JP3379750B2 - Automatic 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 automatic ice maker installed in a refrigerator or the like, and more particularly to an automatic ice maker that detects the amount of ice storage in an ice storage section by the lowered position of an ice detection lever.

[0002]

Conventionally, this type of automatic ice making machine is interlocked with the rotating operation of an ice tray to lower a rotatable ice detecting lever facing an ice storage part such as an ice box, The descending position is detected by a detecting means such as a hall detecting element to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage section. When the ice storage amount is insufficient, the ice storage amount detection mechanism performs an ice removing operation to drop the ice in the ice tray into the ice storage portion.

However, the conventional automatic ice making machine has the following drawbacks because the ice storage amount is detected in the rotation region where the ice removing operation is performed from the horizontal position of the ice making tray. That is, while lowering and raising the ice detection lever,
Since a series of ice removal operations are performed, the ice dropped from the ice tray is caught between the ice detection levers and does not return to the original raised position, and the motor that is the drive source for rotating the ice tray locks. Otherwise, the ice tray, the ice detection lever, or the drive mechanism of the ice tray may be damaged.

Further, a single detecting means for detecting the rotational position of the ice tray and the lowered position of the ice detecting lever has an advantage that the number of detecting means can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. The output signal from the device is likely to cause an identification error depending on whether the ice tray is rotated or the descending position of the ice detection lever, resulting in poor reliability as an automatic ice machine.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, when the biting of the ice against the ice detecting lever can reliably prevent Tomo
In addition, when the ice storage area is full of ice,
To prevent sublimation of ice and do not expose useless cold air to the ice tray
A first object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice maker capable of performing the above operations.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making machine which can reliably and reliably identify the rotational position of the ice tray or the lowered position of the ice detecting lever by the output from a single detecting means. It is in.

[0007]

In order to achieve the first object, the automatic ice making machine according to the first aspect of the present invention lowers the ice detecting lever in conjunction with the rotation operation of the ice making tray. In an automatic ice making machine having an ice storage amount detection mechanism for detecting the lowered position of the ice detection lever by the detection means to detect the amount of ice storage in the ice storage part, the ice storage amount detection mechanism is provided from the horizontal position of the ice tray. when the rotation direction when the ice removing the ice tray of rotating the formulation ice tray in the opposite direction of the region, is lowered the ice detecting lever, which perform ice storage amount detection in the ice reservoir, further The ice storage amount detection mechanism is the ice storage unit.
When the ice inside is detected, tilt the ice tray.
Equipped with ice tray tilt stop means for stopping while keeping the position
When the ice tray is in the tilted position,
The ribs are provided to block the cold air flowing into the ice tray .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ice storage amount detection mechanism detects the ice storage amount in a region opposite to the rotation direction when the ice tray is released. In the ice side rotation area, the ice detection lever does not descend but remains raised regardless of the rotation position of the ice tray. Therefore, the ice dropped from the ice tray during this ice removing operation does not get caught between the ice detecting levers, and it is possible to reliably prevent the ice from getting caught in the ice detecting lever.

Further , when the ice storage amount in the ice storage portion is full,
The ice tray will stop while it is tilted, so cold air will
It will be hard to hit directly to the ice and sublimation of ice will be prevented. Well
When stopping the ice tray before ice removal, or after ice removal
In any case to stop the ice tray before watering the
Useless cold air is less likely to hit the
Cooling can be prevented.

