CN118776188A - Control method of ice making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A control method of an ice maker including an ice making case, an infusion pump for injecting water into the ice making case, and a refrigerating device including an ice making column mated with the ice making case, the ice making case having an ice making state and an ice removing state, the control method comprising the steps of: s1, acquiring a starting signal of an ice maker; s2, when the ice making box is in an ice making state, water is injected into the ice making box, and the refrigerating device is started to cool the ice making column; s3, after the refrigerating device is started for a preset time ts, stopping water injection into the ice making box, and controlling the infusion pump to pump water in the ice making box; after the ice making is finished, the water in the ice making box is pumped by controlling the liquid conveying pump to realize the water drainage of the ice making box, so that the situation of liquid splashing is avoided, and the noise generated by the ice making machine is reduced.

Description

Control method of ice making machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a control method for an ice maker.

Background Art

In a conventional refrigerator with an ice maker, the ice maker is usually placed in the freezer and made by air cooling or direct cooling. This ice making method freezes ice cubes from the outside to the inside in stages, and the air remaining in the air cannot be discharged. Therefore, the generated ice cubes contain bubbles, and the ice cubes are of poor quality and opaque. For this reason, it is proposed to extend an ice column into an ice box and keep the water in the ice box flowing to improve ice making. After the refrigeration device provides coldness to the ice column, the water in the ice box freezes into ice on the ice column.

However, after the ice maker has finished making ice, the water in the ice box needs to be drained out to defrost the ice, which is usually done by flipping the ice box. The water poured out of the ice box will generate a large impact force, causing liquid splashing and generating a large noise.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an ice maker with reduced noise.

To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for an ice maker, wherein the ice maker comprises an ice box, an infusion pump for injecting water into the ice box, and a refrigeration device, wherein the refrigeration device comprises an ice-making column matched with the ice box, and the ice box has an ice-making state and an ice-removing state. The control method comprises the following steps:

S1, obtaining a start signal of an ice maker;

S2, when the ice-making box is in an ice-making state, water is injected into the ice-making box, and a refrigeration device is started to cool the ice column;

S3. After the refrigeration device is started for a preset time ts, the water injection into the ice box is stopped, and the infusion pump is controlled to extract the water in the ice box.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker also includes a motor for driving the ice box to rotate. In the step S3, after stopping the water injection into the ice box, the motor is controlled to rotate along the first direction at a preset angle and then stop, wherein the start time of the motor is no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump to extract the ice box.

As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the infusion pump stops extracting the ice box earlier than the motor stops rotating in the first direction.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device includes a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice-making column, and the ice-making machine also includes a refrigeration circuit connected to the refrigerant pipe and an electric valve arranged on the refrigeration circuit. In step S2, starting the refrigeration device to supply cooling to the ice-making column specifically refers to: controlling the electric valve to flow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit into the refrigerant pipe, and the start time of the solenoid valve is no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump water injection.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker also includes a water storage box connected to the ice box, and the infusion pump bidirectionally conducts the water storage box and the ice box. In step S2, when the infusion pump introduces the water in the water storage box into the ice box, after the water amount in the ice box reaches the maximum water storage capacity of the ice box, the infusion pump is turned off, and the electric valve is controlled to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into the refrigerant pipe.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, when the infusion pump is started to fill the ice box with water, the infusion pump is controlled to run at a constant infusion speed V1 for a preset time t1, and then run at a constant infusion speed V2 for a preset time t2, and then the infusion pump is turned off, wherein V1＜V2.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, after controlling the electric valve to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into the refrigerant pipe, when starting the infusion pump to fill the ice box with water, the infusion pump is controlled to first run at a constant infusion speed V3 for a preset time t3, and then run at a constant infusion speed V4 for a preset time t4, wherein V3＞V4.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker also includes a rotating member connected to the ice box and a first limit member and a second limit member cooperating with the rotating member. When the rotating member triggers the second limit member, the ice box is in an ice making state, and when the rotating member triggers the first limit member, the ice box is in an ice removing state.

As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration device includes a refrigerant pipe connected to an ice-making column, the ice-making machine also includes an ice-removing heating wire arranged on the side of the refrigerant pipe, and the control method also includes the following steps:

S4, controlling the de-icing heating wire to run for a preset time and then stop, and after a preset time interval, controlling the motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a preset angle and then stop.

As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the ice maker also includes a water box heating wire arranged in the water storage box. In the step S1, the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is obtained at a preset time interval. When the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is lower than the set water temperature Ts, the water box heating wire is started.

Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the present invention, after ice making is completed, the water in the ice box is extracted by controlling the infusion pump to achieve drainage of the ice box, thereby avoiding liquid splashing and reducing the noise generated by the ice maker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of an ice making machine in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the ice maker in FIG1 ;

Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 1;

FIG5 is a schematic plan view of a cross-sectional view taken at B-B in FIG1 , wherein FIG5a is in an ice-making state, FIG5b is in a water-discharging state, and FIG5c is in an ice-removing state;

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice box and the water retaining member in FIG1, wherein the water storage box is hidden, and FIG6a is in the ice making state, FIG6b is in the water discharging state, and FIG6c is in the ice removing state;

FIG7 is an enlarged view of point C in FIG3;

FIG. 8 is a control flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the ice making machine in FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

It should be understood that the terms used herein, such as "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc., indicating spatial relative positions are used for the purpose of convenience to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatial relative position terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the drawings.

In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

1 to 7 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an ice maker, which is preferably used for making transparent bullet ice.

1 and 2, an ice maker includes an ice storage box 60, a refrigeration device 30, an ice making box 20 and a water retaining member 70. In this embodiment, the ice storage box 60 is used to store ice cubes made by the ice maker, and the refrigeration device 30 is used to provide the cooling capacity required for ice making.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ice box 20 is disposed above the ice storage box 60. In this embodiment, the ice box 20 is open, and the ice making cavity 21 is used to contain water used for ice making. The ice box 20 has an ice making cavity 21 and an ice making port 22 that exposes the ice making cavity.

Further, the ice box 20 can pivot relative to the refrigeration device 30 to switch between the ice making state and the ice removing state. In this embodiment, the ice box 20 can rotate relative to the refrigeration device 30. The ice box 20 in Figures 3 and 4 is in the ice making state, at which time the ice box 20 is located below the refrigeration device 30, and the ice making port 22 is located at the top of the ice box 20.

