JP5726009B2 - Ice machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ice making machine including a refrigeration mechanism that uses a combustible gas having a specific gravity greater than that of air as a refrigerant and an ice making water tank that stores ice making water supplied from water supply means.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing an injection type ice making machine M that continuously generates block-shaped ice blocks, and FIG. 16 is a left sectional view of the ice making machine shown in FIG. The ice making machine M is configured such that the inside of a substantially box-shaped housing 10 is divided into upper and lower parts, and the upper part is an ice storage 11 and the lower part is a machine room 12. An ice making mechanism D having an ice making unit 20 for generating the ice is disposed, and a refrigeration mechanism E and the like are disposed in the machine room 12. Then, the ice making part 20 of the ice making mechanism D is cooled by the refrigeration mechanism E to generate an ice lump I in the ice making part 20, and the ice making part 20 is heated by the refrigeration mechanism E to The ice storage 11 is dropped and stored. The ice making mechanism D includes the ice making unit 20 having a large number of ice making chambers opened downward, a water tray 21 capable of opening and closing each ice making chamber 20A, and a lower portion of the water tray 21 and opening upward. An ice making water tank 22 for storing ice making water supplied from a water supply valve 29 connected to an external water source, a water tray opening / closing mechanism 23 for tilting the water tray 21 and the ice making water tank 22 integrally, and the like. Yes.

  The refrigeration mechanism E is a closed structure in which a compressor 30, a condenser 31, an expansion valve 32, and an evaporator 33 are connected by a first connecting pipe 35A, a second connecting pipe 35B, a third connecting pipe 35C, and a fourth connecting pipe 35D, respectively. A refrigerant is circulated in the circuit, the compressor 30 and the condenser 31 are disposed in the machine chamber 12, the expansion valve 32 is disposed in the upper part of the ice storage 11, and the evaporator 33 is arranged in a meandering manner on the upper surface of the ice making unit 20 provided in the ice storage 11. Such a refrigeration mechanism E uses the compressor 30 to convert the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas, the condenser 31 to cool the refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid, and the expansion valve 32 to adiabatically expand the liquid into an evaporator. The refrigerant is vaporized at 33 and the evaporator 33 is cooled by heat of vaporization. The refrigeration mechanism E includes a fifth connecting pipe in which a hot gas valve is disposed by connecting the outlet side of the compressor 30 and the inlet side of the evaporator 33, and the compressor is opened by opening the hot gas valve. A high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant (hot gas) heated from 30 is supplied to the evaporator 33 so that the evaporator 33 can be heated. That is, the refrigeration mechanism E can cool and heat the evaporator 33. The ice making mechanism D can be operated by cooling the evaporator 33, and the ice making mechanism 33 can be made by heating the evaporator 33. The mechanism D can be deiced.

  In the refrigeration mechanism E, the refrigerant may leak from appropriate portions of the compressor 30, the condenser 31, the expansion valve 32, the evaporator 33, and the first to fourth connection pipes 35A to 35D. Some recent ice making machines M employ a combustible gas having a specific gravity greater than that of air such as propane or butane as the refrigerant. When such a combustible gas refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration mechanism E, the refrigerant may be retained in the ice making machine M, so that the refrigerant is detected in the machine room 12 or the ice storage 11. A sensor S is provided. In addition, the refrigerator provided with the refrigerant | coolant detection sensor is disclosed by patent document 1. FIG.

JP 2003-207244 A

  By the way, in the ice making machine M, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the ice making water tank 22 has a bucket shape with an upper opening, and is disposed below the ice making unit 20. For this reason, when the refrigerant leaks from the portion (the third connecting pipe 35C, the fourth connecting pipe 35D, the expansion valve 32, and the evaporator 33) located in the ice storage 11 of the refrigeration mechanism E, the specific gravity is greater than the air. The large refrigerant moves downward in the ice storage 11 and accumulates in the ice making water tank 22 opened upward. Therefore, when the refrigerant detection sensor S detects the refrigerant leaked during the ice making operation and thereby stops the operation of the ice making machine M, the refrigerant has accumulated in the ice making water tank 22 in a state where the ice making water is reduced. Since the refrigerant cannot escape to the outside of the apparatus even if the ice storage 11 is opened, there is a disadvantage that the safety of the ice making machine M is lowered.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the problems inherent in the above-described conventional technology, it has been proposed to solve this problem suitably, and prevents the refrigerant leaking from the refrigeration mechanism from accumulating in the ice making water tank. The purpose is to provide an ice machine with improved safety.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the intended purpose, the invention according to claim 1 circulates a combustible gas refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air, and cools the ice making unit during ice making operation. In an ice making machine provided with an ice making water tank disposed below the ice making part and opening upward, storing ice making water supplied from a water supply means and supplied to the ice making part,
Refrigerant leakage detection means for detecting the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism and sending a detection signal;
The gist of the present invention is that it comprises control means for controlling the supply of ice-making water into the ice-making water tank by operating the water supply means when receiving a detection signal from the refrigerant leakage detection means.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the control means receives the detection signal from the refrigerant leakage detection means during the ice making operation or the deicing operation, the control means controls the water supply means to make the ice making device. Supply ice-making water into the water tank. Therefore, when the refrigerant is accumulated in the ice making water tank, the refrigerant is pushed out of the ice making water tank as the ice making water is accumulated. If the ice making water tank is filled with ice making water, the refrigerant can be prevented from accumulating in the ice making water tank. This prevents the refrigerant leaking from the refrigeration mechanism from remaining in the ice making water tank, and improves the safety of the ice making machine.

