Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and relates to a water treatment equipment which comprises an ice making device and a sensing assembly; the ice making device is provided with an ice storage cavity used for storing ice blocks; the sensing assembly is arranged on the ice making device; the sensing assembly comprises a first sensor and a plurality of second sensors; the plurality of second sensors are arranged at intervals; wherein the first sensor and the second sensors are arranged on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity respectively; the plurality of second sensors are arranged alternately with the first sensor; and the sensing assembly is used for acquiring a position signal of the ice blocks. The water treatment equipment of the embodiment can realize graded detection of the ice block inventory in the ice storage cavity through the arrangement of the first sensor and the plurality of second sensors arranged at intervals, and effectively solves the technical problem that the existing ice maker can only perform full-ice detection and cannot monitor the intermediate storage state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to a water treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] Ice makers, as essential refrigeration equipment in modern homes and commercial establishments, are widely used in beverage preparation and food preservation. Ice makers typically have an ice storage chamber to hold the ice cubes and use various monitoring devices to monitor their storage status. As users increasingly demand higher levels of intelligence from ice makers, precise monitoring of ice storage status has become a crucial direction for the development of ice makers.

[0003] However, existing ice makers have technical deficiencies in detecting the ice storage status. Most ice makers only have a single full-ice detection function, which can only issue a warning signal when the ice storage chamber is completely full. They cannot effectively monitor the ice storage status at different stages, such as the intermediate storage status of ice in the ice storage chamber, which affects the ease of use of the equipment and the continuity of the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a water treatment device to solve the problem of poor detection effect of internal ice content in traditional ice makers.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a water treatment device, comprising: An ice-making device, comprising an ice storage chamber for storing ice blocks; and A sensing component is disposed on the ice-making device. The sensing component includes a first sensor and a second sensor. There are multiple second sensors, and the multiple second sensors are arranged at intervals. The first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity. The multiple second sensors are respectively arranged in interaction with the first sensor. The sensing component is used to acquire the position signal of the ice block.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the first sensor includes an infrared sensor, and / or the second sensor includes an infrared sensor.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the infrared sensor includes a housing, a sensing element, and a sealing element. The housing has a communicating mounting hole and a mounting cavity, and the housing is detachably connected to the ice-making device. The sensing element is housed in the mounting cavity and passes through the mounting hole, and the sealing element seals the mounting cavity.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the infrared sensor further includes a sealing ring fitted over the outside of the housing and sealing the space between the housing and the ice-making device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first sensor includes a transmitter, and the second sensor includes a receiver for receiving infrared signals emitted by the transmitter; or, the first sensor includes a receiver, and the second sensor includes a transmitter for emitting infrared signals to the receiver.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the optical axes of a plurality of second sensors are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of second sensors are located within the field of view of the first sensor.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the plurality of second sensors include an upper sensor and a lower sensor arranged sequentially in a vertical direction, the angle between the line connecting the upper sensor and the first sensor and the line connecting the lower sensor and the first sensor is α, the field of view of the first sensor is β, and the following relationship is satisfied: 2α≤β.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the upper sensor and the optical axis of the first sensor are coaxial.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the ice-making device further includes a conveying channel and an ice outlet, the conveying channel being used to convey the ice blocks, the conveying channel being inclined, and the first sensor being located on the side near the ice outlet.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on two opposite inner walls of the ice-making device; or, the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the ice-making device.

[0015] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects: The water treatment equipment in this embodiment, by setting a first sensor and multiple second sensors spaced apart, can achieve graded detection of the ice quantity in the ice storage chamber. The multiple second sensors interact with the first sensor, acquiring corresponding position signals when the ice reaches different positions, thereby accurately determining the different ice quantity states in the ice storage chamber. This effectively solves the technical problem of existing ice makers that can only detect full ice levels and cannot monitor intermediate storage states.

[0016] In the sensing component of this embodiment, by respectively placing the first sensor and the second sensor on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity, a multi-point detection layout is formed, enabling the sensing component to acquire ice block position signals at different heights within the ice storage cavity. This configuration avoids the limitations of a single detection point, achieves continuous monitoring of ice block quantity, and improves the accuracy and reliability of ice block storage status detection.

[0017] The technical solution of setting multiple second sensors at intervals in this embodiment enables the water treatment equipment to determine the graded storage of ice in the ice storage chamber based on the signals fed back by different sensors. For example, it can accurately identify different storage states such as one-quarter, one-half, or three-quarters of the ice in the ice storage chamber, effectively improving the intelligence level and ease of use of ice storage detection. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 3 A partial top view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A sectional view along line AA. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of part B in the middle.

[0020] Figure label: 10. Water treatment equipment; 100. Ice-making device; 110. Ice storage bin; 111. Bin body; 1111. Ice storage cavity; 1112. Ice outlet; 112. Fixing base; 1121. Fixing cavity; 1122. Connecting hole; 113. Fixing part; 114. Conveying channel; 120. Ice-making assembly; 200. Sensing assembly; 210. First sensor; 220. Second sensor; 230. Infrared sensor; 231. Housing; 2311. Mounting hole; 2312. Mounting cavity; 232. Sensing element; 233. Seal; 234. Sealing ring; 300. Conveying assembly; 310. Conveying component; 320. Conveying drive component; 400. Ice dispensing assembly; 410. Ice dispensing baffle; 420. Ice dispensing drive component; 500. Ice water device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] Ice makers, as essential refrigeration equipment in modern homes and commercial establishments, are widely used in beverage preparation and food preservation. Ice makers typically have an ice storage chamber to hold the ice cubes and use various monitoring devices to monitor their storage status. As users increasingly demand higher levels of intelligence from ice makers, precise monitoring of ice storage status has become a crucial direction for the development of ice makers.

[0023] However, existing ice makers have technical deficiencies in detecting the ice storage status. Most ice makers only have a single full-ice detection function, which can only issue a warning signal when the ice storage chamber is completely full. They cannot effectively monitor the ice storage status at different stages, such as the intermediate storage status of ice in the ice storage chamber, which affects the ease of use of the equipment and the continuity of the user experience.

[0024] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention provides a water treatment device 10, which includes an ice-making device 100 and a sensing component 200. The ice-making device 100 is provided with an ice storage cavity 1111 for storing ice blocks. The sensing component 200 is disposed on the ice-making device 100 and includes a first sensor 210 and a second sensor 220. There are multiple second sensors 220, and the multiple second sensors 220 are arranged at intervals. The first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are respectively disposed on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity 1111. The multiple second sensors 220 are respectively arranged in interaction with the first sensor 210, and the sensing component 200 is used to acquire the position signal of the ice blocks.

[0025] The water treatment device 10 of this embodiment, by setting a first sensor 210 and multiple spaced second sensors 220, can achieve graded detection of the ice quantity in the ice storage chamber 1111. The multiple second sensors 220 are respectively configured to interact with the first sensor 210, and can acquire corresponding position signals when the ice reaches different positions, thereby accurately determining the different storage states of the ice in the ice storage chamber 1111. This effectively solves the technical problem that existing ice makers can only detect full ice and cannot monitor intermediate storage states.