Further, the ribs allow the cold air to be directly applied to the ice tray.
Tilt the ice tray to prevent contact
Together with this, when the ice is full, it further prevents the sublimation of ice.
Stop and do not expose useless cold air to the ice tray
be able to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first aspect, the automatic ice making machine according to the second aspect has the descending position of the ice detecting lever and the ice tray. The rotation position of the ice tray is configured to be detected by a single detecting means, and the ice tray position for detecting the rotation position of the ice tray by the detecting means is provided in a region in the direction in which the ice tray rotates during ice separation. In a region where the detection mechanism and the ice tray rotate in a direction opposite to the direction when ice is released, the lowering position of the ice detection lever is detected by the detection means to detect the amount of ice storage in the ice storage unit. The above-mentioned ice storage amount detection mechanism is provided. According to the structure of claim 2, the ice storage amount based on the rotation position of the ice tray during ice separation by the ice tray position detection mechanism and the lowered position of the ice detection lever by the ice storage amount detection mechanism in different rotation regions of the ice tray. Since the detection is performed independently, the output from a single detection means can be used to reliably identify the rotating position of the ice tray or the descending position of the ice detection lever while maintaining the advantage of having only one detection means. it can.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first or second aspect, the automatic ice making machine has a first cam and a second cam in a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the ice tray. A first magnet that is moved by the first cam when the ice tray is at a horizontal position and when the ice tray is at a maximum rotation position in a region in a direction in which the ice tray rotates during ice separation; In a region in which the ice tray rotates in a direction opposite to the direction when ice is removed, a second magnet that interlocks with a position when the ice detection lever is lowered by the second cam is provided, and The detection means is a Hall element operated by the first magnet and the second magnet.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, at least during the ice removing operation of the ice tray, the first magnet moved by the first cam operates the Hall element to thereby set the horizontal position of the ice tray to the maximum position. The rotational position is reliably detected. Further, when the ice detection lever is lowered by the second cam in the rotation region of the ice tray in the direction opposite to the ice removal time, the second magnet which is interlocked with the lowered position of the ice detection lever is
By operating the Hall element, the amount of ice storage in the ice storage unit can be reliably detected. Moreover, the detection of the horizontal position and the maximum rotation position of this ice tray and the detection of the amount of ice stored in the ice storage section are performed in different rotation areas of the ice tray, so both detections can be reliably identified without error. It

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of any one of the first to third aspects , the rib adjusts the amount of cold air flowing into the ice tray. Is characterized in that.

According to the structure of claim 4 , some cold air flows into the ice tray to the extent that the ice in the ice tray at the tilt stop position is maintained as it is.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of an automatic ice maker installed in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 2 to FIG.
Further, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, reference numeral 1 denotes an ice tray with an upper surface that is rotatable in the forward and reverse directions, and a case as an outer shell made of ABS resin is provided on the front side of the ice tray 1. 2 and a main body 3 forming a case cover 2A are provided. Further, on the lower surface side of the ice tray 1, an ice box 4 which is an insertable / removable ice storage portion is provided at intervals, so that the ice box 4 stores the ice dropped from the ice tray 1. I am configuring. Ice tray 1
Is made of a deformable material such as plastic, and is internally divided into a plurality of blocks 5 to make ice. In addition, the ice tray 1 is provided above the ice tray 1.
A dome-shaped cold air duct 7 is provided to introduce cold air into the upper surface opening side of the ice tray 1 from a cold air outlet 6 formed on the rear side. An output shaft 8 projecting from the case 2 is connected to the center of the front part of the ice tray 1, and a support shaft 9 projecting outward is formed at the center of the rear part on the opposite side. The ice tray 1 is rotatably supported about the output shaft 8 and the support shaft 9 by being loosely inserted into the hole 10 below the cold air outlet 6 of the cold air duct 7. Although an opening 11 is formed in the upper part of the cool air duct 7, the opening 11 is closed by contacting an upper wall of a freezer compartment (not shown). Also, 12
Is a notch for guiding a water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water to each block 5 of the ice tray 1.

The cold air duct 7 is attached to the case cover 2A so as not to interfere with the rotation of the ice tray 1, but at the rear one side of the ice tray 1, a convex portion 21 protruding outward is provided. When the ice tray 1 is rotated in the forward direction R1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the lower surface of the convex portion 21 abuts the first inclined surface 22 formed on the inner surface of the cool air duct 7,
When the ice tray 1 is rotated in the reverse direction R2, the upper surface of the convex portion 21 comes into contact with another second inclined surface 23 formed on the inner surface of the cool air duct 7 to regulate the movement of the ice tray 1. ing.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rear end surface of the ice tray 1 has a wind-shielding rib 24 for preventing cold air from the cold air outlet 6 from unnecessarily hitting the ice in the ice tray 1. Is formed. This rib 24 opens most of the cool air outlet 6 when the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position during ice making (see FIG. 12), but when the ice tray 1 rotates in the reverse direction R2 (see FIG. 13). By closing most of the cool air outlet 6,
It is configured to adjust the amount of cold air flowing into the ice tray 1.

Reference numeral 25 is an ice making sensor mounted on the back side of the ice tray 1. The ice making sensor 25 is provided below the ice tray 1 as an ice tray temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the ice tray 1 while being covered with a heat insulating material 26 such as styrofoam. The heat insulating material 26 is provided in order to eliminate an error in temperature detection due to direct contact of the cold air with the ice making sensor 25. Further, on one side of the main body 3, an ice detection shaft 27 is provided so as to project, and an ice detection lever 28 that moves up or down depending on the rotation position of the ice detection shaft 27 is provided along the front-back direction of the ice tray 1. , Is provided so as to face the upper surface of the ice box 4.

