A flake ice maker and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a flake ice machine and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of flake ice machines. The flake ice machine comprises a water supply assembly, an ice making assembly, a water receiving assembly, a refrigeration system and a control device. The water supply assembly makes the ice making water flow along the ice making surface from the top of the ice mold. The water receiving assembly receives the unfrozen ice making water and makes it flow back. The control device determines the target ice making time according to the ice thickness position, controls the switching of the water receiving tray between the extended state and the retracted state, and controls the refrigeration system to switch to the ice collecting state after the target ice making time is reached, so that the hot refrigerant flows through the evaporator to make the flake ice separate. Through the circulation of water supply, ice thickness position control and ice collection control, the flake ice thickness is adjusted, and the stability of the ice making process is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of flake ice machine technology, and more specifically, relates to a flake ice machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Flake ice, a special form of ice product, is widely used in food preservation, seafood display, beverage preparation, and high-end catering due to its large coverage area, rapid cooling speed, large contact area with the object being cooled, and low risk of damaging the surface. Compared to traditional block ice, flake ice can adhere more fully to the surface of the object being cooled and achieve rapid cooling through its larger contact area, thus having high application value in the commercial ice-making field.

[0003] With the improvement of catering consumption levels and the development of applications such as high-end beverages and seafood displays, the market has placed higher demands on the quality of flake ice products. On the one hand, users are not only concerned about the cooling performance of flake ice, but also increasingly focusing on its appearance quality, especially its transparency, integrity, and visual effect. High-transparency flake ice can reduce defects such as internal air bubbles, impurities, and white cores, improving the visual appeal of the ice and thus meeting the quality requirements of high-end applications.

[0004] However, existing flake ice manufacturing equipment still has some problems in practical applications.

[0005] Firstly, existing flake ice machines typically use spray-type or simple circulating water supply methods to provide ice-making water to the ice mold surface during the ice-making process. Due to insufficient uniformity in water flow distribution during the supply process, the amount of ice-making water received by different areas of the ice mold surface varies, easily resulting in inconsistent ice layer thickness. Simultaneously, air and impurities in the ice-making water are difficult to expel in a timely manner, and are easily trapped inside the ice layer during the freezing process, leading to defects such as microbubbles, white cores, or cracks, affecting the transparency and overall quality of the flake ice.

[0006] Secondly, existing flake ice machines use relatively simple methods to control ice thickness. Some machines use mechanical limiting structures to control ice thickness, which usually requires additional mechanical structures, making them not only complex but also prone to wear and tear during long-term operation. Other machines use a single fixed ice-making time to control ice thickness. Although the structure is relatively simple, it is difficult to flexibly set the ice-making process according to different user needs for ice thickness. This results in a relatively uniform flake ice thickness output from the same machine, affecting the applicability of the equipment.

[0007] Secondly, existing flake ice machines often suffer from uneven temperature distribution in their ice-making and heat exchange structures. Because the heat exchange conditions between different areas of the ice mold and the refrigeration system vary, the freezing rate can differ at different locations on the ice mold, leading to variations in the thickness of the resulting flake ice and affecting the consistency of its quality.

[0008] Furthermore, existing flake ice machines typically employ a fixed water receiving structure, which requires collecting unfrozen ice-making water during the ice-making process, while simultaneously needing to avoid the path of falling flake ice during the ice collection process. Traditional structures usually require additional complex mechanical switching mechanisms, resulting in increased equipment size and structural complexity, which is not conducive to miniaturized design and commercial deployment.

[0009] Meanwhile, existing flake ice machines typically require manual judgment or simple timing to control the ice collection process after ice making. This makes it difficult to determine in a timely manner whether the flake ice has completely detached from the ice mold, which can easily lead to insufficient ice collection or repeated operation, thus affecting the operating efficiency of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a flake ice machine and its control method.

[0011] The present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention provides a flake ice machine, including a water supply assembly, an ice-making assembly, a water receiving assembly, a refrigeration system, and a control device; The ice-making component includes an ice mold; The water supply assembly includes a water distributor disposed above the ice mold, for allowing ice-making water to enter the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold and flow along the ice-making surface; The water receiving component includes a water receiving tray disposed below the ice mold. The water receiving tray can switch between an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, it receives unfrozen ice-making water flowing down from the ice mold and guides it back to the water supply component. In the retracted state, it avoids the path of falling ice flakes from the ice mold. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator that exchanges heat with the ice mold, used to transfer cold energy to the ice mold through the evaporator in the ice-making state, and to allow hot refrigerant to flow through the evaporator in the ice-removal state so that the ice flakes detach. The control device is connected to the water supply component, the water receiving component, and the refrigeration system respectively, and is used to control the operation of the water supply component, the water receiving component, and the refrigeration system.

[0013] Optionally, the water supply assembly further includes a bottom water tank, a top water tank, and a water pump; The water pump is located between the bottom water tank and the top water tank, and is used to transport ice-making water from the bottom water tank to the top water tank. The top water tank is connected to the water distributor, which is used to direct the ice-making water in the top water tank to the ice mold.

[0014] Optionally, the ice-making assembly includes three ice molds, and the water outlet side of the water distributor is correspondingly arranged with the top of the three ice molds, so that the ice-making water flows downward along the outside of the ice molds under the action of surface tension and forms a water film covering the ice-making surface.

[0015] Optionally, the water receiving assembly further includes guide rails disposed on both sides of the water receiving tray and a motor connected to the water receiving tray; The water receiving tray slides with the guide rail, and the motor is used to drive the water receiving tray to switch between the extended state and the retracted state along the guide rail according to a preset running time. The water receiving tray is inclined toward the side of the water guiding opening, and the water guiding opening is located on the lower side of the water receiving tray, for guiding the unfrozen ice-making water received by the water receiving tray back to the bottom water tank.

[0016] Optionally, the ice-making assembly further includes a heat exchange box disposed on the back side of the ice mold, wherein the heat exchange box is attached to the ice mold to form a sealed heat exchange cavity; The sealed heat exchange chamber is equipped with antifreeze and the piping of the evaporator, so that heat exchange between the evaporator and the ice mold can be achieved through the antifreeze and the heat exchange box.

[0017] Optionally, the refrigeration system further includes a compressor, a condenser, a dryer filter, an electronic expansion valve, and an ice-collecting solenoid valve; The compressor, the condenser, the dryer filter, the electronic expansion valve, and the evaporator are connected through refrigeration pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop; In ice-making mode, the ice-collecting solenoid valve is closed and the electronic expansion valve is open; in ice-collecting mode, the electronic expansion valve is closed and the ice-collecting solenoid valve is open, allowing the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow into the evaporator through the ice-collecting solenoid valve; after ice collection is completed, the ice-collecting solenoid valve is closed and the electronic expansion valve returns to the ice-making mode.

[0018] Optionally, the flake ice machine further includes an ice-falling detection structure; The ice-fall detection structure includes a water curtain plate or ice-collision strip and a proximity switch. The water curtain plate or ice-collision strip is set on the ice flakes falling path of the ice mold, and the proximity switch is set correspondingly to the water curtain plate or ice-collision strip. The control device is used to determine that the ice flakes have completely detached when the proximity switch sequentially changes from a closed state to an open state and then back to a closed state.

[0019] Optionally, the control device is used to store the correspondence between multiple ice thickness settings and ice-making time, and to determine the target ice-making time according to the target ice thickness setting selected by the user. The control device is also used to control the water supply component to stop supplying water, control the water receiving tray to switch to the retracted state, and control the refrigeration system to enter the ice-collecting state when the ice-making duration reaches the target ice-making time.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a flake ice machine, applied to a flake ice machine as described in the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: Obtain the ice thickness setting selected by the user, and determine the target ice-making time based on the pre-stored correspondence between ice thickness settings and ice-making time; The water receiving tray is moved to the extended state below the ice mold, the water supply component is controlled to supply ice-making water to the ice mold, and the refrigeration system is controlled to transfer cold energy to the ice mold, so that the ice-making water flows along the ice-making surface of the ice mold and freezes to form flake ice. Unfrozen ice-making water is received by the water receiving tray and guided back to the water supply component. When the ice-making duration reaches the target ice-making time, the water supply component is controlled to stop supplying water, the water receiving tray is controlled to move to a retracted state that avoids the path of falling ice flakes, the electronic expansion valve is closed and the ice-collecting solenoid valve is opened, so that the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the evaporator and transfers heat to the ice mold, so that the ice flakes detach. Once the ice flakes have detached completely according to the detection status of the ice-falling detection structure, the ice-collecting solenoid valve is closed, and the electronic expansion valve is controlled to return to the ice-making state.

[0021] Optionally, when the proximity switch changes from a closed state to an open state and then back to a closed state, it is determined that the ice flakes have completely detached. When the ice collection time reaches the preset ice collection time but it is not determined that the ice flakes have completely detached, the ice flake machine is controlled to enter the auxiliary ice collection state, keeping the ice collection solenoid valve open and the electronic expansion valve closed, until the ice flakes are determined to have completely detached based on the state change of the proximity switch.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following: 1. This invention allows ice-making water to flow from the top of the ice mold along the ice-making surface, and with the help of a switchable water receiving tray and a hot refrigerant ice collection method, it takes into account both ice-making water recycling and flake ice falling, which is conducive to forming complete and highly transparent flake ice.

[0023] 2. The present invention constructs a water supply path through a bottom water tank, a top water tank, a water pump, and a water distributor, enabling unfrozen ice-making water to flow back and participate in ice making again, thereby improving the utilization rate of ice-making water and the continuity of water supply.

[0024] 3. In this invention, the water outlet side of the water distributor is positioned corresponding to the top of the three ice molds. Under the action of surface tension, the ice-making water forms a water film along the outside of the ice mold, which helps to improve the water supply distribution on the surface of the ice mold and reduce air bubble retention.

[0025] 4. The present invention drives the water receiving tray to switch positions along the guide rail by a motor according to a preset running time, eliminating the need for an additional water receiving tray position detection structure and simplifying the action control of the water receiving tray.

[0026] 5. This invention, by tilting the water receiving tray and setting a water guide opening on its lower side, allows unfrozen ice-making water to flow back to the bottom water tank under the action of gravity, reducing the waste of ice-making water.

[0027] 6. The present invention provides a sealed heat exchange chamber on the back side of the ice mold and uses antifreeze and heat exchange box to transfer cold or heat between the evaporator and the ice mold, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange uniformity and stability of the ice mold.

[0028] 7. In the process of ice making and ice harvesting, the present invention coordinates the control of the electronic expansion valve and the ice harvesting solenoid valve so that the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the evaporator during ice harvesting and restores the ice making flow path after ice harvesting is completed, thereby improving the integrity of the ice making-ice harvesting switching.

