JP2022108702A - Ice slurry manufacturing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ice slurry manufacturing device easy to miniaturize.SOLUTION: An ice slurry manufacturing device comprises a freezing tank 12 that stores brine, and a flake ice making unit 15 arranged inside the freezing tank 12 and capable of being immersed in brine Ws. The flake ice making unit 15 has: a disk part 26 having plate surfaces 26a, 26b that circulate refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator 14 and generate ices of the brine Ws; a nozzle part 41 that gives a flow of the brine Ws to the plate surfaces 26a, 26b; and a sweeping part 33 that separates the ices formed on the plate surfaces 26a, 26b by being displaced with respect to the plate surfaces 26a, 26b from the plate surfaces 26a, 26b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing ice slurry for freezing foods and other frozen items, for example.

For example, it is common practice to freeze perishable foods such as seafood and meat as frozen foods, and to store and transport these frozen foods. Ice slurry is used for freezing the food to be frozen, and the food to be frozen is immersed in the ice slurry and instantaneously frozen to maintain the freshness of the food. Further, in Patent Document 1 listed below, ice slurry is produced by dropping ice flakes (ice flakes) dropped from an ice slurry raw material production apparatus (200) into an ice storage tank (500), and the ice storage tank ( 500) of ice slurry is disclosed to be supplied to the refrigerator (6) via an ice slurry supply pipe (45).

JP 2019-207046 A

By the way, in the conventional ice slurry production apparatus (200) and refrigeration system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ice slurry raw material production apparatus (200) is installed above the ice storage tank (500), and the ice storage tank (500) The ice slurry was supplied to the refrigerator (6) through the ice slurry supply pipe (45). Therefore, the size of the ice slurry production apparatus and the refrigeration system tends to increase, and it is not easy to reduce the size of the ice slurry production apparatus and the refrigeration system.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus that can be easily miniaturized.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an ice slurry production tank for storing brine,
an ice-making unit disposed inside the ice-slurry-making tank and capable of being immersed in brine;
with
The ice-making unit includes an ice-making plate having an ice-making surface for circulating a refrigerant supplied from a refrigerator and generating brine ice on at least one surface of the ice-making plate;
a flow forming part that provides a flow of brine to the ice making surface;
The ice slurry production apparatus is characterized by comprising a sweeping section that separates ice produced on the ice making surface from the ice making surface by being displaced with respect to the ice making surface.
(2) In order to solve the above problems, another invention is characterized in that the sweeping section is arranged in a driving section that rotates or rotates and reciprocates with respect to the ice making surface (1). ).
(3) In order to solve the above problems, another invention is characterized in that the ice making section further includes a holding section that holds at least the ice making plate and the driving section integrally. Or it is an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus as described in (2).

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus that can be easily miniaturized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a first embodiment of an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus and a refrigeration system of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a plan view schematically showing the first embodiment of the refrigerant pipe of the disk portion, and FIG. 8B is a plan view schematically showing the second embodiment of the refrigerant pipe of the disk portion; FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the flow of an aqueous solution around the disk; (a) is a side view schematically showing the principle of separating ice from the disc portion by the buff of the first embodiment related to the sweeping portion; FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the principle of separating ice from the part; (a) is a top view which shows typically 2nd Embodiment which concerns on a freezing tank, (b) is a side view which shows typically the freezing tank which concerns on (a). (a) is a top view which shows typically 3rd Embodiment which concerns on a freezing tank, (b) is a side view which shows typically the freezing tank which concerns on (a). (a) is a top view which shows typically 4th Embodiment which concerns on a freezing tank, (b) is a side view which shows typically the freezing tank which concerns on (a). It is a side view which shows typically the refrigerating system which concerns on other embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the refrigeration system according to the embodiment of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view that schematically shows an ice slurry manufacturing device according to the refrigeration system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; FIG. It is an explanatory view showing typically a refrigerating system concerning other embodiments. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a modification of the ice slurry production apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modification of the refrigeration system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the refrigeration system according to the embodiment of FIG. 13; (a) is an enlarged view showing a modified example of the ice slurry producing device for the refrigeration system shown in FIG. 11, and (b) is an enlarged view showing another variant of the ice slurry producing device for the refrigerating system shown in FIG. is. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing another modified example of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of the refrigeration system similarly shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the hatch portion and the ice slurry production apparatus shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a side view showing a modification of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 11;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An ice slurry manufacturing apparatus of the present invention and a refrigeration system using this ice slurry manufacturing apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus and refrigeration system of the present invention. A refrigeration system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by combining an ice slurry manufacturing device 11, a refrigeration tank 12, an aqueous solution pump 13, and the like.

Among these, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is, for example, a method of depositing ice from an aqueous solution of salt or the like (salt water serving as brine) to form flake-like (flaky, flake-like, small block-like, or granular) ice. (Flake ice) can be created. This ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 has a refrigerator 14, a flake ice making section 15 as an ice making section, a refrigerant guide section 16, and the like. Furthermore, in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11, the refrigerator 14, the ice flake making section 15, and the refrigerant guide section 16 are mounted on a frame section 17 as a holding section and integrated with each other.

The refrigerator 14, the flake ice making unit 15, and the refrigerant guide unit 16 of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 constitute a refrigeration cycle, circulate a predetermined refrigerant liquid (liquid refrigerant), and compress, condense, and expand the refrigerant. , and evaporation. Here, as the form of the refrigeration cycle, it is possible to employ various general forms.

Refrigerant is sent from the refrigerator 14 to the ice flake making section 15 via the refrigerant guide section 16 . The refrigerant guide section 16 includes a refrigerant introduction pipe 18a that introduces the refrigerant from the refrigerator 14 into the ice flake preparation section 15, and a refrigerant outlet pipe 18b that returns the refrigerant drawn out from the ice flake preparation section 15 to the refrigerator 14. .

As the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, for example, a general refrigerant pipe such as a copper pipe covered with a heat insulating material can be adopted. Moreover, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b can be formed by connecting such refrigerant pipes via general pipe joints.

In the present embodiment, each end of the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b is connected to the refrigerator 14 and the ice flake making unit 15 via pipe joints, although detailed illustration is omitted. Also, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b have a curved shape that curves upward into an inverted U shape. Furthermore, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b have the same length and size.

Moreover, the refrigerant|coolant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant|coolant outlet pipe|tube 18b have the freezer-tank straddle part 19 in the inside part bent in the shape of an inverted U. When the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is installed so that the refrigerator 14 is positioned outside the freezing tank 12 (described later) and the flake ice making unit 15 is positioned inside the freezing tank 12, A portion of the wall portion 12a enters the freezing tank straddling portion 19 of the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b.

Here, as the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, for example, a flexible pipe that can be directly bent by hand without using a tool by an operator who assembles the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is adopted. is also possible. Also in this case, it is desirable to cover the periphery of the flexible tube with a heat insulating material.

Next, the flake ice making unit 15 includes a cooling unit 21, a rotation driving unit 22 as a driving unit, a sweeping unit 23 as an ice separating unit, and the like. Among these, the cooling section 21 includes a disk section 26 as an ice making plate and a refrigerant pipe 28 .

The disk portion 26 is formed of a metal plate having a rectangular (here, square) plate surface (ice making surface) and a predetermined thickness, and is fixed to the frame portion 17 (described later). Here, the disk portion 26 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be circular. Examples of the material of the disk portion 26 include copper, stainless steel, steel subjected to surface treatment so as to obtain an antirust effect, aluminum, duralumin, and the like.

