WO2023065591A1

WO2023065591A1 - Refrigerator, ice maker system and abnormal-state monitoring method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2023065591A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/080963
Authority: WO
Inventors: 孙迎宾; 朱建高; 张善房; 马妍妍; 范金芝
Original assignee: 海信（山东）冰箱有限公司
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-03-15
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: CN113959157A

Abstract

Disclosed are a refrigerator, an ice maker system and an abnormal-state monitoring method therefor. The refrigerator comprises an ice maker, a water storage box, a heating device and a first temperature sensor, wherein the water storage box is connected to the ice maker by means of a metal water injection pipe. The abnormal-state monitoring method comprises: controlling a heating device to be started to heat a metal water injection pipe, and after a first preset duration, acquiring a first surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe; controlling a water storage box to inject water into an ice maker via the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset duration, acquiring a second surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe; and if the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, determining that the water storage box is in a water shortage abnormal state, otherwise, determining that the water storage box is not in the water shortage abnormal state.

Description

Refrigerator, ice machine system and abnormal state monitoring method thereof

Cross References to Related Applications

This disclosure claims priority to a Chinese patent application with application number 202111219511.9 filed with the China Patent Office on October 20, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of ice making control, in particular to a refrigerator, an ice maker system and a method for monitoring abnormal states thereof.

Background technique

An ice maker is a refrigeration mechanical device that cools water through a refrigeration system to generate ice. The refrigerator is usually provided with a water storage box in the refrigerating chamber to fill the ice machine with water to make ice.

Contents of the invention

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator box, a heating device, a first temperature sensor and a controller. There is an ice maker system inside the refrigerator box, and the ice maker system includes an ice maker and a water storage box; the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe; the heating device is installed on the metal The surface of the water injection pipe is configured to heat the metal water injection pipe; the first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time; the controller communicates with the ice making The machine, the water storage box, the heating device and the first temperature sensor are connected and configured to perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box.

The state monitoring operation of the water storage box specifically includes: controlling the heating device to be turned on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after the first preset period of time; After a surface temperature is reached, the water storage box is controlled to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset time period, the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe is obtained as the second surface temperature ; If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal water shortage state; if the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box Not in the water shortage abnormal state.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an ice maker system, including: an ice maker, a water storage box, a heating device, a first temperature sensor, and a controller. The water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe; a heating device is provided on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to heat the metal water injection pipe; a first temperature sensor is provided on the metal water injection pipe The surface is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time; the controller is respectively connected to the ice maker, the water storage box, the heating device and the first temperature sensor, and is configured to perform storage. Condition monitoring operation of the water tank. The state monitoring operation of the water storage box specifically includes: controlling the heating device to be turned on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after the first preset period of time; After a surface temperature is reached, the water storage box is controlled to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset time period, the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe is obtained as the second surface temperature ; If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal water shortage state; if the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box Not in the water shortage abnormal state.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for monitoring the abnormal state of an ice machine system. The ice machine system includes an ice machine, a water storage box, a heating device, and a first temperature sensor; the water storage box passes through a metal The water injection pipe is connected to the ice maker; the heating device is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to heat the metal water injection pipe; the first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe , configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time.

The method includes: controlling the heating device to turn on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period; after obtaining the first surface temperature, controlling the The water storage box injects water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset time period, obtains the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the second surface temperature; if the second surface If the temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage; if the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the refrigerator controller provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another refrigerator provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a schematic workflow diagram of another refrigerator controller provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is another schematic flowchart of the work performed by the controller of the refrigerator in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice maker system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for monitoring an abnormal state of an ice maker system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparently, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. A refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerator box 11 , an ice maker system, a heating device 14 and a first temperature sensor 15 , and the ice maker system includes an ice maker 12 and a water storage box 13 .

The ice maker 12 and the water storage box 13 are arranged inside the refrigerator box 11 , and the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe 16 .

