WO2006059495A1

WO2006059495A1 - Ice making device

Info

Publication number: WO2006059495A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/021203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shinya Takagi; Masahiro Nishiyama
Original assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2005-11-18
Publication date: 2006-06-08
Also published as: JP2006183984A; JP3810423B2

Abstract

An ice making device (69) for producing ice by causing water to attach on flow-down grooves (21) cooled by a refrigerant. The flow-down grooves (21) are constructed from an ice making plate (1) with high cool-air conductivity and from a bottom plate section (12) and upright ribs (11) of an ice separation unit (17) with lower cool-air conductivity than the ice making plate (1).

Description

Specification

Ice making equipment

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice making device that can rapidly and efficiently produce ice with high transparency, and that can be stored while maintaining high quality.

Background art

Conventionally, various ice making apparatuses that generate ice with high transparency have been developed. As an example, there is an ice making device as disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 22, this ice making device 169 is connected to an evaporation pipe (refrigerant pipe; a refrigerant of approximately −15 ° C. to −25 ° C. is flowing) of a refrigeration cycle (not shown). The ice making plate 101 arranged vertically is sprinkling (flowing down) the ice making water through the water sprinkling hole 144.

[0003] When ice making water flows down (circulates down) in this way, gas components (impurities) such as air dissolved in water diffuse. Therefore, only pure water forms an ice film (ice film) on the ice making plate 101 in close contact with the refrigerant pipe, and as a result, highly transparent ice is generated. In particular, this ice film grows so as to be gradually laminated, and finally becomes highly transparent ice having a semicircular cross-sectional shape. Then, by removing the generated ice from the ice making plate 101 (by removing the ice), usable ice is completed.

Therefore, for example, the ice making device 169 of Patent Document 1 supplies water for deicing (for deicing) to the ice making plate 101 via the ice removing pipe 171, thereby generating one piece of generated ice. The part is melted and the ice is deiced.

[0005] By the way, it is difficult for such an ice making device of Patent Document 1 to generate a plurality of separated ice on the ice making plate 101 while adjusting the shape. This is because, in order to efficiently use cold air, for example, if the ice making plate 101 is made of a material having a high cold air conductivity (thermal conductivity), ice is formed over the entire ice making plate 101. is there

Therefore, an ice making device 169 as shown in FIG. 23 (perspective view), FIG. 24A (front view of FIG. 23) and FIG. 24B (side view of FIG. 23) is considered. This ice making device 169 has a low thermal conductivity (refrigerant The meandering refrigerant pipe 102 is attached by welding or the like on the ice-making plate 101 made of stainless steel or the like. Further, the ice making device 169 is erected on the ice making plate 101 such that a plurality of ribs 111 extending in one direction (vertical direction) are arranged.

In other words, in the ice making device 169 shown in FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 24B, an ice making plate 101 having a low thermal conductivity and stainless steel is used. By using it, only the vicinity of the refrigerant pipe 102 is made below the freezing point. Therefore, the ice-making water flowing from the sprinkling hole 144 flows down into the groove (flowing groove 121) on the ice-making plate 101 formed by the ribs 111. Ice).

[0008] The ice making device 169 shown in FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 24B heats the ice making plate 101 by causing the hot gas immediately after compression in the refrigeration cycle to flow into the refrigerant pipe 102, and thereby Thaw the part and let the ice come off.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-53668 (see Fig. 1)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] The ice making device 169 shown in Fig. 23, Fig. 24, and Fig. 24B described above has a thermal conductivity that prevents the entire area on the ice making plate 101 from cooling efficiently in order to generate separated ice. The ice making plate 101 is made of a low material. Therefore, there is a problem that a part of the refrigeration capacity due to the cold air of the refrigerant is wasted.

[0010] Further, in any of the ice making apparatuses 169 of Patent Document 1 and FIGS. 23, 24, and 24B, ice is made by melting (thermal melting) a part of the generated ice in the de-icing process. plate

The ice is getting away from 101.

[0011] For this reason, water adheres to the surface of ice that has been deiced due to melting. For example, when ice is stored in an environment below the freezing point (0 ° C or below), a plurality of ice pieces are re-frozen. As a result, there is a problem that the shape becomes a continuous shape and becomes unsuitable for use.

[0012] It should be noted that the inside of the BOX storing the ice is kept at about 0 ° C to 5 ° C only by the latent heat of the ice which itself prevents the formation of the ice having the above-described continuous shape, and the ice is reused. There is also a storage method that prevents freezing. However, with this storage method, the ice is slightly melted and stored. Therefore, long-term (long-term) storage is difficult. In addition, ice containing pure water as a main component contains a very small amount of components such as chlorine. For this reason, if the ice melted out gradually is stored for a long time, there will be a problem that germs and the like will propagate.

[0013] Above all, the above-mentioned deicing method has a fundamental problem when a part of the refrigeration capacity used for ice making is wasted, and it is an efficient deicing method. Nare ,.

[0014] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is capable of generating ice by effectively utilizing the refrigerating capacity, and also capable of preserving ice while maintaining high quality. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice making device that does not allow moisture to adhere to the surface of ice that has been deiced. Means for solving the problem

[0015] The present invention is an ice making device that generates ice by adhering water onto a cooled ice making unit, wherein the ice making unit is composed of a first member and a second member. It is characterized by.

[0016] The first member and the second member are a first cold air conducting member (first heat conducting member) and a second cold air conducting member (second heat conducting member) having different thermal conductivities. You can do it. In addition, the first member and the second member become the first cold air conductive member and the second cold air conductive member having different thermal conductivities depending on the presence or absence of the heat insulation treatment.

In short, the present invention is an ice making device that generates ice by adhering water onto, for example, an ice making part that is cooled by a refrigerant. The ice making part has a conductivity (heat It is characterized by being composed of a first cold air conducting member and a second cold air conducting member having different conductivities.

[0018] In particular, the first cold air conducting member has a cold conductivity that maintains a temperature below the freezing point by a refrigerant or the like, while the second cold air conducting member has a temperature exceeding the freezing point by the refrigerant or the like. Maintaining the conductivity of the cold air.

[0019] According to this, in the ice making unit, the first cold air conducting member capable of solidifying water into ice, and the second cold air conducting member which does not drop in temperature to the solidifying temperature (ie, freezing point). Are mixed. Therefore, when water is attached to the ice making part, a part where ice is generated and a part where ice cannot be generated are generated. In other words, ice is not generated over the entire ice making area. As a result, a plurality of separated lump ice is formed in the ice making section. [0020] In particular, due to the difference in thermal conductivity between the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member, the second cold air conducting member does not become below the freezing point due to the cold air or cold heat of the refrigerant. On the other hand, the first cold air conducting member is rapidly cooled by cold air or cold heat. For example, when the refrigerant supply pipe is connected to the first cold air conducting member that rapidly drops in temperature, the refrigeration capacity can be sufficiently effectively utilized while generating a plurality of separated ice (lump ice). (For example, improving ice-making efficiency and shortening ice-making time).

[0021] In other words, the ice making device of the present invention does not require the ice making part to be composed of only a material having low thermal conductivity at the expense of the refrigerating capacity in order to generate separated lump ice as in the prior art.

[0022] Further, the ice making unit is configured by alternately arranging the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member, and preferably, alternately in the direction in which the water adhering to the ice making unit flows down. It is good to be arranged.

[0023] According to this, in the process of flowing down the water adhering to the ice making part, the water adhering to the first cold air conducting member first becomes an ice film. On the other hand, the water that could not become an ice film flows as it is, and reaches the next first cold air conducting member through the second cold air conducting member. Then, the reached water becomes an ice film on the first cold air conducting member. By repeating this process of flowing down, the ice making device of the present invention can guide the flowing-down water onto the first cold air conducting member that is efficient. In addition, when the first cold air conducting members are alternately positioned in the ice making section, ice is generated by arranging a plurality of them along the direction in which the water flows down.

