Transparent ice block preparation control method and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a transparent ice block preparation control method and a refrigerator, and the method comprises the steps: responding to an ice making instruction, and controlling an ice making device to execute an ice making process; obtaining the temperature of a water body in an ice-making box in the ice-making device in the ice-making process; when the temperature of the water body enters the phase change temperature interval, a heater is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program, so that transparent ice blocks are obtained; wherein the pulse heating control program comprises the steps of executing pulse heating operation in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals in the phase change temperature interval, and controlling the heater to operate in a mode of repeatedly executing heating pulses for multiple times for the phase change temperature sub-intervals. According to the method, heating pulses are repeatedly executed for multiple times in a phase change temperature interval of water, the growth speed and direction of ice crystals are actively intervened, an overflow path is created for dissolved gas, the problem of ice block white turbidity is solved, and high-transparency ice blocks are prepared.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Household refrigerator ice-making devices meet consumers' demand for convenient ice making by adding an ice-making unit to the freezer compartment. Ice-making devices include two types: automatic ice makers and ice boxes. Automatic ice makers can automatically fill water, while ice boxes require manual water filling. Both rely on the low temperature environment of the freezer compartment to cool the water temperature to below the freezing point of 0°C, thereby producing edible ice.

[0003] Users have raised higher requirements for the transparency and optical quality of the ice produced by this device. The ice-making process relies on the natural freezing of water in a low-temperature environment. Water in the automatic ice maker or ice container freezes from the outside in under the low temperature of the freezing chamber. In this method, water undergoes a rapid temperature drop and completes a phase change. Impurities can be reduced by pre-filtering the water source, or the ice crystal structure can be improved by optimizing the freezing rate. Some solutions consider adding food-grade surfactants to alter the ice-water interface properties.

[0004] However, the above methods or pretreatment processes may introduce additional food safety considerations. When the ice-making water is frozen quickly, the dissolved gases inside cannot escape effectively. The disorderly growing ice crystals carry the gases and impurities and squeeze them to the center of the ice block, forming bubbles that cause the ice block to appear cloudy and have low transparency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes and a refrigerator to solve the problems of ice cubes appearing cloudy and having low transparency.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes, comprising: Responding to ice-making commands, the ice-making device is controlled to execute the ice-making process; During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained; When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range; for each phase change temperature sub-interval, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses; the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is below the freezing point. The heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0007] By controlling the heater to repeatedly execute multiple heating pulses within at least two sub-regions of the phase change temperature range of water, the growth rate and direction of ice crystals are actively intervened, creating an escape path for dissolved gases, thereby solving the problem of ice turbidity and producing highly transparent ice.

[0008] In some feasible embodiments, the phase transition temperature range is 0°C to -5°C; Prior to performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase transition temperature sub-regions within the phase transition temperature range, the procedure includes: The at least two different phase transition temperature sub-intervals are determined, the two different phase transition temperature sub-intervals include a first phase transition temperature sub-interval and a second phase transition temperature sub-interval, the first phase transition temperature sub-interval and the second phase transition temperature sub-interval have different temperature ranges.

[0009] By limiting the phase change temperature range to 0℃ to -5℃, intervention can be made in the phase change process of water freezing into ice, thus solving the problem of gas not being able to escape due to rapid freezing within this temperature range.

[0010] In some feasible embodiments, the first phase transition temperature sub-range is 0°C to -2°C, and the second phase transition temperature sub-range is -3°C to -5°C.

[0011] The first phase change temperature sub-range is set to 0℃ to -2℃, and the second phase change temperature sub-range is set to -3℃ to -5℃, so that the pulse heating control can more precisely match the thermodynamic conditions at different depths of the freezing process and optimize the gas discharge effect at each stage.

[0012] In some feasible embodiments, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple heating pulses includes: For the first phase change temperature sub-range, the heater is controlled to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the first heating pulse multiple times; For the second phase change temperature sub-range, the heater is controlled to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the second heating pulse multiple times.

[0013] By controlling the heater to execute multiple first and second heating pulses for the first and second phase change temperature sub-ranges respectively, effective intervention can be implemented at different stages throughout the entire phase change range, thereby ensuring continuous gas discharge.

