JP6000653B2 - Ice dispenser - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ice dispenser comprising an ice making unit that generates ice, an ice storage unit that stores ice generated in the ice making unit, and a shutter device that opens and closes an ice discharge port provided in the ice storage unit. It is.

  Ice dispensers that produce and supply ice from ice making water have been put into practical use. For example, an ice dispenser includes an ice making unit that generates ice from supplied ice making water, and an ice discharge port that temporarily stores the ice generated in the ice making unit and discharges the stored ice. , An ice storage detecting means for detecting that a predetermined amount of ice has been stored in the ice storage section, and a shutter device for opening and closing the ice discharge port. The ice dispenser regulates that the ice discharge port is closed by the shutter device when the shutter device is not operated, and the ice stored in the ice storage part is spilled from the ice discharge port. In addition, when the ice dispenser presses an ice discharge operation means such as a discharge operation lever or a discharge switch disposed on the front side of the housing, the shutter device is activated to open the ice discharge port. The ice stored in the ice storage part is discharged. The ice storage detection means is arranged at an upper portion in the ice storage unit and configured to detect that a predetermined amount of ice generated in the ice making unit is stored in the ice storage unit, and a predetermined amount of ice is stored in the ice storage unit. Then, the ice making operation of the ice making unit is stopped. Such an ice dispenser is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2004-271126 A

  By the way, the conventional ice dispenser does not include means for determining an abnormality of the shutter device and means for determining an abnormality of the ice storage detection means. For this reason, when a component of the shutter device is damaged, the ice spills out from the ice discharge port, so that the specified amount of ice is not stored in the ice storage section, and the ice storage detection means does not detect ice and the ice making operation is performed. However, there is a problem that ice is excessively generated excessively. In addition, when the ice storage detecting means is out of order, the ice making operation is continued even after the specified amount of ice is stored in the ice storage unit, and more than the specified amount of ice is fed into the ice storage unit. As the pressure rises, there is a risk of causing damage to the members constituting the ice storage unit and the shutter device, and it is also pointed out that ice making operation is continued and ice is excessively generated.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in conventional ice dispensers, and has been proposed to suitably solve this problem. An ice dispenser that can appropriately determine the occurrence of an abnormality and prevent the excessive formation of ice. The purpose is to provide.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application provides:
An ice making unit for generating ice from ice making water by ice making operation, an ice storage unit for storing ice generated in the ice making unit and an ice discharge port capable of discharging the stored ice, and opening and closing the ice discharge port In an ice dispenser comprising: a shutter device that operates; and an ice discharge operation means that operates the shutter device to open the ice discharge port by an ice discharge operation.
A discharge operation detecting means for detecting an ice discharge operation of the ice discharge operation means;
Monitoring means for monitoring the abnormality judgment condition;
On the precondition that the discharge operation detecting means continues in a state where it does not detect the ice discharge operation of the ice discharge operation means, the monitoring means determines the occurrence of an abnormality based on the establishment of the abnormality determination condition, and ice making An abnormality determining means for stopping the operation of the part ,
Ice storage detecting means for detecting that a specified amount of ice has been stored in the ice storage section, water supply means for supplying ice making water capable of generating a predetermined amount of ice by one operation to the ice making section, and the water supply means Water supply operation frequency counting means as the monitoring means for counting the continuous water supply operation frequency of,
The abnormality determination condition is a specified water supply operation number of the water supply means for supplying ice-making water necessary for generating the specified amount of ice,
The water supply operation frequency count means monitors whether the water supply operation frequency of the water supply means has reached the specified water supply operation frequency in the preconditions,
The gist of the abnormality determination means is to determine that an abnormality has occurred when the water supply operation frequency counting means counts the specified water supply operation frequency and an abnormality determination condition is satisfied .
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the occurrence of an abnormality in the ice dispenser based on the establishment of the abnormality determination condition in the monitoring unit under the precondition that the ice discharge operation is not performed by the discharge operation detecting unit. Can do. Moreover, since the operation of the ice making unit is stopped when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to prevent excessive ice formation. Furthermore, an abnormality of the ice dispenser occurs by monitoring whether the water supply operation count of the water supply means reaches the specified water supply operation count under the precondition that the ice discharge operation is not performed by the discharge operation detecting means. Can be determined appropriately.

In the invention according to claim 2 ,
The shutter device includes a shutter body that opens and closes the ice discharge port, and an operation unit coupled to the shutter body, and the operation unit moves based on an ice discharge operation of the ice discharge operation means to open the shutter body. An operating means for operating, and an electromotive force generating section that generates an electromotive force when the operating section is moved by the shutter body that is displaced in posture to open the ice discharge port,
The gist of the present invention is that the monitoring means is an electromotive force detection means for monitoring generation of electromotive force as an abnormality determination condition in the electromotive force generation unit.
Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the occurrence of an electromotive force in the shutter device on the precondition that the ice discharge operation is not performed by the discharge operation detecting means is monitored by the electromotive force detecting means, so that the ice dispenser malfunctions. Occurrence can be determined appropriately.

In invention of Claim 3 ,
The shutter device includes a shutter body that opens and closes the ice discharge port, and an operation unit coupled to the shutter body, and the operation unit moves based on an ice discharge operation of the ice discharge operation means to open the shutter body. Actuating means for operating,
The gist of the invention is that the monitoring means is an operation detecting means for monitoring the posture displacement of the shutter body or the operation of the operating portion, which is an abnormality determination condition.
Therefore, according to the invention according to claim 3 , by monitoring the displacement of the posture of the shutter body or the movement of the operating part under the precondition that the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation detecting means is not performed, Abnormality can be determined appropriately.

In the invention according to claim 4 ,
Ice storage detection means for detecting that a specified amount of ice has been stored in the ice storage section, first temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of ice making water supplied to the ice making section, and cooling means for cooling the ice making section Second temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the ice, and ice making time counting means as the monitoring means for counting continuous ice making time in the ice making section,
The abnormality determination condition is a specified ice making time required for generating the specified amount of ice in the ice making section at the temperature of the ice making water detected by the first and second temperature detecting means and the temperature of the cooling means,
The ice making time counting means monitors whether or not the ice making time in the ice making part has reached the specified ice making time in the preconditions,
The gist of the abnormality determination means is to determine that an abnormality has occurred when the ice making time counting means counts the specified ice making time and an abnormality determination condition is satisfied.
Therefore, according to the invention of claim 4 , the ice making time counting means monitors whether or not the ice making time of the ice making part has reached the specified ice making time under the precondition that the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation detecting means is not performed. Thus, the occurrence of an abnormality in the ice dispenser can be appropriately determined.

In the invention according to claim 5 ,
The gist of the present invention is to provide abnormality notifying means for notifying the occurrence of abnormality when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred.
Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the abnormality notifying means notifies when the abnormality is determined, so that the abnormality occurrence in the ice dispenser can be properly recognized.

  According to the ice dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the occurrence of an abnormality and prevent excessive generation of ice.