The size (dimension) of the disk portion 26 can be, for example, about 30 cm square. Further, in this embodiment, the upper surface (plate surface 26a) and the lower surface (plate surface 26b) of the disk portion 26 are processed to be substantially flat and parallel to each other. Further, inside the disk portion 26, a plurality of holes are formed so as to be arranged in parallel at substantially equal intervals and penetrate therethrough.

The above-described refrigerant pipe 28 is passed through a hole inside the disk portion 26 . As shown in FIG. 2(a), the refrigerant pipe 28 is formed in a meandering shape in which straight portions and curved portions are alternately combined. Furthermore, one end of the refrigerant pipe 28 is connected to the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a, and the other end is connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b. Refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator 14 flows through the inside (pipe line) of the refrigerant pipe 28 .

Further, the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 28 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the disk portion 26 so as to allow heat transfer. As a material of the refrigerant pipe 28, a copper pipe, which generally has a high thermal conductivity, can be exemplified. As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe 28 , heat is removed from the disk portion 26 and the disk portion 26 is cooled.

It is also possible to employ materials other than copper (for example, stainless steel, aluminum, duralumin, etc.) as the material of the refrigerant pipe 28 . It is also possible to form a film having excellent thermal conductivity on the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 28 (or the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the disk portion 26).

Further, the refrigerant pipe 28 is not limited to being formed by inserting a pipe as a physical tubular component into a hole of the disk portion 26, and for example, the tubular component is omitted and provided inside the disk portion 26 by drilling. It is also possible to directly use the hole as a refrigerant pipe (refrigerant flow path). In this case, the coolant flows while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole of the disc portion 26 . In addition, when the tubular parts are omitted as described above, the U-shaped tube to be turned back is connected to the disk portion 26, and the internal space of the U-shaped pipe is fluid-tightly connected to the internal space in the hole of the disk portion 26. Therefore, it is possible to form a meandering coolant flow path.

Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a meandering hole having a straight portion and a folded portion inside the disk portion 26 without being limited to these. In this case, it is conceivable to use a casting core for forming the coolant flow path and form the disk portion 26 with the meandering hole by casting.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ends 28a and 28b of the refrigerant pipe 28 connected to the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b are different from each other when the disk portion 26 is viewed from above as shown in FIG. 2(a). extends in a direction perpendicular to the straight portion of the Also, the end portion 28b of the refrigerant pipe 28 connected to the refrigerant lead-out pipe 18b has a positional relationship in which it overlaps the other portion in the thickness direction of the disk portion 26 .

Although illustration is omitted, the refrigerant pipe 28 can be made to have a more meandering shape, and can be formed so as to overlap, for example, double, triple, or more in the thickness direction of the disk portion 26 . By doing so, the flow rate of the coolant flowing inside the disk portion 26 can be increased, and the disk portion 26 can be cooled more effectively.

Also, not limited to these, for example, when the disk portion 26 is viewed from above, the ends 28a and 28b of the refrigerant pipe 28 connected to the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b are shown in FIG. , may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to other straight portions. By doing so, it is possible to easily process the refrigerant pipe 28 and drill holes in the disk portion 26 . Also, the thickness of the disk portion 26 can be easily reduced.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the sweeping section 23 described above is provided with buff supports 31, and a plurality of buffs 33 are attached to each buff support 31. As shown in FIG. The buffs 33 are arranged so as to face the plate surfaces 26 a and 26 b of the disk portion 26 in the cooling portion 21 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buff 33 is arranged so as to contact the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26 with moderately weak pressure (low surface pressure). As will be described later, the buff 33 has a function (sweeping function) of sweeping the ice exposed on the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26 to separate it from the disk portion 26. FIG.

As the material and quality of the buff 33, various materials generally used for polishing or the like can be adopted. For example, urethane, other synthetic resins, metal, or wool can be used as the material of the buff 33 . Examples of materials for the buff 33 include sponges, foams, brushes, scrubbing brushes, resin nets, and non-woven fabrics using the various materials described above. Furthermore, as the material of the buff 33, a material having a certain degree of flexibility can be exemplified.

Each buff 33 is attached to a rod-shaped spoke 34 provided on the buff support 31 . Four spokes 34 of the buff support 31 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees so as to face the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26. As shown in FIG. Also, the buff support 31 is integrally connected to a round bar-shaped rotation transmission shaft 35 .

The rotation transmission shaft 35 passes through the disk portion 26 in the thickness direction, avoiding the refrigerant pipe 28, and is rotatable about its axis in forward and reverse directions. The rotation transmission shaft 35 can be rotationally displaced together with the buff 33 with respect to the stationary disk portion 26 .

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, each buff 33 has a blade-like (elliptical) shape, and the buffs 33 are arranged in a four-bladed propeller shape, and each plate surface of the disk portion 26 26a and 26b.

Such sweeping section 23 is connected to rotation drive section 22 via rotation transmission shaft 35 . A motor (buff drive motor) is incorporated in the rotation drive unit 22, and as will be described later, the rotation drive unit 22 moves the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 (liquid level at two points in FIG. 1). It is possible to continuously rotate the sweeping part 23 in the phantom (illustrated by the dashed line).

Here, the rotary drive unit 22 can be a unit (geared motor) that integrally includes a motor and a reduction unit (gear unit). Further, the rotation driving part 22 is positioned above the liquid surface of the aqueous solution Ws, and is arranged so as to protrude outside the aqueous solution Ws. Further, the rotation driving section 22 is not limited to one that rotates the sweeping section 23 in one direction, and may be one that rotates and reciprocates (performs reciprocating rotational motion in forward and reverse directions).

The arrangement of the buffs 33 described above is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and various other arrangements can be adopted. For example, the number of buffs 33 may be less than four or five or more for each plate surface 26a, 26b of the disk portion 26. FIG.

Next, the aforementioned frame portion 17 is configured by, for example, connecting rod-shaped parts to form a framework. As a material for the frame portion 17, a general angle material, a round pipe, a square pipe, an extruded material, or the like can be used. In FIG. 1, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the parts of the frame portion 17 are drawn in a strip-like shape, but it is desirable to select the material in consideration of the required strength and structure.

Welding, screw tightening (including bolt tightening), or the like can be employed for joining the components of the frame portion 17 . As the material of the frame portion 17, metals and synthetic resins can be used, and among these metals, various common metals such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum can be used. is. Furthermore, when using a metal such as steel, it is conceivable to perform various general surface treatments in consideration of rust prevention.

A freezer 14 and a flake ice making unit 15 are fixed to the frame unit 17 , and the frame unit 17 supports the freezer 14 and the flake ice making unit 15 . The freezer 14 and the ice flake making unit 15 can be fixed to the frame unit 17 by general means such as bolting or screwing. In addition, the frame portion 17 supports the ice flakes making section 15 so that the rotation driving portion 22 of the ice flakes making portion 15 is out of the aqueous solution Ws.

As described above, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide portion 16 are connected to the refrigerator 14 and the ice flake making section 15, and the frame portion 17 connects the refrigerator 14 and the ice flake making portion. 15, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide portion 16 are also supported.

In the example of FIG. 1, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant discharge pipe 18b of the refrigerant guide portion 16 are supported in a floating state with respect to the frame portion 17. It is also possible to form a portion (restraining portion) that contacts the coolant lead-out pipe 18b and supports the coolant lead-out pipe 18a and the coolant lead-out pipe 18b.

