JP7441651B2 - ice maker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a detergent supply device and an ice maker.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, it has been known that an ice making machine performs a cleaning operation after a predetermined ice making operation time, and an example thereof is described in Patent Document 1. In the ice maker described in US Pat. No. 5,902,307, when a user presses a "clean" button on the control panel of the ice maker, an automatic descaling and disinfection process is initiated. The process includes a step in which the user temporarily interrupts the process in order to add descaling cleaning agent (detergent) to the main reservoir of the water sump (water tank). After the detergent has been added, the process is restarted when the user presses a button or the like on the control panel. Further, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a disinfectant in a disinfectant tank is automatically injected into the main water tank when the water level of the main water tank reaches the disinfection water level.

Patent No. 6506408

According to the ice maker disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user must manually add detergent and press a button to proceed with the process after completing the operation. Furthermore, since the entire amount of disinfectant is put into the main water tank, the user must replenish the disinfectant tank each time the disinfectant is added. For this reason, the working efficiency of the cleaning operation is low, and the actual situation is that it is difficult to increase the frequency of the cleaning operation.

The technology described in this specification was developed based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a detergent supply device that can automatically supply detergent with high work efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ice making machine that can be operated for cleaning using a detergent that is automatically supplied with high work efficiency.

A detergent supply device related to the technology described in the present specification includes a detergent container containing detergent, a detergent supply pipe for supplying the detergent from the detergent container, and a detergent supply device provided on a path of the detergent supply pipe, and A detergent transport pump for transporting liquid within the detergent supply pipe.

According to the detergent supply device configured as described above, by controlling the detergent transport pump, the supply amount (input amount) of detergent is adjusted, and the detergent supply pipe is passed through the detergent container to the object to be supplied (the ice maker). of detergent can be supplied automatically. As a result, detergent can be automatically supplied with high work efficiency.

Further, the detergent supply device includes a detergent discharge pipe connected to the detergent supply pipe to discharge the liquid in the detergent supply pipe to the outside. In this way, after the detergent is added, the detergent remaining in the detergent supply pipe can be discharged to the outside through the detergent discharge pipe. Additionally, the ice-making water used for rinsing the detergent can also be discharged.

Further, a connecting portion of the detergent supply pipe with the detergent discharge pipe is located between the detergent container and the detergent transport pump, and a connecting portion of the detergent supply pipe with the detergent discharge pipe is located between the detergent container and the detergent conveying pump. A first check valve for regulating the flow of liquid in the detergent supply pipe in a predetermined direction is provided in between, and a second check valve for regulating the flow of liquid in the detergent discharge pipe in a predetermined direction is provided in the detergent discharge pipe. A stop valve is provided. In this way, the detergent in the detergent supply pipe can be discharged to the outside through the detergent discharge pipe without backflowing. Furthermore, even if detergent leaks into the detergent supply pipe when the conveying pump is not in use due to a change in ambient temperature, etc., the leaked detergent and the ice-making water used to rinse the detergent can be discharged.

Further, the detergent conveying pump is a tube roller type pump. In this way, the direction of transport of the liquid in the detergent supply pipe can be easily changed by the direction of movement of the roller.

Further, the detergent conveying pump has a DC motor as a driving means. In this way, by changing the polarity of the voltage applied to the DC motor, the direction of transport of the liquid in the detergent supply pipe can be easily switched.

Further, the detergent container has a joint portion for connecting a coupling portion provided at the tip of the detergent supply pipe, and the joint portion extends into the detergent container so that the coupling portion can be inserted. an elastic in-container hose; and a cap having a through hole into which the in-container hose is inserted; closely related to the target. In this way, the detergent supply pipe and the detergent container can be connected with good sealing performance.

Further, the detergent supply device includes a housing that accommodates the detergent container and the detergent transport pump. In this way, the detergent container and the detergent transport pump can be housed together in the housing, and can be attached to the exterior member of the ice maker, etc., in a space-saving manner.

Moreover, the said housing|casing has a box body for accommodating the said detergent container, and the said box body has an opening for attaching and detaching the said detergent container. This makes it easy to attach and detach the detergent container through the opening, making it easy to replenish detergent.

Further, the detergent supply device includes a load sensor at the bottom of the box for detecting the weight of the detergent in the detergent container. In this way, it becomes possible to detect the weight (remaining amount) of detergent in the detergent container and, by extension, the amount of detergent supplied to the ice maker.

Further, the load sensor is a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects a change in load by a change in resistance value. In this way, the mass of detergent in the detergent container can be detected at low cost.

Further, the detergent supply device includes a first detergent supply device that supplies an alkaline first detergent, and a second detergent supply device that supplies an acidic second detergent. In this way, the ice making machine can be cleaned with an alkaline detergent and cleaned (sterilized) with an acidic detergent.

According to the ice maker equipped with the detergent supply device configured as described above, detergent can be automatically supplied with good work efficiency during the cleaning operation.

Further, the ice maker includes a water tank for storing ice-making water, and the tip of the detergent supply pipe is inserted into the water tank. In this way, the detergent is supplied into the water tank from the tip of the detergent supply pipe. The detergent is diluted with the ice-making water in the water tank, and the ice-making water channel can be cleaned with the diluted detergent.

Further, the detergent supply pipe is fixed to the lid of the water tank such that the tip thereof is disposed at a predetermined position within the water tank. In this way, the tip of the detergent supply pipe can be fixed at a predetermined position in the water tank.

The ice-making device also includes a water level sensor that detects the level of ice-making water in the water tank, and a control unit that controls the detergent conveying pump based on the detection result of the water level sensor. In this way, it becomes possible to control whether detergent is supplied or not depending on the water level in the water tank.

Further, the detergent supply device includes a load sensor for detecting the weight of the detergent in the detergent container, and the control section controls the detergent transport pump based on the detection results of the water level sensor and the load sensor. Control. In this way, the weight of the detergent in the detergent container can be detected by the load sensor, so the amount of detergent supplied can be controlled based on the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent container and the water level in the water tank. Become.