Next, the structure of the main body 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 to 11. Inside the box-shaped case 2 and case cover 2A, a DC drive motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a motor) 31 that is a drive source of the ice tray 1 and rotates in the forward and reverse directions, and the rotation of the motor 31. An initial stage worm gear 32 provided on the shaft and an intermediate stage gear 34 as a reduction mechanism for decelerating and transmitting the rotational force of the initial stage worm gear 32 to the final stage gear 33 are provided. The output shaft 8 is coaxially directly connected to the rear side of the final gear 33, and when the motor 31 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotational force thereof is changed to the initial worm gear 32.
Is transmitted to the meshing portion 35 formed on the outer periphery of the final gear 33 through the middle gear 34, and the ice tray 1 connected to the final gear 33 and the output shaft 8 rotates in the forward direction R1. Conversely, when the motor 31 rotates in the reverse direction, the final stage gear 33 and the ice tray 1 rotate in the reverse direction R2.

On one side of the main body 3, a relay board is provided with a connector 36 for electrically connecting the main body 3 to the outside.
37 is attached. The relay board 37 includes the motor
In addition to directly connecting the lead wire 38 of 31 and the lead wire 39 of the ice making sensor 25 by soldering, a hall element 40 as a detection means incorporated in the hall IC is provided with a lower position of the ice detecting lever 28 and a rotation of the ice tray 1. It is implemented as a single sensing means for sensing position. As is well known, the Hall element 40 utilizes the Hall effect that causes a potential difference due to a magnetic field. In the present embodiment, the Hall element 40 is provided at a position where the first magnet 46 or the second magnet 57, which will be described later, can approach, so that a desired switching operation can be obtained. A detection switch such as a photoelectric sensor may be used as the detection means instead of the hall element 40.

A groove-shaped first cam 41 is formed on the rear surface of the final gear 33 connected to the ice tray 1, and another groove shape is formed on the front surface of the final gear 33. The second cam of eggplant
42 is formed. The first cam 41 has a protrusion 44 on the lever 43.
Are abuttingly engaged with each other. By inserting the hole 45 at the base end side of the lever 43 into the projection shaft (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the case 2, the final stage gear 33 and eventually the ice making Plate 1
The lever 43 moves up and down around the hole 45 in accordance with the rotational position of the. A first magnet 46 is attached and fixed to the tip of the lever 43 so as to face the component mounting surface of the relay substrate 37 on which the Hall element 40 is mounted. At this time, the first cam 41 is provided with a step portion 48 for moving the first magnet 46 toward the Hall element 40 when the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position, and the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position. The ice tray 1 is rotated at the maximum rotation position (the convex portion 21 is the first inclined surface) in the ice removing operation region where the ice tray 1 is rotated in the forward direction R1.
22), the first magnet 46
Another step 49 is formed that moves the element closer to the Hall element 40. On the other hand, in the ice detecting operation area where the ice tray 1 is rotated from the horizontal position to the reverse direction R2 side on the side opposite to the ice removing operation area, the first magnet 46 always causes the hall element to move.
A circumferential portion 50 is formed on the first cam 41 so as to be separated from 40. That is, in the present embodiment, the first cam 41 provided on the final stage gear 33, which is a gear for driving the ice tray 1, and the first cam 41
The rotation position of the ice tray 1 is controlled by the lever 43 that comes into contact with the cam 41 of the above and the first magnet 46 that is provided at a position that can be brought close to the Hall element 40 by the movement of the lever 43.
The ice tray position detection mechanism 51 that detects the
This ice tray position detection mechanism 51 is provided when the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position and in the ice-release side rotation region of the ice tray 1.
When the ice tray 1 is at the maximum rotation position, the first magnet 46 moves closer to the Hall element 40, and the other ice trays 1
At the position of, the first magnet 46 is configured to be separated from the Hall element 40.

