JP2002130883A - Automatic ice making device and refrigerator having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic ice making machine and a refrigerator having the automatic ice making machine capable of accommodating for making and storing a plurality of kinds of ice. SOLUTION: A first ice detecting lever 15a and a second ice detecting lever 15b for separately detecting an amount of ice stored from a driving device 13 are arranged in respect to an ice-storing container 14 provided with segments 14a, 14b for separately storing ices separated from a first ice making pan 11 and a second ice-making pan 12, thereby carrying out an ice making operation and an ice removing or separating operation for each of the ice making pans 11, 12 in an independent manner, resulting in that an amount of ice can be independently detected for each of the segments 14a, 14b so as to supplement a lack of ice.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electric refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device, there is a configuration in which water is supplied to two ice trays to make ice, and after the ice making, each ice tray is rotated to remove ice. Is disclosed in JP-A-6-241627.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator equipped with a conventional automatic ice making device will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing on the automatic ice making device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a conventional automatic ice maker. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a driving unit of a conventional automatic ice maker.

[0005] In FIGS. 12 and 13, reference numeral 100 denotes a drive unit, and 101 and 102 denote ice trays for making ice water, and one end thereof is connected to a drive shaft 103 or 10 of the drive unit 100.
4. 105 and 106 are drive shafts 103,
Reference numeral 107 denotes a Geneva gear for transmitting a rotational force to the reference numeral 104, and reference numeral 107 denotes a drive gear having a pin 108 for driving the Geneva gears 105 and 106. The drive gear 107 is connected to a reduction gear train (not shown), and the reduction gear train reduces and transmits the rotation of a motor (not shown).

[0006] Regarding the refrigerator configured as described above,
The operation will be described.

When the water poured into the ice trays 101 and 102 is frozen and ice making is completed, the motor starts and the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the drive gear 107 by the reduction gear train. When the drive gear 107 rotates, the pin 108 turns the Geneva gear 105 or 106
And the rotation is transmitted to drive shaft 103 or 104
Is rotated, and the ice tray 101 or 102 is rotated to deice.

A mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 103 in a fixed direction is provided between the Geneva gear 105 and the drive shaft 103 regardless of the rotation direction of the motor.
3 rotates the ice tray 101 only in one direction.

Similarly, Geneva gear 106 and drive shaft 104
A mechanism for rotating the drive shaft 103 in a fixed direction regardless of the rotation direction of the motor is provided between the drive shaft 1 and the drive shaft 1.
04 rotates the ice tray 102 only in one direction.

[0010]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention Ice trays 101 and 102
Ice that has been de-iced from at least 2
Since two ice groups (groups of ice blocks) are generated, an ice making device corresponding to each ice group is required. However, in the above-described conventional configuration, it is not possible to store ice deiced from the ice trays 101 and 102 only by means for rotating and driving the ice trays 101 and 102, and to detect the amount of stored ice. Because it is clear, it is difficult to mount it on a cooling device such as a refrigerator.

Therefore, it is desired to realize an electric refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device corresponding to a plurality of ice groups.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making device which can be put to practical use corresponding to a plurality of ice groups and a refrigerator provided with the automatic ice making device.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic ice maker for supplying water to an ice tray, rotating the ice tray by a rotating shaft after the ice making is completed, and releasing and storing the ice. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of ice storage areas for storing ice separated from the ice tray; and ice detecting means for detecting an amount of ice stored for each of the plurality of ice storage areas. The amount of ice stored in each of the ice cells is individually detected, ice is made in an ice storage area where the amount of ice is insufficient, and ice is replenished.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic ice making apparatus for supplying water to an ice tray, rotating the ice tray by a rotating shaft after the ice making is completed, and removing and storing the ice. And a plurality of ice storage areas for storing ice detached for each ice tray, and a plurality of ice detecting means for detecting an amount of ice stored for each of the plurality of ice storage areas. The amount of ice stored in each of the plurality of ice storage areas by the ice tray is individually detected, ice is made in the ice storage area where the ice amount is insufficient, and the ice is replenished.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the ice making area of the ice making tray is divided into front and rear portions in the axial direction of the rotation axis to produce a plurality of types of ice,
A plurality of ice storage areas are provided at the front and rear so as to face the front and rear ice making areas. A plurality of types of ice are made by one ice tray and stored separately.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of ice storage regions are obtained by dividing one ice storage container by a partition wall. The ice storage area is divided by a simple structure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the partition wall is movably provided, and the ice storage area is partitioned according to a desired amount of ice storage.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the respective ice trays are arranged in opposition near both ends of the ice storage area so as to widen the gap between the two ice trays. In addition, even if the partition wall is moved, each ice storage area has a margin below each ice tray so that the ice storage sections are correctly performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of ice storage areas are formed by arranging a plurality of ice storage containers in the left-right direction. In some cases, it is sufficient to handle individual ice storage containers.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the width of the boundary surface that partitions the front and rear ice making regions is made larger than the upper end width of the partition wall that partitions the plurality of ice storage regions forward and backward. Therefore, the ice near the de-iced boundary surface does not accidentally fall into another ice storage area.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different shapes. Can be used properly according to the scene and purpose of use.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects and the ninth aspect, the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has different sizes from each other. Therefore, ice can be used properly depending on the object to be cooled.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the tenth aspect of the present invention, the capacity of the ice storage area is divided into large and small according to the difference in the volume of ice produced at one time. The one with the larger ice making capacity is stored in the ice storage area with a larger storage capacity, and the one with the smaller ice making capacity per time is stored in the ice storage area with a smaller storage capacity, so that the ice storage can be balanced.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, a water supply path for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and a plurality of flow paths are provided by flow path switching means. Water is selectively supplied to an ice tray or a plurality of ice making areas, and an appropriate amount of water is supplied to each ice tray or ice making area by one water supply source and one water supply means.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any one of the first to third aspects, a plurality of water supply pumps for supplying water to the ice tray are provided, and a plurality of ice trays or the plurality of water trays are provided. Water is selectively supplied to the ice making area, and an appropriate amount of water is supplied to each ice tray or ice making area by one water supply source.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, a water supply path after the water supply pump for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and the water supply pump is integrally provided with a flow path switching means. This eliminates the need for a space for separately providing flow path switching means, simplifies the overall configuration of the automatic ice making device, and facilitates the assembly work.