[0024] Various ice making parts in which the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member are alternately arranged are conceivable. For example, in the ice making unit, the second cold air conducting member separated at a constant interval is overlaid on at least a part of the base member including the first cold air conducting member, and the first cold air conducting member is placed on the first cold air conducting member. It may be configured to be exposed from the gap between the two cold air conducting members. This is because in the ice making unit, the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member that are exposed are arranged alternately.

[0025] Further, the ice making unit has a second cold air conducting member having an opening superimposed on a base material part including at least a part of the first cold air conducting member, and the first cold air conducting member is opened. It may be configured to be expressed from This is because the first ice-cooling member and the second cold-air conducting member that are exposed are arranged alternately in the strong ice making unit. [0026] Of course, in these ice making apparatuses as well, the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member are alternately arranged in the direction in which the water adhering to the ice making part flows down, as described above. It is preferable.

[0027] It should be noted that the surface of at least one member to which water adheres in the ice making section composed of the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member (for example, the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member arranged alternately) It is preferable that the surface to which water adheres in the ice making part made of the cold air conducting member, or at least the surface of the first cold air conducting member constituting the ice making part) is a smooth surface. This is because resistance can be prevented from flowing down by doing so. In addition, if the first cold air conducting member to which water adheres has a smooth surface, there is an advantage that ice is easily generated and that it is easy to deice.

[0028] Further, in the ice making part of the ice making device of the present invention, a partition part is provided so as to rise from a smooth surface of the ice making part (for example, from the second cold air conducting member constituting the ice making part). ing. And preferably, the extending direction of the partition (longitudinal direction of the partition) is the same as the direction in which water flows down. It should be noted that at least one partition is provided (if the partition is a plate, it may be expressed that one or more are provided).

[0029] According to this, since the ice making unit is divided by, for example, a plurality of arranged (for example, horizontally arranged) partition units, the generated ice is also divided. . In particular, the extending direction of the partition portion is the same as the direction in which water flows down (for example, the vertical direction), so that the ice generated and sectioned in the ice making portion is arranged in a horizontal direction. In other words, the ice generated and divided in the ice making section has a relationship such that the ice is aligned horizontally and vertically (ice is positioned in a matrix).

[0030] It should be noted that the partition part (for example, at least a part of the partition part) is made of the same material as that of the second cold air conducting member, so there is a situation in which the partition part and the generated ice are fixed. I don't get it.

[0031] Further, in the ice making device of the present invention, the partition portion is slidable along the surface constituting the ice making portion. For example, the partition portion is formed integrally with the second cold air conduction member, and the partition portion slides along the direction in which the second cold air conduction member is displaced with respect to the first cold air conduction member. It can be moved. Specifically, a drive unit serving as a power source for sliding the partition unit is provided, and a transmission unit that receives power from the drive unit is provided in the partition unit. Upon receiving power from the power source, the second cold air conducting member slides away from the first cold air conducting member.

[0033] The sliding movement of the partition portion in this way means that the ice generated in the ice making portion (specifically, on the first cold air conducting member) comes into strong contact with the sliding partition portion. As a result, a shearing force is applied to the ice stuck on the first cold air conducting member, the sticking between the ice and the first cold conducting member is released, and the ice is separated from the force of the first cold air conducting member. Become. In other words, the ice making device of the present invention does not need to deliberately melt the ice surface in order to release the ice from the first cold air conducting member.

[0034] Then, an ice storage unit for storing the ice generated in the ice making unit is provided, and if the inside of the ice storage unit is maintained below the freezing point, a support due to melting of ice is provided. Size reduction can be prevented. In addition, since it does not melt, water no longer exists, and it is possible to prevent the propagation of germs and the like in the ice reservoir.

[0035] It should be noted that in order to efficiently remove ice from the first cold air conducting member, the first cold conducting member to which water adheres is subjected to a peeling process that makes it easy to peel off the generated ice. It is preferable. For example, a fluororesin may be coated on the first cold air conducting member.

[0036] According to this, the adhesion strength between the first cold air conducting member and ice does not increase relatively, the slide moving distance of the partition part is lengthened, and the driving force of the drive part that slides the partition part is increased. There is no need to do this.

[0037] Various cooling methods of the present invention can be envisaged. For example, cooling by a refrigerant (cooling using a refrigerant; for example, cooling by cold air cooled by a refrigerant or cooling by cold refrigerant) or other cooling methods may be used.

The invention's effect

[0038] In the ice making device of the present invention, an ice making unit where ice is generated is combined with members having different cold air conductivities (thermal conductivities) (first cold air conducting member · second cold air conducting member), The area where the refrigerant is efficiently transmitted and below the freezing point, and that the refrigerant is not transmitted efficiently and exceeds the freezing point. It is made to mix with the area which became. Therefore, the ice making device of the present invention can generate a plurality of pieces of ice separated on the ice making unit (that is, can generate ice only on the first cold air conducting member). . In other words, the ice making device of the present invention uses the refrigerant's refrigeration capacity effectively because the ice making unit does not form the entire ice making part with low heat conductivity as in the prior art, in order to generate separated ice. Ice can be generated. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view mainly showing an ice making plate unit “icing unit” and the like in an ice making device of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 2B is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating an ice making plate unit included in an ice making apparatus, a watering unit in addition to an ice removing unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an ice making plate unit used in the ice making device of the present invention.

[FIG. 5] A table showing the thermal conductivity of the material constituting the ice making plate of the ice making plate unit or the bottom plate portion of the ice removing unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an ice removal unit used in the ice making device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a three-sided view including a front view, a side view, and a bottom view of the ice removal unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram related to a control unit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a process (assembly process) for assembling the ice making plate unit and the ice removing unit.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a process (assembly process) for assembling the ice making plate unit and the ice removing unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ice making process.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the ice making device of the present invention showing another example of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13A is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an ice making plate unit showing another example of FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of an ice removal unit showing another example of FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a three-sided view including a front view, a side view, and a bottom view of the ice removal unit showing another example of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the ice making device of the present invention after completion of the ice making process.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of an ice making device of the present invention performing an ice removal step.

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the ice making device of the present invention showing another example of FIGS. 1 and 12.

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of the ice making device of the present invention showing another example of FIG. 1, FIG. 12 and FIG.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of an ice removing unit showing another example of FIGS. 6 and 15.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a conventional ice making device.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a conventional ice making device showing another example of FIG.

FIG. 24A is a front view of FIG.

FIG. 24B is a side view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Ice making plate (first member, first cold air conduction member, first cold heat member)

lb Cylindrical ice making plate (first member, first cold air conduction member, first cold member)

2 Refrigerant pipe

7 Ice making plate unit

8a Auxiliary plate

8b Guide piece

11 Standing rib (partition)

12 Bottom plate (second member, second cold air conduction member, second cold heat member)

12a Bottom plate piece (second member, second cold air conduction member, second cold heat member)

12b Tubular body (second member, second cold air conduction member, second cold heat member)

12bc exposed hole (opening)

13 Ball screw part (transmission part)

17 De-icing unit

21 Downflow ditch (ice making part)

31 RU motor (drive unit) 41 Ice storage BOX (Ice storage part)

42 Circulation pipe

43 Pump

44 Watering hole

X Slide direction

Y Slide direction

V Slide direction

w Slide direction

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] [Embodiment 1]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of ice making device]

The ice making device of the present invention generates ice using the refrigerant supplied by the refrigeration cycle. The specific configuration is as shown in FIGS. As shown in these drawings, the ice making device 69 of the present invention includes an ice making plate unit 7 (see FIG. 4), an ice removing unit 17 (see FIG. 6), an ice removing unit drive motor (RU motor) 31, and water spraying. It includes a unit 47, an ice making completion detection sensor 51 (see Fig. 8), a control unit 52 (see Fig. 8), and an ice storage BOX (ice storage unit) 53.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view mainly showing the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 in the ice making device 69 of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a front view of FIG. b) is a side view of Fig. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 as well as the watering unit 47 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ice making plate unit 7 includes a refrigerant pipe 2 and an ice making plate 1 (first member, first cold air conducting member, first cold heat conducting member) attached to the refrigerant pipe 2. It is summer. For convenience, the ice making plate 1 is provided with a mesh line. [0045] <Regarding refrigerant pipe>

The refrigerant pipe 2 is a pipe through which refrigerant (refrigerant gas, refrigerant liquid) flows in the refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle (not shown) includes at least a compressor that compresses refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure, a condenser that condenses and liquefies the compressed refrigerant, an expansion valve that expands the condensed liquefied refrigerant, and a refrigerant In order to prevent the occurrence of liquid compression that gives a very large load to the compressor as it is, an accumulator that sends only gas to the compressor is included.