[0029] 8. This invention uses a water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip and a proximity switch to detect ice detachment, and determines the completion of detachment based on the changes in the closed-open-reclosed state of the proximity switch, reducing misjudgments caused by relying solely on a fixed ice collection time.

[0030] 9. This invention calls the corresponding ice-making time according to the ice thickness setting selected by the user, enabling the same ice machine to output ice flakes of different thicknesses, thus improving the flexibility of ice thickness adjustment.

[0031] 10. When the preset ice collection time is reached but the complete detachment of the ice flakes has not yet been detected, the present invention enters an auxiliary ice collection state and continues until the detachment is detected, which helps to reduce operational abnormalities caused by insufficient ice collection. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making structure of a flake ice machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the water receiving tray in an extended state, wherein: 1: Bottom water tank; 2: Top water tank; 3: Water pump; 4: Water distributor; 5: Ice mold; 6: Water tray; 7: Electrical box.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a water receiving tray in a retracted state in a flake ice machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a flake ice machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system in a flake ice machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein: 8: Evaporator; 9: Electronic expansion valve; 10: Dryer filter; 11: Pressure switch; 12: Ice-collecting solenoid valve; 13: Condenser; 14: Condensing fan; 15: Compressor; 16: Shut-off valve; T1: Exhaust temperature sensor; T2: Condensation temperature sensor; T3: Evaporator inlet temperature sensor; T4: Evaporator outlet temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this invention. The described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the spirit of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "setup" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setup. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1 like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a flake ice machine.

[0037] Specifically, the flake ice machine includes an ice-making structure and an ice-storage structure. The ice-making structure is located at the top of the flake ice machine, and the ice-storage structure is located below the ice-making structure for storing the flake ice that has been made and detached.

[0038] Preferably, the flake ice machine can be applied to scenarios that require the use of flake ice, such as beverage preparation, food preservation, and seafood display.

[0039] In the aforementioned application scenarios, flake ice has a larger contact area compared to traditional block ice, allowing it to fully contact the object being cooled and thus improving heat exchange efficiency. For example, in beverage preparation, flake ice can quickly lower the temperature of the beverage; in food preservation, flake ice can cover the surface of food to maintain a lower temperature environment.

[0040] More preferably, in certain application scenarios where the transparency and appearance of the ice are important, such as in high-end beverage display scenarios, the ice flakes need to have good transparency and integrity. This embodiment controls the flow of ice-making water on the surface of the ice mold 5, allowing the ice-making water to gradually freeze and form ice flakes, thereby reducing the possibility of air bubbles and impurities accumulating inside the ice layer.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the ice-making structure includes a water distributor 4, a top water tank 2, a bottom water tank 1, a water pump 3, a liquid level sensor, a water receiving tray 6, three ice molds 5, and a refrigeration system.

[0042] Specifically, the bottom water tank 1 is used to store ice-making water.

[0043] The bottom water tank 1 is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, wherein the water inlet and the water outlet are independent channels.

[0044] Specifically, the inlet is used to replenish ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1. When the flake ice machine starts the ice-making process, the control device can control the inlet to open according to the liquid level in the water tank to replenish ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1.

[0045] The drain outlet is used to drain the ice-making water from the bottom water tank 1 during ice-making shutdown or equipment maintenance.

[0046] By setting up independent water inlets and outlets, the ice-making water replenishment and equipment drainage functions can be realized separately, which helps to improve the convenience of using the flake ice machine.

[0047] The water pump 3 is located between the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2.

[0048] Specifically, the water pump 3 is used to transport ice-making water from the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0049] During the operation of the flake ice machine, after the water pump 3 is started, the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 flows to the top water tank 2 under the power provided by the water pump 3, thereby realizing the transfer of ice-making water between different water tanks.

[0050] Preferably, the water pump 3 can be started and stopped according to the liquid level in the top water tank 2.

[0051] More preferably, when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is insufficient, the control device controls the water pump 3 to start, so that the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 enters the top water tank 2; when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the preset level, the control device controls the water pump 3 to stop running.

[0052] The top water tank 2 is connected to the water distributor 4.

[0053] Specifically, the top water tank 2 is used to temporarily store the ice-making water transported by the bottom water tank 1 and to supply ice-making water to the water distributor 4.

[0054] Furthermore, a water valve is provided between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4.

[0055] Specifically, when the water valve is opened, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 can enter the water distributor 4; when the water valve is closed, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 stops supplying to the water distributor 4.

[0056] By controlling the opening and closing of the water valve, the water supply status of the ice mold 5 during the ice-making process can be controlled, thereby realizing the switching between the ice-making process and the ice-collecting process.

[0057] Both the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2 are equipped with liquid level detection structures.

[0058] Specifically, the liquid level detection structure includes a liquid level sensor disposed at the corresponding liquid level detection position.

[0059] The bottom water tank 1 is equipped with low liquid level detection position and high liquid level detection position, and the top water tank 2 is also equipped with low liquid level detection position and high liquid level detection position.

[0060] The liquid level sensor is used to detect whether the ice-making water in the corresponding water tank has reached the corresponding liquid level detection position.

[0061] Preferably, by detecting the different liquid levels in the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2 respectively, automatic replenishment and circulating supply of ice-making water can be achieved.

[0062] For example, when the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 is lower than the low liquid level detection position, the control device can control the water inlet to open to replenish the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1; when the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the control device can control the water inlet to close.

[0063] For example, when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is below the low liquid level detection position, the control device can control the water pump 3 to run and transport the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2; when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the control device controls the water pump 3 to stop running.

[0064] The water distributor 4 is positioned above the three ice molds 5.

[0065] Specifically, the water distributor 4 adopts a conventional water distribution structure, and the water outlet side of the water distributor 4 is set corresponding to the top of the ice mold 5.

[0066] The ice-making water in the top water tank 2 enters the water distributor 4 through the water valve, and then flows from the water distributor 4 to the three ice molds 5.

[0067] Specifically, the ice-making water enters the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold 5 and flows downward along the outside of the ice mold 5 under the action of surface tension, thereby forming a water film covering the surface of the ice mold 5.

[0068] During the ice-making process, the ice-making water continuously flows along the surface of the ice mold 5. Some of the ice-making water gradually freezes into ice flakes under the action of low temperature, while the unfrozen ice-making water continues to flow downwards along the surface of the ice mold 5.

[0069] By creating a continuous flow of ice-making water on the surface of ice mold 5, the possibility of tiny air bubbles remaining inside the ice layer can be reduced, thereby improving the transparency of the flake ice.

[0070] At the same time, the flowing ice-making water can also carry away some of the sediment that may affect the quality of flake ice, thereby improving the quality of flake ice formation.

[0071] The water tray 6 is placed below the three ice molds 5.

[0072] Specifically, the water receiving tray 6 is used to collect unfrozen ice-making water flowing down from the surface of the ice mold 5 during the ice-making process, and to guide the collected ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1.

[0073] Preferably, the water receiving tray 6 is configured as a movable structure so that the water receiving tray 6 can switch between ice-making state and ice-collecting state.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water receiving tray 6 has an extended state and a retracted state.

[0075] Figure 1 The structure of the water receiving tray 6 in the extended state is shown. Figure 2 The structure of the water tray 6 in the retracted state is shown.

[0076] The water receiving tray 6 is provided with guide rails on its left and right sides, and the water receiving tray 6 slides in conjunction with the guide rails.

[0077] Furthermore, the water receiving tray 6 is driven by a motor located on one side to extend or retract along the guide rail.

[0078] Specifically, the motor controls the movement distance of the water receiving tray 6 according to the preset running time, so that the water receiving tray 6 switches between the extended state and the retracted state.

[0079] Preferably, in this embodiment, the water receiving tray 6 does not need to be equipped with an additional position detection structure, but is controlled to move to the corresponding position according to the motor running time.

[0080] When the flake ice machine is in ice-making mode, the motor drives the water receiving tray 6 to move to the extended state.

[0081] Specifically, the water tray 6 is located below the three ice molds 5 and is used to collect the unfrozen ice-making water flowing down the surface of the ice molds 5.

[0082] The ice-making water collected in the water tray 6 flows along the bottom of the water tray 6 and returns to the bottom water tank 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the bottom of the water receiving tray 6 is inclined.

[0084] Specifically, the bottom of the water receiving tray 6 is designed with a left-high-right-low structure, and an opening is provided on the right side of the water receiving tray 6.

[0085] When the ice-making water enters the water receiving tray 6, it flows to the right along the inclined bottom of the tray under the action of gravity, and flows into the bottom water tank 1 through the right opening.

[0086] The above structure allows unfrozen ice-making water to automatically flow back to the water supply system, reducing waste of ice-making water during the ice-making process.

[0087] When the flake ice machine enters the ice collection state, the motor drives the water receiving tray 6 to move to the retracted state.

[0088] Specifically, after the water tray 6 is retracted, it avoids the ice-falling area below the three ice molds 5, so that the ice flakes that fall off the surface of the ice molds 5 can fall downwards into the ice storage structure.

[0089] By setting up a movable water tray 6, the needs for ice-making water recycling during the ice-making process and the need for ice flakes to fall during the ice-collecting process can be taken into account.

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, each ice mold 5 has a sealed heat exchange chamber on its back side.

[0091] Specifically, the three ice molds 5 correspond to three independent sealed heat exchange cavities.

[0092] The sealed heat exchange chamber is equipped with 8 evaporator pipes and neutral antifreeze.

[0093] Specifically, the evaporator 8 pipeline is located inside the corresponding sealed heat exchange chamber and is immersed in neutral antifreeze.

[0094] The sealed heat exchange chamber is formed by sealing a box body, one side of which is fitted into the ice mold 5.

[0095] Furthermore, the evaporator 8 pipes do not come into direct contact with the ice mold 5, but heat transfer is achieved through neutral antifreeze and the box.

[0096] Specifically, during the ice-making process, the cold energy generated by the evaporator 8 pipe is transferred to the ice-making surface through the neutral antifreeze, the box, and the ice mold 5 in sequence.

[0097] During the ice collection process, the heat in the evaporator 8 pipe is also transferred to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze and the box.

[0098] By adopting the above heat exchange structure, the ice mold 5 can obtain a more uniform heat exchange effect in each area, reducing the problem of uneven ice flake formation caused by local temperature differences.

[0099] Meanwhile, since antifreeze is used as a heat exchange medium, it can improve the heat exchange stability between the evaporator 8 pipes and the ice mold 5.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper part of the flake ice machine is the ice-making structure, and the lower part is the ice-storing structure.

