Heating device of ice press

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of edible ice processing equipment, in particular to a heating device of an ice pressing machine. Comprising a first heating module arranged on the outer wall of the periphery of the opening side of the ice pressing mold in a surrounding mode; the ice pressing mold comprises a first heat conduction area away from the opening side and a second heat conduction area connected with the first heat conduction area, and the second heat conduction area is provided with a first heat conduction face which makes contact with the first heating module and conducts heat energy; the first heating module comprises a first heating unit and a first heat conduction base used for installing the first heating unit and surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold, and a second heat conduction face making contact with the first heat conduction face is arranged at the position, close to an opening of the ice pressing mold, of the first side face, close to the ice pressing mold, of the first heat conduction base. According to the heating device disclosed by the invention, power distribution is added only from a hardware structure (a heating source at a specific position and a specific heat conduction path), so that ice cubes in an expected shape can be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of edible ice processing equipment technology, and more specifically to a heating device for an ice press. Background Technology

[0002] With social development, the "ice culture" has gradually become more widespread, and people's demand for ice has increased rapidly in production and daily life. In household and commercial applications, ice is usually in solid cubes, but in certain situations, it may be desirable for ice to be formed into different or unique shapes. For example, when drinking alcoholic beverages, it may be particularly desirable for ice to melt slowly. There have been instances where specially shaped ice, such as spherical or diamond-shaped ice, melts more slowly than cubes of the same size. Therefore, bars, restaurants, and other establishments often offer ice in different shapes, such as spherical or diamond-shaped. In the past, such specially shaped ice blocks were mostly made by hand carving. However, shaping ice by hand can be extremely difficult, dangerous, and time-consuming.

[0003] In recent years, ice press machines have entered the market, replacing manual carving to create ice blocks of special shapes, such as ice balls and diamond ice. A typical existing ice press machine is a pure metal product, including a metal mold. The metal mold defines the contour of the ice block that can be reshaped. The ice press machine relies on the gravity of the metal mold to naturally close and press out ice of a specific shape. Its ice pressing mechanism mainly relies on the natural heat conduction of metal. The metal absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to the ice block, which absorbs heat and melts, ultimately forming the shape of the metal mold. During the ice pressing process, due to the large amount of heat exchange between the metal mold and the ice block, the temperature of the metal mold drops. After one pressing cycle, the temperature of the metal mold is low, the temperature difference between it and the ice block is small, and the heat transfer efficiency is low, making it impossible to directly press ice a second time. Therefore, if multiple blocks of ice need to be melted continuously, the user needs to place the metal mold of the ice press machine in hot water and wait until the mold is heated, resulting in extremely low work efficiency. Furthermore, existing ice press machines use metal molds with fixed shapes, which can only produce ice blocks of one shape. If other shapes of ice blocks are needed, separate ice press machines with metal molds of different shapes are required, increasing the cost of ice pressing. In view of this, the prior art proposes an ice press machine with active heating and replaceable molds.

[0004] For example, Chinese invention patent document CN118009602A discloses a heating control system for an ice press machine. This system involves covering the outer surface of the ice press mold with a heating base, and then covering the heating base with heating elements. Sensors are installed inside the upper housing to detect the guide rails that guide the upper housing's vertical movement. The system identifies the ice press machine's operating status based on the real-time electrical signals from the sensors, and then switches the heating module's operating mode accordingly. This allows the system to preheat the ice press mold before the ice is placed inside. However, the performance of this ice press machine needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heating device for an ice press machine, which partially solves or alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art. By planning the heat conduction path between the heating source and multiple heating surfaces in the ice press mold, the heat generated by the heat source can form a temperature difference in the heat conduction direction when heating begins, thereby causing the outer side of the larger ice block to melt preferentially, and then, under the synergistic effect of multiple heating surfaces, it finally becomes an ice block of the desired shape (i.e., the shape of the ice press mold).

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution: A heating device for an ice press machine, the ice press machine comprising: an ice pressing mold for pressing ice, the heating device comprising: a first heating module surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold on the opening side; The ice pressing mold includes: a first heat-conducting region away from the opening side, and a second heat-conducting region connected to the first heat-conducting region, wherein the second heat-conducting region is provided with a first heat-conducting surface that contacts the first heating module and conducts heat energy. The first heating module includes: a first heating unit, and a first heat-conducting base for mounting the first heating unit and surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold. The first heat-conducting base has a second heat-conducting surface that contacts the first heat-conducting surface on a first side near the opening of the ice pressing mold. When an ice block is placed between the upper and lower ice-pressing molds, the heat generated by the first heating unit is transferred to the second heat-conducting area via the second heat-conducting surface and the first heat-conducting path formed by the first heat-conducting surface. This causes the first heat-conducting base, the second heat-conducting area, and the first heat-conducting area to form a gradient heating module with decreasing temperature along the heat conduction direction. The third heating surface in the second heat-conducting area, which is in direct contact with the ice block, heats the outer side of the ice block. When the outer side of the ice melts, causing the ice to come into contact with the second heating surface of the second heat-conducting region and the first heating surface of the first heat-conducting region, the heat generated by the first heating unit is transferred to the second heat-conducting region via the first heat-conducting path, and then transferred to the ice by the third and second heating surfaces of the second heat-conducting region. At the same time, the second heat-conducting region transfers heat to the first heat-conducting region, and then to the ice by the first heating surface of the first heat-conducting region.

