JPH0718627B2 - Automatic ice making equipment such as refrigerators - Google Patents

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 産業上の利用分野 本発明は冷蔵庫等に備えられ、特に透明な氷を自動的に
生成可能とする自動製氷装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic ice making device provided in a refrigerator or the like, and particularly capable of automatically producing transparent ice.

従来の技術 従来より、一般家庭用の冷蔵庫等で採用されている自動
製氷装置について第９図及び第10図に従い説明する。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic ice making device used in refrigerators for general households will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

１は冷蔵庫本体で外箱２、内箱３及び前記外箱２、内箱
３間に充填された断熱材４により構成されている。５は
前記冷蔵庫本体１の内部を上下に区画壁であり、上部に
冷凍室６、下部に冷蔵室７を区画形成している。Reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator body, which is composed of an outer box 2, an inner box 3, and a heat insulating material 4 filled between the outer box 2 and the inner box 3. Reference numeral 5 is a partition wall vertically defining the inside of the refrigerator body 1, and defines a freezing compartment 6 in the upper part and a refrigerating compartment 7 in the lower part.

８は前記冷凍室６の背面に備えた冷凍サイクルの冷却器
であり、９は前記冷却器８で冷却した冷気を前記冷凍室
６及び冷蔵室７内に強制通風するための送風機である。Reference numeral 8 is a refrigerating cycle cooler provided on the back surface of the freezing compartment 6, and 9 is a blower for forcedly ventilating the cool air cooled by the cooler 8 into the freezing compartment 6 and the refrigerating compartment 7.

次に10は前記冷凍室６内に備えた自動製氷機であり、モ
ータ、減速ギア群（図示せず）等を内蔵した駆動装置1
1、中央部に支持軸12を連結固定した製氷皿13、前記駆
動装置11に前記製氷皿12を軸支させるためのフレーム14
等より構成される。尚、15は前記製氷皿13を歪み変形さ
せて離氷を行なわせるために前記駆動装置11の外殻の一
部に設けたストッパーであり、16は前記ストッパー15に
当接する様に前記製氷皿13上に取付けた当て板である。
又、17は前記自動製氷機10の下方に備えた貯水箱であ
る。Next, 10 is an automatic ice-making machine provided in the freezer compartment 6, which is a drive unit 1 incorporating a motor, a reduction gear group (not shown) and the like.
1, an ice tray 13 having a support shaft 12 connected and fixed to a central portion thereof, and a frame 14 for pivotally supporting the ice tray 12 by the drive unit 11.
Etc. In addition, 15 is a stopper provided in a part of the outer shell of the drive device 11 in order to distort and deform the ice tray 13 to perform ice removal, and 16 is the ice tray so as to abut the stopper 15. 13 This is the backing plate attached on top.
Reference numeral 17 is a water storage box provided below the automatic ice making machine 10.

18は製氷用の水を貯水するための給水タンクであり、前
記冷蔵室７内の一画に着脱自在に備えられる。又19は前
記給水タンク18の給水口であり、弁20によって開閉され
る。21は前記給水タンク18の給水口19の下方に設けた水
受け皿であり、前記給水口19を下向けにして前記給水タ
ンク18をセットすると、前記弁20が押し上げられて前記
給水口19が開口される様構成されている。又、22は前記
水受け皿21内に受けた水を揚水するための給水ポンプで
あり、23は前記給水ポンプ22に連結して、その出口を前
記自動製氷機10の製氷皿13に臨ませるように配設した給
水管である。Reference numeral 18 denotes a water supply tank for storing water for ice making, which is detachably provided in one compartment in the refrigerating compartment 7. Further, 19 is a water supply port of the water supply tank 18, which is opened and closed by a valve 20. Reference numeral 21 is a water tray provided below the water supply port 19 of the water supply tank 18, and when the water supply tank 18 is set with the water supply port 19 facing downward, the valve 20 is pushed up and the water supply port 19 is opened. It is configured to be done. Further, 22 is a water supply pump for pumping the water received in the water receiving tray 21, and 23 is connected to the water supply pump 22 so that its outlet faces the ice tray 13 of the automatic ice making machine 10. It is a water supply pipe arranged in.

