JP2009019855A - Operation method of ice maker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure ice making capacity for stably generating a constant ice mass. <P>SOLUTION: This ice maker generates an ice mass I by supplying ice making water to an ice making chamber 12 cooled by ice making operation, and generates the ice mass I in large quantities by repeatedly separating the ice mass I by heating the ice making chamber 12 by ice removing operation. The ice maker completes the ice making operation by detecting completion of generating the ice mass I when a rotating speed of an ice making water pump PM measured by a rotating speed measuring means 42 becomes a target rotating speed Ro or more corresponding to a target water quantity Ws calculated in advance in the ice making operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of operating an ice making machine that generates ice blocks by circulatingly supplying ice making water stored in an ice making water tank to an ice making unit with an ice making water pump.

  In general, an ice making machine repeats an ice making operation in which ice making water is supplied from an ice making water tank to a cooled ice making unit to generate ice blocks, and an ice removing operation in which the ice making unit is heated to remove ice blocks from the ice making unit. It is designed to produce and manufacture ice blocks. Here, the completion timing of the ice making operation is as follows: (1) A float system that detects that the water level in the ice making water tank has reached the set water level by a float switch provided in the ice making water tank; and (2) a thermistor provided in the ice making unit. This is determined by a so-called temperature measurement method for detecting that the temperature of the ice making part has decreased to the set temperature.

Here, (1) “ice making detection method of ice making device” described in Patent Document 1 below is proposed as an ice making machine using a float system. However, such a detection method has a problem in terms of reliability, such as a float switch causing malfunction due to secular change, and a problem that costs increase due to an increase in the number of parts. On the other hand, the thermistor as the detection means according to (2) is preferably used because it is inexpensive and has high detection reliability and can avoid the problem of (1).
JP 59-195076 A

  By the way, it is known that the temperature distribution of the ice making unit in the ice making machine varies depending on various factors such as the ice making capacity of the ice making machine and the outside air temperature that varies depending on the season. Due to this change, the method of detecting a part of the temperature in the ice making section by the thermistor and determining the completion timing of the ice making operation has a problem that the ice making ability is not stable.

  That is, the present invention has been proposed in order to suitably solve these problems inherent in the operation method of the ice making machine according to the prior art, and the operation of the ice making machine capable of ensuring stable ice making capacity. It aims to provide a method.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, an operation method of the ice making machine according to claim 1 of the present application is as follows:
In the operation method of the automatic ice maker, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank is circulated and supplied to the ice making part by the ice making water pump to generate ice blocks.
A rotational speed measuring means for measuring the rotational speed of the ice making water pump;
The rotation speed measured by the rotation speed measuring means is generated when the ice-making water in the ice-making water tank is reduced with the generation of the ice blocks when the ice-making water pump is rotated by supplying a constant voltage. The ice making water pump is stopped when it is determined that the formation of the ice block has been completed when the target rotational speed is increased by reducing the load of the water pump.
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the completion of the ice making operation can be suitably detected without being affected by various factors such as the outside air temperature, so that it is possible to ensure the ice making ability to stably generate a certain ice block.

In the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the said target rotation speed is the initial amount of ice-making water stored in the said ice-making water tank at the time of ice-making start, and the usage-amount of ice-making water used for production | generation of an ice lump by the completion of ice making The value is a value corresponding to the target amount of ice-making water remaining in the ice-making water tank when the ice making is completed.
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 2, it is easy to calculate the initial amount of ice making water stored in the ice making water tank at the start of ice making and the amount of ice making water used to generate ice blocks before ice making is completed. Since the target rotational speed is calculated using a simple numerical value, the rotational speed of the ice making water pump for detecting the completion of the ice block generation can be easily set.

In the invention according to claim 3, it decreases due to an increase in the load of the ice making water pump due to an increase in viscosity of the ice making water in the ice making water tank due to a decrease in water temperature due to the start of ice making, and a decrease in ice making water accompanying the formation of the ice blocks. The minimum rotation speed of the ice-making water pump corresponding to the freezing start point is determined from the rotation speed that turns upward due to the load reduction of the resulting ice-making water pump, and the minimum rotation speed and the rotation speed measured by the rotation speed measuring means are determined. The relationship between the minimum rotational speed and the target rotational speed is determined, and when the target rotational speed coefficient is set in advance, it is determined that the ice block has been generated and the ice-making water pump is stopped. The gist is to do so.
Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, since the freezing start point at which the rotational speed measured by the rotational speed measuring means shifts from a decrease to an increase is used as a reference, the accuracy of detecting the completion of the ice block generation is improved.

The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is that the rotation speed of the ice making water pump measured by the rotation speed measuring means is an average rotation speed per unit time.
Therefore, according to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, it is not influenced by the fluctuation | variation of the rotation speed in minute time, but can measure a rotation speed stably.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, an operation method of the ice making machine of the invention according to claim 5 of the present application,
In the operation method of the automatic ice maker, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank is circulated and supplied to the ice making part by the ice making water pump to generate ice blocks.
Voltage value calculating means for calculating a voltage value of a current for rotating the ice making water pump at a constant rotation number;
The ice-making water generated when the voltage value calculated by the voltage-value calculating means is reduced when the ice-making water in the ice-making water tank is reduced with the generation of the ice block while the ice-making water pump is rotated at a constant rotational speed. It is characterized in that the ice making water pump is stopped when it is determined that the generation of the ice block has been completed when the target voltage value is decreased by reducing the load on the pump.
Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the completion of the ice making operation can be suitably detected without being influenced by various factors such as the outside air temperature, so that it is possible to ensure the ice making ability to stably generate a certain ice block.