[0046] The refrigerant pipe 2 is configured to connect these constituent members (at least a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an accumulator) to form a circulation path (cycle). These components are expressed as refrigeration cycle unit 10 (see FIG. 8).

[0047] <About ice making plate>

As shown in Fig. 5 (a table showing the thermal conductivity), the ice making plate 1 has a plate having a high thermal conductivity (conductivity of refrigerant cold air) such as copper (Cu) or aluminum (A1). It is. An ice film (ice film) is laminated on the ice making plate 1. Specifically, an ice film is stacked on the entire surface of the ice making plate 1 near the refrigerant pipe 2 by vaporization of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 2.

[0048] Note that the ice making plate 1 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 2 that has become meandering by welding or the like in order to maintain high thermal conductivity. In particular, a plurality of ice making plates 1 · 1 are attached to the meandering refrigerant pipe 2 so that the extending directions (longitudinal direction of the ice making plate 1) are parallel to each other and separated from each other so as not to contact each other. It has become.

[0049] <Ice unit>

As shown in FIG. 6 (perspective view) and FIG. 7 (three-sided view), the ice removal unit 17 has a standing rib (partition part) 11, a bottom plate part (second cold air conducting member) 12, and a ball screw part (transmission) Part) 13 is included. In FIG. 7, for the sake of convenience, the opening portion (opening 22) is shown filled in.

[0050] 《About standing ribs》

The standing rib 11 is provided so as to rise from the bottom plate portion 12. In particular, The ribs are provided (stand up) so as to stand up from the bottom plate portion 12 which is arranged so that one surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (ground). In particular, the standing ribs 11 are arranged on the surface of the bottom plate portion 12 so as to be separated from each other and aligned in one direction.

[0051] Therefore, when an ice making plate unit 7 and an ice removing unit 17 which will be described later are assembled, the standing ribs 11 and 11 and the bottom plate portion 12 ( Bottom plate piece 12a) · Groove (flowing groove) 21 is formed with ice making plate 1. Note that the flow-down groove (ice making part) 21 extends in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (ground) in order to allow ice-making water to flow down. The one direction (the direction in which the standing ribs 11 are arranged) is a horizontal direction.

[0052] <About the bottom plate>

The bottom plate portion 12 is composed of a plurality of bottom plate pieces (second member, second cold air conducting member, second cold heat conducting member) 12a. The plurality of bottom plate pieces 12a are arranged so as to be separated from each other and arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) of the standing ribs 11. In particular, the extending direction of the upright ribs 11 (longitudinal direction of the upright ribs 11) and the arrangement direction of the upright ribs 11 intersect (intersect) at approximately 90 °.

[0053] Therefore, an opening 22 (see the filled portion in FIG. 7) delimited by the standing rib 11 is formed between the bottom plate pieces 12a '12a, and this opening 22 is connected in the horizontal direction. A fitting groove 23 is also formed.

Although details will be described later, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, ice is generated in the downflow groove 21. Then, it is necessary to release the ice from the descending groove 21. Therefore, in order to prevent the ice and the standing rib 11 and the bottom plate 12 from sticking more than necessary (for example, to the extent that it cannot be deiced), ceramics, resin, stainless steel, etc. with low thermal conductivity (see Fig. 5). ), It is preferable that the standing rib 11 and the bottom plate portion 12 are configured.

[0055] <Ball screw part>

The ball screw portion 13 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 includes a force with a male screw 13a and a female screw 13b. The female screw 13b is attached to the standing rib 11 corresponding to, for example, the outermost part of the ice removing unit 17. As the male screw 13a rotates, the female screw 13b It can be reciprocated in the axial direction of the screw 13a (for example, reciprocating with a few millimeters). That is, the ball screw part 13 enables the ice removing unit 17 to move (reciprocate) with respect to the ice making plate unit 7.

[0056] <Take the drive motor (RU motor) for the ice release unit>

The RU motor (drive unit) 31 rotates the male screw 13a of the ball screw unit 13. Specifically, the rotating shaft 31a of the RU motor 31 and the male screw 13a of the ball screw portion 13 are engaged with each other, and the male screw 13a rotates according to the rotation of the rotating shaft 31a. ing.

[0057] <About the watering unit>

The watering unit (water supply unit) 47 shown in FIG. 3 is used to flow ice-making water into the ditch 21 and connects the ice-making water tank 41 for storing ice-making water and the ice-making water tank 41 to the inlet of the ditch 21. A circulation pipe 42 and a pump 43 that is provided in the circulation pipe 42 and sends ice-making water to the inlet of the flow-down groove 21 through the circulation pipe 42 are included.

[0058] In order to flow down (fall) the ice making water, the extending direction (groove flow direction) of the flow groove 21 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (ground). Therefore, the inlet of the downflow groove 21 is the upper part of the downflow groove 21.

[0059] Therefore, in the circulation pipe 42 located near the inlet of the downflow groove 21, in order to cause the ice-making water sent out by the pump 43 to flow down (fall) into the downflow groove 21, a water spray hole 4 is provided. 4 is now available (see Figure 1). The watering holes 44 are preferably provided so as to correspond to the respective downflow grooves 21 so that a uniform amount of water flows down for each of the plurality of downflow grooves 21.

[0060] In addition, the ice-making water flowing through the downflow groove 21 partially becomes an ice film, while the remaining water that could not be formed into an ice film travels down the downflow groove 21 to the outside of the downflow groove 21. Therefore, the recovery opening 41a is provided in the ice making water tank 41 so that the flowing water (unfreezing water) can be used again as ice making water. Specifically, by arranging the recovery opening 41a and the outlet of the flow-down groove 21 (that is, the lower part of the flow-down groove 21) so as to be close to each other, for example, uniced water is formed through the recovery opening 41a. It is collected in the water tank 41. In order to collect unfrozen water more efficiently, the collection opening 41a You may provide the introduction part (for example, the member which non-freezing water leads) which connects with the exit of the descent | fall groove | channel 21.

[0061] <About ice making completion detection sensor>

The ice making completion detection sensor 51 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, etc., see FIG. 8) is a sensor that can detect the temperature, for example, and detects the temperature near the ice film stacking point (that is, on the ice making plate 1). It is supposed to be. If the ice making completion detection sensor 51 force S that can detect the temperature in this way can detect the temperature (threshold temperature) at which it can be determined that the ice has grown to be usable, for example, by stacking ice films.

[0062] For example, this threshold temperature is stored in the control unit 52 (see Fig. 8) described later, and temperature information (detection temperature) of the ice making completion detection sensor 51 can be acquired. By comparing the above, the ice making device 69 of the present invention can grasp the state of ice [whether or not usable ice (blocked ice) is formed or not).

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 52 includes at least a refrigeration cycle unit 10, an RU motor 3

1. Controls and manages the pump 43 and the ice making completion detection sensor 51. Details of the function of the control unit 52 will be described later.

[0064] <About ice storage BOX>

The ice storage BOX (ice storage part) 53 stores ice that has deiced (falled) from the downflow groove 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the ice is disposed below the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 as shown in FIG.

[0065] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in order to efficiently guide ice to the ice storage BOX 53, an inclined surface 41b is provided in a part of the ice making water tank 41, and the falling ice force is inclined. The surface 41b may be rolled to be led to the ice storage BOX 53.