It is a whole perspective view of the ice dispenser of 1st Example. It is a front view of the ice dispenser of 1st Example shown in the state which removed the housing | casing. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an ice making part, an ice storage part, and a shutter apparatus. It is a perspective view of the ice storage part by which the shutter apparatus was arrange | positioned. (a) is a front view of the shutter device, and (b) is a side view of the shutter device partially omitted. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the connection member and lock mechanism of a shutter apparatus in the locked state of a shutter body, (b) shows the connection member and lock mechanism of a shutter apparatus in the unlocked state of a shutter body. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows a connection member and a locking member separately. It is a side view which shows the state which the discharge | release solenoid of the shutter apparatus carried out the excitation operation | movement, and the shutter body opened the ice discharge port. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ice dispenser of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the control relevant to the abnormality detection in the ice dispenser of 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ice dispenser of 2nd Example. (a) is sectional drawing which shows the discharge | release solenoid provided with the electromotive force generation part in the state which the plunger lowered | hung by non-excitation, (b) is carrying out the excitation operation | movement of the discharge | release solenoid provided with the electromotive force generation part. It is sectional drawing shown in the state which raised the plunger. It is a flowchart which shows the control relevant to the abnormality detection in the ice dispenser of 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ice dispenser of 3rd Example. (a) is sectional drawing which shows the discharge | release solenoid provided with the plunger detection sensor in the state which the plunger lowered | hung by non-excitation, (b) raised the discharge | release solenoid provided with the plunger detection sensor by excitation operation | movement It is sectional drawing shown in the state in which the plunger was detected by the plunger detection sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the control relevant to the abnormality detection in the ice dispenser of 3rd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the ice dispenser of 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the control relevant to the abnormality detection in the ice dispenser of 4th Example.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the ice dispenser according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, the side of the ice dispenser ID on which the ice discharge part 11 is provided is defined as the front side of the ice dispenser ID, and the left, right, and top and bottom are defined when viewed from the front side.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment. This ice dispenser ID has an ice discharge part 11 from which ice S is discharged on the front side of a housing 10 formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a discharge operation lever (for discharging the ice S from the ice discharge part 11). (Ice discharge operation means) 12 and an ice receiving portion 13 provided below the ice discharge portion 11 for receiving and collecting the ice S falling from the ice discharge portion 11 are provided. Such an ice dispenser ID has a discharge operation switch (discharge operation detecting means) disposed on the discharge operation lever 12 by pushing the discharge operation lever 12 backward with a container (not shown) for receiving ice S or the like. 16 (see FIG. 10) detects this and discharges ice from the ice discharge portion 11. In addition, an activation switch 14 and an abnormality notification lamp (abnormality notification means) 15 which will be described later are disposed on the upper front surface of the housing 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment includes an ice making unit 20 that generates ice S from supplied ice making water, and an ice making unit 20 below the inside of the housing 10. An ice storage unit 21 is provided which is disposed in the upper portion and is located above the inside of the housing 10 and temporarily stores the ice S generated and transported by the ice making unit 20. An ice discharge port 22 that is open to communicate with the ice discharge unit 11 is provided at the front of the ice storage unit 21, and the ice discharge port 22 is provided above the ice discharge port 22 in the ice storage unit 21. A shutter device 23 having a shutter body 93 that opens and closes is disposed. The operation of the shutter device 23 is controlled by the control means C (see FIG. 10). When the power is not supplied, the shutter body 93 stops with the ice discharge port 22 closed (FIG. 6B), and the discharge is performed. When the discharge operation switch 16 is turned on by the operation of the operation lever 12, the shutter body 93 is moved to the open position by opening the ice 93 and the ice discharge port 22 is opened (FIG. 9) and stored in the ice storage unit 21. The ice S is configured to be discharged through the ice discharge port 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ice making unit 20 includes an auger type ice making machine, and includes an ice generating unit 25 that generates ice S, a drive mechanism 26, and a refrigeration mechanism 27. A connecting pipe 29 extending downward from the reservoir tank 28 is connected to the lower part of the ice generating unit 25, and the ice-making water supplied to the reservoir tank 28 enters the ice generating unit 25 through the connecting pipe 29. Inflow. The ice generating unit 25 includes a cylindrical refrigeration casing 30 extending in the vertical direction, and an auger screw 31 disposed concentrically inside the refrigeration casing 30. The drive mechanism 26 includes a speed reducer 32 connected to the lower end of the auger screw 31 and a drive motor 33 as drive means linked to the speed reducer 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigeration casing 30 constituting the ice generating unit 25 includes a cylindrical cold cylinder member 35 that is open at the top and bottom and extends vertically, and a substantially entire outer periphery of the cold cylinder member 35. And a heat insulating material 36 to be covered. The cold cylinder member 35 is made of stainless steel or the like that is excellent in wear resistance and rust prevention and has high thermal conductivity, and a cooling pipe (evaporator) 48 that constitutes the refrigeration mechanism 27 includes a cold cylinder. The member 35 is spirally extended in the circumferential direction in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the member 35. Therefore, the cold cylinder member 35 is cooled by the cooling pipe 48 cooled by the operation of the refrigeration mechanism 27, and is configured to freeze the ice making water on the inner peripheral surface 35A serving as the ice making surface of the cold cylinder member 35.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the auger screw 31 has a rotating shaft 38 disposed in the cold cylinder member 35 so that its axial center is directed vertically, and extends radially on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 38 and has a circumferential surface. And a cutting blade 39 extending spirally in the direction. At the upper end of the auger screw 31, a cutter 40 having a required size for the ice S transported upward in the cold cylinder member 35 is attached. In the state where the auger screw 31 is disposed in the cold cylinder member 35, the lower end portion of the auger screw 31 is connected and supported to the output shaft of the speed reducer 32, and the upper end portion of the auger screw 31 is frozen. A fixed blade 41 disposed at the upper end of the casing 30 is rotatably supported. Accordingly, the ice S generated on the inner peripheral surface 35A of the cold cylinder member 35 is scraped off from the inner peripheral surface 35A by the cutting blade 39 of the auger screw 31 rotated by the drive motor 33, and then pushed onto the cutting blade 39. Then, it moves upward and is conveyed into the ice storage unit 21. Note that the drive motor 33 is subjected to a load exceeding a preset value, such as when the ice S generated by the ice making unit 20 is further transported to the ice storage unit 21 in which the specified amount of ice S is stored. To stop.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigeration mechanism 27 includes a compressor 45, a condenser 46 connected to a refrigerant outlet side of the compressor 45 via a refrigerant pipe, and a refrigerant outlet side of the condenser 46. An expansion valve (not shown) connected to the refrigerant inlet side via a refrigerant pipe, a refrigerant inlet side connected to the refrigerant outlet side of the expansion valve via a refrigerant pipe, and a refrigerant outlet side of the compressor 45 A closed circuit is constituted by the cooling pipe 48 connected to the refrigerant inlet side via a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant is circulated in the closed circuit. In such a refrigeration mechanism 27, during the ice making operation, the compressor 45 converts the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas, the condenser 46 cools the refrigerant to a high-pressure liquid, and the expansion valve makes the refrigerant adiabatically expanded. The refrigerant is vaporized in the cooling pipe 48, and the cooling pipe 48 is cooled by heat of vaporization.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the reservoir tank 28 is installed on the left side of the refrigeration casing 30 so as to be positioned above the vertical center of the refrigeration casing 30. A water supply valve (water supply means) WV connected to a water source (not shown) to which tap water as ice making water is supplied is connected to the upper wall of the reservoir tank 28 via a water supply pipe 50. When the water supply valve WV is controlled to open, ice making water is supplied into the reservoir tank 28 via the water supply pipe 50. The connecting pipe 29 connected to the lower part of the refrigeration casing 30 is connected to the bottom of the reservoir tank 28, and the inside of the reservoir tank 28 and the inside of the cold cylinder member 35 of the refrigeration casing 30 are connected to the connecting pipe 29. It communicates spatially. Accordingly, the ice making water supplied to the reservoir tank 28 flows into the cold cylinder member 35 through the connection pipe 29 and fills the connection pipe 29, and the ice making water flowing into the cold cylinder member 35 is filled. The water surface level always matches the water surface level of ice-making water temporarily stored in the reservoir tank 28.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir tank 28 is provided with a first water level detection sensor 51 and a second water level detection sensor 52 that is spaced apart from the first water level detection sensor 51. Yes. Then, when the water surface of the ice making water descends to the lower limit level L1, which is the detection position of the first water level detection sensor 51, the control means C uses the detection signal from the first water level detection sensor 51 that detects this to supply the water supply valve WV. Is controlled to open (ON control) so that ice water is supplied to the reservoir tank 28. In addition, when the water level of the ice making water rises to the upper limit level L2 that is the detection position of the second water level detection sensor 52, the control means C controls the water supply valve WV according to a detection signal from the second water level detection sensor 52 that detects this. Control is performed to stop supply of ice-making water to the reservoir tank 28 by closing control (OFF control). That is, during the ice making operation, the amount of ice making water is always maintained between the lower limit level L1 and the upper limit level L2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ice storage unit 21 includes a storage box 55 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a lid 56 that covers the upper opening of the storage box 55, and has a specified amount N of ice. An ice storage space 57 capable of storing S is internally defined. The storage box 55 and the lid 56 are made of stainless steel or the like which is a material excellent in wear resistance and rust prevention. Further, heat insulating materials 58 and 58 are disposed on the outer surface of the storage box 55 and the upper surface of the lid 56, and the ice storage part 21 is configured to have a heat insulating structure. An upper end portion of the heat insulating material 36 in the refrigeration casing 30 is connected to the lower side of the ice storage unit 21, and an insertion port 59 through which the cold cylinder member 35 is inserted upward is substantially at the center of the bottom of the ice storage unit 21. Is formed. Therefore, the upper part of the cold cylinder member 35 faces the inside of the ice storage part 21 through the insertion port 59, and the internal space of the cold cylinder member 35 and the ice storage space 57 of the ice storage part 21 communicate with each other. A circular umbrella-shaped bottom plate 60 is disposed on the top surface of the bottom of the ice storage unit 21. The bottom plate 60 is formed with an opening 61 aligned with the upper end opening of the cold cylinder member 35 in the center, and is inclined downward from the opening 61 toward the outside in the radial direction. Therefore, the ice S stored in the ice storage space 57 of the ice storage unit 21 is easy to move along the upper surface of the bottom plate 60 toward the inner side wall of the ice storage space 57.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an agitator 65 for stirring the ice S temporarily stored in the ice storage space 57 is disposed in the ice storage space 57 of the ice storage unit 21. The agitator 65 includes a support 66 fixed to the upper end of the rotary shaft 38 of the auger screw 31, and a plurality of (3 in the first embodiment) radially extending outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support 66. ) Stirring rods 67. The agitator 65 rotates at a constant speed in the ice storage space 57 as the auger screw 31 rotates at a constant speed by the drive motor 33. At this time, each stirring bar 67 contacts the ice S. The ice S is then stirred. Each stirring bar 67 has a different mounting height with respect to the support 66 and a downward inclination angle, so that the ice S in the ice storage unit 21 can be efficiently stirred.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an ice storage detection mechanism (ice storage detection means) 70 is disposed above the inside of the ice storage unit 21. The ice storage detection mechanism 70 detects a disk-shaped ice storage detection plate 71 that can be moved up and down by a support shaft 72 that can be driven by the lid 56, and the upward movement of the ice storage detection plate 71. And an ice storage detection switch 73. The ice storage detection plate 71 is a first position that is located when a predetermined amount of ice S is stored in the ice storage space 57 of the ice storage 21, and a second position that is appropriately lowered below the first position. In the state where it is not pushed from below by the ice S, it stops at the second position. Accordingly, when an amount of ice S that is appropriately smaller than the specified amount N is stored in the ice storage space 57 of the ice storage unit 21, the ice S comes into contact with the ice storage detecting plate 71 stopped at the second position, and reaches the specified amount N. As it approaches, the ice storage detection plate 71 is pushed upward, and the ice storage detection plate 71 in which the ice S reaches the specified amount N reaches the first position. The ice storage detection switch 73 is disposed at a position where the ice storage amount of the ice S reaches the specified amount N and the ON-control is performed by the support shaft 72 when the ice storage detection plate 71 reaches the first position. Thus, the detection signal is output to the control means C. When the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73 is input to the control means C, the control means C stops the operation of the drive mechanism 26 and the refrigeration mechanism 27, and the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 is performed. Is supposed to pause. The ice storage detection switch 73 can also detect that the ice storage detection plate 71 has been lowered to the second position.