In the invention according to claim 2, the ice making section and the ice making water tank are disposed above an ice storage,
The gist of the invention is that a waterproof breathable member made of a material that restricts the permeation of moisture and allows the refrigerant that has leaked into the ice storage to pass through is provided at the bottom of the ice storage.
Therefore, according to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, if the refrigerant | coolant which leaked in the ice storage from the freezing mechanism falls to the bottom part in this ice storage, it will be discharged | emitted out of an ice storage via a waterproof breathable member. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In invention of Claim 3, the said ice making part and the said ice making water tank are arrange | positioned above the inside of an ice storage,
The gist of the invention is that the drainage pipe connected to the bottom of the ice storage is provided with refrigerant discharge means capable of discharging the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage outside the storage.
Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage from the refrigeration mechanism flows into the drain pipe when the refrigerant descends to the bottom of the ice storage, and then the refrigerant discharged in the drain pipe is discharged. It is discharged out of the ice storage from the means. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In the invention according to claim 4, the ice making section and the ice making water tank are disposed above an ice storage in which an opening in which an opening and closing door is disposed to be opened and closed is formed,
The gist of the present invention is that a ventilation portion capable of communicating the inside of the ice storage with the outside of the storage and allowing the refrigerant to pass therethrough is provided at a portion located below the opening of the seal member provided around the opening. .
Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage from the refrigeration mechanism descends to the lower edge of the opening in the ice storage, the refrigerant is located at a portion located below the opening of the seal member. It is discharged out of the ice storage through the provided ventilation section. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In the invention according to claim 5, the ice making unit and the ice making water tank are disposed above the inside of the ice storage, and a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the ice storage,
A guard member in the shape of a spider in which a large number of holes are formed spaced apart from the bottom of the ice storage,
The gist of the invention is that ice blocks that have fallen from the hole of the guard member to the bottom surface inside the warehouse are stored between the bottom portion and the guard member.
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 5, when the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism into the ice storage falls to the bottom of the ice storage, the refrigerant contacts the ice blocks accumulated between the bottom and the guard member, Since it cools and becomes heavy, it becomes easy to flow into the drain pipe, so that it is possible to shorten the time for which the refrigerant is discharged out of the ice maker. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In the invention according to claim 6, the ice making unit and the ice making water tank are disposed above an ice storage having a drain outlet at the bottom,
The drain pan disposed below the ice-making water tank is provided with a drain pipe extending to the drain port and facing the lower end opening to the drain port,
It is configured to draw the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage into the drain by the ice making drain that falls from the ice making water tank to the drain pan and falls from the lower end opening of the drain pipe toward the drain. And
Therefore, according to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the ice making wastewater discharged from the ice making water tank to the drain pan flows into the drain pipe and flows out from the lower end opening of the drain pipe to the drain outlet, Since the refrigerant remaining at the bottom is drawn into the drain outlet, the refrigerant can be suitably discharged outside the apparatus. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In the invention according to claim 7, the ice making unit and the ice making water tank are disposed above the ice storage,
The ice storage includes a ventilation duct that communicates the inside and outside of the storage, and a blowing unit that sucks outside air into the ice storage or blows out the refrigerant from the ice storage through the ventilation duct. ,
The gist of the present invention is that the blowing means is configured to be controlled by the control means that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection means.
Therefore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration mechanism into the ice storage, the blowing means is operated by the control means that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection means, whereby the ice storage The refrigerant inside can be discharged out of the cabinet. That is, if the outside air is sucked into the ice storage through the exhaust duct by the air blowing means, the pressure in the ice storage rises, and the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage is pushed out of the storage. It is. Further, if the air inside the ice storage is blown out to the outside through the exhaust duct by the blowing means, the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage is also sucked out of the storage. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In the invention according to claim 8, the ice making unit and the ice making water tank are disposed above the ice storage,
In the middle of the drain pipe disposed at the bottom of the ice storage, an exhaust pipe extending upward from the drain pipe is provided,
The gist of the invention is that an exhaust means controlled by the control means that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed in the middle of the exhaust pipe.
Therefore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration mechanism into the ice storage, the exhaust means is operated by the control means that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection means, whereby the refrigerant Can be sucked into the exhaust pipe from the drain pipe and discharged out of the machine. Thereby, the refrigerant does not remain in the ice storage, and the safety of the ice making machine is improved.

In invention of Claim 9, each apparatus which comprises the said freezing mechanism is arrange | positioned in the machine room partitioned off with the ice storage,
The gist of the invention is that the connecting pipe through which the refrigerant of the refrigeration mechanism passes is fitted with a cover member that restricts the passage of the refrigerant so as to cover the entire outside of the connecting pipe.
Therefore, according to the invention which concerns on Claim 9, when a refrigerant | coolant leaks from each connection pipe | tube of a freezing mechanism, it is prevented by the said cover member arrange | positioned on the outer periphery of this connection pipe | tube from ejecting vigorously. Accordingly, the leaked refrigerant does not move to a position distant from the refrigeration mechanism E, and can prevent the refrigerant from spreading into the kitchen where the ice making machine is installed, and can be detected by the refrigerant leak detection means before spreading. It is possible to do.

  According to the ice making machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism from collecting in the ice making water tank, and to improve safety.