[0101] Specifically, the ice flakes that detach from the surface of the ice mold 5 can fall downwards under the influence of gravity and enter the ice storage structure for storage.

[0102] Preferably, the ice storage structure may be provided with an ice storage space for temporarily storing flake ice formed during multiple ice-making cycles.

[0103] Furthermore, the front panel of the flake ice machine is equipped with a display screen.

[0104] Specifically, the display screen is used to show the operating status of the flake ice machine and to receive ice-making operations input by the user.

[0105] For example, users can select the ice thickness setting on the display screen and view the current ice-making status.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigeration system includes a compressor 15, a condenser 13, a condensing fan 14, an electronic expansion valve 9, an evaporator 8, and an ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0107] Specifically, the pipes of the evaporator 8 are arranged in the sealed heat exchange chambers corresponding to each ice mold 5.

[0108] Compressor 15 is used to drive the refrigerant to circulate in the refrigeration system.

[0109] The condenser 13 is used to exchange heat with the refrigerant output from the compressor 15.

[0110] The condenser fan 14 is used to assist the condenser 13 in heat dissipation and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser 13.

[0111] Electronic expansion valve 9 is used to regulate refrigerant flow.

[0112] Evaporator 8 is used for heat exchange with ice mold 5.

[0113] The ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is used to switch the refrigerant flow path during the ice-collecting process.

[0114] During the ice-making process, the refrigeration system operates according to the ice-making path.

[0115] Specifically, the refrigerant passes through the following stages in sequence: Compressor 15; Condenser 13; Electronic expansion valve 9; Evaporator 8; Compressor 15.

[0116] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the condenser 13, and after heat exchange in the condenser 13, the flow rate is regulated by the electronic expansion valve 9.

[0117] The refrigerant, after being regulated by the electronic expansion valve 9, enters the evaporator 8.

[0118] The refrigerant in the evaporator 8 pipe absorbs heat and transfers the cooling capacity to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze in the sealed heat exchange chamber and the box.

[0119] Specifically, the cold energy transfer path is as follows: Evaporator with 8 pipes; Neutral antifreeze; Box body; Ice mold 5.

[0120] As the temperature of ice mold 5 decreases, the ice-making water flowing along the surface of ice mold 5 gradually freezes to form flake ice.

[0121] During the ice collection process, the refrigeration system switches to the ice collection path.

[0122] Specifically, close the electronic expansion valve 9 and open the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0123] The compressor 15 continues to run, and the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8 through the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0124] Specifically, the refrigerant flow path during the ice recovery process is as follows: Compressor 15; Ice-collecting solenoid valve 12; Evaporator 8; Compressor 15.

[0125] The hot refrigerant entering the evaporator 8 pipe transfers heat to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze and the casing.

[0126] As the temperature of ice mold 5 increases, the bonding force between the ice flakes and ice mold 5 decreases, causing the ice flakes to detach from the surface of ice mold 5.

[0127] Furthermore, during the ice-collecting process, the electronic expansion valve 9 is closed to reduce the amount of refrigerant flowing to the evaporator 8 through the electronic expansion valve 9, so that the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 can directly enter the evaporator 8 through the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0128] After the ice collection is complete, close the ice collection solenoid valve 12 and control the electronic expansion valve 9 to return to the open state corresponding to the ice-making state, so that the refrigeration system re-enters the ice-making cycle.

[0129] The refrigeration system is also equipped with a dryer filter 10, a pressure switch 11, and a shut-off valve 16.

[0130] Specifically, the dryer filter 10 is disposed between the condenser 13 and the electronic expansion valve 9, and is used to filter and dry the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration pipeline to reduce the impact of impurities or moisture in the refrigerant on the operation of the refrigeration system.

[0131] The pressure switch 11 is installed on the refrigeration pipeline of the refrigeration system and is used to detect the pressure status within the refrigeration system. The control device can determine whether the current refrigeration system is in an abnormal pressure state based on the detection result of the pressure switch 11, and execute protective control when the pressure is abnormal.

[0132] The shut-off valve 16 is installed on the refrigeration pipeline to control the conduction state of the corresponding refrigeration pipeline, so as to facilitate pipeline control during the installation, maintenance or repair of the refrigeration system.

[0133] The refrigeration system is also equipped with a temperature detection structure and a pressure protection structure.

[0134] Specifically, the temperature detection structure includes an exhaust temperature sensor T1, a condensate temperature sensor T2, an evaporator inlet temperature sensor T3, and an evaporator outlet temperature sensor T4.

[0135] in: Exhaust temperature sensor T1 is used to detect the exhaust side temperature of compressor 15; Condensation temperature sensor T2 is used to detect the temperature at the corresponding location of condenser 13; Evaporator inlet temperature sensor T3 is used to detect the inlet side temperature of evaporator 8; Evaporator outlet temperature sensor T4 is used to detect the temperature at the outlet side of evaporator 8.

[0136] Preferably, the control device determines the operating status of the refrigeration system based on the temperature detection information mentioned above.

[0137] For example, during the ice-making process, the heat exchange status of the evaporator 8 can be detected by the evaporator inlet temperature sensor T3 and the evaporator outlet temperature sensor T4; during the ice-collecting process, the heat exchange status after the hot refrigerant enters the evaporator 8 can be determined by the evaporator inlet temperature sensor T3 and the evaporator outlet temperature sensor T4.

[0138] Furthermore, the control device can combine the detection information from pressure switch 11 and temperature sensors T1-T4 to monitor the pressure and temperature status of the refrigeration system.

[0139] The specific anomaly detection thresholds and protection methods can be set according to the specifications and safety requirements of the refrigeration system.

[0140] The flake ice machine is also equipped with an ice-falling detection structure to detect whether the flake ice has completely detached.

[0141] Specifically, the ice-fall detection structure can be a water curtain plate or an ice-collision strip.

[0142] Preferably, in this embodiment, a water curtain plate is used as the ice-falling detection structure.

[0143] Specifically, the water curtain plate is positioned on the ice flakes falling path below the ice mold 5, and a proximity switch is provided at the bottom of the water curtain plate.

[0144] When ice collection has not yet begun or the ice flakes have not yet detached, the water curtain plate is in its initial position and the proximity switch remains closed.

[0145] When the ice flakes detach from the surface of the ice mold 5 and fall downwards, they touch the water curtain plate, causing the water curtain plate to change position due to the action of the ice flakes.

[0146] At this time, the water curtain plate causes the proximity switch to change state, changing the proximity switch from closed to open.

[0147] After the ice flakes pass through the water curtain plate, the water curtain plate returns to its initial position under its own restoring force, and the proximity switch returns to the closed state.

[0148] The control device determines that the ice flakes have completely detached based on the change in the proximity switch's state from "closed - open - reclosed".

[0149] Furthermore, water curtain panels and ice-blocking strips can be used as alternative structures.

[0150] Specifically, when the actual product adopts the ice-blocking strip structure, its detection principle is similar to that of the water curtain plate. That is, the ice-blocking strip is affected during the process of ice flakes falling off, causing the proximity switch state to change, thereby determining whether the ice flakes have completely fallen off.

[0151] By setting up an ice-fall detection structure, misjudgments caused by judging the completion status of ice collection solely based on a preset ice collection time can be avoided, thereby improving the accuracy of ice collection process control.

[0152] Example 2 This embodiment provides a control method for a flake ice machine.

[0153] Specifically, the control method is applied to the flake ice machine described in Embodiment 1 to control the flake ice machine to complete the ice-making water circulation, flake ice formation, flake ice shedding, and drainage process after stopping ice making.

[0154] Preferably, the control method includes a water circulation control process, an ice-making process, an ice thickness adjustment process, an ice-collecting process, and a drainage process after stopping ice-making.

[0155] Specifically, the control method includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive the ice-making command and execute water circulation control.

[0156] Specifically, when the flake ice machine receives the ice-making command input by the user, the control device first detects the state of the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1.

[0157] The control device detects whether ice-making water is detected at the low liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1.

[0158] When no ice-making water is detected at the low liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1, the control device controls the water inlet to open and replenish ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1.

[0159] Furthermore, while the water inlet is opened to replenish water to the bottom water tank 1, the control device can control the water pump 3 to operate, and transport the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0160] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water replenishment process and the operation of the water pump 3 can be performed simultaneously, without waiting for the water level in the bottom water tank 1 to reach the low liquid level detection position again before starting the water pump 3.

[0161] The above control method can shorten the waiting time during the ice-making start-up phase and increase the speed at which the flake ice machine enters the ice-making state.

[0162] When the low liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1 detects ice-making water, the control device continues to detect the high liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1.

[0163] Specifically, when the high liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1 detects ice-making water, it indicates that the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 has reached the preset storage volume. At this time, the control device closes the water inlet and stops replenishing ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1.

[0164] When no ice-making water is detected at the high liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1, the control device keeps the water inlet open and continues to replenish ice-making water to the bottom water tank 1.

[0165] Furthermore, the control device detects the liquid level in the top water tank 2.

[0166] Specifically, when no ice-making water is detected at the low liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2, the control device controls the water pump 3 to run and transport the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0167] Once the low liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2 detects ice-making water, the control device continues to detect the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2.

[0168] When the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2 detects ice-making water, the control device controls the water pump 3 to stop running.

[0169] When no ice-making water is detected at the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2, the control device keeps the water pump 3 running, so that ice-making water continues to enter the top water tank 2.

[0170] By using the above-mentioned liquid level control method, the top water tank 2 can maintain a suitable water supply, thereby ensuring that the water distributor 4 can continuously supply ice-making water to the ice mold 5.

[0171] The above water circulation control process is continuously executed during the ice-making process and is paused after the ice-collecting process begins.

[0172] Specifically, during the ice-making process, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows out continuously through the water distributor 4. When the water level in the top water tank 2 drops below the low liquid level detection position, the control device restarts the water pump 3.

[0173] When the water level in the top water tank 2 returns to the high liquid level detection position, the control device stops the water pump 3 again.

[0174] The above-mentioned circulating water supply method can ensure that the ice mold 5 maintains a stable water supply during the ice-making process.

[0175] Step 2: Turn on the cooling system and extend the water tray 6.

[0176] Specifically, after receiving the ice-making command, the control device activates the refrigeration system.

[0177] At the same time, the control device controls the motor to run, causing the water receiving tray 6 to move along the guide rail to the extended state.

[0178] At this time, the water tray 6 is located below the three ice molds 5 and is used to collect the unfrozen ice-making water flowing down from the surface of the ice molds 5.