かかる構成において、使用者によって水を満たされた給
水タンク18が所定の位置にセットされると、弁20が押し
上げられて給水口19が開口して水受け皿21内に水が満た
される。その後、満たされた水は給水ポンプ22によって
揚水され、給水管23を介して製氷皿13内に注水される。
こうして製氷皿13内に所定量満たされた水は冷凍室６内
での冷却作用によって氷結され、氷が生成される。そし
て、製氷が終了すると駆動装置11の回転作用によって製
氷皿13が支持軸12を中心として回動反転し、ストッパー
15に当て板16が当接することによって製氷皿13が歪み変
形を生じて製氷皿13内の氷が離氷される。又、離氷され
た氷は貯氷箱17内に落下して貯氷され、離氷作用の終了
した製氷皿13は再び駆動装置11による逆回転作用によっ
て元の状態に復帰する。以後この作用を給水タンク18内
の水を使い切るまで繰り返して、自動的に製氷，貯氷を
行なうものである。In such a configuration, when the user sets the water supply tank 18 filled with water at a predetermined position, the valve 20 is pushed up to open the water supply port 19 and the water tray 21 is filled with water. After that, the filled water is pumped up by the water supply pump 22 and poured into the ice tray 13 through the water supply pipe 23.
The water filled in the ice tray 13 in a predetermined amount in this way is frozen by the cooling action in the freezer compartment 6, and ice is generated. Then, when the ice making is completed, the ice tray 13 is turned around the support shaft 12 by the rotating action of the driving device 11, and the stopper is turned.
When the backing plate 16 comes into contact with the ice plate 15, the ice tray 13 is distorted and deformed, and the ice in the ice tray 13 is released. Further, the released ice falls into the ice storage box 17 and is stored therein, and the ice tray 13 which has completed the ice removing operation is restored to the original state by the reverse rotation operation of the drive device 11 again. After that, this operation is repeated until the water in the water supply tank 18 is used up, thereby automatically performing ice making and ice storage.

発明が解決しようとする課題 しかしながら、このような製氷方法であると、氷が生成
される際の製氷皿13内の水の凍結が、製氷皿13と水との
接触面及び冷気と水との接触面から中央部に進行してい
くため、水中に溶解している気体成分や溶解している気
体成分や溶解性塩類が非溶解性の不純物が氷の中央部に
封じ込められて、結果的に中央部が白濁した不透明な、
また味も良くない氷となり、例えばウィスキー等の飲料
用をはじめとして官能的に適した氷にならないという問
題点があった。DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in such an ice making method, the freezing of water in the ice tray 13 when ice is generated is a contact surface between the ice tray 13 and water, and cold air and water. As it progresses from the contact surface to the center, impurities that are insoluble in water and dissolved gas components and soluble salts are confined in the center of the ice, resulting in Opaque, with a cloudiness in the center
In addition, there is a problem that the ice does not have a good taste, and the ice does not become sensory suitable for beverages such as whiskey.

本発明は上述した問題点を解消するものであり、透明度
が高く、味の良い氷を生成出来る自動製氷装置を提供す
ることを目的としている。The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice-making device which is highly transparent and capable of producing tasty ice.

課題を解決するための手段 上記課題を解決するために本発明の冷蔵庫等の自動製氷
装置は、冷却室の一画に備えた排水口付の貯水槽の内面
に重合される底面を開口した製氷皿と、この製氷皿を回
転反転させる駆動装置を備えるとともに貯水槽及び排水
口は断熱材で包囲した上でその外壁にはヒータを密着し
て設け、排水口には排水装置及び排水管を連結させる。
そして、これとは別に着脱自在の給水タンクと給水ポン
プとを設け、貯水槽まで給水管を導くように構成したも
のである。Means for Solving the Problem In order to solve the above problems, the automatic ice-making device such as the refrigerator of the present invention is an ice-making machine with an opening on the bottom surface to be polymerized on the inner surface of the water storage tank with a drain port provided in one compartment of the cooling chamber. Equipped with a dish and a drive device for rotating and reversing this ice tray, the water tank and the drain port are surrounded by a heat insulating material, and a heater is closely attached to the outer wall, and the drain device and drain pipe are connected to the drain port. Let
In addition to this, a detachable water supply tank and a water supply pump are provided, and the water supply pipe is guided to the water storage tank.

