JPH0445366A - Automatic ice making device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform an automatic storing of a large amount of ices having a high transparency and a high purity in an ice storing box by a method wherein an ice making process is started from an upper surface of the ice making pan and non-freezed water containing gaseous component or some impurities discharged downwardly is separated from it. CONSTITUTION:A predetermined amount of water in a water supplying tank 36 is supplied into an ice making pan 16 through an ice storing pan 39 and through a water supplying pipe 41. One-way freezing operation is carried out from a water surface to a lower part under a thermal insulating action provided by a thermal insulation tank 9, a heating operation with a heater 15 from a lower surface and a cold air within a freezing chamber 7. Gaseous components or impurites in the water are discharged into the lower water and the ice crystals are formed. Then, as the first supporting shaft driving device 23 is operated at such a time as one in which the ices show a proper thickness, the ice making pan 16 is reversed in its rotation to remove ices, resulting in that the ices are dropped onto a water drain pan. Non- freezed water containing gaseous components and having a high degree of concentration of impurities is separated and its water is drained and the water is discharged through the water discharging pipe. The water drain pan having some ices therein is rotated in a reverse direction by a driving device for the second supporting shaft 22 and the ices having a high degree of transparency and high degree of purity are dropped and stored into an ice storing box.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic ice-making device that is installed in a refrigerator and is particularly capable of automatically producing transparent ice.

2. Description of the Related Art An example of an automatic ice making device that has been used in some home refrigerators is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 17139/1983. A conventional example will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator body, which is composed of an outer box 2, an inner box 3, and a heat insulating material 4 filled between the outer box 2 and the inner box 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes a partition wall which divides the inside of the refrigerator main body l into upper and lower parts, and has a freezer compartment 7 in the upper part. A refrigerating chamber 8 is defined in the lower part.

1O is a cooler, which constitutes a part of the refrigeration cycle provided on the back side of the freezer compartment 7. Reference numeral II denotes a blower, which is used to forcefully ventilate the cold air cooled by the cooler 0 to the freezer compartment 7 and the refrigerator compartment 8.

Next, the ice making machine will be explained based on FIG.

Reference numeral 51 denotes an automatic ice maker, which is installed in the freezer compartment 7 and includes a drive device 52 that includes a motor, a group of reduction gears (not shown), etc., and an ice tray 54 that has a support shaft 53 connected and fixed to the center thereof.
, a frame 55 for pivotally supporting the ice making tray 54 on the driving device 52, and the like.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a stopper, which is provided on a part of the outer shell of the drive device 52 in order to deform the ice tray 54 and remove ice. Reference numeral 57 denotes a backing plate, which is attached to one end of the ice tray 54 so as to come into contact with the stopper 56. Further, 58 is an ice storage box, which is connected to the automatic ice making machine 51.
It is provided below the ice making machine 51 so that ice made by the ice making machine 51 can be stored therein.

Furthermore, the water supply device to the automatic ice maker will be explained based on FIG. 7. A water storage tank 36 is for storing water for ice making, and is detachably provided in one section of the refrigerator compartment 8. Further, 37 is a water supply port, which is connected to the water supply tank 3.
6 and is opened and closed by a valve 38. Reference numeral 39 denotes a water storage tray, which is provided below the water supply port 37 of the water supply tank 36. When the water supply tank 36 is set with the water supply port 37 facing downward, the valve 38 is pushed up and the water supply port 37 is opened. is configured so that it is opened. Further, 40 is a water supply pump for pumping water received in the water storage tray 39, and is connected to a water supply pipe 41, and the outlet of the water supply pipe 41 is connected to the ice tray 54 of the automatic ice maker 51. It is arranged so that you can face it.

In the above configuration, when the water supply tank 36 filled with water is first set in a predetermined position by the user, the valve 38 is pushed up, the water supply port 37 is opened, and the water storage tray 39 is filled with water. It will be done. Thereafter, the filled water is pumped up by the water supply pump 40 and poured into the ice tray 54 via the water supply pipe 41.