Specifically, the refrigeration device 30 includes an ice-making column 31 located above the ice storage box 60. In this embodiment, in the ice-making state, at least part of the ice-making opening 22 of the ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making cavity 21. When the ice-making box 20 is in the ice-making state, the ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making cavity 21 and contacts the water in the ice-making cavity 21. At this time, after the cold energy generated by the refrigeration device 30 is transferred to the ice-making column 31, the cold energy is continuously transferred to the water in the ice-making cavity 21 through the ice-making column 31, so that the water in the ice-making box 20 is condensed into ice by the cold, and finally solidified on the ice-making column 31. Since the ice-making column 31 is a columnar structure, the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are bullet-shaped.

Specifically, the water retaining member 70 has a water retaining plate 71. In the ice making state, at least part of the water retaining plate 71 is located between the ice making box 20 and the ice storage box 60. In this embodiment, the water retaining plate 71 is a flat plate structure. When the ice making box 20 is in the ice making state, the water retaining plate 71 can guide the overflowing water in the ice making box 20 to prevent the water from entering the ice storage box 60, thereby ensuring the storage quality of ice cubes.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the ice box 20 also has a drainage state between the ice making state and the ice removing state. In this embodiment, the ice box 20 has an ice making state, a drainage state, and an ice removing state based on the different directions of the ice making port 22. During the rotation of the ice box 20 relative to the refrigeration device 30, the ice box 20 is in different positions. Among them, the ice box 20 in FIGS. 5a and 6a is in the ice making state, the ice box 20 in FIGS. 5b and 6b is in the drainage state, and the ice box 20 in FIGS. 5c and 6c is in the ice removing state.

Furthermore, when the ice box 20 is switched from the ice making state to the drainage state, the position of the water baffle 71 relative to the ice storage box 60 remains unchanged. In this embodiment, during the process of the ice box 20 rotating from the ice making state to the drainage state, the water baffle 70 is always located between the ice box 20 and the ice storage box 60, and can guide the water flowing out of the ice box 20 to prevent the water from falling into the ice storage box 60.

Furthermore, when the ice box 20 is switched from the drainage state to the ice-removing state, the water retaining plate 71 deviates from the ice box 20 and the ice storage box 60. In this embodiment, after the ice box 20 is switched from the drainage state to the ice-removing state, the water retaining member 70 deviates from the ice box 20 and the ice storage box 60, so that the ice cubes fall directly and vertically into the ice storage box 60, so that the water flowing out of the ice box 20 and the formed ice cubes fall into different places of the ice maker respectively, avoiding contact between the ice cubes and the water, and meeting the storage requirements of the ice cubes.

Further, as shown in Fig. 2, the water retaining member 70 is pivotally connected to the ice box 20. In this embodiment, the water retaining member 70 further comprises a connecting plate 72 connected to the water retaining plate 71 and a pivot hole 73 arranged on the connecting plate 72, and the ice box 20 is provided with a pivot shaft 27 matching the pivot hole 73, and the pivot shaft 27 is penetrated in the pivot hole 73.

Specifically, the ice maker further comprises a water storage box 10 connected to the refrigeration device 30, and the ice box 20 is pivotally connected to the water storage box 10. In this embodiment, the ice box 20 is pivotally connected to the water storage box 10 by using pivot shafts 27 at both ends. The water retaining member 70 is pivotally connected to the ice box 20 by using the cooperation of the pivot hole 73 and the pivot shaft 27.

Specifically, the water retaining member 70 preferably has two relatively arranged connecting plates 72, and the two connecting plates 72 are pivotally connected to the two pivot shafts 27 at both ends of the ice box 20 using corresponding pivot holes 73, thereby improving the pivoting stability between the water retaining member 70 and the ice box 20, and also improving the pivoting stability between the ice box 20 and the water storage box 10.

Specifically, the water retaining member 70 switches between the water guiding position and the avoidance position based on the relative movement between the water retaining plate 71 and the ice storage box 60. In this embodiment, when the ice making box 20 rotates, the water retaining member 70 is driven to rotate, so that the water retaining member 70 can be in different positions relative to the ice storage box 60. Among them, the water retaining member 70 in Figures 5a and 5b and Figures 6a and 6b is in the water guiding position, and the water retaining member 70 in Figures 5c and 6c is in the avoidance position.

Furthermore, when the ice box 20 switches between the drainage state and the ice-removing state, the water retaining member 70 rotates together with the ice box 20 to switch between the water-guiding position and the avoidance position. In this embodiment, the water retaining member 70 and the ice box 20 are linked and coordinated, and the water retaining member 70 can be driven to rotate by only controlling the rotation of the ice box 20, thereby simplifying the structure.

Furthermore, the pivot axis of the ice box 20 and the pivot axis of the water stopper 70 are colinear with each other, which facilitates the linkage between the water stopper 70 and the ice box 20 and avoids interference when the ice box 20 drives the water stopper 70 to rotate together.

Specifically, the ice maker further includes a first stopper 90 and a second stopper 80 connected to the ice box 20. When the ice box 20 switches between the drainage state and the ice-removing state, the first stopper 90 or the second stopper 80 drives the water stopper 70 to pivot together with the ice box 20. In this embodiment, the first stopper 90 and the second stopper 80 are arranged so that the ice box 20 can drive the water stopper 70 to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, thereby meeting the normal use of the water stopper 70. Moreover, only a single motor is required to drive the ice box 20 to rotate, so as to realize the rotation of the water stopper 70, thereby simplifying the structure of the ice maker.

Specifically, at least part of the connecting plate 72 is located on the same circumference as the first stopper 90 and the second stopper 80. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , the connecting plate 72 is located between the second stopper 80 and the first stopper 90. The second stopper 80 and the first stopper 90 are driven to rotate during the rotation of the ice box 20. When the second stopper 80 or the first stopper 90 abuts against the connecting plate 72, the water stopper 70 rotates together with the ice box 20. Taking FIG6 as an example, when the ice box 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the water stopper 70 is driven to rotate in the same direction as the ice box 20, that is, in the counterclockwise direction, after the second stopper 80 abuts against the connecting plate 72; when the ice box 20 rotates in the clockwise direction, the water stopper 70 is driven to rotate in the same direction as the ice box 20, that is, in the clockwise direction, after the first stopper 90 abuts against the connecting plate 72.

Specifically, in the ice-making state, the water stopper 70 abuts against the second stopper 80. In this embodiment, in the ice-making state, the connecting plate 72 abuts against the second stopper 80. The ice-making box 20 is driven to rotate by a motor, so after the ice-making box 20 stops rotating, the ice-making box 20 can remain stationary by utilizing the self-locking function of the motor. Therefore, when the ice-making box 20 is in the ice-making state, the water stopper 70 is in the water-guiding position, and the ice-making box 20 abuts against the side of the connecting plate 72 by utilizing the second stopper 80. Since the ice-making box 20 remains stationary, the water stopper 70 also remains stationary, thereby preventing the water stopper 70 from being deflected by the impact of the water flow.