[0007] Furthermore, the heating device also includes: a second heating module disposed at the bottom of the ice pressing mold, the second heating module including: a second heating unit, and a second heat-conducting base covering the ice pressing mold and conducting heat to the first heat-conducting area of ​​the ice pressing mold; The second heat-conducting base includes: a fifth heat-conducting region that contacts the second heating unit for heat conduction, and a sixth heat-conducting region connected to the fifth heat-conducting region and used for conducting heat to the first heat-conducting region; wherein a second heat-insulating cavity is provided between the fifth heat-conducting region and the first heat-conducting region; The power range ratio of the first heating unit and the second heating unit is 2-5:1; The heat generated by the second heating unit is transferred to the first heating surface via a second heat conduction path formed by the fifth heat conduction area, the sixth heat conduction area, and the first heat conduction area.

[0008] Furthermore, the sixth heat-conducting area is connected to the first heat-conducting base; correspondingly, the heat generated by the first heating unit is also transferred to the first heat-conducting area via the first heat-conducting base and the sixth heat-conducting area.

[0009] Furthermore, the second side of the second heat-conducting area in the upper and lower ice-pressing molds is provided with a boss; when the two ice-pressing molds are snapped together, the two bosses abut against each other to form a seal.

[0010] Furthermore, the ice-pressing mold is integrally formed with the first heat-conducting base; and / or, The first thermally conductive base is provided with a groove for installing the first heating unit, and thermally conductive adhesive is provided in the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, a first heat insulation cavity is provided between the second heat-conducting area and the first side of the first heat-conducting base, and the first heat insulation cavity is located at the end of the first heat-conducting path away from the opening end of the ice-pressing mold, so that the second heat-conducting area and the first heat-conducting base conduct heat only through the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface and the first heat-conducting surface. Alternatively, a third heat insulation cavity and a first heat insulation cavity are provided between the second heat-conducting area and the first side of the first heat-conducting base, and the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface and the first heat-conducting surface is located between the first heat insulation cavity and the third heat insulation cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, both the second heat-conducting surface and the first heat-conducting surface are inclined surfaces.

[0013] Furthermore, a V-shaped protrusion is provided on the second heat-conducting surface, and correspondingly, a V-shaped groove is provided on the first heat-conducting surface to cooperate with the V-shaped protrusion.

[0014] Furthermore, a heat-conducting medium is provided inside the second heat insulation cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the first heating unit is installed in the groove of the first heat-conducting base, and the first heating unit is a heating ring.

[0016] Beneficial effects: When ice is pressed using an ice press, over-melting may occur, resulting in ice blocks that do not meet the intended shape. For example, the goal might be to shape a large rectangular ice block into a spherical shape; however, over-melting during the actual process may cause the final ice block to deviate from the intended spherical shape, potentially even becoming an oval. Over-melting refers to the phenomenon where certain areas of the ice melt excessively, causing the resulting ice block to differ in shape from the ice pressing mold. Figure 1 The over-melting phenomenon shown indicates that the shape of the ice ball does not match the mold. This is because different areas of the ice pressing mold come into contact with and are heated by different areas of the ice at different times. Therefore, under the premise of the same temperature, the heating time of different areas of the ice is inconsistent, causing some parts of the ice to be heated for too long, resulting in the over-melting problem. If different heating units were set up for different areas of the ice in different areas of the ice pressing mold, and then high-precision algorithms were used to control each heating unit to heat different areas separately, this approach would not only increase the structural complexity of the ice pressing machine, but also increase the cost of the equipment.

[0017] In view of this, this application provides a first heating module (e.g., a first heat-conducting base, with a first heating unit mounted on the first heat-conducting base) around the outer wall of the opening side of the ice-pressing mold, and customizes a heat-conducting path with a limited heat-conducting area (e.g., a first heat-conducting surface and a second heat-conducting surface in contact) between the first heating module and the ice-pressing mold. This allows the heat generated by the first heating unit to be directly transferred to the outer periphery of the ice block through the first heat-conducting base and / or the third heating surface on the ice-pressing mold, thus first heating the outer periphery of the ice block at a high temperature. This allows the ice block to gradually transform from its initial state (e.g., a cuboid or other shape) to an irregular shape during the first heating stage. Figure 9From state A to state B, the third heating surface in the ice-pressing mold (compared to other heating surfaces) is closest to the first heating unit, thus having the highest temperature. This creates a temperature difference between the first and second heat-conducting regions of the ice-pressing mold (due to the same material but different heat conduction paths and areas, the temperature of the first heat-conducting region is much lower than that of the second). Consequently, a heating structure with gradually decreasing temperature is formed between the first heat-conducting base, the second heat-conducting region, and the first heat-conducting region (where the temperature of the first heat-conducting base is the highest and similar to or close to that of the second heat-conducting region, while the temperature of the first heat-conducting region is the lowest). This causes the outermost edge of the initially shaped ice block to melt first, while the inner center area, not in contact with any heating surface and with a lower temperature in the first heat-conducting region, hardly melts. As the heating time increases, the shape of the ice block changes. Figure 9 In state B, where the outer periphery and inner center of the ice block are in direct contact with the heating surfaces of the ice-pressing mold, the temperature of the second heat-conducting area is almost the same as the temperature of the first heat-conducting area and the first heat-conducting base; while in the second stage (such as...) Figure 9 (The process from state B to state C) Since the first and second heat-conducting regions and the first heat-conducting base are all made of the same material and have the same thermal conductivity, all three heat the ice block at the same temperature, ensuring that all regions of the ice block melt almost simultaneously, thus ultimately obtaining the ice block of the desired shape, such as... Figure 9 C state.