The ice maker 12 includes several parts for realizing the ice making function of the ice maker, including an ice making compartment, a water injection port connected with a metal water injection pipe, an ice making fan, an ice making evaporation pipe, a compressor and other parts. Cold input device composed of components, etc. The water storage box 13 is configured to store water, and when the ice maker 12 enters the ice making initialization stage, the water in the water storage box 13 flows to the water injection port of the ice maker 12 through the metal water injection pipe 16, thereby injecting ice into the ice making machine. In the compartment, the water filling is completed and the ice machine enters the ice making stage after meeting some preset ice making conditions.

The heating device 14 is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe 16 and configured to heat the metal water injection pipe. In one embodiment, the heating device 14 is a heating wire arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe.

The first temperature sensor 15 is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe 16 and configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe 16 in real time.

The refrigerator 10 also includes a controller 17 connected to the ice maker 12, the water storage box 13, the heating device 14, and the first temperature sensor 15, respectively, and configured to perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a workflow of a refrigerator controller provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The condition monitoring operation of the water storage box includes steps S11 to S14.

S11. Control the heating device to turn on, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period elapses.

S12. After obtaining the first surface temperature, control the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the second surface temperature after a second preset time period.

S13. If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal water shortage state.

S14. If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to monitor whether there is water shortage in the water storage box, the heating device 14 is first powered on, so that the heating device 14 starts to work and heats the metal water injection pipe 16 . It should be noted that when the heating device heats the metal water injection pipe at the initial stage, the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe gradually rises, and after a certain period of heating, it will stabilize near a certain target heating temperature.

Further, after the metal water injection pipe 16 is heated for a first preset time period, the current surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe detected by the first temperature sensor 15 , that is, the first surface temperature T1 is obtained. After obtaining the first surface temperature, control the water storage box 13 to inject water into the ice maker 12 through the metal water injection pipe 16, and at this time, the heating device continues to heat.

In one embodiment, the outlet of the water storage box 13 is provided with a water pump. When the water pump is powered on, the water pump starts to work, so that the water stored in the water storage box 13 flows to the metal water injection pipe 16 and passes through the metal water injection pipe 16. Flow to ice machine 12.

After the water storage box 13 injects water into the ice maker 12 for a second preset time period, the current surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe detected by the first temperature sensor 15 , that is, the second surface temperature T2 is obtained. Furthermore, according to the magnitude relationship between the second surface temperature T2 and the first surface temperature T1, it is judged whether the water storage box is short of water.

Specifically, when there is water in the water storage box, since the temperature of the water in the water storage box 13 is relatively low, such as 5° C., after the metal water injection pipe 16 is heated, the water in the water storage box 13 is heated through the metal water injection pipe 16. During the process of diverting the water to the ice maker, the passing water will cool down the surface of the metal water injection pipe 16 .

Therefore, after obtaining the first surface temperature and the second surface temperature, if the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, that is, T2>T1 is satisfied, it means that after a certain period of time, there is no damage to the metal The water injection pipe effectively cools down, that is, during the water injection process, there may be no water or only a small amount of water flows through the metal water injection pipe, indicating that the water storage box is short of water, and it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage.

If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, that is, T2≤T1, it indicates that the metal water injection pipe has been effectively cooled after filling the ice machine with water for a certain period of time, that is, during the water injection process, there is sufficient If the water flows through the metal water injection pipe, it indicates that there is no shortage of water in the water storage box, and then it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage.

Exemplarily, the first preset duration is 5 minutes, and the second preset duration is 4.3s. It can be understood that the values of the first preset duration and the second preset duration can be set according to actual application conditions, neither of which will affect the beneficial effects achieved by the present disclosure.

