JP4590713B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

【０００１】
【発明が属する技術分野】
本発明は自動製氷装置を搭載した冷蔵庫に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動製氷装置を搭載した電気冷蔵庫において、２つの製氷皿に給水して製氷し、製氷後それぞれの製氷皿を回動させて脱氷させる構成のものがあり、その自動製氷装置に関して特開平６−２４１６２７号公報に開示されている。
【０００３】
以下、図面を参照しながら従来の自動製氷装置を搭載した冷蔵庫について、自動製氷装置を中心に説明する。
【０００４】
図１２は、従来の自動製氷機を示す斜視図である。図１３は従来の自動製氷機の駆動部を示す正面図である。
【０００５】
図１２、図１３において、１００は駆動部で、１０１，１０２は注水された水を製氷する製氷皿でありそれぞれ一端を駆動部１００の駆動軸１０３，１０４に連結されている。１０５，１０６は駆動軸１０３，１０４へ回転力を伝達するゼネバ歯車であり、１０７はゼネバ歯車１０５，１０６を駆動するピン１０８を有する駆動歯車である。駆動歯車１０７は減速歯車列（図示せず）に連繋され、減速歯車列はモータ（図示せず）の回転を減速伝達する。
【０００６】
以上のように構成された冷蔵庫について、その動作を説明する。
【０００７】
製氷皿１０１，１０２に注水された水が凍結し製氷が完了すると、モータが始動しその回転を減速歯車列が駆動歯車１０７へ伝達する。駆動歯車１０７が回転するとピン１０８がゼネバ歯車１０５、又は１０６と連結されて回転が伝達され駆動軸１０３、又は１０４が回動し、製氷皿１０１、又は１０２を回動させて脱氷することとなる。
【０００８】
なお、ゼネバ歯車１０５と駆動軸１０３との間にはモータの回転方向に関係無く駆動軸１０３を一定方向に回転させる機構が設置されており、駆動軸１０３は製氷皿１０１を一方向にしか回転させない。
【０００９】
同様に、ゼネバ歯車１０６と駆動軸１０４との間にはモータの回転方向に関係無く駆動軸１０３を一定方向に回転させる機構が設置されており、駆動軸１０４は製氷皿１０２を一方向にしか回転させない。
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
製氷皿１０１、１０２から脱氷された氷は、貯えられる過程ですくなくとも２つの氷群（氷塊の集団）が発生するので、それぞれの氷群に対応した製氷装置が必要である。
しかしながら、上記従来の構成では製氷皿１０１，１０２を回転駆動させる手段のみで、製氷皿１０１，１０２から脱氷された氷を如何に貯蔵し、そして貯蔵された氷量を如何に検知するのか不明確であるため、冷蔵庫などの冷却機器への搭載が困難である。
【００１１】
それゆえ、複数の氷群に対応した自動製氷装置を搭載した電気冷蔵庫の実現が望まれている。
【００１２】
本発明は、上記課題を解決するもので、複数の氷群に対応して実用に供せる自動製氷装置及びこの自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫を提供することを目的としている。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、製氷皿へ水を供給し、製氷完了後に前記製氷皿を回転軸により回転して氷を離脱させ、貯える自動製氷装置において、前記製氷皿を二つ配置するとともに、二つの貯氷容器を左右方向に独立してそれぞれ個別に並べて配置し前記製氷皿ごとに離脱した氷を貯蔵する二つの貯氷領域と、前記二つの貯氷領域ごとに貯蔵された氷の量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、貯氷容器をそれぞれ庫外に引き出す手段と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は好みの氷を貯氷容器を選択することによって前記扉を引き出した後にそれぞれ個別の貯氷容器を取り出すことができることを特徴とする自動製氷装置と、を備えたものであり、複数の製氷皿によって複数の貯氷領域にそれぞれ貯えられた氷は、個別に氷量が検知され、氷量の不足している貯氷領域を対象に製氷を行い、氷が補充される。
【００２１】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる形状としたものであり、氷の使われる場面や用途に応じて使い分けができる。
【００２２】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる大きさとしたものであり、冷却する対象に応じて氷の使い分けができる。
【００２４】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水経路を分割し、流路切換手段によって複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水するものであり、一つの給水源と一つの給水手段でそれぞれの製氷皿または製氷領域に適量の給水が行われる。
【００２５】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプを複数設け、複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水するものであり、一つの給水源でそれぞれの製氷皿または製氷領域に適量の給水が行われる。
【００２６】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプ以後の給水経路を分割し、給水ポンプに流路切換手段を一体に設けたものであり、流路切換手段を別途設けるスペースが必要なく、自動製氷装置としての全体構成が簡素になり、組み立て作業も容易になる。
【００２７】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項４から請求項６のいずれか一項に記載の発明に、さらに、給水量を調節する給水量調節手段を設けたものであり、それぞれの製氷容量の範囲内で用途や好みに応じて氷の大きさを変えられる。
【００２８】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷完了後は複数の製氷皿を互いに独立して駆動して脱氷させるとともに、複数の検氷手段を互いに独立して駆動させるものであり、製氷皿ごとに製氷，脱氷のサイクルが遅滞なく繰り返される。
【００２９】
請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明に、さらに、製氷皿内の水温を間接的に検知する温度検知手段を複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域にそれぞれ設けたものであり、製氷皿または製氷領域ごとに適切に給水や製氷終了の検知が行われる。
【００３０】
請求項１０に記載の発明は、請求項４または請求項６に記載の発明に、さらに、流路切換手段を操作し給水経路を任意の経路に固定する製氷選択手段を備えたものであり、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応できる。
【００３１】
請求項１１に記載の発明は、請求項５に記載の発明に、さらに、任意の給水ポンプの駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたものであり、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応できる。
【００３２】
請求項１２に記載の発明は、請求項８に記載の発明に、さらに、任意の製氷皿の駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたものであり、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応できる。
【００３６】
請求項１３に記載の発明は、冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、前記冷蔵室内に設けた給水タンク及び前記給水タンク内の水を供給する給水ポンプと、前記給水ポンプの後段で二つの経路に分岐する給水経路と、前記二つの給水経路を選択的に切り替える流路切換手段と、前記二つの給水経路に対応して前記冷凍室内に設けられた二つの製氷皿と、前記二つの製氷皿を個別に回転駆動して脱氷させる駆動装置と、前記二つの製氷皿の下方に対向して設けられた二つの貯氷領域と、前記駆動装置に設けられ前記二つの貯氷領域内に貯蔵された氷量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、前記扉を引き出すことで同時に一体に引き出され前記二つの貯氷領域を備えた一つの貯氷容器と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は貯氷容器の中の氷の取り出し操作性や見分け易さを向上させた冷蔵庫であり、冷蔵庫の冷凍雰囲気下において製氷された氷は、複数の貯氷領域にそれぞれ貯えられて個別に氷量の管理が行われ、見渡しやすく取り出しやすい高さで食品や飲料との関係が深い氷の利用の便宜が図れる。
【００３７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明による冷蔵庫の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００３８】
（実施の形態１）
図１は本発明による実施の形態１の自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫の要部断面図である。図２は同実施の形態の冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置の正面図である。図３は同実施の形態の冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置の駆動装置を示す斜視図である。
【００３９】
図１において、１は複数の貯蔵室を有する冷蔵庫本体であり、２は冷蔵庫本体１の上部に形成された冷蔵室で、扉３と断熱壁４によって囲まれ、外気と断熱されている。
【００４０】
５は冷蔵室２の下方に形成された冷凍室５（以下、製氷室５という）であり、断熱壁４と扉６によって囲まれ、外気と断熱されている。７は製氷室５の扉６に固定された可動レールで、可動レール７は製氷室５の側壁に固定された固定レール８に係合されており、扉６を引き出した際に固定レール８に沿って移動する。なお、可動レール７と固定レール８の間には滑車９が配置されており、移動を滑らかにしている。
【００４１】
１０は自動製氷装置であり、その構成を以下に説明する。
【００４２】
１１は可塑性樹脂のポリプロピレンで成形された第１製氷皿であり、氷形状を決定する複数の氷室１１ａと、氷室１１ａを一括固定する氷室枠１１ｂと、氷室枠１１ｂの長手方向中心軸の端部に形成された回転軸１１ｃが設けられている。１１ｄは第１製氷皿１１の外底面に取り付けられ水温を間接検知するための第１温度検知手段（以下、第１温度センサー１１ｄという）である。
【００４３】
１２は第１製氷皿１１と同様にポリプロピレンで成形された第２製氷皿であり、氷室１２ａ、氷室枠１２ｂ、回転軸１２ｃが第１製氷皿１１と同様に設けられている。１２ｄは第１製氷皿１２の外底面に取り付けられ水温を間接検知するための第２温度検知手段（以下、第２温度センサー１２ｄという）である。
【００４４】
１３は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２の各々の回転軸１１ｃ、回転軸１２ｃを保持し必要に応じて第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２を反転させて脱氷させる駆動装置であり、駆動装置１３の内部には駆動源たるモータ、モータの回転を減速伝達する減速歯車等が配置されている。
【００４５】
１４は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２の下方に配置され脱氷された氷を貯える貯氷容器であり、貯氷容器１４の内部は第１製氷皿１１からの氷を貯える貯氷領域１４ａ（以下、区画１４ａという）と、第２製氷皿１２からの氷を貯える貯氷領域１４ｂ（以下、区画１４ｂという）とに区画壁１４ｃによって区画構成されている。
【００４６】
１５は貯氷容器内の氷の量を検知するための検氷手段（以下、検氷レバー１５という）であり、１５ａは貯氷容器１４の区画１４ａに貯えられた氷の量を検知する第１検氷手段（以下、第１検氷レバー１５ａという）、１５ｂは区画１４ｂに貯えられた氷の量を検知する第２検氷手段（以下、第２検氷レバー１５ｂという）である。
【００４７】
１６は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２へ供給する水を貯えておくための給水タンクで、１７は給水タンク１６内の水を第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２へ供給するための給水装置であり、第１製氷皿１１へ水を導く第１パイプ１８ａ、第２製氷皿２へ水を導く第２パイプ１８ｂからなるパイプ１８、給水タンク１６から水を取り出す給水ポンプ１９、給水ポンプ１９から出た水の流路を切り換える流路切換手段２０（以下、切換弁２０という）で構成されている。２１は駆動装置１３，給水装置１７を制御する制御部である。
【００４８】
そして、自動製氷装置１０は、第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２、駆動装置１３、貯氷容器１４、検氷レバー１５、給水タンク１６、給水装置１７、パイプ１８、給水ポンプ１９、制御部２１とによって構成されている。
【００４９】
図３に示すように、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２は氷室の形状が異なり、大きさも第１製氷皿の氷室１１ａで生成される氷１個の体積は１ｍｌで、第２製氷皿の氷室１２ａで生成される氷１個の体積は８ｍｌであるというように差を持たせている。たとえば、具体的には大きい氷は一般的なキューブ状のほかにロック状や半球状、小さい氷は一般的なキューブ状のほかにフレーク状やクラッシュ状などと特徴を持たせている。
【００５０】