In the invention according to claim 6, the target voltage value includes the initial amount of ice making water stored in the ice making water tank at the start of ice making, and the amount of ice making water used to generate ice blocks before ice making is completed. The value is a value corresponding to the target amount of ice-making water remaining in the ice-making water tank when the ice making is completed.
Therefore, according to the invention according to claim 6, it is easy to calculate the initial amount of ice making water stored in the ice making water tank at the start of ice making and the amount of ice making water used for generating ice blocks before ice making is completed. Since the target voltage value is calculated using a simple numerical value, the voltage value required by the ice making water pump when detecting the completion of the ice lump production can be easily set.

In the invention which concerns on Claim 7, it raises by the load increase of the ice-making water pump resulting from the viscosity increase of the ice-making water in the said ice-making water tank accompanying the water temperature fall by the start of ice making, and it decreases in the ice-making water accompanying the production | generation of the said ice lump. The maximum voltage value of the ice making water pump corresponding to the freezing start point is determined from the voltage value that starts to decrease due to the load reduction of the resulting ice making water pump, and the maximum voltage value and the voltage value calculated by the voltage value calculating means The relationship between the maximum voltage value and the target voltage value is specified, and when the preset target voltage value coefficient is reached, it is determined that the ice block has been generated and the ice-making water pump is stopped. The gist is to do so.
Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the icing start point of the ice block is used as a reference, the accuracy of detecting the completion of the ice block generation is improved.

The gist of the invention according to claim 8 is that the voltage value calculated by the voltage value calculating means is an average voltage value per unit time.
Therefore, according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the voltage value can be stably measured without being affected by the voltage fluctuation in a very short time.

  According to the operation method of the ice making machine according to the present invention, the completion of the ice making operation can be suitably detected without being affected by various factors such as the outside air temperature, so that it is possible to ensure the ice making ability to stably generate a certain ice block.

  Next, the operation method of the ice making machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving a preferred embodiment. When the inventor of the present application supplies ice-making water stored in an ice-making water tank to an ice-making chamber or the like by an ice-making water pump, the load applied to the ice-making water pump is reduced in the ice-making water surface stored in the ice-making water tank. That is, it has been found that the amount of ice making water decreases as the amount of ice making water decreases. Then, by utilizing this knowledge, a method of operating an ice making machine capable of detecting completion of ice lump generation that is not affected by outside air temperature, that is, ice making completion detection has been devised. In the embodiment, an ice making machine including a so-called closed cell type ice making mechanism will be described as an example.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the ice making machine according to the first embodiment includes an ice making mechanism 10 that generates ice blocks (square ice) I, a refrigeration mechanism 30 that cools the ice making mechanism 10, and a control means that controls each device. C (see FIG. 4), and the ice lump I can be generated by repeating the ice making operation and the deicing operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the ice making mechanism 10 includes an ice making chamber (ice making unit) 12 in which a large number of ice making chambers 14 opened downward, a water tray 16, and ice making water disposed at the bottom of the water tray 16. The tank 18 includes a water tray opening / closing mechanism 20 that tilts the water tray 16 and the ice making water tank 18 together. An evaporation pipe 32 constituting the refrigeration mechanism 30 is meandered on the upper surface of the ice making chamber 12, and the ice making chamber 12 is cooled or heated by heat exchange with a refrigerant or hot gas flowing through the evaporation pipe 32. ing.

  The water tray 16 is supported such that one side end portion thereof is swingable with respect to the ice making machine body via a support shaft 16a, and the other side end portion is attached to a cam arm 22 constituting the water tray opening / closing mechanism 20. They are connected via a coil spring 24. The water pan 16 is rotated between the horizontal direction in which the ice making chamber 12 is closed in the ice making operation and the open state that is inclined downward from the ice making chamber 12 in the deicing operation by rotating the cam arm 22 forward and backward with the actuator motor 26. It can be displaced. In addition, a drainage port (not shown) is provided at a required position at the tip of the open end side of the water dish 16 so that ice-making water stored beyond the height position of the drainage port is discharged. It has become. The actuator motor 26 is electrically connected to the control means C and is driven and controlled by the control means C (see FIG. 4).

  The ice-making water tank 18 stores a required amount of ice-making water supplied from the water supply unit 28, and this ice-making water is formed through an injection hole (not shown) provided in the water tray 16 by the ice-making water pump PM. The ice is supplied to each ice making chamber 14 of the chamber 12. The ice making water sprayed and supplied to each ice making chamber 14 is frozen in the ice making chamber 14 when the ice making chamber 12 is cooled, and the ice making water that has not been frozen (unfreezing water) is returned to the ice making water tank 18 again. Return. That is, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is circulated and supplied to the ice making chamber 12 by the ice making water pump PM. The ice making water pump PM is electrically connected to the control means C and is driven and controlled by the control means C. For this drive control, the control means C is calculated by the voltage value calculation means 44 for calculating the voltage value V of the current for rotating the ice-making water pump PM at the required rotation speed R, and the voltage value calculation means 44. Means (not shown) for supplying a current having a voltage value V to the ice making water pump PM is provided (see FIG. 4). The water supply unit 28 includes a water supply pipe 29 connected to a water supply source (not shown) such as a water supply, and a water supply valve WV disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 29. The water supply valve WV is opened and closed by the control means C. Be controlled. A water temperature measuring means 40 for measuring the temperature of the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is disposed at a required position in the ice making water tank 18. As the water temperature measuring means 40, for example, a thermistor, a platinum resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, or the like that is already in practical use can be suitably implemented, and the measurement result is output to the control means C.

  In the case of the ice making machine according to the first embodiment, the load applied to the ice making water pump PM (the total pressure required to inject and supply ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 to the ice making chamber 12) is ice making water. The resistance pressure for injecting and supplying the ice making chamber 12 (hereinafter referred to as “injection resistance pressure”) and the resistance pressure for inhaling the ice making water from the ice making water tank 18 (hereinafter referred to as “inhalation resistance pressure”) It is determined. As the ice making progresses, the spray resistance pressure increases because the ice lump I in the ice making chamber 12 increases. On the other hand, the suction resistance pressure is lowered because the ice making water in the ice making water tank 18 is reduced. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the degree of decrease in the suction resistance pressure is larger than the degree of increase in the injection resistance pressure, so that the amount of ice-making water stored in the ice-making water tank 18 decreases as ice making progresses. Therefore, the total pressure required to inject and supply the ice making water to the ice making chamber 12, that is, the load applied to the ice making water pump PM is reduced.