On the other hand, a projection 55 formed on the tip end side of the ice detecting shaft 27 is in contact with and engaged with the second cam 42. Based on the shape of the second cam 42, ice detecting is performed. The rotational position of the shaft 27 is determined. Also, the ice detecting shaft 27 has a protruding portion.
In addition to 55, another extension 56 is formed on the body,
A second magnet 57 is attached and fixed to the tip of the extending portion 56 so as to face the component mounting surface of the relay substrate 37 on which the Hall element 40 is mounted. At this time, in the second cam 42, in the ice detecting operation area where the ice tray 1 is rotated from the horizontal position to the reverse direction R2 side on the side opposite to the ice removing operation area, the ice detecting shaft 27
A step portion 58 is formed so that the ice detection lever 28 connected to the can be lowered by its own weight. On the other hand, when the ice tray 1 is in any other position, a circumferential portion 59 that raises the ice detection lever 28.
Is formed. That is, in the present embodiment, the second cam 42 provided on the final gear 33, which is a gear that drives the ice tray 1, and the projection that is the contacted portion of the ice detection lever 28 that contacts the second cam 42. With the portion 55 and the second magnet 57 provided in a position that can be moved close to the hall element 40 in conjunction with the ice detecting lever 28, the lowered position of the ice detecting lever 28 is detected by the hall element 40, and the ice box is detected. An ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 for detecting the ice storage amount in 4 is configured, and this ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 is
When the ice tray 1 is rotated in a direction R2 opposite to the rotation direction R1 when the ice tray 1 is released from the horizontal position of the ice tray 1, the ice detecting lever 28 is lowered to move the ice tray 4 in the ice box 4 inside. It is configured to detect the ice storage amount.

Next, the electrical configuration of the entire refrigerator including the automatic ice maker will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure,
Reference numeral 61 is a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that constitutes the control means of the refrigerator. This microcomputer 61
Is an ice making control means 62 for controlling the operation of each part in the water supply and ice making process, an ice detecting control means 63 for controlling the operation of each part in the ice detecting process, and each part in the ice removing process according to its own control sequence. The ice removal control means 64 for controlling the operation of the above is provided. Further, the ice detecting control means 63,
When the ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 detects the full state of ice in the ice box 4, the motor drive circuit 65 controls the motor 31 to stop, and the ice tray tilt stop means for stopping the ice tray 1 while keeping the ice tray 1 in the tilt position. Further equipped with 66.

On the input side of the microcomputer 61, in addition to the sensor signal from the room temperature sensor 67 for detecting the room temperature outside the refrigerator, there is a switch signal from the water tank switch 68 for detecting the state of the water tank (not shown). The sensor signal from the ice making sensor 25, the switch signal from the freezer compartment door switch 69 that detects opening and closing of the freezer compartment door, the detection signal from the hall element 40, and the defrosting condition that detects the defrost state in the refrigerator. Frost sensor 70
And a switch signal from a quick ice switch 71 for selecting a quick ice mode provided on the front surface of the refrigerator. On the output side of the microcomputer 61, in addition to the above-mentioned motor drive circuit 65, an LED drive circuit 73 for driving an LED 72, which is a display means provided on the front surface of the refrigerator, and cold air from the cold air outlet 6 to the ice tray 1 are provided. Fan 74 for cooling air circulation
Fan drive circuit 75 to drive the refrigerator compressor
A compressor drive circuit 77 for driving 76 and a water supply solenoid valve drive circuit 79 for driving a water supply solenoid valve 78 for supplying water from the water supply tank to the ice tray 1 are connected to each other.

Next, referring to FIG. 15 and FIG.
The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the timing chart of FIG. In each of these drawings, the term “detection switch” means the Hall element 40. In the timing chart of FIG. 17, the rotation position of the ice tray 1, the rising and lowering positions of the ice detection lever 28, the output state of the detection switch, that is, the Hall element 40, and the input voltage supplied to the motor 31 are shown from the top. Are shown in order.

In the flow chart of FIG. 15, the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position in the water supply operation in step S1. Then, the ice making control means 62 opens the water supply solenoid valve 78, so that the water from the water supply tank is supplied to each block 5 of the ice tray 1. Then, move to step S2,
The ice making control means 62 carries out an ice making operation for making water in each block 5. Here, the ice making control means 62 monitors whether or not the temperature detected by the ice making sensor 25 has dropped to the ice making completion temperature (step S3), and when the ice making completion temperature is reached, the ice making operation is completed.

After the ice making operation is completed, the ice detecting control means 63
The ice-detection operation by is performed separately from the ice-release operation described below. This ice detecting operation is performed by rotating the ice tray 1 in a reverse rotation side area different from the rotation area (normal rotation side area) when the ice tray 1 is released. That is, in step S4, when the ice detecting control means 63 supplies the input voltage for rotating the motor 31 in the reverse direction for a certain time (T1 = 5.7 seconds), the ice tray 1 moves from the horizontal position (0 °) to about −45 °. While rotating to the position in the reverse direction R2, the final gear 33 also rotates in the reverse direction R2. Along with this, the engagement position between the second cam 42 and the protruding portion 55 of the ice detecting shaft 27 moves from the circumferential portion 59 up to then to the step portion 58, and the ice detecting lever 28 is lifted to the highest position. From the fixed state, it becomes possible to descend by its own weight. Then, when the ice in the ice box 4 is not full and the ice is insufficient, the second magnet 57 approaches the hall element 40 as the ice detecting lever 28 descends, and the output signal of the hall element 40 turns off. Switch on. On the other hand, if the ice in the ice box 4 is full, the ice detecting lever 28 contacts the upper surface of the ice and the ice is not lowered further, and the output signal of the hall element 40 remains off.