  The shutter device 23 is attached to the ice storage part 21 via a bracket 75 fixed to the outer wall surface of the ice storage part 21 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7A and 7B. The shutter device 23 is formed in a shape that can close the ice discharge port 22 and a discharge solenoid (actuating means) 90 that is an electromagnetic solenoid pivotally supported on the bracket 75, and a plunger ( And a lock mechanism 95 that holds the shutter body 93 in a closed position that closes the ice discharge port 22 when the discharge solenoid 90 is not energized. Yes. The shutter device 23 is configured such that the shutter body 93 swings and opens and closes the ice discharge port 22 when the plunger 92 reciprocates up and down by excitation / non-excitation control of the discharge solenoid 90.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bracket 75 includes a fixed wall portion 76 that is fixed to the outer surface of the ice storage portion 21 with a screw. The left and right edges of the fixed wall portion 76 extend forward. A first left wall portion 77 and a first right wall portion 78 extending vertically are formed in parallel. A first support shaft 79 penetrating the upper part of the solenoid main body 91 of the discharge solenoid 90 in the left and right direction is horizontally extended from the upper part of the first left wall part 77 and the first right wall part 78 to the left and right. The discharge solenoid 90 is supported by the bracket 75 by the first support shaft 79. A second left wall portion 80 and a second right wall portion 81 that are separated from each other between the first left wall portion 77 and the first right wall portion 78 are provided at a lower portion of the fixed wall portion 76. It is formed in the state extended to. The second left wall portion 80 and the second right wall portion 81 are formed with guide holes 82, 82 extending vertically, and a guide pin 83 that protrudes horizontally to the left and right is movable at the tip of the plunger 92. Is inserted. Further, a third left wall portion 84 and a third right wall portion 85 that are spaced apart from each other are formed on the lower edge of the fixed wall portion 76 so as to extend downward. The third left wall 84 and the third right wall 85 are provided with a second support shaft 86 extending horizontally to the left and right, and the shutter body 93 is suspended from the second support shaft 86. It is supported so that it can swing.

