JPH11248314A - Door-through type ice dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a door-through type ice dispenser in which power consumption is reduced by controlling conduction of a heater without requiring an additional means for detecting antifreeze of a closure. SOLUTION: The door-through type ice dispenser comprises an inner freezing compartment 11, an outer dispensing unit 12, a passage 13, a closure 14, a heater 15, and an inner temperature detecting means of a refrigerator, i.e., an inner temperature detector 16. According to the arrangement, the closure 14 is protected against freezing and power consumption can be reduced by varying input to the heater 15. Furthermore, the inner temperature detector 16 sustaining minimum temperature difference from freezing compartment 11 by varying input to the heater 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a through-the-door ice dispenser for a home refrigerator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a typical through-the-door ice dispensing apparatus of a home refrigerator has an automatic ice machine disposed in a freezing section of the refrigerator.

An example in which a conventional home refrigerator is provided with an ice dispenser is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-201240.

Hereinafter, the conventional refrigerator ice dispenser will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a conventional ice dispenser. In FIG. 7, 71 is a freezing compartment, 72 is an insulated door, 73 is an insulated cabinet, 74 is an automatic ice maker that makes ice in the freezing compartment, 75 is a storage container that stores ice made by the automatic ice maker, 76 is a crusher unit for crushing ice stored in the storage container, 77 is a passage connecting the freezing compartment and the outside of the refrigerator, 78 is a closure installed in the passage, and 79 is a grounding surface with the closure. The heater 80 is provided with a switch for operating the crusher unit and the closure.

The operation of the ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below. The switch activates the crusher unit and ice exits the refrigeration compartment through the passage and through the closure. At this time, when the ice powder adheres to the closure and the passage and the closure freezes, the heater installed on the installation surface with the closure is energized to ensure the operation of the closure.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, it is necessary to newly provide a detecting means for detecting prevention of freezing of the closure. When the detecting means is not required, the heater is continuously energized, which leads to an increase in the temperature in the refrigerator and an increase in power consumption due to the thermal influence on the freezing compartment.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ice dispenser capable of reducing power consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to minimize the thermal effects on the refrigeration compartment. Yet another object of the present invention is to prevent perspiration of the closure.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve this problem, the present invention comprises an insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply, an external dispensing device at a temperature above freezing, and the internal refrigeration. A passage connecting the ice supply source in the compartment to the external dispensing device; and a closure closing the passage to eliminate heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between a position and an open position that can be introduced into the dispensing device; and a closure disposed adjacent to the closure and the closure frozen in the closed position. A heater that sometimes defrosts the closure to allow the closure to move to the open position where the dispensing operation takes place; And a chamber temperature detectors is inside temperature detection means built device.

As a result, the input is performed, and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply, an external dispensing device at a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, and the ice supply in the internal refrigeration compartment. A passage connecting an external dispensing device, a closed position for closing the passage when the external dispensing device is not supplying and eliminating a flow of heat to the freezing compartment, and introducing the passage into the dispensing device. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between an open position and a thaw of the closure disposed adjacent to the closure and when the closure is frozen in the closed position. A heater that enables the closure to move to the open position where the supply operation is performed, and a refrigerator that is a means for detecting a temperature inside the refrigerator of the refrigerator. Those equipped with a temperature sensing device.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the closure from freezing, change the input of the heater, and reduce the power consumption.

Further, the input of the heater is increased by the internal temperature detector when the internal temperature is low, and the input is decreased when the internal temperature is high, and the temperature difference from the freezing compartment is kept to a minimum.

The input of the heater is increased when the external temperature is low, and the input is decreased when the external temperature is high, and the input is decreased when the external temperature is high. The effect is reduced.

Further, the heater is configured to synchronize with a fan provided inside the freezing compartment and to energize the fan.

[0016] Even if the closure is thawed, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be prevented from rising without circulating the cool air out of the refrigerator.

Further, the heater is provided with a closure. This makes it possible to reduce the heater capacity and prevent perspiration of the closure.

