WO2018193563A1

WO2018193563A1 - Ice maker

Info

Publication number: WO2018193563A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/015782
Authority: WO
Inventors: 松本　真理子; 舞子柴田; 伊藤　敬; 大治澤田
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-04-19
Filing date: 2017-04-19
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Also published as: TWI651503B; TW201839335A; AU2020294172B2; AU2017409899A1; AU2017409899B2; JPWO2018193563A1; CN110494704B; JP6729799B2; AU2020294172A1; CN110494704A

Abstract

This ice maker is provided with an ice making tray (19), a cooler for cooling water in the ice making tray (19), and a heater for heating ice in the ice making tray (19). A first ice making mode includes a first cooling step employing the cooler. In the first cooling step, the water in the ice making tray (19) is cooled at a first cooling rate. A second ice making mode includes a second cooling step employing the cooler and a heating step employing the heater, after the second cooling step. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice making tray (19) is cooled at a second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is higher than the first cooling rate.

Description

Ice machine

This invention relates to an ice making machine for making ice.

Patent Document 1 describes an ice making machine provided in a refrigerator. The ice making machine described in Patent Document 1 includes, for example, a first ice making tray and a second ice making tray. By using the first ice tray, ice of the first shape can be made. By using the second ice tray, ice having a second shape different from the first shape can be produced.

Japanese Patent No. 378767

In the ice making machine described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to make ice of the second shape using, for example, the first ice tray. Similarly, the first ice cube cannot be made using the second ice tray. The ice making machine described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that a plurality of ice trays are required to produce ice having different shapes.

This invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide an ice making machine capable of making ice with different shapes using the same ice tray.

The ice making machine according to the present invention includes an ice tray, a cooler that cools water in the ice tray, and a heater that heats the ice in the ice tray. The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler. In the first cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at the first cooling rate. The second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a heating step by the heater after the second cooling step. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice tray is cooled at the second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.

An ice making machine according to this invention includes an ice tray, a cooler that cools water in the ice tray, a heater that heats ice in the ice tray, and a motor that generates a force for elastically deforming the ice tray. . The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler and a heating step by a heater after the first cooling step. In the first cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at the first cooling rate. The second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a deformation step by the motor after the second cooling step. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice tray is cooled at the second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.

The ice making machine according to the present invention includes, for example, an ice tray, a cooler, and a heater. The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler. In the first cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at the first cooling rate. The second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a heating step by the heater after the second cooling step. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice tray is cooled at the second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate. With the ice making machine according to the present invention, ice having different shapes can be made using the same ice tray.

It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the refrigerator provided with the ice making machine. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection of the apparatus with which the refrigerator was equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of an ice making chamber. FIG. 4 is a view showing an AA cross section of FIG. 3. It is a perspective view which shows the example of an ice tray. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the movable mechanism of an ice tray. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a case. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the length change with respect to the temperature of ice, and the length change with respect to the temperature of the air confined in ice. It is a figure which shows ratio of the length change of the air with respect to the length change of ice. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 14 is a timing chart when the second ice making mode shown in FIG. 13 and the first ice making mode shown in FIG. 12 are alternately performed. It is a figure which shows the shear bond strength of ice and stainless steel. It is a figure which shows the shear bond strength of ice and polystyrene. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the ice making machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The overlapping description will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a refrigerator 1 equipped with an ice making machine. The refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2, for example. In the main body 2, for example, a refrigerator compartment 3, an ice making chamber 4, a freezer compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6 are formed. Frozen food or the like is stored in the freezer compartment 5. Vegetables and plastic bottles are stored in the vegetable room 6. A switching chamber may be formed in the main body 2. The switching room is a room in which the set temperature can be switched. The switching chamber is arranged next to the ice making chamber 4, for example. Each room formed in the main body 2 is partitioned by a heat insulating member. For example, urethane foam or a vacuum heat insulating material is used as the heat insulating member.

The refrigerator 1 further includes a refrigeration cycle, for example. The refrigeration cycle includes, for example, a compressor 7, a condenser (not shown), an expander (not shown), and an evaporator 8. The refrigeration cycle further includes a pipe through which the refrigerant passes.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing electrical connections of devices provided in the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 further includes temperature sensors 9a to 9e, an operation panel 10, a blower 11, a motor 12, a damper 13, and a control device 14, for example.

The temperature of each room formed in the main body 2 is detected by the temperature sensors 9a to 9e. For example, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 3 is detected by the temperature sensor 9a. The temperature of the ice making chamber 4 is detected by the temperature sensor 9b. The temperature of the freezer compartment 5 is detected by the temperature sensor 9c. The temperature of the vegetable compartment 6 is detected by the temperature sensor 9d. The temperature of the switching chamber is detected by the temperature sensor 9e. Information on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 9 a to 9 e is input to the control device 14. Each of the temperature sensors 9a to 9e includes a temperature detection thermistor, for example.