It is sectional drawing which looked at the ice making machine of 1st Example from the front, Comprising: The refrigerant | coolant is discharged | emitted from the bottom part of an ice storage. It is II-II sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view which fractures | ruptures and shows the ice making mechanism in the ice making machine of 1st Example partially. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ice making machine of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the control method when the leakage of a refrigerant | coolant generate | occur | produces in the ice making machine of 1st Example. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the ice maker of 2nd Example in a cross-sectional state, (b) is a principal part of the ice maker which concerns on the 1st modification of 2nd Example in a cross-sectional state. It is explanatory drawing shown. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the ice making machine which concerns on the 2nd modification of 2nd Example in a cross-sectional state, (b) is the ice making machine which concerns on the 3rd modification of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows a principal part in a cross-sectional state. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the ice making machine of 3rd Example in a cross-sectional state, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the discharge aspect of the refrigerant | coolant by the structure of (a). (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the ice making machine of 4th Example in a cross-sectional state, (b) is shown in the cross-sectional state which shows the principal part of the ice making machine which concerns on the example of a change of 4th Example. It is explanatory drawing. It is sectional drawing which shows the ice making machine of 5th Example. It is explanatory sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of the ice making machine of 5th Example shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the ice making machine of 6th Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the ice making machine of 7th Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the ice making machine of 8th Example. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional ice making machine which produces | generates a block-shaped ice block continuously, partially fractured | ruptured. It is left sectional drawing of the ice making machine shown in FIG.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the ice making machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, an ice making machine in which the structures of the refrigeration mechanism E and the ice making mechanism D are basically the same as those of the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is exemplified. Accordingly, the same members and portions as those already described in FIGS. 15 and 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the embodiment, the side on which the open / close door 18 is disposed is the front side of the ice making machine M, the left-right direction viewed from the front side is the left-right direction of the ice making machine M, and the up-down direction is the up-down direction of the ice making machine M.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ice making machine M according to the first embodiment has a substantially box-shaped housing 10 that is divided into upper and lower parts, and an ice storage 11 having a heat insulating structure is defined upward. In addition, a machine room 12 is defined below the ice storage 11. The ice storage 11 has an opening 17 formed on the front side, and can be opened and closed by the displacement of the opening / closing door 18 disposed on the front side of the housing 10. An expansion valve 32, an evaporator 33, and the like are provided. The machine room 12 is provided with a compressor 30 and a condenser 31 constituting the refrigeration mechanism E, and other various devices and parts. A seal member 19 is provided around the opening 17 of the ice storage 11 for airtightness between the ice storage 11 and the door 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ice making mechanism D includes the ice making unit 20 in which a large number of ice making chambers 20 </ b> A opened downward, and water that opens and closes each ice making chamber 20 </ b> A of the ice making unit 20 from below. A tray 21, an ice-making water tank 22 that is disposed below the water tray 21, opens upward, and stores ice-making water supplied from a water supply valve 29 serving as a water supply means connected to an external water source; 21 and a water tray opening / closing mechanism 23 for tilting the ice making water tank 22 integrally. The ice making mechanism D is arranged in a state of being suspended on an attachment member 13 installed on the housing 10 so as to be horizontal in the left-right direction at the upper part of the ice making unit 20. The ice making unit 20 is fixed to the mounting member 13 in a horizontal state with the ice making chambers 20A facing downward. A support arm 24 attached to the left end portion of the water tray 21 is pivotally supported on the bracket 14 of the attachment member 13 via a support shaft 15, and the vicinity of the right end portion of the water tray 21 is A coil arm 26 is connected to a cam arm 25 constituting a water tray opening / closing mechanism 23 disposed on the attachment member 13. Accordingly, the water tray 21 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by the opening / closing motor 27 to rotate the cam arm 25 in a closed state (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3). The ice-making unit 20 can be moved to an open state (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3) that is lowered so as to open and tilted downward to the right. The ice making mechanism D includes a first water pan detection switch that detects that the water pan 21 is in a closed state, a second water pan detection switch that detects that the water pan 21 is in an open state, An ice making part temperature sensor (none of which is shown) for detecting the temperature of the ice making part 20 is provided. When the ice making part temperature sensor detects a preset ice making temperature during the ice making operation, the ice making operation is switched to the deicing operation, and the ice making part temperature sensor is preset during the ice removing operation. When the temperature is detected, control is performed to switch from the deicing operation to the ice making operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ice making water tank 22 is a bucket-shaped member that opens upward, and is fixed to the water tray 21 by an appropriate fixing member. It is comprised so that it may incline with. When the water tray 21 faces the closed position, the ice making water tank 22 can store a predetermined amount of ice making water supplied from an external water source by opening the water supply valve 29. When facing the open position, the stored ice making water is discharged to the drain pan 16. Further, on the left front wall, which is the deepest part of the ice making water tank 22, ice making water stored in the ice making water tank 22 is supplied to each ice making chamber of the ice making unit 20 through the injection holes provided in the water tray 21. An ice making water pump 28 is provided for injecting and supplying to 20A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration mechanism E includes a compressor 30 disposed in the machine room 12, a condenser 31 that is equipped with a fan 34 and is forced-air cooled, and an upper part in the ice storage 11. The expansion valve 32 and the evaporator 33 disposed in a meandering manner on the upper surface of the ice making unit 20 of the ice making mechanism D disposed in the ice storage 11 are provided. The compressor 30 and the condenser 31 are provided. The expansion valve 32 and the evaporator 33 are connected in series by a connecting pipe 35 to constitute a refrigeration circuit in which a refrigerant made of combustible gas circulates. That is, the outlet part of the compressor 30 and the inlet part of the condenser 31 are connected by the first connecting pipe 35A, and the outlet part of the condenser 31 and the inlet part of the expansion valve 32 are connected by the second connecting pipe 35B. The outlet part of the expansion valve 32 and the inlet part of the evaporator 33 are connected by a third connecting pipe 35C, and the outlet part of the evaporator 33 and the inlet part of the compressor 30 are connected by a fourth connecting pipe 35D. . Also, a hot gas valve provided in the middle of the fifth connecting pipe 35E is provided with a fifth connecting pipe 35E connected in the middle of the first connecting pipe 35A and in the middle of the third connecting pipe 35C. By controlling the open state (not shown), the heated refrigerant (hot gas) compressed by the compressor 30 can be directly supplied to the evaporator 33 via the fifth connecting pipe 35E. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cover member 37 made of a material such as sponge or urethane foam is provided on the outer periphery of each of the first to fifth connecting pipes 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, and 35E. ing. Each cover member 37 is disposed so as to cover the entire outer periphery of each connecting pipe 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and the connecting pipes 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E are insulated by insulating them. The refrigerant can be kept warm. Since each cover member 37 covers the entire outer periphery of the corresponding connecting pipe 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, the connecting pipe 35A, Even if the refrigerant leaks from 35B, 35C, 35D, and 35E, the refrigerant can be prevented from being ejected vigorously. In particular, the first connecting pipe 35A, the second connecting pipe 35B, and the fifth connecting pipe 35E may be ejected vigorously because the refrigerant is at a high pressure. However, the first connecting pipe 35A, Since the second connecting pipe 35B and the fifth connecting pipe 35E are covered, the momentum of the refrigerant can be suitably reduced, so that the refrigerant is prevented from being ejected and diffused to a position away from the ice making machine M. . In the unlikely event that the refrigerant leaks, the oil or the like inside the refrigeration mechanism E soaks into the cover member 37 and changes its color, so that it is possible to detect the leakage of the refrigerant at an early stage.