The insulated internal freezing compartment having an ice supply source, an external dispensing device at a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, and the ice supply source and the external dispensing device in the internal freezing compartment are provided. A passage for connection, a closed position for closing the passage when the external dispensing device is not supplying and eliminating heat flow to the freezing compartment, and an open position for introduction to the dispensing device. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between the closures, and the closure is forcibly opened and closed at regular intervals.

Thus, even if the heater is removed from the vicinity of the closure, the closure can move to the open position where the supply operation can be performed, and the power consumption can be reduced.

An ice dispenser for the refrigeration apparatus, the insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply, an external dispensing apparatus having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature;
A passage connecting the ice supply source and the external dispensing device in the internal freezing compartment, and a flow of heat to the freezing compartment by closing the passage when the external dispensing device is not supplying. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between a closed position for eliminating the problem and an open position that can be introduced into the dispensing device, and a material of the closure is made of a water-repellent rubber.

Thus, even if the heater is removed from the vicinity of the closure, the closure can move to the open position where the supply operation can be performed, and the power consumption can be reduced.

[0022]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view (longitudinal sectional view and control block diagram) showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 11 is an insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply source, 12 is an external dispensing device having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, and 13 is the ice supply source in the internal refrigeration compartment. And a passage connecting the external dispensing device and a closed position and a dispensing device for closing the passage and eliminating heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying. A closure provided in said passage so as to be movable between an open position which can be introduced into said passage, said closure being arranged adjacent to said closure and said closure when said closure freezes in said closing device; A heater which defrosts the closure so that the closure can be moved to the open position where the dispensing operation takes place; In serial freezer compartment 11 to provided the internal temperature detecting unit, 17 is the internal temperature detected by the in-compartment temperature sensing unit 16, a chamber temperature determination means for determining whether the range of the set temperature. Reference numeral 18 denotes a heater control means for controlling the energization of the heater 15 based on the output of the internal temperature determination means 17.

The operation of the through-the-door ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below.

First, the inside temperature is detected by the inside temperature detector 16. Then, the inside temperature determining means 17 determines whether the inside temperature is higher or lower than the setting. That is, if the internal temperature is higher than the set temperature, the heater control means 18 stops supplying power to the heater 15 and again detects the internal temperature by the internal temperature detector 16.

On the other hand, if the internal temperature is lower than the set temperature, the energization of the heater 15 is started and at the same time, the internal temperature is detected by the internal temperature detector 16.

As described above, the closure 14 is connected to the heater 15
, The freezing of the passage 13 can be prevented.

Further, by controlling the energization of the heater 15 by the temperature in the refrigerator, it is possible to reduce the temperature rise exerted on the freezing compartment. Therefore, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the heater control means 1
8 is an output ON / OFF, the heater control means 1
8 may adjust the output linearly. Heater control means 1
When the output 8 is linearly adjusted, it can quickly respond to changes in the internal temperature.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view (longitudinal sectional view and control block diagram) showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes an insulated cabinet that covers the freezing compartment 11;
Reference numeral 23 denotes an outside temperature determining means for determining whether the outside temperature detected by the outside temperature detector 22 is within a set temperature range. Reference numeral 24 denotes a heater control means for controlling the energization of the heater 15 based on the output of the outside-of-compartment-temperature determining means 23.

The operation of the through-the-door ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below.

First, the outside temperature is detected by the outside temperature detector 22. Then, the outside temperature determining means 23 determines whether the outside temperature is higher or lower than the setting. That is, if the outside temperature is lower than the set temperature, the heater control means 24 stops energizing the heater 15 and again detects the outside temperature by the outside temperature detector 22.

On the other hand, if the outside temperature is higher than the set temperature, the energization of the heater 15 is started, and at the same time, the outside temperature detector 22 detects the outside temperature.

As described above, the closure 14 is connected to the heater 15
, The freezing of the passage 13 can be prevented.

Further, by controlling the energization of the heater 15 at the outside temperature, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator is reduced, so that the cool air does not easily leak from the closure. Therefore, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the heater control means 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes ON / OFF of the output.
4 may adjust the output linearly. Heater control means 2
4 can quickly respond to changes in the internal temperature by adjusting the output linearly.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view (longitudinal sectional view and control block diagram) showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, 31 is an air circulation blower, 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a blower operation determination unit that determines ON / OFF of a blower input detected by the air circulation blower 31. Reference numeral 33 denotes a heater control unit that controls the energization of the heater 15 based on the output of the blower operation determination unit 32.

