Ice-making mold assembly, ice-making system and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of ice making, and discloses an ice making mold assembly, an ice making system and a control method thereof, comprising: a mold body, comprising a cavity for preparing a first preset shape ice block, the cavity comprising a plurality of edges extending along the depth direction thereof; a heating assembly, comprising a plurality of heating components, the heating components being arranged on the mold body and corresponding to the edges, and the heating assembly being capable of transmitting heat from the heating components to the edges when working; and a control component, configured to control the heating assembly to be inoperative when the first preset shape ice block is prepared, and to control the heating assembly to be operative when a second preset shape ice block is prepared. According to the present application, different shapes of ice blocks can be prepared by using one mold, and compared with the related art, it is not necessary to separately open a mold for special molds for preparing special ice blocks such as cylindrical ice, rounded ice and the like, and the mold processing cost of multiple sets of molds is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice-making technology, specifically to ice-making mold components, ice-making systems, and their control methods. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, ice makers mostly use standard metal molds to make ice, and the ice blocks produced are usually regular cubes (square ice). Although square ice is easy to store and stack, in practical applications, especially for cold drinks or beverages that require rapid cooling, the contact area between square ice and the liquid is relatively small, resulting in a slower melting rate and low cooling efficiency. In contrast, cylindrical or rounded ice, due to its large curvature and rounded edges, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has a larger specific surface area in contact with the liquid for the same volume. This allows for faster cooling, more even melting, and less dilution of the beverage's flavor due to localized overcooling.

[0003] In related technologies, if non-standard shaped ice blocks (such as cylindrical ones) are to be made, the mold needs to be redesigned, which increases costs. Furthermore, if the shape of the ice blocks needs to be changed during the ice-making process, the mold needs to be replaced, which is inconvenient for users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an ice-making mold assembly, an ice-making system and a control method thereof, to solve the problem in related technologies that require redesigning the mold to make non-standard shaped ice blocks.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ice-making mold assembly, comprising: The mold body includes a cavity for preparing a first preset-shaped ice block, the cavity including multiple edges extending along its depth direction; The heating assembly includes multiple heating elements, which are disposed on the mold body and correspond to the edge. When the heating assembly is working, the heat from the heating elements can be transferred to the edge. A control component is used to control the heating component to not work when preparing a first preset-shaped ice block, and to control the heating component to work when preparing a second preset-shaped ice block.

[0006] Beneficial effects: By incorporating a heating component into the mold body, the heating component remains inactive when preparing ice blocks of the first preset shape, ensuring uninterrupted preparation. When preparing ice blocks of the second preset shape, the heating component is activated, aligning with the edges of the cavity. During ice block formation, the ice layer at the edges is locally heated, while other areas remain unheated, thus producing rounded or cylindrical ice blocks. Therefore, a single mold can produce ice blocks of different shapes. Compared to related technologies, this eliminates the need for separate molds for irregularly shaped ice blocks such as cylindrical or rounded ice blocks, saving on mold processing costs associated with multiple sets of molds. Users can switch ice block forming styles simply by controlling the heating component's operating state, simplifying the switching process, without needing to stop the machine to disassemble and replace different molds.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the mold body has a mounting hole near the edge, and the heating component is embedded in the mounting hole.

[0008] Beneficial effects: By setting mounting holes near the edges of the mold body, the heating element is embedded in the mounting holes. This facilitates the positioning and installation of the heating element, and the installation of the heating element does not occupy the internal area of ​​the cavity, thus not affecting the normal ice making process. Furthermore, there are no protruding heating structures on the outside of the mold body, and the overall assembly space is not increased, allowing for a compact internal layout design of the ice maker. With the heating element embedded inside the mounting holes of the mold body, the mold body can evenly distribute the localized high temperatures generated by the heating element, avoiding direct contact between the heating element and the ice layer, which could cause sudden temperature changes.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the mold body includes a plurality of cavities, and some of the heating components correspond to adjacent edges in adjacent cavities.

[0010] Beneficial effects: Some heating elements correspond to adjacent edges in multiple adjacent cavities, allowing adjacent cavities to share the same heating element. This eliminates the need for separate heating elements for each edge of every cavity, reducing the number of heating elements required. The reduced number of heating elements lowers the overall heating power, effectively saving energy during ice making and balancing multi-functional molding with energy efficiency. The reduced number of heating elements also allows for a simpler and more organized wiring layout, saving on connecting lines between elements. Furthermore, the reduced number of openings in the mold body lowers processing costs while maintaining mold strength. Since the same heating element simultaneously heats adjacent edges in multiple cavities, the corner areas of adjacent cavities are heated synchronously and evenly, ensuring consistent melting of ice cubes at the corners. This prevents defects such as some ice cubes having excessively large rounded corners while others have unmelted corners. The produced ice cubes have uniform rounded corners and regular shapes, improving the appearance consistency of batch ice production and ensuring a stable beverage experience.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the heating assembly includes a connector that connects to a plurality of the heating elements, the connector being used to provide current to the heating elements, or the connector being used to transfer heat to the plurality of the heating elements.