  When a current is applied to a coil (not shown) made of a bobbin, a copper wire, a lead wire and the like housed in the solenoid body 91, the discharge solenoid 90 is fixed iron core (not shown) disposed in the solenoid body 91. As a result, the direct acting pull type electromagnetic solenoid that pulls the plunger 92, which is a movable iron core, toward the main body is employed. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the discharge solenoid 90 is suspended by the first support shaft 79 in an inverted state in which the plunger 92 extends vertically downward, and the plunger 92 moves downward when de-energized. The plunger 92 is held in a state of being moved upward during excitation.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shutter body 93 includes a door portion 96 that can cover the ice discharge port 22, and a left support plate that extends forward and upward from the left and right edges of the door portion 96. Part 97 and right support plate part 98 are provided. Support holes 99 and 99 through which the second support shaft 86 passes are formed in the upper portions of the left support plate portion 97 and the right support plate portion 98, and the second support shaft 86 inserted through both the support holes 99 and 99. Can swing with respect to. Further, in the left support plate portion 97 and the right support plate portion 98, a third support shaft 100 laid horizontally in the right and left is provided in front of and below the support holes 99 and 99 in parallel with the second support shaft 86. It is erected. The lower end portion of the connecting member 94 whose upper end portion is connected to the guide pin 83 is rotatably connected to the third support shaft 100. The second support shaft 86 is provided with a torsion spring 101 that urges the shutter body 93 toward the closed position. A chute 87 extending forward and downward and surrounding the door portion 96 of the shutter body 93 is disposed at the left, lower and right edges of the ice discharge port 22, and is discharged from the ice discharge port 22. The formed ice S falls while being guided by the chute 87.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the connecting member 94 is formed in an elongated plate shape, and a first connecting hole 94A through which the guide pin 83 is inserted is formed in the upper end portion which is one end portion in the longitudinal direction. The 2nd connecting hole 94B which the 3 support shaft 100 penetrates is formed in the lower end part which is the other end part of a longitudinal direction. 94 A of 1st connection holes are formed in the elongate hole long in the longitudinal direction of the connection member 94, and the guide pin 83 is penetrated in the loosely-fitted state, and the connection member 94 is the radial direction of the guide pin 83. Movement is allowed. The second connection hole 94B is formed in a perfect circle shape larger than the outer diameter of the third support shaft 100, and the connection member 94 is rotatable with respect to the third support shaft 100 in the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7A and 7B, the lock mechanism 95 is disposed on the right side of the connecting member 94 in parallel with the connecting member 94, and the upper end thereof is connected to the guide pin 83. A lock member 105 that is rotatably connected and whose lower end is removably engaged with the third support shaft 100, and a torsion that is disposed on the lock member 105 and is laid between the lock member 105 and the connection member 94 And a spring 106. The lock mechanism 95 according to the first embodiment allows the plunger 92 to move up and allow the posture displacement of the shutter body 93 when the discharge solenoid 90 is controlled to be excited, while the discharge solenoid 90 is not excited. The posture displacement of the shutter body 93 in the opening direction is restricted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock member 105 is an elongated plate-like lever member, and a support hole 107 through which the guide pin 83 is inserted is formed at an upper end portion which is one end portion in the longitudinal direction. The engaging claw part 108 which can be engaged / disengaged from the 2 support shaft 86 from the front is formed in the lower end part side which is the other end part of a longitudinal direction. The support hole 107 is formed in a substantially rice ball shape so that the guide pin 83 is inserted in a loosely fitted state, and the lock member 105 is allowed to move in the radial direction of the guide pin 83. Yes. In addition, an abutting end 109 that abuts against the third support shaft 100 is formed at an end of the lock member 105 that faces the third support shaft 100. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B, the lock member 105 and the connecting member 94 are arranged on the left and right sides slightly above the center in the longitudinal direction of the members 105 and 94. The lock member 105 and the connection member 94 are connected to each other about the connection support shaft 102. The connection support shaft 102 extends in the direction.

  In the torsion spring 106, the winding portion 106 </ b> A is locked to the connection support shaft 102, the first arm 106 </ b> B is locked to the lock member 105, and the second arm 106 </ b> C is locked to the connection member 94. Accordingly, in FIG. 7A, the lock member 105 is counterclockwise with respect to the guide pin 83 and the connecting member 94 connected to the third support shaft 100 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 106. It is biased to rotate to.

  When the discharge solenoid 90 is not excited, the shutter device 23 configured as described above is guided by the plunger 92 extending downward as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). Since the pin 83 moves below the guide holes 82, 82 and the connecting member 94 moves downward, the shutter body 93 swings back about the second support shaft 86. The door part 96 of 93 is closed. The shutter body 93 is held in the closed position where the ice discharge port 22 is closed by the biasing force of the torsion spring 101. When the discharge solenoid 90 is not excited, the guide pin 83 is positioned at the lower end of the first connection hole 94A with respect to the first connection hole 94A of the connection member 94 as shown in FIG. A guide pin 83 is located behind the support hole 107 with respect to the support hole 107 of the lock member 105 in the mechanism 95. In this state, the locking member 105 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 7A by the urging force of the torsion spring 106, whereby the engagement claw portion 108 engages with the second support shaft 86 and is supported. Since the guide pin 83 is restricted from moving upward at the upper edge of the hole 107, the distance between the guide pin 83 and the third support shaft 100 cannot be changed. Accordingly, the movement of the connecting member 94 is restricted by the guide pin 83, and the shutter body 93 is locked and held in the closed position even when pushed by the ice S from the inside of the ice storage unit 21.

  On the other hand, when the ice release operation of the release operation lever 12 is performed, a signal from the release operation switch 16 is output to the control means C, so that the release solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 is controlled to be excited. When the release solenoid 90 is activated and the plunger 92 starts to move upward, the lock member 105 is lifted while the guide pin 83 is in contact with the inclined end 107A of the support hole 107, as shown in FIG. 7B. Thus, the engaging claw 108 is separated from the second support shaft 86 because it rotates clockwise around the connection support shaft 102 against the urging force of the torsion spring 106 (rotation so that the lower end side moves forward). Thus, the engagement between the lock member 105 and the second support shaft 86 is released. The connecting member 94 moves upward by following the plunger 92 when the ascending guide pin 83 comes into contact with the upper end of the first connecting hole 94A, whereby the shutter body 93 swings from the closed position to the open position. Since the ice discharge port 22 is opened by moving, the ice S stored in the ice storage unit 21 is discharged from the ice discharge port 22 to the outside of the ice storage unit 21 by the rotation of the agitator 65. 7B, the contact end portion 109 of the lock member 105 rotated in the clockwise direction approaches or contacts the third support shaft 100.

  In the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment, abnormalities such as breakage of the lock member 105 or torsion spring 106 of the lock mechanism 95 or the torsion spring 106 in the shutter device 23, breakage of the shutter body 93, failure of the discharge solenoid 90, and the ice storage detection mechanism An abnormality determination condition in the monitoring means to be described later on the precondition that the ice storage operation of the ice storage detection switch 71 is not detected in the state where the ice discharge operation of the discharge operation switch 16 is not detected. Based on the establishment of the above, the control means C as the abnormality determination means is configured to make a determination. In the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment, the shutter device is based on the amount of ice S generated by the ice making water supplied to the ice making unit 20 at one time by the water supply valve WV and the prescribed amount N of the ice storage unit 21. 23 or the occurrence of an abnormality in the ice storage detection mechanism 70 is determined. In the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality of the shutter device 23 or an abnormality of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 has occurred, the abnormality occurrence is promptly notified and the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 is performed. Is configured to stop.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment. The ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment is provided with the water supply operation frequency counting means 110 as the monitoring means for counting the number of water supply operations related to the opening control of the water supply valve WV in the control means C as the abnormality determination means. . That is, the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment supplies the ice making water by controlling the opening of the water supply valve WV (ON control) when the ice making water drops to the lower limit level L1 during the ice making operation as described above. When the ice making water rises to the upper limit level L2, the water supply valve WV is controlled to be closed (OFF control) and the supply of the ice making water is stopped. Therefore, the amount of ice making water supplied by one opening / closing control of the water supply valve WV is constant, and the amount of ice S generated by the ice making water supplied to the ice making unit 20 by one water supply (hereinafter “ It is possible to grasp “a single generation amount M”. Further, as described above, the ice storage unit 21 is set to be in a full ice state when the prescribed amount N of ice S is stored.

  Therefore, the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment is for supplying ice making water in an amount necessary for producing the prescribed amount N of ice S from the relationship between the prescribed amount N and the once-produced amount M. Based on the grasp of the number of water supply operations by the water supply valve WV (hereinafter referred to as “specified water supply operation frequency D”), the control means C is preset with the specified water supply operation frequency D as an abnormality determination condition. Then, the control means C supplies ice-making water necessary for generating the prescribed amount N of ice S in a state where the precondition that the discharge operation switch 16 does not detect the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 continues. When the water supply operation frequency count means 110 counts the specified water supply operation frequency D of the water supply valve WV for the purpose (when an abnormality occurrence condition is satisfied), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. That is, when the water supply valve WV is operated for the predetermined water supply operation number D, a predetermined amount N of ice S is generated. Therefore, the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed, and the shutter device 23 and the ice storage detection mechanism 70 are operated. If no abnormality has occurred, even if the ice storage unit 21 is empty at the start of counting the number of water supply operations, the ice storage unit 21 is filled with a specified amount of ice S, and the ice storage detection mechanism 70 detects ice storage. The switch 73 should output a detection signal.

