JP2007033010A - Control method of automatic ice making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform control based on the temperature of ice making water based more on reality even if the temperature of the ice making water is indirectly detected. <P>SOLUTION: A drum type ice making machine 10 supplies a required amount of ice making water to an ice making tank 14 from an external water source by opening a water supply valve KV interposed in a water supply pipe 20, and performs current control of a cutter heater and a case heater based on the temperature of ice making water indirectly detected by a temperature detecting means TH. The cutter heater and case heater heat only for a heating time set to a heating timer based on the temperature obtained by the temperature detecting means TH, and heat again only for a heating time after stopping only for a stop time set to the heating timer based on the temperature obtained by the temperature detecting means TH. The temperature detecting means TH is set to detect temperature when closing the open water supply valve KV. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This invention is based on the temperature of the ice making water indirectly detected by the temperature detecting means while supplying a required amount of ice making water from the external water source to the ice making mechanism by opening the water supply valve inserted in the water supply pipe. The present invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic ice maker having controlled means to be controlled.

  In an automatic ice maker that generates a large amount of ice blocks and ice pieces, an ice making drum that rotates around a horizontal axis while being partially immersed in ice making water stored in an ice making tank is cooled, and ice is applied to the outer surface of the drum. Various types of ice making mechanisms have been proposed, such as a drum type that generates ice and an open cell type that generates ice blocks in an ice tray by spraying and supplying ice making water from an ice making tank to an ice tray that defines an ice making chamber. Each of these ice making mechanisms is a configuration in which ice making water stored in an ice making tank is cooled by an ice making part such as an ice making drum to generate ice blocks, ice pieces, etc., and stored in the ice making tank along with the generation of ice blocks, etc. Since ice making water decreases, ice making water (tap water) is replenished to the ice making tank from a water supply pipe connected to an external water source. A water supply valve is inserted in the water supply pipe, and the supply amount and supply timing of ice-making water are set by opening and closing the water supply valve.

By the way, like a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a heater is provided in a water supply pipe that supplies ice making water to the ice making tank of the ice making device, and the ice making water remaining in the water supply pipe and stored in the ice making tank There is a configuration for preventing the ice making water from freezing. The heater is configured to be energized and controlled based on the temperature around the water supply pipe detected by a temperature sensor disposed in the vicinity of the water supply pipe. When the temperature sensor detects a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature, the heater is configured to stop energization. In other words, since the temperature of ice-making water supplied changes due to seasonal fluctuations, refrigerator installation environment, etc., controlling the heater based on the temperature of ice-making water can improve the efficiency of operation so as to reduce power consumption. It is illustrated.
JP-A-8-261615

  Since the temperature sensor described above is configured to detect the temperature around the water supply pipe, there is a problem that the detected temperature obtained is different from the actual temperature of ice-making water supplied from the water supply pipe to be known. . Even if the heater energization control is performed based on such a detection temperature lacking in accuracy, the effect of reducing the power consumption obtained is small. That is, it is desirable to directly measure the temperature of the ice making water supplied from the water supply pipe, but there is a problem that it is restricted by the space for installing the temperature sensor, the selection of the temperature sensor to be used, and the like.

  That is, the present invention has been proposed in order to suitably solve these problems inherent in the control method of an automatic ice maker according to the prior art, and is an indirect temperature detection of ice making water. Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an automatic ice making machine that can perform control based on the temperature of ice making water that is more realistic.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, a control method for an automatic ice maker according to claim 1 of the present application is as follows:
By opening the water supply valve inserted in the water supply pipe, a required amount of ice making water is supplied from an external water source to the ice making mechanism, and the temperature is controlled based on the temperature of the ice making water detected indirectly by the temperature detecting means. In a control method of an automatic ice maker provided with a control means,
The temperature detecting means is set to detect the temperature when the open water supply valve is closed.
According to the first aspect of the invention, the temperature detecting means is set so as to detect the temperature when the water supply valve that has been opened is closed, so that even if the temperature of the ice making water is indirectly detected, A value approximating the temperature of the ice making water can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for controlling an automatic ice maker according to the first aspect, the temperature detecting means is installed in the water supply pipe, and the temperature of the ice making water is indirectly measured via the water supply pipe. Detected.
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the temperature of the water supply pipe | tube which changes temperature according to the temperature change of the ice making water which distribute | circulates a water supply pipe | tube can be detected by installing the detection part of a temperature detection means in a water supply pipe | tube. Therefore, the deviation between the actual temperature of the ice making water and the detected temperature can be further suppressed.

The invention according to claim 3 is the method for controlling an automatic ice maker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ice making mechanism stores an ice making tank storing ice making water supplied from the water supply pipe, and the ice making tank stores the ice making water. Generated on the outer surface of the drum by rotating the ice making drum rotating around the horizontal axis while partly immersed in the ice making water and supplying the refrigerant from the refrigeration system to the ice making drum for cooling. A peeling means for peeling off the ice and a heating means as a controlled means for heating the peeling means.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, by disposing the heating means in the peeling means for peeling off the ice generated on the outer surface of the ice making drum, it is possible to melt and remove the waste ice accumulated in the peeling means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method for controlling an automatic ice maker according to the first or second aspect, the ice making mechanism controls the ice-making water stored in the ice-making tank by heating an ambient atmosphere to prevent overcooling. Heating means is provided as means.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ice making mechanism is provided with heating means for heating the surrounding atmosphere to prevent overcooling of the ice making water stored in the ice making tank, thereby preventing freezing of the ice making water stored in the ice making mechanism. Can do.