[0012] Beneficial effects: By setting up a connector, it is convenient to provide current to multiple heating elements at the same time, or to provide heat to multiple heating elements at the same time.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the heat output of the heating element can be adjusted.

[0014] Beneficial effects: By making the heating element's heat output adjustable, the heat supply to the edges of the mold cavity can be flexibly controlled. This allows for slight melting of the edges under low heat output conditions, resulting in small-radius rounded ice. Under medium to high heat output conditions, the melting range of the edges is larger, forming large-radius or cylindrical ice. A single mold can produce various irregularly shaped ice blocks without changing any parts.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the power of the heating component is adjustable so that the heat output of the heating element is adjustable; Alternatively, the heating assembly may include a heat control device to regulate the heat output of the heating element.

[0016] Beneficial effects: By adjusting the power of the heating component, the heat output of the heating element can be regulated, that is, by adjusting the power supply parameters of the heating component, thereby flexibly controlling the heat supply to the edges of the mold cavity and producing ice blocks of different curvatures, facilitating control. Alternatively, the heating component can include a heat control device. By adjusting the heat output of the heating element through the heat control device, the power supply parameters of the entire heating component can be changed, achieving similar flexible control of the heat supply to the edges of the mold cavity to produce ice blocks of different curvatures.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the heat control device includes a heat-absorbing structure capable of absorbing heat transferred to the heating element; And / or, the heat control device includes a variable resistor disposed between the connector and the heating element.

[0018] Beneficial effects: By designing a heat-absorbing structure, the heat-absorbing component can absorb the heat transferred to the heating component. When preparing large-arc or cylindrical ice blocks, the heat-absorbing component is not working, and the heating component generates relatively more heat, resulting in a larger melting range at the edges and forming large-arc or cylindrical ice blocks. When preparing small-arc, rounded-corner ice blocks, the heat-absorbing component can be activated to absorb the heat transferred to the heating component, reducing the heat generation of the heating component. The heat slightly melts the edges, resulting in small-arc, rounded-corner ice blocks. By setting a variable resistor between the connector and the heating component, the current to the heating component can be adjusted by regulating the resistance value, thereby regulating the heat generation of the heating component. This allows for flexible control of the heat supply to the edges of the mold cavity to prepare ice blocks of different arcs.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the ice-making mold assembly further includes a refrigeration device located on one side of the mold body, and a connector located on the side of the refrigeration device away from the mold body. The connector, the heating component, and the refrigeration device do not contact each other.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The connector is located on the side of the refrigeration device away from the mold body. The connector, heating component and refrigeration device do not contact each other. Therefore, when the heating component is working, it will not affect the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration device. When the refrigeration device is refrigerating, it will not absorb heat from the heating component and connector.

[0021] Secondly, the present invention also provides an ice-making system, comprising: The ice-making mold assembly.

[0022] Beneficial effects: This ice-making system, by incorporating a heating component within the mold body, allows for efficient ice production. When a first preset ice shape is required, the heating component remains inactive, ensuring the normal production of ice in that shape. When a second preset ice shape is needed, the heating component is activated, aligning with the edges of the cavity. During ice formation, the ice layer at the edges is locally heated, while other areas remain unheated, thus producing rounded or cylindrical ice blocks. Therefore, a single mold can produce ice blocks of various shapes. Compared to related technologies, this eliminates the need for separate molds for irregularly shaped ice blocks such as cylindrical or rounded ice, saving on mold processing costs associated with multiple sets of molds. Users can switch between different ice block shapes simply by controlling the heating component's operating state, simplifying the switching process, without needing to stop the machine to disassemble and replace molds of different shapes.

[0023] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a control method for an ice-making system, for use in the ice-making system, the control method comprising: Obtain an ice-making mode, the ice-making mode including a first ice-making mode for making ice blocks of a first preset shape and a second ice-making mode for making ice blocks of a second preset shape; If the ice-making mode is the first ice-making mode, the heating component is controlled to not work; If the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, control the heating component to work.

[0024] Beneficial effects: When the user selects the first ice-making mode, the heating component is disabled, while the cooling device operates. The entire mold body is rapidly cooled to the set low temperature by the cooling device. After water is injected into the cavity, it freezes evenly from all directions towards the center, ultimately forming a standard cubic ice block. When the user selects the second ice-making mode, the heating component is activated, with the heating element corresponding to the edges of the cavity. During ice block formation, the ice layer is locally heated at the edges, while other areas remain unheated, creating a temperature gradient field with a low-temperature zone at the center and high-temperature zones at the corners. After water is injected into the cavity, it begins to freeze in the freezing environment. Due to the higher temperature at the corners, ice crystals are difficult to nucleate or grow slowly there. The ice layer mainly advances from the bottom and middle areas of the sidewalls of the mold towards the center and upwards. As the freezing process progresses, the leading edge of the ice body bends when it encounters the high-temperature zones at the corners, naturally forming an arc-shaped boundary. Therefore, rounded or cylindrical ice blocks can be produced.