[0179] Furthermore, the control device detects whether ice-making water is detected at the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2.

[0180] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 has not yet reached the high liquid level detection position, the control device waits for the top water tank 2 to continue storing water.

[0181] When the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2 detects ice-making water, the control device controls the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4 to open.

[0182] At this time, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows to the three ice molds 5 through the water distributor 4.

[0183] Specifically, the ice-making water enters the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold 5 and flows downward along the outside of the ice mold 5, forming a continuously flowing water film on the surface of the ice mold 5.

[0184] The refrigeration system runs continuously during the ice-making process.

[0185] Specifically, the refrigerant in the evaporator 8 pipe transfers its cooling capacity to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze in the sealed heat exchange chamber and the casing.

[0186] As the temperature of ice mold 5 decreases, the ice-making water flowing over the surface of ice mold 5 gradually freezes to form ice flakes.

[0187] Furthermore, since the ice-making water continues to flow along the surface of the ice mold 5, the number of tiny air bubbles remaining inside the forming ice layer can be reduced.

[0188] Specifically, during the ice-making process, some air bubbles can move or escape with the water flow, thereby reducing the possibility of the ice flakes turning white and opaque.

[0189] At the same time, the flowing ice-making water can also carry away some of the sediment, reducing the possibility of impurities accumulating inside the ice flakes.

[0190] Step 3: Determine the ice-making time based on the ice thickness setting set by the user.

[0191] Specifically, users select the corresponding ice thickness setting based on the desired ice thickness.

[0192] The control device calls up the corresponding ice-making time according to the ice thickness setting selected by the user, and controls the ice-making process according to the ice-making time.

[0193] For example, the ice thickness adjustment is set to six levels, from level 1 to level 6.

[0194] in: The ice-making time for the first setting is 5 seconds. The ice-making time for the second setting is 7 seconds. The ice-making time for the third setting is 12 seconds. The ice-making time for the fourth setting is 17 seconds. The ice-making time for level 5 is 22 seconds. The ice-making time for level 6 is 30 seconds.

[0195] Specifically, the ice thickness settings and corresponding ice-making times mentioned above can be adjusted based on actual product test results.

[0196] With the water valve open and the refrigeration system running, the control device begins to record the ice-making time.

[0197] When the actual ice-making time reaches the target ice-making time corresponding to the ice thickness setting selected by the user, the control device determines that the flake ice has reached the preset thickness and enters the ice collection process.

[0198] Step 4: After the target ice-making time is reached, execute the ice-collection control.

[0199] Specifically, when the actual ice-making time reaches the target ice-making time determined in step 3 based on the ice thickness setting, the control device controls the flake ice machine to switch from the ice-making state to the ice-collecting state.

[0200] First, the control device closes the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4.

[0201] Specifically, after the water valve is closed, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 stops entering the water distributor 4, thereby stopping the supply of new ice-making water to the surface of the ice mold 5.

[0202] Furthermore, the control device controls the motor to operate, causing the water receiving tray 6 to retract along the guide rail.

[0203] Specifically, the water receiving tray 6 switches from the extended state to the retracted state, so that the water receiving tray 6 avoids the ice-falling area below the three ice molds 5.

[0204] In this way, during the process of flake ice falling off, the flake ice can fall directly downwards into the ice storage structure, avoiding the flake ice being blocked by the water receiving tray 6.

[0205] Once the ice-collecting process begins, the control device switches the refrigeration system to ice-collecting mode.

[0206] Specifically, compressor 15 remains running, inlet is closed, outlet is closed, and water pump 3 stops running.

[0207] At the same time, the control device controls the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 to open.

[0208] After the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is opened, the refrigerant flow path in the refrigeration system changes.

[0209] Specifically, in the ice-collecting state, the electronic expansion valve 9 is closed, and the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8 pipeline through the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0210] At this point, the refrigerant flow path during the ice recovery process is as follows: Compressor 15; Ice-collecting solenoid valve 12; Evaporator 8; Compressor 15.

[0211] The hot refrigerant entering the evaporator 8 pipe transfers heat to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze in the sealed heat exchange chamber and the box.

[0212] Specifically, the heat transfer path is as follows: Evaporator with 8 pipes; Neutral antifreeze; Box body; Ice mold 5.

[0213] As the temperature of ice mold 5 increases, the bonding force between the ice flakes formed on the surface of ice mold 5 and ice mold 5 gradually decreases.

[0214] When the bonding force between the ice flakes and the ice mold 5 decreases to a certain extent, the ice flakes detach from the surface of the ice mold 5 and fall downwards into the ice storage structure.

[0215] Furthermore, during the ice collection process, the control device determines whether the ice flakes have completely detached based on the ice-falling detection structure.

[0216] Specifically, when the ice flakes fall off the surface of the ice mold 5 and pass through the water curtain plate, the ice flakes touch the water curtain plate, causing the water curtain plate to change position.

[0217] At this time, the proximity switch at the bottom of the water curtain panel switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0218] After the ice flakes pass through the water curtain plate, the water curtain plate returns to its initial position, and the proximity switch returns to the closed state.

[0219] The control device is based on the proximity switch: Closed state; On status; Re-closed state; The process of change indicates that the ice flakes have completely detached.

[0220] Preferably, the control device can terminate the normal ice collection process based on the detection result of the proximity switch.

[0221] Furthermore, in some cases, due to the excessively thick ice layer formed on the surface of the ice mold 5 during the ice-making process, the ice flakes may not be able to completely detach within the normal ice collection time.

[0222] In response to the above-mentioned abnormal situations, this embodiment also sets up an auxiliary ice collection state.

[0223] Specifically, when the ice collection time reaches the preset ice collection time, and the ice falling detection structure still has not detected that the ice flakes have completely fallen off, the control device determines that it is currently in the auxiliary ice collection state.

[0224] Furthermore, in the assisted ice-collecting state, the control device keeps the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 open and the electronic expansion valve 9 closed, so that the ice mold 5 continues to receive heat. When the ice-falling detection structure detects that the proximity switch has completed the "close-open-reclose" state change, the control device determines that the ice flakes have fallen off and resumes the next ice-making cycle according to step 5.

[0225] By setting an auxiliary ice collection mode, the possibility of ice collection failure due to excessive ice accumulation on ice mold 5 can be reduced, thereby improving the operational stability of the flake ice machine.

[0226] Step 5: After the ice flakes have detached, resume the next ice-making cycle.

[0227] Specifically, once the control device determines that the flake ice has been completely detached based on the ice-falling detection structure, the control device controls the flake ice machine to return to the ice-making preparation state.

[0228] First, the control device closes the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0229] Furthermore, the control device controls the electronic expansion valve 9 to return to the initial open state corresponding to the ice-making state.

[0230] At this point, the refrigeration system resumes its ice-making process.

[0231] Specifically, the refrigerant is refilled according to: Compressor 15; Condenser 13; Electronic expansion valve 9; Evaporator 8; Compressor 15; The path flows in a cyclical manner.

[0232] At the same time, the control device opens the water inlet, keeps the drain outlet closed, and controls the water receiving tray 6 to move back to the extended state.

[0233] Specifically, the motor drives the water receiving tray 6 to move along the guide rail, so that the water receiving tray 6 is back below the three ice molds 5 to receive the unfrozen ice-making water flowing down in the next ice-making cycle.

[0234] Furthermore, the control device re-executes the water circulation control process.

[0235] Specifically, when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is insufficient, the control device controls the water pump 3 to operate, and transports the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0236] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the control device shuts off the water pump 3.

[0237] Once the top water tank 2 meets the water supply requirements, the control device reopens the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4.

[0238] The ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows again through the water distributor 4 to the ice mold 5, and the flake ice machine enters the next ice-making cycle.

[0239] Through the above control process, continuous ice making by the flake ice machine can be achieved, improving the automation level of the equipment.

[0240] Step 6: Upon receiving the stop ice-making command, execute the drainage control.

[0241] Specifically, during the operation of the flake ice machine, the control device continuously determines whether it has received a user-input command to stop ice making.

[0242] When no stop ice-making command is received, the flake ice machine continues to execute the ice-making cycle.

[0243] When a stop ice-making command is received, the control device stops the ice-making process and performs a drainage operation.

[0244] Specifically, the control device closes the water inlet and opens the drain outlet simultaneously.

[0245] Furthermore, the control device controls the water receiving tray 6 to move to the extended state and opens the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4.

[0246] At this time, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows through the water distributor 4 to the three ice molds 5 and is collected by the water receiving tray 6.

[0247] The ice-making water in the water receiving tray 6 flows along the inclined bottom of the tray to the right opening and enters the bottom water tank 1.

[0248] Subsequently, the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 is discharged through the drain outlet.

[0249] By using the above drainage control method, the residual ice-making water inside the equipment can be drained after ice making stops, reducing the possibility of ice-making water deteriorating during long-term shutdown.

[0250] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding of the coordination among the components of a flake ice machine within a complete ice-making cycle, the following provides further explanation of the ice preparation, ice making, ice collection, cycle recovery, and drainage stopping processes.

[0251] The water supply components, water receiving components, and refrigeration system of a flake ice machine do not remain in the same state throughout all operating stages. Instead, they are controlled in coordination by the control device according to the current operating stage.

[0252] Specifically, during the ice-making preparation stage, the control device first determines whether ice-making water needs to be replenished or supplied based on the liquid level status in the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2.

[0253] When the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 is insufficient, the water inlet is opened, allowing externally replenished ice-making water to enter the bottom water tank 1.

[0254] When the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 reaches the corresponding level, the inlet is closed so that the bottom water tank 1 maintains the ice-making water for the current ice-making cycle.

[0255] At the same time, the control device controls the start and stop of the water pump 3 according to the liquid level status of the top water tank 2.

[0256] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is insufficient, the water pump 3 will transport the ice-making water from the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0257] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the water pump 3 stops running, and the top water tank 2 switches from the water replenishment state to the water supply standby state.

[0258] Before the top water tank 2 supplies water to the water distributor 4, the control device controls the water receiving tray 6 to move to the extended state.

[0259] The extended water tray 6 is located below the three ice molds 5, thus pre-forming a path for receiving unfrozen ice-making water.

[0260] After the water receiving tray 6 reaches the extended state and the top water tank 2 meets the water supply conditions, the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4 is opened.

[0261] At this time, the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 enters the water distributor 4 and flows from the outlet side of the water distributor 4 to the top of the three ice molds 5.

[0262] Ice-making water enters the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold 5 and flows downward along the outside of the ice mold 5 under the action of surface tension.