作用 本発明は上記した構成によって、給水タンク内に満たさ
れた水が給水ポンプによって給水管を介して貯水槽内に
所定量給水されると、貯水槽の内面に重合した製氷皿は
底面の開口部を介して所定水位まで浸水される。そして
貯水槽の外周は断熱材で包囲、且つヒータで保温される
ために冷却室内の冷気によって水表面から下方に向けて
一方向の凍結作用が行なわれて水中の気体成分や不純物
を下方の水中に排出しながら氷結晶が生成されていく。
次に氷が適当な厚さになる時点で排水装置を作動させる
と気体成分や不純物の濃度が高くなった未凍結水が排水
装置，排水管を通じて排水され、製氷皿内には透明度及
び純度の高い氷が残される。そして、貯水槽と製氷皿と
の重合部はヒータの加熱作用で氷結は防止されており、
駆動装置による回動作用で製氷皿は貯水槽より離脱して
反転し離氷が行なわれるものである。Effect According to the present invention, when the water filled in the water supply tank is supplied by the water supply pump to the water storage tank through the water supply pipe in a predetermined amount, the ice tray on the inner surface of the water storage tank has an opening on the bottom surface. It is flooded up to a predetermined water level through the section. Since the outer circumference of the water tank is surrounded by a heat insulating material and is kept warm by the heater, the cool air in the cooling chamber freezes the water in one direction downward from the surface of the water to remove gas components and impurities in the water. Ice crystals are generated while being discharged to.
Next, when the drainage device is activated when the ice reaches an appropriate thickness, unfrozen water with a high concentration of gaseous components and impurities is drained through the drainage device and drainage pipe, and the transparency and purity in the ice tray are reduced. High ice is left. The freezing is prevented by the heating action of the heater in the overlapping portion between the water storage tank and the ice tray,
The ice tray is detached from the water storage tank and inverted to remove ice by the rotating action of the drive unit.

実施例 以下、本発明の一実施例の冷蔵庫等の製氷装置について
第１図から第８図に従い説明する。尚、従来と同一構成
については同一符号を付し、その詳細な説明を省略す
る。Example An ice making device such as a refrigerator according to an example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. It should be noted that the same components as those of the related art are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

24は内部に断熱材25を収めた区画壁であり、上部に冷凍
室26、下部に冷蔵室27を区画形成している。28は前記断
熱材25に埋設されて上面を開口した貯水槽であり、底面
に排水口29が設けられている。30は前記貯水槽28の開口
部を上端として貯水槽28内に重合するように構成された
製氷皿であり、底面を貫通して開口した複数の小区画31
と、この小区画31を仕切る仕切枠32により構成されてい
る。33は支持軸34を回転させる駆動装置であり、内部に
モータ、減速ギア群等（図示せず）が内蔵されている。
そして前記支持軸34は前記製氷皿30の一端に連結固定さ
れており、35は前記駆動装置33に前記製氷皿30を前記支
持軸34を介して軸支させるためのフレームである。36は
前記駆動装置33の外殻の一部に設けたストッパーであ
り、37は前記製氷皿30の反転時に前記ストッパー36に当
接するように前記製氷皿30上に取付けた当て板である。
又、38は前記製氷皿30の反転姿勢時の下方に備えた貯水
箱である。Reference numeral 24 is a partition wall in which the heat insulating material 25 is housed, and a freezing room 26 is formed in the upper part and a refrigerating room 27 is formed in the lower part. Reference numeral 28 denotes a water storage tank which is embedded in the heat insulating material 25 and has an open top surface, and a drain port 29 is provided on the bottom surface. Reference numeral 30 denotes an ice tray configured to be superposed in the water storage tank 28 with the opening of the water storage tank 28 as an upper end, and has a plurality of small compartments 31 penetrating and opening the bottom surface.
And a partition frame 32 for partitioning the small section 31. Reference numeral 33 denotes a drive device that rotates the support shaft 34, and internally includes a motor, a reduction gear group, and the like (not shown).
The support shaft 34 is connected and fixed to one end of the ice tray 30, and 35 is a frame for allowing the drive device 33 to pivotally support the ice tray 30 via the support shaft 34. Reference numeral 36 is a stopper provided on a part of the outer shell of the drive unit 33, and 37 is a backing plate mounted on the ice tray 30 so as to come into contact with the stopper 36 when the ice tray 30 is inverted.
Reference numeral 38 is a water storage box provided below the ice tray 30 in the inverted position.