[0066] It should be noted that the ice storage BOX 53 is managed below the freezing point by using, for example, a refrigerant, and the ice that has been deiced can be stored below the freezing point.

[0067] [Ice making plate unit 'Assembly of ice making device by ice removing unit]

Figure 9 · Figure for assembly of ice making equipment with ice making plate unit 7 and ice removing unit 17 10 will be used for explanation. For convenience, the ice making plate unit 7 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0068] The ice making device 69 of the present invention includes an ice making plate unit 7 including an ice making plate 1 made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and a standing rib 11 and a bottom plate portion 12 having a material force having a low thermal conductivity. It is configured by combining with ice unit 17.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9 (perspective view showing the assembly process) 'Fig. 10 (plan view showing the assembly process), the fitting groove 23 (Fig. 7 And the ice making plate 1 of the ice making plate unit 7 are fitted together. This fitting method is not particularly limited, but as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, there is a method of fitting by sliding along the extending direction of the fitting groove 23.

[0070] In order to fit the fitting groove 23 and the ice making plate 1 with no gap, the size of the fitting groove 23 'the depth of the groove and the size of the ice making plate 1'the plate thickness substantially match. It is preferable that In this way, the bottom of the downflow groove 21 (that is, the bottom made up of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate portion 12) is in a flush state (smooth surface) and does not give resistance to the flowing down water. Because, it can be.

When the fitting groove 23 and the ice making plate 1 are fitted together in this way, as shown in FIG. 1, the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a are alternately arranged in the flow-down groove 21. More specifically, the ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a are alternately arranged in the direction in which the water adhering to the downflow grooves 21 flows down.

[An ice making process of an ice making device]

Here, the ice making process / icing process by the ice making device 69 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 11, the block diagram of FIG. In the following explanation, the operation step in the flow chart is indicated as S. Also, the process from S1 to S6 is expressed as the ice making process, and the process from S7'S8 is expressed as the ice removal process.

First, the control unit 52 drives the refrigeration cycle unit 10 so that the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe 2 (Sl). This refrigerant is controlled by the control unit 52 so as to be about -15 ° C to -25 ° C (refrigerant temperature), and the ice making plate 1 is cooled by the heat of vaporization. As a result, the ice making plate 1 is rapidly cooled to the same level as the refrigerant temperature. It has become so.

Next, the control unit 52 drives the pump 43 in the watering unit 47 to circulate the ice making water in the ice making water tank 41 in the circulation pipe 42 (S2). Then, the ice making water flowing through the circulation pipe 42 flows from the sprinkling hole 44 to the flow down groove 21 composed of the ice making plate 1, the standing rib 11, and the bottom plate portion 12 (S3).

[0075] When the ice making hydropower downflow groove 21 flows down in this way, only the ice making plate 1 having a high thermal conductivity (conductivity of the refrigerant) has the same temperature as the refrigerant temperature, while the heat conduction. The low-rise standing rib 11 and the bottom plate part 12 are maintained at a temperature higher than the refrigerant temperature.

Therefore, a thin ice film is formed on the ice making plate 1 (S4). When the ice making plate 1 is continuously cooled by the cooling medium, the ice films are gradually laminated (S5). When the ice-making plate 1 is cooled down to a certain temperature (threshold temperature) by the refrigerant, the stacked (grown) ice film becomes usable ice (bulk ice). S6).

As described above, in the ice making process in which ice is formed by flowing down (circulating down) the ice making water, gas components (impurities) such as air dissolved in the water are diffused. Therefore, only pure water forms an ice film on the ice making plate 1.

[0078] In addition, the ice-making water flowing down is an ice film on the way (it is solidified in the shape of the middle of the flowing-down water), and a new ice film is formed on the ice film of pure water. Are stacked. For this reason, when the ice film continues to be stacked and becomes lump ice, it has a semi-circular cross-sectional shape with high transparency and ice is completed.

Incidentally, the bottom of the flow-down groove 21 is arranged so that the ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a are alternately arranged. Therefore, a joint is formed between the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate piece 12a. And the vicinity of this joint is easily affected by the cold caused by the refrigerant. Therefore, an ice film is formed to cover the joint. Therefore, even if there is a gap at the joint, the ice film formed to cover as described above plays a role of a seal (that is, prevents water leakage near the joint). Such a sealing member is unnecessary). It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not lump ice has been formed is made by comparing the detection temperature of the ice making completion detection sensor 51 with the threshold temperature as described above. Specifically, when the detected temperature reaches a threshold temperature (for example, −20 ° C. to −25 ° C.), the control unit 52 determines that a block of ice is formed, but the detected temperature is lower than the threshold temperature. If it is high, it is judged that it is still necessary to continue to stack the ice film.

[0081] In S4 to S6, the ice making water that could not become an ice film is recovered through the flow-down groove 21 to the ice-making water tank 41, and is guided again from the circulation pipe 42 to the flow-down groove 21. (S4 'S5' S6 → S3).

[0082] Then, in S6, if the control unit 52 can determine that the lump ice has been formed, the control unit

52 drives the RU motor 31 to rotate forward (S7). Specifically, the RU motor 31 moves (slides) the ice removal unit 17 by several millimeters in a direction away from the stationary ice making plate unit 7 (X direction; slide direction).

[0083] As described above, when the ice removing unit 17 moves, the standing ribs 11 and 11 positioned so as to sandwich the lump ice fixed on the ice making plate 1 move in the X direction (horizontal direction). Become. In other words, the standing ribs 11 and 11 try to shift the X-direction (forward direction) by forcibly pushing the lump ice fixed on the ice-making plate 1. Therefore, a shearing force is applied to the lump ice, and the lump ice and the ice making plate 1 are not fixed, and the lump ice is separated from the ice making plate 1.

[0084] Then, due to the natural fall due to gravity, the lump ice rolls down toward the ice storage trough 53 (S8). In S7, after the lump ice is removed from the ice making plate 1, the RU motor 31 is driven in reverse rotation to move the standing rib 11 in the Y direction (sliding direction; By returning to the position, new ice making water can be solidified into ice (the ice making device 69 is put into a state where ice making is possible).

[Various features of the ice making device]

As described above, the ice making device 69 of the present invention supplies water on the flow-down groove 21 cooled by the refrigerant (specifically, on the smooth surface area (ice making part) formed of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate part 12). By attaching it, ice is generated. The downflow groove 21 (also referred to as an ice making unit) includes an ice making plate 1 having a high cold air conductivity by the refrigerant, a lower cold air conductivity than the ice making plate 1, and a bottom plate 12 of the ice removing unit 17. It is made up of 11 ribs. [0086] The ice making plate 1 has a cold air conductivity (thermal conductivity) that maintains a temperature below the freezing point by the refrigerant, while the bottom plate portion 12 and the standing rib 11 have the freezing point also by the refrigerant. It has cold conductivity that maintains temperatures above. The ice making plate 1 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 2 for refrigerant.

[0087] In this way, in the downflow groove 21, the ice making plate 1 that can solidify water into ice, and the bottom plate portion 12 · that does not drop to the solidifying temperature (ie, freezing point; 0 ° C). When the standing ribs 11 are mixed, a part where ice is generated and a part where ice cannot be generated are generated in the downflow groove 21. That is, ice is not generated over the entire downstream groove 21, and a plurality of separated lump ice is formed in the downstream groove 21.

[0088] In particular, since the bottom plate portion 12 and the standing rib 11 are configured with a material force having a low thermal conductivity, the ice making plate 1 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, while it does not fall below the freezing point due to the cold air of the refrigerant. Since it is configured, it is rapidly cooled by cold air. Therefore, the ice making device 69 of the present invention can fully utilize the refrigeration capacity while generating a plurality of separated lump ice (the refrigerant can be fully used; for example, improvement of ice making efficiency and ice making time). Lead to shortening).

That is, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, the ice making plate 1 is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity (for example, stainless steel) at the expense of the refrigerating capacity in order to generate the lump ice separated as in the prior art. It is not necessary to configure all of the above.

