loss.

[0053] Example 4: Ice maker with integrated counting and dispensing device Please see Figures 7-9This embodiment integrates the aforementioned ice counting and dispensing device 100 with the ice-making system and heating device 300 into a multi-functional unit. The overall positioning is "a fully automatic integrated ice-making device that meets both cold and hot needs." The design goal is to break through the limitations of traditional ice machines that "only make ice and have a single function" and realize the full automation of the "ice making - ice storage - quantitative ice dispensing - hot water supply" process. Its overall architecture is based on the ice-making system as the core, the ice counting and dispensing device 100 as the delivery hub, and the heating device 300 as the functional extension. The modules work together through water circulation and electrical linkage.

[0054] The ice maker mainly includes an ice-making system 200, an ice-counting device 100, a heating device 300, and a control unit. The ice-counting device 100 adopts any of the improved structures in Embodiments 1 to 5. The ice-making system 200 is responsible for ice preparation, and the heating device 300 provides hot water. The three form a water circulation loop through the water tank 4. The control unit coordinates the work of each module. Users only need to operate through the touch panel 400 to achieve the needs of "quantitative ice dispensing + on-demand temperature adjustment".

[0055] From the perspective of the integration logic of each module: the ice-making system 200, as the "source", consists of a plate evaporator (aluminum tube material, ice-friendly coating, 0.1㎡ for household use, 0.3㎡ for commercial use), a rotary compressor (150-300W, cooling capacity 300-600W), an air-cooled condenser (equipped with a 1500-2000r / min cooling fan), a capillary throttling valve, and a temperature control module. The evaporator is installed above the ice storage chamber 3. When the temperature control module detects that the evaporator temperature has dropped to -10℃ to -5℃, the compressor starts cooling, and water condenses into ice on the surface of the evaporator. When the ice layer is 5-10mm thick (ice-making cycle 15-20 minutes), the evaporator's built-in 50W heating wire briefly heats and removes the ice. The ice naturally falls into the ice storage chamber 3 below and directly enters the storage stage of the counting and discharging ice device 100 without the need for an additional conveying structure.

[0056] The ice counting and dispensing device 100 acts as the "transportation hub," with its water tank 4 forming a closed-loop water circulation with the ice-making system 200. The water outlet at the bottom of the water tank 4 is connected to the water inlet of the ice-making system 200 via a flexible hose equipped with a micro water pump (10-20W, head 1-2m) to ensure stable water supply pressure. The drain end of the ice-making system 200 (residual water from evaporator de-icing) is connected to the return water outlet of the water tank 4 via a flexible hose equipped with an activated carbon filter to filter odors and impurities, thereby improving water resource utilization. The working logic of the pushing mechanism 1, the ice dispensing channel 2, and the counting mechanism 21 is consistent with that of Embodiment 1, requiring only minor adjustments to parameters based on the overall machine dimensions (such as increasing the diameter of the spiral pushing component in commercial models) to ensure orderly and accurate counting of ice blocks from the ice storage chamber 3 to the ice outlet.

[0057] The control unit is integrated into the front touch panel 400. In addition to retaining the "ice quantity setting" and "water level display" functions of the ice dispensing counting device 100, it adds buttons for "ice making start / stop", "hot water temperature adjustment", and "fault alarm (water shortage, full ice, heating failure)". The LCD screen displays the status of each module in real time. For example, when the user sets "5 ice cubes + 60℃ hot water", the control unit first drives the push motor 11 of the ice dispensing counting device 100. After 5 ice cubes are output (the counting mechanism 21 provides feedback signal), the heating device 300 is started to heat the water to 60℃. Finally, the hot water solenoid valve is opened to drain the water, which is fully automated. If the water level in the water tank 4 is lower than the threshold, the liquid level sensor provides feedback signal, and the panel immediately lights up the "water shortage" alarm light to remind the user to add water and ensure stable operation of the whole machine.

[0058] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ice maker and its ice-counting and dispensing device, characterized in that, include: The water tank is used to provide water for the ice maker. An ice storage chamber is located above the water tank, and its bottom is equipped with a drainage structure so that the melted ice water can flow back to the water tank for recycling. An ice outlet channel, the entrance of which is connected to the outlet of the ice storage chamber, is used to receive the pushed-out ice blocks; A pushing mechanism, located inside the ice storage chamber, is used to push ice blocks from the bottom of the ice storage chamber toward the ice outlet channel; A counting mechanism, installed on the ice outlet channel, is used to detect the passing ice blocks and generate a counting signal; The control unit is electrically connected to the counting mechanism and the pushing mechanism; The ice outlet channel and the pushing mechanism are configured to force the ice blocks to pass through the counting mechanism in a single, sequential manner.

2. The ice-counting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes a drive motor and a spiral pushing component. The spiral pushing component is inclined upward, and the pitch and height of the spiral pushing component are set to allow only a single layer of ice to pass through. Ice blocks exceeding a single layer fall back into the ice storage chamber under the action of gravity.

3. The ice-counting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The counting mechanism is an optical sensing device, and its sensing components are respectively embedded in the waterproof grooves on both sides of the ice outlet channel.

4. The ice-counting device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the waterproof groove is equipped with a drain outlet to promptly drain any liquid that may seep in.

5. The ice-counting device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The waterproof groove is provided with a protective awning extending toward the drain outlet on the side near the inner wall of the ice outlet channel.

6. The ice-counting device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pitch of the spiral pusher is adjustable to accommodate ice cubes of different sizes.

7. The ice-counting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ice outlet of the ice outlet channel is equipped with a pivotable baffle. Under its own weight, the baffle is normally closed, sealing the ice outlet, and is pushed open when ice is discharged.

8. The ice-counting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the ice storage chamber is equipped with a seal to automatically reset after the ice blocks pass through, maintaining the airtightness of the ice conveying path.

9. The ice-counting device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism is inclined upward at an angle of 15°-45°, and the ice outlet channel is inclined downward at an angle of 30°-60°.

10. An ice maker, characterized in that, include: An ice-making system used to prepare ice cubes; The ice-counting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is used to receive and transport ice blocks prepared by the ice-making system; The water tank of the ice-dispensing counting device is connected to the ice-making system to form a water circulation loop.

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