JP2702874B2 - Ice machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ice machine incorporated in a refrigerator or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an ice machine is often used in a refrigerator. The function of this type of ice maker is to automatically supply water to an ice tray, and after making ice, rotate the ice tray to release ice and drop ice into an ice storage box provided below.

[0003] As an ice maker incorporated in a refrigerator, for example, a configuration disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 54-17137 is known. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 below,
The configuration of the ice making machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-17137 will be described.

[0004] The ice making machine comprises a mechanism main body 101 and an ice tray 102 of the ice making machine, an ice storage box 103 for storing ice made ice, and an ice detecting lever 10 driven by the mechanism main body 101.
Consists of four.

[0005] A motor 105 is provided on the mechanism body 101 of the ice making machine.
And a reduction gear unit 106. The final gear of the reduction gear unit 106 is the ice tray 102.
And the ice tray rotates with the final gear. The ice detecting lever 104 is always in the ice storage box 103. The ice detecting lever 104 is also driven by the reduction gear unit 106.

Further, two switches 107 are built in the mechanism main body 101, one of which detects the rotation position of the ice tray 102 and the other of which detects the rotation position of the ice detecting lever 104. In addition, a motor 105 is provided in the mechanism main body 101.
And the harness of the switch 107 are provided.

In the above-described ice making machine, when water in the ice tray 102 is frozen, the rotation of the motor 105 causes the ice tray 102 to rotate.
Rotates, and ice is released from the ice tray 102 to the ice storage box 103.
Fall into. At this time, the ice detecting lever 104 is
Swings together and temporarily leaves the ice storage box 103.

[0008] If there is a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box 103, the ice detection lever 104 once exits the ice storage box 103.
Does not return, so the presence of ice can be confirmed.

An ice maker disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-203179 is known as an extension of the above configuration. In the ice maker described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-203179, the ice detecting lever operates independently of the ice tray, and performs the ice detecting operation independently of the rotation of the ice tray. If there is no fixed amount of ice in the box 103, the ice tray is rotated to release the ice.

[0010]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
The ice maker described in Japanese Patent No. 7 satisfies the basic application, but as a matter to be further improved, the ice detecting lever is always located in the ice storage box, and the ice detecting lever is normally detected when the ice is taken out. The ice lever may be in the way, and in the worst case, the ice detecting lever may be damaged.

Further, in the above-mentioned ice making machine, since the ice tray is rotated and the ice is detected only after the ice is released, there is a disadvantage that the ice detecting operation cannot be arbitrarily performed when necessary. Further, there is a dissatisfaction that it is difficult to reduce the size and cost of the ice making machine.

On the other hand, in the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-203179, of the above three problems, the former two can be solved, but the remaining third cannot be solved yet. Further, the ice making machine performs the ice detecting operation only once before the ice is removed, and there is a problem that the accuracy of the ice detecting is uncertain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a small, low-cost ice making lever in which the ice detecting lever is always outside the ice storage box and enters the ice storage box only at the time of ice detection, and the mechanism is simple and easy to assemble. Machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an ice making machine in which the driving mechanism of the ice detecting lever and the position detecting means of the ice tray are simplified and the assembly is easy.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method in which when a button is pressed by a first operating piece , a module is pressed.
A first detection switch for outputting a signal for reversing the data,
The first operating piece is prevented from being displaced in the button direction.
When no external force is applied in the button direction when the
The first operating piece is subjected to a pressing force in the button direction to
Causing the operating piece to press the button, wherein the first operating piece
Button when it is prevented from displacing
When an external force is applied to the first operating piece, the button
A second operating piece that cannot be pushed and is elastically deformed;
The tip enters the ice box and retreats from the ice box.
An ice detection lever rotatably supported so as to be able to exit and the ice detection lever;
Connected to the rotating shaft of the lever, together with the ice detection lever
A rotating ice detection axis, and projecting in the radial direction of the ice detection axis and
The ice detection lever is provided integrally with the ice detection shaft, and the ice storage lever is
When entering the box beyond a predetermined position, the first operating piece
The first operating piece changes in the button direction
Protruding part that prevents
It is located at the last stage of the gear train for rotating the ice tray,
A final in which one end of the shaft is connected to the rotation axis of the ice tray
The gear and the projection protrude separately from the ice detection axis in the radial direction.
And was provided integrally with the ice detection shaft, and an urging force was applied.
In this state, touch the surface of the final gear
An arm in contact with the arm and the ice detecting lever in contact with the arm;
Keep the tip of the ice box out of the ice box.
Upper surface, and the rotation of the final gear
The contact position with the arm moves toward the ice tray,
Allow the tip of the ice detection lever to rotate in the direction of the dish.
A slope into which the part enters the ice storage box;
With the rotation of the gear, the contact position with the arm is
This to move in a direction rotating the arm opposite to the ice tray direction
With this, the ice detecting lever which has entered the ice storage box is
A slope for retreating the tip from the ice storage box,
Until the ice tray rotates from the home position to the ice release position
Then, the tip of the ice detecting lever retreats from the ice storage box.
Entered the ice storage box from the state in which
If there is no more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box,
Enter above the position and then exit from the ice box
Formed on the surface opposite to the ice tray of the final gear.
A drive cam, and the drive cam moves in the direction of the ice tray of the arm.
When the ice tray is allowed to rotate to the maximum
When the position is reached, the second operating piece is pushed in the button direction.
As described above, the detection cam formed on the final gear
It was provided with.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a button is provided by a first operating piece.
Outputs a signal to reverse the motor when the button is pressed
The first detection switch and the tip end enter and exit the ice storage box.
And a detection device rotatably supported so as to be able to exit from the ice storage box.
An ice lever connected to a rotating shaft of the ice detecting lever;
An ice detection axis that rotates together with the ice detection lever;
Protruding in the radial direction, provided integrally with the ice detection shaft,
When the ice detection lever has entered the ice storage box beyond a predetermined position
Contacting the first operating piece from the button side,
A protrusion for preventing the operating piece from being displaced in the button direction,
A gear train connected to the motor for rotating the ice tray
Is located at the last stage, and one end of the rotating shaft is rotated by the ice tray.
The final gear connected to the shaft and the projection
It is provided integrally with the ice detection axis so as to protrude in the radial direction of the ice detection axis.
With the biasing force applied to the final gear.
An arm that abuts against the surface of the anti-ice tray side
The tip of the ice detection lever retreats from the ice storage box
The upper surface that maintains the state of being extended, and the final gear
With the rotation of the arm, the contact position with the arm moves toward the ice tray.
By moving the arm in the direction of the ice tray.
The tip of the ice detection lever into the ice storage box.
The slope and the arm with the rotation of the final gear
Is moved in the direction of the anti-ice tray and the arm is made
By rotating in the direction of the ice tray,
Exit the tip of the ice detection lever from the ice storage box
The ice tray is at an ice-free position from the origin position.
The tip of the ice detection lever may be
From the exit to have the state from within the ice storage box in the ice box
If there is no more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box,
After entering the ice storage box beyond the predetermined position,
Countering the final gear so as to exit from the ice box
A drive cam formed on the surface on the side of the ice tray;
And the drive cam is in the direction of the ice tray of the arm.
When the first working piece is allowed to rotate to the maximum
If displacement is not prevented,
By applying a pressing force in the button direction to the first operating piece,
The moving piece pushes the button, and the first operating piece is
In the first work,
Elastic deformation occurs because the moving piece cannot be pressed by the button.
And the ice making tray has reached a maximum rotation position.
To push the first operating piece in the button direction,
Since it has a detection cam formed on the final gear,
is there.