[0027] The invention described in claim 15 is the invention according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
It is provided with a water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount,
The size of the ice can be changed according to the application and preference within the range of each ice making capacity.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, after the ice making is completed, a plurality of ice trays are driven independently of each other to deice, and the plurality of ice detecting means are independent of each other. The cycle of ice making and de-icing is repeated without delay for each ice tray.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to third aspects, a temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting a water temperature in the ice tray is provided with a plurality of ice making units. It is provided in a dish or a plurality of ice making areas, respectively, and the water supply and the end of ice making are appropriately detected for each ice making dish or ice making area.

The invention according to claim 18 is the one according to claim 12 or claim 14, further comprising ice making selection means for operating the flow path switching means to fix the water supply path to an arbitrary path. By stopping one ice making operation, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the thirteenth aspect, an ice making selecting means for stopping the operation of an arbitrary water supply pump is provided, and one of the ice making operations is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sixteenth aspect, an ice making selecting means for stopping the driving of an arbitrary ice making tray is provided, and one of the ice making operations is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, a partition wall for partitioning the inside of the ice storage container into a plurality of ice storage areas is detachably provided. And by removing the partition wall,
One type of ice is stored in the entire ice storage container.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator provided with the automatic ice making device according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, wherein ice is made in a freezing atmosphere of the refrigerator and stored in a plurality of ice storage areas. The amount of ice is individually managed, which facilitates the use of ice that is closely related to food and beverages.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, one water supply tank, one water supply pump for supplying water in the water supply tank to two ice trays, and the two ice trays at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump. A water supply path that branches, a flow path switching unit that selectively switches between the two water supply paths, and one drive device that individually rotates and drives the two ice trays to deice,
An automatic storage system comprising two ice storage areas provided below and opposed to the two ice trays, and two ice detecting means provided in the driving device and detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas. A refrigerator provided with an ice making device, wherein water for ice making is precooled in a cooling atmosphere of the refrigerator, and ice is efficiently made in a freezing atmosphere. Then, the ice amounts stored in the plurality of ice storage areas are individually managed, and the use of ice closely related to foods and beverages can be facilitated.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerating room provided in an upper part of a refrigerator main body, a freezing room provided below the refrigerating room, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerating room, and A water supply pump that supplies water, a water supply path that branches into two paths at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump, a flow path switching unit that selectively switches the two water supply paths, and the water supply path corresponding to the two water supply paths. Two ice trays provided in the freezer compartment, a driving device for individually rotating and driving the two ice trays for deicing, and two ice storage areas provided below and opposed to the two ice trays. Two ice detecting means provided in the driving device for detecting an amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas; an ice storage container having the two ice storage areas; and a means for pulling the ice storage container out of the refrigerator Refrigerator. Ice made in a frozen atmosphere is stored in multiple ice storage areas, and the amount of ice is individually controlled, making it easy to view and take out, making it easier to use ice that is closely related to food and beverages. I can do it.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a 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.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator main body having a plurality of storage rooms, and reference numeral 2 denotes a refrigerating room formed at an upper portion of the refrigerator main body 1, which is surrounded by a door 3 and a heat insulating wall 4 and is insulated from outside air. I have.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a freezer compartment 5 formed below the refrigerator compartment 2.
(Hereinafter referred to as an ice making room 5), which is surrounded by a heat insulating wall 4 and a door 6, and is insulated from outside air. Reference numeral 7 denotes a movable rail fixed to the door 6 of the ice making room 5, and the movable rail 7
The door 6 is moved along the fixed rail 8 when the door 6 is pulled out. A pulley 9 is disposed between the movable rail 7 and the fixed rail 8 to make the movement smooth.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an automatic ice making device, the structure of which will be described below.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a first ice tray formed of a plastic polypropylene resin, a plurality of ice chambers 11a for determining an ice shape, an ice chamber frame 11b for fixing the ice chambers 11a collectively, and
A rotating shaft 11c is provided at the end of the ice chamber frame 11b at the longitudinal center axis. Reference numeral 11d denotes first temperature detecting means (hereinafter, referred to as a first temperature sensor 11d) attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice tray 11 for indirectly detecting the water temperature.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a second ice tray made of polypropylene similarly to the first ice tray 11. The second ice tray is provided with an ice compartment 12a, an ice compartment frame 12b, and a rotating shaft 12c 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) attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice tray 12, for indirectly detecting the water temperature.

Numeral 13 denotes the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, which hold the rotating shaft 11c and the rotating shaft 12c of the first and second ice trays 12, respectively. The driving device 13 is provided with a motor as a driving source, a reduction gear for reducing and transmitting the rotation of the motor, and the like.

An ice storage container 14 is provided below the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, and stores deiced ice.
The interior of the ice storage container 14 includes an ice storage area 14a (hereinafter, referred to as a section 14a) for storing ice from the first ice tray 11, and an ice storage area 14b (hereinafter, referred to as a section 14b) for storing ice from the second ice tray 12. It is partitioned by the partition wall 14c.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as an ice detecting lever 15) for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage container.
5a is a first ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as a first ice detecting lever 15a) for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 14a of the ice storage container 14, and 15b is a first ice detecting means for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 14b. Two ice detecting means (hereinafter, referred to as a second ice detecting lever 15b).

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, and reference numeral 17 denotes water in the water supply tank 16 for the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12.
A first pipe 18a that guides water to the first ice tray 11, and a second pipe that guides water to the second ice tray 2.
It comprises a pipe 18 composed of a pipe 18b, a water supply pump 19 for taking out water from the water supply tank 16, and a flow path switching means 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a switching valve 20) for switching the flow path of the water discharged from the water supply pump 19. 21 is a drive unit 13,
The control unit controls the water supply device 17.

The automatic ice making device 10 includes a first ice tray 11, a second ice tray 12, a driving device 13, an ice storage container 14,
It comprises an ice detection 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.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first ice tray 11 and the second
The ice tray 12 has a different shape of the ice chamber, and the size of one ice generated in the ice chamber 11a of the first ice tray is 1 ml, and the volume of one ice generated in the ice chamber 12a of the second ice tray is 8 m.
l. For example, large ice is characterized by rock and hemisphere in addition to general cube, and small ice is characterized by flake and crash in addition to general cube.

