JPS6349145B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a new and improved ice making machine for producing ice products of a predetermined shape for use in soft drinks and the like.

(b) Prior art and its disadvantages Conventionally, U.S. Pat. There are US Pat. No. 3,657,899, US Pat. No. 3,200,610, and US Pat. No. 2,968,168 as documents disclosing ice making machines that produce ice cubes with curved surfaces. However, when a flat surface exists in a part of an ice block, there is a tendency for adjacent ice blocks to easily stick to each other. Therefore, when these ice cubes are put into a cup or the like, not only can they not be distributed as individual ice cubes, but they also have poor storage properties (the amount of ice cubes that can be stored per unit volume) and poor appearance. There were some drawbacks.

In addition, although the conventional ice making machine described above is capable of automatically producing ice cubes in relatively large quantities, it is not capable of producing ice cubes in a short time, in other words, efficiently. That is, ice blocks are generally produced in ice-forming pockets made of, for example, metal, which have good heat transfer properties, but ice has poor heat transfer properties than the material that makes up the walls, so it is not thick and thick on the walls. As the formation progresses, the amount of heat transfer decreases at an accelerating rate. Therefore, in order to efficiently produce ice cubes in a short period of time, it is necessary that when water freezes into ice, it has poorer heat transfer properties than the material constituting the ice-forming pocket; The shape of the ice block and the shape of the ice-forming pocket must be determined taking into account that it will act as a relative insulator.

(c) Purpose of the Invention The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ice making machine that can efficiently produce ice cubes with excellent distribution, storage, and appearance in a short period of time.

(d) Summary of the Invention The present invention was created after much development effort to achieve the above object, and its main configuration is at least one ice-forming pocket having at least one side open. an evaporator structure in which the inner surface of the ice-forming pocket has a concave longitudinal cross-sectional shape of a substantially circular arc; a water supply for fluidly supplying ice-forming water to the surface of the ice-forming pocket; means for distributing ice-forming water from a water supply means onto the surface of the formed ice to cause the evaporator structure to freeze under the influence of the flowing refrigerant to form an ice product; evaporation; a heat transfer member disposed within the evaporator structure and adjacent the inner surface of the ice forming pocket for selectively extracting heat energy from the evaporator structure; an insulating material that substantially covers the concave shape of the inner surface of the ice forming pocket; The invention relates to an ice maker constructed of an insulating material, the thickness of which is thicker at the edges of an ice forming pocket and becomes substantially thinner toward the center of the pocket.

In the present invention, as described above, the inner surface of the ice forming pocket is configured to have an arcuate cross-sectional shape, and a transfer member with good heat transfer characteristics and a heat insulating material with poor heat transfer characteristics are arranged in combination. first and second portions having a shape that substantially complements the inner surface;
Ice cubes having this aspect are obtained efficiently and in a short time.

The evaporator structure may have a generally plate-like shape and include a number of ice-forming pockets therein.

The insulating material may be comprised of a moldable polymeric plastic material.

The device of the present invention provides an ice-forming pocket in which at least a portion of the inner surface of the ice-forming pocket is made of an insulating material that is generally concave and becomes substantially thinner toward the center of the inner surface, as described above. However, heat is extracted at a different rate from each predetermined location of each ice-forming pocket. That is, in the center of the ice-forming pocket, where the ice is thicker, a large amount of heat is extracted through materials with excellent heat transfer properties, while at the periphery of the ice-forming pocket, a small amount of heat is extracted due to the insulating material. only it can be taken out. As a result, an ice cube shaped like a "pillow" or cushion, which is symmetrical in shape as a whole, with a thinner peripheral edge and a thicker central part, can be produced in the shortest time and most efficiently.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for extracting heat at different rates at predetermined locations within the ice-forming pocket provides the insulation member in all but a substantially central portion of the ice-forming pocket; This can be achieved by creating a generally concave surface of the ice forming pocket.

It is also possible to provide a large number of said ice-forming pockets and to arrange them in a common plane or at least parts of them in several different planes.

Further, the temperature of the surface within the ice forming pocket is increased, thereby partially displacing the ice product at different rates along the side of the ice product facing the ice forming pocket at a predetermined location within the ice forming pocket. In addition, the side of the ice product facing the ice forming pocket may be partially melted to release the ice product from the ice forming pocket.

This causes the shape of the side facing the ice-forming pocket to be contrasted with the side opposite it.

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to ice making apparatus, and more particularly to new and improved apparatus for producing ice products such as ice cubes and new and improved apparatus produced by such apparatus. This relates to ice products. A related object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice product, hereinafter generally referred to as "ice cubes."

A further specific object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved system which is more compact in design compared to prior art devices and which has increased ice production capacity for a given space compared to said prior art devices. is to provide an ice maker.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice maker which has fewer moving parts than prior art ice makers, and is therefore reliable in operation and economical to manufacture and maintain. It is to be.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved ice maker that requires less energy compared to devices known and used to date.

A further object of the invention is to reduce the number of close tolerance parts, such as parts in the form of spray jets, which are mounted to provide the rotary or oscillating movement, compared to prior art devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ice making machine in terms of cost and complexity. That is, these parts have a tendency to clog,
Failure to do so would render the device inoperable, or at least reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the prior art device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice making machine that cooperates with a novel ice forming and evaporator assembly, thereby increasing the size of the ice product (ice cubes) produced. The details can be changed by simple modification.

A related object of the present invention is also to provide a new method of manufacturing an ice forming and evaporator assembly in which a portion of the assembly is injection molded of a moldable polymeric material such as plastic.

Yet another object of the invention is to position the ice forming and evaporator assembly as described above vertically on the desired application member of the apparatus.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ice making machine that can be mounted horizontally or at an angle.

Still another object of the invention is a new and improved ice making machine having an ice forming and evaporator assembly as described above, wherein the ice forming water to be supplied to the assembly is cascaded above it. Alternatively, an ice maker may be provided using a conventional water spray wand or the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice forming and evaporator assembly as specified above, wherein the evaporator conduit contained therein is adapted to operate during the refrigeration cycle. It functions to circulate the agent and communicate heated de-icing gas during the next de-icing cycle.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of making ice products.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice product with improved fluid conversion properties and reduced ice bridging during long-term storage.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice product that has an aesthetic appearance and is less prone to splattering when poured with liquid.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice making machine that meets established food hygiene standards in connection with the production and sale of products for food.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ice maker with a long and effective operating life.

Still another object of the invention is that the ice cubes produced by the ice-forming and evaporator assembly fall between said assemblies and are stored in a suitable storage space disposed below said assembly. A number of ice forming and evaporator assemblies are arranged substantially vertically and parallel to each other so that the ice cubes produced by the upper apparatus are fed into a chamber or the like.
Successive devices are interconnected so that they fall between the ice forming and evaporator assemblies of other devices disposed below the device and are then fed into the appropriate ice storage or ice receiving chamber. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ice making machine having the above characteristics.

Objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the figure, a preferred embodiment of the ice maker according to the invention is designated generally by the number 10. The ice maker 10 has an outer case or cabinet 12 with an upper ice making section 14 and a lower ice receiving and/or storage section 16. The storage section 16 is provided with a suitable door 18 or the like for removing ice. 7th
As best shown in the figures, the upper ice making section 14 of the cabinet 12 includes a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertically disposed end walls 2.
0, 22, and a front wall 24 and a rear wall 26 laterally disposed between the end walls 20, 22. A supporting partition wall 3 is provided inside the ice making section 14.
0 is placed. This partition wall 30 includes a front wall 24 and a rear wall 26 in order to divide the inside of the ice making section 14 into a freezing area 32 and an ice making area 34.
and substantially parallel to the end walls 20, 22. As is well known in the art, the refrigeration zone 32 is provided with a suitable refrigeration compressor 36 and a condenser 38 which cooperates with the evaporator system in the ice making zone 34. All of these are connected by well-known refrigeration lines,
It works as is well known. That is, relatively high pressure gaseous refrigerant is supplied by compressor 36 to condenser 38, where it is cooled and liquefied as it passes through condenser 38. The cooled and liquefied refrigerant then flows from the condenser 38 to the evaporator where it is vaporized by heat transfer from the water to be iced. The gaseous refrigerant is then recycled from the evaporator back to the inlet or suction side of the compressor 36.

Of course, the present invention also applies to the outer case 12 of the ice maker 10.
(Or outer case 302 of ice maker 300, which will be described later)
is not limited to the specified structure. This is because the principles of the present invention can be applied to various types of cabinets and/or work with various types of current refrigeration systems. This refrigeration system includes a cabinet 12, as well as various components that make up the present invention.
It does not mean that you have to put it inside an external case to operate it. Furthermore, the structural relationship of ice-making section 14 above storage section 16, as shown in FIG. 1, is not intended to limit the principles of the invention. This is because the ice maker and ice storage section 16 according to the invention can be located above, adjacent to, or remote from, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, ice maker 10, and particularly ice making region 34 thereof, operably includes one or more evaporator and ice forming device combinations (ice forming and evaporator assemblies). The ice-forming device receives ice-forming water from a suitable water source and connects the cabinet 1
In cooperation with the refrigeration system in the refrigeration area 32 of 2, ice products are produced. This ice product will be hereinafter referred to as "ice cubes" for convenience. However, although the name sounds like a technical term, the ice produced by the ice making machine according to the present invention is not a geometric cube, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18. It is a block of ice that has a symmetrical shape on the front and back, and is shaped like a "cushion" or "pillow." For example, FIG. 2 depicts an ice making machine 10 that is provided with four ice forming devices as described above. The ice forming device is generally designated by the numeral 50 and is positioned generally parallel within the ice making area 34. Of course, the ice maker 10 (or the ice maker 300 described below) may include more or less than four such ice forming devices 50 without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. and its slope within the cabinet 12 may be varied somewhat without changing the concept of the invention.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 19, each ice forming device 50 includes an upper water branch pipe section 52 and an intermediate generally flat evaporator and ice forming section 54. (ice forming/evaporator assembly), a lower water reservoir, and an ice deflection section 56, as previously described.
Various types of ice forming devices are arranged side by side within the ice making area of cabinet 12, as best shown in FIG. Second aspect of the present invention
The ice-forming device shown in the figure, particularly section 52,
54 and 56 are substantially identical in their construction and operation, and therefore the ice forming device 50 described in detail below.
This also applies to each ice forming device that cooperates with the ice maker 10.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the water branch pipe section 52 of the ice forming apparatus 50
is a long and narrow enclosure 58 that is open at the top and enclosed on the sides.
Contains. The enclosure 58 includes a pair of spaced parallel, generally vertically disposed side walls 60;
62, and a bottom wall 64 extending generally horizontally between the side walls 60, 62 to define an elongated cavity 66 therebetween. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, opposite ends of enclosure 58 are closed by upstanding end wall sections, and the interior portion of bottom wall 64 has downwardly extending sections. A recessed central portion 68 is provided. The central portion 68 is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced vertically extending slots 70 communicating the interior of the cavity 66 to the underside of the enclosure 58. A continuous elongated groove 7 is provided on the lower surface side of the bottom portion 64.
2 is formed. This groove 72 is connected to the ice forming and evaporator assembly 54 of the ice forming apparatus 50, as described below.
We are collaborating and engaging with them. An overflow portion 74 is provided at one end of the central portion 68 . This overflow portion 74 is formed at its lower end as a suitable overflow passageway 76 to provide more ice than is required to form ice within the ice forming device 50 during a given refrigeration cycle. The excess water, along with any undesirable contaminants, is returned to the drain of the system as is known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, a generally cylindrical water conduit member 80 is provided within the elongated cavity 66 of the enclosure 58.
The water conduit member 80 includes a generally cylindrical body section 82 . The body section 82 has a downwardly directed water distribution section 84 located along and coextending along its lower side. The cylindrical body section 82 is provided with an elongated inwardly sloping bore 86 having an inlet end 88 at one end. This inlet end 88 is for communicating the conduit member 80 with a source of water for ice formation (not shown), such as a conduit connected to a water reservoir via a suitable pump. Both ends of the sloping hole 86 direct any water communicated therein to a number of vertically spaced vertically oriented drainage ports.
That is, it communicates with the outlet port 90. As best illustrated in FIG.
8 is disposed substantially vertically above a large number of robots 70 formed on the bottom wall 64 of the robot. The purpose of the slanted shape of the holes 86 is to uniformly drain water from the multiple drainage ports 90. And hole 86
The decrease in diameter from the inlet end 88 to the opposite closed end is related to the total area of the port 90. Thereby, a relatively constant amount of water is discharged downwardly across the plurality of vertically aligned holes 90, thus directing a relatively constant amount of water inside the enclosure 58, as described below. It is communicated with the lower side through a number of slots 70.

Next, the ice forming/evaporator assembly 54 of the ice forming apparatus 50 will be described in detail. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8, the assembly or section 54 consists of a relatively thin, generally rectangular, single hollow member 96 with a number of ice forming pockets 98 on both sides thereof. The pockets in each row are arranged in rows such that the rows on one side of section 54 are staggered with respect to the rows on the other side, but the pockets in each row are longitudinally aligned with the rows of pockets on the opposite side of member 96. will be placed in Disposed within section 54 is an elongated evaporator conduit 100. The evaporator conduits 100 are interconnected in series by a generally U-shaped intermediate section 104, as best shown in FIG.
A large number of substantially horizontally spaced parallel conduits 1
02, and has a snake-like shape as a whole. Evaporator conduit 100
has an inlet end 106 and an ice maker 10 as is well known in the art.
and an outlet end 108 connected to a refrigeration system. Thereby, during the refrigeration cycle of the present invention, the refrigerant circulates through the conduit 100 and freezes the ice-forming water passing through the plurality of pockets 98, while the hot gaseous refrigerant is circulated during the harvest cycle, as described below. , through conduit 100 to remove ice cubes formed during the refrigeration cycle described above.