The invention according to claim 5 is the method for controlling an automatic ice maker according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the heating means is a heating set in a heating timer based on a temperature detected by the temperature detection means. After heating for the time, it is set to stop for the stop time set in the stop timer, and the heating time and the stop time are updated each time the temperature detecting means detects the temperature.
According to the invention of claim 3, the heating means is heated for the heating time set in the heating timer based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and then stopped for the stop time set in the stopping timer. The power consumption can be reduced by efficiently setting the heating time and the heating timing. Further, since the heating time and the stop time are updated each time the temperature detection means performs temperature detection, more efficient operation can be performed.

  According to the control method for an automatic ice maker according to the present invention, the controlled means can be controlled based on the temperature of the ice making water more realistically, even if the temperature of the ice making water is indirectly detected.

  Next, the control method of the automatic ice making machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving a preferred embodiment. In the embodiment, an automatic ice maker having a drum type ice making mechanism will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drum type ice making machine 10 of the embodiment includes an ice making tank 14 that stores a predetermined amount of ice making water, and a horizontal axis that is partially immersed in the ice making water inside the ice making tank 14. And an ice making mechanism 12 including a cylindrical ice making drum 16 rotatably arranged. The drum type ice making machine 10 includes a control unit C that controls devices such as a compressor CM, valves such as a water supply valve KV, and other devices that constitute a refrigeration system 32 described later (see FIG. 4). The drum type ice making machine 10 is controlled by the control means C on the basis of information obtained from various switches of the operation means 38, counters DC and TC, timers TM1 to TM6, temperature detection means TH, and the like. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ice making drum 16 has rotating shafts 16 a and 16 b extending outward from the centers of the respective end surfaces in the axial direction, and the rotating shafts 16 a and 16 b are arranged in front and rear in the ice making tank 14. These are pivotally supported by bearings (not shown) provided on the wall surface of each. One rotating shaft (first rotating shaft) 16a is connected to the driving means M, and the driving means M is configured to rotate the ice making drum 16. The other rotating shaft (second rotating shaft) 16b is a double pipe. The refrigerant from the refrigeration system 32 is guided to the inside of the ice making drum 16 via the second rotating shaft 16b, and the ice making drum 16 The refrigerant having exchanged heat with the refrigerant is returned to the refrigeration system 32. Here, the ice making drum 16 is located on the downstream side of the expansion valve EV and the upstream side of the compressor CM in the refrigeration system 32 in which the compressor CM, the condenser CD, the expansion valve EV and the like are connected in communication with each other through the refrigerant pipe 32a. ing. The ice making drum 16 is connected to the expansion valve EV and the compressor CM via the refrigerant pipe 32a, is in a low pressure state under the action of the expansion valve EV and the compressor CM, and is configured to be cooled by the supplied refrigerant. The Reference numeral FM denotes a fan motor that cools the condenser CN.

  Inside the ice making tank 14, a water supply port 20 a of a water supply pipe 20 that is connected to an external water source such as water supply faces, and by opening a water supply valve KV inserted in the water supply pipe 20, Ice making water (tap water) is configured to be supplied from the water supply port 20a. In addition, a water level sensor 22 for detecting a storage amount (water level) of ice making water is disposed inside the ice making tank 14. The water level sensor 22 employs, for example, a float switch, and a floating element 22a that moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the water level of the ice making water stored in the ice making tank 14, and an upper limit switch that detects that the floating element 22a has reached the upper limit position. 22b and a lower limit switch 22c for detecting that the floating element 22a has reached the lower limit position (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 4). In a state where the upper limit switch 22b detects the floating element 22a (on state), a predetermined amount of ice making water is stored in the ice making tank 14, and the water supply valve KV is closed. At this time, the lower limit switch 22c is also in the on state. Further, in the state where the lower limit switch 22c detects the floating element 22a (off state), the upper limit switch 22b is also in the off state, and the ice making water in the ice making tank 14 is consumed and is in a reduced state. The water supply valve KV is opened and ice making water is supplied from the water supply pipe 20. When the upper limit switch 22b is turned on again, the water supply valve KV is closed. As described above, the water level in the ice making tank 14 is kept constant by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve KV in accordance with the detection level of the water level by the water level sensor 22.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 is provided with a water breakage detecting means for judging a supply abnormality of the ice making water due to a water breakage of an external water source or a poor connection of the water supply pipe 20. The water cutoff detection means is connected to the control means C and is controlled by a water supply timer TM1 that is started in conjunction with the opening of the water supply valve KV, a water cutoff timer TM2 that is connected to the control means C and is started when the count of the water supply timer TM1 is completed, and a control A water cutoff counter DC which is incorporated in the means C and regulates the number of retries in the water cutoff judgment routine. The water supply timer TM1 is configured to start counting the water supply time on condition that the water supply valve KV is opened by detection of the floating element 22a in the lower limit switch 22c, and the water supply valve KV is closed by detection of the floating element 22a in the upper limit switch 22b. Then, the initial state is restored. The water cutoff timer TM2 is configured to start counting the standby time when a water cutoff abnormality occurs in which the water supply time elapses without the water supply valve KV being closed, and waits for the water level detection by the water level sensor 22 for the standby time. After that, when the water level is detected again and the ice making water is not full, the water supply timer TM1 is started. The water cutoff counter DC is configured to count a water cutoff count value by a predetermined number (1 in the embodiment) when a water cutoff abnormality occurs in which the water supply time elapses without the water supply valve KV being closed. Then, the water stop detection means waits for recovery of water stop for a standby time until the total number of water stop count values of the water stop counter DC reaches a preset water stop set value (for example, 3), and then waits for water level detection. Based on the result, the water stoppage determination routine for counting the water supply time by the water supply timer TM1, counting the water stop count value of the water stop counter DC and collating with the water stop set value, and counting the standby time by the water stop counter TM2 is repeated.