[0018] This application innovatively increases the distance between the first heating module and the ice-pressing mold (e.g., by setting a first heat-conducting base so that the first heating unit is not attached to the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold, i.e., "non-wall-attached" heating) and sets a specific heat conduction path (e.g., a first heat-conducting surface and a second heat-conducting surface in contact), for example, by setting a specific first heat-conducting surface on the outer wall of the opening side of the ice-pressing mold to make partial contact with the second heat-conducting surface on the first heat-conducting base. This structure is not simply "non-wall-attached," but rather plans a clear heat conduction path, thereby achieving zoned heating of the ice block based on a single heating source through physical structure: the heat is directionally transferred to the third heating surface of the second heat-conducting area in the ice-pressing mold through a specific heat conduction path (i.e., the heat conduction path formed between the first heat-conducting surface and the second heat-conducting surface, such as the heat-conducting surface of the step and the mounting groove) to heat the outer peripheral area of ​​the ice block; and when the heating reaches the second stage, while the third heating surface heats the peripheral area, the first heating surface of the first heat-conducting area in the ice-pressing mold heats the central area.

[0019] Specifically, the ice pressing mold is divided into a first heat-conducting area (far heat source) and a second heat-conducting area (near heat source), so that the heat generated by the heat source mounted on the first heat-conducting base firstly melts and reforms the ice around the first heat-conducting base and the second heat-conducting area near the heat source (see...). Figure 9 (When the ice block is large, the bottom contact surface of the first heat-conducting base can also form an extended heating area of ​​the second heat-conducting region, thus working together with the third heating surface to heat the outer perimeter of the large ice block.) At this time, although a small amount of heat is also distributed on the first heat-conducting region, since the ice block does not directly contact the first heating surface of the first heat-conducting region (heat is conducted only by air), it will not cause the central area of ​​the ice block to melt. As the perimeter of the ice block melts, the temperature of the first heat-conducting region gradually rises and gradually reduces the temperature difference with the second heat-conducting region and the first heat-conducting base, thus achieving the gradual formation of the ice ball from the outside in. This process accurately simulates the natural thermodynamic process of ice block formation under pressure, greatly reducing the probability of excessive melting (over-melting phenomenon). In other words, in the case of a single heating unit, this application designs a heating module with a temperature gradient in the early stage of heating through the design of the physical structure. The surrounding area of ​​the ice block is heated first using this physical structure. When the ice block melts and gradually conforms to the shape of the ice pressing mold, the temperature difference between the various heating surfaces in contact with the ice block is not significant. This allows the ice block to melt in the shape of the ice pressing mold to obtain the desired shape of the ice block. This eliminates the need to set up a complex heating structure on the ice pressing mold and design a complex algorithm to control each heating structure.

[0020] On the other hand, it is generally desirable for an ice press to produce ice of the desired shape within an ideal short time (e.g., within 2-3 minutes). Therefore, in order to ensure that ice of the desired shape is obtained within the ideal short time (i.e., to improve ice-making efficiency), in addition to setting a first heating module and a specific heat conduction path to achieve zoned heating, this invention also sets a second heating module as a second heating source on the top of the ice press mold (i.e., the opposite side of the open side). Its heat is transferred to the first heat conduction area of ​​the ice press mold through the second heat conduction base and the corresponding heating path (specifically, the heat generated by the second heating unit is transferred to the first heat conduction area through the fifth and sixth heat conduction areas). This is to ensure that ice of the desired shape is obtained within the ideal set time.

[0021] Furthermore, this application sets a power ratio between the heating units in the second heating module and the first heating module. Since the second heating module only serves as an auxiliary heating source to improve efficiency, the heating power of the heating units in the second heating module is less than that in the first heating module. Thus, through their combined action, the ice cube changes from its initial state to a more efficient state. Figure 9When the ice is in the irregular shape of state B, the heating effect of the second heating module is superimposed to the maximum extent, thereby promoting the efficient forming of the ice block of the desired shape.

