JP3992931B2

JP3992931B2 - Automatic ice making device for refrigerator

Info

Publication number: JP3992931B2
Application number: JP2001018199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一郎大西; 昌利正久; 明徳辻本; 行男森川
Original assignee: 松下冷機株式会社
Priority date: 2001-01-26
Filing date: 2001-01-26
Publication date: 2007-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-26
Also published as: JP2002228317A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は冷蔵庫に搭載される自動製氷装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
冷蔵庫に搭載される自動製氷装置において、２つの製氷皿に給水して製氷し、製氷後それぞれの製氷皿を反転させて脱氷させる構成のものがあり、その自動製氷装置に関して特開平６−２４１６２７号公報に開示されている。
【０００３】
以下、図面を参照しながら従来の自動製氷装置を搭載した冷蔵庫について、自動製氷装置を中心に説明する。
【０００４】
図８は、従来の自動製氷装置を示す平面図であり、図９は従来の自動製氷装置の駆動部を示す正面図であり、図１０は従来の自動製氷装置に用いられる給水手段を示す正面図である。
【０００５】
図８、図９、図１０において、１００は駆動部で、１０１、１０２は注水された水を製氷する製氷皿でありそれぞれ一端を駆動部１００の駆動軸１０３、１０４に連結されている。
【０００６】
１０５、１０６は駆動軸１０３、１０４へ回転力を伝達するゼネバ歯車であり、１０７はゼネバ歯車１０５，１０６を駆動するピン１０８を有する駆動歯車である。駆動歯車１０７は減速歯車列１０９に連繋され、減速歯車列はモータ１１０の回転を減速伝達する。
【０００７】
１１１は製氷皿１０１，１０２へ供給する水を蓄えておく給水タンクであり、１１２は給水タンク１１０内の水を汲み出す給水ポンプであり、１１３は給水ポンプ１１２から給水パイプ１１４を介して流入してきた水の流路を切り換えて製氷皿１０１，もしくは製氷皿１０２の所定位置に水を供給させるための切換弁である。
【０００８】
以上のように構成された冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置について、その動作を説明する。製氷皿１０１、１０２に注水された水が凍結し製氷が完了すると、モータ１１０が始動しその回転を減速歯車列１０９が駆動歯車１０７へ伝達する。駆動歯車１０７が回転するとピン１０８がゼネバ歯車１０５、又は１０６と連結されて回転が伝達され駆動軸１０３、又は１０４が回動し、製氷皿１０１，又は１０２を回動させて脱氷することとなる。
【０００９】
なお、ゼネバ歯車１０５と駆動軸１０３との間にはモータの回転方向に関係無く駆動軸１０３を一定方向に回転させる機構が設置されており、駆動軸１０３は製氷皿１０１を一方向にしか回転させない。
【００１０】
同様に、ゼネバ歯車１０６と駆動軸１０４との間にはモータの回転方向に関係無く駆動軸１０４を一定方向に回転させる機構が設置されており、駆動軸１０４は製氷皿１０２を一方向にしか回転させない。
【００１１】
そして、脱氷が完了し製氷皿１０１（又は１０２）が水平位置へ復帰すると、給水タンク１１１内の水が給水ポンプ１１２によって汲み出され、切換弁１１３によって給水を必要とする製氷皿１０１（又は１０２）へ供給される。
【００１２】
これによって、製氷の完了した一方の製氷皿は、他方の製氷皿に関係なく脱氷することができる。
【００１３】
そして、製氷皿１０１，１０２から脱氷された氷は、下方にある１つの貯氷箱に蓄えられる。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来の自動製氷装置では、２つの製氷皿で造られて脱氷された氷を１つの貯氷箱へ蓄える構成となっているため、製氷と脱氷を繰り返すうちに貯氷箱内には２つの氷群が発生する。２つの氷群が崩れて貯氷箱内に均一に蓄えられるならば何ら問題はないが、実際には各製氷皿の下方に氷群となって蓄えられるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知できないという問題がある。
【００１５】
また、上記従来の自動製氷装置では、２つの製氷皿で造られた氷を脱氷するだけであり、各製氷皿から脱氷された氷が如何に蓄えられ、そして蓄えられた氷の過不足を如何に検知するのか、そして脱氷された製氷皿へ水を供給させる切換弁を如何に制御するのかについては未だ考慮されておらず、２つの製氷皿を用いた自動製氷装置の実現が望まれている。
【００１６】
また、上記従来の自動製氷装置では、並列に配置された２つの製氷皿の反転方向が同じであるため、一方の製氷皿が他方の製氷皿側に近づきながら脱氷するので、氷が２つの製氷皿の間に挟まれやすく、製氷皿の反転動作を妨げる可能性があった。
【００１７】
本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するものであり、２つの製氷皿を用いた自動製氷装置において、氷を蓄える手段、蓄えられた氷の過不足をより正確に検知する手段およびその制御方法、さらに脱氷を完了した製氷皿へ水を供給する切換弁の制御方法を備えた自動製氷装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この目的を達成するために請求項１の発明の要旨は、水を汲み出すポンプから複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置されポンプから流入してくる水を複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うものである。
【００１９】
これにより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができる。
【００２０】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させないのでエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【００２１】
次に請求項２の発明の要旨は、水を汲み出すポンプから複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置されポンプから流入してくる水を複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、前記製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された全ての製氷容器に脱氷の動作を行わせ、全ての製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して前記検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に前記切換弁を動作させるものである。
【００２２】
これにより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができる。
【００２３】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させずにエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【００２４】
さらに、脱氷の後に検氷を行うので、一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分となり脱氷の必要がない場合には、その製氷容器に水を供給せずに、空で製氷させ、他方の製氷容器が脱氷動作するときに同時に空で脱氷動作させることができ、他方の製氷容器の製氷サイクルを一方の製氷容器の製氷サイクルに引きずられることなく短時間にすることができる。
【００２５】
次に請求項３の発明の要旨は、請求項１及び請求項２において、切換弁は、１つの流入口と、複数の流出口と、前記流入口から流入してきた水を前記複数の流出口のいずれかへ流出させる弁体を有し、前記弁体は水の流出を完了させた後に特定位置へ復帰させるものである。
【００２６】
これにより、どちらか一方の製氷容器への給水が集中する場合には、特定の給水経路へ切り換えたままで維持し、切換弁を作動させる回数を減らすことができる。
【００２７】
次に請求項４の発明の要旨は、並列に配置される２つの製氷容器と、前記２つの製氷容器を個別に反転させて氷を脱氷させる駆動部と、前記２つの製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記駆動部の動作を制御する制御部を備えた冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置において、駆動部は製氷容器を反転させて脱氷させる際に、動作していない製氷容器側とは反対の方向に反転させるものである。
【００２８】
これにより、製氷容器から脱氷された氷が、動作していない製氷容器側に近づかないので、脱氷された氷が製氷容器間に挟まれることが無く、製氷容器の動作が妨げられることはない。それゆえ、２つの製氷容器の隙間を最小限に設定でき、小型化が図れる。
【００２９】
次に請求項５の発明の要旨は、請求項４において検氷手段は、貯氷箱の長手方向に向かって延びる２つの検氷部材を有し、前記検氷部材は製氷容器の反転方向側に配置されるものである。
【００３０】
これにより、製氷容器を反転させて脱氷した氷が貯氷箱内で積み上がっていく領域と検氷部材の進入する領域が一致するので、氷過不足の精度をより高くすることができる。
【００３１】
【発明の実施の形態】
請求項１の発明は、水を一時的に蓄える複数の製氷容器と、前記複数の製氷容器へ供給するための水を蓄える給水タンクと、前記給水タンク内の水を汲み出すポンプと、前記ポンプから前記複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置され前記ポンプから流入してくる水を前記複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、前記複数の製氷容器へ供給された水が凍結した後に前記複数の製氷容器を同時にあるいは個別に反転させて氷を脱氷させる駆動部と、前記ポンプの動作と前記駆動部の動作と前記切換弁の動作を制御する制御部からなる冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置において、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、前記製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して、前記検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に前記切換弁を動作させるものである。
【００３２】
ここで、複数の製氷容器とは、所定容積を有する箱状の氷室を集合させて成る製氷皿を２つ以上配置したもの、あるいは所定容積を有する箱状の氷室を集合させて成る容器を軸方向に２つ以上一体に連結したものであり、各製氷皿の大きさや氷室の形状を異ならせることによって、様々な形状の氷を造ることができる。
【００３３】
検氷手段は製氷容器を駆動する駆動部の側面から製氷容器と平行に突出する板状のレバーを貯氷箱内へ進入させ、その進入できる高さから氷の過不足を検知するものであり、駆動部の左右からそれぞれレバー１つずつ突出させるか、あるいは駆動部の左右どちらか一方からレバーを２つ突出させるか、いずれでも良い。
【００３４】
切換弁は水が流入する１つの流入口と水が流出する２つ流出口を有し、２つの流出口のどちらか一方を塞ぐことができる弁体が設けられ、弁体はソレノイドあるいはモータによって動作し、２つの流出口のどちらか一方を任意に塞ぐことができる。
【００３５】
そして、各製氷容器に水が供給されてどちらかの製氷容器で氷が生成されると製氷センサーによって氷が生成されたことが制御部へ入力される。
【００３６】
制御部はその製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱内の氷の過不足を検氷手段によって検知した以降に切換弁を動作させる。なお、検氷手段による氷の過不足の検知を行う時期は、脱氷動作の前、脱氷動作の途中、脱氷動作の後のいずれでもかまわない。
【００３７】
これより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができるのである。
【００３８】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させないのでエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【００３９】
次に請求項２の発明は、水を一時的に蓄える複数の製氷容器と、前記複数の製氷容器へ供給するための水を蓄える給水タンクと、前記給水タンク内の水を汲み出すポンプと、前記ポンプから前記複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置され前記ポンプから流入してくる水を前記複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、前記複数の製氷容器へ供給された水が凍結した後に前記複数の製氷容器を同時にあるいは個別に反転させて氷を脱氷させる駆動部と、前記ポンプの動作と前記駆動部の動作と前記切換弁の動作を制御する制御部からなる冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置において、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、前記複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、前記製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された全ての製氷容器に脱氷の動作を行わせ、全ての製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して前記検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に前記切換弁を動作させるものである。
【００４０】
ここで、複数の製氷容器とは、所定容積を有する箱状の氷室を集合させて成る製氷皿を２つ以上配置したもの、あるいは所定容積を有する箱状の氷室を集合させて成る容器を軸方向に２つ以上一体に連結したものであり、各製氷皿の大きさや氷室の形状を異ならせることによって、様々な形状の氷を造ることができる。
【００４１】
検氷手段は製氷容器を駆動する駆動部の側面から製氷容器と平行に突出する板状のレバーを貯氷箱内へ進入させ、その進入できる高さから氷の過不足を検知するものであり、駆動部の左右からそれぞれレバーを１つずつ突出させるか、あるいは駆動部の左右どちらか一方からレバーを２つ突出させるか、いずれでも良い。
【００４２】
切換弁は水が流入する１つの流入口と水が流出する２つ流出口を有し、２つの流出口のどちらか一方を塞ぐことができる弁体が設けられ、弁体はソレノイドあるいはモータによって動作し、２つの流出口のどちらか一方を任意に塞ぐことができる。
【００４３】
そして、各製氷容器に水が供給されてどちらかの製氷容器で氷が生成されると製氷センサーよって氷が生成されたことが制御部へ入力される。
【００４４】
制御部はその製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱内の氷の過不足を検氷手段によって検知した以降に切換弁を動作させる。なお、検氷手段による氷の過不足の検知を行う時期は脱氷動作の後である。
【００４５】
これより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができるのである。