[0025] In one optional embodiment, the second ice-making mode includes a cylindrical ice-making mode or a rounded ice-making mode, wherein the heating power of the heating component is greater in the cylindrical ice-making mode than in the rounded ice-making mode.

[0026] Beneficial effects: By adjusting the heating power of the heating components, only the edges are slightly melted under low heating conditions to obtain small-radius rounded ice. Under medium and high heating conditions, the edge melting range is larger, forming large-radius ice or cylindrical ice. A set of molds can produce various irregularly shaped ice blocks without changing any parts.

[0027] In one optional implementation, if the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, controlling the heating component to operate includes: During an ice-making cycle, the heating component is controlled to operate for a first preset duration, and for the remaining time, the heating component is controlled to either not operate or operate at 10%-20% of the target heating power.

[0028] Beneficial effects: During an ice-making cycle, the heating component operates only for the first preset duration, heating the edges of the cavity. For the remaining time, the heating component either does not operate or operates at 10%-20% of the target heating power, ceasing the continuous input of large amounts of heat to prepare for demolding. This prevents heat from continuously conducting into the ice block, which could cause overall melting, ice block shrinkage, or incomplete molding. Since it does not need to operate at full power for the entire ice-making cycle, total power consumption is reduced. After the first preset duration, the heating component either does not operate or operates at 10%-20% of the target heating power, resulting in a low overall temperature rise in the mold. After ice making, the mold does not require prolonged recooling, shortening the cooling waiting time between ice-making cycles. The overall ice-dispensing efficiency per unit time is not significantly affected.

[0029] In one optional implementation, controlling the heating component to operate for a first preset duration includes: In the first stage, the heating power is controlled to gradually increase linearly from 0 to 60%-70% of the target heating power; In the second stage, the heating power is controlled to remain at 90%-100% of the target heating power; In the third stage, the heating power is reduced to 50% of the target heating power.

[0030] Beneficial effects: In the first stage, when water is first injected into the cavity and the overall temperature of the mold is low, immediately heating the edges with high power would cause the water temperature at the edges to rise rapidly, generating strong natural convection, entraining air and forming bubbles. Furthermore, since the ice layer at the edges has not yet formed, direct heating is inefficient. Therefore, the heating power is controlled to gradually increase linearly from 0 to 60%-70% of the target heating power, allowing heat to penetrate evenly into the mold skeleton, avoiding localized thermal stress, and gently raising the temperature at the edges. This creates a stable temperature stratification on the water surface and reduces bubble entrainment. In the first stage, the ice layer mainly begins to grow at the bottom and the middle of the sidewalls, while the edges remain liquid or have a very thin ice layer. In the second stage, the ice layer thickness increases, and the thermal resistance increases. This is a critical period for determining the final shape, so it is necessary to maintain a stable temperature gradient to keep the ice-water interface stable at the preset position. Therefore, the heating power is controlled to be maintained at 90%-100% of the target heating power to keep the temperature at the edges constant. In the third stage, the ice body has basically taken shape. The main task is to ensure that the corner shape does not shrink due to the cooling of the mold and to prepare for demolding. The heating power is reduced to 50% of the target heating power. Utilizing the thermal inertia of the mold, the temperature at the edges will slowly decrease but will still be above 0°C, continuing to "burn away" the tiny sharp corner burrs and make the surface smoother. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of the mold body in an ice-making mold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of an ice-making mold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the mold body and the refrigeration device; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice-making mold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the back of an ice-making mold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a partial schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an ice-making mold assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for an ice-making system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the specific process of controlling the operation of the heating components within an ice-making cycle.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Mold body; 101. Cavity; 1011. Edge; 2. Heating component; 3. Connector; 4. Refrigeration device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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 embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," 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 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 invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0038] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice-making mold assembly is provided, including a mold body 1, a heating assembly, and a control component.

[0040] The mold body 1 includes a cavity 101 for preparing ice blocks of a first preset shape. The cavity 101 includes multiple edges 1011 extending along its depth direction. The heating assembly includes multiple heating elements 2, which are disposed on the mold body 1 and correspond to the edges 1011. When the heating assembly is working, the heat from the heating elements 2 can be transferred to the edges 1011. The control component is used to control the heating assembly to not work when preparing ice blocks of the first preset shape, and to control the heating assembly to work when preparing ice blocks of the second preset shape.