In a possible implementation manner, the water storage box is controlled to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset time period, the heating device is controlled to be turned off. Thereby, the continuous heating of the metal water injection pipe by the heating device is avoided, which affects the operation safety of the ice machine.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator, which is provided with an ice maker, a water storage box, a heating device, and a first temperature sensor; the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe; the heating device is configured to inject water into the metal The water pipe is heated, and the first temperature sensor is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time. At the same time, a controller is set, which is configured to perform the state monitoring operation of the water storage box: control the heating device to turn on, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after the first preset period of time; After a surface temperature, the water storage box is controlled to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and after a second preset time period, the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe is obtained as the second surface temperature; if the second surface temperature is greater than the first If the surface temperature is equal to the surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage; otherwise, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage. By adopting the embodiment of the present disclosure, the traditional structural design of installing a water level detection module inside the water storage box is cancelled, and only through the heating device and the temperature sensor installed on the surface of the metal water injection pipe, it is possible to realize whether the inside of the water storage box is short of water. monitoring, the structure of the water storage box is simplified, the reliability is high, and the user experience is effectively improved.

It should be noted that in a traditional ice machine system, a heating device is usually installed on the water injection pipe connecting the ice machine and the water storage box, which is configured to , to avoid freezing of the water on the side of the water injection pipe close to the ice machine; and when the water injection pipe is blocked by ice, the heating device is used to heat and melt the ice inside the water injection pipe to prevent the ice from blocking the outlet of the water injection pipe. Therefore, the embodiment of the present disclosure realizes the condition monitoring operation of the water storage box by reusing the heating device, without adding too many additional components, and further simplifies the structural design of the ice machine system.

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another refrigerator provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The basic refrigerator 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 also includes a second temperature sensor 18, which is located in the ice-making compartment of the ice maker 12 and is configured to detect the compartment temperature of the ice maker in real time; The sensor 17 is also connected to the second temperature sensor 18.

The controller 17 is also configured to perform condition monitoring operations of the metal water injection pipe. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a workflow of another refrigerator controller provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The condition monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe includes steps S21 to S24.

S21. Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the first compartment temperature.

S22. After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, then after filling the ice machine with water for a third preset time length, obtain the time interval of the ice machine Room temperature, as the second room temperature.

S23. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is smaller than the preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

S24. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to monitor whether the metal water injection pipe is blocked by ice, a state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe is performed. The condition monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe is further implemented after performing the condition monitoring operation of the water storage box.

Specifically, before step S21, that is, before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, the controller 17 first obtains the current compartment temperature of the ice maker detected by the second temperature sensor 18, that is, the first A room temperature T3.

Next, after step S22 is executed, the controller 17 determines whether the water storage box is in an abnormal water shortage state according to the first surface temperature T1 and the second surface temperature T2. When it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, that is, there is water in the water storage box, so that the amount of water flowing through the metal water injection pipe is sufficient, the controller 17 will further perform the operation of obtaining the temperature T4 of the second compartment. After the ice maker is filled with water for a third preset time period, the compartment temperature of the ice maker is obtained as the second compartment temperature T4. Furthermore, according to the magnitude relationship between the temperature T3 of the first compartment and the temperature T4 of the second compartment, it is judged whether the metal water injection pipe 16 is blocked by ice.

Specifically, usually, the ice-making compartment is located in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator, therefore, the temperature of the compartment of the ice maker is approximately the same as that of the freezer compartment, for example -18°C. The temperature of the water in the water storage box 13 will be higher than the temperature of the compartment of the ice maker, usually about the same as the temperature of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator, for example 5°C. Therefore, when the water in the water storage box 13 can smoothly flow through the metal water injection pipe 16 and reach the ice-making compartment, the water is evenly distributed in the ice-making compartment. Due to temperature conduction, the ice-making compartment at -18°C will heat up rapidly when it encounters water at 5°C. Therefore, a temperature rise threshold ΔTset is set in advance, and the relationship between the temperature change of the compartment temperature of the ice maker before and after water injection and the temperature rise threshold ΔTset is used to determine whether the metal water injection pipe 16 is blocked by ice.