The first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are both connected to a drive unit 13, and each of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 perform a reversing operation individually by a motor and a reduction gear built in the drive unit 13. To the ice storage container 14. A switch for detecting the positions of the ice trays 11 and 12 is built in the drive unit 13, and the horizontal position and the deicing position of each ice tray 11 and 12 are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 21.

The first ice detecting lever 15a and the second ice detecting lever 15b are also connected to the side surface of the driving device 13, and operate in conjunction with the reduction gear built in the driving device 13.

Normally, the first ice detecting lever 15a is located above the section 14a of the ice storage container, and the second ice detecting lever 15b is located above the section 14a.
b, and the first ice detecting lever 15a is in the first position.
The ice making tray 11 enters and exits the compartment 14a of the ice storage container at the same time as the deicing operation of the ice tray 11, and when the vehicle goes beyond the predetermined position into the compartment 14a, the first ice detecting lever 1 in the driving device 13 is moved.
The switch corresponding to 5a is operated, and the input of the switch signal to the control unit 21 detects that the amount of ice in the section 14a is insufficient.

The second ice detecting lever 15b enters and exits the compartment 14b of the ice storage container at the same time as the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11, and when the vehicle enters the compartment 14b beyond a predetermined position, the driving device is actuated. A switch corresponding to the first ice detecting lever 15b is operated in the switch 13, and a switch signal input to the control unit 21 detects that the amount of ice in the section 14b is insufficient.

The deicing operation of the ice trays 11 and 12 is reversed toward the corresponding ice detecting levers 15a and 15b, and the opening of each of the ice chambers 11a and 12a is directed toward the ice storage container 14. This is achieved by pushing out ice by being twisted against a projection formed on a frame (not shown) supporting the ice trays 11 and 12.

With respect to the refrigerator configured as described above,
Next, the operation will be described.

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 ice is completed, each of the ice trays 11 and 12 is set on the outer bottom surface. The controller 21 recognizes that the resistance values of the temperature sensors 11d and 12d have risen and ice making has been completed. Two ice trays 1
If ice making is completed at the same time, the first ice tray 1
Priority is given to 1 de-icing operation.

When ice is generated in the first ice tray 11, the first ice tray 11 is driven by the driving device 13 to the first ice detecting lever 15a.
And is twisted, and de-ices to the compartment 14a of the ice storage container.

The amount of ice in the section 14a is determined at the same time as the deicing operation of the first ice tray 11, but when there is sufficient ice in the section 14a, even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the section 14a, The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is enough, and moves the first ice tray 11 in the middle of the deicing operation. Stop and then return to horizontal position.

Conversely, when the ice in the section 14a is insufficient, even if the first ice detecting lever 15a enters the section 14a, the ice cannot be prevented from proceeding deeper than a predetermined height without being stopped by the ice. When the switch in the drive device operates, the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice in the section 14a is insufficient, and the first ice tray 1
Defrosting operation 1 is continued to complete deicing.

When the first ice tray 11 reaches the deicing position, the switch in the drive unit 13 is operated when the deicing is completed, so the control unit 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed.

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 operated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the first ice tray 11 has returned to the horizontal position.

The first ice tray 1 that has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position
1 is supplied again from the water supply tank 16 by the water supply pump 19 of the water supply device, and ice making is started.

When the water supply to the first ice tray 11 is completed, deicing of the second ice tray 12 is performed. 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 de-ices to the compartment 14b of the ice storage container.

The amount of ice in the section 14b is determined at the same time as the deicing operation of the second ice tray 12, but when there is sufficient ice in the section 14b, even if the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the section 14b, The control unit 21 recognizes that the ice is sufficient, and stops the second ice tray 12 during the deicing operation. Stop and then return to horizontal position.

Conversely, when the ice in the section 14b is insufficient, even if the second ice detecting lever 15b enters the section 14a, the ice cannot be prevented from proceeding deeper than a predetermined height without being stopped by the ice. When the switch in the driving device operates, the control unit 21 recognizes that the ice in the section 14b is insufficient, and the second ice tray 1
The deicing operation 2 is continued to complete the deicing.

When the second ice tray 12 reaches the deicing position, the switch in the drive unit 13 is operated when the deicing is completed, so the control unit 21 recognizes that the deicing is completed.

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 operated, so that the control unit 21 recognizes that the second ice tray 12 has returned to the horizontal position.

The second ice tray 1 that has been deiced and returned to the horizontal position
Water is again supplied from the water supply tank 16 to the water supply device 2 by the water supply pump 19 of the water supply device, and ice making is started.

Since the water is supplied to the second ice tray 12 immediately after the water is supplied to the first ice tray 11 first, the switching valve 20 is connected to the first pipe 1.
Since the flow path is set to 8a, the control unit 21 sets the flow path to the second pipe 18b so that water is supplied to the second ice tray 12.

As described above, the refrigerator of this embodiment is
First ice tray 11, second ice tray 12, first ice tray 11
A driving device 13 capable of individually inverting the ice tray 12 and the second ice tray 12, a compartment 14a for an ice storage container installed below the first ice tray 11, and an ice storage container 14 installed below the second ice tray 12. A section 14b and a first ice detecting lever 1 operated by the driving device 13 to detect an amount of ice in the section 14a.
5a and the first ice detecting lever 15b operated by the driving device 13 to detect the amount of ice in the section 14b, so that ice can be stored in the two sections 14a and 14b, and ice can be stored in each section. The amount of ice collected is determined by the first ice detection lever 15a,
Since each of them can be individually detected by the second ice detecting lever 15b, ice can be replenished rationally and ice can be replenished with a section lacking ice as a control.

Further, the water supply paths to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are not separately provided, but the pipe 18 is divided into a first pipe 18a and a second pipe 18b, and the switching valve 2 is provided.
Since water is selectively supplied to the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 according to 0, an appropriate amount of water can be supplied to each of them with a compact configuration.

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, it is possible to appropriately detect the water temperature in each ice tray. It is possible to reliably detect water supply and completion of ice making in a reasonable manner without excess or shortage, and to obtain a reliable ice making function.

The compartments 14a and 14b have a simple structure in which only one ice storage container 14 is divided by the partition wall 14c, have few ineffective portions, and can form an ice storage area at low cost. Also, since there is only one ice storage container 14, the installation space can be made compact.