[0041] In this embodiment, by setting a heating component 2 in the mold body 1, when it is necessary to prepare ice blocks of the first preset shape, the heating component does not work, and it will not affect the normal preparation of ice blocks of the first preset shape. When it is necessary to prepare ice blocks of the second preset shape, the heating component is controlled to work. The heating component 2 corresponds to the edge 1011 of the cavity 101. When the ice block is formed, the ice layer at the edge 1011 of the ice block is locally heated, while the rest of the ice block is not heated. Therefore, rounded or cylindrical ice blocks can be prepared. Therefore, ice blocks of different shapes can be prepared by using one mold. Compared with related technologies, there is no need to make special molds for irregularly shaped ice blocks such as cylindrical ice and rounded ice, saving the mold processing cost of multiple sets of molds. Users do not need to stop the machine to disassemble and replace different shaped molds. They can switch the ice block forming style simply by controlling the heating component to switch the working state, simplifying the switching operation process.

[0042] In this embodiment, the position of the heating component 2 corresponds to the edge 1011 of the cavity 101, so that the heat can be precisely directed to the edge area of ​​the ice block, without heating the side wall of the cavity 101 over a large area, thus avoiding problems such as excessive melting of the ice block, incomplete shaping, and reduced ice-making efficiency.

[0043] This embodiment uses molds originally used to make ice cubes with sharp edges to prepare cylindrical ice or rounded ice. For the same ice cube volume, the overall surface area of ​​rounded ice cubes is much larger than that of standard square ice cubes, resulting in a larger contact area with the beverage liquid. This allows for rapid cooling, and the ice cubes melt evenly, avoiding excessive dilution of the beverage by large amounts of melted water in certain areas, thus fully preserving the original flavor of the beverage. At the same time, the rounded ice cubes without sharp edges have a more refined and beautiful appearance, enhancing the experience of using cold drinks.

[0044] When the mold body 1 is used in the ice-making system, it can produce cylindrical ice or rounded ice. The arc-shaped boundary of the cylindrical ice or rounded ice disrupts the planar continuity of the square ice surface, forming a micro-curved surface or irregular interface, which can effectively scatter or refract infrared light, so that the infrared photocell can receive a significant light intensity attenuation signal, thereby accurately determining whether the ice block has been prepared.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the cavity 101 is a cubic cavity 101, including four edges 1011. The first preset shape ice block is square ice. The cavity 101 can hold water. After the water enters the cavity 101, it cools down and freezes, thus forming a square ice block according to the shape of the cavity 101. The second preset shape ice block is cylindrical ice or rounded ice.

[0046] In other alternative embodiments, the cavity 101 may also be in the shape of a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, etc. Correspondingly, the first preset shape ice block is a pentagonal prism ice block, a hexagonal prism ice block, etc., and the second preset shape ice block is a cylindrical ice block or a rounded ice block.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the mold body 1 is made of a thermally conductive material.

[0048] More specifically, the mold body 1 is made of metal.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mold body 1 has a mounting hole near the edge 1011, and the heating component 2 is embedded in the mounting hole.

[0050] In this embodiment, by providing mounting holes near the edge 1011 of the mold body 1, the heating component 2 is embedded in the mounting holes. This facilitates the positioning and installation of the heating component 2, and the installation of the heating component 2 does not occupy the internal area of ​​the cavity 101, thus not affecting the normal ice making process. Furthermore, there are no protruding heating structures on the outside of the mold body 1, and the overall assembly space is not increased, facilitating a compact internal layout design for the ice maker. With the heating component 2 embedded inside the mounting holes of the mold body 1, the mold body 1 can evenly distribute the localized high temperatures generated by the heating component 2, preventing the heating element from directly contacting the ice layer and causing sudden temperature changes.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, the heating element 2 is interference-fitted with the mounting hole, or the heating element 2 is fixed in the mounting hole by a heat-conducting structure, or the heating element 2 is welded to the wall of the mounting hole, to ensure that the heat of the heating element can be efficiently and evenly transferred to the cavity 101.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the heating component 2 is a heating rod, heating wire, or flexible heating film. The heating component 2 itself can generate heat. In other alternative embodiments, the heating component 2 itself does not generate heat, but can conduct heat from other components to the edge 1011.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mold body 1 includes a plurality of cavities 101, and some heating components 2 correspond to adjacent edges 1011 in the plurality of adjacent cavities 101.

[0054] In this embodiment, some heating elements 2 correspond to adjacent edges 1011 in multiple adjacent cavities 101. Adjacent cavities 101 can share the same heating element 2, eliminating the need for a separate heating element 2 for each edge 101 of each cavity 101. This reduces the number of heating elements used, thereby lowering the total heating power of the entire machine and effectively saving energy consumption in the ice-making process, while meeting the requirements of multi-functional molding and energy saving. The reduced number of heating elements also allows for a simpler and more organized wiring layout for the heating components, saving on connection lines between heating elements. Furthermore, the reduced number of heating elements reduces the number of openings in the mold body 1, lowering the processing cost of the mold body 1 while ensuring its strength. Because the same heating element 2 simultaneously heats the adjacent edges 1011 of multiple adjacent cavities 101, the corner areas of adjacent cavities 101 are heated synchronously and the heat supply is uniform. The melting degree of each ice cube's corner is consistent, and there will be no differential defects such as some ice cubes having excessively large rounded corners and some ice cubes having unmelted corners. The produced ice cubes have uniform rounded corner curvature and regular shape, which improves the appearance consistency of batch ice production and ensures a stable beverage consumption experience.