Specifically, in the deicing state, the water stopper 70 abuts against the first stopper 90. In this embodiment, in the deicing state, the connecting plate 72 abuts against the first stopper 90. When the ice box 20 is in the deicing state, the ice box 20 abuts against the connecting plate 72 using the first stopper 90, and drives the water stopper 70 to rotate together, so that in the process of the ice box 20 switching from the drainage state to the deicing state, the water stopper 70 is driven to switch from the water guide position to the deicing position, so that the ice column 31 is deiced smoothly. The ice box 20 abuts against the connecting plate 72 using the second stopper 80, and drives the water stopper 70 to rotate together, so that in the process of the ice box 20 switching from the deicing state to the drainage state or the ice making state, the water stopper 70 is driven to switch from the deicing position to the water guide position.

Similarly, when the ice box 20 is in the de-icing state, the water retaining member 70 is in the avoidance position, and the ice box 20 uses the first stopper 90 to abut against the side of the connecting plate 72. Since the ice box 20 remains stationary, the water retaining member 70 will also remain stationary, preventing the water retaining member 70 from loosening and interfering with the de-icing of the ice column 31.

Furthermore, the ice maker further comprises a supporting member 100 connected to the water storage box 10 and matched with the water retaining member 70. In this embodiment, when the ice making box 20 is in the ice making state, the supporting member 100 arranged on the water storage box 10 abuts against the water retaining member 70, thereby preventing the water retaining member 70 from being loosened when subjected to the impact force of water overflowing from the ice making box 20, thereby meeting the storage requirements of ice cubes.

Further, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , when the water-guiding position is used, the abutting member 100 abuts against the water-blocking member 70, and when the water-avoiding position is used, the abutting member 100 is disengaged from the abutment with the water-blocking member 70. In this embodiment, the abutting member 100 is arranged on the water storage box 10, and when the water-blocking member 70 is in the water-guiding position, the abutting member 100 provides a certain limiting force to the water-blocking member 70 to prevent the water-blocking member 70 from being deflected by the impact of the water flow. When the water-blocking member 70 switches from the water-guiding position to the avoidance position, the ice-making box 20 can drive the water-blocking member 70 to disengage from the abutment with the abutting member 100, and during this process, the abutting member 100 will not affect the rotation of the water-blocking member 70 with the ice-making box 20.

Furthermore, the water retaining member 70 is provided with a supporting groove 160 matching the supporting member 100. In this embodiment, the supporting groove 160 is used to limit the range of motion of the supporting member 100, so that the supporting member 100 can provide the water retaining member 70 with a more stable limiting force, and facilitate the rotation and disengagement of the water retaining member 70 and the supporting member 100.

Furthermore, the two opposite connecting plates 72 are both provided with abutting grooves 160 , so that the abutting cooperation between the abutting member 100 and the water blocking member 70 is more stable.

Specifically, in the ice making state and the drainage state, the abutting member 100 elastically abuts against the abutting groove 160. In this embodiment, during the entire process of the ice making box 20 being switched from the ice making state to the drainage state, the abutting member 100 always elastically abuts against the abutting groove 160, so that the position between the water baffle plate 71 and the ice storage box 60 remains unchanged during the process, thereby preventing the water in the ice making box 20 from flowing into the ice storage box 60 during the process.

Moreover, when the ice making box 20 is in the ice making state and the water draining state, when the abutting member 100 disposed on the water storage box 10 elastically abuts against the water stopper 70, the abutting member 100 can provide an elastic pre-tightening force to the water stopper 70, so that the water stopper 70 is not easy to loosen. When it is necessary to move the water stopper 70 relative to the ice storage box 60, the abutting member 100 can also easily disengage from the abutment with the water stopper 70.

Specifically, referring to Figures 3 and 7 , the water storage box 10 has a mounting groove 13 that cooperates with the abutment member 100, and the ice maker also includes a rebound member 102 disposed in the mounting groove 13 and abutting against the abutment member 100, and the inner diameter of the opening end of the mounting groove 13 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the abutment member 100.

In this embodiment, the resisting member 100 is preferably configured as a spherical structure. The mounting groove 13 can accommodate the resilient member 102 and at least part of the resisting member 100, and the inner diameter of the opening end of the mounting groove 13 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the resisting member 100, thereby limiting the resisting member 100 from being separated from the mounting groove 13. The mounting groove 13 can be integrally formed with the water storage box 10, or a separate mounting member 170 can be provided to form the mounting groove 13. When a separate mounting member 170 is used to form the mounting groove 13, the mounting member 170 needs to be fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, which facilitates the installation and removal of the resisting member 100.

Further, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6 , the ice maker further includes a rotating member 110 that is transmission-connected to the ice box 20, and a first stopper 130 and a second stopper 120 that are connected to the water storage box 10 and cooperate with the rotating member 110. In this embodiment, by providing an internal spline on the rotating member 110 and an external spline on the pivot shaft 27, a transmission connection between the rotating member 110 and the ice box 20 is achieved, that is, the rotating member 110 can rotate together with the ice box 20.

Specifically, the second stopper 120 and the first stopper 130 are fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, and the rotating member 110 is located between the second stopper 120 and the first stopper 130. Taking FIG6 as an example, when the ice box 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the rotating member 110 rotates along with the ice box 20 in the counterclockwise direction. When the rotating member 110 contacts the second stopper 120, the second stopper 120 can control the motor to stop working, and the ice box 20 also stops rotating at this time. Similarly, when the ice box 20 rotates in the clockwise direction, the rotating member 110 rotates along with the ice box 20 in the clockwise direction. When the rotating member 110 contacts the first stopper 130, the first stopper 130 can control the motor to stop working, and the ice box 20 also stops rotating at this time.

Therefore, the setting of the rotating member 110, the second limiting member 120 and the first limiting member 130 can prevent the ice box 20 from rotating excessively when the motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate, thereby avoiding interference between the ice box 20 and the refrigeration device 30, and also avoiding interference between the water retaining member 70 and the water storage box 10.

Specifically, in the ice making state, the rotating member 110 abuts against the second limiting member 120, and in the ice removing state, the rotating member 110 abuts against the first limiting member 130. In this embodiment, the second limiting member 120 and the first limiting member 130 limit the rotation range of the ice making box 20, that is, the ice making box 20 can only rotate between the ice making state and the ice removing state.