[0026] In the sensing component 200 of this embodiment, by respectively disposing the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity 1111, a multi-point detection layout is formed, enabling the sensing component 200 to acquire ice block position signals at different heights within the ice storage cavity 1111. This configuration avoids the limitations of a single detection point, achieves continuous monitoring of ice block quantity, and improves the accuracy and reliability of ice block storage status detection.

[0027] The technical solution of the multiple second sensors 220 spaced apart in this embodiment enables the water treatment equipment 10 to determine the graded storage of ice in the ice storage chamber 1111 based on the signals fed back by different sensors. For example, it can accurately identify different storage states such as one-quarter, one-half, or three-quarters of the ice in the ice storage chamber 1111, effectively improving the intelligence level and ease of use of ice storage detection.

[0028] Specifically, the number of second sensors 220 can be two, three, four, or more, and there is no single limitation. Setting up multiple second sensors 220 enables accurate detection of the amount of ice at different heights within the ice storage chamber 1111. Compared to the detection method of a single sensor, the configuration of multiple second sensors 220 can provide more detailed and accurate information on the distribution of ice, enabling the water treatment equipment 10 to perform hierarchical management and monitoring of the amount of ice within the ice storage chamber 1111.

[0029] In this embodiment, the water treatment device 10 also includes a control module. The control module is signal-connected to the sensing component 200. As the core control unit of the water treatment device 10, the control module receives and analyzes the ice block position signal sent by the sensing component 200. The control module monitors the signal status of the first sensor 210 and multiple second sensors 220 in real time through a set signal processing algorithm. When the ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 1111 accumulate to different heights, the signal transmission between the corresponding second sensor 220 and the first sensor 210 is blocked. The control module can accurately calculate the ice block storage level in the ice storage cavity 1111 based on the number and location of the blocked signal channels.

[0030] Specifically, the control module can be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), STM32 (STM32 microcontroller, a 32-bit microcontroller with an ARM Cortex-M core), microcontroller, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ARM (Advanced RISC Machine), or other controllers with signal processing capabilities. The control module is located inside the water treatment equipment 10 and is used to directly control the operating status of the ice-making device 100 and obtain the storage status of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 1111.

[0031] The control module incorporates signal judgment logic to determine the specific ice quantity level in the ice storage cavity 1111 by analyzing the signal state combinations between the first sensor 210 and multiple second sensors 220. When there is no ice in the ice storage cavity 1111, all second sensors 220 can receive the signal emitted by the first sensor 210, and the control module identifies it as an empty cavity. As the ice in the ice storage cavity 1111 gradually increases, the second sensors 220 from bottom to top are sequentially blocked from signal connection with the first sensor 210 by the ice. The control module calculates the corresponding percentage of ice quantity based on the number and location of the blocked second sensors 220. This graded detection mechanism enables the control module to provide users with accurate ice quantity information and automatically adjust the working mode of the ice-making device 100 according to the quantity status, achieving intelligent ice quantity management.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ice-making device 100 includes an ice storage chamber 110 and an ice-making component 120. The ice storage chamber 110 has an ice storage cavity 1111 for storing ice blocks obtained from ice making, and a sensing component 200 is disposed inside the ice storage cavity 1111.

[0033] The ice-making assembly 120 can employ a spray-type ice-making process. Specifically, the ice-making assembly 120 includes components such as a water inlet, spray heads, and ice-making molds. During the ice-making process, water enters the interior of the ice-making assembly 120 through the water inlet and is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the ice-making mold through the spray heads. Under low-temperature conditions, the water gradually freezes to form ice blocks. After ice making is completed, the ice blocks are transported to the ice storage chamber 1111 for storage. This spray-type ice-making process has the advantages of simple structure and high ice-making efficiency. Of course, the ice-making assembly 120 in this embodiment can also employ other ice-making processes, such as ice-making tray type or ice-making drum type, etc., which are not limited here.

[0034] Specifically, the first sensor 210 includes an infrared sensor 230, and / or the second sensor 220 includes an infrared sensor 230.

[0035] In one embodiment, either the first sensor 210 or the second sensor 220 can be a signal transmitting element and the other a signal receiving element, and the signal can be blocked by ice. Specifically, when the first sensor 210 acts as a signal transmitting element, it transmits a detection signal into the ice storage cavity 1111, and the second sensor 220 acts as a signal receiving element to receive the detection signal. When the ice in the ice storage cavity 1111 accumulates to a certain height, the ice blocks the signal propagation path between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, causing the second sensor 220 to be unable to receive a complete detection signal, thereby generating an ice block position detection signal. Conversely, the second sensor 220 can also act as a signal transmitting element, and the first sensor 210 as a signal receiving element, with the same working principle.

[0036] Of course, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can be implemented using various sensing technologies. Specifically, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can be laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or photoelectric sensors.

[0037] When a laser sensor is used, the laser beam can form a precise detection optical path within the ice storage cavity 1111. The laser sensor emits the laser beam, and the position of the ice block is determined by detecting the reflection or obstruction of the laser beam. Laser sensors have the advantages of extremely high detection accuracy and extremely short response time. When an ultrasonic sensor is used, it detects the position and distance of the ice block by emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the echo signals. The working principle of the ultrasonic sensor is based on the propagation and reflection characteristics of sound waves: the transmitting end emits ultrasonic waves of a specific frequency into the ice storage cavity 1111. When the ultrasonic waves encounter the surface of the ice block, they are reflected. The receiving end determines the position of the ice block by detecting the time difference and intensity change of the reflected wave. When a photoelectric sensor is used, it determines the position of the ice block by emitting visible light and detecting the intensity of the reflected light. Photoelectric sensors have the advantages of low cost and easy installation.

[0038] When using infrared sensor 230, the first sensor 210 emits an infrared signal, and the second sensor 220 receives it. The position of the ice block is determined by detecting whether its propagation is blocked. This scheme has the advantages of fast response speed and high detection accuracy. Infrared signals have good linearity and stability when propagating in air. When ice blocks the propagation path of the infrared signal, the signal strength received by the second sensor 220 will decrease sharply or disappear completely. The control module can accurately determine the presence of the ice block by analyzing the change in signal strength. The specific arrangement depends on actual design requirements and cost considerations, and is not a single limitation here. It should be noted that the arrangement of laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or photoelectric sensors is similar to that of the infrared sensor scheme, and will not be elaborated here.

[0039] In one embodiment, the infrared sensor 230 includes a housing 231, a sensing element 232, and a sealing element 233. The housing 231 has a communicating mounting hole 2311 and a mounting cavity 2312, and the housing 231 is detachably connected to the ice-making device 100. The sensing element 232 is housed in the mounting cavity 2312 and passes through the mounting hole 2311. The sealing element 233 seals the mounting cavity 2312.

[0040] The housing 231 serves to protect and support the infrared sensor 230, providing a stable mounting base and reliable mechanical protection for the sensing element 232. The housing 231 is connected to the ice-making device 100 by an adhesive or snap-fit ​​structure, which facilitates the installation, replacement, and maintenance of the infrared sensor 230.