  When the water cutoff judgment routine is repeated by the water cutoff set value without the upper limit switch 22b being turned on once, the water cutoff detecting means finally determines the occurrence of water cutoff that does not recover and closes the water supply valve KV. The ice making operation is stopped by stopping the compressor CM, the fan motor FM, the driving means M, and the like. At the same time, a water stop abnormality is notified to the user by sound, display or the like by a notifying means (not shown). On the other hand, the water cutoff detection means is configured to clear the water cutoff count value of the water cutoff counter DC and return to the initial state when the upper limit switch 22b is turned on during the water cutoff judgment routine. Here, the water supply time is usually longer than the time (for example, about 20 minutes) required from when the lower limit switch 22c is turned off to when the upper limit switch 22b is turned on with the supply of ice-making water from the water supply pipe 20. It is set long and determined in view of the amount of water supplied from the water supply pipe 20 per unit time. On the other hand, the water stoppage time is set to a time (for example, about 20 minutes) that is assumed for temporary water stoppage caused by simple waterworks or the like.

  The water supply pipe 20 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity such as a metal pipe, and a temperature detection means TH such as a thermistor is disposed outside the water supply pipe 20 so as to detect a temperature change of the water supply pipe 20 indirectly. The temperature of the ice making water flowing through the water supply pipe 20 can be detected. Here, the detection part of the temperature detection means TH is installed on the downstream side of the water supply valve KV in the water supply pipe 20. Further, the temperature detection means TH detects the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 when the upper limit switch 22b of the water level sensor 22 detects that the ice making tank 14 is full and the open water supply valve KV is closed. Is set. Here, when the water supply valve KV that has been opened, which is the temperature detection timing of the temperature detection means TH, is closed, immediately before the water supply valve KV is closed, and ice-making water flows through the water supply pipe 20. The timing at which the water supply valve KV is closed, and the timing immediately after the water supply valve KV is closed. And the temperature detection means TH is comprised so that the temperature detection of the water supply pipe | tube 20 may be implemented every time the water supply valve KV in an open state is closed. Note that the temperature detection result of the water supply pipe 20 by the temperature detection means TH is input to the control means C, and the heating means 34 and 36 to be described later are energized and controlled by the control means C based on this detected temperature. .

  On one side of the ice making tank 14 (on the right side in FIG. 1), a chute 24 communicating with an ice storage chamber 18a of a stocker 18 provided below is disposed. The chute 24 and the ice making tank 14 are connected to the tank 14. It is comprised so that it may communicate in the right side upper part. In the ice making tank 14, a cutter (peeling means) 26 is disposed between opposing wall surfaces in a portion where the chute 24 communicates, with the blade edge facing the outer surface of the ice making drum 16 that is out of the ice making water. When the ice making drum 16 is rotated in the ice making operation, the cutter 26 hits the ice generated on the outer surface of the ice making drum 16 and peels the ice thinly. The upper surface of the cutter 26 is provided with a slope 28 that is inclined downward as it is separated from the ice making drum 16, and the ice pieces removed by the cutter 26 are guided by the chute 24 by sliding on the upper surface of the cutter 26 and the slope 28. Composed. The upper opening of the ice making tank 14 is covered with an openable / closable lid 30, and the ice making tank 14 is substantially sealed.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 is installed on a cutter 26 and a slope 28 as heating means (controlled means), and a cutter heater for melting and removing fine pieces (scrap ice) of ice pieces separated by the cutter 26. 34 and a case heater 36 installed on the lid 30 for heating the periphery of the ice making drum 16 (see FIG. 2). The cutter heater 34 is configured to operate in conjunction with a heating timer TM3 connected to the control means C, and is energized for a heating time set in the heating timer TM3 to heat the periphery of the cutter 26. Yes. The timing of the cutter heater 34 from the time when the heating timer TM3 counts the heating time until the heating is started until the next heating is started is also controlled based on the stop time set in the heating timer TM3. It has become so. Similarly, the case heater 36 is configured to operate in conjunction with a heating timer TM3 connected to the control means C. The case heater 36 is energized for the heating time set in the heating timer TM3 to heat the ambient atmosphere of the ice making tank 14, stops after the stop time set in the heating timer TM3, and then the next heating is performed. It is like that. In the embodiment, the heating timer TM3 that measures the heating time is also used as a stop timer that measures the stop time.

  The cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 are not always energized and heated, but the heating time and stop set in the heating timer TM3 according to the temperature fluctuation of the ice making water supplied via the water supply pipe 20 It is configured to apply a minimum amount of heat at an optimal timing according to time. The cutter heater 34 is energized and controlled according to the heating time and the stop time of the heating timer TM3, and is heated for a time to apply a minimum amount of heat that can melt only scrap ice and minimize the influence on the ice pieces. Then, it is stopped until scrap ice accumulates again and the influence on the movement of the ice pieces cannot be ignored. Further, the case heater 36 is energized and controlled according to the heating time and the stop time of the heating timer TM3, and only the time for applying a minimum amount of heat that can suppress overcooling of the ice making water stored in the ice making tank 14 is applied. The heating is stopped before the ice-making water is again supercooled or the like.