Specifically, the water storage box 10 has an installation cavity 11, and the ice storage box 60 has an ice storage port 61 exposed in the installation cavity 11. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 , the ice storage box 60 is open with a top opening, and the ice storage box 60 is slidably connected to the water storage box 10, and is movably arranged on the water storage box 10 in a push-pull manner, so that the user can take ice cubes.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 5 , when in the avoidance position, the ice-making column 31 is exposed in the installation cavity 11 and is located directly above the ice storage port 61. In this embodiment, when the ice box 20 is in the de-icing state, the ice-making column 31 is heated so that the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 fall into the ice storage box 60 below for use by the user.

Specifically, as shown in FIG2 , the refrigeration device 30 further includes a refrigerant pipe 32 connected to the ice-making column 31. The refrigerant pipe 32 is connected to the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor to form a refrigeration circuit. The refrigerant pipe 32 is connected to the ice-making column 31, so that the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit flows into the ice-making column 31 to cool the ice-making column 31.

Specifically, the water storage box 10 further has a water storage cavity 12 communicated with the installation cavity 11. In this embodiment, the installation cavity 11 and the water storage cavity 12 are arranged along the vertical direction and penetrate each other.

Specifically, the ice maker further includes an ice-removing heating wire 140 disposed on the side of the refrigerant pipe 32 away from the ice-making column 31 and a water box heating wire 150 disposed in the water storage chamber 12 and below the ice storage box 60. The refrigeration device 30 is fixedly connected to the water storage box 10, and the ice-making column 31 is in the installation chamber 11. When the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, the ice-making column 31 is exposed in the ice-making chamber 21. After ice making is completed, the ice box 20 is rotated to the ice-removing state, so that the ice-making column 31 is exposed in the installation chamber 11. At this time, the ice-removing heating wire 140 heats the ice-making column 31, so that the ice cubes on the ice-making column 31 fall off and fall directly into the ice storage box 60. In the process of ice making by the ice maker, the water in the water storage chamber 12 is heated by the water box heating wire 150, which can prevent the water in the water storage chamber 12 from freezing.

In some embodiments, semiconductor refrigeration may be used to replace the refrigerant pipe 32 or the entire refrigeration device 30 , thereby eliminating the need for the de-icing heating wire 140 .

Specifically, the ice making box 20 has an ice making cavity 21 and an ice making port 22 exposing the ice making cavity 21, and the ice making machine further includes an infusion assembly 40 connecting the water storage box 10 and the ice making box 20. In this embodiment, the water storage box 10 is used to store water required for ice making, and the water is provided to the ice making box 20 through the infusion assembly 40.

Specifically, the ice box 20 is located above the water storage chamber 12, and the ice making port 22 is exposed in the installation chamber 11. In this embodiment, when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, the infusion assembly 40 continuously extracts water from the water storage chamber 12 and injects water into the ice-making chamber 21, and the liquid in the ice box 20 overflows through the ice making port 22. Since the ice making port 22 is exposed in the installation chamber 11, the liquid overflowing from the ice box 20 flows toward the installation chamber 11, and after being guided by the water baffle 71, it finally falls into the water storage chamber 12 below the ice box 20, so as to be continuously extracted by the infusion assembly 40, thereby realizing water circulation between the ice-making chamber 21 and the water storage chamber 12.

Specifically, the infusion assembly 40 includes an infusion tube 41 connecting the water storage chamber 12 and the ice making chamber 21. In this embodiment, the infusion assembly 40 uses the infusion tube 41 to connect the water storage box 10 and the ice making box 20, so as to transfer the water in the water storage box 10 to the ice making box 20. Compared with the water supply method of an external water source, the water injected into the ice making box 20 can be pre-cooled.

Furthermore, the liquid infusion tube 41 has a flow portion 41a fixed in the ice making chamber 21. In this embodiment, the flow portion 41a is located in the ice making chamber 21, and the flow portion 41a and the ice making box 20 remain relatively stationary, and the flow portion 41a can generate relative rotation with the refrigeration device 20.

Specifically, the liquid infusion tube 41 has a gushing port 41b exposed in the ice-making chamber 21. In this embodiment, the gushing port 41b is arranged on the gushing portion 41a, and the water in the gushing portion 41a continuously flows into the ice-making chamber 21 through the gushing port 41b. During the continuous gushing of the gushing port 41b, the water in the ice-making chamber 21 is disturbed, and a water flow can be formed in the ice-making chamber 21, which accelerates the overflow of bubbles in the water, so that the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 are free of bubbles and more transparent.

Furthermore, the gushing portion 41a is arranged opposite to the ice making port 22. In this embodiment, the gushing port 41b forms a water flow around the gushing portion 41a, thereby disturbing the water around the gushing portion 41a and accelerating the overflow of bubbles in the water around the gushing portion 41a. Since the gushing portion 41a is opposite to the ice making port 22, the bubbles overflowing from the water around the gushing portion 41a are directly discharged from the ice making port 22, thereby accelerating the discharge of bubbles in the ice making chamber 21, reducing the bubbles in the formed ice cubes, and making the ice cubes more transparent.

Specifically, the ice box 20 has a bottom wall 23 and a side wall 24 connected to the periphery of the bottom wall 23 and enclosing an ice-making opening 22, and the gushing portion 41a is fixedly connected to the bottom wall 23. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3, when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, the bottom wall 23 is located at the bottom of the ice box 20, and the ice-making opening 22 is located at the top of the ice box 20. Since the gushing portion 41a is fixed on the bottom wall 23, the ice-making opening 22 and the gushing portion 41a are opposite to each other up and down. Therefore, when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, during the process of the infusion tube 41 injecting water into the ice box 20 through the gushing portion 41a, the water flows from the bottom of the ice box 20, and after gradually filling the entire ice-making chamber 21, the water flows out from the ice-making opening 22 at the top of the ice box 20, so that flowing water is formed in the ice box 20, so that the ice cubes made are more transparent and have no bubbles.

Moreover, when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, since the flow portion 41a is opposite to the ice-making port 22 in the vertical direction, the water inlet and the overflow port of the ice box 20 are also opposite to each other in the vertical direction, so that the flowing water in the ice box 20 passes through the entire ice-making chamber 21 in the vertical direction. The range of the flowing water covers the entire ice-making chamber 21, accelerating the overflow of bubbles in the ice box 20, so that the made ice cubes are bubble-free and more transparent.

In addition, fixing the surging portion 41 a on the bottom wall 23 can also prevent the surging portion 41 a from interfering with the ice-making columns 31 and the ice cubes on the ice-making columns 31 during the rotation of the ice-making box 20 .