[0041] The housing 231 serves as the carrier of the sensor 232. The design of the mounting hole 2311 and the mounting cavity 2312 allows the sensor 232 to be securely installed inside the housing 231. Simultaneously, the sensing end of the sensor 232 can extend into the ice storage cavity 1111 through the mounting hole 2311, enabling effective detection of the ice block's position. The diameter of the mounting hole 2311 matches the outer diameter of the sensor 232, ensuring that the sensor 232 can be stably installed within the mounting hole 2311 without loosening or falling off. The volume of the mounting cavity 2312 is determined according to the dimensions of the sensor 232, providing ample installation space for internal components such as the sensor 232's terminals.

[0042] By setting the seal 233, the sensor 232 can be sealed and protected, especially the cable portion of the sensor 232. When the sensor 232 is an infrared sensor 230, the sensing end of the sensor 232 adopts a sealed structure design, which has good waterproof and moisture-proof performance. However, there is no special sealing protection measure at the cable connection, which is easily affected by external moisture and humidity, leading to circuit failure. The seal 233 is set inside the mounting cavity 2312, completely isolating the cable portion of the sensor 232 from the external environment. This prevents water vapor, condensate, and other moisture in the ice storage cavity 1111 from entering the sensor 232 through the cable connection, thereby protecting the circuit system of the sensor 232 from the influence of the humid environment.

[0043] By sealing the mounting cavity 2312 with the sealing element 233, the water source inside the ice storage cavity 1111 can be prevented from contacting the cable and causing damage to the infrared sensor 230. The ice storage cavity 1111 generates water vapor and condensate during the ice-making process, creating a high-humidity working environment. If the cable of the sensor 232 is exposed to this humid environment, it can lead to problems such as moisture absorption of the cable insulation, short circuits, and increased contact resistance, potentially causing the infrared sensor 230 to completely fail. The sealing element 233 creates a sealed protective space inside the mounting cavity 2312, effectively isolating the cable of the sensor 232 from the humid environment inside the ice storage cavity 1111, ensuring the reliability of the cable connection and the long-term stable operation of the infrared sensor 230.

[0044] Specifically, the seal 233 can be a variety of sealing structures such as sealant, gasket, or membrane. When sealant 233 is made of sealant, it has good adhesion and sealing properties, forming a continuous sealing layer inside the mounting cavity 2312, effectively preventing the penetration of moisture and humidity. When gasket is made of sealant 233, it achieves a sealing effect through compression deformation. The thickness of the gasket can be adjusted according to the structural dimensions of the mounting cavity 2312 to ensure ideal sealing pressure and sealing effect.

[0045] Furthermore, the infrared sensor 230 also includes a sealing ring 234, which is sleeved on the outside of the housing 231 and seals between the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100.

[0046] The sealing ring 234 is an annular elastic structure. Through elastic deformation, it forms a continuous sealing contact between the contact surfaces of the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100, effectively preventing moisture in the ice storage cavity 1111 from seeping out of the ice-making device 100 through the gap between the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100. By setting the sealing ring 234 to seal the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100, the sealing effect of the entire infrared sensor 230 system can be further improved, preventing ice water leakage. The sealing ring 234 and the sealing element 233 form a double sealing protection structure. The sealing element 233 is mainly responsible for internal sealing of the cable connection part of the sensor 232, while the sealing ring 234 is mainly responsible for external sealing of the connection part between the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100. The two work together to form a complete sealing protection system. When ice water overflows or condensate accumulates in the ice storage chamber 1111, the sealing ring 234 can effectively prevent moisture from seeping out through the connection interface between the housing 231 and the ice making device 100, thereby protecting the sensor 232 and its related circuit system from the influence of the humid environment.

[0047] When there are at least two second sensors 220 arranged vertically, the second sensor 220 near the bottom can be used to detect the intermediate amount of ice, such as half-full. When the ice reaches full capacity, some ice water may wet the second sensor 220 near the bottom. The above settings can ensure the sealing.

[0048] During the actual operation of the ice-making device 100, when the ice storage chamber 1111 is full, ice water may overflow. Some of the ice water will flow along the inner wall of the ice storage chamber 1111 to the bottom, and in this process, it may come into contact with the second sensor 220 near the bottom. Since the second sensor 220 near the bottom is located at a relatively low position, it is more susceptible to the effects of ice water immersion. By setting a sealing ring 234 in the second sensor 220, the ice water can be effectively prevented from seeping into the sensor through the connection gap between the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100, ensuring that the second sensor 220 near the bottom can maintain normal working performance and detection accuracy in a humid environment.

[0049] The sealing ring 234 effectively addresses the thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes within the ice storage chamber 1111. During ice making, the temperature inside the ice storage chamber 1111 varies between the freezing temperature and the ambient temperature. This temperature change causes varying degrees of thermal expansion and contraction between the housing 231 and the ice-making device 100, resulting in slight relative displacement at their interface. The elastic properties of the sealing ring 234 automatically adapt to these dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining a good sealing contact and preventing seal failure due to temperature variations. Through the elastic compensation of the sealing ring 234, the infrared sensor 230 maintains reliable sealing protection throughout the long-term operation of the ice-making device 100.

[0050] In one embodiment, the infrared sensor 230 also has an anti-icing function. Specifically, the infrared sensor 230 may employ an anti-condensation coating or a heating element to prevent icing from forming on the sensor surface.

[0051] The anti-condensation coating can be made of a hydrophobic material and applied to the sensing window surface of the infrared sensor 230. This coating effectively blocks the condensation of ambient moisture, preventing water vapor from freezing on the sensor surface and thus ensuring stable transmission of the infrared signal. The anti-condensation coating features good weather resistance and a long service life, providing continuous and effective protection for the infrared sensor 230.

[0052] In addition, the infrared sensor 230 can also integrate a heating element. The heating element can be a metal heating wire or a thermoelectric semiconductor, and power is supplied to the heating element to achieve localized heating of the sensor surface. The heat generated during the heating process can effectively melt the ice layer on the sensor surface, preventing ice from blocking the infrared beam and affecting signal detection, thus ensuring that the infrared sensor 230 can operate continuously and stably.

[0053] The aforementioned anti-condensation coating and heating element, along with their respective anti-icing measures, can be used individually or in combination. When the ambient humidity is high but the temperature is also high, the anti-condensation coating effectively prevents water vapor condensation; when the ambient temperature is low, the heating element actively melts ice. The combined use of these two anti-icing measures comprehensively ensures the reliability of the infrared sensor 230 in various harsh environments, ensuring the long-term stability of the ice quantity detection function of the ice-making device 100.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ice storage chamber 110 includes a chamber body 111 and a fixing seat 112 and a fixing part 113 disposed on the chamber body 111. The chamber body 111 serves as the main structure of the ice storage chamber 110, providing basic storage space and structural support for ice storage. The inner surface of the chamber body 111 may be provided with an anti-slip texture or an anti-stick coating to prevent ice from sticking to the chamber wall during storage, facilitating the removal and cleaning of ice. The ice storage cavity 1111 is disposed inside the chamber body 111, providing actual storage space for ice. The bottom of the ice storage cavity 1111 may be provided with an inclined angle to facilitate the flow of melted ice water in a designated direction, preventing water accumulation from affecting the quality of ice and the storage environment. The side walls of the ice storage cavity 1111 may be provided with guide channels or drainage holes to further improve drainage efficiency and ease of cleaning.