Further, the detergent conveying pump is a tube roller type pump, and the tube roller type pump is arranged in a direction in which the liquid can be conveyed from the water tank to the detergent supply pipe when the water level sensor detects a predetermined reference water level. driven by. In this way, ice-making water (for example, ice-making water with residual detergent) in the water tank can be sucked and discharged at the standard water level.

The water tank includes a main body that can store ice-making water, and communicates with the main body so that when the water level of the ice-making water in the main body exceeds an overflow water level, the ice-making water in the main body is overflowed. , and a drainage section capable of discharging overflowing ice-making water to the outside. In this way, the ice-making water can be discharged to the outside from the drainage section, so a separate drainage channel is not required. It will also be possible to wash the drainage section with overflowing ice-making water.

Further, a drain pipe connected to the downstream side of the drainage section in the drainage direction is provided with a check valve trap for regulating the water flow direction in a predetermined direction. This makes it possible to avoid contamination of the ice-making water due to backflow of wastewater flowing through the drainpipe.

According to the technology described in this specification, it is possible to provide a detergent supply device that can automatically supply detergent with high work efficiency. Further, it is possible to provide an ice making machine that can be operated for cleaning using a detergent that is automatically supplied with high work efficiency.

A block diagram showing the relationship between each component of the down-flow ice maker according to the first embodiment Schematic diagram of a down-flow ice maker Cross section of check valve trap Schematic diagram of detergent supply device Cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the detergent supply pipe to the lid body Exploded view of Figure 5 Front view showing the connection structure between the detergent container and the detergent supply pipe Top view showing the connection structure between the detergent container and the detergent supply pipe Side view showing the connection structure between the detergent container and the detergent supply pipe A-A cross-sectional view in Figure 9 Front view of part of the coupling part and joint part Top view of part of coupling part and joint part Side view of part of the coupling part and joint part BB line sectional view in Figure 13 Partial enlarged view of Figure 14 Top view of detergent conveying pump Perspective view showing the detergent supply device with the cover removed A perspective view showing how the detergent supply device is installed. Front view of detergent supply device Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 19 DD line sectional view in Figure 19 Perspective view of load sensor Schematic diagram showing a detergent supply device according to another embodiment A sectional view showing a water level sensor according to another embodiment A sectional view showing the shape of a tube joint according to another embodiment

<First embodiment>
A down-flow ice maker 10 (an example of an ice maker) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the down-flow ice maker 10 includes an ice making section 20, a freezing device 40, an ice making water channel 50, a control section 80, and a detergent supply device 90. The ice making section 20 makes ice. The refrigeration device 40 circulates a refrigerant and cools the ice making section 20 (specifically, the ice making plate 21). Further, a part of the refrigeration device 40 supplies the ice-making plate 21 with high-temperature refrigerant gas (high-temperature gas) for deicing the ice that has been made. The ice-making water channel 50 allows ice-making water to flow. The control unit 80 controls each unit based on a control program, detection results of various sensors, and the like. The detergent supply device 90 supplies detergent to the ice-making water channel 50 . Note that in this specification, ice-making water is not limited to water used for ice-making, but includes all water flowing through the ice-making water channel 50, such as water used for washing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration system 40 includes a compressor 41, a condenser 42, an expansion valve 43, and an evaporation pipe 44, which are connected by a refrigerant pipe 45. Compressor 41 compresses refrigerant gas. The condenser 42 cools and liquefies the compressed refrigerant gas by blowing air from a fan 46 . The expansion valve 43 expands the liquefied refrigerant. The evaporation tube 44 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is sandwiched between two ice-making plates 21 arranged oppositely. The evaporation pipe 44 evaporates the liquefied refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve 43 to cool the ice-making plate 21 . Further, the refrigeration device 40 further includes a fan 46, a dryer 47, and a first temperature sensor 48. The dryer 47 removes moisture mixed into the refrigeration device 40. The first temperature sensor 48 is provided at the outlet of the evaporation tube 44 in the refrigerant tube 45 and between the condenser 42 and the dryer 47, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant.

The refrigeration device 40 also includes a bypass pipe 30, a hot gas valve 31, and a second temperature sensor 32, as shown in FIG. Bypass pipe 30 supplies refrigerant gas (hot gas) compressed by compressor 41 to evaporation pipe 44 . The bypass pipe 30 has one end connected to a refrigerant pipe 45 located between the compressor 41 and the condenser 42, and the other end connected between the expansion valve 43 and the ice making plate 21. It is connected to the refrigerant pipe 45 located there, and serves as a flow path for hot gas. The hot gas valve 31 is a solenoid valve provided on the bypass pipe 30. By opening the hot gas valve 31, hot gas is supplied from the compressor 41 to the evaporation tube 44, and the evaporation tube 44 is heated. As a result, ice is removed from the ice making plate 21. The second temperature sensor 32 is provided on the exit side of the evaporation tube 44 of the ice-making plate 21, which will be described later, and detects the temperature of the ice-making plate 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ice making section 20 includes a plurality of ice making plates 21, a first water sprinkling pipe 24, a water sprinkling guide 25, and a second water sprinkling pipe 28. Each ice-making plate 21 is provided in a vertical position (a position crossing the horizontal direction). An evaporation tube 44 is interposed between a pair of ice-making plates 21 and 21 arranged oppositely. The ice-making plate 21 has a plurality of ice-making surfaces 21A extending in the vertical direction on a plate surface (front surface) opposite to the evaporation tube 44. The plurality of ice-making surfaces 21A are lined up along the horizontal direction, and adjacent ice-making surfaces 21A are partitioned by a plurality of partitions extending in the vertical direction.

The first water sprinkling pipe 24 is provided for each pair of ice-making plates 21, 21 that sandwich the evaporation pipe 44 therebetween. The first water pipe 24 sprinkles ice-making water from a first water pipe 53, which will be described later. The water sprinkling guide 25 guides the ice making water sprinkled from the first water sprinkling pipe 24 to each ice making surface 21A. Of the ice-making water guided to the ice-making surface 21A, the ice-making water that has not frozen flows down to the lower end of the ice-making plate 21 along the ice-making surface 21A, and flows into a water tank 60 (specifically, the main body 61), which will be described later. to fall. A drainboard is interposed between the ice-making plate 21 and the main body 61, and ice removed from the ice-making plate 21 is stored in the ice storage through the drainboard.