[0014] In some feasible embodiments, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the first heating pulse multiple times includes: Within the first phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with the first heating start threshold and the first heating stop threshold; When the water temperature reaches the first heating start-up threshold, the heater is controlled to start. When the water temperature reaches the first heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop. Wherein, the first heating start threshold is 0℃, and the first heating stop threshold is -2℃.

[0015] Within the first phase transition temperature sub-range, pulses are executed with 0℃ as the start threshold and -2℃ as the stop threshold to guide the orderly growth of ice crystals in the initial freezing stage and establish the initial direction of gas discharge.

[0016] In some feasible embodiments, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the second heating pulse includes: Within the second phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with the second heating start threshold and the second heating stop threshold; When the water temperature reaches the second heating start-up threshold, the heater is controlled to start. When the water temperature reaches the second heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop. The second heating start threshold is -3℃, and the second heating stop threshold is -5℃.

[0017] Within the second phase transition temperature sub-range, pulses are executed with a start threshold of -3℃ and a stop threshold of -5℃ to maintain the directional growth trend of ice crystals during the freezing deepening stage, ensuring that gas can be effectively discharged in the subsequent freezing part.

[0018] In some feasible embodiments, the heater controlling the ice-making container executes a pulse heating control program, including: Set the number of times the heating pulse is repeated; Based on the number of repetitions, the heater is controlled to execute heating pulses within the phase transition temperature sub-range; The number of times the process is repeated is 10-20 times.

[0019] The number of times the heating pulse is repeated is limited to 10-20 times. Through sufficient periodic heating compensation, the dissolved gas can be fully and continuously guided out, avoiding its retention.

[0020] In some feasible embodiments, the heater controlling the ice-making container executes a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes, including: After the pulse heating control program is completed, the water temperature is monitored; If the water temperature reaches the freezing temperature, the ice-making device is controlled to stop cooling and perform a de-icing operation.

[0021] After the pulse heating control program, the water temperature is monitored and the de-icing operation is performed to ensure that the ice block is completely frozen and molded, resulting in a complete transparent ice block.

[0022] In some feasible embodiments, obtaining the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device includes: Temperature signals are collected by a temperature sensor located at the bottom of the ice maker. The temperature signal is processed to obtain the water temperature.

[0023] By collecting temperature signals through a temperature sensor located at the bottom of the ice maker, the water temperature can be accurately and in real time, providing a reliable basis for the pulse heating control program.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator, comprising: An ice-making device, the ice-making device including an ice-making box and a heater; A temperature acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature of the water inside the ice-making box; The control module is configured as follows: Responding to ice-making commands, the ice-making device is controlled to execute the ice-making process; During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained; When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range; for each phase change temperature sub-interval, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses; the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is below the freezing point. The heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0025] The refrigerator executes the aforementioned pulse heating control program through its configured control module, enabling the ice-making device to actively intervene in the freezing process, thereby producing highly transparent ice cubes.

[0026] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application provides a method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes and a refrigerator. The method includes: responding to an ice-making command and controlling an ice-making device to perform an ice-making process; during the ice-making process, acquiring the water temperature in the ice-making box of the ice-making device; when the water temperature enters a preset phase change temperature range, controlling the heater of the ice-making box to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; wherein, the pulse heating control program includes: within the phase change temperature range, performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-ranges, and for each phase change temperature sub-range, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses, wherein the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is lower than the freezing point; the execution mode of the heating pulse is: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-range, controlling the heater to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-range, controlling the heater to stop. The method actively intervenes in the growth rate and direction of ice crystals by controlling the heater to repeatedly execute multiple heating pulses within at least two sub-regions of the phase change temperature range of water, thereby creating an escape path for dissolved gases, thus solving the problem of ice turbidity and producing highly transparent ice. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating the transparent ice cube preparation control method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the freezing direction of ice blocks provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the control process for starting and stopping the heater in the first phase change temperature sub-zone provided in this application embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control process for starting and stopping the heater in the second phase change temperature sub-range provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following examples do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application.

[0030] In the field of transparent ice preparation technology, in order to solve the problem of ice cloudiness, some solutions intervene in the freezing process inside the ice-making box, while others control the water temperature before it enters the ice-making mold. The following is a detailed explanation of these two solutions.