第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２はともに駆動装置１３に連結されており、駆動装置１３内に内蔵されたモータと減速歯車によってそれぞれ個別に反転動作をし、各製氷皿下方の貯氷容器１４へ脱氷する。駆動装置１３内には各製氷皿１１，１２の位置検知を行うスイッチが内蔵されおり、各製氷皿１１，１２の水平位置、脱氷位置は制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって判断される。
【００５１】
また、第１検氷レバー１５ａと第２検氷レバー１５ｂも駆動装置１３の側面に連結されており、駆動装置１３に内蔵された減速歯車に連係して動作する。
【００５２】
通常、第１検氷レバー１５ａは貯氷容器の区画１４ａの上方に、第２検氷レバー１５ｂは区画１４ｂの上方に待機しており、第１検氷レバー１５ａは第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作と同時に貯氷容器の区画１４ａ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画１４ａ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置１３内で第１検氷レバー１５ａに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画１４ａ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【００５３】
第２検氷レバー１５ｂは第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作と同時に貯氷容器の区画１４ｂ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画１４ｂ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置１３内で第１検氷レバー１５ｂに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部２１へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画１４ｂ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【００５４】
各製氷皿１１，１２の脱氷動作は、対応する各検氷レバー１５ａ，１５ｂの方向に向かって反転し、各氷室１１ａ，１２ａの開口部が貯氷容器１４の方向に向いたところで、各製氷皿１１，１２を支持する枠体（図示せず）に形成された突起と当って捻られて氷を押し出すことで達成される。
【００５５】
以上のように構成された冷蔵庫について、次にその動作を説明する。
【００５６】
第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２に給水された水が各氷室１１ａ，１２ａ内で凍結し氷の生成が完了すると、各製氷皿１１，１２の外底面に設置された各温度センサー１１ｄ，１２ｄの抵抗値が上昇し製氷が完了したことを制御部２１が認識する。２つの製氷皿１１，１２が同時に製氷を完了した場合は、第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作を優先する。
【００５７】
第１製氷皿１１で氷が生成されると第１製氷皿１１は駆動装置１３によって第１検氷レバー１５ａの方向へ反転し捻られて、貯氷容器の区画１４ａへ脱氷する。
【００５８】
区画１４ａ内の氷量は第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作と同時に行うが、区画１４ａ内に氷が十分あるときは、第１検氷レバー１５ａが区画１４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部２１は氷が十分であると認識して、脱氷動作の途中で第１製氷皿１１を停止し、今度は水平位置へ復帰させる。
【００５９】
逆に、区画１４ａ内の氷が不足しているときは、第１検氷レバー１５ａが区画１４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置内のスイッチが動作し制御部２１は区画１４ａ内の氷が不足していると認識して第１製氷皿１１の脱氷動作を継続して脱氷を完了させる。
【００６０】
脱氷の完了は第１製氷皿１１が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は脱氷が完了したと認識する。
【００６１】
脱氷が完了すると駆動装置１３は第１製氷皿１１を水平位置へ復帰させる。第１製氷皿１１が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は第１製氷皿１１が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【００６２】
脱氷して水平位置へ復帰した第１製氷皿１１へは給水装置の給水ポンプ１９によって再び給水タンク１６から給水され、製氷を開始する。
【００６３】
第１製氷皿１１への給水が完了すると、第２製氷皿１２の脱氷を行う。第２製氷皿１２で氷が生成されると第２製氷皿１２は駆動装置１３によって第２検氷レバー１５ｂの方向へ反転し捻られて、貯氷容器の区画１４ｂへ脱氷する。
【００６４】
区画１４ｂ内の氷量は第２製氷皿１２の脱氷動作と同時に行うが、区画１４ｂ内に氷が十分あるときは、第２検氷レバー１５ｂが区画１４ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部２１は氷が十分であると認識して、脱氷動作の途中で第２製氷皿１２を停止し、今度は水平位置へ復帰させる。
【００６５】
逆に、区画１４ｂ内の氷が不足しているときは、第２検氷レバー１５ｂが区画１４ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置内のスイッチが動作し制御部２１は区画１４ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識して第２製氷皿１２の脱氷動作を継続して脱氷を完了させる。
【００６６】
脱氷の完了は第２製氷皿１２が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は脱氷が完了したと認識する。
【００６７】
脱氷が完了すると駆動装置１３は第２製氷皿１２を水平位置へ復帰させる。第２製氷皿１２が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置１３内のスイッチが作動するので制御部２１は第２製氷皿１２が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【００６８】
脱氷して水平位置へ復帰した第２製氷皿１２へは給水装置の給水ポンプ１９によって再び給水タンク１６から給水され、製氷を開始する。
【００６９】
第２製氷皿１２への給水は、先に第１製氷皿１１へ給水した直後なので切換弁２０は第１パイプ１８ａへ流路を設定しているので、制御部２１は第２製氷皿１２へ給水されるように流路を第２パイプ１８ｂへ設定する。
【００７０】
以上のように、本実施の形態の冷蔵庫は、第１製氷皿１１と、第２製氷皿１２と、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２をそれぞれ個別に反転させることのできる駆動装置１３と、第１製氷皿１１の下方に設置した貯氷容器の区画１４ａと、第２製氷皿１２の下方に設置した貯氷容器の区画１４ｂと、駆動装置１３によって動作し区画１４ａ内の氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー１５ａと、駆動装置１３によって動作し区画１４ｂ内の氷の量を検知する第検氷レバー１５ｂとを備えたので、氷を２つの区画１４ａ、１４ｂに貯えることができるうえに各区画に貯えられた氷の量を第１検氷レバー１５ａ、第２検氷レバー１５ｂによってそれぞれ個別に検知できるので、氷の不足した区画を対照に合理的に製氷を行い氷を補充することができる。
【００７１】
また、第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２へのそれぞれの給水経路を個別に設けず、パイプ１８を第１パイプ１８ａ，第２パイプ１８ｂに分割し、切換弁２０によって第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２へ選択的に給水するので、コンパクトな構成でそれぞれに適量の給水を行うことができる。
【００７２】
また、第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿の底面にそれぞれ第１温度センサー１１ｄ，第２温度センサー１２ｄを設けたことによって、それぞれの製氷皿内の水温を適切に検知することができ、給水や製氷終了の検知が過不足なく合理的な形で確実に行われ、信頼性の高い製氷機能を得ることができる。
【００７３】
また、区画１４ａ，１４ｂは一つの貯氷容器１４を区画壁１４ｃにより区画しただけの簡単な構造で無効部分が少なく、安価に貯氷領域が区画構成できる。また、貯氷容器１４はひとつであるので設置スペースをコンパクトにまとめることができる。
【００７４】
また、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２の氷室１１ａ，１２ａを互いに異なる形状および大きさとしたので、製氷される氷は、氷の使われる場面や用途および冷却する対象に応じて使い分けができ、使い勝手や利便性を高めて食生活などの生活シーンを豊かに演出することができる。
【００７５】
たとえば、一般的な用途にはキューブ状の大きめの氷、ウイスキーなどにはロック状の大きめの氷、料理の飾り付けには半球状の大きめの氷、飲料やサラダの急速冷却にはフレーク状またはクラッシュ状の小さめの氷、水筒などには形状は問わず注水口から入る程度の少し小さめの氷などである。
【００７６】
さらに、給水ポンプ１９の駆動時間を選択することなどにより給水量を調節する給水量調節手段を付加すれば、それぞれの製氷容量の範囲内で用途や好みに応じて氷の大きさを変えることができ、上述の種々の氷のバリエーションを広げることができる。
【００７７】
また、区画壁１４ｃの位置を中央にせず、一回当りに製氷される氷の容量差に応じて区画１４ａ，１４ｂの容量を大小区分することにより、容量に応じてバランスのとれた効率のよい貯氷を行うことができる。
【００７８】
また、本実施の形態のように、冷蔵庫に自動製氷装置１０を適用することにより、製氷用の水が冷蔵室２の冷却雰囲気下で予冷されるため製氷室５の冷凍雰囲気下において効率よく製氷され、製氷室５内で個別に２種の氷の管理が行われ、食品や飲料との関係が深い氷の利用の便宜を図ることができる。
【００７９】
また、製氷室の扉６を引き出せば同時に貯氷容器１４が一体に引き出され、目より下の見渡しやすく取り出しやすい高さで使い勝手を高めることができる。特に本実施の形態のように２種の氷を使い分けするような場合は、個々の貯氷スペースが十分に大きくとれず、比較的狭いスペースでの取り出し操作性や見分け易さが要求されるため、使用者の肘より下方の高さで引き出し式の形態が望ましい。
【００８０】
なお、引き出し式の形態については、本実施の形態のような独立した扉６を備えるもののほか、冷凍室の扉の内側にあり貯氷容器１４を引き出せる形態としたものでも近似した使い勝手を確保できる。
【００８１】
（実施の形態２）
図４は本発明による実施の形態２の自動製氷装置の正面図である。図５は同実施の形態の自動製氷装置の駆動装置を示す斜視図である。
【００８２】
３１は第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２の２種類の製氷皿を備えた自動製氷装置である。３２は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２を反転させて脱氷させる駆動装置であり、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２の間の間隙寸法を広げた配置構成をとっている。
【００８３】
３３は第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２の下方に配置され脱氷された氷を貯える貯氷容器であり、第１製氷皿１１、第２製氷皿１２は貯氷容器３３の両端壁近傍にそれぞれ対向するよう配置されている。貯氷容器３３の内部は第１製氷皿１１からの氷を貯える貯氷領域３３ａ（以下、区画３３ａという）と、第２製氷皿１２からの氷を貯える貯氷領域３３ｂ（以下、区画３３ｂという）とに着脱かつ移動可能な区画壁３３ｃによって区画構成されている。
【００８４】
また、３３ｄは貯氷容器３３の前後壁に複数対設けられた固定リブであり、区画壁３３ｃの両端部を挿入して固定する。
【００８５】
以上のような構成において、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２の一回当りの製氷量に差があるので、区画壁３３ｃを製氷容量の少ない第１製氷皿１１に最も近い位置の固定リブ３３ｄに挿入して固定すれば、区画３３ａは小さく、区画３３ｂは大きくなり、結果として製氷容量に応じた適切な貯氷領域を構成することができる。
【００８６】
また、区画壁３３ｃを他の位置の固定リブ３３ｄに挿入すれば、使用者のニーズに応じて大小２種類の氷の貯氷領域の大きさを調整することができ、使用頻度の高い氷の貯氷容量を増やして利便性を高めることができる。
【００８７】
なお、第１製氷皿１１と第２製氷皿１２の間の間隙寸法を広げた配置構成をとっているので、固定リブ３３ｄの位置を選択できる裕度が確保されている。
【００８８】
また、図示しないが切換弁２０を操作して給水経路を経路の固定する製氷選択手段を備えることにより、第１製氷皿１１を選択すればパイプ１８ａのみに給水タンク１６内の水が給水ポンプ１９によって送られ、第１製氷皿１１のみ有効な製氷作用が行われる。一方、第２製氷皿１２を選択すればパイプ１８ｂのみに給水タンク１６内の水が給水ポンプ１９によって送られ、第２製氷皿１２のみ有効な製氷作用が行われる。
【００８９】
これにより、必要に応じて第１製氷皿１１または第２製氷皿１２のうちどちらか一方の製氷作用を任意に停止させることができ、たとえばどちらか一方の氷しか使わない場合、製氷量がそれほど必要でない場合などに対応することができ、不必要な製氷作用を行うことによる氷の無駄や電力消費の無駄を省くことができる。
【００９０】
なお、図示しないが、駆動装置３２の内部機構の制御により第１製氷皿１１または第２製氷皿１２の一方の製氷皿の脱氷動作を直接停止させるような製氷選択手段を備えたものであっても上述と同様の作用効果を得ることができ、合理的な製氷作用が行える。