The operation panel 10 is provided on the front surface of the door 2a of the refrigerator compartment 3, for example. The door 2a is a part of the main body 2. The operation panel 10 may include a device for a user to input information. The user inputs information for changing the set temperature of each room from the operation panel 10. Information input from the operation panel 10 by the user is input to the control device 14. The operation panel 10 may include a display. The status of each room formed in the main body 2 is displayed on the display. For example, the temperature of each room is displayed on the display. The function of the operation panel 10 may be provided in an external device. For example, a user's smartphone may have the input function and the display function. In such a case, the control device 14 transmits and receives information to and from the user's smartphone.

The blower 11 generates an air flow for sending the air cooled by the evaporator 8 to each room. Air outlets leading to the feed duct are formed on the wall surface of each room. When the blower 11 is driven, the air cooled by the evaporator 8 passes through the feed duct and is sent to each room. In addition, a suction port leading to the return duct is formed on the wall surface of each room. Air in each room returns from the inlet and enters the duct. The air in which the stored items are cooled in each room passes through the return duct and returns to the space where the evaporator 8 is disposed. The air that has returned to the space is cooled by passing through the evaporator 8.

The motor 12 drives the damper 13. The dampers 13 are arranged at various locations on the air path. For example, the damper 13 opens and closes the feed duct. When the feed duct leading to the refrigerator compartment 3 is closed by the damper 13, cold air is not supplied to the refrigerator compartment 3 even if the blower 11 is driven. If the feed duct leading to the refrigerator compartment 3 is not closed by the damper 13, the blower 11 is driven to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment 3. The same applies to other rooms. For example, when the feed duct leading to the ice making chamber 4 is closed by the damper 13, cold air is not supplied to the ice making chamber 4 even if the blower 11 is driven. If the feed duct leading to the ice making chamber 4 is not closed by the damper 13, the blower 11 is driven to supply cold air to the ice making chamber 4.

Control device 14 controls each device provided in refrigerator 1. For example, the control device 14 controls the compressor 7, the blower 11, and the motor 12. The control device 14 controls each device based on temperature information detected by the temperature sensors 9a to 9e, information input from the operation panel 10, and the like. When the operation panel 10 includes a display device, the control device 14 controls the display device.

The refrigerator 1 has the function of making ice, that is, the function of an ice making machine. Hereinafter, the functions of the ice making machine included in the refrigerator 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the ice making chamber 4. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a tank 15, a pipe 16, a motor 17, a pump 18, an ice tray 19, a support shaft 20a, a support shaft 20b, a frame 21, a motor 22, a stopper 23, a temperature sensor 24, a heater 25, a case 26, and a sensor. 27 is further provided.

Water for making ice is stored in the tank 15. The tank 15 is arrange | positioned at the refrigerator compartment 3, for example. The pipe 16 is connected to the tank 15. The pipe 16 passes through a portion of the main body 2 that partitions the refrigerator compartment 3 and the ice making chamber 4. The lower end of the pipe 16 opens downward in the ice making chamber 4. The lower end of the pipe 16 is disposed immediately above the ice tray 19.

The motor 17 drives the pump 18. The motor 17 is provided in the main body 2. The motor 17 is controlled by the control device 14. The pump 18 is provided inside the tank 15. When the pump 18 is driven, the water stored in the tank 15 passes through the pipe 16 and is supplied to the ice tray 19.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the ice tray 19. FIG. 5 shows an example in which twelve depressions 19 a for making ice are formed in the ice tray 19. For example, the notch 19b is formed in the partition that forms the recess 19a. By forming the notches 19b, water can be evenly supplied to the recesses 19a. The ice tray 19 is arranged at the upper part of the ice making chamber 4. The ice tray 19 is preferably made of metal at least at a portion where water can be put. For example, the ice tray 19 is a molded product of stainless steel. The ice tray 19 may be made of copper or aluminum. The ice tray 19 may be made of resin.

The support shaft 20 a and the support shaft 20 b are provided on the side surface of the ice tray 19 so as to protrude from the ice tray 19. The side surface from which the support shaft 20a protrudes and the side surface from which the support shaft 20b protrudes face in opposite directions. The support shaft 20a and the support shaft 20b are arranged in a straight line. The frame 21 is fixed to the wall surface of the ice making chamber 4. The support shaft 20a and the support shaft 20b are supported by the frame 21. That is, the ice tray 19 is supported by the frame 21 so as to be rotatable about the support shaft 20a and the support shaft 20b.

The motor 22 rotates the ice tray 19. That is, when the motor 22 is driven, the ice tray 19 rotates about the support shaft 20a and the support shaft 20b. The motor 22 is controlled by the control device 14. The motor 22 is provided in the frame 21, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the support shaft 20 a is connected to the motor 22. A reduction gear may be provided between the motor 22 and the support shaft 20a. The support shaft 20b is rotatably held by the frame 21.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the movable mechanism of the ice tray 19. The stopper 23 is disposed between the frame 21 and the wall surface of the ice making chamber 4. The stopper 23 includes, for example, a disk member 23a and a rod-shaped member 23b. A through hole 23c is formed at the center of the disk member 23a. The support shaft 20b penetrates the through hole 23c. The stopper 23 can rotate around the support shaft 20b. The rod-shaped member 23b is provided on the disk member 23a. The rod-shaped member 23b protrudes from the disk member 23a. The rod-shaped member 23b is disposed in parallel with the support shaft 20b.