次に、39は前記貯水槽28の外壁及び前記排水口29の外壁
に密着させたヒータであり、40は前記排水口29に連結し
た排水装置（以下排水弁と称する）で、電気的に弁を開
放して排水を行なう構成のものである。即ち41はプラン
ジャー、42はゴム系のダイヤフラムで外周部に入水口4
3、中心部に出水口44が形成されており、前記出水口44
の上端口を前記プランジャー41の先端面で封止する構成
となっている。また45は前記プランジャー41を前記出水
口44の上端口に圧接するためのスプリング、46は前記プ
ランジャー41を電磁作用で吸引するための電磁コイルで
ある。そして47は入口管、48は出口管、49は前記入口管
47と前記貯水槽28の排水口29を連結する連結管であり、
50は前記連結管49内で入水経路に設けた異物除去用のフ
ィルターである。また、51は前記排水弁40の出口管48に
連結された排水管であり、前記区画壁24の断熱材25及び
本体１の断熱材４内を貫通して本体１の底部に設けた機
械室52内に連通している。そして53は蒸発装置であり、
冷凍サイクルの圧縮機54から配管された高温高圧の加熱
管55を密着させた加熱板56と、前記加熱板56上に載置し
た蒸発皿57より構成されている。また58は前記排水管51
の出口に連結して前記蒸発皿57の内部に水を導くための
導水管である。Next, 39 is a heater closely attached to the outer wall of the water storage tank 28 and the outer wall of the drainage port 29, and 40 is a drainage device (hereinafter referred to as a drainage valve) connected to the drainage port 29, which is electrically operated. It is configured to open the drain for drainage. That is, 41 is a plunger, and 42 is a rubber diaphragm.
3, the water outlet 44 is formed in the center, the water outlet 44
The upper end opening is sealed with the tip surface of the plunger 41. Further, 45 is a spring for pressing the plunger 41 against the upper end of the water outlet 44, and 46 is an electromagnetic coil for attracting the plunger 41 by an electromagnetic action. 47 is an inlet pipe, 48 is an outlet pipe, and 49 is the inlet pipe.
47 is a connecting pipe for connecting the drainage port 29 of the water storage tank 28,
Reference numeral 50 is a filter for removing foreign matter, which is provided in the water inlet path in the connecting pipe 49. Reference numeral 51 denotes a drain pipe connected to the outlet pipe 48 of the drain valve 40, which penetrates the heat insulating material 25 of the partition wall 24 and the heat insulating material 4 of the main body 1 and is provided in the bottom of the main body 1 in the machine room. It communicates with 52. 53 is an evaporator,
A heating plate 56, to which a high-temperature and high-pressure heating pipe 55 connected from a compressor 54 of the refrigeration cycle is closely attached, and an evaporation dish 57 placed on the heating plate 56. 58 is the drain pipe 51
Is a water conduit for connecting water to the outlet of the evaporating dish 57 and guiding the water to the inside of the evaporating dish 57.

一方、59は給水タンク18より水受け皿21内に一時貯水さ
れた水を給水ポンプ22で前記貯水槽28内へ導くための給
水管であり、一端を前記給水ポンプ22に連結し他端を前
記貯水槽28内に臨むように開口されている。On the other hand, 59 is a water supply pipe for guiding the water temporarily stored in the water tray 21 from the water supply tank 18 into the water storage tank 28 by the water supply pump 22, one end of which is connected to the water supply pump 22 and the other end of which is It is opened so as to face the inside of the water tank 28.