  The refrigerant is an HC (hydrocarbon) refrigerant that is widely used in refrigerators and ice makers, and is made of a combustible gas such as propane (R290) or isobutane (R600a). This refrigerant has a specific gravity greater than that of air, and by any chance, the compressor 30, the condenser 31, the expansion valve 32, the evaporator 33, the first connecting pipe 35A to the fifth connecting pipe 35E constituting the refrigeration mechanism E, or When leaking from the connection part etc. of these each apparatus and connection pipe 35A-35E, it moves to the downward direction in the ice making machine M. FIG. Note that description of various physical properties of the refrigerant is omitted.

A refrigerant detection sensor S as refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed on the front wall portion 11B located below the opening 17 in the ice storage 11. This refrigerant detection sensor S is, for example, a tin oxide semiconductor type in which a heater coil and an electrode lead wire are embedded in a material mainly composed of stannic oxide (SnO ₂ ) as a gas sensitive element, and is a refrigerant made of propane or isobutane. Can be detected appropriately. And the refrigerant | coolant detection sensor S is electrically connected to the control means C (refer FIG. 4) which controls the said ice making machine M, and can transmit a detection signal to this control means C at the time of the detection of a refrigerant | coolant. . Therefore, the refrigerant detection sensor S can appropriately detect the refrigerant that has leaked from the expansion valve 32, the evaporator 33, the third connection pipe 35C, and the fourth connection pipe 35D and has moved downward in the ice storage 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a refrigerant detection sensor S is also provided at the bottom of the machine room 12, and includes a compressor 30, a condenser 31, a first connecting pipe 35A, a second connecting pipe 35B, and a fifth. It is also possible to detect the refrigerant leaked from the connecting pipe 35E into the machine chamber 12. Each refrigerant detection sensor S transmits a detection signal when, for example, the refrigerant concentration is 0.15% or more, and cancels transmission of the detection signal when the refrigerant concentration is less than 0.15%.

  In the ice making machine M of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, during the ice making operation or the deicing operation, the refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration mechanism E, and the refrigerant detection sensor S When the control means C receives the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S, the control means C controls the opening of the water supply valve 29, and ice making water from an external water source is supplied to the ice making water tank. 22 is configured to be filled with water. As described above and as shown in FIG. 3, the ice making water tank 22 is configured in a bucket shape opened upward, and has an attitude capable of storing ice making water during the ice making operation. In addition, since the ice making water tank 22 is located below the ice making unit 20, the third connecting pipe 35C, the evaporator 33, and the fourth of the refrigeration mechanism E disposed above the ice making water tank 22 are provided. The refrigerant leaking from the connecting pipe 35 </ b> D moves downward and accumulates in the ice making water tank 22. Accordingly, when the refrigerant detection sensor S detects that the refrigerant has leaked during the ice making operation, the ice making water tank 22 is filled with the ice making water to fill the ice making water tank. The refrigerant accumulated in 22 can be pushed out, and further, the leaked refrigerant can be prevented from accumulating in the ice making water tank 22.

  The ice making water tank 22 can discharge all the stored ice making water when the water tray 21 is opened during the deicing operation. Can exhaust all of the refrigerant.

  Further, in the ice making machine M of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of through holes 40 are formed in the bottom wall (bottom) 11A of the ice storage 11, and the bottom wall A waterproof breathable member 41 is disposed at the outer lower portion of the portion 11A. The bottom wall portion 11A has the highest right rear portion and is inclined downward so as to gradually decrease from the right rear portion toward the left front portion, and the left front portion is the lowest. Each through-hole 40 is a pore formed in an opening shape smaller than the ice block I generated by the ice making unit 20 of the ice making mechanism D, and the ice block I cannot pass through the ice making unit. Each ice block I generated and dropped at 20 is appropriately held and stored in the bottom wall portion 11A. In addition, the through holes 40 are allowed to pass through the ice melt water generated by melting the ice block I and the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11, and the ice melt water and the refrigerant entering the through holes 40 are It is comprised so that it may go out below the part 11A.

  The waterproof breathable member 41 is made of a sheet-like material formed to a required thickness, and restricts the passage of liquid such as melted ice water in the thickness direction, but allows the passage of gas such as gas or air. It is configured as follows. 1 and 2, the waterproof breathable member 41 is fixed to the ice storage 11 in a state where an appropriate gap 42 is formed with the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 11A of the ice storage 11, It is inclined at the same angle and orientation as the bottom wall portion 11A. Further, the upper end of the drainage pipe 38 for discharging the melted water to the outside of the machine is connected to the left front part of the waterproof breathable member 41, and the drainage pipe 38 and the gap 42 are in spatial communication. doing.

  Therefore, the melted ice generated in the ice storage 11 and flowing into each through hole 40 moves along the upper surface of the waterproof air-permeable member 41 as shown by solid arrows in FIGS. Then, it flows into the drain pipe 38 and is discharged out of the machine. Further, the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage 11 and flowing into the through holes 40 passes through the waterproof air-permeable member 41 and enters the machine chamber 12 as indicated by broken arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2. Before being discharged or passing through the waterproof breathable member 41, it flows into the drain pipe 38 and is discharged out of the machine.

  In the ice making machine M of the first embodiment configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 5, when the power is turned on and the operation is started, the ice making operation is first started after completion of the initial startup operation (step S10). (Step S11). During the ice making operation, the control means C always checks the reception of the detection signal sent from the refrigerant detection sensor S (step S12), and the ice making operation is completed in step S13 without receiving the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S. Then, the deicing operation is started (step S14). During the deicing operation, the control means C always checks the reception of the detection signal sent from the refrigerant detection sensor S (step S15), and the deicing operation is performed in step S16 without receiving the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S. If the control means C does not receive the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S, the ice making operation and the deicing operation are repeated.