Since the ice chambers 11a and 12a of the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 have different shapes and sizes from each other, the ice to be made depends on the scene where the ice is used, the application, and the object to be cooled. It is possible to enhance the usability and convenience, and to enrich life scenes such as eating habits.

For example, large ice cubes for general use, large ice cubes for whiskey, etc., large hemispherical ice for dish decoration, and flakes for rapid cooling of beverages and salads. The shape or the crushed shape of the small ice, the water bottle, etc. is not limited to the shape but a little smaller ice that can enter from the water inlet.

Further, if water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount by selecting the drive time of the water supply pump 19 is added, the size of the ice can be adjusted according to the use and preference within the range of each ice making capacity. It can be varied, and the various ice variations described above can be expanded.

Also, the position of the partition wall 14c is not set at the center,
The compartments 14a, 14a,
By dividing the capacity of 14b into large and small, efficient ice storage that is well-balanced according to the capacity can be performed.

Further, by applying the automatic ice making device 10 to the refrigerator as in the present embodiment, the water for ice making is pre-cooled in the cooling atmosphere of the refrigerator compartment 2, so that the ice making room 5 is cooled in the freezing atmosphere of the ice making room 5. Ice is efficiently produced, and two types of ice are individually managed in the ice making chamber 5, so that the use of ice that is deeply related to foods and beverages can be facilitated.

Further, when the door 6 of the ice making room is pulled out, the ice storage container 14 is also pulled out at the same time, and the usability can be enhanced by the height below the eyes so that it can be easily seen and taken out. In particular, when two types of ice are properly used as in the present embodiment, the individual ice storage space cannot be sufficiently large, and it is required to be able to be taken out in a relatively narrow space and to be easily distinguished. A pull-out configuration at a height below the user's elbow is desirable.

In the drawer type, in addition to the one provided with the independent door 6 as in the present embodiment, the one provided inside the freezer compartment door so that the ice storage container 14 can be pulled out has a similar usability. Can be secured.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a front view of an automatic ice making apparatus 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.

An automatic ice making apparatus 31 is provided with two types of ice trays, a first ice tray 11 and a second ice tray 12. Reference numeral 32 denotes a drive device for inverting the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 to deice, and has an arrangement configuration in which a gap between the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 is widened. .

An ice storage container 33 is provided below the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12, and stores deiced ice.
The first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 are arranged near both end walls of the ice storage container 33 so as to face each other. The interior of the ice storage container 33 includes an ice storage area 33 a (hereinafter, referred to as a section 33 a) for storing ice from the first ice tray 11 and a second ice tray 1.
Ice storage area 33b (hereinafter, section 33b) for storing ice from
) And a movable partition wall 33c.

A plurality of fixing ribs 33d are provided on the front and rear walls of the ice storage container 33, and are inserted and fixed at both ends of the partition wall 33c.

In the above configuration, the first ice tray 1
Since there is a difference between the first and second ice trays 12 in the amount of ice per one time, if the partition wall 33c is inserted into and fixed to the fixing rib 33d located closest to the first ice tray 11 having a small ice making capacity,
The section 33a is small, and the section 33b is large. As a result, an appropriate ice storage area according to the ice making capacity can be formed.

When the partition wall 33c is inserted into the fixing rib 33d at another position, the size of the large and small ice storage areas can be adjusted according to the needs of the user. The convenience can be improved by increasing the ice storage capacity of ice.

Since the gap between the first ice tray 11 and the second ice tray 12 is widened, a margin for selecting the position of the fixing rib 33d is ensured.

Further, although not shown, an ice making selection means for fixing the water supply path by operating the switching valve 20 is provided, so that if the first ice tray 11 is selected, the water in the water supply tank 16 is supplied only to the pipe 18a. The water is supplied by the water supply pump 19, and only the first ice tray 11 performs an effective ice making operation. On the other hand, if the second ice tray 12 is selected, the water in the water supply tank 16 is sent only to the pipe 18b by the water supply pump 19,
Only the second ice tray 12 performs an effective ice making operation.

Thus, if necessary, the first ice tray 11
Alternatively, the ice making operation of one of the second ice trays 12 can be arbitrarily stopped. For example, it is possible to cope with a case where only one of the ices is used or a case where the amount of ice making is not so necessary. It is possible to eliminate the waste of ice and the waste of power consumption due to performing the necessary ice making operation.

Although not shown, the first ice tray 11 or the second ice tray 12 is controlled by controlling the internal mechanism of the drive unit 32.
The same operation and effect as described above can be obtained even with an ice making device that directly stops the deicing operation of one of the ice making trays, and a rational ice making operation can be performed.

If the removable partition wall 33c is removed 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 partition, and the selected ice is stored in the entire ice storage container. Can be For this reason, for example, when there is a large demand for the selected ice, sufficient ice can always be used, which is very useful.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a driving device of an automatic ice making apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 6, reference numerals 41 and 42 denote a first ice tray 11 and a second ice tray 11, respectively.
A first ice storage container and a second ice storage container are arranged below and facing the ice tray 12, respectively, and are arranged adjacent to each other. In applying the ice storage container of this embodiment to a refrigerator, the ice storage container is not integrally pulled out in conjunction with the door 6 of the ice making room 5, but is, for example, arranged in a part of a freezing room (not shown), It is desirable that the doors be opened and then individually pulled out.

In the above configuration, the first ice tray 1
The two types of ice made by the first and second ice trays 12, respectively, fall into the first ice storage container 41 and the second ice storage container 42, and are separated and stored.

[0094] For this reason, the user can take out the desired ice by selecting an ice storage container, and it is not necessary to simultaneously pull out unnecessary ice, so that the necessary ice can be used easily. Further, unnecessary ice is not exposed to the outside air each time, so that the ice is hardly melted, and the inconvenience of ice sticking during ice storage can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 7 is a front view of an automatic ice making apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

An automatic ice making device 51 includes a pipe 52 having one end communicating with the water supply tank 16 and the other end bifurcated. The branch end of the pipe 52 has two water supply pumps, that is, first water supply pumps 53a and 53a. The second water supply pump 53b is connected. 52a and 52b are first water supply pumps 5;
3a, the first ice tray 1 connected to the second water supply pump 53b.
1, a first pipe for sending water to the second ice tray 12, a second pipe
It is a pipe.