[0022] The heating device of the present invention does not require multiple heating modules to be set up in sections, nor does it require high-precision and complex control algorithms. It only requires hardware structure (e.g., heating source in a specific location and specific heat conduction path) plus power distribution to achieve simultaneous activation of two heating modules and also achieve partitioned melting. Thus, without wasting a lot of resources (e.g., due to the specific heat conduction path, only a small amount of heat is conducted to the first heat conduction area during the process of the ice block changing from state A to state B), it can obtain ice blocks of the desired shape within a set time. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. The elements or parts in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the over-melting phenomenon in ice-pressing molds in the prior art. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ice pressing mold and heating device of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ice pressing mold and heating device of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ice pressing mold of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heating device of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection details between the ice pressing mold and the heating device in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the boss structure on the ice pressing mold of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the details of the boss in this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making process of the ice-pressing mold in this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the first heating module and the second heating module of this application.

[0025] Summary of attached labeling and identification: 1. Ice pressing mold; 2. First heating module; 3. Second heating module; 4. Boss; 5. Ice block; 6. Guide shaft; 7. One-time fuse; 8. NTC; 9. Ring heating rod; 101. First heat-conducting area; 102. Second heat-conducting area; 103. First heat-conducting surface; 104. Second heating surface; 105. First heating surface; 106. First heat insulation cavity; 107. Third heat insulation cavity; 108. Third heating surface; 201. First heating unit; 202. First heat-conducting base; 203. Second heat-conducting surface; 301, Second heating unit; 302, Second heat-conducting base; 303, Second heat insulation cavity; 3021, Fifth heat-conducting area; 3022, Sixth heat-conducting area. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In this document, suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" used to denote elements are used only for the purpose of illustrative purposes and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, "module," "part," or "unit" may be used interchangeably.

[0028] In this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this document, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0031] In this article, "multiple" means two or more, that is, it includes two, three, four, five, etc.

[0032] As used in this specification, the term "about" typically means + / -5% of the value, more typically + / -4% of the value, more typically + / -3% of the value, more typically + / -2% of the value, even more typically + / -1% of the value, and even more typically + / -0.5% of the value.

[0033] In this article, wall-mounted heating refers to direct contact between the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold and the heating source. Correspondingly, non-wall-mounted heating refers to a heating source with a heat-conducting element between it and the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold. For example, a first heat-conducting base is disposed between the first heating unit and the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold.

[0034] In this article, direct heating refers to direct contact between the heat-providing element and the object being heated. For example, the heating surfaces of an ice-pressing mold can directly contact the ice block, thus directly heating the ice block. Conversely, indirect heating refers to the presence of a heat-conducting medium (such as air or water) between the heat-providing element and the object being heated. For example, in the initial heating stage, the first heating surface inside the ice-pressing mold conducts heat to the ice block through air.

[0035] This application establishes a first heat-conducting base around the outer wall of an ice-pressing mold to mount a first heating unit. A heat conduction path with a limited heat conduction area is established between the first heat-conducting base and the ice-pressing mold (e.g., a heat conduction path formed by the contact between the second heat-conducting surface on the first heat-conducting base and the first heat-conducting surface on the ice-pressing mold). Heat is then transferred through this heat conduction path to multiple heating surfaces on the ice-pressing mold used for directly heating the ice. Because the length of the heat conduction path from each heating surface to the first heating source is different, and the area of ​​each heating surface is different, heat is transferred during the initial heating stage (e.g., ...). Figure 9 During the transition of the ice cube from state A to state B, the temperatures of the various heated surfaces differ, with the temperature being higher closer to the heat source; and when the heating time reaches a certain level (such as...), the temperature decreases. Figure 9 When the ice cube is in state B, the temperature of each heating surface reaches equilibrium (i.e., almost the same or the temperature difference is negligible).

[0036] In some embodiments, the first heating module 2 includes: a first heating unit 201, and a first heat-conducting base 202 for mounting the first heating unit 201 and surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold 1. The first heat-conducting base 202 has a second heat-conducting surface 203 near the opening of the ice pressing mold 1, which contacts the ice pressing mold 1 and conducts heat energy. Correspondingly, the outer wall of the ice pressing mold 1 near the first heating module 2 has a first heat-conducting surface 203 that contacts the second heat-conducting surface 203 and conducts heat energy. The ice pressing mold 1 is provided with a first heating surface 105, a second heating surface 104, and a third heating surface 108 that can contact the ice block 5. When the first heating unit 201 in the first heating module 2 is heated, the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 is conducted to the ice pressing mold 1 through the contacting second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103, and is conducted to the ice block 5 through the first heating surface 105 and / or the second heating surface 104 and / or the third heating surface 108 of the ice pressing mold 1.

[0037] Specifically, when the ice block 5 is placed between the upper and lower ice pressing molds 1, the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 heats the outer peripheral area of ​​the ice block 5 through the first heating path formed by the first heat-conducting base 202, the second heat-conducting surface 203, the first heat-conducting surface 103, and the third heating surface 108; when the outer peripheral area of ​​the ice block 5 melts, causing the ice block 5 to come into contact with the inner side of the ice pressing mold 1 (such as part / all of the first heating surface 105), the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 also heats the ice block 5 through the second heating path formed by the first heat-conducting base 202, the second heat-conducting surface 203, the first heat-conducting surface 103, and the inner side of the ice pressing mold 1.