Note that the ice-making water tank 18, most of the ice-making water is stored at the start ice, the amount of water at this time is called the initial amount of water W _S, ice making water tank 18 at the time of generation of the ice block I is completed ice completed the amount of ice-making water remaining is referred to as the target water amount W _O on. Here, the initial amount of water W _S is determined by the height position of the provided drainage openings essentially the water tray 16. The amount of water minus the initial water W _S from the target water amount W _O is making water corresponds to an amount that is reduced by varying the ice blocks I, referred to as water consumption W _I. Here, since the initial water amount W _S and the used water amount W _I can be obtained as design values of the ice making machine, the target water amount W _O can be easily calculated by subtracting the used water amount W _I from the initial water amount W _S. is there. Then, the rotational speed of the ice-making water pump PM which corresponds to the target water amount W _O R, i.e. making water pump PM which is determined by the load when the amount of ice making water stored in the ice-making water tank 18 becomes the target amount of water W _{O Is} referred to as a target rotational speed RO.

  The ice making machine refrigeration mechanism 30 includes a compressor CM, a condenser CD, a cooling fan FM for cooling the condenser CD, an expansion valve EV, and the evaporation pipe 32 as shown in FIG. CM, the condenser CD, the expansion valve EV, and the evaporation pipe 32 are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe 34 to constitute a refrigeration circuit 36. The vaporized refrigerant compressed by the compressor CM is condensed and liquefied by the condenser CD via the refrigerant pipe 34, then depressurized by the expansion valve EV, flows into the evaporation pipe 32, and expands and evaporates there. By exchanging heat with 12, the ice making chamber 12 is forcibly cooled below the freezing point. In addition to the refrigeration circuit 36, the refrigeration mechanism 30 includes a bypass circuit 38 that directly supplies high-temperature refrigerant (hot gas) from the compressor CM to the evaporation pipe 32 without passing through the condenser CD and the expansion valve EV during the deicing operation. I have. The bypass circuit 38 includes a bypass pipe 39 that connects the discharge side of the compressor CM and the suction side of the evaporation pipe 32, and a hot gas valve that is disposed in the middle of the bypass pipe 39 and controlled to be opened and closed by the control means C. HV. During the ice making operation, the hot gas valve HV is closed and the refrigerant is circulated through the refrigeration circuit 36. On the other hand, during the deicing operation, the hot gas valve HV is opened and the hot gas is circulated through the bypass circuit 38. It has become.

  As the ice making water pump PM, a direct current (DC) pump in which an input voltage value V and a rotational torque uniquely correspond is adopted, and a rotational speed measuring means 42 for measuring the rotational speed R of the pump PM is provided. Is provided. The rotation speed measuring means 42 measures the rotation speed R by detecting a motor rotation pulse of the ice making water pump PM. In the first embodiment, the ice making water pump PM is configured to be driven with the voltage value V being constant. In other words, the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM changes as the load relating to the jet supply to the ice making chamber 12 changes. Here, since the ice making water pump PM is driven by a direct current, when the load relating to the supply of the ice making water to the ice making chamber 12 increases, the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM decreases proportionally, and the load Decreases, the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM rises proportionally. Then, the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM is output to the control means C (see FIG. 4). The voltage value V is previously input and held in the control means C as a set value.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the amount of ice making water during the ice making operation and the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM when the voltage value V is kept constant. That is, when the ice making water is initiated ice for storing the initial water W _S in the ice-making water tank 18, the load on the ice-making water pump PM is maximized, the rotation speed R is the most reduced state. Then, the load of the ice making water pump PM decreases as the amount of ice making water decreases due to the progress of ice making, and finally the ice lump I is completely generated and the ice making water remaining in the ice making water tank 18 reaches the target water amount W _O. At that time, the load becomes the smallest, and the rotation speed R becomes the highest state. In the present invention, the state where the ice block I is completely generated is detected from the load of the ice making water pump PM (the rotation speed R in the first embodiment). Specifically, a target rotational speed R _O corresponding to the target water amount W _O that is the amount of ice-making water when the generation of the ice block I is completed is calculated in advance, and the rotational speed of the ice-making water pump PM after the start of the ice making operation. R is whether it is the target rotation speed R _O, determines completion of generation of the ice mass I. Since the target water amount W _O can be easily calculated as described above, the number of rotations of the ice making water pump PM in the ice making water tank 18 storing the target water amount W _O is applied by applying the performance of the ice making water pump PM thereto. target rotational speed R _O is R can be easily calculated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control means C receives various signals from the ice making water pump PM, the rotational speed measuring means 42 for detecting the rotational speed R of the ice making water pump PM, and other various measuring means and detecting means. Is done. The control means C is a hot gas based on various input signals, voltage value calculation means 44 for calculating a voltage value V corresponding to the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM, and various setting values inputted from a control panel (not shown). Each device of the refrigeration mechanism 30 including the valve HV, the actuator motor 26 of the water tray opening / closing mechanism 20, each device of the ice making mechanism 10 including the ice making water pump PM, the operation of the water supply valve WV in the water supply unit 28, etc. are comprehensively controlled. It is like that. In the first embodiment, a timer (not shown) for counting a preset time is provided in the control means C. FIG. 4 shows only constituent members and constituent devices related to the present invention.

The ice making machine is provided with operation switching means for completing the ice making operation by determining completion timing of the ice lump I, that is, completion timing of the ice making operation and stopping the ice making water pump PM. The operation switching means basically includes an ice making water pump PM, a rotation speed measuring means 42 for measuring the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM, and the control means C for controlling each device. (See FIG. 4). Then, in the control unit C is example, the values required for the switching of the ice-making operation and the deicing operation, i.e. stores target speed R _O, also, successively from the ice-making water pump PM and the rotation number measuring means 42 A memory M in which the input voltage value V and the rotational speed R are temporarily stored is incorporated.