In the above configuration, the first pipe 52a is driven by driving the first water supply pump 53a simply by adding another water supply pump without providing any new special functional parts such as a switching valve. First through
Water is selectively supplied to the ice tray 11 and to the second ice tray 12 via the second pipe 52b by driving the second water supply pump 53b, so that complicated functions are not used if there is no restriction in terms of installation space. The reliability of the water supply switching is rather stable, and the use of the same parts in terms of cost can be expected to have an advantage.

If an ice making selection means (not shown) for stopping the operation of any one of the first water supply pump 53a and the second water supply pump 53b is provided, one of the ice making operations is substantially stopped. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice, and it is possible to reduce waste of ice, power consumption for making ice, and generation of pump driving noise.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 8 is a front view of an automatic ice making apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Reference numeral 61 denotes an automatic ice making device, which is connected to a pipe 62 having one end communicating with the water supply tank 16 with a water supply pump 63 having a switching function having a built-in flow path switching means such as a switching valve. 1 ice tray 11, second ice tray 12
Pipe 62a, second pipe 62b for sending water to
Are connected.

In the above-described configuration, the first switching is performed by internally switching the flow path of the water supply pump 63 having the switching function without separately providing a flow path switching component having a switching valve mechanism.
Since water is selectively supplied to the first ice tray 11 via the pipe 62a and to the second ice tray 12 via the second pipe 62b, the overall configuration is simple, space can be saved, and the assembling operation can be facilitated.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 9 is a front view of an automatic ice making apparatus 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 of the embodiment.

9 and 10, reference numeral 71 denotes an automatic ice making device. Numeral 72 denotes an ice tray formed of two types of ice making areas formed of a plastic polypropylene, and has a first ice making area 73 and a second ice making area 74. An ice room 73a and an ice room frame 73b that collectively fixes the ice room 73a are provided. Similarly the second
The ice making area 74 is also provided with an ice room 74a and an ice room frame 74b.

Reference numeral 75 denotes a driving device for holding the rotating shaft 76 of the ice tray 72 and inverting the ice tray 72 as needed to deice the ice. The driving device 75 includes a motor as a driving source and a rotation of the motor. A reduction gear or the like for transmitting the reduction is arranged.

The first ice making area 73 and the second ice making area 7
The reference numeral 4 is disposed forward and backward along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 76.

An ice storage container 77 is provided below the ice tray 72 and stores deiced ice. The inside of the ice storage container 77 stores an ice storage area 77a (hereinafter referred to as a section 77a) for storing ice from the first ice making area 73. ) And an ice storage area 77b (hereinafter, referred to as a section 77b) for storing ice from the second ice making area 74. 77c is a partition wall that partitions the section 77a and the section 77b. Reference numeral 73c denotes first temperature detecting means (hereinafter, referred to as a first temperature sensor 73c) attached to the outer bottom surface of the first ice making area 73 for indirectly detecting the water temperature. Reference numeral 74c denotes second temperature detection means (hereinafter, referred to as a second temperature sensor 74c) attached to the outer bottom surface of the second ice making area 74 for indirectly detecting the water temperature.

An ice detecting means 78 (hereinafter referred to as an ice detecting lever 78) for detecting the amount of ice in the ice storage container.
8a is a first ice detecting means (hereinafter referred to as a first ice detecting lever 78a) for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 77a of the ice storage container 77, and 78b is a first ice detecting means for detecting the amount of ice stored in the section 77b. Two ice detecting means (hereinafter, referred to as a second ice detecting lever 78b).

Reference numeral 79 denotes a water supply pump 19 from a water supply tank 16.
This is a pipe for sending water to the ice tray 72, and is branched into a first pipe 79a and a second pipe 79b for sending water to the first ice-making area 73 and the second ice-making area 74 after the switching valve 20.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first ice making area 73 and the second ice making area 74 have different shapes of ice chambers 73a and 74a, and the volume of one ice generated in the ice chamber 73a of the first ice making area 73 is 1 ml. The volume of one piece of ice generated in the ice chamber 74a of the second ice making area 74 is 8 ml.

The ice tray 72 is connected to a driving device 75. The ice tray 72 performs a reversing operation individually by a motor and a reduction gear built in the driving device 75, and deices to an ice storage container 77 below the ice tray 72. . The ice tray 7 is provided in the driving device 75.
2 has a built-in switch for position detection.
The horizontal position and the deicing position of 2 are determined by a switch signal input to the control unit 79.

Further, 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 the reduction gear built in the driving device 75.

Normally, the first ice detecting lever 78a is located above the section 77a of the ice storage container, and the second ice detecting lever 78b is located above the section 77.
The first ice detection lever 77a enters and exits the compartment 77a of the ice storage container at the same time as the deicing operation of the ice tray 72, and enters the compartment 77a beyond a predetermined position. When the first ice detection lever 78a is
Is activated, and the input of the switch signal to the control unit 80 detects that the amount of ice in the section 77a is insufficient.

The second ice detecting lever 78b is connected to the first ice making area 73.
Simultaneously enters and exits the compartment 77b of the ice storage container at the same time as the deicing operation of. Then, a shortage of ice in the section 77b is detected by inputting a switch signal to the control unit 80.

The deicing operation of the ice tray 72 is performed by the
8a and 78b, and the ice chambers 73a,
When the opening of the opening 74a faces the direction of the ice storage container 77, the opening 74a is achieved by being twisted against a projection formed on a frame (not shown) supporting the ice tray 72 and pushing out ice.

The operation of the automatic ice making apparatus configured as described above will be described. When the water supplied to the first ice-making area 73 and the second ice-making area 74 is frozen in each of the ice chambers 73a and 74a and the generation of ice is completed, the temperature sensors 73c and 74c installed on the outer bottom surface of each ice-making area of the ice tray. The controller 80 recognizes that the resistance value has increased and ice making has been completed.

When the control unit 80 recognizes that ice has been generated in the first ice making area 73 and the second ice making area 74, the ice making tray 7
2 is inverted and twisted by the driving device 75, and de-ices to the compartments 77a and 77b of the ice storage container.

Since the ice amount is detected simultaneously with the deicing operation of the ice tray 72, for example, when the ice in the sections 77a and 77b is insufficient, the first ice detecting lever 78a is moved to the section 77.
Even if the vehicle enters the area a, the ice can be advanced deeper than a predetermined height without being hindered by the progress of the ice, and the switch in the driving device 75 operates, and the controller 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 hindered from proceeding and can enter deeper than a predetermined height, and the switch in the driving device 75 operates, and the control section 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.