After obtaining the temperature of the first room and the temperature of the second room, if the difference between the temperature of the second room and the temperature of the first room is less than the preset temperature recovery threshold, that is, when T4-T3<△Tset is satisfied, it indicates After filling the ice machine with water for a certain period of time, the compartment of the ice machine did not warm up significantly, that is, during the water filling process, the water in the water storage box did not reach the ice compartment, or only a little water flowed for a long time When we arrived at the ice-making room, it showed that the metal water injection pipe was blocked by ice, and it was determined that the metal water injection pipe was in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to the preset temperature rise threshold, that is, when T4-T3≥△Tset is satisfied, it means that after a certain period of time after the ice maker is filled with water, the The temperature of the chamber has obviously returned, that is, during the water injection process, the water in the water storage box has successfully reached the ice making room, which shows that the metal water injection pipe is not ice-blocked, and it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

It should be noted that the third preset duration is longer than the second preset duration, so as to ensure that after filling the ice machine with water, the controller 17 can first obtain the second surface temperature and complete the monitoring operation of whether the water storage box is short of water. The value of the third preset duration can be set according to actual application conditions. As an example, the third preset duration is 4 minutes.

Exemplarily, the preset temperature recovery threshold is 3°C. The preset temperature recovery threshold can be set according to actual application conditions, without affecting the beneficial effects achieved by the present disclosure.

In a possible implementation manner, after step S23,

The controller is further configured to: control the heating device to start until the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe reaches a preset surface temperature threshold.

When it is judged that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage, the control heating device 14 is activated to heat the metal water injection pipe to melt the ice cubes blocked inside the metal water injection pipe. When it is detected that the surface temperature T5 of the metal water injection pipe reaches a preset surface temperature threshold, the heating device is controlled to be turned off.

Exemplarily, the surface temperature threshold is 14°C.

The present invention can realize the judgment of whether the metal water injection pipe is blocked by ice by monitoring the temperature change of the compartment of the ice machine before water injection and after water injection for a period of time. Components ensure the simplicity of the structure of the ice machine system.

In a possible implementation, referring to Fig. 3, on the basis of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the refrigerator 10 further includes an alarm device 19, which is arranged on the refrigerator box 11 and is configured to send out an alarm message ; The controller 17 is connected with the alarm device 19 .

The controller 17 is also configured to perform a step: when it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage, control the alarm device to send out an alarm message.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is detected that the water storage box is short of water, the alarm device 19 sends an alarm message, thereby reminding the user to add water to the water storage box.

In a possible implementation, when it is detected that the metal water injection pipe is ice-blocked, the alarm device 19 may also be controlled to send another alarm message, thereby reminding the user to perform maintenance.

The alarm device 19 can be a display panel arranged on the refrigerator cabinet, through which the preset alarm text information is displayed; light information; the alarm device 19 can also be a sound module arranged on the refrigerator box, and the preset voice prompt information is played through the sound module, or the sound of the alarm whistle, etc., does not affect the beneficial effects obtained by the present disclosure. .

In a possible implementation manner, the controller is configured to execute steps S31 to S32.

S31. In response to a preset ice-making command, control the ice machine to enter an ice-making initialization phase, and perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box and a state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe.

S32. When it is determined that the water storage box is not in the abnormal state of water shortage and the metal water injection pipe is not in the abnormal state of ice blockage, control the ice machine to enter the ice making stage.

Specifically, the user may input a preset ice-making command to the controller. After the controller acquires the ice-making command, it responds to the preset ice-making command and controls the ice machine to enter the ice-making initialization stage, thereby completing the ice-making process. Initialization operations such as ice box upright position and water filling.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be set that the state monitoring operation of the water storage box and the state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe are performed during the initialization phase of the ice machine. When it is judged that the water storage box is not in the abnormal state of water shortage and the metal water injection pipe is not in the abnormal state of ice blockage, then the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage and the corresponding ice making operation is performed.

As an optional implementation manner, FIG. 5 is a schematic workflow diagram of another refrigerator controller provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, in response to the ice making command, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making initialization stage, and the ice turning motor is controlled to rotate forward and reverse according to the position switch feedback signal set in the ice maker, so that the ice maker inside the ice maker The ice box returns to the horizontal position.