Control means C as the operation switching unit, the rotational speed R that is input from the rotation number measuring means 42, adapted to determine whether a target rotational speed R _O or stored in the memory M Yes. Control means C, in the ice making operation, the rotational speed R that is input from the rotation number measuring means 42, and controls each device so as to continue the ice making operation when the target rotational speed R _O is less than the rotation speed R is the target When the number of revolutions R _O becomes equal to or higher than R _O (R ≧ R _O ), each device is controlled so that the ice making operation is completed and the deicing operation is started.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, the operation of the ice making machine according to the first embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Incidentally, in the ice-making water tank 18, the ice making water in the initial water W _S which is required at the start of the ice has just ice-making operation is stored is started. The memory M provided in the control means C stores in advance a target rotational speed R _O corresponding to the target water amount W _O at the time of completion of ice making, and the timer starts ice making and supplies the ice making chamber 12 with an injection. It is assumed that the time until the ice making water started to freeze and the ice making water in the ice making water tank 18 starts to decrease is counted.

  When the ice making operation is started, the ice making chamber 12 is closed by the water tray 16 and the hot gas valve HV is closed, and the compressor CM and the cooling fan FM are driven to freeze the ice making machine. The refrigerant is circulated in the circuit 36, and the ice making chamber 12 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant supplied to the evaporation pipe 32, and the timer starts counting. In the ice making mechanism 10, the ice making water pump PM is driven, so that the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is jetted and supplied from the water tray 16 to each ice making chamber 14. Then, the ice-making water supplied and sprayed is frozen in the cooled ice-making chamber 12 to gradually generate ice blocks I, and the non-freezing water that has not been frozen returns to the ice-making water tank 18. That is, when the generation of the ice lump I is started, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 starts to decrease. At the same time, when the counting of the timer is completed (step Sr1), the rotation speed of the ice making water pump PM is measured by the rotation speed measuring means 42, and the process proceeds to step Sr2 input to the control means C.

In the control means C, the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM measured by the rotation speed measurement means 42 is input after the timer count is completed (step Sr2), and then the process proceeds to step Sr3. In step Sr3, the target rotation speed R _O stored in advance in the rotational speed R and memory M obtained in the measurements are compared, than the rotation speed R is the target rotational speed R _O obtained in the measurement If it is smaller (step Sr3: No), the process returns to step Sr2. Then, if the rotational speed R obtained in the measurement target rotational speed R _O or (Step Sr3: Yes), lowering the rotation torque necessary for driving the ice-making water pump PM, i.e. in the ice-making water tank 18 it is determined that the ice making water to be stored has reached the target amount of water W _O, stop the ice making water pump PM (step Sr4), completing the ice-making operation. Specifically, in the ice making machine, the ice making water pump PM is stopped and the cooling fan FM is stopped. In the ice making machine, the deicing operation is started, the hot gas valve HV is opened, the ice making chamber 12 is heated, the actuator motor 26 is driven in the opening direction, and the water dish 16 tilts downward.

  Here, since the rotation speed measuring means 42 detects the motor rotation pulse of the ice making water pump PM within a predetermined time, the rotation speed R measured by the rotation speed measuring means 42 is an average rotation per unit time. It has become a number. As described above, since the rotation speed R is the average rotation speed per unit time, measurement with high stability is possible without being affected by the fluctuation of the rotation speed R in a minute time. Also, the load on the control means C can be reduced. In the first embodiment, the unit time is set to 1 second. In addition, you may use the rotation speed measurement means 42 which measures the instantaneous rotation speed of the ice making water pump PM.

As described above, in the ice making machine according to the first embodiment, the generation completion of the ice lump I, that is, the completion timing of the ice making operation is determined from the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM, so that it is not affected by the outside temperature or the like. The ice lump I having a constant size can be generated stably. Further, since the ice making machine can grasp the completion of the ice making operation based on the target rotational speed R _O easily calculated from the target water quantity W _O calculated from the initial water quantity W _S and the used water quantity W _I , its setting management Is extremely easy and can improve practicality such as setting at the time of installing the ice making machine and maintenance.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the rotational speed R of the ice-making water pump PM by decreased rotation resistance, and to detect the completion of generation of the ice blocks I upon a target rotational speed R _O or a previously calculated. By the way, since the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is sprayed and supplied to each ice making chamber 14 until the water temperature reaches 0 ° C., the water temperature is gradually lowered and returned to the ice making water tank 18. , Hardly change the amount. That is, the ice making water is first cooled to about 0 ° C. while being in a liquid state at the start of the ice making operation, and is then subjected to freezing in the ice making chamber 12. Then, when the ice making water sprayed and supplied to each ice making chamber 14 starts freezing, only the unfreezing water returns to the ice making water tank 18 as in the first embodiment, and the ice making water progresses as the freezing progresses. The ice making water stored in the tank 18 decreases.

It is known that when cooled in this way, the viscosity of water increases as the water temperature decreases. That is, a load is applied to the ice making water pump PM as the temperature of the ice making water decreases. Therefore, during the ice making operation, the relationship between the water temperature and amount of ice making water accompanying the progress and the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM is as shown in the graph shown in FIG. 6 (upper solid line). Represents the relationship between time and rotational speed R, the lower solid line represents the relationship between time and temperature, and the lower two-dot chain line represents the relationship between time and the amount of ice making water). The water viscosity is 1792 × 10 ⁶ , 1520 × 10 ⁶ , 1307 × 10 ⁶ , 1138 × 10 ⁶ , 1002 × 10 ^{6 at} 0 ° C., 5 ° C., 10 ° C., 15 ° C., 20 ° C. or 25 ° C., respectively. Or, it is 890 × 10 ⁶ (unit: Pa · sec), and the viscosity at 0 ° C. is about 1.8 times at 20 ° C. and twice or more at 25 ° C. Further, the definition of the target rotational speed R _O , the initial water quantity W _S , the target water quantity W _O and the used water quantity W _I and the point that the average rotational speed per unit time is adopted as the rotational speed R are described in the first embodiment. It is the same.