When the ice making tray 72 reaches the de-icing position, the switch in the drive unit 75 is activated when the ice-making tray 72 reaches the de-icing position. Therefore, the controller 80 recognizes that the de-icing is completed.

While the ice tray 72 has been completely defrosted and the ice tray 72 is returning to the horizontal position, the first ice detecting lever 78a and the second ice detecting lever 78b again detect the amount of ice. For example, section 77
a, When the ice is still insufficient in the section 77b, even if the first ice detecting lever 78a enters the section 77a, the ice can be advanced deeper than a predetermined height without being stopped by the ice. The switch inside operates and the control unit 80
When the second ice detecting lever 78b enters the section 77b, it can enter deeper than a predetermined height without being stopped by the ice even if the second ice detecting lever 78b enters the section 77b.
The switch inside operates and the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice in the section 77b is insufficient.

When the ice amount detection 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 operated, so that the controller 80 recognizes that the ice tray 72 has returned to the horizontal position.

When the control unit 80 recognizes that the ice in the sections 77a and 77b is insufficient by detecting the amount of ice on the way of returning the ice tray 72 to the ice making areas 73 and 74 of the ice tray 72 by the water supply pump 19. Supply water. For the water supply to the first ice making area 73, the 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 vessel 31.

Similarly, the water supplied to the second ice making area 74 is supplied from the pump 19 by the switching valve 20 through the second pipe 7.
9b, and water is supplied to the second ice making area 74.

As described above, the ice making tray 72 that has been de-iced and returned to the horizontal position is again supplied with water by the water supply pump 19, and ice making is started again.

Next, the sections 77a and 77 are de-iced.
If the ice becomes sufficient in b, even if the first ice detecting lever 78a enters the section 77a due to the detection of the amount of ice during the return of the ice tray 72, the ice is prevented from proceeding and cannot enter deeper than the predetermined height. Since 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 also enters the section 77b, the ice is prevented from advancing, and the ice is stopped from a predetermined height. The controller 80 recognizes that the ice is enough because the switch cannot be operated deeply and the switch in the driving device 75 does not operate.

When the ice tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the control unit 79 does not drive the water supply pump 19, and
Leave 2 empty and wait for 30 minutes.

When the waiting for 30 minutes is completed, the ice tray 72
Performs the de-icing operation while empty, and detects the amount of ice while returning the ice tray 72 to the horizontal position. At this time, if one of the sections 77a and 77b of the ice storage container 77 is short of ice and the other is sufficient, for example, the ice in the section 77a is insufficient and the ice in the section 77b is sufficient. In case, ice tray 7
In the water supply operation after the 2 has returned to the horizontal position, the control unit 80 operates the switching valve 20 to guide the water to the first pipe 79a so that the water goes only to the first ice making area 73.

On the other hand, if the ice in the section 77a is sufficient,
If the ice inside 7b is insufficient, in the water supply operation after the ice making tray 72 returns to the horizontal position, the control unit 80 operates the switching valve 20 so that the water goes only to the second ice making area 74. To guide the water to the second pipe 79b.

As described above, the refrigerator of this embodiment is
Ice tray 7 including first ice-making area 73 and second ice-making area 74
2 and a driving device 7 capable of inverting the ice tray 72
5, an ice storage container section 77a installed below the first ice making area 73, an ice storage container section 77b installed below the second ice making area 74, and a section 7 operated by the driving device 75.
The first ice detecting lever 78a for detecting the amount of ice in the section 7a and the second ice detecting lever 78b operated by the driving device 75 and detecting the amount of ice in the section 77b are provided. The first ice detection lever 7 can store the amount of ice stored in each of the sections 77a and 77b.
8a and the second ice detecting lever 78b can be individually detected, so that ice can be replenished into the ice-deficient compartment.

Also, only one ice tray 72 is used,
Even if two ice trays are not used, two kinds of ice can be made so that the ice is always full and divided into ice storage containers 77 to store ice, so that the internal mechanism of the driving device 75 can be simplified and the rotating shaft can be rotated. Along with the fact that the size can be reduced, for example, only one 76 is required, the advantages of cost reduction and installation space reduction can be expected.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the ice tray 72 and the ice storage container 77 of the present embodiment is, for example, in the case where the ice tray 72 and the ice storage container 77 are installed in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator or the like. 77b may be arranged in the front-rear direction, or may be arranged in the left-right direction in consideration of ease of taking out when pulled out.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a driving device of an automatic ice making apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 81 denotes an ice tray made up of two types of ice making areas. In the ice tray 81, a first ice making region 82 and a second ice making region 83 are formed adjacent to each other. 84 is the first
A boundary surface that partitions the ice making area 82 and the second ice making area 83, a section 77a for storing ice from the first ice making area 82 of the ice storage container, and a section 7 for storing ice from the second ice making area 83.
7b is disposed at a position facing the partition wall 77c that partitions the partition wall 7b in the vertical direction.

The boundary surface 84 is formed to have a width larger than the width of the upper end of the section 77b.

In the above configuration, the first
Since the ice falling from the ice making area 82 and the second ice making area 83 has a large width at the boundary 84, the ice in the first ice making area 82 and the second ice making area 83 adjacent to each other with the boundary 84 interposed therebetween. However, ice can be reliably stored in each of the predetermined sections 77a and 77b without colliding with the upper end of the partition wall 77c of the ice storage container and accidentally falling into another section.

[0134]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of ice storage areas for storing ice separated from an ice tray and an amount of ice stored in each of the plurality of ice storage areas are detected. Since ice is provided, it is possible to individually detect the amount of ice stored in each of a plurality of ice storage areas, and always replenish each ice by performing ice making for ice storage areas where the amount of ice is insufficient. High convenience.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 comprises a plurality of ice trays, a plurality of ice trays, and a plurality of ice detecting means for detecting the amount of ice for each of a plurality of ice storage areas for storing ice detached for each ice tray. , Ice can be individually detected in multiple ice storage areas, and ice can be made in ice storage areas with insufficient ice capacity so that each ice is always replenished, making it easier to use. Is high.