[0090] Further, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, the flow down groove 21 is configured by alternately arranging the ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a. Specifically, the ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a are alternately arranged in the direction in which the water adhering to the downflow groove 21 flows down (that is, the direction in which the water flows down and the ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a The alignment direction is the same direction).

[0091] Therefore, in the process of water (ice-making water) flowing down to the inlet force outlet of the flow-down groove 21, the water first attached to the ice-making plate 1 becomes an ice film. On the other hand, the water that could not become an ice film flows along the falling groove 21 as it is, and reaches the next ice making plate 1 through the bottom plate piece 12a. The reached water becomes an ice film on the ice making plate 1. By repeating this flow-down process, the ice making device 69 of the present invention flows along the flow-down groove 21. The falling water can be guided onto the ice making plate 1 which is efficient, and a plurality of lump ice can be formed along the flow groove 21.

[0092] The flow-down groove 21 is delimited by a standing rib 11 that also rises a smooth surface force composed of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate portion 12 (bottom plate piece 12a). In other words, the area (ice making part) composed of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate part 12 is divided (partitioned) by the standing rib 11.

[0093] In particular, the extending direction of the standing rib 11 (longitudinal direction of the standing rib 11) is the same direction as the direction in which water flows down (the arrangement direction of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate piece 12a). . for that reason

The standing rib 11 vertically separates the ice film (ice) formed in the area (ice making part) composed of the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate part 12 (that is, the separated ice is It ’s like a horizontal alignment).

In addition, the standing rib 11 is formed integrally with the bottom plate portion 12, and the standing rib 11 extends along a direction in which the bottom plate portion 12 is displaced from the ice making plate 1. 11, slide movement is possible.

[0095] Specifically, a power source for slidingly moving the standing rib 11 (however, since it is integrated with the standing rib 11 and also includes the bottom plate portion 12; that is, the ice removing unit 17) The RU motor 31 is provided, and a ball screw portion 13 that receives the power of the RU motor 31 is provided on the standing rib 11. Then, the standing rib 11 receives the power transmitted from the RU motor 31 and slides along with the bottom plate portion 12 so as to deviate from the ice making plate 1.

[0096] The sliding movement of the standing rib 11 in this way means that the ice (lumped ice) generated in the downflow groove 21 (specifically, on the ice making plate 1) is slid and moves up and down. You will come into strong contact. Therefore, a shearing force is applied to the lump ice stuck on the ice making plate 1, the lump ice and the ice making plate 1 are released from sticking, and the lump ice is separated from the ice making plate 1.

That is, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, it is not necessary to melt the ice surface in order to release the ice from the ice making plate 1. Therefore, when ice is stored in the ice storage BOX 53 managed below the freezing point, due to the water on the melting ice surface, It is possible to prevent the ice floe from refreezing. In addition, size reduction due to melting of lump ice can be prevented. In addition, since water does not exist (that is, ice remains), it is possible to prevent the propagation of germs and the like in the ice storage BOX 53.

[0098] Further, conventionally, it was necessary to provide a drain for discharging water accompanying the melting of the ice surface from the ice storage BOX. In the ice storage BOX 53 in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, There is no need to provide a separate drain.

[0099] [Embodiment 2]

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Note that members having the same functions as the members used in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0100] The ice making device 69 of the first embodiment generates ice on the ice making plate 1 in the flow down groove 21 while sliding at least the standing ribs 11 in the flow down groove 21 to make the ice on the ice making plate 1 The fixed ice is forcibly de-iced.

[0101] Certainly, with such an ice making device 69, an ice making plate that melts the ice surface

It is possible to de-ice from 1. However, the higher the adhesion strength between the ice making plate 1 and the ice, the more the shearing force applied to the ice must be increased by sliding the standing rib 11 in some cases. For this reason, it may be necessary to increase the sliding distance of the standing rib 11 or increase the driving force of the RU motor 31.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a process (descending process) for more easily deicing ice from ice making plate 1 will be described.

[0103] As an example of the exfoliation treatment, for example, a coating (coating) made of a non-adhesive material may be applied on the ice making plate 1 (on the surface to which water is attached) of the downflow groove 21. An example of such a material is a fluororesin.

[0104] The fluororesin is a resin obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of an olefin monomer containing fluorine (F), and is a resin strongly bonded (C—F) to carbon (C). For this reason, a densely covered fluorine atom protects the carbon chain. In addition, due to the close and contrasting arrangement of atoms in the molecule, the polarization of charge is extremely small.In addition, the intermolecular cohesive force is extremely small and the surface energy is extremely small. have. [0105] · Excellent non-stickiness, non-wetting

• Excellent lubricity (low coefficient of friction)

• Excellent cold resistance

• Excellent water repellency

• Excellent wear resistance

[0106] Therefore, if this fluororesin is coated on the ice making plate 1, it is possible to prevent a situation where the ice is strongly fixed on the ice making plate 1 due to the non-adhesive property and lubricity. Therefore, the ice can be removed from the ice making plate 1 by only a slight sliding movement of the standing rib 11 (by a slight shearing force (torque)). In other words, when ice coating plate 1 is coated with fluororesin, it should be deiced with a slight force (torque; approximately 1 / 15th of the torque) compared to the case without coating. Power S can be. As a result, it is possible to save the driving system or achieve compactness.

[0107] Note that the fluororesin has excellent cold resistance, and is therefore extremely effective when used under low temperature conditions such as the ice making device 69. In addition, since the water repellency is high, the fluororesin on the ice making plate 1 can not be an obstacle to the water flowing down the downflow groove 21. In addition, since it has abrasion resistance, even if ice is repeatedly generated and peeled off repeatedly on the fluororesin coating, the coating itself cannot deteriorate.

[0108] However, the thermal conductivity of the fluororesin is very low [approximately 0.:! To about 0.5 WZ (m * K)]. Therefore, the thickness of the fluororesin coating is preferably a thin film of about several zm. This is because if the coating is made into a thin film, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the thermal conductivity of the ice generating surface on the ice making plate 1 deteriorates (decreases).

[0109] The coating of the fluororesin is performed by powder coating by heat melting, bonding by an adhesive or the like. Examples of the fluororesin include, for example, tetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkoxyethylene copolymer, ethylene trifluoride chloride, Examples include ethylene. Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. [0110] [Embodiment 3]

Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Note that members having the same functions as those used in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0111] Another ice making device 69 corresponding to the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figs. 12 is a perspective view mainly showing the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, FIG. 13A is a front view of FIG. 12, and FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG. It has become. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the ice making plate unit 7, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ice removing unit 17. FIG. 16 is a three-sided view of the ice removal unit 17.

Note that in FIG. 13B, guide pieces 8b (described later) are omitted for convenience. In FIG. 16, the RU motor (drive unit) 31 is omitted for convenience.

[0113] [Structure of ice making device]

As shown in FIG. 14, the ice making plate unit 7 includes a refrigerant pipe 2, an ice making plate 1, an auxiliary plate 8a, and a guide piece 8b. The ice making plate unit 7 in FIG. 14 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4) except that the auxiliary plate 8a and the guide piece 8b are provided. Further, the ice making plate 1 is preferably subjected to the above-described peeling treatment.

[0114] The auxiliary plate 8a is a plate that is provided so as to fit in a gap between the ice making plates 1 that are spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. Further, the surface of the combined body (plate-shaped combined body; base material portion) that is a force between the ice making plate 1 and the auxiliary plate 8a is in a flush state. The auxiliary plate 8a is preferably made of a material similar to that of the bottom plate portion 12, for example, a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity such as a ceramic resin stainless steel.

[0115] The guide piece 8b regulates the sliding direction of the ice removing unit 17, and is erected so as to sandwich the base material portion. Specifically, one guide piece 8b is provided upright from each of both ends of the surface of the base material portion so that the guide pieces 8b ′ 8b sandwich the base material portion. In addition, the extending direction of the guide piece 8b (perpendicular to the rising direction of the guide piece 8b) and the longitudinal direction of the ice making plate 1 and auxiliary plate 8a constituting the base portion should be perpendicular to each other. It has become.