Further, the heating wire installed on the surface of the metal water injection pipe is energized, and after 5 minutes, the first surface temperature T1 of the metal water injection pipe and the temperature T3 of the first compartment of the ice machine are obtained; the water pump of the water storage box is powered on for 4.3 seconds and then powered off , the second surface temperature T2 of the metal water injection pipe is obtained, and the heating wire is powered off. When T2>T1 is satisfied, it is determined that the water storage box is short of water, and the display panel provided on the refrigerator box displays an alarm message to remind the user to add water.

When T2≤T1 is satisfied, after 4 minutes of water injection, obtain the temperature T4 of the second chamber of the ice machine. If T4-T3<△Tset is satisfied, the heating wire is energized until the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe is detected to reach 14°C. If T4-T3≥△Tset is satisfied, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage. Carry out the corresponding ice making operation, ice detection operation and ice turning operation.

It should be noted that in the process of water injection for 4 minutes, the water injection requirement in one ice making cycle is completed.

In the ice-making operation, if the start-stop point of the freezer is lower than the preset start-stop temperature, for example, 21°C, the refrigeration system of the ice maker is controlled to refrigerate according to the preset first temperature value; if the start-stop of the freezer point is greater than the preset start-stop temperature, the refrigeration system of the ice machine is controlled to refrigerate according to the preset start-stop temperature. When the compartment temperature and ice-making duration of the ice machine meet the preset ice-making completion conditions, it is considered that the current ice-making is completed. The conditions for completing ice making are: the ice making time is greater than or equal to the preset ice making time, such as 110 minutes, and the temperature of the ice making compartment is less than or equal to the preset second temperature value, such as -12°C; or, the temperature of the ice making compartment is less than or equal to the preset The set third temperature value is eg -17° C. and lasts for a certain period of time eg 60 min.

After the ice making is completed, perform the ice detection operation. During the ice detection operation, the ice turning motor rotates to make the ice detection rod go down, and according to the closing time of the position switch, it is judged whether the ice making box is full of ice. When the ice box is not full of ice, the ice machine is controlled to enter the initialization stage; when the ice box is full of ice, the ice turning operation is performed.

During the ice turning operation, the ice turning motor is turning to the maximum angle, so that the ice making box is twisted and deformed, and stops for a certain period of time, such as 5s, waiting for the ice cubes in the ice making box to fall off. In order to increase the success rate of de-icing, the ice-turning motor is reversed for a certain period of time, such as 6s, and the ice-turning motor is reversed for a certain period of time, such as 5s. Wait for the ice cubes to fall out of the ice maker. After that, the control ice maker enters the initialization phase.

This disclosure responds to the user's ice-making instructions when the user has ice-making needs, and completes the monitoring of whether the water storage box is short of water and whether the metal water injection pipe is blocked by ice before the start of ice-making, which can effectively ensure the normal progress of the ice-making process , improve user experience.

Fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of an ice maker system provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice machine system can be applied to refrigerators, wine cabinets, hall bar cabinets and other refrigeration equipment with ice-making requirements.

As shown in Figure 6, the ice maker system 20 includes: an ice maker 21 and a water storage box 22, the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe 23; a heating device 24 is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe 23, and is It is configured to heat the metal water injection pipe 23; the first temperature sensor 25 is located on the surface of the metal water injection pipe 23 and is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe 23 in real time; the controller 26 is connected to the ice maker 21 and the water storage box respectively 22. The heating device 24 is connected to the first temperature sensor 25 and is configured to perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box.

The condition monitoring operation of the water storage box includes steps S41 to S44.

S41. Control the heating device to turn on, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period.

S42. After obtaining the first surface temperature, control the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the second surface temperature after a second preset time period.

S43. If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal water shortage state.

S44. If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the traditional structural design of installing a water level detection module inside the water storage box is canceled, and only through the heating device and temperature sensor installed on the surface of the metal water injection pipe, can the monitoring of whether there is water shortage inside the water storage box be realized , the structure of the water storage box is simplified, the reliability is high, and the user experience is effectively improved.