Furthermore, the gushing portion 41a has a plurality of gushing openings 41b. In this embodiment, the water in the gushing portion 41a flows into the ice-making chamber 21 through the plurality of gushing openings 41b, accelerating the water injection speed in the ice-making chamber 21, thereby accelerating the water flow speed in the ice-making chamber 21.

Moreover, the plurality of gushing openings 41b are evenly distributed at various locations of the ice-making chamber 21, so that water flow disturbance exists at various locations in the ice-making chamber 21, and bubbles can be discharged from water at various locations in the entire ice-making box 20. In addition, the plurality of gushing openings 41b are evenly arranged on the gushing portion 41a, so that the water outlet speed at each gushing opening 41b is the same, and then the water flow gushing size at various locations in the ice-making chamber is the same, thereby reducing the mutual influence between the gushing flows at various locations in the ice-making chamber 21.

Furthermore, each gushing opening 41b is open toward the ice making opening 22. In this embodiment, all gushing openings 41b are directly gushing toward the direction of the ice making opening 22, thereby accelerating the bubbles in the gushing water flow to overflow from the ice making opening 22 and reducing the energy loss of the gushing water flow.

Furthermore, the refrigeration device 30 includes ice-making columns 31 corresponding to the number of the inflow ports 41b. In this embodiment, the number of the inflow ports 41b is equal to the number of the ice-making columns 31, so that when multiple ice-making columns 31 make ice at the same time, it is ensured that all bubbles in the water in the ice box 20 overflow. The axes of each ice-making column 31 are parallel to each other.

Furthermore, in the ice-making state, at least a portion of the ice-making column 31 extends into the ice-making chamber 21 and is disposed opposite to the gush port 41b. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , each gush port 41b is disposed opposite to each ice-making column 31, that is, the gush port 41b corresponds to the ice-making column 31 one by one, and each gush port 41b is directly opposite to each ice-making column 31. Therefore, the water flow discharged from each gush port 41b is ejected toward each ice-making column 31, disturbing the water around each ice-making column 31, accelerating the overflow of bubbles in the water around the ice-making column 31, and making the ice cubes formed on the ice-making column 31 free of bubbles and more transparent.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the ice box 20 further has a positioning groove 25 disposed on the bottom wall 23 and matching the flow portion 41a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , since the ice-making columns 31 are evenly distributed in an array, the refrigerant pipe 32 is preferably set to a “U” shape. Since the flow port 41b is opposite to the ice-making column 31, the flow portion 41a is preferably set to a “U” shape matching the refrigerant pipe 32, and the positioning groove 25 is set to a “U” shape matching the flow portion 41a.

The flow portion 41a adopts a "U"-shaped structure, which can enable the flow portion 41a to cover the entire bottom of the ice-making chamber 21. Multiple flow ports 41b are evenly spaced on the flow portion 41a along the water flow path in the flow portion 41a, so that the gushing water flow generated by the flow ports 41b is evenly distributed throughout the ice-making chamber 21.

Furthermore, the ice maker further comprises a fixing member 50 connected to the ice box 20. In this embodiment, the fixing member 50 is fixed to the ice box 20 and is located on the edge of the positioning groove 25.

Specifically, the surging portion 41a is disposed in the positioning groove 25 and abuts against the fixing member 50. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , taking the ice box 20 in the ice-making state as an example, after at least part of the surging portion 41a extends into the positioning groove 25, the surging portion 41a is limited to be offset in the horizontal direction; the fixing member 50 is abutted against the top of the surging portion 41a, and the surging portion 41a is limited to be offset in the vertical direction, thereby facilitating installation and disassembly.

Furthermore, the infusion assembly 40 further includes an infusion pump 42 disposed on the infusion tube 41. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the infusion pump 42 extracts water in the water storage chamber 12 into the ice making chamber 21 to meet the water demand for ice making.

In some embodiments, the infusion pump 42 can also pump water in the ice-making chamber 21 to the water storage chamber 12 to facilitate drainage of the ice-making chamber 21. Alternatively, the infusion pump 42 can pump water in the water storage chamber 12 to the ice-making chamber 21, and can also pump water in the ice-making chamber 21 to the water storage chamber 12, thereby achieving two-way conduction.

Specifically, when the water guide position is set, the water baffle 71 is located between the ice box 20 and the ice storage box 60, and covers at least part of the ice storage opening 61. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG5a and FIG5b, when the water baffle 70 is in the water guide position, the ice box 20 is in the ice making state or the drainage state, and the water in the ice box 20 flows out through the ice making opening 22, falls on the water baffle 71, and falls into the water storage chamber 12 after being guided by the water baffle 71, so as to prevent the liquid from falling directly into the ice storage box 60, and ensure the normal storage of ice cubes in the ice storage box 60. As shown in FIG5c, when the water baffle 70 is in the avoidance state, the ice box 20 is in the de-icing state, and the ice column 31 is directly exposed above the ice storage opening 61. After being heated, the ice cubes break away from the ice column 31 and fall into the ice storage box 60. In this process, the water baffle 70 will not interfere with the falling ice cubes.

Furthermore, the ice box 20 is provided with an overflow nozzle 26, and when in the water diversion position, the overflow nozzle 26 is located directly above the water baffle 71. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the overflow nozzle 26 ensures that when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, the water in the ice box 20 flows out from the overflow nozzle 26, and does not directly overflow from the ice-making port 22, so that the water overflowing from the ice box 20 can be diverted by only arranging the water baffle 71 on one side of the ice box 20. Moreover, the arrangement of the overflow nozzle 26 can also ensure that when the ice box 20 is in the ice-making state, the water flow from the ice box 20 to the water baffle 71 is stable and uniform, reduce the amount of water splashing on the water baffle 71, and prevent the water overflowing from the ice box 20 from falling into the ice storage box 60.

Specifically, the ice box 20 is preferably provided with an overflow nozzle 26, which is located in the middle of the ice box 20. The overflow nozzle 26 has an overflow plate with a flat structure, and the overflow plate is recessed at the edge of the ice making port 22. When the ice box 20 is in the ice making state, the overflow plate 26 and the water retaining plate 71 are inclined toward the same side, so that the overflow water of the ice box 20 can be smoothly and quickly introduced into the water storage chamber 12, thereby accelerating the speed of water circulation between the ice making chamber 21 and the water storage chamber 12.