In this way, a predetermined amount of water is poured into the ice cube tray 54 into the freezer compartment 7.
The cooling effect within the container causes it to freeze, producing ice. When the ice making is finished, the ice making tray 54 is rotated and reversed around the support shaft 53 by the rotational action of the drive device 52, and the stopper 56 comes into contact with the backing plate 57, causing the ice making tray 54 to be distorted and deformed. The ice within 54 is released. Further, the ice that has been released falls into the ice storage box 58 and is stored therein, and the ice tray 54 whose ice removal action has been completed is returned to the drive device 52.
Reverse rotation [Return to the original state by action. Thereafter, this action is repeated until the water in the water storage tank 36 is used up, thereby automatically making ice and storing water.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with the ice making device as described above, when ice is generated, the water in the ice tray 54 freezes at the contact surface between the ice tray 54 and the water and between the cold air and the water. As the water progresses from the contact surface to the center, gaseous components, soluble salts, and insoluble impurities dissolved in the water are trapped in the center of the ice, resulting in a cloudy and opaque center. Another problem is that the purity of the ice is low and the taste is poor, making it unsuitable for recreational use, such as for drinks such as whisky.

The present invention solves the above problems.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making device that can produce highly transparent ice with high purity and no impurities.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the automatic ice-making device of the present invention, such as a refrigerator, has an insulating tank with an open top surface provided in one section of the freezer compartment, and a heat-insulating tank with an inner surface centered on the bottom of the insulating tank. a heater arranged therein, an ice making tray superimposed on the inner surface from the opening of the heat insulating tank, a first support shaft connected and fixed to one end of the ice making tray, a draining tray installed in parallel with the ice making tray, and the draining tray. a second support shaft connected and fixed to one end of the tray; a drive device that rotates the ice tray about the first support shaft; and a drive device that rotates the draining tray about the second support shaft; , a drain tray provided below the draining tray, a first drain pipe connected to the drain tray and having a heating means, and a heating means connected to the inner bottom of the insulation tank and the first drain pipe. The second drain pipe and ii? l 3c!
an ice storage box provided adjacent to the drain tray; a water tank provided outside the freezing room; a water storage tray for storing water from the water tank; a water pump for pumping water from the water storage tray; It consists of a water supply pipe connected to a pump and led to the top surface of the ice tray.

In the present invention, when a predetermined amount of water in the water supply tank is supplied into the ice tray via the water supply pipe via the water storage tray, the cold air inside the freezing chamber is This causes a unidirectional freezing effect from the ice surface downwards, and ice crystals are formed while gaseous components and impurities in the water are discharged into the water below. Next, when the first support shaft drive device is activated when the ice reaches an appropriate thickness, the ice making tray rotates and reverses to remove the ice, causing the ice to fall onto the draining tray and release the gas. Unfrozen water containing ingredients and having a high concentration of impurities is separated, drained, and drained through the drain tray and drain pipe below.

In addition, the dissolved water that accumulates at the bottom of the inner surface of the insulation tank can be drained through the drain pipe.When the draining tray on which the ice is placed is rotated and reversed by the drive device of the second support shaft, high transparency and purity can be achieved. Ice falls into the ice storage box and collects water.

EXAMPLE Hereinafter, an automatic ice making apparatus such as a refrigerator, which is an example of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

FIG. 1 shows a refrigerator main body 1, which is composed of an outer box 2, an inner box 3, and a heat insulating material 4 filled between the outer box 2 and the inner box 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes a partition wall that partitions the inside of the refrigerator main body 1 into a freezer compartment 7 in the upper part and a refrigerator compartment 8 in the lower part. 9 is a recessed heat insulating tank, and 10 is a cooler, which constitutes a part of the refrigeration cycle. ! Reference numeral 1 denotes a blower, which forces cooled air into the freezer compartment 7 and refrigerator compartment 8.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recessed heat insulating tank 9
An outer frame 1 made of resin is placed on top and has an open top surface.
2, a metal plate 13 (for example, an aluminum plate) disposed on the bottom of the recess, and a heat insulating material 1 surrounded by the outer frame 12 and the metal plate 13.
4, and a heater 15 that is thermally conductively fixed to the back surface of the metal plate 13.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 16 denotes an ice tray, which has an outer shape so as to overlap with the inner surface of the heat insulating tank 9, and is formed in a small section 17, a partition frame 18 that partitions this small section 17, and this partition frame. It is composed of a communication groove 19 that allows the small sections 17 to communicate with each other. Reference numeral 20 denotes a grid-shaped draining tray, which is arranged in parallel with the ice making tray 16, with a first support shaft 21 at one end of the ice making tray 16, and a second supporting shaft 22 at one end of the draining tray 2o. Connection is fixed. 23 is a drive device that rotates the first support shaft 21 and the second support shaft 22 to rotate the ice tray 16;
The draining plate 2o can be rotated, and a motor, reduction gear group, etc. (not shown) are built inside. A frame 24 pivotally supports the ice making tray 16 and the draining tray 2o on the drive device 23 via the first support shaft 21 and the second support shaft 22.