[0263] The ice-making water flowing along the outside of the ice mold 5 forms a continuous water film on the surface of the ice mold 5, allowing the ice-making water to receive the cold energy transferred from the ice mold 5 during the flow process.

[0264] When the ice-making water flows over the surface of the ice mold 5, some of the ice-making water gradually freezes and adheres to the surface of the ice mold 5, forming ice flakes.

[0265] The remaining unfrozen ice-making water continues to flow downwards and falls into the extended drip tray 6.

[0266] Because the bottom of the water receiving tray 6 is tilted towards the water inlet, the ice-making water in the water receiving tray 6 flows towards the water inlet under the action of gravity.

[0267] The ice-making water flowing out of the water inlet returns to the bottom water tank 1, and then re-enters the ice-making water circulation path consisting of the bottom water tank 1, water pump 3, top water tank 2, water distributor 4, ice mold 5, and water receiving tray 6.

[0268] During the ice-making process, the liquid level in the top water tank 2 will change as water is continuously discharged from the water distributor 4.

[0269] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 drops below the low liquid level detection position, the control device restarts the water pump 3 to replenish the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0270] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position again, the control device stops the water pump 3 again.

[0271] Therefore, the water pump 3 operates intermittently according to the liquid level of the top water tank 2, while the water distributor 4 continuously supplies ice-making water to the ice mold 5 during the ice-making stage.

[0272] Furthermore, while the water supply components form the aforementioned ice-making water cycle, the refrigeration system is in ice-making mode.

[0273] In ice-making mode, the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is closed, and the electronic expansion valve 9 is in the open state corresponding to the ice-making mode.

[0274] The compressor 15 drives the refrigerant to circulate sequentially through the condenser 13, the electronic expansion valve 9, and the evaporator 8.

[0275] The refrigerant in the evaporator 8 pipe exchanges heat with the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze and the box that forms a closed heat exchange chamber.

[0276] The heat exchange process transfers the cooling energy from the evaporator 8 through the neutral antifreeze and the housing to the ice mold 5, and further acts on the ice-making water flowing along the surface of the ice mold 5.

[0277] The three ice molds 5 exchange heat with their respective sealed heat exchange chambers, enabling the three ice molds 5 to form flake ice in the same ice-making cycle.

[0278] The control device determines the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle based on the ice thickness setting selected by the user.

[0279] When the water valve is open and the refrigeration system is in ice-making mode, the control device counts the duration of ice making.

[0280] Different ice thickness settings correspond to different target ice-making times, but the water supply path, water connection path, and refrigerant ice-making path remain consistent under each ice thickness setting.

[0281] Therefore, when users switch ice thickness settings, there is no need to change the structure of the water distributor 4, ice mold 5, water tray 6, or refrigeration system; the control device only needs to call the corresponding target ice-making time.

[0282] When the ice-making time has not yet reached the target ice-making time, the flake ice machine continues to perform ice-making water circulation and refrigeration heat exchange.

[0283] As the ice-making process continues, the flake ice formed on the surface of ice mold 5 gradually reaches a state corresponding to the selected ice thickness setting.

[0284] When the ice-making time reaches the target ice-making time, the control device begins to switch from the ice-making state to the ice-collecting state.

[0285] First, the control device closes the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4, stopping the supply of new ice-making water to the three ice molds 5.

[0286] After the water supply is stopped, the ice-making water that has not yet flowed down the surface of the ice mold 5 can continue to flow down into the water receiving tray 6 and be guided back to the bottom water tank 1 by the water receiving tray 6.

[0287] Subsequently, the control device drives the motor to run according to the preset running time, causing the water receiving tray 6 to move from the extended state to the retracted state along the guide rail.

[0288] After the water tray 6 is retracted, the path for the ice flakes to fall below the three ice molds 5 is cleared, allowing the ice flakes to fall directly into the ice storage structure after detaching from the ice molds 5.

[0289] Furthermore, the control device stops the water pump 3, causing the water supply component to suspend the ice-making water circulation during the ice-collecting stage.

[0290] After the water supply and receiving components complete the above state switching, the refrigeration system switches to the ice collection state.

[0291] Specifically, the electronic expansion valve 9 is closed, the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is open, and the compressor 15 continues to run.

[0292] The hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8 pipeline through the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12, causing the evaporator 8 to switch from the cold energy transfer state of the ice-making stage to the heat transfer state of the ice-collecting stage.

[0293] Heat is transferred from the evaporator 8 through the neutral antifreeze and the box to the ice mold 5, causing a change in the bonding state between the ice mold 5 and the ice flakes.

[0294] As the ice collection process continues, the bonding force between the ice flakes and the ice mold 5 decreases, and the ice flakes detach from the surface of the ice mold 5 and fall downwards along the pre-cleared ice flake falling path.

[0295] When ice flakes fall, they first act on the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip, causing the proximity switch corresponding to the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip to change from a closed state to an open state.

[0296] After the ice flakes pass through the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip, the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip returns to its initial position, and the proximity switch returns to the closed state.

[0297] The control device determines that the ice flakes have completely detached based on the sequential closing, opening, and reclosing states of the proximity switch.

[0298] The above-mentioned judgment method enables the control device to determine the completion of ice collection by the state changes generated by the actual passing of the ice flakes through the ice-falling detection structure, rather than simply ending the ice collection process based on the duration of ice collection.

[0299] When the proximity switch completes the above state change within the preset ice-collecting time, the normal ice-collecting process of the current ice-making cycle is completed.

[0300] When the ice collection time reaches the preset ice collection time and the proximity switch has not yet completed the above state change, the control device causes the flake ice machine to enter the auxiliary ice collection state.

[0301] In the assisted ice-collecting state, the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 remains open, the electronic expansion valve 9 remains closed, and the ice mold 5 continues to receive heat from the hot refrigerant transferred through the evaporator 8, neutral antifreeze, and the box.

[0302] The assisted ice-collecting state continues until the ice-falling detection structure detects the changes in the state of the proximity switch completing closure, opening, and reclosure.

[0303] When the control device detects that the ice flakes have completely detached in the assisted ice-collecting state, it ends the ice-collecting process in the same way as when the normal ice-collecting is completed.

[0304] Specifically, the control device closes the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 and restores the electronic expansion valve 9 to the open state corresponding to the ice-making state.

[0305] At the same time, the control device controls the water receiving tray 6 to move back to the extended state, so that the water receiving tray 6 is back under the three ice molds 5.

[0306] Once the top water tank 2 meets the water supply requirements, the water valve reopens, and the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows again to the ice mold 5 via the water distributor 4.

[0307] Thus, the flake ice machine returns to the next ice-making cycle from the ice collection completion state, and each component resumes operation according to the combination relationship corresponding to the ice-making state.

[0308] In continuous ice-making process, the ice-collection completion state of the previous ice-making cycle is connected with the ice-making preparation state of the next ice-making cycle.

[0309] Each ice-making cycle includes the following processes: extending the water tray 6, circulating the ice-making water, refrigeration and heat exchange, reaching the target ice-making time, retracting the water tray 6, collecting the hot refrigerant, detecting the falling ice, and resuming the next cycle.

[0310] When the control device does not receive a stop ice-making command, the above ice-making cycle can be repeated to form a continuous flake ice preparation process.

[0311] When the control device receives a stop ice-making command, it will not enter a new ice-making cycle, but will instead perform drainage control after stopping ice-making according to step 6.

[0312] During the drainage process, the inlet is closed, the outlet is open, the water tray 6 is extended, and the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 returns to the bottom water tank 1 through the water distributor 4, the ice mold 5 and the water tray 6.

[0313] The ice-making water returned to the bottom water tank 1, along with the original ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1, is discharged through the drain outlet, thus completing the internal ice-making water discharge after the flake ice machine stops operating.

[0314] The entire operation process described above is achieved through the coordinated operation of the aforementioned water supply components, ice-making components, water receiving components, refrigeration system, ice-fall detection structure, and control device. It does not require changes to the basic structure of the flake ice machine for different ice thickness settings.

[0315] Furthermore, considering the functional relationship between the components, the bottom water tank 1 is mainly used to receive externally supplemented ice-making water and unfrozen ice-making water returned from the water receiving tray 6.

[0316] The top water tank 2 is mainly used to temporarily store the ice-making water transported by the water pump 3, and to supply ice-making water to the water distributor 4 when the water supply conditions are met.

[0317] The bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2 do not simply store ice-making water at the same time, but rather form an ice-making water delivery relationship from bottom to top through the water pump 3.

[0318] The water distributor 4 is located after the top water tank 2 and controls whether the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 enters the three ice molds 5 through the water valve.

[0319] Therefore, the control device can control the water replenishment status of the bottom water tank 1, the water delivery status of the water pump 3, and the water supply status of the water distributor 4 respectively.

[0320] When water is added to the bottom water tank 1 but the top water tank 2 has not yet reached the high liquid level detection position, the water valve remains closed, and the ice-making water will not flow to the ice mold 5 in advance.

[0321] When the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position but the water receiving tray 6 has not yet fully extended, the control device can continue to keep the water valve closed.

[0322] Once the top water tank 2 reaches the water supply condition and the water receiving tray 6 is in the extended position, the water valve opens, so that the water supply process and the water receiving process cooperate with each other.

[0323] During the ice-making process, the low liquid level detection position and the high liquid level detection position of the top water tank 2 are used to form the start-stop interval of the water pump 3.

[0324] When the water level in the top water tank 2 drops, the water pump 3 starts to replenish water; when the water level in the top water tank 2 recovers, the water pump 3 stops replenishing water.

[0325] Therefore, the water pump 3 does not need to run continuously throughout the ice-making process, but is started and stopped according to the actual liquid level in the top water tank 2.

[0326] The low-level and high-level detection positions in the bottom water tank 1 are used to control the replenishment process of external ice-making water.

[0327] By setting the liquid level detection positions of the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2 respectively, external water replenishment, internal water supply and water supply to the ice mold 5 can be distinguished.

[0328] Furthermore, the water receiving tray 6 plays different roles in the ice-making and ice-collecting states.

[0329] In ice-making mode, the water tray 6 is located below the three ice molds 5 and is used to receive ice-making water that has not frozen on the surface of the ice molds 5.

[0330] In the ice-collecting state, the water receiving tray 6 is moved away from below the three ice molds 5, so that the water receiving tray 6 is no longer located on the path of the ice flakes falling from the ice molds 5 to the ice storage structure.

[0331] The extension of the water tray 6 is completed before the water supply begins, and the retraction of the water tray 6 is completed before the ice flakes begin to fall off.