The invention described in claim 3 is the first invention.
In the invention described in the above, the ice making area of the ice tray is divided in front and rear in the axial direction of the rotation axis to make a plurality of types of ice, and a plurality of ice storage areas are provided in front and back opposite to the front and rear ice making areas. A plurality of types of ice can be made with one ice tray, and the ice is sorted and stored for each ice, and the ice according to the use can be easily used.

The invention described in claim 4 is the same as the invention described in claim 1.
According to the invention described in any one of the third to third aspects, since the plurality of ice storage areas are formed by dividing one ice storage container by the partition wall, the ice storage areas can be formed with a simple structure at a low cost.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as the invention in claim 4.
In the invention described in (1), since the partition wall is provided so as to be movable, the ice storage area can be partitioned according to a desired ice storage amount, and ice can be stored according to the degree of use of the user.

The invention described in claim 6 is the same as the invention in claim 5
In the invention described in the above, since each ice tray is arranged opposite to both ends near the ice storage area so as to widen the gap between the two ice trays, even if the partition wall is moved, each ice tray is placed below each ice tray. The ice storage areas have a margin to face each other, and ice can be correctly classified without falling and mixing with other ice storage areas by mistake.

The invention described in claim 7 is the same as the invention described in claim 1.
Alternatively, in the invention according to claim 2, since the plurality of ice storage areas are arranged in a plurality of ice storage containers arranged in the left-right direction, it is sufficient to handle individual ice storage containers when desired ice is used,
It is excellent in usability and operability because it is not necessary to handle ice storage containers of unused ice at the same time.

The invention described in claim 8 is the third invention.
In the invention described in the above, since the width of the boundary surface that partitions the front and rear ice making regions is made larger than the upper end width of the partition wall that partitions the plurality of ice storage regions in the front and rear, ice near the de-iced boundary surface may be erroneously changed. The ice storage area can be correctly classified without falling into the ice storage area.

The invention described in claim 9 is the first invention.
In the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 3, since the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has a different shape from each other, the ice can be properly used according to the scene and application of the ice, and can be used for eating habits and the like. We can direct life scene richly.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the ice stored in the plurality of ice storage areas has a different size. Therefore, ice can be properly used according to the object to be cooled, and usability and convenience can be improved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the tenth aspect, the capacity of the ice storage area is divided into large and small according to the difference in the capacity of ice produced at one time. Efficient ice storage can be performed.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The water supply path for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making areas are selectively supplied to water by the flow path switching means. Therefore, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to each ice tray or the ice making area in a compact configuration. It can be performed.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Multiple water supply pumps are provided to supply water to the ice tray, and water is selectively supplied to multiple ice trays or multiple ice making areas. Can be expected.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, a water supply path after the water supply pump for supplying water to the ice tray is divided, and the water supply pump is integrated with a flow path switching means. Because of the provision, the overall configuration is simple, space can be saved, and the assembling work can be facilitated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the invention according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects further comprises a water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting the water supply amount.
The size of the ice can be changed according to the application and preference within the range of each ice making capacity, thereby enhancing convenience and enriching life scenes such as eating habits.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, after the ice making is completed, a plurality of ice trays are driven independently of each other to deice, and a plurality of ice detecting means are provided. Since they are driven independently of each other, the cycle of ice making and deicing can be reliably repeated for each ice tray without delay.

The invention according to a seventeenth aspect is the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a plurality of temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting a water temperature in the ice tray. Is provided in each of the ice trays or the plurality of ice making areas, so that the detection of the water supply or the end of the ice making is properly performed for each ice tray or ice making area, and a highly reliable ice making function can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claim 12 or 14, further comprising ice making selection means for operating the flow path switching means to fix the water supply path to an arbitrary path. Therefore, by stopping one ice making operation, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary kind of ice or a 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.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the thirteenth aspect, an ice making selecting means for stopping the operation of an arbitrary water supply pump is provided, so that one of the ice making operations is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where the amount of ice is to be reduced, and it is possible to reduce waste of ice, power consumption for making ice, and generation of pump driving noise.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the invention of the sixteenth aspect, an ice making selecting means for stopping the driving of any ice tray is provided, so that one of the ice making operations is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with a case where there is an unnecessary type of ice or a case where it is desired to reduce the amount of ice, and it is possible to reduce waste of ice and power consumption for making ice.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the partition wall for partitioning the inside of the ice storage container into a plurality of ice storage areas is detachably provided. So, by removing the partition wall,
One type of ice can be stored in the entire area of the ice storage container, and the desired ice can be sufficiently used.

The invention according to claim 22 is a refrigerator provided with the automatic ice making device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein ice is made in a freezing atmosphere of the refrigerator and stored in a plurality of ice storage areas. The amount of ice is individually controlled, and the use of ice that is closely related to foods and beverages can be facilitated.

Further, the invention according to claim 23 is characterized in that one water supply tank, one water supply pump for supplying water in the water supply tank to two ice trays, and the two ice making pumps at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump. A water supply path branching into a dish, flow path switching means for selectively switching the two water supply paths, one drive unit for individually rotating and driving the two ice trays to deice, and the two ice trays And an automatic ice making device comprising two ice storage areas provided opposite to each other below and two ice detecting means provided in the driving device and detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas. Since it is a refrigerator, the ice making water is pre-cooled in a cooling atmosphere of the refrigerator, so that ice can be efficiently made in a freezing atmosphere. The ice amount is stored in each of a plurality of ice storage areas, and the ice amount is individually managed, so that the use of ice which has a deep relationship with foods and beverages can be facilitated.