A pair of adjacent conduits 10 of the evaporator conduit 100
2, a heat transfer element 110 is provided. Like the conduit 100, the element 110 is made of a material with a high heat transfer coefficient, such as copper. Heat transfer element 11 used in section 54
0 is best shown in FIGS. 11-13. The element 110 has a number of ears 122 along its longitudinal ends with recesses or notches 114 between the ears 112, as best shown in FIG. It is formed from a relatively thin stamped metal strip. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, heat transfer element 110 is stamped and formed with a series of pockets or recesses, generally designated by the numeral 114. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, a series of longitudinally disposed recesses 116 are staggered within element 110.
That is, when element 110 is viewed from the side, element 100 appears to have a series of alternating convex and concave surfaces such that the concave surfaces form recesses 116 on either side of the element.
Each pocket or recess 116 has a pair of ears, or ears, as described above, aligned laterally thereof, such that the pocket 116
During the above-mentioned forming, i.e., punching, forming operation, the ear-like protrusions 112 with the correlation are either deformed concavely or convexly within the element 110 during the forming operation. Therefore, the element 110 is deformed upwardly or downwardly relative to the plane of the element 110 (see FIG. 9). As a result, laterally aligned ears 112 are formed by alternating upward and downward deformations along the length of the element 110. In FIG. 9, the ears 112 that have been deformed upward are indicated by the number 112a, and the ears 112 that have been deformed downward are indicated by the number 112b.

A number of upwardly or downwardly directed ears 1 provided along the length of each heat transfer element 110
12a and 112b define a longitudinally extending edge groove 118, as best shown in FIG. Its dimensions are made to correlate with the lateral spacing of the spaced parallel conduits 102 of the evaporator conduits 100, such that the heat transfer elements 110 of section 54 are best illustrated in FIG. As shown, between each conduit 102 from both ends of the snake-like shape,
That is, it is inserted adjacent to both. That is, a large number of elements 110 are inserted from both sides of the conduit 100 having a meandering shape as shown in FIG. 11, and from both sides of the conduit 102 as shown in FIG. It is inserted until it is completely seated in between, that is, to the accommodated position. After a large number of elements 110 are assembled on the evaporator conduit 100 in this way,
Preferably, the entire assembly is soldered. Element 110 is thereby secured to evaporator conduit 100 such that good heat transfer between conduit section 102 and element 110 is achieved. Accordingly, the assembly of conduit 100 and heat transfer element 110 is placed in a suitable mold, such as plastic injection molding, and made of a suitable polymeric plastic material, such as polyethylene, having the desired molding and hygienic properties. can be integrated into a single hollow member 96 by molding around the assembly. During the molding operation, liquid plastic material flows through and around various interstices, the outer surface of the evaporator conduit 100, and the multiple heat transfer elements 110, structurally uniting each of these components in their respective operational positions. Fix it. At the same time, multiple ice forming pockets 98 are formed on both sides of the single hollow member 96. Each pocket 98 corresponds with one of the pockets 116 formed in the heat transfer element 110 to provide the staggered relationship of ice forming pockets 98 described above. This specified shape will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 4, the plastic material 120 forming the section 54 defines a number of spaced apart parallel laterally extending grooves 122 in the upper edge 124 of the section. Upper edge 124
is adapted to be seated and received in a groove 72 provided on the underside of the enclosure 58. Ice-forming water flowing downwardly through slot 70 thereby flows laterally outwardly in groove 122 with respect to section 54 and in a generally vertical direction located at the lower edge of groove 72. Extending surface 12
When it reaches 5, it changes direction downwards. the result,
The downwardly deflected ice-forming water cascades along and across the sides of section 54 and, as described below, during operation of the apparatus.
It flows down over and through a number of ice forming pockets 98.

Referring to FIG. 19, ice deflection section 56
generally serve to deflect ice formed in the plurality of pockets 98 from falling into the water tank at the lower edge of the ice forming device 50 during the ice harvesting cycle. The ice will therefore fall toward and into a suitable ice storage area, such as ice storage section 16 shown in FIG.
The ice deflection section 56 also serves a second purpose in separating the ice from the ice-forming water that cascades down the sides of the section 54, so that the ice-forming water flows into the tank for subsequent operation of the apparatus. be reused at the time of Finally, the ice deflection sections 56 of FIG. 19 extend together correspondingly to the width of the sections 54 and are generally generally flat.
That is, it includes a horizontally extending base portion 126 and upright side walls 128,130. The side walls 128, 130 include upwardly and inwardly sloping portions 132, 134 and generally horizontal upper edge portions 13 along each side of the section 54.
It ended with 6,138. Slanted portions 132, 13
4 plays the role of deflecting, that is, changing the direction of, the ice that leaves and falls from both sides of the section 54. Suitable openings or holes 140 are provided in this section so that the ice-forming water cascading down the sides of the section 54 is directed through the holes 140 to a suitable inner water storage area 142. flows into. This water storage area is connected to a suitable water pump or the like so that the water can be recirculated. The section 56 shown in FIG. 19 is drawn more or less schematically in nature;
It should be noted that the device shown in conjunction with ice maker 300 is a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, as discussed below. However, section 56 is formed within pocket 98;
Section 5 shows how the ice cubes break away from it and fall downward during the subsequent harvesting cycle.
6 is deflected outwardly from the lower end of ice cube 6 and then falls into the associated ice storage area.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, each pocket 98 has a generally square shape (ie, four equal sides) when viewed from the side. This square shape is defined by the outer surface of a portion of the heat transfer element 110 disposed below the square shape, and the side wall surfaces 152, 1 are inclined inwardly.
54 and 156,158. This side wall surface has an arcuate shape and is provided within the plastic material 120 that constitutes the section 54. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal and lateral ends of each pocket 98 are common edges of adjacent pockets 98, as shown in FIG. The ice making capacity of section 54 can be maximized, ie, the number of ice cubes that can be produced along each side wall. The central portion of each pocket 98 is defined by the central portion of the associated pocket 116 of the embedded heat transfer element 110, but the outer critical surface of each pocket 98 is directed toward the outer periphery of the pocket 98. Accordingly, it gradually separates from the surface of the lower pocket 116. That is, the thickness of the plastic material between the heat transfer element 110 and the inside surface of each pocket 98 may be zero (or a film of plastic material 120 that may be coated over the central portion of the lower heat transfer element 110). The thickness increases gradually from a minimum thickness (minimum thickness) to a maximum thickness at the periphery of the pocket 98. This structure contributes to one of the main features of the present invention. More particularly, the above structure allows the ice to be produced approximately symmetrically within the pockets 98 on both sides of the section, even though the ice is produced within the mold (or pocket) during freezing of the water for ice formation. The ice is then formed in such a way that only one side of the produced ice is in contact with it. Stated differently with reference to FIGS. 16-18, an ice product formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a generally square shape when viewed from the side, i.e., has four equal sides. Has sides. That is, such an ice product has upper and lower side surfaces 164, 166 respectively projecting towards opposite sides and parallel spaced side edges 168, 17.
0, and parallel top edges 172 and bottom edges 174 disposed perpendicular to the side edges 168, 170. Both sides of the ice product 164,1
66 are shaped to be approximately symmetrical to each other and to perfectly match the inner surface of pocket 98, so that the final shape of the ice product is that of a so-called "cushion" or "pillow". becomes. In practicing the present invention, the primary reason for the generally symmetrical shape of the ice product is the plastic material 120 that defines the outer critical portion of the ice forming pocket 98.
serves as an insulator between the upper sides of the section 54 and the heat transfer element 110, and the heat transfer element 110
provides heat transfer between the refrigerant and the ice-forming water passing within the evaporator conduit 100. More particularly, because the heat transfer elements 110 are juxtaposed directly adjacent to and actually form the central portion of each pocket 98, the maximum heat transfer will occur between the pockets 98 and 98.
It is carried out in the central part of the This is because there is only little or no plastic material 120 between the heat transfer element 110 and the pocket 98. Therefore, the ice-forming water is more likely to freeze in the center of the pocket 98 during its freezing cycle. However, due to the increased thickness of plastic material 120 between heat transfer element 110 and the outer critical surface of pocket 98,
Heat transfer toward the outer edge of 8 gradually decreases toward the outer periphery. This is because the plastic material 120 is the ice-forming water and heat transfer element 110.
This is because it serves as a medium (non-thermal conductor) that thermally insulates between adjacent surfaces of the substrate. Therefore,
During the refrigeration cycle, the ice gradually thickens from the center of the ice product (indicated by a continuous "growth line" in the figure) to the pocket, as best shown in Figure 15. Grow within 98. This results in the formation of the outer surface of the ice product.
That is, the outer surface of the ice product does not contact the concave inner surface of the pocket 98, but is approximately the same shape as the inner surface of the ice product that actually contacts the surface of the pocket 98. As a result, the final ice product has a generally symmetrical shape as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 17 and 18.