[0055] The mounting base 112 is mounted on the container body 111, providing a stable mounting foundation and precise positioning support for the infrared sensor 230. The mounting base 112 can be manufactured as an integral part of the container body 111, or it can be manufactured separately and then assembled. When the mounting base 112 is integrally molded with the container body 111, better structural strength and sealing performance can be achieved, but the manufacturing process is relatively complex and the mold cost is higher. When the mounting base 112 is manufactured separately and then assembled, the manufacturing process is relatively simple, facilitating mass production and cost control, but reliable sealing measures are required at the connection points. The material of the mounting base 112 can be the same as that of the container body 111, or a higher-strength engineering plastic or metal material can be selected depending on the installation strength requirements.

[0056] The mounting base 112 has a communicating mounting cavity 1121 and a connecting hole 1122. The mounting cavity 1121 provides a space to accommodate the housing 231 of the infrared sensor 230. The inner diameter of the mounting cavity 1121 matches the outer diameter of the housing 231, ensuring that the housing 231 can be stably installed in the mounting cavity 1121 without loosening or shifting. The depth of the mounting cavity 1121 is determined according to the length of the housing 231, providing sufficient installation depth for the housing 231. The inner surface of the mounting cavity 1121 can be provided with positioning bosses or positioning grooves, which cooperate with the corresponding positioning structures on the housing 231 to achieve precise positioning and anti-rotation function of the housing 231 within the mounting cavity 1121.

[0057] The connecting hole 1122 communicates with the fixed cavity 1121, providing a channel for the extension of the sensor 232 into the ice storage cavity 1111. The diameter of the connecting hole 1122 matches the outer diameter of the housing 231, ensuring that the housing 231 can pass smoothly through the connecting hole 1122 without jamming or loosening. The axial direction of the connecting hole 1122 is aligned with the geometric center direction of the ice storage cavity 1111, ensuring that the sensor 232 can effectively detect and cover the ice in the ice storage cavity 1111. The opening of the connecting hole 1122 can be chamfered or rounded to prevent the housing 231 from being scratched or damaged when passing through the connecting hole 1122. The sensor 232 is housed in the fixed cavity 1121 and extends into the ice storage cavity 1111 through the connecting hole 1122, so that the sensing end of the sensor 232 can acquire the ice signal in the ice storage cavity 1111.

[0058] The sensing end of the sensor 232 extends into the ice storage cavity 1111 through the connecting hole 1122. An appropriate distance is maintained between the sensing end and the inner wall of the ice storage cavity 1111 to prevent ice from directly impacting the sensing end and causing damage. A protective cover or protective glass can be installed on the sensing end of the sensor 232 to further improve its mechanical and optical protection performance. The detection range of the sensor 232 within the ice storage cavity 1111 can be optimized by adjusting the installation depth of the sensor 232 within the fixing cavity 1121, ensuring that the sensor 232 can effectively detect ice at different locations within the ice storage cavity 1111. The housing 231 of the infrared sensor 230 can be connected to the fixing part 113 via fasteners. The fasteners can be various connecting elements such as screws, bolts, pins, rivets, or clips.

[0059] A fixing part 113 is provided on the container body 111, providing a structural basis for the connection between the shell 231 and the container body 111. The fixing part 113 can take various forms, such as a boss structure, a mounting plate structure, or a mounting groove structure. When the fixing part 113 adopts a boss structure, the boss protrudes outward from the surface of the container body 111, providing a mounting plane and positioning reference for the shell 231. When the fixing part 113 adopts a mounting plate structure, the mounting plate is fixed to the container body 111 by welding, bonding, or mechanical connection. The mounting plate has threaded holes or through holes that mate with corresponding holes on the shell 231 to achieve connection. When the fixing part 113 adopts a mounting groove structure, the mounting groove is recessed inward from the surface of the container body 111, and the corresponding part of the shell 231 is inserted into the mounting groove, achieving connection and fixation through lateral fasteners.

[0060] Specifically, the first sensor 210 includes a transmitter, and the second sensor 220 includes a receiver and is used to receive the infrared signal emitted by the transmitter; or, the first sensor 210 includes a receiver, and the second sensor 220 includes a transmitter and is used to emit an infrared signal to the receiver.

[0061] The transmitter internally incorporates an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) or an infrared laser diode as the infrared light source. Infrared LEDs offer advantages such as low power consumption, long lifespan, and adjustable emission angle, making them suitable for short-range detection applications. Infrared laser diodes, on the other hand, feature concentrated beams, high emission power, and high detection accuracy, making them suitable for applications requiring high-precision detection. The transmitter can also be equipped with optical lenses or reflectors to adjust the divergence angle and transmission direction of the infrared beam, ensuring accurate coverage of the predetermined detection area.

[0062] The receiver internally uses a photodiode, photoresistor, or phototransistor as the infrared light receiving element. Photodiodes are characterized by fast response speed, good linearity, and strong anti-interference capability. Photoresistors offer high sensitivity and low manufacturing cost, but their response speed is relatively slow. Phototransistors have built-in signal amplification capabilities, enabling them to directly output a strong electrical signal, simplifying subsequent signal processing circuit design. The receiver can also incorporate a filter to filter out visible light and other wavelengths of interference from the environment, allowing only specific wavelengths of infrared light to pass through, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy.

[0063] When using the sensing component 200 of this embodiment, either the first sensor 210 or the second sensor 220 can be a transmitter, and the other can be a receiver; there is no single limitation. This flexible configuration allows the sensing component 200 to adapt to different installation environments and detection requirements. When the ice storage cavity 1111 is rectangular, the transmitter can be installed on one side wall of the ice storage cavity 1111, and the receiver can be installed on the opposite side wall of the ice storage cavity 1111, forming a transverse infrared beam detection channel. When the ice storage cavity 1111 is circular, a suitable installation angle can be selected based on the geometric characteristics of the circle to ensure that the infrared beam can effectively cover the cross-sectional area of ​​the ice storage cavity 1111.

[0064] The roles of the transmitter and receiver can also be determined based on the convenience of power supply and signal processing. The transmitter typically requires a continuous power supply to maintain infrared light emission, while the receiver primarily generates an electrical signal output upon receiving an infrared light signal. If one side of the ice storage cavity 1111 is more convenient for power line routing, the transmitter can be installed on that side. Similarly, if one side of the ice storage cavity 1111 is more convenient for signal line connections, the receiver can be installed on that side. This flexible configuration simplifies the installation and maintenance of the sensing assembly 200.