[0157] Further, the invention according to claim 24 is characterized in that a refrigerator compartment provided at an upper part in a refrigerator main body, a freezer compartment provided below the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment and the water supply tank. A water supply pump for supplying water in the water, a water supply path branched into two paths at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump, and a flow path switching unit for selectively switching the two water supply paths,
Two ice trays provided in the freezer compartment corresponding to the two water supply paths, a driving device for individually rotating and driving the two ice trays to deice, and opposing below the two ice trays. Two ice storage areas provided as, two ice detecting means provided in the drive device and detecting the amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas, and an ice storage container having the two ice storage areas A refrigerator provided with a means for drawing the ice storage container out of the refrigerator, wherein ice made under a freezing atmosphere of the refrigerator is individually stored in a plurality of ice storage areas, and the ice amount is individually managed, so that it is easy to overlook. Usability increases at the height that is easy to take out. In addition, it is possible to facilitate the use of ice that has a deep relationship with foods 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 a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the automatic ice making device according to 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 a second embodiment 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 a main part of an automatic ice making device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an automatic ice making device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an automatic ice making device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an essential part perspective view of the automatic ice making device of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of an automatic ice making device according to a seventh embodiment 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]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator main body 2 Refrigerator room 5 Ice-making room (freezing room) 10 Automatic ice-making apparatus 11 1st ice-making tray (ice-making tray) 11a Ice-room 11c Rotation axis 11d Temperature sensor (temperature detection means) 12 Second ice-making tray (ice-making tray) 12a Ice-room 12c Rotary axis 12d Temperature sensor (temperature detecting means) 13 Drive device 14 Ice storage container 14a, 14b Section 14c Partition wall 15 Ice detecting lever (ice detecting means) 15a First ice detecting lever (first ice detecting means) 15b Second detecting means Ice lever (second ice detecting means) 16 water supply tank 19 water supply pump 20 switching valve (flow path switching means) 33 ice storage containers 33a, 33b partition (ice storage area) 33c partition wall 41 first ice storage container 42 second ice storage container 53a 1 water supply pump 53b second water supply pump 63 water supply pump with switching function 72 ice making tray 73 first ice making area 74 second ice making area 77 ice storage Containers 77a, 77b Compartment (ice storage area) 77c Compartment wall 78 Ice detection lever (ice detection means) 78a First ice detection lever (first ice detection means) 78b Second ice detection lever (second ice detection means) 81 Ice tray 82 First ice making area 83 Second ice making area 84 Boundary surface

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takumi Kida 4-5-2-5 Takaida Hondori, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Inside Matsushita Refrigerating Machinery Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshiki Ohashi 4 Takaida Motodori, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Refrigerator Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shoji Asada 4-5-2-5 Takaida Hondori, Higashiosaka City, Osaka

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An automatic ice making device for supplying water to an ice tray and, after the ice making is completed, rotating the ice tray by a rotating shaft to release and store the ice, a plurality of ice storages for storing the ice released from the ice tray. An automatic ice making device comprising: an area; and ice detecting means for detecting an amount of ice stored for each of the plurality of ice storage areas. 2. An automatic ice making apparatus for supplying water to an ice tray and, after the ice making is completed, rotating the ice tray with a rotating shaft to release and store the ice, and arranging a plurality of ice trays together with each of the ice trays. An automatic ice making device comprising: a plurality of ice storage areas for storing ice separated from the ice storage area; and a plurality of ice detecting means for detecting an amount of ice stored for each of the plurality of ice storage areas. 3. An ice making area of an ice making tray is divided in front and rear in an axial direction of a rotating shaft to produce a plurality of types of ice, and a plurality of ice storage areas are provided in front and behind opposing said front and rear ice making areas. The automatic ice making device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The automatic ice making device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ice storage regions are formed by dividing one ice storage container by a partition wall. 5. The automatic ice making device according to claim 4, wherein the partition wall is movably provided. 6. The automatic ice making device according to claim 5, wherein each of the ice trays is arranged so as to oppose the vicinity of both ends of the ice storage area so as to widen a gap between the two ice trays. 7. The automatic ice making device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ice storage areas are provided by arranging a plurality of ice storage containers in the left-right direction. 8. The automatic ice making device according to claim 3, wherein a width of a boundary surface that partitions the front and rear ice making regions is larger than an upper end width of a partition wall that partitions the plurality of ice storage regions into front and rear. 9. The automatic ice making device according to claim 1, wherein ices stored in the plurality of ice storage areas have different shapes. 10. The automatic ice making device according to claim 1, wherein ices stored in the plurality of ice storage areas have different sizes from each other. 11. The automatic ice making apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the capacity of the ice storage area is divided into large and small according to a difference in the capacity of ice produced at one time. 12. A water supply path for supplying water to an ice tray is divided, and water is selectively supplied to a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making areas by a flow path switching means. The automatic ice making device according to any one of the above. 13. The apparatus 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 a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making areas. The automatic ice making device according to 1. 14. The automatic ice making device according to claim 12, wherein a water supply path after the water supply pump for supplying water to the ice making tray is divided, and the water supply pump is integrally provided with a flow path switching means. 15. The automatic ice making device according to claim 12, further comprising a water supply amount adjusting means for adjusting a water supply amount. 16. The automatic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein after ice making is completed, a plurality of ice trays are driven independently of each other to deice, and a plurality of ice detecting means are driven independently of each other. Ice making equipment. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein temperature detecting means for indirectly detecting a water temperature in the ice tray is provided in each of a plurality of ice trays or a plurality of ice making areas. The automatic ice making device according to 1. 18. The automatic ice making apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an ice making selecting means for operating the flow path switching means to fix a water supply path to an arbitrary path. 19. The automatic ice making device according to claim 13, further comprising ice making selection means for stopping the operation of any water supply pump. 20. The automatic ice making device according to claim 16, further comprising ice making selection means for stopping driving of any ice tray. 21. A partition wall for partitioning the inside of an ice storage container into a plurality of ice storage regions, the partition wall being detachably provided.
The automatic ice making device according to any one of claims 8 to 20. 22. A refrigerator provided with the automatic ice making device according to claim 1. 23. One water tank, one water pump for supplying water in the water tank to two ice trays,
A water supply path branching into the two ice trays at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump, a flow path switching means for selectively switching the two water trays, and a method for individually rotating and driving the two ice trays for deicing. Two driving devices, two ice storage regions provided below and facing the two ice trays, and two ice detection devices provided in the driving device and detecting an amount of ice stored in the two ice storage regions. A refrigerator comprising an automatic ice making device comprising: 24. A refrigerating compartment provided in an upper part of the refrigerator main body, a freezing compartment provided below the refrigerating compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerating compartment, and a water supply pump for supplying water in the water supply tank. A water supply path that branches into two paths at a stage subsequent to the water supply pump; a flow path switching unit that selectively switches between the two water supply paths; and a water supply path provided in the freezing chamber corresponding to the two water supply paths. Two ice trays, a driving device for rotating and de-icing the two ice trays individually,
Two ice storage areas provided below and opposed to the two ice trays; two ice detecting means provided in the driving device for detecting an amount of ice stored in the two ice storage areas; A refrigerator comprising: an ice storage container having two ice storage regions; and means for pulling the ice storage container out of the refrigerator.