The second water sprinkling pipe 28 is provided between the pair of ice-making plates 21, 21. The second water sprinkling pipe 28 sprinkles ice-making water from a water pipe supplied through a water supply pipe 51, which will be described later, onto the surface opposite to the ice-making surface 21A (the back surface, the surface on the evaporation tube 44 side). The sprinkled ice-making water flows down along the back surface of the ice-making plate 21 and falls into the water tank 60 (specifically, the main body 61).

The ice-making water channel 50 allows ice-making water to flow. As shown in FIG. 2, the ice-making water passage 50 includes a water supply pipe 51, a water supply valve 52, a water tank 60, a water supply pump (pump motor) 65, and a first water supply pipe 53. An ice making section 20 is included on the road. The water supply pipe 51 supplies ice-making water from a water source (water pipe) to the second water sprinkling pipe 28 of the ice-making section 20 . The water supply valve 52 is provided on the water supply pipe 51 and switches whether or not ice-making water flows from the water pipe.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 60 is provided below the ice-making plate 21 so as to be able to store ice-making water that has fallen from the ice-making plate 21. The water tank 60 includes a main body part 61, a drainage part 62, a lid body 63, and a water level sensor (ultrasonic sensor) 64. The main body part 61 has a substantially box shape with an upward opening, and stores ice-making water in its internal space. The drainage section 62 is an overflow pipe, and is arranged above and below the outer circumference of the main body section 61. One end of the drain section 62 communicates with the upper part of the main body section 61, and the other end is connected to a second drain pipe 55, which will be described later. When the water level of the ice-making water in the main body part 61 becomes high enough to reach a water level that communicates with the drainage part 62 (exceeds the overflow water level), the ice-making water in the main part 61 overflows and overflows into the drainage part 62. The lid body 63 covers a part of the main body part 61 (excluding at least the area directly under the ice-making plate 21) and the upper part of the drainage part 62. The water level sensor 64 is a distance sensor, and is arranged on the lid 63 to detect the water level of ice-making water in the main body 61. By using an ultrasonic sensor as the water level sensor 64, the water level is detected linearly.

Regarding the water level in the main body 61, predetermined reference water levels (specifically, the first reference water level 61a, the second reference water level 61b, the third reference water level 61c, and the fourth reference water level 61d shown in FIG. 2) are set in advance. It is assumed that this has been set. The first reference water level 61a is the lowest water level required to start ice making operation. The second reference water level 61b is lower than the first reference water level 61a, and is the water level at which the ice-making operation ends and the ice removal operation begins. The third reference water level 61c is higher than the first reference water level 61a and is the same as the overflow water level of the drainage section 62. The fourth reference water level 61d is the same as the height of the bottom surface of the main body portion 61 (the bottom surface excluding the recessed portion for suction of the water pump 65).

As shown in FIG. 2, the water pump 65 is disposed within the main body 61 such that the suction port at the bottom thereof is located on the bottom side of the main body 61. The water pump 65 includes a pump motor whose rotational speed can be changed, and when the pump motor is driven, the water pump 65 sucks ice-making water from the main body 61 and discharges it into the first water pipe 53 . The first water pipe 53 extends vertically to connect the water pump 65 and the first water sprinkling pipe 24. The pump motor is specifically a DC motor (DC brushless motor), and by changing its rotational speed, the amount of water supplied to the first water pipe 53 can be adjusted. By pumping up the ice-making water with the water pump 65, the ice-making water can be circulated between the water tank 60 and the ice-making section 20. Specifically, the ice-making water in the main body 61 is circulated through the first water pipe 53, the first water pipe 24, the water guide 25, the ice-making plate 21 (ice-making surface 21A), and the main body 61.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the ice-making water flow path 50 includes a first drain pipe 54, a second drain pipe 55, a drain valve 56, a check valve trap 57, a second water pipe 58, and a circulation valve. 59. The first drain pipe 54 connects the middle part of the first water pipe 53 and the second drain pipe 55 and discharges the ice-making water in the first water pipe 53 to the second drain pipe 55. The second drain pipe 55 is connected to the lower part of the drain section 62 so as to communicate with the water tank 60 (specifically, the drain section 62 which is an overflow pipe), and discharges the ice-making water to the outside. A drain valve 56 is provided in the first drain pipe 54. When the water pump 65 is driven with the drain valve 56 open, the ice-making water in the main body 61 can flow into the first drain pipe 54 and be discharged to the outside through the second drain pipe 55.

In the down-flow ice maker 10, impurities contained in the ice making water are difficult to freeze on the ice making surface 21A and are collected in the main body 61, so that ice with extremely low impurities can be made. In other words, after the ice-making operation, the ice-making water in the main body 61 is concentrated water with a high impurity concentration. The ice-making water channel 50 having the drain valve 56 allows such concentrated water to be easily discharged to the outside of the machine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the check valve trap 57 is provided in the second drain pipe 55 on the downstream side in the drain direction from the connection part with the first drain pipe 54. The check valve trap 57 has a rubber valve 57A, as shown in FIG. , right to left). This makes it possible to avoid contamination of the ice-making water in the water tank 60 due to backflow of waste water. Furthermore, since the valve 57A can block the backflow of air, it is also possible to prevent foreign odors, bacteria, etc. from flowing in from the outside.

The second water pipe 58 connects the first drain pipe 54 and the water supply pipe 51, as shown in FIG. The circulation valve 59 is provided in the second water supply pipe 58. When the water pump 65 is driven with the circulation valve 59 open, the ice-making water in the main body 61 flows through the first water pipe 53, the second water pipe 58, the water supply pipe 51, the second water pipe 28, and the ice-making plate 21 ( (back surface) and the main body portion 61. The ice-making water channel 50 having the second water pipe 58 and the circulation valve 59 makes it possible to clean the space between the ice-making plates 21 and 21 (the bottom surface of the ice-making plate 21).