[0031] The proposed intervention scheme for the freezing process within an ice-making box involves an ice-making device located within an ice-making chamber. This device includes an ice-making box and a heating wire, with the heating wire positioned below the box to provide heat. During the ice-making process, the heating wire continuously heats the water at the bottom of the ice-making box, creating an upward-flowing heat flow. This heat flow acts on the ice-water interface, melting any ice spikes growing there and filling the gaps in the ice. This allows the ice to grow in a planar pattern, which helps form transparent ice. The control of this scheme is related to the spatial position of the ice-water interface. When the interface descends to a preset position, the heat transferred from the heating wire to the ice-making box decreases. In other words, this scheme creates a stable, upward thermal convection field during the freezing process through continuous bottom heating. This thermal convection field modifies the ice crystal growth interface, promoting lateral ice growth.

[0032] The system controls the water temperature before it enters the ice-making mold, obtaining an ice-making command. This command includes a preset threshold for the water entering the ice-making mold, which is a target temperature value. Responding to the command involves acquiring the real-time temperature of the water entering the mold. This real-time temperature is compared with the preset threshold to determine a temperature adjustment command. This command controls the ice-making device to produce ice. Specifically, the system prioritizes using the condenser's waste heat. If the condenser's waste heat is insufficient, the heater is activated for auxiliary heating. The goal of this heating is to bring the water temperature to and maintain it near the preset threshold, such as room temperature. Maintaining the water temperature at a relatively high level ensures the production of transparent ice. In other words, this system pre-treats and controls the water temperature in the supply pipeline before the ice-making cycle begins, focusing on the initial conditions for ice making, namely the water temperature entering the mold.

[0033] Combining these two approaches could yield an ice-making control scheme. This scheme would include an ice-making device with an ice-making box and a heating wire located below the ice-making box for heating. It would also include a temperature control module to monitor and regulate the inlet water temperature. Before ice making begins, the inlet water temperature is preheated and maintained within the room temperature range. Then, ice making begins. During the ice-making process, the heating wire is activated to continuously heat the ice-making box, creating an upward heat flow to improve ice crystal growth. When the ice-water interface drops to a certain level, the heat output of the heating wire is reduced. This combination aims to improve transparency by optimizing the initial water temperature and intervening in the freezing process.

[0034] Unlike the first, second, and combined solutions mentioned above, the method provided in this application does not involve preheating the water or creating convection through continuous heat flow. Instead, it executes a staged pulse heating control program within the phase change temperature range of water. The phase change temperature range is a specific interval with the freezing point of water as the upper limit and below it as the lower limit. This interval represents the phase change stage of water from liquid to solid. "Staged" refers to further dividing this interval into at least two different sub-intervals of phase change temperature. The pulse heating control program refers to controlling the heater to operate in a mode that repeatedly executes multiple heating pulses within each such sub-interval. Each heating pulse is triggered and terminated by reaching the heating start threshold and heating stop threshold corresponding to the current sub-interval.

[0035] Although the first and second combined schemes have both temperature control and heating wire intervention, the two controls are separate and phased, and the control logic and purpose are different. The water inlet temperature control occurs before ice making, and its target is the liquid water supply pipeline, with the purpose of maintaining a high and constant water inlet temperature. The heating wire intervention occurs during freezing, and its target is the ice-water mixture in the ice box, with the purpose of modifying the ice crystal interface through continuous heat flow.

[0036] This application divides the entire phase change process into multiple consecutive stages, and within each stage, uses the periodic start-stop (pulse) of the heater as a modulation method to actively regulate the kinetics of ice crystal growth. The purpose of the heating pulse is not to create a stable upward heat flow, but to apply periodic, brief thermal disturbances to the local ice-water interface. These disturbances aim to precisely control the growth rate of ice crystals, create a time window for gas escape, and guide the directional growth of ice crystals.

[0037] Specifically, some embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: S110: Responds to ice-making commands and controls the ice-making device to execute the ice-making process.

[0038] The execution entity in this embodiment can be the control module built into the refrigerator. The control module includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program. When the processor executes the program, it implements the following control method.

[0039] The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and an ice-making device disposed within the freezer compartment. The ice-making device includes an ice-making tray for holding water and a heater for heating the ice-making tray. The heater may be disposed at the bottom or side wall of the ice-making tray.