In a possible embodiment, the ice maker also includes a second temperature sensor 27, which is arranged in the ice maker compartment for real-time detection of the compartment temperature of the ice maker; the controller 26 is connected with the second temperature Sensor 27 is connected.

The controller is also used to perform condition monitoring operations for metal water injection pipes.

The condition monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe includes steps S45 to S48.

S45. Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the first compartment temperature.

S46. After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, after filling the ice machine with water for a third preset time length, obtain the time interval of the ice machine Room temperature, as the second room temperature.

S47. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is smaller than the preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

S48. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to the preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

In a possible implementation manner, the combined ice machine system 20 further includes an alarm device 28 configured to send out alarm information; the controller 26 is connected to the alarm device 28 .

The controller is further configured to: when it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage, the alarm device is controlled to send out an alarm message.

In a possible implementation manner, the controller is further configured to:

In response to the preset ice-making instruction, control the ice machine to enter the ice-making initialization stage, and perform the state monitoring operation of the water storage box and the state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe; when it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, and When the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for monitoring an abnormal state of an ice machine system provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The ice maker system includes an ice maker, a water storage box, a heating device and a first temperature sensor; the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe; the heating device is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to The water pipe is heated; the first temperature sensor is set on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the abnormal state monitoring method of the ice machine system includes steps S51 to S54.

S51. Control the heating device to turn on, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period.

S52. After obtaining the first surface temperature, control the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtain the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the second surface temperature after a second preset time period.

S53. If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage.

S54. If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage.

This disclosure cancels the traditional structural design of installing a water level detection module inside the water storage box, and only through the heating device and temperature sensor installed on the surface of the metal water injection pipe, the monitoring of whether there is water shortage inside the water storage box can be realized, which simplifies The structure of the water storage box has high reliability and effectively improves the user experience.

In a possible implementation manner, the ice maker system further includes a second temperature sensor, which is arranged in the ice making compartment of the ice maker and configured to detect the temperature of the compartment of the ice maker in real time.

The method also includes steps S55 to S58.

S55. Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, acquire a compartment temperature of the ice maker as a first compartment temperature.

S56. After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, then after filling the ice machine with water for a third preset time length, obtain the time interval of the ice machine Room temperature, as the second room temperature.

S57. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is smaller than the preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

S58. If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to the preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.

This is very light. By monitoring the temperature change of the compartment of the ice machine before water injection and after water injection for a period of time, it is possible to judge whether the metal water injection pipe is blocked by ice. The operation process is simple and effective, and there is no need to add too much The spare parts ensure the simplicity of the structure of the ice machine system.

Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented through computer programs to instruct related hardware, and the programs can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. During execution, it may include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Wherein, the storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM) or a random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), etc.

The above descriptions are preferred implementations of the present disclosure. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make some improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These improvements and modifications are also regarded as It is the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:

The refrigerator box is equipped with an ice maker system inside, and the ice maker system includes an ice maker and a water storage box; the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe;

a heating device, arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe, configured to heat the metal water injection pipe;

The first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time;

a controller, respectively connected to the ice maker, the water storage box, the heating device and the first temperature sensor, configured to perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box;

The condition monitoring operation of the water storage box includes:

Controlling the heating device to turn on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period;

After obtaining the first surface temperature, controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe after a second preset period of time, as the second surface temperature;

If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage;

If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal water shortage state.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a second temperature sensor, disposed in the ice-making compartment of the ice maker, configured to detect the temperature of the compartment of the ice maker in real time; The controller is connected to the second temperature sensor;

The controller is further configured to perform a condition monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe;

The state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe is specifically:

Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the first compartment temperature;

After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, then after filling water into the ice machine through the third After a preset period of time, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the second compartment temperature;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is less than a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm device, disposed on the refrigerator body, configured to send out alarm information; the controller is connected to the alarm device;

The controller is also configured to:

When it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage, the alarm device is controlled to send out an alarm message.
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:

Responding to a preset ice-making instruction, controlling the ice machine to enter an ice-making initialization phase, and performing a state monitoring operation of the water storage box and a state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe;