[0116] Therefore, when the cross section (longitudinal section) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (extending direction) of both guide pieces 8b '8b is observed along the longitudinal direction of the ice making plate 1 and the auxiliary plate 8a, this Guide piece 8b 'The base body combined body (ice making plate unit 7) has a concave shape. Therefore, the ice making device 69 is completed by fitting the ice removing unit 17 into the concave portion. The guide piece 8b is preferably made of a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity, such as ceramic resin or stainless steel, like the bottom plate portion 12.

[0117] <About the de-icing unit>

As shown in FIG. 15 (perspective view) and FIG. 16 (three views), the ice removing unit 17 includes standing ribs (partition portions) 11, a bottom plate portion 12, and a ball screw portion 13. In FIG. 16, for the sake of convenience, the opening (opening 22) is filled and illustrated.

[0118] The standing ribs 11 are arranged so as to be arranged in one direction while being spaced apart at a constant interval. During this period (between the standing ribs 11 and 11), the bottom plate pieces 12a are arranged so as to be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the standing ribs 11 and spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. Yes. When the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 are assembled (details will be described later), the bottom plate piece 12a overlaps the auxiliary plate 8a of the ice making plate unit 7 (that is, the bottom plate piece 12a ' Ice making plate 1 is exposed through the gap between 12a (opening 22)).

[0119] The ball screw portion 13 moves the deicing unit 17 in the extending direction of the downflow groove 21 (perpendicular to the horizontal plane). For this reason, the axial direction of the male screw 13a ′ and the female screw 13b of the ball screw portion 13 is the same as the extending direction of the flow down groove 21. The installation position of the ball screw portion 13 is not particularly limited. For example, the start point side or the end point side in the extending direction of the downflow groove 21 (the end portion of the deicing unit 17 orthogonal to the extending direction of the downflow groove 21). ).

[0120] [Assembly of ice making unit by ice making plate unit]

The ice making device 69 of the present invention is configured by combining the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the deicing unit 17 is arranged so that the surface of the bottom plate piece 12a faces the surface of the base material portion sandwiched between the guide pieces 8b. It is supposed to fit. Therefore, the distance between the guide pieces 8b '8b and the distance between the outer ribs 11 and 11 (specifically, the distance between the inner surfaces of the guide pieces 8b and 8b and the outermost It is preferable that the distance between the outer surfaces of the ribs 11 · 11 is almost the same.

[0121] When the ice removing unit 17 is mounted on the surface of the base member in this manner, the standing ribs 11 · 11 and the bottom plate portion 12 ( Bottom plate piece 12a) · Groove (flowing groove) 21 is formed with ice making plate 1.

[0122] The bottom of the downflow groove 21 has a step. However, at least the surface of the ice making plate 1 that is exposed from the gap between the bottom plate portions 12 (between the bottom plate pieces 12a; the opening 22) is a smooth surface. In addition, even if there is a step, since it is a very low step (because the thickness of the bottom plate piece 12a is extremely thin), resistance to water flowing through the downflow groove 21 does not occur.

[0123] The end of the bottom plate piece 12a located in the vicinity of the boundary between the bottom plate piece 12a and the ice making plate 1 has an inclination (an inclination etc. that does not block the flowing ice making water). May be. For example, the angle between the exposed surface of the ice making plate 1 and the end surface of the bottom plate piece 12a (side surface of the bottom plate piece 12a) may be an obtuse angle. This is because resistance to the water flowing through the downflow groove 21 does not occur.

[The ice making process of the ice making apparatus]

Here, the ice making process and the deicing process by the ice making device 69 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 (flow chart) and FIGS. 17 and 18. However, since S1 to S6 (ice making process) in this flowchart are the same as the above description, S7'S8 (deicing process) will be explained mainly. In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the guide piece 8b is omitted for convenience.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 17 (side view), after the ice making process is completed, ice is generated on the ice making plate 1 in the base material portion. If the control unit 52 determines in S6 in the ice making process that the lump ice has been formed, the control unit 52 drives the RU motor 31 to rotate forward (S7). Specifically, the ice removing unit 17 is moved (sliding) by about several mm in a direction (V direction; sliding direction) away from the stationary ice making plate unit 7. [0126] Thus, when the ice removing unit 17 moves, the bottom plate piece 12a located between the lump ice pieces slides. In other words, the bottom plate piece 12a tries to shift in the V direction (forward direction) by forcibly pushing the lump ice fixed on the ice making plate 1. As a result, a shearing force is applied to the lump ice, and the fixation between the lump ice and the ice making plate 1 is released. As a result, the lump ice moves away from the ice making plate 1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 18, due to the natural fall due to gravity, the lump ice rolls down toward the ice storage BOX 53 (S8). In S7, after the lump ice is removed from the ice making plate 1, the RU motor 31 is driven in the reverse direction to move the standing rib 11 in the W direction (sliding direction). By returning to the position, new ice-making water can be solidified into ice (ice-making device 69 is put into a state where ice-making is possible).

[Various features of ice making equipment]

As shown in Fig. 12, in the ice making device 69 completed by assembling the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17, the flow-down groove 21 has a gap (opening 22; see Fig. 16) force between the bottom plate pieces 12a'12a. Thus, the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate portion 12a stacked on the auxiliary plate 8a are alternately arranged.

[0129] That is, in such a flow-down groove 21, the bottom plate pieces 12a spaced apart at regular intervals are overlaid on a base material including at least a part of the ice making plate 1, and the ice making plate 1 is placed on the bottom plate piece 12a. It can be said that it is configured to be exposed from the gap. In such a case, the exposed ice making plates 1 and the bottom plate pieces 12a are alternately arranged.

[0130] Therefore, as in the above embodiment, ice is not generated over the entire downstream groove 21, and a plurality of separated ice blocks can be formed in the downstream groove 21. As a result, the ice making device 69 of the third embodiment exhibits the same operational effects as the ice making device 69 of the present invention described above (the ice making device 69 described in the first and second embodiments).

[0131] [Embodiment 4]

Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the member which has the same function as the member used in Embodiment 1-3, the same code | symbol is attached and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

[0132] The ice making device 69 of the present invention can be assumed to have still another configuration. For example, an ice making device 69 as shown in FIG. [0133] [Configuration of ice making device]

As shown in FIG. 19, the ice making plate unit 7 includes a refrigerant pipe 2 meandering in a coil shape, and a cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) ice making plate 1 (cylindrical ice making plate lb) attached to the refrigerant pipe 2. ). The cylindrical ice-making plate lb is preferably subjected to the above-described peeling process. Further, instead of the cylindrical ice making plate lb, as in the third embodiment, a cylindrical base material portion constituted by the ice making plate 1 and the auxiliary plate 8a may be used.

[0134] <Ice unit>

The ice removing unit 17 includes a cylindrical body 12b, a standing rib (partition portion) 11, and a ball screw portion (not shown in FIG. 19).

[0135] The cylindrical body 12b has a cylinder (for example, a cylinder) having an inner circumference sufficient to fit the cylindrical ice-making plate lb, and is dotted with exposed openings 12bc on the surface of the cylinder. ing. The cylindrical body 12b is preferably made of a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity, such as ceramic resin or stainless steel, like the bottom plate portion 12.

[0136] The standing ribs 11 are disposed so as to rise in the radial direction from the surface of the cylindrical body 12b while being spaced apart at a constant interval. The extending direction of the standing rib 11 (perpendicular to the radial direction; the longitudinal direction of the standing rib 11) is a straight direction. During this period (between the standing ribs l l ′ l l), the exposed openings 12bc are arranged in the same direction as the extending direction of the standing ribs 11 while being spaced apart at regular intervals.