The support shaft 20b passes through the through hole 21a formed in the frame 21. In addition, a long hole 21 b is formed in the frame 21. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a long hole 21b is formed in the frame 21 in an arc shape centering on the support shaft 20b. The stopper 23 is disposed so that the rod-like member 23b penetrates the long hole 21b. That is, the long hole 21b is formed in accordance with the position where the rod-shaped member 23b is disposed when the stopper 23 rotates. The stopper 23 stops rotating when the rod-shaped member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. As described above, the ice tray 19 is supported by the frame 21 so as to be rotatable. When the ice tray 19 rotates, the edge of the ice tray 19 hits the rod-shaped member 23b. The stopper 23 is pushed by the ice tray 19 and rotates until the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. When the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b, the rotation of the stopper 23 stops. When the rotation of the stopper 23 stops, the displacement of the ice tray 19 is hindered by the bar-like member 23b.

The temperature sensor 24 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of water or ice in the ice tray 19. The temperature sensor 24 is provided in the ice tray 19, for example. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the temperature sensor 24 is arranged in the valley on the back surface of the ice tray 19. For example, the temperature sensor 24 includes a thermistor for temperature detection attached to the back surface of the ice tray 19. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature sensor 24 is covered with a heat insulating material 28. Information on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 24 is input to the control device 14.

The heater 25 is an example of a heater that heats the ice in the ice tray 19. The heater 25 is provided in the ice tray 19 so as to cover, for example, a portion of the ice tray 19 into which water is put from the back side. Although details will be described later, the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed. For this reason, the heater 25 is preferably deformed following the deformation of the ice tray 19. The heater 25 may be, for example, a planar heating element in which a heating wire is disposed on silicon rubber.

In the case 26, ice made from the ice tray 19 is stored. The case 26 is disposed in the lower part of the ice making chamber 4. The case 26 is disposed below the ice tray 19. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the case 26. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the case 26 includes a partition 26a. The space inside the case 26 is partitioned into a first space 26b and a second space 26c by a partition 26a. As described above, the ice tray 19 rotates around the support shaft 20a and the support shaft 20b. The first space 26b is a space for receiving ice falling from the ice tray 19 when the ice tray 19 rotates in one direction. For example, when the ice tray 19 rotates in the direction B shown in FIG. 4, the ice in the ice tray 19 falls into the first space 26b. The second space 26c is a space for receiving ice falling from the ice tray 19 when the ice tray 19 rotates in a direction opposite to the one direction. For example, when the ice tray 19 rotates in the direction C shown in FIG. 4, the ice in the ice tray 19 falls into the second space 26c. The partition 26a may be slidable so that the volume of the first space 26b and the volume of the second space 26c can be changed. The partition 26 a may be detachable from the main body portion of the case 26.

Sensor 27 detects that case 26 is full of ice. For example, the sensor 27 includes a lever disposed above the case 26. When a certain amount of ice accumulates in the case 26, the lever is pushed by the ice. When the lever is pushed, it is detected that the case 26 is full of ice. When the sensor 27 detects that the case 26 is full of ice, it outputs detection information to the control device 14.

In the example shown in the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle, the blower 11, the motor 12, and the damper 13 are examples of a cooler that cools the water in the ice tray 19. As described above, when the blower 11 is driven, the air cooled by the evaporator 8 passes through the feed duct and is sent to the ice making chamber 4. An air outlet 4 a and a suction port 4 b are formed on the wall surface of the ice making chamber 4. Cold air enters the ice making chamber 4 from the outlet 4a. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the outlet 4 a is formed at a position higher than the ice tray 19 on the inner wall of the ice making chamber 4.

In the ice making chamber 4, when the blower 11 is driven, an air flow for cooling the water in the ice tray 19 is generated. For example, the air that has entered the ice making chamber 4 from the outlet 4 a passes below the ice tray 19 and then passes below the ice tray 19. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a suction port 4 b is formed at a position lower than the ice tray 19 on the inner wall surface of the ice making chamber 4. The air that has passed under the ice tray 19 returns from the suction port 4b and enters the duct. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water in the ice tray 19 begins to freeze from the top. For this reason, if the temperature sensor 24 is provided on the back surface of the ice tray 19, it can be more accurately determined from the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 24 that the water placed in the ice tray 19 has been frozen. Furthermore, if the temperature sensor 24 is covered with the heat insulating material 28, it is possible to prevent cold air from directly hitting the temperature sensor 24 even if the airflow is generated.

Refrigerator 1 shown in the present embodiment has a function of making ice in at least two modes. For example, the refrigerator 1 can make ice in the first ice making mode. The refrigerator 1 can make ice in the second ice making mode. In the following, an example in which block ice is made in the first ice making mode will be described. An example in which crushed ice is made in the second ice making mode will be described. The size of the ice made in the second ice making mode is smaller than the size of the ice made in the first ice making mode. Below, with reference to FIG.8 and FIG.9, the operation | movement for making ice with the refrigerator 1 is demonstrated in detail.

8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an operation example of the ice making machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 8 and 9 show a series of operations.