また、60は前記冷凍室26内にあって前記製氷皿30の上面
に冷気を導くための通風路であり、61は前記冷凍室26内
の温度を検知して前記送風機９、圧縮機54の運転，停止
を制御する温度制御装置である。Further, 60 is an air passage in the freezer compartment 26 for guiding cool air to the upper surface of the ice tray 30, and 61 is a temperature sensor in the freezer compartment 26 for detecting the temperature of the blower 9 and the compressor 54. This is a temperature control device that controls operation and stop.

かかる構成において、使用者によって水を満たされた給
水タンク18が所定の位置にセットされると、弁20が押し
上げられて給水口19が開口して水受け皿21内に水が満た
される。その後、満たされた水は給水ポンプ22によって
揚水され、給水管59を介して貯水槽28内に所定量注水さ
れ（所定量の注水は例えば給水ポンプ22のモータの作動
時間の規定等の手段によって行なわれる。）で内面に重
合された製氷皿30の底面開口部を介して第４図に示すよ
うに各小区画31が所定水位まで浸水する。この状態にお
いて送風機９によって冷却器８で冷却された冷気が通風
路60を介して製氷皿30の水表面上に強制通風されて冷却
作用が開始される。但しこの時、貯水槽28の外周は断熱
材25で密接して囲われているため外周からの冷却作用は
ほとんどなく、またヒータ39の加熱作用により貯水槽28
の外周が暖められているために凍結作用は製氷皿30の各
小区画31の上方から下方へ向けての一方向に進行してい
く。このため凍結速度を適度に遅くしてやれば（例えば
5mm/n程度）氷の生成進行とともに水中に溶解していた
気体成分や、含有される各種不純物を氷結晶外に析出し
て下方の氷凍結水中に排出していくが、製氷皿30の各小
区画31の底面が貫通して開口しているため排出された気
体成分の拡散や、不純物の沈降を妨害する障害壁がなく
円滑に貯水槽28の下部水中へ排出される。また、障害壁
がないため氷の成長による凍結進行面の近傍での気体成
分の水中濃度が高まりにくく、そのため気泡も発生しに
くい。こうして時間経過によって順次生成されていく氷
は透明度が非常に高く、不純物の少ない味の良い氷とな
る。そして予め定めた冷却時間の経過によって必要とす
る適当な厚み（例えば25mm）の氷が生成される。即ち状
態図で示せば第５図のように上部の製氷皿30の部分に透
明度及び純度の高い氷が、そしてその下部には純度の低
下した未凍結水が共存した状態となっている。In such a configuration, when the user sets the water supply tank 18 filled with water at a predetermined position, the valve 20 is pushed up to open the water supply port 19 and the water tray 21 is filled with water. After that, the filled water is pumped up by the water supply pump 22, and a predetermined amount of water is injected into the water storage tank 28 through the water supply pipe 59 (the predetermined amount of water is supplied, for example, by means such as regulation of the operating time of the motor of the water supply pump 22. 4) through the bottom opening of the ice tray 30 superposed on the inner surface of the ice tray 30 as shown in FIG. In this state, the cool air cooled by the cooler 8 by the blower 9 is forcedly blown onto the water surface of the ice tray 30 through the ventilation passage 60 to start the cooling action. However, at this time, since the outer circumference of the water tank 28 is closely surrounded by the heat insulating material 25, there is almost no cooling effect from the outer circumference, and the heating operation of the heater 39 causes the water tank 28 to be cooled.
Since the outer periphery of the ice is heated, the freezing action proceeds in one direction from the upper side to the lower side of each small section 31 of the ice tray 30. Therefore, if you slow down the freezing speed appropriately (for example,
(5 mm / n) With the progress of ice formation, the gaseous components dissolved in water and various impurities contained are precipitated outside the ice crystals and discharged into the ice-freezing water below. Since the bottom surface of the small section 31 is penetrated and opened, there is no obstacle wall that hinders the diffusion of the discharged gas component and the sedimentation of impurities, and the water is smoothly discharged into the lower water of the water tank 28. Further, since there is no obstacle wall, the concentration of the gas component in water near the freezing progress surface due to the growth of ice is unlikely to increase, and therefore bubbles are less likely to occur. In this way, the ice that is sequentially generated over time has a very high degree of transparency and becomes a tasty ice with few impurities. Then, ice having an appropriate thickness (for example, 25 mm) is generated by the elapse of a predetermined cooling time. That is, as shown in the state diagram, as shown in FIG. 5, ice having a high degree of transparency and purity coexists in the upper portion of the ice tray 30, and unfrozen water having a reduced purity coexists in the lower portion.