Next, the detergent supply device 90 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 4, the detergent supply device 90 includes a first detergent supply device 90a and a second detergent supply device 90b, which are housed in a housing 100 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. has been done. The first detergent supply device 90a supplies the alkaline first detergent WL1 to the main body 61 of the water tank 60. The second detergent supply device 90b supplies the acidic second detergent WL2 to the main body 61 of the water tank 60. The downflow ice maker 10 can perform cleaning with an alkaline detergent supplied from the first detergent supply device 90a (cleaning process) and cleaning with an acidic detergent supplied from the second detergent supply device 90b (sterilization process). can. Next, each part of the detergent supply device 90 will be explained in detail.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first detergent supply device 90a includes a first detergent container 91a, a first detergent supply pipe 92a, a first detergent transport pump 94a, and a first detergent discharge pipe 95a. The first detergent container 91a is a bag-shaped container made of an alkali-resistant material such as polypropylene, and stores the first detergent WL1 in its internal space. The first detergent WL1 is a concentrated detergent and is used after being diluted to a predetermined concentration. The first detergent supply pipe 92a connects the first detergent container 91a and the water tank 60. A tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a on the water tank 60 side is inserted into the internal space of the main body 61 of the water tank 60, as shown in FIG. The first detergent supply pipe 92a is fixed to the lid 63 so that the tip 92a1 is higher than the first reference water level 61a and lower than the third reference water level 61c.

Next, a structure for fixing the first detergent supply pipe 92a to the lid 63 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a tube joint 202a having an L-shaped cross section is provided at the connection portion of the first detergent supply pipe 92a with the lid 63. As shown in FIG. The outer surfaces of both ends of the tube joint 202a are formed in a bamboo saw shape (uneven cross section), and the outer surfaces fit into the bamboo saw shaped inner surface of the first detergent supply pipe 92a made of an elastic soft material. It's in close contact. Further, the fitting portion between one end of the tube joint 202a and the first detergent supply pipe 92a is tightened and fixed by a clamp 203a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 63 is formed with a hole 204a that passes through the lid 63 in the vertical direction. The upper part 204a1 of the hole 204a is chamfered in a tapered shape over the entire circumference. The tapered upper part 204a1 allows the tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a to be smoothly inserted into the hole 204a. Further, a ring 206a is provided above the hole 204a in the lid body 63 so that the hole 204a and the internal cavity communicate with each other. By inserting the first detergent supply pipe 92a into the hole 204a through the ring 206a, the first detergent supply pipe 92a is rotatably held perpendicularly to the lid 63. Furthermore, the upper surface of the ring 206a comes into contact with the regulating portion 202a1 provided on the tube joint 202a, so that the insertion length of the first detergent supply pipe 92a (and thus the vertical position of the tip 92a1) can be adjusted. The first detergent supply pipe 92a is configured such that the outer diameter of a portion 92a3 of the fitting portion with the tube joint 202a is larger than the diameter of the hole 204a. The portion 92a3 is caught on the lid 63 forming the hole 204a, so that the first detergent supply pipe 92a is fixed to the lid 63 so as not to slip out from the hole 204a.

On the other hand, the tip of the first detergent supply pipe 92a on the first detergent container 91a side communicates with the internal space of the first detergent container 91a, as shown in FIG. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first detergent supply pipe 92a is connected to the first detergent container 91a via a joint portion 98a and a coupling portion 99a. The first detergent supply pipe 92a is rotatably communicated with the first detergent container 91a with good sealing properties through a coupling portion 99a and a joint portion 98a. The joint portion 98a is provided at the bag-shaped upper part of the first detergent container 91a. The joint portion 98a includes an in-container hose 98a1, a cap 98a2, and a nut 98a3. The in-container hose 98a1 is a hose made of an elastic soft material, and extends vertically within the first detergent container 91a. The cap 98a2 fixes the upper end of the in-container hose 98a1. The nut 98a3 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the cap 98a2, and tightens and fixes the cap 98a2.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 15, the coupling portion 99a is provided at the tip of the first detergent supply pipe 92a on the first detergent container 91a side. The coupling portion 99a includes a coupling body 99a1, a coupling insert 99a2, and a detachable connecting portion 99a3. The coupling insert 99a2 is inserted into the upper end of the in-container hose 98a1. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the outer surface of the coupling insert 99a2 is formed into a bamboo saw shape, and is fitted with the bamboo saw shaped inner surface of the upper end of the container hose 98a1. When the connecting portion 99a3 is connected to the coupling body 99a1, the first detergent supply pipe 92a and the internal space of the coupling insert 99a2 are configured to communicate with each other. In addition, in order to prevent liquid leakage from inside the first detergent supply pipe 92a and liquid leakage from inside the first detergent container 91a when replenishing or replacing the first detergent WL1, the interior of the connecting portion 99a3 and the coupling body 99a1 is is equipped with a valve mechanism. This valve mechanism has a structure that opens when connected and closes when disconnected.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the cap 98a2 has a through hole through which the container hose 98a1 is inserted vertically, and has an upper part 98a21 with a tapered inner surface constituting the through hole, and an inner diameter (inner diameter). ) has a step portion 98a22 having a step. The in-container hose 98a1 is smoothly inserted into the through hole by the tapered upper part 98a21. Further, a projection 98a11 is formed on the bamboo-shaped outer surface of the container hose 98a1 so as to engage with the stepped portion 98a22. The projection 98a11 of the container hose 98a1 is caught on the stepped portion 98a22, and the bamboo-saw-shaped outer surface of the coupling insert 99a2 fits with the bamboo-saw-shaped inner surface of the container hose 98a1, so that the container hose 98a1 is attached to the cap. The cap 98a2 is compressed and inserted into the cap 98a2, and the cap 98a2 is tightly attached to the cap 98a2 by elastic restoring force, so that it does not come out from the cap 98a2.