  When the control means C receives the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S in the step S12 during the ice making operation, the control means C stops the ice making operation (step S17), and the water supply valve 29 Is controlled to be released (step S18). Thus, the ice-making water tank 22 is supplied with ice-making water so that the ice-making water is filled. When the refrigerant is accumulated in the ice-making water tank 22, the refrigerant is pushed out of the ice-making water tank 22, and the ice-making water is supplied. The refrigerant can be prevented from accumulating in the tank 22. When the control means C receives the detection signal from the refrigerant detection sensor S in the step S15 during the deicing operation, the control means C stops the deicing operation (step S19), and the water supply The valve 29 is controlled to be opened (step S18). Thereby, when the water tray 21 is in the closed state, the ice-making water is supplied to fill the ice-making water tank 22, and when the refrigerant is accumulated in the ice-making water tank 22. The refrigerant is pushed out of the ice making water tank 22 and can be prevented from accumulating in the ice making water tank 22. This prevents the refrigerant leaking from the refrigeration mechanism E from remaining in the ice making water tank 22 and increases the safety of the ice making machine M.

  Further, when the refrigerant is leaked from the connection pipes 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E of the refrigeration mechanism E when the refrigeration mechanism E is operated to perform the ice making operation or the deicing operation, the connection pipe The cover member 37 disposed on the outer periphery of 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, and 35E prevents the refrigerant from being ejected vigorously. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant does not move to a position distant from the refrigeration mechanism E, and can prevent the refrigerant from spreading into the kitchen in which the ice making machine M is installed, and the refrigerant detection sensor S before spreading. It becomes possible to detect early.

  Further, in the ice making machine M of the first embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11, when the refrigerant descends to the bottom of the ice storage 11, each through hole 40 formed in the bottom wall portion 11A. After flowing out into the gap 42 defined in the lower outside portion of the bottom wall portion 11A, the water is discharged into the machine room 12 through the waterproof breathable member 41. Therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the ice making machine M of the second embodiment. In the ice making machine M of the second embodiment, the ice storage 11 has the same configuration as the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. 16, and the configuration of the drain pipe 38 connected to the bottom wall portion 11A of the ice storage 11 is changed. Is. The ice making machine M according to the second embodiment has the structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E and the structure for supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 according to the first embodiment. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), a funnel member 45 as a refrigerant discharge means that can discharge the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11 to the drain pipe 38 to the outside of the warehouse. It has. The drain pipe 38 is formed separately from the first drain pipe 38A hanging from the bottom wall portion 11A of the ice storage 11, and the first drain pipe 38A, and the funnel member 45 is disposed at the upper end. 2 drain pipes 38B. The funnel member 45 is disposed in a state in which an upper opening 45A faces directly below the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A and an appropriate gap 46 is formed between the lower end of the first drain pipe 38. ing.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M of the second embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and falls to the bottom of the ice storage 11, the refrigerant is discharged together with the ice melt water through the bottom opening through the first drainage. It flows into the pipe 38A. The melted ice water flowing out from the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A flows into the second drain pipe 38B after being received by the funnel member 45, but the refrigerant flowing out from the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A It is discharged into the machine room 12 through a gap 46 between the member 45. That is, in the ice making machine M of the second embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(First modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the ice making machine M according to the first modification of the second embodiment. In the ice making machine M according to the first modification of the second embodiment, the drain pipe 38 is provided with a drain pan 48 as a refrigerant discharge means that can discharge the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11 to the outside of the storage. The drain pipe 38 is formed separately from the first drain pipe 38A hanging from the bottom wall portion 11A of the ice storage 11, and the first drain pipe 38A, and the second drain drain whose upper end is connected to the drain pan 48. It is comprised from the pipe | tube 38B. The drain pan 48 is disposed directly below the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A, and is disposed in a state in which an appropriate gap 49 is formed between the lower end of the first drain pipe 38A. ing.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M according to the first modified example of the second embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and falls to the bottom of the ice storage 11, the refrigerant opens along with the melted water at the bottom. Through the first drain pipe 38A. The melted ice water flowing out from the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A is received by the drain pan 48 and then flows into the second drain pipe 38B. However, the refrigerant flowing out from the lower end opening of the first drain pipe 38A Is discharged into the machine room 12 through a gap 49 between the two. That is, in the ice making machine M according to the first modified example of the second embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. It is done.

(Second modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an ice making machine M according to a second modification of the second embodiment. In the ice making machine M according to the second modified example of the second embodiment, the drain pipe 38 is provided with a gas vent pipe 50 as a refrigerant discharge means that can discharge the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11 to the outside of the warehouse. Yes. The drain pipe 38 is arranged in a shape meandering in the up and down direction, and drainage is retained as retained water in a downward curved portion (trap) 51 that protrudes downward. The degassing pipe 50 is disposed at a location higher than the upper surface L of the retained water in the drain pipe 38.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M according to the second modification of the second embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and falls to the bottom of the ice storage 11, the refrigerant opens along with the melted water at the bottom. It flows into the drainage pipe 38 via. The melted ice water that has flowed into the drain pipe 38 is temporarily stopped in the drain pipe 38, while the refrigerant that has flowed into the drain pipe 38 is discharged into the machine room 12 through the gas vent pipe 50. Is done. That is, in the ice making machine M according to the second modification of the second embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. It is done.