On the other hand, at the start of the ice detecting operation, the ice tray 1
Is in the horizontal position, since the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 is engaged with the step portion 48 of the first cam 41, the first magnet
46 approaches the hall element 40, and the output signal of the hall element 40 is turned on. However, due to the ice detection operation, the ice tray 1
When is rotated from the horizontal position to the reverse rotation side region, the engagement position between the first cam 41 and the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 moves from the step portion 48 to the circumferential portion 50, so that the first magnet 46 is Move away from the Hall element 40. Therefore, during this ice detecting operation, the ice tray 1
The position of the ice tray 1 is not detected by the ice tray position detection mechanism 51 except when is in the horizontal position, and only the detection signal corresponding to the lowered position of the ice detection lever 28 is output from the hall element 40.

In the subsequent step S5, the ice detecting control means 63 short-circuits both lead wires 38 of the motor 31 to brake the motor 31 for a fixed time (T3 = 1 second), and at the same time, the ice detecting control means 63. Determines the output signal from the hall element 40 (step S6). If the output signal of the hall element 40 is ON, it is determined that the ice in the ice box 4 is not full, and the input voltage for rotating the motor 31 in the forward direction is supplied for a fixed time (T1 = 5.7 seconds). Yes (step S7). As a result, the engagement position between the second cam 42 and the projecting portion 55 of the ice detecting shaft 27 moves from the step portion 58 to the circumferential portion 59, so that the ice detecting lever 28 is forcibly lifted and the hall element. The output signal of 40 also temporarily switches from the on state to the off state. afterwards,
When the ice tray 1 is near the horizontal position, this time the first cam 41
And the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 from the circumferential portion 50 to the stepped portion.
Moving to 48, the hall element 40 outputs an ON signal for detecting the horizontal position of the ice tray 1.

On the contrary, if the output signal of the hall element 40 is off, it is judged that the ice in the ice box 4 is full, and the ice tray inclination stopping means 66 stops the motor 31 (step S8). . As a result, the ice tray 1 is stopped at the inclined position shown in FIG. 13, so that most of the cold air outlet 6 is closed by the ribs 24, and cold air does not flow into the upper surface of the ice tray 1 more than necessary. The operation of stopping the motor 31 by the ice tray inclination stopping means 66 is performed by the ice box 4
Continue until the ice inside is released.

The ice removing operation after the ice detecting operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Ice release control means 64
Confirms that the output signal of the hall element 40 is turned on as the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position, and rotates the motor 31 in the forward direction (step S11). As a result, the ice tray 1 is rotated in the forward direction R1 in the forward rotation side region.
And the final stage gear 33 also rotates in the forward direction R1. At this time, the engagement position between the first cam 41 and the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 moves from the step portion 48 to the circumferential portion 50 ′,
The first magnet 46 is separated from the Hall element 40, and the output signal of the Hall element 40 is turned off. The ice separation control means 64 confirms that the output signal of the hall element 40 is turned off, and further rotates the ice tray 1 in the forward direction R1. On the other hand, the engagement position between the second cam 42 and the protruding portion 55 of the ice detecting shaft 27 is always on the circumferential portion 59 during the ice removing operation in which the ice tray 1 is in the forward rotation side region. The mechanism 60 does not detect the ice storage amount during that time, and the Hall element 40 detects only the rotational position of the ice tray 1. Further, in the ice detecting lever 28, the protruding portion 55 of the ice detecting shaft 27 abuts on the circumferential portion 59 of the second cam 42 and remains elevated, so that even if the ice falls from the ice tray 1 thereafter. , Ice detecting lever
You can eliminate the problem that 28 is bitten by ice.

After that, when the ice tray 1 continues to rotate in the forward direction R1 and the convex portion 21 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 22,
The ice tray 1 itself does not rotate anymore and is twisted in a state of being turned upside down. As a result, each block 5 of the ice tray 1
Ice drops into the ice box 4. Further, the engagement position between the first cam 41 and the protrusion 44 of the lever 43, which once existed on the circumferential portion 50 ′, moves to another step portion 49, so that the first magnet 46 approaches the hall element 40. Moving. Therefore, the hall element 40 outputs an ON signal for detecting the maximum rotation position of the ice tray 1.