[0332] This coordinated action allows the same water receiving tray 6 to both create a return water path during the ice-making stage and allow for a path for falling ice during the ice-collecting stage.

[0333] The guide rails on both sides of the water receiving tray 6 are used to limit the direction of movement of the water receiving tray 6, so that the water receiving tray 6 moves in a predetermined direction during the extension and retraction process.

[0334] The motor connected to the water receiving tray 6 operates according to a preset running time, so that the water receiving tray 6 moves from one state to another.

[0335] At the start of each ice-making cycle, the motor drives the water tray 6 to move to the extended position.

[0336] After each ice-making cycle reaches the target ice-making time, the motor drives the water tray 6 to move to the retracted state.

[0337] After the ice flakes have detached, the motor drives the water receiving tray 6 to move to the extended position, forming a return water path for the next ice-making cycle.

[0338] When the water receiving tray 6 is in the extended state, the inclined bottom and the low-side water guide opening of the water receiving tray 6 together guide the ice-making water back to the bottom water tank 1.

[0339] Therefore, the drip tray 6 is not only used to receive ice-making water, but also to limit the direction of unfrozen ice-making water flowing back from under the ice mold 5 to the bottom water tank 1.

[0340] Furthermore, a sealed heat exchange chamber is located on the back side of the ice mold 5, and the neutral antifreeze inside is located on the heat exchange path between the evaporator 8 pipe and the ice mold 5.

[0341] In ice-making mode, the refrigerant in the evaporator 8 pipe absorbs heat, allowing the neutral antifreeze and the casing to transfer cold energy to the ice mold 5.

[0342] In the ice-collecting state, the hot refrigerant entering the evaporator 8 pipe releases heat, causing the neutral antifreeze and the box to transfer heat to the ice mold 5.

[0343] The same sealed heat exchange chamber can thus participate in the transfer of cold energy during the ice-making stage and the transfer of heat energy during the ice-collecting stage.

[0344] The difference between ice-making and ice-collecting states is mainly reflected in the refrigerant flow path and the control status of the electronic expansion valve 9 and the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0345] In ice-making mode, the electronic expansion valve 9 is used to regulate the refrigerant entering the evaporator 8, and the ice-recovery solenoid valve 12 remains closed.

[0346] In the ice-collecting state, the electronic expansion valve 9 is closed and the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is opened, allowing the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 to enter the evaporator 8.

[0347] After the ice collection is completed, the ice collection solenoid valve 12 closes, and the electronic expansion valve 9 returns to the open state corresponding to the ice-making state.

[0348] By combining the above valve states, the control device can enable the evaporator 8 to participate in the formation and release of flake ice without replacing the ice mold 5 and the evaporator 8.

[0349] Furthermore, the ice-fall detection structure is located on the path of the ice flakes falling from the ice mold 5 to the ice storage structure.

[0350] Before the ice flakes fall off, the water curtain or ice-blocking strip is in its initial position, and the proximity switch remains closed.

[0351] When flake ice begins to pass through the ice-falling detection structure, the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip changes position due to the action of the flake ice, and the proximity switch turns on.

[0352] After the ice flakes have completely passed through the ice-falling detection structure, the water curtain plate or ice-collision strip returns to its initial position, and the proximity switch returns to the closed state.

[0353] A proximity switch showing only a closed state or only an open state does not fully indicate that the ice flakes have passed through the ice-falling detection structure.

[0354] After detecting continuous state changes of closing, opening, and reclosing, the control device determines that the current ice flake has detached.

[0355] When the aforementioned continuous state changes occur within the preset ice-collecting time, the control device ends the normal ice-collecting process.

[0356] If the aforementioned continuous state changes do not occur within the preset ice-collecting time, the control device will not directly resume ice making, but will instead enter the auxiliary ice-collecting state.

[0357] In the auxiliary ice-collecting state, the electronic expansion valve 9 and the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 control combination used in the ice-collecting state are used to allow the ice mold 5 to continue to receive heat.

[0358] The auxiliary ice collection process still uses the change in the state of the proximity switch—whether it has completed closing, opening, and reclosing—as the basis for determining the end of the process.

[0359] Therefore, the preset ice collection time is used to trigger the auxiliary ice collection state, and the detection result of the ice falling detection structure is used to determine whether the ice flakes have actually fallen off.

[0360] Furthermore, ice thickness control and ice drop detection control are applied to the ice-making stage and the ice-collecting stage, respectively.

[0361] The ice thickness setting is used to determine when the ice-making stage will end, while the ice-falling detection structure is used to determine when the ice-collecting stage will end.

[0362] The control device first ends the ice-making stage based on the target ice-making time, and then ends the ice-collection stage based on the detection results of the ice-falling detection structure.

[0363] When the flake ice machine enters the next ice-making cycle, the control device restarts to count the ice-making duration corresponding to that ice-making cycle.

[0364] Therefore, each ice-making cycle has a relatively independent ice-making time statistics process and an ice-fall completion detection process.

[0365] The ice thickness setting selected by the user can remain unchanged during continuous ice making, or the user can reselect it for subsequent ice making cycles.

[0366] Regardless of the ice thickness setting selected by the user, after the ice flakes have completely detached, the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 should be closed, the electronic expansion valve 9 should be restored, and the water-receiving tray 6 should be extended in the manner described above.

[0367] The coordination relationships between the above components further explain the aforementioned structure and control steps, without changing the connection relationships, operating conditions, or refrigerant flow paths of the components.

[0368] Application Example 1: Flake Ice Preparation in Beverage Making In one specific application, the flake ice machine provided in this embodiment can be used in beverage preparation scenarios.

[0369] Specifically, when users need to prepare flake ice for cooling beverages, they can input ice-making instructions through the display screen or control device of the flake ice machine.

[0370] Users can also select the appropriate ice thickness setting based on their current beverage's requirements for ice thickness.

[0371] After receiving the ice-making command and ice thickness setting, the control device determines the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle based on the pre-stored correspondence between the ice thickness setting and the ice-making time.

[0372] Before ice making, the control device first detects the liquid level in the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2.

[0373] When the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 is insufficient, the control device opens the water inlet to allow ice-making water to enter the bottom water tank 1.

[0374] When the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the control device closes the water inlet.

[0375] At the same time, when the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is insufficient, the control device starts the water pump 3.

[0376] The water pump 3 delivers the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2, so that the top water tank 2 gradually reaches the liquid level required to supply water to the water distributor 4.

[0377] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the control device stops the water pump 3.

[0378] Furthermore, the control device drives the motor connected to the water receiving tray 6 to operate.

[0379] The motor drives the water receiving tray 6 to move along the guide rails on both sides according to the preset running time, so that the water receiving tray 6 reaches the extended state under the three ice molds 5.

[0380] Once the water tray 6 reaches the extended position, it can receive the unfrozen ice-making water flowing downwards from the surfaces of the three ice molds 5.

[0381] When both the top water tank 2 and the water tray 6 are in the state corresponding to the ice-making process, the control device opens the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4.

[0382] The ice-making water in the top water tank 2 enters the water distributor 4 through the water valve.

[0383] Since the water distributor 4 is located above the three ice molds 5, the water outlet side of the water distributor 4 can guide the ice-making water to the top of the three ice molds 5.

[0384] Ice-making water enters the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold 5 and flows downward along the outside of the ice mold 5 under the action of surface tension.

[0385] The downward-flowing ice-making water forms a water film on the surface of ice mold 5, allowing the surface of ice mold 5 to continuously receive the flowing ice-making water.

[0386] At the same time, the refrigeration system is in ice-making mode.

[0387] The compressor 15 drives the refrigerant to circulate through the condenser 13, the electronic expansion valve 9 and the evaporator 8, and the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 remains closed in the ice-making state.

[0388] The evaporator 8 pipes transfer cooling energy to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze in the sealed heat exchange chamber and the box.

[0389] The ice-making water flowing over the surface of ice mold 5 gradually freezes under the influence of cold air, forming flake ice on the surface of ice mold 5.

[0390] Unfrozen ice-making water continues to flow down the surface of ice mold 5 and is collected by the extended drip tray 6.

[0391] The ice-making water in the water receiving tray 6 flows along the inclined bottom guide opening and returns to the bottom water tank 1 through the guide opening.

[0392] The ice-making water returned to the bottom water tank 1 can be pumped back to the top water tank 2 by the water pump 3, thus participating in ice making again within the current ice-making cycle.

[0393] While the water valve is open and the refrigeration system is running, the control device records the duration of ice making.

[0394] When the ice-making time has not yet reached the target ice-making time, the water supply components, water receiving components, and refrigeration system continue to maintain ice-making status.

[0395] When the ice-making time reaches the target ice-making time, the control device controls the flake ice machine to enter the ice-collecting process.

[0396] First, the control device closes the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4, stopping the supply of new ice-making water to the ice mold 5.

[0397] Subsequently, the control device drives the motor to run in reverse, causing the water receiving tray 6 to move along the guide rail to the retracted state.

[0398] After the water tray 6 is retracted, a space is formed below the three ice molds 5 for the ice flakes to fall.

[0399] Furthermore, the control device stops the water pump 3 from running, closes the electronic expansion valve 9, and opens the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0400] Compressor 15 continues to run, and the hot refrigerant discharged by compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8 pipeline through ice recovery solenoid valve 12.

[0401] The hot refrigerant transfers heat to the ice mold 5 through the evaporator 8, neutral antifreeze, and the box, gradually reducing the bonding force between the ice flakes and the ice mold 5.

[0402] When the ice flakes detach from the surface of ice mold 5, they touch the water curtain plate or ice strip downwards.

[0403] The proximity switch changes from a closed state to an open state as the position of the water curtain or ice-blocking strip changes, and then returns to a closed state after the ice flakes pass through.

[0404] The control device determines that the ice flakes have detached based on the aforementioned state changes of the proximity switch.

[0405] After being separated, the ice flakes enter the ice storage structure at the bottom of the ice flake machine for users to use when making beverages.

[0406] When the flake ice completes its detachment within the preset ice-collecting time, the control device closes the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 and restores the electronic expansion valve 9 to the ice-making state.

[0407] When the preset ice collection time expires but the ice flakes have not yet completely detached, the control device enters the auxiliary ice collection state and continues to transfer heat to the ice mold 5 until the ice flakes are detected to have completely detached.

[0408] After the ice collection is complete, the water tray 6 moves back to the extended position, and the water supply components and refrigeration system return to the state corresponding to the next ice-making cycle.

[0409] When the user still needs to continue making flake ice, the flake ice machine performs the next ice-making cycle according to the same process.