  The heating time is calculated by the control means C based on the detected temperature input from the temperature detection means TH to the control means C. For example, the heating pipe temperature (the obtained detection temperature is obtained from the heating set value set in the control means C in advance). Alternatively, a value obtained by subtracting the correction value is used. The stop time is also calculated by the control means C based on the detected temperature input from the temperature detection means TH to the control means C. A value obtained by subtracting the set stop set value is used. Furthermore, the heating time and stop time set in the heating timer TM3 are updated every time the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is detected by the temperature detection means TH after the water supply valve KV is closed. Here, the heating set value and the stop setting value are appropriately set in view of various conditions such as the capacity of each of the heaters 34 and 36, the ice making capacity, and the heating area.

  The cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 have an initial stop time (for example, about 1 second) set in advance in the heating timer TM3 even when the heating time is set in the heating timer TM3 when the power is turned on. It is configured to maintain a stopped state until it has elapsed. Further, the cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 are immediately shut off when the compressor CM is stopped or when an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection means TH in the heated state. When the cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 are stopped, the compressor CM is driven and the stopped state is maintained until the abnormality of the temperature detecting means TH is resolved.

  In the drum type ice making machine 10, the ice making water in the ice making tank 14 becomes very small due to water breakage and other factors, and the ice making drum 16 and the ice making water are not in contact with each other. The valve EV is throttled, and the pressure on the low pressure side (region where the pressure from the downstream of the expansion valve EV to the upstream of the compressor CM) in the refrigeration system 32 may be abnormally reduced. In such a state, since the compressor CM and the like are overloaded, the drum type ice making machine 10 is provided with an abnormality detection means for detecting a pressure abnormality on the low pressure side in the refrigeration system 32 during normal operation. The compressor CM is configured to stop when the side pressure is abnormal. The low-pressure abnormality detection means includes a low-pressure switch TS that detects a pressure abnormality in normal operation on the low-pressure side, a low-pressure timer TM4 that measures low-pressure time, and a low-pressure counter TC that counts a low-pressure count value. The low-pressure abnormality detection means is linked to the above-described water break detection means, and can determine whether or not the low-pressure abnormality is caused by the water break. It returns from the judgment state of low pressure abnormality.

  The low-pressure switch TS is disposed on the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system 32, and operates when the pressure on the low-pressure side in the refrigeration system 32 is lower than the pressure preset in the low-pressure switch TS. The low pressure abnormality detecting means determines that a low pressure abnormality has occurred if the low pressure switch TS does not return while the low pressure timer TM4 counts the low pressure time (for example, about 5 seconds) after the low pressure switch TS is operated. The low pressure abnormality determination routine for counting the low pressure count value by a predetermined number (1 in the embodiment) by the low pressure counter TC is performed. When the low-pressure abnormality detection routine is repeated only for the low-pressure set value (for example, twice) set in the low-pressure counter TC, the low-pressure abnormality detection means finally determines that the low-pressure abnormality is not recovered, and the compressor CM, fan motor FM, The ice making operation is stopped by stopping the driving means M and the like. At the same time, the low-pressure abnormality is notified to the user by sound or display by the notification means. Further, the low pressure abnormality detecting means is configured to perform a water cutoff judgment routine when the low pressure count value of the low pressure counter TC has not reached the low pressure set value. The low pressure abnormality detection means starts counting the standby time by the water stop timer TM2 in the water stop determination routine, compares the water stop count value of the water stop counter DC with the water stop set value, and the total number of water stop count values reaches the water stop set value. When it is finally determined that the water has stopped, the ice making operation is stopped. On the other hand, the low temperature abnormality detection means checks the water stop count value of the water stop counter DC with the water stop set value in the water stop determination routine, and repeats the low pressure abnormality determination routine when the total number of water stop count values does not reach the water stop set value. It has become. Further, the low temperature abnormality detection means executes a counter clear routine for clearing the low pressure count value of the low pressure counter TC when the water stoppage is not occurring or when the water stoppage is restored.

  In the counter clear routine, the low-pressure abnormality detecting means detects that the low-pressure abnormality detection means is low when the continuation time (for example, about 5 minutes) is counted by the compressor timer TM5 on condition that the compressor CM is being driven and pump-down described later is not performed. The low pressure count value of the counter TC is cleared.