Therefore, taking advantage of the relationship between the temperature of the ice making water and the rotation speed R of the ice making water pump PM, the ice making water freezes in the ice making chamber 12 from the turning point where the decrease in the rotation speed of the ice making water pump PM starts to rise. The ice starting operation may be completed by specifying the ice starting point that is substantially started and detecting the completion of the formation of the ice block I with reference to the ice starting point. Specifically, (A) by storing the rotational speed R measured by the rotational speed measuring means 42, it is possible to recognize a decrease and increase in the change in the rotational speed R with the progress of the ice making operation. The rotational speed R, which decreases with an increase in the load of the ice making water pump PM due to the increase in viscosity due to the decrease, is accompanied by a decrease in the load of the ice making water pump PM due to the decrease in ice making water due to the subsequent generation of ice blocks I. The turning point that starts to rise is identified as the freezing start point, and the rotation speed R at the freezing start point is determined as the minimum rotation speed _RL of the ice making water pump PM. (B) And the minimum rotation speed _RL and the target rotation the relationship between the number R _O is defined as a target rotation speed coefficient K _R, is a outermost low rotation speed R _L, the relationship between the rotation speed R which is determined by the rotational speed measuring means 42 and the target rotational speed coefficient K _R When it is determined that the formation of ice block I has been completed, Is configured to stop the pump PM. Here, the target rotational speed R _O corresponds to the target water volume W _O of the ice making water remaining in the ice making water tank 18 when the ice making is completed, as in the first embodiment, and the minimum rotational speed _RL is the ice block. This corresponds to the freezing start point at which the production of I starts substantially. That is, when the relationship between the minimum rotational speed R _L and the rotation speed R of the ice-making water pump PM is, it becomes the target rotation speed coefficient K _R or to identify the relationship between the minimum rotation speed R _L and the target rotation speed R _O In addition, the completion of generation of the ice block I is detected.

Since the configuration of the ice making machine itself according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the ice making machine according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Based on Incidentally, in the ice-making water tank 18, the ice making water in the initial water W _S which is required at the start of the ice has just ice-making operation is stored is started. Further, in the memory M provided in the control unit C, and those in which the minimum frequency R _L and the target rotation speed R _O the target rotation speed coefficient K _R to identify the relationship is stored in advance. Here, the target rotation speed coefficient K _R, a constant representing the relationship between the minimum rotation speed R _L and the target rotation speed R _O, and the change in viscosity with temperature decrease of ice making water, is calculated from the target water amount W _O The

  Steps Sr2 and Sr4 of the ice making machine are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and will not be described. Further, since the time from the start of ice making until the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 starts to decrease is specified by the above-mentioned freezing start point, step Sr1 is omitted. That is, immediately after the start of ice making, step Sr2 of measuring the rotational speed R of the ice making water pump PM is executed by the rotational speed measuring means 42 and input to the control means C. At this time, if the rotational speed measurement of the ice-making water pump PM by the rotational speed measuring means 42 is the first time (step Sr5: Yes), the input rotational speed R is stored in the memory M (step Sr7) and at step Sr2. Return. If the rotation speed measurement is the second time or later (step Sr5: No), the process proceeds to step Sr6 for determining the magnitude of the rotation speed R obtained by the measurement with respect to the rotation speed R immediately before being stored in the memory M. move on.

In step Sr6, the rotational speed R obtained by the measurement is compared with the immediately preceding rotational speed R stored in the memory M, and the rotational speed R obtained by the measurement is smaller than the immediately preceding rotational speed R. If (step Sr6: No), the rotational speed R obtained by the measurement is stored (overwritten) in the memory M (step Sr7) and the process returns to step Sr2. If the rotation speed R obtained by the measurement is equal to or higher than the previous rotation speed R (step Sr6: Yes), the rotation speed R obtained by the measurement is stored in the memory M as the minimum rotation speed R. _The process proceeds to step Sr8 for dividing by _L. That is, if the rotation speed R obtained by the measurement is equal to or greater than the previous rotation speed R, it is determined that the freezing start point (turning point) has been passed, and the process proceeds to Yes in step Sr6. The stored numerical value is not overwritten, and the memory M keeps the minimum rotational speed _RL which is the minimum rotational speed R.

In step Sr8, a value obtained by dividing the rotational speed R obtained by the measurement by the minimum rotational speed _RL stored in the memory M (hereinafter referred to as a divided value) is calculated, and in the next step Sr9, the division is performed. They are compared with the target rotational speed coefficient K _R to be stored in advance in the memory M and the value, if the quotient is smaller than the target rotational speed coefficient K _R (step SR9: No), the flow returns to step Sr2. Then, if the relevant division value is the target rotational speed coefficient K _R above (step SR9: Yes), the ice making water rotational speed R is determined that reached the target rotational speed R _O, i.e., which is stored in the ice-making water tank 18 There it is determined that reached the target amount of water W _O, stop the ice making water pump PM (step Sr4), completing the ice-making operation.

In the case of the second embodiment, the completion of generation of the ice block I is not directly detected by measuring the target rotation speed R _O , but the minimum rotation speed _RL that is close in time to generation is specified and used as a reference. with a, since to detect the completion of generation of the target speed coefficient K _R by ice blocks I representing the relationship between the target rotational speed R _O and minimum rotation speed R _L, the detection accuracy of the completion of generation of the ice block I improves. In addition, since it is possible to specify the time point when the ice block I begins to freeze, by separately storing the time from the start of ice making to the start of freezing, and the time from the start of freezing to the completion of ice making, it is possible to closely monitor abnormalities occurring during ice making. .