The first detergent transport pump 94a is provided on the path of the first detergent supply pipe 92a, as shown in FIG. The first detergent conveying pump 94a is a tube roller type pump, and as shown in FIG. 16, it includes a plurality of rollers 94a1, a tube 94a2 whose both ends communicate with the first detergent supply pipe 92a, and a DC motor serving as a driving means. It has a motor (DC brush motor). The first detergent transport pump 94a uses a roller 94a1 to crush an elastic tube 94a2, and pushes out and transports the liquid (first detergent WL1, etc.) in the tube. In addition, the first detergent transport pump 94a can be rotated in the forward direction (clockwise in FIGS. 2, 4, and 16) or in the reverse direction (in the figure) by switching the polarity of the voltage applied to the DC motor. 2, counterclockwise in FIGS. 4 and 16).

When the first detergent transport pump 94a rotates forward, the first detergent WL1 in the first detergent container 91a is sucked by the first detergent transport pump 94a, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. The water is introduced into the main body 61 of the water tank 60 through the pipe 92a. The first detergent WL1 is diluted with the ice-making water in the main body 61, and the ice-making water flow path can be cleaned with the ice-making water in which the first detergent WL is diluted. The input amount (supply amount) of the first detergent WL1 can be set by detecting the amount of water in the main body 61 by the water level sensor 64, and by the control unit 80 according to the desired dilution level. Note that when the first detergent transport pump 94a rotates forward and the tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a is not immersed in the ice-making water, the first detergent WL1 is not allowed to come into contact with the ice-making water in the main body 61. It becomes possible to invest in

On the other hand, when the first detergent transport pump 94a rotates in the opposite direction and the tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a is immersed in ice-making water, the interior of the main body 61 is The ice-making water can be sucked into the first detergent supply pipe 92a to clean the inside of the pipe. Further, when the first detergent transport pump 94a rotates in the reverse direction and the tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a is not immersed in ice-making water, it is possible to prevent the first detergent WL1 from dripping into the main body 61. . Furthermore, when the first detergent transport pump 94a is not in use, the flow of liquid in the first detergent supply pipe 92a is stopped, making it possible to prevent the detergent in the first detergent container 91a from leaking.

The first detergent discharge pipe 95a connects the first detergent supply pipe 92a and the drain section 62 of the water tank 60, as shown in FIG. The first detergent discharge pipe 95a serves as a flow path for discharging the liquid (first detergent WL1, etc.) inside the first detergent supply pipe 92a to the outside. In the first detergent supply pipe 92a, a connecting portion 92a2 with the first detergent discharge pipe 95a is located between the first detergent container 91a and the first detergent transport pump 94a. Further, in the first detergent supply pipe 92a, a first check valve 96a is provided between the connecting portion 92a2 and the first detergent container 91a. The first check valve 96a regulates the flow of liquid within the first detergent supply pipe 92a in a predetermined direction. Specifically, in the first detergent supply pipe 92a, a flow from the first detergent container 91a to the first detergent transport pump 94a is allowed, and a flow from the first detergent transport pump 94a to the first detergent container 91a is regulated. . Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first detergent discharge pipe 95a is provided with a second check valve 97a. The second check valve 97a regulates the flow of liquid in the first detergent discharge pipe 95a in a predetermined direction. Specifically, in the first detergent discharge pipe 95a, the flow from the first detergent transport pump 94a toward the second drain pipe 55 is allowed, and the flow from the second drain pipe 55 toward the first detergent transport pump 94a is regulated. .

According to such a configuration, when the first detergent transport pump 94a rotates in the reverse direction and the tip 92a1 of the first detergent supply pipe 92a is immersed in ice-making water, as shown by the white arrow line in FIG. Next, the ice-making water in the main body part 61 is sucked by the first detergent transport pump 94a, and is discharged to the drainage part 62 through the first detergent discharge pipe 95a branching from the first detergent supply pipe 92a. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that the detergent in the first detergent container 91a leaks into the first detergent supply pipe 92a due to changes in ambient temperature etc. when the first detergent transport pump 94a is not in use, the leaked detergent and the detergent The ice-making water used for rinsing can be drained outside. Further, by providing the first detergent discharge pipe 95a, the first check valve 96a, and the second check valve 97a, the detergent in the first detergent supply pipe 92a will not flow back into the first detergent container 91a. Furthermore, by providing the downstream end of the first detergent discharge pipe 95a in the drainage section 62 as shown in FIG. It can also be washed.

The second detergent supply device 90b has the same configuration as the first detergent supply device 90a, and as shown in FIG. , a second detergent discharge pipe 95b. The structure, operation, and effect of each part of the second detergent supply device 90b are the same as those of the corresponding parts of the first detergent supply device 90a.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, the housing 100 has a detergent container 91 (a first detergent container 91a and a first detergent supply pipe 92a) and a detergent transport pump 94 (a first detergent transport pump) in its internal space. 94a and a second detergent transport pump 94b) and a load sensor 106 (a first load sensor 106a and a second load sensor 106b). As shown in FIG. 18, the casing 100 is hung and attached to the side of an exterior member 10A that can accommodate the main parts (ice-making section 20, etc.) of the down-flow ice maker 10. As a result, the detergent supply device 90 can be installed in a space-saving manner and can be easily attached and detached, so that it can be retrofitted as an option, for example.

As shown in FIG. 17, the housing 100 includes a wall 101, a cover 102, a first box 103, a second box 104, and a bottom storage 105. The wall 101 has a box shape that is open in the front direction and upward. The cover body 102 has an L-shape in side view so as to cover the opening of the wall body 101. The wall body 101 and the cover body 102 are screwed together to protect the container housed in the internal space. The first box 103 has a box shape with openings in the front direction and upward, and is suspended and fixed to the wall 101 by a hinge 101a and arranged inside the wall 101, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. ing. The first box body 103 accommodates the first detergent container 91a in its internal space. Since the first box body 103 is open in the front direction and upward, the first detergent container 91a can be easily attached and detached. As a result, it becomes easy to replenish the first detergent WL1 into the first detergent container 91a.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, an identification tape 103a is attached between the side walls of the first box 103 so as to cover a part of the opening in the front direction. The identification tape 103a prevents the first detergent container 91a from falling from the first box 103, and the color of the identification tape 103a makes it possible to easily identify the type of detergent contained therein. The second box 104 has the same configuration as the first box 103, is provided with an identification tape 104a, and accommodates the second detergent container 91b. Inside the wall 101, the first box 103 and the second box 104 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 17, the bottom storage 105 is a box disposed at the bottom of the wall 101, and accommodates a first detergent transport pump 94a and a second detergent transport pump 94b in its internal space.