[0410] When the user finishes preparing flake ice and enters a stop ice-making command, the control device executes a drainage process to drain the ice-making water from the top water tank 2 and the bottom water tank 1.

[0411] In this application scenario, users can change the target ice-making time by selecting different ice thickness levels and obtain flake ice corresponding to different beverage needs using the same flake ice machine.

[0412] Meanwhile, the continuous flow of ice-making water on the surface of ice mold 5 helps to reduce the retention of air bubbles and sediment, so that the formed ice flakes have better appearance integrity and transparency.

[0413] Application Example 2: Flake Ice Preparation in Food Display and Seafood Preservation Scenarios In one specific application, the flake ice machine provided in this embodiment can be used in food display or seafood preservation scenarios.

[0414] Specifically, in the above application scenarios, users can spread the prepared flake ice on the surface of food or seafood to achieve cooling through contact between the flake ice and the object to be preserved.

[0415] Before starting the flake ice machine, users can select the appropriate ice thickness setting based on the required thickness of the flake ice for the object to be displayed or preserved.

[0416] The control device determines the target ice-making time based on the ice thickness setting selected by the user, and uses this target ice-making time to control the ice-making process of the current and subsequent ice-making cycles.

[0417] After receiving the ice-making command, the control device first obtains the liquid level detection results of the bottom water tank 1 and the top water tank 2.

[0418] When no ice-making water is detected at the low liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1, the control device opens the water inlet.

[0419] Ice-making water enters the bottom water tank 1 through the inlet and gradually reaches the level required for ice-making water circulation in the bottom water tank 1.

[0420] When the high liquid level detection position of the bottom water tank 1 detects ice-making water, the control device closes the water inlet.

[0421] Furthermore, the control device controls the water pump 3 based on the liquid level of the top water tank 2.

[0422] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is lower than the low liquid level detection position, the water pump 3 starts and transports the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 to the top water tank 2.

[0423] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the water pump 3 stops running.

[0424] During the aforementioned water replenishment and water delivery process, the control device also drives the water receiving tray 6 to move to the extended state.

[0425] The extended water receiving tray 6 is located below the three ice molds 5, and forms a return water path with the bottom water tank 1 through the inclined tray bottom and the water guide opening.

[0426] When the top water tank 2 reaches the water supply level and the water receiving tray 6 has extended, the water valve between the top water tank 2 and the water distributor 4 is opened.

[0427] The ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is directed by the water distributor 4 to the top of the three ice molds 5.

[0428] The water distributor 4 adopts a conventional water distribution structure, and its water outlet side is set corresponding to the top of the three ice molds 5.

[0429] The ice-making water flows along the outside of the ice mold 5 under the action of surface tension, forming water films on the ice-making surfaces of the three ice molds 5 respectively.

[0430] While the water film flows along the surface of the ice mold 5, the refrigeration system operates according to the ice-making path.

[0431] Evaporator 8 transfers cooling energy to the three ice molds 5 through the neutral antifreeze in the corresponding sealed heat exchange chamber and the box.

[0432] After the surface temperature of ice mold 5 decreases, some of the ice-making water in the water film gradually freezes to form ice flakes.

[0433] The unfrozen ice-making water continues to flow downwards and into the drip tray 6.

[0434] The ice-making water that enters the water receiving tray 6 flows into the water guide opening under the action of gravity and returns to the bottom water tank 1.

[0435] Within the current ice-making cycle, the ice-making water returning to the bottom water tank 1 can continue to return to the water distributor 4 via the water pump 3 and the top water tank 2.

[0436] Therefore, unfrozen ice-making water can be continuously used during the formation of flake ice.

[0437] The control device calculates the ice-making duration when the water valve is open and the refrigeration system is running.

[0438] When the actual ice-making duration reaches the target ice-making time corresponding to the selected ice thickness setting, the control device stops the current ice-making process.

[0439] Specifically, the control device closes the water valve, causing the top water tank 2 to stop supplying water to the water distributor 4.

[0440] The control device also stops the water pump 3 and controls the water receiving tray 6 to move from the extended state to the retracted state.

[0441] After the water tray 6 is retracted, there will be no longer any obstruction to the path of falling ice pieces under the three ice molds 5.

[0442] Subsequently, the control device closes the electronic expansion valve 9 and opens the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12.

[0443] The hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8 and transfers heat to the ice mold 5 through the neutral antifreeze and the casing.

[0444] As the ice mold 5 receives heat, the ice flakes gradually detach from the ice mold 5.

[0445] When ice flakes fall off and pass over the water curtain or ice strip, the proximity switch sequentially changes between closed, open, and reclosed states.

[0446] The control device determines that the flake ice has passed through the ice-falling detection structure and entered the ice storage structure based on this state change.

[0447] If no change in the above state is detected within the preset ice-collecting time, the control device keeps the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 open and the electronic expansion valve 9 closed.

[0448] The flake ice machine then enters the auxiliary ice collection state until the ice-falling detection structure detects that the flake ice has completely detached.

[0449] After the ice flakes have completely detached, the control device closes the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 and restores the electronic expansion valve 9 to the ice-making state.

[0450] The water tray 6 is moved back below the three ice molds 5, and the water supply component resumes water supply according to the liquid level of the top water tank 2.

[0451] As the flake ice machine continues to run, the above-mentioned ice-making and ice-collecting processes are executed cyclically, so that the ice storage structure gradually stores flake ice formed by multiple ice-making cycles.

[0452] Users can take out the ice flakes from the ice storage structure and spread them on the surface of the object to be preserved, according to the amount of ice required for food display or seafood preservation.

[0453] During continuous ice making, each ice making cycle uses the ice thickness setting already selected by the user, until the user selects another ice thickness setting or enters a stop ice making command.

[0454] When the user changes the ice thickness setting, the control device calls the new target ice-making time in the subsequent ice-making cycle, while the water supply path, heat exchange path, and ice collection path remain unchanged.

[0455] When the user inputs a command to stop ice making, the control device closes the water inlet and opens the drain outlet.

[0456] The ice-making water in the top water tank 2 flows into the water receiving tray 6 through the water distributor 4 and the ice mold 5, and then flows back to the bottom water tank 1 through the water receiving tray 6, and is finally discharged through the drain outlet.

[0457] In this application scenario, the circulating water supply structure can recover unfrozen ice-making water, the ice thickness control can adapt to different display or preservation needs, and the ice-falling detection structure can provide a judgment on the completion of ice collection for continuous ice-making cycle.

[0458] Application Example 3: Flake Ice Preparation for Different Ice Thickness Requirements In one specific application, the flake ice machine provided in this embodiment can adjust the thickness of the flake ice according to different usage requirements.

[0459] Specifically, the control device has pre-stored the correspondence between multiple ice thickness settings and ice-making time.

[0460] Each ice thickness setting corresponds to a target ice-making time, and the control device calls up the corresponding target ice-making time based on the ice thickness setting selected by the user.

[0461] For example, the ice thickness adjustment can be set to level 1 through level 6.

[0462] The first setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 5 seconds. The second setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 7 seconds; The third setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 12 seconds; The fourth setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 17 seconds; The fifth setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 22 seconds; The sixth setting corresponds to an ice-making time of 30 seconds.

[0463] The above six settings form a sequence of settings from shorter target ice-making time to longer target ice-making time.

[0464] Under the same operating conditions, the control device changes the duration of the ice-making process so that the surface of the ice mold 5 forms flake ice corresponding to the selected setting.

[0465] The different ice thickness settings only change the target ice-making time called by the control device, without changing the structure of the water supply component, ice-making component, water receiving component, and refrigeration system.

[0466] After the user selects any ice thickness setting, the control device first prepares the ice-making water according to the same water circulation control process.

[0467] When the ice-making water in the bottom water tank 1 is insufficient, the water inlet opens; when the bottom water tank 1 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the water inlet closes.

[0468] When the ice-making water in the top water tank 2 is insufficient, the water pump 3 starts; when the top water tank 2 reaches the high liquid level detection position, the water pump 3 stops.

[0469] Before the top water tank 2 supplies water to the water distributor 4, the water receiving tray 6 moves to the extended position below the three ice molds 5.

[0470] Once the top water tank 2 reaches the water supply condition, the water valve opens, and the ice-making water flows through the water distributor 4 to the three ice molds 5.

[0471] Ice-making water enters the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold 5 and flows downward along the outside of the ice mold 5 under the action of surface tension.

[0472] At each ice thickness setting, the ice-making water forms a water film along the same path, and the unfrozen ice-making water is collected by the water tray 6 and returned to the bottom water tank 1.

[0473] Meanwhile, at each ice thickness setting, the refrigeration system operates according to the ice-making path consisting of compressor 15, condenser 13, electronic expansion valve 9, evaporator 8, and compressor 15.

[0474] Evaporator 8 transfers cold energy to ice mold 5 through neutral antifreeze and the box, causing the flowing ice-making water to gradually freeze.

[0475] When the water valve is open and the refrigeration system is in ice-making mode, the control device begins to count the ice-making duration of the current ice-making cycle.

[0476] When the user selects the first setting, the control unit sets 5 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0477] When the user selects the second setting, the control unit sets 7 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0478] When the user selects level 3, the control device sets 12 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0479] When the user selects level 4, the control unit sets 17 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0480] When the user selects level 5, the control unit sets 22 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0481] When the user selects level 6, the control unit sets 30 seconds as the target ice-making time for the current ice-making cycle.

[0482] The control device continuously performs ice-making water circulation and refrigeration heat exchange until the corresponding target ice-making time is reached.

[0483] When the ice-making time reaches the target ice-making time, the control devices all stop the water supply and enter the ice-collecting process in the same sequence.

[0484] Specifically, the control device closes the water valve, stops the water pump 3, and controls the water receiving tray 6 to move to the retracted state.

[0485] Subsequently, the electronic expansion valve 9 closes, the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 opens, and the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 enters the evaporator 8.

[0486] Evaporator 8 transfers heat to ice mold 5 through neutral antifreeze and the box, causing the ice flakes formed at the current ice thickness setting to detach from the surface of ice mold 5.

[0487] When ice flakes fall off, they act on the water curtain plate or ice-blocking strip, causing the proximity switch to change from a closed state to an open state.

[0488] After the ice flakes pass through the water curtain or ice strip, the proximity switch returns to the closed state.

[0489] The control device determines the ice flakes to detach at the current ice thickness setting based on the status change of the proximity switch.

[0490] If the current ice flakes do not detach within the preset ice collection time, the control device enters the auxiliary ice collection state and continues to perform hot refrigerant ice collection.

[0491] After detecting that the flake ice has completely detached, the control device closes the ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 and restores the electronic expansion valve 9 to the ice-making state.