When the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is placed on a floor surface or the like, the refrigerator 14 is placed on the floor with a portion of the frame portion 17 positioned below therebetween. On the other hand, the ice flake making unit 15 is supported at a position slightly higher than the refrigerator 14 and horizontally displaced from the refrigerator 14 by a predetermined amount.

Between the refrigerator 14 and the ice flake producing section 15, the refrigerant tank straddling section 19 of the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b is positioned so as to open downward. Here, in FIG. 1, a part of the frame part 17 and the freezing tank 12 is virtually notched as indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

The height from the lower end to the upper end of the ice slurry manufacturing device 11 can be set to about 80 to 90 cm. Furthermore, the lower end of the ice slurry production device 11 can be the portion of the frame portion 17 that contacts the floor surface, and the upper end of the ice slurry production device 11 can be the upper end of the rotary drive portion 22 . By setting the height dimension of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 to about 80 cm, the height of the freezer tank 12, which will be described later, becomes a height at which the worker who performs the freezing work can easily work.

Next, the freezing tank 12 and the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 will be described. In this embodiment, the freezing tank 12 is formed in a rectangular container shape and has an open top. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the freezer tank 12 is surrounded by a heat insulating material. Here, various general materials can be used as the heat insulating material.

In addition, each wall (including the bottom wall) of the freezing tank 12 can be, for example, one with a built-in heat insulating material, or one that is hollow. If the walls of the freezing tank 12 alone can provide sufficient heat insulation, the heat insulating material around the freezing tank 12 can be omitted as appropriate.

The aqueous solution Ws indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 is the undiluted solution of the ice slurry (also called brine). In this embodiment, a saline solution having a predetermined concentration (here, 23.5%) is used as the aqueous solution Ws. The amount of the aqueous solution Ws can be, for example, approximately 200 L (liters).

Inside the freezing tank 12, many parts of the flake ice making section 15 of the ice slurry producing apparatus 11 are included. That is, the refrigerator 14 of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is positioned outside the freezing tank 12 and faces the wall portion 12a at one end in the longitudinal direction of the freezing tank 12 from the outside.

On the other hand, the flake ice making part 15 is located inside the wall part 12a, and the part from the bottom to the middle height is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 in a predetermined amount. ing. A disc portion 26 is arranged at the bottom of the ice flakes making portion 15, and when the ice flakes making portion 15 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws, the entire disk portion 26 is also immersed in the aqueous solution Ws.

Next, functions of the aqueous solution pump 13 described above will be described. The aqueous solution pump 13 pumps up the aqueous solution Ws as indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A1 in FIG. 1 and leads it to the freezing tank 12 as indicated by an arrow A2. Then, the aqueous solution pump 13 ejects the aqueous solution Ws toward the disk portion 26 of the ice flake producing portion 15 . Here, in FIG. 1, arrows A1 and A2 indicate paths of the aqueous solution, and illustration of piping is omitted.

Various general pumps can be employed as the aqueous solution pump 13, but it is considered to select the aqueous solution pump 13 in consideration of solids (here, ice flakes) being mixed with the aqueous solution Ws. be done. Further, by passing the aqueous solution Ws mixed with flake ice through the piping or through the aqueous solution pump 13, the effect of preventing clogging of the flow path may be obtained. However, in order to prevent flake ice from passing through the aqueous solution pump 13, it is conceivable to dispose a filter for removing flake ice and foreign substances from the aqueous solution Ws at the inlet of the pipe or at the stage preceding the aqueous solution pump 13. .

The aqueous solution Ws delivered by the aqueous solution pump 13 is ejected from the nozzle portion 41 as shown in FIG. The nozzle part 41 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12, and the aqueous solution Ws ejected from the nozzle part 41 (indicated by an arrow A3 here) entrains the aqueous solution Ws in the freezing tank 12 to form a water flow. to form Then, the aqueous solution Ws (arrow A3) ejected from the nozzle portion 41 causes the aqueous solution Ws stored in the freezing tank 12 to generate a flow velocity and give momentum. That is, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle portion 41, and the like constitute a water flow generating mechanism (propulsion mechanism) as a flow forming portion that forms the flow of the aqueous solution Ws.

As the nozzle portion 41, it is possible to adopt various common ones. Examples of the nozzle part 41 include those that eject the aqueous solution Ws in a conical shape as indicated by an arrow A3, and those that eject the aqueous solution Ws in a straight line (not shown).

The nozzle portion 41 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws so as to generate a water flow around the disk portion 26 in the flake ice making portion 15 . The water flow generated by the aqueous solution discharged from the nozzle portion 41 circulates between the wall portions 12a and 12b located at the ends of the freezing tank 12 in the length direction (longitudinal direction, horizontal direction in FIG. 1).

As described above, since the disk portion 26 is cooled by the cold heat of the refrigerant from the refrigerator 14 , the aqueous solution Ws flowing around the disk portion 26 is cooled by the disk portion 26 . By sufficiently cooling the disk portion 26 , the conditions are adjusted, ice deposits on the plate surfaces 26 a and 26 b of the disk portion 26 , and fine ice adheres to the periphery of the disk portion 26 .

The ice exposed and adhered in this manner is swept from the disc portion 26 by the buff 33 of the sweeping portion 23 continuously rotating and colliding with the adhered ice, as indicated by the arrow A4 in FIG. taken and separated. Since the sweeping section 23 is rotating, the buff 33 will pass through a fixed place intermittently, and the ice will be separated from the disk section 26 before it grows large.

The ice separated from the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26 becomes ice flakes, and these ice flakes are caught in the flow of the aqueous solution Ws (indicated by arrow A5) and blown off, and the aqueous solution Ws reaches its freezing point ( Cool to about -21°C in the case of the 23.5% saline solution described above).

By continuing the adhesion of ice and the removal of ice as described above while imparting fluidity to the aqueous solution Ws, the amount of flake ice in the aqueous solution Ws gradually increases, and the amount of ice flakes in the aqueous solution Ws increases to a level suitable for the freezing work of the product to be frozen. (for example, about −21° C.) and an ice slurry having an ice concentration (IPF) of about 10% to 30%.

The 23.5% salt water ice slurry described above maintains the freezing point temperature (approximately -21°C) as long as the ice remains, and can be effectively frozen. Further, the freezing of the products to be frozen can be performed, for example, by placing the products to be frozen in a metal basket indicated by reference numeral 45 in FIG. It is possible.

It is also possible to integrally assemble and fix the water flow generating mechanism such as the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle portion 41 to the frame portion 17 . In this case, the water flow generating mechanism can be provided integrally with the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 . Further, for example, the aqueous solution pump 13 may be installed at a position away from the frame portion 17 , and only the nozzle portion 41 and the piping connected to the nozzle portion 41 may be fixed to the frame portion 17 . When the aqueous solution pump 13 is installed at a position away from the frame portion 17, the weight of the frame portion 17 including each device to be supported can be reduced.

Next, FIG. 4(a) schematically shows a state in which the buff 33 separates ice from the disk portion 26. As shown in FIG. The buffs 33 attached to the spokes 34 horizontally move (rotate) from left to right in the figure as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow C. In the example of FIG. 4A, the buff 33 is in contact with the upper plate surface 26a of the disc portion 26 with moderately weak pressure (low surface pressure). The buff 33 is made of a material having a certain degree of flexibility, and has a rectangular (here, substantially square) cross-sectional shape.