[0055] Specifically in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mold body 1 includes two rows of cavities 101. The heating components 2 located at the four corners of the mold body 1 heat only the edge 1011 adjacent to the heating component 2 in one cavity 101. The remaining heating components 2 either heat the adjacent edge 1011 in two adjacent cavities 101 at the same time, or heat the adjacent edge 1011 in four adjacent cavities 101 at the same time.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the heating assembly includes a connector 3, which connects to multiple heating elements 2. The connector 3 is used to provide current to the heating elements 2, or to transfer heat to the multiple heating elements 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, by providing the connector 3, it is convenient to simultaneously provide current to multiple heating elements 2, or to simultaneously provide heat to multiple heating elements 2.

[0058] Specifically, when the connector 3 is used to provide current to the heating element 2, multiple heating elements 2 are connected in series through the connector 3; or, multiple heating elements 2 are divided into multiple groups, each group of heating elements 2 is connected in series through the connector 3, and heating elements 2 in different groups are connected in parallel.

[0059] In one specific embodiment, the connectors 3 can be arranged as follows: Figure 5The "well" shape shown can also be arranged in other forms, such as the "two" shape (parallel series) or diagonal series, as long as each heating wire is connected to the heating wire connector 3. There are many ways to connect the connector 3 and the heating component 2, such as welding.

[0060] It should be noted that the connector 3 can be designed as a heating device that can generate heat itself (such as a heating wire or heating element), or it can be a simple heat-conducting device. The connector 3 is connected to the heating element and transfers the heat generated by the heating element to each heating component 2.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heat output of the heating element 2 can be adjusted.

[0062] In this embodiment, by making the heat output of the heating component 2 adjustable, the heat supply at the edge 1011 of the mold cavity 101 can be flexibly controlled, so that only the edges are slightly melted under low heat output conditions to obtain small-radius rounded ice, and the melting range of the edge 1011 is larger under medium and high heat output conditions to form large-radius ice or cylindrical ice. A set of molds can produce various irregularly shaped ice blocks with different radii without changing any parts.

[0063] In one embodiment, the power of the heating component is adjustable so that the heat output of the heating element 2 is adjustable; or, the heating component includes a heat control device to adjust the heat output of the heating element 2.

[0064] In this embodiment, the heat output of the heating component 2 is adjusted by regulating the power of the heating assembly, that is, by adjusting the power supply parameters of the heating assembly, thereby flexibly controlling the heat supply at the edge 1011 of the mold cavity 101 to prepare ice blocks of different curvatures, facilitating control. Alternatively, the heating assembly includes a heat control device, which adjusts the heat output of the heating component 2 without changing the power supply parameters of the entire heating assembly, similarly achieving flexible control of the heat supply at the edge 1011 of the mold cavity 101 to prepare ice blocks of different curvatures.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heat control device includes a heat-absorbing structure capable of absorbing heat transferred to the heating element 2; and / or, the heat control device includes a variable resistor disposed between the connector 3 and the heating element 2.

[0066] In this embodiment, by setting a heat-absorbing structure, the heat-absorbing component can absorb the heat transferred to the heating component 2. When preparing large-arc ice blocks or cylindrical ice, the heat-absorbing component does not work, and the heating component 2 generates relatively more heat, resulting in a larger melting range at the edge 1011, forming large-arc ice or cylindrical ice. When preparing small-arc rounded-corner ice, the heat-absorbing component can be activated to absorb the heat transferred to the heating component 2, reducing the heat generation of the heating component 2. The heat slightly melts the edges, resulting in small-arc rounded-corner ice. By setting a variable resistor, located between the connector 3 and the heating component 2, the current to the heating component 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor, thereby adjusting the heat generation of the heating component 2. This allows for flexible control of the heat supply at the edge 1011 of the mold cavity 101, enabling the preparation of ice blocks with different arcs.

[0067] In one specific embodiment, the heat-absorbing structure may include a miniature condenser tube. A separate compressor is activated to control the heat absorption of the condenser tube. The condenser tube surrounds the connector 3 and the heating wire, continuously absorbing heat. When the condenser tube is not activated, it does not absorb heat.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the ice-making mold assembly also includes a refrigeration device 4, which is located on one side of the mold body 1. The connecting body 3 is located on the side of the refrigeration device 4 away from the mold body 1. The connecting body 3, the heating component 2 and the refrigeration device 4 do not contact each other.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connector 3 is located on the side of the refrigeration device 4 away from the mold body 1. The connector 3, the heating component 2 and the refrigeration device 4 do not contact each other. Therefore, when the heating component is working, it will not affect the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration device 4. When the refrigeration device 4 is refrigerating, it will not absorb the heat from the heating component 2 and the connector 3.