[0137] When the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17 are assembled, that is, when the cylindrical ice making plate lb is fitted into the cylindrical body 12b, the cylindrical ice making plate lb and the cylindrical body 12b are overlap. Therefore, the surface of the cylindrical ice making plate lb is exposed from the exposed opening 12bc of the cylindrical body 12b.

[0138] The configuration of the ball screw part is not particularly limited, but the cylindrical body 12b covering the circumference of the cylindrical ice making plate lb is rotated.

[Assembly of ice making device by ice making plate unit 'Ice-making unit]

The ice making device 69 of the present invention is a combination of the ice making plate unit 7 and the ice removing unit 17. It is composed by. Specifically, the cylindrical ice making plate lb is fitted into the cylindrical body 12b. Therefore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the cylindrical ice-making plate lb and the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 12b are substantially matched.

[0140] When the cylindrical ice making plate lb fits into the cylindrical body 12b, the cylindrical ice making plate lb and the cylindrical body 12b overlap. Therefore, a groove (flowing groove) 21 is formed between the standing ribs 11 and 11 by the standing ribs 11 and 11 and the cylindrical body 12b 'cylindrical ice making plate lb.

[0141] Note that the bottom of the downflow groove 21 has a step. However, at least the surface of the cylindrical ice-making plate lb exposed from the exposed hole 12bc is a smooth surface. In addition, even if there is a step, since it is a very low step (because the thickness of the cylindrical body 12b is extremely thin), resistance to the water flowing through the downflow groove 21 does not occur. In addition, the inner peripheral edge of the surface opening 12bc is inclined or the like (inclination that does not block the flowing ice making water; for example, the surface of the cylindrical ice making plate lb and the surface of the inner peripheral edge of the surface opening 12bc The angle may be obtuse. If this is done, the resistance to the water flowing through the downflow groove 21 will not be reached.

[0142] [Ice making process of ice making equipment]

Here, the ice making process and the deicing process by the ice making device 69 of the present invention shown in FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 (flow chart). However, since S1 to S6 (ice making process) in this flowchart are the same as described above, S7'S8 (ice removal process) is mainly described.

[0143] After the ice making process is completed, ice is generated on the cylindrical ice making plate lb exposed from the cylindrical body 12b. Then, if the control unit 52 determines in S6 in the ice making process that the lump ice has been formed, the control unit 52 drives the RU motor 31 to rotate forward (S7). Specifically, the cylindrical body 12b and the cylindrical ice making plate lb are displaced from each other by rotating (sliding) the cylindrical body 12b.

[0144] As described above, when the ice removing unit 17 (cylindrical body 12b) rotates and moves (for example, forward rotation), the cylindrical body 12b positioned around the lump ice fixed on the cylindrical ice making plate lb. Will slide. That is, the cylindrical body 12b tries to forcibly push the lump ice fixed on the ice making plate 1. As a result, a shearing force is applied to the lump ice, and the lump ice and the cylindrical ice making The fixation with the rate lb is released and the lump ice is separated from the cylindrical ice plate lb. Further, when the cylindrical body 12b continues to rotate, the standing rib 11 comes into contact with the lump ice, and the lump ice is surely detached from the ice making plate 1.

[0145] Then, due to the natural fall due to gravity, the lump ice rolls down toward the ice storage BOX 53 (S8). In S7, after the lump ice is removed from the cylindrical ice making plate lb, the RU motor 31 is driven in reverse rotation to move the standing rib 11 in the original direction (slide direction) (ie If the cylindrical body 12 is rotated in the reverse direction and returned to the original position), new ice making water can be solidified into ice (the ice making device 69 is put into a state where ice making is possible).

[Various features of ice making equipment]

As shown in FIG. 19, the cylindrical body 12b having the exposed opening 12bc is stacked on the cylindrical ice making plate lb, and the cylindrical ice making plate lb is exposed from the exposing opening 12bc. In the ice making device 69 provided with the groove 21, the flow-down groove 21 is configured by alternately arranging the cylindrical ice-making plate lb and the cylindrical body 12b that are exposed from the exposed opening 12bc. Become.

[0147] Therefore, as in the above embodiment, ice is not generated over the entire downstream groove 21, and a plurality of separated ice blocks can be formed in the downstream groove 21. As a result, the ice making device 69 of the fourth embodiment exhibits the same effects as the ice making device 69 of the present invention described above (the ice making device 69 described in the first to third embodiments). Particularly, in the case of the ice making device 69 shown in FIG. 19, since ice is generated on the cylindrical ice making plate lb having a curved surface, ice having a curved surface is generated. It can be said that ice has a beautiful shape compared to simple square ice.

[Other Embodiments]

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0149] For example, in Embodiment 3, the ice making plate unit 7 includes a base material portion in which the ice making plate 1 and the auxiliary plate 8a are mixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ice making device 69 of the present invention may be configured such that the ice removing unit 17 is placed on the single ice making plate 1. In such a case, the configuration of the ice making plate unit 7 can be simplified. Become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, an ice making device 69 in which an ice-making plate 1 having a curved surface and a standing rib 11 having a curved surface 11 · a bottom plate portion 12 (bottom plate piece 12a) having an ice removing unit 17 having a force is attached. But it ’s okay. In such a case, the vertical dimension can be reduced, and the ice making device 69 becomes compact.

[0151] Also, an ice making device 69 provided with a plurality of ice removing units 17 as shown in FIG. In this ice removing unit 17, two standing ribs 11 are arranged so as to be arranged in one direction while being spaced apart at a fixed interval, and between them (between the standing ribs 11 and 11), a bottom plate piece 12a is arranged. Are arranged so as to be lined up while being spaced apart at regular intervals. The ice making device 69 having a plurality of such ice removing units 17 can be slid and moved for each ice removing unit 17 by optimally combining the ball screw portion 13 and the RU motor 31. In such a case, it can be said that the sliding force of the ice removing unit 17 becomes smaller.

[0152] In order to flow ice-making water efficiently, the extending direction of the downflow groove 21 is preferably a vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. Ice detaching unit 17 · Ice making plate Unit 7 may be tilted so that the extending direction of the flow-down groove 21 is tilted.

[0153] The sliding direction of the ice removing unit 17 is not particularly limited as long as it is a direction that can be displaced with respect to the ice making plate unit 7 (if it can slide). For example, it may be a vertical direction or a circumferential direction. Alternatively, it may be moved in the direction of drawing a spiral trajectory. However, it should be noted that in any direction of movement, there is no problem with the flow of ice-making water in the downflow groove 21 and that the size of the ice-making device is prevented from becoming large.

[0154] Further, the ice making device 69 of the present invention uses, for example, the ball screw portion 13'RU motor 31 (sliding mechanism) to shift the standing rib 11 (icing unit 17) from the ice making plate 1 ( (Slide movement) Let's do it, but it's not limited to this.

[0155] For example, a sliding mechanism using a worm gear wheel, a sliding mechanism using a rack rail and a pinion gear, or a sliding mechanism using an electromagnetic solenoid actuator may be used.

[0156] Further, in order to connect the fitting groove 23 and the ice making plate 1 more firmly, The gap may be curbed with an adhesive or the like interposed in the gap (that is, the gap between the bottom plate piece 12a constituting the fitting groove 23 and the ice making plate 1).

[0157] Further, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, the force for determining whether or not lump ice has been generated based on the detection temperature of the ice making completion detection sensor 51 is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined that lump ice has been generated when a certain time has elapsed, and the ice removal operation may be performed. In short, any determination means may be used as long as it can be determined whether or not lump ice has been generated.

[0158] Further, in the ice making device 69 of the present invention, the inside of the ice storage BOX 53 is managed below the freezing point, but various methods for creating a temperature state below the freezing point are conceivable. For example, the refrigerant pipe 2 connected to the ice making plate 1 may be extended and connected to the ice storage BOX 53, or may be installed separately in, for example, a freezer compartment.

[0159] It should be noted that the ice making device 69 of the present invention is adapted to be used for various electrical appliances. For example, it has come to be used in household refrigerator-freezers, large commercial ice makers, and cup-type drinking water vending machines.