In the example of FIG. 4(a), the buff 33 generates friction by moving while being in contact with the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26, and is deformed so that the cross-sectional shape becomes a parallelogram. The buff 33 strikes the ice (not shown) generated on the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26 to apply an external force to the ice, thereby sweeping the ice off the plate surface 26a of the disk portion 26. FIG. Furthermore, the buff 33 sweeps away ice on the opposite side of the disk portion 26 (the lower plate surface 26b) according to the same principle.

In the example of FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional shape of the buff 33 and the cross-sectional shape of the spokes 34 are both rectangular for explaining the principle of sweeping by the buff 33 . However, the spokes 34 are not limited to this. For example, the spokes 34 may be square bars, round bars, or other shapes. Also, the cross-sectional shape of the buff 33 can be a shape other than a rectangle, and examples of the shape other than the rectangle include a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a perfect circular shape, an elliptical shape, and the like.

Furthermore, not only the cross-sectional shape of each buff but also the planar shape can adopt various shapes other than the blade shape. Although not shown, the planar shape of the buff 33 is, for example, a perfect circular plate shape with a diameter of about 30 cm. It is also possible to rotate horizontally. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the outer diameter of the buff 33 smaller than about 30 cm and rotate one or more buffs 33 while rotating.

Further, as a further modified example, power is transmitted from the side portion (side of the end portion) of the disk portion 26 to a buff (not shown) without forming a hole through which the rotation transmission shaft 35 is passed through the disk portion 26. is possible. In this case, for example, it is possible to mutually reciprocate the links (arms) of the parallel crank mechanism with the disk portion 26 interposed therebetween. By adopting such a mechanism, the sweeping section 23 can sandwich the disk section 26 and operate like a car wiper to sweep away the ice.

Also, a gap of a predetermined amount (for example, 1 mm or less to several mm) is provided between the buff 33 and each of the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26, and ice that has grown to a size larger than the gap is swept away. may

Here, fixing of the buff 33 to the spokes 34 can be performed by various general methods. Examples of fixing methods include adhesion, screwing (bolting), riveting, and clamping.

Incidentally, instead of the buff 33, a metal plate 38 can be used as shown in FIG. 4(b). Furthermore, other than the metal plate 38, for example, a synthetic resin plate can also be used. When these rigid bodies are used, it is conceivable to interpose a gap H between them and the disk portion 26 as shown in FIG. 4(b). By doing so, abrasion of the metal plate 38 and the like and the disk portion 26 can be prevented.

Further, by moving the metal plate 38 and the like with a gap H, turbulence can be generated, for example, in front and back of the metal plate 38 and the like, as indicated by a plurality of arrows D in FIG. 4(b). Further, although not shown, it is considered that turbulence can also be generated in the gap H between the metal plate 38 or the like and the disk portion 26 . Even if the metal plate 38 or the like and the disk portion 26 are not in contact with each other, the ice can be separated from the disk portion 26 using this turbulent flow. This turbulent flow is likely to occur by moving the metal plate 38 or the like relatively quickly.

Here, fixing of the metal plate 38 or the like to the spokes 34 can be performed in various general manners. Examples of fixing methods include screwing (bolting), riveting, clamping, welding, and the like.

It should be noted that the buff 33, the metal plate, etc. can be replaced periodically for maintenance.

Next, measures to prevent ice adhesion to the sides of the disk portion 26 will be described. In this embodiment, the ice adhering to the plate surfaces 26 a and 26 b of the disk portion 26 is separated from the disk portion 26 by the buff 33 of the sweeping portion 23 . However, ice adhering to a portion not in contact with the buff 33, such as the side surface of the disc portion 26, is hit by the water flow of the aqueous solution Ws, but no further external force acts thereon.

For this reason, if the ice adhered to the disk portion 26 grows and becomes large, and grows to an unexpected shape or size, the grown ice presses the surrounding equipment (for example, the refrigerant piping 28, etc.). , it is also conceivable that an excessive load is applied to surrounding equipment. In addition, it is conceivable that the grown ice reaches the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26 and interferes with the buff 33 to hinder the operation of the buff 33.

Therefore, in consideration of these points, it is possible to partially provide an ice adhesion preventing portion in the disk portion 26 as indicated by reference numeral 46 in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ice adhesion preventing portion 46 is formed so as to cover the curved portion of the refrigerant pipe 28 protruding from the disk portion 26 .

The anti-ice adhesion portion 46 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal that is the material of the disk portion 26 . In addition, the surface of the ice adhesion preventing portion 46 can be molded to have a smooth shape without sharp corners, making it difficult for ice to adhere. In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 2A and 2B, only the outline of the anti-ice adhesion portion 46 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

According to the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the present embodiment as described above, in the ice slurry production apparatus 11, the refrigerator 14, the disk section 26, the rotation drive section 22, and the buff 33 are integrally configured. Therefore, the ice slurry manufacturing device 11 can be unitized. Therefore, when making ice slurry, if the ice slurry making apparatus 11 is placed on the floor so that the flake ice making unit 15 is inside the freezing tank 12 and the refrigerator 14 is positioned outside the freezing tank 12, It is often possible to install the equipment necessary for making ice flakes more simply and easily than before.

In addition, since the disk portion 26 of the ice flake producing unit 15 is directly immersed in the aqueous solution Ws in the freezing tank 12, no piping is required to feed the ice flakes into the freezing tank 12, and ice slurry can be produced. can be performed by a simple mechanism. Since the ice slurry can be produced directly in the freezing tank 12 where the freezing operation is performed, the conventional operation of once making ice and mixing the ice with the stock solution to prepare the ice slurry becomes unnecessary.

The operation of the refrigeration system 10 will now be described. First, if the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws (for example, 23.5% saline solution) prepared in the freezing tank 12 is set to 15 degrees, the ice slurry manufacturing device 11 is started, and the flake ice manufactured in the disk section 26 first (Flake ice) melts immediately and cools the aqueous solution Ws. For this reason, the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws initially decreases. When the temperature of the aqueous solution Ws drops to −21° C., which is the freezing point of the aqueous solution Ws, the ice flakes produced by the disk portion 26 do not melt and are mixed with the aqueous solution Ws to form slurry. The proportion of ice in the slurry (ice concentration) can be gradually increased from zero by the operation of the ice slurry production device 11 to 10 to 30% suitable for freezing. After starting the freezing work of the products to be frozen, the ice concentration of the slurry should be kept constant by adjusting the amount of flake ice production that matches the amount of cold heat required for freezing the products (for example, by adjusting the output of the refrigerator). can be held.

Further, according to the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry production apparatus 11 of the present embodiment, ice slurry can be produced in the required amount when required. Therefore, equipment for pre-storing the produced ice slurry and sending it to the freezing tank 12 when necessary is unnecessary, and the freezing system 10 and the ice slurry producing apparatus 11 can be made smaller and lighter as a whole. It is easy to do.

Furthermore, since the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 has a structure in which the refrigerator 14 and the flake ice making section 15 are connected via the frame portion 17, the refrigerator 14 can be and the flake ice making unit 15 can be moved integrally. For this reason, for example, after the freezing operation, the operator lifts the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11, moves the flake ice making unit 15 so that it is taken out from the freezing tank 12, and dips it in the aqueous solution Ws of the flake ice making unit 15 with tap water. It is also possible to clean and maintain the parts that were covered.

In addition, it is possible to move, clean, etc. the ice slurry production apparatus 11 without touching the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b connecting the refrigerator 14 and the ice flake producing unit 15. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of deforming or damaging the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b when the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is moved, cleaned, or the like.