【００９１】
また、上述のような製氷選択手段の操作に合わせて、着脱可能な区画壁３３ｃを取り外せば貯氷容器３３の全体を一区画とすることができ、選択した氷が貯氷容器全体に貯えられる。このため、たとえば、選択した氷の需要が多い場合などに常に十分な氷を利用することができ非常に有用である。
【００９２】
（実施の形態３）
図６は本発明による実施の形態３の自動製氷装置の駆動装置を示す斜視図である。図６において、４１，４２は第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２の下方に対向してそれぞれ配置された第１貯氷容器，第２貯氷容器であり、隣接して並べられている。なお、この実施の形態の貯氷容器を冷蔵庫に適用するにあたっては、製氷室５の扉６に連動して一体に引き出される構造でなく、たとえば図示しない冷凍室内の一画に配置されて、冷凍室の扉を開けてそれぞれ個別に引き出される形態などが望ましい。
【００９３】
以上のような構成において、第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２でそれぞれ製氷された２種類の氷は、第１貯氷容器４１，第２貯氷容器４２内に個別に落下して区分け貯氷される。
【００９４】
このため、使用者は好みの氷を、貯氷容器を選択することによって取り出すことができ、不要な氷まで同時に引き出さなくてもよいので楽に必要な氷を利用できる。また、不要な氷をその都度外気に曝すこともないので氷がとけにくく、貯氷中に氷同士がくっつく不都合なども軽減できる。
【００９５】
（実施の形態４）
図７は本発明による実施の形態４の自動製氷装置の正面図である。
【００９６】
５１は自動製氷装置であり、一端を給水タンク１６内に連通し他端を二股に分岐したパイプ５２を備え、パイプ５２の分岐端には二つの給水ポンプすなわち第１給水ポンプ５３ａ，第２給水ポンプ５３ｂが接続されている。また、５２ａ，５２ｂは第１給水ポンプ５３ａ，第２給水ポンプ５３ｂに連結され第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２に送水するための第１パイプ，第２パイプである。
【００９７】
以上のような構成において、たとえば切換弁のような新たな特別の機能部品を設けることなく、単純に給水ポンプをもうひとつ増設するだけで第１給水ポンプ５３ａの駆動により第１パイプ５２ａを介して第１製氷皿１１に、また第２給水ポンプ５３ｂの駆動により第２パイプ５２ｂを介して第２製氷皿１２に選択的に給水するので、設置スペースの点で制約がなければ、複雑な機能を用いない分給水切換の信頼性はかえって安定し、コスト的にも同一部品の利用でメリットが期待できる。
【００９８】
また、第１給水ポンプ５３ａ，第２給水ポンプ５３ｂのうち任意の給水ポンプの駆動を停止する製氷選択手段（図示しない）を備えれば、任意に一方の製氷動作が実質的に停止され、不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応でき、氷の無駄や製氷のための電力消費やポンプ駆動音の発生を低減することができる。
【００９９】
（実施の形態５）
図８は本発明による実施の形態５の自動製氷装置の正面図である。
【０１００】
６１は自動製氷装置であり、一端を給水タンク１６内に連通したパイプ６２に切換弁などの流路切換手段を内蔵した切換機能付き給水ポンプ６３を接続し、切換流路出口より第１製氷皿１１，第２製氷皿１２に送水するための第１パイプ６２ａ，第２パイプ６２ｂを接続している。
【０１０１】
以上のような構成において、切換弁機構を備えた流路切換部品を別途設けることなく、切換機能付き給水ポンプ６３の流路を内部切換することにより第１パイプ６２ａを介して第１製氷皿１１に、また第２パイプ６２ｂを介して第２製氷皿１２に選択的に給水するので、全体構成が簡素でスペースが節約でき、組み立て作業も容易にできる。
【０１０２】
（実施の形態６）
図９は本発明による実施の形態６の自動製氷装置の正面図である。図１０は同実施の形態の冷蔵庫の自動製氷装置の駆動装置を示す斜視図である。
【０１０３】
図９，１０において、７１は自動製氷装置である。７２は可塑性樹脂のポリプロピレンで成形され２種類の製氷領域からなる製氷皿であり、第１製氷領域７３と第２製氷領域７４を有し、第１製氷領域７３には氷形状を決定する複数の氷室７３ａと、氷室７３ａを一括固定する氷室枠７３ｂが設けられている。同様に第２製氷領域７４にも、氷室７４ａ、氷室枠７４ｂが設けられている。
【０１０４】
７５は製氷皿７２の回転軸７６を保持し必要に応じて製氷皿７２を反転させて脱氷させる駆動装置であり、駆動装置７５の内部には駆動源たるモータ、モータの回転を減速伝達する減速歯車等が配置されている。
【０１０５】
なお、第１製氷領域７３と第２製氷領域７４は回転軸７６の軸方向に沿って前後に配置されている。
【０１０６】
７７は製氷皿７２の下方に配置され脱氷された氷を貯える貯氷容器であり、貯氷容器７７の内部は第１製氷領域７３からの氷を貯える貯氷領域７７ａ（以下、区画７７ａという）と、第２製氷領域７４からの氷を貯える貯氷領域７７ｂ（以下、区画７７ｂという）とで構成されている。７７ｃは区画７７ａと区画７７ｂとを区画する区画壁である。また、７３ｃは第１製氷領域７３の外底面に取り付けられ水温を間接検知するための第１温度検知手段（以下、第１温度センサー７３ｃという）である。７４ｃは第２製氷領域７４の外底面に取り付けられ水温を間接検知するための第２温度検知手段（以下、第２温度センサー７４ｃという）である。
【０１０７】
７８は貯氷容器内の氷の量を検知するための検氷手段（以下、検氷レバー７８という）であり、７８ａは貯氷容器７７の区画７７ａに貯えられた氷の量を検知する第１検氷手段（以下、第１検氷レバー７８ａという）、７８ｂは区画７７ｂに貯えられた氷の量を検知する第２検氷手段（以下、第２検氷レバー７８ｂという）である。
【０１０８】
７９は給水タンク１６から給水ポンプ１９により製氷皿７２に送水するためのパイプであり、切換弁２０の後段で第１製氷領域７３，第２製氷領域７４に送水する第１パイプ７９ａ，第２パイプ７９ｂに分岐されている。
【０１０９】
図１０に示すように、第１製氷領域７３と第２製氷領域７４は氷室７３ａ，７４ａの形状が異なり、第１製氷領域７３の氷室７３ａで生成される氷１個の体積は１ｍｌで、第２製氷領域７４の氷室７４ａで生成される氷１個の体積は８ｍｌである。
【０１１０】
製氷皿７２は駆動装置７５に連結されており、駆動装置７５内に内蔵されたモータと減速歯車によってそれぞれ個別に反転動作をし、製氷皿７２の下方の貯氷容器７７へ脱氷する。駆動装置７５内には製氷皿７２の位置検知を行うスイッチが内蔵されおり、製氷皿７２の水平位置、脱氷位置は制御部７９へのスイッチ信号入力によって判断される。
【０１１１】
また、第１検氷レバー７８ａと第２検氷レバー７８ｂも駆動装置７５の側面に連結されており、駆動装置７５に内蔵された減速歯車に連係して動作する。
【０１１２】
通常、第１検氷レバー７８ａは貯氷容器の区画７７ａの上方に、第２検氷レバー７８ｂは区画７７ｂの上方に待機しており、第１検氷レバー７７ａは製氷皿７２の脱氷動作と同時に貯氷容器の区画７７ａ内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画７７ａ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置７５内で第１検氷レバー７８ａに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部８０へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画７７ａ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【０１１３】
第２検氷レバー７８ｂは第１製氷領域７３の脱氷動作と同時に貯氷容器の区画７７b内に対し進入と退出を行い、区画７７ｂ内へ所定位置を越えて進入したときは駆動装置７５内で第２検氷レバー７８ｂに対応したスイッチが作動し、制御部８０へのスイッチ信号入力によって区画７７ｂ内の氷量が不足していることを検知する。
【０１１４】
製氷皿７２の脱氷動作は、各検氷レバー７８ａ，７８ｂの方向に向かって反転し、各氷室７３ａ，７４ａの開口部が貯氷容器７７の方向に向いたところで、製氷皿７２を支持する枠体（図示せず）に形成された突起と当って捻られて氷を押し出すことで達成される。
【０１１５】
以上のように構成された自動製氷装置について、その動作を説明する。第１製氷領域７３，第２製氷領域７４に給水された水が各氷室７３ａ，７４ａで凍結し氷の生成が完了すると、製氷皿の各製氷領域の外底面に設置された温度センサー７３ｃ、７４ｃの抵抗値が上昇し製氷が完了したことを制御部８０が認識する。
【０１１６】
第１製氷領域７３、第２製氷領域７４で氷が生成されたことを制御部８０が認識すると、製氷皿７２は駆動装置７５によって反転し捻られて、貯氷容器の区画７７ａ、区画７７ｂへ脱氷する。
【０１１７】
氷量の検知は製氷皿７２の脱氷動作と同時に行っているので、例えば区画７７ａ、７７ｂ内の氷が不足しているときは、第１検氷レバー７８ａが区画７７ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置７５内のスイッチが動作し制御部８０は区画７７ａ内の氷が不足していると認識する。同様に第２検氷レバー７８ｂが区画７７ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき駆動装置７５内のスイッチが動作し制御部８０は区画７７ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識し製氷皿７２の脱氷動作を継続して脱氷を完了させる。
【０１１８】
脱氷の完了は製氷皿７２が脱氷位置に到達した時点で駆動装置７５内のスイッチが作動するので制御部８０は脱氷が完了したと認識する。
【０１１９】
製氷皿７２の脱氷が完了し製氷皿７２が水平位置に戻る途中で第１検氷レバー７８ａ、第２検氷レバー７８ｂはもう一度氷量検知を行う。例えば区画７７ａ，区画７７ｂ内に氷がまだ不足している場合、第１検氷レバー７８ａが区画７７ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置７５内のスイッチが動作し制御部８０は区画７７ａ内の氷が不足していると認識し、同様に第２検氷レバー７８ｂが区画７７ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止されることがなく所定の高さより深く進入でき、駆動装置７５内のスイッチが動作し制御部８０は区画７７ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識する。
【０１２０】
製氷皿７２の戻り途中での氷量検知が完了すると駆動装置７５は製氷皿７２を水平位置へ復帰させる。製氷皿７２が水平位置へ復帰すると駆動装置７５内のスイッチが作動するので制御部８０は製氷皿７２が水平位置へ復帰したことを認識する。
【０１２１】
製氷皿７２の戻り途中の氷量検知で、区画７７ａ、区画７７ｂ内の氷が不足していると認識した制御部８０は給水ポンプ１９によって製氷皿７２の各製氷領域７３，７４へ給水する。第１製氷領域７３への給水は、ポンプ１９からでてくる水を切換弁２０にて第１パイプ７９ａへ導き、第１製氷容器３１へ給水する。
【０１２２】
同様に、第２製氷領域７４への給水は、ポンプ１９からでてくる水を切換弁２０にて第２パイプ７９ｂへ導き、第２製氷領域７４へ給水する。
【０１２３】
以上のように、脱氷して水平位置へ復帰した製氷皿７２へは給水ポンプ１９によって再び給水され、再び製氷を開始する。
【０１２４】
次に、脱氷によって区画７７ａ、区画７７ｂ内に氷が十分になった場合、製氷皿７２の戻り途中の氷量検知で第１検氷レバー７８ａが区画７７ａに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置７５内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部８０は氷が十分であると認識し、同様に第２検氷レバー７８ｂも区画７７ｂに進入しても氷に進行を阻止され所定の高さより深く進入できず、駆動装置７５内のスイッチが作動しないので制御部８０は氷が十分であると認識する。
【０１２５】
そして、製氷皿７２が水平位置へ復帰すると、制御部７９は給水ポンプ１９を駆動せず、製氷皿７２を空のままにして３０分間待機する。
【０１２６】
３０分間の待機が完了すると、製氷皿７２は空のまま脱氷動作を行い、製氷皿７２の水平位置への復帰途中で氷量検知する。このとき貯氷容器７７の区画７７ａ，７７ｂのどちらか一方の氷が不足し、他方の氷が十分であった場合、例えば区画７７ａ内の氷が不足し、区画７７ｂ内の氷が十分であった場合は、製氷皿７２が水平位置へ復帰してからの給水動作において、制御部８０は第１製氷領域７３にのみ水が行くように切換弁２０を作動して第１パイプ７９ａに水を導く。
【０１２７】
逆に、区画７７ａ内の氷が十分で、区画７７ｂ内の氷が不足している場合は、製氷皿７２が水平位置へ復帰してからの給水動作において、制御部８０は第２製氷領域７４にのみ水が行くように切換弁２０を作動して第２パイプ７９ｂに水を導く。
【０１２８】
以上のように、本実施の形態の冷蔵庫は、第１製氷領域７３と第２製氷領域７４からなる製氷皿７２と、製氷皿７２を反転させることのできる駆動装置７５と、第１製氷領域７３の下方に設置した貯氷容器の区画７７ａと、第２製氷領域７４の下方に設置した貯氷容器の区画７７ｂと、駆動装置７５によって動作し区画７７ａ内の氷の量を検知する第１検氷レバー７８ａと、駆動装置７５によって動作し区画７７ｂ内の氷の量を検知する第２検氷レバー７８ｂとを備えたので、氷を２つの区画７７ａ、７７ｂに貯えることができるうえに各区画７７ａ，７７ｂに貯えられた氷の量を第１検氷レバー７８ａ、第２検氷レバー７８ｂによってそれぞれ個別に検知できるので、氷の不足した区画へ氷を補充することができる。
【０１２９】
また、製氷皿７２をひとつ用いるのみで、二つの製氷皿を用いなくても２種類の氷を常に満氷状態になるよう製氷し、貯氷容器７７に区分けして貯氷することができるため、駆動装置７５の内部機構を簡略化でき回転軸７６も一本で済むなど小型化を図ることができることと相俟って、コスト低減や設置スペース縮小のメリットが期待できる。
【０１３０】
なお、本実施の形態の製氷皿７２および貯氷容器７７の配列は、たとえば冷蔵庫の冷凍室内などに設置する場合において、奥行き方向に生じ易い無効スペースを有効活用するために区画７７ａ，区画７７ｂを前後方向になるように並べてもよく、引き出したときの取り出し易さを考慮して左右方向になるように並べてもよい。