[0038] The following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0039] Example 1: As Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a heating device for an ice press machine. The ice press machine includes an ice pressing mold 1 for pressing ice, and the heating device includes a first heating module 2 surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold 1 on the opening side.

[0040] In this embodiment, the ice pressing mold 1 includes: a first heat-conducting region 101 away from the opening side, and a second heat-conducting region 102 connected to the first heat-conducting region 101. The second heat-conducting region 102 is provided with a first heat-conducting surface 103 on the outer wall near the first heating module, which contacts the first heating module and conducts heat energy.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first heating module 2 includes: a first heating unit 201, and a first heat-conducting base 202 (whose height is lower than the height of the ice-pressing mold 1, or even less than half of its height) for mounting the first heating unit 201 and surrounding the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold 1. The first heat-conducting base 202 is provided with a first side surface near the ice-pressing mold 1 and a second heat-conducting surface 203 that contacts the first heat-conducting surface 103 near the opening of the ice-pressing mold 1.

[0042] When an ice block 5 is placed between the upper and lower ice-pressing molds 1, the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 is transferred to the second heat-conducting area 102 via the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103, and then transferred from the second heat-conducting area 102 to the first heat-conducting area 101. This creates a gradient heating module with decreasing temperature formed by the first heat-conducting base 202, the second heat-conducting area 102, and the first heat-conducting area 101. The third heating surface 108 in the second heat-conducting area 102, which directly contacts the outer periphery of the ice block 5, heats the peripheral area of ​​the ice block 5. When the peripheral area of ​​the ice block 5 melts, causing the ice block to come into contact with the second heating surface 104 of the second heat-conducting area 102 and the first heating surface 105 of the first heat-conducting area 101, the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 is transferred to the second heat-conducting area 102 via the first heat-conducting path, and then transferred to the peripheral area of ​​the ice block 5 by the third heating surface 108 and the second heating surface 104 of the second heat-conducting area 102. Simultaneously, the heat is transferred to the central area of ​​the ice block 5 by the first heating surface 105 of the first heat-conducting area 101. (See also...) Figure 6 .

[0043] Specifically, the first heat-conducting region 101 and the second heat-conducting region 102 together form the mold shape of the ice-pressing mold 1. The first heat-conducting region 101 and the second heat-conducting region 102 only refer to different regions in the ice-pressing mold 1 and are not a limitation on the structure. For example, the first and second heat-conducting regions can be divided with the first heat-conducting surface as the boundary. For example, with... Figure 6 In the cross-section shown, starting from the end of the first heat-conducting surface away from the opening side, along a path parallel to... Figure 6 The direction of the horizontal line shown serves as the boundary between the regions. Of course, this is merely for the convenience of describing the temperature difference formed along the direction of heat conduction, and does not imply that there is a clear temperature boundary between the two regions at this boundary.

[0044] In this embodiment, after the upper and lower ice pressing molds are snapped together, the ice block forms the shape of the ice pressing mold.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper and lower ice-pressing molds can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, such as the spherical shape made by the symmetrical ice-pressing mold in this embodiment, or other shapes made by the asymmetrical mold. In particular, the ice-pressing mold can be assembled from multiple modules; for example, in this embodiment, two molds, upper and lower, are used.

[0046] In this article, the first heat-conducting surface 103 and the second heat-conducting surface 203 refer to the surfaces where the first heat-conducting base and the ice-pressing mold directly conduct heat.

[0047] In this article, the first heating surface 105, the second heating surface 104, and the third heating surface 108 refer to the surfaces in the ice pressing mold that can come into contact with and be heated by the ice block, and can be seen as the outline surfaces of the shape of the ice block to be manufactured. For example, if an ice ball is to be manufactured, the first heating surface 105 is an arc-shaped surface.

[0048] Figure 9 The ice-pressing mold shown is for preparing standard spherical ice blocks and is only intended as a schematic diagram illustrating the process of preparing spherical ice blocks from their initial to final state. In practical applications, an ice-pressing mold with a corresponding shape (i.e., the shape formed by connecting the first and second heating surfaces of the upper and lower molds is the same as the final shape of the ice block to be prepared; for example, when the target ice block is finally prepared, the first and second heating surfaces are attached to the surface of the target ice block) can be selected according to the actual required shape of the ice block.

[0049] In this text, the first side refers to a side of the first heat-conducting base 202 near the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold 1. The second side refers to the portion of the second heat-conducting region 102 near the opening of the ice-pressing mold 1.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, this application provides a first heating module (e.g., a first heat-conducting base surrounding the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold, with a first heating unit mounted on the first heat-conducting base) around the opening side of the ice-pressing mold, and establishes a specific heat conduction path between the first heating module and the ice-pressing mold 1. This allows the heat generated by the first heating unit to be directly transferred to the outer peripheral area of ​​the ice block through the third heating surface 108 of the ice-pressing mold 1, and simultaneously transferred to the ice-pressing mold through this specific heat conduction path. This ensures that during the first heating stage (e.g., ... Figure 9 During the process from state A to state B, a certain temperature difference is formed between the first and second heat-conducting areas of the ice-pressing mold 1. This creates a heating structure with gradually decreasing temperature between the first heat-conducting base, the second heat-conducting area, and the first heat-conducting area (where the temperature of the first heat-conducting base is the highest and is the same as or close to the temperature of the second heat-conducting area, while the temperature of the first heat-conducting area is the lowest). This causes the outer periphery of the ice to melt first. When heating reaches the second stage (such as...), the outer periphery of the ice block melts first. Figure 9(The process from state B to state C) As time increases, and given that the thermal conductivity of the first and second heat-conducting regions and the first heat-conducting base are the same, the temperatures of the three regions will gradually become equal, ensuring that all regions of the ice melt almost synchronously, ultimately resulting in the desired ice shape, such as... Figure 9 C state.