Furthermore, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 can be installed in any orientation other than the one shown in FIG. For example, without moving the freezing tank 12 shown in FIG. is also possible. Furthermore, in this case, the nozzle part 41 can also be moved. However, if a sufficient water flow can be generated in the aqueous solution Ws, it is possible to change the direction of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 without changing the position of the nozzle part 41 .

Here, when the nozzle part 41, the aqueous solution pump 13, etc. are assembled to the frame part 17, the direction of the nozzle part 41, the aqueous solution pump 13, etc. is also changed integrally with the flake ice making part 15, etc.

In addition, in the refrigeration system 10 of the present embodiment, the ice on both the plate surfaces 26a and 26b of the disk portion 26 in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 is swept off, so the area to which the ice adheres can be increased. It is easy and it is possible to produce a large amount of ice slurry in a short time. Here, a plurality of (for example, two) disc portions 26 may be arranged in parallel, buffs facing each disc portion 26 may be provided, and these buffs may be rotated by the rotation transmission shaft 35 . By doing so, it is possible to produce a large amount of ice slurry in a shorter time.

In addition, the frame portion 17 supports the ice flakes making section 15 so that the rotation driving portion 22 of the ice flakes making portion 15 is out of the aqueous solution Ws. Therefore, even if the ice flake making unit 15 is immersed in the aqueous solution Ws, the rotation driving unit 22 can be protected from the aqueous solution Ws.

Furthermore, since flake ice and ice slurry are produced in the freezer tank 12 with an upper opening, the ice melts more easily than when flake ice is produced and ice slurry is produced in a closed environment, for example. However, it is possible to prevent the ice from melting by, for example, sufficiently insulating the freezer tank 12 .

In addition, in the refrigeration system 10 of the present embodiment, the aqueous solution Ws (salt water brine), which is salt water, is used instead of alcohol (alcohol brine) as the stock solution of the ice slurry. is cheap and easy to handle.

Furthermore, depending on the type, alcohol has a thermal conductivity of around 0.20 W/mK, and the thermal conductivity of salt water (approximately 0.58 W/mK) and the thermal conductivity of flake ice (approximately 2.2 W/mK). /mK). Also, freezing with alcohol brine is freezing using temperature change due to sensible heat, but freezing with salt water brine is freezing mainly using state change due to latent heat. Furthermore, freezing with salt water brine uses both ice and an aqueous solution to cool the product to be frozen, and the product is frozen by hitting (colliding) the product with the ice.

Furthermore, by miniaturizing the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 and facilitating cleaning and maintenance as in the present embodiment, the following expansion of applications can be expected. For example, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 can be installed not only in environments where large spaces can be easily secured, such as factories of frozen goods sellers and food markets, but also in restaurants and shops in urban areas. becomes.

Here, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 can adopt common ones as the refrigerator 14, the refrigerant introduction pipe 18a, the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle portion 41, the frame portion 17, and the like. In addition, since the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 can be easily miniaturized, it is possible to select and employ a small and inexpensive apparatus such as the refrigerator 14 described above. Therefore, the ice slurry manufacturing device 11 can be manufactured at a lower cost than a conventional large-sized one. As a result, the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 can be easily spread to restaurants and the like in terms of price.

In the refrigeration system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle portion 41, and the like constitute a water flow generating mechanism for generating a water flow inside the freezing tank 12, as described above. Further, as a modified example, the structure in which the aqueous solution pump 13 and the water flow generating mechanism such as the nozzle portion 41 are integrally assembled and fixed to the frame portion 17 has been described above.

However, instead of the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle portion 41, or in combination with the aqueous solution pump 13 and the nozzle portion 41, it is possible to provide the freezing tank 12 with a water flow generating mechanism. An embodiment in which the freezing tank 12 is provided with a water flow generating mechanism will be described below. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those of the refrigeration system 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) schematically show a freezing tank (hereinafter denoted by reference numeral 52) to which a water flow generating mechanism is added. 5(a) schematically shows the freezing tank 52 from above, and FIG. 5(b) schematically shows the freezing tank 52 longitudinally from the side.

As indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 5(a), a water flow is generated in the freezer tank 52 that circulates counterclockwise in the drawing. This water flow is formed using screw portions 43 respectively arranged on wall portions 52 a and 52 b located at the ends of the freezing tank 52 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the screw portions 43 are arranged opposite to each other at positions shifted in the horizontal direction (here, the depth direction of the freezing tank 52). Further, the screw portions 43 are arranged at substantially the same height as shown in FIG. 5(b).

As the screw portion 43 rotates in the aqueous solution Ws, a reverse water flow is generated and circulates between the wall portions 52a and 52b located at the ends of the freezing tank 52 in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the planar shape of the freezing tank 52 is rectangular (rectangular), the aqueous solution Ws circulates in a substantially racetrack shape (also referred to as an oval shape) when viewed from above as shown in FIG. 5(a). do.

Here, reference numeral 48 in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) denotes three items to be frozen immersed in the aqueous solution Ws. Examples of the frozen product 48 include various foods that require rapid freezing. Here, the frozen product 48 is also schematically shown by a rectangular figure. Also, three items 48 to be frozen are housed in, for example, one basket (metal wire basket in this case) 45 or the like shown in FIG. can be immersed in

In the example of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), as shown in FIG. (a) is located in the upper right corner). In addition, the products 48 to be frozen are immersed in the freezing tank 52 so as to line up in a line in the length direction of the freezing tank 52 (longitudinal direction corresponding to the left-right direction in FIG. 5(a)). Furthermore, one of the items to be frozen 48 faces the disk portion 26 in the width direction of the freezing tank 52 (the lateral direction corresponding to the vertical direction in FIG. 5(a)).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the disk portion 26 and the frozen product 48 are positioned at substantially the same height as the screw portion 43 (here, the rotation axis of the screw portion 43). The circulating aqueous solution Ws flows while hitting the disk portion 26 and the frozen product 48 .

Here, in the example of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the size (length×depth×height) of the freezing tank 52 can be approximately the same as that of the freezing tank 12 in the example shown in FIG. . Furthermore, in FIG. 5(b), the disk portion 26 is positioned behind one frozen product 48 positioned on the right end of the drawing.

In addition, the three items 48 to be frozen are not limited to being stored in one basket 45 (not shown). It is also possible to immerse the basket 45 in the freezing tank 52 . In this case, it is also possible to understand the invention according to the present embodiment by replacing the frozen goods 48 in FIGS. 5(a) and (b) with respective baskets 45.

Furthermore, in the examples of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the water flow in the freezing tank 52 is a horizontal flow that circulates in the horizontal direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5(a), a partition plate 53 is arranged between the three items 48 to be frozen and the disk portion 26, and the shape (planar shape) of the four corners of the freezing tank 52 is R ( arc) is formed to form an arc. The water flow in the freezing tank 52 is smoothly guided by the R shape at the corners of the freezing tank 52 and the partition plate 53 and horizontally circulates in the freezing tank 52 . Here, in FIG. 5B, illustration of the partition plate 53 is omitted.

6(a) and 6(b) schematically show a freezing tank 54 according to another embodiment. 6(a) schematically shows the freezing tank 54 from above, and FIG. 6(b) schematically shows the freezing tank 54 longitudinally from the side. Here, parts similar to those in the examples shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the screw portions 43 are arranged on the wall portions 54a and 54b located at the ends of the freezing tank 54 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the disk portion 26 is arranged at one corner (lower left corner in FIG. 6(a)) of the freezing tank 54, and the frozen product 48 is positioned between the disk portion 26 and the disk portion 26. They are immersed in a freezing tank 54 so as to be positioned substantially on the same straight line.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the disk portion 26 and the frozen product 48 are positioned at substantially the same height as the screw portion 43 (here, the rotation axis of the screw portion 43). The circulating aqueous solution Ws, as indicated by an arrow B, flows while hitting the disk portion 26 and the frozen product 48 .