(Third modification of the second embodiment)
FIG.7 (b) is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the ice making machine M which concerns on the 3rd modification of 2nd Example. In the ice making machine M according to the third modification of the second embodiment, the drain pipe 38 is provided with a gas vent hole 52 as a refrigerant discharge means that can discharge the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11 to the outside of the storage. Yes. The drain pipe 38 is provided with an inclined portion 53 inclined obliquely from the ice storage 11, and a slit-like vent hole 52 extending in the longitudinal direction of the drain pipe 38 is formed on the outer peripheral upper surface of the inclined portion 53. Is formed. Since the retained water is retained in the downward curved portion 51 meandering in the vertical direction in the drain pipe 38 and projecting downward, the degassing hole 52 is located higher than the upper surface L of the retained water. Is formed.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M according to the third modified example of the second embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and descends to the bottom of the ice storage 11, the refrigerant opens along with the melted water at the bottom. It flows into the drainage pipe 38 via. The melted ice water that has flowed into the drain pipe 38 is temporarily stopped in the drain pipe 38, while the refrigerant that has flowed into the drain pipe 38 passes through the vent holes 52 when moving in the inclined portion 53. Through the machine room 12. That is, in the ice making machine M according to the third modification of the second embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. It is done.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the ice making machine M of the third embodiment. The ice making machine M of the third embodiment has the same structure as that of the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. 16 in the ice storage 11, and the structure of the sealing member 19 disposed around the opening 17 of the ice storage 11 is used. It has been changed. The ice making machine M according to the third embodiment has the same structure as the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E, and the structure for supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the inside of the ice storage 11 and the outside of the ice storage 11 are connected to the lower seal portion 19A located below the opening 17 in the seal member 19. A ventilation hole (ventilation part) 55 is provided through which the refrigerant can pass. The vent hole 55 is a fine hole penetrating the lower seal portion 19A vertically, and a plurality of the vent holes 55 are formed at required intervals in the longitudinal direction of the lower seal portion 19A.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M according to the third embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11, the refrigerant moves to the bottom of the ice storage 11 as shown in FIG. When it descends to the lower edge of the opening 17, it is discharged out of the ice making machine M through the vent holes 55 provided in the lower seal portion 19 </ b> A of the seal member 19. That is, in the ice making machine M of the third embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), by providing an opening 56 in the upper part of the front panel located below the lower seal portion 19A of the seal member 19, ice storage is performed via the vent holes 55 of the lower seal portion 19A. The refrigerant discharged from the inside of the storage 11 can be guided into the machine room 12 through the opening 56.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment. In the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment, the internal structure of the ice storage 11 is changed as the ice storage 11 is different from the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. Note that the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment has the structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E and the structure of supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 in the first embodiment. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the ice lump I stored in the ice storage 11 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 11 </ b> A that is the inner bottom surface of the ice storage 11. Thus, an ice layer 60 that allows passage of the leaked refrigerant in the ice storage 11 is provided. That is, at the bottom of the ice storage 11, a guard-like guard member 61 is disposed at a position spaced upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 11A. The guard member 61 has a large number of holes 62 having an opening size that allows the ice lump I to pass therethrough. Therefore, the ice block I generated and dropped and released by the ice making unit 20 is once received by the guard member 61, and then defined between the inner bottom surface and the guard member 61 through the holes 62. The ice layer 60 falls into the space 63 and is stored in the space 63 to cover the entire bottom surface of the cabinet. Between each ice block I forming the ice layer 60, there is a gap that allows the melting ice water or the refrigerant to pass therethrough, so that the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage 11 moves downward to the guard. After passing through each hole 62 of the member 61, it is cooled while passing through the gap of the ice layer 60, and discharged through the drain pipe 38. The bottom wall 11A of the ice storage 11 is provided with a net-like member that prevents the ice lump I from falling into the drain pipe 38.

  Since the refrigerant is the above-described combustible gas, it is easy to enter even a small gap between the ice blocks I forming the ice layer 60. In addition, the refrigerant has a characteristic that the specific gravity increases as the temperature decreases as the refrigerant is cooled, and the refrigerant becomes heavier as it passes through the ice layer 60. Therefore, in the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant that has leaked into the ice storage 11 and moved downward is made heavy while cooling in the ice layer 60 and easily flows into the drain pipe 38. It is possible to shorten the refrigerant discharge time during which the refrigerant is discharged out of the apparatus via the drain pipe 38. That is, in the ice making machine M of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. Since the ice layer 60 is formed from the ice block I stored below the guard member 61, when the ice block I is taken out by opening the door 18 and using a scoop or the like, the ice layer 60 is formed. The ice block I is not taken out.

(Modification of the fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an ice making machine M according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. The ice making machine M according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment is stored in the ice storage 11 in the recess 64 provided in the portion where the drain pipe 38 is connected in the bottom wall portion 11A of the ice storage 11. An ice layer 60 made of an ice lump I is provided that allows passage of the leaked refrigerant into the ice storage 11. That is, a guard member 61 having a scissors shape is disposed at the opening of the concave portion 64 at the same height as the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 11A. The guard member 61 is formed with a plurality of holes 62 having an opening size that allows the ice lump I to pass therethrough. Therefore, the ice lump I generated and released by the ice making unit 20 is once received by the guard member 61, and then dropped into the concave portion 64 through the holes 62 and stored in the concave portion 64. An ice layer 60 is formed. A net-like member for preventing the ice lump I from dropping into the drain pipe 38 is provided at the bottom of the recess 64.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant that has leaked into the ice storage 11 and moved downward is heavier while being cooled by the ice layer 60 and easily flows into the drain pipe 38. By doing so, the refrigerant discharge time during which the refrigerant is discharged to the outside of the apparatus via the drain pipe 38 can be shortened. That is, in the ice making machine M according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved. Since the ice layer 60 is formed from the ice block I stored below the guard member 61, the ice layer 60 is removed when the ice block I is taken out by opening the door 18 and using a scoop or the like. The formed ice block I is never taken out.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ice making machine M of the fifth embodiment. The ice making machine M according to the fifth embodiment has a basic structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E and a structure for supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 in the first embodiment. The description is omitted here, and only different parts are described.