[0065] When ice blocks the path between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, the position signal of the ice can be determined. Ice has a certain blocking and scattering effect on infrared light. When there is no ice in the ice storage cavity 1111, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter can be directly transmitted to the receiver, and the intensity of the received infrared light signal is high. When there is ice in the ice storage cavity 1111 and the ice is located in the optical path between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, the ice will block part of the infrared light transmission, causing a decrease in the intensity of the infrared light signal received by the receiver. By detecting the change in the intensity of the output signal of the receiver, it can be determined whether there is ice blocking the infrared optical path.

[0066] In one embodiment, the optical axes of a plurality of second sensors 220 are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of second sensors 220 are located within the field of view of the first sensor 210.

[0067] Specifically, when the first sensor 210 acts as the transmitter, multiple second sensors 220 act as receivers. By arranging the optical axes of the multiple second sensors 220 in parallel, each second sensor 220 can receive the infrared light signal emitted by the first sensor 210. This parallel optical axis arrangement helps reduce the difficulty of hole processing and also ensures that each second sensor 220 can receive an infrared light signal of sufficient intensity, improving the stability and reliability of the detection signal.

[0068] Meanwhile, multiple second sensors 220 are all located within the field of view of the first sensor 210. The emitted beam of the first sensor 210 generally has a certain divergence angle, forming a fan-shaped field of view. Installing multiple second sensors 220 within this field of view ensures that each second sensor 220 can detect the infrared light signal from the first sensor 210. This arrangement maximizes the emission capability of the first sensor 210 and avoids situations where signals cannot be detected due to mismatched detection areas.

[0069] When the first sensor 210 acts as the receiver, multiple second sensors 220 act as transmitters. In this case, arranging the optical axes of the multiple second sensors 220 in parallel also helps reduce the difficulty of hole processing. Simultaneously, since all the second sensors 220 are located within the field of view of the first sensor 210, it ensures that the first sensor 210 can comprehensively receive infrared light signals from each of the second sensors 220. This configuration improves the coverage of the detection area and enhances the system's ability to perceive the presence of ice.

[0070] Regardless of the transmission and reception relationship between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, arranging the optical axes of multiple second sensors 220 in parallel and within the field of view of the first sensor 210 simplifies the installation layout of the entire sensing assembly 200 and improves the stability of the detection signal and the reliability of the system. When the shape of the ice storage cavity 1111 is complex, the installation angle of each second sensor 220 can be appropriately adjusted according to the specific geometric characteristics to ensure that the infrared beam can fully cover the entire internal space of the ice storage cavity 1111.

[0071] In one embodiment, the plurality of second sensors 220 include an upper sensor and a lower sensor arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. The angle between the line connecting the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 and the line connecting the lower sensor and the first sensor 210 is α, and the field of view angle of the first sensor 210 is β, and the following relationship is satisfied: 2α≤β.

[0072] Specifically, the number of the multiple second sensors 220 can be two, three, or more, and there is no single limitation. When two second sensors 220 are set, they are an upper sensor and a lower sensor, with the upper sensor located above the lower sensor, and the two are arranged vertically. When three or more second sensors 220 are set, an intermediate sensor can be added between the upper and lower sensors. The intermediate sensor is also arranged vertically, forming an array layout with the upper and lower sensors. Adding multiple second sensors 220 can improve the accuracy of ice quantity detection in the ice storage cavity 1111, realize the graded detection function, and facilitate the ice-making device 100 to adopt corresponding control strategies according to different ice quantity levels.

[0073] The angle between the line connecting the upper sensor and the first sensor 210, and the line connecting the lower sensor and the first sensor 210, is α. The magnitude of this angle α depends on the vertical distance between the upper and lower sensors and the horizontal distance between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220. When the vertical distance between the upper and lower sensors increases, the angle α increases accordingly. When the horizontal distance between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 increases, the angle α decreases accordingly.

[0074] The field of view of the first sensor 210 is β, which represents the angular range within which the first sensor 210 can effectively detect or emit infrared signals. When the first sensor 210 acts as a transmitter, the field of view β represents the divergence angle range of the infrared beam. When the first sensor 210 acts as a receiver, the field of view β represents the angular range within which infrared signals can be effectively received. The magnitude of the field of view β is related to the optical design parameters of the first sensor 210, including factors such as the focal length of the lens, the luminous characteristics of the light source, or the photosensitivity of the photosensitive element.

[0075] The relationship 2α≤β ensures that both the upper and lower sensors are within the field of view of the first sensor 210. Specifically, when the included angle α is small, the angular distribution of the upper and lower sensors relative to the first sensor 210 is relatively concentrated, and the first sensor 210 can easily cover the positions of the two second sensors 220. When the included angle α gradually increases but still satisfies the condition 2α≤β, the first sensor 210 can still effectively cover the positions of the upper and lower sensors, ensuring the effectiveness of infrared signal transmission.

[0076] When the field of view β is too small, the angular coverage of the first sensor 210 is limited, and it may not be able to cover the positions of multiple second sensors 220 simultaneously, causing some second sensors 220 to malfunction. When the field of view β is too large, the signal strength of the first sensor 210 may be dispersed over a large angular range, resulting in insufficient signal strength received by the second sensors 220 at the edge positions, affecting the accuracy of detection.

[0077] In this embodiment, by setting the relationship between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 to 2α≤β, it can be ensured that the first sensor 210 can receive the infrared signal emitted by the second sensor 220, or the second sensor 220 can receive the infrared signal emitted by the first sensor 210. This design relationship ensures the effectiveness of the infrared signal transmission path from a geometric optics perspective, avoiding signal loss or attenuation problems caused by excessive angular deviation.

[0078] When the first sensor 210 acts as the transmitter, its emitted infrared beam propagates within the field of view β, and both the upper and lower sensors can receive the infrared signal from the first sensor 210. Due to the constraint 2α≤β, the angular positions of the upper and lower sensors relative to the first sensor 210 are both within the effective range of the field of view β, ensuring that the infrared signal can effectively reach each of the second sensors 220. When ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 1111 block the infrared light path, the signal intensity received by the corresponding second sensor 220 will change, thereby realizing the detection of the ice block position.

[0079] When the first sensor 210 acts as a receiver, the upper and lower sensors, acting as transmitters, emit infrared signals to it. Since both the upper and lower sensors are located within the field of view β of the first sensor 210, the first sensor 210 can effectively receive infrared signals from each of the second sensors 220. When ice blocks in the ice storage cavity 1111 obstruct the optical path between a second sensor 220 and the first sensor 210, the signal strength received by the first sensor 210 from that second sensor 220 decreases. The signal processing circuit can then identify the position of the second sensor 220 corresponding to this signal change, thereby determining the location of the ice block.

[0080] The relationship 2α≤β also provides a design basis for the installation layout of the sensing component 200. After determining the geometric dimensions of the ice storage cavity 1111, the optimal installation positions of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can be calculated based on this relationship to ensure that the system has good detection performance. When the height of the ice storage cavity 1111 is large and more second sensors 220 need to be installed, the constraint condition 2α≤β can be satisfied by adjusting the vertical spacing of each second sensor 220 or the installation position of the first sensor 210.