In addition, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the dimension in the width direction of the freezing tank 54 is smaller than that of the freezing tank 52 in the examples shown in FIGS. 5(a) and (b). That is, since the products to be frozen 48 are arranged so as to be positioned substantially on the same straight line as the disk portion 26, the depth of the freezing tank 54 is smaller than that of the freezing tank 52 in the examples of FIGS. 5(a) and (b). is set.

Furthermore, in the examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the water flow in the freezing tank 54 is a horizontal flow that circulates in the horizontal direction, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a partition plate 55 is arranged between the three frozen products 48 and the disk portion 26 and the opposing wall portion 54c, and the shape of the four corners of the freezing tank 54 ( Planar shape) has an arc shape formed with an R (R). The water flow in the freezer tank 54 is smoothly guided by the R shape at the corners of the freezer tank 54 and the partition plate 55 to horizontally circulate inside the freezer tank 54 . Here, in FIG. 6B, illustration of the partition plate 55 is omitted.

According to the refrigerating system provided with the refrigerating tank 54 as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the refrigerating tank 54 can be made smaller (thin depth), and the refrigerating system can be further miniaturized. become able to.

7(a) and 7(b) schematically show a freezing tank 56 according to another embodiment. 7A schematically shows the freezing tank 56 from above, and FIG. 7B schematically shows the freezing tank 56 longitudinally from the side. Here, parts similar to those in the examples shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the example shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the screw portions 43 are arranged on the wall portions 56a and 56b located at the ends of the freezing tank 56 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the disk portion 26 is arranged at one corner (lower left corner in FIG. 7(a)) of the freezing tank 56, and the frozen product 48 is positioned between the disk portion 26 and the disk portion 26. They are immersed in a freezing tank 56 so as to be positioned substantially on the same straight line. Further, the screw portions 43 are arranged at the ends in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction) of the freezing tank 56 and positioned substantially on the same straight line. Moreover, as shown in FIG.7(b), the screw part 43 is mutually arrange|positioned in the opposite position at the position which deviated (shifted) in the height direction.

Furthermore, in the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the water flow in the freezing tank 56 is a vertical flow that circulates in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the corner shape (side surface shape) of the bottom of the freezing tank 56 is rounded to form an arc. The water flow in the freezing tank 56 is smoothly guided by the rounded corners of the freezing tank 56 and circulates vertically in the freezing tank 56 .

According to the refrigeration system including the refrigeration tank 56 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the aqueous solution Ws can be circulated in the vertical direction (height direction), realizing a vertical aqueous solution circulation system. can. Further, it becomes possible to efficiently freeze the frozen product 48 having a higher height.

Although illustration is omitted, each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, and 56 described above is provided with a water supply port through which the aqueous solution Ws is supplied. may be supplied with the aqueous solution Ws. In addition, tap water is supplied to each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, and 56 from the water supply port, and salt or the like is mixed with the tap water to prepare the aqueous solution Ws in each of the freezing tanks 12, 52, 54, and 56. is also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a faucet having a valve (flow control valve) at the water supply port.

5 to 7 show the freezing tanks 52, 54, and 56 equipped with the water flow generating mechanism, but unlike the example shown in FIG. If the water flow generating mechanism provided with 13 and the nozzle part 41 gives a flow to the aqueous solution, there is no need to apply processing for providing the water flow generating mechanism to the freezing tank, and a general-purpose heat-insulated water tank can be used as the freezing tank. low cost. However, as in the examples of FIGS. 5 to 7, when the freezing tanks 52, 54, and 56 are provided with a water flow generating mechanism, the aqueous solution Ws can be easily circulated. Further, when the water flow generating mechanism by the aqueous solution pump 13 or the like and the water flow generating mechanism of the freezing tanks 52, 54, 56 are used together, the aqueous solution Ws can be more easily circulated.

The embodiments described above are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. be. For example, the refrigeration system 10 has been described as being configured by combining the ice slurry manufacturing device 11, the freezing tank 12, the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle part 41, and the like. , the aqueous solution pump 13, the nozzle portion 41, and the like.

Also, the refrigeration system and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus can be of the type shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 or the type shown in FIG. Other types of refrigeration systems and ice slurry producing apparatuses will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 and 11. FIG. The description of the same parts as those of the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 of the type shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted as appropriate. Also, parts similar to those of the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 of the type shown in FIG.

A refrigeration system 110 and an ice slurry making apparatus 111 of the type shown in FIGS. The ice slurry production tank 113 is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and stores therein an aqueous solution (reference numerals omitted) that will be the undiluted solution (also called brine) of the ice slurry. . The ice slurry production device 111 and a water flow generation mechanism (propulsion mechanism) 142 as a flow forming part are mounted on the side surface of the ice slurry production tank 113 so that the aqueous solution does not leak.

Among these, the water flow generating mechanism 142 has the screw portion 43 . The screw part 43 is arranged inside the ice slurry production tank 113 and is driven to rotate around the axis by a rotary drive part 144 arranged outside the ice slurry production tank 113 . Furthermore, the water flow generating mechanism 142 is oriented obliquely with respect to the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113, and the ice flows at a vertical angle indicated by symbol α1 in FIG. 8 and a horizontal direction angle indicated by symbol α2 in FIG. It is fixed to the slurry manufacturing tank 113 . The screw portion 43 is directed toward an ice slurry manufacturing device 111 (described later), and rotates to generate a flow of aqueous solution (water flow) in the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 .

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 111 includes a cooling section 121, a rotation driving section 122, a sweeping section 123 as an ice separating section, and the like. Among these, the cooling section 121 and the sweeping section 123 are arranged inside the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 . Also, the rotation drive unit 122 is arranged outside the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 .

The cooling section 121 includes a disk section 126 and refrigerant pipes 128 . As the disk part 126 and the refrigerant pipe 128, it is possible to adopt the same one as the cooling part 21 of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. Refrigerant pipe 128 is connected to a refrigerator (not shown) so that a refrigerant supplied from the refrigerator flows. , various general ones can be adopted.

The disk portion 126 is fixed inside the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 via a stay 141 . The stay 141 is fixed to a hatch portion 143 detachably attached to the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 . The disc portion 126 is supported by a stay 141 at a position away from the inner peripheral surface of the hatch portion 143 .

Here, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the hatch portion 143 constitutes a part of the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113, is sealed so as not to leak the aqueous solution, and is attached to the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113. It is Further, although illustration is omitted, the hatch portion 143 is attached to the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 via a lock mechanism. Refrigerant pipe 128 is also sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution and penetrates hatch portion 143 . Furthermore, in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 111, the cooling section 121, the rotation driving section 122, and the sweeping section 123 constitute an ice making section.

The rotation driving portion 122 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the hatch portion 143 as shown in FIG. 10 . Further, a motor (buff drive motor) is incorporated in the rotary drive unit 122, and a rotating shaft 145 of the motor is sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution and passes through the hatch portion 143. As shown in FIG. The rotation drive unit 122 can continuously rotate the sweeping unit 123 in the aqueous solution stored in the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 . Here, the rotation drive unit 122 can be a unit (geared motor) that integrally includes a motor and a deceleration unit (gear unit).