Reference numerals 25 and 26 denote stoppers, which are provided on a part of the outer shell of the drive device 23. Reference numerals 27 and 28 denote a backing plate, and when the ice tray 15 and the draining tray 2o are inverted, the stopper 2
5. The ice tray 16 and the draining tray 2 are in contact with the ice cube tray 26.
0 respectively.

In FIG. 3, the reference numeral 29 denotes a drain tray, which is provided below the drain tray 20, and the reference numeral 30 denotes a first drain pipe, which is attached to the drain tray 29.
The heaters 31 and 32 are respectively connected in a thermally conductive manner. Reference numeral 33 denotes a second drain pipe, which is connected to the inner bottom surface of the heat insulating tank 9 and the drain pipe 30, and a heater 34 is disposed for thermal conduction.

Further, 35 is an ice storage box, which is provided adjacent to the drain tray 29 below the drain tray 20 when it is in an inverted position. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, the first drain pipe 30 penetrates through the heat insulating material 6 of the partition wall 5 and the heat insulating material 4 of the main body 1, and extends through the main body l.
It communicates with a machine room 42 provided at the bottom of the machine. and 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes an evaporation bag device, which is comprised of a heating plate 46 to which a high-temperature, high-pressure heating tube 45 connected from a compressor 44 of the refrigeration cycle is closely attached, and an evaporation plate 47 placed on the heating plate 46. Further, 48 is a water guide pipe, which is connected to the outlet of the first drain pipe 3o so as to lead water into the inside of the evaporating dish 47.

In FIG. 1, a water supply device will be explained.

A water supply pipe 41 is used to supply water temporarily stored in the water storage tray 39 from the water supply tank 36 to the ice making tray 16 using a water supply pump 40. One end is connected to the water supply pump 40, and the other end is connected to the water supply pump 40. It is opened so as to face the top surface of the ice tray 16.

Although the water supply tank 36, water supply pump 40, water supply pipe 41, etc. are provided in the refrigerator compartment 8, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Further, reference numeral 49 denotes a ventilation passage, which is located within the freezer compartment 7 and is capable of guiding cold air to the upper surface of the ice tray 16. Reference numeral 50 denotes a temperature control device which detects the temperature inside the freezer compartment 7 and controls the operation/stop of the blower 11 and the compressor 44.

In the above configuration, the operation of the automatic ice making device will be explained.

In FIG. 1, when the water supply tank 36 filled with water is set in a predetermined position by the user, the valve 38 is pushed up, the water supply port 37 is opened, and the water storage tray 39 is filled with water. Thereafter, the filled water is pumped up by the water supply pump 40, and water starts to be supplied to the ice tray 16 via the water supply pipe 41. When water is supplied to one of the small sections 17 of the ice tray 16, a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the other small sections 17 through the communication groove 19. Injection of a predetermined amount of water is performed by, for example, regulating the operating time of the motor of the water supply pump 40. This state is shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the draining tray 20 is
It is in an inverted position away from 9.

In this state, blower 1! The cold air cooled by the cooler 10 is forcedly ventilated onto the ice surface of the ice tray I6 through the ventilation passage 49, and a cooling action is started.

At the same time, a heater 15 is installed on the bottom of the heat insulating tank 9.
The heating action of is started and the metal plate 13 on the bottom is heated.

Furthermore, since the outer periphery of the ice tray 16 is surrounded by the heat insulating material 14 in the heat insulating tank 9, the cooling effect from the outer periphery is also suppressed, and the freezing effect progresses in one direction from the top to the bottom of the ice tray 16. To go. For this reason, if the freezing speed is slowed down to an appropriate level (for example, about 5 mm/h), gas components dissolved in the water and various impurities contained in the water will be precipitated outside the ice crystals as ice forms, and the unfrozen water below will be deposited. It will be discharged to In this way, the ice that is produced sequentially over time has extremely high transparency and is highly pure ice with few impurities.