The control device 14 drives the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_n [rpm] (S101). In the example shown in the present embodiment, the subscript n indicates an arbitrary value. For example, the control device 14 controls the blower 11 based on temperature information detected by the temperature sensors 9a to 9e. For this reason, the rotation speed f_n of the blower 11 changes according to the situation at that time. In the example shown in the present embodiment, the rotation speed f_n is a certain set value or 0 which is smaller than the maximum value.

Next, the control device 14 controls the motor 17 and drives the pump 18 for a predetermined time (S102). Thereby, the water stored in the tank 15 is supplied to the ice tray 19. A certain amount of water is stored in the ice tray 19.

In this embodiment, an example in which the user can select the type of ice from the operation panel 10 will be described. For example, the operation panel 10 includes a first button and a second button. The first button and the second button may be a mechanical button having a contact or a button displayed on the screen. When the first button is pressed, first information indicating that the user has selected block ice is input to the control device 14. When the second button is pressed, second information indicating that the user has selected the crashed ice is input to the control device 14. The method for selecting the type of ice is not limited to the above example.

The control device 14 specifies the type of ice selected by the user (S103). In the example shown in the present embodiment, the control device 14 determines whether the first information is input from the operation panel 10 or the second information is input. When the first information is input from the operation panel 10, the control device 14 starts a first ice making mode for making block ice (S104). When the second information is input from the operation panel 10, the control device 14 starts a second ice making mode for making crushed ice (S114).

The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler. In the first cooling step, the water in the ice tray 19 is cooled at the first cooling rate. For example, in the first cooling process, the cooler is supplied to the ice making chamber 4 by driving the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_n.

The control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit [° C.] detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature (S105). The first ice making temperature is a temperature for determining that the water in the ice tray 19 is frozen. 8 and 9 show an example in which the first ice making temperature is −13 ° C. The first ice making temperature is preset.

When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 determines that the water put in the ice making tray 19 is frozen in S102. When the temperature Tit becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to rotate the ice tray 19 normally (S106). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction B shown in FIG.

The controller 14 starts counting the time tr1 [sec] when the ice tray 19 starts rotating in S106 (S107). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time tr1 at which the counting is started in S107 has reached the first set time (S108). The first set time is a time for applying a certain amount of twist to the ice tray 19. The first set time is set in advance.

As described above, the rotation of the stopper 23 stops when the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. The first set time is set to a time longer than the time from when the ice tray 19 starts to rotate until the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. For this reason, the drive of the motor 22 is continued even after the rod-shaped member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. When the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b, the rotation of one end of the ice tray 19 stops. This one end is an end to which the support shaft 20b is connected. On the other hand, even if the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b, the other end of the ice tray 19 continues to rotate. The other end is an end to which the support shaft 20a is connected. Thereby, a twist is added to the ice tray 19 and the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed. As the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed, the ice moves away from the ice tray 19. The ice separated from the ice tray 19 falls into the case 26. At this time, ice having a size corresponding to the size of the recess 19 a falls from the ice tray 19. That is, block ice falls from the ice tray 19 in S108. Block ice accumulates in the first space of the case 26.

The controller 14 controls the motor 22 to reverse the ice tray 19 when the first set time has elapsed since the rotation of the ice tray 19 was started in S106 (S109). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction C shown in FIG. When starting the rotation of the ice tray 19 in S109, the control device 14 starts counting time tr2 [sec] (S110). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time tr2 at which counting is started in S110 has reached the first set time (S111). The control device 14 stops the motor 22 when the first set time elapses after starting the rotation of the ice tray 19 in S109. Thereby, the ice tray 19 stops in the state arrange | positioned horizontally (S112).

Next, the control device 14 determines whether or not the case 26 is full of ice (S113). When the detection information is input from the sensor 27, the control device 14 determines that the case 26 is full of ice. In such a case, the control device 14 stops the operation for making ice. If the detection information is not input from the sensor 27, the control device 14 determines that the case 26 is not full of ice. In such a case, the control device 14 continues the operation for making ice. The control device 14 drives the pump 18 for a certain time to supply water for making the next ice to the ice tray 19 (S102).

On the other hand, the second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by a cooler and a heating step by a heater. The heating process is performed after the second cooling process. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice tray 19 is cooled at the second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate. That is, in the second cooling step, water is cooled more rapidly than in the first cooling step. This rapid cooling is performed in order to disperse the bubbles as evenly as possible in the ice. It is preferable that the ice formed by the second cooling step is entirely clouded by bubbles. In the second ice making mode, ice is crushed by expanding air trapped in the ice. The heating process after ice making is performed to expand the air trapped in the ice.

When the second ice making mode is started in S114, the control device 14 drives the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_Max [rpm] (S115). In the example shown in the present embodiment, the subscript Max indicates the maximum value. In this embodiment, an example in which rapid cooling is performed by increasing the number of rotations of the blower 11 will be described. In the second cooling step, rapid cooling may be performed by other methods.

The control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature (S116). When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 determines that the water put in the ice making tray 19 is frozen in S102. When the temperature Tit becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 returns the rotational speed of the blower 11 to f_n (S117).