Here, in response to the ON signal from the Hall element 40, the ice removal control means 64 receives a predetermined time lag (T2 = 0.1).
After the second), the motor 31 is braked (step S13). This braking operation is performed for T3 = 1 second, as in the case of step S5. After that, the process proceeds to step S14, and the motor 31 is rotated in the reverse direction to return the ice tray 1 to the horizontal position. At this time, while the ice tray 1 rotates in the reverse direction R2, the engagement position between the first cam 41 and the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 moves from the step portion 49 to the circumferential portion 50 ′, The magnet 46 of No. 1 is separated from the Hall element 40, and the output signal of the Hall element 40 is turned off. The ice separation control means 64 confirms that the output signal of the hall element 40 is turned off, and further rotates the ice tray 1 in the reverse direction R2.

After that, when the ice tray 1 continues to rotate in the opposite direction, the engagement position between the first cam 41 and the protrusion 44 of the lever 43 becomes
Moving from the circumference 50 ′ to the step 48, the first magnet 46 approaches the Hall element 40 again, and the output signal of the Hall element 40 is switched on. As a result, the ice separation control means 64 determines that the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position, and after a predetermined time lag (T2 = 0.1 second), the motor 31 is braked for T3 = 1 (steps S15 and S16). ). In this way, the ice tray 1 is stopped at the horizontal position, and the subsequent water supply operation is restarted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the ice detecting lever 28 is lowered in conjunction with the rotation operation of the ice tray 1, and the lowered position of the ice detecting lever is detected by the hall element 40 which is a detecting means. In an automatic ice making machine equipped with an ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 for detecting the amount of ice storage in the ice box 4 which is an ice storage part, a rotation direction R1 when releasing the ice tray 1 from the horizontal position of the ice tray 1 When the ice tray 1 is rotated in the reverse direction R2, the ice detection lever 28 is lowered to detect the ice storage amount in the ice box 4, and the ice storage amount detection mechanism 60
Are configured. By doing so, the ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 detects the ice storage amount in a region in the reverse direction R2 which is different from the rotation direction when the ice tray 1 is released from ice.
In the rotation area on the ice-free side, the ice detecting lever 28 does not descend but remains raised regardless of the rotation position of the ice tray 1. Therefore, the ice dropped from the ice tray 1 during the ice removing operation is not caught between the ice detecting levers 28, and the ice can be surely prevented from being caught in the ice detecting levers 28.

Further, in this embodiment, the lowered position of the ice detecting lever 28 and the rotating position of the ice tray 1 are detected by the single hall element 40. As a result, the detection means can be shared, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number. Further, in such a configuration, in the present embodiment, the direction R1 in which the ice tray 1 rotates from the horizontal position when the ice is released so that the respective position detections are not performed in the rotation region in one direction of the ice tray 1. In the area of, the ice tray position detecting mechanism 51 for detecting the rotation position of the ice tray 1 by the hall element 40 is provided, and in the area of the direction in which the ice tray 1 rotates from the horizontal position in the direction R2 opposite to the direction at the time of ice removal. An ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 for detecting the lowered position of the ice detection lever 28 by the hall element 40 to detect the ice storage amount in the ice box 4 is provided. By doing this, in different rotating regions of the ice tray 1,
Since the ice tray position detection mechanism 51 independently detects the ice storage amount based on the rotational position of the ice tray 1 during ice removal and the ice storage amount detection mechanism 60 based on the lowered position of the ice detection lever 28, one Hall element 40 is used. While making full use of the advantages of
With the output from the single Hall element 40, the rotational position of the ice tray 1 or the lowered position of the ice detecting lever 28 can be reliably identified without error.

Further, in this embodiment, the first cam 41 and the second cam are provided to the final gear 33 which transmits the rotational force to the ice tray 1.
42 is provided and the ice tray 1 is in the horizontal position and the ice tray 1
The first magnet 46 that is moved by the first cam 41 and the ice tray 1 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of ice removal when the ice is in the maximum rotation position in the direction R1 that rotates during ice removal. In the region of the direction R2 to be moved, a second magnet 57 that interlocks with the position when the ice detecting lever 28 is lowered by the second cam 42 is provided, and the first magnet 46 and the second magnet 57 are provided. With this, the Hall element 40 is configured to operate. In this way, at least the ice tray 1
During the ice removing operation, the first magnet 46, which is moved by the first cam 41, operates the Hall element 40, so that the horizontal position and the maximum rotation position of the ice tray 1 are reliably detected. Further, when the ice detecting lever 28 is lowered by the second cam 42 in the rotation region of the ice making tray 1 in the direction R2 opposite to the time of releasing the ice, the second magnet which is interlocked with the lowered position of the ice detecting lever 28 is moved. By operating the hall element 40, the 57 can reliably detect the ice storage amount in the ice box 4.
Moreover, the detection of the horizontal position and the maximum rotation position of the ice tray 1 and the detection of the ice storage amount in the ice box 4 are performed in different rotation regions of the ice tray 1, so that the detections of both can be identified without error. be able to.