In the case 100, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, on the back side of the first box 103 and the second box 104, the first box 103 and the second box 104 and the wall 101 Parts of various pipes (first detergent supply pipe 92a, second detergent supply pipe 92b, etc.) are accommodated between them. As shown in FIG. 19, one side wall constituting the wall body 101 is provided with a plurality of joints 101b each connected to various types of pipes accommodated therein.

The first load sensor 106a is provided at the bottom of the first box 103, as shown in FIG. 20, and detects the load applied to the first box 103. Since the first load sensor 106a can detect the weight (remaining amount) of the first detergent WL1 in the first detergent container 91a, it becomes possible to check the amount of the first detergent WL1 poured into the main body 61. . As a result, for example, if the remaining amount of the first detergent WL1 in the first detergent container 91a is insufficient while putting the first detergent WL into the main body part 61, the user can remove the first detergent WL1 from the first detergent container 91a. By replenishing WL1, the remaining amount can be added. As shown in FIG. 22, the first load sensor 106a is a thin film-like pressure-sensitive sensor, and includes a detection part 106a1 and a wiring part 106a2. When a load is applied to the detection part 106a1, the wiring part The electrical resistance between 106a2 increases. By using a pressure sensor, weight changes can be detected at low cost.

The second load sensor 106b is provided at the bottom of the second box 104, as shown in FIG. 21, and detects the load on the second box 104. The second load sensor 106b has the same configuration as the first load sensor 106a. The first load sensor 106a and the second load sensor 106b make it possible to detect the weight (remaining amount) of each detergent, which in turn makes it possible to put an appropriate amount of detergent into the water tank 60 for each detergent.

The control unit 80 is mainly composed of a controller IC (including a CPU). The control unit 80 executes a control program recorded in a storage unit such as ROM or RAM to control user operations and each sensor (water level sensor 64, first temperature sensor 48, second temperature sensor 32, Based on the detection results of the first load sensor 106a and the second load sensor 106b, each device (refrigeration device 40, water pump 65, water supply valve 52, drain valve 56, circulation valve 59, first detergent transport pump 94a, second Controls the operation of the detergent transport pump 94b). Further, the storage unit can store various setting values related to the operation of the ice maker.

Next, a method of operating the above-described down-flow ice maker 10 will be explained. The downflow ice maker 10 automatically switches and executes an ice making operation, a deicing operation, a draining operation, and a cleaning operation using the control unit 80. The order, number of times, and combinations of the ice-making operation, washing operation, and draining operation can be set as appropriate by the control program, and an example thereof will be explained below.

First, ice making operation will be explained. When the ice-making operation is started, the water level in the main body 61 of the water tank 60 is detected by the water level sensor 64. When the water level is less than the first reference water level 61a, the main body portion 61 is replenished with ice-making water. Additionally, the water pump 65 is driven. During the ice-making operation, the second temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the water flowing down the ice-making plate 21, and the control unit 80 changes the rotational speed of the water pump 65 to adjust the cooling efficiency of the ice-making water, as necessary. Furthermore, as the ice grows on the ice-making surface 21A, the water level inside the main body 61 drops, so the drop in water level is detected in real time by the water level sensor 64, and the rotation speed of the water pump 65 is adjusted by the control unit 80. . When the second reference water level 61b is detected by the water level sensor 64, a timer set for a predetermined time is started, and when the set time of the timer ends, it is determined that ice making is complete, and the operation shifts to draining operation and deicing operation. do.

Explain about drainage operation. After ice making is completed in the ice making operation, the control unit 80 drives the water pump 65 with the drain valve 56 open. Thereby, the ice-making water in the main body part 61 passes through the first drain pipe 54, the drain part 62, and the second drain pipe 55 in this order and is discharged to the outside. When the fourth reference water level 61d is detected by the water level sensor 64, the water pump 65 is stopped after a predetermined time (for example, several minutes) has passed, and drainage is completed.

Deicing operation will be explained. After ice making is completed in the ice making operation, the control unit 80 opens the hot gas valve to warm the ice making plate 21 . Further, upon completion of the drainage operation, the control unit 80 opens the water supply valve 52 and causes ice making water to flow between the ice making plates 21 through the second water sprinkling pipe 28, thereby warming the ice making plate 21. As a result, the ice adhering to the ice making surface 21A is melted and removed. When the second temperature sensor 32 detects a preset deicing temperature (for example, 9° C.), the deicing operation ends. More specifically, after detecting the deicing temperature, a timer set for a predetermined time is activated, and when the set time of the timer ends, it is determined that deicing is complete and the ice making operation is started again. In addition, in the deicing operation, the water flowing down the ice-making plate 21 from the second water sprinkling pipe 28 is collected into the main body 61, and when the first reference water level 61a is detected by the water level sensor 64, it is filled with water. The ice-making water in the main body 61 is used for the next ice-making operation.

Next, the cleaning operation will be explained. The cleaning operation is automatically executed after ice making is completed when the ice making operation is executed a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time. First, a cleaning process using the first detergent supply device 90a will be explained. In the cleaning process, when the water level in the main body 61 is less than the third reference water level 61c, the water supply valve 52 is opened and the main body 61 is replenished with ice-making water. This makes it possible to clean the water tank 60 near the water surface line of the first reference water level 61a. Further, the circulation valve 59 is opened to drive the water pump 65, and the first detergent transport pump 94a is driven in forward rotation to supply the first detergent WL1 into the main body 61 from the first detergent supply pipe 92a. Thereafter, as described above, the ice-making water flows down the ice-making surface 21A (surface) of the ice-making plate 21 through the circulation path (inside the main body 61, the first water pipe 53, the first water pipe 24, the water guide 25, the ice-making surface). 21A, an ice-making water flow path 50 that circulates within the main body 61), and a circulation path through which ice-making water flows down the back surface of the ice-making plate 21 (inside the main body 61, first water pipe 53, second water pipe 58, water supply pipe 51, the ice-making water is circulated through the second water sprinkling pipe 28, the back surface of the ice-making plate 21, and the ice-making water channel 50 that circulates within the main body 61, and each of these circulation channels is washed with an alkaline detergent. The circulation cleaning is performed for a predetermined period of time, and the cleaning effect is enhanced by changing the rotational speed of the water pump 65 or repeating driving and stopping of the water pump 65. For example, the dirt removal effect can be enhanced by intermittently switching the water pump 65 between high-speed rotation drive and medium-speed rotation drive, or by stopping the water pump 65 for several minutes and then driving it again.