[0040] The ice-making device also includes a temperature acquisition module for detecting the temperature of the water inside the ice container. This module can be a temperature sensor, such as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, located at the bottom of the ice container. The control module is electrically connected to the refrigeration components, heater, and temperature acquisition module of the ice-making device to send control commands and receive detection signals.

[0041] An ice-making command is a trigger signal used to start the ice-making process. The ice-making command can be manually triggered by the user through the refrigerator's control panel or a remote application, or it can be automatically generated by the refrigerator's control module when it detects that there is not enough ice in the ice storage box.

[0042] The ice-making command may include parameters such as the quantity of ice to be made and the type of ice cubes. However, it should be noted that the control logic of the method provided in this embodiment does not depend on these additional parameters.

[0043] In response to the ice-making command, the control module controls the ice-making device to perform the ice-making process. The ice-making process is the process from filling the ice box with water to forming ice and then removing it. Controlling the ice-making device to perform the ice-making process includes controlling the water supply valve to inject a predetermined amount of water into the ice box and controlling the refrigeration system to cool the environment where the ice box is located or the ice box itself.

[0044] S120: During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained.

[0045] In some embodiments, a temperature signal is acquired by a temperature sensor located at the bottom of the ice maker; the temperature signal is processed to obtain the water temperature.

[0046] While the ice-making process is underway, the control module continuously or periodically acquires the water temperature inside the ice-making box through the temperature acquisition module. The water temperature is the temperature of the water that is freezing in the ice-making box.

[0047] Since water freezes from the outside in, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reflects the temperature of the ice-water mixture or the water that is about to freeze. Obtaining the water temperature is to monitor the phase change state of water in real time and provide a basis for subsequent intervention and control.

[0048] S130: When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes.

[0049] The phase transition temperature range is a temperature range with its upper limit at the freezing point of water (e.g., 0°C under standard atmospheric pressure) and its lower limit below the freezing point of water. This range characterizes the temperature zone where water transitions from a liquid to a solid state. The preset phase transition temperature range can be stored in the control module's memory. The reason for choosing this range for intervention is that water freezes within this temperature range, and the gases dissolved in the water are trapped due to the formation of ice crystals.

[0050] Once the water temperature enters the phase change temperature range, the control module controls the heater of the ice-making box to execute a pulse heating control program. The pulse heating control program is a series of discontinuous, periodic heating operations. The purpose of the operation is not to heat the water back to the liquid state, but to briefly and locally affect the growth front of the ice crystals.

[0051] The heater may include a resistance wire heater attached to the outer surface of the ice maker or a thin film heater embedded in the ice maker substrate. The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range, and controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple heating pulses for each phase change temperature sub-interval.

[0052] The phase change temperature sub-region is a part of the phase change temperature range. Different sub-regions do not overlap or only partially overlap in temperature range, and they jointly or partially cover the phase change temperature range. The purpose of dividing into multiple sub-regions is to implement more targeted heating intervention strategies at different stages of the freezing process.

[0053] For each defined phase change temperature sub-range, the heater operates in a mode of repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses. A heating pulse is a complete heating action unit, including one heater start-up and one subsequent stop.

[0054] The specific execution mode of each heating pulse is determined by the temperature threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval. Specifically, the heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0055] Executing heating pulses multiple times ensures that the ice crystal growth interface is subjected to thermal disturbances multiple times throughout the temperature change process of the entire sub-region. At different freezing depths, the ice crystal growth interface faces different thermodynamic conditions. Sub-regional control employs differentiated heating triggering conditions, making the intervention more adaptable.

[0056] The heating pulses are repeated multiple times within each sub-interval to ensure that the thermal disturbance is continuous and periodic. Each pulse of heating is not intended to melt a large amount of ice, but to provide a gentle and brief heat supplement to the ice crystal growth interface. This supplement slows down the growth rate of ice crystals at the interface. The slowdown in growth rate provides the time needed for trace gas molecules dissolved in the water to escape from the vicinity of the growth interface.

[0057] The gas can gradually escape outward along the direction of heat flow or concentration gradient within the gaps in the orderly growth of ice crystals, without being trapped by the rapidly advancing ice crystal front. For example... Figure 2 As shown, ice crystal growth is more ordered and conducive to gas discharge in a specific direction, such as from the bottom up.