Further , still another aspect of the present invention provides the first operating piece
When the button is pressed, a signal to reverse the motor is output.
A first detection switch to be pressed, and a tip portion advanced into the ice storage box.
It is rotatably supported so that it can enter and exit from the ice storage box.
Ice detection lever connected to the rotating shaft of the ice detection lever.
An ice detection shaft that rotates with the ice detection lever;
It is provided integrally with the ice detection axis so as to protrude in the radial direction of the ice axis.
And the ice detection lever enters the ice storage box at a predetermined position or more.
When the button touches the first operating piece from the button side,
The protrusion for preventing the first operating piece from being displaced in the button direction.
Part and the motor are connected to the motor to rotate the ice tray.
One end of the rotating shaft is located at the last stage of the gear train,
The final gear connected to the rotating shaft of the
Protruding in the radial direction of the ice detection axis and integrally with the ice detection axis
The final gear is provided in a state where the urging force is given.
An arm that abuts the surface on the side opposite to the ice tray in
The tip of the ice detection lever in the ice storage box
The upper surface for maintaining the state of
As the gear rotates, the abutment position with the arm
To move the arm in the direction of the ice tray.
With this, the tip of the ice detection lever enters the ice storage box
Slope and the rotation of the final gear
The contact position with the arm moves toward the anti-ice tray and the arm
Into the ice storage box by rotating
Check the tip of the ice detection lever that has entered
The ice tray from the origin position.
The tip of the ice detection lever must be in
The ice storage from the state where the end has been withdrawn from the ice storage box
After entering the box, there is no more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box.
If so, enter the ice storage box beyond the predetermined position, and then
The final gear is moved out of the ice box.
A drive cam formed on the surface of the
The file can be projected and retracted in the radial direction of the null gear.
Provided on the null gear and urged in the protruding direction
Wherein the drive cam is in the direction of the ice tray of the arm.
When the first working piece is allowed to rotate to the maximum
If displacement is not prevented,
By applying a pressing force in the button direction to the first operating piece,
The moving piece pushes the button, and the first operating piece is
In the first work,
The immersion without the moving piece being able to press the button
(2) When the operating piece and the ice tray reach the maximum rotation position
Then, the first operating piece is pushed in the button direction so that the
And a detection cam formed on the final gear.
You.

[0018]

According to the present invention , water in an ice tray is frozen.
Is detected, the motor rotates and the torque of the motor
Are connected to an ice tray via a gear train.
It is transmitted to a.

It takes a while for the final gear to start rotating
Then, as the final gear rotates, the final gear
The contact position between the drive cam and the arm of the ice detection shaft is toward the ice tray.
The arm of the ice detection axis moves in the direction of the ice tray,
The ice detection lever connected to the shaft rotates, and the tip of the ice detection lever
The end is lowered into the ice bin provided under the ice tray.
Good.

The drive cam moves in the direction of the ice tray of the arm of the ice detecting shaft.
When the maximum rotation of the first operating piece is allowed,
In the direction of the button of the first detection switch.
You.

The ice in the ice storage box has not reached a predetermined amount, and
If the ice lever enters the ice bin beyond a certain position,
The protrusion provided on the ice shaft is connected to the first operation piece by the first detection switch.
Contact from the button side, and the first operating piece changes in the button direction.
To stop Therefore, at this time, the first detection switch
The switch does not output a signal to reverse the motor.

No signal is output from the first detection switch
As a result, the motor continues to rotate and the final gear also rotates.
Then, as the final gear rotates, the final gear
The contact position between the drive cam and the arm of the ice detection shaft is in the direction opposite to the ice tray.
And the arm of the ice detection axis rotates in the direction of the anti-ice tray,
The ice detection lever connected to the ice detection shaft rotates and the ice detection lever
Exits from the ice storage box.

The ice tray is twisted to release the ice inside.
When it is turned to the position (maximum turning position), the first operation
Trying to displace the piece in the button direction of the first detection switch
In this case, the first working piece is prevented from being displaced.
Because there is nothing, the first operating piece is
Button and the first detection switch sends a signal to reverse the motor.
And the ice tray returns to the home position.

When the tip of the ice detecting lever descends into the ice storage box,
When the ice in the ice storage box has reached
The ice lever can enter the ice storage box beyond a predetermined position.
If not, the protrusion provided on the ice detection shaft is
1 Cannot contact from the button side of the detection switch,
The second operating piece is the first operating piece and the button of the first detection switch.
And the first operating piece is the button of the first detection switch.
And the first detection switch sends a signal to reverse the motor.
Output, and the ice tray returns to the home position.

[0025]

FIG. 1 shows an ice making machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an ice making machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanism unit of the ice making machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state where a cover is removed. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ice making machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the first detection switch and members of FIG.

The basic structure of the ice making machine of this embodiment is not much different from that of the known one. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the ice making machine of the present embodiment has a mechanical unit 201 of the ice making machine.
The ice tray 202 includes a bearing 203, an ice storage box 204, and an ice detection lever 205.

Here, the bearing portion 203 is for holding the ice tray 202 rotatably. The ice storage box 204 is for storing ice after ice separation, and is installed below the ice tray 202. The ice detecting lever 205 is provided in the mechanism unit 2
01 and enters the ice storage box 204 to detect the amount of ice storage. The ice detecting lever 205 used in this embodiment is used.
Is always outside the ice storage box 204 as shown in FIG. 1 and enters the ice storage box 204 at the time of ice detection.

The characteristic structure of the present embodiment lies mainly in the internal structure of the mechanism unit 201. Hereinafter, the structure of the mechanism unit 201 will be described in detail.

The mechanism unit 201 is housed in a box surrounded by the housing 1 and the cover 2. Briefly describing the housing 1, a screw hole 3 for fastening the cover 2 is provided at a corner of the housing 1. A rib 4 is provided on the bottom surface 5 of the housing 1.
A motor 7 as a driving source is fitted and fixed to the portion.

A worm gear 9 is fitted into the output shaft 8 of the motor 7 via a joint 8a, and the tip of the worm gear 9 has a bearing 1 extending from the bottom surface 5 of the housing 1.
Supported by 0.

The gear 1 is located at a position where it meshes with the worm gear 9.
The gear 13 includes a worm wheel portion 11 and a spur gear portion 12. A series of gear trains is configured by the second gear 14, the third gear 15, which is fitted to these gears, and the final gear 16 which meshes with the third gear 15.

Here, the final gear 16 has a gear portion 17 and a shaft 26 extending from one surface similarly to the known gear. The shaft 26 is provided with a convex portion 27, and the convex portion 27 projects outward from a hole provided in the housing 1 and is connected to an ice tray.

The final gear 16 used in this embodiment
Has a gear region 17a and a missing tooth region 17b. A drive cam 20 is formed in the missing tooth region 17b. That is, the side face of the final gear 16 employed in this embodiment is used as an end face cam.

The drive follower 20 has a cam follower that moves in the direction of the tooth width, that is, the thickness direction of the final gear 16, and has an upper surface 20a shared with the side surface of the final gear 16.
And a lower surface 20b and a slope 20c connecting them.

A detection cam is coaxially mounted on the surface of the final gear 16 on the cover 2 side. The detection cam is formed by integrally forming two outer peripheral cams 18 and 19. Final gear 1 of the two outer cams
The first outer peripheral cam 18 disposed on the sixth side has a first protrusion 22 and a second protrusion 23, and both are smoothly connected by a circumferential portion 24.

On the other hand, the second outer peripheral cam 1 arranged on the cover 2 side
Numeral 9 includes a major diameter portion 19a, a minor diameter portion 19b, and an oblique portion 19c connecting these.

An ice detecting shaft 36 is connected to the ice detecting lever 205 and drives the ice detecting lever 205. The ice detecting shaft 36 is provided with a bearing 39 provided on the housing 1.
And has a shaft portion 36a and a guide 36b for preventing axial deflection. And ice detection axis 3
6 is provided with a torque limiter 36c formed of a torsion coil spring at the center. When the ice detecting shaft 36 receives an abnormal torsion torque, the torque limiter 36c absorbs the abnormal torsion torque, and the inspection is performed. The ice shaft 36 is prevented from being damaged.

One end of the ice detecting shaft 36 protrudes outside from a portion where the side wall of the housing 1 is cut out in a U-shape, and is joined to the ice detecting lever 205.

At the other end of the ice detecting shaft 36, an arm 40 having a spherical tip is provided. The arm 40 functions as a cam follower.
6 is in contact with the drive cam 20. That is, when the final gear 16 rotates, the tip of the arm 40 is
To rotate the ice detection shaft 36.