【００４６】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させないのでエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【００４７】
また、脱氷の後に検氷を行うので、一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分となり脱氷の必要がない場合でも、その製氷容器に水を供給せずに、空で製氷させ、他方の製氷容器が脱氷動作するときに同時に空で脱氷動作させることができ、他方の製氷容器の製氷サイクルを一方の製氷サイクルに引きずられることなく短時間にすることができる。
【００４８】
次に請求項３の発明は、請求項１の発明及び請求項２の発明において、切換弁は流入口から流入してきた水を複数の流出口のいずれかへ流出させる弁体を有し、水の流出を完了させた後に弁体を特定位置へ復帰させるものである。
【００４９】
これにより、どちらか一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分で且つ氷の消費が遅く給水を必要としない状態が続いたときには、他方の製氷容器側へ給水するように給水経路を特定して維持するので、切換弁を作動させる回数を減らすことができる。
【００５０】
さらに、一方の製氷容器への給水量を他方の製氷容器への給水量の半分以下にして大きさの異なる氷を造る場合に、給水量が少なく製氷時間が短い製氷容器側への給水が集中しがちであるが、切換弁は給水量の少ない製氷容器側へ給水経路を特定して維持すれば、切換弁の動作回数を減らすことができる。
【００５１】
すなわち、切換弁の動作を必要最小限にし、省エネルギー化が図れる。
【００５２】
次に請求項４の発明は、並列に配置される２つの製氷容器と、前記２つの製氷容器を個別に反転させて氷を脱氷させる駆動部と、前記２つの製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段と、前記駆動部の動作を制御する制御部からなる冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置において、前記駆動部は製氷容器を反転させて脱氷させる際に、動作していない製氷容器側とは反対の方向に反転させるものである。
【００５３】
これにより、製氷容器から脱氷された氷が、動作していない製氷容器側に近づかないので、脱氷された氷が製氷容器間に挟まれることが無く、製氷容器の動作が妨げられることはない。それゆえ、２つの製氷容器の隙間を最小限に設定でき、小型化が図れる。
【００５４】
次に請求項５の発明は、請求項４において検氷手段は、貯氷箱の長手方向に向かって延びる２つの検氷部材を有し、前記検氷部材は製氷容器の反転方向側に配置されるものである。
【００５５】
検氷部材は板状のレバーで駆動部に接続され、回動することで貯氷箱内へ進入し、氷に進入を阻止されるまでの進入深さで貯氷箱内の氷過不足を検知する。
【００５６】
これにより、製氷容器を反転させて脱氷した氷が貯氷箱内で積み上がっていく領域と検氷部材の進入する領域が一致するので、氷過不足の精度をより高くすることができる。
【００５７】
【実施例】
以下、本発明による実施例の自動製氷装置について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００５８】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明による実施例１の自動製氷装置を搭載した冷蔵庫の部分縦断面図、図２は同実施例１の自動製氷装置を示す正面図、図３は同実施例１の自動製氷装置の駆動装置周辺を示す斜視図である。
【００５９】
図１において、１は複数の貯蔵室を有する冷蔵庫であり、２は前記貯蔵室の１つである冷蔵室で、扉３と断熱壁４によって囲まれ、外気と断熱されている。
【００６０】
５は前記貯蔵室の１つである製氷室であり、断熱壁４と扉６によって囲まれ、外気と断熱されている。７は製氷室５の扉６に固定された可動レールで、可動レール７は製氷室５の側壁に固定された固定レール８に収納されており、扉６を引き出した際に固定レール８に沿って移動する。なお、可動レール７と固定レール８の間には滑車９が配置されており、移動を滑らかにしている。
【００６１】
１０は自動製氷装置であり、以下その構成を図１、図２、図３を用いて説明する。
【００６２】
１１は可塑性樹脂のポリプロピレンで成形された第１製氷皿であり、小粒の氷形状を造形する３０個の氷室１１ａと、氷室１１ａを一括固定する氷室枠１１ｂと、氷室枠１１ｂの長手方向中心軸の端部に形成された軸１１ｃが設けられている。
【００６３】
１２は第１製氷皿１１と同様にポリプロピレンで成形された第２製氷皿であり、大粒の氷形状を造形する８個の氷室１２ａ、氷室枠１２ｂ、軸１２ｃが設けられている。
【００６４】
１３は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２の各々の軸１１ｃ、軸１２ｃを保持し必要に応じて第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２を反転させて脱氷させる駆動装置であり、駆動装置１３の内部には駆動源たるモータ、モータの回転を減速伝達する減速歯車等が配置されている。
【００６５】
１４は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２の下方に配置され脱氷された氷を蓄える貯氷箱であり、貯氷箱１４の内部は第１製氷皿１１からの氷を蓄える区画１４ａと、第２製氷皿１２からの氷を蓄える区画１４ｂとで構成されている。
【００６６】
１５は貯氷箱内の氷の量を検知するための検氷レバーであり、１５ａは貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａに蓄えられた氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー、１５ｂは区画１４ｂに蓄えられた氷の量を検知する第２検氷レバーである。
【００６７】
１６は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２へ供給する水を蓄えておくためのタンクで、１７はタンク１６内の水を第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２へ供給するための給水装置であり、第１製氷皿１１へ水を導く第１パイプ１８ａ、第２製氷皿２へ水を導く第２パイプ１８ｂからなるパイプ１８、タンク１６から水を汲み出すポンプ１９、ポンプ１９から出た水の流路を切り換える切換弁２０で構成されている。２１は駆動装置１３、給水装置１７を制御する制御部である。
【００６８】
切換弁２０はポンプ１９からでた水を流入させる１つの流入口２０ｃと、流入してきた水を流出させる２つの流出口２０ａと２０ｂを有し、流出口２０ａには第１パイプ１８ａが接続され、流出口２０ｂには第２パイプ１８ｂが接続されている。
【００６９】
さらに切換弁２０は流出口２０ａと流出口２０ｂのいずれか一方を塞ぐ弁体２０ｄを有し、弁体２０ｄはモータ２０ｅによって駆動される。
【００７０】
水を第１製氷皿１１へ給水する場合は、モータ２０ｅによって弁体２０ｄを駆動し流出口２０ｂを閉じれば、流入口２１ｃから入った水は流出口２０ａに流路を換え第１パイプ１８ａを通って第１製氷皿１１へ供給される。
【００７１】
第２製氷皿１２へ給水する場合は、モータ２０ｅによって弁体２０ｄを駆動し流出口２０ａを閉じれば、流入口２１ｃから入った水は流出口２０ｂに流路を換え第２パイプ１８ｂを通って第２製氷皿１２へ供給される。
【００７２】
上記のように自動製氷装置１０は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２、駆動装置１３、貯氷箱１４、検氷レバー１５、タンク１６、給水装置１７、制御部２１とによって構成されている。
【００７３】
図３に示すように、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿は氷室の形状が異なり、第１製氷皿１１の氷室１１ａ一個に供給される水の体積は約１ｍｌ、全体で約３０ｍｌ、第２製氷皿１２の氷室１２ａ一個に供給される水の体積は１０ｍｌ、全体で約８０ｍｌである。
【００７４】
第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２はともに駆動装置１３に連結されており、駆動装置１３内に内蔵されたモータと減速歯車によってそれぞれ個別に反転動作をし（図２の矢印報告）、各製氷皿下方の貯氷箱１４へ脱氷する。駆動装置１３内には各製氷皿の位置検知を行うスイッチが内蔵されおり、各製氷皿の水平位置、脱氷位置は制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって判断される。
【００７５】
また、第１検氷レバー１５ａと第２検氷レバー１５ｂも駆動装置１３の側面に連結されており、駆動装置１３に内蔵された減速歯車に連係して動作する。
【００７６】
通常、第１検氷レバー１５ａは貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａの上方に、第２検氷レバー１５ｂは区画４ｂの上方に待機しており、第１検氷レバー１５ａは第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作に連動して貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画１４ａ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置１３内で第１検氷レバー１５ａに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画１４ａ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【００７７】
第２検氷レバー１５ｂは第２製氷皿１２の脱氷動作に連動して貯氷箱１４の区画１４ｂ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画１４ｂ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置１３内で第１検氷レバー１５ｂに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画１４ｂ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【００７８】
各製氷皿の脱氷動作は、対応する各検氷レバーの方向に向かって反転し（図２の矢印方向）、各氷室の開口部が貯氷箱１４の方向に向いたところで、各製氷皿を支持する枠体（図示せず）に形成された突起と当って捻られて氷を押し出すことで達成される。
【００７９】
２２は温度によって抵抗値が変化する製氷センサーであり、第１製氷皿１１の外底面に密着固定された第１製氷センサー２２ａと、第２製氷皿１２の外底面に密着固定された第２製氷センサー２２ｂから成る。
【００８０】
実施例１では製氷皿に供給された水が凍結し、製氷センサー２２が−５℃以下を示したときに製氷が完了したと判断する。
【００８１】
以上のように構成された冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置について、図４の動作フローチャートを用いてその動作を説明する。制御部２１はステップ１において電源投入されたことを検知すると、ステップ２に進み第１製氷皿１１の初期動作により第１製氷皿１１の水平位置復帰を行う。なお、電源投入されたときは第１製氷皿１１が既に水平位置にあっても実施される。
【００８２】
第１製氷皿１１の初期動作が終了すると、ステップ３に進み第２製氷皿１２の初期動作により第２製氷皿１２の水平位置復帰を行う。なお、電源投入されたときは第２製氷皿１２が既に水平位置にあっても実施される。
【００８３】
第２製氷皿１２の初期動作が終了すると、ステップ４ヘ進み切換弁２０を動作させ第２製氷皿１２側へ水の流路を設定し、ステップ５へ進む。
【００８４】
ステップ５では第２製氷皿１２への給水動作を行う。給水動作はポンプ１９を駆動することでタンク１６から水が汲み出され、汲み出された水は切換弁２０内に流入し、第２流出口２０ｂから流出し、第２パイプ１８ｂを通って第２製氷皿１２へ供給される。ポンプ１９は５秒間だけ駆動され、これによって約８０ｍｌの水が第２製氷皿１２に供給される。
【００８５】
第２製氷皿１２への給水動作が終了すると、ステップ６へ進み切換弁２０を動作させ第１製氷皿１１側へ水の流路を設定し、ステップ７へ進む。
【００８６】
ステップ７では第１製氷皿１１への給水動作を行う。給水動作はポンプ１９を駆動することでタンク１６から水が汲み出され、汲み出された水は切換弁２０内に流入し、第１流出口２０ａから流出し、第１パイプ１８ａを通って第１製氷皿１１へ供給される。ポンプ１９は１．９秒間だけ駆動され、これによって約３０ｍｌの水が第１製氷皿１１に供給される。
【００８７】
第１製氷皿１１への給水動作が終了すると、ステップ８へ進み製氷待機となる。製氷待機は各製氷皿に供給された水が凍結し製氷が完了するまでの時間を待機することであり、その待機時間は第１製氷皿１１で約４０分、第２製氷皿１２で約９０分である。
【００８８】
ステップ９において第１製氷皿１１に給水された水が凍結し氷の生成が完了すると、製氷皿の外底面に設置された第１製氷センサー２２ａの抵抗値が上昇し、温度Ｔ１として５℃以下を感知したとき製氷が完了したことを制御部２１が認識する。２つの製氷皿が同時に製氷を完了した場合は、第１製氷皿１１側の脱氷動作を優先する。
【００８９】
第１製氷皿１１で氷が生成されると、ステップ１０において第１製氷皿１１の反転が開始され脱氷動作に入り、第１製氷皿１１は駆動装置１３によって第１検氷レバー１５ａの方向へ反転し（図２の矢印方向）捻られて、貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａへ脱氷する。
【００９０】
ステップ１１において、区画１４ａ内の氷量検知は第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作と同時に行うが、区画４ａ内に氷が十分あるときは、第１検氷レバー１５ａが区画４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部２１は氷が十分であると認識して、ステップ１６へ進み第１製氷皿１１の反転を停止し、ステップ１７において水平位置復帰を実施する。
【００９１】
逆に、ステップ１１において、区画４ａ内の氷が不足しているときは、第１検氷レバー１５ａが区画４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置内のスイッチが動作し制御部２１は区画４ａ内の氷が不足していると認識して第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作を継続して脱氷を終了させる。
【００９２】
ステップ１２における脱氷の終了は、第１製氷皿１１が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は脱氷が終了したと認識する。
【００９３】
脱氷が終了するとステップ１３へ進み、第１製氷皿１１の反転を停止させて後ステップ１４へ進む。ステップ１４では駆動装置１３によって第１製氷皿１１の水平位置復帰を実施する。第１製氷皿１１が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は第１製氷皿１１が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【００９４】
ステップ１５において第１製氷皿への給水動作が実施される。水平位置へ復帰した第１製氷皿１１へは給水装置１７によって再び給水され製氷を開始する。尚、第１製氷皿１１へ給水する際に切換弁２０はステップ６において第１製氷皿１１側へ流路を設定しているので、あえて動作させる必要はない。
【００９５】
第１製氷皿１１への給水動作が完了するとステップ１８へ進む。ステップ１８において第２製氷皿１２に給水された水が凍結し氷の生成が完了すると、製氷皿の外底面に設置された第２製氷センサー２２ｂの抵抗値が上昇し、温度Ｔ２として５℃以下を感知したとき製氷が完了したことを制御部２１が認識する。
【００９６】
第２製氷皿１２で氷が生成されるステップ１９ヘ進み、第２製氷皿１２の反転を開始する。第２製氷皿１２は駆動装置１３によって第２検氷レバー１５ｂの方向へ反転し（図２の矢印方向）捻られて、貯氷箱１４の区画１４ｂへ脱氷する。