The sweeping section 123 has a buff 133 fixed to the rotary shaft 145 of the rotary drive section 122 . As the material and quality of the buff 133, the same material as the buff 33 of the ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 1 can be adopted. Also, as the shape of the buff 133, it is possible to adopt the same shape as the buff 33 of the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 1 (such as a blade shape).

In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, similarly to the example shown in FIG. is cooled by the disk portion 126 . By sufficiently cooling the disk portion 126 , the conditions are adjusted, ice precipitates on the plate surfaces 126 a and 126 b of the disk portion 26 , and fine ice adheres to the periphery of the disk portion 126 .

The ice exposed and adhered in this way is swept from the disc portion 126 as indicated by the arrow A6 in FIG. taken and separated. Since the disk portion 126 is rotating, the buff 133 will pass through a fixed place intermittently, and the ice will be separated from the disk portion 126 before it grows large.

The ice separated from the plate surfaces 126a and 126b of the disk portion 126 becomes ice flakes, which are caught in the flow of the aqueous solution and blown away, mixed with the aqueous solution to form ice slurry. By continuing such ice adhesion and ice sweeping while imparting fluidity to the aqueous solution, the amount of flake ice in the aqueous solution gradually increases, and the inside of the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 reaches a predetermined temperature ( For example, about -21°C) ice slurry is stored.

Furthermore, although illustration is omitted, the ice slurry production tank 113 is connected to a refrigeration system in which the products to be frozen are immersed via an ice slurry supply pipe and an ice slurry return pipe. Slurry can be supplied and recovered. The ice slurry supply pipe, the ice slurry return pipe, the refrigerating device, and the devices incidental thereto include the ice slurry supply pipe (45) and the ice slurry in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-207046) mentioned above. A return pipe (46), a refrigerator (6), and equipment similar to these can be employed.

According to the refrigeration system 110 and the ice slurry production apparatus 111 as described above, it is possible to produce ice slurry using the small and simple ice slurry production apparatus 111 . In addition, since the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 111 is provided in the detachable hatch portion 143, the aqueous solution is reduced to such an extent that the liquid level reaches a position lower than the hatch portion 143, and the hatch portion 143 is made of ice. By removing it from the slurry manufacturing tank 113, the ice slurry manufacturing device 111 can be easily cleaned and maintained.

A plurality of (for example, two or three) disk portions 126 may be arranged in parallel (coaxially), buffs facing each disk portion 126 may be provided, and these buffs may be rotated. . By doing so, it is possible to produce a large amount of ice slurry in a shorter time. FIG. 12 shows an example in which two disk portions 126 are arranged in parallel (coaxially). Also, in FIG. 12, in order to avoid complication of the illustration, the refrigerant pipe etc. connected to the disk portion 126 arranged inside (the upper stage in FIG. 12, the stage near the center of the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113) are shown. are omitted.

Furthermore, instead of applying a water flow by a screw as in each example shown in FIGS. In addition, the cooling unit 121 and the like are placed on the water surface of the aqueous solution Ws, and the aqueous solution Ws pumped up by a pump (aqueous solution pump) 151 is supplied to each ice making surface (plate surface 126a, 126b) of the disk unit 126 at a sufficient flow rate. You may supply continuously from the pipe part 152. FIG. In this case, if the aqueous solution is continuously supplied to the ice making surfaces (plate surfaces 126a and 126b) at a sufficient (appropriate) flow rate, the disk portion 126 can be placed (immersed) in the aqueous solution Ws. are substantially the same. When the cooling unit 121 is arranged outside the aqueous solution Ws in this way, maintenance of the cooling unit 121 is facilitated because the cooling unit 121 is above the water surface. Here, the supply pipe portion 152 is fixed to the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 at an angle in the vertical direction indicated by symbol α3 in FIG. 13 and at a horizontal angle indicated by symbol α4 in FIG.

Further, the refrigeration system 110 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has been described as being configured by combining the ice slurry production device 111, the water flow generation mechanism 142, etc., but the "ice slurry production device" It is also possible to include the device 111, the water flow generating mechanism 142, and the like.

Next, the refrigeration system 160 and the ice slurry manufacturing device 161 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. The same parts as those of the refrigeration system 10 and the ice slurry production apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 1, and the refrigeration system 110 and the ice slurry production apparatus 111 shown in FIGS. Description is omitted as appropriate.

An ice slurry manufacturing device 161 of a refrigeration system 160 shown in FIG. 11 includes a cooling section 121, a rotation driving section 122, and a sweeping section 123 similar to the examples of FIGS. However, in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 161 shown in FIG.

The case 162 has external dimensions somewhat larger than the sweeping part 123, and forms a space part 163 around the sweeping part 123 for circulating the aqueous solution. Further, an aqueous solution inlet 164 and an aqueous solution outlet 165 are formed in the case 162 .

The aqueous solution inlet 164 is connected to a brine tank (aqueous solution tank) 168 via an aqueous solution pump 166 and a flow control valve 167 . By opening the flow control valve 167 and operating the aqueous solution pump 166 , the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 168 is continuously supplied into the case 162 . Here, in the example of FIG. 11, the aqueous solution pump 166 functions as a water flow generating mechanism (propulsion mechanism) as a flow forming section.

An aqueous solution outlet 165 of the case 162 is connected to the ice slurry tank 173 . A temperature sensor 171 and an IPF (ice concentration) sensor 172 are installed in the pipe between the aqueous solution outlet 165 and the ice slurry tank 173 .

In such an ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 161, as in the examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the periphery of the disk portion 126 is cooled in the aqueous solution by the cold heat of the refrigerant from the refrigerator (not shown). The aqueous solution flowing through is cooled by the disk portion 126 . 11, the buff 133 of the sweeper 123 continuously rotates, and the ice exposed and adhering to the disk portion 126 collides with the ice adhering to the disk portion 126. separated by sweeping from the

The ice separated from the disk portion 126 becomes ice flakes, and these ice flakes are caught in the flow of the aqueous solution, blown away, mixed with the aqueous solution, and discharged from the case 162 . Then, the aqueous solution mixed with the flake ice is sequentially delivered to the ice slurry tank 173 and stored in the ice slurry tank 173 .

A temperature sensor 171 is used to monitor the temperature of the ice slurry delivered from the ice slurry production device 161 . Then, the temperature of the disk portion 126 is adjusted so that the temperature of the ice slurry reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, about -21°C). Also, the ice concentration in the ice slurry pipeline is monitored using the IPF sensor 172, and the flow control valve 167 is adjusted so that the ice concentration is maintained at a predetermined value.

Here, the above-described temperature management and ice concentration management may be performed manually by an operator while visually checking the output of the temperature sensor 171 and the IPF sensor 172, or the output of the temperature sensor 171 and the IPF sensor 172 may be Automatic control using a signal may be performed.

In the example of FIG. 11, the recessed portion of the space portion 163 of the case 162 is filled with the filler 169 so that the aqueous solution or the ice slurry flows smoothly in the recessed portion. As a material of the filler 169, a synthetic resin or the like can be used. Here, in FIG. 11, the filler 169 is hatched to indicate a cross section, but the hatching of the case 162 is omitted so as not to complicate the drawing.

According to the refrigeration system 160 and the ice slurry production device 161 as described above, it is possible to produce ice slurry with a smaller ice slurry production device 161 . Further, by reducing the size of the case 162, the flow velocity of the aqueous solution (the flow velocity of the bypass flow) in the case can be increased.