[0081] Furthermore, the optical axes of the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 are set coaxially.

[0082] The optical axis of the upper sensor coincides with the optical axis of the first sensor 210, and the two are aligned on their geometric center lines. This coaxial arrangement can be achieved through a precise mechanical mounting structure, such as mounting the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 on the same support axis, or using a positioning fixture to ensure that their optical axes are aligned.

[0083] Specifically, when the first sensor 210 acts as the transmitter, its emitted infrared beam propagates along the optical axis, and the upper sensor, acting as the receiver, can directly receive the infrared signal from the first sensor 210. Since both sensors are coaxial, the infrared beam does not experience angular shift during propagation, resulting in the most direct signal transmission path with minimal loss. This configuration ensures that the signal strength received by the upper sensor reaches its maximum value, improving the sensitivity and accuracy of signal detection.

[0084] When the first sensor 210 acts as the receiver, the upper sensor, acting as the transmitter, emits an infrared signal to the first sensor 210. The coaxial optical axis layout ensures that the infrared beam emitted by the upper sensor is accurately aligned with the receiving window of the first sensor 210, avoiding signal attenuation due to angular deviation. The first sensor 210 can receive the strongest signal from the upper sensor, providing a reliable data foundation for subsequent signal processing and ice quantity determination.

[0085] The coaxial arrangement of the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 plays a crucial role in detecting the ice level in the ice storage chamber 1111. When the ice in the ice storage chamber 1111 gradually accumulates to the height of the upper sensor, the ice blocks the infrared light path between the upper sensor and the first sensor 210. At this time, the signal strength received by the upper sensor will significantly decrease, or the signal strength received by the first sensor 210 from the upper sensor will significantly weaken. The signal processing circuit can accurately determine that the ice has reached the height corresponding to the upper sensor by detecting this change in signal strength.

[0086] Since the upper sensor is typically positioned high within the ice storage chamber 1111 to detect the full ice level, the coaxial arrangement between the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 provides the most accurate full ice detection signal. When the ice accumulates to the maximum permissible position within the ice storage chamber 1111, it completely blocks the straight optical path between the upper sensor and the first sensor 210, causing signal transmission interruption. This signal interruption provides the ice-making device 100 with a clear full ice indication signal, allowing it to stop ice-making operations and prevent ice from overflowing the ice storage chamber 1111.

[0087] The coaxial optical axis layout also reduces interference from environmental factors on signal detection. Since the infrared beam propagates along the shortest straight path, it is minimally affected by reflections and scattering from the inner wall of the ice storage cavity 1111. Simultaneously, the coaxial geometry reduces the system's requirements for installation precision; even with slight mechanical vibrations or thermal expansion and contraction during the operation of the ice-making device 100, the optical axis alignment between the upper sensor and the first sensor 210 remains stable.

[0088] This configuration ensures that when the ice storage chamber reaches full capacity, a set of first sensors 210 and second sensors 220 can detect the position signal of the full ice storage to determine the ice storage status. Specifically, when the ice in the ice storage chamber 1111 gradually increases and accumulates to the height of the upper sensor, the ice blocks the infrared light path between the upper sensor and the first sensor 210. The signal processing circuit can accurately identify the critical point when the ice storage has reached full capacity by detecting this light path blockage. This detection mechanism provides the ice-making device 100 with a reliable ice storage feedback signal, enabling the ice-making device 100 to adjust its ice-making strategy in a timely manner and avoid equipment failure or safety hazards caused by excessive ice.

[0089] In one embodiment, the ice-making device 100 further includes a conveying channel 114 and an ice outlet 1112. The conveying channel 114 is used to convey ice blocks and is inclined. The first sensor 210 is located on the side near the ice outlet 1112.

[0090] The tilt angle of the conveying channel 114 can be 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, or 25°, depending on the sliding characteristics of the ice and the required conveying efficiency; no single limit is specified here. If the tilt angle is too small, the ice will lack sufficient sliding force under gravity, potentially causing it to accumulate within the conveying channel 114 and preventing it from being smoothly conveyed to the outlet 1112. If the tilt angle is too large, the ice will slide too fast, potentially causing it to collide and break during conveying, affecting its integrity and usability.

[0091] The cross-sectional shape of the conveying channel 114 can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or semi-circular. A rectangular cross-section offers the advantage of simple processing, a trapezoidal cross-section guides ice blocks towards the center of the channel, and a semi-circular cross-section helps reduce frictional resistance between the ice blocks and the channel wall. The inner wall of the conveying channel 114 can be made of smooth stainless steel or food-grade plastic to ensure that the ice blocks are not contaminated during transport and that sliding resistance is low.

[0092] The first sensor 210 is located on the side near the ice outlet 1112. This arrangement allows the first sensor 210 to monitor the distribution of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 1111 near the ice outlet 1112. When a user needs to take ice, the ice blocks near the ice outlet 1112 will be conveyed out first. The first sensor 210 can detect changes in the number of ice blocks in this area in a timely manner, providing accurate ice block inventory information to the control system of the ice-making device 100.

[0093] The lower part of the conveying channel 114 is located on the side away from the ice outlet 1112. Ice blocks can slide down to the lower part under the action of gravity, and the ice-making device 100 can have a greater height on this side, which facilitates the installation of multiple second sensors 220. The lower part of the conveying channel 114 has a large vertical space, providing ample installation space for the vertical arrangement of multiple second sensors 220.

[0094] By tilting the ice storage chamber 114, multiple second sensors 220 can be positioned to correspond to the deepest point of the ice storage. Due to the tilted design of the conveyor channel 114, ice naturally accumulates at the lowest point of the channel under gravity, forming the deepest ice storage area. The multiple second sensors 220 positioned in this area can accurately monitor the actual ice storage level, avoiding detection errors caused by uneven ice distribution. When the number of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 1111 is small, the ice mainly accumulates at the deepest point, and the lower second sensors 220 can detect its presence. As the number of ice blocks increases, they gradually accumulate upwards, and the middle and upper second sensors 220 sequentially detect the ice signals, thus achieving graded detection of the ice storage level.

[0095] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes a conveying assembly 300. The conveying assembly 300 is disposed within the conveying channel 114 and is used to convey ice blocks along the inclined conveying channel 114 to the ice outlet 1112 for use. The conveying assembly 300 can actively control the ice block conveying process, avoiding problems such as ice block accumulation or poor conveying that may occur when relying solely on gravity. When the number of ice blocks in the ice storage chamber 1111 is large or the ice blocks are stuck together, the conveying assembly 300 can provide additional pushing force to ensure that the ice blocks can be smoothly conveyed to the ice outlet 1112.

[0096] Specifically, the conveying assembly 300 includes a conveying component 310 and a conveying drive component 320. The combined use of the conveying component 310 and the conveying drive component 320 enables continuous and stable conveying of ice, meeting the user's on-demand ice consumption requirements. The conveying component 310 is responsible for directly contacting and propelling the ice, while the conveying drive component 320 provides the power source for the conveying component 310. The matched design of both ensures that the conveying system has good working performance and reliability.