【００９７】
ステップ２０において、区画１４ｂ内の氷量検知は第２製氷皿１２の脱氷動作と同時に行うが、区画４ｂ内に氷が十分あるときは、第２検氷レバー１５ｂが区画４ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部２１は氷が十分であると認識して、ステップ２７へ進み第２製氷皿１２の反転を停止し、ステップ２８において今度は水平位置復帰を実施する。
【００９８】
逆に、ステップ２０において区画４ｂ内の氷が不足しているときは、第２検氷レバー１５ｂが区画４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置内のスイッチが動作し制御部２１は区画４ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識して第２製氷皿１２の脱氷動作を継続して脱氷を終了させる。
【００９９】
ステップ２１における脱氷の終了は、第２製氷皿１２が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は脱氷が終了したと認識する。第２製氷皿１２の脱氷が終了するとステップ２２へ進み第２製氷皿１２の反転を停止しステップ２３へ進む。
【０１００】
ステップ２３では駆動装置１３によって第２製氷皿１２の水平位置復帰を実施する。第２製氷皿１２が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は第２製氷皿１２が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【０１０１】
第２製氷皿１２が水平位置へ復帰するとステップ２４ヘ進み、切換弁２０を動作させて第２製氷皿１２へ水の流路を設定する。先に第１製氷皿１１へ給水した直後なので切換弁２０は流入してきた水が第２流出口２０ｂへ流出し第２パイプ１８ｂを通って第２製氷皿１２側へ流れるように流路を設定する。
【０１０２】
ステップ２５では第２製氷皿１２への給水動作を実施し、給水動作終了後ステップ２６に進み、切換弁２０を動作させて第１製氷皿１１側へ流路を設定し、製氷待機となる。
【０１０３】
実施例１では、第１製氷皿１１への給水量を第２製氷皿１２への給水量の半分以下にしているので、第２製氷皿１２で製氷が完了するまでの間に、第１製氷皿１１での製氷・脱氷・給水が頻繁に行われる。そのため、切換弁２０による流路を第１製氷皿１１側へ切り換えた状態を維持する方が有利である。それゆえ氷の過不足を検知した以降に切換弁２０を動作させるように制御すれば、切換弁２０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１０４】
また、例えば第２製氷皿１２の貯氷領域である区画４ｂ内の氷が消費されず氷充分であるときは、第２製氷皿１２へ給水する必要がないので切換弁２０は動作せず、先に行った第１製氷皿１１へ流路を設定したままとなる。そして区画４ｂ内の氷が消費されるまでに、第１製氷皿１１での製氷が完了し且つ区画４ａ内の氷が不足していると、第１製氷皿１１は脱氷動作を行い、また給水される。このときも切換弁２０は既に第１製氷皿１１へ設定されているので、動作させる必要が無く氷の過不足を検知した以降に切換弁２０を動作させるように制御すれば、切換弁２０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１０５】
以上のように、実施例１の自動製氷装置１０は、第１製氷皿１１と、第２製氷皿１２と、第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２へ供給するための水を蓄える給水タンク１６と、給水タンク１６から水を汲み出すポンプ１９と、ポンプ１９から流入してくる水を第１製氷皿１１側へあるいは第２製氷皿１２側へ流出させる切換弁２０と、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２をそれぞれ個別に反転させることのできる駆動装置１３と、第１製氷皿１１の下方に設置した貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａと、第２製氷皿１２の下方に設置した貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａと、駆動装置１３によって動作し区画１４ａ内の氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー１５ａと、駆動装置１３によって動作し区画１４ｂ内の氷の量を検知する第２検氷レバー１５ｂとを備えたので、氷を２つの区画４ａ、４ｂに蓄えることができるうえに各区画に蓄えられた氷の量を第１検氷レバー１５ａ、第２検氷レバー１５ｂによってそれぞれ個別に検知できるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知するうえに、氷の不足した区画を対象に製氷を行い氷を補充することができる。
【０１０６】
そして、検氷レバー１５による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁２０の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁２０を動作させないので、エネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【０１０７】
また、切換弁２０は常に第１製氷皿１１側へ水の流路を設定する位置に復帰して動作を終えるので、第１製氷皿１１を氷が頻繁に消費される側とすれば切換弁２０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１０８】
また、駆動装置１３は、第１製氷皿１１を反転させて脱氷させる際には動作していない第２製氷皿１２側と反対の方向へ反転させ、第２製氷皿１２を反転させて脱氷させる際には動作していない第１製氷皿１１側と反対の方向に反転させるので、脱氷された氷が製氷皿間に挟まれることが無く、製氷皿の動作が妨げられることはない。それゆえ、２つの製氷容器の隙間を最小限に設定でき、小型化が図れる。
【０１０９】
また第１検氷レバー１５ａを第１製氷皿１１の反転方向側に配置し、第２検氷レバーを第２製氷皿１２の反転方向側に配置したので、貯氷箱１４の区画１４ａ、区画１４ｂの氷が積み上がり易い領域へ第１検氷レバー１５ａ、第２検氷レバー１５ｂが進入し氷と対面するようになるので氷過不足の精度をより高くすることができる。
【０１１０】
（実施例２）
次に、本発明による冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置の他の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。図５は実施例２の自動製氷装置を示す側面図、図６は実施例２の自動製氷装置の駆動装置周辺を示す斜視図、図７は実施例２の自動製氷装置の動作フローチャートである。
【０１１１】
２９は自動製氷装置であり、以下その構成を図５、図６を用いて説明する。
【０１１２】
３０は可塑性樹脂のポリプロピレンで成形され２種類の製氷容器からなる製氷皿であり、第１製氷容器３１と第２製氷容器３２を有し、第１製氷容器３１には小粒の氷形状を造形する２４個の氷室３１ａと、氷室３１ａを一括固定する氷室枠３１ｂが設けられている。同様に第２製氷容器３２には、大粒の氷形状を造形する４個の氷室３２ａ、氷室枠３２ｂが設けられている。
【０１１３】
３３は製氷皿３０の軸３０ｃを保持し必要に応じて製氷皿３０を反転させて脱氷させる駆動装置であり、駆動装置３３の内部には駆動源たるモータ、モータの回転を減速伝達する減速歯車等が配置されている。
【０１１４】
３４は製氷皿３０の下方に配置され脱氷された氷を蓄える貯氷箱であり、貯氷箱３４の内部は第１製氷容器３１からの氷を蓄える区画３４ａと、第２製氷容器３２からの氷を蓄える区画３４ｂとで構成されている。
【０１１５】
３５は貯氷箱内の氷の量を検知するための検氷レバーであり、３５ａは貯氷箱３４の区画３４ａに蓄えられた氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー、３５ｂは区画３４ｂに蓄えられた氷の量を検知する第２検氷レバーである。
【０１１６】
３６は第１製氷容器３１、第２製氷容器３２へ供給する水を蓄えておくためのタンクで、３７はタンク３６内の水を第１製氷容器３１、第２製氷容器３２へ供給するための給水装置であり、第１製氷容器３１へ水を導く第１パイプ３８ａ、第２製氷容器３２へ水を導く第２パイプ３８ｂからなるパイプ３８、タンク３６から水を汲み出すポンプ３９、ポンプ３９から出た水の流路を切り換える切換弁４０で構成されている。４１は駆動装置３３、給水装置３７を制御する制御部である。
【０１１７】
切換弁４０はポンプ３９からでた水を流入させる１つの流入口４０ｃと、流入してきた水を流出させる２つの流出口４０ａと４０ｂを有し、流出口４０ａには第１パイプ３８ａが接続され、流出口４０ｂには第２パイプ３８ｂが接続されている。
【０１１８】
さらに切換弁４０は流出口４０ａと流出口４０ｂのいずれか一方を塞ぐ弁体４０ｄを有し、弁体４０ｄはモータ４０ｅによって駆動される。
【０１１９】
水を第１製氷皿１１へ給水する場合は、モータ４０ｅによって弁体４０ｄを駆動し流出口４０ｂを閉じれば、流入口４１ｃから入った水は流出口４０ａに流路を換え第１パイプ３８ａを通って第１製氷容器３１へ供給される。
【０１２０】
第２製氷容器３２へ給水する場合は、モータ４０ｅによって弁体４０ｄを駆動し流出口４０ａを閉じれば、流入口４１ｃから入った水は流出口４０ｂに流路を換え第２パイプ３８ｂを通って第２製氷容器３２へ供給される。
【０１２１】
４２は温度によって抵抗値が変化する製氷センサーであり、第１製氷容器３１の外底面に密着固定された第１製氷センサー４２ａと、第２製氷容器３２の外底面に密着固定された第２製氷センサー４２ｂから成る。
【０１２２】
実施例２では製氷皿に供給された水が凍結し、製氷センサー４２が−５℃以下を示したときに製氷が完了したと判断する。
【０１２３】
そして、製氷皿３０（第１製氷容器３１、第２製氷容器２）、駆動装置３３、貯氷箱３４、検氷レバー３５、タンク３６、給水装置３７、パイプ３８、ポンプ３９、制御部４１、製氷センサー４２とによって自動製氷装置２９が構成されている。
【０１２４】
図５に示すように、第２製氷皿３１と第２製氷容器３２は氷室の形状が異なり、第１製氷容器３１の氷室３１ａ一個に供給される水の体積は１ｍｌ、全体で２４ｍｌ、第２製氷容器３２の氷室３２ｂ一個に供給される水の体積は１０ｍｌ、全体で４０ｍｌである。
【０１２５】
第１製氷容器３１と第２製氷容器３２は同一回転軸で駆動装置３３に連結されており、駆動装置３３内に内蔵されたモータと減速歯車によって反転動作をし、製氷容器下方の貯氷箱３４へ脱氷する。駆動装置３３内には製氷皿３０の位置検知を行うスイッチが内蔵されおり、製氷皿３０の水平位置、脱氷位置は制御部４１へのスイッチ信号入力によって判断される。
【０１２６】
また、第１検氷レバー３５ａと第２検氷レバー３５ｂも駆動装置３３の側面に連結されており、駆動装置３３に内蔵された減速歯車に連係して動作する。
【０１２７】
通常、第１検氷レバー３５ａは貯氷箱３４の区画３４ａの上方に、第２検氷レバー３５ｂは区画４ｂの上方に待機しており、第１検氷レバー３５ａは貯氷箱３４の区画１４ａ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画３４ａ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置３３内で第１検氷レバー３５ａに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部４１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画３４ａ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【０１２８】
第２検氷レバー３５ｂは貯氷箱３４の区画３４ｂ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画３４ｂ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置３３内で第１検氷レバー３５ｂに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部４１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画３４ｂ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【０１２９】
製氷皿３０の脱氷動作は、検氷レバー３５の方向に向かって反転し、各氷室の開口部が貯氷箱３４の方向に向いたところで、製氷皿３０を支持する枠体（図示せず）に形成された突起と当って捻られて氷を押し出すことで達成される。
【０１３０】
以上のように構成された冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置について、図７の動作フローチャートを用いてその動作を説明する。制御部４１はステップ５１において電源投入されたことを検知すると、ステップ５２に進み製氷皿３０の初期動作により製氷皿３０の水平位置復帰を行う。なお、電源投入されたときは製氷皿３０が既に水平位置にあっても実施される。
【０１３１】
製氷皿３０の初期動作が終了すると、ステップ５３ヘ進み切換弁４０を動作させ第２製氷容器３２へ水の流路を設定し、ステップ５４へ進む。
【０１３２】
ステップ５４では第２製氷容器３２への給水動作を行う。給水動作はポンプ３９を駆動することでタンク３６から水が汲み出され、汲み出された水は切換弁４０内に流入し、第２流出口４０ｂから流出し、第２パイプ３８ｂを通って第２製氷容器３２へ供給される。ポンプ３９は２．５秒間だけ駆動され、これによって約４０ｍｌの水が第２製氷容器に供給される。
【０１３３】
第２製氷容器３２への給水動作が終了すると、ステップ５５へ進み切換弁４０を動作させ第１製氷容器３１側へ水の流路を設定し、ステップ５６へ進む。
【０１３４】
ステップ５６では第１製氷容器３１への給水動作を行う。給水動作はポンプ３９を駆動することでタンク３６から水が汲み出され、汲み出された水は切換弁４０内に流入し、第１流出口４０ａから流出し、第１パイプ３８ａを通って第１製氷容器３１へ供給される。ポンプ３９は１．５秒間だけ駆動され、これによって２４ｍｌの水が第１製氷容器３１に供給される。
【０１３５】
第１製氷容器３１への給水動作が終了すると、ステップ５７へ進み製氷待機となる。製氷待機は各製氷容器に供給された水が凍結し製氷が完了するまでの時間を待機することであり、その待機時間は第１製氷皿１１で約２５分、第２製氷皿１２で約５０分である。
【０１３６】
ステップ５８，ステップ５９において、第１製氷容器３１，第２製氷容器３２に給水された水が各氷室で凍結し氷の生成が完了すると、製氷皿３０の各製氷容器の外底面に設置された第１製氷センサー４２ａ、第２製氷センサー４２ｂの抵抗値が上昇しＴ３、Ｔ４として−５℃以下を感知すると、製氷が完了したことを制御部４１が認識する。
【０１３７】
第１製氷容器３１、第２製氷容器３２で氷が生成されたことを制御部４１が認識するとステップ６０へ進み、製氷皿３０は駆動装置３３によって反転を開始し捻られて、貯氷箱３４の区画３４ａ、区画３４ｂへ脱氷する。
【０１３８】
ステップ６１において、脱氷の終了は製氷皿３０が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置３３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部４１は脱氷が完了したと認識する。
【０１３９】
脱氷が終了するとステップ６２へ進み製氷皿の反転を停止する。そしてステップ６３で製氷皿３０の水平位置復帰動作を開始する。製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰する途中で第１検氷レバー３５ａ、第２検氷レバー３５ｂは氷量検知を行うのでステップ６４、ステップ６７では区画３４ａ、３４ｂの氷過不足を確認する。例えば区画３４ａ、区画３４ｂ内に氷がまだ不足している場合、第１検氷レバー１５ａが区画４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置内のスイッチが動作し制御部２１は区画４ａ内の氷が不足していると認識しステップ６５においてＳ１へＨｉを記憶する。同様に第２検氷レバー３５ｂが区画３４ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置３３内のスイッチが動作し制御部４１は区画３４ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識しステップ６８においてＳ２へＨｉを記憶する。