Taking FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 as an example, when the ice maker starts to make ice, the motor is first driven to control the ice box 20 to be in the ice making state, and at this time, the rotating member 110 contacts the second stopper 120. The infusion pump 42 extracts water from the water storage chamber 12 through the infusion tube 41 and continuously delivers it to the ice making chamber 21. At this time, the ice column 31 is located in the ice making chamber 21. After the ice column 31 contacts the water in the ice making chamber 21, ice cubes gradually form on the ice column 31. When the ice making chamber 21 is filled with water, the infusion pump 42 continues to inject water into the ice making chamber 21. The water in the ice making chamber 21 will flow to the water baffle 71 below through the overflow nozzle 26 on the ice making port 22, and fall into the water storage chamber 12 after being guided by the water baffle 71, and will continue to be delivered into the ice making chamber 21 by the infusion pump 42, so that a water cycle is formed between the ice making chamber 21 and the water storage chamber 12.

After the ice making machine has finished making ice, the infusion pump 42 is turned off, and the motor is controlled to drive the ice box 20 to rotate clockwise, so that the ice box 20 is switched from the ice making state to the drainage state. At this time, the water retaining member 70 is always in the water guiding position. During this process, the water in the ice making chamber 21 continuously flows from the ice making port 22 or the overflow nozzle 26 to the water retaining plate 71 below. Since the water retaining member 70 is always in the water guiding position, the water flows through the water retaining plate 71 and then falls into the water storage chamber 12. During this process, since the water retaining member 70 abuts against the abutting member 100, the water retaining member 70 is not easy to deflect when in the water guiding position.

After the ice box 20 has finished draining, the motor still drives the ice box 20 to continue rotating. At this time, the first stopper 90 on the ice box 20 drives the water stopper 70 to rotate clockwise and drives the water stopper 70 to break away from the mutual contact with the abutment 100. In this process, the motor drives the ice box 20 to switch from the drainage state to the deicing state, and the ice box 20 drives the water stopper 70 to switch from the water guide position to the avoidance position. When the ice box 20 is in the deicing state, the water stopper 70 is in the avoidance position, and the rotating member 110 contacts the first limiter 130, and the first limiter 130 controls the motor to stop rotating. At this time, the deicing heating wire 140 starts to work and causes the ice cubes on the ice column 31 to fall into the ice storage box 60.

After the ice maker has finished shedding ice, the control motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate counterclockwise, and the ice box 20 is switched from the shedding state to the water making state. In this process, after the second stopper 80 abuts against the water stopper 70, the second stopper 80 drives the water stopper 70 to rotate counterclockwise, and drives the water stopper 70 and the abutting member 100 to abut against each other. In the process of the motor driving the ice box 20 to rotate, until the rotating member 110 contacts the second limiter 120, the second limiter 120 controls the motor to stop rotating, and at this time the ice box 20 returns to the ice making state, the water stopper 70 returns to the water guiding position, and the abutting member 100 also abuts against the water stopper 70, so as to carry out the next round of ice making, and so on.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator is provided with the ice maker according to the present invention. The ice maker is preferably arranged in a refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator.

The specific implementation of the present invention further relates to a control method for an ice maker. The structure and function of the ice maker are as described above and will not be described in detail here.

8 , the ice maker provided in the above embodiment relates to a control method for the ice maker, and the control method comprises the following steps:

S1, obtaining a start signal of an ice maker;

S2, when the ice-making box is in an ice-making state, water is injected into the ice-making box, and a refrigeration device is started to cool the ice column;

S3. After the refrigeration device is started for a preset time ts, the water injection into the ice box is stopped, and the infusion pump is controlled to extract the water in the ice box.

In this embodiment, in step S1, the start signal of the ice maker may be an operation command issued by the panel of the ice maker. Since the water in the ice box 20 is drained after each round of ice making, no water is stored in the ice box 20 in the initial state of ice making.

In step S3, the preset time ts is adjusted accordingly according to the time required for water of different water temperatures to freeze into ice cubes, that is, it is determined according to the real-time water temperature in the water storage box 10. Therefore, the preset time ts is also the time required for ice making in one ice making cycle.

In step S3, the infusion pump is preferably bidirectionally connected to the ice-making box 20 and the water storage box 10. After the ice column 31 completes ice making, the infusion pump 42 is first stopped to extract the water in the water storage box 10 to inject water into the ice-making box 20, and then the infusion pump 42 is started to extract the water in the ice-making box 20 and discharge it to the water storage box 10.

After ice making is completed, the water in the ice box 20 is pumped out by controlling the infusion pump 42 to drain the ice box 20, thereby avoiding liquid splashing and reducing the noise generated by the ice maker.

Furthermore, in step S3, after stopping filling the ice box with water, the motor is controlled to rotate in the first direction by a preset angle and then stop, wherein the start time of the motor is no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump extracting the ice box.

In this embodiment, in step S3, taking FIG. 6 as an example, the first direction refers to the clockwise direction in FIG. 6. After the motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6, it can switch to the drainage state and the de-icing state, thereby realizing the drainage and de-icing of the ice maker. By controlling the motor to rotate in the first direction, the ice box 20 is rotated and switched to the de-icing state. During the rotation of the ice box, the water in the ice box 20 is dumped and discharged, thereby accelerating the discharge of excess water in the ice box 20 and shortening the ice making cycle. In combination with the infusion pump 42 to extract the water in the ice box 20, the splashing of liquid when the ice box 20 rotates to drain water can also be reduced.

Moreover, the starting time when the infusion pump 42 extracts water from the ice box 20 is earlier than the starting time when the motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate and drain water in the first direction. In this way, before the ice box 20 rotates to drain water, the infusion pump 42 has already started to pump water from the ice box 20, thereby avoiding liquid splashing when the ice box 20 rotates to drain water and reducing the noise generated by the rotation and drainage.

Of course, in some embodiments, the infusion pump 42 may extract water from the ice box 20 while the motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate in the first direction to drain water, thereby simplifying the control procedure.

Furthermore, the stop time of the infusion pump extracting the ice box is earlier than the stop time of the motor rotating in the first direction. In this embodiment, the end time of the infusion pump 42 extracting the water in the ice box 20 is earlier than the end time of the motor driving the ice box 20 to rotate in the first direction to drain water, because when the ice box 20 rotates in the first direction to the drainage state, the water in the ice box 20 has been completely drained. When the ice box 20 rotates from the drainage state to the ice-removing state, if the infusion pump 42 is still turned on, it will increase the energy consumption of the ice maker, thereby saving the energy consumption of the ice maker.