By the way, in the conventional automatic ice making machine, when it is detected by the ice detecting lever that the amount of ice storage in the ice box, which is the ice storage portion, is full, the rotatable ice making tray is temporarily stopped with the horizontal position. Then, after the amount of ice storage in the ice box becomes small, the subsequent operation is performed. However, if such a stopping operation is performed after the ice-making operation is completed and before the ice-breaking operation, cold air is blown onto the top opening of the ice-making tray as in the case of ice-making, which makes it easier for the ice to sublime and the ice size to be smaller. However, there is a drawback that the quality deteriorates. In addition, since the heat of solidification when the ice becomes ice is not released during ice making, if more cold air is blown into the ice tray, there is a concern that other refrigerating compartments or freezer compartments cannot be efficiently cooled. This is a similar problem in that even when the ice tray is stopped before water supply after the ice removing operation, useless cold air is applied to the empty ice tray.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ice storage amount detecting mechanism 60 is provided in order to prevent the sublimation of the ice and prevent unnecessary cold air from being applied to the ice tray when the ice storage section is full of ice. An ice tray tilt stop means 66 is provided for stopping the rotatable ice tray 1 while keeping the tilted position when detecting the full state of ice in the ice box 4. In this way, when the ice storage amount in the ice box 4 is full, the ice tray 1 stops while tilting, so that it is difficult for cold air to directly hit the ice tray 1 and ice sublimation is prevented.
Further, in the case where the ice tray 1 is stopped before the ice is removed, or when the ice tray 1 is stopped before the water is supplied after the ice is removed,
Useless cold air is less likely to hit the ice tray 1, and excessive cooling of the ice tray 1 can be prevented. Therefore, when such an automatic ice maker is installed in a refrigerator, cold air can be effectively supplied to other freezer compartments and refrigerating compartments accordingly.
These parts can be efficiently cooled.

Further, in such a structure, in the present embodiment, the ribs 24 are provided for blocking the cold air flowing into the ice tray 1 when the ice tray 1 is in the inclined position. This prevents the cold air from directly hitting the ice tray 1 by the ribs 24, and in combination with the inclination of the ice tray 1, further prevents sublimation of the ice when the ice tray is full. Moreover, it is possible to prevent unnecessary cold air from being applied to the ice tray 1.

In this case, the rib 24 does not need to cover the entire cold air outlet 6 for blowing cold air to the ice tray 1. That is, if the ribs 24 are configured so as to adjust the amount of cold air flowing into the ice tray 1 as in the present embodiment, the ice in the ice tray 1 at the tilt stop position can be maintained as it is. ,
It is preferable that some cold air flow into the ice tray 1. Also rib
Although 24 can be formed on a portion other than the rear end surface of the ice tray 1, it is preferable that the ice tray 24 is formed at a position that does not prevent cold air from flowing into the ice tray 1 when the ice tray 1 is in a horizontal position.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the automatic ice maker in the embodiment is mounted in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator, the automatic ice maker can be similarly applied to those mounted in other than the refrigerator.

[0043]