[0058] Specifically, in some embodiments, the phase change temperature range is from 0°C to -5°C. 0°C is the theoretical temperature at which water begins to freeze under normal pressure, and -5°C is a temperature below the freezing point. This ensures that the range covers the phase change process from the initial freezing of water to the formation of a certain amount of ice. The lower limit of -5°C is based on the balance between the operating temperature of a household refrigerator's freezer compartment and the actual time required for ice making. This range is wide enough to accommodate the complete phase change intervention process while avoiding unnecessary low-temperature stages from being included in the control, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, the water commonly used in households contains mineral ions, and its phase change temperature range is usually between 0℃ and -5℃. Therefore, in the phase change stage of this embodiment, we need to focus on the phase change rate of water with a temperature between 0℃ and -5℃.

[0060] Before performing the pulse heating operation, at least two distinct phase transition temperature sub-intervals are determined. These two distinct phase transition temperature sub-intervals include a first phase transition temperature sub-interval and a second phase transition temperature sub-interval, which have different temperature ranges. This means that the two sub-intervals do not coincide on the temperature coordinate axis, or may only connect at their boundaries.

[0061] The division of sub-intervals can be based on experimental experience or thermodynamic models, which divides the continuous phase transition process from 0°C to -5°C into multiple discrete control stages along the temperature dimension. In some embodiments, the first phase transition temperature sub-interval is from 0°C to -2°C, and the second phase transition temperature sub-interval is from -3°C to -5°C.

[0062] The freezing of water is not instantaneous, but a dynamic process in which the temperature gradually decreases and the amount of ice gradually increases. In the initial, middle, and late stages from 0℃ to -5℃, the state of the ice-water mixture, the propagation rate of the ice crystal growth interface, and the degree of gas supersaturation in the residual water are all different. A single fixed heating pulse parameter may not be suitable for the entire process. Identifying different sub-ranges allows for the identification and differentiation of these different process stages, laying the foundation for planning separate control strategies for each stage.

[0063] For example, milder pulse parameters can be set for the sub-intervals in the early stage of freezing to guide the orderly formation of crystal nuclei, while different parameters can be set for the sub-intervals in the later stage of freezing to cope with more viscous ice-water mixtures and slower thermal diffusion conditions. This stage division based on temperature sub-intervals enables the control method to better match the intrinsic physical changes of the phase transition process, thereby achieving adaptive intervention from beginning to end.

[0064] Specifically, in some embodiments, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple heating pulses includes: for the first phase change temperature sub-range, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple first heating pulses; and for the second phase change temperature sub-range, controlling the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple second heating pulses.

[0065] In other words, this embodiment uses a two-stage pulse modulation process. In the first stage, the temperature ranges from 0°C to -2°C, and heating pulses are applied. These pulses act on the early stage of freezing, when the proportion of liquid water is relatively high and the ice crystal network begins to form. The periodic thermal disturbance provided by the pulsed heating can slow down the growth rate of ice crystals and create conditions for the escape of a large amount of dissolved gas at the growth interface.

[0066] After the first stage pulse is completed, the water temperature continues to drop. When the water temperature reaches -3℃, it enters the second stage from -3℃ to -5℃. At this time, the ice body has basically formed, and the remaining liquid water is wrapped in the ice crystal skeleton. The pulse action in the second stage further intervenes in the growth of these remaining and more difficult-to-freeze waters to ensure that the gas is completely discharged before final solidification and to promote the consistency of the final ice crystal with the existing ordered structure.

[0067] By using segmented, parameterized, and repeated pulse heating, the problem of gas trapping is solved, and highly transparent ice blocks with overall uniformity are prepared.

[0068] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, for the first stage, within the first phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with a first heating start threshold and a first heating stop threshold; when the water temperature reaches the first heating start threshold, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the first heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0069] At the start of the cycle, the control module compares the water temperature with two preset thresholds. The first heating start threshold is set to 0℃, and the first heating stop threshold is set to -2℃. When the water temperature reaches 0℃, the control module sends a start command to the heater, which then powers on and heats the ice box. This heating causes the water temperature at the bottom and around the ice box to rise, resulting in a change in the local temperature at the ice crystal growth interface.