  In the ice making machine M according to the fifth embodiment, the upper end is connected to the drain pan 16 disposed below the ice making mechanism D, and the inside of the ice storage 11 is extended downward from the drain pan 16 to the bottom wall of the ice storage 11. A drain pipe 70 extending to the portion 11A is provided. The bottom wall 11A of the ice storage 11 is formed with a drain recess (drain port) 71 that opens upward at a portion to which the drain pipe 38 is connected. The lower end opening 70A faces. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the drain recess 71 is formed with an opening size larger than the diameter of the drain pipe 70, and a gap 72 is defined between the drain pipe 70 and the drain recess 71. . Accordingly, the ice making wastewater discharged from the ice making water tank 22 to the drain pan 16 and flowing into the drain pipe 70 is discharged from the lower end opening 70A of the drain pipe 70 through the drain pipe 38 to the outside of the apparatus. At this time, air and refrigerant stored in the ice storage 11 are drawn from the gap 72 between the drain recess 71 and the drain pipe 70 into the drain recess 71 by ice making drainage falling from the lower end opening 70 </ b> A of the drain pipe 70. It is configured.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M of the fifth embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and the refrigerant detection sensor S detects the refrigerant, the control means C opens the water supply valve 29 as described above. When the ice making water is supplied to the ice making water tank 22 under the control, the water is continuously supplied even after the ice making water is filled in the ice making water tank 22. As a result, the ice making water overflowing from the ice making water tank 22 flows into the drain pipe 70 as ice making drainage via the drain pan 16, and flows out from the lower end opening 70A of the drain pipe 70 to the drain recess 71. The refrigerant remaining at the bottom of the ice storage 11 is actively drawn into the drain recess 71 through the gap 72, and the refrigerant can be suitably discharged outside the apparatus through the drain pipe 38. it can. That is, in the ice making machine M of the fifth embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E is prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the ice making machine M of the sixth embodiment. The ice making machine M according to the sixth embodiment is different from the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. 16 in that the internal structure of the ice storage 11 is changed. Note that the ice making machine M of the sixth embodiment has the structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E and the structure of supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 in the first embodiment. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a ventilation duct 75 is formed on the rear side of the inside of the ice storage 11 so that an air inlet 76 is formed at the lower part and extends upward. A vent 77 formed in the rear wall portion 11C of the ice storage 11 and the housing 10 so as to be aligned with the upper portion of the vent duct 75, and a fan (blower means) 78 disposed in the vent duct 75; It has. The operation of the fan 78 is controlled by the control means C, and the control means C is configured to operate the fan 78 when the control means C confirms the detection signal of the refrigerant detection sensor S.

  Accordingly, in the ice making machine M of the sixth embodiment, when the control means C confirms the detection signal sent from the refrigerant detection sensor S when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11, the control means C uses the fan 78. Is rotated in a predetermined direction, and the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage 11 is discharged to the outside. For example, when the fan 78 is rotated so as to suck outside air into the ice storage 11 through the vent 77 and the ventilation duct 75, the inside of the ice storage 11 is in a state where the pressure is increased by the sucked outside air. Therefore, the refrigerant that has leaked into the ice storage 11 can be pushed out of the storage through the opening 17 or a vent hole or the like provided elsewhere. In addition, when the fan 78 is rotated so that the air in the ice storage 11 is blown out through the air duct 75 and the air vent 77, the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage 11 is also stored. It is sucked out of the warehouse. That is, in the ice making machine M of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant leaking from the refrigeration mechanism E from remaining in the ice storage 11 regardless of whether the fan 78 is rotated forward or reverse. The safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the ice making machine M of the seventh embodiment. The ice making machine M according to the seventh embodiment is different from the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. The ice making machine M according to the seventh embodiment has the structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E and the structure for supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 in the first embodiment. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, an exhaust pipe 80 that is connected in the middle of the drain pipe 38 and extends upward from the drain pipe 38 and is provided with an exhaust port 81 on the upper side. And a fan (exhaust means) 82 that is disposed in the exhaust pipe 80 and exhausts the refrigerant that has flowed out of the ice storage 11 into the drain pipe 38 through the exhaust pipe 80. The operation of the fan 82 is controlled by the control means C, and the control means C is configured to operate the fan 82 when the control means C confirms the detection signal of the refrigerant detection sensor S.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M of the seventh embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and the refrigerant detection sensor S detects the refrigerant, the fan 82 is operated by the control means C as described above. As a result, the refrigerant can be sucked into the exhaust pipe 80 from the drain pipe 38 and discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 81. That is, in the ice making machine M of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the ice making machine M of the eighth embodiment. The ice making machine M according to the eighth embodiment is different from the conventional ice making machine M shown in FIG. 16 in that a cylinder 85 filled with an inert gas is provided at a required position in the ice storage 11. Note that the ice making machine M of the eighth embodiment has the structure of the ice making mechanism D and the refrigeration mechanism E, and the structure of supplying ice making water to the ice making water tank 22 when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 in the first embodiment. These are the same as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted here, and only different parts will be described.

  In the ice making machine M of the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the cylinder 85 is disposed at a position adjacent to the ice making mechanism D in the upper part of the ice storage 11, and the outlet of the cylinder 85 is disposed at the outlet of the cylinder 85. An ejection valve 86 is provided. The ejection valve 86 is controlled in operation by the control means C, and the control means C is configured to open the ejection valve 86 when the control means C confirms the detection signal of the refrigerant detection sensor S.

  Therefore, in the ice making machine M of the eighth embodiment, when the refrigerant leaks into the ice storage 11 and the refrigerant detection sensor S detects the refrigerant, the control means C controls the ejection valve 86 as described above. By opening, the inert gas sealed in the cylinder 85 is ejected into the ice storage 11. Then, as the inert gas is ejected into the ice storage 11, the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage 11 is pushed out into the drain pipe 38, so that the refrigerant is forced out of the machine from the drain pipe 38. Can be discharged. That is, in the ice making machine M of the eighth embodiment, the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E can be prevented from remaining in the ice storage 11, and the safety of the ice making machine M is improved.