(Third embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the completion of the generation of the ice block I is detected based on the rotation speed R that changes when the ice-making water pump PM is driven with the voltage value V kept constant. A method for detecting the completion of generation of the ice block I using an index other than the number R will be described. Since the configuration of the ice making machine itself according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, description thereof is omitted. The definitions of the initial water amount W _S , the target water amount W _O and the used water amount W _I are the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when the voltage value V is feedback-controlled so that the rotation speed R of the ice-making water pump PM is constant instead of the rotation speed R, the variation in the load applied to the ice-making water pump PM is accompanied. This is a method for detecting the completion of the formation of the ice lump I using the change in the required voltage value V (hereinafter simply referred to as the voltage value V). This is because, in the ice making water pump PM driven by a direct current, the voltage value V increases proportionally when the load related to the supply of ice making water to the ice making chamber 12 increases, and the voltage value V decreases when the load decreases. It uses the point that the voltage value V is uniquely determined according to the degree of the load while decreasing proportionally. The voltage value V is calculated from the rotation speed R to be made constant by the voltage value calculation means 44 incorporated in the control means C, and is input to the control means C. For the same reason as in the first embodiment, an average voltage value per unit time is adopted as the voltage value V.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the amount of ice making water and the voltage value V of the ice making water pump PM when the rotation speed R is kept constant. That is, in the ice making start the ice making water is stored in the initial water W _S in the ice making water tank 18, the load of the ice making water pump PM is maximized, the voltage value V of ice making water pump PM is the highest value . Then, the load of the ice making water pump PM decreases as the amount of ice making water decreases due to the progress of ice making, and when ice making is finally completed, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is the smallest, and the ice making water pump PM The voltage value V is the lowest because the load of the current is the smallest. That is, the generation completion of the ice block I is detected from the change in the voltage value V. Specifically, a target voltage value V _O corresponding to the target water amount W _O that is the amount of ice-making water when the generation of the ice block I is completed is calculated in advance, and the voltage value V becomes the target voltage value after the ice-making operation is started. Whether or not the ice block I has been generated is determined based on whether or not V _O has been reached.

The operation of the ice making machine according to the third embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Incidentally, in the ice-making water tank 18, the ice making water in the initial water W _S which is required at the start of the ice has just ice-making operation is stored is started. Further, the memory M provided in the control means C stores a target voltage value V _O corresponding to the target water amount W _O at the completion of ice making in advance, and the timer starts ice making and supplies the ice making chamber 12 with injection. It is assumed that the time until the ice making water started to freeze and the ice making water in the ice making water tank 18 starts to decrease is counted.

  When the ice making operation is started, the ice making chamber 12 is closed by the water pan 16, the hot gas valve HV is closed, and the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigeration circuit 36, as in the first embodiment. As the chamber 12 is cooled, the timer starts counting, and the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 is jetted and supplied to each ice making chamber 14 by driving the ice making water pump PM. Then, the ice-making water supplied and sprayed is frozen in the cooled ice-making chamber 12 to gradually generate ice blocks I, and the non-freezing water that has not been frozen returns to the ice-making water tank 18 and is stored in the ice-making water tank 18. The ice making water begins to decrease, and at the same time, the timer count ends (step Sv1) and the process proceeds to step Sv2.

After the timer count ends, the voltage value V of the current current that drives the ice making water pump PM is input from the voltage value calculation means 44 to the control means C (step Sv2), and then the process proceeds to step Sv3. In step Sv3, the voltage value V inputted at the present time is compared with the target voltage value V _O stored in the memory M, and if the voltage value V is larger than the target voltage value V _O (step Sv3: No ), The process returns to step Sv1. If the voltage value V is less than or equal to the target voltage value V _O (step Sv3: Yes), the rotational torque required for driving the ice making water pump PM is reduced, that is, the amount of ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18. There it is determined that reached the target amount of water W _O, stop the ice making water pump PM (step Sv4), completing the ice-making operation.

  As described above, when determining the completion timing of ice making from the voltage value V of the current for rotating the ice making water pump PM, the current for rotating the ice making water pump PM is appropriately changed. Compared with the embodiment and the second embodiment, energy consumption can be suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the third embodiment described above, a voltage value V (hereinafter simply referred to as voltage value V) required to drive the ice making water pump PM at a constant rotation due to a decrease in rotational resistance is a target voltage value V _O calculated in advance. Although it is determined that the generation of the ice lump I is completed when the following conditions are reached, the fourth embodiment increases with the decrease in the water temperature described in the second embodiment as compared with the third embodiment. A method considering the viscosity of water will be described. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the temperature and amount of ice-making water accompanying the progress of the ice making operation and the voltage value V (in FIG. 10, the upper solid line shows the relationship between time and voltage value V, and the lower solid line shows the time and time). The relationship between the temperature and the lower two-dot chain line represents the relationship between time and the amount of ice-making water). FIG. 10 shows the ice temperature of the ice making water in the ice making room 12 from the turning point where the rise of the voltage value V that rotates the ice making water pump PM at a constant speed is reduced by utilizing the relationship between the water temperature of the ice making water and the voltage value V. It indicates that it is possible to control the completion of the ice making operation by specifying the ice starting point that is substantially started and detecting the completion of the formation of the ice block I with reference to the ice starting point.