[0492] The water tray 6 is moved back to the extended position, and the flake ice machine enters the next ice-making cycle using the same ice thickness setting.

[0493] When the user selects a different ice thickness setting during subsequent operation, the control device will recall the target ice-making time corresponding to the new setting.

[0494] The new gear starts participating in ice-making time control from the subsequent ice-making cycle, and all components still operate in coordination according to the aforementioned ice-making, ice-collecting, and cycle recovery processes.

[0495] Therefore, the same flake ice machine can adjust the flake ice preparation process by selecting the ice thickness setting without changing the structure of the ice mold 5, water distributor 4, water receiving tray 6, and refrigeration system.

[0496] For example, in applications where a fast cooling response is required for flake ice, you can select the ice thickness setting with a shorter target ice-making time.

[0497] In scenarios where a relatively long ice-making time is required, you can select the ice thickness setting with a longer target ice-making time.

[0498] The above correspondence between gear settings and ice-making time is an example setting and does not constitute a limitation on the number of gear settings or specific time values.

[0499] In actual products, the ice-making time for each setting can be set or adjusted based on the structure of the flake ice machine, the operation of the refrigeration system, and the test results of the flake ice thickness.

[0500] Regardless of whether the above-mentioned exemplary time is used or the time adjusted after actual product testing, each setting controls the flake ice formation process through the target ice-making time and uses the same method to determine the completion of ice collection.

[0501] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only used to facilitate the explanation of the relative relationship between the components, and do not constitute a limitation on the actual installation direction of the flake ice machine.

[0502] It should be noted that the terms "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "outer side", "back side", "left side" and "right side" used in this invention should be understood in conjunction with the relative positions of the corresponding components in the accompanying drawings.

[0503] It should be noted that the "connection", "communication", "setting" and "corresponding setting" mentioned in this invention can be implemented directly or through intermediate components according to the actual structure, as long as the water supply, water return, refrigerant flow, heat exchange or detection relationship described in this invention can be formed.

[0504] It should be noted that the content described in this invention using terms such as "preferredly", "furthermore", "specifically" and "exemplarily" is used to describe an optional implementation of the corresponding technical feature, and does not mean that the technical feature is necessary in all implementations.

[0505] It should be noted that, without contradiction, the technical features described in the above embodiments, application examples and implementation methods can be combined with each other, and the technical solutions obtained after combination still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0506] It should be noted that the same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are used to indicate the same or similar parts, and repeated descriptions of the corresponding parts in the text can be referred to each other.

[0507] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are mainly used to illustrate the structural, connection, and positional relationships between the components. The shape, proportion, and relative dimensions of each component should not be construed as limiting the actual product structure.

[0508] It should be noted that the ice thickness settings and their corresponding ice-making times in this invention are used to illustrate the control method of the control device calling the target ice-making time according to the settings. The exemplary values ​​can be set according to the actual product test results.

[0509] It should be noted that the ice-making state, ice-collecting state, auxiliary ice-collecting state, and ice-making preparation state described in this invention are used to distinguish the control combinations of each component, and the switching between each state is performed in accordance with the aforementioned water supply, water receiving, cooling, and ice-fall detection process.

[0510] It should be noted that the general structure of the flake ice machine, the general connection method of the refrigeration system, and the conventional implementation method of the control device, which are not described in detail in this invention, can be achieved by adopting existing structures that can be implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0511] It should be noted that the ice-making water referred to in this invention includes both the ice-making water replenished to the bottom water tank 1 through the inlet and the unfrozen ice-making water that flows back to the bottom water tank 1 through the ice mold 5 and the water receiving tray 6 and can continue to participate in the ice-making cycle.

[0512] It should be noted that the hot refrigerant referred to in this invention is used to distinguish it from the refrigerant that enters the evaporator 8 after being regulated by the electronic expansion valve 9 during the ice-making process. Its specific flow relationship is based on the refrigerant path when the aforementioned ice-collecting solenoid valve 12 is opened.

[0513] It should be noted that the present invention describes three ice molds 5 and their corresponding sealed heat exchange cavities separately in order to illustrate the specific structure of this embodiment; each ice mold 5 operates according to the same water supply, heat exchange and ice collection principle.

[0514] It should be noted that the control device's control of the water inlet, water pump 3, water valve, water receiving tray 6, electronic expansion valve 9, and ice collection solenoid valve 12 is all used to achieve state coordination between the aforementioned operating stages.

[0515] It should be noted that the repeated description of a complete ice-making cycle in this invention is used to clarify the structural relationships, control steps, and application process respectively, and components with the same name have the same meaning in each part.

[0516] It should be noted that when a certain technical feature in the embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, the following text can refer to the above content for understanding, and will not completely repeat the same structure.

[0517] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flake ice machine, characterized in that, Includes water supply components, ice-making components, water receiving components, refrigeration system, and control devices; The ice-making component includes an ice mold (5); The water supply assembly includes a water distributor (4) disposed above the ice mold (5) for allowing ice-making water to enter the ice-making surface from the top of the ice mold (5) and flow along the ice-making surface; The water receiving assembly includes a water receiving tray (6) disposed below the ice mold (5). The water receiving tray (6) can switch between an extended state and a retracted state. In the extended state, it receives unfrozen ice-making water flowing down from the ice mold (5) and guides it back to the water supply assembly. In the retracted state, it avoids the path of ice flakes falling from the ice mold (5). The refrigeration system includes an evaporator (8) that exchanges heat with the ice mold (5). The refrigeration system is used to transfer cold energy to the ice mold (5) through the evaporator (8) in the ice-making state and to allow hot refrigerant to flow through the evaporator (8) in the ice-collecting state so that the ice flakes are detached. The control device is connected to the water supply component, the water receiving component, and the refrigeration system respectively, and is used to control the operation of the water supply component, the water receiving component, and the refrigeration system.

2. The flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply assembly also includes a bottom water tank (1), a top water tank (2), and a water pump (3); The water pump (3) is located between the bottom water tank (1) and the top water tank (2) and is used to transport the ice-making water in the bottom water tank (1) to the top water tank (2). The top water tank (2) is connected to the water distributor (4), which is used to direct the ice-making water in the top water tank (2) to the ice mold (5).

3. The flake ice machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ice-making assembly includes three ice molds (5). The water outlet side of the water distributor (4) is correspondingly arranged with the top of the three ice molds (5), so that the ice-making water flows downward along the outside of the ice molds (5) under the action of surface tension and forms a water film covering the ice-making surface.

4. The flake ice machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water receiving assembly also includes guide rails disposed on both sides of the water receiving tray (6) and a motor connected to the water receiving tray (6); The water receiving tray (6) is slidably engaged with the guide rail, and the motor is used to drive the water receiving tray (6) to switch between the extended state and the retracted state along the guide rail according to the preset running time; The water receiving tray (6) is inclined toward the side of the water guiding opening, and the water guiding opening is located on the lower side of the water receiving tray (6) for guiding the unfrozen ice-making water received by the water receiving tray (6) back to the bottom water tank (1).

5. A flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ice-making assembly also includes a heat exchange box disposed on the back side of the ice mold (5), the heat exchange box being attached to the ice mold (5) to form a sealed heat exchange cavity; The sealed heat exchange chamber is equipped with antifreeze and the pipeline of the evaporator (8) so that heat exchange between the evaporator (8) and the ice mold (5) can be realized through the antifreeze and the heat exchange box.

6. A flake ice machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The refrigeration system also includes a compressor (15), a condenser (13), a dryer filter (10), an electronic expansion valve (9), and an ice-collecting solenoid valve (12). The compressor (15), the condenser (13), the dryer filter (10), the electronic expansion valve (9), and the evaporator (8) are connected by refrigeration pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop; The control device is used to close the ice-collecting solenoid valve (12) and control the electronic expansion valve (9) to open in the ice-making state; close the electronic expansion valve (9) and open the ice-collecting solenoid valve (12) in the ice-collecting state, so that the hot refrigerant discharged by the compressor (15) flows into the evaporator (8) through the ice-collecting solenoid valve (12); and close the ice-collecting solenoid valve (12) after the ice collection is completed, so that the electronic expansion valve (9) returns to the ice-making state.

7. A flake ice machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flake ice machine also includes an ice-falling detection structure, which includes a water curtain plate or an ice-collision strip and a proximity switch. The water curtain plate or the ice-collision strip is set on the flake ice falling path of the ice mold (5), and the proximity switch is set in correspondence with the water curtain plate or the ice-collision strip. The control device is used to determine that the ice flakes have completely detached when the proximity switch sequentially changes from a closed state to an open state and then back to a closed state.

8. A flake ice machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control device is used to store the correspondence between multiple ice thickness settings and ice-making time, and to determine the target ice-making time according to the target ice thickness setting selected by the user. The control device is also used to control the water supply component to stop supplying water, control the water receiving tray (6) to switch to the retracted state, and control the refrigeration system to enter the ice-collecting state when the ice-making duration reaches the target ice-making time.

9. A control method for a flake ice machine, characterized in that, An ice maker according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising: Obtain the ice thickness setting selected by the user, and determine the target ice-making time based on the pre-stored correspondence between ice thickness settings and ice-making time; The water receiving tray is moved to the extended state below the ice mold, the water supply component is controlled to supply ice-making water to the ice mold, and the refrigeration system is controlled to transfer cold energy to the ice mold, so that the ice-making water flows along the ice-making surface of the ice mold and freezes to form flake ice. Unfrozen ice-making water is received by the water receiving tray and guided back to the water supply component. When the ice-making duration reaches the target ice-making time, the water supply component is controlled to stop supplying water, the water receiving tray is controlled to move to a retracted state that avoids the path of falling ice flakes, the electronic expansion valve is closed and the ice-collecting solenoid valve is opened, so that the hot refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the evaporator and transfers heat to the ice mold, so that the ice flakes detach. Once the ice flakes have detached completely according to the detection status of the ice-falling detection structure, the ice-collecting solenoid valve is closed, and the electronic expansion valve is controlled to return to the ice-making state.

10. The control method for a flake ice machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The step of determining that the ice flakes have detached based on the detection status of the ice-falling detection structure includes: determining that the ice flakes have detached when the proximity switch sequentially changes from a closed state to an open state and then back to a closed state. When the ice collection time reaches the preset ice collection time but it is not determined that the ice flakes have completely detached, the ice flake machine is controlled to enter the auxiliary ice collection state, keeping the ice collection solenoid valve open and the electronic expansion valve closed, until the ice flakes are determined to have completely detached based on the state change of the proximity switch.

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