Here, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 15A, a plurality of (for example, three) disk portions 126 are arranged in parallel (coaxially), and a buff 133 facing each disk portion 126 is provided, A partition plate 154 may be provided so that these buffs are rotated and the aqueous solution flows equally to the three disk portions 126 in parallel. Here, the arrow E in FIG. 15(a) indicates the flow of the aqueous solution. In FIG. 15(a), the partition plate 154 is drawn to have a triangular cross section, and divides the aqueous solution flowing from the aqueous solution inlet 164 into two directions.

Also, as schematically shown in FIG. 15(b), a plurality of (for example, three) disk portions 126 are similarly arranged in parallel (coaxially), and a buff 133 facing each of the disk portions 126 is provided. The buffs are rotated so that the aqueous solution flows in series while sequentially coming into contact with the three coaxially arranged disk portions 126 (so that the aqueous solution flows in a hook-like fashion). may be provided. In FIG. 15(b), one (front) partition plate 156 guides the aqueous solution flowing from the aqueous solution inlet 164, and the other (backward) partition plate 157 guides the aqueous solution toward the aqueous solution outlet 165. It's becoming

Alternatively, as schematically shown in FIG. 16, the fluid may flow while being in contact with three disk portions 126 arranged in series in the direction of flow. By arranging the disk portion 126 as in the examples shown in FIGS. 15(a), (b) and 16, it is possible to produce a large amount of ice slurry in a shorter time. Further, by arranging the disk portion 126 as in the examples shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the installation area (projected area) of the disk portion 126 and the like can be suppressed and the disk portion 126 and the like can be arranged. Save as much as possible. Further, by arranging the disk portion 126 as in the example shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to simplify the path of the water flow.

Note that the temperature control and ice concentration control performed in the refrigeration system 160 of FIG. 11 can also be appropriately adopted in the refrigeration system 10 of FIG. 1 and the refrigeration systems of FIGS. 8 to 10, 13, and 14. is possible. Further, the corners of the case 162 in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 161 of FIG. 11 can be formed in an R (R) shape to smoothly guide the water flow. This is the same for the ice slurry producing apparatuses of the types shown in FIGS. 15(a), (b) and 16.

Next, a modified example of the refrigeration system 110 of the type shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 111 (and the refrigeration system 150 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14) will be described with reference to FIG. . The same parts as those of the refrigeration system 110 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 111 of the type shown in FIGS.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the like, the disk portion 126 of the cooling portion 121 is arranged inside the hatch portion 143, and the refrigerant pipe 128 passes through the hatch portion 143. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the disk portion 186 of the ice slurry manufacturing device 181 enters the opening 193a formed in the hatch portion 193, protrudes somewhat inside the hatch portion 193, and closes the opening portion 193a. I'm in. An outer surface 186b of the disk portion 186 is exposed to the outside of the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 through the opening 193a.

The periphery of the disk portion 186 is liquid-tightly sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution. As means for sealing, general means such as application of a sealing material and welding can be employed. In the example of FIG. 17, the periphery of the disk portion 186 is closed with a sealing material 194, as partially shown. Only the inner side surface 186 a of the disk portion 186 is in contact with the aqueous solution in the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 .

In addition, in the example of FIG. 17, the refrigerant pipe 188 is led out from the outer surface 186b of the disk portion 186 to the outside of the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113. As shown in FIG. Further, the rotary drive portion 122 is arranged outside the disk portion 186 . The rotary shaft 145 of the rotary drive unit 122 is sealed to prevent leakage of the aqueous solution and penetrates the disc portion 186 in the horizontal direction. The rotation drive unit 122 can continuously rotate the sweeping unit 123 in the aqueous solution stored in the ice slurry manufacturing tank 113 .

The sweeping portion 123 has a buff 133 inside the disk portion 186 . The buff 133 is fixed to the rotating shaft 145 of the rotary drive unit 122 and collides with the ice adhering to the inner surface 186a of the disk portion 186 with which the aqueous solution is in contact, thereby separating the ice from the disk portion 186.

By adopting the configuration shown in the example of FIG. 17, the refrigerant pipe 188 does not come into direct contact with the aqueous solution, and ice can be prevented from adhering to the refrigerant pipe 188 .

Next, a modified example of the refrigeration system 160 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 161 of the type shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those of the refrigeration system 160 and the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 161 of the type shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the disk portion 126 of the cooling portion 121 is housed inside the case 162 , and the refrigerant pipe 128 passes through the case 162 . On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the end portion 207 of the disk portion 206 in the ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 201 protrudes from the case 212, and the refrigerant pipe 218 is led out from the end portion 207 of the disk portion 196. ing.

A plurality of salt water inlet pipes (aqueous solution inlet pipes) 219a and a plurality of salt water outlet pipes (aqueous solution outlet pipes) 219b are connected to the case 212, and salt water is supplied through the salt water inlet pipes 219a. It is introduced into the space 163 inside the case 212 . The salt water (aqueous solution) introduced into the space 163 in the case 212 contacts the plate surfaces 206 a and 206 b of the disk portion 206 and is cooled by the disk portion 206 .

The ice exposed and adhering to the plate surfaces 206 a and 206 b of the disc portion 206 is swept and separated from the disc portion 206 by the rotating buff 133 . The ice separated from the disk portion 206 becomes ice flakes, which are mixed with the salt water and discharged from the case 212 through the salt water outlet pipe 219b.

The rotary drive unit 122 that rotates the buff 133 is arranged above the case 212 , and the rotary shaft 145 of the rotary drive unit 122 is inserted downward into the case 212 . A space between the rotary shaft 145 and the case 212 is sealed so that salt water does not leak.

By adopting the configuration as in the example of FIG. 18, the refrigerant pipe 218 does not come into direct contact with salt water, making it possible to prevent ice from adhering to the refrigerant pipe 218 . Further, in the example of FIG. 18, since the rotating shaft 145 of the rotary drive unit 122 is inserted downward into the case 212, a hole (reference numeral omitted) of the case 212 through which the rotating shaft 145 is passed opens upward. As a result, leakage of salt water from the case 212 is less likely to occur.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 110, 160...Refrigeration system 11, 111, 161...Ice slurry manufacturing apparatus 12, 52, 54, 56...Freezing tank 13, 166...Aqueous solution pump (flow formation part) 14...Refrigerator 15... Flake ice making section (ice making section) 16 Refrigerant guide section 17 Frame section (holding section) 22, 122 Rotation drive section 23, 123 Sweeping section 26, 126 Disk section (ice making plate ), 26a, 26b, 126a, 126b... Plate surface (ice making surface), 33... Buff (separation part), 38... Metal plate (separation part), 41... Nozzle part (flow forming part), 142... Water flow generating mechanism ( Flow formation part), Ws... Aqueous solution (brine)

Claims (3)

an ice slurry production tank for storing brine;
an ice-making unit disposed inside the ice-slurry-making tank and capable of being immersed in brine;
with
The ice-making unit includes an ice-making plate having an ice-making surface for circulating a refrigerant supplied from a refrigerator and generating brine ice on at least one surface of the ice-making plate;
a flow forming part that provides a flow of brine to the ice making surface;
An ice slurry producing apparatus, comprising: a sweeper that separates ice produced on the ice making surface from the ice making surface by being displaced relative to the ice making surface. 2. The ice slurry manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sweeping unit is arranged in a driving unit that rotates or rotates and reciprocates with respect to said ice making surface. 3. The ice slurry making apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ice making unit further comprises a holding unit that holds at least the ice making plate and the driving unit integrally.

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