Specifically, (a) by storing the voltage value V input from the voltage value calculating means 44, it is possible to recognize an increase and decrease in the change in the voltage value V as the ice making operation proceeds, and the water temperature of the ice making water The voltage value V that rises with an increase in the load of the ice making water pump PM due to the increase in viscosity due to the decrease is accompanied by a decrease in the load of the ice making water pump PM due to the decrease in ice making water due to the subsequent generation of ice blocks I. identify the turning point starts to decrease Te as freezing start point, determines the voltage value V in the ice formation start point as the maximum voltage value V _H of the ice-making water pump PM, (b) and the maximum voltage value V _H, the target voltage The relationship between the value V _O and the target voltage value coefficient K _V is defined, and the relationship between the maximum voltage value V _H and the voltage value V input from the voltage value calculation means 44 is the target voltage value coefficient K _V. It is determined that the formation of ice block I has been completed. It is configured to stop the ice water pump PM. Here, the target voltage value V _O corresponds to the target water amount W _O of the ice making water remaining in the ice making water tank 18 when the ice making is completed, as in the third embodiment, and the maximum voltage value V _H is This corresponds to the freezing start point at which the generation of the ice lump I is substantially started. That is, when the relationship between the maximum voltage value V _H and the voltage value V is equal to or less than the target voltage value coefficient K _V for specifying the relationship between the maximum voltage value V _H and the target voltage value V _O, generation of ice cubes I Completion is detected. Note that the definition of the target voltage value V _O , the initial water amount W _S , the target water amount W _O and the used water amount W _I and the point that the average voltage value per unit time is adopted as the voltage value V are the third embodiment. It is the same.

Since the configuration of the ice making machine itself according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the ice making machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Based on Incidentally, in the ice-making water tank 18, the ice making water in the initial water W _S which is required at the start of the ice has just ice-making operation is stored is started. In addition, it is assumed that the memory M provided in the control means C stores in advance a target voltage value coefficient K _V that specifies the relationship between the maximum voltage value V _H and the voltage value V. Here, the target voltage value coefficient K _V is a constant representing the relationship between the maximum voltage value V _H and the target voltage value V _O, and is calculated from the change in viscosity due to a decrease in the water temperature of the ice making water and the target water amount W _O. The

  Steps Sv2 and Sv4 after the start of the ice making operation of the ice making machine are the above-described third embodiment, and will not be described. Further, since the time from the start of ice making until the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 18 starts to decrease is specified by the above-mentioned freezing start point, step Sv1 is omitted. That is, the voltage value V of the current current that is driving the ice making water pump PM immediately after the start of ice making is input from the voltage value calculating means 44 to the control means C (step Sv2). At this time, if the voltage value V is input for the first time (step Sv5: Yes), the voltage value V is stored in the memory M (step Sv7) and the process returns to step Sv2. If the voltage value V is input for the second time or later (step Sv5: No), the voltage value V is compared with the immediately preceding voltage value V stored in the memory M, and the immediately preceding voltage value is compared. The process proceeds to step Sv6 for determining the magnitude of the voltage value V with respect to V.

In step Sv6, the current voltage value V is compared with the immediately preceding voltage value V stored in the memory M, and if the voltage value V is greater than the immediately preceding voltage value V (step Sv6: No). The voltage value V obtained by the measurement is stored (overwritten) in the memory M (step Sv7), and the process returns to step Sv2. Then, if the relevant voltage value V is less immediately preceding voltage value V (step SV6: Yes), it proceeds to step Sr8 dividing the maximum voltage value V _H which is stored the voltage value V in memory M Become. That is, if the voltage value V input at this time is equal to or less than the immediately preceding voltage value V, it is determined that the icing start point (turning point) has been passed, and step Sv6 is advanced in the direction of Yes, and thereafter stored in the memory M. numeric longer be is overwritten, the maximum voltage value V _H continues to be held is the maximum voltage value V in the memory M.

In step SV9, a calculated value obtained by dividing the maximum voltage value V _H which is stored a voltage value V to be inputted at the present time obtained in step Sv8 in memory M (hereinafter, referred to as division value), previously memory M and the target voltage value coefficient K _V stored are compared within, if the division value is greater than the target voltage value coefficient K _V (step SV9: No), the flow returns to step Sv2. Then, if the relevant division value is less than the target voltage value coefficient K _V (step SV9: Yes), the ice making water a voltage value V determined that reached the target voltage value V _O, i.e., which is stored in the ice-making water tank 18 There it is determined that reached the target amount of water W _O, stop the ice making water pump PM (step Sv4), completing the ice-making operation.

In the case of the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment described above, the maximum voltage value _VH that is close to completion of generation in time is specified and used as a reference. Accuracy is improved. In addition, since it is possible to specify the time point when the ice block I begins to freeze, by separately storing the time from the start of ice making to the start of freezing, and the time from the start of freezing to the completion of ice making, it is possible to closely monitor abnormalities occurring during ice making. .

(Example of change)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as follows.
(1) The operation method of each of the embodiments described above can be applied to an ice making machine equipped with a flow-down type or open cell type ice making mechanism. In this case, since it is not necessary to consider the injection resistance pressure described above, the load applied to the ice making water pump PM is greatly reduced.
(2) In the second and fourth embodiments, the turning point at which the load of the ice making water pump PM changes from increasing to decreasing is specified by the rotational speed R and voltage value V of the ice making water pump PM. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as apparent from FIGS. 6 and 10, the turning point is a freezing start point where the water temperature of the ice making water reaches around 0 ° C. Therefore, the water temperature of the ice making water provided in the ice making water tank 18 is measured. The turning point may be specified using the water temperature measuring means 40.
(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the target rotational speed _RO and the target voltage value V _O for detecting the completion of the generation of the ice block I are stored in advance in the memory M provided in the control means C. Is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which an operator can input suitably. In this case, it is possible to perform fine services such as detection of the completion of the generation of the ice lump I, that is, matching the completion timing of the ice making operation to the operator's preference. Furthermore, while making the target rotation speed R _O and the target voltage value V _O unchangeable, a control method such as multiplying these values by a certain variable is adopted, and the variables are appropriately set by the operator. It may be possible. In this case, it is possible to change the completion timing of the ice making operation described above while maintaining a high returnability while leaving the basic value, so that the usefulness of the ice making machine can be further enhanced.
(4) In the first and third embodiments described above, the measurement start timing of the rotational speed R and the input start timing of the voltage value V are determined by using a timer. It is not limited. For example, the timing may be determined by detecting the start of ice lump I using the temperature of the ice making chamber 12 or the temperature of the ice making water.
(5) In the first embodiment described above, the average rotational speed per second is used as the rotational speed R, but the present invention is not limited to this. The unit time may be lengthened or shortened depending on the accuracy of completion of the ice making operation.