Next, the control device 14 sets the output of the heater 25 to W_Max (S118). When starting energization of the heater 25 in S118, the control device 14 starts counting time th1 [sec] (S119). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time th1 at which the counting is started in S119 has reached the second set time (S120). The second set time is a time for expanding the air trapped in the ice and crushing the ice. The second set time is set in advance. By heating the heater 25 with the maximum output for the second set time, the ice is shattered on the ice tray 19. The ice temperature at this time is, for example, −10 ° C.

The control device 14 stops energizing the heater 25 when the second set time has elapsed after starting energizing the heater 25 in S118 (S121). Further, when the second set time has elapsed, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to reverse the ice tray 19 (S122). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction C shown in FIG.

The control device 14 starts counting the time tr1 when the ice tray 19 starts rotating in S122 (S123). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time tr1 at which the counting is started in S123 has reached the first set time (S124). As described above, the first set time is set to be longer than the time from when the ice tray 19 starts to rotate until the rod-like member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. Even after the rod-shaped member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b, the drive of the motor 22 is continued, whereby the ice tray 19 is twisted. Thereby, the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed, and the crushed ice made in S120 falls from the ice tray 19. Crashed ice accumulates in the second space of the case 26.

The control device 14 controls the motor 22 to rotate the ice tray 19 forward when the first set time has elapsed since the rotation of the ice tray 19 was started in S122 (S125). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction B shown in FIG. When starting the rotation of the ice tray 19 in S125, the control device 14 starts counting time tr2 (S126). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time tr2 at which the counting is started in S126 has reached the first set time (S127). The control device 14 stops the motor 22 when the first set time elapses after the rotation of the ice tray 19 is started in S125. Thereby, the ice tray 19 stops in the state arrange | positioned horizontally (S128).

Next, the control device 14 determines whether or not the case 26 is full of ice (S129). When the detection information is input from the sensor 27, the control device 14 determines that the case 26 is full of ice. In such a case, the control device 14 stops the operation for making ice. If the detection information is not input from the sensor 27, the control device 14 determines that the case 26 is not full of ice. In such a case, the control device 14 continues the operation for making ice. The control device 14 drives the pump 18 for a certain time to supply water for making the next ice to the ice tray 19 (S102).

Next, the generation principle of crushed ice will be described with reference to FIGS. A certain amount of air is dissolved in the water. Ice is a solid formed by cooling water. When water crystallizes, the impurity air is discharged out of the crystal. That is, as water freezes, air is pushed out to the ice growth interface. The air that is pushed out to the ice growth interface gathers and is trapped inside is a bubble that can be seen in the ice.

The material changes in length as the temperature changes. The rate of change in length with respect to temperature depends on the substance. This rate of change is called linear expansion coefficient. The linear expansion coefficient of ice is 50.7 × 10 ⁻⁶ [1 / K]. Since air is a gas, the linear expansion coefficient of air is a reciprocal of the absolute temperature T.

For example, the initial temperature of ice is set to −18 ° C., which is the temperature of an ice making room of a general refrigerator. The size of the ice is 20 [mm] square. The length change ΔL [mm] with respect to the ice temperature and the length change ΔL [mm] with respect to the temperature of the air trapped in the ice are expressed by the following equations.
ΔL = α × 20 × {Tn − (− 18)} (1)
α is a linear expansion coefficient. Expression 1 represents a length change ΔL when the temperature is increased from the initial temperature to the temperature Tn.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a change in length with respect to the temperature of ice and a change in length with respect to the temperature of air trapped in the ice. In FIG. 10, ΔL obtained by Expression 1 is shown as the expansion distance. FIG. 10 shows the calculation results when the ice temperature is increased from −18 ° C. to 0 ° C. FIG. 11 is a graph showing a ratio of air length change to ice length change. That is, FIG. 11 shows the change in air length when the change in ice length is 1 at each temperature.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, in the above temperature range, the air expands 70 to 80 times compared to ice. However, even when the air at −18 ° C. becomes −15 ° C., the absolute value of the length change is 0.2 [mm]. Even when −18 ° C. air becomes −5 ° C., the absolute value of the length change is 1 [mm]. For this reason, in order to make crushed ice in the second ice-making mode, it is preferable to confine many bubbles in the ice as close as possible in the second cooling step. In order to make such ice, it is necessary to generate a large number of ice nuclei that serve as nuclei of ice crystals, and to incorporate the bubbles into the ice crystals before the bubbles become large. That is, ice suitable for crashed ice can be made by cooling water as quickly as possible.

Also, the ice can be broken more finely by quickly raising the temperature of many bubbles trapped in the ice. That is, a finer crushed ice can be made. For this reason, the ice tray 19 is preferably made of metal having good thermal conductivity. The heater 25 is preferably a planar heating element capable of simultaneously heating a wide range.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the ice making machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 12 and 9 show a series of operations.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler and a first heating step by a heater. The first heating step is performed after the first cooling step. In the first heating step, the ice in the ice tray 19 is heated at the first heating rate. On the other hand, in the heating process in the second ice making mode, ice in the ice tray 19 is heated at the second heating rate. Hereinafter, the heating process shown in FIG. 9 is referred to as a second heating process. The second heating rate is greater than the first heating rate. When the ice tray 19 is made of metal, it becomes difficult for the ice to separate from the ice tray 19 compared to the case where the ice tray 19 is made of resin. The first heating step in the first ice making mode is performed to make it easier for the ice to leave the ice tray 19.