  Accordingly, in a state where the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed, if the ice storage detection switch 73 does not output a detection signal even if the water supply valve WV is operated for the specified water supply operation number D, (1) shutter device The ice discharge port 22 is opened due to an abnormality 23, and the ice S is spilled from the ice discharge port 22, or (2) a specified amount N of ice S is stored due to an abnormality in the ice storage detection mechanism 70. It can be determined that the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73 is not output in spite of being set. That is, in a state where the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed, if the ice storage detection switch 73 does not output a detection signal even if the water supply valve WV operates for the specified water supply operation number D, at least the shutter device 23 or It can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in any one of the ice storage detection mechanisms 70.

  Further, the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment has an abnormality notification lamp 15 as an abnormality display means for displaying an abnormality occurrence when the control means C as the abnormality determination means makes an abnormality determination. It is arranged. The abnormality notification lamp 15 is controlled to be turned on or blinked by the control means C when the control means C determines that an abnormality has occurred.

(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, an operation mode related to abnormality determination in the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment is activated by the activation switch 14, the control means C first clears the abnormality detection flag (step S100) and controls to start the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 ( Step S101), the water supply operation count value is cleared (Step S102). And when the discharge operation switch 16 has not detected the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12, the storage amount of the ice making water in the ice making part 20 is confirmed, and if the ice making water is not reduced to the lower limit level L1, it is left as it is. The ice making operation is continued (step S103). When the ice making operation is continued and the ice making water is reduced to the lower limit level L1, the water supply valve WV is controlled to be opened (ON control) (step S104), the abnormality detection flag is set (step S105), and then the water supply operation count value is set to 1. Add (step S106).

  Then, the control means C determines whether or not the water supply operation frequency count value counted by the water supply operation frequency counting means 110 reaches the specified water supply operation frequency D with the abnormality detection flag set (step S107). If it is determined that the water supply operation count value is less than the specified water supply operation count D, water supply is continued until the amount of ice making water reaches the upper limit level L2 (step S108), and water supply is performed when the amount of ice making water reaches the upper limit level L2. The valve WV is controlled to be closed (OFF control) (step S109), and the abnormality detection flag is cleared (step S110). Then, after closing control of the water supply valve WV, it is confirmed whether or not the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal (step S111). If it is determined that the ice storage detection switch 73 has not output the detection signal, It is confirmed whether the amount of water has decreased to the lower limit level L1 (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the amount of ice-making water has not decreased to the lower limit level L1, the process returns to step S111 to confirm again whether the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal. Accordingly, during the ice making operation, Step S111 and Step S112 are repeated to confirm the output of the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73 and the output of the detection signal from the first water level detection sensor 51.

  During the ice making operation, if it is determined in step S112 that the amount of ice making water has decreased to the lower limit level L1, the flow returns to step S104 to open the water supply valve WV (ON control), and set the abnormality detection flag again (step S104). Next, 1 is added to the count value of the number of times of water supply operation (step S106). Then, while the abnormality detection flag is set, it is confirmed whether the water supply operation frequency count value of the water supply operation frequency counter 110 has reached the specified water supply operation frequency D (step S107). When it is determined that the count value is less than the specified water supply operation count D, Steps S108 to S112 are executed again.

  Further, during the ice making operation, if it is determined in step S111 that the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal, the ice making operation is stopped (step S113). The ice storage detection switch 73 waits until it detects that the ice storage detection plate 71 is lowered to the second position (step S114), and the ice storage detection plate 71 becomes the second position and the ice storage detection switch 73 detects the detection signal. When the output is stopped, the process returns to step S101 to restart the ice making operation, and steps S102 to S112 are executed again.

  Further, when the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12 is performed and the release operation switch 16 detects this while the steps S101 to S114 are being executed (step S115), the control means C Activates the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 (step S116), displaces the shutter body 93 to the open position, and the ice S in the ice storage section 21 passes through the ice discharge port 22 to the ice discharge section 11. It is possible to be released. Then, when the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12 is completed and the release operation switch 16 is turned off (step S117), the control means C stops the excitation of the release solenoid 90 and the shutter body 93 is moved to the closed position. The ice discharge port 22 is closed by the displacement (step S118). And if the ice discharge port 22 is closed, after returning to step S102 and clearing the water supply operation frequency count value, step S103 and the subsequent steps are executed.

  On the other hand, during the ice making operation, in a state where the condition that the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed is continued, the water supply operation count value is set to the specified water supply operation count in step S107 with the abnormality detection flag set. When D is reached (when the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it is determined that the ice storage detection switch 73 does not output a detection signal even though the specified amount N of ice S is generated and supplied to the ice storage unit 21. The control means C determines that an abnormality of the shutter device 23 or an abnormality of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 has occurred. Then, the control means C turns on or blinks the abnormality notification lamp 15 to notify the occurrence of abnormality (step S119), and stops the operation of the ice dispenser ID (step S120).

  Therefore, according to the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment, the ice release operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed when the ice S is generated in the ice making unit 20 by the ice making operation (the discharge operation switch 16 is not operated). In a state where the precondition that the ice release operation of the discharge operation lever 12 is not detected is continued), it is determined whether or not the water supply operation frequency associated with the opening control of the water supply valve WV has reached the specified water supply operation frequency D that is an abnormality determination condition. By monitoring with the water supply operation frequency counting means 110, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the shutter device 23 is abnormal or the ice storage detection mechanism 70 is abnormal. Then, when the shutter body 93 is not held in the closed position due to damage to the lock member 105 in the lock mechanism 95 of the shutter device 23 or damage to the torsion spring 106, the ice S spills from the opened ice discharge port 22. Even if the ice storage detection switch 73 cannot detect the ice A, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, so that excessive generation of the ice S caused by continuing the ice making operation of the ice making unit 20 is suitably prevented. Can do. Further, if the detection signal is not output from the ice storage detection switch 73 due to the damage of the ice storage detection plate 71 of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 or the abnormality of the ice storage detection switch 73, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. It is possible to suitably prevent the ice storage unit 21 and the shutter device 23 from being damaged by the pressure of the ice S stored in the unit 21 at a specified amount N or more. Furthermore, when the abnormality notification lamp 15 is turned on or blinks, the occurrence of abnormality can be notified early and appropriately.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ice dispenser ID of the second embodiment. The ice dispenser ID of the second embodiment is the same as the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment in the basic configuration of the ice making unit 20, the ice storage unit 21, the ice storage detection mechanism 70, and the shutter device 23. The abnormality determination conditions monitored by the monitoring means are different. Therefore, here, a configuration related to abnormality determination will be described.

  In the ice dispenser ID of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the electromotive force is generated when the plunger 92 as the operating portion is reciprocally moved and is disposed on the discharge solenoid 90 in the shutter device 23. The control means C as an abnormality determination means is provided with an electromotive force detection means 116 as a monitoring means for detecting that an electromotive force is generated at the electromotive force generation part 115. The electromotive force generation unit 115 is disposed at a position where the upper end of the plunger 92 of the solenoid body 91 can face the permanent magnet 117 disposed at the upper end of the plunger 92, and sends a detection signal to the electromotive force detection means 116. It is comprised from the ring-shaped coil 118 to output. The positional relationship between the permanent magnet 117 disposed on the plunger 92 and the coil 118 disposed on the solenoid body 91 is such that the permanent magnet 117 is located below the coil 118 at a lower position where the plunger 92 extends downward. The permanent magnet 117 is set so as to be close to the coil 118 when the plunger 92 is moved away from the lower position (FIG. 13B). Therefore, when the plunger 92 is in the lower position, the permanent magnet 117 and the coil 118 are separated from each other, so that no electromotive force is generated. When the plunger 92 moves to the upper position, the permanent magnet 117 and the coil When the electromotive force is generated, the electromotive force is generated, and when the electromotive force is generated, the electromotive force detecting unit 116 detects the generation of the electromotive force.