Specifically, the refrigeration device includes a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice-making column, and the ice-making machine also includes a refrigeration circuit connected to the refrigerant pipe and an electric valve arranged on the refrigeration circuit. In this embodiment, when the ice-making machine is used alone, the electric valve is arranged on the main road of the refrigeration circuit of the ice-making machine, and a one-input and multiple-output solenoid valve is selected, preferably only one branch can be supplied at a time. When the ice-making machine is used together with a refrigerator, the electric valve is arranged on the main road of the refrigeration circuit of the refrigerator.

Furthermore, in step S2, starting the refrigeration device to supply cold to the ice column specifically means: controlling the electric valve to flow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit into the refrigerant pipe, and the start time of the electromagnetic valve is not earlier than the start time of the water injection of the infusion pump. In this embodiment, by controlling the start time of the electromagnetic valve to be no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump 42, the start time of the refrigeration device 30 is controlled to be no earlier than the water injection time of the ice box 20, ensuring that the cooling time of the refrigeration device 30 is synchronized with or later than the ice making time of the ice maker, avoiding the loss of cold supply of the refrigeration device 30, and saving the energy consumption of the ice maker.

Specifically, in step S2, when the infusion pump introduces the water in the water storage box into the ice box, after the water volume in the ice box reaches the maximum water storage volume of the ice box, the infusion pump is turned off, and the electric valve is controlled to flow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit into the refrigerant pipe. In this embodiment, after the ice box 20 is filled, the refrigeration device 30 is started to cool the ice column 31. This control method can prevent the water flow from splashing on the ice column 31 and solidifying into ice debris when the ice box 20 is not filled, thereby affecting the forming quality of the ice cubes.

Of course, in some embodiments, the start-up time of the refrigeration device 30 can also be synchronized with the water filling time of the ice box 20, that is, when the ice maker is ready to fill water into the ice box 20, the refrigeration device 40 is started synchronously to provide cooling for the ice column 31. This control method can shorten the ice making time of the ice maker.

Furthermore, in step S2, when the infusion pump is started to fill the ice box with water, the infusion pump is controlled to run at a constant infusion speed V1 for a preset time t1, and then run at a constant infusion speed V2 for a preset time t2, and then the infusion pump is turned off, wherein V1<V2.

In this embodiment, the infusion speed of the infusion pump 42 can be achieved by changing the voltage applied to the infusion pump 42, or by changing the rotation speed of the infusion pump 42. In step S2, when the infusion pump 42 is first started to fill the ice box 20 with water, since the ice box 20 is in a waterless state, a relatively small infusion speed V1 is used to fill the ice box 20, so as to avoid the water flow from the ice box 20. After the infusion pump 42 runs for a time t1, it is filled at a relatively large infusion speed V2, so as to speed up the filling of the ice box 20, thereby saving the ice making time of the ice maker.

Moreover, after the infusion pump 42 preferably runs for a time t1+t2, the water volume of the ice box 20 reaches the maximum water volume of the ice box 20, thereby simplifying the control procedure. Moreover, t1 and t2 can be set according to the maximum water volume of the ice box 20.

Of course, in some embodiments, after the infusion pump 42 preferably runs for time t1+t2, the amount of water in the ice box 20 does not reach the maximum water storage capacity of the ice box 20, and the infusion pump 42 is controlled to inject water at a speed greater than the infusion speed V2, thereby further accelerating the filling of the ice box 20.

Furthermore, in step S2, after the electric valve is controlled to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into the refrigerant pipe, when the infusion pump is started to fill the ice box with water, the infusion pump is controlled to first run at a constant infusion speed V3 for a preset time t3, and then run at a constant infusion speed V4 for a preset time t4, where V3＞V4.

In this embodiment, in step S2, after the refrigeration device 30 is started to provide cooling to the ice column 31, since the ice box 20 contains a certain amount of water, the infusion pump 42 is controlled to continuously inject water into the ice box 20, thereby causing the water flow in the ice box 20 to surge, accelerating the discharge of bubbles, and realizing water circulation between the ice box 20 and the water storage box 10.

Moreover, by controlling the infusion pump 42 to continuously inject water into the ice box 20 at a relatively large infusion speed V3, the heat exchange of water in various places in the ice box 20 and the heat exchange of water in the ice box 20 and the water storage box 10 can be accelerated, thereby speeding up the ice making process of the ice maker. After the infusion pump 42 runs for a time t3, the water temperatures in various places in the ice box 20 tend to be close. At this time, the infusion pump 42 is controlled to inject water at a relatively small infusion speed V4, which can reduce the noise generated by the infusion pump 42 and the surging flow in the ice box 20, and can also save the energy consumption of the ice maker.

In addition, it is preferred that t3+t4=ts, that is, after the infusion pump 42 runs for the time t3+t4, the ice cubes on the ice column 31 are formed.

Of course, in some embodiments, after starting the refrigeration device 30 to provide cooling for the ice column 31, the infusion pump 42 is controlled to inject water at a constant infusion speed V5, so that a stable flow is generated in the ice box 20, accelerating the discharge of bubbles, which simplifies the control procedure compared to the variable speed scheme.

Furthermore, when the rotating member triggers the second limiter, the ice box is in an ice-making state, and when the rotating member triggers the first limiter, the ice box is in an ice-removing state. In this embodiment, in step S2, as shown in FIG6a , when the rotating member 110 triggers the second limiter 120, the second limiter 120 sends a trigger signal, and at this time the motor is controlled to stop rotating to prevent the motor from driving the ice box to rotate excessively. As shown in FIG6c , when the rotating member 110 triggers the first limiter 130, the first limiter 130 sends a trigger signal, and at this time the motor is controlled to stop rotating to prevent the motor from driving the ice box to rotate excessively.

Furthermore, the control method further comprises the following steps:

S4, controlling the de-icing heating wire to run for a preset time and then stop, and after a preset time interval, controlling the motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a preset angle and then stop.

In step S4, taking Fig. 6 as an example, the second direction refers to the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 6. After the motor drives the ice box 20 to rotate counterclockwise in Fig. 6, it can be reset to the ice making state to perform the next round of ice making.

In step S4, after the electric valve is controlled to block the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit from flowing into the refrigerant pipe 32, the deicing heating wire 140 is started again, thereby preventing the heat generated by the deicing heating wire 140 from causing fluctuations in the temperature of the refrigerant, thereby saving energy consumption of the ice maker or refrigerator. Moreover, after the deicing heating wire 140 stops working, the motor is controlled to rotate in the second direction after a certain period of time, so that the residual heat generated by the deicing heating wire 140 can be used to heat the ice column 31, thereby realizing the detachment of ice cubes on the ice column 31, thereby saving energy consumption of the ice maker.