一方、前述した製氷作用中にはヒータ39の加熱作用によ
り、貯水槽28の内壁と製氷皿30の外壁との間隙には完全
には氷結が進まず、水膜で製氷皿30の外周が覆われてい
る状態となっている。又、排水口29も加熱されて内部の
凍結が予防され排水に備えた状態となっている。この時
点で予め定めてある作動時間に到達して排水弁40の電磁
コイル46に通電されるとプランジャー41が引き上げられ
る。ここで貯水槽28の内壁と製氷皿30の外壁との間隙は
ヒータ39の加熱作用により完全には氷結しておらず、気
圧の均衡がとれて貯水槽28内の残氷は排水口29、連結管
49、入口管47、入水口43、出水口44、出口管48を経て排
水管51に導かれ、導水管58を介して機械室52内の蒸発装
置53の蒸発皿57内に排水される。その後、蒸発皿57内に
排水された水は圧縮機54からの高圧の高温冷媒ガスが流
れる加熱管55を密着させた加熱板56の加熱作用によって
蒸発される。この作用が行なわれた後の貯水槽28の状態
は第６図に示すようなものになる。即ち、貯水槽28内に
は製氷皿30内に生成された透明度及び純度の高い氷のみ
が残された状態となっている。On the other hand, during the above-mentioned ice making operation, due to the heating action of the heater 39, freezing does not proceed completely in the gap between the inner wall of the water storage tank 28 and the outer wall of the ice making tray 30, and the outer periphery of the ice making tray 30 is covered with a water film. It is in a state of being forgotten. In addition, the drainage port 29 is also heated to prevent freezing inside and is ready for drainage. At this point, when the predetermined operation time is reached and the electromagnetic coil 46 of the drain valve 40 is energized, the plunger 41 is pulled up. Here, the gap between the inner wall of the water storage tank 28 and the outer wall of the ice tray 30 is not completely frozen due to the heating action of the heater 39, and the atmospheric pressure is balanced so that the residual ice in the water storage tank 28 has a drain port 29, Connecting pipe
The water is guided to the drainage pipe 51 via 49, the inlet pipe 47, the water inlet 43, the water outlet 44, and the outlet pipe 48, and is drained into the evaporation tray 57 of the evaporator 53 in the machine room 52 via the water conduit 58. After that, the water drained in the evaporation tray 57 is evaporated by the heating action of the heating plate 56 to which the heating pipe 55 in which the high-pressure high-temperature refrigerant gas from the compressor 54 flows is closely attached. The state of the water storage tank 28 after this action is performed is as shown in FIG. That is, only the highly transparent and highly pure ice generated in the ice tray 30 remains in the water storage tank 28.

一方、こうして残された氷は主として底面に水分の付着
した温度の高い氷であるために、製氷行程としてはこの
後適当な時間（例えば30mm）そのままの状態で冷却乾燥
させることによって温度が低く、乾いた状態にし次の離
氷行程に備える。On the other hand, since the ice thus left is mainly ice having a high temperature with water attached to the bottom surface, the temperature is low by cooling and drying for an appropriate time (for example, 30 mm) as it is in the ice making process after this, Keep it dry and ready for the next ice break.