  And the control means C is a state in which the release operation lever 12 is not operated (the precondition that the release operation switch 16 does not detect the release operation is continued), and the electromotive force generating unit is generated by the movement of the plunger 92. The occurrence of an electromotive force at 115 is used as an abnormality determination condition, and when the generation of the electromotive force is detected by the electromotive force detection means 116 (when the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Yes. However, when the electromotive force detection means 116 detects the generation of the electromotive force in the electromotive force generation unit 115 due to the movement of the plunger 92 in a state where the release operation of the release operation lever 12 is performed, Since the discharge solenoid 90 is operating normally, it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred.

(Operation of the second embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 14, when the ice dispenser ID of the second embodiment is activated by the activation switch 14, the control means C controls to start the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 (step S200). When the release operation switch 16 has not detected the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12, the electromotive force detection means 116 detects the generation of the electromotive force in the electromotive force generation unit 115 in the release solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23. It is confirmed whether or not it has been detected (step S201), and if it is determined that the electromotive force detection means 116 has not detected the occurrence of electromotive force, no abnormality has occurred in the shutter device 23, so ice storage detection It is confirmed whether or not the switch 73 is outputting a detection signal (step S202). If it is determined that the ice storage detection switch 73 is not outputting a detection signal, the process returns to step S201. During the ice making operation, steps S201 and S202 are repeated, and the detection of the electromotive force generation by the electromotive force detection means 116 and the output of the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73 are always confirmed.

  During the ice making operation, if it is determined in step S202 that the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal, the ice making operation is stopped (step S203). Then, the ice storage detection switch 73 waits until it detects that the ice storage detection plate 71 is lowered to the second position (step S204). The ice storage detection plate 71 becomes the second position and the ice storage detection switch 73 detects the detection signal. When the output is stopped, the process returns to Step S200 to restart the ice making operation, and Steps S201 to S202 are executed again.

  Further, when the ice release operation is performed by the release operation lever 12 and the release operation switch 16 detects this when the step S200 to step S204 are executed (step S205), the control means C Then, the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 is excited (step S206), the posture of the shutter body 93 is displaced to the open position, and the ice S in the ice storage unit 21 is transferred to the ice discharge unit 11 via the ice discharge port 22. Allows to be released. When the ice release operation on the release operation lever 12 is completed and the release operation switch 16 is turned off (step S207), the control means C stops the excitation of the release solenoid 90 (step S208), and the shutter body 93 is closed. The ice discharge port 22 is closed by shifting the posture to the formation position. And if the ice discharge port 22 is closed, it will return to step S201 and will perform step S201 and step S202.

  On the other hand, during the ice making operation, the electromotive force detection means 116 detects the generation of the electromotive force in the electromotive force generation unit 115 in a state where the condition that the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12 is not continued is continued. If this occurs (when the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it can be determined that the cause is that the plunger 92 has moved upward due to the attitude displacement of the shutter body 93, and the control means C detects the abnormality of the shutter device 23 or the ice storage. It is determined that an abnormality of the mechanism 70 has occurred. Then, the control means C lights or blinks the abnormality notification lamp 15 to notify the occurrence of abnormality (step S209), and stops the operation of the ice dispenser ID (step S210).

  Therefore, according to the ice dispenser ID of the second embodiment, when ice S is generated in the ice making unit 20 by the ice making operation, the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12 is not performed (the release operation switch 16 is Whether or not an electromotive force is generated in the electromotive force generation unit 115 by the movement of the plunger 92 of the shutter device 23 in a state where the precondition that the ice release operation of the release operation lever 12 is not detected is continued (abnormality determination condition) Is monitored by the electromotive force detection means 116, the occurrence of an abnormality in the shutter device 23 can be appropriately determined. Even if the shutter body 93 is not held in the closed position due to damage of the lock member 105 in the lock mechanism 95 of the shutter device 23 or damage of the torsion spring 106, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Further, it is possible to suitably prevent the ice S from being excessively generated by continuing the ice making operation of the ice making unit 20 with the ice S spilling from the opened ice discharge port 22. Even when the detection signal is not output from the ice storage detection switch 73 due to the damage of the ice storage detection plate 71 of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 or the abnormality of the ice storage detection switch 73, the ice S of the specified amount N or more in the ice storage unit 21. If the lock mechanism 95 or the like of the shutter device 23 is damaged by the pressure of the ice S that is increased by storing the water and the plunger 92 moves in accordance with the attitude displacement of the shutter body 93, the ice storage detection mechanism 70 is abnormally generated. It is possible to recognize. Furthermore, when the abnormality notification lamp 15 is turned on or blinks, the occurrence of abnormality can be notified early and appropriately.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ice dispenser ID of the third embodiment. The ice dispenser ID of the third embodiment is the same as the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment in the basic configuration of the ice making unit 20, the ice storage unit 21, the ice storage detection mechanism 70, and the shutter device 23. The abnormality determination conditions monitored by the monitoring means are different. Therefore, here, a configuration related to abnormality determination will be described.

  In the ice dispenser ID of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the ice dispenser ID is disposed on the discharge solenoid 90 in the shutter device 23, and serves as monitoring means for detecting the movement of the plunger 92 as the operating portion in the discharge solenoid 90. In addition to including a plunger detection sensor (operation detection unit) 120, the control unit C as an abnormality determination unit includes an operation signal detection unit 121 that detects a detection signal of the plunger detection sensor 120. The plunger detection sensor 120 employs an optical sensor such as a photoelectric element or a photo sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. The arrangement position of the plunger detection sensor 120 is above the plunger 92 in the lower position where the plunger 92 extends downward (FIG. 16A), and when the plunger 92 moves upward from the lower position. The plunger 92 is set so that it can be detected in proximity (FIG. 16B). Therefore, the plunger 92 cannot be detected when the plunger 92 is in the lower position, and the plunger 92 is detected when the plunger 92 moves to the upper position.

  Then, the control means C is in a state in which the release operation of the release operation lever 12 is not performed (a state in which the precondition that the release operation switch 16 does not detect the release operation continues), and the plunger detection sensor 120 due to the movement of the plunger 92. The detection of the plunger 92 at is used as an abnormality determination condition, and when the plunger detection sensor 120 detects the movement of the plunger 92 (when the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. However, when the plunger detection sensor 120 detects the movement of the plunger 92 in a state in which the discharge operation lever 12 is released, the control means C is abnormal because the release solenoid 90 is operating normally. Is not judged.

(Operation of the third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 17, when the ice dispenser ID of the third embodiment is activated by the activation switch 14, the control means C controls to start the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 (step S300). When the release operation switch 16 does not detect the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12, it is confirmed whether or not the plunger detection sensor 120 detects the movement of the plunger 92 in the release solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23. If it is determined that the plunger detection sensor 120 has not detected the movement of the plunger 92 (step S301), since there is no abnormality in the shutter device 23, is the ice storage detection switch 73 outputting a detection signal? It is confirmed whether or not (step S302). If it is determined that the ice storage detection switch 73 is not outputting a detection signal, the process returns to step S301. During the ice making operation, step S301 and step S302 are repeated to constantly check the output of the detection signal from the plunger detection sensor 120 and the output of the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73.

  During the ice making operation, if it is determined in step S302 that the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal, the ice making operation is stopped (step S303). Then, the ice storage detection switch 73 waits until it detects that the ice storage detection plate 71 is lowered to the second position (step S304), and the ice storage detection plate 71 becomes the second position and the ice storage detection switch 73 detects the detection signal. When the output is stopped, the process returns to step S300 to restart the ice making operation, and steps S301 to S302 are executed again.