A projection 41 is formed at an eccentric position of the end surface of the ice detecting shaft 36, more specifically, at a side surface of the arm 40. When the ice detecting shaft 36 rotates by a predetermined rotation angle or more, the protrusion 41 comes into contact with a first operating piece 47a of a switch contact member 47 described later.

Reference numeral 43 denotes a substrate, which is a groove 44 of the housing 1.
And is pressed and fixed to the cover 2 as well. A first detection switch 45, a second detection switch 46, and a test switch 49 are mounted on the board 43.

Here, the first detection switch 45 is connected to the ice storage box 20.
The signal is output when the ice storage amount is sufficient in the ice making tray 4 and when the ice tray 202 reaches the ice separation position.

The first detection switch 45 is connected to the final gear 1
6 and the switch contact member 4
7 through the first outer peripheral cam 18 described above.

Mounting position of the first detection switch 45;
More specifically, the relationship between the rotation position of the first outer peripheral cam 18 and the rotation angle of the ice tray 203 is as follows. When the ice tray 203 is at the ice release position, the projection 23 is switched via the switch contact member 47 to the first detection switch. Press 45. Also, the first outer peripheral cam 1
8 protrudes the first detection switch 45 before the ice tray 203 reaches the ice release position.

That is, while the ice tray 203 is rotating from the origin to the ice release position, the projection 22 of the first outer peripheral cam 18 once presses the first detection switch 45. When the ice tray 203 is rotated to the ice-removing position, the projection 23 of the first outer peripheral cam 18 is rotated.
Presses the first detection switch 45 again. Further, while the ice tray 203 returns from the ice-removing position to the origin, the first
The protrusion 22 of the outer peripheral cam 18 presses the first detection switch 45.

The switch contact member 47 is provided with the first outer cam 1.
8 is a member that is interposed between the first detection switch 45 and the first detection switch 45 and presses the first detection switch 45.
It is attached to the detection switch 45.

The switch contact member 47 employed in this embodiment.
Is composed of a first operating piece 47a and a second operating piece 47b as shown in FIG. The two working pieces 47a and 47b are formed by press-molding a single elastic material, have a common root portion 47c, and both project in a cantilever manner from the root portion 47c. One of the first operating pieces 47a has a linear plate shape, and the other second operating piece 47b extends at an angle different from that of the first operating piece 47a, and has a curved tip.

In this embodiment, the switch contact member 47 is
Although the work is performed by press molding from a single elastic material, it is of course possible to combine different materials.

The switch contact member 47 has a base portion 47c attached to the first detection switch 45, and the back surface of the first operating piece 47a is connected to the button 45a of the first detection switch 45.
Abut.

The second operating piece 47b of the switch contact member 47
When the first outer peripheral cam 18 rotates, the protrusions 22 and 23
Abuts. Since the second operating piece 47b is connected to the first operating piece 47a at the base 47c, when the projections 22, 23 of the first outer peripheral cam 18 come into contact with the second operating piece 47b, together with the second operating piece 47b. The first operating piece 47a also moves, and the first detection switch 45 is switched.

On the other hand, when the ice detecting shaft 36 rotates by a predetermined angle or more, the projection 41 comes into contact with the back surface of the first operating piece 47a. The button 45a of the detection switch 45 is released.

The projection 22 or the projection 2 of the first outer peripheral cam 18
When the projection 3 and the projection 41 of the ice detection shaft 36 simultaneously come into contact with the switch contact member 47, the second operating piece 47b is bent by elasticity, and the first detection switch 45 is released.

That is, the projection 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 functions as a blocking member for blocking the movement of the first operating piece 47a.

The second detection switch 46 is arranged side by side with the first detection switch 45. Second detection switch 46
Is mounted with an operation lever 48 for pressing the button 46a in conjunction with the second outer peripheral cam 19. When the ice tray 202 is at the horizontal position and when the ice tray 202 is at the position where the ice is completely removed, the second outer peripheral cam 19 is operated by the operating lever 48.
Is pressed, and a signal is output from the second detection switch 46.

The board 43 is provided with a test switch 49 for confirming the test operation of the ice maker at a position where the switch can be operated from outside.

In the ice making machine of the present embodiment, the determination of the ice storage amount is as follows.
When the ice detecting shaft 36 stops halfway and the first detection switch 45 outputs a signal, it is determined that there is an ice storage amount. On the other hand, ice detection axis 3
When 6 does not stop on the way and the first detection switch 45 does not output a signal, it is determined that there is no ice in the ice storage box.

Next, a typical behavior of the ice detecting shaft 36 employed in this embodiment will be described. The behavior of the ice detection shaft 36 employed in this embodiment when the ice storage box 204 is short of ice is as follows.

That is, the mode is controlled by a control unit (not shown).
When the motor 7 is rotated forward, the final gear 16 rotates. Here, “forward rotation” refers to the rotation direction of the motor 7 in which the ice tray 202 rotates toward the ice-releasing position. Similarly, “reverse rotation” refers to the rotation direction of the motor 7 in which the ice tray 202 rotates toward the origin. And the arm 40 of the ice detecting axis 36.
Is in contact with the drive cam 20, the arm 40 is arranged in the order of the upper surface 20a, the inclined surface 20c, the lower surface 20b, the inclined surface 20c, and the upper surface 20a. The movement of the arm 40 causes the ice detecting shaft 36 to rotate, and the ice detecting lever 205 descends and then rises. During this time, the ice tray 202 is
Is rotated to the de-icing angle.

When the motor 7 is rotated in the reverse direction under the control of the control unit, the ice tray 202 returns to the origin via the shaft 26, and at the same time, the ice detecting shaft 36 The upper surface 2 on the drive cam 20
0a, slope 20c, lower surface 20b, slope 20c, upper surface 20
The ice detection shaft 36 rotates to lower and raise the ice detection lever in the order of a.

On the other hand, a series of behaviors when the ice storage box 204 has sufficient ice is as follows. That is, the motor 7 is rotated forward under the control of the control unit, and the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 comes into contact with the upper surface 20a and the inclined surface 20c on the driving cam 20, and the ice detecting shaft 36 is rotated and detected. The ice lever 205 is lowered. However, the ice detecting lever 205 hits the ice and does not descend below a predetermined position.
It is held in a floating state without contacting. Meanwhile, the motor 7 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is brought into contact with the driving cam 20 via the final gear 16 in the order from the slope 20c to the upper surface 20a. The shaft 36 is rotated to raise the ice detection lever 205.

Next, the operation of the ice making machine configured as described above will be described based on an actual ice making process. First, ice box 20
Assume that there is not enough ice in 4.

An ice tray 202 is driven by a pump (not shown).
When the thermistor serving as ice making detecting means (not shown) detects that the temperature is below the set temperature and the ice making is completed, a signal is sent from a control unit (not shown). And the motor 7 is rotated forward.

When the motor 7 rotates forward, the worm gear 9 and the first, second, and third gears 13, 14, and 15 rotate sequentially, and are decelerated to transmit the rotation to the final gear 16.

When the final gear 16 starts to rotate, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36, which was initially in contact with the upper surface 20a of the drive cam 20 of the final gear 16, moves from the upper surface 20a to the lower surface 20b via the inclined surface 20c. It moves along. It
Between the driving cam 20 of the final gear 16 and the ice detecting shaft 36.
The contact position with the arm 40 moves toward the ice tray 202,
The arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36 rotates in the direction of the ice tray 202.
Then, the ice detecting lever 205 connected to the ice detecting shaft 36 rotates.
Then, the tip of the ice detecting lever 205 descends into the ice storage box 204 provided below the ice tray 202.

The arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
When the drive cam 2 is in contact with the lower surface 20b,
0 is the maximum position of the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 toward the ice tray 202.
When the large rotation is permitted, the first projection of the first outer peripheral cam 18
22 contacts the second operating piece 47b of the switch contact member 47
Then, the second operating piece 47b sets the first operating piece 47a in the first detection mode.
An attempt is made to displace the switch 45 in the direction of the button 45a.

If ice is not stored in the ice storage box 204, the ice detecting lever 205 descends to the lowest point without stopping halfway. If the ice in the ice storage box 204 has reached
The ice detection lever 205 is in the ice storage box 204 at a predetermined position or more.
When entering, place the ice detection shaft 36 on the side opposite to the ice detection lever 205.
The projection 41 provided is the first operation of the switch contact member 47.
To the piece 47a from the button 45a side of the first detection switch 45
When the protrusion 41 comes into contact with the first operating piece 47a and
Push up in a direction away from the first operating piece 47a.
In the direction of the button 45a.