【０１３１】
（実施の形態７）
図１１は本発明による実施の形態７の自動製氷装置の駆動装置を示す斜視図である。図１１において、８１は２種類の製氷領域からなる製氷皿である。製氷皿８１は第１製氷領域８２と第２製氷領域８３が隣接して区画形成されている。８４は第１製氷領域８２と第２製氷領域８３とを区画する境界面であり、貯氷容器の第１製氷領域８２からの氷を貯える区画７７ａと、第２製氷領域８３からの氷を貯える区画７７ｂとを区画する区画壁７７ｃと上下方向で対向した位置に配置構成されている。
【０１３２】
そして、境界面８４は区画７７ｂの上端幅よりも大きい幅になるように形成されている。
【０１３３】
以上のような構成において、脱氷時に第１製氷領域８２，第２製氷領域８３からそれぞれ落下する氷は、境界面８４の幅が大きくとられているため、境界面８４を挟んで隣接する第１製氷領域８２および第２製氷領域８３の氷が、貯氷容器の区画壁７７ｃの上端に衝突して他の区画に誤って落下するすることがなく確実にそれぞれの所定の区画７７ａ，７７ｂ内で貯氷することができる。
【０１３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように請求項１に記載の発明は、冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、製氷皿へ水を供給し、製氷完了後に前記製氷皿を回転軸により回転して氷を離脱させ、貯える自動製氷装置において、前記製氷皿を二つ配置するとともに、二つの貯氷容器を左右方向に独立してそれぞれ個別に並べて配置し前記製氷皿ごとに離脱した氷を貯蔵する二つの貯氷領域と、前記二つの貯氷領域ごとに貯蔵された氷の量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、貯氷容器をそれぞれ庫外に引き出す手段と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は好みの氷を貯氷容器を選択することによって前記扉を引き出した後にそれぞれ個別の貯氷容器を取り出すことができることを特徴とする自動製氷装置と、を備えたので、複数の貯氷領域にそれぞれ貯えられた氷を個別に氷量検知でき、氷量の不足している貯氷領域を対象に製氷を行うことにより常にそれぞれの氷が補充されて利便性が高い。
【０１４２】
また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる形状としたので、氷の使われる場面や用途に応じて使い分けができ、食生活などの生活シーンを豊かに演出できる。
【０１４３】
また、請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる大きさとしたので、冷却する対象に応じて氷の使い分けができ、使い勝手や利便性を高めることができる。
【０１４５】
また、請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水経路を分割し、流路切換手段によって複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水するので、コンパクトな構成でそれぞれの製氷皿または製氷領域に適量の給水を行うことができる。
【０１４６】
また、請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプを複数設け、複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水するので、複雑な切替機能ない分給水切換の信頼性が安定し、コスト的にもメリットが期待できる。
【０１４７】
また、請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載の発明において、製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプ以後の給水経路を分割し、給水ポンプに流路切換手段を一体に設けたので、全体構成が簡素でスペースが節約でき、組み立て作業も容易にできる。
【０１４８】
また、請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項４から請求項６のいずれか一項に記載の発明に、さらに、給水量を調節する給水量調節手段を設けたので、それぞれの製氷容量の範囲内で用途や好みに応じて氷の大きさを変えることができ、利便性を高めて食生活などの生活シーンを豊かに演出できる。
【０１４９】
また、請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、製氷完了後は複数の製氷皿を互いに独立して駆動して脱氷させるとともに、複数の検氷手段を互いに独立して駆動させるので、製氷皿ごとに製氷，脱氷のサイクルを遅滞なく確実に繰り返すことができる。
【０１５０】
また、請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明に、さらに、製氷皿内の水温を間接的に検知する温度検知手段を複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域にそれぞれ設けたので、製氷皿または製氷領域ごとに適切に給水や製氷終了の検知が行われ、信頼性の高い製氷機能を得ることができる。
【０１５１】
また、請求項１０に記載の発明は、請求項４または請求項６に記載の発明に、さらに、流路切換手段を操作し給水経路を任意の経路に固定する製氷選択手段を備えたので、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応でき、氷の無駄や製氷のための電力消費を低減することができる。
【０１５２】
また、請求項１１に記載の発明は、請求項５に記載の発明に、さらに、任意の給水ポンプの駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたので、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応でき、氷の無駄や製氷のための電力消費やポンプ駆動音の発生を低減することができる。
【０１５３】
また、請求項１２に記載の発明は、請求項８に記載の発明に、さらに、任意の製氷皿の駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたので、一方の製氷動作を停止することにより不要な種類の氷がある場合や氷の量を少なくしたい場合に対応でき、氷の無駄や製氷のための電力消費を低減することができる。
【０１５７】
また、請求項１３に記載の発明は、冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、前記冷蔵室内に設けた給水タンク及び前記給水タンク内の水を供給する給水ポンプと、前記給水ポンプの後段で二つの経路に分岐する給水経路と、前記二つの給水経路を選択的に切り替える流路切換手段と、前記二つの給水経路に対応して前記冷凍室内に設けられた二つの製氷皿と、前記二つの製氷皿を個別に回転駆動して脱氷させる駆動装置と、前記二つの製氷皿の下方に対向して設けられた二つの貯氷領域と、前記駆動装置に設けられ前記二つの貯氷領域内に貯蔵された氷量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、前記扉を引き出すことで同時に一体に引き出され前記二つの貯氷領域を備えた一つの貯氷容器と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は貯氷容器の中の氷の取り出し操作性や見分け易さを向上させた冷蔵庫であり、冷蔵庫の冷凍雰囲気下において製氷された氷は、複数の貯氷領域にそれぞれ貯えられて個別に氷量の管理が行われ、見渡しやすく取り出しやすい高さで使い勝手が高まる。また、食品や飲料との関係が深い氷の利用の便宜を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態１による自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫の要部断面図
【図２】同実施の形態の自動製氷装置の正面図
【図３】同実施の形態の自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図４】本発明の実施の形態２による自動製氷装置の正面図
【図５】同実施の形態の自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図６】本発明の実施の形態３による自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図７】本発明の実施の形態４による自動製氷装置の正面図
【図８】本発明の実施の形態５による自動製氷装置の正面図
【図９】本発明の実施の形態６による自動製氷装置の側面図
【図１０】同実施の形態の自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図１１】本発明の実施の形態７による自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図１２】従来の自動製氷装置の要部斜視図
【図１３】従来の自動製氷装置の駆動部の要部正面図
【符号の説明】
１ 冷蔵庫本体
２ 冷蔵室
５ 製氷室（冷凍室）
１０ 自動製氷装置
１１ 第１製氷皿（製氷皿）
１１ａ 氷室
１１ｃ 回転軸
１１ｄ 温度センサー（温度検知手段）
１２ 第２製氷皿（製氷皿）
１２ａ 氷室
１２ｃ 回転軸
１２ｄ 温度センサー（温度検知手段）
１３ 駆動装置
１４ 貯氷容器
１４ａ，１４ｂ 区画
１４ｃ 区画壁
１５ 検氷レバー（検氷手段）
１５ａ 第１検氷レバー（第１検氷手段）
１５ｂ 第２検氷レバー（第２検氷手段）
１６ 給水タンク
１９ 給水ポンプ
２０ 切換弁（流路切換手段）
３３ 貯氷容器
３３ａ，３３ｂ 区画（貯氷領域）
３３ｃ 区画壁
４１ 第１貯氷容器
４２ 第２貯氷容器
５３ａ 第１給水ポンプ
５３ｂ 第２給水ポンプ
６３ 切換機能付き給水ポンプ
７２ 製氷皿
７３ 第１製氷領域
７４ 第２製氷領域
７７ 貯氷容器
７７ａ，７７ｂ 区画（貯氷領域）
７７ｃ 区画壁
７８ 検氷レバー（検氷手段）
７８ａ 第１検氷レバー（第１検氷手段）
７８ｂ 第２検氷レバー（第２検氷手段）
８１ 製氷皿
８２ 第１製氷領域
８３ 第２製氷領域
８４ 境界面[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an electric refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device, water is supplied to two ice trays to make ice, and after ice making, each ice tray is rotated to deice. This is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 241627.
[0003]
Hereinafter, a refrigerator equipped with a conventional automatic ice making device will be described with a focus on the automatic ice making device with reference to the drawings.
[0004]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a conventional automatic ice making machine. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a drive unit of a conventional automatic ice making machine.
[0005]
In FIGS. 12 and 13, reference numeral 100 denotes a drive unit, and 101 and 102 denote ice trays that make the injected water, and one end of each is connected to the drive shafts 103 and 104 of the drive unit 100. Reference numerals 105 and 106 denote Geneva gears that transmit a rotational force to the drive shafts 103 and 104, and reference numeral 107 denotes a drive gear having a pin 108 that drives the Geneva gears 105 and 106. The drive gear 107 is connected to a reduction gear train (not shown), and the reduction gear train transmits the rotation of a motor (not shown) at a reduced speed.
[0006]
About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated.
[0007]
When the water poured into the ice trays 101 and 102 is frozen and the ice making is completed, the motor is started and the rotation is transmitted to the drive gear 107 by the reduction gear train. When the drive gear 107 rotates, the pin 108 is connected to the Geneva gear 105 or 106 and the rotation is transmitted, the drive shaft 103 or 104 rotates, and the ice tray 101 or 102 rotates to deicing. Become.