  Further, when the ice release operation is performed by the release operation lever 12 and the release operation switch 16 detects this while performing the steps S300 to S304 (step S305), the control means C Then, the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 is excited (step S306), the posture of the shutter body 93 is displaced to the open position, and the ice S in the ice storage unit 21 is transferred to the ice discharge unit 11 through the ice discharge port 22. Allows to be released. When the ice release operation on the release operation lever 12 is completed and the release operation switch 16 is turned off (step S307), the control means C stops the excitation of the release solenoid 90 (step S308), and the shutter body 93 is closed. The ice discharge port 22 is closed by shifting the posture to the formation position. And if the ice discharge port 22 is closed, it will return to step S301 and will perform step S301 and step S302.

  On the other hand, during the ice making operation, a detection signal is output from the plunger detection sensor 120 to the operation signal detection means 121 in step S301 in a state where the condition that the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed continues. When the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it can be determined that the cause is that the plunger 92 has moved up due to the displacement of the posture of the shutter body 93, and the control means C can detect the abnormality of the shutter device 23 or the ice storage detection mechanism 70. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Then, the control means C turns on or blinks the abnormality notification lamp 15 to notify the occurrence of abnormality (step S309), and stops the operation of the ice dispenser ID (step S310).

  Therefore, according to the ice dispenser ID of the third embodiment, when ice S is generated in the ice making unit 20 by the ice making operation, the ice release operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed (the release operation switch 16 is Whether the plunger 92 in the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 is moved (whether the abnormality determination condition is satisfied) in the state where the precondition that the ice discharge operation of the discharge operation lever 12 is not detected is continued) By monitoring with the detection sensor 120, it is possible to appropriately determine the occurrence of an abnormality in the shutter device 23. Even if the shutter body 93 is not held in the closed position due to damage of the lock member 105 in the lock mechanism 95 of the shutter device 23 or damage of the torsion spring 106, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Further, it is possible to suitably prevent the ice S from being excessively generated by continuing the ice making operation of the ice making unit 20 with the ice S spilling from the opened ice discharge port 22. Even when the detection signal is not output from the ice storage detection switch 73 due to the damage of the ice storage detection plate 71 of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 or the abnormality of the ice storage detection switch 73, the ice S of the specified amount N or more in the ice storage unit 21. If the lock mechanism 95 or the like of the shutter device 23 is damaged by the pressure of the ice S that is increased by storing the water and the plunger 92 moves in accordance with the displacement of the shutter body 63, the ice storage detection mechanism 70 is abnormally generated. It is possible to recognize. Furthermore, when the abnormality notification lamp 15 is turned on or blinks, the occurrence of abnormality can be notified early and appropriately.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment. The ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment is the same as the ice dispenser ID of the first embodiment in the basic configuration of the ice making unit 20, the ice storage unit 21, the ice storage detection mechanism 70, and the shutter device 23. The abnormality determining means monitored by the monitoring means is different. Therefore, here, a configuration related to abnormality determination will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment includes an ice making water temperature detection sensor (first temperature detecting means) 125 that measures the temperature of ice making water supplied to the reservoir tank 28, and the refrigeration mechanism 27. A pipe temperature detection sensor (second temperature detection means) 126 for measuring the temperature of the cooling pipe (evaporator) 48 is provided. Further, the control means C as the abnormality determination means includes an ice making time calculating means 127 for calculating an ice making time (hereinafter referred to as “specified ice making time T”) required for generating the specified amount N of ice S in the ice making unit 20. The ice making time counting means 128 is provided as monitoring means for counting the ice making time. The ice making time calculating means 127 determines an abnormality that generates a specified amount N of ice S based on the ice making water temperature measured by the ice making water temperature detection sensor 125 and the temperature of the cooling pipe 48 measured by the pipe temperature detection sensor 126. The specified ice making time T as a condition is calculated.

  Here, the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment stipulates that ice S is generated in the ice making unit 20 over the calculated prescribed ice making time T in a state where the ice release operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed. Since the amount of ice S is generated, if there is no abnormality in the shutter device 23 or the ice storage detection mechanism 70, even if the ice storage unit 21 is empty when the ice making time counting means 128 starts counting, The ice storage unit 21 is filled with a predetermined amount N of ice S, and the ice storage detection switch 73 of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 should output a detection signal. Therefore, the control means C in the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment removes the prescribed amount N of ice S in a state where the precondition that the discharge operation switch 16 does not detect the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 continues. When the ice making time counting means 128 counts the specified ice making time T to be generated (when the abnormality determination condition is satisfied), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

(Operation of the fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 19, when the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment is activated by the activation switch 14, the control means C controls to start the ice making operation in the ice making unit 20 (step S400) and is stored. The ice making time count value that has been cleared is cleared (step S401). When the release operation switch 16 does not detect the ice release operation by the release operation lever 12, the water temperature of the ice making water measured by the ice making water temperature detection sensor 125 and the cooling pipe measured by the pipe temperature detection sensor 126 are detected. After calculating the specified ice making time T required for generating the specified amount N of ice S in the ice making unit 20 based on the temperature of 48 (step S401), the ice making time counting means 128 is started (step S403).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the ice making time count value of the ice making time counting means 128 has reached the prescribed ice making time T (step S404), and when it is determined that the ice making time count value has not reached the prescribed ice making time T. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the ice storage detection switch 73 is outputting a detection signal (step S405). If it is determined that the ice storage detection switch 73 is not outputting a detection signal, the process returns to step S404 to confirm again whether or not the ice making time count value has reached the specified ice making time T. Therefore, during the ice making operation, steps S404 and S405 are repeated to check whether the ice making time count value has reached the specified ice making time T and to check the output of the detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73.

  Further, during the ice making operation, if it is determined in step S405 that the ice storage detection switch 73 has output a detection signal, the ice making operation is stopped (step S406). The ice storage detection switch 73 waits until it detects that the ice storage detection plate 71 is lowered to the second position (step S407), and the ice storage detection plate 71 becomes the second position and the ice storage detection switch 73 detects the detection signal. When the output is stopped, the process returns to Step S400 to restart the ice making operation, and Steps S401 to S405 are executed again.

  Further, when the ice release operation is performed by the discharge operation lever 12 and the discharge operation switch 16 detects this while performing the steps S400 to S407 (step S408), the control means C Then, the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 is energized (step S409), the posture of the shutter body 93 is displaced to the open position, and the ice S in the ice storage unit 21 is transferred to the ice discharge unit 11 through the ice discharge port 22. Allows to be released. When the ice release operation on the release operation lever 12 is completed and the release operation switch 16 is turned off (step S410), the control means C stops the excitation of the release solenoid 90 (step S411), and the shutter body 93 is moved. The ice discharge port 22 is closed by changing the posture to the closed position. When the ice discharge port 22 is closed, the process returns to step S401 to clear the ice making time count value, and thereafter, step S402 and subsequent steps are executed.

  On the other hand, when the ice making operation is not performed by the discharging operation lever 12 during the ice making operation, the ice making time count value of the ice making time counting means 128 reaches the specified ice making time T in step S404. In the case where the abnormality determination condition is satisfied, the control means C does not output a detection signal from the ice storage detection switch 73 although the specified amount N of ice S is generated and supplied to the ice storage unit 21. It is determined that an abnormality of the shutter device 23 or an abnormality of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 has occurred. Then, the control means C turns on or blinks the abnormality notification lamp 15 to notify the occurrence of abnormality (step S412), and stops the operation of the ice dispenser ID (step S413).