Referring in detail to FIG. 15, each ice cube formed in one pocket 98 has an outwardly projecting side facing the pocket 98, which side faces the other side, i.e. The convex portion is larger than the surface not facing the pocket 98. However, even in such a case, the next step, the harvest cycle, begins and the evaporator conduit 100
When the hot gas begins to pass through the evaporator conduit 1
00 is warmed and as a result the heat transfer element 1
A portion of the ice cube on the side adjacent to 10 is allowed to thaw. Such melting causes the ice cubes to fall out of the pocket 98 and the ice cubes to fall from the pocket 98 and fall downward into an ice storage area provided adjacently below. When I was put in
A portion of the large protruding side of the ice cube is thawed so that the ice cube has the shape shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. That is, one of the principles of the invention is that initially the ice has a larger convexity than the opposite side, but melts during the harvesting cycle of the machine and is ultimately produced as a symmetrical ice product. Present in the shape of an ice cube where the protrusion of one side is larger than the other side. Of course, other important features of the present invention are the result of the suitable distribution of relatively non-thermally conductive plastic material 120 between the central heat transfer element and the surface of the mold, i.e., the inner periphery of the pocket. The resulting substantially symmetrical ice product, i.e. having substantially symmetrical convex sides, is produced in an ice-forming mold having one concave surface, i.e. an ice-forming pocket. This is what is being done.

The ice product described above is an important part of the invention and has a number of features compared to conventional ice products. In particular, since the ice product basically has a square shape, but also has roundness, it is possible to eliminate the bridging phenomenon in which ices bond together. That is, whereas conventional ice cubes have surface or line contact, the ice cubes of the present invention have essentially point contact between adjacent ice cubes at the storage location, thereby making it easier to maintain contact between adjacent ice cubes. The bridging or freezing phenomenon between the ice cubes stored is minimized, so that it is very convenient to consume it even after long periods of storage. Other features of the ice product according to the invention are:
It has extremely excellent properties regarding conversion and water scattering. More specifically, the ice product is stacked in a highly improved manner,
A large number of ice cubes can be stored in a given size storage area or container, resulting in commercially favorable line handling characteristics. Similarly, the ice product according to the invention does not have a mutually contacting shape or a flat shape so that water for ice formation is poured or a storage area, i.e. a container for the ice product. When the direction of motion is changed in the direction of
Minimize splashing and minimize water splashing, which is clearly undesirable.

20-22, a slightly modified embodiment of the invention is illustrated, particularly with its ice forming evaporator section designated by the numeral 200. There is. Section 2
00, instead of using multiple heat transfer elements 110 and tubular evaporator conduits, the basic heat transfer between the refrigerant and the ice-forming water is generally numbered 202 and shown in FIG. It differs from the previously described section 54 in that, as best shown, this is accomplished by multiple spaced parallel conduits. Both end portions of conduit 202 are connected to a pair of generally laterally disposed branch tubes 204 and 206. These branch pipes 204 and 206 are such that the refrigerant is continuously supplied to the inlet conduit 2.
Through the entire conduit 202 continuous from 18, this conduit 218 communicates with the refrigeration system. The outlet conduit 220 is configured to be supplied thereto. The conduit 202 is provided with alternating staggered ice forming pockets or recesses 208 on either side thereof and is generally planar as best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. There is.
This defines pocket 208, as shown in FIG. 21, and also defines cryogen channels 210, 212 along opposite side portions of conduit 202. In this device, the conduit is bifolded to serve as a cryogen flow path and as a heat transfer surface for the central portion of the ice forming pocket 216.
6 is similar to the pocket 98 described above and is provided within a hollow plastic body 214 similar to the plastic material 120 described above. In accordance with one principle of the invention, a number of conduits 20 are formed in a suitable press or the like to form an undulating pocket having the shape shown in FIG.
2 is plastically deformed, and then the associated branch pipe 2
04,206 at both ends. and,
The assembly of branch tubes 204, 206 and multiple conduits 202 is completed and placed again in the die of the press machine. This press serves as a mold for injecting plastic material 214. Thus, the same equipment can be used both to form conduit 202 and to mold the plastic material. Preferred ice-forming evaporator section
In the evaporator assembly 200, the conduit 202 is
It is formed from a thin-walled cylindrical tube about 1.9 cm in diameter, and is deformed into the shape shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. Of course, other sized tubes may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention provides a structure in which a plurality of ice forming pockets are provided along one or both sides of a generally flat or planar ice forming and evaporator assembly, such as the ice maker described above and the ice maker 300 described below. It should be noted that this is not limited to. In particular, the principles of the present invention may also be applied to ice forming and evaporator assemblies such as those described below. That is, a large number of ice-forming pockets are multi-sided (2
or more side surfaces) is placed on the side surface of the structure. Referring in this regard to FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of the ice forming and evaporator assembly is shown in FIG.
Illustrated generally at 230.
The assembly numbered 230, shown by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention, consists of four substantially identical vertical walls 234, 236, connected end to end. It is constructed from a four-sided heat transfer element 232 consisting of 238 and 240. Member 230 is fabricated from a suitable heat transfer material, such as a thin copper plate. Each of the four side walls 234-240 is formed with a number of three vertically spaced ice forming pockets 242, as best shown in FIG.
A generally cylindrical branch tube member 244 is provided inside the heat transfer element 232 . The outer periphery thereof is adjacent to the inner surface of the central portion of each pocket 242. The branch pipe member 244 is a refrigerant capillary tube 257.
and defines a central chamber communicating with outlet pipe 258 . This outlet pipe 257 serves to supply refrigerant between the refrigeration system and the inside of the branch pipe 244 . When the refrigerant is supplied, the branch pipe 244 and the side wall 234 of the heat transfer element 232 -
Multiple ice forming pockets 242 formed in 240
Heat transfer occurs between each central portion of the The four protrusions 254 of the heat transfer element define the outer periphery of the branch pipe, and the four chambers 246, 248,
250 and 252 serve as a faucet or means for receiving movable de-icing water during the harvest cycle to assist in removing ice cubes from pocket 242. The outer surface of heat transfer element 230 is provided with a suitable non-thermally conductive material, generally designated by the numeral 259. It is formed essentially similar to the plastic 120 of the ice maker 10, but cooperates with the concave surface of the pocket 242 to create an ice-form recess that is adapted to contact water during the refrigeration cycle. define. During the harvest cycle,
Rather than having water flow through chambers 246-252, according to the principles of other embodiments of the invention,
A heated cryogen gas is supplied into these chambers. Additionally, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS.
Flowing through and through 250 and 252, the deicing water will be directed into central cylindrical member 244.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, multiple ice forming pockets or recesses need not be placed on a relatively flat or planar evaporator member.
In particular, these drawings illustrate a multi-sided heat transfer element (having eight sides in the drawings), each side having a series of vertically aligned ice cubes forming therein. A pocket is provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The heat transfer element is designated by the number 260;
It is composed of multiple sides 262. The sides define a ridge 264 between them and also have a number of ice forming pockets 266 therein. Each pocket 266 is adapted to cooperate with an evaporator conduit 268 extending generally parallel to the row of pockets 266 and secured to the interior of the heat transfer element 260, thereby connecting the evaporator conduit 268 and the central portion of each pocket. Heat transfer between the two takes place in the same manner as described above. The embodiment shown in FIG. 26 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, and corresponding parts are designated by the same numbers and dashes. However, instead of the generally vertically oriented evaporator conduits 268 adjacent to each row of vertical pockets 266 shown in the embodiment of FIG. A generally helically arranged evaporator conduit 270 is provided and the pocket 26
6'.
Thereby, during the refrigeration cycle, the evaporator conduit 2
70 and the ice-forming water introduced into pocket 266 is effectively transferred.