[0070] The control module continuously monitors the water temperature. When the water temperature rises back to -2°C due to heating, the control module sends a stop command to the heater, and the heater stops working. The complete process from start to stop is recorded as completing one first heating pulse. Afterward, the water temperature drops again under the action of the cooling system. When the water temperature drops to 0°C again, a new control cycle begins, repeating the next first heating pulse. This monitoring, start, and stop cycle is repeated within the first phase change temperature sub-range. The number of repetitions is set within a range according to design requirements, such as 10-20 times. Each pulse applies a brief thermal disturbance to the ice-water interface during the initial freezing stage.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, for the second stage, in some embodiments, within the second phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with a second heating start threshold and a second heating stop threshold; when the water temperature reaches the second heating start threshold, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the second heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0072] When the water temperature leaves the first sub-interval and drops to -3℃, it indicates that the freezing process has entered a deeper stage. The control module activates the second set of control parameters, with the second heating start threshold set to -3℃ and the second heating stop threshold set to -5℃.

[0073] The control logic is the same as the first stage, but the trigger temperature is lower. When the water temperature reaches -3℃, the heater starts and works until the water temperature rises back to -5℃, thus completing a second heating pulse. Similarly, this pulse execution process will be repeated multiple times in the second phase change temperature sub-range, for example, 10-20 times.

[0074] Because the base temperature is lower in this stage, and the ice-water mixture has a high proportion of ice and poor fluidity, the energy input required for each heating pulse or the heating time required to reach the stop threshold may be different from that in the first stage. The control module makes real-time adjustments through temperature feedback to ensure that each pulse can achieve the expected temperature rise.

[0075] For different phase transition temperature sub-ranges, the number of pulses may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the number of times the heating pulse is repeated is set; based on the number of repetitions, the heater is controlled to execute heating pulses within the phase transition temperature sub-range.

[0076] The number of repetitions is a predefined value that determines how many times the heater performs the start and stop heating pulse action within the same phase change temperature sub-range. The purpose of setting the number of repetitions is to provide a clear termination condition for the cyclic control, thereby ensuring that the pulse intervention is neither a single event nor an infinite loop, but rather has a preset intensity.

[0077] In one implementation, the number of repetitions is set to a fixed value, such as 15 times. In another implementation, the number of repetitions can be a value that allows the user to select within a limited range, for example, selecting between 10 and 20 times via a refrigerator user interface.

[0078] After the settings are completed, the heater is controlled to execute heating pulses within the phase change temperature sub-range based on the set number of repetitions. Control based on the number of repetitions means that a counter is started inside the control module. Each time the heater completes a full heating pulse, the counter is incremented by 1. The control module will continuously compare the current value of the counter with the preset number of repetitions. As long as the current count value is less than the preset number, the control module will continue to wait and allow the triggering condition of the next heating pulse (i.e., reaching the heating start threshold) to take effect.

[0079] Once the current count reaches the preset number of repetitions, the control module will no longer respond to the heating start threshold within the current phase change temperature sub-range, the loop will terminate, and control will then switch to the next process, such as waiting to enter the next phase change temperature sub-range or continuing to perform conventional cooling. In this way, the execution of heating pulses is strictly limited to a preset number of times. This count-based cyclic control makes the intervention process controllable and predictable.

[0080] In this embodiment, the number of repetitions is 10-20 times. If it is less than 10 times, a continuous and effective intervention sequence may not be formed, and the gas discharge process may be interrupted. 20 times can avoid unnecessary energy consumption due to too many pulses, or excessive thermal shock to the already formed ice crystal structure.

[0081] In other embodiments, a first number of pulses is preset for the first phase transition temperature sub-range, and a different number of second pulses is preset for the second phase transition temperature sub-range. For example, the first number of pulses can be set to 15 times, and the second number of pulses can be set to 8 times. When the control module executes the pulse heating process of the corresponding sub-range, it calls each preset number of pulses until completion. This allows for different intervention intensities to be allocated based on the different physical characteristics of the early freezing stage (crystal nucleation and early growth stage) and the late freezing stage (crystal filling and completion stage). More interventions can be applied in the early stage to guide orderly growth, while fewer interventions can be applied in the later stage to optimize energy efficiency.