  Therefore, according to the ice dispenser ID of the fourth embodiment, when ice S is generated in the ice making unit 20 by the ice making operation, the ice discharge operation by the discharge operation lever 12 is not performed (the discharge operation switch 16 is Whether or not the ice making time in the ice making unit 20 has reached the specified ice making time T required to generate the ice S of the specified amount N in the state where the precondition that the discharging operation of the discharging operation lever 12 is not detected continues) By monitoring (whether or not the abnormality determination condition is satisfied) by the ice making time counting means 128, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the shutter device 23 is abnormal or the ice storage detection mechanism 70 is abnormal. Then, when the shutter body 93 is not held in the closed position due to damage of the lock member 105 in the lock mechanism 95 of the shutter device 23 or damage of the torsion spring 106, the ice S spills from the opened ice discharge port 22. Even if the ice storage detection switch 73 cannot detect the ice S, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is preferable that the ice S 20 is excessively generated by continuing the ice making operation of the ice making unit 20. Can be prevented. Further, if the detection signal is not output from the ice storage detection switch 73 due to the damage of the ice storage detection plate 71 of the ice storage detection mechanism 70 or the abnormality of the ice storage detection switch 73, the operation is stopped when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. It is possible to suitably prevent the ice storage unit 21 and the shutter device 23 from being damaged by the pressure of the ice S stored in the unit 21 at a specified amount N or more. Furthermore, when the abnormality notification lamp 15 is turned on or blinks, the occurrence of abnormality can be notified early and appropriately.

(Change example)
The ice dispenser of this application is not limited to the structure illustrated in the said Example, It can be implemented in various changes.
(1) In the second embodiment, a plurality of ring-shaped coils 118 in the electromotive force generation unit 115 may be provided at a required interval in the moving direction of the plunger 92, or only one may be provided.
(2) In the third embodiment, the motion detection unit may be configured to directly detect the posture displacement of the shutter body 93, and may be configured to determine that an abnormality has occurred by detecting the posture displacement of the shutter body 93. .
(3) The shutter body 93 of the shutter device 23 is not limited to the swing type illustrated in the embodiment, and may be a slide type.
(4) In addition to the release operation lever illustrated in the embodiment, the ice release operation means 12 operates the switch as a release operation switch as a push button type switch or the like disposed on the front upper portion of the housing 10. Thus, the discharge solenoid 90 of the shutter device 23 may be configured to operate.
(5) In each of the first to fourth embodiments, the abnormality notification lamp 15 disposed on the front side of the housing is exemplified as the abnormality notification means. However, the abnormality notification means is not limited to the lamp, and a buzzer, A sound generation mode such as an alarm, a mode for transmitting an e-mail, a mode for calling a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone or a wireless device), and the like may be used.
(6) In the embodiment, a configuration in which an auger type ice maker is provided as the ice making unit 20 is illustrated, but the ice making unit 20 may be configured by a flow-down type ice maker, a cell type ice maker, or the like.

12 Discharge operation lever (ice discharge operation means), 15 Abnormality alarm lamp (abnormality alarm means)
16 Discharge operation switch (discharge operation detecting means), 20 ice making section, 21 ice storage section, 22 ice discharge port, 23 shutter device, 48 cooling pipe (cooling means)
70 ice storage detection mechanism (ice storage detection means), 90 discharge solenoid (operation means)
92 Plunger (operating part), 93 Shutter body 110 Water supply operation frequency counting means (monitoring means), 115 Electromotive force generating part 116 Electromotive force detecting means (monitoring means)
120 Plunger detection sensor (motion detection means, monitoring means)
125 Ice making water temperature detection sensor (first temperature detection means)
126 Pipe temperature detection sensor (second temperature detection means)
127 ice making time calculating means, 128 ice making time counting means (monitoring means)
C control means (abnormality determination means), D specified number of water supply operations (abnormality determination conditions), N specified amount, S ice T specified ice making time (abnormality determination conditions), WV water supply valve (water supply means)

Claims (5)

An ice making unit (20) that generates ice (S) from ice making water by ice making operation, and an ice release that can store the ice (S) generated in the ice making unit (20) and discharge the stored ice (S). An ice storage part (21) provided with an outlet (22), a shutter device (23) for opening and closing the ice discharge port (22), and a shutter device (22) for opening the ice discharge port (22) by an ice discharge operation ( In an ice dispenser comprising an ice discharge operating means (12) for operating 23),
Release operation detection means (16) for detecting the ice release operation of the ice release operation means (12),
Monitoring means (110/116/120/128) for monitoring the abnormality judgment condition;
On the precondition that the discharge operation detecting means (16) continues the state where the ice discharge operation means (12) does not detect the ice release operation, the abnormality determination condition in the monitoring means (110/116/120/128) An abnormality determination means (C) for determining the occurrence of an abnormality based on the fact that is established and stopping the operation of the ice making unit (20) ,
Ice storage detecting means (70) for detecting that a predetermined amount (N) of ice (S) is stored in the ice storage section (21), and ice making capable of generating a predetermined amount of ice (S) by one operation. Water supply means (WV) for supplying water to the ice making section (20), and water supply operation frequency counting means (110) as the monitoring means for counting the number of continuous water supply operations of the water supply means (WV),
The abnormality determination condition is a specified water supply operation count (D) of the water supply means (WV) for supplying ice making water necessary to generate the specified amount (N) of ice (S),
The water supply operation frequency count means (110) monitors whether the water supply operation frequency of the water supply means (WV) in the preconditions has reached the specified water supply operation frequency (D),
The abnormality determining means (C) determines that an abnormality has occurred when the water supply operation frequency counting means (110) counts the specified water supply operation frequency (D) and an abnormality determination condition is satisfied <br / > Ice dispenser characterized by that. The shutter device (23) includes a shutter body (93) that opens and closes the ice discharge port (22), and an operating unit (92) connected to the shutter body (93), and the ice discharge operation means ( 12) Actuating means (90) for moving the actuating part (92) to open the shutter body (93) based on the ice discharging operation, and the shutter body whose attitude is displaced to open the ice discharging port (22). An electromotive force generating section (115) that generates an electromotive force when the operating section (92) is moved by (93),
The ice dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring means (116) is an electromotive force detection means for monitoring the generation of an electromotive force as an abnormality determination condition in the electromotive force generation section (115). The shutter device (23) includes a shutter body (93) that opens and closes the ice discharge port (22), and an operating unit (92) connected to the shutter body (93), and the ice discharge operation means ( And 12) operating means (90) for moving the operating part (92) to open the shutter body (93) based on the ice discharge operation.
The ice dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring means (120) is an operation detection means for monitoring the displacement of the shutter body (93) or the operation of the operating portion (92), which is an abnormality determination condition. Ice storage detection means (70) for detecting that a predetermined amount (N) of ice (S) has been stored in the ice storage section (21), and detecting the temperature of the ice making water supplied to the ice making section (20). Continuous ice making time in the first temperature detecting means (125), the second temperature detecting means (126) for detecting the temperature of the cooling means (48) for cooling the ice making part (20), and the ice making part (20). Ice making time counting means (128) as the monitoring means for counting
The abnormality determination condition is that the specified amount (N) of ice in the ice making section (20) at the water temperature of the ice making water detected by the first and second temperature detecting means (125, 126) and the temperature of the cooling means (48). Is the specified ice making time (T) required to produce (S),
The ice making time counting means (128) monitors whether or not the ice making time in the ice making part (20) has reached the specified ice making time (T) in the preconditions,
The abnormality determination means (C) according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality making means (C) determines that an abnormality has occurred when the ice making time counting means (128) counts the specified ice making time (T) and an abnormality determination condition is satisfied. Ice dispenser. The ice dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising an abnormality notifying unit (15) for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality when the abnormality determining unit (C) determines that an abnormality has occurred.

Images