Figures 27 and 28 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, instead of cascading the ice-forming water as in the previously described ice-making machines 10 and 300, the water is injected directly onto the ice-forming and evaporator assembly.
Furthermore, FIGS. 27 and 28 show that the principles of the present invention allow the ice forming and evaporator assembly to be placed either horizontally or tilted, rather than vertically. This shows that it can be applied to the following types. 27, the ice forming and evaporator assembly 272 is similar to that shown in FIG. 8, except that it has an ice forming pocket 276 only on its underside. They are shown to have almost the same structure. Assembly 27
2 is inserted between a suitable evaporator conduit 276 similar to evaporator conduit 100 described above and an adjacent evaporator conduit 276 so as to partially define a downwardly directed ice forming pocket 274. and a number of heat transfer elements 278 . The assembly is provided with a non-thermally conductive material as previously described, generally designated by the numeral 280. and,
This material 280, together with heat transfer element 278, defines pocket 274, which is preferably substantially identical in shape to pocket 98 previously described. The entire assembly 272 is operably supported on a generally horizontally disposed shelf or flange 282, and a spray canister 284 having a water spray bar 286 disposed proximate its lower end carries the spray bar 286. It has suitable drive means 288 for rotation or vibration. Accordingly, ice-forming water is sprayed from the underside of assembly 272 toward it and into pocket 274, resulting in the formation of ice cubes therein during the refrigeration cycle. A suitable screen 290 or similar may be used as assembly 272.
is mounted between the underside and the spray rod 286 so that during the next harvest cycle, ice that dislodges from the pocket 274 falls onto the screen and is collected collectively through the ice opening 292. number 29
The direction of movement is changed towards a remote ice storage area, etc., indicated by 4. This ice storage area is located below the spray box 284.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 28 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 27, and corresponding elements have been designated with the same numerals and a dash. The difference between the two is that the ice forming/evaporator assembly 272' is mounted at a relatively inclined angle, as opposed to being disposed substantially horizontally in the embodiment of FIG. . And, due to the slope itself, the ice formed during the previous refrigeration cycle is removed by the melting of the heated gas and/or
or by spraying or cascading heated ice from the underside of the ice forming/evaporator assembly 272' as described below in connection with the overall operation of the present invention. It is done like this.

29-39, another preferred embodiment 300 of an ice maker according to the present invention is generally illustrated. The ice maker 300 includes an outer housing or case 302 having a generally vertical front or front wall 304 and a generally vertical rear wall 306 . outer case 3
A pair of upright end walls 308, 310 are provided on laterally opposed sides or ends between the front wall 304 and rear wall 306 of the 02. A substantially vertical partition wall 312 extends between the front wall 304 and the rear wall 306 and includes an outer case 312.
The inside is divided into a freezing area 314 and an ice making area. They are located on the left and right sides of ice maker 300, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30.

As mentioned in connection with the ice maker 10, the refrigeration area 314 is provided with conventional refrigeration equipment, generally designated by the numeral 316, including a compressor, condenser, etc., and also houses a water pump 318. ing. This water pump supplies ice-forming water to an ice-forming device provided in the ice-making area 320, as described below.

Generally speaking, the ice making area 32 of the ice making machine 300
The ice making equipment installed in 0 is generally numbered 3.
22; an aquarium assembly generally designated 324; and a water tank assembly generally designated 32.
and an ice forming/evaporator assembly shown at 6. This ice forming/evaporator assembly 326
is similar in construction and operation to the ice forming and evaporator assembly 54 described above. ice maker 300
Water branch pipe assembly 322 is for supplying water to a number of ice-forming and evaporator assemblies 326, as described in the context of the overall operation of Manufacture ice cubes like this. Excess ice-forming water is collected in water tank 324 and recycled back to water manifold assembly 322, as described in more detail below.

Next, the structure of the water tank assembly 324 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 34, 35 and 38, assembly 324 includes a hollow body 330 molded as an integral part of a suitable polymeric material having desired hygienic properties. The top surface is completely open. Body 330 includes an elongated central section 332 that extends laterally of outer case 302;
That is, it extends parallel to the front wall 304 and the rear wall 306 and below the multiple evaporator members 326 . Eight arm sections 334 extend generally perpendicular to the central section 332 of the body. This arm section 334
As best shown in FIG. 4, each of four mutually parallel rows of two aligned arm sections 334 is disposed on the underside of any one of the evaporator members 326. has been done. Aquarium assembly 324 includes generally vertical sidewalls 336. This side wall completely surrounds the main body 330, and its lower edge is integrally connected to the bottom closure member, ie, the bottom wall, of the water tank 324. More particularly, the central section 332 of the body 330 includes a downwardly sloping bottom wall portion 338.
Contains. This bottom wall portion 338 defines a water sump 340 at its lowest point, which, if desired, may be provided with suitable cleaning devices 342, such as drain plugs, drain lines, etc. Water tank assembly 32 adjacent to water reservoir 340
Three openings are provided at the ends of the central section 332 of the four. That is, the lower opening 34
6, a middle opening 348, and an upper opening 350. These openings are adapted to provide fluid (water in this example) communication between the interior of the aquarium assembly 324 and the water pump 318 described above using suitable tubing as described below. Each arm section 334 of the body 330 is provided with a sloped bottom section 352, all of the bottom sections having a third
As best shown in Figure 5, it slopes downward from its outer edge toward the center. Thereby, water that has fallen downwardly within the arm section 334 flows inwardly, ie, toward the center, toward the center section 332 and then passes through the sloping bottom portion 338 to the main body 330 . Water reservoir 3 provided in the lower part of the central section 332
40 and flow into it. As best shown in FIG. 31, the outer edge of each arm section 334 is provided with an embossing 354 that fits within the sidewall thereof. This embossing 354 defines an inner groove 356 such that it serves to operably support the entire aquarium assembly 324 on the lower ends of the four ice forming and evaporator assemblies. This is what I did.