Therefore, the first projection 2 of the first outer peripheral cam 18
Even if 2 pushes down the second operating piece 47b to the button 45a side, the first operating piece 47a does not move and the button 45a of the first detection switch 45 cannot be operated. Therefore, the first detection switch 45 outputs a signal for rotating the motor 7 in the reverse direction.
do not do. Thereby, it is determined that the ice is insufficient.

A signal is output from the first detection switch 45.
Since there is no, motor - and seven other continued to forward rotation, the final gear 1
6, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 reaches the upper surface 20a again via the inclined surface 20c of the drive cam 20 . This
When the final gear 16 rotates,
The drive cam 20 of the gear 16 and the arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36
The contact position moves toward the anti-ice tray, and the
Is rotated in the anti-ice tray direction, and is connected to the ice detection shaft 36.
The ice detecting lever 205 is rotated, and the ice detecting lever 205 is pulled up from the ice storage box 204, and the tip of the ice detecting lever 205 is moved.
The end exits from the ice storage box 204. In addition, as long as the forward rotation of the motor 7 continues, the motor 7 contacts the upper surface 20a.
Therefore, the ice detecting lever 205 maintains the state of being out of the ice storage box 204.

When the ice tray 202 is twisted by a predetermined angle and rotated to the position where the ice inside is released (the maximum rotation position) , the protrusion 2 of the first outer cam 18 of the final gear 16 is rotated.
3 pushes the second operating piece 47b of the switch contact member 47 toward the button 45a.

At this time, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is in contact with the upper surface 20a of the driving cam 20 of the final gear 16, and the ice detecting shaft 36 is at the position of the origin, and the ice detecting shaft 36 projects. The portion 41 includes a first operating piece 47a of the switch contact member 47.
And away. Therefore , the projection 23 of the first outer peripheral cam 18
Presses the second operation piece 47b of the switch contact member 47, and the first operation piece 47a presses the button 45a to
1 detection switch 45 outputs a signal for rotating motor 7 in reverse
I do.

At this time, at the same time, more specifically, after a very short time elapses during which the ice tray 202 is twisted, the operation lever 48 is pushed by the long diameter portion 19a of the second outer peripheral cam 19 and the second detection switch 46 is turned on. Button 46a is pressed to output a signal. At this time, it is determined that the ice removal has been completed.

When both the first detection switch 45 and the second detection switch 46 output a signal, or when the signal is output from one of the first detection switch 45 and the second detection switch 46, the motor 7 Rotates in the reverse direction to return the ice tray 202 to the origin position.

[0074] ice tray 2 in accordance with here in the above-described second drive means
Before 02 returns to the origin position, the ice detecting shaft 36 performs the ice detecting operation again to confirm again the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 204.

Next, it is assumed that there is sufficient ice in the ice storage box 204. If there is more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box 204, the ice detecting lever 205 does not descend to the lowest point and stops halfway, so that the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is lower than the inclined surface 20c of the driving cam 20 by the lower surface 20b. And keep the floating state. At this time, since the projection 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 does not abut on the first operating piece 47a of the switch abutting member 47, the end of the first operating piece 47a is in a free state.

Then, the rotation of the ice tray 202 progresses, and the first
The protrusion 22 of the outer peripheral cam 18 comes into contact with the second operating piece 47b,
When the second operating piece 47b moves, the first operating piece 47a connected to the second operating piece 47b at the base 47c also moves.
The first operating piece 47a allows the first detection switch 4
5 button 45a is operated and the first detection switch 45
A signal for reversing the motor 7 is output.

When this signal is received, it is determined that there is ice in the ice storage box 204, and the motor 7 rotates in the reverse direction to return the ice tray 202 to the origin position via the shaft 26.

When the ice tray 202 reaches the origin position, the operation lever 48, which has been in contact with the short diameter portion 19b of the second outer peripheral cam 19, reaches the long diameter portion 19a via the inclined portion 19c, and the operation lever 48 is pushed. Button 4 of the second detection switch 46
Pressing 6a causes the second detection switch 46 to output a signal. Upon receiving this signal, the motor 7 stops and stands by.

As described above , the ice making machine of the present embodiment
When the water in the plate 202 is detected to be frozen, the ice tray 2
02 in one direction, and then twist it into the ice tray 202
Pressurized forte, falling ice in the ice tray 202 to the ice box 204
Then, the ice tray 202 is rotated in the opposite direction to
An ice making machine for returning the ice tray 202 to the home position,
1 When the button 45a is pressed by the operating piece 47a,
Detection switch 45 for outputting a signal for reversing the
Displaces the first operating piece 47a in the direction of the button 45a.
Is not blocked, an external force is applied in the direction of the button 45a.
Is added to the first operating piece 47a in the direction of the button 45a.
To the button 45a on the first operating piece 47a.
And the first operating piece 47a is displaced in the direction of the button 45a.
Out of the direction of the button 45a when the
When force is applied, a button 45a is attached to the first operating piece 47a.
The second operating piece 47b that cannot be pushed and is elastically deformed
When the tip enters the ice storage box 204 and the ice storage box 204
Ice detection lever 20 rotatably supported so as to be able to exit from inside
5 and the rotation axis of the ice detection lever 205,
An ice detecting shaft 36 that rotates together with the bar 205;
Protruding in the radial direction of the
The ice lever 205 enters the ice storage box 204 beyond a predetermined position.
When it comes into contact with the first operating piece 47a from the button 45a side.
The first operating piece 47a is displaced in the direction of the button 45a.
And an ice tray connected to the motor 7
The rotation shaft is located at the last stage of the gear train for rotating 202.
One end of which is connected to the rotation axis of the ice tray 202
A and protrude in the radial direction of the ice detection axis 36 separately from the protrusion 41.
And is provided integrally with the ice detecting shaft 36, and is provided with an urging force.
With the final gear 16 facing away from the ice tray
An arm 40 that comes into contact with the arm 40 and an ice detection lever that comes into contact with the arm 40;
-The tip of 205 is out of the ice box 204
Rotation of the final gear 16 and the upper surface 20a for maintaining the state
As a result, the contact position with the arm 40 is shifted toward the ice tray 202.
To allow the arm 40 to rotate toward the ice tray 202.
This moves the tip of the ice detection lever 205 into the ice storage box 204.
20c and the rotation of the final gear 16
The contact position with the arm 40 moves in the anti-ice tray direction
By rotating the arm 40 in the anti-ice tray direction,
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 that has entered the ice box 204
And a slope 20c for retreating from the ice storage box 204,
Until the ice tray 202 rotates from the origin position to the ice release position
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 is inside the ice storage box 204
Entered the ice storage box 204 from the state where
Without a predetermined amount or more of ice ice box 204 savings ice box 20
4 and beyond the specified position, then from the ice storage box 204
The surface of the final gear 16 on the side opposite to the ice tray so that it exits
Drive cam 20 formed on the arm 4
0 when the maximum rotation in the direction of the ice tray 202 is permitted
When the ice tray 202 reaches the maximum rotation position, the second
Push the operating piece 47b in the direction of the button 45a
Detection cam (first outer peripheral cam) formed on the null gear 16
The motor 7 is rotated forward and the ice detection shaft 36 is moved along the drive cam provided on the final gear 16.
The ice detection shaft is rotated along the drive cam provided on the final gear 16 not only to perform ice detection once before ice removal, but also to return to the home position after ice removal, so that ice detection is performed again. Do.
Therefore, the ice making machine of the present embodiment can reliably detect ice with little erroneous detection of the ice storage amount.

Further, in the ice making machine of this embodiment, the first detection switch 45 and the second detection switch 46 are arranged in parallel with the driving cam 20 of the final gear 16, so that the space can be effectively used and the size of the apparatus can be reduced. I can do it.

In addition, in the ice maker of the present embodiment, since the first detection switch 45 and the second detection switch 46 are arranged on the substrate 43, the harness processing of wiring and external connection lines is simplified, and the size of the ice maker is reduced. And cost reduction.