[0070] In one specific embodiment, the connector 3 is separated from the cooling device 4 by a distance of 1 cm.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a second aspect, an ice-making system is provided, including the ice-making mold assembly provided in the above embodiments.

[0072] This ice-making system, by setting a heating component 2 in the mold body 1, allows for the normal production of ice blocks of the first preset shape without affecting the preparation of ice blocks of the first preset shape when the first preset shape ice block needs to be prepared. When the second preset shape ice block needs to be prepared, the heating component is activated. The heating component 2 corresponds to the edge 1011 of the cavity 101. During ice block forming, the ice layer at the edge 1011 is locally heated, while the rest of the ice block is not heated, thus producing rounded or cylindrical ice blocks. Therefore, different shapes of ice blocks can be produced using a single mold. Compared with related technologies, there is no need to separately open and manufacture special molds for irregularly shaped ice blocks such as cylindrical ice and rounded ice, saving the mold processing cost of multiple sets of molds. Users do not need to stop the machine to disassemble and replace different shaped molds; they can switch the ice block forming style simply by controlling the heating component to switch the working state, simplifying the switching operation process.

[0073] Specifically, when preparing the first preset ice block, the entire mold body 1 is rapidly cooled to a set low temperature (such as -18°C) by the refrigeration device 4. After water is injected into the cavity 101, it freezes evenly from all directions toward the center, eventually forming a standard cubic ice block.

[0074] Because the surface of the ice is flat and infrared light has strong penetrability, the control component can use auxiliary judgment logic (such as timing method or ultrasonic detection) to compensate for the inaccuracy of infrared detection, or in this mode, it can not rely on infrared detection as the sole basis.

[0075] Time-based method: This involves estimating the time from the start of ice making to filling the ice box using ice cubes. However, if the user removes ice midway, the time-based method will fail. Ultrasonic detection method: This method requires specialized ultrasonic generating and detecting equipment. Simultaneous operation increases overall power consumption, and the computational resources of the equipment consume chip computing power. Therefore, these methods are only used as supplementary methods during ice cube making. During this time, the infrared detection scheme remains active, continuing identification to ensure that multiple ice-filling detection methods operate simultaneously and mutually correct each other.

[0076] When preparing ice blocks of the second preset shape, the heating component is controlled to operate. The heating component 2 corresponds to the edge 1011 of the cavity 101. During ice block formation, the ice layer at the edge 1011 is locally heated, while the rest of the ice block remains unheated. Therefore, rounded or cylindrical ice blocks can be prepared. The arc-shaped boundary of cylindrical or rounded ice blocks disrupts the planar continuity of the square ice surface, forming a micro-curved surface or irregular interface. This effectively scatters or refracts infrared light, allowing the infrared sensor to receive a significant light intensity attenuation signal, thereby accurately determining whether the ice block preparation is complete.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a third aspect, a control method for an ice-making system is provided, for use in the ice-making system provided in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the control methods include: Obtain ice-making modes, which include a first ice-making mode for making ice cubes of a first preset shape and a second ice-making mode for making ice cubes of a second preset shape. If the ice-making mode is the first ice-making mode, the heating component will not work. If the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, control the heating component to work.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the user selects the first ice-making mode, the heating component is deactivated, while the cooling device 4 is activated. The entire mold body 1 is rapidly cooled to the set low temperature by the cooling device 4. After water is injected into the cavity 101, it freezes evenly from all directions towards the center, ultimately forming a standard cubic ice block. When the user selects the second ice-making mode, the heating component is activated. The heating element 2 corresponds to the edge 1011 of the cavity 101. During ice block formation, the ice layer at the edge 1011 is locally heated, while the rest of the ice layer remains unheated, forming a temperature gradient field with the center as the low-temperature zone and the four corners as the high-temperature zones. After water is injected into the cavity 101, the water begins to freeze in the freezing environment. Due to the higher temperature in the four corner areas, ice crystals are difficult to nucleate or grow slowly there. The ice layer mainly advances from the bottom and middle areas of the sidewalls of the mold towards the center and upwards. As the freezing process progresses, the leading edge of the ice body bends when it encounters the high-temperature zones at the four corners, naturally forming an arc-shaped boundary. Therefore, rounded or cylindrical ice blocks can be produced.

[0079] In one embodiment, the second ice-making mode includes a cylindrical ice-making mode or a rounded ice-making mode, wherein the heating power of the heating component is greater in the cylindrical ice-making mode than in the rounded ice-making mode.

[0080] In this embodiment, by adjusting the heating power of the heating component, only the edges are slightly melted under low heating conditions to obtain small-radius rounded ice. Under medium-high heating conditions, the melting range of the edges 1011 is larger, forming large-radius ice or cylindrical ice. A set of molds can produce various irregularly shaped ice blocks with different radii without changing any parts.