[0008]
A mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 103 in a fixed direction is installed between the Geneva gear 105 and the drive shaft 103 regardless of the rotation direction of the motor. The drive shaft 103 rotates the ice tray 101 only in one direction. I will not let you.
[0009]
Similarly, a mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 103 in a fixed direction is installed between the Geneva gear 106 and the drive shaft 104 regardless of the rotation direction of the motor. The drive shaft 104 moves the ice tray 102 in only one direction. Do not rotate.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since ice removed from the ice trays 101 and 102 is generated in the process of storing at least two ice groups (a group of ice blocks), an ice making device corresponding to each ice group is required.
However, in the above-described conventional configuration, only the means for rotating the ice trays 101 and 102 is used to store the ice deiced from the ice trays 101 and 102 and how to detect the amount of stored ice. Since it is clear, it is difficult to mount on a cooling device such as a refrigerator.
[0011]
Therefore, it is desired to realize an electric refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device corresponding to a plurality of ice groups.
[0012]
This invention solves the said subject, and it aims at providing the automatic ice making apparatus which can be put to practical use corresponding to several ice groups, and the refrigerator provided with this automatic ice making apparatus.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Of the present invention Claim 1 The invention described in A refrigerator compartment provided in the upper part of the refrigerator body, a freezer compartment provided below the refrigerator compartment, a drawer-type door that freely closes and opens the front opening of the refrigerator compartment, In an automatic ice making device that supplies water to an ice tray, and after the ice making is completed, rotates the ice tray with a rotating shaft to separate and store the ice. two With placement Two ice storage containers are arranged side by side independently in the left-right direction. Store the detached ice for each ice tray. two The ice storage area of the two The amount of ice stored in each ice storage area two Ice detection means Means for pulling out each ice storage container, With In addition, the ice stored in the two ice storage areas is made into two types of ice so that the user can pull out the individual ice storage containers after pulling out the door by selecting the ice storage container of their choice. Can An automatic ice making device characterized by With The ice stored in multiple ice storage areas by multiple ice trays is individually detected and the ice is made for the ice storage area where the ice volume is insufficient. .
[0021]
Claim 2 According to the invention described in item 1, in the invention described in item 1, the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage regions has different shapes, and can be selectively used according to the scene and application of the ice.
[0022]
Claim 3 The invention described in claim 1 In the invention described in (1), the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different sizes, and the ice can be properly used according to the object to be cooled.
[0024]
Claim 4 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, the water supply path for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and water is selectively supplied to a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making regions by the flow path switching means. In addition, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to each ice tray or ice making area with one water supply source and one water supply means.
[0025]
Claim 5 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, a plurality of water supply pumps for supplying water to the ice tray are provided, and water is selectively supplied to a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making regions. An appropriate amount of water is supplied to each ice tray or ice making area at the water source.
[0026]
Claim 6 The invention described in claim 4 In this invention, the water supply path after the water supply pump for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and the flow path switching means is provided integrally with the water supply pump, and there is no need for a separate space for providing the flow path switching means. As a result, the overall configuration of the automatic ice making device is simplified, and the assembly work is facilitated.
[0027]
Claim 7 The invention described in claim 4 Claims from 6 The water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount is further provided to the invention according to any one of the above, and the size of ice can be changed according to the application and preference within the range of each ice making capacity. .
[0028]
Claim 8 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, after ice making is completed, a plurality of ice trays are driven independently from each other to deice, and a plurality of ice detecting means are driven independently from each other. Yes, the ice making and de-icing cycles are repeated without delay for each ice tray.
[0029]
Claim 9 The invention according to claim 1 further includes temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting the water temperature in the ice tray in each of the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions. Appropriate detection of water supply and ice making is performed for each dish or ice making area.
[0030]
Claim 10 The invention described in claim 4 Or claims 6 Further, the invention described in 1) further includes ice making selection means for operating the flow path switching means to fix the water supply path to an arbitrary path, and there is an unnecessary kind of ice by stopping one ice making operation. If you want to reduce the amount of ice.
[0031]
Claim 11 The invention described in claim 5 Further, the invention described in 1) is further provided with ice making selection means for stopping the driving of an arbitrary water supply pump. By stopping one ice making operation, there is an unnecessary kind of ice or the amount of ice is reduced. If you want to.
[0032]
Claim 12 The invention described in claim 8 Further, the invention described in 1) is further provided with ice making selection means for stopping the driving of an arbitrary ice making dish. By stopping one ice making operation, there is an unnecessary kind of ice or the amount of ice is reduced. If you want to.
[0036]
Claim 13 The invention described in 1 is a refrigerator compartment provided in the upper part of the refrigerator body, a freezer compartment provided below the refrigerator compartment, a drawer-type door that freely closes a front opening of the freezer compartment, and the refrigerator A water supply tank provided indoors, a water supply pump that supplies water in the water supply tank, a water supply path that branches into two paths after the water supply pump, and a flow path switching means that selectively switches between the two water supply paths Two ice trays provided in the freezer compartment corresponding to the two water supply paths, a drive device for individually derotating the two ice trays to rotate, and below the two ice trays Two ice storage areas provided opposite to each other, two ice detecting means provided in the driving device for detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas, and simultaneously pulling out the door The two ice storage areas withdrawn In addition to providing a single ice storage container, the ice stored in the two ice storage areas is made into two types of ice, so that the user can improve the operability of picking up the ice in the ice storage container and the ease of distinguishing it. The ice that is made in the refrigerator's frozen atmosphere is stored in multiple ice storage areas, and the amount of ice is individually managed, making it easy to overlook and easy to take out and have a relationship with food and beverages. Convenient use of deep ice.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0038]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a refrigerator provided with an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a driving device of the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.
[0039]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a refrigerator main body having a plurality of storage rooms, 2 is a refrigerating room formed at the upper part of the refrigerator main body 1, and is surrounded by a door 3 and a heat insulating wall 4 to be insulated from the outside air.
[0040]
Reference numeral 5 denotes a freezing room 5 (hereinafter referred to as an ice making room 5) formed below the refrigerating room 2, and is surrounded by a heat insulating wall 4 and a door 6 to be insulated from the outside air. Reference numeral 7 denotes a movable rail fixed to the door 6 of the ice making chamber 5, and the movable rail 7 is engaged with a fixed rail 8 fixed to the side wall of the ice making chamber 5. Move along. A pulley 9 is disposed between the movable rail 7 and the fixed rail 8 to make the movement smooth.
[0041]
Reference numeral 10 denotes an automatic ice making device, the configuration of which will be described below.
[0042]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a first ice tray formed of a plastic resin polypropylene, a plurality of ice chambers 11a for determining the ice shape, an ice chamber frame 11b for fixing the ice chambers 11a collectively, and an end portion of the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the ice chamber frame 11b. The rotating shaft 11c formed in the is provided. 11d is a first temperature detection means (hereinafter referred to as a first temperature sensor 11d) that is attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice tray 11 and indirectly detects the water temperature.
[0043]
12 is a second ice tray made of polypropylene in the same manner as the first ice tray 11, and an ice chamber 12 a, an ice chamber frame 12 b, and a rotating shaft 12 c are provided in the same manner as the first ice tray 11. Reference numeral 12d denotes second temperature detection means (hereinafter referred to as a second temperature sensor 12d) that is attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice tray 12 and indirectly detects the water temperature.
[0044]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a driving device that holds the rotation shaft 11c and the rotation shaft 12c of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, and reverses the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 as necessary to perform ice removal. In the driving device 13, a motor as a driving source, a reduction gear for transmitting the rotation of the motor at a reduced speed, and the like are arranged.
[0045]
Reference numeral 14 denotes an ice storage container which is disposed below the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 and stores the deiced ice. The ice storage container 14 has an ice storage area 14a (for storing ice from the first ice tray 11). Hereinafter, the section 14a) and an ice storage area 14b for storing ice from the second ice tray 12 (hereinafter referred to as section 14b) are partitioned by a partition wall 14c.
[0046]
Reference numeral 15 denotes ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as an ice detecting lever 15) for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage container, and reference numeral 15a denotes a first detection for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 14a of the ice storage container 14. Ice means (hereinafter referred to as first ice detecting lever 15a) and 15b are second ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as second ice detecting lever 15b) for detecting the amount of ice stored in the compartment 14b.
[0047]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a water supply tank for storing water to be supplied to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. Reference numeral 17 denotes water supplied from the water tank 16 to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. A first pipe 18a for guiding water to the first ice tray 11, a pipe 18 comprising a second pipe 18b for leading water to the second ice tray 2, a water pump 19 for taking out water from the water tank 16, It is comprised by the flow-path switching means 20 (henceforth the switching valve 20) which switches the flow path of the water which came out of the water supply pump 19. FIG. A control unit 21 controls the drive device 13 and the water supply device 17.
[0048]
The automatic ice making device 10 includes a first ice making tray 11, a second ice making tray 12, a drive device 13, an ice storage container 14, an ice detecting lever 15, a water supply tank 16, a water supply device 17, a pipe 18, a water supply pump 19, and a control unit. 21.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 have different ice chamber shapes, and the size of one ice produced in the ice chamber 11a of the first ice tray is 1 ml. The volume of one piece of ice produced in the ice compartment 12a of the dish is 8 ml, so that there is a difference. For example, large ice is characterized by rocks and hemispheres in addition to general cubes, and small ice is characterized by flakes and crashes in addition to general cubes.
[0050]
The first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are both connected to a drive device 13 and individually reversely operated by a motor and a reduction gear incorporated in the drive device 13, and an ice storage container below each ice tray. Deicing to 14. A switch for detecting the position of each ice tray 11, 12 is built in the driving device 13, and the horizontal position and deicing position of each ice tray 11, 12 are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 21.
[0051]
Further, the first ice detecting lever 15 a and the second ice detecting lever 15 b are also connected to the side surface of the driving device 13 and operate in conjunction with a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 13.
[0052]
Usually, the first ice detecting lever 15a is waiting above the compartment 14a of the ice storage container, the second ice detecting lever 15b is waiting above the compartment 14b, and the first ice detecting lever 15a is deiced from the first ice tray 11. Simultaneously with the operation, the ice storage container compartment 14a is entered and exited. When the ice storage container 14a is entered beyond the predetermined position, a switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 15a is activated in the drive device 13 to control the ice storage container 14a. The switch signal input to the unit 21 detects that the amount of ice in the section 14a is insufficient.
[0053]
The second ice detecting lever 15b enters and exits the compartment 14b of the ice storage container simultaneously with the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11, and enters the compartment 14b beyond the predetermined position within the drive device 13. A switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 15b is operated, and it is detected by the switch signal input to the control unit 21 that the amount of ice in the section 14b is insufficient.
[0054]
The deicing operation of each ice tray 11, 12 is reversed toward the corresponding ice detecting levers 15 a, 15 b, and each ice making is made when the opening of each ice chamber 11 a, 12 a faces the ice storage container 14. This is achieved by pushing the ice by twisting against a protrusion formed on a frame (not shown) that supports the dishes 11 and 12.
[0055]
Next, the operation of the refrigerator configured as described above will be described.
[0056]
When the water supplied to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 is frozen in the ice chambers 11a and 12a and the generation of ice is completed, each temperature sensor 11d installed on the outer bottom surface of each ice tray 11 and 12 is used. , 12d increases and the controller 21 recognizes that ice making is completed. When the two ice trays 11 and 12 complete the ice making at the same time, the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11 is prioritized.