In the ice making machine of this embodiment, the driving of the ice detecting shaft 36 is performed only by the driving cam 20 in the face width direction of the final gear 16, so that the assembly is simple, small, and space-saving.

In the above embodiment, the first detection switch 45
And the second detection switch 46 are provided.
The detection switch 46 has a function of detecting that the ice tray 202 has returned to the origin, and a function of additionally detecting a position where ice removal has been completed.

In the configuration of this embodiment, since the ice-free position is detected by the two detection switches 45 and 46 , the detection accuracy of the ice-free position is highly recommended.

FIG . 4 shows the second detection from the configuration of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in which the switch 46 is omitted.
It is.

The configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Since the second detection switch 46 is omitted from FIG.
The ice tray 202 is twisted at a certain angle to release the ice inside.
Is turned to the maximum position (maximum turning position)
Button 4 of the first detection switch 45 as in the first embodiment.
5a is pressed, and the motor 7
Is reversed. Also, when the ice tray 202 returns to the origin,
Is to mechanically stop the final gear 16 at the home position.
You. At this time, a lock current flows through the motor 7, so that the motor
Returns to the home position by detecting the lock current of
Then, the power supply to the motor 7 is stopped. So
The other operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.
I do. In the second embodiment, the second detection switch 46 is omitted.
Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced.
effective.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a part of an ice making machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The ice making machine of this embodiment is different from the previous embodiment only in the structure of the switch contact member.

The switch contact member 57 employed in this embodiment
Is constituted by two completely separate members. That is, the switch contact member 57 employed in this embodiment is the first operating piece 5
7a and the second operating piece 57b.

The first operation piece 57a is a plate-like member having an intermediate portion bent, and is attached to the first detection switch 45 in a cantilever manner. And the first operating piece 57
a button 45a of the first detection switch 45
Is pressed. The second operation piece 57b is made of a material having elasticity, has an arc shape, and has a projection 57c provided on the distal end side.

The second operating piece 57b is attached to the outer peripheral cam 118, and the arc of the operating piece 57b is
It matches the 18 base circles. Accordingly, the outer peripheral cam 118 rotates, and the first operation piece 57a is moved to the protrusion 57c of the second operation piece 57b.
When the contact is made, the first operation piece 57a is pressed against the first detection switch 45 by the outer peripheral cam 118.

The switch contact member 57 employed in this embodiment
Then, the projection 57c of the second operating piece 57b is
When the projection 41 of the ice detection shaft 36 abuts on the back surface on the distal end side of the first operating piece 57a at the same time, the second operating piece 57b bends toward the outer peripheral cam 118 by elasticity. Therefore, under the above conditions, the button 45a of the first detection switch 45 is not pressed.

On the other hand, when only the projection 57c of the second operating piece 57b is in contact with the first operating piece 57a and the projection 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is separated from the first operating piece 57a, the first detection switch 45 The button 45a is pressed.

Next, the operation of the ice making machine configured as described above.
Will be described in accordance with an actual ice making process. First, ice box 20
Assume that there is not enough ice in 4.

An ice tray 202 is driven by a pump (not shown).
Water, and the water freezes, and ice making detection means (Fig.
The thermistor (not shown)
Upon detecting that the ice has been completed, the control unit (not shown)
And the motor 7 is rotated forward.

When the motor 7 rotates forward, the worm gear
9, the first, second, and third gears 13, 14, and 15 rotate sequentially
Then, the rotation is reduced and the rotation is transmitted to the final gear 16.

When the final gear 16 starts to rotate,
Contact the upper surface 20a of the drive cam 20 of the first final gear 16.
The arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36 which was in contact with the arm 40 is located on the upper surface 20a.
It moves along the slope 20c to the lower surface 20b. It
Between the driving cam 20 of the final gear 16 and the ice detecting shaft 36.
The contact position with the arm 40 moves toward the ice tray 202,
The arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36 rotates in the direction of the ice tray 202.
Then, the ice detecting lever 205 connected to the ice detecting shaft 36 rotates.
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 is set under the ice tray 202.
It descends into the ice storage box 204 that has been shaken.

The arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
When the drive cam 2 is in contact with the lower surface 20b,
0 is the maximum position of the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 toward the ice tray 202.
When large rotation is allowed,
The second operation piece 57b is the first operation of the switch contact member 57.
Move the moving piece 57a in the direction of the button 45a of the first detection switch 45.
To be displaced.

[0099] Ice must be stored in the ice storage box 204.
If the ice detection lever 205 does not stop halfway,
Descend. If the ice in the ice storage box 204 has reached
The ice detection lever 205 is in the ice storage box 204 at a predetermined position or more.
When entering, place the ice detection shaft 36 on the side opposite to the ice detection lever 205.
The projection 41 provided is the first operation of the switch contact member 57.
To the piece 57a from the button 45a side of the first detection switch 45
When the projection 41 contacts the first operating piece 57a,
The first operating piece 57a.
In the direction of the button 45a.

Therefore, it is attached to the outer peripheral cam 118.
The second operation piece 57b is the first operation of the switch contact member 57.
The piece 57a is moved in the direction of the button 45a of the first detection switch 45.
Even when trying to displace, the first operating piece 57a does not move,
Activating the button 45a of the first detection switch 45
Can not. Therefore, the first detection switch 45 is connected to the motor 7
Does not output a signal to reverse This runs out of ice
It is determined that there is.

A signal is output from the first detection switch 45.
Motor 7 continues to rotate forward and the final gear 1
6 also continues, and the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
After reaching the upper surface 20a again through the inclined surface 20c of FIG. This
When the final gear 16 rotates,
The drive cam 20 of the gear 16 and the arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36
The contact position moves toward the anti-ice tray, and the
Is rotated in the anti-ice tray direction, and is connected to the ice detection shaft 36.
The ice detection lever 205 is rotated, and the ice detection lever 205 is stored.
Lifted out of the ice box 204, the tip of the ice detection lever 205
The end exits from the ice storage box 204. Motor as it is
7 is in contact with the upper surface 20a as long as the forward rotation of 7 continues.
Therefore, the ice detecting lever 205 is in a state of being out of the ice storage box 204.
To maintain.

The ice tray 202 is twisted at a certain angle to
Rotated to the position where the ice is released (maximum pivot position)
Then, the projection 23 of the outer peripheral cam 118 of the final gear 16
Presses the first operating piece 57a of the switch contact member 57 with a button.
Push to the 45a side.

At this time, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
Abuts against the upper surface 20a of the drive cam 20 of the final gear 16
The ice detection axis 36 is located at the origin and
The protrusion 41 is provided on the first operating piece 57a of the switch contact member 57.
And away. Therefore, the protrusion 23 of the outer peripheral cam 118
Pressing the first operating piece 57a of the switch contact member 57
As a result, the first operating piece 57a presses the button 45a to
The detection switch 45 outputs a signal for rotating the motor 7 in the reverse direction.
You. At this time, it is determined that the ice removal has been completed.

A signal is output from the first detection switch 45.
When the motor 7 rotates in the reverse direction, the ice tray 202 is moved to the home position.
Let it return.

Here, the ice tray 2 is operated in accordance with the second driving means.
Ice detection axis 36 moves again before 02 returns to the origin position.
The operation is performed, and the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 204 is checked again.

Next, when there is sufficient ice in the ice storage box 204
Is assumed. There is more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box 204
If, ice detecting lever 205 Toma in the middle without the lower descending to the lowest point
Therefore, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is inclined by the drive cam 20.
Hold the floating state without reaching the lower surface 20b from the surface 20c
You. At this time, the protrusion 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is connected to the switch contact member.
57 does not come into contact with the first operating piece 57a,
The end of 57a is free.

Then, the rotation of the ice tray 202 progresses, and
The second operating piece 57b attached to the cam 118 is switched.
The first contact piece 57a of the contact member 57 contacts the first operating piece 57a to perform the first detection.
The switch 45 is displaced in the direction of the button 45a. And
The first detection piece 45 is pushed by the first operation piece 57a.
Button 45a is operated and the first detection switch 45
Is output.