【０１４０】
駆動装置３３は製氷皿３０の水平位置復帰を継続させ、ステップ７０において水平位置に復帰したか否かを確認する。製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置３３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部４１は製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【０１４１】
製氷皿３０が水平位置復帰後ステップ７１において進み製氷皿３０を停止する。そしてステップ７２でＳ１がＨｉであるかを確認し、ステップ７４でＳ２がＨｉであるかを確認する。区画４ａ、区画４ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識した制御部４１はＳ１、Ｓ２ともにＨｉと記憶しているので、ステップ７３において給水装置３７によって製氷皿３０の第１製氷容器３１へ給水する。第１製氷容器３１への給水は、ポンプ３９からでてくる水を切換弁４０にてパイプ３８の第１パイプ３８ａへ導き、第１製氷容器３１へ給水する。尚、第１製氷容器３１へ給水する際に切換弁４０は初期設定として第１パイプ１８ａへ流路を設定しているので、あえて動作させる必要はない。
【０１４２】
第２製氷容器３２への給水は、ステップ７５において切換弁４０を動作して第２製氷容器側へ流路設定し、ステップ７６においてポンプ３９を駆動しタンク３６から汲み出された水を第２パイプ３８ｂへ導き、第２製氷容器３２へ水を供給する。
【０１４３】
第２製氷容器３２への給水動作が終了すると、ステップ７７へ進み切換弁４０を第１製氷容器側３１へ流路設定する。
【０１４４】
以上のように、脱氷して水平位置へ復帰した製氷皿３０へは給水装置３７によって再び給水され、再び製氷を開始する。
【０１４５】
次に、脱氷によって区画３４ａ、区画３４ｂ内に氷が十分になった場合、ステップ６４における氷量検知で第１検氷レバー３５ａが区画３４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置３３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部４１は氷が十分であると認識しステップ６６へ進みＳ１へＬｏを記憶する。同様にステップ６７において第２検氷レバー３５ａも区画３４ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置３３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部４１は氷が十分であると認識しステップ６９へ進みＳ２にＬｏを記憶する。
【０１４６】
そして、製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰しても、制御部４１は給水装置３７を駆動せず各製氷容器への給水を行わず、空のままで３０分間待機する。
【０１４７】
３０分間の待機が完了すると、製氷皿３０はあたかも氷があるかの如く空のまま脱氷動作を行い、製氷皿３０の水平位置への復帰途中で氷量検知する。このとき貯氷箱３４の区画３４ａ、３４ｂのどちらか一方の氷が不足し、他方の氷が十分であった場合、例えば区画３４ａ内の氷が不足し、区画３４ｂ内の氷が十分であった場合は、製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰してからの給水動作において、制御部４１は製氷容器３１にのみ水が行くように切換弁４０を作動して第１パイプ３８ａに水を導く。
【０１４８】
逆に、区画３４ａ内の氷が十分で、区画３４ｂ内の氷が不足している場合は、製氷皿３０が水平位置へ復帰してからの給水動作において、制御部４１は製氷容器３２にのみ水が行くように切換弁４０を作動して第２パイプ３８ｂに水を導く。
【０１４９】
実施例２では、第１製氷容器３１への給水量を第２製氷容器３２への給水量の半分以下にしているので、第２製氷容器３２で製氷が完了するまでの間に、第１製氷容器３１での製氷・脱氷・給水が頻繁に行われる。そのため、切換弁４０による流路を第１製氷容器３１側へ切り換えた状態を維持する方が有利である。それゆえ氷の過不足を検知した以降に切換弁４０を動作させるように制御すれば、切換弁４０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１５０】
また、例えば第２製氷容器３２の貯氷領域である区画３４ｂ内の氷が消費されず氷充分であるときは、第２製氷容器３２へ給水する必要がないので切換弁は動作せず、先に行った第１パイプ３８ａへ流路を設定したままとなる。そして区画３４ｂ内の氷が消費されるまでに、第１製氷容器３１での製氷が完了し且つ区画３４ａ内の氷が不足していると、第１製氷容器３１は脱氷動作を行い、また給水される。このときも切換弁は既に第１パイプ３８ａへ設定されているので、動作させる必要が無く氷の過不足を検知した以降に切換弁４０を動作させるように制御すれば、切換弁４０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１５１】
以上のように、本実施例２の自動製氷装置２９は、第１製氷容器３１と第２製氷容器３２からなる製氷皿３０と、第１製氷容器３１，第２製氷容器３２へ供給するための水を蓄える給水タンク３６と、給水タンク３６から水を汲み出すポンプ３９と、ポンプ３９から流入してくる水を第１製氷容器３１側へあるいは第２製氷容器３２側へ流出させる切換弁４０と、製氷皿３０を反転させることのできる駆動装置３３と、第１製氷容器３１の下方に設置した貯氷箱３４の区画３４ａと、第２製氷容器３２の下方に設置した貯氷箱１４の区画３４ａと、駆動装置３３によって動作し区画３４ａ内の氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー３５ａと、駆動装置３３によって動作し区画３４ｂ内の氷の量を検知する第検氷レバー３５ｂとを備えたので、氷を２つの区画３４ａ、３４ｂに蓄えることができるうえに各区画に蓄えられた氷の量を第１検氷レバー３５ａ、第２検氷レバー３５ｂによってそれぞれ個別に検知できるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知するうえに、氷の不足した区画を対象に製氷を行い氷を補充することができる。
【０１５２】
また、どちらか一方の製氷容器側での氷が頻繁に消費されるような場合でも、氷の過不足を検知した以降に切換弁４０を動作させるように制御すれば、切換弁４０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１５３】
また、脱氷の後に検氷を行うので、一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分となり脱氷の必要がない場合でも、その製氷容器に水を供給せずに、空で製氷させ、他方の製氷容器が脱氷動作するときに同時に空で脱氷動作させることができ、他方の製氷容器の製氷サイクルを一方の製氷サイクルに引きずられることなく短時間にすることができる。
【０１５４】
また、切換弁４０は常に第１製氷容器３１側へ水の流路を設定する位置に復帰して動作を終えるので、第１製氷容器３１を氷が頻繁に消費される側とすれば切換弁４０の動作回数を最小限に抑えることができるのである。
【０１５５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明は、水を汲み出すポンプから複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置されポンプから流入してくる水を複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁を動作させるものである。
【０１５６】
これにより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができるのである。
【０１５７】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させないのでエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【０１５８】
次に、請求項２の発明は、水を汲み出すポンプから複数の製氷容器に至る途中に配置されポンプから流入してくる水を複数の製氷容器の所定位置へ流出させる切換弁と、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに設けられ製氷が完了したか否かを検知する製氷センサーと、複数の製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段とを設け、製氷センサーによって製氷が完了したことを検知された全ての製氷容器に脱氷の動作を行わせ、全ての製氷容器の下方にある貯氷箱に対して前記検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に前記切換弁を動作させるものである。
【０１５９】
これより、製氷センサーによって製氷容器ごとに製氷完了を検知することができ、脱氷された氷は製氷容器ごとに対応した貯氷箱に蓄えられ、貯氷箱内の氷の過不足も貯氷箱ごとに対応した検氷手段で検知されるので、氷の過不足を正確に検知することができるのである。
【０１６０】
そして、検氷手段による氷の過不足を検知する動作を行った以降に切換弁の動作を行うことによって、製氷が完了しているにもかかわらず氷が充分あり給水の必要が無い場合には切換弁を動作させないのでエネルギーの効率化が図れる。
【０１６１】
さらにもう１つの効果として、脱氷の後に検氷を行うので、一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分となり脱氷の必要がない場合でも、その製氷容器に水を供給せずに、空で製氷させ、他方の製氷容器が脱氷動作するときに同時に空で脱氷動作させることができ、他方の製氷容器の製氷サイクルを一方の製氷サイクルに引きずられることなく短時間にすることができる。
【０１６２】
次に請求項３の発明は、請求項１の発明及び請求項２の発明において、切換弁は流入口から流入してきた水を複数の流出口のいずれかへ流出させる弁体を有し、水の流出を完了させた後に弁体を特定位置へ復帰させるものである。
【０１６３】
これにより、どちらか一方の製氷容器側の貯氷箱が氷充分で且つ氷の消費が遅く給水を必要としない状態が続いたときには、他方の製氷容器側へ給水するように給水経路を特定して維持するので、切換弁を作動させる回数を減らすことができる。
【０１６４】
さらに、一方の製氷容器への給水量を他方の製氷容器への給水量の半分以下にして大きさの異なる氷を造る場合に、給水量が少なく製氷時間が短い製氷容器側への給水が集中しがちであるが、切換弁は給水量の少ない製氷容器側へ給水経路を特定して維持するので、切換弁の動作回数を減らすことができる。
【０１６５】
すなわち、切換弁の動作を必要最小限にし、省エネルギー化が図れる。
【０１６６】
次に請求項４の発明は、並列に配置される２つの製氷容器と、前記２つの製氷容器を個別に反転させて氷を脱氷させる駆動部と、前記２つの製氷容器の各製氷容器ごとに氷を蓄えるため各製氷容器の下方に配置された貯氷箱と、前記貯氷箱ごとに蓄えられた氷の過不足を検知する検氷手段と、前記駆動部の動作を制御する制御部からなる冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置において、前記駆動部は製氷容器を反転させて脱氷させる際に、動作していない製氷容器側とは反対の方向に反転させるものである。
【０１６７】
これにより、製氷容器から脱氷された氷が、動作していない製氷容器側の貯氷箱に近づかないので、脱氷された氷が製氷容器間に挟まれることが無く、製氷容器の動作が妨げられることはない。それゆえ、２つの製氷容器の隙間を最小限に設定でき、小型化が図れる。
【０１６８】
次に請求項５の発明は、請求項４において検氷手段は、貯氷箱の長手方向に向かって延びる２つの検氷部材を有し、前記検氷部材は製氷容器の反転方向側に配置されるものである。
【０１６９】
これにより、製氷容器を反転させて脱氷した氷が貯氷箱内で積み上がっていく領域と検氷部材の進入し氷と対面する領域が一致するので、氷過不足の精度をより高くすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明による実施例１の自動製氷装置を搭載した冷蔵庫の部分縦断面図
【図２】同実施例１の自動製氷装置を示す正面図
【図３】同実施例１の自動製氷装置の駆動装置周辺を示す斜視図
【図４】同実施例１の自動製氷装置の動作フローチャート
【図５】本発明による実施例２の自動製氷装置を示す側面図
【図６】同実施例２の自動製氷装置の駆動装置周辺を示す斜視図
【図７】同実施例２の自動製氷装置の動作フローチャート
【図８】従来の自動製氷装置を示す平面図
【図９】従来の自動製氷装置の駆動部を示す正面図
【図１０】従来の自動製氷装置に用いられる給水手段を示す正面図
【符号の説明】
１０自動製氷装置
１１第１製氷皿（製氷容器）
１２第２製氷皿（製氷容器）
１３駆動装置
１４貯氷箱
１４ａ区画（貯氷箱）
１４ｂ区画（貯氷箱）
１５検氷レバー（検氷手段）
１５ａ第１検氷レバー（検氷手段）
１５ｂ第２検氷レバー（検氷手段）
１６給水タンク
１９ポンプ
２０切換弁
２０ａ流出口
２０ｂ流出口
２０ｃ流入口
２０ｄ弁体
２１制御部
２２製氷センサー
２２ａ第１製氷センサー
２２ｂ第２製氷センサー
２９自動製氷装置
３０製氷皿
３１第１製氷容器（製氷皿）
３２第２製氷容器（製氷皿）
３３駆動装置
３４貯氷箱
３４ａ区画（貯氷箱）
３４ｂ区画（貯氷箱）
３５検氷レバー（検氷手段）
３５ａ第１検氷レバー（検氷手段）
３５ｂ第２検氷レバー（検氷手段）
３６給水タンク
３９ポンプ
４０切換弁
４０ａ流出口
４０ｂ流出口
４０ｃ流入口
４０ｄ弁体
４１制御部
４２製氷センサー
４２ａ第１製氷センサー
４２ｂ第２製氷センサー[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic ice making device mounted on a refrigerator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is an automatic ice making device installed in a refrigerator that supplies water to two ice trays to make ice, and after ice making, each ice tray is inverted and deiced. JP-A-6-241627 relates to the automatic ice making device. It is disclosed in the gazette.
[0003]
Hereinafter, a refrigerator equipped with a conventional automatic ice making device will be described with a focus on the automatic ice making device with reference to the drawings.
[0004]
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a conventional automatic ice making device, FIG. 9 is a front view showing a drive unit of the conventional automatic ice making device, and FIG. 10 is a front view showing water supply means used in the conventional automatic ice making device. FIG.