[0057]
When ice is generated in the first ice tray 11, the first ice tray 11 is reversed and twisted in the direction of the first ice detecting lever 15 a by the driving device 13 and deiced into the compartment 14 a of the ice storage container.
[0058]
The amount of ice in the compartment 14a is simultaneously with the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11, but when there is enough ice in the compartment 14a, the ice proceeds even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the compartment 14a. The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is sufficient because it is blocked and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height, and the switch in the driving device 13 does not operate, and stops the first ice tray 11 during the deicing operation, Now return to the horizontal position.
[0059]
On the contrary, when the ice in the compartment 14a is insufficient, even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the compartment 14a, it can enter deeper than a predetermined height without being prevented from progressing by the ice. The controller 21 recognizes that the ice in the compartment 14a is insufficient, and continues the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11 to complete the deicing.
[0060]
When the first ice tray 11 reaches the deicing position, the controller 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed because the switch in the driving device 13 is activated.
[0061]
When the deicing is completed, the driving device 13 returns the first ice tray 11 to the horizontal position. When the first ice tray 11 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the driving device 13 is activated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the first ice tray 11 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0062]
The first ice tray 11 which has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position is again supplied from the water supply tank 16 by the water supply pump 19 of the water supply device, and ice making is started.
[0063]
When the water supply to the first ice tray 11 is completed, the second ice tray 12 is deiced. When ice is generated in the second ice tray 12, the second ice tray 12 is inverted and twisted in the direction of the second ice detecting lever 15b by the driving device 13, and deiced to the compartment 14b of the ice storage container.
[0064]
The amount of ice in the compartment 14b is performed simultaneously with the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12, but if there is enough ice in the compartment 14b, the ice proceeds even if the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the compartment 14b. The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is sufficient because it is blocked and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height, and the switch in the driving device 13 does not operate, and stops the second ice tray 12 during the deicing operation, Now return to the horizontal position.
[0065]
On the contrary, when the ice in the compartment 14b is insufficient, even if the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the compartment 14a, it can enter deeper than a predetermined height without being blocked by the ice. The controller 21 recognizes that the ice in the compartment 14b is insufficient, and continues the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12 to complete the deicing.
[0066]
When the deicing is completed, the control unit 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed because the switch in the driving device 13 is activated when the second ice tray 12 reaches the deicing position.
[0067]
When the deicing is completed, the driving device 13 returns the second ice tray 12 to the horizontal position. When the second ice tray 12 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the driving device 13 is activated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the second ice tray 12 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0068]
The second ice tray 12 which has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position is again supplied from the water supply tank 16 by the water supply pump 19 of the water supply device, and ice making is started.
[0069]
Since the water supply to the 2nd ice tray 12 is immediately after supplying the 1st ice tray 11 previously, since the switching valve 20 has set the flow path to the 1st pipe 18a, the control part 21 goes to the 2nd ice tray 12. The flow path is set to the second pipe 18b so that water is supplied.
[0070]
As described above, the refrigerator of the present embodiment includes the first ice tray 11, the second ice tray 12, and the drive device 13 that can individually reverse the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12. An ice storage container compartment 14a installed below the first ice tray 11; an ice storage container compartment 14b installed below the second ice tray 12; and the drive device 13 that operates the amount of ice in the compartment 14a. Since the first ice detecting lever 15a for detecting and the first ice detecting lever 15b for detecting the amount of ice in the compartment 14b operated by the driving device 13 are provided, the ice can be stored in the two compartments 14a and 14b. In addition, the amount of ice stored in each compartment can be individually detected by the first ice detection lever 15a and the second ice detection lever 15b. can do.
[0071]
Further, the water supply paths to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are not individually provided, the pipe 18 is divided into the first pipe 18 a and the second pipe 18 b, and the first ice tray 11 is switched by the switching valve 20. Since the water is selectively supplied to the second ice tray 12, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of water in a compact configuration.
[0072]
Further, by providing the first temperature sensor 11d and the second temperature sensor 12d on the bottom surfaces of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray, respectively, the water temperature in each ice tray can be detected appropriately, and the water supply In addition, the detection of the completion of ice making is reliably performed in a reasonable manner without excess or deficiency, and a reliable ice making function can be obtained.
[0073]
In addition, the compartments 14a and 14b have a simple structure in which one ice storage container 14 is partitioned by the partition wall 14c, so that there are few invalid portions and the ice storage area can be configured at low cost. Further, since the ice storage container 14 is one, the installation space can be compactly gathered.
[0074]
In addition, since the ice chambers 11a and 12a of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 have different shapes and sizes, the ice to be made can be used properly according to the scene and use of the ice and the object to be cooled. It is possible to enhance the usability and convenience and produce a rich life scene such as eating habits.
[0075]
For example, large ice cubes for general use, large rock ice for whiskey etc., large hemispherical ice for food decoration, flake or crush for quick cooling of beverages and salads The shape of the small ice cubes and water bottles is a little smaller than the water inlet.
[0076]
Furthermore, if a water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount is selected by selecting the driving time of the water supply pump 19, the size of the ice can be changed according to the application and preference within the range of each ice making capacity. It is possible to expand the above-mentioned various ice variations.
[0077]
In addition, by dividing the capacity of the compartments 14a and 14b according to the difference in the capacity of ice to be made at one time without making the position of the partition wall 14c at the center, the efficiency is well balanced according to the capacity. You can store ice.
[0078]
Further, as in the present embodiment, by applying the automatic ice making device 10 to the refrigerator, the ice making water is pre-cooled in the cooling atmosphere of the refrigerating chamber 2, so that the ice making is efficiently performed in the freezing atmosphere of the ice making chamber 5. In addition, two types of ice are individually managed in the ice making chamber 5, and the convenience of using ice having a deep relationship with food and beverages can be achieved.
[0079]
In addition, if the door 6 of the ice making room is pulled out, the ice storage container 14 is pulled out at the same time, and the usability can be enhanced with a height that is easy to look down and easy to take out. In particular, when two types of ice are used properly as in the present embodiment, each ice storage space cannot be made sufficiently large, and it is required to be easy to distinguish and take out in a relatively small space. A pull-out form is desirable at a height below the user's elbow.
[0080]
As for the pull-out type, in addition to the one provided with the independent door 6 as in the present embodiment, an approximate usability can be ensured even if the ice storage container 14 is provided inside the freezer compartment door.
[0081]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a driving device of the automatic ice making device of the embodiment.
[0082]
31 is an automatic ice making device provided with two types of ice trays, a first ice tray 11 and a second ice tray 12. Reference numeral 32 denotes a driving device that reverses the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 and deicing them, and has an arrangement configuration in which the gap between the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 is widened. .
[0083]
An ice storage container 33 is disposed below the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 and stores the deiced ice. The first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are located near both end walls of the ice storage container 33. They are arranged to face each other. The ice storage container 33 has an ice storage area 33a (hereinafter referred to as a section 33a) for storing ice from the first ice tray 11 and an ice storage area 33b (hereinafter referred to as a section 33b) for storing ice from the second ice tray 12. A partition wall 33c that is detachable and movable is defined as a partition.
[0084]
Further, 33d is a plurality of fixing ribs provided on the front and rear walls of the ice storage container 33, and both ends of the partition wall 33c are inserted and fixed.
[0085]
In the configuration as described above, since there is a difference in the amount of ice making per one time of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, the partition wall 33c is fixed at the position closest to the first ice tray 11 having a small ice making capacity. If the rib 33d is inserted and fixed, the section 33a is small and the section 33b is large. As a result, an appropriate ice storage area corresponding to the ice making capacity can be configured.
[0086]
Further, if the partition wall 33c is inserted into the fixing rib 33d at another position, the size of the ice storage area of two types of large and small ice can be adjusted according to the needs of the user, and ice storage of frequently used ice can be performed. Convenience can be increased by increasing the capacity.
[0087]
In addition, since the arrangement | positioning structure which expanded the gap | interval dimension between the 1st ice tray 11 and the 2nd ice tray 12 is taken, the tolerance which can select the position of the fixing rib 33d is ensured.
[0088]
Although not shown, by providing ice making selection means for operating the switching valve 20 to fix the water supply path, if the first ice tray 11 is selected, the water in the water supply tank 16 is supplied only to the pipe 18a. Thus, only the first ice tray 11 performs an effective ice making action. On the other hand, if the second ice tray 12 is selected, water in the water supply tank 16 is sent only to the pipe 18b by the water supply pump 19, and only the second ice tray 12 performs an effective ice making operation.
[0089]
As a result, the ice making operation of either the first ice tray 11 or the second ice tray 12 can be arbitrarily stopped as necessary. For example, when only one of the ice trays is used, the ice making amount is not so large. It is possible to cope with cases where it is not necessary, and it is possible to eliminate waste of ice and waste of power consumption due to unnecessary ice making.
[0090]
Although not shown, it is provided with ice making selection means for directly stopping the deicing operation of one ice making tray of the first ice tray 11 or the second ice tray 12 by controlling the internal mechanism of the driving device 32. However, the same effect as described above can be obtained, and a rational ice making operation can be performed.
[0091]
Further, by removing the detachable partition wall 33c in accordance with the operation of the ice making selection means as described above, the entire ice storage container 33 can be made into one section, and the selected ice is stored in the entire ice storage container. For this reason, for example, when there is a great demand for selected ice, sufficient ice can always be used, which is very useful.
[0092]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a drive device for an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, 41 and 42 are the 1st ice storage container and the 2nd ice storage container respectively arrange | positioned facing the downward direction of the 1st ice tray 11 and the 2nd ice tray 12, and are arranged adjacent. When the ice storage container of this embodiment is applied to a refrigerator, it is not a structure that is integrally drawn in conjunction with the door 6 of the ice making chamber 5, but is disposed in a section of a freezing chamber (not shown), for example. It is desirable that the door is opened and pulled out individually.
[0093]
In the configuration as described above, the two types of ice made in the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 respectively fall into the first ice storage container 41 and the second ice storage container 42 and are stored separately. The
[0094]
For this reason, the user can take out favorite ice by selecting an ice storage container, and it is not necessary to draw out unnecessary ice at the same time, so that necessary ice can be used easily. In addition, since unnecessary ice is not exposed to the outside air each time, it is difficult for the ice to melt, and the inconvenience of ice sticking during ice storage can be reduced.
[0095]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 7 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0096]
Reference numeral 51 denotes an automatic ice making device, which includes a pipe 52 that has one end communicating with the water supply tank 16 and the other end bifurcated into two branches. A pump 53b is connected. Reference numerals 52a and 52b denote a first pipe and a second pipe, which are connected to the first water supply pump 53a and the second water supply pump 53b and feed water to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, respectively.
[0097]
In the configuration as described above, the first feed water pump 53a is driven through the first pipe 52a simply by adding another feed water pump without providing a new special functional component such as a switching valve. Water is selectively supplied to the first ice tray 11 and to the second ice tray 12 via the second pipe 52b by driving the second water supply pump 53b. The reliability of the water supply switching that is not used is rather stable, and a merit can be expected by using the same parts in terms of cost.
[0098]
Further, if ice making selection means (not shown) for stopping driving of any one of the first water supply pump 53a and the second water supply pump 53b is provided, one ice making operation is arbitrarily stopped and unnecessary. It is possible to cope with the case where there are various types of ice or when it is desired to reduce the amount of ice, and it is possible to reduce waste of ice, power consumption for ice making, and generation of pump drive noise.
[0099]
(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0100]
Reference numeral 61 denotes an automatic ice making device, which is connected to a pipe 62 having one end communicating with the inside of the water supply tank 16 with a water supply pump 63 having a switching function incorporating a flow path switching means such as a switching valve. 11. A first pipe 62a and a second pipe 62b for supplying water to the second ice tray 12 are connected.