When this signal is received, ice is stored in ice storage box 204.
Is determined, the motor 7 rotates in the reverse direction, and the shaft 26
The ice tray 202 is returned to the origin position via the CPU.

As described above, the ice making according to the third embodiment of the present invention
Detects that the water in ice tray 202 has frozen
The ice tray 202 is rotated in one direction, and the ice tray 2 is further rotated.
02 and add ice in ice tray 202 to ice bin 2
04, and then rotate the ice tray 202 in the opposite direction.
An ice maker that moves the ice tray 202 to its original position
The button 45a is pressed by the first operating piece 57a.
The first detection that outputs a signal for rotating the motor 7 in reverse
The switch 45 and the tip end enter the ice storage box 204 and
A detection device rotatably supported so as to be able to exit from the ice storage box 204.
Connected to the ice lever 205 and the rotating shaft of the ice detection lever 205
The ice detection shaft 36 that rotates with the ice detection lever 205
Protrudes in the radial direction of the ice detection axis 36 and is integrated with the ice detection axis 36
The ice detection lever 205 is set in the ice storage box 204
When it has entered beyond the position, the button 45 is attached to the first operating piece 57a.
a, the first actuating piece 57a contacts the button 45a
A projection 41 for preventing displacement in the
At the final stage of the gear train for rotating the ice tray 202
And one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the rotating shaft of the ice tray 202.
The final gear 16 and the ice detecting shaft 36 separately from the projection 41.
Is provided integrally with the ice detection shaft 36 so as to protrude in the radial direction of the
You Keru contrary to final gear 16 in a state in which the power is given
An arm 40 for abutting the surface on the ice tray side;
Touch the tip of the ice detection lever 205 from inside the ice storage box 204
The upper surface 20a for maintaining the state of retreat and the final
With the rotation of the gear 16, the contact position with the arm 40 is made
Move toward the ice tray 202 and move the arm 40 toward the ice tray 202
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 by allowing the
The slope 20c to enter the ice storage box 204 and the final
The abutment position with the arm 40 is reversed due to the rotation of the gear 16
Move toward the ice tray and rotate the arm 40 toward the anti-ice tray.
The ice detection lever that has entered the ice storage box 204
Slope 2 for retreating tip of 205 from ice storage box 204
0c, and the ice tray 202 is moved from the origin position to the ice release position.
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 is stored until it rotates
Inside the ice storage box 204 from the state where it has been withdrawn from the ice box 204
, Especially if there is no more than a predetermined amount of ice
If it enters the ice storage box 204 beyond a predetermined position,
So that the final gear 16 moves out of the box 204
A drive cam 20 formed on the surface opposite to the ice tray,
The drive cam 20 is provided on the
When the maximum rotation toward the ice tray 202 is allowed, the first work
The moving piece 57a is prevented from displacing in the direction of the button 45a.
If not, the button 45a is attached to the first operating piece 57a.
Button 45a on the first operating piece 57a by applying a pressing force
And the first operating piece 57a is displaced in the direction of the button 45a.
In the case where the first working piece 57a is
The button 45a is elastically deformed without being pressed.
2 The operating piece 57b and the ice tray 202 reach the maximum rotation position.
The first operating piece 57a in the direction of the button 45a
The detection cam formed on the final gear 16
(Outer peripheral cam) 118, and the first operation piece 57a of the switch contact member 57 is connected to the first detection switch 45.
By mounting one of the second operating pieces 57b on the outer peripheral cam 118, each of the operating pieces 57a and 57
The shape of b can be simplified, and the processing cost can be reduced.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a part of an ice making machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The present embodiment is an example in which a coil spring is applied to the contact member. Switch contact member 6 employed in this embodiment
7 comprises a first operating piece 67a and a second operating piece 67b. Here, the first operation piece 67a is connected to the first detection switch 45.
The first detection switch 45 is actuated by contact with the button 45a, and the shape and structure thereof are exactly the same as those of the first operation piece 57a described in the previous embodiment.

The second operating piece 67b has a rod shape, is disposed in a sliding hole provided in the outer peripheral cam 218, and the tip thereof enters and exits from the peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cam 218. The outer peripheral cam 21
8, a coil spring 67c is built in, and the second operating piece 67b is pressed in the centrifugal direction by the coil spring 67c.

The switch contact member 67 used in this embodiment
When the tip of the second operating piece 67b is in contact with the first operating piece 67a and at the same time the projection 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is in contact with the back surface on the tip side of the first operating piece 67a, the second operation is performed. Piece 67b
Is pushed into the outer peripheral cam 218 against the coil spring 67c. Therefore, under the above conditions, the button 45a of the first detection switch 45 is not pressed.

On the other hand, when only the tip of the second operating piece 67b is in contact with the first operating piece 67a and the projection 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is separated from the first operating piece 67a, the first detection switch 45 is set.
Button 45a is pressed.

Next, the operation of the ice making machine configured as described above.
Will be described in accordance with an actual ice making process. First, ice box 20
Assume that there is not enough ice in 4.

An ice tray 202 is driven by a pump (not shown).
Water, and the water freezes, and ice making detection means (Fig.
The thermistor (not shown)
Upon detecting that the ice has been completed, the control unit (not shown)
And the motor 7 is rotated forward.

When the motor 7 rotates forward, the worm gear
9, the first, second and third gears 13 , 14 and 15 rotate sequentially
Then, the rotation is reduced and the rotation is transmitted to the final gear 16.

When the final gear 16 starts to rotate,
The upper surface 20a of the drive cam 20 of the first final gear 16
The arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36 which was in contact with the arm 40 is located on the upper surface 20a.
It moves along the slope 20c to the lower surface 20b. It
Between the driving cam 20 of the final gear 16 and the ice detecting shaft 36.
The contact position with the arm 40 moves toward the ice tray 202,
The arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36 rotates in the direction of the ice tray 202.
Then, the ice detecting lever 205 connected to the ice detecting shaft 36 rotates.
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 is set under the ice tray 202.
It descends into the ice storage box 204 that has been shaken.

The arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
When the drive cam 2 is in contact with the lower surface 20b,
0 is the maximum position of the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 toward the ice tray 202.
When large rotation is allowed, the outer gear of the final gear 16
In the centrifugal direction by the coil spring 67c
The second operating piece 67b urged (in the radial direction) switches
The first operating piece 67a of the contact member 67 is moved to the first detection switch 4
5 is to be displaced in the direction of the button 45a.

[0120] Ice must be stored in the ice storage box 204.
If the ice detection lever 205 does not stop halfway,
Descend. If the ice in the ice storage box 204 has reached
The ice detection lever 205 is in the ice storage box 204 at a predetermined position or more.
When entering, place the ice detection shaft 36 on the side opposite to the ice detection lever 205.
The protrusion 41 provided is the first operation of the switch contact member 67.
From the button 45a side of the first detection switch 45 to the piece 67a
When the projection 41 contacts the first operating piece 67a,
The first operating piece 67a.
In the direction of the button 45a.

For this reason, the outer peripheral cam 218
The second operating piece 67b is the first operating piece 6 of the switch contact member 67.
7a is displaced in the direction of the button 45a of the first detection switch 45.
The first operating piece 67a does not move,
The operating piece 67b is provided on the outer peripheral cam 2 against the coil spring 67c.
18 is pushed into the, volume of the first detection switch 45 motor
Cannot be operated. Therefore, the first inspection
The output switch 45 does not output a signal for rotating the motor 7 in the reverse direction.
No. Thereby, it is determined that the ice is insufficient.

A signal is output from the first detection switch 45.
Motor 7 continues to rotate forward and the final gear 1
6 also continues, and the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
After reaching the upper surface 20a again through the inclined surface 20c of FIG. This
When the final gear 16 rotates,
The drive cam 20 of the gear 16 and the arm 40 of the ice detection shaft 36
The contact position moves toward the anti-ice tray, and the
Is rotated in the anti-ice tray direction, and is connected to the ice detection shaft 36.
The ice detection lever 205 is rotated, and the ice detection lever 205 is stored.
Lifted out of the ice box 204, the tip of the ice detection lever 205
The end exits from the ice storage box 204. Motor as it is
7 is in contact with the upper surface 20a as long as the forward rotation of 7 continues.
Therefore, the ice detecting lever 205 is in a state of being out of the ice storage box 204.
To maintain.