[0160] In the above description, the ice making device 69 using the refrigeration cycle unit 10 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an ice making device using a Stirling engine may be used. Various cooling methods for the ice making unit can be envisaged. The ice making unit may be cooled by cold air whose temperature has been lowered by a refrigerant, or may be cooled (heat exchange) by direct or indirect contact with a cooling fluid (refrigerant). Further, it may be an ice making unit that cools only with cold air without using a refrigerant. In short, any cooling system that can cool to a temperature that can produce ice is acceptable. Therefore, in the case of heat exchange, the ice making plate bottom plate portion may be expressed as a member that transmits cold heat (cold heat conduction member).

[0161] Further, the ice making plate and the bottom plate portion may be made of a material having the same thermal conductivity (for example, copper nickel). However, in the case of such a configuration, it is necessary to prevent an excessively low temperature (for example, below the freezing point) of the bottom plate portion in order to exert the above-described effects of the present invention. Therefore, in such a configuration, it is preferable that a heat insulating paint or the like is applied to the bottom plate portion (so long as a heat treatment is performed). With such a heat insulating paint, it has the same thermal conductivity. This is because even the ice making plate and the bottom plate portion having the material force to be used become the ice making plate and the bottom plate portion having different thermal conductivities as described above. That is, the ice making plate and the bottom plate portion may have different thermal conductivities depending on the presence or absence of heat insulation treatment.

[0162] Further, the ice making device of the present invention can also be expressed as follows.

[0163] The present invention is an ice making device that cools a plate-like body (ice-making plate 1) by a refrigeration cycle or a cooling means that can cool below the freezing point, and circulates water through the low-temperature plate-like body to make ice. The ice making part (the area including at least the ice making plate 1 and the bottom plate part 12) is made up of a combination of a high thermal conductivity member and a low thermal conductivity member, and the ice making part has a low temperature part below the freezing point ( It is characterized by the formation of multiple high-temperature parts (high-temperature areas) exceeding the freezing point and low-temperature areas.

[0164] Further, in the ice making device of the present invention, the ice making unit is configured in multiple stages by dividing the high thermal conductivity member, and the low thermal conductivity member is configured in the same way by dividing into gaps that can be divided. It is characterized by the fact that it is configured by inserting

[0165] Further, in the ice making device of the present invention, in the ice making part, one surface which becomes the ice making surface in a state where the high heat conductive member and the low heat conductive member are combined is formed into a smooth plate shape. A partition portion (standing rib 11) made up of a plurality of rows of low thermal conductivity members is formed vertically on the surface formed on the surface.

[0166] The low thermal conductivity members configured in multiple stages and multiple rows in the ice making section are characterized in that they are provided with mechanically movable means about several millimeters left and right (horizontal direction) after ice making.

[0167] The surface that becomes the ice making surface of the high thermal conductivity member divided in multiple stages in the ice making portion is subjected to non-adhesive surface treatment or coating, and is characterized in that it is characterized in that.

[0168] In addition, the ice making device of the present invention is an ice making device that generates ice by flowing water in an ice making part that is cooled by a refrigeration cycle or a cooling means that can be cooled below the freezing point. It is characterized by being composed of a combination of an ice making part and an slidable partition part that are arranged so as to cover the smooth surface. The ice making device of the present invention is provided with means for sliding the partition.

[0169] Further, in the ice making device of the present invention, the slidable partitioning portion is along the smooth surface of the ice making portion. It is characterized by being composed of a plate-like body consisting of a plane and having a single or a plurality of apertures.

[0170] Further, the ice making device of the present invention comprises a single or a plurality of partition plates installed so as to stand up from the plate-like body.

Industrial applicability

The present invention relates to an ice making device that solidifies ice making water to be dripped as ice on an ice making plate

It is useful for (so-called plate type ice making equipment).

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In an ice making device that produces ice by adhering water onto a cooled ice making unit, the ice making unit is composed of a first member and a second member. Equipment

[2] The product according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are a first cold air conductive member and a second cold air conductive member having different thermal conductivities. Ice equipment.

[3] The first member and the second member are a first cold air conducting member and a second cold air conducting member having different thermal conductivities depending on the presence or absence of heat insulation treatment. Claim 1 The ice making device described in 1.

[4] The ice making device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ice making unit is cooled using a refrigerant.

[5] In an ice making device that produces ice by adhering water onto an ice making part cooled by a refrigerant,

The ice making device is composed of a first cold air conducting member and a second cold air conducting member having different thermal conductivity of the cold air by the refrigerant.

[6] The first cold air conductive member has a thermal conductivity that maintains a temperature below the freezing point, while the second cold air conductive member has a thermal conductivity that maintains a temperature above the freezing point and The ice making device according to claim 4, wherein the force is any one of claims 2, 3, and 5.

[7] While the first cold air conducting member has a thermal conductivity that maintains a temperature below the freezing point by the refrigerant,

The ice making device according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 5, wherein the second cold air conducting member has a thermal conductivity that maintains a temperature exceeding a freezing point even by a refrigerant. .

[8] The ice making part according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 5, wherein the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member are alternately arranged. The ice making device described in the section.

[9] The ice making part is

The second cold air conducting member separated at a constant interval is overlaid on the base material part including at least a part of the first cold air conducting member, and the first cold air conducting member is placed between the second cold air conducting members. It is structured to be expressed from

6. The ice making device according to claim 2, wherein the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member that are exposed are alternately arranged.

[10] The ice making section is

A second cold air conducting member having an opening is stacked on a base material part including at least a part of the first cold air conducting member, and the first cold air conducting member is exposed from the opening. The

6. The ice making apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member that are exposed are alternately arranged.

[11] The first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member are alternately arranged in the direction in which the water adhering to the ice making part flows down. The ice making device according to item 1 or 5.

[12] The ice making part comprising the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member, wherein the surface of at least one member to which water adheres is a smooth surface, The ice making device according to item 1 or 3 or 5.

[13] The water-adhering surface of the ice making unit composed of the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member arranged alternately is a smooth surface. Ice making equipment.

14. The ice making device according to claim 12, wherein the ice making portion is provided with a partition portion so as to stand from the smooth surface of the ice making portion.

15. The ice making device according to claim 12, wherein the ice making part is provided with a partition part so as to rise from a second cold air conducting member constituting the ice making part.

16. The ice making device according to claim 15, wherein the extending direction of the partition portion is the same as the direction in which the water flows down.

[17] The partition is characterized in that at least one partition is provided. Item 15. The ice making device according to item 14.

[18] The ice making device according to [14], wherein at least a part of the partition portion has the same material force as that of the second cold air conducting member.

[19] The ice making device according to [14], wherein the partition part is slidable along a surface constituting the ice making part.

[20] The partition portion is formed integrally with the second cold air conducting member, and the partition portion is arranged in a direction in which the second cold air conducting member is displaced with respect to the first cold air conducting member. 15. The ice making device according to claim 14, wherein the ice making device is slidable along the slide.

[21] A drive unit serving as a power source for sliding the partition unit is provided, and a transmission unit that receives the power of the drive unit is provided in the partition unit,

The partition part is configured to slide and move together with the second cold air conducting member so as to deviate from the first cold air conducting member upon receiving the transmission of power from the drive source. Item 20. The ice making device according to Item 19.

[22] The ice storage section for storing the ice generated in the ice making section is provided, and the inside of the ice storage section is maintained below the freezing point. The ice making device according to any one of items 1 to 3, 5 or 5.

[23] The first cold air conducting member to which water adheres is subjected to a peeling process for facilitating the peeling of the generated ice. Or the ice making apparatus according to item 1.

24. The ice making device according to claim 23, wherein as the peeling process, a fluororesin is coated on the first cold air conducting member.

[25] The ice making device according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 5, wherein the first cold air conducting member and the second cold air conducting member are the first cold heat conducting member and the second cold heat conducting member through which cold energy is transmitted. An ice making device characterized by being a member.