[0081] In one specific embodiment, if you want to make rounded ice, the heating power is relatively small (e.g., 20W), and if you want to make cylindrical ice, the heating power is relatively large (e.g., 30W). You can also take an intermediate value and adjust the size of the rounded arc.

[0082] In one embodiment, if the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, controlling the operation of the heating component includes: adjusting the heating power of the heating component so that the temperature at the edge 1011 of the cavity 101 is between 0°C and 3°C.

[0083] In this embodiment, if the temperature of the edge 1011 exceeds 3°C, a large amount of heat will be conducted inward, causing the ice block volume to decrease. If the temperature is below 0°C, the ice layer at the edges cannot melt, remaining a standard square ice block, and rounded corners cannot be achieved. Therefore, the temperature of the edge 1011 in the cavity is precisely controlled between 0°C and 3°C. This temperature range is only slightly higher than the critical point of ice-water phase transition, so only the thin layer of ice on the surface of the edge 1011 melts, while the main ice block inside the cavity remains solid, preventing large-area melting of the sidewalls, overall shrinkage of the ice block, and missing or incomplete blocks. In addition, precisely controlling the temperature of the edge 1011 in the cavity between 0°C and 3°C requires low heating power and low heat output. It does not require continuous high-power heating of the mold, and will not significantly increase the overall temperature of the mold. After ice making, the mold does not need to be cooled down for a long time, which can shorten the cooling waiting time between two rounds of ice making, and the ice output efficiency per unit time of the whole machine is not significantly affected.

[0084] In one specific embodiment, if the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, controlling the operation of the heating component includes: adjusting the heating power of the heating component so that the temperature at the edge 1011 of the cavity 101 is between 0.5℃ and 2℃.

[0085] In one embodiment, if the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, controlling the heating component to operate includes: During an ice-making cycle, the heating component is controlled to work for a first preset duration, and for the remaining time, the heating component is not working or works at 10%-20% of the target heating power.

[0086] In this embodiment, the heating component operates only during the first preset duration of an ice-making cycle, supplying heat to the edges 1011 of the cavity 101. For the remaining time, the heating component either does not operate or operates at 10%-20% of the target heating power, ceasing the continuous input of large amounts of heat to prepare for demolding and prevent continuous heat conduction into the ice block, which could cause overall melting, ice block shrinkage, or incomplete molding. Since it does not need to operate at full power for the entire ice-making cycle, total power consumption is reduced. After the first preset duration, the heating component either does not operate or operates at 10%-20% of the target heating power, resulting in a low overall temperature rise in the mold. After ice making, the mold does not require prolonged recooling, shortening the cooling waiting time between ice-making cycles, and the overall ice-dispensing efficiency per unit time is not significantly affected.

[0087] In one specific embodiment, for example, an ice-making cycle is ten minutes, the first preset duration is 9 minutes and 30 seconds, and the heating component does not work or works at 10%-20% of the target heating power during the remaining time. The residual heat is used to affect the shape of the ice block, so that the temperature at the edge 1011 is slightly higher than 0°C, forming an extremely thin liquid film, which is conducive to subsequent mechanical ejection or gravity sliding, and avoids wasting electrical energy.

[0088] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, the heating component is controlled to operate for a first preset duration, including: In the first stage, the heating power is controlled to gradually increase linearly from 0 to 60%-70% of the target heating power; In the second stage, the heating power is controlled to remain at 90%-100% of the target heating power; In the third stage, the heating power is reduced to 50% of the target heating power.

[0089] In this embodiment, in the first stage, water has just been injected into the cavity 101, and the overall temperature of the mold is low. If the edge 1011 is immediately heated with high power, the water temperature at the edge 1011 will rise rapidly, generating strong natural convection, entraining air and forming bubbles. Furthermore, since the ice layer at the edge 1011 has not yet formed, direct heating is inefficient. Therefore, the heating power is controlled to gradually increase linearly from 0 to 60%-70% of the target heating power, allowing heat to penetrate evenly into the mold frame, avoiding localized thermal stress, and gently raising the temperature at the edge 1011. This results in a stable temperature stratification of the water surface and reduces bubble entrainment. In the first stage, the ice layer mainly begins to grow at the bottom and the middle of the sidewalls, while the edge 1011 remains liquid or has a very thin ice layer. In the second stage, the ice layer thickness increases, and the thermal resistance increases. This is a critical period for determining the final shape, so a stable temperature gradient needs to be maintained to keep the ice-water interface stable at a preset position. Therefore, the heating power is controlled to be maintained at 90%-100% of the target heating power to keep the temperature at the edge 1011 constant. In the third stage, the ice body has basically taken shape. The main task is to ensure that the corner shape does not shrink due to the cooling of the mold and to prepare for demolding. The heating power is reduced to 50% of the target heating power. Utilizing the thermal inertia of the mold, the temperature at the edge 1011 will slowly decrease but will still be above 0°C, continuing to "burn away" the tiny sharp corner burrs and make the surface smoother.