  In the refrigeration system 32, a line valve LV that can open and close the refrigerant path manually or under the control of the control means C is inserted between the condenser CN and the expansion valve EV. Is always open. The refrigeration system 32 is configured such that the line valve LV is closed while the compressor CM is being driven, and the pump-down for collecting the refrigerant in the ice making drum 16 to the compressor CM can be performed. Further, on the low pressure side of the refrigeration system 32, a pressure switch PS for detecting a pressure abnormality in the pump down on the low pressure side is disposed. When the pump is down, the pressure switch PS operates to stop the compressor CM when the pressure on the low pressure side becomes equal to or lower than the set pressure set in the pressure switch PS.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 includes backup means for protecting the compressor CM when a pump down abnormality occurs. The backup means includes a backup timer TM6 that starts counting the first delay time or the second delay time when the line valve LV is closed. The backup timer TM6 is connected to the control means C. When the pressure switch PS does not operate even when the first delay time or the second delay time elapses, the backup unit causes the control unit C to stop the compressor CM and shift to backup control. . Here, the backup timer TM6 measures the first delay time (for example, about 6 minutes) set appropriately in the normal state, while the second delay set shorter than the first delay time during the backup control. It is configured to keep time (for example, 1 minute). Note that the backup control by the backup means is released when the pressure switch PS operates before the second delay time elapses.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 is configured to be able to switch between a normal mode in which normal operation is performed and a test mode in which inspections and tests are performed. The test mode is used for forcibly operating each device at the manufacturing site or installation location or inspecting the input / output of the control means C. A test mode switch (not shown) provided on the operation means 38 is used. By switching, the mode is manually shifted from the normal mode to the test mode. In addition, the transition from the test mode to the normal mode is not limited to manual operation by switching the mode selector switch, but when the power is turned on in the test mode state, it automatically shifts to the normal mode when a predetermined time elapses. It is supposed to be.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 has a so-called stocker type usage mode in which an ice storage chamber 18a for storing ice pieces is installed in an upper part of the stocker 18 (see FIG. 1), and is mounted on a floor or a table for use. It is configured to be shared with a so-called floor-standing type usage mode (not shown) in which a person receives ice pieces in a container as necessary. As described above, the embodiment is a stocker type in which the stocker 18 is installed below the ice making mechanism 12, and ice pieces generated by the ice making mechanism 12 are discharged to the ice storage chamber 18 a through the chute 24 and stored. . The usage mode of the stocker type and the usage mode of the floor-standing type are configured to be switchable by a changeover switch provided in the operation means 38. In the usage mode of the stocker type, when the power is turned on, the ice storage chamber 18a is iced. The ice making operation is set to start automatically unless the piece is full. In addition, in the usage mode of the floor-standing type, when the power is turned on, the ice making operation is set to start from the stopped state, and the ice making operation is started by the manual operation of the operation start by the user. Yes.

(Effects of Example)
Next, the operation of the control method for the automatic ice maker according to the embodiment will be described. When the ice making operation of the drum type ice making machine 10 is started, the driving means M is driven, and the ice making drum 16 is continuously rotated via the first rotating shaft 16a. At the same time, the refrigeration system 32 also starts a predetermined refrigeration cycle. The vaporized refrigerant discharged from the compressor CM is liquefied by the condenser CN cooled by the fan motor FM, and the liquefied refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve EV. Introduced inside. The refrigerant is sequentially vaporized in the course of flowing through the ice making drum 16, and heat exchange with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 16 cools the outer peripheral surface. In the portion of the ice making drum 16 that is immersed in the ice making water, as the ice making drum 16 is cooled, layered ice grows on the surface. It is cooled to dry ice without moisture. Then, the ice is peeled off by the cutter 26 to form thin scaly ice pieces, slides on the slope 28, is guided to the chute 24, falls inside the chute 24, and is discharged into the ice storage chamber 18a of the stocker 18.

  In the drum type ice making machine 10, as ice making operation proceeds, scrap ice accumulates on the upper surfaces of the cutter 26 and the slope 28. However, a cutter heater 34 is provided, and the cutter heater 34 is set to a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means TH. By controlling energization based on this, the vicinity of the cutter 26 is heated to melt and remove the ice scrap. The ice making water stored in the ice making tank 14 is also cooled by heat exchange with the ice making drum 16, but a case heater 36 is provided on the lid 30, and the case heater 36 is based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means TH. By controlling energization, the periphery of the ice making drum 16 is heated to prevent overcooling of the ice making water. Here, the energization control of the cutter heater 34 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Since the energization control of the case heater 36 is the same as that of the cutter heater 34, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the power is turned on (step S1), the cutter heater 34 is not immediately energized but is stopped (step S2), and the initial stop time is counted by the heating timer TM3 (steps S3 and S4). ). It is determined whether or not the initial stop time has elapsed (step S5). If the initial stop time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the heating time is set in the heating timer TM3 (step S5). S6). When the heating time is set in the heating timer TM3, energization to the cutter heater 34 is started (step S7), and the heating timer TM3 starts counting the heating time (step S8). By energizing the cutter heater 34, the cutter 26 and the slope 28 are heated by the cutter heater 34, so that the debris ice accumulated on the cutter 26 and the slope 28 can be melted and removed. Next, it is determined whether or not the heating time has elapsed (step S9), and if the heating time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the stop time is set in the heating timer TM3 ( Step S10). As described above, the cutter heater 34 is controlled based on the detected temperature of the ice making water by the temperature detecting means TH performed immediately at the closing timing of the water supply valve KV that has been opened.

  When the stop time is set in the heating timer TM3, the energization to the cutter heater 34 is stopped (step S11), and the stop time is counted by the heating timer TM3 (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the stop time has elapsed (step S13). If the stop time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6, and whether or not the heating time is set in the heating timer TM3. Judgment is made. While the ice making operation is performed, steps S6 to S13 are repeated. If the compressor CM is stopped or if an abnormality occurs in the temperature detection means TH, if the cutter heater 34 is energized, it immediately stops, and if it is stopped, the stopped state is maintained, and the process goes to step S2. Transition. As described above, the cutter heater 34 (case heater 36) heats the periphery of the cutter 26 (around the ice making tank 14) for the heating time set in the heating timer TM3, and similarly, the stop time set in the heating timer TM3. Just wait and start to start heating.