Next, the structure of the water branch pipe assembly 322 will be explained. Water branch pipe assembly 32 as best shown in FIGS. 36, 37 and 39.
2 includes a main supply pipe, designated generally by the number 360. This main supply pipe 360 is connected to the previously described water pump 318 in a manner described below. The main supply pipe 360 extends laterally into the ice-making area 320 of the outer case 302, i.e. parallel to the front wall 304 and the rear wall 306, and a plurality of evaporator members 3
26 and extends vertically aligned with and parallel to the central section 332 of the aquarium assembly 324 . Main supply pipe 36
0 is provided with a central inlet fitting 362. The fitting 362 is centrally located between the ends of the main supply pipe 360 and communicates with a water supply pipe 454 connected to the water pump 318, as best shown in FIG. being done. As best illustrated in FIG. 37, the main feed pipe 360 is provided with four pairs of longitudinally spaced, opposing outlet sections 364 that connect the evaporator to the evaporator. Part 3
They are laterally spaced equal to the spacing between . Attached to each outlet section 364-370 is an elongated branch tube member. One of these is illustrated generally at 372 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 39, each branch tube member 372 includes an elongated hole 374 that slopes radially inwardly, ie, decreases in cross-sectional area toward the outer edge of the branch tube 372. The bore 374 of each branch tube member 372 communicates with a number of generally vertically arranged longitudinally spaced exhaust ports 376 . This discharge port 3
76 extends between the hole 374 and the inside of an elongated groove 378 provided on the underside of each branch pipe 372 . As best shown in FIG. 38, the groove 378 includes a pair of spaced, downwardly extending side portions 378 integrally provided in the branch pipe member 372.
0 and 382. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, branch pipe member 372 is preferably fabricated from a molded polymeric material, such as Celcon. The lower edges of the side portions 380, 382 define a water deflector groove or surface 384. The function of deflector surface 384 is to direct water flowing downwardly from hole 374 to groove 378 through drain port 376 to an ice forming and evaporator assembly located below branch pipe member 372. It is to change the direction so as to pass toward and over both sides of the solid body 326.

Each branch pipe member 372 connected to the main supply pipe 360
A deep counterbore 386 with an increased diameter is provided at the end of the
is provided. The deep counterbore 386 is adapted to be coaxial with the associated hole 364 and
9, it is adapted to fit into one of the laterally outwardly extending outlet sections 364-370. By that,
The outlet section 364 is connected to a branch pipe member 372.
It will be fitted into the deep counterbore 386 of. The end of branch pipe member 372 facing main supply pipe 360 is provided with a semicircular end surface 388 . This end surface 388 is in a form-fitting relationship with the outer circumferential surface of the main supply tube 360 and connects the assembly of branch tube members 372 to the associated outlet section 3.
64-370 so that it becomes an integral part. Surface 380 of each branch pipe member 372
is preferably slightly greater than half the circumference of the associated main supply pipe 360 so that the branch pipe member 372 will “snap” onto the main supply pipe 360. As shown in FIG. 36, the upper surface portion of the inner end of each branch pipe member 372 is generally stepped, as indicated by the numeral 390, so that they are connected to the main supply pipe 372.
60, the upper ends of the opposing branch pipe members 372 are adapted to fit together. As explained in more detail below, the ice-forming water is
The main supply pipe 360 is fed via the inlet fitting 362 and the tube 454 communicates longitudinally along the length of the main supply pipe 360. This water is then communicated outwardly through a number of outlet sections 364-370 and directed to holes 374 formed in a number of branch pipe members 372 mounted on opposite sides of the main supply pipe 360. The water communicated with the hole 374 is
It is discharged downwardly through a number of discharge ports 376 and further flows into grooves 378 in each branch pipe member 372 . The water immediately flows downwardly from groove 378 and cascades along the sides of the ice forming and evaporator assembly located below.

A number of ice forming and evaporator assemblies 326 will now be described. Preferably, each assembly 326 has the same general structure and operation. Accordingly, the following description of one of the above assemblies will refer to each assembly 3 embodied in ice maker 300.
26 can also be applied as is.

The ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 is preferably similar in construction and operation to the ice forming and evaporator assembly 54 described above. Specifically, the ice-forming and evaporator assembly 326 is comprised of a molded plastic body, generally designated 400, and a tortuous evaporator conduit 402 disposed therein. The evaporator conduit 402 is similar in construction and operation to the evaporator conduit 100 embodied in the ice forming and evaporator assembly 54 described above. Each evaporator conduit 402 is connected to the supply conduit 40
4 and a return conduit 406 to the refrigeration system within the refrigeration zone. A number of heat transfer elements, generally indicated by the numeral 408 and similar in construction and operation to the evaporator conduit 100 of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 54, include the evaporator conduit 402.
It is provided between parallel parts with an interval of . The evaporator conduit 402 and the plurality of heat transfer elements 408 are, as described above,
It is embedded within the plastic material of body 400. On both sides of the main body 400, there is a general number 41.
A number of vertical rows of ice forming pockets, indicated by 0, are provided. This also contributes to ice formation and
It is similar in structure and operation to the previously described ice forming pocket or groove 98 of evaporator assembly 54. Therefore, to avoid redundant description, description of the ice forming pocket 410 will be omitted here. The ice-forming pocket 410 is such that ice-forming water cascades over it, freezes during the ice-making cycle, and sheds ice product, i.e., ice cubes, during the next harvest cycle.
Suffice it to point out that the multiple ice forming and evaporator assemblies 326 are adapted to fall into associated ice storage areas disposed below them.

As shown in FIGS. 31, 38 and 39, the upper end of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 is provided with a reduced thickness section 412. This portion 412 is adapted to be received in the lower end of the groove 378 of the branch tube member 372 with which it is associated. Upper end portion 412 is provided with a number of transverse parallel slots or grooves 416. The slots are spaced longitudinally along the upper edge of the ice forming and evaporator assembly and are adapted to communicate inside grooves 378 of the associated branch pipe member 372. Ice-forming water in groove 378 is thereby directed to slot 416.
It flows inwards and then hits the flow surface 384 outwardly. The ice-forming water then changes its flow direction downward and flows down on both sides of the main body 400 like a small waterfall.