[0005]
In FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, reference numeral 100 denotes a drive unit, and 101 and 102 denote ice trays that make the injected water, and one end of each is connected to the drive shafts 103 and 104 of the drive unit 100.
[0006]
Reference numerals 105 and 106 denote Geneva gears that transmit a rotational force to the drive shafts 103 and 104, and reference numeral 107 denotes a drive gear having a pin 108 that drives the Geneva gears 105 and 106. The drive gear 107 is connected to the reduction gear train 109, and the reduction gear train transmits the rotation of the motor 110 at a reduced speed.
[0007]
111 is a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the ice trays 101 and 102, 112 is a water supply pump for pumping water in the water supply tank 110, and 113 is supplied from the water supply pump 112 through the water supply pipe 114. It is a switching valve for switching the water flow path to supply water to a predetermined position of the ice tray 101 or ice tray 102.
[0008]
The operation of the automatic ice making device for a refrigerator configured as described above will be described. When the water poured into the ice trays 101 and 102 is frozen and ice making is completed, the motor 110 is started and the rotation of the reduction gear train 109 is transmitted to the drive gear 107. When the drive gear 107 rotates, the pin 108 is connected to the Geneva gear 105 or 106 to transmit the rotation, the drive shaft 103 or 104 rotates, and the ice tray 101 or 102 rotates to deicing. Become.
[0009]
A mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 103 in a fixed direction is installed between the Geneva gear 105 and the drive shaft 103 regardless of the rotation direction of the motor. The drive shaft 103 rotates the ice tray 101 only in one direction. I won't let you.
[0010]
Similarly, a mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 104 in a fixed direction is installed between the Geneva gear 106 and the drive shaft 104 regardless of the rotation direction of the motor. The drive shaft 104 moves the ice tray 102 in only one direction. Do not rotate.
[0011]
When deicing is completed and the ice tray 101 (or 102) returns to the horizontal position, the water in the water supply tank 111 is pumped out by the water supply pump 112, and the ice tray 101 (or water supply that requires water supply by the switching valve 113). 102).
[0012]
As a result, one ice making tray that has completed ice making can be deiced regardless of the other ice making tray.
[0013]
The ice removed from the ice trays 101 and 102 is stored in one ice storage box below.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional automatic ice making device is configured to store the ice that has been deiced in two ice trays in one ice storage box, the ice storage box contains the ice making and deicing repeated. Two ice packs are generated. If the two ice packs collapse and can be stored uniformly in the ice storage box, there will be no problem, but in reality, the ice packs are stored in the lower part of each ice tray, so it is not possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice. There is a problem.
[0015]
In addition, the conventional automatic ice making device described above only deices the ice produced by the two ice trays, how the ice deiced from each ice tray is stored, and the excess or shortage of the stored ice. It is not yet considered how to detect the temperature and how to control the switching valve for supplying water to the deiced ice tray, and it is hoped that an automatic ice making device using two ice trays will be realized. It is rare.
[0016]
Further, in the conventional automatic ice making device, since the two ice trays arranged in parallel have the same reversing direction, the ice is removed while one ice tray approaches the other ice tray side. It was easy to get caught between the ice trays, which could prevent the ice tray from reversing.
[0017]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, in an automatic ice making device using two ice trays, means for storing ice, means for more accurately detecting excess or deficiency of stored ice, and a control method thereof, Furthermore, it aims at providing the automatic ice making apparatus provided with the control method of the switching valve which supplies water to the ice tray which completed deicing.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the gist of the invention of claim 1 is that the water flowing in from the pump arranged in the middle from the pump for pumping water to the plurality of ice making containers is caused to flow out to predetermined positions of the plurality of ice making containers. A switching valve, an ice making sensor that is provided for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers and detects whether or not ice making is completed, and under each ice making container to store ice for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers An ice storage box that is placed and an ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box are provided, and the ice storage box below the ice making container detected by the ice making sensor detects completion of ice making. Thus, the operation of the switching valve is performed after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means.
[0019]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in an ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detection means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0020]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Since the switching valve is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0021]
Next, the gist of the invention of claim 2 is a switching valve that is arranged on the way from a pump for pumping water to a plurality of ice making containers, and allows water flowing in from the pump to flow out to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, An ice making sensor that is provided for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers and detects whether or not ice making has been completed, and is arranged below each ice making container to store ice for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers An ice storage box and ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box are provided, and deicing operation is performed on all ice making containers detected by the ice making sensor that ice making is completed. In addition, the switching valve is operated after an operation for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed on the ice storage boxes below all the ice making containers.
[0022]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in an ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detection means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0023]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Energy efficiency can be improved without operating the switching valve.
[0024]
Furthermore, since ice detection is performed after deicing, if the ice storage box on one ice making container side has enough ice and deicing is not necessary, ice is made in the sky without supplying water to the ice making container, When the other ice making container is deicing, the ice making operation can be performed empty at the same time, and the ice making cycle of the other ice making container can be shortened without being dragged by the ice making cycle of one ice making container.
[0025]
Next, the gist of the invention of claim 3 is that, in claim 1 and claim 2, the switching valve has one inlet, a plurality of outlets, and water flowing in from the inlets. The valve body is made to return to a specific position after completing the outflow of water.
[0026]
Thereby, when the water supply to one of the ice making containers is concentrated, the number of times of operating the switching valve can be reduced by maintaining the switching to a specific water supply path.
[0027]
Next, the gist of the invention of claim 4 is that two ice making containers arranged in parallel, a drive unit for deicing ice by individually inverting the two ice making containers, and each ice making of the two ice making containers In an automatic ice making device of a refrigerator having an ice storage box arranged below each ice making container for storing ice for each container and a control unit for controlling the operation of the driving unit, the driving unit reverses the ice making container and removes it. When iced, it is reversed in the opposite direction to the ice making container side that is not operating.
[0028]
As a result, since the ice deiced from the ice making container does not approach the side of the ice making container that is not operating, the deiced ice is not sandwiched between the ice making containers, and the operation of the ice making container is prevented. Absent. Therefore, the gap between the two ice making containers can be set to a minimum, and the size can be reduced.
[0029]
Next, the gist of the invention of claim 5 is that, in claim 4, the ice detecting means has two ice detecting members extending in the longitudinal direction of the ice storage box, and the ice detecting members are arranged on the reversing direction side of the ice making container. Is to be placed.
[0030]
As a result, the area where ice that has been deiced by inverting the ice making container is accumulated in the storage box coincides with the area where the ice detecting member enters, so that it is possible to further increase the accuracy of the ice excess / deficiency.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of ice making containers for temporarily storing water, a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the plurality of ice making containers, a pump for pumping water in the water supply tank, and the pump A switching valve that is arranged on the way from the pump to the plurality of ice making containers to flow out the water flowing in from the pump to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, and after the water supplied to the plurality of ice making containers is frozen An automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, comprising: a drive unit that reverses the ice making containers simultaneously or individually to deice ice; and a control unit that controls the operation of the pump, the operation of the drive unit, and the operation of the switching valve. An ice making sensor that is provided for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers and detects whether or not ice making has been completed, and below each ice making container for storing ice for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers An ice storage box provided below the ice making container provided with an ice storage box disposed and an ice detecting means for detecting an excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box, wherein the ice making sensor detects completion of ice making On the other hand, the switching valve is operated after the ice detecting means detects the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0032]
Here, the plurality of ice making containers refers to a container in which two or more ice trays each having a box-like ice chamber having a predetermined volume are arranged, or a container having a box-like ice chamber having a predetermined volume. Two or more are integrally connected in the direction, and various shapes of ice can be made by varying the size of each ice tray and the shape of the ice chamber.
[0033]
The ice detection means is to detect the excess or deficiency of ice from the height at which it can enter the plate-like lever that protrudes in parallel with the ice making container from the side of the drive unit that drives the ice making container, Either one lever may be protruded from each of the left and right sides of the drive unit, or two levers may be protruded from either the left or right side of the drive unit.
[0034]
The switching valve has one inlet through which water flows in and two outlets through which water flows out, and is provided with a valve body that can block either one of the two outlets. Operates and can optionally block either one of the two outlets.
[0035]
When water is supplied to each ice making container and ice is generated in one of the ice making containers, it is input to the control unit that ice has been generated by the ice making sensor.
[0036]
The control unit operates the switching valve after the ice detecting means detects the excess or deficiency of ice in the ice storage box below the ice making container. It should be noted that the time when the ice detecting means detects the excess or deficiency of ice may be before the deicing operation, during the deicing operation, or after the deicing operation.
[0037]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in the ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detecting means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0038]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Since the switching valve is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0039]
Next, the invention of claim 2 includes a plurality of ice making containers for temporarily storing water, a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the plurality of ice making containers, a pump for pumping water in the water supply tank, A switching valve that is arranged on the way from the pump to the plurality of ice making containers and that flows out water from the pump to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, and water supplied to the plurality of ice making containers is frozen. After that, the automatic operation of the refrigerator comprising the drive unit for deicing ice by simultaneously or individually inverting the plurality of ice making containers, and the control unit for controlling the operation of the pump, the operation of the drive unit, and the operation of the switching valve In the ice making device, an ice making sensor provided for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers and detecting whether or not ice making is completed, and for storing ice for each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers, And ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of the ice stored in each ice storage box, and the ice making sensors detect that ice making is completed and are removed from all ice making containers. The operation of ice is performed, and the switching valve is operated after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed on the ice storage boxes below all the ice making containers.
[0040]
Here, the plurality of ice making containers refers to a container in which two or more ice trays each having a box-like ice chamber having a predetermined volume are arranged, or a container having a box-like ice chamber having a predetermined volume. Two or more are integrally connected in the direction, and various shapes of ice can be made by varying the size of each ice tray and the shape of the ice chamber.
[0041]
The ice detection means is to detect the excess or deficiency of ice from the height at which it can enter the plate-like lever that protrudes in parallel with the ice making container from the side of the drive unit that drives the ice making container, Either one lever may be protruded from the left and right of the drive unit, or two levers may be protruded from either the left or right of the drive unit.
[0042]
The switching valve has one inlet through which water flows in and two outlets through which water flows out, and is provided with a valve body that can block either one of the two outlets. Operates and can optionally block either one of the two outlets.
[0043]
When water is supplied to each ice making container and ice is generated in one of the ice making containers, it is input to the control unit that ice has been generated by the ice making sensor.
[0044]
The control unit operates the switching valve after the ice detecting means detects the excess or deficiency of ice in the ice storage box below the ice making container. The time when the ice detecting means detects the excess or deficiency of ice is after the deicing operation.
[0045]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in the ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detecting means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0046]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Since the switching valve is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0047]
In addition, since ice detection is performed after deicing, even if the ice storage box on one ice making container side has enough ice and deicing is not necessary, ice is made in the sky without supplying water to the ice making container, When the ice making container is deicing, the ice making operation can be performed empty at the same time, and the ice making cycle of the other ice making container can be shortened without being dragged by one ice making cycle.
[0048]
Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the switching valve has a valve body that causes the water flowing in from the inflow port to flow out to any of the plurality of outflow ports. The valve body is returned to a specific position after completing the outflow.
[0049]
As a result, when the ice storage box on one ice making container side is full of ice and consumption of ice is slow and water supply is not required, the water supply path is specified so that water is supplied to the other ice making container side. Thus, the number of times that the switching valve is operated can be reduced.
[0050]
Furthermore, when making ice of a different size by reducing the amount of water supplied to one ice-making container to less than half of the amount of water supplied to the other ice-making container, water supply to the ice-making container side with a small amount of water supply and a short ice-making time is concentrated. However, the switching valve can reduce the number of operations of the switching valve if the water supply path is specified and maintained on the ice making container side with a small amount of water supply.
[0051]
That is, the operation of the switching valve can be minimized and energy can be saved.
[0052]
Next, the invention of claim 4 includes two ice making containers arranged in parallel, a drive unit for inverting the two ice making containers individually to deice ice, and each ice making container of the two ice making containers An ice storage box disposed below each ice making container, ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive unit. In the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator, the drive unit reverses the ice making container in the opposite direction to the side of the ice making container that is not operating when the ice making container is reversed to deice.
[0053]
As a result, since the ice deiced from the ice making container does not approach the side of the ice making container that is not operating, the deiced ice is not sandwiched between the ice making containers, and the operation of the ice making container is prevented. Absent. Therefore, the gap between the two ice making containers can be set to a minimum, and the size can be reduced.
[0054]
Next, according to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the fourth aspect, the ice detecting means has two ice detecting members extending in the longitudinal direction of the ice storage box, and the ice detecting members are arranged on the reversing direction side of the ice making container. Is.
[0055]
The ice detecting member is connected to the drive unit by a plate-like lever, and enters the ice storage box by rotating, and detects ice shortage in the ice storage box by the penetration depth until the ice is prevented from entering. .
[0056]
As a result, the area where ice that has been deiced by inverting the ice making container is accumulated in the storage box coincides with the area where the ice detecting member enters, so that it is possible to further increase the accuracy of the ice excess / deficiency.