The automatic ice making machine according to claim 1 of the present invention is
In conjunction with the rotation of the ice tray, lower the ice detection lever,
In an automatic ice making machine having an ice storage amount detection mechanism for detecting the lowered position of the ice detection lever by the detection means, the ice storage amount detection mechanism for detecting the ice storage amount in the ice storage part is provided from the horizontal position of the ice tray. When the ice tray is rotated in a region opposite to the direction of rotation when releasing the ice tray, the ice detection lever is lowered to detect the amount of ice storage in the ice storage unit . Furthermore, the ice storage amount detection mechanism is
When detecting the full state of ice in the retaining section, open the ice tray.
Equipped with ice tray tilt stop means to stop while keeping the tilt position
And when the ice tray is in the tilted position,
Since the ribs for blocking the cold air flowing into the ice tray are provided, it is possible to reliably prevent the ice from being caught in the ice detecting lever. Also, when the ice storage area is full of ice,
Prevents further sublimation of ice and puts unnecessary cold air into the ice tray
You can avoid hitting it.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first aspect, a single detecting means is used to perform the lowering position of the ice detecting lever and the rotating position of the ice tray. In the region where the ice tray rotates in the course of ice removal, the ice tray position detection mechanism for detecting the rotation position of the ice tray by the detection means, and the ice tray when the ice tray is released. In a region in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation, the ice storage lever is provided with the ice storage amount detection mechanism for detecting the lowered position of the ice detection lever by the detection means to detect the ice storage amount in the ice storage portion. The rotation position of the ice tray or the descending position of the ice detecting lever can be reliably identified without error by the output from the single detecting means as well as the actions and effects of claim 1.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first or second aspect, the automatic ice making machine has a first cam and a second cam in a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the ice tray. A first magnet that is moved by the first cam when the ice tray is at a horizontal position and when the ice tray is at a maximum rotation position in a region in a direction in which the ice tray rotates during ice separation; In a region in which the ice tray rotates in a direction opposite to the direction when ice is removed, a second magnet that interlocks with a position when the ice detection lever is lowered by the second cam is provided, and The detection means is a Hall element operated by the first magnet and the second magnet, and in addition to the action and effect of the first or second aspect, the horizontal position and maximum rotation of the ice tray are achieved. Location detection and storage in ice storage The amount detection can be identified reliably without error.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects , the rib adjusts the amount of cold air flowing into the ice tray. In addition to the action and effect of any one of claims 1 to 3 , the ice in the ice tray at the tilt stop position can be maintained as it is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention with a case removed.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the above automatic ice making machine.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the same automatic ice making machine as above.

FIG. 4 is a view on arrow A in FIG.

5 is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the same main body.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the main body with the case removed.

8 is an arrow view of the final gear seen from the direction D in FIG.

9 is an arrow view of the final gear seen from the direction E of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the above ice detecting shaft.

FIG. 11 is a view of the ice detecting shaft seen from the direction E in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the positional relationship between the ice tray and the cold air outlet when the ice tray is in the horizontal position.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the positional relationship between the ice tray and the cold air outlet when the ice tray is in the ice making interruption position.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the same.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining an operating state from the water supply process to the ice detection process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an operating state in the above ice removal process.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart of each part in each process of the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ice tray 4 Ice Box (ice storage part) 24 ribs 28 Ice detecting lever 33 Final gear (gear) 40 Hall element (detection means) 41 first cam 42 second cam 46 1st magnet 51 Ice tray position detection mechanism 57 Second magnet 60 Ice storage amount detection mechanism 66 Ice tray tilt stop means

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ice storage amount detection mechanism for detecting an ice storage amount in an ice storage unit by lowering an ice detection lever interlocked with a rotation operation of an ice tray and detecting a lowered position of the ice detection lever by a detection means. In an automatic ice machine provided with the ice storage amount detection mechanism, when the ice tray is rotated in a region opposite to a rotation direction when the ice tray is released from the horizontal position of the ice tray, the ice lever is lowered, which perform ice storage amount detection in the ice reservoir, further the ice storage amount detecting
When the mechanism detects that the ice in the ice storage section is full of ice
The ice tray that stops the ice tray while keeping it in the inclined position
The ice tray is equipped with a tilt stop means and the ice tray is in a tilt position.
Is installed in the ice tray to block the cold air flowing into the ice tray.
Automatic ice maker, characterized in that a drive. 2. The descending position of the ice detecting lever and the rotating position of the ice tray are configured to be performed by a single detecting means, and in a region in the direction in which the ice tray rotates during ice removal, In the ice tray position detection mechanism for detecting the rotation position of the ice tray by the detection means, and in the region in the direction in which the ice tray rotates in the direction opposite to that during ice release, the lowered position of the ice detection lever is detected. The automatic ice machine according to claim 1, further comprising: the ice storage amount detection mechanism that detects the amount of ice storage in the ice storage unit by detecting the ice storage amount by means. 3. A gear for transmitting a rotational force to the ice tray is provided with a first cam and a second cam, and the ice tray rotates when the ice tray is in a horizontal position and when the ice tray is released. The first magnet that is moved by the first cam when the maximum rotation position is in the region of the direction, and the region of the direction in which the ice tray rotates in the direction opposite to the direction when the ice is released, A second magnet that interlocks with the position when the ice detection lever is lowered by a cam is provided, and the detection means is a Hall element that operates by the first magnet and the second magnet. The automatic ice maker according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The rib is for adjusting the amount of cold air flowing into the ice tray .
The automatic ice maker according to any one of 3 above.