[0097] The conveying component 310 can be a screw conveyor. Screw conveyors have the advantages of simple structure and high conveying efficiency, and their helical blades can effectively push the ice blocks along the conveying channel 114 towards the ice outlet 1112. The conveying drive component 320 can be a drive motor. Drive motors have the advantages of high control precision and fast response speed, and can accurately adjust the speed and direction of the conveying component 310 according to the system control commands.

[0098] The conveyor 310 is rotatably connected to the ice storage bin 110. This rotatable connection allows the conveyor 310 to rotate freely within the ice storage bin 110 while maintaining a stable connection with it. The rotatable connection can be achieved through a bearing mechanism, which reduces frictional resistance during the rotation of the conveyor 310, improves transmission efficiency, and extends its service life. The bearing mechanism can use either rolling bearings or sliding bearings. Rolling bearings have the advantage of low frictional resistance, while sliding bearings have the advantages of compact structure and lower cost.

[0099] The conveying drive 320 drives the conveyor 310 to rotate, conveying ice blocks along the conveying channel 114 until they are output from the ice outlet 1112. The transmission connection between the conveying drive 320 and the conveyor 310 can be achieved through gear drive, belt drive, or direct connection. Gear drive has the advantages of accurate transmission ratio and high transmission efficiency, making it suitable for applications requiring precise control of conveying speed. Belt drive has the advantages of smooth transmission and low noise, making it suitable for applications where operating noise is critical. Direct connection has the simplest structure, but requires the output speed of the conveying drive 320 to match the operating speed of the conveyor 310.

[0100] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes an ice dispensing assembly 400. The ice dispensing assembly 400 is located at the ice outlet 1112 for closing or opening the outlet. The ice dispensing assembly 400 effectively controls the ice output process, preventing ice from automatically flowing out during non-use periods, and also allows for timely opening of the ice outlet 1112 to supply ice as needed. This controllable ice dispensing method reduces ice waste and improves the efficiency of the ice-making device 100.

[0101] Specifically, the ice dispensing assembly 400 includes an ice dispensing baffle 410 and an ice dispensing drive component 420. The coordinated operation of the ice dispensing baffle 410 and the ice dispensing drive component 420 enables reliable sealing and timely opening of the ice outlet 1112, ensuring the controllability and safety of ice output. The ice dispensing baffle 410 is responsible for physically blocking the flow of ice, while the ice dispensing drive component 420 provides power support for the position switching of the ice dispensing baffle 410.

[0102] An ice dispensing baffle 410 is movably connected to the ice storage chamber 110. An ice dispensing drive component 420 drives the ice dispensing baffle 410 to rotate, switching between an open and closed position. The ice dispensing baffle 410 can be connected by a hinge, a sliding connection, or a pivot connection. A hinge connection offers advantages such as simple structure and reliable operation; a sliding connection is suitable for space-constrained installation environments; and a pivot connection enables precise positioning of the ice dispensing baffle 410. When closed, the ice dispensing baffle 410 completely seals the ice outlet 1112, preventing accidental ice leakage; when open, it provides ample space for ice to flow out, ensuring smooth ice output.

[0103] The ice-discharging baffle 410 can be an arc-shaped baffle. The curved shape of the baffle better adapts to the flow trajectory of the ice, reducing the impact force between the ice and the baffle during the outflow process and lowering the risk of ice breakage. The ice-discharging drive component 420 can be a drive motor. The drive motor provides precise and controllable driving force, enabling accurate control of the position of the ice-discharging baffle 410. The speed of the drive motor can be adjusted by the control system, thereby controlling the opening and closing speed of the ice-discharging baffle 410. When rapid ice discharging is required, the speed of the drive motor can be increased to quickly open the ice-discharging baffle 410; when precise control of the ice discharging amount is required, the speed of the drive motor can be decreased to achieve a slow opening of the ice-discharging baffle 410.

[0104] Specifically, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are respectively disposed on two opposite inner walls of the ice-making device 100; or, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are respectively disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the ice-making device 100.

[0105] Different arrangements of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can adapt to different geometric configurations and spatial layout requirements of the ice storage cavity 1111, providing greater flexibility in the design of the ice-making device 100. A relative arrangement allows a straight optical path to be formed between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, offering the advantages of the shortest signal transmission distance and the strongest signal strength. An adjacent arrangement enables effective sensor configuration under space constraints, while a reasonable field-of-view design ensures reliable detection functionality.

[0106] When the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are respectively installed on two opposite inner walls of the ice-making device 100, the detection optical path formed between them is substantially parallel or perpendicular to the central axis of the ice storage cavity 1111. This arrangement allows the detection optical path to pass through the maximum cross-section of the ice storage cavity 1111, thereby obtaining the maximum detection coverage. When the ice in the ice storage cavity 1111 accumulates to the height of the detection optical path, the ice completely blocks the signal transmission between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220, resulting in a clear change in the detection signal.

[0107] When the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are respectively installed on two adjacent inner walls of the ice-making device 100, the detection optical path formed between them is aligned with the angular direction of the ice storage cavity 1111. This arrangement reduces the wall space occupied by the sensors while ensuring detection functionality, leaving more space for the installation of other components. The detection optical path length of the adjacent arrangement is usually greater than that of the relative arrangement, but reliable signal detection can still be achieved by optimizing the transmission power and receiving sensitivity of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220. The adjacent arrangement also reduces the design constraints caused by the structural symmetry requirements of the ice storage cavity 1111, increasing the design freedom of the ice-making device 100.

[0108] Understandably, when the ice storage cavity 1111 has a rectangular cross-section, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can be respectively located on two opposite sides of the ice storage cavity 1111, preferably with the first sensor 210 closer to the ice outlet 1112, to make the overall structure compact. The rectangular cross-section of the ice storage cavity 1111 has four straight side walls, providing a good planar foundation for the installation of the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220. The fixed distance and good parallelism between the two opposite sides are beneficial to ensuring the precise alignment of the optical axes between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220. Placing the first sensor 210 on the side closer to the ice outlet 1112 allows for priority monitoring of the area where ice is about to be output. When the ice in this area is removed, the first sensor 210 can promptly detect changes in the ice storage, providing a rapid response signal for the ice replenishment control of the ice-making device 100.

[0109] When the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are arranged on opposite sides of the rectangular ice storage cavity 1111, the detection optical path perpendicularly traverses the width or length direction of the ice storage cavity 1111. When the detection optical path is arranged along the width direction, it can detect the distribution of ice blocks in that direction, suitable for applications where ice blocks mainly accumulate along the length direction. When the detection optical path is arranged along the length direction, it can detect the distribution of ice blocks in the depth direction, suitable for applications where ice blocks mainly accumulate along the width direction. The most suitable detection optical path direction can be selected based on the specific operating mode of the ice-making device 100 and the characteristics of ice block accumulation.