In step S3, as shown in FIG6c, when the rotating member 110 triggers the first stopper 130, the first stopper 130 sends a trigger signal, and the motor is controlled to stop rotating in the first direction, so that the ice box 20 accurately reaches the de-icing state, thereby preventing the ice box 20 from rotating excessively. In addition, there is no need to control the rotation angle of the motor, which simplifies the control procedure of the ice maker.

In step S4, as shown in FIG6a, when the rotating member 110 triggers the second stopper 120, the second stopper 120 sends a trigger signal, and the motor is controlled to stop rotating in the second direction, so that the ice box 20 accurately reaches the ice-making state, thereby preventing the ice box 20 from rotating excessively. In addition, there is no need to control the rotation angle of the motor, which simplifies the control procedure of the ice maker.

Specifically, in step S3, after the water injection into the ice box is stopped, the electric valve is controlled to block the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit from flowing into the refrigerant pipe, and the electric valve is controlled to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into other evaporators. In this embodiment, after the ice maker completes ice making, the electric valve is controlled to block the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit from flowing into the refrigerant pipe, and other refrigeration branches are supplied with cold, such as the refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment of the refrigerator, and the compressor can also be turned off to save energy.

It is preferred to introduce the refrigerant into the freezing evaporator to meet the refrigeration needs of the freezing chamber and avoid wasting the cooling capacity of the refrigerant. This method ensures that the refrigeration order of the ice maker is due to the freezing chamber, meeting the ice making needs of the user.

In addition, when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber does not reach the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber during the operation of the ice maker, the electric valve is controlled to flow the refrigerant in the refrigerating circuit into the refrigerating evaporator, and the refrigerant in the refrigerating circuit is first used to cool the refrigerating chamber to prevent the food in the refrigerating chamber from spoiling, and the ice maker or water storage box 10 in the refrigerating chamber can also be pre-cooled. Therefore, the refrigerating sequence of the refrigerating chamber precedes the ice making of the ice maker, ensuring the freshness of the items in the refrigerating chamber.

Furthermore, in step S1, the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is obtained at a preset time interval, and when the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is lower than the set water temperature Ts, the water box heating wire is started. In this embodiment, when the ice box 20 and the water storage box 10 are in water circulation, or when the water storage box 10 is placed in the refrigerator compartment, the water in the water storage box 10 will freeze as the temperature decreases. By arranging the water box heating wire 150 in the water storage box 10, the water in the water storage box 10 can be heated to prevent the water in the water storage box 10 from freezing, thereby ensuring the normal water supply of the ice box 20.

Furthermore, in the step S1, after the water box heating wire is started, when the temperature rise rate of the water in the water storage box is less than a preset temperature rise rate, a water replenishment signal of the ice maker is issued.

In this embodiment, the water replenishment signal can be displayed on the control panel of the ice maker to remind the user that the water storage box 10 is short of water. The user can replenish water manually, or the system can replenish water automatically. In the process of heating the water in the water storage box by using the water box heating wire 150, by comparing the temperature rise rate of the water in the water storage box 10 with the preset temperature rise rate, it can be accurately determined whether the water storage box 10 needs to be replenished with water, thereby preventing the heat generated by the water box heating wire 150 from causing fluctuations in the compartment temperature of the refrigerator or affecting the ice making process of the ice maker when the water storage box 10 is short of water.

It should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation mode may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A control method for an ice maker, the ice maker comprising an ice box, an infusion pump for injecting water into the ice box, and a refrigeration device, the refrigeration device comprising an ice column matched with the ice box, the ice box having an ice making state and an ice removing state, characterized in that the control method comprises the following steps: S1, obtaining a start signal of an ice maker; S2, when the ice-making box is in an ice-making state, water is injected into the ice-making box, and a refrigeration device is started to cool the ice column; S3. After the refrigeration device is started for a preset time ts, the water injection into the ice box is stopped, and the infusion pump is controlled to extract the water in the ice box. 2. The control method of the ice maker as described in claim 1 is characterized in that the ice maker also includes a motor for driving the ice box to rotate, and in the step S3, after stopping the water injection into the ice box, the motor is controlled to rotate along the first direction for a preset angle and then stop, wherein the start time of the motor is no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump to extract the ice box. 3. The control method of the ice-making machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the stop time of the infusion pump extracting the ice-making box is earlier than the stop time of the motor rotating in the first direction. 4. The control method of the ice maker as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that the refrigeration device includes a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice-making column, the ice-making machine also includes a refrigeration circuit connected to the refrigerant pipe and an electric valve arranged on the refrigeration circuit, and in step S2, starting the refrigeration device to supply cold to the ice-making column specifically refers to: controlling the electric valve to flow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit into the refrigerant pipe, and the start time of the solenoid valve is no earlier than the start time of the infusion pump to inject water. 5. The control method of the ice maker as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that the ice maker also includes a water storage box connected to the ice box, the infusion pump bidirectionally conducts the water storage box and the ice box, and in step S2, when the infusion pump introduces the water in the water storage box into the ice box, after the water amount in the ice box reaches the maximum water storage capacity of the ice box, the infusion pump is turned off, and the electric valve is controlled to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into the refrigerant pipe. 6. The control method of the ice maker as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the step S2, when the infusion pump is started to inject water into the ice box, the infusion pump is controlled to run at a constant infusion speed V1 for a preset time t1, and then run at a constant infusion speed V2 for a preset time t2, and then the infusion pump is turned off, wherein V1＜V2. 7. The control method of the ice making machine as described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the step S2, after the electric valve is controlled to allow the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit to flow into the refrigerant pipe, when the infusion pump is started to fill the ice box with water, the infusion pump is controlled to first run at a constant infusion speed V3 for a preset time t3, and then run at a constant infusion speed V4 for a preset time t4, wherein V3＞V4. 8. The control method of the ice maker as described in claim 2 is characterized in that the ice maker also includes a rotating member connected to the ice box and a first limit member and a second limit member cooperating with the rotating member, when the rotating member triggers the second limit member, the ice box is in an ice making state, and when the rotating member triggers the first limit member, the ice box is in an ice removing state. 9. The control method of the ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that the refrigeration device comprises a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice-making column, the ice maker further comprises an ice-removing heating wire arranged on the side of the refrigerant pipe, and the control method further comprises the following steps: S4, controlling the de-icing heating wire to run for a preset time and then stop, and after a preset time interval, controlling the motor to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a preset angle and then stop. 10. The control method of the ice maker according to claim 5 is characterized in that the ice maker also includes a water box heating wire arranged in the water storage box, and in the step S1, the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is obtained at a preset time interval, and when the water temperature T1 of the water storage box is lower than the set water temperature Ts, the water box heating wire is started.