It is the schematic which shows the ice making machine used for the operating method of the ice making machine which concerns on suitable 1st Example of this invention. In the ice making machine of the first embodiment, it is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ice making water during ice making operation, the pressure applied to the ice making water pump, and time. In the ice making machine of the first embodiment, it is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of ice making water during ice making operation, the number of rotations of the ice making water pump, and time. It is a control block diagram of the ice making machine of 1st Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the ice making operation | movement in the ice making machine of 1st Example. In the ice making machine of 2nd Example, it is a graph which shows the relationship between the amount of ice making water at the time of ice making operation, water temperature, the rotation speed of an ice making water pump, and time. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the ice making operation | movement in the ice making machine of 2nd Example. In the ice making machine of 3rd Example, it is a graph which shows the voltage value required in order to drive the amount of ice making water at the time of ice making operation, and an ice making water pump by fixed rotation speed, and time. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the ice making operation | movement in the ice making machine of 3rd Example. In the ice making machine of 4th Example, it is a graph which shows the voltage value required in order to drive the amount of ice making water at the time of ice making operation, water temperature, and an ice making water pump by fixed rotation speed, and time. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the ice making operation | movement in the ice making machine of 4th Example.

Explanation of symbols

12 Freezer (ice making section), 18 the ice-making water tank, 42 rpm measuring means 44 voltage value calculating means, I ice blocks, PM making water pump, R rotational speed _{R L} minimum rotational speed, _{R O} target speed, V voltage , _{V H} maximum voltage value _{V O} target voltage value, _{W I} water consumption, _{W O} target water amount, _{W S} initial water

Claims (8)

In the method of operating an automatic ice maker, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank (18) is circulated and supplied to the ice making part (12) by the ice making water pump (PM) to generate ice blocks (I).
Rotational speed measuring means (42) for measuring the rotational speed (R) of the ice making water pump (PM),
The rotation speed (R) measured by the rotation speed measuring means (42) is rotated by supplying a constant voltage to the ice-making water pump (PM), and the ice-making water tank is generated along with the generation of the ice blocks (I). (18) When the ice-making water pump (PM) generated by the decrease in ice-making water is increased and reaches the target rotational speed (R _O ), it is determined that the formation of the ice block (I) is completed. And the ice making water pump (PM) is stopped. The target rotational speed (R _O ) is used to generate an initial amount of ice making water (W _S ) stored in the ice making water tank (18) at the start of ice making and generation of ice blocks (I) until ice making is completed. 2. The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein the ice making machine has a value corresponding to a target water amount (W _O ) of ice making water remaining in the ice making water tank (18) when ice making is completed, which is calculated in advance from the amount of water used for ice making water (W _I ). Driving method. Decrease due to increased load of ice making water pump (PM) due to increase in viscosity of ice making water in ice making water tank (18) accompanying water temperature drop due to start of ice making, decrease in ice making water due to generation of ice block (I) The minimum rotation speed (R _L ) of the ice-making water pump (PM) corresponding to the freezing start point is determined from the rotation speed (R) that turns upward due to the load reduction of the ice-making water pump (PM) caused by the relationship between the rotational speed (R _L) and the rotational speed measured by the rotational speed measuring means (42) (R) is identified the relationship between the outermost low rotational speed (R _L) and the target rotational speed (R _O) In addition, when the target rotational speed coefficient (K _R ) reaches a preset target rotational speed coefficient (K _R ), it is determined that the generation of the ice block (I) is completed, and the ice making water pump (PM) is stopped. How to operate your ice machine.   The rotation speed (R) of the ice-making water pump (PM) measured by the rotation speed measuring means (42) is an average rotation speed per unit time of the ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. how to drive. In the method of operating an automatic ice maker, the ice making water stored in the ice making water tank (18) is circulated and supplied to the ice making part (12) by the ice making water pump (PM) to generate ice blocks (I).
Voltage value calculating means (44) for calculating a voltage value (V) of a current for rotating the ice making water pump (PM) at a constant rotation speed,
The voltage value (V) calculated by the voltage value calculation means (44) under the rotation of the ice-making water pump (PM) at a constant rotational speed is an ice-making water tank ( 18) When the target voltage value (V _O ) is reduced by reducing the load of the ice making water pump (PM) generated by the decrease in the ice making water in the inside, it is determined that the formation of the ice block (I) is completed. And the ice making water pump (PM) is stopped. The target voltage value (V _O ) is used to generate an initial amount of ice making water (W _S ) stored in the ice making water tank (18) at the start of ice making, and generation of ice blocks (I) until ice making is completed. 6. The ice making machine according to claim 5, wherein the ice making machine has a value corresponding to a target water amount (W _O ) of ice making water remaining in the ice making water tank (18) when ice making is completed, which is calculated in advance from the amount of water used for ice making water (W _I ). Driving method. Increase in the load of the ice making water pump (PM) due to an increase in the viscosity of the ice making water in the ice making water tank (18) due to a decrease in water temperature due to the start of ice making, and a decrease in ice making water due to the formation of the ice block (I) The maximum voltage value (V _H ) of the ice-making water pump (PM) corresponding to the freezing start point is determined from the voltage value (V) that starts to decrease due to the load reduction of the ice-making water pump (PM) caused by the voltage value calculated by the voltage value (V _H) and the voltage value calculating means (44) relationship between the (V), identified a relationship between said maximum voltage value (V _H) and the target voltage value (V _O) In addition, when the preset target voltage value coefficient (K _V ) is reached, it is determined that the generation of the ice block (I) is completed, and the ice making water pump (PM) is stopped. How to operate your ice machine.   The method of operating an ice making machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the voltage value (V) calculated by the voltage value calculation means (44) is an average voltage value per unit time.

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