The control unit 80 confirms that a predetermined amount of the first detergent WL1 has been added based on the driving time of the first detergent transport pump 94a and the detection result of the first load sensor 106a, and stops the first detergent transport pump 94a. and finish the injection. Note that the predetermined input amount of the first detergent WL1 is set to, for example, about 5% of the capacity (water amount) of the main body portion 61. After the cleaning process is completed, drain operation is performed.

Next, a sterilization process using the second detergent supply device 90b will be explained. The sterilization process differs from the above-described cleaning process in that the second detergent transport pump 94b is driven in the normal rotation to inject the second detergent WL2 into the main body 61 from the second detergent supply pipe 92b. The rest of the process is carried out in the same manner as the cleaning process, so redundant explanation will be omitted. In the sterilization process, the circulation path through which ice-making water flows down the ice-making surface 21A (front surface) of the ice-making board 21 and the circulation path through which ice-making water flows down the back surface of the ice-making board 21 are sterilized and cleaned with an acidic detergent.

When it is confirmed that a predetermined amount of detergent has been added based on the driving time of the second detergent transport pump 94b and the detection result of the second load sensor 106b, the control unit 80 stops the second detergent transport pump 94b and ends the injection. . Note that the predetermined input amount of the second detergent WL2 is set to, for example, about 3% of the capacity (water amount) of the main body portion 61. After the sterilization process is completed, drain operation is performed.

Next, a rinsing process for rinsing the first detergent supply pipe 92a and the second detergent supply pipe 92b will be described. When the sterilization process and the drainage operation after the sterilization process are completed in the cleaning operation, the rinsing process is started. The control section 80 opens the water supply valve 52 to continue supplying ice-making water into the main body section 61 . As a result, the ice-making water overflows from inside the main body part 61 and continues to overflow into the drainage part 62. When the third reference water level 61c is detected by the water level sensor 64, the control unit 80 drives the first detergent transport pump 94a to rotate in reverse. As a result, the ice-making water in the water tank 60 (main body part 61) flows into the first detergent discharge pipe 95a through the first detergent supply pipe 92a, and is discharged into the second drain pipe 55. As a result, the first detergent supply pipe 92a can be rinsed with ice-making water, and the first detergent WL1 remaining in the first detergent supply pipe 92a can be discharged to the outside. When the first detergent transport pump 94a is driven to rotate in reverse for a predetermined period of time, the first detergent transport pump 94a is stopped, and then the second detergent transport pump 94b is driven to rotate in reverse. As a result, the ice-making water in the water tank 60 (main body part 61) flows into the second detergent discharge pipe 95b through the second detergent supply pipe 92b, and is discharged into the second drain pipe 55. As a result, the second detergent supply pipe 92b can be rinsed with ice-making water, and the second detergent WL2 remaining in the second detergent supply pipe 92b can be discharged to the outside. When the second detergent transport pump 94b is driven to rotate in reverse for a predetermined period of time, the second detergent transport pump 94b is stopped, the water supply valve 52 is closed, and water supply into the main body 61 is ended.

After rinsing, perform drainage operation. Note that during the drainage process, when the first reference water level 61a is detected by the water level sensor 64, the first detergent transport pump 94a and the second detergent transport pump 94b are driven to rotate in reverse. Thereby, the ice-making water in the first detergent supply pipe 92a, the second detergent supply pipe 92b, the first detergent discharge pipe 95a, the second detergent discharge pipe 95b, and the tubes 94a2 and 94b2 can be drained. When the fourth reference water level 61d is detected by the water level sensor 64, the water pump 65, the first detergent transport pump 94a, and the second detergent transport pump 94b are stopped after a predetermined period of time (for example, several minutes) has elapsed. The rinsing process is completed by repeating the above operations multiple times. At the end of the cleaning operation, the ice-making water in the first detergent supply pipe 92a, the second detergent supply pipe 92b, the first detergent discharge pipe 95a, the second detergent discharge pipe 95b, and the tubes 94a2 and 94b2 is in a drained state. .

The detergent supply device 90 configured as described above includes a first detergent container 91a that accommodates the first detergent WL1, a first detergent supply pipe 92a for supplying the first detergent WL1 from the first detergent container 91a, and a first detergent supply pipe 92a for supplying the first detergent WL1 from the first detergent container 91a. A first detergent transport pump 94a is provided on the path of the supply pipe 92a to transport the liquid in the first detergent supply pipe 92a. In this way, by controlling the first detergent transport pump 94a, detergent is automatically supplied to the object to be supplied (water tank 60) while adjusting the supply amount (input amount) of the first detergent WL1. become able to. As a result, detergent can be automatically supplied with high work efficiency. Further, the down-flow ice maker 10 can perform a cleaning operation using the first detergent WL1 that is automatically supplied by the detergent supply device 90 with high work efficiency.

<Other embodiments>
The technology described in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; for example, the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the technology described in this specification.

(1) The downstream end of the first detergent discharge pipe 95a in the drainage direction may be connected to the second drainage pipe 55 without the drainage part 62, as shown in FIG.

(2) The water level sensor 64 may be a water level sensor other than an ultrasonic sensor. For example, a plurality of electrodes or capacitors may be provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the water tank 60, or, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the reflected light of the infrared distance sensor 164 may be reflected by a float 164A floating on the water surface to control water level fluctuations. The water level may be detected using a structure that detects a linear water level.

(3) The number of ice-making plates 21 is not limited to the number shown in the figure, and may be one or more, and can be changed as appropriate according to specifications.