  In the drum type ice making machine 10, the heating time and the stop time used for the energization control of the heating means described above are calculated based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature detecting means TH, thereby improving the operation efficiency. As shown in FIG. 7, when the power is turned on (ON) (step S1), it is determined whether or not the open water supply valve KV is closed (step S20). That is, the water supply valve KV is closed and supply of ice-making water from the water supply pipe 20 is stopped, or the water supply valve KV is opened and ice-making water is supplied from the water supply pipe 20 to the ice making tank 14. Then, the temperature detection means TH does not detect the temperature of the water supply pipe 20. When the upper limit switch 22b detects that the ice making tank 14 is full of ice making water supplied from the water supply pipe 20 by opening the water supply valve KV, the water supply valve KV is closed and at the same time the temperature detection means TH supplies the water supply pipe. By detecting the temperature of 20, the temperature of the ice making water is indirectly measured (step S21). In the control means C, the detected temperature obtained from the temperature detecting means TH is compared with a preset upper limit temperature (step S22), and when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the water supply pipe whose detected temperature is corrected to the upper limit temperature The temperature is used (step S23). On the other hand, when the detected temperature is lower than the upper limit temperature, the detected temperature is used as it is as the feed water pipe temperature (step S24). In the embodiment, the heating time is calculated from the difference obtained by subtracting the feed water pipe temperature from the heating set value set in the control means C (step S25), and the obtained heating time is calculated by the heating timer TM3. (Step S26).

  Simultaneously with the heating time calculation routine (steps S22 to S26), a stop time calculation routine is also performed. In the control means C, the detected temperature obtained from the temperature detecting means TH is compared with a preset lower limit temperature (step S27), and when the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the water supply pipe whose detected temperature is corrected to the lower limit temperature The temperature is used (step S28). On the other hand, when the detected temperature is higher than the lower limit temperature, the detected temperature is used as it is as the feed water pipe temperature (step S29). In the embodiment, the stop time is calculated from the difference obtained by subtracting the stop set value set in the control means C from the feed water pipe temperature (step S30), and the obtained stop time is the heating timer TM3. (Step S31). The heating time calculation routine and the stop time calculation routine are performed each time the temperature detection means TH is detected each time the opened water supply valve KV is closed. It is possible to set an optimum heating time and stop time approximate to the ice making water temperature.

  As described above, the generation of scrap ice and the progress of supercooling of the ice making water vary depending on the temperature of the ice making water supplied from the water supply pipe 20, but the cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 are detected by the temperature detecting means TH. Since the heating time and the stop time are set based on the temperature, the optimum operation can be performed according to the temperature fluctuation of the ice making water. That is, the cutter heater 34 is heated for a heating time in which only a minimum amount of heat that can suppress the influence on the ice pieces to a minimum is melted by melting only the waste ice, and at the same time, the waste ice accumulates again to move the ice pieces. Since the stop time is set to stop until the influence cannot be ignored, the heat load around the cutter 26 can be reduced. Accordingly, the power consumption can be reduced without melting the ice pieces and lowering the ice making capacity while maintaining the scrap ice removal performance. In addition, the case heater 36 is heated for a heating time in which a minimum amount of heat that can suppress the overcooling of the ice making water in the ice making tank 14 is applied, and is stopped until the ice making water stops again before the ice making water becomes overcooled. Therefore, the amount of power consumption can be reduced without causing melting of the ice generated on the ice making drum 16 or lowering of ice making capacity.

  By the way, the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 varies depending on the surrounding temperature change and the temperature (water temperature) of the ice-making water flowing inside (see FIG. 5). By limiting, the detection temperature close | similar to the temperature of the ice making water which distribute | circulates the water supply pipe | tube 20 is obtained. For example, when the outside air temperature is higher than the water temperature, if water does not flow through the water supply pipe 20 (water supply valve KV: closed), the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is a temperature that approximates the outside air temperature, and the actual water temperature Is quite different from When ice making water circulates in the water supply pipe 20 (water supply valve KV: open), the water supply pipe 20 is cooled by low-temperature ice making water, the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 decreases, and the water supply valve KV that has the longest circulation time of ice making water is closed. At the timing to be formed, the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is in a state most similar to the water temperature. On the other hand, even when the outside air temperature is lower than the water temperature, if water does not flow through the water supply pipe 20 (water supply valve KV: closed), the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is a temperature that approximates the outside air temperature. It is quite different from the water temperature. When water flows through the water supply pipe 20 (water supply valve KV: open), the water supply pipe 20 is heated by the high-temperature ice-making water, and the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 rises. At the timing to be formed, the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is in a state most similar to the water temperature. Therefore, by detecting the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 by the temperature detection means TH at the timing when the water supply valve KV is closed, the temperature of the water supply pipe 20 is measured to indirectly detect the temperature of the ice making water. Regardless of this, a measured temperature approximating the actual water temperature can be obtained. As described above, by controlling the devices such as the cutter heater 34 and the case heater 36 based on the temperature detection result corresponding to the actual ice making water temperature, the effect of reducing the power consumption can be obtained more effectively. Moreover, since the detection part of the temperature detection means TH is not brought into direct contact with the ice making water, it is hygienic and easy to maintain.

  Next, in the drum type ice making machine 10, the water supply control and the water breakage detection means for the ice making water to the ice making tank 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on (ON) (step S1), it is determined whether or not the upper limit switch 22b of the water level sensor 22 is ON (step S40). If the upper limit switch 22b is not turned on, the water supply timer TM1 starts counting the water supply time (step S41), and since the ice making water in the ice making tank 14 is in a low state, the water supply valve KV is opened to supply water. Ice making water is supplied from the tube 20 (step S42). If the upper limit switch 22b is turned on while counting the water supply time (step S43), if the water stop count value is set in the water stop counter DC, the water stop count value is cleared (step S44). Then, the supply of ice-making water from the water supply pipe 20 is stopped by closing the water supply valve KV (step S45). Further, when it is determined in step S40 that the upper limit switch 22b is on, if a water cutoff count value is set in the water cutoff counter DC, the water cutoff count value is cleared (step S44), and the water supply valve KV is turned on. The closed state is maintained (step S45).