[0051] This application is the first to increase the distance between the heating source and the ice-pressing mold (i.e., "non-wall-attached" direct heating) and set a specific heat conduction path (see...). Figure 5 As shown by the middle arrow), this allows for zoned heating of ice blocks based on a single heating source, without wasting excessive energy: the heat is directed to the second heat-conducting area of ​​the ice-pressing mold via a specific heat conduction path (i.e., the heat conduction path formed between the first and second heat-conducting surfaces), and then to the first heat-conducting area of ​​the ice-pressing mold.

[0052] Of course, if it is a larger ice block, when it is placed between the upper and lower ice pressing molds, the outer periphery of the ice block is in direct contact with the bottom of the third heating surface 108 and the first heat-conducting base 202 (that is, the contact surface of the bottom in contact with the ice block is also called the heating surface), the third heating surface 108 and the bottom of the first heat-conducting base 202 simultaneously transfer heat to the outer periphery of the ice block.

[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 A step extends along the width direction on the outer wall of the opening side of the ice pressing mold 1, and a first heat-conducting surface 103 is provided on the step. Correspondingly, a second heat-conducting surface 203 is provided on the first side of the first heat-conducting base 202. Furthermore, the first side also includes an upper extension wall located above the second heat-conducting surface 203. A first heat insulation cavity 106 is provided between the upper extension wall and the outer wall of the ice pressing mold (see...). Figure 5 The second heat-conducting surface 203 extends directly to the bottom of the first side of the first heat-conducting base 202. That is, the second heat-conducting area 102 and the first heat-conducting base 202 conduct heat only through the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103.

[0054] Furthermore, both the first heat-conducting surface 103 and the second heat-conducting surface 203 are inclined surfaces. The inclined surfaces are designed to increase and ensure the heat-conducting area. If a horizontal design were used, the heat-conducting area would be smaller, affecting ice-making efficiency and the final shape, provided the distance between the heating source and the ice-pressing mold remains constant. Additionally, if the first heat-conducting base and the ice-pressing mold are detachably installed, and the manufacturing process results in the two heat-conducting surfaces not being smooth planes, then when the first heat-conducting base is installed on the ice-pressing mold, point contact may occur between the two heat-conducting surfaces, creating a gap and hindering efficient heat conduction. With inclined surfaces, the heat-conducting area is larger than with horizontal surfaces. Furthermore, even if the manufacturing process results in a non-smooth plane, under gravity, the protrusions on the two heat-conducting surfaces will be offset, ensuring surface contact between the two heat-conducting surfaces.

[0055] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, a boss 4 is provided on the second side of the second heat-conducting region 102 opposite to the upper and lower ice-pressing molds 1, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0056] When the two ice-pressing molds are snapped together, the two protrusions 4 abut against each other to form a seal. That is, the two protrusions form the mold-closing line when the two ice-pressing molds are snapped together. Compared with the method of direct contact between the second sides of the two steps, the small area of ​​the protrusions greatly reduces the amount of water remaining between the two protrusion surfaces due to the melting of ice. This further reduces the probability of over-melting caused by a large amount of water remaining at the mold-closing line coming into contact with the ice.

[0057] In some embodiments, the ice pressing mold 1 is integrally formed with the first heat-conducting base 202, or is detachably connected, or the two are two independent modules, and when the two are placed in the inner cavity of the ice pressing machine, they are in contact with each other through the first heat-conducting surface 103 and the second heat-conducting surface 203.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second heat-conducting base 302 and the ice-pressing mold 1 can be integrally formed or detachably connected.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second heat-conducting base 302 is disposed at the bottom of the ice-pressing mold 1, and a portion thereof (such as the sixth heat-conducting region 3022) is in contact with the first heat-conducting base 201. Specifically, the second heat-conducting base 302, the first heat-conducting base 202, and / or the ice-pressing mold 1 are configured to be detachable or integrally formed.

[0060] In other embodiments, the first heat-conducting base 202 and the second heat-conducting base are integrally formed, see [reference needed]. Figure 10Furthermore, the first heat-conducting base and the ice-pressing mold are still only in contact through the first heat-conducting surface and the second heat-conducting surface (not shown in the figure), that is, a first heat-insulating cavity 106 is provided between the first heat-conducting base 202 and the ice-pressing mold.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first thermally conductive base 202 is provided with a groove for mounting the first heating unit 201, and thermally conductive adhesive is provided in the groove.