The processing flow shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the processing flow shown in FIG. 8 plus the processing shown in S130 to S132. When the first ice making mode is started in S104, the control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature (S105). When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 determines that the water put in the ice making tray 19 is frozen in S102. When the temperature Tit becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 sets the output of the heater 25 to W_n (S130). The output W_n is a set value that is smaller than the maximum output W_Max.

When the controller 14 starts energizing the heater 25 in S130, the controller 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature (S131). The second ice making temperature is a temperature for determining that the ice is easily separated from the ice tray 19. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the second ice making temperature is −1 ° C. The second ice making temperature is preset.

When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 stops energizing the heater 25 (S132). Further, when the temperature Tit becomes equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to rotate the ice tray 19 normally (S106). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction B shown in FIG. The processes shown in S106 to S113 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes shown in S106 to S113 in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the ice making machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a series of operations.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by a cooler, a second heating step and a third heating step by a heater. The second heating step is performed after the second cooling step. The third heating step is performed after the second heating step. In the second heating step, the ice in the ice tray 19 is heated at the second heating rate. In the third heating step, the ice in the ice tray 19 is heated at the third heating rate. The second heating rate is greater than the third heating rate. The second heating rate is greater than the first heating rate. The third heating step is performed to make it easier for the ice to leave the ice tray 19.

The processing flow shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the processing flow shown in FIG. 9 plus the processing shown in S133 and S134. When the second ice making mode is started in S114, the control device 14 drives the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_Max (S115).

Next, the control device 14 sets the output of the heater 25 to W_Max (S118). When starting energization of the heater 25 in S118, the control device 14 starts counting the time th1 (S119). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time th1 at which the counting is started in S119 has reached the second set time (S120).

The control device 14 sets the output of the heater 25 to W_n when the second set time has elapsed after starting energization of the heater 25 in S118 (S133). When the output of the heater 25 is decreased in S133, the control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature (S134). FIG. 13 shows an example in which the second ice making temperature is −1 ° C.

When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 stops energizing the heater 25 (S121). Further, when the temperature Tit becomes equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to reverse the ice tray 19 (S122). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction C shown in FIG. The processing shown in S121 to S129 in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing shown in S121 to S129 in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart when the second ice making mode shown in FIG. 13 and the first ice making mode shown in FIG. 12 are alternately performed. A section I shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the processing from S101 to S103 in FIG. Section II corresponds to the processing from S115 to S117 in FIG. The second cooling step is included in Section II. Section III corresponds to the processing from S118 to S120 in FIG. The second heating step is included in Section III. The section IV corresponds to the processing from S133 to S129 in FIG. The third heating step is included in the first part of section IV. The section V corresponds to the process of S105 in FIG. The first cooling process is included in the section V. The section VI corresponds to the processing from S130 to S113 in FIG. The first heating step is included in the first part of the section VI.

As described above, the second cooling rate in the second cooling step is higher than the first cooling rate in the first cooling step. In the present embodiment, it is defined that the cooling rate is larger as the time taken for a predetermined amount of water at a certain set temperature to become ice at the target temperature is shorter. Note that the ice formed by the second cooling step is preferably entirely clouded by bubbles. In order to make such ice, the ice growth rate needs to be 2 [mm / hour] or more. The ice growth rate is desirably 5 [mm / hour] or more.

As described above, the second heating rate in the second heating step is greater than the first heating rate in the first heating step and the third heating rate in the third heating step. In the present embodiment, it is defined that the heating rate is larger as the time taken for a specified amount of ice at a certain set temperature to become ice at a target temperature higher than the set temperature is shorter.

In the example shown in this embodiment, ice having different shapes can be made using the same ice tray 19. There is no need to use multiple ice trays to make ice of different shapes. For this reason, an apparatus can be reduced in size. When the ice making machine is provided in the refrigerator, the refrigerator can be downsized. In other words, the capacity of other rooms formed in the refrigerator can be increased. In the present embodiment, an example of making block ice and crushed ice has been described. This is an example. Other shapes of ice may be made using the ice tray 19.

It is possible to make crushed ice by scraping ice with a blade, but when using a blade, care must be taken when washing the utensil. In the example shown in this embodiment, a blade is not used to make crushed ice. For this reason, the instrument can be easily cleaned.

In the example shown in the present embodiment, the case 26 includes a partition 26a. Block ice is stored in the first space partitioned by the partition 26a. Crushed ice is stored in the second space partitioned by the partition 26a. Since block ice and crushed ice can be stored separately, it is easy to use.

The ice tray 19 may be made of metal only in the portion where water can be put and resin in the remaining portion. If it is such an ice tray 19, compared with the ice tray 19 whose all parts are metal, force required in order to carry out elastic deformation can be reduced. For this reason, a small and inexpensive motor 22 can be used.

In the present embodiment, the cooler including the evaporator 8 and the blower 11 is illustrated. This is an example. As the cooler, an apparatus for directly cooling the ice tray 19 may be used. For example, the cooler may include a cooling pipe provided on the back surface of the ice tray 19. The cooler may include a Peltier element provided on the back surface of the ice tray 19.