  When ice making operation proceeds and ice is generated, the ice making water in the ice making tank 14 is consumed and gradually decreases, so that the upper limit switch 22b of the water level sensor 22 shifts to the off state (step S46). When the ice making operation further proceeds and the ice making water decreases, when the lower limit switch 22c of the water level sensor 22 shifts to the off state (step S47), the flow proceeds to step S41 and step S42. That is, the water supply timer TM1 starts counting the water supply time, and the water supply valve KV is opened to supply ice making water from the water supply pipe 20. As described above, in a normal state, the steps S41 to S47 are repeated, and the water supply valve KV is controlled to be opened and closed according to the on / off of the water level sensor 22, thereby supplying a predetermined amount of ice making water to the ice making tank 14. Store.

  When the upper limit switch 22b is not turned on after the water supply valve KV is opened and before the water supply time elapses, the routine proceeds to a water cutoff determination routine by the water cutoff detection means. That is, when the water supply time set sufficiently longer than the time required to complete the normal water supply has elapsed (step S48), the occurrence of water interruption is determined (step S49). When the water break is detected, the water break count value is counted in the water break counter DC, and the count of the standby time is started by the water break timer TM2 (step S50). Further, it is determined whether or not the total number of water stop count values of the water stop counter DC has reached a preset water stop set value (step S51), and the total number of water stop count values has not reached the water stop set value. Then, after the waiting time has elapsed, the routine proceeds to step S40 (step S52), and the water cutoff judgment routine is retried. When the standby time is being counted or when the water-stopping state is restored in steps S41 to S43, when the ice-making water is supplied to the ice-making tank 14 and the upper limit switch 22b is turned on, the water-stopping count value is cleared (step S44), the normal state is restored. Then, even if retrying the water cutoff judgment routine, the water cutoff state does not recover, and if the water cutoff count value reaches the water cutoff set value without turning on the upper limit switch 22b, the final judgment is made that the water has stopped. (Step S51) The compressor CM, the driving means M, etc. are stopped, and a water cutoff abnormality is notified (Step S53).

  Thus, in the drum type ice making machine 10 of the embodiment, the compressor CM, the driving means M, and the like are not stopped with a single water break detection in step S49 as a final determination. That is, the water stop detection means controls the water stop determination routine for detecting water stop to be repeated a plurality of times after waiting for the standby time, so that temporary water stop or accidental water stop that can be resolved in a certain amount of time. On the other hand, it can be automatically restored without stopping the ice making operation. Therefore, the maintenance burden on the user can be reduced.

  In the drum type ice making machine 10, the low pressure abnormality detection by the low pressure abnormality detection means will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the pressure on the low pressure side in the refrigeration system 32 is abnormally decreased due to water breakage or the like, the low pressure switch TS is operated (off) (step S60), and the low pressure timer TM4 starts counting the low pressure time (step S61). During the low pressure time counting, the low pressure state on the low pressure side in the refrigeration system 32 is released and the low pressure switch TS is turned on, the line valve LV is closed and the pump is down, or the compressor CM is stopped. If it is (step S62), it is not a low-pressure abnormality, so the process returns to the initial state (step S60). Since the low pressure switch TS remains off until the low pressure time has elapsed and the low pressure side pressure abnormality in the refrigeration system 32 continues, it can be determined that the low pressure abnormality is not temporary. (Step S63). Then, the low pressure count value is counted by the low pressure counter TC (step S64), and it is determined whether or not the low pressure count value has reached the low pressure set value (step S65). That is, the low-pressure abnormality detection means detects the final low-pressure abnormality when the detection of the low-pressure abnormality is repeated the number of times of the low-pressure set value without stopping the compressor CM or the like only by detecting the low-pressure abnormality once. Is determined, the compressor CM, the driving means M, etc. are stopped, and a low pressure abnormality is notified (step S66).

  Further, when the low pressure count value has not reached the low pressure set value, the water cutoff is detected by activating the water cutoff detecting means. That is, when the water stop timer TM2 starts counting the standby time (step S67), and after waiting for the standby time to recover from the water stop (step S68), the water stop determination is made (step S69), and the water stop still occurs. Shifts to step S60 and repeats the processes of steps S60 to S64. If no water breakage occurs or the water breakage state is restored, a count clear routine is performed (steps S70 to S74) to clear the low pressure count value stored in the low pressure counter TC, and then the process proceeds to step S60. . Specifically, the clearing of the low pressure count value in the low pressure counter TC is performed on condition that the compressor timer TM5 counts the duration time while the compressor CM is driven (steps S71 and S73). . If the compressor CM is stopped or pumped down during the duration time counting, the compressor timer TM5 waits for the compressor CM to be driven and starts counting the duration time again (step S72). In this way, when a low-pressure abnormality occurs, the configuration is such that the low-pressure abnormality is automatically recovered after waiting for the dissolution of the water break, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the low-pressure abnormality due to the water break. Can be suitably protected.