When it is determined that the water storage box is not in the abnormal state of water shortage and the metal water injection pipe is not in the abnormal state of ice blockage, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage.
An ice maker system comprising:

an ice maker and a water storage box, the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe;

a heating device, arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe, configured to heat the metal water injection pipe;

The first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to detect the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe in real time;

a controller, respectively connected to the ice maker, the water storage box, the heating device and the first temperature sensor, configured to perform a state monitoring operation of the water storage box;

The state monitoring operation of the water storage box is specifically:

Controlling the heating device to turn on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period;

After obtaining the first surface temperature, controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe after a second preset period of time, as the second surface temperature;

If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage;

If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal water shortage state.
The ice making machine system according to claim 5, said ice making machine further comprising a second temperature sensor disposed in the ice making compartment of said ice making machine and configured to detect the temperature of said ice making machine in real time. room temperature; the controller is connected with the second temperature sensor;

The controller is further configured to perform a condition monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe;

The state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe is specifically:

Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the first compartment temperature;

After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, then after filling water into the ice machine through the third After a preset period of time, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the second compartment temperature;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is less than a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.
The ice maker system according to claim 5, further comprising an alarm device configured to send out alarm information; the controller is connected to the alarm device;

The controller is also configured to:

When it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage, the alarm device is controlled to send out an alarm message.
The ice maker system of claim 6, said controller further configured to:

Responding to a preset ice-making instruction, controlling the ice machine to enter an ice-making initialization phase, and performing a state monitoring operation of the water storage box and a state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe;

When it is determined that the water storage box is not in the abnormal state of water shortage and the metal water injection pipe is not in the abnormal state of ice blockage, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage.
A method for monitoring the abnormal state of an ice maker system, the ice maker system includes an ice maker, a water storage box, a heating device, and a first temperature sensor; the water storage box is connected to the ice maker through a metal water injection pipe connection; the heating device is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to heat the metal water injection pipe; the first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the metal water injection pipe and is configured to detect the The surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe;

The methods include:

Controlling the heating device to turn on, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe as the first surface temperature after a first preset time period;

After obtaining the first surface temperature, controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, and obtaining the surface temperature of the metal water injection pipe after a second preset period of time, as the second surface temperature;

If the second surface temperature is greater than the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage;

If the second surface temperature is less than or equal to the first surface temperature, it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal water shortage state.
The method for monitoring the abnormal state of the ice machine system according to claim 9, the ice machine system further comprising a second temperature sensor, arranged in the ice making room of the ice machine, configured to detect the abnormal state of the ice machine in real time the compartment temperature of the ice maker;

The method also includes:

Before controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice maker through the metal water injection pipe, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the first compartment temperature;

After controlling the water storage box to inject water into the ice machine through the metal water injection pipe, if it is determined that the water storage box is not in an abnormal state of water shortage, then after filling water into the ice machine through the third After a preset period of time, obtain the compartment temperature of the ice maker as the second compartment temperature;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is less than a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is in an abnormal state of ice blockage;

If the difference between the temperature of the second compartment and the temperature of the first compartment is greater than or equal to a preset temperature rise threshold, it is determined that the metal water injection pipe is not in an abnormal state of ice blockage.
The abnormal state monitoring method of the ice machine system according to claim 9, the refrigerator further includes an alarm device, which is arranged on the refrigerator body and configured to send out alarm information; the controller and the alarm device connect;

The method also includes:

When it is determined that the water storage box is in an abnormal state of water shortage, the alarm device is controlled to send out an alarm message.
The abnormal state monitoring method of the ice machine system according to claim 10, further comprising:

Responding to a preset ice-making instruction, controlling the ice machine to enter an ice-making initialization phase, and performing a state monitoring operation of the water storage box and a state monitoring operation of the metal water injection pipe;

When it is determined that the water storage box is not in the abnormal state of water shortage and the metal water injection pipe is not in the abnormal state of ice blockage, the ice maker is controlled to enter the ice making stage.