(4) The shape of the water tank 60 may be any other shape capable of storing ice-making water. Further, in the water tank 60, the drainage portion 62 may be disposed at a location other than the corner portion of the main body portion 61.

(5) The check valve trap 57 may be provided in another drain pipe downstream of the second drain pipe 55 in the drainage direction, or may be provided in a pipe extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. I do not care. Further, it may be configured so that it can be used for both pipes extending in the horizontal direction and in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction.

(6) The first detergent transport pump 94a and the second detergent transport pump 94b may use DC brushless motors as driving means. By changing the rotation speed of the motor, the transport speed of the liquid within the tubes 94a2, 94b2 can be adjusted.

(7) The first load sensor 106a and the second load sensor 106b may be load sensors other than pressure-sensitive sensors that detect changes in load by changes in resistance value.

(8) The bamboo saw shape on the outer surface of the tube joint 202a and the bamboo saw shape on the inner surface of the first detergent supply pipe 92a that fits therein may be other shapes as shown in FIG. 25, for example. I do not care.

(9) The input amounts of the first detergent WL1 and the second detergent WL2 are determined by only the driving time of the first detergent transport pump 94a and the second detergent transport pump 94b, or by the driving time of the first detergent transport pump 106a and the second load sensor 106b, respectively. Control may be performed only based on the detection results.

(10) The down-flow ice maker 10 may be operated by manually switching between ice-making operation, de-icing operation, drainage operation, and cleaning operation by the user's operation.

(11) The technology described in this specification is also applicable to other types of ice makers having water tanks (for example, auger ice makers, drum ice makers, water storage ice makers).

10: Downstream ice maker (ice maker), 57: Check valve trap, 60: Water tank, 61: Main body, 62: Drainage section, 63: Lid, 64, 164: Water level sensor, 80: Control section, 90: Detergent supply device, 90a, 90b: First, second detergent supply device (detergent supply device), 91a, 91b: First, second detergent container (detergent container), 92a, 92b: First, second detergent Supply pipe (detergent supply pipe), 94a, 94b: first, second detergent transport pump (detergent transport pump), 95a, 95b: first, second detergent discharge pipe (detergent discharge pipe), 96a, 96b: first Check valve, 97a, 97b: Second check valve, 97a, 97b: Second check valve, 98a, 98b: Joint part, 98a1: Hose in container, 98a2: Cap, 99a, 99b: Coupling part, 100 : Housing, 103, 104: First and second boxes (boxes), 106a, 106b: First and second load sensors (load sensors), WL1, WL2: First and second detergents (detergent)

Claims (14)

Ice making department,
a water tank that stores ice-making water supplied to the ice-making section;
a detergent supply device that supplies detergent to the water tank;
comprising a control unit;
The detergent supply device includes:
a detergent container containing detergent;
a detergent supply pipe for supplying the detergent from the detergent container;
a detergent transport pump that is provided on the path of the detergent supply pipe and is for transporting the liquid in the detergent supply pipe and can be driven in a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction ;
a detergent discharge pipe connected to the detergent supply pipe to discharge the liquid in the detergent supply pipe to the outside ;
A connection part of the detergent supply pipe with the detergent discharge pipe is located between the detergent container and the detergent transport pump,
The detergent supply pipe between the connection part and the detergent container allows liquid to flow in the detergent supply pipe from the detergent container to the detergent transport pump, and from the detergent transport pump to the detergent container. a first check valve regulating the flow of liquid in the detergent supply pipe;
The detergent discharge pipe includes a second check that allows the flow of liquid in the detergent discharge pipe toward the outside from the detergent conveyance pump and restricts the flow of liquid in the detergent discharge pipe toward the detergent conveyance pump from the outside. A valve is provided,
In a cleaning operation for cleaning the ice making unit and the water tank, the control unit may perform
The detergent is supplied to the water tank by driving the detergent transport pump in the forward rotation direction, and a predetermined amount of the detergent is added to the water tank based on the driving time of the detergent transport pump. When it is confirmed that the detergent has been added, the detergent conveying pump is stopped to finish adding the detergent to the water tank;
An ice maker that discharges liquid in the detergent supply pipe to the outside from the detergent discharge pipe by driving the detergent transport pump in the reverse rotation direction . The ice maker according to claim 1 , wherein the detergent conveying pump is a tube roller type pump. The ice maker according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the detergent conveying pump has a DC motor as a driving means. The detergent container has a joint portion for connecting a coupling portion provided at an end of the detergent supply pipe on the detergent container side ,
The joint part is
an elastic container hose that extends into the detergent container so that the coupling portion can be inserted therein;
a cap having a through hole into which the internal hose of the container is inserted;
The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein an outer surface of the in-container hose is elastically in close contact with an inner surface of the cap constituting the through hole. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the detergent supply device includes a casing that accommodates the detergent container and the detergent transport pump. The casing has a box body for accommodating the detergent container,
The ice maker according to claim 5 , wherein the box has an opening for attaching and detaching the detergent container. The ice maker according to claim 6 , wherein the detergent supply device includes a load sensor at the bottom of the box for detecting the weight of the detergent in the detergent container. The ice-making machine according to claim 7 , wherein the load sensor is a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects a change in load by a change in resistance value. 9. The control unit confirms that the amount of the detergent has been added to the water tank based on the drive time of the detergent transport pump and the detection result of the load sensor. ice maker. The detergent supply device includes a first detergent supply device that supplies an alkaline first detergent, and a second detergent supply device that supplies an acidic second detergent. The ice maker described in . The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the water tank side end of the detergent supply pipe is inserted into the water tank. 12. The ice maker according to claim 11 , wherein the detergent supply pipe is fixed to the lid of the water tank such that the tip on the water tank side is disposed at a predetermined position within the water tank. The water tank is
A main body that can store ice-making water;
a drainage part that communicates with the main body so that the ice-making water in the main body is overflowed when the water level of the ice-making water in the main body exceeds an overflow water level, and is capable of discharging the overflowing ice-making water to the outside; The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: 14. The ice maker according to claim 13 , wherein the drain pipe connected to the downstream side of the drainage section in the drainage direction is provided with a check valve trap for regulating the water flow direction in a predetermined direction.

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