[0082] The number of pulses can also be determined by real-time monitored condition parameters, which can be the rate of change of water temperature or the initial water temperature after reaching the phase change temperature range. When the control module enters a phase change temperature sub-range, it will first calculate or read the condition parameter.

[0083] For example, if a rapid rate of water temperature drop is detected, it indicates that the freezing speed may be too fast and the gas may not be easily expelled. In this case, the number of pulse repetitions can be dynamically increased for this stage, such as adding several more pulses on top of the 10-20 pulses. If the water temperature drops slowly, the number of pulses can be reduced.

[0084] For example, if the initial water temperature for ice making is high, the dissolved gas content may be relatively high. The number of pulses in both stages can be increased uniformly. The control module has a pre-stored table or calculation formula for the correspondence between conditional parameters and the number of pulses.

[0085] It is important to note that pulsed heating intervention aims to maintain the continuous growth of ice crystals within the ice block. In other words, the heating element is not activated to melt existing ice, nor to interrupt or reverse the freezing process, but rather to optimize and guide the growth pattern of the ice crystals during this dynamic process. This is achieved by controlling the timing (when the heating start threshold is reached), duration, and intensity (when the heating stop threshold is reached), thus modulating the growth process.

[0086] To ensure that the heating behavior does not deviate from the purpose of maintaining the continuous growth of ice crystals, in this embodiment, the heating amount must always be less than the cooling amount allocated to the ice maker module in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The heating amount is the total heat provided by the heating wire during each pulse activation, and the cooling amount is the total cold amount (i.e., heat output) that the refrigerator freezer system can remove from the ice maker (module) at the same time.

[0087] In other words, at any given moment, even if the heating wire is working, the overall thermal balance is still net cooling. The heat provided by the heating wire only partially offsets the continuous cooling effect, slows down the cooling rate of the ice-water interface and the growth rate of ice crystals, but does not cause the interface temperature to rise above the freezing point and melt the ice crystals.

[0088] After the pulse heating control program is completed, in some embodiments, the water temperature is monitored. If the water temperature reaches the freezing temperature, the ice-making device is controlled to stop cooling and perform a de-icing operation.

[0089] Continuing to monitor the water temperature can track the trend of water temperature changes after the pulse intervention ends. The pulse heating control program mainly operates in the phase change temperature range of about 0℃ to -5℃. When the program is completed, the water temperature is below -5℃, but it may not have reached the deep freezing state that can ensure the ice is completely hardened and easy to demold. Therefore, it is necessary to continue monitoring to determine the freezing endpoint.

[0090] The freezing temperature is a specific temperature value below the lower limit of the phase change temperature range. For example, the freezing temperature can be set to -10℃. This temperature value is far below the freezing point of water, which is sufficient to ensure that all the water in the ice box is converted into solid ice, and that the ice has sufficient structural strength.

[0091] The control module continuously compares the real-time monitored water temperature with the preset freezing temperature. When the water temperature reaches or falls below the preset freezing temperature, two actions are triggered. The first action is to control the ice-making device to stop cooling. For example, a stop command is sent to the compressor or compartment damper of the refrigeration system. The active cooling process of the freezing compartment where the ice-making device is located or the ice box itself is suspended. The purpose of stopping the cooling is to avoid unnecessary over-cooling under the premise that the ice has reached the ideal hardness, which helps to save energy.

[0092] The second action is to control the ice-making device to perform an ice-removal operation, which is the process of separating the formed ice blocks from the ice-making box. Performing the ice-removal operation can include various existing technologies, which are not limited in this application.

[0093] For example, the control module can briefly energize a dedicated de-icing heating wire to heat the bottom or side wall of the ice maker. This heating causes the ice on the contact surface between the ice cube and the ice maker to melt slightly, reducing adhesion. The control module can also control an electric torsion or pushing mechanism to flip or deform the ice maker, allowing the ice cube to fall into the ice storage box under gravity or thrust. After the de-icing operation is completed, the ice-making cycle ends, and the ice-making device returns to standby mode, waiting for the next ice-making command.