(Change example)
(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the refrigerant detection sensor that directly detects the refrigerant is exemplified as the refrigerant leakage detection unit S that detects the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism E. Without limitation, (a) means for checking the ice making time in the ice making unit 20 of the ice making mechanism D and detecting refrigerant leakage, (b) measuring the temperature and pressure of the refrigeration mechanism E to detect refrigerant leakage. Means or the like may indirectly detect leakage of the refrigerant. That is, in the case (a), when the ice making time is longer than the specified time, the refrigerant leaks and the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 33 in the refrigeration mechanism E is reduced. Can be recognized as occurring. Further, in (b), when the temperature of the refrigeration mechanism E is increased or the pressure is changed, the refrigerant leaks to cause the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 33 in the refrigeration mechanism E to decrease. It can be recognized that the refrigerant has leaked.
(2) The ventilation portion 55 of the third embodiment is not limited to the passage illustrated in the embodiment, and may be a concave groove portion that opens to the ice storage 11 side and extends in the vertical direction. Thus, when the ventilation part 55 is a concave groove part, by attaching the sealing member 19 to the outer front surface of the ice storage 11, the refrigerant can pass between the outer wall surface of the ice storage 11 and the sealing member 19. Allowable space is defined.
(3) Two or more of the configurations described in the second to eighth embodiments may be used in combination in the first embodiment.
(4) The refrigerant detection sensor that is embodied as the refrigerant leakage detection means is not limited to the tin oxide semiconductor type exemplified in the embodiment, and can detect various types of flammable gas used as the refrigerant. Can be implemented.
(5) In the embodiment, the ice maker having the machine room disposed in the lower part is illustrated, but the ice maker in which the machine room is disposed in the upper part of the ice storage room, The ice machines installed later are also targeted.
(6) In the embodiment, the injection type ice making machine is exemplified, but the ice making machine targeted by the present invention is all ice making machines having a refrigeration mechanism using a refrigerant made of combustible gas.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Ice storage, 11A Bottom wall part (bottom part), 16 Drain pan, 17 Opening, 18 Open / close door 19 Seal member, 20 Ice making part, 22 Ice making water tank, 29 Water supply valve (water supply means)
35A 1st connecting pipe (connecting pipe), 35B 2nd connecting pipe (connecting pipe)
35C 3rd connecting pipe (connecting pipe), 35D 4th connecting pipe (connecting pipe)
35E Fifth connecting pipe (connecting pipe), 38 Drain pipe, 41 Waterproof breathable member 45 Funnel member (refrigerant releasing means), 48 Drain pan (refrigerant releasing means)
50 Degassing pipe (refrigerant discharge means), 52 Degassing hole (refrigerant discharge means)
55 Ventilation hole (ventilation part), 61 Guard member, 62 hole, 70 Drain pipe, 70A Lower end opening 71 Drainage recessed part (drainage port), 75 Ventilation duct, 78 Fan (air blowing means), 80 Exhaust pipe 82 Fan (exhaust means) , C control means, E refrigeration mechanism, I ice block S refrigerant detection sensor (refrigerant leakage detection means)

Claims (9)

A refrigeration mechanism (E) that circulates a refrigerant of a combustible gas having a specific gravity greater than air, cools the ice making unit (20) during ice making operation, and is disposed below the ice making unit (20) and opens upward, In an ice making machine comprising an ice making water tank (22) for storing ice making water supplied from the water supply means (29) and supplied to the ice making unit (20),
Refrigerant leakage detection means (S) for detecting the refrigerant leaked from the refrigeration mechanism (E) and sending a detection signal;
Upon receiving the detection signal from the refrigerant leakage detection means (S), the control means (C) for controlling the water supply means (29) to operate to supply ice making water into the ice making water tank (22). An ice maker characterized by comprising: The ice making section (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above the ice storage (11),
A waterproof breathable member (41) made of a material that restricts the permeation of moisture and allows the refrigerant leaking into the ice storage (11) to be disposed at the bottom (11A) of the ice storage (11). The ice making machine according to claim 1 provided. The ice making section (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above the ice storage (11),
Refrigerant discharge means (45, 48, 50) capable of discharging the refrigerant leaked into the ice storage (11) out of the drain pipe (38) connected to the bottom (11A) of the ice storage (11). , 52) is provided. The ice making section (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above an ice storage (11) in which an opening (17) in which an openable / closable door (18) can be opened and closed is formed,
A portion of the seal member (19) provided around the opening (17) is located below the opening (17), and the inside of the ice storage (11) communicates with the outside of the storage so that the refrigerant can pass therethrough. The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a possible ventilation part (55) is provided. The ice making unit (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above the ice storage (11), and a drain pipe (38) is connected to the bottom (11A) of the ice storage (11). ,
A saddle-like guard member (61) in which a large number of holes (62) are formed is disposed apart from the bottom (11A) of the ice storage (11),
The ice block (I) that has fallen from the hole (62) of the guard member (61) to the bottom surface inside the cabinet is configured to be stored between the bottom portion (11A) and the guard member (61). The ice maker according to any one of the items. The ice making part (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are arranged above the ice storage (11) provided with a drain port (71) in the bottom part (11A),
The drain pan (16) disposed below the ice-making water tank (22) has a drain pipe extending to the drain port (71) and facing the lower end opening (70A) to the drain port (71) ( 70)
The ice storage (11) is caused by ice making drainage that falls from the ice making water tank (22) to the drain pan (16) and falls from the lower end opening (70A) of the drain pipe (70) toward the drain port (71). The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerant leaked into the drain is drawn into the drain port (71). The ice making section (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above the ice storage (11),
A ventilation duct (75) communicating the inside and outside of the warehouse with the ice storage (11), and sucking outside air into the ice storage (11) through the ventilation duct (75) or the ice storage ( 11) air blowing means (78) for blowing out the refrigerant from the inside,
The ice making device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air blowing means (78) is configured to be controlled by the control means (C) that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection means (S). Machine. The ice making section (20) and the ice making water tank (22) are disposed above the ice storage (11),
In the middle of the drain pipe (38) disposed at the bottom (11A) of the ice storage (11), an exhaust pipe (80) extending upward from the drain pipe (38) is provided,
The exhaust means (82) controlled by the control means (C) that has received the detection signal of the refrigerant leak detection means (S) is disposed in the middle of the exhaust pipe (80). The ice maker according to any one of the above. Each device constituting the refrigeration mechanism (E) is disposed in a machine room (12) partitioned from an ice storage (11),
The connection member (35A to 35E) through which the refrigerant of the refrigeration mechanism (E) passes is covered with a cover member (37) that restricts the passage of the refrigerant so as to cover the entire outside of the connection tube (35A to 35E). The ice maker as described in any one of Claims 1-8 with which it is mounted | worn.

Images