[0090] Specifically, the first stage can be the first 2 minutes. In this stage, if the goal is to prepare cylindrical ice, the slope of the change in heating power should be larger to quickly reach 60%-70% of the target heating power. If the goal is to prepare rounded ice, the slope of the change in heating power should be smaller, allowing the temperature at edge 1011 to slowly approach 0℃. The second stage can be the middle 6 minutes. If the goal is to prepare rounded ice, the temperature at edge 1011 should be between 0.5℃ and 1℃, with the leading edge of the ice surface just touching the inside of edge 1011, forming a right angle or a very small chamfer. If the goal is to prepare cylindrical ice, the temperature at edge 1011 should be between 2℃ and 3℃, with the leading edge of the ice surface receding significantly, forming a large-radius arc.

[0091] Specifically, when preparing cylindrical or rounded-corner ice, the curved ice surface is no longer a perfect plane. When infrared light shines on this curved surface, diffuse reflection or refraction occurs, resulting in a significant reduction in the intensity of the direct light reaching the receiving tube, or an alteration in the light path reflected back to the receiving tube. The control unit monitors the signal strength of the receiving tube in real time. When it detects that the light intensity attenuation exceeds a preset threshold (this threshold is calibrated for the characteristics of rounded-corner ice; for example, if the light intensity attenuates by 1 / 3), it determines that the ice block has been prepared and its shape meets the requirements. Afterward, the control unit shuts off the heating element and continues to maintain cooling until the ice block is completely frozen and set. Finally, the rounded-corner ice block is ejected using a conventional demolding mechanism.

[0092] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. An ice-making mold assembly, characterized in that, include: The mold body (1) includes a cavity (101) for preparing a first preset shape ice block, the cavity (101) including multiple edges (1011) extending along its depth direction. The heating assembly includes multiple heating elements (2), which are disposed on the mold body (1) and correspond to the edge (1011). When the heating assembly is working, the heat of the heating elements (2) can be transferred to the edge (1011). A control component is used to control the heating component to not work when preparing a first preset-shaped ice block, and to control the heating component to work when preparing a second preset-shaped ice block.

2. The ice-making mold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold body (1) has a mounting hole near the edge (1011), and the heating component (2) is embedded in the mounting hole.

3. The ice-making mold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold body (1) includes a plurality of cavities (101), and a portion of the heating components (2) correspond to adjacent edges (1011) in the plurality of adjacent cavities (101).

4. The ice-making mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes a connector (3) that connects to a plurality of heating elements (2), the connector (3) being used to provide current to the heating elements (2) or to transfer heat to the plurality of heating elements (2).

5. The ice-making mold assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat output of the heating element (2) can be adjusted.

6. The ice-making mold assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power of the heating component is adjustable so that the heat output of the heating element (2) is adjustable; Alternatively, the heating assembly may include a heat control device that adjusts the heat output of the heating element (2).

7. The ice-making mold assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat control device includes a heat-absorbing structure that can absorb the heat transferred to the heating component (2); And / or, the heat control device includes a variable resistor disposed between the connector (3) and the heating element (2).

8. The ice-making mold assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The ice-making mold assembly also includes a refrigeration device (4), which is located on one side of the mold body (1). The connecting body (3) is located on the side of the refrigeration device (4) away from the mold body (1). The connecting body (3), the heating component (2), and the refrigeration device (4) do not contact each other.

9. An ice-making system, characterized in that, include: The ice-making mold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control method for an ice-making system, characterized in that, For the ice-making system of claim 9, the control method includes: Obtain an ice-making mode, the ice-making mode including a first ice-making mode for making ice blocks of a first preset shape and a second ice-making mode for making ice blocks of a second preset shape; If the ice-making mode is the first ice-making mode, the heating component is controlled to not work; If the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, control the heating component to work.

11. The control method for the ice-making system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second ice-making mode includes a cylindrical ice-making mode or a rounded ice-making mode. In the cylindrical ice-making mode, the heating power of the heating component is greater than that in the rounded ice-making mode.

12. The control method for the ice-making system according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the ice-making mode is the second ice-making mode, controlling the heating component to work includes: During an ice-making cycle, the heating component is controlled to operate for a first preset duration, and for the remaining time, the heating component is controlled to either not operate or operate at 10%-20% of the target heating power.

13. The control method for the ice-making system according to claim 12, characterized in that, Controlling the heating component to operate for a first preset duration includes: In the first stage, the heating power is controlled to gradually increase linearly from 0 to 60%-70% of the target heating power; In the second stage, the heating power is controlled to remain at 90%-100% of the target heating power; In the third stage, the heating power is reduced to 50% of the target heating power.

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