[0094] Based on the above-described method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice, some embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator, including: An ice-making device, the ice-making device including an ice-making box and a heater; A temperature acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature of the water inside the ice-making box; The control module is configured as follows: Responding to ice-making commands, the ice-making device is controlled to execute the ice-making process; During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained; When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range; for each phase change temperature sub-interval, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses; the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is below the freezing point. The heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

[0095] The ice-making device is installed in the freezer room or in a location with good heat exchange with the freezer room. The ice-making device may include an ice-making box and a heater. The ice-making box is used to hold water to be frozen and may be made of metal or plastic with good thermal conductivity. The heater is thermally connected to the ice-making box and is used to transfer heat to the ice-making box. The heater may be a diaphragm heater attached to the outer surface of the ice-making box or a resistance wire embedded in the ice-making box substrate. The heater may be located at the bottom of the ice-making box so that the heat can affect the ice crystal growth interface from bottom to top.

[0096] For other details, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0097] Similar parts between the embodiments provided in this application can be referred to mutually. The specific implementation methods provided above are only a few examples under the overall concept of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For those skilled in the art, any other implementation methods extended from the solution of this application without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes, characterized in that, include: Responding to ice-making commands, the ice-making device is controlled to execute the ice-making process; During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained; When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range; for each phase change temperature sub-interval, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses; the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is below the freezing point. The heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

2. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase transition temperature range is from 0°C to -5°C; Prior to performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase transition temperature sub-regions within the phase transition temperature range, the procedure includes: The at least two different phase transition temperature sub-intervals are determined, the two different phase transition temperature sub-intervals include a first phase transition temperature sub-interval and a second phase transition temperature sub-interval, the first phase transition temperature sub-interval and the second phase transition temperature sub-interval have different temperature ranges.

3. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first phase transition temperature sub-range is from 0℃ to -2℃, and the second phase transition temperature sub-range is from -3℃ to -5℃.

4. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes multiple heating pulses includes: For the first phase change temperature sub-range, the heater is controlled to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the first heating pulse multiple times; For the second phase change temperature sub-range, the heater is controlled to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the second heating pulse multiple times.

5. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control of the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the first heating pulse multiple times includes: Within the first phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with the first heating start threshold and the first heating stop threshold; When the water temperature reaches the first heating start-up threshold, the heater is controlled to start. When the water temperature reaches the first heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop. Wherein, the first heating start threshold is 0℃, and the first heating stop threshold is -2℃.

6. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control of the heater to operate in a manner that repeatedly executes the second heating pulse includes: Within the second phase change temperature sub-range, the water temperature is compared with the second heating start threshold and the second heating stop threshold; When the water temperature reaches the second heating start-up threshold, the heater is controlled to start. When the water temperature reaches the second heating stop threshold, the heater is controlled to stop. The second heating start threshold is -3℃, and the second heating stop threshold is -5℃.

7. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The procedure for controlling the heater of the ice maker to execute a pulse heating control program includes: Set the number of times the heating pulse is repeated; Based on the number of repetitions, the heater is controlled to execute heating pulses within the phase transition temperature sub-range; The number of times the process is repeated is 10-20 times.

8. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of controlling the heater of the ice-making box to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes includes: After the pulse heating control program is completed, the water temperature is monitored; If the water temperature reaches the freezing temperature, the ice-making device is controlled to stop cooling and perform a de-icing operation.

9. The method for controlling the preparation of transparent ice cubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device includes: Temperature signals are collected by a temperature sensor located at the bottom of the ice maker. The temperature signal is processed to obtain the water temperature.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: An ice-making device, the ice-making device including an ice-making box and a heater; A temperature acquisition module is used to acquire the temperature of the water inside the ice-making box; The control module is configured as follows: Responding to ice-making commands, the ice-making device is controlled to execute the ice-making process; During the ice-making process, the water temperature inside the ice-making box of the ice-making device is obtained; When the water temperature enters the preset phase change temperature range, the heater of the ice-making box is controlled to execute a pulse heating control program to obtain transparent ice cubes; The pulse heating control program includes: performing pulse heating operations in at least two different phase change temperature sub-intervals within the phase change temperature range; for each phase change temperature sub-interval, controlling the heater to operate by repeatedly executing multiple heating pulses; the upper limit of the phase change temperature range is the freezing point of water, and the lower limit is below the freezing point. The heating pulse is executed as follows: when the water temperature reaches the heating start threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to start; when the water temperature reaches the heating stop threshold corresponding to the current phase change temperature sub-interval, the heater is controlled to stop.

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