Then, as a predetermined cooling time elapses, wood vinegar is produced to a desired thickness (for example, 25 mm). In other words, as shown in FIG. 4 in a state diagram, highly transparent and pure ice coexists in the upper part of each subdivision 17 of the ice tray 16, and unfrozen water with reduced purity coexists in the lower part. It becomes.

In this state, as shown in FIG.
is activated, the first support shaft 21 and the second support shaft 22 start rotating, and first the draining tray 20 is reversed and set above the draining tray 29, and then the ice tray 16 is rotated and the insulation is removed. It leaves the tank 9 and turns over to a position close to and overlapping the draining tray 20 set earlier. At the same time, the heating action of the heater 15 in the heat insulating tank 9 stops. Then, the backing plate 27 fixed to the ice tray 16 comes into contact with the stopper 25 provided on the drive device 23, and the drive device 23 then applies rotational force to the ice tray 16, thereby causing the ice tray 16 to become distorted and deformed.

The ice in each small section 17 is released and falls onto a grid-shaped draining tray 20 set below. At the same time, unfrozen water with a high concentration of gas components and impurities remaining in each subdivision 17 also flows out and falls, but since the draining tray 20 is formed in a grid shape and has through-holes occupying most of it, ni, mizukiri nnz
Ice and water are separated from each other by falling directly into the drain tray 29 without accumulating on the ice. That is, only ice with high transparency and purity is left on the draining tray 20. This state is shown in FIG. On the other hand, unfrozen water that has fallen into the drain tray 29 and the insulation tank 9
The molten water in the interior flows through the first and second drain pipes 30.
drained inside. Thereafter, the water drained into the evaporating dish 47 is evaporated by the heating action of the heating plate 46 that is brought into close contact with the heating tube 45 through which the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor 44 flows. In addition, drain plate 29. First and second drain pipes 30.3
Heater 3I, 32.3 to prevent running water from freezing at 3.
4, a heating effect is performed as appropriate.

On the other hand, since the ice left in this way has moisture attached to a portion of its surface, it is cooled and frozen in that state for an appropriate period of time. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the draining tray 20 is turned over from the top of the draining tray 29 and the backing plate 28 is fixed to the draining tray 20 above the ice storage box 35.
comes into contact with a stopper 26 provided on the drive device 23. Then, the driving device 23 further applies rotational force to the draining tray 20, thereby distorting and deforming the draining tray 20, and the ice placed on the draining tray 20 is released and placed in the ice storage box 35 provided below. falls and is stored as ice.

In this way, after the water supply tank 36 is set by the user, these series of steps are automatically repeated until the water in the water supply tank 36 is used up.

As a result, a large amount of highly transparent and highly pure ice is stored in the ice storage box 35, and the user can always have a sufficient amount of extremely high-quality ice for drinking and drinking without much effort. can be used.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, since ice formation starts from the upper surface of the ice tray, unfrozen water containing gas components and impurities discharged downward is separated, thereby making it possible to store ice. A large amount of highly transparent and pure ice is now automatically stored in the box. Therefore, ice, which is excellent for drinking and drinking, can be used in sufficient quantity at any time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice-making device, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of essential parts of the automatic ice-making device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is the automatic ice-making device shown in FIG. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where ice making has progressed from the state shown in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a state where ice has been released and water has separated from the state shown in Figure 4. 6 is a sectional view showing the 5th
A cross-sectional view showing the operation of releasing ice into an ice storage box from the state shown in the figure, Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice-making device showing a conventional example, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic ice-making device shown in Fig. 7. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of main parts.

Claims (1)

[Claims] A heat insulating tank with an open top provided in one section of the freezer compartment, a heater disposed around the bottom of the inner surface of the heat insulating tank, an ice tray that overlaps the inner surface from the opening of the heat insulating tank, and the ice tray. a first support shaft connected and fixed to one end; a draining tray installed in parallel with the ice-making tray; a second support shaft connected and fixed to one end of the draining tray; a drive device that rotates the dish and rotates the draining plate about the second support shaft; a draining plate provided below the draining plate;
a first drain pipe connected to the drain tray and having heating means;
a second drain pipe that connects the inner bottom part of the heat insulating tank and the first drain pipe and has heating means; an ice storage box provided adjacent to the drain tray; and a water supply tank provided outside the freezer compartment; An automatic ice making device consisting of a water storage tray that stores water from the water tank, a water pump that pumps up the water in the water storage tray, and a water supply pipe connected to the water pump and led to the top surface of the ice tray.