[0101]
In the configuration as described above, the first ice tray 11 is switched via the first pipe 62a by internally switching the flow path of the water supply pump 63 with a switching function without separately providing a flow path switching component having a switching valve mechanism. In addition, since the water is selectively supplied to the second ice tray 12 via the second pipe 62b, the overall configuration is simple, the space can be saved, and the assembling work can be facilitated.
[0102]
(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 9 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a driving device of the automatic ice making device of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.
[0103]
9 and 10, reference numeral 71 denotes an automatic ice making device. Reference numeral 72 denotes an ice tray made of a plastic resin polypropylene and composed of two types of ice making regions. The ice tray 72 has a first ice making region 73 and a second ice making region 74, and the first ice making region 73 has a plurality of ice shapes. An ice chamber 73a and an ice chamber frame 73b that collectively fixes the ice chamber 73a are provided. Similarly, the second ice making region 74 is also provided with an ice chamber 74a and an ice chamber frame 74b.
[0104]
Reference numeral 75 denotes a driving device that holds the rotating shaft 76 of the ice tray 72 and reverses the ice tray 72 as necessary to perform ice removal. A motor serving as a driving source and the rotation of the motor are transmitted to the inside of the driving device 75 at a reduced speed. A reduction gear or the like is arranged.
[0105]
The first ice making region 73 and the second ice making region 74 are arranged forward and backward along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 76.
[0106]
Reference numeral 77 denotes an ice storage container that is disposed below the ice tray 72 and stores deiced ice. The ice storage container 77 has an ice storage area 77a (hereinafter referred to as a section 77a) for storing ice from the first ice making area 73; An ice storage area 77b (hereinafter referred to as a section 77b) for storing ice from the second ice making area 74 is configured. Reference numeral 77c denotes a partition wall that partitions the sections 77a and 77b. Reference numeral 73c denotes first temperature detection means (hereinafter referred to as a first temperature sensor 73c) that is attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice making region 73 and indirectly detects the water temperature. 74c is a second temperature detecting means (hereinafter referred to as a second temperature sensor 74c) that is attached to the outer bottom surface of the second ice making region 74 and indirectly detects the water temperature.
[0107]
Reference numeral 78 denotes ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as an ice detecting lever 78) for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage container, and 78a denotes a first detection for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 77a of the ice storage container 77. Ice means (hereinafter referred to as first ice detecting lever 78a) and 78b are second ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as second ice detecting lever 78b) for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 77b.
[0108]
Reference numeral 79 denotes a pipe for supplying water from the water supply tank 16 to the ice tray 72 by the water supply pump 19, and the first pipe 79 a and the second pipe for supplying water to the first ice making area 73 and the second ice making area 74 after the switching valve 20. Branched to 79b.
[0109]
As shown in FIG. 10, the first ice making region 73 and the second ice making region 74 have different ice chambers 73a, 74a, and the volume of one ice generated in the ice chamber 73a of the first ice making region 73 is 1 ml. 2 The volume of one piece of ice generated in the ice chamber 74a of the ice making region 74 is 8 ml.
[0110]
The ice tray 72 is connected to a driving device 75, and individually reverses by a motor and a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 75, and the ice tray 72 is deiced to the ice storage container 77 below the ice tray 72. A switch for detecting the position of the ice tray 72 is built in the driving device 75, and the horizontal position and deicing position of the ice tray 72 are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 79.
[0111]
The first ice detecting lever 78a and the second ice detecting lever 78b are also connected to the side surface of the driving device 75, and operate in conjunction with a reduction gear incorporated in the driving device 75.
[0112]
Normally, the first ice detecting lever 78a stands by above the compartment 77a of the ice storage container, the second ice detecting lever 78b stands above the compartment 77b, and the first ice detecting lever 77a performs the deicing operation of the ice tray 72. At the same time, the ice storage container enters and exits the compartment 77a, and when it enters the compartment 77a beyond a predetermined position, a switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 78a is activated in the drive device 75, and the controller 80 It is detected that the amount of ice in the section 77a is insufficient by input of a switch signal to.
[0113]
The second ice detecting lever 78b enters and exits the compartment 77b of the ice storage container simultaneously with the deicing operation of the first ice making region 73, and enters the compartment 77b beyond the predetermined position within the drive device 75. A switch corresponding to the second ice detecting lever 78b is operated, and it is detected by the switch signal input to the control unit 80 that the ice amount in the section 77b is insufficient.
[0114]
The deicing operation of the ice tray 72 is reversed toward the ice detecting levers 78 a and 78 b, and the frame for supporting the ice tray 72 when the opening of each ice chamber 73 a and 74 a faces the ice storage container 77. This is achieved by pushing the ice by twisting it against a protrusion formed on the body (not shown).
[0115]
The operation of the automatic ice making device configured as described above will be described. When the water supplied to the first ice making region 73 and the second ice making region 74 is frozen in the ice chambers 73a and 74a and the generation of ice is completed, temperature sensors 73c and 74c installed on the outer bottom surface of each ice making region of the ice tray. The controller 80 recognizes that the ice resistance is increased and the ice making is completed.
[0116]
When the control unit 80 recognizes that ice has been generated in the first ice making region 73 and the second ice making region 74, the ice tray 72 is reversed and twisted by the driving device 75, and is removed to the compartments 77a and 77b of the ice storage container. Ice.
[0117]
Since the amount of ice is detected simultaneously with the deicing operation of the ice tray 72, for example, when the ice in the compartments 77a and 77b is insufficient, the ice is detected even if the first ice detecting lever 78a enters the compartment 77a. Therefore, the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice in the section 77a is insufficient. Similarly, even if the second ice detecting lever 78b enters the section 77b, the ice is not prevented from proceeding and can enter deeper than a predetermined height, the switch in the driving device 75 operates, and the control unit 80 operates in the section 77b. Recognizing that the ice is insufficient, the deicing operation of the ice tray 72 is continued to complete the deicing.
[0118]
When the deicing is completed, when the ice tray 72 reaches the deicing position, the switch in the driving device 75 is operated, so that the control unit 80 recognizes that the deicing is completed.
[0119]
While the deicing of the ice tray 72 is completed and the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the first ice detecting lever 78a and the second ice detecting lever 78b detect the ice amount once again. For example, when the ice is still insufficient in the compartment 77a and the compartment 77b, even if the first ice detecting lever 78a enters the compartment 77a, the ice is not prevented from advancing and can enter deeper than a predetermined height and drive. The switch in the device 75 operates and the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice in the section 77a is insufficient, and similarly, even if the second ice detecting lever 78b enters the section 77b, the progress of the ice is prevented. The control unit 80 recognizes that the ice in the section 77b is insufficient.
[0120]
When the detection of the amount of ice during the return of the ice tray 72 is completed, the driving device 75 returns the ice tray 72 to the horizontal position. When the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the switch in the driving device 75 is activated, so that the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice tray 72 has returned to the horizontal position.
[0121]
The control unit 80, which has recognized that the ice in the compartment 77a and the compartment 77b is insufficient by detecting the amount of ice during the return of the ice tray 72, supplies water to the ice making areas 73 and 74 of the ice tray 72 by the water supply pump 19. The water supply to the first ice making region 73 is such that water coming from the pump 19 is guided to the first pipe 79 a by the switching valve 20 and supplied to the first ice making container 31.
[0122]
Similarly, water supplied to the second ice making region 74 is supplied from the pump 19 to the second pipe 79 b by the switching valve 20 and supplied to the second ice making region 74.
[0123]
As described above, the ice tray 72 that has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position is again supplied with water by the water supply pump 19, and ice making is started again.
[0124]
Next, when the ice is sufficient in the sections 77a and 77b due to deicing, even if the first ice detecting lever 78a enters the section 77a by detecting the amount of ice while the ice tray 72 is returning, the ice proceeds. Since it is blocked and cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height and the switch in the driving device 75 does not operate, the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice is sufficient, and similarly, even if the second ice detecting lever 78b enters the section 77b. The control unit 80 recognizes that the ice is sufficient because the progress of the ice is blocked and the ice cannot enter deeper than a predetermined height, and the switch in the driving device 75 does not operate.
[0125]
When the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the control unit 79 does not drive the water supply pump 19 and waits for 30 minutes while leaving the ice tray 72 empty.
[0126]
When waiting for 30 minutes is completed, the ice tray 72 performs the deicing operation while being empty, and the ice amount is detected while the ice tray 72 is returned to the horizontal position. At this time, when one of the ices in the compartments 77a and 77b of the ice storage container 77 is insufficient and the other ice is sufficient, for example, the ice in the compartment 77a is insufficient and the ice in the compartment 77b is sufficient. In this case, in the water supply operation after the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the control unit 80 operates the switching valve 20 so that water flows only to the first ice making region 73 and guides the water to the first pipe 79a. .
[0127]
On the other hand, when the ice in the compartment 77a is sufficient and the ice in the compartment 77b is insufficient, the control unit 80 performs the second ice making region 74 in the water supply operation after the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position. The switching valve 20 is actuated so that water flows only to the second pipe 79b.
[0128]
As described above, the refrigerator of the present embodiment includes the ice making tray 72 including the first ice making region 73 and the second ice making region 74, the drive device 75 that can reverse the ice making plate 72, and the first ice making region 73. An ice storage container section 77a installed below the second ice making area 74, an ice storage container section 77b installed below the second ice making area 74, and a first ice detecting lever that is operated by the drive device 75 to detect the amount of ice in the section 77a. 78a and the second ice detecting lever 78b that is operated by the driving device 75 and detects the amount of ice in the compartment 77b, the ice can be stored in the two compartments 77a and 77b, and each compartment 77a, Since the amount of ice stored in 77b can be individually detected by the first ice detecting lever 78a and the second ice detecting lever 78b, ice can be replenished to a section where ice is insufficient.
[0129]
Further, since only one ice tray 72 is used, two types of ice can be made to be always full without using two ice trays, and the ice can be stored separately in the ice storage container 77. Combined with the fact that the internal mechanism of the device 75 can be simplified and the size can be reduced, for example, only one rotating shaft 76 is required, the advantages of cost reduction and installation space reduction can be expected.
[0130]
Note that the arrangement of the ice tray 72 and the ice storage container 77 according to the present embodiment is arranged in front of and behind the sections 77a and 77b in order to effectively use the invalid space that tends to occur in the depth direction, for example, when installed in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. You may arrange so that it may become a direction, and may arrange | position so that it may become the left-right direction in consideration of the ease of taking out when pulling out.
[0131]
(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a drive device for an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 81 denotes an ice tray made of two types of ice making regions. In the ice tray 81, a first ice making region 82 and a second ice making region 83 are adjacently formed. Reference numeral 84 denotes a boundary surface that divides the first ice making region 82 and the second ice making region 83, a compartment 77 a for storing ice from the first ice making region 82 of the ice storage container, and a compartment for storing ice from the second ice making region 83. 77b is arranged and configured at a position facing the partition wall 77c partitioning 77b in the vertical direction.
[0132]
And the boundary surface 84 is formed so that it may become a width | variety larger than the upper end width of the division 77b.
[0133]
In the configuration as described above, the ice falling from the first ice making region 82 and the second ice making region 83 at the time of deicing has a large width of the boundary surface 84. The ice in the first ice making region 82 and the second ice making region 83 does not collide with the upper end of the partition wall 77c of the ice storage container and accidentally fall into the other compartments, and reliably in each predetermined compartment 77a, 77b. Can be ice-stored.