The ice tray 202 is twisted at a certain angle to
Rotated to the position where the ice is released (maximum pivot position)
Then, the projection 23 of the outer peripheral cam 218 of the final gear 16
Presses the first operating piece 67a of the switch contact member 67 with a button.
Push to the 45a side.

At this time, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is
Abuts against the upper surface 20a of the drive cam 20 of the final gear 16
The ice detection axis 36 is located at the origin and
The protrusion 41 is provided on the first operating piece 67 a of the switch contact member 67.
And away. Therefore, the protrusion 23 of the outer peripheral cam 218
Pressing the first operating piece 67a of the switch contact member 67
As a result, the first operating piece 67a presses the button 45a to
The detection switch 45 outputs a signal for rotating the motor 7 in the reverse direction.
You. At this time, it is determined that the ice removal has been completed.

The signal is output from the first detection switch 45.
When the motor 7 rotates in the reverse direction, the ice tray 202 is moved to the home position.
Let it return.

Here, the ice tray 2 is operated in accordance with the second driving means.
Ice detection axis 36 moves again before 02 returns to the origin position.
The operation is performed, and the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 204 is checked again.

Next, when there is sufficient ice in the ice storage box 204
Is assumed. There is more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice storage box 204
If the ice detection lever 205 does not descend to the lowest point,
Therefore, the arm 40 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is inclined by the drive cam 20.
Hold the floating state without reaching the lower surface 20b from the surface 20c
You. At this time, the protrusion 41 of the ice detecting shaft 36 is connected to the switch contact member.
67 does not come into contact with the first operating piece 67a,
The end of 67a is free.

The rotation of the ice tray 202 proceeds,
The second operating piece 67b provided on the cam 218 is
The coil spring 6 comes into contact with the first operating piece 67 a of the contact member 67.
The first detection switch 45 is pressed to the button 45a by the urging force of 7c.
Displace in the direction. Then, the first operating piece 67a allows the
The button 45a of the first detection switch 45 is operated to perform the first detection.
A signal for reversing the motor 7 is output from the switch 45.
You.

When this signal is received, ice is stored in the ice storage box 204.
Is determined, the motor 7 rotates in the reverse direction, and the shaft 26
The ice tray 202 is returned to the origin position via the CPU.

[0130] manufacturing of the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described above
The ice machine detects that the water in the ice tray 202 has been frozen.
The ice tray 202 is rotated in one direction, and the ice tray 2 is further rotated.
02 and add ice in ice tray 202 to ice bin 2
04, and then rotate the ice tray 202 in the opposite direction.
An ice maker that moves the ice tray 202 to its original position
The button 45a is pressed by the first operating piece 67a.
The first detection that outputs a signal for rotating the motor 7 in reverse
The switch 45 and the tip end enter the ice storage box 204 and
A detection device rotatably supported so as to be able to exit from the ice storage box 204.
Connected to the ice lever 205 and the rotating shaft of the ice detection lever 205
The ice detection shaft 36 that rotates with the ice detection lever 205
Protrudes in the radial direction of the ice detection axis 36 and is integrated with the ice detection axis 36
The ice detection lever 205 is set in the ice storage box 204
When it has entered beyond the position, the button 45 is attached to the first operating piece 67a.
The first operating piece 67a contacts the button 45a
A projection 41 for preventing displacement in the
At the final stage of the gear train for rotating the ice tray 202
And one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the rotating shaft of the ice tray 202.
The final gear 16 and the ice detecting shaft 36 separately from the projection 41.
Is provided integrally with the ice detection shaft 36 so as to protrude in the radial direction of the
In the state where power is given, the reaction in the final gear 16
An arm 40 for abutting the surface on the ice tray side;
Touch the tip of the ice detection lever 205 from inside the ice storage box 204
The upper surface 20a for maintaining the state of retreat and the final
With the rotation of the gear 16, the contact position with the arm 40 is made
Move toward the ice tray 202 and move the arm 40 toward the ice tray 202
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 by allowing the
The slope 20c to enter the ice storage box 204 and the final
The abutment position with the arm 40 is reversed due to the rotation of the gear 16
Move toward the ice tray and rotate the arm 40 toward the anti-ice tray.
The ice detection lever that has entered the ice storage box 204
Slope 2 for retreating tip of 205 from ice storage box 204
0c, and the ice tray 202 is moved from the origin position to the ice release position.
The tip of the ice detection lever 205 is stored until it rotates
Inside the ice storage box 204 from the state where it has been withdrawn from the ice box 204
, Especially if there is no more than a predetermined amount of ice
If it enters the ice storage box 204 beyond a predetermined position,
So that the final gear 16 moves out of the box 204
A drive cam 20 formed on the surface opposite to the ice tray,
To be able to protrude and immerse in the radial direction of the gear 16
Gear 16 and is urged in the protruding direction.
The drive cam 20 is connected to the ice tray 2 of the arm 40.
When the maximum rotation in the 02 direction is permitted, the first operating piece 6
7a is prevented from being displaced in the direction of the button 45a.
If not, the first operating piece 67a is moved in the direction of the button 45a.
A button 45a is pressed on the first operating piece 67a by applying a pressing force.
The first operating piece 67a is displaced in the direction of the button 45a.
Is stopped, the button is attached to the first operating piece 67a.
The second operating piece 6 which is immersed without being able to push the 45a
7b, when the ice tray 202 reaches the maximum rotation position,
The first operating piece 67a is pushed in the direction of the button 45a so that
Detection cam (outer circumference cam) formed on the final gear 16
218 , the first operating piece 67a of the switch contact member 67 is mounted on the main body of the first detection switch 45, the second operating piece 67b is mounted on the outer peripheral cam 218, and the coil spring 67c moves in the centrifugal direction. by pressing, the first
When a predetermined force is applied to the one operation piece 67a , the operation piece 67a can be retracted, and when the force is removed, the operation piece 67a can be protruded, so that the shape of the switch contact member 67 can be simplified and the processing cost can be reduced.

[0131]

The ice making machine of the present invention has a gear train connected to a motor for rotating the ice tray, similarly to that of the prior art, and a final gear belonging to this gear train is provided with a driving cam. . This drive cam directly detects
The ice shaft is rotated, and the ice detecting lever connected to the ice detecting shaft is driven. Therefore , the ice detection lever is linked to the rotation of the ice tray.
Into the ice box only before and after ice removal
The driving mechanism of the ice detecting lever is simple and compact.

Further, the ice making machine of the present invention has a detection cam that rotates together with the final gear, and the first detection switch is operated by the detection cam. In addition, the ice making machine of the present invention has a blocking member, and when the ice detecting lever has entered the ice storage box beyond a predetermined position, the operation of the first detection switch is blocked. Therefore, the ice making machine of the present invention can detect the amount of ice in the ice storage box by the detecting cam and the blocking member.

Since both the detection cam and the blocking member are provided as an accessory to the minimum necessary members such as the final gear and are small parts, the ice making machine of the present invention has a simple mechanism. There is an effect that a small and low-cost ice maker can be easily assembled.

Further , it is detected that the water in the ice tray has been frozen.
Then, the ice tray is rotated in one direction, and the ice tray is
Add ice and let the ice in the ice tray fall into the ice bin.
After that, rotate the ice tray in the reverse direction to move the ice tray
In the ice making machine that returns to
Control is required to change the direction of ice release from the dish to the home return direction
What happens when there is more than a certain amount of ice in the ice bin
When the dish has reached the ice release position (maximum rotation position)
In the ice making machine of the present invention, there is ice of a predetermined amount or more in the ice storage box.
When the ice tray reaches the ice-releasing position (maximum rotation position)
The first detection switch button is pressed when
Therefore, if a signal is output from the first detection switch,
A simple control circuit that changes the rotation of the motor from forward rotation to reverse rotation
Road.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an ice making machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanism unit of the ice making machine in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where a cover of FIG. 2 is removed;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ice making machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a first detection switch and a switch contact member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a part of an ice making machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a part of an ice making machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of a conventional ice making machine.