Each ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 has a lower end portion 4
18, but this failed part 418 includes:
A pair of outwardly projecting shoulders or frame portions 420 are formed. This shoulder portion 420 extends almost the entire length on both sides of the main body 400,
Additionally, an ice deflection surface 42 sloped outwardly and downwardly.
It has 2. A shoulder or frame 420 on each side of the body 400 is provided with a number of spaced vertical slots 424 to allow the ice-forming water to run down the sides of the body 400 before being removed.
It is designed to flow down through the space. Additionally, this water falls into the arm section 334 of the aquarium assembly 324. Shoulder part 42
The sloped upper surface 422 of the ice maker 300 is adapted to act as a means to change the direction of ice movement so that during the harvest cycle of the ice maker 300, ice that breaks away from the multiple ice forming pockets 410 falls away. The aquarium assembly 3 collides with or engages the surface 422 and is redirected outwardly to move away from the arm section of the adjacent aquarium assembly.
24 into an ice storage area located on the underside. The ice-forming water that cascades down both sides of the body 400 flows through a number of slots or grooves 424.
, and is collected in the water tank assembly 324 for recirculation.

As best shown in FIG. 31, each ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 is provided with a pair of cylindrical protrusions located on opposite sides thereof and approximately in the center of its lowest portion. ing. The protrusions 426, 428 are adapted to cooperate with an inverted V-shaped shoulder 430 and a retaining flange 432 located between the protrusions 426 and 428 on opposite sides of each body 430 and generally designated by the numeral 460. It supports a large number of aquarium covers. Aquarium cover 460
are located above the central section 332 of the aquarium assembly 324 and between each adjacent ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 . This prevents ice product produced in the ice forming pocket 410 of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 from falling into the central section 332 of the water tank 324. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, three aquarium covers 460 are mounted between four ice forming and evaporator assemblies 326. Both ends of the aquarium cover 460 are supported by cylindrical projections 426, 428, a shoulder 430, and a retaining flange 432. Although not shown here, similar cover members are provided at both ends of the aquarium arm section 334, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. This prevents them from falling and getting into the room.

As best shown in Figure 31,
Each ice forming/evaporator assembly 326 has a pair of outwardly projecting mounting protrusions 434, 4 on either side of the lower end thereof.
36 are provided. Mounting projections 434, 43
6 is the arm section 33 of the aquarium assembly 324;
4 and is adapted to fit and be received within a groove 356 of an embossing 354 provided in the embossment 354. Thereby, the water tank assembly 326 is removably mounted to and underneath the lower end of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326. Multiple ice forming and evaporator assemblies 326, water tank assemblies 32
4 and a branch pipe assembly 322 attached to the upper edge of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326.
Outer case 302 by 40, 442 and 444
The ice-making area 320 of the ice-making area 320 of FIG. Protrusions 440, 442 and 444 are formed on both sides of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326, with the rear protrusions 440, 442 being formed on the outer case to support the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326. 30
It is adapted to be inserted into a suitable complementary hole in the rear wall 306 (or sanitary liner, etc.) of the second ice making area 320. The front edge or front edge of the ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 has a protrusion 444 adapted to be received in a suitable hole 448 in a horizontally extending retaining bar 450. The retaining bar 450 extends between the end wall 310 and the partition wall 312, as best shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. In this device, a branch pipe 322 is placed on its upper edge;
An ice forming and evaporator assembly 326 is also supported within the refrigeration region 320 such that the entire aquarium assembly 324 is supported from its lower edge. It will be appreciated that a variety of methods may be used to operably secure ice forming and evaporator assembly 326, manifold assembly 322, and water tank assembly 324 within refrigeration region 320. However, the aforementioned method of mounting these components has its own simplicity of construction and ease and convenience of assembly and disassembly for purposes such as cleaning.

The water system of ice maker 300 includes the aforementioned water pump 318 adapted to communicate within aquarium assembly 318 via openings 346, 348, and 350 in an end wall 344 of the aquarium assembly. I'm here. To explain in more detail, the opening 346 is
Water pump 318 via appropriate water conduit 352
The outlet portion of the water pump 318 is adapted to communicate with the water branch assembly 322 via the water supply pipe or conduit 454 previously described. Drainage from the water pump 318 is also routed to the aquarium assembly 32 via a suitable conduit 454 that communicates with the opening 348.
It is connected to 4. Finally, pump 318
It communicates with the opening 350 of the aquarium assembly 324 via a suitable overflow conduit 456. Briefly, pump 318 includes a suitable propellant vane or equivalent (not shown) drivingly coupled to a pump motor via a drive shaft, and when the motor is energized. Water is pumped from the aquarium via conduit 454 to branch pipe 322. The purpose of conduit 454 is to communicate water that would otherwise rise along the aforementioned drive shaft back to the cistern assembly during operation of the pump motor, thereby preventing seals, seals, etc. at the upper edge of the shaft. The goal is to minimize the need for A suitable float valve (not shown)
Preferably, it is used to sense the water level in the aquarium assembly 324. This allows water to be replenished from a common, suitable water source at appropriate times, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The operations of each ice maker mentioned above are performed during the refrigeration cycle.
Ice-forming water is brought into contact with the ice-forming and evaporator assembly, the water cascading over and through a number of ice-forming pockets, and excess water is placed in a cistern assembly for recirculating the water. They are basically the same in that they are returned. At the same time, a freezing agent is circulated through the evaporator conduit or coil to reduce the temperature of the ice forming pocket, so that the ice forming water freezes as best shown in FIG. After a predetermined period of time, which is determined primarily by the size and dimensions of the ice product to be produced, the refrigeration cycle ends and the harvest cycle begins. During the harvest cycle, the ice cubes formed in the previous step are forced out of the ice formation pocket in all embodiments according to the principles of the present invention. First, a heated gaseous refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator conduit to raise the temperature of the heat transfer element and then the temperature of the ice forming pocket. The ice cubes in the ice forming pocket are then dislodged and allowed to fall by gravity toward the ice storage area.
Detachment of the ice cubes from the ice formation pockets can be enhanced by running water over the ice cubes (cascading or by spraying), thereby reducing the time of the harvest cycle. Of course, various combinations of heated gas and continuous water flow are possible, but alternatively only one of these methods can be employed alone. Once the harvest cycle is finished, the next refrigeration cycle begins in succession. That is, the cooled liquid refrigerant is again circulated through the evaporator conduit to form a batch of ice product within the pocket of the ice forming and evaporator assembly. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, suitable automatic shut-off mechanisms may be provided in the control circuitry of the present invention. Typically, the automatic shut-off control includes an ice storage level sensing member. This storage level sensing member opens the control circuit when the height of the stored ice in the ice storage chamber reaches a predetermined level, i.e., the ice maker This prevents it from starting.

The features achieved by the present invention, e.g. ice maker 300, are such that a number of ice forming and evaporator assemblies are arranged vertically and separated from each other and from the water supply, e.g. a water branch or water tank. The point is that there is.
This arrangement provides a stacking structure for successive devices, with one device on top of the other, so that ice produced in the upper device is transferred to the lower edge of the outer case of the upper device. through a suitable opening provided in the section, and then a branch pipe for the water of the equipment adjacent to the lower side;
The ice is passed between the evaporator element and the water tank to an ice storage or receiving area located on the underside of the stacked device. Therefore, these devices
The various evaporator members, branch pipes and water basins may be stacked on top of each other in a generally vertical alignment to define ice fall paths therebetween. This allows ice from the equipment above to fall through between the evaporator members, manifold pipe members, and water tank assemblies of the equipment below without interfering with the operation of the equipment below, thereby This provides maximum ice production capacity for a given floor space.