[0110] In another embodiment, the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 can also be arranged on adjacent sides of the rectangular structure. In this case, the field of view of the first sensor 210 is sufficient to cover multiple second sensors 220. This arrangement also makes the water treatment device 10 more compact, and is not the only limitation. The field of view of the first sensor 210 refers to the angular range in which it can effectively transmit or receive signals. The size of the field of view directly affects the communication coverage capability between the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220. When the first sensor 210 and the second sensor 220 are arranged on adjacent sides, the first sensor 210 needs to have a sufficiently large field of view to ensure that it can establish an effective signal connection with multiple second sensors 220 located at different heights.

[0111] The arrangement of adjacent sides allows the first sensor 210 and multiple second sensors 220 to be concentrated in a corner area of ​​the ice storage cavity 1111, reserving more space in other areas of the ice storage cavity 1111 for ice storage. This arrangement also simplifies the design of the sensor system's wiring and signal processing circuits, reducing system complexity and manufacturing costs. When the ice-making device 100 needs to be installed in a space-constrained environment, the adjacent arrangement can reduce the space requirements on the external space of the ice storage cavity 1111.

[0112] The adjacent arrangement also offers the advantage of ease of maintenance. When the sensors need to be inspected or replaced, technicians only need to access two adjacent sides of the ice storage cavity 1111, making the operating space relatively concentrated and easy to access. This arrangement also facilitates the modular design of the sensor system, allowing the first sensor 210 and multiple second sensors 220 to be integrated into a single detection module, which is convenient for mass production and standardized applications.

[0113] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes an ice water device 500, which is connected to the ice-making assembly 120 via a pipe to deliver ice water to the ice-making assembly 120 to improve ice-making efficiency.

[0114] The chilled water unit 500 provides pre-cooled water to the ice-making assembly 120, significantly reducing the refrigeration load on the assembly, thereby shortening the ice-making cycle and reducing energy consumption. When the ice-making assembly 120 receives water pre-cooled to near freezing point, it only needs to provide less cooling capacity to complete the ice-making process compared to receiving room temperature water. This pre-cooling method avoids energy waste caused by the ice-making assembly 120 processing large amounts of sensible heat, improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the entire ice-making system. The pipe connection between the chilled water unit 500 and the ice-making assembly 120 can be designed with insulated pipes, with the outer wall of the pipe covered with insulation material to reduce the temperature rise of the chilled water during transportation.

[0115] The chilled water unit 500 can also be equipped with a flow control valve for precisely regulating the flow rate of chilled water supplied to the ice-making component 120. The flow control valve can be a manual regulating valve, an electric regulating valve, or a proportional regulating valve. Manual regulating valves are simple in structure and low in cost, suitable for applications with relatively stable chilled water demand; electric regulating valves enable remote control and automatic adjustment, suitable for complex operating conditions requiring frequent adjustments to the chilled water flow rate; proportional regulating valves offer high adjustment accuracy and fast response speed, suitable for applications requiring high precision in chilled water flow control. By rationally controlling the chilled water flow rate, it can be ensured that the ice-making component 120 receives an appropriate amount of chilled water supply at different operating stages, avoiding decreased ice-making efficiency due to insufficient chilled water supply or energy waste due to excessive chilled water supply.

[0116] Specifically, the chilled water device 500 includes a chilled water container and a refrigeration element. The chilled water container stores water, and the refrigeration element cools the water in the container. The coordinated operation of the chilled water container and the refrigeration element establishes a stable low-temperature water supply system, providing continuous chilled water support for the ice-making assembly 120. The chilled water container serves as a storage and buffer for the water, while the refrigeration element cools the stored water to a preset temperature. Their coordinated operation ensures that the chilled water device 500 can meet the chilled water requirements of the ice-making assembly 120.

[0117] The ice water container features an insulated structure with a three-layer design: an inner liner, an insulation layer, and an outer shell. The inner liner is made of food-grade stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance and easy cleaning, ensuring the stored water remains uncontaminated. The insulation layer is filled with high-efficiency insulation material. The container's volume is designed to match the ice water consumption of the ice-making component 120 and the cooling capacity of the ice water device 500.

[0118] The refrigeration components employ either a compressor refrigeration system or a semiconductor refrigeration system. Compressor refrigeration systems offer advantages such as high refrigeration efficiency and strong cooling capacity, making them suitable for large-capacity ice-water containers and applications with high cooling loads. A compressor refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, achieving continuous cooling of the water source within the ice-water container through refrigerant circulation. Semiconductor refrigeration systems offer advantages such as simple structure, no noise, and no refrigerant, making them suitable for small-capacity ice-water containers and applications with high environmental protection requirements. Semiconductor refrigeration components operate based on the Peltier effect, achieving precise regulation of cooling capacity through current control.

[0119] The chilled water unit 500 can also be equipped with a temperature sensor and a temperature controller to monitor and control the water temperature inside the chilled water container. The temperature sensor detects changes in the water temperature inside the chilled water container in real time and transmits the temperature signal to the temperature controller. The temperature controller automatically adjusts the operating state of the refrigeration elements according to the preset target temperature and the actual detected temperature, achieving precise control of the chilled water temperature.

[0120] Specifically, the water treatment equipment 10 can be a refrigeration or heating equipment such as an ice maker or an instant hot water dispenser.

[0121] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0122] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0123] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0124] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0125] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A water treatment device, characterized in that, include: An ice-making device, equipped with an ice storage chamber for storing ice blocks; as well as A sensing component is disposed on the ice-making device. The sensing component includes a first sensor and a second sensor. There are multiple second sensors, and the multiple second sensors are arranged at intervals. The first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on at least two inner walls of the ice storage cavity. The multiple second sensors can respectively interact with the first sensor, and the sensing component is used to acquire the position signal of the ice block.

2. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensor includes an infrared sensor, and / or the second sensor includes an infrared sensor.

3. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared sensor includes a housing, a sensing element, and a sealing element. The housing has a communicating mounting hole and a mounting cavity, and the housing is detachably connected to the ice-making device. The sensing element is housed in the mounting cavity and passes through the mounting hole, and the sealing element seals the mounting cavity.

4. The water treatment equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The infrared sensor also includes a sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outside of the housing and seals between the housing and the ice-making device.

5. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sensor includes a transmitter, and the second sensor includes a receiver and is used to receive infrared signals emitted by the transmitter; or, the first sensor includes a receiver, and the second sensor includes a transmitter and is used to emit infrared signals to the receiver.

6. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical axes of the multiple second sensors are arranged in parallel, and the multiple second sensors are located within the field of view of the first sensor.

7. The water treatment equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plurality of second sensors include an upper sensor and a lower sensor arranged sequentially along the vertical direction. The angle between the line connecting the upper sensor and the first sensor and the line connecting the lower sensor and the first sensor is α. The field of view of the first sensor is β, and the following relationship is satisfied: 2α≤β.

8. The water treatment equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper sensor and the first sensor are coaxially arranged.

9. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The ice-making device also includes a conveying channel and an ice outlet. The conveying channel is used to convey the ice blocks and is inclined. The first sensor is located on the side close to the ice outlet.

10. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on two opposite inner walls of the ice-making device; or, the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively disposed on two adjacent inner walls of the ice-making device.

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