FIG. 9 is a schematic internal view of a mechanism of the ice making machine of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Motor 13, 14, 15 Gear train 16 Final gear 18, 19 Outer circumference cam (detection cam) 36 Ice detection shaft 45 First detection switch 46 Second detection switch 47, 57, 67 Switch contact member 47a First operating piece 47b Second working piece 202 Ice tray 204 Ice storage box 205 Ice detection lever

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Detecting that water in an ice tray is frozen.
Rotating the ice tray in one direction,
The ice in the ice tray falls into the ice storage box with a twist
Then, the ice tray is rotated in the opposite direction,
An ice making machine for returning an ice tray to an origin position, wherein when a button is pressed by a first operating piece, the motor is rotated in a reverse direction.
A first detection switch for outputting a signal to cause the first operation piece to be displaced in the button direction;
When no external force is applied in the button direction when the
The first operating piece is subjected to a pressing force in the button direction to
Causing the operating piece to press the button, wherein the first operating piece
Button when it is prevented from displacing
When an external force is applied to the first operating piece, the button
A second operating piece that is elastically deformed without being able to be pushed, and a tip portion enters into and retracts from the ice storage box.
An ice detection lever rotatably supported so as to be able to come out, and an ice detection lever connected to a rotation shaft of the ice detection lever;
An ice detection axis that rotates together with the ice detection axis, and protrudes in the radial direction of the ice detection axis and is provided integrally with the ice detection axis.
And the ice detecting lever is at least a predetermined position in the ice storage box.
When it enters, it comes into contact with the first operating piece from the button side.
To prevent the first operating piece from displacing in the button direction.
And a gear train connected to the motor for rotating the ice tray
Is located at the last stage, and one end of the rotating shaft is rotated by the ice tray.
A final gear connected to a shaft, and protruding in the radial direction of the ice detecting shaft separately from the protrusion.
Installed integrally with the ice detection shaft,
The abutment against the surface opposite the ice tray in the final gear
And the tip of the ice detecting lever comes into contact with the arm and the storage
An upper surface for maintaining a state of being removed from the ice box;
With the rotation of the final gear, the contact position with the arm
Move toward the ice tray and rotate the arm toward the ice tray
The tip of the ice detection lever to the ice storage box
And the rotation of the final gear
Before the contact position with the arm moves in the direction of the ice tray
By rotating the arm in the direction of the ice tray,
Insert the tip of the ice detection lever that has entered the ice box into the storage
A slope for exiting from the ice box;
During the time from the position to the ice removal position,
From the state where the tip of the bar has exited from the ice storage box
Entering into the ice storage box, and in particular, a predetermined amount or more in the ice storage box
If there is no ice, enter the ice storage box more than the predetermined position
And then exit the ice bin.
A drive cam formed on the surface of the inner gear on the side opposite to the ice tray , and the drive cam for rotating the arm in the maximum direction toward the ice tray.
When the ice tray has reached the maximum rotation position
When pressing the second operating piece in the button direction,
An ice making machine comprising a detection cam formed on the final gear . 2. Detecting that water in an ice tray is frozen.
Rotating the ice tray in one direction,
The ice in the ice tray falls into the ice storage box with a twist
Then, the ice tray is rotated in the opposite direction,
An ice making machine for returning an ice tray to an origin position, wherein when a button is pressed by a first operating piece, the motor is rotated in a reverse direction.
A first detection switch for outputting a signal to cause the tip to enter and retreat from the ice storage box;
An ice detection lever rotatably supported so as to be able to come out, and an ice detection lever connected to a rotation shaft of the ice detection lever;
An ice detection axis that rotates together with the ice detection axis, and protrudes in the radial direction of the ice detection axis and is provided integrally with the ice detection axis.
And the ice detecting lever is at least a predetermined position in the ice storage box.
When it enters, it comes into contact with the first operating piece from the button side.
To prevent the first operating piece from displacing in the button direction.
And a gear train connected to the motor for rotating the ice tray
Is located at the last stage, and one end of the rotating shaft is rotated by the ice tray.
A final gear connected to a shaft, and protruding in the radial direction of the ice detecting shaft separately from the protrusion.
Installed integrally with the ice detection shaft,
The abutment against the surface opposite the ice tray in the final gear
And the tip of the ice detecting lever comes into contact with the arm and the storage
An upper surface for maintaining a state of being removed from the ice box;
With the rotation of the final gear, the contact position with the arm
Move in the direction of the ice tray and rotate the arm in the direction of the ice tray.
Allow the tip of the ice detection lever inside the ice storage box
And the rotation of the final gear
The contact position with the arm moves toward the anti-ice tray,
By rotating the arm in the direction of the ice tray,
Insert the tip of the ice detection lever that has entered the box into the ice storage
The ice tray is located at the origin.
Between the ice detection position and the ice removal position.
From the state where the tip of
The ice storage box enters the storage box, and in particular, the predetermined amount or more
If there is no ice, enter the ice storage box more than the predetermined position,
After that, the final
And a drive cam formed on the surface of the gear that faces away from the ice tray, and a drive cam provided on the final gear, wherein the drive cam is
When the arm is allowed to rotate up to the ice tray,
The first operating piece is prevented from being displaced in the button direction.
If not, apply a pressing force to the first working piece in the button direction.
In addition, the first operation piece is made to push the button,
If the operating piece is prevented from displacing in the button direction
In this case, it is possible to make the first operating piece press the button.
A second operating piece that elastically deforms without flaws; and a first operating piece when the ice making tray reaches a maximum rotation position.
Push the moving piece in the button direction to the final gear
An ice making machine comprising: a formed detection cam . 3. Detecting that the water in the ice tray is frozen.
Rotating the ice tray in one direction,
The ice in the ice tray falls into the ice storage box with a twist
Then, the ice tray is rotated in the opposite direction,
An ice making machine for returning an ice tray to an origin position, wherein when a button is pressed by a first operating piece, the motor is rotated in a reverse direction.
A first detection switch for outputting a signal to cause the tip to enter and retreat from the ice storage box;
An ice detection lever rotatably supported so as to be able to come out, and an ice detection lever connected to a rotation shaft of the ice detection lever;
An ice detection axis that rotates together with the ice detection axis, and protrudes in the radial direction of the ice detection axis and is provided integrally with the ice detection axis.
And the ice detecting lever is at least a predetermined position in the ice storage box.
When it enters, it comes into contact with the first operating piece from the button side.
To prevent the first operating piece from displacing in the button direction.
And a gear train connected to the motor for rotating the ice tray
Is located at the last stage, and one end of the rotating shaft is rotated by the ice tray.
A final gear connected to a shaft, and protruding in the radial direction of the ice detecting shaft separately from the protrusion.
Installed integrally with the ice detection shaft,
The abutment against the surface opposite the ice tray in the final gear
And the tip of the ice detecting lever comes into contact with the arm and the storage
An upper surface for maintaining a state of being removed from the ice box;
With the rotation of the final gear, the contact position with the arm
Move in the direction of the ice tray and rotate the arm in the direction of the ice tray.
Allow the tip of the ice detection lever inside the ice storage box
And the rotation of the final gear
The contact position with the arm moves toward the anti-ice tray,
By rotating the arm in the direction of the ice tray,
Insert the tip of the ice detection lever that has entered the box into the ice storage
The ice tray is located at the origin.
Between the ice detection position and the ice removal position.
From the state where the tip of
The ice storage box enters the storage box, and in particular, the predetermined amount or more
If there is no ice, enter the ice storage box more than the predetermined position,
After that, the final
And a drive cam formed on the surface of the lugear on the side opposite to the ice tray so that the final cam can protrude and retract in the radial direction.
Provided in the final gear and biased in the projecting direction
Wherein the drive cam is mounted on the arm.
When the maximum rotation in the direction of the ice tray is allowed,
If the moving piece is not blocked from displacing in the button direction,
In this case, a pressing force in the button direction is applied to the first operating piece.
Causing the first operating piece to press the button,
Is prevented from displacing in the button direction,
Without being able to push the button to the first operating piece
A second operating piece that is immersed and the first operation piece when the ice tray reaches a maximum rotation position;
Push the moving piece in the button direction to the final gear
An ice making machine comprising: a formed detection cam .