As mentioned above, another feature of the present invention is that the produced ice products have lower water shedding and higher displaceability compared to conventional ice products. This is because the ice product has no surface-contacting parts, and although its shape is basically a square, it has a rounded outer shape. This also contributes to improving storage stability by preventing excessive crosslinking or linkage during long-term storage. Furthermore, the present invention provides ice formation and
A wide range of applications as the evaporator assembly can be mounted vertically, horizontally or tilted and the ice-forming water can be supplied from a cascade or spray source. will be provided. Because the number of moving parts is minimized, the present invention minimizes the need for maintenance with "down time" for repairs, servicing, etc. Furthermore, the present invention
By inserting a large number or a small number of ice forming and evaporator assemblies, the members can also have ice forming pockets of larger or smaller size according to the size of the ice product to be produced. Because it can be easily replaced with similar parts,
A wide variety of applications can be found. However, additional features of the present invention include:
The compactness of the ice-forming components makes it possible to increase the ice-making capacity for a given insertion space. Furthermore, importantly, the present invention
Much more ice can be produced compared to conventional refrigeration components with the same energy consumption. As a result, the ice maker according to the invention can produce a large amount of ice product for a given amount of available energy, thus saving energy and/or reducing operating costs.

Although the present invention has been described based on a preferred embodiment that fully satisfies the above-mentioned objects, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ice maker according to the present invention. 2 is a partial front view of the ice making section of the ice making machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. Figure 3 shows
1 combination of an evaporator and an ice forming device according to the present invention
FIG. 3 is a front view of an exposed assembly showing an embodiment. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water branch pipe member used in the configuration shown in FIG. 4. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water distribution enclosure used in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway side view of one embodiment of the combination of the evaporator and ice forming device of the ice maker shown in FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the heat transfer element and refrigerant conduit shown in the assembly shown in FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the heat transfer element shown in FIG. 9. Figure 11 shows
9 is an enlarged partial side view of a portion of the evaporator conduit and two heat transfer elements of the assembly shown in FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged side view of the heat transfer element shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing one preferred form of a portion of the heat transfer element. FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of an ice forming pocket or cup as embodied in the assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14, showing a state in which ice in the ice forming pocket grows and becomes larger during the refrigeration cycle of the ice maker according to the present invention. This is what is shown. FIG. 16 is a side view of one embodiment of an ice product, ie, an "ice cube", produced by the ice making machine according to the present invention. Figure 17 shows 17- in Figure 16.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-18 in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged side view of the lower end portion of one embodiment of the combination of the evaporator and ice forming device specifically shown in the ice making machine according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 8 of another embodiment of the evaporator and ice forming device combination according to the present invention. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 21--21 of the refrigerant conduit used in the assembly shown in FIG. 20; FIG. FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line 22--22 in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a partially cutaway side view of another embodiment of the evaporator and ice forming device according to the present invention. Figure 24 is 24-24 in Figure 23.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line. Figure 25 shows
FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 of yet another embodiment of the evaporator and ice forming device according to the present invention; Figure 26 shows
26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 showing another embodiment of the invention in which the evaporator coils of the evaporator and ice forming device combination are arranged in a generally helical configuration; FIG. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the ice-making machine according to the invention, in which ice is supplied to the ice-forming device by a water spray device provided below the evaporator and ice-forming device combination; It shows the state where water is being sprayed for formation. FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 28 of yet another embodiment of the invention in which the evaporator and ice forming device combination is provided at an angle. Figure 29 shows
FIG. 2 is a diagram similar to FIG. 2 of still another embodiment of the ice maker according to the present invention. FIG. 30 is a plan view similar to FIG. 7 of the structure of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a side view of one embodiment of the evaporator and ice forming device combination illustrated in the ice maker shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. FIG. 32 is a side view of the evaporator and ice forming device combination shown in FIG. 31 for use in conjunction with the water branch and reservoir components for ice formation; Figure 33 shows the 32nd
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line 33-33 in the figure. FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the water tank shown in FIG. 32, viewed from the direction of arrow 34. 35th
The figure is an end view of the water tank shown in FIG. 34, viewed from the direction of arrow 35 in FIG. 32. FIG. 36 is a partially cutaway plan view of the water branch pipe component shown in FIG. 32. 37th
36 is a plan view of the exposed assembly schematically illustrating a portion of the water branch shown in FIG. 36; FIG. 38th
The figure is a longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment of the evaporator and ice forming device combination shown in FIG. 32, and the water branch pipe and water storage tank used therewith. And the 39th
This figure is a partially enlarged sectional view of a portion of the water branch pipe illustrated in FIG. 38. 10... Ice maker, 12... Cabinet (outer case), 14... Ice making section, 16... Storage section, 18... Door, 20, 22... End wall, 24... Front wall, 26... Rear wall, 30...
Partition wall, 32... Refrigeration area, 34... Ice making area, 36... Refrigeration compressor, 38... Condenser, 50... Ice forming device, 52... Water branch pipe section, 54... Ice forming section, 56
... water deflection section, 58 ... enclosure, 60,6
2... Side wall, 64... Bottom wall, 66... Blank space, 68
...Central part, 70...Slot, 72...Groove,
74... Overflow part, 76... Passage, 8
0... Water conduit member, 82... Main body section,
84... Water distribution section, 86... Hole, 88...
... inlet end, 90 ... drain port, 96 ... single hollow member, 98 ... ice formation pocket, 100 ... evaporator conduit, 102 ... conduit section, 104
..., 110... heat transfer element, 1
12...auricular process, 114...notsuchi, 116...
...Pocket, 120...Plastic material, 12
2... Groove, 124... Upper edge, 126... Base portion, 128, 130... Side wall, 132, 134
... Slope portion, 136, 138 ... Upper edge portion,
164,166...Upper/lower side, 168,1
70... Side edge, 172... Top edge, 174... Bottom edge, 200... Ice forming evaporation section, 202...
…conduit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. At least one evaporator structure having an ice-forming pocket with at least one side open, wherein the vertical cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the ice-forming pocket has a substantially arcuate concave shape. the evaporator structure; a water supply means for fluidly supplying ice-forming water to the ice-forming pocket surface; distributing ice-forming water from the water supply means to the surface of the formed ice to reduce the evaporation of the ice-forming water; ice-forming water distribution means for freezing the vessel structure under the influence of a flowing refrigeration agent to form an ice product; a heat transfer member disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the ice-forming pocket; an insulating material substantially covering the concave shape of the inner surface of the ice-forming pocket, the thickness of which is thicker at the edge portions of the ice-forming pocket; An ice maker characterized by comprising: an insulating material that becomes substantially thinner toward the center. 2. The ice-making machine according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator structure has a plate-like shape on its entire surface, and is provided with a large number of ice-forming pockets therein. ice maker. 3. The ice maker according to claim 2, wherein the evaporator is constituted by a large number of the evaporator structures. 4. The ice maker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat insulating material is made of a moldable polymeric plastic material.