In the present embodiment, the heater 25 provided on the back surface of the ice tray 19 is exemplified as the heater. This is an example. For example, a device that blows warm air on the ice in the ice tray 19 may be used as the heater.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the case 26 is disposed in the ice making chamber 4 has been described. This is an example. The case 26 may be arranged in a room other than the ice making room 4. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the case 26 which can open and extract the door of the ice making chamber 4 was illustrated. This is an example. By providing the refrigerator 1 with a dispenser function, the ice may be taken out without opening the entire door of the ice making chamber 4.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In Embodiment 1, the example which crushes ice by heating rapidly cooled ice was demonstrated. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a force is applied to the ice by twisting the ice tray 19 to break the ice.

In the example shown in the present embodiment, the motor 22 generates a force for elastically deforming the ice tray 19. As described above, a large number of air is trapped in the rapidly cooled ice. For this reason, if the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed, the ice in the ice tray 19 can be shattered. However, in the example shown in this embodiment, when the ice tray 19 is twisted, it is necessary to prevent the ice from coming off the ice tray 19 before the ice breaks.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the shear bond strength between ice and stainless steel. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shear bond strength between ice and polystyrene. 15 and 16 are cited from the following.
"Keiichi Maeno," Ice adhesion and friction ", Japan Society of Snow and Ice, Vol. 68, no. 5, p. 449-455 (2006) "

¡The greater the adhesion strength, the harder the ice will leave. In the example shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the ice tray 19 is made of metal at least at a portion into which water is put. For example, when the ice tray 19 is a molded product made of stainless steel, it is preferable that the portion into which water is put is not polished after being removed from the mold. When the ice tray 19 is made of resin, for example, it is preferable that the surface of the portion into which water is put is rougher than the surface of the other portion. Such an ice tray 19 may be applied to the example shown in the first embodiment.

17 and 18 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the ice making machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 17 and 18 show a series of operations. The processing flow shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing flow shown in FIG.

The control device 14 drives the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_n [rpm] (S201). Further, the control device 14 controls the motor 17 to drive the pump 18 for a certain time (S202). Thereby, the water stored in the tank 15 is supplied to the ice tray 19. A certain amount of water is stored in the ice tray 19.

The control device 14 specifies the type of ice selected by the user (S203). For example, when the first information is input from the operation panel 10, the control device 14 starts a first ice making mode for making block ice (S204). When the second information is input from the operation panel 10, the control device 14 starts a second ice making mode for making crushed ice (S214).

The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by a cooler and a first heating step by a heater. In the first cooling step, the water in the ice tray 19 is cooled at the first cooling rate. For example, in the first cooling process, the cooler is supplied to the ice making chamber 4 by driving the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_n. The first heating step is performed after the first cooling step. In the first heating step, the ice in the ice tray 19 is heated at the first heating rate. The first heating step is performed to make it easy for the ice to leave the ice tray 19.

The control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit [° C.] detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature (S205). FIG. 17 shows an example in which the first ice making temperature is −13 ° C. The first ice making temperature is preset.

When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 determines that the water put in the ice tray 19 is frozen in S202. When the temperature Tit becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 sets the output of the heater 25 to W_n (S230).

When the controller 14 starts energizing the heater 25 in S230, the controller 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit [° C.] detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature (S231). FIG. 17 shows an example in which the second ice making temperature is −1 ° C. The second ice making temperature is preset.

When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 stops energizing the heater 25 (S232). Further, when the temperature Tit becomes equal to or higher than the second ice making temperature, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to rotate the ice tray 19 normally (S206). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction B shown in FIG. The processes shown in S206 to S213 in FIG. 17 are the same as the processes shown in S106 to S113 in FIG.

On the other hand, the second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a deformation step of the ice tray 19 by the motor 22. The deformation process is performed after the second cooling process. In the second cooling step, the water in the ice tray 19 is cooled at the second cooling rate. The second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.

When the second ice making mode is started in S214, the control device 14 drives the blower 11 at the rotation speed f_Max [rpm] (S215). Also in the present embodiment, an example in which rapid cooling is performed by increasing the rotation speed of the blower 11 will be described. In the second cooling step, rapid cooling may be performed by other methods.

The control device 14 determines whether or not the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 is lower than the first ice making temperature (S216). When the temperature Tit detected by the temperature sensor 24 becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 determines that the water put in the ice making tray 19 is frozen in S202. When the temperature Tit becomes lower than the first ice making temperature, the control device 14 returns the rotational speed of the blower 11 to f_n (S217).

Next, the control device 14 drives the motor 22 to reverse the ice tray 19 (S222). For example, the control device 14 rotates the ice tray 19 in the direction C shown in FIG. When starting the rotation of the ice tray 19 in S222, the control device 14 starts counting time tr1 [sec] (S223). The control device 14 determines whether or not the time tr1 at which counting is started in S223 has reached the first set time (S224).