次に、その冷却乾燥が終了すれば駆動装置33が作動し、
支持軸34が回転を始めて製氷皿30が回動して貯水槽28よ
り離脱する。そして、製氷皿30が逆転に近い姿勢にまで
回動すると製氷皿30に固定した当て板37がストッパー36
に当接し、そのまま更に駆動装置33が製氷皿30に回動力
を与えることによって製氷皿30は歪み変形し、製氷皿30
の小区画31内の氷は離氷されて下方に備えられた貯水箱
38内に落下し貯氷される（この作用を第７図及び第８図
に示す。）。Next, when the cooling and drying are completed, the drive device 33 is activated,
The support shaft 34 starts to rotate and the ice tray 30 rotates to separate from the water tank 28. Then, when the ice tray 30 is rotated to a posture close to the reverse rotation, the backing plate 37 fixed to the ice tray 30 is stopped by the stopper 36.
When the drive device 33 further applies a turning power to the ice tray 30, the ice tray 30 is distorted and deformed.
The water in the subdivision 31 of the water is separated from the ice and installed below
It falls into 38 and is stored in ice (this action is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8).

こうして給水タンク18が使用者によってセットされた以
後は給水タンク18内の水を使い切るまでこれら一連の行
程を自動的に繰り返す。その結果、貯氷箱38内には透明
度が高く、しかも純度が高くて味の良い氷のみが多量に
貯氷されることになり、使用者はほとんど手を煩わせず
に飲食用として極めて官能的に優れた氷を随時十分に使
用することが出来る。After the water tank 18 is set by the user in this way, the series of steps are automatically repeated until the water in the water tank 18 is used up. As a result, in the ice storage box 38, only a large amount of highly transparent, highly pure and tasty ice will be stored, and the user will be very sensual for eating and drinking with almost no trouble. Excellent ice can be used at any time.

発明の効果 以上の様に本発明によると次のような効果が得られる。Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

（１）製氷開始後、適当な時間に排水装置を作動させ
て、氷の生成進行によって排出された気体成分や不純物
を含んだ残水を排水してしまうことと、貯水槽は外周を
断熱材で密着包囲することで上方から下方への一方向の
凍結作用が行なわれて気体成分や不純物が氷中に封じ込
められないことにより、製氷皿内に生成された氷は非常
に透明度が高く、不純物の少ない味の良い氷となり、こ
うした氷が自動的に多量に貯氷されていくため使用者は
飲食用として極めて官能的に優れた氷を随時十分に使用
することが出来る。(1) After the start of ice making, the drainage device is operated at an appropriate time to drain residual water containing gas components and impurities discharged due to the progress of ice formation, and the water tank has a heat insulating material around the outer periphery. Since the surroundings are tightly enclosed by a freezing action in one direction from the top to the bottom and the gas components and impurities cannot be contained in the ice, the ice generated in the ice tray has very high transparency and It becomes less tasty ice, and a large amount of such ice is automatically stored, so that the user can use ice that is extremely sensory at any time for eating and drinking.

（２）製氷皿の底面が貫通して開口しているため、氷の
生成進行によって排出された気体成分の下方への拡散や
不純物の下方への沈降に対して障害壁となるものがな
く、白濁の要因となる気泡の発生が起こりにくく、不純
物も排出され易くなり、一層氷の透明度や純度が高くな
る。(2) Since the bottom surface of the ice tray is penetrated and opened, there is no obstacle to the downward diffusion of the gas component discharged due to the progress of ice formation and the downward sedimentation of impurities, Bubbles that cause white turbidity are less likely to occur, impurities are more easily discharged, and the transparency and purity of ice are further increased.

（３）貯水槽の外壁と排水口の外壁をヒータによって適
度に加熱することによって貯水槽と製氷皿の重合する間
隙の氷結が防止され、排出経路の凍結予防も成されるた
め、排水時には気圧の均衡がとれて、不要な残水は確実
に排水され、また製氷皿も容易に貯水槽より離脱出来、
離氷作用が確実に行なえる。(3) By appropriately heating the outer wall of the water storage tank and the outer wall of the drainage port with a heater, freezing of the overlapping gap between the water storage tank and the ice tray is prevented, and freezing of the discharge route is prevented. The balance is balanced, unnecessary residual water is surely drained, and the ice tray can be easily removed from the water storage tank.
Deicing action can be reliably performed.