[0062] Specifically, if the cross-section of the outer wall of the ice pressing mold 1 is circular, the first heat-conducting base 202 surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold 1 is also annular, and correspondingly, the first heating unit 201 disposed in the groove of the first heat-conducting base 202 is also annular, for example, circular. Preferably, the cross-section of the first heating unit 201 can be circular, square, or any other shape.

[0063] Example 2: This application also provides another heating device, which includes the modules in Example 1 above. The difference is that the heating device in this example also includes a second heating module 2 disposed at the bottom of the ice pressing mold 1.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second heating module 2 includes: a second heating unit 301, and a second heat-conducting base 302 that covers the ice-pressing mold 1 and conducts heat to the first heat-conducting area 101 of the ice-pressing mold 1. See also Figure 2 .

[0065] The second heat-conducting base 302 includes a fifth heat-conducting region 3021 in contact with the second heating unit 301, and a sixth heat-conducting region 3022 connected to the fifth heat-conducting region 3021 and used to conduct heat to the first heat-conducting region 101; wherein a second heat-insulating cavity 303 is provided between the fifth heat-conducting region 3021 and the first heat-conducting region 101. Of course, the second heat-insulating cavity 303 contains a heat-conducting medium, such as air or water formed after melting.

[0066] In some embodiments, the power ratio of the first heating unit 201 and the second heating unit 301 is 2-5:1. Preferably, it is 3:1.

[0067] In a specific implementation, the heat generated by the second heating unit 301 is transferred to the first heating surface 105 via the second heat conduction path formed by the fifth heat conduction area 3021, the sixth heat conduction area 3022 and the first heat conduction area 101.

[0068] In other embodiments, to ensure the stability of the first heat-conducting base, the sixth heat-conducting region 3022 is also in contact with the first heat-conducting base 202 (specifically, one end of the sixth heat-conducting region 3022 near the opening extends into the first heat insulation cavity 106 between the first side surface of the first heat-conducting base 202 and the outer wall of the ice-pressing mold, thereby making the end region of the sixth heat-conducting region a heat conduction element between the first heat-conducting base and the ice-pressing mold); correspondingly, the heat generated by the first heating unit 201 is also transferred to the first heat-conducting region 101 via the first heat-conducting base 202 and the sixth heat-conducting region 3022.

[0069] In addition to setting a first heating module and a specific heat conduction path to achieve zoned heating of ice blocks, this application also sets a second heating module on the top of the ice pressing mold (i.e., the opposite side of the open side). Its heat is directly transferred to the first heat conduction area 101 of the ice pressing mold 1 through the second heat conduction base 302, thereby achieving the superposition of heat from the two heat sources in the first heat conduction area 101. Under the synergistic effect of the two, the ice-making efficiency is improved, thus ensuring that ice blocks of the expected shape are obtained within the ideal set time.

[0070] Furthermore, by setting the heating power ratio between the heating units in the second heating module and the first heating module, excessive heat is introduced into the first heat conduction area in the initial heating stage, thus avoiding energy waste.

[0071] Example 3: This application provides another heating device, which includes the components in the above examples. The difference is that in this example, a third heat insulation cavity 107 and a first heat insulation cavity 106 are provided between the second heat-conducting area 102 and the first side of the first heat-conducting base 202, and the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103 is located between the first heat insulation cavity 106 and the third heat insulation cavity 107.

[0072] Specifically, see Figure 6 A step extends along the width direction on the outer wall of the opening side of the ice pressing mold 1, and a first heat-conducting surface 103 is provided on the step. Correspondingly, a second heat-conducting surface 203 is provided on the first side of the first heat-conducting base 202. The first side also includes an upper extension wall located above the second heat-conducting surface 203 and a lower extension wall located below the second heat-conducting surface 203. A first heat-insulating cavity 106 is provided between the upper extension wall and the outer wall of the ice pressing mold, and a third heat-insulating cavity 107 is provided between the lower extension wall and the outer wall of the ice pressing mold. That is, the first side only contacts the ice pressing mold through the second heat-conducting surface 203.

[0073] In this embodiment, the main purpose of setting up the third heat insulation cavity 107 and the first heat insulation cavity 106 is to plan the heat conduction path, so that the first heat conduction base 202 and the ice pressing mold 1 only conduct heat through the second heat conduction surface 203 and the first heat conduction surface 103 that are in contact with each other (see...). Figure 5 (The heat conduction path is indicated by the middle arrow).

[0074] In this embodiment, the heat conduction between the first heat-conducting base 202 and the ice-pressing mold 1 is mainly through the contacting second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103. This means that the heat conduction is mainly through the contacting second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103. This is because there is air in the first and second heat-insulating cavities as a heat conduction medium, but its heat conduction is almost negligible compared to the heat conduction through the contacting second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103.

[0075] In some embodiments, both the second heat-conducting surface 203 and the first heat-conducting surface 103 of the step are inclined surfaces. As the contact surface of the heat conduction path between the two structures, setting it as an inclined surface can increase the contact area and also ensure that surface contact is formed between the two.