[0057]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an automatic ice making device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0058]
Example 1
1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the automatic ice making device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an automatic ice making device according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the drive device periphery.
[0059]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a refrigerator having a plurality of storage rooms, 2 is a refrigeration room which is one of the storage rooms, is surrounded by a door 3 and a heat insulating wall 4 and is insulated from the outside air.
[0060]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an ice making chamber which is one of the storage chambers, which is surrounded by the heat insulating wall 4 and the door 6 and is insulated from the outside air. Reference numeral 7 denotes a movable rail fixed to the door 6 of the ice making chamber 5. The movable rail 7 is housed in a fixed rail 8 fixed to the side wall of the ice making chamber 5, and along the fixed rail 8 when the door 6 is pulled out. Move. A pulley 9 is disposed between the movable rail 7 and the fixed rail 8 to make the movement smooth.
[0061]
Reference numeral 10 denotes an automatic ice making device, and the configuration thereof will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0062]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a first ice tray made of plastic resin polypropylene, 30 ice chambers 11a for forming small ice shapes, an ice chamber frame 11b for fixing the ice chambers 11a at once, and a longitudinal central axis of the ice chamber frame 11b A shaft 11c formed at the end of the shaft is provided.
[0063]
12 is a second ice tray made of polypropylene in the same manner as the first ice tray 11, and is provided with eight ice chambers 12a, an ice chamber frame 12b, and a shaft 12c that form a large ice shape.
[0064]
A drive device 13 holds the shaft 11c and the shaft 12c of each of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, and reverses the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 as necessary to perform ice removal. Inside the drive device 13, a motor as a drive source, a reduction gear for reducing and transmitting the rotation of the motor, and the like are arranged.
[0065]
Reference numeral 14 denotes an ice storage box that is disposed below the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 and stores the deiced ice, and the inside of the ice storage box 14 includes a compartment 14a for storing ice from the first ice tray 11, And a section 14b for storing ice from the second ice tray 12.
[0066]
15 is an ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage box, 15a is a first ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice stored in the compartment 14a of the ice storage box 14, and 15b is stored in the compartment 14b. A second ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice produced.
[0067]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a tank for storing water to be supplied to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. Reference numeral 17 denotes a tank for supplying water in the tank 16 to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. A water supply device, a pipe 18 comprising a first pipe 18a for guiding water to the first ice tray 11 and a second pipe 18b for guiding water to the second ice tray 2, a pump 19 for pumping water from the tank 16, and a pump 19 It is comprised with the switching valve 20 which switches the flow path of the discharged water. A control unit 21 controls the drive device 13 and the water supply device 17.
[0068]
The switching valve 20 has one inflow port 20c for allowing water from the pump 19 to flow in, and two outflow ports 20a and 20b for discharging the inflowing water, and the first pipe 18a is connected to the outflow port 20a. The second pipe 18b is connected to the outlet 20b.
[0069]
Further, the switching valve 20 has a valve body 20d that closes either the outlet 20a or the outlet 20b, and the valve body 20d is driven by a motor 20e.
[0070]
When water is supplied to the first ice tray 11, if the valve body 20d is driven by the motor 20e and the outlet 20b is closed, the water entering from the inlet 21c is switched to the outlet 20a and the first pipe 18a is changed. It is supplied to the first ice tray 11 through.
[0071]
When water is supplied to the second ice tray 12, if the valve body 20d is driven by the motor 20e and the outlet 20a is closed, the water that has entered from the inlet 21c is changed to the outlet 20b and the second pipe 18b is passed through. It is supplied to the second ice tray 12.
[0072]
As described above, the automatic ice making device 10 includes the first ice tray 11, the second ice tray 12, the drive device 13, the ice storage box 14, the ice detection lever 15, the tank 16, the water supply device 17, and the control unit 21. .
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray have different ice chamber shapes, and the volume of water supplied to one ice chamber 11a of the first ice tray 11 is about 1 ml, about 30 ml in total, 2 The volume of water supplied to one ice chamber 12a of the ice tray 12 is 10 ml, and the total volume is about 80 ml.
[0074]
Both the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are connected to the drive device 13 and are individually reversed by a motor and a reduction gear built in the drive device 13 (arrow report in FIG. 2). Deicing is performed in the ice storage box 14 below each ice tray. A switch for detecting the position of each ice tray is built in the driving device 13, and the horizontal position and deicing position of each ice tray are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 21.
[0075]
Further, the first ice detecting lever 15 a and the second ice detecting lever 15 b are also connected to the side surface of the driving device 13 and operate in conjunction with a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 13.
[0076]
Normally, the first ice detecting lever 15a is waiting above the section 14a of the ice storage box 14, the second ice detecting lever 15b is waiting above the section 4b, and the first ice detecting lever 15a is detached from the first ice tray 11. When entering and leaving the compartment 14a of the ice storage box 14 in conjunction with the ice operation, and entering the compartment 14a beyond a predetermined position, a switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 15a is set in the drive device 13. In operation, the switch signal input to the control unit 21 detects that the amount of ice in the section 14a is insufficient.
[0077]
The second ice detecting lever 15b moves into and out of the compartment 14b of the ice storage box 14 in conjunction with the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12, and when it enters the compartment 14b beyond a predetermined position, the driving device 13, the switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 15b is operated, and it is detected by the switch signal input to the control unit 21 that the ice amount in the section 14b is insufficient.
[0078]
The deicing operation of each ice tray is reversed in the direction of the corresponding ice detecting lever (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2), and when each ice chamber opening faces in the direction of the ice storage box 14, each ice tray is moved. This is accomplished by pushing the ice by twisting it against a protrusion formed on a supporting frame (not shown).
[0079]
Reference numeral 22 denotes an ice making sensor whose resistance value varies depending on the temperature. The first ice making sensor 22 a is tightly fixed to the outer bottom surface of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice making sensor is closely fixed to the outer bottom surface of the second ice tray 12. It consists of a sensor 22b.
[0080]
In Example 1, it is determined that the ice making is completed when the water supplied to the ice tray is frozen and the ice making sensor 22 indicates −5 ° C. or lower.
[0081]
About the automatic ice making apparatus of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated using the operation | movement flowchart of FIG. When the control unit 21 detects that the power is turned on in step 1, the control unit 21 proceeds to step 2 and returns the horizontal position of the first ice tray 11 by the initial operation of the first ice tray 11. In addition, when the power is turned on, the first ice tray 11 is already in the horizontal position.
[0082]
When the initial operation of the first ice tray 11 is completed, the process proceeds to step 3 and the horizontal position of the second ice tray 12 is returned by the initial operation of the second ice tray 12. It should be noted that the second ice tray 12 is already in a horizontal position when the power is turned on.
[0083]
When the initial operation of the second ice tray 12 is completed, the routine proceeds to step 4 where the switching valve 20 is operated to set the water flow path to the second ice tray 12 side, and the routine proceeds to step 5.
[0084]
In step 5, a water supply operation to the second ice tray 12 is performed. In the water supply operation, water is pumped from the tank 16 by driving the pump 19, and the pumped water flows into the switching valve 20, flows out from the second outlet 20b, and passes through the second pipe 18b. 2 is supplied to the ice tray 12. The pump 19 is driven for 5 seconds, whereby about 80 ml of water is supplied to the second ice tray 12.
[0085]
When the water supply operation to the second ice tray 12 is completed, the process proceeds to step 6 to operate the switching valve 20 to set the water flow path to the first ice tray 11 side, and then proceeds to step 7.
[0086]
In step 7, a water supply operation to the first ice tray 11 is performed. In the water supply operation, water is pumped from the tank 16 by driving the pump 19, and the pumped water flows into the switching valve 20, flows out from the first outlet 20a, and passes through the first pipe 18a. 1 is supplied to the ice tray 11. The pump 19 is driven for 1.9 seconds, whereby about 30 ml of water is supplied to the first ice tray 11.
[0087]
When the water supply operation to the first ice tray 11 is completed, the process proceeds to step 8 and enters ice-making standby. The ice making standby is to wait for the time until the water supplied to each ice tray freezes and the ice making is completed. The standby time is about 40 minutes for the first ice tray 11 and about 90 for the second ice tray 12. Minutes.
[0088]
When the water supplied to the first ice tray 11 is frozen in step 9 and the generation of ice is completed, the resistance value of the first ice making sensor 22a installed on the outer bottom surface of the ice tray increases, and the temperature T1 is 5 ° C. or less. The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice making is completed. When two ice trays complete ice making at the same time, priority is given to the deicing operation on the first ice tray 11 side.
[0089]
When ice is generated in the first ice tray 11, inversion of the first ice tray 11 is started in step 10 and the deicing operation is started. The first ice tray 11 is driven by the drive device 13 in the direction of the first ice detecting lever 15 a. Is turned (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2) and twisted to deicing into the compartment 14a of the ice storage box 14.
[0090]
In step 11, the amount of ice in the compartment 14a is detected simultaneously with the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11, but when there is sufficient ice in the compartment 4a, the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the compartment 4a. Since the ice is prevented from advancing and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height and the switch in the drive device 13 does not operate, the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is sufficient, and proceeds to step 16 to proceed to the first ice tray 11. Inversion is stopped and horizontal position return is performed in step 17.
[0091]
Conversely, when the ice in the compartment 4a is insufficient in step 11, even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the compartment 4a, the ice does not prevent the ice from proceeding and enters deeper than a predetermined height. The controller 21 recognizes that the ice in the compartment 4a is insufficient, and continues the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11 to finish the deicing.
[0092]
The completion of the deicing in step 12 is that the controller 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed because the switch in the driving device 13 is activated when the first ice tray 11 reaches the deicing position.
[0093]
When the deicing is completed, the process proceeds to step 13, the inversion of the first ice tray 11 is stopped, and then the process proceeds to step 14. In step 14, the horizontal position of the first ice tray 11 is returned by the driving device 13. When the first ice tray 11 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the driving device 13 is activated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the first ice tray 11 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0094]
In step 15, a water supply operation to the first ice tray is performed. The first ice tray 11 that has returned to the horizontal position is again supplied with water by the water supply device 17 to start ice making. When supplying water to the first ice tray 11, the switching valve 20 sets a flow path toward the first ice tray 11 in step 6, so there is no need to operate it.
[0095]
When the water supply operation to the first ice tray 11 is completed, the process proceeds to step 18. When the water supplied to the second ice tray 12 is frozen in step 18 and the generation of ice is completed, the resistance value of the second ice making sensor 22b installed on the outer bottom surface of the ice tray increases, and the temperature T2 is 5 ° C. or less. The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice making is completed.
[0096]
The process proceeds to step 19 where ice is generated in the second ice tray 12, and the inversion of the second ice tray 12 is started. The second ice tray 12 is turned by the drive device 13 in the direction of the second ice detecting lever 15b (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2) and twisted to deiculate into the compartment 14b of the ice storage box 14.
[0097]
In step 20, the amount of ice in the compartment 14b is detected simultaneously with the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12, but when there is sufficient ice in the compartment 4b, the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the compartment 4b. Since the ice is prevented from advancing and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height and the switch in the driving device 13 does not operate, the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is sufficient, and proceeds to step 27 to proceed to the second ice tray 12. Inversion is stopped, and in step 28, horizontal position return is performed.
[0098]
Conversely, when the ice in the compartment 4b is insufficient in step 20, even if the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the compartment 4a, the ice is not blocked and can enter deeper than a predetermined height. Then, the switch in the driving device operates and the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice in the section 4b is insufficient, and continues the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12 to finish the deicing.
[0099]
The completion of the deicing in step 21 is that the controller 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed because the switch in the driving device 13 is activated when the second ice tray 12 reaches the deicing position. When the deicing of the second ice tray 12 is completed, the process proceeds to step 22 and the inversion of the second ice tray 12 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 23.
[0100]
In step 23, the horizontal position return of the second ice tray 12 is performed by the driving device 13. When the second ice tray 12 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the driving device 13 is activated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the second ice tray 12 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0101]
When the second ice tray 12 returns to the horizontal position, the process proceeds to step 24 where the switching valve 20 is operated to set a water flow path to the second ice tray 12. Since the water has just flowed into the first ice tray 11 first, the switching valve 20 sets the flow path so that the inflowing water flows out to the second outlet 20b and flows to the second ice tray 12 side through the second pipe 18b. To do.
[0102]
In step 25, the water supply operation to the second ice tray 12 is performed, and after the water supply operation is completed, the process proceeds to step 26, the switching valve 20 is operated, the flow path is set to the first ice tray 11 side, and the ice making standby is started.
[0103]
In the first embodiment, since the amount of water supplied to the first ice tray 11 is less than half of the amount of water supplied to the second ice tray 12, the first ice making is completed until the ice making is completed in the second ice tray 12. Ice making, deicing and water supply are frequently performed on the plate 11. Therefore, it is advantageous to maintain the state where the flow path by the switching valve 20 is switched to the first ice tray 11 side. Therefore, if the switching valve 20 is controlled to operate after detecting the excess or deficiency of ice, the number of operations of the switching valve 20 can be minimized.