[0135]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above Claim 1 The invention described in A refrigeration room provided in the upper part of the refrigerator main body, a freezing room provided below the refrigeration room, a drawer-type door that opens and closes the front opening of the freezing room, and supplies water to the ice tray, After the ice making is completed, the ice tray is rotated by a rotating shaft to separate and store the ice, and in the automatic ice making device, the two ice trays are arranged and the two ice storage containers are arranged separately in the horizontal direction. Two ice storage areas for storing ice separated for each ice tray, two ice detecting means for detecting the amount of ice stored in each of the two ice storage areas, and means for pulling out the ice storage containers to the outside The ice stored in the two ice storage areas is made into two types of ice, so that the user selects the ice storage container by selecting the ice storage container and then separates the individual ice storage containers Take out An automatic ice making apparatus characterized by it, It is possible to individually detect the amount of ice stored in each ice storage area, and by making ice in the ice storage area where the ice amount is insufficient, each ice is always replenished for convenience Is expensive.
[0142]
Claims 2 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, since the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different shapes, it can be used properly according to the scene and use of the ice, such as eating habits You can produce a rich life scene.
[0143]
Claims 3 The invention described in claim 1 In the invention described in (1), since the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different sizes, the ice can be properly used according to the object to be cooled, and the usability and convenience can be improved.
[0145]
Claims 4 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, the water supply path for supplying water to the ice tray is divided and water is selectively supplied to the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions by the flow path switching means. An appropriate amount of water can be supplied to each ice tray or ice making area in a compact configuration.
[0146]
Claims 5 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention described in claim 1, since a plurality of water supply pumps for supplying water to the ice tray are provided and water is selectively supplied to the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions, there is no complicated switching function. The reliability of the water supply switching is stable and a merit can be expected in terms of cost.
[0147]
Claims 6 The invention described in claim 4 Since the water supply path after the water supply pump for supplying water to the ice tray is divided and the flow path switching means is provided integrally with the water supply pump, the overall configuration is simple, space can be saved, and assembly work is also possible. Easy to do.
[0148]
Claims 7 The invention described in claim 4 Claims from 6 Since the water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount is further provided in the invention described in any one of the above, the size of the ice can be changed in accordance with the application and preference within the range of each ice making capacity. In addition, it is possible to enhance the convenience and produce life scenes such as eating habits.
[0149]
Claims 8 In the invention described in claim 1, in the invention according to claim 1, after ice making is completed, a plurality of ice trays are driven independently from each other to deice, and a plurality of ice detecting means are driven independently from each other. The ice making and deicing cycles can be reliably repeated without delay for each ice tray.
[0150]
Claims 9 In the invention described in 1 above, since the temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting the water temperature in the ice tray is provided in each of the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions, It is possible to appropriately detect the water supply and the completion of ice making for each ice making region and obtain a highly reliable ice making function.
[0151]
Claims 10 The invention described in claim 4 Or claims 6 In addition, the invention described in (1) further includes ice making selection means for operating the flow path switching means and fixing the water supply path to an arbitrary path, so that when there is an unnecessary kind of ice by stopping one ice making operation, It is possible to cope with the case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice, and it is possible to reduce waste of ice and power consumption for ice making.
[0152]
Claims 11 The invention described in claim 5 In addition, the invention described in 1) is further provided with ice making selection means for stopping the driving of an arbitrary water supply pump. Therefore, when there is an unnecessary kind of ice or by reducing the amount of ice by stopping one ice making operation It is possible to reduce the waste of ice, power consumption for ice making, and generation of pump driving noise.
[0153]
Claims 12 The invention described in claim 8 In addition to the invention described in the above, the ice making selection means for stopping the driving of an arbitrary ice making dish is provided, so when there is an unnecessary kind of ice or the amount of ice is reduced by stopping one ice making operation And can reduce power consumption for ice waste and ice making.
[0157]
Claims 13 The invention described in 1 is a refrigerator compartment provided in the upper part of the refrigerator body, a freezer compartment provided below the refrigerator compartment, a drawer-type door that freely closes a front opening of the freezer compartment, and the refrigerator A water supply tank provided indoors, a water supply pump that supplies water in the water supply tank, a water supply path that branches into two paths after the water supply pump, and a flow path switching means that selectively switches between the two water supply paths Two ice trays provided in the freezer compartment corresponding to the two water supply paths, a drive device for individually derotating the two ice trays to rotate, and below the two ice trays Two ice storage areas provided opposite to each other, two ice detecting means provided in the driving device for detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas, and simultaneously pulling out the door The two ice storage areas withdrawn In addition to providing a single ice storage container, the ice stored in the two ice storage areas is made into two types of ice, so that the user can improve the operability of picking up the ice in the ice storage container and the ease of distinguishing it. The ice produced in the refrigerator's freezing atmosphere is stored in a plurality of ice storage areas, and the amount of ice is individually managed, making it easy to overlook and easy to take out. In addition, it is possible to facilitate the use of ice that has a deep relationship with food and beverages.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a refrigerator provided with an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic ice making device of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the automatic ice making device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main part of the automatic ice making device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of essential parts of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of the automatic ice making device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of essential parts of an automatic ice making device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main part of a conventional automatic ice making device.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a main part of a driving unit of a conventional automatic ice making device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Refrigerator body
2 Cold room
5 Ice making room (freezer room)
10 Automatic ice making equipment
11 First ice tray (ice tray)
11a Ice chamber
11c Rotating shaft
11d Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
12 Second ice tray (ice tray)
12a Ice chamber
12c Rotating shaft
12d Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
13 Drive unit
14 Ice storage container
14a, 14b section
14c partition wall
15 Ice detection lever (ice detection means)
15a First ice detection lever (first ice detection means)
15b Second ice detecting lever (second ice detecting means)
16 Water tank
19 Water supply pump
20 switching valve (flow path switching means)
33 Ice storage container
33a, 33b division (ice storage area)
33c division wall
41 First ice storage container
42 Second ice storage container
53a First feed pump
53b Second feed pump
63 Water supply pump with switching function
72 Ice tray
73 First ice making area
74 Second ice making area
77 Ice storage container
77a, 77b Section (ice storage area)
77c division wall
78 Ice detection lever (ice detection means)
78a First ice detecting lever (first ice detecting means)
78b Second ice detecting lever (second ice detecting means)
81 Ice tray
82 First ice making area
83 Second ice making area
84 Interface

Claims (13)

冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、製氷皿へ水を供給し、製氷完了後に前記製氷皿を回転軸により回転して氷を離脱させ、貯える自動製氷装置において、前記製氷皿を二つ配置するとともに、二つの貯氷容器を左右方向に独立してそれぞれ個別に並べて配置し前記製氷皿ごとに離脱した氷を貯蔵する二つの貯氷領域と、前記二つの貯氷領域ごとに貯蔵された氷の量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、貯氷容器をそれぞれ庫外に引き出す手段と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は好みの氷を貯氷容器を選択することによって前記扉を引き出した後にそれぞれ個別の貯氷容器を取り出すことができることを特徴とする自動製氷装置と、を備えた冷蔵庫。  A refrigeration room provided in the upper part of the refrigerator main body, a freezing room provided below the refrigeration room, a drawer-type door that opens and closes the front opening of the freezing room, and supplies water to the ice tray, After the ice making is completed, the ice tray is rotated by a rotating shaft to separate and store the ice, and in the automatic ice making device, the two ice trays are arranged and the two ice storage containers are arranged separately in the horizontal direction. Two ice storage areas for storing ice separated for each ice tray, two ice detecting means for detecting the amount of ice stored in each of the two ice storage areas, and means for pulling out the ice storage containers to the outside The ice stored in the two ice storage areas is made into two types of ice, so that the user selects the ice storage container by selecting the ice storage container and then separates the individual ice storage containers Take out Refrigerator having an automatic ice making apparatus, characterized in that it, the. 複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる形状としたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。  The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage regions has different shapes. 複数の貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を互いに異なる大きさとしたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different sizes. 製氷皿へ水を供給する給水経路を分割し、流路切換手段によって複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。  The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a water supply path for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and water is selectively supplied to a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making regions by a flow path switching unit. 製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプを複数設け、複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域に選択的に給水することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。  The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of water supply pumps for supplying water to the ice tray are provided, and water is selectively supplied to the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions. 製氷皿へ水を供給する給水ポンプ以後の給水経路を分割し、給水ポンプに流路切換手段を一体に設けたことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の冷蔵庫。The refrigerator according to claim 4 , wherein a water supply path after a water supply pump for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and a flow path switching means is provided integrally with the water supply pump. 給水量を調節する給水量調節手段を設けたことを特徴とする請求項４から請求項６のいずれか一項に記載の冷蔵庫。The refrigerator according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , further comprising a water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting a water supply amount. 製氷完了後は複数の製氷皿を互いに独立して駆動して脱氷させるとともに、複数の検氷手段を互いに独立して駆動させることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。  2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein after completion of ice making, the plurality of ice trays are driven independently to deice, and the plurality of ice detecting means are driven independently of each other. 製氷皿内の水温を間接的に検知する温度検知手段を複数の製氷皿または複数の製氷領域にそれぞれ設けたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。  The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting the water temperature in the ice tray is provided in each of the plurality of ice trays or the plurality of ice making regions. 流路切換手段を操作し給水経路を任意の経路に固定する製氷選択手段を備えたことを特徴とする請求項４または請求項６に記載の冷蔵庫。The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 6 , further comprising ice making selection means for operating the flow path switching means to fix the water supply path to an arbitrary path. 任意の給水ポンプの駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたことを特徴とする請求項５に記載の冷蔵庫。6. The refrigerator according to claim 5 , further comprising ice making selection means for stopping driving of an arbitrary water supply pump. 任意の製氷皿の駆動を停止する製氷選択手段を備えたことを特徴とする請求項８に記載の冷蔵庫。The refrigerator according to claim 8 , further comprising ice making selection means for stopping driving of an arbitrary ice making tray. 冷蔵庫本体内の上部に設けた冷蔵室と、前記冷蔵室の下方に設けた冷凍室と、前記冷凍室の前面開口を開閉自在に閉塞する引出し式の扉と、前記冷蔵室内に設けた給水タンク及び前記給水タンク内の水を供給する給水ポンプと、前記給水ポンプの後段で二つの経路に分岐する給水経路と、前記二つの給水経路を選択的に切り替える流路切換手段と、前記二つの給水経路に対応して前記冷凍室内に設けられた二つの製氷皿と、前記二つの製氷皿を個別に回転駆動して脱氷させる駆動装置と、前記二つの製氷皿の下方に対向して設けられた二つの貯氷領域と、前記駆動装置に設けられ前記二つの貯氷領域内に貯蔵された氷量を検知する二つの検氷手段と、前記扉を引き出すことで同時に一体に引き出され前記二つの貯氷領域を備えた一つの貯氷容器と、を備えるとともに、二つの貯氷領域に貯蔵される氷を二種類の氷とすることで、使用者は貯氷容器の中の氷の取り出し操作性や見分け易さを向上させたことを特徴とする冷蔵庫。  A refrigerator compartment provided in the upper part of the refrigerator main body, a freezer compartment provided below the refrigerator compartment, a drawer-type door that opens and closes the front opening of the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment And a water supply pump that supplies water in the water supply tank, a water supply path that branches into two paths after the water supply pump, a flow path switching means that selectively switches between the two water supply paths, and the two water supplies Two ice trays provided in the freezer compartment corresponding to the path, a drive device for individually rotating and deicing the two ice trays, and a lower portion of the two ice trays. Two ice storage areas, two ice detecting means provided in the drive device for detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas, and the two ice storage areas simultaneously being pulled out by pulling out the door. One ice storage with an area And the two types of ice stored in the two ice storage areas improve the operability of picking up the ice in the ice storage container and distinguishing it. Refrigerator.

Images