[0076] Furthermore, the second heat-conducting surface 203 is provided with a V-shaped protrusion, and correspondingly, the first heat-conducting surface 103 is provided with a V-shaped groove that cooperates with the V-shaped protrusion. By providing the V-shaped protrusion and the groove, the heat conduction area is further increased while ensuring the stability of the contact between the two.

[0077] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating device for an ice press machine, characterized in that, The ice press includes an ice pressing mold (1) for pressing ice, and the heating device includes a first heating module (2) surrounding the outer wall of the opening side of the ice pressing mold (1). The ice pressing mold (1) includes: a first heat-conducting region (101) away from the opening side, and a second heat-conducting region (102) connected to the first heat-conducting region (101). The second heat-conducting region (102) is provided with a first heat-conducting surface (103) that contacts the first heating module (2) and conducts heat energy. The first heating module (2) includes: a first heating unit (201) and a first heat-conducting base (202) for mounting the first heating unit (201) and surrounding the outer wall of the ice pressing mold (1). The first heat-conducting base (202) has a second heat-conducting surface (203) that contacts the first heat-conducting surface (103) on a first side near the opening of the ice pressing mold (1). When an ice block (5) is placed between the upper and lower ice-pressing molds (1), the heat generated by the first heating unit (201) is transferred to the second heat-conducting area (102) via the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface (203) and the first heat-conducting surface (103). This causes the first heat-conducting base (202), the second heat-conducting area (102), and the first heat-conducting area (101) to form a temperature-decreasing gradient heating module along the heat conduction direction. The third heating surface (108) in the second heat-conducting area (102), which is in direct contact with the ice block (5), heats the outside of the ice block (5). When the outer side of the ice block (5) melts, causing the ice block (5) to come into contact with the second heating surface (104) of the second heat-conducting region (102) and the first heating surface (105) of the first heat-conducting region (101), the heat generated by the first heating unit (201) is transferred to the second heat-conducting region (102) via the first heat-conducting path, and is transferred to the ice block (5) by the third heating surface (108) and the second heating surface (104) of the second heat-conducting region (102). At the same time, the second heat-conducting region (102) transfers heat to the first heat-conducting region (101), and the first heating surface (105) of the first heat-conducting region (101) transfers heat to the ice block (5).

2. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second heating module (3) is provided at the bottom of the ice pressing mold (1). The second heating module (3) includes: a second heating unit (301) and a second heat-conducting base (302) that covers the ice pressing mold (1) and conducts heat to the first heat-conducting area (101) of the ice pressing mold (1). The second heat-conducting base (302) includes: a fifth heat-conducting region (3021) that contacts the second heating unit (301) for heat conduction, and a sixth heat-conducting region (3022) that is connected to the fifth heat-conducting region (3021) and is used to conduct heat to the first heat-conducting region (101); wherein, a second heat-insulating cavity (303) is provided between the fifth heat-conducting region (3021) and the first heat-conducting region (101); The power range ratio of the first heating unit (201) and the second heating unit (301) is 2-5:1; The heat generated by the second heating unit (301) is transferred to the first heating surface (105) via a second heat conduction path formed by the fifth heat conduction area (3021), the sixth heat conduction area (3022) and the first heat conduction area (101).

3. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sixth heat-conducting area (3022) is connected to the first heat-conducting base (202); correspondingly, the heat generated by the first heating unit (201) is also transferred to the first heat-conducting area (101) via the first heat-conducting base (202) and the sixth heat-conducting area (3022).

4. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side of the second heat-conducting area (102) of the upper and lower ice-pressing molds (1) is provided with a boss (4); when the two ice-pressing molds (1) are fastened together, the two bosses (4) abut against each other to form a seal.

5. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice pressing mold (1) is integrally formed with the first heat-conducting base (202); and / or, The first heat-conducting base (202) is provided with a groove for installing the first heating unit (201), and the groove is provided with heat-conducting adhesive.

6. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first heat insulation cavity (106) is provided between the second heat-conducting area (102) and the first side of the first heat-conducting base (202), and the first heat insulation cavity (106) is located at the end of the first heat-conducting path away from the opening end of the ice-pressing mold (1), so that the second heat-conducting area (102) and the first heat-conducting base (202) conduct heat only through the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface (203) and the first heat-conducting surface (103); Alternatively, a third heat insulation cavity (107) and a first heat insulation cavity (106) are provided between the second heat-conducting area (102) and the first side of the first heat-conducting base (202), and the first heat-conducting path formed by the second heat-conducting surface (203) and the first heat-conducting surface (103) is located between the first heat insulation cavity (106) and the third heat insulation cavity (107).

7. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat-conducting surface (203) and the first heat-conducting surface (103) are inclined surfaces.

8. The heating device for the ice press machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second heat-conducting surface (203) is provided with a V-shaped protrusion, and correspondingly, the first heat-conducting surface (103) is provided with a V-shaped groove that cooperates with the V-shaped protrusion.

9. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second heat insulation cavity (303) is provided with a heat-conducting medium.

10. The heating device for the ice press machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first heating unit (201) is installed in the groove of the first heat-conducting base (202), and the first heating unit (201) is a heating ring.

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