[0104]
For example, when the ice in the section 4b, which is the ice storage area of the second ice tray 12, is not consumed and the ice is sufficient, it is not necessary to supply water to the second ice tray 12, so the switching valve 20 does not operate, The flow path is still set in the first ice tray 11 performed in the above. When the ice making in the first ice tray 11 is completed and the ice in the compartment 4a is insufficient before the ice in the compartment 4b is consumed, the first ice tray 11 performs a deicing operation, and Water is supplied. At this time, since the switching valve 20 is already set in the first ice tray 11, if it is controlled to operate the switching valve 20 after detecting the excess or deficiency of ice without being operated, the switching valve 20 can be operated. The number of operations can be minimized.
[0105]
As described above, the automatic ice making device 10 according to the first embodiment includes the first ice tray 11, the second ice tray 12, the water supply tank that stores water to be supplied to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. 16, a pump 19 for pumping water from the water supply tank 16, a switching valve 20 for discharging water flowing in from the pump 19 to the first ice tray 11 side or the second ice tray 12 side, and the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 can be individually inverted, the drive unit 13 can be individually inverted, the compartment 14a of the ice storage box 14 installed below the first ice tray 11, and the ice storage installed below the second ice tray 12. The compartment 14a of the box 14, the first ice detection lever 15a that is operated by the driving device 13 to detect the amount of ice in the compartment 14a, and the second detection that is operated by the driving device 13 to detect the amount of ice in the compartment 14b. With ice lever 15b In addition to being able to store in the two sections 4a and 4b, the amount of ice stored in each section can be individually detected by the first ice detection lever 15a and the second ice detection lever 15b. In addition, it is possible to make ice for a section lacking ice and replenish the ice.
[0106]
Then, the operation of the switching valve 20 is performed after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting lever 15, so that there is sufficient ice even when ice making is completed and there is no need for water supply. Since the switching valve 20 is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0107]
Further, the switching valve 20 always returns to the position where the flow path of water is set to the first ice tray 11 side and finishes the operation. Therefore, if the first ice tray 11 is the side where ice is frequently consumed, the switching valve 20 The number of 20 operations can be minimized.
[0108]
Further, the drive device 13 reverses the first ice tray 11 in the direction opposite to the second ice tray 12 that is not operating when deicing the first ice tray 11, and reverses the second ice tray 12 to remove it. When iced, it is reversed in the opposite direction to the first ice tray 11 which is not operating, so that the deiced ice is not sandwiched between the ice trays and the operation of the ice tray is not hindered. . Therefore, the gap between the two ice making containers can be set to a minimum, and the size can be reduced.
[0109]
Further, since the first ice detecting lever 15a is arranged on the reversing direction side of the first ice tray 11, and the second ice detecting lever is arranged on the reversing direction side of the second ice tray 12, the compartments 14a and 14b of the ice storage box 14 are arranged. Since the first ice detecting lever 15a and the second ice detecting lever 15b enter the area where the ice tends to pile up and face the ice, it is possible to increase the accuracy of ice excess / deficiency.
[0110]
(Example 2)
Next, another embodiment of the automatic ice making device for a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the automatic ice making device of the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the driving device of the automatic ice making device of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the automatic ice making device of the second embodiment.
[0111]
Reference numeral 29 denotes an automatic ice making device, and its configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0112]
Reference numeral 30 denotes an ice tray made of two types of ice-making containers molded from a plastic resin polypropylene. The ice tray 30 includes a first ice-making container 31 and a second ice-making container 32, and the first ice-making container 31 forms a small ice shape. Twenty-four ice chambers 31a and an ice chamber frame 31b that collectively fixes the ice chambers 31a are provided. Similarly, the second ice making container 32 is provided with four ice chambers 32a and an ice chamber frame 32b for forming a large ice shape.
[0113]
Reference numeral 33 denotes a drive device that holds the shaft 30c of the ice tray 30 and reverses the ice tray 30 as necessary to perform ice removal. The drive device 33 has a motor serving as a drive source and a deceleration that transmits the rotation of the motor at a reduced speed. Gears and the like are arranged.
[0114]
An ice storage box 34 is arranged below the ice tray 30 and stores deiced ice. Inside the ice storage box 34 is a compartment 34a for storing ice from the first ice making container 31 and ice from the second ice making container 32. It is comprised with the division 34b which accumulates.
[0115]
35 is an ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage box, 35a is a first ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice stored in the compartment 34a of the ice storage box 34, and 35b is stored in the compartment 34b. A second ice detecting lever for detecting the amount of ice produced.
[0116]
Reference numeral 36 denotes a tank for storing water to be supplied to the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32. Reference numeral 37 denotes a water supply for supplying water in the tank 36 to the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32. A water supply device, a pipe 38 comprising a first pipe 38 a for guiding water to the first ice making container 31, a second pipe 38 b for guiding water to the second ice making container 32, a pump 39 for pumping water from the tank 36, and a pump 39 It is comprised with the switching valve 40 which switches the flow path of the discharged water. A control unit 41 controls the drive device 33 and the water supply device 37.
[0117]
The switching valve 40 has one inflow port 40c through which water from the pump 39 flows in and two outflow ports 40a and 40b through which the water that has flowed in flows out. The first pipe 38a is connected to the outflow port 40a. The second pipe 38b is connected to the outlet 40b.
[0118]
Further, the switching valve 40 has a valve body 40d that closes either the outlet 40a or the outlet 40b, and the valve body 40d is driven by a motor 40e.
[0119]
When water is supplied to the first ice tray 11, if the valve body 40d is driven by the motor 40e and the outlet 40b is closed, the water entering from the inlet 41c is switched to the outlet 40a and the first pipe 38a is changed. It is supplied to the first ice making container 31 through.
[0120]
When supplying water to the second ice making container 32, if the valve body 40d is driven by the motor 40e and the outlet 40a is closed, the water entering from the inlet 41c is changed to the outlet 40b and the second pipe 38b is passed through. It is supplied to the second ice making container 32.
[0121]
Reference numeral 42 denotes an ice making sensor whose resistance value varies depending on the temperature. The first ice making sensor 42 a is closely fixed to the outer bottom surface of the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making sensor is closely fixed to the outer bottom surface of the second ice making container 32. It consists of a sensor 42b.
[0122]
In Example 2, when the water supplied to the ice tray is frozen and the ice making sensor 42 indicates −5 ° C. or lower, it is determined that ice making is completed.
[0123]
The ice tray 30 (first ice making container 31 and second ice making container 2), driving device 33, ice storage box 34, ice detecting lever 35, tank 36, water supply device 37, pipe 38, pump 39, control unit 41, ice making An automatic ice making device 29 is constituted by the sensor 42.
[0124]
As shown in FIG. 5, the shape of the ice chamber is different between the second ice tray 31 and the second ice making container 32. The volume of water supplied to one ice chamber 31a of the first ice making container 31 is 1 ml, and the total volume is 24 ml. The volume of water supplied to one ice chamber 32b of the ice making container 32 is 10 ml, and the total volume is 40 ml.
[0125]
The first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32 are connected to a driving device 33 by the same rotation shaft, and are reversed by a motor and a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 33, so that an ice storage box 34 below the ice making container is provided. Deicing. A switch for detecting the position of the ice tray 30 is built in the drive device 33, and the horizontal position and the deicing position of the ice tray 30 are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 41.
[0126]
The first ice detecting lever 35 a and the second ice detecting lever 35 b are also connected to the side surface of the driving device 33 and operate in conjunction with a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 33.
[0127]
Normally, the first ice detecting lever 35a is waiting above the section 34a of the ice storage box 34, and the second ice detecting lever 35b is waiting above the section 4b, and the first ice detecting lever 35a is in the section 14a of the ice storage box 34. When the vehicle enters and leaves the compartment 34a beyond the predetermined position, the switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 35a is activated in the drive device 33, and the compartment signal is input to the controller 41 by the switch signal input. It is detected that the amount of ice in 34a is insufficient.
[0128]
The second ice detecting lever 35b enters and exits the compartment 34b of the ice storage box 34. When the second ice detecting lever 35b enters the compartment 34b beyond a predetermined position, a switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 35b in the driving device 33 is provided. Is operated, and it is detected by the switch signal input to the control unit 41 that the amount of ice in the section 34b is insufficient.
[0129]
The ice removing operation of the ice tray 30 is reversed toward the ice detecting lever 35, and a frame (not shown) that supports the ice tray 30 when the opening of each ice chamber is directed toward the ice storage box 34. This is accomplished by pushing the ice by twisting it against the protrusions formed on the surface.
[0130]
About the automatic ice making apparatus of the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated using the operation | movement flowchart of FIG. When the control unit 41 detects that the power is turned on in step 51, the control unit 41 proceeds to step 52 and returns the horizontal position of the ice tray 30 by the initial operation of the ice tray 30. In addition, even if the ice tray 30 is already in a horizontal position when power is turned on, it is carried out.
[0131]
When the initial operation of the ice tray 30 is completed, the process proceeds to step 53, the switching valve 40 is operated to set the water flow path to the second ice making container 32, and the process proceeds to step 54.
[0132]
In step 54, a water supply operation to the second ice making container 32 is performed. In the water supply operation, water is pumped from the tank 36 by driving the pump 39, and the pumped water flows into the switching valve 40, flows out from the second outlet 40b, and passes through the second pipe 38b. 2 is supplied to the ice making container 32. The pump 39 is driven for 2.5 seconds, whereby about 40 ml of water is supplied to the second ice making container.
[0133]
When the water supply operation to the second ice making container 32 is completed, the process proceeds to step 55, the switching valve 40 is operated to set the water flow path to the first ice making container 31, and the process proceeds to step 56.
[0134]
In step 56, the water supply operation to the first ice making container 31 is performed. In the water supply operation, water is pumped out of the tank 36 by driving the pump 39, and the pumped water flows into the switching valve 40, flows out of the first outlet 40a, and passes through the first pipe 38a. 1 is supplied to the ice making container 31. The pump 39 is driven for 1.5 seconds, whereby 24 ml of water is supplied to the first ice making container 31.
[0135]
When the water supply operation to the first ice making container 31 is completed, the process proceeds to step 57, where the ice making standby is performed. The ice making standby is to wait for the time until the water supplied to each ice making container is frozen and ice making is completed. The waiting time is about 25 minutes for the first ice tray 11 and about 50 for the second ice tray 12. Minutes.
[0136]
In steps 58 and 59, when the water supplied to the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32 is frozen in each ice chamber and the generation of ice is completed, the ice making tray 30 is installed on the outer bottom surface of each ice making container. When the resistance values of the first ice making sensor 42a and the second ice making sensor 42b are increased and T3 and T4 are sensed at −5 ° C. or lower, the control unit 41 recognizes that ice making is completed.
[0137]
When the control unit 41 recognizes that ice has been generated in the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32, the process proceeds to step 60, and the ice making tray 30 is reversed and twisted by the drive device 33, and the ice storage box 34 Deicing to compartment 34a, compartment 34b.
[0138]
In step 61, the deicing is completed. When the ice tray 30 reaches the deicing position, the switch in the driving device 33 is activated, so that the control unit 41 recognizes that the deicing is completed.
[0139]
When the deicing is completed, the process proceeds to step 62 and the inversion of the ice tray is stopped. In step 63, the horizontal position returning operation of the ice tray 30 is started. During the return of the ice tray 30 to the horizontal position, the first ice detecting lever 35a and the second ice detecting lever 35b detect the amount of ice, so in steps 64 and 67, it is confirmed whether or not the ice is insufficient in the sections 34a and 34b. For example, when the ice is still insufficient in the compartments 34a and 34b, the ice can be entered deeper than a predetermined height without being blocked by the ice even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the compartment 4a. The switch in the apparatus operates and the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice in the section 4a is insufficient, and stores Hi to S1 in step 65. Similarly, even if the second ice detecting lever 35b enters the section 34b, it can enter deeper than a predetermined height without being blocked by the ice, the switch in the driving device 33 operates, and the control unit 41 operates in the section 34b. Recognize that the ice is insufficient, and in step 68, store Hi in S2.
[0140]
The driving device 33 continues the return of the ice tray 30 to the horizontal position, and checks in step 70 whether or not the ice tray 30 has returned to the horizontal position. When the ice tray 30 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the drive device 33 is activated, so that the control unit 41 recognizes that the ice tray 30 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0141]
After the ice tray 30 returns to the horizontal position, the process proceeds in step 71 and the ice tray 30 is stopped. In step 72, it is confirmed whether S1 is Hi, and in step 74, it is confirmed whether S2 is Hi. The control unit 41 that has recognized that the ice in the compartment 4a and the compartment 4b is deficient stores both S1 and S2 as Hi. Therefore, in step 73, the water supply device 37 supplies water to the first ice making container 31 of the ice tray 30. To do. Water is supplied to the first ice making container 31 from the pump 39 to the first pipe 38 a of the pipe 38 by the switching valve 40 and supplied to the first ice making container 31. Note that when the water is supplied to the first ice making container 31, the switching valve 40 sets a flow path to the first pipe 18a as an initial setting, so it is not necessary to operate it.