The operation of the through-the-door ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below.

First, the input of the air circulation blower operation 31 is detected. Then, the blower operation determining means 32 determines ON / OFF of the blower input. That is, the heater control means 33
When the air circulation blower is OFF, the power supply to the heater 15 is stopped, and the input of the air circulation blower operation 31 is detected again.

On the other hand, when the air circulation blower is ON, the heater 15 is energized and the air circulation blower operation 26
Detect input.

As described above, the closure 14 is provided with the heater 15.
, The freezing of the passage 13 can be prevented.

Further, by controlling the energization of the heater 15, it is possible to reduce the thermal influence of wind when natural convection occurs in the refrigerator. Therefore, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a through-door ice dispenser showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 41 denotes an automatic ice making machine for making ice in a freezing compartment, 42 denotes a storage container for storing the ice made by the automatic ice making machine, and 43 denotes a crusher for the ice stored in the storage container. A crusher unit, 44 is a heater installed in the closure, and 45 is a switch comprising the crusher unit and a switch for activating the closure.

The operation of the ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below. With the switch 45, the crusher unit 43 is operated, and the ice passes through the passage, passes through the closure, and exits to the outside 11 of the freezing compartment. At this time, ice powder adheres to the closure 14 and the passage 13, and the closure 1
When 4 freezes, the heater 44 grounded to the closure 14 is energized to ensure the operation of the closure 14.

Thus, the closure 14 is
, The freezing of the passage 13 can be prevented.

Further, since the heater 44 is provided in the closure 14, an effect of preventing the closure 14 from sweating can be obtained.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view (longitudinal sectional view and control block diagram) showing a control state of a through-door ice dispenser according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 51 denotes a closed position for closing the passage and eliminating heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying, and can be introduced into the dispensing device. It comprises a closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between an open position.

The operation of the through-the-door ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below.

After the switch operation, the switch operation detecting means 5
2 is used to determine the presence or absence of a switch operation. That is, when there is no switch operation, the switch operation detecting means enters a loop state.

If the switch is operated, the crusher unit is operated, and the ice passes through the passage, passes through the closure,
Go outside the freezing compartment. At this time, ice powder adheres to the closure and the passage. At this time, the closure is forcibly opened and closed at regular intervals by the closure opening and closing means 53 to shake off ice powder from the closure. For this reason, the heater around the closure can be removed. Therefore, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a through-door ice dispenser showing Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 61 denotes a closed position for closing the passage and eliminating heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying, and can be introduced into the dispensing device. It is constituted by a closure made of silicone rubber provided in the passage so as to be movable between an open position.

The operation of the through-the-door ice dispenser configured as described above will be described below.

The switch 45 activates the crusher unit, and the ice exits the freezing compartment through the passage and through the closure. At this time, the ice powder adheres to the closures and passages. However, since the closure is made of silicon rubber, it repels water, which is ice powder, so that the cause of freezing of the closure can be removed. For this reason, the heater around the closure can be removed. Therefore, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained.

Although the closure is made of silicone rubber in this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained if the closure is made of water repellent material.

[0061]

As described above, according to the refrigerator of the present invention,
The following effects can be obtained.

An internal dispensing compartment, an external dispensing device at a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, a passage connecting the ice supply source in the internal refrigerating compartment with the external dispensing device, and an external dispensing device. The passage is closed so that it is movable between a closed position that closes the passage when no supply is taking place and eliminates the flow of heat to the freezing compartment and an open position that can be introduced into the dispensing device. A closure provided and movable to the open position where the closure is thawed when the closure is frozen in the closed position and the closure is thawed when the closure freezes in the closed position. The refrigerator is provided with a heater and a temperature sensor inside the refrigerator as a means for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the closure from freezing, change the input of the heater, and reduce the power consumption.