  The drum ice maker 10 includes backup means that can continue operation even if a pump-down abnormality occurs. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pump down is started by closing the line valve LV (step S80), first, a pump down abnormality is detected in the previous pump down to determine whether backup control is in progress. This is done (step S81). If the previous pump-down has ended normally, since the backup control has not been entered, the backup timer TM6 starts counting the first delay time (step S82). Here, when the pressure switch PS operates normally during the counting of the first delay time, the compressor CM is stopped and the pump-down ends normally (steps S83 and S84). Further, when the pressure switch PS does not operate during the counting of the first delay time and the first delay time elapses, the occurrence of a pump-down abnormality is detected, the compressor CM is forcibly stopped, and the process proceeds to backup control. (Step S85 to Step S88). Further, when the pump down is started under the backup control, the backup timer TM6 starts counting the second delay time set shorter than the first delay time (step S89), and the pump down when the second delay time elapses. The compressor CM is forcibly stopped without eliminating the abnormality, and the backup control is maintained (steps S91, S86 to S88). In contrast, when the pressure switch PS operates normally during the counting of the second delay time (step S90), the compressor CM is stopped (step S92), and the backup control is cleared (step S93). ), Pump down ends normally.

  Thus, even if a pump-down abnormality occurs due to a failure in closing the line valve LV or a failure in the pressure switch PS, the compressor CM is stopped when the first delay time elapses. Can be avoided. In addition, when the pump-down abnormality occurs, the next pump-down shifts to the backup control and does not end with the operation of the pressure switch PS as a condition but ends when the second delay time elapses. Since it is controlled, the pump can be pumped down even if the pressure switch PS fails. In addition, in the backup control, for example, when the temporary closing failure of the line valve LV is resolved, the backup control is automatically shifted to the normal pump down control, so that the user is not troubled.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 is configured to automatically shift to the normal mode when a predetermined time elapses when the power is turned on in the test mode. There is no.

  The drum type ice making machine 10 according to the embodiment can be commonly used for the stocker type and the floor-standing type, but the operation control according to each use mode is performed by switching the setting by the changeover switch. That is, in the usage mode of the stocker type, since the ice storage chamber 18a for receiving the ice generated by the ice making mechanism 12 is provided, the ice storage chamber is generated by starting the ice making operation and generating ice when the power is turned on. Ice pieces can always be prepared in 18a. On the other hand, in the usage mode of the floor-standing type, when the ice making operation is started when the power is turned on, there is an inconvenience that ice pieces are scattered in a state where a container or the like is not set in the discharge port of the chute. However, by switching in advance with the changeover switch, it is configured to start from a stopped state when the power is turned on, and thus such a situation can be avoided.

In this invention, it is not limited to the automatic ice making machine demonstrated in the Example, It can also be changed as follows.
(1) In the embodiment, a drum type ice maker was described as an example of an automatic ice maker, but the invention can also be applied to an automatic ice maker equipped with other ice making mechanisms such as an open cell type and a flow down type.
(2) In the embodiment, the configuration in which the cutter heater, the case heater, and the like, which are heating means, are controlled by the temperature of the ice making water has been described. However, any other controlled device that is controlled based on the temperature detection of the temperature detecting means may be used. Applicable to

1 is a side sectional view showing a drum type ice making machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the drum type ice making machine of an Example in the state which open | released the lid | cover. It is a schematic diagram which shows the freezing system of the drum type ice maker of an Example. It is a control block diagram of the drum type ice making machine of an Example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between opening / closing of a water supply valve, and the temperature change of a water supply pipe | tube in the drum type ice maker of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows control of a cutter heater in the drum type ice making machine of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation routine which obtains a heating time and a stop time in the drum type ice making machine of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows water supply control in the drum type ice maker of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows avoidance control of the low voltage | pressure abnormality in the drum type ice maker of an Example. It is a flowchart which shows control of pump down in the drum type ice making machine of an Example.

Explanation of symbols

12 ice making mechanism, 14 ice making tank, 16 ice making drum, 20 water supply pipe,
26 cutters (peeling means), 32 refrigeration systems, 34 cutter heaters (heating means),
36 Case heater (heating means), KV water supply valve, TH temperature detection means,
TM3 Heating timer

Claims (5)

By opening the water supply valve (KV) inserted in the water supply pipe (20), the required amount of ice-making water is supplied from the external water source to the ice-making mechanism (12) and indirectly detected by the temperature detection means (TH). In the control method of the automatic ice maker comprising controlled means controlled based on the temperature of the ice making water,
A control method for an automatic ice making machine, wherein the temperature detecting means (TH) is set to detect temperature when the open water supply valve (KV) is closed.   The said temperature detection means (TH) is the detection part being installed in the said water supply pipe (20), The temperature of ice making water is indirectly detected via this water supply pipe (20). Control method of automatic ice machine.   The ice making mechanism (12) includes an ice making tank (14) in which ice making water supplied from the water supply pipe (20) is stored, and a part of the ice making mechanism (12) horizontally immersed in the ice making water stored in the ice making tank (14). An ice-making drum (16) that rotates about its axis and a refrigerant from the refrigeration system (32) are supplied to the ice-making drum (16) for cooling, and by rotating the ice-making drum (16), the outer surface of the drum is The method for controlling an automatic ice maker according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a peeling means (26) for peeling off the generated ice and a heating means (34) as a controlled means for heating the peeling means (26).   The said ice making mechanism (12) is provided with the heating means (36) as a controlled means which heats surrounding atmosphere and prevents the overcooling of the ice making water stored in the said ice making tank (14). Control method of automatic ice machine. The heating means (34, 36) is heated for the heating time set in the heating timer (TM3) based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means (TH), and then set in the stop timer (TM3). 5. The method of controlling an automatic ice maker according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the heating time and the stop time are updated every time the temperature detection means (TH) performs temperature detection.

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