[0142]
In step 75, the water supply to the second ice making container 32 is operated by setting the flow path to the second ice making container side by operating the switching valve 40. In step 76, the pump 39 is driven and the water pumped from the tank 36 is second The water is supplied to the second ice making container 32 after being led to the pipe 38b.
[0143]
When the water supply operation to the second ice making container 32 is completed, the routine proceeds to step 77 where the switching valve 40 is set to the first ice making container side 31.
[0144]
As described above, the ice tray 30 that has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position is again supplied with water by the water supply device 37, and ice making is started again.
[0145]
Next, when the ice is sufficient in the compartments 34a and 34b due to deicing, even if the first ice detecting lever 35a enters the compartment 34a by detecting the amount of ice in step 64, the ice is prevented from progressing and the predetermined ice is detected. Since it cannot enter deeper than the height and the switch in the drive device 33 does not operate, the control unit 41 recognizes that the ice is sufficient and proceeds to step 66 to store Lo in S1. Similarly, in step 67, even if the second ice detecting lever 35a enters the section 34b, the ice is prevented from proceeding and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height, and the switch in the driving device 33 does not operate. Recognizing that it is sufficient, the process proceeds to step 69, and Lo is stored in S2.
[0146]
And even if the ice tray 30 returns to a horizontal position, the control part 41 does not drive the water supply apparatus 37, does not supply water to each ice making container, and waits for 30 minutes with empty.
[0147]
When waiting for 30 minutes is completed, the ice tray 30 performs the deicing operation as if it were ice, and detects the amount of ice while the ice tray 30 is returning to the horizontal position. At this time, when one of the ices in the compartments 34a and 34b of the ice storage box 34 is insufficient and the other ice is sufficient, for example, the ice in the compartment 34a is insufficient and the ice in the compartment 34b is sufficient. In this case, in the water supply operation after the ice tray 30 returns to the horizontal position, the control unit 41 operates the switching valve 40 so that water flows only to the ice making container 31 and guides the water to the first pipe 38a.
[0148]
On the other hand, when the ice in the compartment 34a is sufficient and the ice in the compartment 34b is insufficient, the control unit 41 only applies to the ice making container 32 in the water supply operation after the ice tray 30 returns to the horizontal position. The switching valve 40 is operated so that water goes, and the water is guided to the second pipe 38b.
[0149]
In the second embodiment, the amount of water supplied to the first ice making container 31 is less than half the amount of water supplied to the second ice making container 32. Ice making, deicing and water supply in the container 31 are frequently performed. Therefore, it is advantageous to maintain the state where the flow path by the switching valve 40 is switched to the first ice making container 31 side. Therefore, if the switching valve 40 is controlled to operate after detecting the excess or deficiency of ice, the number of operations of the switching valve 40 can be minimized.
[0150]
Further, for example, when the ice in the compartment 34b which is the ice storage area of the second ice making container 32 is not consumed and the ice is sufficient, there is no need to supply water to the second ice making container 32, so the switching valve does not operate, The flow path remains set in the first pipe 38a that has been performed. When the ice making in the first ice making container 31 is completed and the ice in the compartment 34a is insufficient before the ice in the compartment 34b is consumed, the first ice making container 31 performs a deicing operation, and Water is supplied. At this time, since the switching valve is already set in the first pipe 38a, if the switching valve 40 is controlled to operate after detecting the excess or deficiency of ice without being operated, the number of operations of the switching valve 40 is increased. Can be minimized.
[0151]
As described above, the automatic ice making device 29 according to the second embodiment is configured to supply the ice making plate 30 including the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32 to the first ice making container 31 and the second ice making container 32. A water supply tank 36 that stores water, a pump 39 that pumps water from the water supply tank 36, and a switching valve 40 that causes water flowing in from the pump 39 to flow out to the first ice making container 31 side or the second ice making container 32 side. A drive device 33 that can reverse the ice tray 30, a compartment 34a of an ice storage box 34 installed below the first ice making container 31, and a compartment 34a of the ice storage box 14 installed below the second ice making container 32. The first ice detecting lever 35a is operated by the driving device 33 to detect the amount of ice in the compartment 34a, and the first ice detecting lever 35b is operated by the driving device 33 to detect the amount of ice in the compartment 34b. So ice In addition to being able to store in the two compartments 34a and 34b, the amount of ice stored in each compartment can be individually detected by the first ice detecting lever 35a and the second ice detecting lever 35b, so that the excess or shortage of ice can be accurately detected. In addition to detecting, it is possible to make ice for a section lacking ice and replenish the ice.
[0152]
Further, even when ice on either one of the ice making containers is frequently consumed, if the switching valve 40 is controlled to operate after detecting the excess or deficiency of ice, the number of operations of the switching valve 40 is increased. Can be minimized.
[0153]
In addition, since ice detection is performed after deicing, even if the ice storage box on one ice making container side has enough ice and deicing is not necessary, ice is made in the sky without supplying water to the ice making container, When the ice making container is deicing, the ice making operation can be performed empty at the same time, and the ice making cycle of the other ice making container can be shortened without being dragged by one ice making cycle.
[0154]
Further, the switching valve 40 always returns to the position where the flow path of water is set to the first ice making container 31 side and finishes the operation. Therefore, if the first ice making container 31 is the side where the ice is frequently consumed, the switching valve 40 The number of operations of 40 can be minimized.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switching valve that is arranged in the middle from a pump for pumping water to a plurality of ice making containers and that allows water flowing in from the pump to flow out to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, An ice making sensor that is provided for each ice making container and detects whether or not ice making has been completed, an ice storage box disposed below each ice making container for storing ice in each ice making container, and an ice storage box Ice detection means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored every time, and the ice storage box below the ice making container detected by the ice making sensor detects that the ice has been detected. The switching valve is operated after the operation for detecting the shortage is performed.
[0156]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in an ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detecting means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0157]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Since the switching valve is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0158]
Next, the invention of claim 2 is provided in the middle of the pump for pumping water to the plurality of ice making containers, and switches the water flowing in from the pump to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, and a plurality of switching valves. An ice making sensor that is provided for each ice making container in the ice making container and detects whether or not ice making has been completed, and an ice storage box disposed below each ice making container for storing ice in each ice making container of the plurality of ice making containers And ice detection means for detecting the excess or deficiency of the ice stored in each ice storage box, and the ice making sensor detects that ice making is completed by the ice making sensor and performs the deicing operation. The switching valve is operated after an operation of detecting excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed on the ice storage box below the container.
[0159]
As a result, the ice making sensor can detect the completion of ice making for each ice making container, and the deiced ice is stored in the ice storage box corresponding to each ice making container. Since it is detected by the corresponding ice detecting means, it is possible to accurately detect the excess or deficiency of ice.
[0160]
Then, after the operation of detecting the excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed, the operation of the switching valve is performed. Since the switching valve is not operated, energy efficiency can be improved.
[0161]
As another effect, since ice detection is performed after deicing, even if the ice storage box on one ice making container has enough ice and there is no need for deicing, water is not supplied to the ice making container, but empty. When the other ice making container is deiced, the ice making operation can be performed empty and at the same time, the ice making cycle of the other ice making container can be shortened without being dragged by one ice making cycle. .
[0162]
Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the switching valve has a valve body that causes the water flowing in from the inflow port to flow out to any of the plurality of outflow ports. The valve body is returned to a specific position after completing the outflow.
[0163]
As a result, when the ice storage box on one ice making container side is full of ice and consumption of ice is slow and water supply is not required, the water supply path is specified so that water is supplied to the other ice making container side. Thus, the number of times that the switching valve is operated can be reduced.
[0164]
Furthermore, when making ice of a different size by reducing the amount of water supplied to one ice-making container to less than half of the amount of water supplied to the other ice-making container, water supply to the ice-making container side with a small amount of water supply and a short ice-making time is concentrated. However, since the switching valve specifies and maintains the water supply path to the ice making container side with a small amount of water supply, the number of operations of the switching valve can be reduced.
[0165]
That is, the operation of the switching valve can be minimized and energy can be saved.
[0166]
Next, the invention of claim 4 includes two ice making containers arranged in parallel, a drive unit for inverting the two ice making containers individually to deice ice, and each ice making container of the two ice making containers An ice storage box disposed below each ice making container, ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive unit. In the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator, the drive unit reverses the ice making container in the opposite direction to the side of the ice making container that is not operating when the ice making container is reversed to deice.
[0167]
As a result, the ice removed from the ice making container does not approach the ice storage box on the side of the ice making container that is not operating, so that the deiced ice is not sandwiched between the ice making containers and the operation of the ice making container is hindered. Never be. Therefore, the gap between the two ice making containers can be set to a minimum, and the size can be reduced.
[0168]
Next, according to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the fourth aspect, the ice detecting means has two ice detecting members extending in the longitudinal direction of the ice storage box, and the ice detecting members are arranged on the reversing direction side of the ice making container. Is.
[0169]
As a result, the area where ice that has been deiced by inverting the ice-making container is piled up in the ice storage box matches the area where the ice detection member enters and faces the ice, so that the accuracy of ice excess and deficiency is increased. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the automatic ice making device of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the driving device of the automatic ice making device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the automatic ice making device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an automatic ice making device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the drive unit of the automatic ice making device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the automatic ice making device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a conventional automatic ice making device.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a driving unit of a conventional automatic ice making device.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing water supply means used in a conventional automatic ice making device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Automatic ice making equipment
11 First ice tray (ice container)
12 Second ice tray (ice container)
13 Drive device
14 Ice storage box
14a section (ice storage box)
14b section (ice storage box)
15 Ice detection lever (ice detection means)
15a First ice detection lever (ice detection means)
15b Second ice detection lever (ice detection means)
16 Water tank
19 Pump
20 selector valve
20a outlet
20b outlet
20c inlet
20d Disc
21 Control unit
22 Ice making sensor
22a First ice making sensor
22b Second ice making sensor
29 Automatic ice making equipment
30 Ice tray
31 First ice container (ice tray)
32 Second ice container (ice tray)
33 Drive unit
34 Ice storage box
34a section (ice storage box)
34b section (ice storage box)
35 Ice detection lever (ice detection means)
35a First ice detection lever (ice detection means)
35b Second ice detection lever (ice detection means)
36 Water supply tank
39 Pump
40 selector valve
40a outlet
40b outlet
40c inlet
40d disc
41 Control unit
42 Ice making sensor
42a First ice making sensor
42b Second ice making sensor

Claims

A plurality of ice making containers for temporarily storing water, a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the plurality of ice making containers, a pump for pumping water in the water supply tank, and the pumps to the plurality of ice making containers A switching valve arranged on the way to flow out the water flowing in from the pump to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, and the plurality of ice making containers simultaneously after the water supplied to the plurality of ice making containers is frozen. Alternatively, in the automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, comprising a drive unit that individually reverses ice to deice and a control unit that controls operation of the pump, operation of the drive unit, and operation of the switching valve, the plurality of ice making containers An ice-making sensor provided for each ice-making container for detecting whether or not ice-making has been completed, and an ice storage box disposed below each ice-making container for storing ice in each ice-making container of the plurality of ice-making containers Ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of the ice stored in each ice storage box, and for the ice storage box below the ice making container detected by the ice making sensor to detect the completion of ice making, An automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, wherein the switching valve is operated after an operation for detecting an excess or deficiency of ice by an ice means is performed.

A plurality of ice making containers for temporarily storing water, a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the plurality of ice making containers, a pump for pumping water in the water supply tank, and the pumps to the plurality of ice making containers A switching valve arranged on the way to flow out the water flowing in from the pump to a predetermined position of the plurality of ice making containers, and the plurality of ice making containers simultaneously after the water supplied to the plurality of ice making containers is frozen. Alternatively, in the automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, comprising a drive unit that individually reverses ice to deice and a control unit that controls operation of the pump, operation of the drive unit, and operation of the switching valve, the plurality of ice making containers An ice-making sensor provided for each ice-making container for detecting whether or not ice-making has been completed, and an ice storage box disposed below each ice-making container for storing ice in each ice-making container of the plurality of ice-making containers And ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of ice stored in each ice storage box, and let all ice making containers detected that ice making is completed by the ice making sensor be deiced, An automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, wherein the switching valve is operated after an operation for detecting an excess or deficiency of ice by the ice detecting means is performed on an ice storage box below the ice making container.

The switching valve has a single inlet, a plurality of outlets, and a valve body that allows water flowing in from the inlet to flow out of any of the plurality of outlets. 3. The automatic ice making device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the automatic ice making device is returned to a specific position after completion.

Two ice making containers arranged in parallel, a drive unit for inverting the two ice making containers individually to deice ice, and each ice making container for storing ice for each ice making container of the two ice making containers In the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator, comprising the ice storage box disposed below, the ice detecting means for detecting the excess or deficiency of the ice stored in each ice storage box, and the control unit for controlling the operation of the drive unit, the drive An automatic ice making device for a refrigerator, wherein when the ice making container is reversed to deice the ice making container, the part is reversed in a direction opposite to the non-operating ice making container side.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the ice detecting means has two ice detecting members extending in a longitudinal direction of the ice storage box, and the ice detecting members are arranged on the reversing direction side of the ice making container. Automatic ice making equipment.