Further, the input of the heater is increased by the internal temperature detector when the internal temperature is low, and the input is decreased when the internal temperature is high, and the temperature difference from the freezing compartment is kept to a minimum.

Further, the input of the heater is increased according to the temperature detected by the external temperature detector as the external temperature detecting means of the refrigerator, when the external temperature is low, the input is decreased when the external temperature is high, and the input is decreased to affect the internal temperature. The effect is reduced.

Further, the heater is configured to synchronize with a fan provided inside the freezing compartment and to energize the fan.

Further, even when the closure is thawed, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be prevented from rising without circulating the cool air out of the refrigerator.

Further, a heater is provided in the closure. As a result, the heater capacity can be reduced, and sweating of the closure can be prevented.

The insulated internal freezing compartment having an ice supply source, an external dispensing device having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature, and the ice supply source and the external dispensing device in the internal freezing compartment are provided. A passage for connection, a closed position for closing the passage when the external dispensing device is not supplying and eliminating heat flow to the freezing compartment, and an open position for introduction to the dispensing device. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between the closures, and the closure is forcibly opened and closed at regular intervals.

Thus, even if the heater is removed from the vicinity of the closure, the closure can move to the open position where the supply operation can be performed, and the power consumption can be reduced.

Also, an ice dispenser for a refrigeration device, comprising: an insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply; an external dispensing device having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature;
A passage connecting the ice supply source and the external dispensing device in the internal freezing compartment, and a flow of heat to the freezing compartment by closing the passage when the external dispensing device is not supplying. A closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between a closed position for eliminating the problem and an open position that can be introduced into the dispensing device, and a material of the closure is made of a water-repellent rubber.

Thus, even if the heater is removed from the vicinity of the closure, the closure can move to the open position where the supply operation can be performed, and the power consumption can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a control state of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a through-the-door ice dispenser according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a through-the-door ice dispenser showing a conventional embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Internal refrigeration compartment 12 Dispensing device 13 Passage 14 Closure 15 Heater 16 Inside temperature detector 22 Outside temperature detector 31 Air circulation blower

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An ice dispenser for a refrigeration system, comprising: an insulated internal refrigeration compartment having an ice supply; an external dispensing device having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature; and the ice supply in the internal refrigeration compartment. A passage connecting a source to the external dispensing device; a closed position and a dispensing device for closing the passage to eliminate heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying. A closure provided in said passage so as to be movable between an open position where it can be introduced,
An ice dispenser, comprising: a heater disposed adjacent to the closure; and a heater control means for variably controlling an input of the heater. 2. A refrigerator having an internal temperature detector as an internal temperature detecting means of the refrigerator, wherein the temperature of the temperature detector increases the input when the internal temperature is low and decreases the input when the internal temperature is high. The ice dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An external temperature detector as external temperature detecting means of the refrigerator, wherein the input is increased when the external temperature is low and the input is decreased when the external temperature is high, according to the temperature of the external temperature detector. The ice dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The ice dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising an air circulation blower provided inside the freezing compartment, wherein the power supply to the heater is synchronized with the power supply to the air circulation blower. 5. The ice dispenser according to claim 1, wherein a heater is provided on the closure. 6. An ice dispenser for a refrigeration system, comprising: an insulated internal freezing compartment having an ice supply; an external dispensing device at a temperature higher than the freezing temperature; and an ice dispenser in the internal freezing compartment. A passage connecting a source to the external dispensing device; a closed position and a dispensing device for closing the passage to eliminate heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying. An ice dispenser comprising a closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between an open position where the ice can be introduced, and the closure being forcibly opened and closed at a constant cycle. 7. An ice dispenser for a refrigeration system, comprising: an insulated internal freezing compartment having an ice supply; an external dispensing device having a temperature higher than the freezing temperature; and an ice dispenser in the internal freezing compartment. A passage connecting a source to the external dispensing device; a closed position and a dispensing device for closing the passage to eliminate heat flow to the freezing compartment when the external dispensing device is not supplying. An ice dispenser, comprising: a closure provided in the passage so as to be movable between an open position where the closure can be introduced; and a water-repellent rubber material for the closure.