As described above, the first set time is set to a time longer than the time from when the ice tray 19 starts to rotate until the rod-shaped member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b. Even after the rod-shaped member 23b hits the edge of the long hole 21b, the drive of the motor 22 is continued, whereby the ice tray 19 is twisted. Thereby, the ice tray 19 is elastically deformed, and the ice in the ice tray 19 is shattered. In other words, in S224, the crashed ice falls from the ice tray 19. Crashed ice accumulates in the second space of the case 26.

When the first set time has elapsed after the rotation of the ice tray 19 in S222, the control device 14 controls the motor 22 to rotate the ice tray 19 forward (S225). The processes shown in S225 to S229 in FIG. 18 are the same as the processes shown in S125 to S129 in FIG.

Even in the example shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the effect disclosed by the example disclosed in the first embodiment. That is, in the example shown in the present embodiment, ice having different shapes can be made using the same ice tray 19. There is no need to use multiple ice trays to make ice of different shapes. For this reason, an apparatus can be reduced in size. When the ice making machine is provided in the refrigerator, the refrigerator can be downsized. In other words, the volume of the other room formed in the refrigerator can be increased. In the present embodiment, an example of making block ice and crushed ice has been described. This is an example. Other shapes of ice may be made using the ice tray 19.

Note that it is possible to make crushed ice by shaving ice with a blade, but when using a blade, care must be taken when washing the utensil. In the example shown in this embodiment, a blade is not used to make crushed ice. For this reason, the instrument can be easily cleaned.

Features not described in the present embodiment are the same as the features disclosed in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 14 includes a processing circuit including, for example, a processor 29 and a memory 30 as hardware resources. The control device 14 implements each function described above by executing a program stored in the memory 30 by the processor 29.

The processor 29 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. As the memory 30, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD may be employed. Semiconductor memories that can be used include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, and the like.

Some or all of the functions of the control device 14 may be realized by hardware. As hardware for realizing the function of the control device 14, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof may be employed.

The present invention can be applied to various devices that make ice from water.

1 refrigerator, 2 main body, 2a door, 3 refrigerator compartment, 4 ice making room, 4a outlet, 4b inlet, 5 freezer compartment, 6 vegetable compartment, 7 compressor, 8 evaporator, 9a-9e temperature sensor, 10 operation panel , 11 blower, 12 motor, 13 damper, 14 control device, 15 tank, 16 pipe, 17 motor, 18 pump, 19 ice tray, 19a recess, 19b notch, 20a support shaft, 20b support shaft, 21 frame, 21a penetration Hole, 21b long hole, 22 motor, 23 stopper, 23a disk member, 23b rod-shaped member, 23c through hole, 24 temperature sensor, 25 heater, 26 case, 26a partition, 26b first space, 26c second Space, 27 sensors, 28 heat insulator, 29 processor, 30 a memory

Claims

An ice making machine capable of making ice in each of the first ice making mode and the second ice making mode,
An ice tray,
A cooler for cooling the water in the ice tray;
A heater for heating the ice in the ice tray;
With
The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by the cooler,
In the first cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at a first cooling rate,
The second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a heating step by the heater after the second cooling step,
In the second cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at a second cooling rate,
The ice making machine wherein the second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.
The first ice making mode further includes a first heating step by the heater after the first cooling step,
In the first heating step, the ice in the ice tray is heated at a first heating rate,
In the heating step of the second ice making mode, ice in the ice tray is heated at a second heating rate,
The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein the second heating rate is higher than the first heating rate.
The first ice making mode further includes a first heating step by the heater after the first cooling step,
In the first heating step, the ice in the ice tray is heated at a first heating rate,
The heating step in the second ice making mode includes a second heating step after the second cooling step and a third heating step after the second heating step,
In the second heating step, the ice in the ice tray is heated at a second heating rate,
In the third heating step, the ice in the ice tray is heated at a third heating rate,
The ice making machine according to claim 1, wherein the second heating rate is higher than the first heating rate and the third heating rate.
An ice making machine capable of making ice in each of the first ice making mode and the second ice making mode,
An ice tray,
A cooler for cooling the water in the ice tray;
A heater for heating the ice in the ice tray;
A motor for generating a force for elastically deforming the ice tray;
With
The first ice making mode includes a first cooling step by the cooler and a heating step by the heater after the first cooling step,
In the first cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at a first cooling rate,
The second ice making mode includes a second cooling step by the cooler and a deformation step by the motor after the second cooling step,
In the second cooling step, water in the ice tray is cooled at a second cooling rate,
The ice making machine wherein the second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.
The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ice tray is made of metal at least at a portion into which water is put.
The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ice tray is made of a resin and a surface of a portion into which water is put is rougher than a surface of another portion.
The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heater is a planar heating element that covers a portion of the ice tray that is filled with water from the back side.
A temperature sensor provided in the ice tray;
A heat insulating material covering the temperature sensor;
The ice making machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:
Further comprising a case disposed below the ice tray;
The ice tray is supported rotatably about an axis;
The case includes a partition for partitioning the first space and the second space,
The first space is a space for receiving ice falling from the ice tray when the ice tray rotates in one direction around the axis;
9. The second space is a space for receiving ice falling from the ice tray when the ice tray rotates in a direction opposite to the one direction around the axis. 9. An ice making machine according to claim 1.