（４）製氷皿に直接排水口を設けておらず、別途排水口
を形成した貯水槽と重合させる二重構造としているため
製氷用の水は貯水槽で受け、製氷皿は単独で回動、歪み
変形を利用した従来と同様の離氷作用が行える。このた
め、製氷皿の複数の各小区画は任意の設計が可能とな
り、形状・大きさともに任意の透明氷を得ることができ
る。(4) Since the ice tray has no direct drainage port and has a double structure that overlaps with a water reservoir with a separate drainage port, the water for ice making is received by the water reservoir and the ice tray rotates independently. It is possible to perform the same deicing action using strain deformation. Therefore, each of the plurality of small compartments of the ice tray can be designed in any manner, and any shape and size of transparent ice can be obtained.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

第１図は本発明の一実施例を示す冷蔵庫等の自動製氷装
置の要部拡大斜視図、第２図は同断面図、第３図は同第
１図の自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫の縦断面図、第４図
は同第１図の自動製氷装置に給水された状態を示す断面
図、第５図は同第４図の状態より製氷が進行した状態を
示す断面図、第６図は同第５図の状態で排水した後の状
態を示す断面図、第７図は同第６図の状態より離氷を待
機している状態を示す断面図、第８図は離氷動作を示す
動作を示す断面図、第９図は従来例を示す自動製氷装置
を備えた冷蔵庫の縦断面図、第10図は同第９図の自動製
氷装置の要部拡大斜視図である。 18……給水タンク、22……給水ポンプ、25……断熱材、
26……冷凍室（冷却室）、28……貯水槽、29……排水
口、30……製氷皿、33……駆動装置、34……支持軸、38
……貯氷箱、39……ヒータ、40……排水弁（排水装
置）、51……排水管、59……給水管。1 is an enlarged perspective view of an essential part of an automatic ice making device such as a refrigerator showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same, and FIG. 3 shows a refrigerator equipped with the automatic ice making device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state where water is supplied to the automatic ice making device of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state where ice making progresses from the state of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state after draining water in the state of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state of waiting for deicing from the state of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the operation shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a refrigerator having an automatic ice making device showing a conventional example, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the automatic ice making device of FIG. 18 …… Water tank, 22 …… Water pump, 25 …… Insulation material,
26 ... Freezer (cooling room), 28 ... Water tank, 29 ... Drainage port, 30 ... Ice tray, 33 ... Drive device, 34 ... Support shaft, 38
…… Ice storage box, 39 …… Heater, 40 …… Drain valve (drainage device), 51 …… Drain pipe, 59 …… Water supply pipe.

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】冷却室の一画に備えた上面を開口された貯
水槽と、前記貯水槽の開口部より内面に重合するように
構成され且つ複数の小区画の底面を開口された製氷皿
と、前記製氷皿の一端に連結固定した支持軸と、前記支
持軸を軸として前記製氷皿を回動させる駆動装置と、前
記支持軸を挟んで前記貯水槽に隣接して備えた貯氷箱
と、前記貯水槽の外壁を包囲する断熱材と、前記貯水槽
の底面に設けた排水口と、前記貯水槽と前記排水口の外
壁に密着させたヒータと、前記排水口に連結した排水管
と、前記冷却室外の一画に着脱自在に設置された給水タ
ンクと、前記給水タンクの水を揚水する給水ポンプと、
前記給水ポンプに連結して前記貯水槽内に出口を臨ませ
た給水管とより成る冷蔵庫等の自動製氷装置。1. A water tank with an open upper surface provided in one section of a cooling chamber, and an ice tray configured to be superposed on an inner surface from an opening of the water tank and having bottom surfaces of a plurality of small compartments opened. A support shaft connected and fixed to one end of the ice tray, a drive device for rotating the ice tray about the support shaft, and an ice storage box provided adjacent to the water tank with the support shaft interposed therebetween. A heat insulating material surrounding the outer wall of the water tank, a drain port provided on the bottom surface of the water tank, a heater closely attached to the outer wall of the water tank and the drain port, and a drain pipe connected to the drain port. A water supply tank that is detachably installed in one drawing outside the cooling chamber; and a water supply pump that pumps water from the water supply tank,
An automatic ice making device such as a refrigerator comprising a water supply pipe connected to the water supply pump and having an outlet facing the water storage tank.